Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon (WBHO) has posted strong earnings for the first half of the financial year, driven by growth in its roads and earthworks division. Revenue from continuing operations rose 10% to R14.7 billion, while operating profit increased by 15% to R695 million. The company’s total profit jumped to R604.9 million, up from R521.4 million, with headline earnings per share (HEPS) climbing to 1,072 cents from 897 cents. Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 300 cents per share, marking a 30% increase. WBHO has continued to recover after its 2022 exit from Australia, where it suffered significant financial…
Author: Staff Writer
Retail giant Shoprite has posted a 9.9% rise in earnings for the first half of its financial year, driven by strong sales volumes, customer loyalty, and continued digital innovation. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the 26 weeks ending December rose to 662.3 cents, up from 602.8 cents in the prior year. Profit for the period increased by 10.2% to R3.6 billion, fueled by a 9.6% rise in total merchandise sales, which reached R128.6 billion. Trading profit also surged 13.5%, demonstrating the group’s ability to sustain profitability despite a low selling price inflation of just 1.9%. A key driver of…
Lexus South Africa has reaffirmed its dedication to social responsibility by partnering with Val de Vie Estate as the official vehicle sponsor for the 2025 Pink Polo. This collaboration supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Paarl, aiding crucial cancer research and community outreach efforts in the Paarl-Franschhoek valley. Lexus’ involvement reflects its commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the automotive industry, contributing to causes that improve lives. By aligning with Pink Polo, a prestigious event that blends sport with philanthropy, Lexus is playing a key role in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer initiatives. For over 13 years, Val de Vie Estate has…
Suzuki Auto South Africa has reason to celebrate as the new fourth-generation Swift won the Best Budget Car category at the prestigious 2025 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. These awards, supported by Absa, highlight the best new vehicle options in South Africa. The Swift, specifically the 1.2 GLX model, triumphed in the category for cars priced under R300,000. This marks the seventh time Suzuki has won the award, and the fifth time it has been the Swift that takes the top spot. The award-winning Swift is a popular choice among South African motorists, offering a well-rounded package at an affordable price. Priced…
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has reported a strong financial performance for the 2024 financial year, with a 10.4% increase in net profit after tax, reaching R918 million. This growth is attributed to the exchange’s resilient business model, which has been bolstered by diversification into non-trading segments and a stable operating environment. The JSE’s return on equity also increased to 20.2%, up from 19.4% in the previous year, reflecting the exchange’s robust financial health. Furthermore, the JSE’s share price outperformed headline indices, delivering an impressive 30% growth compared to the previous year. This performance is underpinned by the JSE’s diversified…
Toyota has reaffirmed its position as South Africa’s most celebrated automotive brand, winning the prestigious Brand of the Year title at the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. This historic fifth victory highlights Toyota’s continued dominance in the industry, driven by its commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Beyond this landmark achievement, Toyota secured wins in three major product categories, with the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XRtaking the Compact Family Car title, the Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto claiming victory in the Budget Crossovercategory, and the Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto earning recognition as the Leisure Double Cab champion. The success of the Hilux and Corolla Cross, both of which have now…
PPC, the leading cement producer, has posted impressive financial results following a significant leadership shake-up and a cost-cutting turnaround plan. The company’s South African and Botswana operations saw a remarkable 90% year-on-year increase in free cash flow, contributing to a substantial 15.38% rise in its share price to R4.50. This marks the highest gain in over two years and demonstrates the effectiveness of PPC’s restructuring efforts, particularly after appointing Matias Cardarelli as CEO a year ago. PPC’s turnaround strategy, known as the “Awaken the Giant” plan, has focused on enhancing organisational culture, emphasising results, cost discipline, and efficiency. Despite a…
Aspen Pharmacare, South Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, has reported a strong increase in profits for the first half of its financial year, driven by robust performance in its commercial pharmaceutical division. Revenue for the six months to December grew by 4% to nearly R22 billion, with currency-adjusted sales rising by 9%. Operating profit surged by 23% to R3.9 billion, largely boosted by the company’s growing manufacturing segment. While global economic uncertainties persist, Aspen remains optimistic, expecting continued growth due to new product launches, strategic partnerships, and increasing demand for its sterile manufacturing facilities. The company has also made significant progress…
The Kia Sportage has once again cemented its place as the top family SUV, securing the prestigious ‘Family Car of the Year’ title at the 2025 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. This marks back-to-back victories for the model, with the 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus variant outperforming its closest competitor by a significant 4.7% margin. The awards, held at Waterfall City Park in Johannesburg, evaluate cars based on a combination of expert judge assessments and real-world consumer feedback from nearly 5,000 owners. The Sportage’s consecutive win is a testament to its blend of innovation, safety, and practicality, making it a standout choice for…
South Africa’s passenger vehicle market showed unexpected strength in February 2025, with sales increasing by 17.1% compared to the same period last year. This surge comes despite economic uncertainty, including delayed budget announcements and concerns over trade agreements. The rise in sales can be attributed to several factors, including competitive pricing in the entry-level segment, a slight interest rate reduction at the end of January, and speculation over a potential VAT hike. More consumers opted for affordable brands such as Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, and Chery, highlighting the growing importance of budget-conscious buyers in the market. While passenger car sales…