Wesfarmers share price rises after impressive HY25 result, dividend hike

Wesfarmers delivered an impressive result and a bigger dividend.

| More on:
A smiling man at a shop counter takes payment from a female customer, with racks of plants in the background.

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

The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is up more than 2% after the company delivered its FY25 half-year result, which included another increase to the dividend.

Despite the challenging economic conditions during this period, which included a high cost of living and elevated interest rates, the owners of Bunnings and Kmart managed to deliver more revenue and profit growth.

Investors were pleased to see the numbers the company reported, following a rise of around 25% of the Wesfarmers share price in the past 12 months.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Wesfarmers PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL20 Feb 202420 Feb 2025Zoom ▾Mar '24May '24Jul '24Sep '24Nov '24Jan '25Apr '24Apr '24Jul '24Jul '24Oct '24Oct '24Jan '25Jan '25www.fool.com.au

Let's examine some of the most important numbers from the result and then consider the appealing dividend payout for Wesfarmers shareowners.

Earnings recap

Wesfarmers reported that in the half-year ended 31 December 2024, its revenue increased 3.6% to $23.5 billion, while net profit rose 2.9% to $1.5 billion.

The two most important divisions for revenue and profit generation are Bunnings Group and Kmart Group, so we'll focus there.

Wesfarmers said its largest divisions performed well, thanks to everyday low prices, market-leading offers, and strong execution, which drove growth in transactions, sales, and earnings.

Bunnings delivered revenue growth of 3.1% to $10.3 billion, with comparable sales growth of 3.4%. Earnings increased 3.1% to $1.3 billion, with the Bunnings return on capital (ROC) improving by 5.7 percentage points to 71.5%.

Wesfarmers explained that there was strong consumer sales growth and continued growth in commercial sales while improved productivity supported investments in price and experience.

Kmart Group's sales rose 2% to $6.2 billion, with comparable sales growth of 1.9%. Wesfarmers said that Kmart Group benefited from productivity initiatives, including the digitalisation of operations and integration of Kmart and Target's systems and processes, which helped mitigate cost pressures and volatility in foreign exchange rates. Kmart Group's ROC improved 7.1 percentage points to an impressive 65.9%.

In the first six weeks of the second half of FY25, Bunnings and Officeworks "maintained solid sales momentum, with sales growth broadly in line with the first half" of FY25. Kmart Group's sales growth was "stronger" at the start of the second half compared to the first half of FY25, supported by its Anko products.

Wesfarmers dividend

The Wesfarmers interim dividend was hiked by 4.4% to 95 cents per Wesfarmers share following the 2.9% rise of earnings per share (EPS) to $1.29 per share. This represents a dividend payout ratio of 73.6% of its generated profit.

Wesfarmers' interim dividend has an ex-dividend date of 25 February, which is next Tuesday. That means investors need to own Wesfarmers shares by the end of trading on Monday, 24 February, if they want to receive this upcoming dividend.

The payment date for the upcoming dividend is 1 April 2025.

If investors want to take part in the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP), they need to make that election by 8pm on 27 February, according to Wesfarmers.

Wesfarmers shares snapshot

The retail company's share price has risen by over 10% since the beginning of 2025.

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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Retail Shares

a woman wearing fashionable clothes and jewellery checks her phone with a satisfied smile on her face in a luxurous home setting.
Retail Shares

Why I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $7.85

I think this small company has big potential.

Read more »

A happy young couple celebrate a win by jumping high above their new sofa.
Retail Shares

Overinvested in Wesfarmers shares? Here are two alternative ASX retail stocks

These stocks could complement an investment in Wesfarmers.

Read more »

Happy shopper at a clothes shop.
Retail Shares

The share price of this All Ords stock has jumped higher again. Here's why

Here's why Myer's share price is outperforming.

Read more »

A smiling woman at a hardware shop selects paint colours from a wall display.
Retail Shares

Wesfarmers shares recently hit a 52-week high. Can they go higher?

This business continues to impress investors.

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
Retail Shares

Would Warren Buffett buy Lovisa shares right now?

Is this a sparkly opportunity?

Read more »

Happy shopper at a clothes shop.
Earnings Results

Why did Myer shares just rocket 9%?

Investors are piling into Myer shares on Friday. But why?

Read more »

a thoughtful shopper with shopping bags wearing sparkly gold dress and matching shoes reclines on a chair with hand to chin in thought.
Retail Shares

Can Lovisa's new high profile CEO take Lovisa shares to new heights?

Is Lovisa about to embark on a new era of growth?

Read more »

A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.
Retail Shares

After soaring 244% in 5 years, how much further upside does Macquarie tip for Nick Scali shares?

The broker's expectations remain steady.

Read more »