Next s latest update didn t disappoint

UK-based retailer, Next, boasted strong performance with the company’s market update today (20^th March).

The company reported a 5.4% rise in total revenue at £3.7bn for year ended January 2014. Pre-tax profit came in at £695m – that’s an 11.8% increase over the prior year.

The numbers were certainly consistent – with the company’s recent upward revision of its pre-tax profit guidance to between £684m and £700m.

And that’s thanks  - in part – to having established a decent online presence. 

Indeed, the company attributed its strong performance over the Christmas period partly to its online and catalogue business (Next Directory) which, according to the company, got a boost due to increased consumer confidence in its online deliveries.

That helped drive sales right up to the weekend before Christmas.

The proof is there to be seen.

By segment, Next Directory certainly stood out, boasting a 12.4% increase in sales at £1.3bn and an 18.7% operating profit rise at £358m.

All that means is that, for the first time, Next Directory’s profit has overtaken the company’s core retail stores business (Next Retail). Next Retail posted just near 2% growth in revenue and a 5% rise in operating profit at £2.2bn and £348m respectively.

Looking ahead, while the company is relatively cautious, it’s forecasting overall revenue growth of between 4% and 8%, and pre-tax growth of between 5% and 11%.

That contrasts markedly to competitor Debenhams, for instance, which issued another profit warning in January as aggressive pricing over the Christmas period took its toll on margins.

Given the popularity in online shopping, Debenhams’ less established online service is arguably a contributing factor to its current problems. For context, the company’s online sales make up 13% of total sales (as at August last year) versus Next’s 36%.

Auxiliary services such as free next-day delivery to stores on orders placed before a certain time of the day, have of course helped Next Directory.

Next’s financial health remains strong

Next’s net debt at the end of its fiscal year stood at £512m, which works out to around 0.6x net debt to EBITDA.

That’s low by historical standards and compared to some peers: Debenhams (1.5x last twelve months’ EBITDA), Marks & Spencer (2x last twelve months’ EBITDA).

The company looks to be keeping a relatively tight rein on its debt, having guided a net debt range of between £500m and £750m for the coming year.

Of course, Next’s superior valuation over its aforementioned rivals more than reflects its good competitive position.

But it’s not even close to online-only competitors. Earlier this week, the company’s shares dipped on the back of less-than-expected growth figures from online-only fashion retailer, ASOS. If that tells us anything, it’s that Next has emerged as a somewhat notable online player in the eyes of investors.

Now, that was not to say that the company’s valuation of around 18x P/E is likely to ascend up to ASOS, which sports a forward P/E of more than 90x.

But, in the absence of any adverse event affecting the sector, and given that signs point towards the company continuing to deliver, it’s reasonable to think that its valuation should do the same, long term.