Shares of technology and outdoor equipment specialist Hills Ltd (ASX: HIL) were absolutely smashed on Tuesday after the company reported a sharp decline in earnings whilst also predicting tough times ahead.
The shares were trading at a high of $2.10 12 months ago, but have since fallen 57%. They finished Monday's session trading 32.33% lower at just 90 cents per unit.
Source: Yahoo Finance
What Happened: For the half-year ended 31 December 2014, Hills recorded net profit of $9 million which represents a 36.2% decline on the $14.1 million reported in the prior corresponding period. Meanwhile, the company predicts its full-year net profit will come in between $18.5 million and $19.5 million. Assuming the profit comes in at the upper end of that range, it would still be a 21% decline compared to last year's profit.
Hills' management said: "The further downward pressure on the Australian dollar and the Reserve Bank's forecast for a longer period of below trend growth imply a conservative outlook for the Australian economy and in turn our core business."
Considering the headwinds facing the business, it seems investors would be best to avoid Hills Ltd for now.
