Business · Markets · 2 days ago
Wesfarmers offers steadier dividends, while Qantas has a higher yield
Wesfarmers and Qantas are two Australian companies listed on the ASX, but they operate very different businesses.
Wesfarmers owns businesses including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks and Priceline, as well as chemical and fertiliser operations.
Qantas runs the Qantas and Jetstar airlines, serving domestic and international routes.
The figures in the story show a 2.93% dividend yield for Wesfarmers and 4.40% for Qantas, with both dividends fully franked.
Wesfarmers has a longer record of consistent dividend payments, while Qantas paused payments during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed them in 2025.
Airline earnings can be more exposed to global shocks and changes in travel than Wesfarmers’ varied retail and other businesses.
The story favours Wesfarmers for an investor seeking steadier income, while noting Qantas may appeal to someone willing to accept more risk for a higher current yield.
Wesfarmers offers a lower dividend yield than Qantas but has a longer record of consistent payouts, according to Motley Fool AU.
The article gives Wesfarmers a dividend yield of 2.93% and Qantas a yield of 4.40%, with both fully franked.
Wesfarmers’ diversified businesses and steadier dividend history are presented as appealing to investors prioritising reliable income and stability.
Qantas has resumed dividend payments since 2025 after pausing them during the pandemic.
The article describes Qantas as more exposed to industry risks and economic shocks than Wesfarmers.
- Who
- Wesfarmers Ltd and Qantas Airways Ltd.
- What
- The article compares their dividend yields, business risks and appeal to investors seeking income.
- When
- Published on 9 October 2026; share performance figures are through 7 October 2026.
- Where
- Australia; both companies are listed on the ASX.
- Why
- To compare which share may suit a 60-year-old investor seeking income and resilience.
Wesfarmers case
Qantas case
Income
Wesfarmers case
Its 2.93% fully franked yield is lower, but the article highlights decades of consistent payouts.
Qantas case
Its 4.40% fully franked yield is higher, and dividend payments have resumed since 2025.
Business risk
Wesfarmers case
Its mix of retail, healthcare, chemicals and fertilisers is presented as relatively steady and diversified.
Qantas case
Its airline business is described as more cyclical and vulnerable to global shocks, oil prices and changing travel habits.
Investment appeal
Wesfarmers case
The article’s writer favours Wesfarmers for a retiree seeking reliable income and peace of mind.
Qantas case
The article says Qantas may appeal to investors seeking higher income who are comfortable with travel-industry risks.
I'd lean towards Wesfarmers.
Qantas’s roots stretch back to 1920, according to the article.
Wesfarmers added healthcare through its acquisition of API.
Qantas paused dividend payments.
Qantas dividend payments have resumed.
Wesfarmers closed at $76.30 and Qantas closed at $8.87.
- Wesfarmers dividend yield
- 2.93%, fully franked
- Qantas dividend yield
- 4.40%, fully franked
- Wesfarmers latest annual dividend
- $2.22 per share
- Qantas latest annual dividend
- $0.40 per share
- Wesfarmers market capitalisation
- $86.58 billion
- Qantas market capitalisation
- $13.42 billion










