Next updates guidance for FY 2026, shares reflect cautious UK retail backdrop
26.06.2026 - 10:18:55 | ad-hoc-news.de
By Julia Schmitt, Sector & Peer Group desk. Reviewed prior to publication on 2026-06-26, 10:18.
Next (GB0032089863) updated its profit guidance for the financial year ending January 2026 in its latest trading statement. The retailer, whose shares trade on the London Stock Exchange as part of the FTSE 100, continues to signal a cautious UK apparel and homeware demand backdrop according to that document.
What Next reported to investors
In a June 2026 statement, Next said it now expects full-year pre-tax profit of around £960 million, slightly above its previous guidance of about £950 million, reflecting resilient online sales and stable store performance. The company also reported that full-price sales for the year to date were running approximately 3% ahead of the comparable period, supported by continued growth in its Label third-party brands platform.
Management highlighted that inflationary pressures on input costs had eased compared with the prior year, but noted that wage and occupancy costs remain elevated. The company stated that its operating margin outlook is broadly unchanged, as modest gross margin tailwinds are offset by higher staff costs and investment in technology and logistics capacity.
How analysts view the Next shares
According to a recent consensus compilation, around 15 of 23 analysts covering Next rate the stock as Hold, with an average 12-month price target close to £90 per share, reflecting a balanced view of earnings risk and valuation. One large international house, UBS, reiterated its Neutral stance after the guidance update, citing steady trading but limited near-term upside in a competitive UK fashion market.
Analysts point to Next’s disciplined capital allocation, with a focus on regular share buybacks and a progressive dividend policy funded from strong free cash flow. At the same time, research houses highlight exposure to discretionary consumer spending, where volumes may stay muted if real wage growth slows again or interest rates remain high.
All news and analysis on the Next shares
Further company reports, analyst updates and historical price data on the Next shares are available in the dedicated topic section.
The business behind the stock
Next generates most of its revenue by selling clothing, footwear and homeware to consumers through its stores and online channels in the UK and internationally. A representative product range is its womenswear collection, which spans own-brand dresses, casualwear and workwear, complemented by third-party labels on the Next.co.uk platform.
Where the shares trade today
The Next shares (GB0032089863) trade on 2026-06-26 at around £78.50 on the London Stock Exchange, based on recent quote data. That level implies a market capitalization in the region of £10 billion, reflecting investors’ assessment of the retailer’s earnings power and cash generation.
Next at a glance
- Company: Next plc
- ISIN: GB0032089863
- WKN: 887226
- Ticker: NXT
- Trading venue: London Stock Exchange
- Price (as of 2026-06-26, 10:18): 78.50 GBP
- Market cap: 10,000,000,000 GBP (as of 2026-06-26)
- Sector / industry: Consumer Discretionary / Apparel Retail
- Index membership: FTSE 100
- Next earnings date: 2026-09-26
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities. All data are based on sources deemed reliable but may be subject to change. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a qualified advisor before making investment decisions.
