Motorpoint reports improved margins as consumer demand picks up

Pre-tax loss is expected to be ‘at the favourable end of management expectations’.

August Graham
Thursday 04 April 2024 11:33 BST
Car seller Motorpoint has said customer demand had increased (Jacob King/PA)
Car seller Motorpoint has said customer demand had increased (Jacob King/PA) (PA Archive)

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Used car dealer Motorpoint said that its margins have improved in recent months as customers are demanding more vehicles.

The business said it expects its losses to be at the lower end of what bosses had previously forecast, as it sold around 9% more in the three months to the end of March.

“I am delighted that the difficult conditions experienced in 2023 have eased in Q4 and, combined with our focus on driving operational excellence through a programme we call Brilliant Basics, has meant that Q4 was characterised by consistent profitability,” said chief executive Mark Carpenter.

We are achieving growth, increasing stock turn and improving margins, and this is expected to continue into the 2025 financial year as supply improves following recent new car registration growth

Mark Carpenter, Motorpoint

The business said that pre-tax loss would be “at the favourable end of management expectations” and that it has around £9 million of cash on its balance sheet.

“Consumer demand has picked up, and we have benefitted from the numerous enhancements made to our digital presence during the past year which, among other things, is generating strong website traffic,” Motorpoint said.

It increased margins “gradually” through the fourth quarter.

“We are achieving growth, increasing stock turn and improving margins, and this is expected to continue into the 2025 financial year as supply improves following recent new car registration growth,” Mr Carpenter said.

“I am, therefore, optimistic for the 2025 financial year and look forward to Motorpoint making the most of the growth opportunities ahead.”

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