H&T Group PLC (AIM:HAT) CEO Chris Gillespie takes Proactive's Stephen Gunnion through the company’s strong performance in the first half of the year, particularly across its key revenue-generating sectors: pawnbroking, foreign currency, and retail. Gillespie highlighted a 27% increase in retail revenue driven by higher sales volumes and improved margins, alongside a 14% rise in lending demand.
Gillespie discussed the impact of early loan redemptions, a trend that persisted longer than expected, reflecting customers' better financial positions and changing spending priorities. Despite this, the pledge book continued to grow, indicating strong underlying demand. He also mentioned that the company's decision to shift its financial year-end to September, starting in 2025, aims to better align with the seasonality now inherent in its business model.
In terms of future growth, Gillespie emphasised ongoing investments in pawnbroking, store expansion, and IT infrastructure, while keeping acquisitions on the table if the right opportunities arise.
