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NZX-listed horticulture company Scales Corporation has lifted its 2025 financial earnings guidance yet again, saying it continues to see positive performance across the group despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. The company said that it now expected its underlying net profit after tax would be between $54 million and $59m, up from previous guidance of between $51m and $56m. "We are seeing a continuing positive performance across the group this year," managing director Andy Borland said. "While some geopolitical uncertainties remain, we are pleased to be able to advise a further increase in earnings guidance for FY25.” The company also said today that director Alan Isaac had retired from the board, effective yesterday, and had been replaced by Paul Munro. Munro is a director at New Zealand King Salmon as well as private companies, including Orion New Zealand, Tait International, and Cambridge Partners.
The Coalition Government is reviewing regulations in hospitality to help cut costs for the sector. Regulation Minister David Seymour said the review – which would take six months – covered all regulations applying to restaurants, cafes, bars, food stalls, food trucks, catering businesses and hotels. But gambling regulations were not part of the review. “Inconsistent requirements cost owners valuable time and money. For example, some business owners might be required to get resource consents on top of alcohol licences, so that customers can enjoy a cold beer in the sun. In other areas of the country just an alcohol licence is required,” Seymour said. Hospitality and Tourism Minister Louise Upston said unnecessary regulations were making it tough for the hospitality industry to reach its full potential.
Black Pearl Group achieved annual recurring revenue of $19.5 million as at the end of September, up 39% on the previous quarter. The NZX-listed software company reported a busy quarter, including navigating a capital raise, as well as the acquisition and integration of B2B Rocket and applying for ASX listing.
B2B Rocket’s initial integration into the group had been "very successful", it said.
"In Q3, the focus will shift to embedding the Pearl Engine to fully realise the benefits of the platform. Once completed, B2B Rocket will be deeply integrated into the Group’s data ecosystem – driving higher-quality leads, stronger demo conversions, and reinforce the Group’s multi-engine growth model and recurring revenue momentum."
Churn improved to 4.6% down from 4.9% in Q1 FY26.
In terms of outlook, the company said it "remains on a strong trajectory towards its next major milestone of $50m ARR", and was also on track to list on the ASX in November.