Battle of the dividends: Do Woolworths shares pay more than Coles?

Which supermarket business should investors go shopping at for dividends?

| More on:
Woman thinking in a supermarket.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • In FY23, Woolworths is projected to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.1%
  • Coles is expected to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.4%
  • Part of the reason for the lower yield is that Woolworths shares trade on a higher earnings multiple valuation than Coles

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares both pay dividends to their shareholders.

Yet, these days, the two businesses are not as similar as they used to be.

Woolworths operates the Australian Woolworths supermarkets, Countdown supermarkets in New Zealand, business-to-business suppliers, and the retailer Big W.

Meantime, Coles runs Coles supermarkets in Australia, its Coles Express business, and the company owns a number of liquor retailers like First Choice Liquor, Liquorland, and Vintage Cellars.

According to the ASX, the market capitalisation of Coles is around $23 billion while Woolworths has a market capitalisation of around $42 billion.

The big question is which one has a higher dividend yield? So let's look at that first.

Dividend yield

Looking at the numbers from FY22, Woolworths paid an annual dividend per share of 92 cents. That equates to a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.75%.

Coles paid an annual dividend per share of 63 cents per share. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.25%.

As we can see, in terms of the current yield, Coles is the clear winner compared to Woolworths.

Valuation difference

A key statistic that can help investors compare businesses is the price/earnings (p/e) ratio. This shows what multiple of earnings the share price is valued at.

Using the estimated earnings for FY23 is probably the better measure to use rather than the last financial year because markets are usually forward-looking. It's the next financial year that investors are typically focused on and valuing the business at, rather than the last year.

According to Commsec, the Coles share price is valued at under 22 times FY23's estimated earnings. The Woolworths share price is valued at under 26 times FY23's estimated earnings. The fact is that Woolworths is measurably more expensive than Coles.

What about future dividends?

However, what happened in FY22 is only a small amount of time compared to the long-term future of these businesses.

While it's impossible to know what the future will be, we can certainly guess what future dividends will be.

Using the estimates on Commsec, Woolworths shares are expected to pay an annual dividend per share of $1.01 in FY23. This would represent a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.1%.

Then, in FY24, it could end up paying an annual dividend per share of around $1.12. This would represent a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.6%.

Let's compare how much Coles shares may dish out in dividends.

Commsec suggests that Coles may pay an annual dividend per share of 65 cents in FY23 and 66 cents in FY24. This would represent forward grossed-up dividend yields of 5.4% and 5.5%, respectively.

Foolish takeaway

It seems that Coles shares are going to be the better source of dividends in the next few years. But that may not necessarily mean that Woolworths shares will produce smaller total returns. Woolworths may be able to achieve stronger earnings per share (EPS) growth, leading to more attractive share price growth.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

Buy these excellent ASX dividend shares for 5%+ yields

Analysts expect above-average dividend yields from these shares.

Read more »

farm workers examine an agricultural crop
Dividend Investing

Why I think this is a top ASX 300 stock to buy right now for passive income

Rural Funds can provide investors with a lot of income at the current valuation.

Read more »

A couple sit in front of a laptop reading ASX shares news articles and learning about ASX 200 bargain buys
Dividend Investing

1 ASX dividend stock down 40% I'd buy right now

This business could be a very good choice for healthy dividends.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
Dividend Investing

How to make $10,000 of passive income a year

Here's how to make the share market your own personal ATM.

Read more »

Blue chips with stock written on them.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields

These businesses have a lot to offer income-focused investors.

Read more »

Woman laying with $100 notes around her, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

How much dividend income does the average ASX investor earn?

It's an impressive amount!

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Which ASX 200 sector paid the best dividends in FY25?

We reveal the dividend returns of each of the 11 market sectors in FY25.

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
Dividend Investing

Are CBA shares still a good buy today for passive income?

Looking to earn passive income from ASX dividend stocks? Here’s my take on CBA shares.

Read more »