Consumer finance company the Thorn Group has reported solid growth in revenue for the year to March 2013 but little change in its net profit - a result of the company increasing its investment in new products, distribution and branding. A range of new initiatives will come to market this year and next, and the company expects to see bottom-line benefits from 2015.Thorn's revenue rose eight per cent, to A$203 million. Net profit was steady at $28 million. Earnings per share fell from 19.2 cents to 19.1 cents.The company's core business is Radio Rentals, which offers home and office goods packaged with a rental plan. Its earnings before interest and tax rose 2.6 per cent.The company said the business had done well to increase earnings in a weak retail environment.EBIT for Thorn Equipment Finance rose from $422,000 to $1 million. The credit management division produced a disappointing result, with EBIT down from $2 million to $1.5 million.Thorn Group's chief executive, John Hughes, said the division would pick up. Thorn has increased its purchasing of debt ledgers and has won new collection contracts with state governments and telecommunications companies.EBIT for Thorn Financial Services, which provides small personal loans under the Cashfirst brand, rose from $990,000 to $1.6 million.A lot of the group's investment is going into Thorn Financial Services. Initiatives under development include branches (at the moment Cashfirst distribution is through kiosks in Radio Rentals stores) and new loan products.At the moment, Cashfirst loans are between $2000 and $5000. The company plans to launch a low value loan for amounts under $2000. It is also working on a secured lending product.Radio Rentals will get a major marketing overhaul and some new products, such as interest-free loans, a take-home lay-by and a "savings club" (a form of lay-by).