Hallenstein boosts dividend 8.8%, as FY profit jumps; margin squeeze seen

Hallenstein boosts dividend 8.8%, as FY profit jumps; margin squeeze seen
Suze Metherell
By Suze Metherell Sept. 30 (BusinessDesk) - Hallenstein Glasson lifted is full-year dividend by 8.8 percent while reporting a 22 percent jump in profit but warned intense retail competition was eroding margins. Profit rose to $17.4 million in the 12 months ended Aug. 1, from $14.3 million a year earlier, the Auckland-based retailer said in a statement. Sales increased 6.5 percent to $221.5 million. The board declared a final dividend of 16.5 cents per share, taking its full year dividend to 31 cents, up from 28.5 cents a year earlier. ...