Do Wesfarmers shares really offer 22% upside AND growing dividends?

The future looks bright for the ASX 200 retail giant, according to this broker.

| More on:
a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today

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

Key points

  • The Wesfarmers share price has struggled through 2022 so far, dumping 24% year to date to trade at $45.45 today
  • But broker Morgans tips the stock to recover most of that tumble while growing its dividends
  • It forecasts the retail share to lift to $55.60 while upping its dividends to $1.89 by financial year 2024

Those invested in Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares, rejoice! One broker has tipped the stock to grow another 22% in the near future, while the company is expected to up its dividends.

That's likely uplifting news for potentially downtrodden investors.

The Wesfarmers share price has suffered a major tumble in 2022, falling 24% year to date to trade at $45.44 today.

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has dumped 9% so far this year.

So, why is Aussie broker Morgans bullish on Wesfarmers shares? Keep reading to find out.

Wesfarmers shares tipped to gain 22% amid rising dividends

The Wesfarmers share price could regain 22% on the back of the company's retail businesses, management team, and balance sheet, according to Morgans.

The broker recently said Wesfarmers holds "one of the highest quality retail portfolios in Australia". Its behind the likes of Bunnings, Kmart, Target, Catch.com.au, and Priceline.

It had a $4.3 billion net debt position at the end of financial year 2022 – down from a $109 million net cash position at the end of the prior year.

Though, the drop was largely due to a $2.3 billion capital return and the $1.9 billion of fully franked dividends handed to investors over the period.

Speaking of dividends, Wesfarmers has offered investors $1.80 per share in dividends over the last 12 months, leaving it trading with a 4% yield.

The broker tips its payouts to increase to $1.82 this financial year and to $1.89 next financial year, my Fool colleague James reports.

That would see the share trading with yields of 4% and 4.2% respectively, considering its current share price.

However, Morgans also thinks the Wesfarmers share price could lift to $55.60 – representing a potential 22.4% upside.

At that price, its forecasted dividends would see it with a 3.3% yield this financial year and a 3.4% yield next financial year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Pro Medicus, and Web Travel shares

How does the team at Morgans rate these popular shares? Let's find out.

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »

A few gold nullets sit on an old-fashioned gold scale, representing ASX gold shares.
Broker Notes

Up 300% since August, why this surging ASX gold stock could keep racing higher

A leading broker forecasts more strong outperformance from this rocketing ASX gold stock.

Read more »

A colourfully dressed young skydiver wearing heavy gold gloves smiles and gives a thumbs up as he falls through the sky.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter says this ASX silver stock has 'a sky full of upside'

This exciting stock could be a high risk, high reward pick according to the broker.

Read more »

ASX share investor sitting with a laptop on a desk, pondering something.
Broker Notes

These 2 ASX All Ords shares tripled in value last year. Can they keep going?

Both of these ASX shares more than tripled their market capitalisations in 2025.

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

Morgans says these ASX 200 shares can rise 20%+

The broker says these shares could offer major upside.

Read more »

Three women athletes lie flat on a running track as though they have had a long hard race where they have fought hard but lost the event.
Broker Notes

Brokers rate 2 ASX All Ords rippers of 2025: Is their phenomenal run over?

Both of these ASX shares more than tripled in value last year.

Read more »

a woman puts her hand to her chin and looks to the side deep in thought as though pondering something significant.
Broker Notes

2 ASX 200 gold shares to buy and 1 to sell: experts

After exceptional share price growth for 2 years, experts say investors need to choose their gold stocks carefully.

Read more »