Shares of NEXT plc (LON:NXT) have received an average rating of “Hold” from six research firms currently covering the company, according to MarketBeat.com. This rating reflects the views of four analysts who maintain a hold stance, while two others have issued buy ratings. The average one-year target price among analysts is set at £140.63.
Several important updates have emerged regarding the stock in recent weeks. On September 5, UBS Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating, establishing a price target of £142. Subsequently, on October 30, JPMorgan Chase & Co. adjusted their target price for NEXT shares from £117 to £130.30, maintaining a “neutral” rating. Additionally, Peel Hunt reiterated a “hold” rating while setting a price target at £130 on October 31.
On November 4, Shore Capital downgraded NEXT to a “hold” rating but increased their price target from £140 to £147.50. Earlier, on August 26, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised its price objective for NEXT from £108 to £116 while also maintaining a “hold” rating.
Financial Overview and Insider Transactions
NEXT plc released its latest earnings results on September 18, 2023, reporting earnings per share (EPS) of GBX 324.20 for the quarter. The company boasts a return on equity of 55.99% and a net margin of 13.77%. Analysts project that NEXT will achieve an EPS of approximately £660.75 for the current fiscal year.
In terms of insider transactions, significant activity has occurred recently. On September 18, insider Amy Stirling acquired 472 shares at an average price of £116.34 per share, resulting in a total transaction value of £54,912.48. Conversely, insider Wolfson Aspley Guise sold 50,000 shares on October 29 at an average price of £145.20, amounting to a total of £7,260,000. Company insiders currently hold 1.60% of NEXT’s stock.
Company Background
Founded in 1864 as a tailoring business in Leeds by Joseph Hepworth and Son, NEXT has evolved into a leading retailer offering clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products. Today, the company operates over 500 stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland, alongside more than 180 franchise branches in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
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