06/11/2001

M&S announce surprise rise in profits

Marks & Spencer has announced a surprise rise in profits for the first half of the financial year.

The beleaguered retail store published profit figures of £220 million, a figure much higher than initially predicted on average by industry analysts.

The news builds on an earlier statement by M&S of a rise in sales of 2.8 per cent.

It is thought that the company’s new range of womenswear – its Per Una range – has been responsible for renewing consumer interest in the store, which has undergone extensive restructuring in an attempt to improve its fading fortunes.

M&S Chairman Luc Vandevelde said that the figures demonstrated “good progress” with the recovery plan, and that M&S had plans to upgrade at least 100 of the stores by the end of 2001.

He added: "I am encouraged by the progress we have made and am confident that the strength of the M&S, together with the value and quality of our improved offer, give us a firm base on which to build." (CL)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 August 2001
BASF issue another profits warning
Chemicals giant BASF have issued another profits warning as second quarter results revealed a drop in profits of euro 131 million, down around 15 per cent on the same period in 2000. The interim report noted that in 2001 BASF were expecting a decline in income from operations from ongoing business”.
02 November 2001
BSkyB profits rise while subscriptions fall
BSkyB have reported a 23 per cent rise in operating profits for their first quarter, but admit that subscriber numbers are lower than predicted. The company's losses have diminished after operating profits for the three months ended September came in at £45 million.
02 May 2002
Fashion retailer Matalan reports rising profits
Discount fashion company Matalan has reported soaring profits, thanks to a successful programme of store expansion and 1 45% rise in turnover. Pre-tax profits rose by 30% to stand at £107.6 million for the year up to March 2002, with sales activity in its existing stores up by 7.2%.
26 October 2004
'Strong trading environment' fuels huge BP profits surge
Oil giant BP, in a climate of spiralling prices, have posted a massive profits surge of $1.2 billion to top almost $4 billion for the third quarter. BP saw net profits rise by 43% to £3.9 billion for the quarter, bringing the company a total mark of $12.5 billion so far this financial year.