After sliding into the red last month, what's the outlook for the Westpac share price in December?

We take a look at what might be ahead for the banking giant's shares.

| More on:
Woman on her laptop thinking to herself.

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 Westpac share price slid 1.4% in November
  • However, Westpac shares are still in the green year to date 
  • Multiple brokers are optimistic on the future of the Westpac share price 

The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price fell slightly in November, but could December be a better month?

Westpac shares fell 1.4% in November to close the month at $23.77. For perspective, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbed 6.1% in November.

Let's take a look at the outlook for the Westpac share price in December.

What's going on at Westpac?

The ASX bank share had one major announcement that appeared to impact its share price in November. On 7 November, the Westpac share price slid 4% on the back of the company's full-year results.

The bank's cash earnings fell 1% to $5.276 million in the 12 months ending on 30 September. However, despite this, the board still declared fully franked dividends of $1.25 per share . The bank's net interest margin fell 17 basis points to 1.87%.

However, overall, Westpac shares have still climbed 10% year to date.

Meanwhile, the team at Morgans has named Westpac among the best ASX share ideas for December.

Analysts said they view Westpac as having "the greatest potential" for return on equity improvement among the major banks, provided its business transformation initiatives are successful. Morgans added:

The sources of this improvement include improved loan origination and processing capability, cost reductions (including from divestments and cost-out), rapid leverage to higher rates environment, and reduced regulatory credit risk intensity of non-home loan book.

Yield including franking is attractive for income-oriented investors, while the ROE improvement should deliver share price growth.

Morgans has placed an add rating on the Westpac share price with a $25.80 price target. Its shares are currently swapping hands for $23.44 apiece.

Goldman Sachs has a buy rating on the Westpac share price despite the lower net interest margin (NIM) in FY22. The broker said:

While on the surface, the FY22 result suggested WBC's NIM leverage was underwhelming relative to some peers, we think 2H22 was adversely impacted by late-in-the-half liquidity build, and management's guidance on its FY23 NIM trajectory was better than we had previously anticipated.

What else?

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the official cash rate by a further 0.25% to 3.10% earlier this week. Following this announcement, Westpac announced it would increase its home loan variable interest rates by 0.25% for new and existing customers from 20 December.

Commenting on the impact of inflation and interest rates on the bank's approach to capital management in The Australian this week, Westpac CEO Peter King said:

When I think about the bank, we've built our capital levels and we've got good liquidity buffers — so the bank is in really good shape heading into 2023, where we expect growth to slow.

We're in a good position to help customers get through some of the challenges that the current environment is producing.

Share price snapshot

The Westpac share price has risen nearly 12% in the last year.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Westpac Banking Corporation PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

For perspective, the ASX 200 has fallen around 3% over the past 12 months.

Westpac has a market capitalisation of about $81.5 billion based on the current share price.

Should you invest $1,000 in Cochlear Limited right now?

Before you buy Cochlear Limited 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 Cochlear Limited 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 Monica O'Shea 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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Bank Shares

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Bank Shares

Why does Macquarie think the big 4 ASX bank shares are 'on borrowed time'?

With Australian interest rates likely to fall, the banks face compressed margins in the medium term.

Read more »

Bank building in a financial district.
Bank Shares

What happened with the big four ASX 200 bank stocks in April?

CBA led the charge among the ASX 200 bank stocks in April. But why?

Read more »

A young male ASX investor raises his clenched fists in excitement because of rising ASX share prices today
Bank Shares

Why did CBA shares jump over 10% in April?

It was a great month for owners of this banking giant's shares.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
Bank Shares

Which big 4 ASX bank share does Macquarie currently prefer?

Here’s why Macquarie likes this bank the most.

Read more »

Bank building with word Bank on it.
Bank Shares

ASX bank shares outperformed in April. Will this continue according to Macquarie?

What drove the strong performance by banks in April?

Read more »

a couple and their baby sit together at their computer carrying out digital transactions and smiling happily.
Bank Shares

3 things about BOQ stock every smart investor knows

This smaller bank has aspirations to become a larger competitor.

Read more »

Man raising both his arms in the air with a piggy bank on his lap, symbolising a record high.
Bank Shares

CBA shares reach new all time high after 4% surge

CBA shares have done it again.

Read more »

Bank building in a financial district.
Bank Shares

Would I buy ANZ shares right now?

Would the bank be a good investment right now?

Read more »