Gentrack debuts on NZX

James Docking, CEO of Gentrack, which provides computer software for industries such as airports and utility companies. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Software company Gentrack has debuted on the stock exchange, with its shares rising 7.5 per cent following the company's midday listing.

Shares in the Auckland-based developer of software used by energy utilities and airports were issued at $2.40 and rose to $2.58 immediately after the dual NZX/ASX float.

Serko, another New Zealand software developer, listed yesterday and had a difficult first day on the market, with its shares falling almost 14 per cent from the $1.10 issue price to close at 95c last night.

However, Serko stock had bounced back this morning, rising almost 10 per cent to $1.04 by 11am.

Fifteen million new shares were sold in the Gentrack offer, raising $36 million in new capital to pay down debt.

Existing shareholders, who will retain a 43.2 per cent stake in the company, sold 26.3 million shares, taking the total offer size to $99 million.

The $2.40 issue price gave Gentrack a market capitalisation of $174.5 million.

Gentrack chairman John Clifford said the offer attracted strong support from institutional and retail investors.

"Investors clearly understand the attributes and position of Gentrack's solutions for utilities and airports on the domestic and international stage, backed by the proven capabilities of its staff and management team to deliver profitable growth," Clifford said. "We are delighted to welcome as investors institutions in New Zealand and Australia and eligible retail investors in the UK, New Zealand and Australia."

The company has forecast net profit of $3.7 million in 2014, rising to $9.3 million in 2015. Revenue is projected to be $40.6 million in the current financial year, lifting to $44.7 million in the next.

Gentrack's software is used in 150 utility and airport sites around the world. Energy utilities using its technology include Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy and Vector in New Zealand and Origin Energy and Alinta in Australia.

Its software is used by international airports including Hong Kong, JFK in New York, Newark Liberty, Sydney, Melbourne and Birmingham, as well as Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

The company, which was founded in 1989, competes with multinational software giants SAP and Oracle.

Gentrack employs close to 200 staff.

Clifford and chief executive James Docking are the firm's two biggest shareholders, with around 15 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.