Why Goldman Sachs just put a "buy" rating on Westpac Banking Corp shares

Goldmans is calling Westpac Banking Corp (ASX:WBC) shares cheap.

| More on:
a woman

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 big banks in Australia such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) have long been a favourite of SMSF and dividend-seeking investors.

However, if you bought bank shares over the past two years or more you will most likely be underwater or flat on your investment despite the big dividends.

This is because all of the banks have been forced to lift their costs recently thanks to regulatory demands and problems that have forced them to spend more on compliance, after a series of scandals hit the sector.

The fallout from the Hayne Royal Commission is also likely to see 'credit' or mortgage lending growth rates fall relative to history as regulators demand tougher standards.

Wholesale funding costs are also reported to have risen across the board for the banks over 2018, which also makes it harder for them to grow profit margins, without passing the costs onto borrowers.

However, according to a November 14 note, analysts at Goldman Sachs believe the 16% fall in Westpac's share price over just 2018 presents a good buying opportunity for investors.

Here's why.

After Westpac delivered flat dividends and profits in FY 2018, Goldmans believes it is well placed to manage costs in FY 2019 and is forecasting "a readjustment in the FY19E cost growth outlook to <2% (from 2%-3% previously)" as Westpac itself is on record as seeking to reduce its cost growth trajectory in FY 2019.

Just a small pull back on costs can make a big difference to any bank's bottom line over the course of a financial year.

Goldmans also reports Westpac in FY 2019 is set to benefit from "its strong/ liquidity funding position developed through 2H18 to manage margin headwinds from mortgage competition". On top of this, it also sees Westpac as the best placed bank to capitalise on the potential for net interest margin upside over FY 2019. The higher a bank's net interest margin the greater its profitability.

Finally, the analysts claim Westpac's current valuation is "cheap" relative to 15-year averages on a 12 month forward PE of 12x and greater than 7% dividend yield.

Its 12-month price target for Westpac is $32.82.

Accepting this analysis it appears Westpac shares are good value, but investors should be aware that if Westpac is forced to cut its dividends on the back of a tough housing and regulatory environment then Goldmans' analysis could be way off the mark.

Motley Fool contributor Yulia Mosaleva owns shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of National Australia Bank Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

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 CSL, Imricor, Jumbo, and Netwealth shares are falling today

These shares are under pressure on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Broker Notes

Morgans says these ASX stocks can rise 30% to ~50%

Let's see which shares could generate big returns for investors.

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Broker Notes

Does Macquarie rate Fortescue shares a buy, hold or sell?

The broker has given its verdict on this popular mining stock.

Read more »

group of traders cheering at stock market
Share Market News

We could see the ASX 200 at 9,000 points by 2026. Here's why.

I wouldn't be shocked to see more records this year...

Read more »

Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

A better session awaits Aussie investors on Thursday.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a disappointing hump day session for the ASX today.

Read more »

Young man with a laptop in hand watching stocks and trends on a digital chart.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.
Share Market News

Why A2 Milk, Boss Energy, Evolution Mining, and Lifestyle Communities shares are sinking

These shares are under pressure on hump day. But why?

Read more »