The Woodside share price is being whacked this week. Should you buy?

Is now the time to pounce on this energy giant's shares?

| More on:

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 Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is having a tough day.

At the time of writing, the energy giant's shares are down 3.5% to $35.

This latest decline means that Woodside's shares are down 8.5% since this time last month.

An oil worker giving the thumbs down.

Image source: Getty Images

Why is the Woodside share price falling today?

Investors have been hitting the sell button today after oil prices pulled back overnight.

According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 2.4% to US$88.60 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 1.9% to US$90.47 a barrel. The selling has continued in Asian trade, with both benchmarks edging further into the red on Tuesday.

This has been driven by a combination of profit-taking after some strong gains recently and concerns about global economic growth. The latter has been sparked by expectations that interest rates will now be higher for longer due to sticky inflation.

It isn't just the Woodside share price that is falling today. Here's how other energy shares are performing:

  • The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price is down 4.5%
  • The Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) share price has fallen 4%
  • The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price is down 4%

Should you buy Woodside shares?

Most brokers are currently lukewarm on the Woodside share price despite its recent decline. For example, Citi, Goldman Sachs, Macquarie, and Morgans all have the equivalent of neutral ratings on its shares with price targets ranging from $33.00 to $37.60.

One broker that is more positive is Morgan Stanley. It currently has an overweight rating and a $40 price target on its shares. This implies a potential upside of almost 14% for investors from current levels.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

A smiling woman dressed in a raincoat raise her arms as the rain comes down.
Energy Shares

How heavy rainfall is helping this $13 billion ASX energy stock

The ASX energy stock wasn’t complaining about the unseasonably heavy rains.

Read more »

A male electricity worker in hard hat and high visibility vest stands underneath large electricity generation towers as he holds a laptop computer and gazes up at the high voltage wires overhead.
Energy Shares

Meridian Energy's April retail sales and hydro storage climb in 2026

Meridian Energy’s April 2026 report shows retail sales up 8%, national hydro storage well above average, and wholesale electricity prices…

Read more »

A man wearing a blue jumper and a hat looks at his laptop with a distressed and fearful look on his face.
Energy Shares

Are Paladin Energy shares a buy after crashing 14% this week?

Find out what the experts think will happen next.

Read more »

A uranium plant worker in full protective clothing squats near a radioactive warning sign at the site of a uranium processing plant.
Energy Shares

Why is this ASX uranium stock crashing 11% after returning to profitability?

Today's sell-off shows how volatile these shares can be.

Read more »

a man sits at his desk wearing a business shirt and tie and has a hearty laugh at something on his mobile phone.
Energy Shares

Paladin Energy posts profit as revenue rebounds in FY26 earnings

Paladin Energy swings back to profit and boosts revenue in its latest earnings update to March 2026.

Read more »

Keyboard button with the word sell on it, symbolising the time being right to sell ASX stocks.
Energy Shares

Here's why this expert is calling time on Woodside shares

Elevated oil prices could be a profit-taking opportunity.

Read more »

Workers inspecting a gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

Which ASX energy company has just signed off on a major gas project?

This investment could produce gas beyond 2050.

Read more »

Rocket going up above mountains, symbolising a record high.
Energy Shares

$10,000 invested in PLS Group shares 12 months ago is now worth…

This ASX lithium share has charged higher.

Read more »