Super Retail Group vs Wesfarmers: Dividend showdown for Aussie investors

Super Retail Group vs Wesfarmers shares: Which dividend stock is better right now?

Everyday investors weighing up Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares could find themselves facing a classic income-versus-stability puzzle. Both companies are big names on the ASX, offer strong brands, and pay fully franked dividends. But there are major differences in size, recent performance, and dividend yield. So, which of these consumer stocks deserves a spot in a dividend-hunter’s portfolio right now?

The case for Super Retail Group

Super Retail Group operates some of Australia and New Zealand’s most recognisable retail brands, including Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac. It’s a go-to retailer for auto parts, sporting goods, and camping and outdoor gear. According to its most recent public description, the group oversees more than 700 stores, plus online stores, and sources products internationally. Supercheap Auto alone brings in the largest slice of sales revenue.

Three stand-out fundamentals grab my attention. First, Super Retail Group’s fully franked dividend yield comes in at a hefty 5.28%, based on current data. Second, its P/E ratio is 13.59, suggesting a much lower valuation than Wesfarmers, at least on current earnings. Third, despite a steady dividend record, its shares have been under pressure, sporting a year-to-date return of -19.2% as of the latest figures.

On the dividend front, Super Retail Group has shown a long history of consistent, fully franked dividends, with regular interim and final payouts, plus some special dividends in recent years. The latest annual dividend was 65 cents per share, again fully franked.

The case for Wesfarmers

Wesfarmers is one of Australia’s largest conglomerates, with operations spread across retail (Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline), chemicals, energy, and fertilisers, among other sectors. It’s a diversified powerhouse that brings the kind of stability you’d expect from a business with more than a century of history and a mix of non-retail exposure.

If I zero in on fundamentals, Wesfarmers’ market cap is huge at $83.73 billion, reflecting its scale and diversification. Its fully franked dividend yield is 3.03%—lower than Super Retail Group, but still respectable for a blue chip name. The P/E ratio is 28.93, which is more than twice that of Super Retail Group, making it look much pricier if we compare purely on that basis. Its year-to-date return is -6.8%, meaning it’s held up better than Super Retail Group across recent volatility, though it’s still down for the year.

Dividend history is another positive. Wesfarmers has also maintained a steady rhythm of fully franked dividends, including interim and final payments, with some occasional specials.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how some key metrics stack up:

Wesfarmers’ P/E is notably higher than Super Retail Group’s P/E, meaning you’re paying a larger multiple for each dollar of earnings. As for dividends, Super Retail Group is hands-down ahead on headline yield, and both companies offer fully franked payouts.

Recent share price performance

Let’s look at how the shares have performed in the short term. Comparing the period until 23 September:

• Super Retail Group closed at $12.43, having shown some volatility and a year-to-date decline of -19.2%.
• Wesfarmers closed at $73.79, with less severe declines and a year-to-date return of -6.8%.

This suggests that while neither company has been immune from market volatility, Wesfarmers shares have been much more resilient in 2026 so far.

Which is the better buy?

If I had to pick a consumer stock for dividends right now, I’d lean toward Super Retail Group. Its forward dividend yield of 5.28%, fully franked, is a clear standout versus Wesfarmers’ 3.03%. The company has a consistent payout history—and while the recent price decline might feel uncomfortable, it’s exactly this weakness that’s pushed up the yield and left the stock trading on a much lower earnings multiple.

Of course, Wesfarmers offers scale, diversification, and stability that you just don’t get with a smaller, focused retailer like Super Retail Group. Its size might make it the steadier option for risk-averse investors and its business mix is broader, but if I’m focused on dividend income and value, Super Retail Group currently looks more appealing based on the fundamentals visible here.

That said, neither company has escaped this year’s broader market negativity, and anyone considering either name should be mindful of why sentiment has cooled. Still, right now, Super Retail Group’s high, fully franked dividend yield and modest P/E ratio tip the scales for me, as long as you’re comfortable with some short-term volatility.

The post Super Retail Group vs Wesfarmers: Dividend showdown for Aussie investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Super Retail Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.