Dis-Chem reports strong annual earnings growth, but share price falls on the JSE

DIS-CHEM Pharmacies' share price slumped 5.5% on Friday despite reporting good annual earnings growth and solid revenue growth for the first quarter to May 27.

- EDWARD WEST

Group revenue grew by 8.6% for the three months of the new financial year compared with the same time last year, while retail revenue was up 7.8%, supported by the opening of 9 pharmacy stores, with comparable pharmacy store revenue growth at 4.6%, the group said in a statement Friday. It plans to open a further 39 stores this year.

Revenue increased 8% to R39.2 billion in the 12 months to February 29, 2025, while headline earnings a share (Heps) was up 20% to 137.5 cents. The final dividend was raised 23.8% to 27.85 cents, bringing the payout for the year 19.9% higher to 54.83 cents.