Next's quarterly sales beat guidance on strong overseas performance

LONDON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - British clothing retailer Next NXT.L on Thursday reported a better-than-expected 8.1% rise in third-quarter full-price sales, as strong international growth offset a weaker UK performance, and maintained its full-year profit guidance.

Next said UK sales rose 2.0% in the 13 weeks to October 31 year-on-year, down from growth of 3.6% in the first half but in line with guidance. The UK accounts for about three quarters of Next's sales.

The group said UK trading had been volatile, with unseasonably warm weather adversely affecting sales in September before trading picked up in October.

Online international sales rose 32.2%, accelerating from growth of 23.9% in the first half.

Next said all of the sales over-performance came from its international business, with the additional £5 million ($6.7 million) profit from these sales offset by increased operational costs.

The group kept its forecast for a year to end-January 2027 profit before tax of £1.255 billion, up from the £1.158 billion made in 2025/26.

Shares in Next are up 17% so far this year.

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