Bellwether British retailer Marks & Spencer missed forecasts for underlying fourth quarter sales, with growth in food sales failing to offset a weaker outcome in general merchandise.
The UK's biggest clothing retailer, which also sells homewares and upmarket foods, said today it would, however, meet expectations for 2011/12 profit.
M&S said sales at stores open over a year fell 0.7 per cent in the 13 weeks to March 31st, its fiscal fourth quarter.
That compared with analyst forecasts of a rise of 0.4-1.6 per cent, with a consensus of 0.8 per cent, according to a company poll of 10, and a third quarter rise of 0.5 per cent excluding VAT sales tax
The fourth quarter outcome included a 2.8 per cent fall in general merchandise like-for-like sales and a 1.0 per cent rise in food sales, against consensus forecasts of increases of 0.2 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively.
Total group sales rose 0.8 per cent.
Many UK retailers are still struggling as consumers grapple with inflation, muted wage growth and government austerity measures, and worry about job security and a stagnant housing market.
M&S has, however, performed better than most as its older and more affluent customers have been less impacted by the economic downturn.
Shares in the 128-year-old group, which have increased by 17 per cent over the last three months, closed yesterday at 370 pence, valuing the business at £5.94 billion.
Reuters
