ASOS Raises 2018 Sales Guidance After Strong Year

LONDON, United Kingdom — British online fashion retailer ASOS increased its outlook for sales growth in its 2018 financial year to 25-30 percent after strong growth internationally helped it meet market expectations in the year to end-August.

The company, which targets fashion-conscious twentysomethings, on Tuesday reported retail sales of £1.8 billion ($2.3 billion at current currency exchange), up 34 percent, for the year to end-August.

Pretax profit more than doubled to £80 million ($105.9 million), meeting market forecasts.

Chief executive Nick Beighton said it had been a "great year", which saw its active customer base rise 24 percent to 15.4 million, and the momentum had continued in recent weeks.

"The potential for our company remains huge," he said.

ASOS said its new year had started well, and its upgraded sales growth forecast included a modest foreign exchange tailwind and a stable operating profit margin of 4 percent.

It said it sales growth target for the medium term after the current year was unchanged at about 20-25 percent.

By Paul Sandle; Editor: James Davey