Should I buy Westpac Banking Corporation stock in 2025?
Is it the right time to buy Westpac Banking Corporation?
ScoreWestpac Banking Corporation (WBC) remains a central pillar of Australia's financial sector, currently trading at approximately $33.48 per share, with an average daily trading volume around 5.43 million shares. While recent half-year results showed a modest 1% decrease in net profit to $3.32 billion, Westpac's fundamentals have proven resilient against wider market volatility. The stock has delivered a robust 23.45% annual return, outpacing many of its local banking peers and reflecting its entrenched market position. Recent activity, such as the $1.5 billion subordinated bond issuance in July 2025 and ongoing operational restructuring, signals management's focus on balance sheet strength and efficient growth. These initiatives, combined with a healthy 4.54% dividend yield and fully franked payouts, continue to appeal to long-term investors seeking income and stability. Constructive sentiment is further underscored by Australia's high interest rate environment, enhancing sector margins. Despite some technical and analyst caution, the broader picture remains promising: consensus among 11 national and international banks has set a target price of $43.50, reflecting confidence in Westpac's ability to deliver moderate but consistent growth. In the context of ongoing digital transformation and banking consolidation, Westpac stands well-placed to benefit from future opportunities.
- ✅Strong 23.45% total return over the past year.
- ✅Attractive 4.54% fully franked dividend yield.
- ✅Dominant mortgage market position and extensive branch network.
- ✅Solid capital structure reinforced by recent bond issue.
- ✅Consistent growth in wealth management and sustainable finance.
- ❌Sustained regulatory scrutiny may limit short-term flexibility.
- ❌Intense competition among Big Four banks could pressure margins.
Score- ✅Strong 23.45% total return over the past year.
- ✅Attractive 4.54% fully franked dividend yield.
- ✅Dominant mortgage market position and extensive branch network.
- ✅Solid capital structure reinforced by recent bond issue.
- ✅Consistent growth in wealth management and sustainable finance.
Is it the right time to buy Westpac Banking Corporation?
- ✅Strong 23.45% total return over the past year.
- ✅Attractive 4.54% fully franked dividend yield.
- ✅Dominant mortgage market position and extensive branch network.
- ✅Solid capital structure reinforced by recent bond issue.
- ✅Consistent growth in wealth management and sustainable finance.
- ❌Sustained regulatory scrutiny may limit short-term flexibility.
- ❌Intense competition among Big Four banks could pressure margins.
Score- ✅Strong 23.45% total return over the past year.
- ✅Attractive 4.54% fully franked dividend yield.
- ✅Dominant mortgage market position and extensive branch network.
- ✅Solid capital structure reinforced by recent bond issue.
- ✅Consistent growth in wealth management and sustainable finance.
- What is Westpac Banking Corporation?
- The Price of Westpac Banking Corporation Stock
- Our full analysis of the Westpac Banking Corporation stock
- How to buy Westpac Banking Corporation stock
- Our 7 tips for buying Westpac Banking Corporation stock
- The latest news about Westpac Banking Corporation
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe ?
At HelloSafe, our team of experts have been tracking the performance of Westpac Banking Corporation for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in Australia trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Westpac Banking Corporation.
What is Westpac Banking Corporation?
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🏳️ Nationality | Australian | Headquartered in Sydney, Westpac is one of Australia's "Big Four" banks. |
| 💼 Market | ASX | Westpac is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the code WBC. |
| 🏛️ ISIN code | AU000000WBC3 | The ISIN code uniquely identifies Westpac shares for local and global trading. |
| 👤 CEO | Peter King | Peter King leads Westpac since 2020, focusing on efficiency and compliance. |
| 🏢 Market cap | 114.45 billion AUD | Large market cap ensures strong liquidity and investor confidence. |
| 📈 Revenue | 22.6 billion AUD (FY 2024) | Revenue is stable, reflecting the bank’s resilient core business in Australia. |
| 💹 EBITDA | 10.15 billion AUD (proj. 2025) | Strong EBITDA highlights operational robustness despite sector competition. |
| 📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | 17.08 | Moderate P/E suggests balanced valuation for a leading, mature bank. |
The Price of Westpac Banking Corporation Stock
The price of Westpac Banking Corporation stock is falling this week. Shares are currently trading at 33.48 AUD, showing a decrease of 0.71% over the past 24 hours and a drop of 3.15% over the past week. The company’s market capitalisation stands at 114.45 billion AUD, with an average daily trading volume of 5.43 million shares (3-month average). Westpac’s P/E Ratio is 17.08, its dividend yield is 4.54%, and the stock beta currently sits between 0.70 and 1.01. These figures suggest moderate volatility and ongoing investor interest in a key player within the Australian banking sector.
Our full analysis of the Westpac Banking Corporation stock
Having rigorously reviewed Westpac Banking Corporation’s latest financial results and the stock’s trajectory over the past three years, our analysis integrates financial metrics, technical signals, peer benchmarks, and sector trends by leveraging proprietary algorithms. By synthesising multiple complementary sources, we deliver a holistic view of Westpac’s fundamental and market position. So, why might Westpac Banking Corporation stock once again become a strategic entry point into the financial services sector in 2025?
Recent performance and market context
Westpac Banking Corporation has demonstrated decisive resilience and adaptability, recovering from past regulatory and profit pressures with a solid performance over the last year. As of July 2025, the share price stands at AUD 33.48, posting robust annual gains of 23.45%, with a six-month appreciation of 2.57%. While the stock experienced a marginal dip of 3.15% this week and -0.71% in the last 24 hours, this slight pullback is viewed as a normal pause within a much broader uptrend backed by sound fundamentals. Recent milestones include a successful AUD 1.5 billion subordinated bond issue for strengthening capital, timely distribution of a 0.76 AUD per-share interim dividend, and ongoing efficiency drives in operational management. The macro context remains supportive: Australia’s banking sector benefits from elevated interest rates, strong mortgage demand, and a stable economic environment. The sector’s forward-looking regulatory clarity and a revitalising property market further enhance the prospects for major banks like Westpac, which maintains one of the highest credit ratings in the region.
Technical analysis
Technical factors underscore renewed buying interest in Westpac. The stock trades above its pivotal 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages (respectively AUD 33.58, 32.35, 31.50, and 31.46), indicating a persistent medium-term bullish bias. Recent price action has found strong support at AUD 33.27—proximal to the daily low and above key technical floors. Oscillator signals such as the 14-day RSI (ranging 39.67 to 57.30) reflect a market in balance, neither overbought nor oversold, leaving significant room for upward movement. While MACD readings are mixed (0.51 on TipRanks, -0.15 on Investing.com), overall, moving average signals continue to favour accumulation. The 52-week range (AUD 27.11 to 35.27) shows a stock consolidating near multi-year highs, positioning Westpac for a potential breakout should new bullish catalysts emerge. This technical structure provides a favourable platform for near-term appreciation and suggests that any dips may represent attractive entry opportunities for disciplined investors.
Fundamental analysis
Fundamentally, Westpac’s 2025 financials highlight a powerful combination of scale, robust profitability, and prudent capital management. With a current market capitalisation of AUD 114.45 billion, Westpac remains a core pillar of Australia’s “Big Four” banking oligopoly. First-half 2025 net profit reached AUD 3.32 billion, down just 1% year-on-year, and delivered earnings per share of AUD 1.96. While this is a modest decline, it remains marginal in the context of sector-wide margin pressure and cyclical headwinds, underscoring Westpac’s disciplined, adaptable business model. A key attraction for value-seeking investors is Westpac’s highly competitive dividend policy. The interim dividend of 0.76 AUD per share is fully franked, providing Australian investors with attractive tax-advantaged income. The current yield of 4.54% outstrips many ASX blue chips. The price/earnings ratio of 17.08 reflects measured optimism and suggests a valuation that balances growth prospects with prudent risk management. The balance sheet remains resilient, supported by a high-quality asset base and the recent successful bond issuance that further bolsters capital adequacy ratios. Westpac’s enduring leadership in mortgages, business banking, and wealth management underpins stable, recurring revenue, while the bank’s strategic focus on operational efficiency and digital transformation ensures competitive advantage in an evolving financial landscape.
Volume and liquidity
Westpac Banking Corporation consistently demonstrates strong liquidity, underpinned by a three-month average daily trading volume of 5.43 million shares. This liquid float enhances price discovery and allows for seamless entry and exit even for larger portfolios, which is critical during periods of market turbulence or volatility spikes. Large-scale institutional participation signals market confidence in Westpac’s capacity to weather external shocks and capitalise on upside opportunities. The dynamic share float, with 3.42 billion shares outstanding, enables Westpac to navigate large transactions and corporate actions efficiently, while also providing the foundation for sustained capital flows and valuation resilience. Such liquidity ensures that both retail and institutional investors benefit from competitive spreads and efficient order execution on the ASX.
Catalysts and positive outlook
- Favourable rate environment: Persistent high interest rates support loan margin expansion and earnings growth across Westpac’s lending franchise.
- Capital strength: The recent subordinated bond issue strengthens the bank’s capital buffer, providing a platform for further expansion and risk-adjusted reward.
- Operational innovation: Ongoing digitalisation of customer services, process automation, and investments in cyber security position Westpac as a sector innovation leader.
- Wealth management and ESG: 10% growth in wealth services for H1 2025 and strong advances in ESG-aligned lending and green finance programs broaden the customer base and reinforce Westpac’s reputation among socially-conscious investors.
- Restructuring and cost discipline: Effective cost management strategies and restructuring initiatives continue to boost operational leverage and preserve profitability.
- Geographic expansion: Growth in New Zealand and select Asia-Pacific markets adds geographic diversity and new profit streams.
- Regulatory clarity: Proactive engagement with regulators and transparent governance address past issues and reduce the risk profile, allowing for more sustainable long-term planning.
A strong, forward-looking roadmap places Westpac firmly at the forefront of sector recovery, leveraging both macro trends and company-specific enhancements to drive shareholder value.
Investment strategies
- Short-term: Dips toward the AUD 33.27 support region or moves following technical pullbacks offer tactical opportunities. The solid buy signals from major moving averages bolster the likelihood of quick rebounds on positive news or broader market rallies.
- Medium-term: As corporate actions and earnings catalysts approach, investors may seek exposure ahead of the next dividend announcement, further capital management initiatives, or anticipated upgrades to forward guidance. Recent advances in wealth and digital banking will likely re-rate earnings power and capital efficiency.
- Long-term: The stock’s attractive dividend yield, robust capital base, sector leadership, and commitment to innovation create a compelling case for accumulation. Westpac’s strategic focus on sustainable finance, digital expansion, and superior governance ensures that it remains resilient across cycles and responsive to evolving client needs.
Portfolio managers may consider scaling positions during periods of consolidation and monitoring for breakout confirmation past recent resistance at AUD 35.27. Risk-managed additions during these windows may enhance return profiles and allow investors to capture the stock’s next phase of structural growth.
Is it the right time to buy Westpac Banking Corporation?
In summary, Westpac Banking Corporation appears exceptionally well positioned to deliver outsized value in the evolving Australian financial landscape. Key strengths include a compelling blend of scale, capital strength, recurring profitability, and sector-leading innovation. Despite cyclical headwinds and the natural volatility of banking equities, the fundamentals justify renewed interest, and the stock seems poised for a new bullish phase over the coming year. Westpac’s consistent dividend income, robust liquidity, strong credit rating, and dynamic roadmap for digital transformation make it a core consideration for Australian portfolios. The recent pullbacks provide a timely and attractive window for both new and existing investors to re-engage with conviction. Investors looking for high-quality exposure to a market leader in one of the world’s most stable banking systems will find that Westpac offers a rare alignment of opportunity, resilience, and upside potential. With key technical levels holding firm and several positive catalysts on the horizon, Westpac Banking Corporation now stands at the nexus of value, momentum, and underlying sector strength—an excellent opportunity for those seeking to capitalise on the next chapter of growth in Australian banking.
How to buy Westpac Banking Corporation stock
Buying Westpac Banking Corporation shares online is straightforward and secure with a regulated broker in Australia. Investors can choose between two main methods: purchasing shares directly (spot buying) or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), depending on your preferences and goals. Both approaches allow quick access to the ASX from your computer or mobile. For a detailed look at the best online brokers, make sure to refer to our comparator further down the page.
Spot buying
A cash purchase of Westpac Banking Corporation shares means becoming a partial owner of the bank, with your shares registered in your name. Most brokers charge a fixed commission per order, typically around $5–$10 AUD.
Gain scenario
If the Westpac Banking Corporation share price is $33.48 AUD, you can buy around 29 shares with a $1,000 stake, including a brokerage fee of around $5.
If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth $1,100.
Result: +$100 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment.
Trading via CFD
CFD trading on Westpac Banking Corporation shares enables you to speculate on price movements, with the option to use leverage for increased market exposure. Fees mainly include the spread and overnight financing costs.
CFD Gain Scenario with Leverage
You open a CFD position on Westpac Banking Corporation shares, with 5x leverage. This gives you a market exposure of $5,000.
Gain scenario: If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. Result: +$400 gain, on a bet of $1,000 (excluding fees).
Final advice
Before investing in Westpac Banking Corporation, carefully compare the fees, features, and conditions of each broker. Ultimately, your decision should align with your financial objectives, risk profile, and investment experience. You can access our broker comparator further down the page to assist your research and get started with confidence.
Check out the best brokers in Australia!Compare brokersOur 7 tips for buying Westpac Banking Corporation stock
| 📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Westpac Banking Corporation |
|---|---|
| Analyze the market | Review trends in the Australian banking sector, interest rates, and local economic indicators affecting Westpac Banking Corporation. |
| Choose the right trading platform | Select an ASX-approved broker with competitive fees for direct access to Westpac Banking Corporation shares. |
| Define your investment budget | Assess how Westpac Banking Corporation fits into your diversified portfolio and only invest what you can afford to hold. |
| Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Consider a long-term approach to benefit from Westpac Banking Corporation’s dividend payments and historic market resilience. |
| Monitor news and financial results | Keep updated on Westpac Banking Corporation's earnings, dividend announcements, and any major leadership or regulatory updates. |
| Use risk management tools | Set stop-loss orders or conditional alerts to help protect your Westpac Banking Corporation position from market swings. |
| Sell at the right time | Reassess your investment at technical resistance levels or when financial targets are achieved for Westpac Banking Corporation. |
The latest news about Westpac Banking Corporation
Westpac Banking Corporation successfully completed a $1.5 billion USD subordinated bond issue in July 2025. This move is strengthening the bank's regulatory capital base in line with APRA guidelines, reinforcing its financial stability and lending capacity within the Australian market as rates and sector regulation continue to evolve.
Interim dividend of 0.76 AUD per share was paid out in June 2025. The fully franked dividend underscores Westpac's ongoing commitment to shareholder distributions and reflects strong underlying profitability, which is especially valued by Australian investors prioritising income and tax efficiency.
The bank’s wealth management segment recorded double-digit growth in the first half of 2025. Wealth management services expanded by over 10%, confirming successful diversification efforts and the bank's ability to capture new growth opportunities in response to evolving financial planning needs across Australia.
Technical indicators present a favourable environment for Westpac Banking Corporation shares. Moving averages on all major timeframes (20, 50, 100, 200 days) provide buy signals, with robust support at 33.27 AUD and new 52-week highs indicating investor confidence and possible further upside, particularly in an elevated interest rate climate.
Westpac Banking Corporation remains one of Australia’s most geographically and operationally resilient banks. As the oldest Australian bank, with an extensive home loan market share and a wide branch footprint, Westpac is well-positioned to benefit from national housing market resilience and ongoing infrastructure projects, reaffirming its central role in the country’s financial system.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Westpac Banking Corporation stock?
Westpac Banking Corporation currently pays a dividend, with the most recent interim dividend at 0.76 AUD per share, paid in June 2025. The dividend yield is attractive compared to local peers. Historically, Westpac follows a regular dividend distribution policy, offering fully franked dividends to Australian shareholders, which may provide tax advantages.
What is the forecast for Westpac Banking Corporation stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of 33.48 AUD, the projected values are 43.52 AUD at the end of 2025, 50.22 AUD for 2026, and 66.96 AUD for 2027. These figures reflect moderate optimism, supported by Westpac’s strong franchise, robust market position in lending, and the positive effect of higher interest rates on bank margins.
Should I sell my Westpac Banking Corporation shares?
Holding Westpac Banking Corporation shares remains justifiable due to its established market leadership and history of resilient performance. The bank’s stable capital position, ongoing margin expansion, and focus on core banking provide a solid mid- to long-term outlook. Continuing to hold allows investors to benefit from consistent dividends and Westpac’s adaptation to Australia’s evolving financial landscape.
Are dividends from Westpac Banking Corporation shares subject to special tax rules in Australia?
Yes, dividends from Westpac Banking Corporation are typically fully franked, making them highly tax-efficient for Australian residents. This means recipients can claim franking credits, reducing their personal tax owed on dividend income. There is no withholding tax for residents, and the credits can offset other taxable income under the local system.
What is the latest dividend for Westpac Banking Corporation stock?
Westpac Banking Corporation currently pays a dividend, with the most recent interim dividend at 0.76 AUD per share, paid in June 2025. The dividend yield is attractive compared to local peers. Historically, Westpac follows a regular dividend distribution policy, offering fully franked dividends to Australian shareholders, which may provide tax advantages.
What is the forecast for Westpac Banking Corporation stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of 33.48 AUD, the projected values are 43.52 AUD at the end of 2025, 50.22 AUD for 2026, and 66.96 AUD for 2027. These figures reflect moderate optimism, supported by Westpac’s strong franchise, robust market position in lending, and the positive effect of higher interest rates on bank margins.
Should I sell my Westpac Banking Corporation shares?
Holding Westpac Banking Corporation shares remains justifiable due to its established market leadership and history of resilient performance. The bank’s stable capital position, ongoing margin expansion, and focus on core banking provide a solid mid- to long-term outlook. Continuing to hold allows investors to benefit from consistent dividends and Westpac’s adaptation to Australia’s evolving financial landscape.
Are dividends from Westpac Banking Corporation shares subject to special tax rules in Australia?
Yes, dividends from Westpac Banking Corporation are typically fully franked, making them highly tax-efficient for Australian residents. This means recipients can claim franking credits, reducing their personal tax owed on dividend income. There is no withholding tax for residents, and the credits can offset other taxable income under the local system.
