Healthscope's NZ pathology shares efficiencies with DHBs, stalling earnings growth
By Paul McBeth
Aug. 21 (BusinessDesk) - Healthscope's New Zealand pathology business gave up earnings growth as it shared operating
efficiencies with district health boards through the re-contracting process.
The New Zealand lab testing division reported a 1 percent decline in revenue to A$240.2 million in the year ended June
30 and a 2.7 percent dip in operating earnings before interest, tax depreciation and amortisation to A$58.1 million. In
NZ dollar terms, revenue rose 1.6 percent and earnings 2.5 percent, slowing from the unit's outperformance in 2017.
"Revenue growth has moderated by the sharing of operational efficiencies with district health boards through
re-contracting, combined with no new DHB contract work," the company said in its annual report. "The priority for
Healthscope in New Zealand is maintaining strong relationships with the DHBs by delivering high-quality services and
superior operational efficiencies."
The pathology business is willing to share "some of the long-term" gains with the DHBs to "strengthen existing
relationships". Healthscope operates under the Labtests, Southern Community Laboratories, and Northland Pathology brands
in New Zealand, and provides veterinary services through Gribbles Veterinary.
Healthscope said the Gribbles Vet unit posted a "good performance" for revenue and margins "on the back of expanded
services nationwide".
Group profit fell 19 percent to A$89.4 million due to the cost of hospital closures and onerous lease provisions, while
revenue increased 3.7 percent to A$2.34 billion.
The Melbourne-based company completed a strategic review of its A$1 billion Australian hospital portfolio and plans to
set up an unlisted property trust to house those assets, leasing them back to Healthscope.
The ASX-listed shares slipped 0.2 percent to A$2.165.
(BusinessDesk)