KEY POINTS:
Net profit at Ryman Healthcare has risen 18 per cent in the March-year to $41.6 million and the firm says it is on track to raise earnings 20 per cent in the 2007-08 year.
A final dividend of 2.2c per share will be paid on June 22, lifting the total dividend to 4c.
Ryman said operating cashflow rose 32 per cent to $73 million for the year and turnover lifted 33 per cent to $190 million. Shareholders' equity rose 18 per cent to $289 million.
Chairman David Kerr said the retirement village operator was pleased to have exceeded its 15 per cent annual earnings growth target for the fifth consecutiveyear.
"We are well positioned to achieve our growth aspirations," he said.
"We believe we are on target to achieve earnings growth of 20 per cent in the year ahead."
Kerr said Ryman, which operates 16 villages, was building three new villages and was planning four more.
It said its "landbank" was sufficient to build more than 1700 new beds or retirement village units.
Ryman development manager Ray Versey is stepping down from fulltime responsibilities but will continue to work as a consultant.
The pretax operating profit rose 18 per cent to $41.6 million. No tax was provided for.
Earnings per share rose to 8.3c from 7c.
Ryman shares have risen from $1.47 a year ago to $2.58 at yesterday's close.
- NZPA
