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Investor Newsletter - June 2015

Welcome to our June 2015 General Finance quarterly newsletter. We appreciate your support. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed about the company and various financial matters that may interest you.

Annual Result
General Finance Limited had a positive year to 31 March 2015. Our total revenue increased by 10.7% to $1,522,993 from $1,375,205 in the previous year. Our profit before tax was up by 52.2% to $432,586 from $284,211 last year. This was due to an increase in asset growth of 14.4% to $11,196,483 (last year $9,785,656). The company maintained its tight control over expenses. Bad debts written off (less bad debts recovered) were $24,329 ($24,177). The company is well capitalised with shareholders funds steady at $3,175,521 (last year $3,117,410). This was a good result. The company plans to continue to grow incrementally over the next twelve months. The positive economy will assist us here.

Interest Rates
For the first half of this year, interest rates have been heading downwards, but fairly slowly. The Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate on 11 June 2015 by 0.25%, and it is anticipated they may do this again over the next six months, decreasing interest rates still further. This is all due to our low inflation rate. It is nearly at zero, with weak dairy farm prices and a slightly slowing economy. Our current debenture rates, of up to 6.75%, are attractive in this current market. Our monthly income payment option for amounts over $10,000 is another bonus.

Extra Paper Work Required
Investors will have noticed, over the past year, that more paper work is required when depositing or investing monies with financial institutions. This is not our requirement, but is due to the tough anti-money laundering requirements that are now law. Investing money in your own names, or as a couple, is not that difficult. You only require a certified copy of your passport. Where it does get difficult is for trusts. Here you require the same information, as for individuals, for each trustee plus we are required to find out some information about the trust such as details of the beneficiaries. A certified copy of the trust deed is also required. It is easier to invest as an individual or as a couple but if a trust is being used, more paper work and patience is required.

Smoke Alarms
According to the NZ Fire Service, they attend just over 3,500 house fires each year, or about seven a week across the country. In 80% of all fatal house fires, which is a smaller subset of the above, smoke alarms where either not installed or they were not working. A good smoke alarm can be purchased for around $20. It is good insurance, but it is important to check the batteries at least once every year. Or for $45 - $60, it is possible to purchase a smoke alarm with a 10 year battery life.

Next Interest Payment
Our next quarterly interest payment will be made on Tuesday 30 June 2015. Direct credits will be processed that evening, with cheques (if applicable) and paperwork being forwarded during the week. If you have any questions about your investment, please do not hesitate to contact James Lockie on 09 526 7800 or by email to jlockie@general.co.nz. Our website is www.general.co.nz.

If you want to invest more funds, you can obtain an investment statement and application form from our securities registrar. Their number is 0800 500 602.

 

Your continued support is noted and appreciated.