Heartland posts 1H profit in line with forecast, eyes future acquisitions for growth

Heartland posts 1H profit in line with forecast, eyes future acquisitions for growth
By Tina Morrison Feb 25 (BusinessDesk) – Heartland New Zealand, which gained a banking licence just over a year ago, posted first-half profit growth in line with its forecast and said increased rivalry in business and rural lending was “challenging” though household lending growth looked strong. Christchurch-based Heartland said net profit rose 56 percent to $16.7 million in the six months ended Dec. 31, in line with its $16.5 million forecast. Profit lagged First NZ Capital’s $17.5 million estimate. Revenue rose 14 percent to $59.1 million....