Clicks says it continues to encounter the destructive impact of Covid-19 and the related restrictions which have changed consumer shopping patterns and significantly reduced customer footfall in malls. Still, the health, beauty and pharmacy group has done pretty well, assisted by a surge in online sales.

It's not alone in feeling the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Private hospital group Netcare will report a decline in first-half earnings after the second wave resulted in even higher Covid-19 admissions. However, following its experience when the pandemic first broke out last year, it says it was quick to pivot its business to deal with the crisis. Barring a third wave, it says it's encouraged by the declining number of Covid-19 cases in the country.

Meanwhile, Anglo American says production at its global operations is nearly back to normal, although there are still some limited constraints at some of its operations.

More on those stories to follow, along with AngloGold Ashanti's decision not to buy out its joint-venture partner in Australia's Tropicana gold mine and automotive group Motus's acquisition of the remaining 40% stake in Renault SA.

Don't forget to catch up on all the latest mergers and acquisitions news from our partners at DealMakers too.

Have a good weekend.

Stephen Gunnion

Managing Editor, InceConnect

The latest from Ingham Analytics

Ingham Analytics shall be taking a sabbatical from the end of April and will then be refocusing activities. We thank our visitors and subscribers, and we hope to engage again in the future. If you take a shine to gold, then check out our latest note on the subject entitled "Shapely gold". We think US corporate earnings will surprise on the upside as we argue in "There's a coach comin' in, hear those wheel spin". And as we say in "Slap", Alibaba is looking the best priced in months.