Broadlands Finance auditor tags accounts over need for shareholder support

Monday 1st July 2013

Broadlands Finance, the auto-financier whose credit rating was cut to CCC- in January, had its 2013 accounts tagged by the auditor over the lender's need for shareholder Tony Radisich's continued support to keep afloat.

Auditor Grant Thornton gave an unqualified opinion on Broadlands' accounts, while raising an emphasis of matter on its ability to continue as a going concern. Broadlands' directors decided the lender could continue as a going concern after shareholders agreed to continue providing financial support to pay debts as they fall due.

"In the event that the group does not continue to receive the financial support of the shareholders, the going concern basis used in the preparation of the financial statements would not be appropriate," the company said.

The Auckland-based finance company narrowed its loss to $4.07 million in the 12 months ended March 31 from $5.38 million a year earlier, taking a $4.82 million impairment charge on bad loans, up from $3.7 million.

That chewed up operating income, which more than doubled to $5.48 million in the year, primarily from higher interest revenue. The lender held net finance contract receivables of $15.89 million as at March 31, compared to $20.34 million a year earlier, and had $7.04 million of debenture stock outstanding, down from $12.03 million in 2012.

Standard & Poor's cut Broadlands' rating and left it on a negative outlook after delays to the lender registering a new debenture prospectus. That created a strained funding profile and liquidity position, leaving Broadlands reliant on shareholder support.

The finance company took a $50,000 provision to cover potential fines and legal costs from a Reserve Bank prosecution over Broadlands not having enough independent directors on its board. Broadlands pleaded guilty at a hearing last month and will be sentenced on July 16.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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