Northamber annual loss widens due to a softened market

Archived article

Please note that tax, investment, pension and ISA rules can change and the information and any views contained in this article may now be inaccurate.

Northamber PLC on Thursday said its loss widened in its financial year 2024, due to a ‘challenging’ market.

The London-based distributor of audio-visual and information technology equipment said pretax loss widened to £1.3 million during the year ended June 30, from £411,000 the year before.

Revenue fell 17% to £56.0 million from £67.1 million, while cost of sales reduced by 18% to £48.0 million from £58.2 million.

It swung to an adjusted loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £396,000, compared to earnings of £3,000 a year ago.

Northamber proposed a final dividend of 0.3 pence, unchanged from last year.

The group has embarked on a ‘significant cost reduction exercise’, and is targeting annualised savings of £750,000 to come into effect from January 2025.

Northamber said: ‘We expect to see the benefit of [its cost reduction measures] in the current financial year, albeit more so in the second half. As it stands, despite a soft market impacting the first quarter more than anticipated, the group is trading at an Ebitda positive level in the year to date, and is hopeful of delivering an Ebitda profit for the first half. Cost savings and the benefit from some new initiatives will benefit the second half and beyond.

‘Whilst we necessarily remain cautious short-term as the UK market continues to be challenging, we believe we are well-positioned to capture business as demand levels and business confidence hopefully return. Our wider geographic footprint and investment in strategic acquisitions should also serve to de-risk the group.

‘Mid-term, we are optimistic that our focus and investments will allow us to drive growth of strategic business units and therefore unlock long-term value for shareholders.’

Shares in Northamber closed 1.2% lower at 28.67 pence each in London on Thursday.

Copyright 2024 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.