Down 12% in a week, has the Woodside share price got further to fall?

What's going on with Woodside?

| More on:
Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.

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

  • Woodside shares are down over 3% today
  • Energy prices are falling amid concern about banking troubles in the US
  • One price target suggests that Woodside shares could rise to $34

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price has been through plenty of pain in the past week, it has dropped around 12%. But, can the gas and oil ASX share turn things around?

Over the past year, the business has been through a lot. It has benefited from the higher energy prices amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It's down more than 3% today. Despite all of the elevated profit generation, it's now only 3% higher than it was 12 months ago.

What's going on, and will the Woodside share price be able to recover?

Uncertainty rattles markets

The ongoing volatility in the US after the collapse of the bank Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has caused some uncertainty.

The Australian Financial Review reported on a decline in the oil price yesterday. The Brent crude oil price declined US$2, or 2.4% to US$80.77. This decline was attributed to fears of a new financial crisis, though a "recovery in Chinese demand provided support."

The newspaper reported that "worries about further Federal Reserve monetary tightening have been exacerbated by high US crude oil inventories."

The relationship between supply and demand can have a noticeable impact on a resource price. It was noted by the AFR that "crude oil production in the seven biggest US shale basis is expected to rise in April to its highest since December 2019", according to the Energy Information Administration.

What to make of this for the Woodside share price?

Clearly, investors don't think it's a positive. If Woodside's production volume and production costs don't change, then a reduction of the revenue per barrel of oil equivalent will largely be a cut to net profit after tax (NPAT) as well.

An investing opportunity can be opened up if a business keeps getting cheaper. But, it's a bit trickier when it comes to resource shares, particularly when it comes to oil, gas and coal ASX shares. We don't know what resource prices are going to do next.

Last week, JP Morgan cut its price target on Woodside shares to $34, according to reporting by The Australian. A price target implies where the share price could be in 12 months. At the time of the price target, that implied a decline. But, now it would suggest a small rise in the low-single-digits.

In the short term, movements of energy prices could dictate which way the Woodside share price goes from here.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

Cropped shot of a mature businessman brainstorming and setting financial goals with notes on a glass wall.
Energy Shares

Is it time to sell this ASX 200 uranium share amid 'ongoing challenges'?

The ASX 200 uranium producer’s latest production update is a red flag for this fundie.

Read more »

A female broker in a red jacket whispers in the ear of a man who has a surprised look on his face as she explains which two ASX 200 shares should do well in today's volatile climate
Energy Shares

Guess which ASX uranium stock just scored a buy rating from a leading broker

Bell Potter has good things to say about this uranium developer and its high-grade project.

Read more »

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet PC.
Energy Shares

Are Woodside shares the number one pick in the energy sector?

One leading broker thinks that the energy giant is the best option for investors right now.

Read more »

A young woman carefully adds a rock to the top of a pile of balanced river rocks.
Share Market News

Here's how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week

Energy and utilities stocks led the way last week with 4%-plus gains.

Read more »

A male oil and gas mechanic wearing a white hardhat walks along a steel platform above a series of gas pipes in a gas plant
Dividend Investing

Should I buy Santos shares for dividend income?

Santos shares have been steadily upping their dividends since 2020.

Read more »

Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.
Energy Shares

Are Santos shares a screaming buy?

Goldman Sachs thinks now could be a good time to buy this energy stock.

Read more »

A young woman lifts her red glasses with one hand as she takes a closer look at news about interest rates rising and one expert's surprising recommendation as to which ASX shares to buy
Energy Shares

What is getting investors excited about this ASX 200 uranium stock today?

There's a good reason why this share is charging higher on Wednesday.

Read more »

Businessman studying a high technology holographic stock market chart.
Energy Shares

Is this stock the 'best placed' of the ASX uranium shares?

This fund manager thinks so.

Read more »