Westpac shares rise on 'in-line' result, big dividend, and $1.5b share buyback

Westpac's full-year results have gone down well with the market on Monday.

| More on:
A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.

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 having a positive start to the week.

In morning trade, the banking giant's shares are up over 1.5% to $21.86.

Why are Westpac shares rising today?

Investors have been buying Westpac shares this morning in response to the bank's full-year results release.

For the 12 months ended 30 September, Westpac reported a 36% increase in net operating income to $21,645 million. This was driven by a 7% increase in net interest income to $18,317 million and a 36% jump in non-interest income to $3,328 million.

On the bottom line, Australia's oldest bank posted a 26% increase in net profit after tax to $7,201 million. Together with its strong capital position, this allowed the Westpac to increase its dividend by 14% for the year to 142 cents per share and announce a $1.5 billion share buyback. The former comprises a 70 cents per share interim dividend and a 72 cents per share final dividend.

How does this compare to expectations?

Goldman Sachs notes that the result was broadly in line with the market's expectations and a touch ahead of its own. It said:

WBC reported FY23 cash earnings (GS basis ex-hedging) of A$7,221 mn was up significantly on the prior period and broadly in-line with expectation (+1.2%/+0.2% above GSe/Visible Alpha Consensus). We note that ex notables and businesses sold earnings of A$7,237 mn was up 13% hoh. There were minimal surprises in terms of revenues and expenses, with PPOP broadly in line with GSe, while BDDs came in lower than expected.

The broker also highlights that Westpac's capital position was stronger than it expected, which explains its higher-than-forecast share buyback and dividend. It adds:

WBC's FY23 CET1 ratio of 12.4% (globally harmonised CET1 18.7%) was up 9 bp in the half and 43 bp better than our estimate. As a result of the strong capital result, WBC announced a A$1.5 bn buyback (GSe A$1.0 bn). The buyback will reduce WBC's CET1 ratio by 0.33%, leaving its pro-forma CET1 ratio of 12.1%. The final 2023 dividend of 72¢ was 2¢ higher than GSe (70¢), bringing the full year payout ratio to 69%, ex-notable items, and the DRP will be done with no discount, with shares to be neutralized via an on-market buyback. WBC reiterated its sustainable payout ratio range to 65-75% of NPAT ex-notables.

As things stand, Goldman has a neutral rating and a $22.61 price target on Westpac shares. Though, that could change once it has made adjustments to its model in the coming days.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Bank Shares

This is the ASX bank stock with the largest dividend yield right now

Looking to ASX bank stocks for dividend income right now?

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

ASX banking sector: Is it time to consider a regional bank?

The big 4 banks are widely considered to be overvalued.

Read more »

A person leans over to whisper a secret to a colleague during a meeting.
Bank Shares

Here are the latest growth forecasts for the CBA share price

Can the bank continue rising? Here are some expert views.

Read more »

A businessman presents a company annual report in front of a group seated at a table
Bank Shares

Earnings season predictions: Macquarie weighs in on the big 4 banks

What are the broker's predictions?

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
Bank Shares

Major CBA investor reveals why he's all in

This investor described one major reason driving his investment in CBA shares.

Read more »

Young investor sits at desk looking happy after discovering Westpac's dividend reinvestment plan
Bank Shares

Invested $10,000 in Westpac shares 2 years ago? Guess how much you've already banked!

Atop their regular dividend payments, Westpac shares have enjoyed a strong two-year run.

Read more »

Woman calculating dividends on calculator and working on a laptop.
Bank Shares

Buying CBA stock today? Here's the dividend yield you'll get

CBA's yield right now might surprise you.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Bank Shares

How much would the ASX 200 fall if CBA shares returned to 'fair value'?

CBA shares account for 12% of the ASX 200.

Read more »