Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares have had a tough time over the last 12 months.
During this time, the banking giantâs shares have lost 6.5% of their value, as you can see on the chart below.
In light of this weakness, some investors may be tempted to pick up Westpac shares before it releases its results next week. But should they wait?
Should you buy Westpac shares ahead of its results?
Buying shares before they release their results is a risky move. A strong result could see a share rocket higher, but a weak result could see the opposite happen.
In light of this, it may make sense to buy a share in two stages. Half before the results and half after the release. This limits your downside if things go awry and also allows you to benefit from any gains if things go well.
But is Westpac a buy? Well, it is according to Goldman Sachs. It is expecting a strong result from Australiaâs oldest bank and is recommending investors snap up its shares.
Goldman recently reiterated its conviction buy rating and $25.86 price target on the bankâs shares. Based on the current Westpac share price of $22.55, this implies potential upside of 15% for investors over the next 12 months.
And with the broker forecasting a $1.44 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2023, which represents a 6.5% yield, the total potential return on offer here is approximately 21%.
What is Goldman expecting from the half-year result?
If you are planning to buy Westpac shares, you will no doubt want to keep an eye on its results.
Goldman Sachs is expecting Westpac to report cash earnings (before one-offs) of $3,781 million, which is just a touch short of the consensus estimate of $3,788 million. It also represents a sizeable 22.2% increase on the prior corresponding period.
This is expected to be supported by a net interest margin of 2.03% and underpin a fully franked interim dividend of 72 cents per share. The latter will be an 18% increase from FY 2022âs interim dividend of 61 cents per share.
The post Should I buy Westpac shares ahead of next week’s half-year results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac Banking Corporation right now?
Before you consider Westpac Banking Corporation, you’ll want to hear this.
Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Westpac Banking Corporation wasn’t one of them.
The online investing service heâs 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 are better buys.
See The 5 Stocks
*Returns as of April 3 2023
(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()
More reading
- Whatâs happening with ASX 200 banks today as First Republic teeters on the brink of collapse?
- Investing in ASX 200 shares? Here’s what to expect from the RBA tomorrow
- Don’t get duped: Why cheap ASX shares can still rip you off
- Which is the best ASX 200 bank share to buy right now?
- First Republic Bank shares just crashed 50%. Here’s how ASX 200 bank stocks are responding
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/8Y9E5Ky
Stock Pick 