Next, GB0032089863

Next stock slips after profit guidance upgrade and strong half-year figures

Published on 09/18/2026 at 19:37 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Next stock trades lower on September 18, 2026 after the retailer raised full-year profit guidance to GBP 1.255 billion on first-half revenue growth of 9 percent. The shares remain supported by double-digit international sales growth and positive analyst ratings.

Architektur-Rendering einer Glas-Bürozentrale neben einem großen Logistikgebäude — Next plc (GB0032089863): moderner Architektur-Render einer Firmenzentrale samt angeschlossenem großen Logistik-Verteilzentrum unter blauem Himmel, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Next plc stock (ISIN GB0032089863) is trading lower on September 18, 2026 even after the British retailer raised its full-year profit guidance to GBP 1,255 million on the back of stronger than expected first-half results, including 9 percent revenue growth to GBP 3.54 billion and a 10.5 percent rise in group pre-tax profit to GBP 569 million, according to Ground News.

Guidance raised again on stronger first-half trading

As of the first half of the fiscal year to August 1, 2026, Next reported group sales up 9 percent to GBP 3.54 billion compared with the prior year, while group pre-tax profit rose 10.5 percent to GBP 569 million from GBP 515 million, according to Ground News.

The company lifted its full-year profit guidance by GBP 12 million to GBP 1,255 million, implying expected growth of 8.4 percent on the previous year, as performance in both online and international markets exceeded earlier expectations, according to Ground News.

International strength offsets UK caution

International online sales were a key driver in the latest period, rising 26.4 percent to GBP 774 million in the half-year, while overall overseas full-price sales jumped 23.9 percent, according to Proactive Investors.

At the same time, Next brand sales in the UK slipped and the company noted a more cautious domestic consumer backdrop, with the finance arm's profit down almost 11 percent in the half, as reported by Proactive Investors.

Analysts reaffirm positive stance after fourth upgrade

The latest figures and guidance increase represent the fourth time this year that Next has raised its profit forecast, and brokers have generally responded positively, according to Proactive Investors.

UBS maintains a buy rating on Next stock with a price target of 16,800 pence, while Panmure Liberum also rates the shares a buy with a target of 16,000 pence, and both houses lifted their earnings forecasts by about 1 percent after the half-year update, according to Proactive Investors.

Stock under pressure despite strong fundamentals

Despite the guidance upgrade and robust international growth, Next shares came under pressure in recent trading as investors digested the latest forecast changes. In London trading on September 18, 2026, the stock fell about 2.65 percent on the day, underperforming the FTSE 100 index, according to Teleborsa.

For investors, the combination of an 8.4 percent expected increase in full-year profit, 9 percent top-line growth in the first half and international online sales up more than a quarter offers a picture of a retailer that is leaning on overseas and digital channels to offset more subdued UK demand, as highlighted by Ground News and Proactive Investors.

Next stock price and market snapshot

As of the latest available data on September 18, 2026, Next stock trades on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker NXT.L, with recent trading showing a single-day decline of around 2.65 percent and a weekly performance lagging the FTSE 100 benchmark, according to price information summarized from London market coverage including Teleborsa.