Next plc (NXT) to Hike Prices by Up to 8% Amid Conflict Costs

AI Summary

Next plc (NXT) announced an up to 8% price increase in select countries due to an anticipated £47 million in additional costs from disruptions related to the Iran conflict. UK sales rose 4.4%, exceeding expectations, while full-price sales increased by 6.2% in the first quarter. Despite the price hikes outside Europe, the company does not expect to raise UK prices significantly beyond the previously forecasted 0.6%. Next also raised its full-year profit forecast to £1.22 billion from £1.21 billion, projecting an overall sales growth of 5.0%. Shares in Next have declined by 5% year-to-date.