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NEWS
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Frontera Announces January 2009 Revenues
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 23, 2009 -
Frontera Investment, Inc. (OTC:FRNV) announced today that its
January 2009 revenues increased 41% to $708,000 compared to $501,000
in January 2008. The Company operated five full service stores and
two embedded stores this January and operated three full service
stores and two embedded stores the previous January. Earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Ebitda”) for the
five full service stores increased 306% to $70,500, or $14,100 per
store this January compared to $17,400, or $5,800 per store for the
three full service stores in January 2008. January 2009 store Ebitda
increased 234% to $64,000 for all stores compared to $19,200 in
January 2008.
Frontera launched its gold pawn lending in July 2007 and introduced
its direct gold buying product in December 2008. The Company earns a
pawn fee on the loans and holds the gold in inventory until
maturity, or four months, or until redeemed by the customer. Gold
held on defaulted loans is sold as scrap, historically at a profit.
When gold jewelry is purchased, there is a required 30 day hold
period before it can be sold. This shorter hold period allows the
Company to generate more income on the same dollars invested as the
fees are similar. All new stores will be located in areas where gold
lending/buying is an approved use.
Michael Herman, Chairman, stated, “Our business plan and store model
were developed recognizing the difficult economic climate we are
facing today and the unique needs of our customers. Because of our
proven business model, we are experiencing revenue growth and
increased store profitability, with our newly opened stores maturing
faster than expected. Our propriety business process and robust
technology platform has allowed us to increase revenues and per
store operating profits by offering great customer service and new
products while losses from cash shrink, loan defaults and check
losses are minimized. None of this would be possible without our
loyal and expanding customer base which benefits from our
competitively priced and diversified product offerings and our focus
on customer service.”
The Company opened its first full service embedded store within ARCO
AM/PM Travel Centers on October 24, 2008 in Mecca California.
Frontera is relocating its Lake Elsinore, California embedded store
on February 28, 2009 to a new location nearby permitted for all
Frontera products and services. As previously reported, 5 additional
stores are in the pipeline which will open with the next six months.
The Hispanic market is currently estimated at 40 million consumers,
over half do not use any form of banking service. About 35 percent
of the total US households are un-banked or use alternative
financial services companies. Frontera currently operates seven
stores in California.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks,
assumptions and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual
results to differ materially from those projected in such
forward-looking statements. These risks, assumptions and
uncertainties include: the ability to complete expansion within
currently estimated time frames and budgets; the ability to compete
effectively in a rapidly evolving and price competitive marketplace;
ability to raise capital to support it growth strategy; changes in
business strategy; and the successful integration of newly acquired
businesses.
Please forward any inquiries to:
Allan Youngberg, CFO
Frontera Investment, Inc.
ayoungberg@fronterainvestment.com
858.549.7061 |
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