Ramsdens guides for FY25 profit beat on gold and retail gains

(Sharecast News) - Foreign exchange and pawnbroking business Ramsdens Holdings said on Wednesday that full-year pre-tax profits would be "slightly ahead of expectations", reflecting further progress across core income streams, as well as the continued benefit of high gold prices.

Ramsdens said gross profit from its precious metals segment jumped 50% year-on-year in the year ended 30 September, driven by a stronger gold price and the launch of a dedicated gold buying website. The weight of gold purchased rose 15% over the same period a year earlier.

The AIM-listed group also reported an 8% increase in its pawnbroking loan book to �11.5m, with growth accelerating in the second half following the launch of a standalone pawnbroking website in November 2024, and said jewellery retail gross profit rose 15% year-on-year, with strong performances across new and pre-owned items and premium watches.

Foreign currency gross profits, on the other hand, were broadly flat year-on-year against a strong prior-year comparative.

Looking to FY26, Ramsdens said it was "very well placed" to make continued progress, and stated that, having confidence in its high street model, it now expects to open between eight and 12 new stores per year from FY26.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "FY25 has been another good year of progress for Ramsdens, as we continue to reap the benefits of our diversified income streams.

"Whilst we have benefited from the sustained high gold price within our purchase of precious metals segment, we've also continued to make good progress across our other income streams. In particular, our continued success in jewellery retail highlights a growing awareness of our value for money proposition."

As of 0900 BST, Ramsdens shares were down 3.74% at 373p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com