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The chart shows that Next's gearing ratio has risen sharply from around 100% in 2025 to nearly 500% in 2020, indicating a high rate of rise in debt relative to equity. In contrast, M&S's gearing ratio has been considerably more stable, rising briefly around 2021 before falling. The implication is that while Next has been following a more aggressive, debt-financed growth policy that is perhaps increasing both risk and potential return, M&S has been following a more cautious approach with greater financial stability.

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Looking at the efficiency ratios we notice that M&S is more efficient than Next Plc because of its ability to sell the goods faster (average of 34 days), to collect money from customers in 4 days and ask its suppliers more time to pay their payables, compared to Next Plc.

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Next Plc gearing ratio shows us the increasing debt of the company over time, and this means that even the financial risk has increased a lot because of the greater dependency on borrowed funds. Profitability of the company is decreasing because of the increasing interest it has to pay

Meanwhile, Mark and Spencer’s debt didn't increase much but its ability to pay its investors has decreased

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Profitability Ratio Analysis

From the profitability ratio analysis we can conclude that Next PLC is efficiently using its capital to generate profits. This can be depicted from the data as from 2020- 2025 Next PLC is averaging 35.76% over the last 5 years. This percentage is well above the average “benchmark”. This could be as a result of strong operational performance and good management. Next PLC would definitely be more attractive to potential new investors as they prefer to invest in companies with consistently higher ROCE.

However Marks and Spencer is not using its capital efficiently to generate profits. The cause is low profits ( not enough profits made to cover all expenses). This can be due to poor management efficiency. Ultimately discouraging potential investors, as their capital can be used more efficiently elsewhere.

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Liquidity Ratio

From the liquidity ratio analysis we can conclude that Next PLC has a stronger ability to meet short term obligations than Marks and Spencer. This can be as a result of Next PLC having more assets. Therefore Next will most definitely operate for the foreseeable future and long term. However Marks & Spencer’s ability to meet short term obligations is much lower. Therefore if they continue like this they may be at risk of liquidation.