South Africa, Oct. 26 -- While Pick n Pay segment's trading loss of R516m underscores the scale of work still needed to restore sustainable profitability, delivery has been systematic and incremental against a clear multi-year plan.

The Group ended the half-year with net cash on hand of R10.0bn, including R7.7bn within Pick n Pay.

This stronger financial position provides a foundation for continued investment in the customer offer and operational improvements.

Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers says, "We have put the fundamentals in place, and they are delivering, despite the constrained trading environment.

"Notwithstanding these market challenges, we have delivered a strong like-for-like performance in our company-owned supermarkets, ahead...