Next PLC Raises Profit and Sales Outlook After Strong Year‑End Performance

British fashion retailer **Next PLC** has lifted its full‑year outlook after reporting stronger‑than‑expected sales during the crucial end‑of‑year trading period. The company said full‑price sales rose **10.6% in the nine weeks leading to December 27**, outperforming analysts’ expectations and boosting confidence in both domestic and international demand. Next’s UK sales grew 5.9%, helped by improved stock availability and fewer supply chain disruptions compared with the previous year, while international sales surged 38.3% thanks to higher marketing investment and broader product availability. As a result, Next now forecasts pre‑tax profits of about £1.15 billion for the year ending January 31, 2026—up from its earlier guidance and significantly above the prior year’s profit of £1.011 billion. Its shares climbed about 3% on the news, extending gains over the past year. Despite the upbeat results, CEO Simon Wolfson warned that profit growth and full‑price sales gains are expected to moderate in 2026/27, citing tougher year‑on‑year comparisons and ongoing pressures on UK employment and consumer spending. Next also projects slower international growth compared with the exceptional performance this year. #NextPLC #RetailSales #ProfitOutlook #UKBusiness #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM