Next Posts 15% Rise In Pretax Profit, Raises Dividend

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posted a 15% gain in its pretax profit during the full year-end and lifted its dividend. Next's pretax profit for the year surged to 666.5 million pounds, from GBP579.5 million, in the year-ago period. Its adjusted pretax profit rose to GBP621.6 million from GBP570.3 million, while total revenue climbed to GBP3.56 billion from GBP3.44 billion. Its operating profit rose to GBP695.1 million from GBP601.8 million, while net profit climbed to GBP508.7 million from GBP474.9 million. Next lifted its dividend per share to 105.0 pence from 90.0 pence.