The operating profit for the period was $37.4 million, up 10% from $33.9 million in the previous corresponding period. Earnings before interest and tax were $30.1 million, up 13% from $26.8 million, and the reported profit was $19.3 million, up 26% from $15.3 million.
A final dividend of 8c per share took the total dividend to 13cps from 10cps last year - in line with the company's policy to pay around 50% of after tax profit in dividends.
The company's debt is now 59% lower than the pcp at $10.1 million which Craigs Investment Partners broker Greg Easton described as "next to nothing" given the current economic climate.
Net debt last year was $24.5 million with the latest fall taking the debt to debt-plus-equity ratio to 6.3% from 15.5% in the pcp, well within the company's target gearing levels of 45%.
The company generated $28.9 million in free cashflow in the year and a total of $178.5 million free cashflow during the five years since mid-2007 under the present management team and board.
Mr Easton said it was an outstanding achievement by Hellaby to generate that amount of cashflow.
"With such low debt, and as much cashflow, any significant upturn in sales drops to the bottom line very quickly.
"They are really working their businesses well. They acknowledge the economic environment is difficult but are prepared to work with what they have got."
However, to drive the share price higher, investors would look for revenue growth and that could possibly have to come from acquisitions.
The result was in line with the Craigs forecasts and was the result of a "typical" down-to-earth approach to business by chief executive John Williamson, Mr Easton said.
Mr Williamson said the result demonstrated the benefits to shareholders of Hellaby's diverse portfolio.
The group delivered a strong result, with good performances from the equipment and footwear divisions, a steady performance from the automotive division and a disappointing result from the packaging division.
There were no acquisitions during the year, but Hellaby was actively seeking investment opportunities, he said.
"As identified in our investment strategy, we're targeting clearly defined sectors which complement our business mix and will only make an acquisition that meets our shareholder value criteria.
"While we haven't yet secured a target that ticks all our boxes, we'll continue to be patient and selective. We are confident that portfolio growth will begin in this financial year."
Looking ahead, Mr Williamson said the company was very positive about its future.
Hellaby's immediate operational focus was to further improve the profitability of all its businesses, regardless of economic conditions, he said.
