Steven Eagell Holdings has become a £1 billion-plus dealer group, a milestone that places it in the top 20 of the AM100 largest franchised dealer groups by revenue, despite lower profitability in 2025.
Accounts filed at Companies House show operating profit declined 24.6% from £18.3 million to £13.8m in the year to December 31, 2025, while revenue fell 4.8% from £1.095 billion to £1.042bn.
The figures equate to an operating return on sales of 1.32%, down from 1.67% a year earlier, highlighting a squeeze on profitability despite the business generating more than £1bn in annual turnover.
Gross profit fell 5.0% to £134m, while EBITDA reduced from £24m to £21m.
Total vehicle sales also declined by 5% to 52,627 units, reflecting what the business described as “a return to more normal market conditions following exceptionally strong trading in 2024”.
In its strategic report, the company said revenue declined because of lower vehicle volumes, while gross profit and operating profit moderated from peak levels.
It said: “Gross profit and operating profit moderated from peak levels, primarily due to softer used vehicle margins, which remained above historic norms.”
The dealer group also cited higher National Insurance costs and continued challenges recruiting and retaining skilled staff as additional pressures during the year.
Despite this, Steven Eagell said it maintained strong cost control and operational efficiency throughout 2025.
Strong aftersales performance
Aftersales provided one of the strongest performances during the year, with revenue increasing 11.7% from £44.3m to £49.5m.
The business said the increase reflected continued strength in servicing, maintenance and parts sales, supported by customer retention initiatives and improved workshop utilisation.
The balance sheet also strengthened during the year, with net assets rising from £60m to £65m, while cash at bank remained stable at £1.9m.
Steven Eagell said it expects demand for hybrid and electric vehicles to continue growing, while aftersales will remain a key contributor to profitability.
The group is also continuing investment in Toyota’s Retail Transformation Programme, with all 32 Toyota dealerships expected to be refurbished by July 2027.