Cabcharge expects return to revenue growth

Cabcharge expects double-digit revenue growth this financial year after boosting the size of its taxi fleet and investing in new technology.

A holds a credit card-like Cabcharge e-ticket

Cabcharge eyes strong revenue growth after its acquisition of Yellow Cabs and operational changes (AAP)

Cabcharge chief executive Andrew Skelton expects the company to achieve double-digit revenue growth this financial year as it benefits from increasing demand and a growing taxi fleet.

Fare turnover has increased in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania the ACT and Northern Territory so far this financial year, he told the Cabcharge annual general meeting in Sydney.

After 24 months of declining turnover in Queensland, there was a three per cent rise in October.

"Our industry is being challenged in a number of ways, most significantly by regulation and Uber," Mr Skelton said.

"We are fortunate to have a leading position in the taxi industry.

"We are fortunate that the taxi industry serves passengers seeking paid personal transport, and that the demand for paid personal transport is growing."

Cabcharge's revenue has declined in the past two financial years, in the face of growing competition from Uber and other ride sharing services, and rival transport payments processors.

It made a $91 million loss in the 2016/17 financial year, primarily because of losses on the sale of its stake in a UK taxi account and booking service and Australia's largest private bus business.

However, it also expanded its taxi network, buying Queensland's Yellow Cabs, and launched its own payment terminals.

The Yellow Cabs deal has added 1,200 cars to its fleet, and Cabcharge has added 125 cars in South Australia and Victoria since the end of June, and an additional 320 cars are set to be added in those markets, Mr Skelton told shareholders.

"We are determined to maintain our new momentum," he said.

"We have a strategy that is working, fewer distractions, a deeper spread of activities across the value chain, no debt, and we are continuing to make the investments in technology and marketing that will grow our revenue in the years ahead."

The company will however incur a $6 million hit to its full-year profit due to additional investment in technology and marketing.

There will be a further $3 million impact from new restrictions on service fees in Queensland, Mr Skelton said.

Cabcharge shares were down four cents, or 2.4 per cent, at $1.615 at 1515 AEDT.


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Source: AAP



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