Purple Group results: more than numbers

As Purple Group announced its annual results today, it was a moment to celebrate not just another record year, but the purpose that drives it.

In his recent article on the CN&CO blog, To Whom Much Is Given: Lessons from Buffett’s Final Letter, CN&CO founder and Purple Group Chief Enablement Officer Carel Nolte reflects that success is multi-dimensional.

“It’s about responsibility, courage, service and growth,” he says. “Let this moment be a time to recommit to a legacy that’s more than balance sheets – one that’s about lives changed, horizons widened, possibilities opened.

“In a world fixated on quarterly numbers and headline returns, Buffett invites us to pause, to reflect, to act with long-term vision and to give back. Because in the end, the greatest wealth is not the one shown on a statement. It’s the one we build in people, in communities and in futures.”

That long-term thinking is at the heart of Purple Group’s 2025 results. The Group reported revenue up 21.5% to R487 million and profit before tax up 156% to R110 million. Headline earnings per share rose 143% to 4.3 cents and net asset value per share increased 11% to 47.23 cents.

EasyEquities, the Group’s flagship investing platform, once again delivered standout performance. Revenue climbed 25% to R450 million and profit before tax more than doubled to R107 million. Active clients rose 15.7% to 1.15 million and client assets surged 38.6% to R80.7 billion.

Purple Group CEO Charles Savage says the results demonstrate the power of compounding and consistent execution.

“This is proof, not promises,” he says. “Every value driver delivered. Client behaviours compounded. And every line in our income statement evidenced our progress – proving, durably, that purpose scales profitably with discipline.”

For Carel, the results are as much about purpose as performance.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants like Buffett, who have shown us that business wisdom and life wisdom are inseparable,” he says. “We stand in a uniquely South African context where financial inclusion, transformation and dignity must drive our ambition. And we stand in a world where gilded offices and billions try to crowd out – often imperfect but real – servant leadership.”

A decade ago, many in the industry doubted that retail investors could succeed on their own. EasyEquities has proved otherwise. South Africans are not only investing at scale but often outperforming professional asset managers through consistent saving, diversification and learning. As Charles points out, “the longer clients stay with us, the more good habits stick – increased deposits, broader product adoption, smarter diversification and the confidence that comes from lived experience.”

Over 10 years, the average client asset base has grown roughly 14 times.

The Group’s success has come with discipline: the cost to serve each active retail client increased by just 1%, while retail inflows rose 48% to R11.1 billion and outflows dropped to 12% of average client assets.

A responsible alternative to gambling

With gambling addiction on the rise, Purple Group positions EasyEquities as a responsible and rewarding outlet for South Africans seeking excitement and growth.

“We know people crave excitement and connection,” says Charles. “Our mission is to channel that energy into something that grows their wealth, protects their future and gives them control over risk. We make it fun, but we also make it meaningful.”

One way the platform does this is through Thrive, EasyEquities’ financial wellness and rewards programme that encourages positive investor behaviour through education and incentives. By linking rewards to consistent saving, diversification and long-term engagement, Thrive helps clients turn curiosity into capability.

Consistency and confidence

CFO Gary van Dyk says the results show a business delivering on strategy year after year.

“Our numbers show a business that delivers year on year, not a flash in the pan. We’ve built a strong foundation and continue to execute with consistency and confidence.”

Over the past three years, Purple Group’s revenue has risen 76%, with a swing from loss to profit of more than R150 million. EasyEquities’ retail efficiency ratio improved from 99% in 2023 to 58% in 2025 – a clear sign of scale, cost discipline and sustained momentum.

Looking ahead, Charles says the focus remains on growth with purpose.

“We’ve moved from proving the model to scaling it responsibly, profitably and with increasing cadence. With more partners, smarter technology and growing trust, we’re extending our stride into our next decade.”

Read the full results report on the Purple Group website.