Wesfarmers Limited: History, Industry, Market Share, Directors, PE Ratio, Dividend Policy, Environmental Impact and Beta

WESFARMERS
LIMITED

TABLE OF CONTENT
HISTORY.................................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION (Industry and Product/ services).................................................................................3
Location of Business Activities...............................................................................................................3
Market Share of Wesfarmers................................................................................................................3
Directors................................................................................................................................................3
Latest PE Ratio.......................................................................................................................................4
Dividend Policy:.....................................................................................................................................4
Environmental Impact and Policy:.........................................................................................................4
Beta:......................................................................................................................................................5
References:............................................................................................................................................5

HISTORY
Wesfarmers is an Australian Conglomerate which was founded in 1914 as a co-operative for the
purpose of providing services and merchandise to Western Australian Farmers. The company was
listed on Australian Stock exchange on 1984 and later on grew into a giant conglomerate with
diverse portfolio and biggest Australian Company in terms of revenue.
The humble beginning of the company was made by Farmers and the Settlers Association of Western
Australia. The company grew at a rampant pace and there were near about 65 local co-operatives
companies who acted as agent to the company by 1919.
The company was driven by the need for supporting the local and rural community under the able
guidance of Mr. Walter Harper. Walter worked with a belief that worker should coordinated with the
produce for trading and do not mix with the produce for political activities.
The Western Farmers Limited was formally registered under the Companies Act of Australia on 27th
June, 1914 and started its trading business with two miniature rooms at 13, Howard Street, Perth
Australia. In 1924, company established its first public radio station. By 1940, company expanded its
foot print in wheat and general merchant, oil, woods, skin and other products.
By 1949, the company has set its foot in transport by acquiring Ashburton Transport and later
purchased the competitor company Gascoyne Trading.
In 1994, the company further expanded its operation and got listed on Australian Stock Exchange as
public company.
The company at present has its headquarter in 40, The Esplanade Perth, Western Australia,
Australia.
INTRODUCTION (Industry and Product/ services)
Wesfarmers Limited is an Australian Conglomerate which is headquartered in Perth, Australia. The
company is primarily engaged in retail, chemical, mining of coal, fertilisers, products related to safety
and industry. It is also engaged in Supermarkets, liquor, hotel etc. The company is largest Australian
entity marking its presence in Australia and New Zealand. Wesfarmers is bigger than BHP Billiton and
Woolworths. The company has a diverse portfolio with an employee strength of 223000
0employees. The price of the share is AUD 49.48 and has a market capitalisation of about $ 55
Billion.
The business of the company includes
(a) Bunnings: It is the leading retailer of home improvement and l outdoor living products in New
Zealand and Australia. The company is also major supplier of project builders, housing
industry and commercial trade’s people.
(b) Coles: The company is engaged in service of providing fresh foods, groceries, liquor, fuel and
financial service through its online space and brick and mortar enterprises;
(c) Kmart: The company operates in retail sector and deals in clothing and general merchandise
with its operation both locally and globally;
(d) TARGET: It is a brand store and is characterised by strong heritage of brand and designs.
(e) Others.