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The Wesfarmers Ltd share price has surged by 24.2% since the beginning of 2024, reflecting strong performance in the market. Conversely, ResMed CDI is currently trading around 4% above its 52-week lows, highlighting a period of relative stability.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES)
Founded in 1914 and headquartered in Perth, Wesfarmers is a prominent Australian conglomerate with diverse operations across Australia and New Zealand. Its business segments include retail, chemicals, fertilizers, industrial, and safety products.
Wesfarmers is often likened to a publicly listed private equity firm due to its strategic approach to acquisitions and divestments. A notable example is Coles Group, which was acquired in 2007 and later spun off in 2018. However, the company’s largest revenue contributor is Bunnings, Australia’s leading hardware and home improvement retailer. Wesfarmers acquired the remaining 52% of Bunnings it did not already own in 1994 for $594 million.
In addition to Bunnings, Wesfarmers operates well-known brands such as Kmart, Target, Officeworks, Blackwoods, and Priceline Pharmacy. Known for its robust dividend payments and quality assets, Wesfarmers remains a staple in many ASX share portfolios.
Despite the impressive share price growth, the current dividend yield for Wesfarmers stands at around 2.67%. This is below its 5-year average of 3.84%, indicating that shares are trading at a lower yield compared to historical norms.
ResMed CDI (ASX:RMD)
ResMed, founded in 1989 by Peter Farrell in Australia and now headquartered in San Diego, California, specializes in medical equipment, particularly for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The company provides cloud-connectable continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which are considered the most effective therapy for all severities of OSA.
ResMed operates globally with over 10,000 employees across more than 140 countries. The company is divided into two main business units: Sleep and Respiratory Care, and Software as a Service (SaaS). The Sleep and Respiratory Care unit focuses on CPAP machines and other devices for various levels of respiratory care, while the SaaS unit supports durable or home medical equipment, facilitating out-of-hospital care.
The performance of ResMed CDI is closely watched due to its international reach and critical role in the healthcare sector. Although its share price has experienced some fluctuations, it remains a key player in its field.
Wesfarmers Ltd continues to perform strongly with notable share price gains and a well-established dividend track record, even as its current yield falls below historical averages. Meanwhile, ResMed CDI maintains stability in its sector, underpinned by its global operations and significant contributions to sleep and respiratory care.
