THL books 81% gain in profit

Rob Campbell
Rob Campbell
Camper-van rental company Tourism Holdings continues its turnaround efforts, booking a more than 80% profit increase to $20million and reiterating guidance for a $30million profit in 2019.

Tourism Holdings (THL) had been underperforming in a highly competitive market for several years, but for its year to June booked a 4% revenue boost to $237million.

Earnings before interest and tax (ebit) was up 42% to $32million and after tax profit rose 81% to $20.1million, from $11million a year earlier.

THL chairman Rob Campbell said the company was in a ''positive economic environment for tourism''.

''It's imperative that we maximise this opportunity, get aggressive about growth and scale this business internationally.

''We can see the potential for the existing business to achieve over $30million net profit after tax within four years, before we account for acquisition growth,'' he said in a statement yesterday.

THL shares were up just 0.5% to $2 after the announcement.

Craigs Investment partners broker Peter McIntyre said the buoyant tourism sector, interest rates and gaining in house efficiencies had all contributed to the improved bottom line.

Revenue from New Zealand rentals (1787 vehicles, year end) was up 2.8% to $89.9million. Australian rentals (1297) were down 5.3% to $66.1million, US rentals (613) were up 13.4% to $50.6million and the tourism group gained 14.5% to $29.9million.

''With expectations of a lower New Zealand dollar, that should be reflected in next year's result too,'' Mr McIntyre said.

While THL gave no financial guidance for the full 2016 year, it expected ''ongoing growth in all businesses'', with an update on full year expectations to be delivered at its annual meeting.

Total motorhomes sold for the year was 1213, providing a gross profit of $9.5million and leaving 3697 vehicles in the fleet.

-simon.hartley@odt.co.nz

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