By Ukumbi Afrika 
Cape Town—South African retailer Woolworths Holdings reported a 5.3% increase in full-year headline earnings, supported by growth across its business segments and particularly strong performance from its food division.
Headline earnings per share (HEPS), a key measure of profitability in South Africa, increased to 282.3 cents for the 52 weeks ended June 28, 2026, from 268.1 cents a year earlier.
Group turnover and concession sales rose 4.3% to R84.5 billion, while profit before tax increased 5.2% to R3.2 billion. Total dividend per share rose 5.9% to 199 cents.
Food division leads growth
Woolworths Food remained the group's strongest-performing business, with turnover and concession sales increasing 5.7%. Its on-demand service revenue grew 19.6%, while online sales accounted for 7.3% of South African food sales.
The company said its food business continued to achieve above-market growth, supported by product innovation and investment in the customer experience.
However, the retailer faced a more difficult trading environment during the second half of the year as higher fuel prices and inflation linked to the Middle East conflict weighed on consumer confidence and increased operating costs.
Woolworths' Fashion, Beauty and Home division recorded turnover and concession sales growth of 4.4%, while its Home business grew 11.7% and Beauty increased 7.9%.
The results come as Woolworths begins a new leadership chapter under Sam Ngumeni, who became Group CEO on June 1, succeeding Roy Bagattini.
Key figures — FY2026
Headline EPS: 282.3 cents, up 5.3%
Turnover & concession sales: R84.5bn, up 4.3%
Profit before tax: R3.2bn, up 5.2%
Adjusted EBITDA: R8.9bn, up 2.8%
Total dividend: 199 cents per share, up 5.9%
Food turnover & concession sales: up 5.7%
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Ankita Bora in Bengaluru
Editing: Subhranshu Sahu