Margin Masters
NZX's most profitable companies ranked by margin efficiency
Understanding Margins: EBITDA margin measures operational profitability before interest, taxes, and depreciation. Net margin shows bottom-line profitability after all expenses. Higher margins indicate more efficient operations and stronger competitive positions. Companies with consistently high margins often have pricing power, operational excellence, or unique market positions.
Top 10 by EBITDA Margin
| # | Company | Sector | Revenue | EBITDA | EBITDA Margin | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GEN General Capital Limited | Financials | $0M | $12M | 7106.0% | FY2024 |
2 | GMT Goodman Property Trust | Real Estate | $188M | $781M | 415.6% | FY2022 |
3 | VHP Vital Healthcare Property Trust | Real Estate | $144M | $391M | 272.5% | FY2022 |
4 | NZL New Zealand Rural Land Company Limited | Real Estate | $20M | $35M | 175.1% | FY2024 |
5 | APL Asset Plus | Real Estate | $14M | $17M | 122.8% | FY2021 |
6 | PFI Property for Industry Limited | Real Estate | $128M | $152M | 119.1% | FY2025 |
7 | ARG Argosy Property Limited | Real Estate | $156M | $184M | 118.3% | FY2025 |
8 | PCT Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited | Real Estate | $166M | $161M | 96.9% | FY2022 |
9 | AIA Auckland International Airport Limited | Industrials | $929M | $827M | 89.0% | FY2025 |
10 | IPL Investore Property Limited | Real Estate | $76M | $67M | 88.2% | FY2025 |
Top 10 by Net Profit Margin
| # | Company | Sector | Revenue | Net Profit | Net Margin | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GEN General Capital Limited | Financials | $0M | $3M | 1597.2% | FY2024 |
2 | GMT Goodman Property Trust | Real Estate | $188M | $749M | 398.6% | FY2022 |
3 | VHP Vital Healthcare Property Trust | Real Estate | $144M | $304M | 211.3% | FY2022 |
4 | NZL New Zealand Rural Land Company Limited | Real Estate | $20M | $23M | 115.9% | FY2024 |
5 | APL Asset Plus | Real Estate | $14M | $16M | 114.7% | FY2021 |
6 | PFI Property for Industry Limited | Real Estate | $128M | $106M | 83.1% | FY2025 |
7 | ARG Argosy Property Limited | Real Estate | $156M | $126M | 80.8% | FY2025 |
8 | PCT Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited | Real Estate | $166M | $110M | 66.3% | FY2022 |
9 | IPL Investore Property Limited | Real Estate | $76M | $38M | 50.4% | FY2025 |
10 | RYM Ryman Healthcare Limited | Healthcare | $560M | $258M | 46.0% | FY2023 |
Margin Efficiency by Sector
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EBITDA margin and why does it matter?
EBITDA margin is EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization) divided by revenue, expressed as a percentage. It measures a company's operational profitability before accounting for capital structure and non-cash charges. Higher EBITDA margins indicate more efficient operations, better cost control, and stronger pricing power. It's particularly useful for comparing companies across different capital structures or tax situations.
What's the difference between EBITDA margin and net profit margin?
EBITDA margin shows operational efficiency before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, while net profit margin shows bottom-line profitability after all expenses. EBITDA margin is useful for comparing operational performance, while net margin reflects the actual profit shareholders receive. Capital-intensive businesses often show high EBITDA margins but lower net margins due to significant depreciation charges.
Why do some sectors have higher margins than others?
Sector margin differences reflect business model variations. Software and services companies typically have high margins (low variable costs), while retailers and commodity producers have lower margins (high costs of goods sold). Capital-intensive sectors like utilities may show moderate EBITDA margins but lower net margins due to depreciation. Regulated industries often have stable but capped margins, while competitive industries see more margin variability.
How can I use margin data for investment decisions?
High margins indicate competitive advantages like pricing power, operational efficiency, or unique market positions. Compare margins to sector averages to identify outperformers. Watch margin trends over time - improving margins suggest operational improvements or market share gains, while declining margins may signal increased competition or cost pressures. Combine margin analysis with revenue growth, cash flow generation, and governance quality for comprehensive investment research.
Are higher margins always better?
Not necessarily. While high margins often indicate competitive advantages, extremely high margins may attract new competitors. Some low-margin businesses (like supermarkets) can be excellent investments through volume and capital efficiency. Consider margins alongside growth rates, return on capital, market position, and sustainability. A company with moderate but stable margins and strong growth may outperform a high-margin company in a declining market.