Next has forecast its annual pre-tax profit to hit £1.15bn when it reports its full year results to the end of January, an increase of £15m on its previous guidance.

This marks the fourth time in eight months that the clothing and homewares retailer has upped its profit expectations, after the company reported a strong Christmas trading period.

Next’s latest trading statement revealed year-on-year sales growth of 10.6% in the nine weeks to 27 December, with UK sales up by 5.9%. The retailer said the over-achievement, along with additional sales forecast in January, had added £51m to its full price sales.

The FTSE 100 company revealed that its sales had benefited from higher stock levels than last year, when supplier deliveries were delayed by disruption in Bangladesh and global freight networks.

In its fresh guidance, Next is anticipating a 10.3% jump on last year in total group sales to £6.97bn, while the retailer’s pre-tax profit expectation of £1.15bn would mark a 13.7% rise against last year.

Head of markets at interactive investor, Richard Hunter, commented that in investment terms, Next is “the gift that keeps on giving”.

“It has delivered another classic update, following a stronger than expected Christmas showing and in typical fashion, has exceeded previous estimates,” Hunter said.

“In all, the update once more underlines the group’s unparalleled understanding of the market in which it operates and its ability to capitalise on new opportunities, such as the potentially exciting opportunities in the international business.

“Next continues to believe that international tastes in clothing are beginning to converge, not least of which is due to the increasing visual power, appeal and presence not just of the internet, but also the rise of streaming services which are now increasingly used by younger audiences.”

Next is scheduled to announce its annual results for the year to the end of January 2026 on Thursday 26 March.

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