NPT lifts earnings on Christchurch insurance payout
The company formerly known as National Property Trust reports a 12.5% rise in fiscal year profit as an insurance from the Christchurch quakes compensates for a decline in gross rental income.
BUSINESSDESK: NPT, the property company formerly known as National Property Trust, reported a 12.5% increase in fiscal year profit as an insurance reimbursement payment from the Christchurch earthquakes made up for a decline in gross rental income.
Trading profit was $9.94 million in the year ended March 31, up from $8.80m, the company said.
Gross rental income fell 15% to $20m from $23.5m. Net rental income rose 6.9% to $16.5m on higher insurance rental recoveries.
NPT said it narrowed its first-half net loss after tax to $2.29m from $14.67m, a year earlier.
The company is still awaiting an insurance settlement on its material damage at Natcoll House.
NPT has spent $13.8m on earthquake repairs and reconstruction of the Eastgate shopping centre and in March accepted a full and final insurance settlement of $18m.
In April, the Canterbury Earthquake Authority confirmed the shopping mall met the new stricter seismic standards.
“The 2012-13 year looks encouraging,” acting chief executive Kerry Hitchcock said, adding that “most of the challenges of the last financial year are behind us.
"There is significant leasing activity under way in a number of properties which will have material impact on our weighted annual lease term, create positive cashflow for the company and add value for shareholders."
The Christchurch-based company will pay, on July 4, a final dividend of 1.75 cents a share for the quarter ended March 31, for a total 2011-12 distribution of 4 cents. That compares with an earlier forecast of 3 cents for the year.
Shares in the company are currently up 3.7% on the day, trading at 56 cents. The stock has risen about 10% this year.
Hannah Lynch
Thu, 24 May 2012
Thu, 24 May 2012
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
NPT lifts earnings on Christchurch insurance payout
20950