Chattanooga, TN, Oct. 30—The Dixie Group had net income of $223,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 29. For the same period last year, the company reported a net loss of $3.7 million, or $0.32 per diluted share. Net sales were $132.3 million in the third quarter, down from $148.7 a year ago.

For the first nine months of 2001, the company reported a net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the first nine months of last year. Year to date sales are $410.9 million this year, compared with sales of $431.2 million for the first nine months of last year.

"We’re encouraged with the progress we’re making in strengthening our balance sheet and with the cost reductions achieved consolidating our North Georgia operations," said chairman Daniel K. Frierson. "Our debt, including amounts advanced under the company's accounts receivables securitization program, was reduced another $12 million during the third quarter, bringing our total debt reduction to over $49 million since its high point in August 2000.

"Although sales in the third quarter were down due to weak demand in most of our markets, our high end business continues to be least affected by the slowdown in the economy. We are optimistic that sales will improve in 2002. The factory built housing industry appears to be coming out of its long slump, and our sales to that industry are now running ahead of the same periods in 2000. We also see signs that our home center business is beginning to improve. We’re well positioned to take advantage of improvements in our markets as a result of the manufacturing efficiencies we have created over the past year. Our focus remains on delivering value to our customers, simplifying operations, improving profitability, and reducing debt," Frierson concluded.

The company earlier reported that its senior lenders have extended the waiver of compliance with certain financial covenants of the company's senior credit agreement until November 30. The company expects to amend the credit agreement to a longer term prior to the expiration of the current waiver extension.

Copyright 2001 Floor Focus Inc