Wesfarmers share price drops 4%: Time to buy?

Is the Wesfarmers share price in the buy zone after today's selloff?

| More on:
A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.

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 Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is falling with the market on Wednesday.

At the time of writing, the conglomerate's shares are down 4% to $46.60.

What's going on with the Wesfarmers share price?

Investors have been selling down the Wesfarmers share price today amid a broad market selloff which has seen the ASX 200 index drop 2.7%.

The catalyst for this was a surprisingly hot inflation reading in the United States. While many in the market were expecting inflation to cool in August, it actually increased month over month.

This has led to fears that the US Federal Reserve will be forced to make more aggressive rate increases to tame inflation, putting the United States and the global economy at risk of falling into a recession.

One thing that investors don't like is uncertainty. And with the market swimming in it at the moment, it isn't overly surprising to see many investors heading to the exits.

Is this a buying opportunity?

One broker that may see the Wesfarmers share price weakness as a buying opportunity is Morgans. It recently named the company among its best ideas list for September. It commented:

WES possesses one of the highest quality retail portfolios in Australia with strong brands including Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks. The company is run by a highly regarded management team and the balance sheet is healthy. While COVID-related staff shortages are proving to be a challenge, the core Bunnings division (>60% of group EBIT) remains a solid performer as consumers continue to invest in their homes. We see the pullback in the share price as a good entry point for longer term investors.

Morgans has an add rating and $55.60 price target on the company's shares.

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 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 Retail Shares

A woman sits amid a stylish home setting on a sofa with plush cushions with a coffee table and plant in the foreground while she peruses a tablet device.
Retail Shares

Up 185% in 5 years, how much further upside does Macquarie predict for Nick Scali shares?

The furniture retailer acquired UK-based Fabb Furniture in April last year.

Read more »

Two happy woman on a couch looking at a tablet.
Retail Shares

Ka-ching! 5 fastest growing ASX 200 retail shares of FY25

After strong share price growth, do brokers think these ASX 200 retail stocks have more room to run?

Read more »

Woman thinking in a supermarket.
Retail Shares

Coles vs Woolworths shares: which is the best buy?

Competition in Australia's supermarket sector will heat up further.

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
Retail Shares

Are Lovisa shares overvalued?

Has the fast fashion retailer already peaked this year?

Read more »

A woman looks at a tablet device while in the aisles of a hardware style store amid stacked boxes on shelves representing Bunnings and the Wesfarmers share price
Retail Shares

Is the Wesfarmers share price a buy for passive income?

Does this stock enough on the income side of things to be appealing?

Read more »

a thoughtful shopper with shopping bags wearing sparkly gold dress and matching shoes reclines on a chair with hand to chin in thought.
Retail Shares

ASX retail stock down 92% in 16 months faces 'challenging outlook': expert

It's been a big fall from grace for this ASX retail stock after being the fastest riser of the All…

Read more »

A warehouse worker is standing next to a shelf and using a digital tablet.
Retail Shares

The pros and cons of buying Wesfarmers shares this month

There’s a lot to think about with this impressive retail giant…

Read more »

a woman wearing fashionable clothes and jewellery checks her phone with a satisfied smile on her face in a luxurous home setting.
Retail Shares

Why I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $7.85

I think this small company has big potential.

Read more »