General Automation Posts Loss of $12.4 Million

General Automation Inc., the struggling Irvine software support service firm, reported Wednesday that it lost $12.4 million, or $1.33 a share, for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, compared with a loss of $514,000, or 6 cents a share, the previous year. Revenue fell 14% to $31 million from $36 million.

Despite the financial downturn and the dip in sales, General Automation officials remain optimistic, noting that $10.7 million of the company’s net loss came from noncash charges that should not affect future earnings.