Pawnbroker Ramsdens lifts full-year profit outlook, shares spark

(Sharecast News) - Pawnbroker Ramsdens Holdings lifted its full-year profit outlook on Wednesday as it pointed to strength in the precious metals division but sounded a more cautious note about the forex segment.

Ramsdens said that since its last update in March, it has continued to perform well across its core income streams, benefitting further from the sustained, very high gold price compared to historical levels in its purchase of precious metals division.

"Notwithstanding the high gold price in the year to date, the board is conscious that the current geopolitical and economic climate remains uncertain and this has made the gold price volatile," the company said. "This uncertainty, and recent reports around fuel shortages impacting flights over the summer may also impact international travel and consequently our foreign currency sales."

However, overall and taking into account the strong trading for the year to date, Ramsdens now expects FY26 pre-tax profit of between £28.5m and £31.5m, versus a consensus forecast of £24.1m and previous guidance in March of between £24m and £28m.

The top end of the forecast would depend on gold prices remaining favourable and summer currency volumes being in line with last year, it said.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "We have had a strong start to the year given the economic back drop with our pawnbroking, jewellery retail and foreign currency exchange services all performing well.

"In addition, we have had an exceptional half year for our purchase of precious metals segment due to the continued benefits of a sustained high gold price and the increased weight being purchased."

At 1010 BST, the shares were up 8.8% at 418.90p.

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