KEY POINTS
- Naspers reports $3.4 billion in revenue, up 23%.
- U.S. revenue rises 44%, with commercial and government sectors thriving.
- AI-driven innovation supports long-term growth and profitability.
Naspers, the South African multinational internet and media firm owned by billionaire Koos Bekker, announced a 23% revenue growth in the first half of its fiscal year 2025, compared to the same period in 2023.
The company’s revenue increased to $3.4 billion, up from $2.9 billion in the first half of 2024. The impressive growth demonstrates Naspers’ solid financial performance and strategic execution under Bekker’s leadership.
The increase in revenue was driven by the company’s wide e-commerce portfolio and strong asset management practices. Consolidated e-commerce revenue increased 24% yearly, demonstrating Naspers’ emphasis on innovation and profitability. Adjusted EBIT (profits before interest and taxes) increased fivefold to $169 million, illustrating the company’s resilience and efficiency in a competitive industry.
U.S. operations and e-commerce drive impressive revenue surge
Naspers’ revenue increase in the first half of 2025 was fueled mostly by excellent U.S. operations and e-commerce portfolio performances. U.S. revenue increased 44% yearly to $499 million, with commercial revenue at 54% to $179 million and government revenue at 40% to $320 million. The e-commerce division recorded a 24% increase in revenue, reaching $3.3 billion, solidifying its position as a significant growth factor.
The company’s meal delivery business led the way with a 30% revenue rise, totalling $674 million. According to Billionaires Africa, platforms like iFood drove this expansion by posting record profitability, while Swiggy boosted its valuation to $11.3 billion before its initial public offering (IPO). Naspers also revealed asset sales of almost $2 billion, including investments in Swiggy and Trip.com, showcasing its ability to generate shareholder value.
The listings division, managed by OLX Group, had a 20% revenue gain, while PayU’s payments and fintech operations increased by 45%, reaching $636 million. The e-tail segment, which includes eMAG and Takealot, grew by 16%, owing to increased gross merchandise value (GMV) across all platforms.
AI innovation and strategic moves lead Naspers to record unmatched NAV
Group CEO Fabricio Bloisi stressed AI’s revolutionary role in improving customer experience and operational efficiency. “Innovation is important to Naspers. We want to bring excellent goods to over 2 billion customers using AI, which will drive future growth and profitability,” he stated.
Naspers, a South African multinational with a global presence in internet, media, and technology, operates across five continents and serves over two billion people. The company’s diversified portfolio spans online retail, publishing, and venture capital.
Under Bekker’s leadership, Naspers has grown from its publishing roots to become a major player in e-commerce and cable television. Despite having a minor shareholding of 0.85% (1,687,887 shares), Bekker plays an important role in influencing the company’s strategy.
To generate long-term growth, the organization is now focusing on capitalizing on AI potential, maintaining significant investments, and streamlining operations. Since commencing its share buyback program, Naspers has generated $36 billion in value, with 12% net asset value (NAV) accretion per share, the highest among IT companies globally by market capitalization.
