Up 12% in 2026! Are Wesfarmers shares now too expensive?

This retail giant is trading close to record highs.

| 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

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares are pushing higher again on Monday.

At the time of writing, the Wesfarmers share price is up 1.41% to $90.96. Today's gain takes its rise in 2026 to around 12%.

The stock is also trading only about 4% below its 52-week high of $95.18.

There haven't been any new company announcements today. However, Macquarie has lifted its price target by 1.2% to $86.

While the increase is positive, the new target still sits below the current share price.

So, has the market pushed Wesfarmers shares too far?

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.

Image source: Getty Images

Why have Wesfarmers shares climbed?

The recent results help explain why the share price has kept climbing.

Wesfarmers reported a 3.1% increase in first-half revenue to $24.21 billion, while net profit rose 9.3% to $1.60 billion. The fully-franked interim dividend also increased 7.4% to $1.02 per share.

Bunnings remained the largest contributor, with earnings rising 5% to $1.39 billion. Kmart Group earnings increased 6.1% to $683 million.

Returns on capital (ROC) were around 70% at both businesses, which remains one of Wesfarmers' biggest strengths.

Nonetheless, Wesfarmers is still looking for more growth. Bunnings has expanded into categories including tools, workwear, rural products, and automotive accessories. Kmart has kept expanding its Anko range and opened more joint venture stores in the Philippines.

Management said in February that its retail businesses had continued trading well through the first 6 weeks of the second half.

Brokers remain cautious

The share price now sits well above most broker forecasts.

Macquarie's new $86 target is one of the higher recent estimates, but it still sits around 5.5% below the current share price.

Goldman Sachs and CLSA both have $78 targets, while Citi is more bearish with a $69 target.

Most analysts remain cautious. Investing.com currently shows an average 12-month price target of $76.36, around 16% below today's price, along with an overall sell consensus.

The valuation is another reason for the caution. Wesfarmers trades on a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 33.7 times and offers a dividend yield of about 2.8%.

What does the chart show?

Momentum remains strong, although the stock is nearing overbought territory.

Wesfarmers has a relative strength index (RSI) reading of 68, just below the level of 70 generally viewed as overbought.

The share price is also above the middle Bollinger Band at around $88.48. The 52-week high near $95.18 is the next resistance level, while the $88 to $90 area is the nearest support zone.

Wesfarmers is still producing solid earnings, but the share price now leaves less room for a weak result.

The full-year result on 27 August will show whether earnings are keeping pace with the share price.

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

More on Retail Shares

Person pointing finger on on an increasing graph which represents a rising share price.
Retail Shares

Wesfarmers shares are closing in on record highs. Buy, hold or sell?

Wesfarmers shares keep climbing, but brokers are calling for caution.

Read more »

A woman sets flowers on a side table in a beautifully furnished bedroom.
Retail Shares

This ASX retail stock is falling as a $68 million furniture headache bites

This ASX retail stock is falling after a furniture write-down.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Retail Shares

How much must I invest in Wesfarmers shares to earn a $1,000 passive income in 2027?

The Kmart and Bunnings owner has a lot to offer income-seekers.

Read more »

Woman checking out new laptops.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy the rebound in JB Hi-Fi shares today

A leading analyst suggests JB Hi-Fi shares are well-placed to outperform. But why?

Read more »

Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.
Retail Shares

3 reasons why the Wesfarmers share price is a buy

Here’s why Wesfarmers could still be a buy…

Read more »

Woman relaxing on her phone on her couch, symbolising passive income.
Retail Shares

1 ASX dividend stock down 35% I'd buy right now

This business has a lot of attractive features for dividend investors…

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Broker Notes

Wesfarmers shares: Buy, hold or sell?

A leading analyst delivers his verdict on Wesfarmers outperforming shares.

Read more »

Tradie holding a laptop computer and scratching his head looking confused.
Retail Shares

Are Wesfarmers shares a buy, sell or hold after this week's update?

A large focus on AI was a feature of the recent company briefing.

Read more »