Next Lifts Profit Outlook for Third Time in Six Months, Shares Hit Record High

Next raised its full-year pre-tax profit guidance by £25m to £1,243m — the third upward revision since January, when the forecast stood at £1,210m. Q2 full-price sales rose 9%, more than double initial estimates; July alone delivered 12% growth. Shares surged nearly 7% to a record high. Next cited sunny weather and pent-up demand in the Middle East and northern Europe.