Rewardle’s Revenue Climbs 2.8% but FY24 Loss Widens to $3.44M on Rising Costs
Rewardle Holdings Limited reported a 2.8% revenue increase to $9.68 million for FY24 but swung to a $3.44 million net loss, driven by rising expenses and associate losses. The company expanded its footprint with acquisitions in grocery delivery and fintech, while deepening its stake in AI-powered health tech partner CloudHolter.
- Revenue up 2.8% to $9.68 million in FY24
- Net loss of $3.44 million compared to prior year profit
- Expenses surged 103%, including $4.1 million share of CloudHolter losses
- Increased equity stake in CloudHolter to 49.9%
- Acquisitions of Pepperleaf and Sub11 expand grocery and fintech operations
Financial Performance and Challenges
Rewardle Holdings Limited has released its preliminary final report for the year ended 30 June 2024, revealing a mixed financial picture. The company saw revenues rise modestly by 2.8% to $9.68 million, reflecting steady demand for its proprietary Business to Business to Consumer (B2B2C) software platform. However, this top-line growth was overshadowed by a significant net loss of $3.44 million, a sharp reversal from the $3.7 million profit recorded in the previous year.
The loss was primarily driven by a 103% increase in total expenses, which ballooned by $6.3 million. Notably, $4.1 million of this increase stemmed from Rewardle’s share of losses in its associate company, CloudHolter Pty Ltd, a MedTech firm developing AI-powered ECG diagnostic software. Operating and employment expenses also rose substantially, fueled by higher consultant and contractor fees to support expanded activities.
Strategic Investments and Expansion
During FY24, Rewardle deepened its strategic partnership with CloudHolter, increasing its equity stake from 39.7% to 49.9%. CloudHolter’s innovative AI software aims to revolutionize heart rhythm diagnostics by offering faster, cheaper, and more accurate analysis than traditional manual methods. Rewardle’s investment reflects confidence in CloudHolter’s growth potential and its ability to generate significant returns as the technology matures and gains global traction.
In addition to health tech, Rewardle expanded into complementary sectors through acquisitions. It acquired controlling interests in Pepperleaf.com.au Pty Ltd, a Melbourne-based meal kit delivery service, and Sub11 Pty Ltd, a fintech publisher and investor engagement consultancy. These moves align with Rewardle’s strategy to build a diverse portfolio leveraging its B2B2C platform, integrating grocery delivery services alongside fintech capabilities such as micro-investing through the UpStreet Investors Fund.
Operational and Regulatory Considerations
Despite these growth initiatives, Rewardle faces operational headwinds. The company’s net current liabilities exceeded current assets by over $6 million, prompting auditors to highlight material uncertainty regarding its ability to continue as a going concern. Rewardle’s securities remain suspended pending the lodgement of outstanding financial reports, adding regulatory pressure and market uncertainty.
The company’s management remains optimistic, citing positive cash flow forecasts and ongoing revenue from strategic partnerships. Rewardle is actively working with auditors to complete its financial statements and aims to resolve the suspension to restore market confidence.
Looking Ahead
Rewardle’s FY24 results underscore the challenges of scaling a technology-driven business while investing heavily in innovation and new markets. The success of CloudHolter’s AI diagnostic platform and the integration of new acquisitions will be critical to turning around profitability. Investors will be watching closely for progress on financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and operational execution as the company navigates this pivotal phase.
Bottom Line?
Rewardle’s strategic bets on health tech and fintech offer promise, but near-term financial and regulatory hurdles remain significant.
Questions in the middle?
- How will CloudHolter’s AI software development milestones impact Rewardle’s future earnings?
- What is the timeline for Rewardle to resolve its financial reporting suspension and regain market listing?
- How effectively can Rewardle integrate Pepperleaf and Sub11 to generate sustainable revenue growth?