Cavalier Carpets reported a 7 per cent decline in interim profit, cut its dividend, and forecast a 30 to 40 per cent fall in annual profit.
The highly regarded carpetmaker said its debt levels had increased significantly owing to higher stock levels and capital expenditure.
"Management and theboard are very conscious that in the current financial turmoil, balance sheet management is crucial, and there are firm plans in place to reduce debt before the end of the financial year," the company said.
The firm reported a $7.4 million after-tax profit in the six months to December 31, down from $8 million in the same period last year. Revenue rose 18 per cent to $132 million but this included $29 million from the acquired Norman Ellison Carpet business. On a like-for-like basis, revenue was down 8 per cent on last year.
The company declared a 4c a share dividend payable on March 13. This is down 2c a share on last year. The company pays three dividends a year and this is its second interim dividend. The first interim dividend of 3c a share was paid in December.
The company is assuming the very soft trading conditions it has experienced since October will continue but not substantially worsen.
It is forecasting a full-year tax-paid profit of between $11 million and $13 million, down between 30 per cent and 40 per cent on last year.
