UK's Next plc reports $664 mn profit in H1 2025, raises FY26 outlook

The profit after tax reached £387 million, while earnings per share (EPS) climbed 16.8 per cent to 330.2 pence. Statutory revenue increased 9.9 per cent to £3,145 million, with statutory profit before tax advancing 17.8 per cent to £509 million.

The UK sales grew 8 per cent, led by 9 per cent growth in online and 5 per cent in stores, while international revenues surged 28 per cent, with websites up 26 per cent and third-party aggregator sales up 33 per cent. Full-price sales remained UK-heavy at 78 per cent, with international markets contributing 22 per cent.

The Next brand accounted for 74 per cent of sales, wholly owned brands and licences (WOBL) 7 per cent, and third-party brands 19 per cent, with WOBL expanding 33 per cent. The group is investing in product quality, design, and its online platform, while strengthening brand partnerships and international reach, Next said in a press release.

By segment, retail sales grew 5 per cent, online 9 per cent, and international 28 per cent, with robust contributions from Next brand, WOBL, and third-party brands.

Next maintained its full-year guidance to January 2026, forecasting full-price sales growth of 4.5 per cent in the second half, which would bring overall sales growth to 7.5 per cent, unchanged from its July 31 Trading Statement. Pre-tax profit guidance also remains steady at £1.105 billion, representing a 9.3 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

The company also cautioned on UK employment trends, citing falling vacancies, mechanisation, and regulatory changes under the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, but reiterated confidence in its diversified growth model.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)