BSE biggest movers

Choppies can't stop, won't stop

Good morning, let’s get into it!

The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) has seen a year of remarkable resilience and growth. From retail giants making massive turnarounds to the banking sector showing steady dividends, investors have had plenty to celebrate. Below is a breakdown of the top performers this year and the movers in the past week.

Top Yearly Gainers: From Peak to Base

Company

Yearly Return

Why It Gained

Choppies Enterprises

+201.9%

The standout performer of the year. Choppies saw a massive resurgence driven by a successful restructuring of its debt and a return to profitability. Investors responded positively to its expansion into new markets and organic growth in existing stores.

BBS Bank

+40.0%

After years of transition, BBS Bank achieved a major milestone by turning profitable for the first time since 2018. This turnaround was bolstered by a 68% increase in net interest income and a significant 70% growth in its unsecured loan portfolio.

Standard Chartered Bank

+24.8%

Stanchart maintained its status as a "dividend king." Consistent profitability and high dividend payouts (over 100 thebe per share) have kept investor sentiment high in a stable interest rate environment.

BTCL

+23.6%

The telecommunications giant reported a 30% jump in profit before tax and a 4% revenue increase. Its strategic focus on data and digital transformation is clearly paying off.

Sechaba Brewery

+18.7%

Sechaba continues to benefit from its dominant position in the beverage market. Strong cash flows and substantial special dividends (totaling over 300 thebe) have made it a favorite for income-focused investors.

CA Sales Holdings

+17.9%

Specializing in FMCG distribution, CA Sales grew due to its expanding footprint across Southern Africa and resilient consumer demand for essential goods.

Sefalana Holding

+12.8%

Sefalana reported record-breaking results in its 51-year history. A 15% increase in revenue and a strategic 30% equity stake in a South African venture (UIH) boosted market confidence.

Absa Bank Botswana

+9.8%

Absa's gain is rooted in steady earnings growth (17.5% annually over 5 years) and a reliable balance sheet, matching the overall growth of the local banking industry.

Chobe Holdings

+6.6%

As the hospitality sector recovers, Chobe's earnings grew by over 50% annually over the last 5 years. Reinvestments into lodges like Chobe Marina have signaled long-term growth.

FNBB

+6.7%

FNBB remains a cornerstone of the BSE. It was recently recognized for its ESG efforts and "Best Bank" awards, maintaining steady growth despite a competitive landscape.

RDC Properties

+4.2%

A 129% increase in total comprehensive income and a 91% increase in interim distributions helped push the property giant forward this year.

Olympia Capital

+3.7%

Modest gains were supported by stable half-year results and strategic board appointments to steer future growth.

Letlole La Rona

+3.4%

Its diversified property portfolio continues to provide stable rental income, making it a reliable defensive stock for many portfolios.

Primetime Property

+2.5%

Despite some market volatility, its expansion and property improvement programs have kept its valuation in the green.

BIHL

+2.3%

The insurance leader saw a small gain despite some margin pressure. Its massive market presence and consistent interim dividends keep it a staple for long-term holders.

Engen Botswana

+0.8%

Engen faced a tough year due to fuel supply challenges and import quotas, but it managed to stay in positive territory for the year thanks to early-year performance.

Weekly Movers: The 7-Day Snapshot

While most of the market remained flat this week (0%), two companies managed to break the trend:

  • Choppies Enterprises (+31.9%): Continuing its momentum from earlier in the month, Choppies remains the most volatile and high-growth stock on the board. The recent surge is likely due to year-end positioning by institutional investors who are betting on its continued retail dominance.

  • Sefalana Holding (+0.3%): A slight uptick following recent announcements of record profits. Sefalana’s steady "buy-and-hold" appeal continues to attract minor capital inflows even in a quiet trading week.

Source: simplywallst