Company profits jump
MTF has posted a net profit of $4.7 million for its half-year to March 31, up by 60.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2023/24.
The company’s total revenue topped $90.9m for an increase of 7.6 per cent while seeing a 12 per cent cut in admin costs, its dividend has risen by 43 per cent to six cents and total assets now stand at $1.23 billion.
In addition, MTF has reported record originator earnings of $48.1m, up by nine per cent as car dealer-driven lender “leans into long-term investment amid ongoing market uncertainty”.
Chairman Mark Darrow says: “At a time when rising costs and economic uncertainty are prompting many businesses to scale back, MTF is charting a different course built on resilience, values and long-term thinking.”
Chris Lamers, chief executive officer, adds: “Now, more than ever, Kiwis need financial partners who are local and on their side. We are not chasing short-term gains. We are building a business that stands the test of time and helps communities thrive.
“Looking ahead, we’re focused on what matters most – delivering customer satisfaction, growing market share, driving total shareholder return, and building for the future through continued investment in business technology and transformation.”
Lamers, pictured, says that, in the face of economic pressure, the company has:
• Reduced key customer fees – including establishment, maintenance and settlement fees – while choosing not to pass on rising costs to borrowers to protect affordability at a time of increasing financial strain.
• Increased market share in personal lending with year-on-year growth of more than 20 per cent, as reported by Centrix.
• Continued investment in new technology. The programme achieved a “significant milestone” in the first half of 2024/25 with the ability to process loans now live.
• Refreshed its brand and increased marketing investment.
Lamers says at the heart of MTF’s approach is its franchise and approved dealer model, with 54 locally owned franchises and 164 active dealers across the country.
“Our originators aren’t just writing loans. They are local businesspeople supporting their communities. That model gives us strength and, more importantly, purpose.
“In the past 12 months, MTF has increased its investment in technology and will be rolling out a new platform over the coming year.
“At the same time, a refreshed brand and increased marketing investment is driving increased awareness and preference for the business, showcasing the focus on small business and non-vehicle loans.
“The investment in a new platform is an investment in technology and people, ensuring we can leverage new systems to deliver on enhanced analytics, using artificial intelligence to create better experiences for our team and customers, as well as launching products and continuing the focus on evolving existing products.
“It’s a competitive space and we are realistic about the challenges. But our focus is on sustainable growth where our customers and shareholders have a great outcome rather than chasing short-term wins at the cost of long-term performance.”
Four years ago, MTF’s board set in place a strategy which has “driven continued strong performance”.
Darrow says: “The ongoing, consistent investment in business transformation and product diversification has played a key role in positioning the business to weather economic uncertainty while staying connected to customers.”
