Shares digital

Albemarle & Bond (ABM:AIM) – Interims PTP: £5.2m (£3.9m) Divi: 2.0p (1.8p)

The pawnbroker appears to be benefiting from the credit crisis. The company’s loan book has increased 24% since last year – it put this down to tougher lending criteria for credit cards from the high street banks driving borrowers its way.

The growing pawnbroking loan book meant that, despite income at third-party cheque-cashing falling 9% following increased competition, the company reported a 39% increase in profit before tax and amortisation to £5.5 million from £3.9 million last time.

Earnings per share before amortisation of intangible assets increased 20%. The figures include, for the first time, the acquisition of Herbert Brown, which was acquired on 17 July and took Albemarle’s estate of pawnbrokers to 26 branches.

Shares says: Should continue to benefit from tightening credit conditions.

by: Simon Keane