Should I buy Marks & Spencer stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the performance of Marks & Spencer for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in the UK trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and never will be, compensated by Marks & Spencer.

What is Marks & Spencer?

How much is Marks & Spencer stock?

The price of Marks & Spencer stock is rising this week. Currently trading at 342.10 GBp, the stock is up by 3.80 GBp (+1.12%) over the past 24 hours, but down 4.05% over the last seven days. With a market capitalisation of £7.25 billion and an average three-month trading volume of 9.77 million shares, the share is widely held. Its P/E Ratio stands at 24.40, with a dividend yield of 1.02% and a beta of 1.40, signalling above-average market volatility. Investors should note the recent swings in price, which may offer both risks and opportunities ahead.

Our full analysis of the Marks & Spencer stock

We have carefully analysed Marks & Spencer’s most recent financial results and reviewed the stock’s price dynamics over the past three years. Our proprietary algorithms have combined in-depth analyses from financial indicators, technical signals, market trends, and sector competitors. So, why might Marks & Spencer stock once again become a strategic entry point into the UK retail and consumer sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

Marks & Spencer has demonstrated impressive resilience in 2025, with its share price currently at 342.10 GBp and posting a strong +18.3% annual gain despite a challenging retail backdrop. The stock endured short-term volatility—a 4.05% decline this week and a 12.5% pullback over six months—largely attributed to a temporary dip following the April 2025 cyberattack. That said, key positive catalysts have emerged: Marks & Spencer reported annual revenue growth of 6% (to £13.8bn) and delivered adjusted profit before tax of £875.5m, both exceeding analyst forecasts. The company’s rapid response to the cyber event, including intensified investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, has reassured the market and signalled operational robustness. On a macro level, consumer spending and sector rotation towards strong omnichannel players continue to benefit UK retail leaders, with premium food and resilient brand loyalty providing additional tailwinds.

Technical analysis

Technical signals for Marks & Spencer point to an attractive risk/reward profile for new investors. Although the RSI (37.4) and MACD (-3.14) have shown oversold readings, these typically precede reversal phases, especially in quality stocks recovering from transient shocks. While most key moving averages (MA5, MA20, MA50, MA100, MA200) currently indicate short-term selling pressure, the stock is trading close to a strong support zone at 338.30 GBp. Notably, weekly chart analysis highlights a robust consolidation range from the 52-week low (274.72 GBp) to the 417.80 GBp peak, suggesting any rebound could trigger a swift upside move. The short-term setup indicates that Marks & Spencer may be forming a technical base ahead of a likely bullish continuation, especially if trading volumes confirm renewed institutional interest around current levels.

Fundamental analysis

Fundamentals continue to strengthen the investment case for Marks & Spencer. Annual revenue reached £13.8bn (+6% year-on-year), reflecting sustained momentum in both food and general merchandise segments, with food sales up 8.7% and home & clothing regaining share against peers. Profitability is underscored by a robust adjusted profit before tax of £875.5m, a clear improvement over prior years. The group’s forward P/E ratio stands at an attractive 10.92, implying a compelling discount to both historic averages and key retail competitors, while the current P/E (24.4) is justified by a successful premiumisation strategy and recovering digital margins. Marks & Spencer’s brand, with over 140 years of market leadership, is reinforced by growing customer loyalty, successful innovation (e.g., digital transformation, premium food ranges), and a strong balance sheet. Importantly, the £7.25bn market cap is underpinned by a broad and diversified business model spanning stores, e-commerce, and expanding partnership channels (notably Ocado for food delivery).

Volume and liquidity

The average three-month trading volume of 9.77 million shares illustrates sustained market engagement and high liquidity. This level allows institutional and retail investors alike to enter and exit positions efficiently, supporting dynamic price discovery. With over 2 billion shares in circulation and a considerable free float, Marks & Spencer enjoys attractive conditions for price momentum and valuation re-rating, especially in anticipation of fresh buying triggered by improving sentiment and robust performance.

Catalysts and positive outlook

• Digital transformation: The group's investment in omnichannel platforms and data-driven food innovation gives it a clear competitive advantage in the evolving retail landscape.
• Cybersecurity upgrade: Following the April 2025 incident, M&S quadrupled their IT security budget, increasing investor confidence and future-proofing operations.
• Food segment strength: The food division is capturing premium market share, with 8.7% year-on-year segmental growth, reflecting a robust consumer shift to quality and freshness.
• Brand premiumisation: Ongoing expansion of premium ranges, sustainability initiatives, and engagement with younger consumers (e.g., “M&S Collection” lines and ESG goals).
• Operational resilience: Quick recovery from the cyber event, considerable cost management, and margin protection during sector headwinds.
• Strong management: CEO Stuart Machin and chairman Archie Norman’s experienced leadership have delivered on post-pandemic efficiency drives and retail innovation.
• ESG commitment: Sustainability initiatives and high digital adoption rates resonate with consumers and institutional investors alike.

Looking ahead, press coverage of further innovation (AI-powered supply chain, extended grocery partnerships, advanced loyalty programmes) and anticipation of possible regulatory facilitation underscore a context where upside potential remains pronounced.

Investment strategies

Marks & Spencer’s current setup opens up attractive opportunities across different time horizons:

• Short term:
• Entry at or near current technical support (around 338–340 GBp) offers an appealing risk/reward dynamic.
• The oversold technical signals and likely rebound following temporary disruption can attract active traders and swing investors.
• Well-defined stop-losses can help manage risk amid residual post-cyber volatility.
• Medium term:
• Anticipated catalysts include further digital expansion, progress on profitability targets, annual results, and M&A-driven acceleration.
• Analyst consensus targets suggest a move towards 421–445 GBp (+23–30%) is plausible if current trends persist.
• Sector leadership and innovation momentum position M&S to outperform mainstream retail indices.
• Long term:
• Ongoing transformation, ESG integration, technological innovation, and customer loyalty provide strong underpinnings for compounding returns.
• The company’s robust free cash flow, capacity for sustained dividends, and defensive qualities in premium food help offset sector cyclicality.
• Portfolio diversification, led by a proven management team, supports a resilient and scalable business model for the future.

Investors may view any consolidation or near-term weakness as an opportunity to establish or build positions before the next growth phase.

Is it the right time to buy Marks & Spencer?

All signals—fundamental, technical, and market-driven—suggest that Marks & Spencer is exceptionally well-placed for a new cycle of outperformance. The company’s successful navigation of recent headwinds, accelerating digital strategy, attractive valuation, and strong brand equity together provide a rare combination in the retail landscape. The evidence points to further growth, with bullish catalysts lined up and market sentiment likely to turn increasingly positive as new data emerges. For investors considering exposure to a revitalised UK retail leader, Marks & Spencer seems to represent an excellent opportunity to participate in what may be the next chapter of sector leadership, value creation, and sustained market outperformance.

As ever, balancing optimism and prudence remains vital, but Marks & Spencer’s recent progress and future trajectory offer investors every reason for renewed interest and conviction.

How to buy Marks & Spencer stock

Buying Marks & Spencer stock online is now simple and secure when using a regulated broker in the UK. Investors usually have two main options: spot buying for direct ownership of shares, or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on the share price for leveraged exposure. Both methods offer quick access and protection under FCA regulation. We’ll guide you through their differences shortly, before presenting a comparison of top brokers further down the page.

Cash buying

When you buy Marks & Spencer stock for cash, you become a direct shareholder with voting rights and eligibility for dividends. Typically, UK brokers apply a fixed commission per order—often around £5–£10. Stamp Duty (0.5%) also applies for UK shares.

Share Investment Gain Scenario Example

If the Marks & Spencer share price is 342.10 GBp (about £3.42), you can buy around 292 shares with a £1,000 stake, including a brokerage fee of roughly £5.

Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth £1,100.
Result: +£100 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading lets you speculate on the Marks & Spencer share price without actually owning the shares. You can use leverage (up to 5x), paying a small spread plus overnight financing charges for positions kept open past market close. With CFDs, you can profit from both rises and falls in the share price, but remember leverage increases both risks and rewards.

Example of a Leveraged CFD Position

You open a CFD position on Marks & Spencer shares, with 5x leverage. This gives you a market exposure of £5,000 with just £1,000 deposited.

✔️ Gain scenario: If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. Result: +£400 gain, on a bet of £1,000 (excluding fees).

Final advice

Always compare broker fees, commissions, platform quality, and regulatory protections before choosing where to invest. The right method—cash buying or CFD trading—depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy. For more details, see our broker comparison further down the page.

Our 7 tips for buying Marks & Spencer stock

The latest news about Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer shares closed the week up 1.12% at 342.10 GBp, slightly outperforming the sector. This gain reverses some of the recent downtrend, demonstrating renewed market support after previous price declines. Over the last seven days, Marks & Spencer’s market cap stood at £7.25 billion, with an average daily volume of 9.77 million shares, indicating strong liquidity and sustained investor interest from the UK market.

The company announced significant progress in recovering from the April cyberattack, stating that the majority of financial impact will be absorbed by August 2025. CEO Stuart Machin confirmed that cybersecurity investments have been quadrupled, demonstrating a proactive stance on risk management. This strategic move is perceived positively by institutional investors, supporting medium-term resilience.

Marks & Spencer’s food segment continues to outperform, reporting annual growth of 8.7% and boosting market share to 10.5%. Analyst consensus attributes this robust expansion in the premium UK food market to both innovation in product lines and effective marketing, reinforcing the company’s positioning against domestic competitors.

The June quarterly earnings showed group adjusted profit before tax at £875.5 million, exceeding analysts’ forecasts and driving renewed optimism for sustained operational improvement. The better-than-expected result was primarily supported by cost discipline, digital transformation initiatives, and a strong performance in core UK business segments, increasing confidence in management’s strategic direction.

Analysts maintain a consensus price target of 421.38 GBp, reflecting medium-term upside potential of more than 20%. Despite short-term technical sell signals, the outlook remains constructive, especially given the positive recent earnings and continuing long-term growth in the UK core segments.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.