South Africa, March 4 -- The group achieved turnover and concession sales growth of 5.4%, rising to 6.1% on a constant currency basis, with all businesses delivering positive sales and profit growth despite constrained trading conditions in South Africa and Australia.

Adjusted earnings before interest and tax (aEBIT) increased 2.5% to R2.9bn, while aEBITDA rose 3.2% to R4.6bn. On a constant currency basis, aEBIT and aEBITDA were up 4.1% and 4.2%, respectively. Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 3.8% to 170 cents on the same basis.

The board declared an interim dividend of 118 cents per share, up 10.3% year-on-year, supported by a sector-leading payout ratio. Disciplined capital allocation also enabled the repurchase of 6.9 mi...