After falling 15% in a month, is the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price good value?

Do the bank's shares present an opportunity for investors to buy into?

| More on:
A boy standing on the edge of a cliff peers at a red flag in the distance through binoculars.

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 has fallen off a cliff since late October, shedding more than 15%.

The banking giant has faced tough trading conditions, which have led investors to flee after reporting its full-year results.

At yesterday's closing bell, Westpac shares clawed back some gains to end the day 0.6% higher to $21.81.

How is Westpac performing lately?

Investors appear to have mixed feelings about the value of Westpac shares in the current climate. The company failed to hit market expectations in its 2021 scorecard, and its shares plummeted after the release.

Westpac experienced net interest margin (NIM) pressures driven by a raft of unfavourable market environment factors. Key drivers included lower spreads across new mortgages, reduced business lending interest rates, and reductions in personal and business lending average balances.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe that NIMs will continue to see headwinds in FY22 from competition and lower rates. This is expected to partially offset tailwinds generated by lower wholesale funding.

On volumes, Goldman Sachs predicts system housing loan growth to continue its positive momentum and for business lending to recover. Post-COVID-19 is expected to bring about a more positive operating environment and confident business sentiment.

Are Westpac shares good value?

Following the FY21 results, a number of brokers weighed in on the company's share price.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley downgraded their outlook to an "equal weight" rating from "overweight" for the Westpac share price. The broker cut its price target by 14% to $24.80.

Goldman Sachs also reassessed their rating, reducing the view on Westpac shares by 11% to $25.60. Based on the current share price, this implies an upside of approximately 15%.

The most recent note came from multinational investment bank Bell Potter. The firm discounted Westpac shares by 4.1% to a 12-month price target of $26.

Westpac share price snapshot

Despite sinking in recent times, the Westpac share price has gained around 10% over the last 12 months. Although, when looking over a 5-year time frame, Westpac shares are down by more than 30%.

Westpac has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.45 and commands a market capitalisation of roughly $80.01 billion.

Should you invest $1,000 in Resmed Inc. right now?

Before you buy Resmed Inc. shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Resmed Inc. wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

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 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Bank Shares

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Bank Shares

CBA shares hit a new $176 record high. Too late to buy?

What can stop this bank now?

Read more »

man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoin
Bank Shares

Is this the right time to invest in Westpac shares after the interest rate cut?

Should investors bank on rate cuts helping Westpac?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Bank Shares

How did ASX bank shares react to the RBA decision?

The Reserve Bank of Australia just reduced interest rates by 0.25% in the second cut for 2025.

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
Dividend Investing

Dividends from ASX 200 bank shares 'looking very stretched': expert

The banks have always been a favourite choice among ASX dividend investors. But the outlook ain't great.

Read more »

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

How much higher can the CBA share price rise?

One fund manager has given their view on the biggest bank.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Bank Shares

Why is the Macquarie share price sinking today?

Let's see what is causing its shares to start the week in the red.

Read more »

Woman with spyglass looking toward ocean at sunset.
Bank Shares

Here's the earnings forecast out to 2029 for NAB shares

Let’s look at what experts are predicting for the bank.

Read more »

A man in a suit looks serious while discussing business dealings with a couple as they sit around a computer at a desk in a bank home lending scenario.
Bank Shares

Here's what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates next week

The RBA is meeting on Tuesday. Will it cut rates? Let's find out.

Read more »