Next Group Plc Unsp/Adr (NXGPY) Q2 2026 Earnings Call

Investor webinar replay

Replay transcript excerpt

Good morning and welcome to the next PLC half-year presentation. It is great to see all portions of our business moving forward in a positive way. Geographically, the business in the UK, both retail and online, and our international business are all moving forward in a meaningful way here. If you look at the data from another viewpoint, Looking at our brands, our next brand, wholly owned brands, and third-party brands are also very positive. While we're very pleased about our broad-based growth, we maintain a balanced and cautious outlook for the future. Principally due to the external situation, both here in the UK and around the world. In spite of what the external world may hold for us, we believe that our strong management team, balance sheet, and financial position leave us very well positioned to withstand any external events. Before I turn over to Simon, I would like to publicly recognize the retirement of a very important, long-serving, and experienced executive. Her name is Shona Anderson. And her final position at Next was both corporate secretary and corporate controller. Shona always seemed to wear at least two hats at Next. She was a great asset to the board and a great asset to the company. And I think she really embodied the culture of Next, very hardworking, very smart, willing to take the lead when necessary, but also worked very well in a team. to really meet our objectives. So, Shona, many thanks. And I'm sure any board where you're an NED in the future will be very glad to have you. Simon? Thank you very much, Shona. I didn't know I was doubling up as a recruitment consultant as well. Excellent. Yes, thank you, Shona. So, standing back from the numbers, really good first half. And I think the important thing to stress about these numbers is that t...