Table of Contents
Key Points
- Barry Swartzberg’s stake in Discovery surged by $18.59 million in 23 days, driven by a 6.24% rally in the firm’s share price.
- Discovery shares are up 11.97% year-to-date, outperforming peers and attracting strong local and foreign institutional demand.
- With a 3.92% stake, Swartzberg remains a key figure as Discovery expands its global footprint and integrated services model.
South African businessman Barry Swartzberg, co-founder of financial services giant Discovery Limited, has seen a strong rebound in the market value of his stake, gaining $18.59 million over the past 23 days as Discovery’s shares surged on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Swartzberg, a founding figure alongside Adrian Gore, holds a 3.92 percent stake in Discovery, translating to 25,954,540 shares in the Sandton-headquartered firm. Over the past three weeks, the value of his stake surged from R5.32 billion ($297.93 million) to R5.66 billion ($316.52 million) — marking a significant R332.48 million ($18.59 million) increase.
This latest gain follows a $37.81 million increase between April 9 and May 7, when his holdings rose from R4.68 billion ($256.32 million) to R5.37 billion ($294.13 million).
Discovery stock outperforms in 2025
Founded by Swartzberg alongside Adrian Gore, Discovery has grown into one of South Africa’s largest and most diversified financial services providers. It operates in various sectors, including long- and short-term insurance, asset management, savings, investment, and employee benefits.
Discovery’s share price has gained 6.24% in the past 23 days, jumping from R205.27 ($11.48) to R218.08 ($12.2), buoyed by strong local and offshore institutional demand. The ongoing rally has pushed the group’s market capitalization beyond $1.6 billion, placing it among the best-performing financial stocks on the JSE in 2025.
The recent gains add to an earlier increase of $37.8 million between April 9 and May 7, when Swartzberg’s holdings appreciated from R4.68 billion ($256.32 million) to R5.37 billion ($294.13 million), underscoring his pivotal role in South Africa’s financial elite.
Strong year-to-date performance
Discovery shares have risen nearly 12 percent since the start of the year, outpacing many other financial firms listed on the JSE. The rally has been further amplified by the strengthening of the South African rand, which has increased foreign investor appetite and improved the dollar value of JSE assets.
To put that into perspective, a $100,000 investment in Discovery at the beginning of 2025 would be worth about $111,970 today. It's a clear sign that investors remain confident in the company — and in the broader strength of South Africa’s financial sector.
