Motio’s Q1 EBITDA Climbs 20% to Over $700,000, New COO Joins
Motio Limited has reported a robust Q1FY26 cash EBITDA exceeding $700,000, surpassing earlier guidance and marking over 20% growth year-on-year. The company also appointed industry veteran Justin Kingston as its new COO to spearhead commercial and operational expansion.
- Q1FY26 cash EBITDA exceeded $700,000, beating prior guidance
- Over 20% EBITDA growth compared to Q1FY25 driven by margin improvements and cost savings
- Appointment of Justin Kingston as Chief Operating Officer
- Kingston brings extensive experience from oOh!media and Executive Channel
- Company cautions on cyclicality and non-annualisability of quarterly results
Strong Start to FY26
Motio Limited (ASX – MXO), Australia's fastest growing digital place-based media company, has kicked off its 2026 financial year with a bang. The company announced unaudited cash EBITDA for the first quarter exceeded $700,000, comfortably surpassing its earlier guidance of $600,000. This result represents a healthy 20% increase compared to the same quarter last year, driven primarily by improved margins and operational cost efficiencies.
While the board expressed satisfaction with the quarter’s performance, it also reminded investors that the company’s business model experiences some cyclicality, meaning quarterly results cannot simply be extrapolated to predict full-year outcomes. Nonetheless, Motio remains focused on long-term growth and strategic expansion.
Leadership Bolstered by Industry Veteran
In tandem with the strong financial update, Motio announced the appointment of Justin Kingston as its new Chief Operating Officer. Kingston, who joined the company earlier this month, brings a wealth of experience from Australia’s place-based media sector. His previous roles include Group Director – Retail at oOh!media, where he managed complex commercial programs, and COO at Executive Channel, a pioneer in office and place-based media networks.
Kingston’s arrival is seen as a strategic move to accelerate Motio’s commercial and operational growth. Managing Director Adam Cadwallader praised Kingston as a "genuine force in Place-Based media," highlighting their shared vision and complementary strengths. Kingston himself expressed enthusiasm about joining a company with strong momentum and ambition, signaling a renewed drive to capitalize on Motio’s promising trajectory.
Outlook and Market Position
Motio’s Q1 performance and leadership appointment come at a pivotal time for the company as it seeks to consolidate its position in the competitive place-based media landscape. The sector is evolving rapidly, with digital innovation and targeted advertising becoming increasingly important. Motio’s ability to improve margins and reduce costs while expanding its operational capabilities positions it well to capture future opportunities.
However, investors should remain mindful of the inherent cyclicality in Motio’s business, which could introduce volatility in quarterly earnings. The company’s focus on sustainable growth and strategic leadership enhancements suggests it is preparing to navigate these challenges effectively.
Bottom Line?
Motio’s strong start and new COO appointment set the stage for an intriguing year ahead, but cyclicality remains a watchpoint.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Justin Kingston’s leadership impact Motio’s operational efficiency and growth trajectory?
- Can Motio sustain margin improvements amid sector competition and cyclicality?
- What strategic initiatives will Motio pursue to convert Q1 momentum into full-year growth?
