Business

Clicks vs Dis-Chem 2025: The Numbers That Show Who’s Leading South Africa’s Pharmacy Race

Published

3 months ago

July 25, 2025

Chiraag

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When it comes to South Africa’s retail pharmacy heavyweights, Clicks and Dis-Chem dominate the conversation and your local shopping centre. But in 2025, one name is emerging as the clear leader.

From store expansion to earnings and investor confidence, Clicks is edging out its biggest rival. Here’s why analysts are leaning toward Clicks this year and what Dis-Chem needs to do to close the gap.

Clicks vs. Dis-Chem: Who’s Expanding Faster?

Clicks and Dis-Chem are both pushing hard to expand their national footprints, but Clicks is currently ahead.

Clicks: Over 900 stores and plans to add 50 more in 2025
Dis-Chem: Just over 327 stores, targeting around 40 new outlets

That difference is what sets them apart, according to Schalk Louw of PSG Wealth. Speaking to BusinessDay TV, Louw said he doesn’t own Clicks stock yet but would buy in “at any moment of weakness,” citing their superior rollout pace.

Investors Are Backing Clicks, For Now

Legendary market voice David Shapiro from Sasfin Securities agrees. He points to Clicks’ established model and deep retail network as major strengths.

Dis-Chem, he notes, is still young by comparison, and its first big leadership shift only happened in 2023 when Rui Morais took over from founder Ivan Saltzman. While the business is fundamentally strong, Shapiro suggests it hasn’t scaled as rapidly as it could have.

In investor circles, this slow ramp-up has become part of the conversation. Clicks, with its mature systems and consistent performance, is seen as the safer bet.

Performance in Numbers: 2025 Financials

Clicks (Six months to 28 Feb 2025)

Total turnover: R23.2 billion (up 6.2%)
Retail turnover: Up 6.4%
Headline earnings: R1.44 billion (up 12.9%)
Earnings per share: 603.9 cents (up 13.2%)
Dividend: 238 cents per share (up 13%)

Clicks’ consistent earnings, growing dividends, and diversified portfolio (including The Body Shop, M-Kem, and Sorbet) help it stay resilient, even when consumer confidence is shaky.

Dis-Chem (Year to 28 Feb 2025)

Retail revenue: R33.6 billion (up 5.9%)
Comparable pharmacy growth: 4.1%
Headline earnings per share: 137.5 cents (up 20.0%)
Dividend: 54.83 cents per share (up 19.9%)

While Dis-Chem showed faster percentage growth in profits, the absolute value of its earnings and dividends still trails Clicks, which matters in the long run for investors.

Public Sentiment and Strategic Shifts

Social media reactions to the rivalry are mixed. Some South Africans swear by Dis-Chem’s broader product selection or in-store clinics. Others praise Clicks for its loyalty programme, smoother online experience, and efficient service.

On the investment front, though, sentiment is leaning toward Clicks. Its ability to deliver results, expand at scale, and pay solid dividends continues to boost shareholder confidence.

Meanwhile, Dis-Chem’s journey may just be warming up. With a new leadership team and a sharpened focus on shareholder value, the next few years could tell a different story.

Clicks Has the Lead in 2025, But the Race Isn’t Over

Clicks’ maturity, network strength, and consistent growth give it a clear edge in 2025. But Dis-Chem isn’t backing down, and with a sharper strategy, it could still catch up.

For now, though, if you’re judging by market performance and expansion speed, Clicks is winning South Africa’s pharmacy war.