Gale Pacific (ASX:GAP) has announced disappointing financial results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The company reported a pre-tax loss of $1.4 million, a significant decline from a $5.3 million profit the previous year. The downturn was primarily due to adverse weather conditions and weak retail markets, which impacted revenue growth. Additionally, increased operating expenses, including a $5 million expenditure on a new ERP system, contributed to the reduced earnings.
Gale Pacific experienced a challenging FY24, with a shift from profit to a pre-tax loss due to adverse market conditions and increased expenses, including a $5 million investment in a new ERP system. However, the company demonstrated resilience with strong cash flow, which enabled capital expenditure and a substantial reduction in net debt. The appointment of Troy Mortleman as CEO and corporate restructuring are expected to streamline operations and cut costs by $4 million annually. The new ERP system, which went live on October 1st, is projected to enhance operational efficiency. Looking ahead, Gale Pacific anticipates improved trading conditions and aims for an EBITDA of $5.5 million to $6.5 million in the first half of FY25, with underlying EBITDA expected to be between $8.5 million and $9.5 million, excluding one-time expenses. The company's strategic focus remains on product innovation, category expansion, and distribution growth, with a positive outlook for the first quarter of FY25, driven by new product listings and favorable market conditions.
Despite the challenging conditions we faced in FY24, we have taken strategic steps to position Gale Pacific for future success. The implementation of the Dynamics 365 ERP system and the appointment of a new CEO are integral to our strategy moving forward. We expect these changes to result in significant operational improvements and cost savings.