Why did the Wesfarmers share price just smash a new 52-week high?

Wesfarmers' shares are making its shareholders smile right now.

| More on:
A beautiful woman holds up one finger with one hand and has her hand on her waist with the other as she smiles widely as though she is very pleased about something.

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 continued its positive run on Monday with another gain.

This saw the conglomerate's shares climb to a new 52-week high of $52.39 at one stage.

When the Wesfarmers share price reached that level, it was up approximately 14% year to date. This compares very favourably to the ASX 200 index, which is up a more modest 5% in 2023.

Why is the Wesfarmers share price on fire right now?

Investors have been buying the Bunnings and Kmart owner's shares this year for a few reasons.

One is its defensive qualities in the current uncertain economic environment. Given how its businesses tend to perform well whatever is happening in the economy, Wesfarmers is often seen as a safe option for investors.

This is perhaps more the case than ever thanks to its focus on value. This could prove particularly important as budgets get squeezed from the cost of living crisis.

Another reason could be news that the company has been selling down its Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) stake. Wesfarmers is understood to have sold what's left of its stake for approximately $700 million.

This gives it some serious firepower to make a new acquisition. Though, it is unclear what the company might have its eyes on.

Anything else?

A couple of bullish broker notes are likely to have also given the Wesfarmers share price a lift this year.

For example, both Morgans and UBS have put the equivalent of buy ratings and $55.50 price targets on its shares.

This even suggests there's still room for its shares to rise a bit further from here. So don't be surprised if the Wesfarmers share price finds itself trading at a new 52-week high in the near future!

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 Coles Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on 52-Week Highs

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX lithium stock jumping to a 52-week high today?

This lithium stock is smashing the market this year despite all the doom and gloom in the industry.

Read more »

A graphic showing a businessman running up a white upwards rising arrow symbolising the soaring Magellan share price today
52-Week Highs

3 ASX 200 shares smashing new 52-week highs on a red-market day

These lucky shares are defying the market today.

Read more »

A piggy bank on the cloud in the blue sky symbolising a record high share price.
Share Market News

Here's why Morgan Stanley says the record-high ASX 200 has more room to run

The top broker also thinks investors should prepare for a rotation out of ASX bank stocks in 2025.

Read more »

A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.
52-Week Highs

Why is this ASX stock jumping 10% to a decade-high today?

What is getting investors excited today? Let's find out.

Read more »

Man raising both his arms in the air with a piggy bank on his lap, symbolising a record high.
52-Week Highs

12 non-bank ASX 200 shares smashing new 52-week highs today

Do you own any of these stocks at 52-week highs today?

Read more »

A cloud with a blue arrow pointing upwards through its middle symbolising a rising asx share price
52-Week Highs

7 ASX 200 shares smashing new highs on Tuesday

Here's why these companies are hitting new 52-week highs on Tuesday.

Read more »

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.
52-Week Highs

6 ASX 200 shares smashing new highs while the market dives today

Do you own any of these lucky ASX 200 stocks?

Read more »

A woman wearing a top of gold coins and large gold hoop earrings and a heavy gold bracelet stands amid a shower of gold coins with her mouth open wide and an excited look on her face.
Gold

14 ASX gold stocks unearthing fresh 52-week highs today

Do you own any of these hot gold miners?

Read more »