SeaLink Travel has more than doubled its full-year profit to $22.3 million after acquiring one of Australia's largest private ferry operators.
The marine tourism and transport company says profit for the 12 months to June 30 was up $13 million on the previous year, with the former Transit Systems Marine business in Queensland contributing $17.6 million in pre-interest and tax profit.
Swelling tourism and a $1.3 million drop in fuel costs also helped.
Managing director Jeff Ellison said SeaLink expected most of its businesses to gain next year as well.
"As we see more and more tourists coming to Australia but also in the domestic market, we are quite bouyant on the future there," Mr Ellison said.
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By pushing for Opal card rollouts on the company's Sydney commuter services, Mr Ellison hoped the company could also improve in the transport market.
Fuel costs were expected to rise over the next 12 months but any increase beyond expectations would be passed on to customers, Mr Ellison said.
The company lifted final dividend 3.5 cents to 7.5 cents, fully franked.
SEALINK RIDES PROFIT WAVE
* Net profit up 140pct to $22.3m
* Revenue up 59pct to $176.7m
* Final dividend up 3.5 cents to 7.5 cents, fully franked
