Record Revenue and Profit
Revenue exceeded GBP 100m for the first time (revenue +22% YoY). Profit before tax (PBT) was GBP 16.2m, up 43% from GBP 11.4m last year. Profit after tax was GBP 11.9m (basic EPS 37p). Dividend increased 43% to 16p total (including a 2.5p special).
Strong Balance Sheet and Cash Generation
Net assets of GBP 62.9m, cash on the balance sheet c. GBP 15m (includes ~GBP 9m FX in tills). Return on equity ~20% for FY25. No structural debt and the RCF is currently undrawn, supporting low finance costs.
Gold Buying Surge
Precious metals revenue up 44% YoY; volumes purchased +14%. Gross profit in the gold buying segment rose ~52%. 9-carat gold average price rose from GBP 21 to GBP 28 (a c.34% increase) in the year, and management reported further strong Q1 momentum (gold buying profit +50% in Q1 and 9-carat price cited over GBP 40/gram at the time of the call).
Retail Growth and Inventory Investment
Jewellery retail revenue +20% YoY with gross margin held at c.37%. Pre-owned jewellery revenue +35% (mix of price and volume), premium watches +13% and online retail sales +14%. Company invested c. GBP 8m in stock during the year to support retail growth.
Pawnbroking Loan Book Progress and Improved Repayments
Pawnbroking loan book +7% to GBP 11.4m at year-end (increased further to GBP 12.8m at end-December). Repayment rates improved and aged lending reduced; loan-to-value (LTV) remains conservative, improving long-term customer outcomes and yield.
Payments and Card Growth; New IMT Service
Launched in‑house international money transfer service and issued 40,000 currency cards (up from 20,000 a year earlier), strengthening customer retention and recurring transactional relationships.
Lower Finance Costs and Efficient Working Capital Use
Finance costs down ~20% (benefiting from lower drawn debt and lower base rates). Business is highly cash generative with seasonal FX funding managed through the RCF; the company had no drawn RCF at the time of the call.
Positive FY26 Guidance and Store Growth Plan
Management reaffirmed a strong start to FY26 and guided to exceed GBP 18m PBT for FY26. Plan to open 8–12 new stores in the current financial year (already on track with openings underway).