Motus revs up dividend despite revenue decline

JSE-listed vehicle sales group Motus Holdings managed to up its full-year headline earnings and dividends for the year ended 30 June 2025 on Tuesday, despite marginally lower revenue.

Group revenue edged down 1% to R112.6 billion, while operating profit held steady at R5.48 billion. Headline earnings per (Heps) increased by 5% to 1 548 cents, with earnings per share up 1% to 1 468 cents.

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The group declared a total dividend of 550 cents per share, up 6% from the prior year. This includes an interim dividend of 240 cents and a final dividend of 310 cents, payable on 6 October 2025.

Net finance costs decreased 13% to R1.9 billion, supporting a 4% increase in profit before tax to R3.34 billion. Attributable profit rose 1% to R2.45 billion.

Cash flows from operating activities improved strongly, rising 60% to R5.7 billion. Net asset value per share climbed 11% to 11 305 cents.

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Motus employs over 20 000 people globally and operates across import and distribution, retail and rental, mobility solutions, and in the aftermarket parts sector. The company sold 206 010 vehicles during the year, slightly higher than the 2024 total of 202 623 units.

“Motus demonstrated its resilience in the face of weak trading conditions and intensifying competition,” it said in its results Sens statement.

South Africa contributed 56% of revenue and 65% of Ebitda with the remainder coming from operations in the UK, Australia, Asia and other African markets.

The group reduced debt by R4.2 billion and secured new sustainability-linked financing agreements worth R7 billion. It also obtained a maiden credit rating from GCR Ratings of AA-(ZA) long-term with a stable outlook and A1+(ZA) short-term.

Looking ahead, management expects improved financial performance in the six months to December 2025, with higher operating profit, lower finance costs and growth in headline earnings per share.

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