

Next PLC's (LSE:NXT) latest upgrade has left analysts asking a familiar question: how much is the retailer holding back in its guidance? Second-quarter full-price sales grew 9.2%, more than double management's 4% assumption.

The U.K. retailer now targets $1.67 billion in pretax profit as its stock has risen 19% over the year to date.

Next (OTCMKTS:NXGPY - Get Free Report) and Tandy Leather Factory (NASDAQ: TLF - Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, dividends, institutional ownership and profitability. Risk and Volatility Next has a beta of

Next PLC (LSE:NXT) could generate close to half its sales overseas within a decade, according to RBC Capital Markets, which raised its price target on the clothing retailer to £163 from £160. The Canadian bank reiterated its 'outperform' rating and set a bull case of £177 a share, citing international momentum and a potential entry into the United States.

Second-hand fashion is becoming an increasingly important factor in the clothing sector, but is creating winners rather than losers among Europe's biggest clothing retailers, according to RBC Capital Markets, as younger shoppers increasingly buy clothes with an eye on what they might be worth later. The global second-hand apparel market has doubled in size over the past five years to account for around 10% of clothing sales.

Here is how Next PLC (NXGPY) and Pattern Group (PTRN) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.

The company—a bellwether for the U.K. retail sector—logged a 6.2% increase in full-price sales, better than the 4% rise anticipated.

Next PLC (LSE:NXT) stood out in a weakening UK clothing market, as overall apparel sales declined in March, according to UBS. Total UK apparel, footwear and accessories sales fell 3.8% in the 12 weeks to 29 March, according to Kantar data cited by the bank.
No recent filings indexed.