Wednesday, 2 September 2026

Aspen reported 28% growth in normalised headline earnings, R3.8 billion in free cash flow and a net cash position after selling its Asia-Pacific business for R28 billion.

Cash Build’s revenue rose 6% to R12.1 billion, but headline earnings per share fell 8%; management is exiting Malawi, closing weak stores and planning more than 40 new outlets.

Diesel prices increased by more than R3 a litre as farmers prepare for the 2026–27 summer season, squeezing margins and potentially reducing planted areas amid an expected strong El Niño.

China’s zero-tariff policy could save exporters substantially, including more than R20 million for one South African apple exporter, but certification, infrastructure, language and market access remain barriers.

Petrol-station locations are selected using traffic flows, demographics, loyalty-programme data, competition and future neighbourhood changes, with businesses increasingly creating destination-style retail clusters.