Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers, owner of supermarket chain Coles, has announced record half-year profits as a result of the acquisition of the food retailer in November.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Profit after tax rose to A$601m (US$555m) during the six months to 31 December, an increase of 53.3% on the year. Revenue rose from $4.7bn to $9.8bn for the half year.


The acquisition of Coles contributed $357m before interest and tax, Wesfarmers said.


MD Richard Goyder said the pre-Coles transaction businesses had also performed well in the six months. “The contribution from these operations increased 12.4% with five of the six divisions achieving higher earnings,” he said.


“The very short period of ownership of the former Coles businesses and the Christmas trading impact are important factors to bear in mind when considering these results.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Goyder said the company’s outlook was for continuing good results in most of the group’s businesses with a very strong focus on bringing about “substantial change” in Coles.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now