Is the Westpac share price in the buy zone post-results?

Should you buy Westpac shares following its full year results?

| More on:
person thinking with another person's hand drawing a question mark on a blackboard in the background.

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

The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is bouncing back on Tuesday.

At the time of writing, the banking giant's shares are up 2% to $23.65.

Why is the Westpac share price rebounding?

The Westpac share price is rising today after a number of brokers retained their buy ratings on the bank's shares.

For example, after running the rule over the bank's full year results, the team at Citi has retained its buy rating and $30.00 price target and analysts at Morgans have retained their add rating with a trimmed price target of $25.80.

Elsewhere, over at Goldman Sachs, its team has reiterated its conviction buy rating with an improved price target of $27.60. Based on the current Westpac share price, this implies potential upside of almost 17% for investors.

Goldman has also lifted its dividends per share forecast for FY 2023 to 148 cents. This represents a fully franked 6.25% dividend yield at current levels.

What did Goldman say?

While Goldman wasn't blown away by Westpac's margin leverage in FY 2022 and notes that its cost base target has been increased, it remains very positive. This is largely due to the valuation of the Westpac share price and its margin outlook. It explained:

We remain Buy (on CL) rated on WBC given: i) while on the surface, the FY22 result suggested WBC's NIM leverage was underwhelming relative to some peers, we think 2H22 was adversely impacted by late-in-the-half liquidity build, and management's guidance on its FY23 NIM trajectory was better than we had previously anticipated, ii) despite WBC revising its FY24E cost target to A$8.6 bn (from A$8.0 bn), the bank's performance on cost management remains strong in this inflationary environment with a 9% step down in costs expected over the next two years, and iii) the stock is trading at a 22% 12-month forward PER discount to peers (ex-dividend adjusted; historically has traded at a 2% discount), and our revised TP of A$27.60 offers 25% [now 23%] TSR.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 recommended Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Bank Shares

Young businessman lost in depression on stairs.
Bank Shares

Can ANZ shares go any higher after a 28% sizzle in 2025?

Bank experts are measured and see modest declines.

Read more »

asx share penalty represented by lots of fingers pointing at disgraced businessman Crown royal commission WA
Bank Shares

ANZ hit with $250m fine for widespread misconduct and systemic risk failures

The big four bank has received a record fine from the regulator.

Read more »

A pink piggybank sits in a pile of autumn leaves.
Bank Shares

4% yield: Is NAB's dividend safe?

An expert says NAB's cherished dividend might be under threat.

Read more »

A young woman drinking coffee in a cafe smiles as she checks her phone.
Bank Shares

Why today is a great day to own ANZ and Westpac shares

These banks are making their shareholders happy today. But how?

Read more »

Small girl giving a fist bump with a piggy bank in front of her.
Bank Shares

$5,000 invested in ANZ shares at the start of 2025 is now worth…

The big 4 bank's shares have climbed higher recently.

Read more »

Smiling man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Bank Shares

How many CBA shares do I need to buy for $1,000 of annual passive income?

Here’s what it would take to make $1,000 of annual income from the biggest bank.

Read more »

Nervous customer in discussions at a bank.
Bank Shares

Is there opportunity in 2026 outside the big four bank shares?

Do you own these bank shares?

Read more »

Gold piggy bank on top of Australian notes.
Bank Shares

Want to know how much CBA is expected to grow profit in FY26?

Will FY26 be an even more profitable year for CBA?

Read more »