Down 28% this year, is the Wesfarmers share price at a turning point?

Question is, did the share find a bottom last week or not?

| More on:
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

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

Key points

  • The Wesfarmers share price found buyers at its 52-week lows last week, with the company reclaiming some gains this week
  • Broker sentiment is split between buys, holds, and sells
  • In the last 12 months, the Wesfarmers share price has fallen 28% into the red

The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price has tumbled over the last month of trade, extending losses to more than 28% this year to date.

After a series of downward moves, the Wesfarmers share price fell to its 52-week closing low of $41.16 on 17 June, as illustrated on the chart below.

However, it's since bounced from that level, currently trading at $42.32 at the time of writing.

TradingView Chart

Is Wesfarmers reversing course?

The share is still bottom-heavy and has some way to go before clawing back to its May 2022 levels.

Despite this, it still has five buy calls and five hold calls from brokers, according to Bloomberg data.

Balancing the picture is that six brokers also say to sell Wesfarmers shares.

In a note today, analyst Mohsen Crofts, from Bloomberg Intelligence, wrote that Bunnings and Kmart are Wesfarmers' key assets in its long-term growth.

Crofts wrote:

Wesfarmers-owned hardware chain Bunnings' brand and operational strength could increase its revenue and market share from 2023 once Australian housing stabilises with interest rates.

Earnings performance at Kmart, Wesfarmers' discount department store brand, should improve this year as Covid-19 related costs and restrictions ease.

Meanwhile, analysts at JP Morgan echoed the sentiment in a May note. The broker said, "Wesfarmers is a beneficiary of the retail and housing cycle, with three industry leading retailers."

"Following the downsizing of Target, acquisitions of Catch and Kidman, as well as a de-rating post capital return, the share price outlook is favourable."

Wesfarmers share price snapshot

In the last 12 months, the Wesfarmers share price has slipped more than 28% into the red, dropping almost 10% in the last month alone.

The conglomerate has a market capitalisation of around $48 billion based on the current share price.

Should you invest $1,000 in Apple right now?

Before you buy Apple 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 Apple 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 6 March 2025

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Gainers

Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.
Share Gainers

How an $8k investment in this ASX All Ords stock one-year ago is worth $58,182 today

The ASX All Ords stock has enjoyed a stellar year. But why?

Read more »

Young girl drinking milk showing off muscles.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors finally caught a break this Friday.

Read more »

Four people on the beach leap high into the air.
Share Gainers

4 ASX All Ords stocks shrugging off the looming 2025 market correction and charging higher

If the ASX All Ords enters a 2025 market correction, don’t blame these soaring stocks!

Read more »

A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Why Catalyst Metals, Droneshield, Liontown, and Northern Star shares are charging higher

These shares are ending the week with a bang. But why?

Read more »

A happy young boy in a wheelchair holds his arms outstretched as another boy pushed him.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors were once again selling this Thursday...

Read more »

Ecstatic woman looking at her phone outside with her fist pumped.
Share Gainers

Why Austal, Boss Energy, Capricorn Metals, and Ora Banda shares are charging higher today

These shares are having a decent session on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Person pretends to types on laptop drawn in sand.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a woeful Wednesday for ASX investors today.

Read more »

Hiker man backpacker with hands up in the summer mountains with cloudy sky.
Share Gainers

3 ASX shares leaping to new 52-week highs in today's sinking market

These ASX shares are shrugging off the broader market jitters to hit new 52-week plus highs.

Read more »