MTF predicts 'solid year'

Angus Bradshaw
Angus Bradshaw
Dunedin-based vehicle finance company MTF has sufficient financial provisions to meet any losses associated with the February earthquake in Christchurch, managing director Angus Bradshaw says.

MTF had a strong, balanced presence in the Canterbury region, but many of its shareholders and customers had been affected by the quake.

In addition to a donation of $20,000 to the Red Cross, the company had arrangements in place to assist affected customers meet their obligations.

"The full impact is yet unknown, but the company has sufficient provisions to meet any loss," Mr Bradshaw said.

MTF reported a profit after tax of $2.9 million in the six months ended March, slightly up on the $2.8 million reported in the previous corresponding period (pcp).

Profit before commission remained stable at $16.5 million, a reflection of improved interest margins as the company had encouraged shareholders to use a pricing model that more accurately reflected individual credit risk, he said.

Sales were solid in the first three months of the financial year, only to falter in the second quarter as consumer confidence remained weak.

Administration expense was down 7% on the pcp.

Mr Bradshaw said communication and processing expense increased as MTF continued to invest in technology to enable the delivery of its long-term strategy.

Consumers were forcing business to rethink distribution of all goods and services, including financial services.

Migration to web-based loans, marketing and customer relationship management was a key strategy for the company.

Regulatory change around financial advice, anti-money laundering and non-bank deposit takers continued to strain resources, he said.

"Progress on regulation is listless as poor initial consultation and drafting have pushed out deadlines."

MTF obtained qualifying financial entity status under the Financial Service Providers and Dispute Resolution Act 2008.

The accounts showed total assets were down 11.4% to $425.9 million in the period because of lower sales volumes and withdrawal from the operating lease market.

MTF expected finance receivable levels to stabilise through the coming year as the direct business continued to grow and transacting shareholders continued to be more selective in new loan origination, he said.

"The next 12 months will continue to be tough and we believe we have the staff, the shareholders and the processes in place to ensure it will be another solid year in tough trading conditions."

 

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