Analysts anticipate strong performance from Ted Baker

Analysts are expecting a strong performance from global fashion and lifestyle brand Ted Baker when it publishes its year-end figures this week.

Analysts at Hargreaves Lansdown predict the business will report operating profits of around £77m (pre-tax profit in the year ending 28 January 2017 was £61.3m) and will award a 10% higher dividend to shareholders.

Ted Baker has been praised by analysts for its distinctive designs, international expansion and online growth while focusing its retail growth in high traffic areas, according to City AM.

The British brand was one of the winners over the 2017 festive season with retail sales up by 9% (or 10.5% in constant currency) for the eight-week period from 12 November 2017 to 6 January 2018, while e-commerce sales were up by 35%.

Analysts are also keen to hear founder and CEO Ray Kelvin's prognosis for the rest of 2018 and whether the brand can continue to deliver strong results in what is proving to be a tough market for many.

Ted Baker will release its year-end figures on Thursday 22 March.