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Dual-listed retirement village operator Ryman Healthcare expects to report a large lift in free cash flow and a reduction in debt when it releases its full-year financial accounts next month. The company's fourth-quarter trading shows it expects free cash flow of $180m for the year ended March, up from negative $94.2m in the year prior. The company’s net interest-bearing debt is also expected to fall to $1.57 billion from $1.67b. Ryman reported a total of 331 unit sales in the three months ended March, which was up 10% on the same period a year ago, but down on the prior quarter. Over the year, Ryman sold a total of 1410 units. After accounting for internal relocations from closing villages to newer ones, total sales were 1371, which was within its guided range. The company said the conflict in the Middle East has not impacted the broader business to date, but it continues to monitor the flow-on effects. Ryman's audited full-year accounts will be released on May 26.
NZ Rural Land Co director Chris Swasbrook has resigned and will leave the board on April 30. The farmland investment company gave no reason for his exit but the board thanked him for his contribution as a director since the company was formed in September 2020. Swasbrook remains a director of NZX-listed electronic component maker Rakon, fund manager Elevation Capital, and McCashin’s Brewery. He is also on the board of the Financial Markets Authority and chair of the Auckland Future Fund.