**Summary of NEXT PLC Trading Statement (29 October 2025):**
NEXT PLC reported strong performance in its third quarter (13 weeks to 25 October 2025), with full-price sales up **+10.5%** year-on-year, significantly exceeding guidance of **+4.5%**. Both UK and international sales outperformed, with UK sales growing **+5.4%** (vs. guidance of **+1.9%**) and international sales surging **+38.8%** (vs. guidance of **+19.4%**).
**Key Highlights**
1. **Sales Performance**
UK sales growth moderated compared to H1 (+7.6%) but remained robust, supported by improved stock levels.
International sales benefited from increased digital marketing spend (+50% vs. guidance) and improved stock availability through consolidated warehousing with Zalando.
2. **Upgraded Guidance**
Full-price sales guidance for Q4 increased from **+4.5%** to **+7.0%**, adding ยฃ36m to forecasts.
Full-year profit before tax guidance raised by ยฃ30m to **ยฃ1,135m**, reflecting stronger sales.
3. **Full-Year Outlook**
Full-price sales now expected to grow **+9.7%** (vs. previous **+7.5%**).
Total Group sales forecast increased by ยฃ150m to **ยฃ6,870m**, driven by markdown and clearance sales.
Earnings per share (EPS) upgraded to **729.4p** (+14.6% vs. previous guidance).
4. **Cash and Returns**
Surplus cash of ยฃ425m expected, with ยฃ131m already returned via share buybacks.
Remaining surplus cash (ยฃ369m) to be returned as a special dividend of ยฃ3.10 per share in January 2026.
5. **Additional Notes**
The 53-week financial year will add c.ยฃ20m in profit, reported separately.
Christmas trading update scheduled for 6 January 2026.
NEXTโs performance reflects strong operational execution and strategic investments in marketing and logistics, positioning the company for continued growth despite macroeconomic challenges.
Below is an HTML table comparing the financials and debt year-on-year based on the provided text:
### Explanation:
1. **NEXT Full Price Sales**: Increased by ยฃ112m (+2.06%) from the previous guidance.
2. **Total Group Sales**: Increased by ยฃ150m (+2.23%) from the previous guidance.
3. **NEXT Group Profit Before Tax**: Increased by ยฃ30m (+2.71%) from the previous guidance.
4. **Post-Tax EPS**: Increased by 15.3p (+2.14%) from the previous guidance.
5. **Net Debt to PBIT Ratio**: Remained unchanged at 0.63.
6. **Surplus Cash**: New information for the current year, showing ยฃ425m.
7. **Special Dividend**: Forecast at ยฃ3.10 per share, a new addition to the guidance. This table provides a clear comparison of key financial metrics and debt-related information year-on-year.