September hasn't been a great month so far for the Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price

There have been a couple of catalysts that have added pressure on the Woolworths share price this month.

| More on:
A man with a bag of groceries tries to catch an apple that has fallen out.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This month has not been kind to the Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price.

Shares in the supermarket giant have tumbled more than 6.5% since the start of September.

By comparison, the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has dipped 2.09% since the start of the month.

Let's take a look at what's been weighing down Woolworths shares.

Why is the Woolworths share price struggling?

There have been many catalysts that have added pressure on the Woolworths share price this month.

In addition to general market volatility, the supermarket giant has also had its own developments to deal with.

Most recently, Woolworths reported shortages in its latest collectables promotion called Woolworths Bricks.

Earlier this month, the supermarket giant also made headlines after reducing its holdings in food box delivery company Marley Spoon AG (ASX: MMM).

Woolworths also released its Sustainability Plan 2025 in early September, noting several goals for the future.

How did Woolworths perform in FY21?

Late last month, shares in Woolworths received a boost after the company reported strong full-year results for FY21.

With COVID-19 lockdowns forcing many Australians to stay at home, a marked increase in consumption was noted.

This was reflected in the supermarket giant's Australian food sales, which increased 5.4% to $44.4 billion for FY21.

Highlights from the company's report included:

  • Group sales rose 5.7% to $67,278 million
  • eCommerce sales surged 58.1% to $5,602 million
  • Group earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased 13.7% to $3,663 million
  • Group net profit after tax up 22.9% to $1,972 million

Thanks to an expansion in its margins, Woolworths shareholders were rewarded with a 14.6% increase in final dividend of 55 cents per share.

Snapshot of the Woolworths share price

Despite tumbling this past month, shares in Woolworths remain more than 12% higher since the start of the year.

In addition to its full-year report, the company also made headlines earlier this year following the demerger of its Endeavour business.

The Woolworths share price closed yesterday's session slightly lower at $39.06.

Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Marley Spoon AG. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Marley Spoon AG. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Fallers

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Chalice Mining, Cleanaway, Kogan, and Perpetual shares are sinking today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

man grimaces next to falling stock graph
Share Fallers

Why did this ASX 100 stock just crash 11%?

Cleanaway shares have been on a crazy roller-coaster over the past 24 hours.

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Brambles, Lifestyle Communities, Northern Star, and Select Harvests shares are sinking

These shares are having a tough session. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Cettire, DroneShield, St Barbara, and Star shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Monday. But why?

Read more »

Woman in dress sitting in chair looking depressed
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Cettire share price plunges 6% after major investor pulls the plug

A 'red flag' triggered this investment company to sell out completely.

Read more »

A skydiving man in a jester hat and carrying a burger and sauce, pokes out his tongue at the camera, indicating all is not lost when you're falling.
Technology Shares

Why is the Droneshield share price crashing 19% on Monday?

Investors are sending shares in Droneshield down 19% in morning trade.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why COG, Karoon Energy, Netwealth, and Pilbara Minerals shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are ending the week deep in the red. But why?

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Evolution Mining, Karoon Energy, ResMed, and Sayona Mining shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are having a tough session. But why?

Read more »