ValueMax Group reported a 30.4 per cent rise in net profit to S$63.6 million for the six months ended Jun 30 2026, as revenue climbed 38.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to S$370.7 million. The stronger top line was underpinned by firm performances across its retail and trading, pawnbroking and moneylending businesses.

Basic earnings per share came in at 6.63 Singapore cents, up from 5.39 cents a year earlier. The board declared an interim one-tier, tax-exempt cash dividend of 1.38 cents per share, 15 per cent higher than the 1.20 cents paid in the prior-year period. The dividend will be paid on 3 September 2026 to shareholders on record as at 5.00 pm on 27 August 2026.

By segment, retail and trading of jewellery and gold remained the largest contributor with revenue rising 41.6 per cent to S$290.0 million and pre-tax profit edging up 7.8 per cent to S$23.0 million. Pawnbroking turnover expanded 42.9 per cent to S$40.1 million, lifting segment profit 68.1 per cent to S$21.9 million. The moneylending arm delivered revenue of S$40.7 million, up 14.9 per cent, translating into a 33.4 per cent jump in pre-tax earnings to S$26.3 million. Contributions from associates added S$6.3 million, up from S$4.4 million a year ago.

Despite the revenue surge, overall gross margin narrowed to 27.0 per cent from 30.2 per cent, reflecting the higher proportion of sales from lower-margin jewellery and gold trading. Administrative expenses rose 9.4 per cent to S$28.1 million, mainly on higher staff costs and depreciation, while allowances for expected credit losses on trade receivables more than doubled to S$1.9 million.

On the strategic front, ValueMax expanded regionally in April with the purchase of a 40 per cent stake in PT Gadai ValueMax Indonesia, giving the group exposure to 11 pawnbroking outlets in Jakarta. Management indicated that it continues to scout for acquisition opportunities and new locations to enlarge its pawnshop and retail network and to scale up its moneylending portfolio.

Looking ahead, the company noted that gold prices, which spiked to around US$5,300 per ounce in March before softening to roughly US$4,100 in August, remain volatile amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over interest rates—factors that could shape demand and margins in the next 12 months. ValueMax also highlighted an increasingly competitive landscape but said it remains focused on disciplined growth and prudent capital management.