Next Raises 2026 Profit Forecast to £1.24 Billion

Next upgraded its 2026 pre-tax profit expectations to £1.24 billion, marking a 7.3 percent increase from the previous year. This projection represents a £25 million rise over previous estimates. The company also raised its total sales target to £7.5 billion, up from £7.3 billion, after second-quarter sales exceeded forecasts by £70 million.

Management attributed the growth to warm weather and a release of pent-up demand in Northern Europe and the Middle East. Due to this performance, the company increased its planned share buybacks for the year to £524 million.

Next intends to return an additional £169 million to shareholders. This payout will be executed through further buybacks if the share price remains below £135, or via a one-off special cash dividend if the price exceeds that threshold.