KUALA LUMPUR (June 30): Lower contribution from Prolexus Bhd’s apparels division dragged its net profit down 54% in its third quarter ended April 30, 2017 (3QFY17) to RM1.6 million from RM3.5 million a year ago.

Earnings per share stood at 0.93 sen in the quarter versus 2.57 sen last year, the group said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia. Revenue was down 15% at RM61.7 million compared with RM72.9 million last year.

Its board declared an interim dividend of 1.25 sen for the financial year ending July 31, 2017 (FY17) at an entitlement date to be determined later.

For the cumulative nine months (9MFY17), its net profit fell 14% at RM15.7 million or 9.15 sen per share, from RM18.2 million or 13.55 sen per share in 9MFY16, as revenue slipped 7% to RM258.1 million from RM277.5 million.

The group expects the coming quarter to be challenging.

Its share price slipped two sen or 1.27% to close at RM1.55 for a market capitalisation of RM267.4 million.