Westpac the 'weakest' of the major banking shares, says expert

Westpac is set to report its full-year FY23 earnings and final dividend on Monday.

| More on:
A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price

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

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are up 1.32%, in line with the broader market on Friday.

The Westpac share price is currently $21.45 amid the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rising 1.11%.

The ASX bank share has risen by about 5% this week.

News of a strategic acquisition on Wednesday gave Westpac shares an extra boost, leading to a five-day outperformance against its 'big four' rivals.

But Michael Gable of Fairmont Equities is less than impressed with the ASX bank share.

Westpac shares 'vulnerable to long-term downtrend'

Gable notes that a recent rally in the Westpac share price failed to push it above its long-term trend line.

On The Bull, Gable commented:

WBC is the weakest of the major banks, in our view.

In terms of share price action, it recently rallied to below its long-term downtrend line before retreating again.

In our view, the stock is vulnerable to maintaining its long-term downtrend, particularly after the company soon declares its final dividend.

Westpac is set to declare that next dividend on Monday alongside its full-year FY23 results.

Top broker Goldman Sachs is tipping a final dividend of 70 cents per share.

As my Fool colleague James reports, Goldman is expecting Westpac to report cash earnings of $3,054 million for 2Q FY23. That would be 40% higher than 2Q FY22 but 25% lower than 1Q FY23.

It would also be 11.4% short of the consensus estimate of $3,446 million.

If Westpac does better than this, then its stock could experience a lift on Monday.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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 Bank Shares

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.
Bank Shares

What's the outlook for Bank of Queensland shares in 2025?

Here’s what experts predict for BOQ next year.

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Bank Shares

Why ANZ shares are making big news today

ANZ's CEO is handing back millions as scrutiny grows.

Read more »

Nervous customer in discussions at a bank.
Bank Shares

Why this expert says it's time to sell NAB shares

Are NAB shares a sell heading into 2025?

Read more »

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

'Too high too rapidly': Why CBA shares are a sell

Should you sell your CBA shares today?

Read more »

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

Why today is a big day for NAB shares

It’s a big day for NAB shareholders on Wednesday.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Bank Shares

Is the market too optimistic on Bank of Queensland shares?

Bank of Queensland shares have raced ahead of the benchmark over the past six months.

Read more »

A female investor sits at her messy desk and marks dates in her diary for Zip announcements in 2022
Bank Shares

Own Bendigo Bank shares? Here are the dates to watch in 2025

Bendigo Bank already has 2025 all mapped out.

Read more »

Smiling business woman calculates tax at desk in office.
Bank Shares

Why Macquarie shareholders are smiling today

Let's see what makes today a good day for owners of the investment bank's shares.

Read more »