WBC.AX - Westpac Banking Corporation
| Previous close | 15.51 |
| Open | 15.75 |
| Bid | 15.81 x 0 |
| Ask | 15.85 x 0 |
| Day's range | 15.67 - 16.04 |
| 52-week range | 13.47 - 30.05 |
| Volume | 3,470,876 |
| Avg. volume | 12,545,664 |
| Market cap | 55.211B |
| Beta (5Y monthly) | 0.55 |
| PE ratio (TTM) | 8.35 |
| EPS (TTM) | 1.89 |
| Earnings date | 05 May 2020 |
| Forward dividend & yield | 1.60 (10.32%) |
| Ex-dividend date | 12 Nov 2019 |
| 1y target est | 28.82 |
- Simply Wall St.
How Does Westpac Banking's (ASX:WBC) P/E Compare To Its Industry, After The Share Price Drop?
To the annoyance of some shareholders, Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC) shares are down a considerable 30% in the last month...
- Business Wire
WBK FINAL DEADLINE TODAY: ROSEN, A TOP RANKED LAW FIRM, Reminds Westpac Banking Corporation Investors of Important March 30 Deadline in First Filed Securities Class Action – WBK
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Westpac Banking Corporation (NYSE: WBK) between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important March 30, 2020 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first commenced by the firm. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Westpac investors under the federal securities laws.
- Business Wire
WBK DEADLINE - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Reminds Westpac Banking Corporation Shareholders With Losses Exceeding $100K of Class Action and Lead Plaintiff Deadline: March 30, 2020
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Westpac Banking Corporation ("Westpac" or the Company") (NYSE: WBK) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased Westpac securities between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/wbk.
- Business Wire
ROSEN, A TOP RANKED LAW FIRM, Reminds Westpac Banking Corporation Investors of Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – WBK
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Westpac Banking Corporation (NYSE: WBK) between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important March 30, 2020 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the firm. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Westpac investors under the federal securities laws.
- Business Wire
WBK INVESTOR ALERT - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Reminds Westpac Banking Corporation Shareholders With Losses Exceeding $100K of Class Action and Lead Plaintiff Deadline: March 30, 2020
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Westpac Banking Corporation ("Westpac" or the Company") (NYSE: WBK) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased Westpac securities between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/wbk.
- Business Wire
Shareholder Alert: Robbins LLP Announces It Is Investigating Westpac Banking Corp. (WBK)
Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP announces that it is investigating Westpac Banking Corp. (NYSE: WBK) for alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and whether the Company's officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. Westpac provides various banking and financial services in Australia, and internationally.
- Bloomberg
New Zealand Moves to Soothe Market Tensions With Term Loans to Banks
(Bloomberg) -- New Zealand’s central bank will offer term loans to banks in an attempt to ease tensions in credit markets, a tool it last employed during the global financial crisis.From today, the Reserve Bank will offer to lend funds to the banking system for terms of up to 12 months through the Term Auction Facility, or TAF, it said in a statement on its website Friday. It also announced other measures to support the functioning of the market, including increased provision of liquidity with foreign exchange swaps to ensure rates are near the official cash rate.“The Reserve Bank continues to monitor developments, and remains ready to act further to ensure markets and the financial system operate in a stable and efficient manner,” Assistant Governor Christian Hawkesby said in a statement. “The Reserve Bank has a number of tools to provide additional liquidity and the ability to increase the size of operations where needed. We are committed to using these to support smooth market functioning.”New Zealand bond yields and swap rates have surged this week as the coronavirus pandemic roils global markets, undermining transmission of the RBNZ’s monetary policy. On Monday, the central bank slashed its benchmark rate to 0.25% in an emergency move and said if more stimulus is required it will turn to large-scale asset purchases, or quantitative easing.Bond yields fell across the curve after the RBNZ’s announcement, while swap rates were little changed.Today’s moves will help to reduce rates, particularly short-term ones, but they may not settle jitters around long-term rates, said Dominick Stephens, chief New Zealand economist at Westpac Banking Corp. in Auckland.“We suspect the RBNZ is going to have to begin a Quantitative Easing program very soon, similar to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s move yesterday,” he said. “This would involve buying large quantities of government bonds, which would reduce long-term government bond rates.”The RBNZ conducted its first TAF auction this morning, offering NZ$2 billion ($1.1 billion) of three and six-month loans to banks. It received bids for only NZ$200 million.Among the measures announced Friday was the removal of credit tiers on the cash balances banks hold at the RBNZ, known as ESAS accounts.“That says to me they are going to flood the market with liquidity,” said Nick Smyth, rate strategist at Bank of New Zealand in Wellington. “They are obviously stepping up to the plate on the liquidity side, but I don’t think this is going to solve the issue at the longer end of the bond market, they’ve going to have to come back to that one.”(Updates with economist, strategist comments from seventh paragraph)For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
- Business Wire
WBK LOSS NOTICE: ROSEN, A GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED FIRM, Reminds Westpac Banking Corporation Investors of Important March 30th Deadline in Securities Class Action – WBK
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Westpac Banking Corporation (NYSE: WBK) between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important March 30, 2020 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the firm. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Westpac investors under the federal securities laws.
- Simply Wall St.
What Is Westpac Banking's (ASX:WBC) P/E Ratio After Its Share Price Tanked?
Unfortunately for some shareholders, the Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC) share price has dived 38% in the last thirty days...
- Bloomberg
Dirty Money, Secrecy Top Philippine Bank Group Chief’s Concerns
(Bloomberg) -- Follow Bloomberg on LINE messenger for all the business news and analysis you need.The Philippines’ loose law against money laundering and strict deposit secrecy rules risk isolating its banks from the global financial system, according to the president of the nation’s largest group of lenders.“The combination of both tends to invite bad money in,” Cezar Consing, president of the Bankers Association of the Philippines, said in an interview at his office in Manila.A reputation for being a dirty-money haven may lead to local lenders “losing their connectedness with the world,” said Consing, 60, who is also president and chief executive officer of Bank of the Philippine Islands, the nation’s fourth-largest lender by assets.The Philippines must pass tougher anti-money laundering rules by October or risk being placed on a global monitoring list for countries with weak controls. That would mean restrictions on international banking transactions for Philippine citizens and companies.Calls for easing some of the world’s strictest deposit secrecy measures have also mounted amid an investigation into cash smuggling linked to online casinos mostly catering to Chinese gamblers.Westpac CaseBPI’s recent probe into fund transfers made through Australian partner Westpac Banking Corp. also points to the need for better coordination between financial institutions, Consing said. Westpac was last year blamed for Australia’s worst-ever money laundering breach after millions of cash remittances were funneled to Southeast Asian countries, with some of the transfers allegedly going to child pornographers.“The problem is there hasn’t been any information sharing from Westpac or Australian authorities,” he said. “They’ve kept it to themselves.”Banking policy must also keep up with the fast pace of technological changes to keep cybercrime at bay and protect customers, Consing said. “Public interest is becoming a more important issue for us,” he said.Since taking BPI’s top post in 2013, Consing has weathered a social media storm after the bank’s online services broke down and showed inaccurate customer-account balances almost three years ago.Other CEO CommentsOn the coronavirus impact on Philippine banks: “2020 is a big question mark. All banks are looking at their budgets now and saying let’s think this through. My fear is 2019 may be a high water mark for bank profitability given what we’re seeing right now.”On the potential for central bank easing: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas can “easily afford” to cut the ratio of deposits lenders are required to hold in reserve by 2 percentage points to 12% this year.On loan growth: “The loan growth we’ve seen in the last two or three years is at a healthier level than four or five years ago. Anytime you have loan growth at 20-plus percent, you’re asking for trouble. You’re tempting the creation of asset bubbles.”On BPI’s focus: The bank’s goal remains increasing share of lending to small businesses and individuals to 30% of the total from 25% currently. “That objective isn’t changing, but if the market slows down because of recent developments, the time it would take to get to the target number is going to be longer.”\--With assistance from Cecilia Yap.To contact the reporter on this story: Siegfrid Alegado in Manila at aalegado1@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: Cecilia Yap at cyap19@bloomberg.net, Russell Ward, Clarissa BatinoFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
- Bloomberg
Australian Stocks Gain Most Since 2016 After Nearing Bear Market
(Bloomberg) -- The S&P/ASX 200 index erased an early loss and surged out of bear market territory amid hopes for government measures that will offset the economic impact of the spreading coronavirus.Australia’s benchmark index rose 3.1% to close at 5,939.6, its largest gain since Nov. 2016, after having earlier declined as much as 3.9%. The market flirted with a bear run, briefly falling more than 20% from its Feb. 20 record amid growing concerns over the virus and a sharp plunge in oil prices.The S&P/ASX 200 index followed U.S. stock futures higher after President Donald Trump promised “very substantial relief” for the economy as the coronavirus spreads. Contracts on the S&P 500 E-mini futures erased earlier losses as Trump said he’s considering payroll-tax cuts.Australia’s government is also finalizing a fiscal package aimed at keeping companies in business and protecting jobs, as the outbreak hits an economy already reeling from a prolonged drought and a brutal summer of wildfires.“Australia is on the front foot with an imminent announcement of sensible pre-budget stimulus,” said AMP Capital Investors Ltd. portfolio manager Dermot Ryan. “It’s always better to move early and keep economic momentum.”Expect erratic swings in the market amid heightened volatility and lower liquidity, said Eleanor Creagh, a strategist at Saxo Capital Markets.“Bear markets witness some of the fiercest upside rallies,” she said. “To have real confidence in buying into any relief rally, volatility needs to reset meaningfully lower -- that sentiment is flowing through to the Aussie market.”A price war for oil sent energy stocks tumbling on Monday, pushing the S&P/ASX 200 to its biggest one-day retreat since 2008. Energy shares were among the biggest gainers Tuesday, helping to offset sharp declines on Monday. Viva Energy Group Ltd. was the top performer on the benchmark with a 14% jump, while Cooper Energy Ltd. closed 12% higher.The nation’s big-four banks also soared on Tuesday. Westpac Banking Corp., National Australia Bank Ltd., Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. and Commonwealth Bank of Australia all posted their biggest advances since Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s shock election win last year.(Updates with charts, market close)To contact the reporter on this story: Jackie Edwards in Sydney at jedwards160@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: Lianting Tu at ltu4@bloomberg.net, Tim Smith, Kurt SchusslerFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
- Bloomberg
Australian Economy Headed for Recession: Bloomberg Economics
(Bloomberg) -- Australia’s economy will record its first recession since 1991 as the hit from China’s virus-induced slowdown is amplified by slumping confidence and domestic disruptions from the outbreak intensifying Down Under, according to Bloomberg Economics’s James McIntyre.Gross domestic product will fall 0.4 percentage point in the first three months of the year and 0.3 percentage point in the second quarter, ending a 28-1/2-year stretch of economic growth, he said in a report Monday.“Isolations and domestic disruptions to contain the spread of the virus will have a mounting economic impact, which is likely to result in a further GDP contraction in 2Q and potentially beyond,” McIntyre said. “Stimulus, both fiscal and monetary, will help to reduce the damage, but is unlikely to be enough to offset the impacts.”GDP will expand by just 0.4% in 2020, he forecasts, some 1.5 percentage points below his pre-coronavirus estimate.The Reserve Bank cut interest rates last week and money markets are pricing in a further reduction in April, which would bring it to the estimated lower bound of 0.25% and open the door to unconventional policy. The government is finalizing a fiscal “boost” that could amount to A$10 billion ($6.6 billion) to support firms struggling with cash flow and help them keep on employees.McIntyre predicts large budget deficits ahead as the automatic stabilizers -- increased welfare payments and reduced tax collection -- begin to take hold. That’s on top of the fiscal stimulus needed to boost demand and confidence.Alan Oster, chief economist at National Australia Bank Ltd., expects the RBA will deploy unconventional policy as early as May, after reducing the cash rate to its estimated lower bound of 0.25% in April.He sees the preferred option as yield-curve control -- setting a target level for government bond yields at a specific duration -- with the aim of flattening the yield curve and lowering the cost of debt funding.Panic SellingAn all-out price war between the world’s biggest oil producers is adding to the prospect of a recession as the coronavirus wreaks havoc across the world. Panic reigned in currency markets Monday as orders from traders and algorithmic machines snowballed.That saw the Australian dollar plunge almost 5% in less than 20 minutes, the biggest one-day decline since 2008. Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 stock index slumped 7.3%.The Treasury and RBA estimate the impact on tourism and education from China’s shutdown and other virus fallout will cut 0.5 percentage point from GDP in the first quarter. That doesn’t include supply chain disruptions and is in addition to a 0.2 point cut from wildfires over summer.Bill Evans, chief economist at Westpac Banking Corp., revised his economic growth forecasts Monday and predicts contractions in the first and second quarters of 0.3% respectively, before a sharp rebound in the second half. McIntyre said the comparison with the 2003 SARS epidemic is problematic because of the massive increase of China’s importance to both the Australian and global economies. He notes that in the Australian Dollar Trade-Weighted Index of the exchange rate, the weighting of the renminbi rose to 30%, higher than any other currency in the 36-year history of the gauge.The channels through which the reduction in domestic activity transmits during a pandemic were laid out in a 2006 Treasury paper whose author is Steven Kennedy, the current secretary to the Australian Treasury. That analysis saw the economy contracting 5% in the first year.Transmission of the virus in Australia is now occurring, meaning disruptions and shutdowns of aged-care facilities, child-care centers and schools. Health authorities anticipate several months of disruptions from the virus.The economy will bounce back, McIntyre said, noting that fourth-quarter GDP released last week showed several segments turning around, including housing and mining investment. China is also set to stimulate its economy, which traditionally benefits Australia.Property prices Down Under have surged since late last year when the RBA resumed easing.“How Australia’s housing market weathers the virus outbreak will be a key area of interest given the earlier downturn in construction activity,” he said. “Australia’s resources sector also stands well placed to benefit from a resumption of activity in China’s construction sector and stimulus measures.”(Updates with Westpac’s Evans revising growth forecast in 12th paragraph.)To contact the reporter on this story: Michael Heath in Sydney at mheath1@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: Paul Jackson at pjackson53@bloomberg.net, Alexandra Veroude, Victoria BatchelorFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
- Business Wire
ROSEN, NATIONAL TRIAL COUNSEL, Reminds Westpac Banking Corporation Investors of Important Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – WBK
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Westpac Banking Corporation (NYSE: WBK) between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important March 30, 2020 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the firm. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Westpac investors under the federal securities laws.
- Business Wire
Notice of Lead Plaintiff Deadline for Shareholders in the Westpac Banking Corporation Securities Class Action Lawsuit
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the District of Oregon on behalf of purchasers of Westpac Banking Corporation (NYSE:WBK) securities between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019 (the "Class Period"). The case is captioned Byrne v. Westpac Banking Corp., No. 20-cv-00171, and is assigned to Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta. The Westpac securities class action lawsuit charges Westpac and certain of its officers with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The lead plaintiff motion deadline is March 30, 2020.
- Bloomberg
RBA Cuts Rates to 0.5% as China Slowdown Continues
(Bloomberg) -- Australia kicked off an expected worldwide policy response to China’s slowdown and fallout from the coronavirus with an interest-rate cut that’s set to operate in tandem with fiscal measures to cushion the economic blow.Reserve Bank chief Philip Lowe reduced the cash rate by a quarter percentage point to 0.5%, a new record low, as expected by traders and half of economists surveyed. The governor said he’s prepared to ease further as the virus outbreak is having “a significant effect” on Australia’s economy.“The uncertainty that it is creating is also likely to affect domestic spending,” Lowe said in a statement Tuesday announcing the decision. “The board is prepared to ease monetary policy further to support the Australian economy.”The Australian dollar jumped as much as 0.5% immediately after the decision and traded at 65.43 U.S. cents at 4:56 p.m. in Sydney. An expected narrowing of the rate differential between the RBA and the Federal Reserve, where markets expect three cuts this year, was a likely driver of the bounce.Lowe is a reluctant cutter. As recently as last month he said that balancing all the risks in the economy favored staying still. This stance was jettisoned following the shutdown in China that’s hit Australia’s tourism and education industries and other exporters. The virus’s spread now poses a worldwide risk.“Policy measures have been announced in several countries, including China, which will help support growth,” Lowe said in the statement. “In most economies, including the United States, there is an expectation of further monetary stimulus over coming months.”Global policy makers have sought to reassure markets they are ready to respond to the epidemic as fears mount that the world economy is heading toward recession. The leaders of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank said they stood ready to help member nations, while Group of Seven finance ministers and monetary officials will speak by teleconference Tuesday.“The coronavirus has clouded the near-term outlook for the global economy and means that global growth in the first half of 2020 will be lower,” Lowe said. “It is too early to tell how persistent the effects of the coronavirus will be and at what point the global economy will return to an improving path.”In this case, though, Australia’s central bank isn’t going to have to face the downturn alone, with fiscal support in prospect.“The Australian government has also indicated that it will assist areas of the economy most affected by the coronavirus,” Lowe said. Before the RBA meeting, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Treasury is working closely together with the other agencies “to address the boost that we believe will be necessary.”Morrison urged major banks to pass on any RBA cut. The four top lenders have all since confirmed that mortgage rates will be reduced by the full amount.The RBA now has only one 25 basis-point cut left in the locker before it reaches its effective lower bound of 0.25%. Lowe will find himself dragged toward quantitative easing, should the economy need further monetary stimulus.What Bloomberg’s Economists Say“The Reserve Bank has fired the starter’s gun on a widely-anticipated round of coordinated central bank easing. Further cuts were flagged, alongside a package of fiscal support. Risks now lie with the RBA utilizing unconventional monetary policy tools, particularly if there are dislocations in domestic credit markets.”James McIntyre, economistLowe said the RBA will ensure that the Australian financial system has sufficient liquidity.Yet even before wildfires and the virus, Australia’s economy wasn’t particularly strong. Gross domestic product probably rose 0.4% in the final three months of 2019 from the prior quarter, and 2% from a year earlier, economists estimated ahead of data Wednesday.“GDP growth in the March quarter is likely to be noticeably weaker than earlier expected,” Lowe said, having removed any 2020 forecast from the statement. “Once the coronavirus is contained, the Australian economy is expected to return to an improving trend.”One area helping Lowe is the currency, the economy’s traditional shock absorber that has depreciated almost 7% since the start of the year. China’s fiscal and monetary stimulus will also assist in time.(Updates with comment from Bloomberg economist in 13th paragraph.)\--With assistance from Tomoko Sato.To contact the reporter on this story: Michael Heath in Sydney at mheath1@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: Paul Jackson at pjackson53@bloomberg.net, Alexandra Veroude, Victoria BatchelorFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
- Business Wire
Shareholder Alert: Robbins LLP Reminds Investors Westpac Banking Corp. (WBK) Sued for Misleading Shareholders
Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP reminds investors that a purchaser of Westpac Banking Corp. (NYSE: WBK) filed a class action complaint against the Company for alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019. Westpac provides various banking and financial services in Australia, and internationally.
- Simply Wall St.
Why Westpac Banking Corporation's (ASX:WBC) High P/E Ratio Isn't Necessarily A Bad Thing
Today, we'll introduce the concept of the P/E ratio for those who are learning about investing. We'll show how you can...
- Motley Fool
Is it time to go overweight on big bank stocks for 2020?
The headwinds buffeting the big banks may be easing faster than most had thought. Results from CBA and NAB confirms this and the coronavirus is helping.The post Is it time to go overweight on big bank stocks for 2020? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.
- Motley Fool
6.75% Dividend yield: Is the CBA share price a buy?
Is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) share price a buy for the 6.75% grossed-up dividend yield on offer?The post 6.75% Dividend yield: Is the CBA share price a buy? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.
- Motley Fool
Westpac and these ASX dividend shares offer generous dividends
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX:WBC) and these ASX dividend shares could be great options for income investors in this low interest rate environment...The post Westpac and these ASX dividend shares offer generous dividends appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.
- Business Wire
ROSEN, A LEADING INVESTOR FIRM, Reminds Westpac Banking Corporation Investors of Important March 30th Deadline in Securities Class Action Commenced by the Firm – WBK
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Westpac Banking Corporation (NYSE: WBK) between November 11, 2015 and November 19, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important March 30, 2020 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the firm. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Westpac investors under the federal securities laws.
- Motley Fool
What does CBA’s result mean for Westpac shares?
The Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) share price has been under pressure in recent months - but is February the time for a turnaround?The post What does CBA's result mean for Westpac shares? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.
- Business Wire
WESTPAC DEADLINE ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 Investing In Westpac Banking Corporation To Contact The Firm
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in Westpac Banking Corporation ("Westpac" or the "Company")(NYSE:WBK) of the March 30, 2020 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.
