Bidvest full-year revenue up 6.7% to R122.6bn

South African multinational conglomerate, Bidvest, has reported a 6.7% increase in full-year revenue, reaching R122.6 billion. The Industrial Bellweather also raised its total dividend by 4.3% on the back of higher revenues and profits. Despite a 1% dip in the stock value on the JSE, Bidvest has seen a significant uptrend of over 15% since the beginning of the year. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, CEO Mpumi Madisa shared insights into the company's outlook and growth prospects. Madisa expressed a positive sentiment towards the medium-term future, highlighting key factors driving optimism and potential challenges in the operating environment. She emphasized the importance of strategic moves in key divisions to navigate through uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities. One of the significant areas of focus for Bidvest is its freight division, where the company anticipates a challenging period due to cyclical trends in maize volumes. Madisa also shed light on the renewables sector, acknowledging a decline in volumes as a result of reduced load shedding, while emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation to market dynamics. Reflecting on the automotive division's recent performance, Madisa highlighted plans to enhance the brand mix and introduce allied services to drive growth. The company's M&A pipeline remains robust, signaling potential expansion opportunities both locally and offshore. Discussing the impact of Transnet's recent financial results, Madisa underscored the importance of collaboration between government and business to drive reforms and improve operational efficiencies. Despite challenges in the rail sector, Bidvest remains optimistic about the long-term prospects, emphasizing the need for accelerated execution to meet volume targets. Amidst global expansions in the Asia-Pacific market and Australia, Bidvest's focus on South Africa remains strong, with plans to enhance local offerings and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Madisa expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate market challenges and deliver value to stakeholders. With a resilient approach and strategic vision, Bidvest aims to build on its solid foundation and drive sustainable growth in the evolving business landscape. As the company continues to explore new territories and enhance its service portfolio, investors and stakeholders can expect a dynamic journey ahead with Bidvest at the helm of innovation and growth.