Table of Contents
Key Points
- Saltzman family’s Dis-Chem stake drops $28.2 million in value over a few weeks amid pressure on South African retail stocks.
- Dis-Chem shares fall 14.13% year-to-date, turning a $100,000 January investment into $85,870—a $14,130 loss.
- Saltzmans retain 29.3% stake worth $433.3 million, showing no sign of exiting despite recent market declines.
In a sharp and costly turn, South Africa’s Saltzman family—founders and controlling shareholders of Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited—have seen $28.24 million wiped off the value of their stake in just one month. The loss follows a broader slide in South African retail stocks, with Dis-Chem’s shares coming under sustained pressure on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Saltzmans lose $28 million in weeks
The Saltzman family, founders of the Dis-Chem pharmacy chain, hold a 29.3 percent stake in the company—amounting to over 252 million shares. That stake was valued at R8.32 billion ($461.56 million) as of July 3, but today, it is worth R7.81 billion ($433.32 million), wiping out R509.17 million ($28.24 million) in market value in just a few weeks.
It’s a sharp drop that dents the family’s fortune and takes back recent progress. Between May 8 and June 1, the value of their stake had climbed by $28.63 million—a gain that’s now been completely reversed. The quick swing underscores just how sensitive the market can be, especially in an uncertain economy where confidence shifts fast.
Dis-Chem shares are down over 14 percent
Dis-Chem, like many players in South Africa’s retail and consumer space, is feeling the weight of weaker spending, high inflation, and broader uncertainty. Over the past month, its shares have slipped 6.12 percent—from R33.02 ($1.83) to R31 ($1.72) per share. Even with its strong brand and wide footprint—including prescription services, clinics, and wellness products—the company has not been immune to investor caution.
The business began over 40 years ago as a single pharmacy, founded by Lynette and Ivan Saltzman. Since then, it’s grown into one of the country’s largest health retail groups, with the family’s leadership playing a central role in its expansion. Their long-standing ownership remains one of their most valuable financial assets.
Saltzmans hold firm despite stock decline
Since the beginning of the year, Dis-Chem’s stock has dropped 14.13 percent. That means a $100,000 investment made in January would be worth just $85,870 today, a $14,130 decline. It’s a clear reflection of the pressure even well-known, long-standing companies are under in today’s uncertain economy.
Despite the dip, the Saltzman family isn’t stepping back. They still control close to a third of the company and remain deeply involved in steering its future. As Dis-Chem explores new territory, from expanding its online presence to offering more primary healthcare services, the family’s influence is still shaping where the business goes next. Whether these efforts will pay off is unclear, but for now, they’re not walking away.
