Woolworths Holdings reported a 5.3% rise in full-year headline earnings per share to 282.3 cents in the 52 weeks to 28 June 2026, up from 268.1 cents a year earlier, helped by strong online sales in its food division, according to ESM Magazine. Group turnover and concession sales rose 4.3% to R84.5 billion, even as growth slowed to 3.3% in the second half.
Headline earnings per share strips out one-off items such as asset sales and impairments, and is the profit measure investors watch most closely. The result was achieved against slower sales growth and higher costs linked to the Middle East conflict. The retailer said the Iran war affected demand, and that consumer confidence and spending are likely to stay constrained even as fuel prices and inflation moderate.
The total dividend was raised 5.9% to 199 cents per share. Woolworths Food turnover rose 5.7% and the retailer opened 13 new grocery stores in the year, according to Food Business Africa. The fashion, beauty and home business was weaker: profitability fell because of increased promotional activity, discounting and inventory clearance, and Woolworths is tightening discount control at its Country Road Group business in Australia.
The shape of the result is clear. Food, and its online channel in particular, carried the group, while fashion and home came under margin pressure. The company said it is focusing more on its food business.
For the small producers, logistics firms and technology providers that supply Woolworths, a stronger online food channel can mean steadier demand and a bigger route to market. It can also bring tighter delivery schedules and packaging requirements, which suppliers need to be ready to meet.
Woolworths did not break out the size of its online revenue in the coverage reviewed here, so how much of the 5.3% rise came from online remains unclear.
