An improved second half bolstered automotive group Motus Holdings’ overall performance and enabled it to report a 5% rise in headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the year.
The group’s revenue for the year ended June declined 1% to R112.6bn primarily due to the disposal of the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Van division (MTV) in the UK.
Operating profit remained broadly in line with prior year, declining by R27m to R5.47bn due to margin pressure, strong competition and reduced demand experienced by the Importer business and the International Retail businesses (the UK and Australia). The decline, however, was offset by the performance in the Vehicle Rental division, MobilitySolutions, Aftermarket Parts (SA and International) and SA Retail.
Headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased 5% to 1,548c. A final dividend of 310c was declared, with the total dividend for the year up 6% to 550c.
The group said the reduction in revenue was mainly a result of lower contributions from new vehicle sales of R3.3bn (6%) primarily in its international operations. This was offset by increased contributions from pre-owned vehicle sales of R1.5bn.
The group said the year had been characterised by two distinct halves. The first half was marked by economic uncertainty across the group’s operating regions, high interest rates and intensified competition. Focused management actions the second half targeting sales, margin recovery and operational efficiency resulted in a significant turnaround, Motus said. The improved second-half performance bolstered the group’s overall performance.
Motus has long standing importer and retail partnerships with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), representing 23 passenger and commercial OEMs in SA, 19 passenger and commercial vehicle OEMs in the UK and 20 passenger vehicle OEMs in Australia.
The group generated 35% of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) from outside SA, reflecting the growing contribution of its operations in the UK, Australia, Asia and African markets. In SA, the group sold one in five new passenger vehicles.
In total, the group’s passenger and commercial vehicle businesses, including the UK and Australia, sold 206,010 overall vehicle units, up from 202,623 in 2024, comprising 115,910 new units and 90,100 pre-owned unit.
The SA operations contributed 56% to revenue and 65% to ebitda for the year, with the remainder being contributed by the UK, Australia and Asia.
Cash generated from operating activities was up 60% at R5.7bn.
“The improved momentum from [the second half] provides a solid platform for financial year 2026. However, the outlook remains subject to consumer demand and the challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical environments in which we operate, which continue to reflect constrained conditions,” CEO Ockert Janse van Rensburg said.
“Nonetheless, Motus is well-positioned to leverage opportunities and deliver on its strategic priorities,” he said.
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