# Orchard Funding Profit Rises 32% in First Half as Cost Reductions Offset Lower Lending

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/orchard-funding-profit-rises-32-in-first-half-as-cost-reductions-offset-lower-67592d
- Published: 2026-10-13T06:00:03Z
- Category: earnings; sentiment: bullish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [LSE:ORCH](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/LSE-ORCH)
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Orchard Funding Group PLC (LSE:ORCH) reported a 32% increase in profit before tax to £2.52 million for the six months ended July 31, 2026, compared with £1.91 million in the same period a year earlier. The specialist finance company also declared an interim dividend of 2p per share.

The profit growth came despite a slight decline in overall activity. Total lending fell 5.14% to £57.57 million, while total revenue dipped modestly. Lower funding costs significantly boosted profitability, cutting interest payable by 40%. Lower legal, professional, and IT expenses also helped reduce operating costs by 2.05% to £2.053 million.

Looking ahead, company leadership pointed to potential economic challenges, including persistent inflationary pressures and possible Bank of England interest rate increases. The interim dividend will be paid on November 12, 2026, to shareholders registered on October 23, 2026.

## Key points

- Profit before tax increased 32% to £2.52 million for the six months ended July 31, 2026.
- Total lending dropped 5.14% to £57.57 million, while interest expenses fell by 40%.
- Operating expenses dropped 2.05% to £2.053 million due to lower IT and legal costs.
- An interim dividend of 2p per share will be paid to eligible shareholders on November 12, 2026.

## Questions and answers

### What was Orchard Funding Group's half-year profit for 2026?

Orchard Funding Group reported a profit before tax of £2.52 million for the six months ended July 31, 2026, a 32% increase from £1.91 million in the prior-year period.

### Is Orchard Funding Group paying a dividend?

Yes, the board approved an interim dividend of 2p per share, payable on November 12, 2026, to shareholders on the register as of October 23, 2026.

### Why did Orchard Funding Group's profit increase despite lower lending?

Profit rose primarily due to lower funding costs, which reduced interest payable by 40%, along with a 2.05% drop in operating expenses.