NZ stocks: Mainfreight's performance to take centre stage

By PAUL PANCKHURST

Transport group Mainfreight's result is one of the highlights of this business week, along with the listing of car parts chain Repco ... and a debut performance by Auckland International Airport chief executive Don Huse.

Mainfreight will tomorrow report earnings for the six months to September 30.

The company's result for the same period last year was earnings before interest, tax depreciation and amortisation of $9.63 million and a bottom-line profit of $2.5 million.

Its revenue was $210 million.

This period's numbers will be affected by the move to consolidate the now fully-owned United States sea transport business CaroTrans into the accounts. Previously, CaroTrans was equity accounted.

The main focus of interest, however, is news on how Mainfreight will fare after the takeover of road transport company Owens Group.

Mainfreight last month secured 78.6 per cent of Owens, but was blocked by Toll Holdings from moving past 90 per cent and gaining full control.

Airport chief Huse, who took over from John Goulter in July, faces his company's shareholders for the first time at the annual meeting on Wednesday.

Huse is the former chief financial officer of Sydney Airports Corporation and a former chief executive of Wellington International Airport.

Auto parts chain Repco lists on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges on Thursday.

Two additions are due this week to the tiny NZAX market, the new stock exchange board for growth companies and companies with non-standard structures.

Wool Equities, the company whose shares can only be traded by eligible sheep farmers, is due to list on Thursday.

Windflow Technology is also due to start trading this week.