Last checked at 21 Dec 2011 13:26
21 December 2011
H&T GROUP PLC
Pre-Close Trading Update
H&T Group plc ("H&T" or "the Group"), a leading UK pawnbroker, today issues a trading statement ahead of entering its close period prior to the announcement of its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2011. H&T expects to report its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2011 on 8 March 2012.
The Board is pleased to announce a continued strong trading performance and its expectation for full year results to be above the top end of current market expectations.
The Group has continued to be successful in the gold purchasing market operating 53 Gold Bar units and maintaining customer numbers throughout 2011 across its Gold Bar and store estate. The Group's core pawnbroking business has also performed strongly with the Group's single largest income stream, the Pawn Service Charge, expected to show double digit year-on-year growth. The pledge book balance is currently over £45 million.
The Group has continued its store expansion programme and a further 25 stores have been opened in 2011, taking the total store estate to 160 stores.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
H&T Group plc John Nichols, Chief Executive Alex Maby, Finance Director | 0870 902 2600 |
Hawkpoint Partners Limited Lawrence Guthrie / Sunil Duggal |
020 7665 4500
|
Numis Securities Limited Mark Lander |
020 7260 1000 |
Pelham Bell Pottinger Polly Ferguson / Damian Beeley |
07775 851562 07950 481795 |