Next Results

[idpickering]

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

"As anticipated, the year to January 2017 was a challenging year for NEXT, despite this Earnings per share1 declined by only ‑0.3% to 441.3p. We propose to maintain our total full year ordinary dividend flat at 158p.



Whilst total sales2 for NEXT Retail declined by -2.9%, sales for NEXT Directory increased by +4.2%. Total Group sales were broadly flat at £4.1bn for the year.



Cash flow remained strong and we returned £502m to shareholders through a combination of ordinary dividends (£226m), special dividends (£88m) and share buybacks (£188m).



We have continued to invest in the business, spending £161m on new stores, warehousing and systems. Net debt increased to £861m, well within our bond and bank facilities of £1.4bn."

And later;

Ordinary Dividends

"The Board has proposed a final ordinary dividend of 105p, to be paid on 1 August 2017 and taking the total ordinary dividends for the year to 158p, flat on last year. This is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held 18 May 2017. Shares will trade ex-dividend from 6 July 2017 and the record date will be 7 July 2017."

http://www.investegate.co.uk/next-plc-- ... 00122649A/

[flint]

This must be worrying for all retailers If incomes do not rise as quickly
Next warned that price inflation, which it attributed to the fall in sterling, might not ease until the second half of 2018.

[tramrider]

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Ordinary Dividends

"The Board has proposed a final ordinary dividend of 105p, to be paid on 1 August 2017 and taking the total ordinary dividends for the year to 158p, flat on last year. This is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held 18 May 2017. Shares will trade ex-dividend from 6 July 2017 and the record date will be 7 July 2017."

There is also a special dividend of 45p going ex-dividend on 06/04/2017 and paid on 02/05/2017. This helps a little more. However, this special dividend of 45p is a bit lower than last year's 60p in Feb 2016.

[epo1]

There is also a special dividend of 45p going ex-dividend on 06/04/2017 and paid on 02/05/2017. This helps a little more. However, this special dividend of 45p is a bit lower than last year's 60p in Feb 2016.

The first of 4 special dividends of 45p which were announced to replace share buybacks.