Woolworths’ R55.37 billion golden egg

Woolworths' reorientation of its business to prioritize Food has yielded a significant outcome: the segment has become a major driver of growth, with adjusted profit before tax growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% from 2016 to 2026. This shift in focus has also enabled the retailer to invest more capital in the segment, a move analysts see as a key factor in its improved prospects. The strategy's stability and premiumisation appeal have made its investment case more attractive, according to analyst Fisokuhle Mbutho.