Staff Writer
Shoprite Holdings increased merchandise sales from continuing operations by 7.2% to R270.8 billion in the 52 weeks ended 28 June 2026, adding R18.1 billion to the previous year’s sales.
The retailer said the increase was achieved despite internal selling price inflation averaging just 0.8% in its core Supermarkets RSA business, compared with official food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation of 3.9% over the year.
Chief executive Pieter Engelbrecht said the group’s pricing strategy remained focused on affordability, with R18.3 billion in Xtra Savings rewards returned to customers at tills during the financial year.
Supermarkets RSA, which accounted for 84.5% of group sales, increased sales by 7.1%, contributing an additional R15.2 billion.
Shoprite and Usave sales rose 4.3%, despite internal selling price deflation of 0.1% and 0.6%, respectively. Checkers and Checkers Hyper recorded stronger growth, with sales increasing 10.0%, while internal selling price inflation was 2.0% at Checkers and 1.2% at Checkers Hyper.
The group’s Petshop Science format continued its rapid expansion, reaching 185 stores after opening 41 net new outlets. Sales at the pet retail business increased 74.5%.
Shoprite’s Sixty60 on-demand digital platform also recorded strong growth, with sales increasing 34.5% to R25.5 billion. The platform generated an additional R6.6 billion in sales during the year.
Outside South Africa, Supermarkets Non-RSA sales increased 11%, with the group reporting improved profitability following several years of consolidation.
Group trading profit increased 8.4% to R16.16 billion, while operating profit rose 5.7% to R15.97 billion. Profit before income tax increased 6.0% to R10.97 billion.
Profit for the year from continuing operations rose 6.9% to R8.08 billion, with R8.10 billion attributable to owners of the parent.
Headline earnings per share increased 12.2% to 1,532.5 cents, while basic earnings per share rose 7.2% to 1,498.9 cents.
The group also reported growth in its total annual dividend, with the board declaring a final dividend of 566 cents per ordinary share, up from 496 cents in 2025.
This brings the total dividend for the year to 873 cents per share, compared with 781 cents previously.
The final dividend will be paid on 28 September 2026. The last day to trade Shoprite shares cum dividend is 21 September, with the shares trading ex-dividend from 22 September. The record date is 25 September.
Shoprite said that, after year-end, it completed the acquisition of an initial 51% interest in R&A Cellular, aimed at expanding its financial services and value-added products and services among informal and semi-formal retailers.
The group also signed an agreement, subject to conditions precedent and regulatory approval, to acquire Vida e Caffè.
Shoprite said the transaction is intended to strengthen its position in the coffee and quick-service restaurant market and would add a network of about 400 corporate and franchise stores. The company employed 174 430 people at year-end.
