Investment Gains deliver strong full year result for Rangatira

Wellington investment company Rangatira today announced a full year profit after tax of $39.4 million, compared with $8.5 million last year, following gains on the sale of investments of $32.1 million.

The $32.1 million contribution resulted from Rangatira selling its 50% holding in Contract Resources, its direct holding in Xero Limited, and its investment in Greenfield. Rangatira still retains an indirect holding in Xero through Valar Ventures.

Directors have assessed the asset backing of Rangatira’s shares to be $11.20 at 31 March 2014, compared to $10.63 last year. 

A final fully imputed dividend of 26¢ has been declared making the total dividend for the year 46¢ (last year 42¢). The dividend will be paid on 30 June 2014 and the share register will close for dividend purposes on 20 June 2014.

Rangatira’s chairman David Pilkington said, “The total shareholder return of 9.5% is further endorsement of Rangatira’s long term investment strategy. The company’s average after tax return over the past ten years has been 10.9%, well ahead of most investment funds and the NZSX50 Index.”

New Investments
During the year Rangatira acquired a 12% stake in Magritek. Magritek is an advanced technology company founded by Sir Paul Callaghan that has become a world leading provider of compact, portable MRI and NMR systems. Rangatira also acquired a 35% holding in Wellington based Tuatara, one of New Zealand’s largest independent craft brewers. Rangatira has invested in two further technology companies including IkeGPS and Mesynthes. Rangatira has also invested in JAFCO, a US technology fund.

A number of Rangatira Group companies have being enhanced by strategic investments. These include Hellers’ acquisition of Goodman Fielder meats, Rainbows End’s new Stratosfear ride and Tuatara expanding its brewing capacity to meet strong customer demand.

Further investments sought
Rangatira currently has about $50 million of funds available for investment as opportunities become available.

Rangatira’s chief executive Ian Frame said, “We are actively looking to invest in well-managed New Zealand companies with strong growth potential that need additional capital to take them to the next stage.”

Rangatira has a longer investment timeframe than many private equity funds and prefers to be a cornerstone investor, co-investing with business owners and management. In some cases, it will do this alongside other like-minded investment companies and institutions.

“Rangatira’s investment strategy of ‘investing in business for growth’ has produced good and sustained returns over many years for its shareholders. This can be attributed to a diversified portfolio, conservative gearing and the active involvement of our directors and management in the governance of the companies in which we invest.” Ian Frame said.

David Pilkington said, “Rangatira has had a solid start to the new year, which is pleasing given the seasonal nature of the performance of many of our unlisted investments. Looking ahead, the company has a strong balance sheet and is well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities as they arise.”

ENDS

About Rangatira Limited
Rangatira is a Wellington-based investment company with shareholders’ funds of around $200 million. Established in 1937, the Company is 51% owned by the JR McKenzie Trust with other community and charitable organisations owning another 15% of the shares. The balance of the shares is owned by private investors. Rangatira’s mission is to increase both the capital value of its shares and the dividends paid to its shareholders by investing creatively and competitively.

Rangatira has built a portfolio of local and international investments across a wide range of sectors. The Company has pursued a policy of investment in small to medium-sized unlisted New Zealand companies, complemented by holdings in a range of publicly listed New Zealand, Australian and international companies. All investments have been made taking a long-term position in companies that are well founded and well managed with good growth potential.

Rangatira is strictly commercial in its investment approach and benchmarks its performance against the wider investment community.

Rangatira will continue to explore investment opportunities across a range of business sectors. We aim to add value to our unlisted investments by actively contributing at management and board level, recognising the need to combine high standards of governance with sound management and a clear focus on growth and profitability.

Rangatira’s shares are listed and traded on the Unlisted market (www.unlisted.co.nz).