Downer says it overstated earnings by as much as $40m over four years

The company hasn’t yet determined if there will be any impact on current earnings. (Image: Downer)

Thu, 08 Dec 2022

The New Zealand stock exchange-listed construction firm Downer says it has found “accounting irregularities” in its Australian Utilities business which may have resulted in overstated pre-tax earnings.In a statement today, the company said the problem involved “historical misreporting of revenue and work in progress in one of Downer’s maintenance contracts”.“With oversight by the board and senior management, a detailed investigation has been initiated and is being treated with the highest priority,” it...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

On the Money

On the Money: Hawkesby, Paris, Mowbray, Peters, and more

Christian Hawkesby plays coy with the top job while AI threatens all the other jobs.

Dileepa Fonseka 5:00am

Environment

UN warns warming could top 1.5C in next 4 years

"We have just experienced the 10 warmest years on record."

AFP 5:00am

UN warns warming could top 1.5C in next 4 years

World

The Obama Coalition is finished. Why not his policies, too?

Congressional Republicans shouldn’t fear reforming programs that failed.

The Washington Post 5:00am

The Obama Coalition is finished. Why not his policies, too?

Sponsored

Tired of missing out on getting to global summits to help grow your business?

Airwallex is offering a grant for NZ businesses to join the action.

Airwallex

Sponsored

Ready for the C-Suite leap?

Part-time programme. Full-time leadership transformation.

University of Auckland Business School

More Markets

Markets Market Close

Lower bond yields lift NZ sharemarket

Lower bond yields have helped drive the NZ sharemarket sharply higher at the close.

Jamie Gray 30 May 2025

Markets

Turbulent market slashes 2 Cheap Cars' profit

New Zealand’s continued economic downturn, a sharp fall in immigration and consequent softer market demand has driven a 47% drop in profit for 2 Cheap Cars.The company reported total revenue of $81.9 million with 7675 cars sold in the year to March 31, down 6% compared to $86.7m...

Staff reporters 30 May 2025