By Ukumbi Afrika 
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Johannesburg—South Africa's largest supermarket group, Shoprite Holdings, reported a 12.2% increase in annual headline earnings, supported by steady sales growth and continued expansion of its core grocery operations.
Headline earnings per share from continuing operations increased to R15.32 for the 52 weeks ended June 28, 2026, from a restated R13.65 in the previous year.
The retailer's merchandise sales from continuing operations rose 7.2% to R270.8 billion, adding R18.1 billion compared with the prior year. Its core South African supermarket business recorded sales growth of 7.1% to R228.7 billion, while supermarkets elsewhere in Africa grew sales by 11%.
Shoprite's EBITDA increased 7.7% to R25.8 billion, while its gross margin improved to 24.5% from 24.3%.
The board declared a final dividend of 566 cents per share, up 14.1%, bringing the total dividend for the financial year to 873 cents per share, compared with 781 cents a year earlier.
The results highlight continued resilience in South Africa's grocery retail market, with Shoprite benefiting from sales growth across its major supermarket brands and expansion of its store network.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Nqobile Dludla
Editing: Sharon Singleton and Louise Heavens