Count Financial expects a 12 per cent drop in its interim net profit before tax and a $3.9 million loss from its Mortgage Choice business.
In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) yesterday, the firm provided earnings guidance for the half year ended 31 December 2008.
Net profit before tax is forecast to be $14.6 million, down 12 per cent on the corresponding period.
The market impact on its investment portfolio for the first half is also expected to deliver a loss of $5.9 million. Of this the Mortgage Choice business may incur a loss of $3.9 million, the statement said.
"Count continues to perform strongly in difficult market conditions, especially considering the previous corresponding period included the peak of investment markets," the statement said.
"Count remains well positioned to benefit when markets resume their long-term growth through our trusted and long-standing accounting-based franchised network."
Count shares dropped 5 per cent yesterday to 76 cents per share.
