Are WBC shares good value? 2 ways to value them

Core Viewpoint - Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is currently trading around $38, and various valuation models are utilized to assess its share price, including the Price-Earnings (PE) ratio and the Dividend Discount Model (DDM) [1][3][9]. Valuation Models - The PE ratio compares a company's share price to its earnings per share, with WBC's current PE ratio calculated at 20x, compared to the banking sector average of 19x, suggesting a sector-adjusted valuation of $37.30 [5][8]. - The DDM focuses on future dividend forecasts rather than profits, with WBC's last year's dividend at $1.66, leading to a valuation of $35.10 under standard assumptions, and $34.05 using an adjusted dividend payment [10][13]. - When considering fully franked dividends, the valuation based on a gross dividend payment of $2.30 results in a share price valuation of $48.64 [14]. Growth and Risk Assumptions - Different growth rates (2% to 4%) and risk rates (6% to 11%) yield a range of valuations, with the highest valuation at $80.50 under a 4% growth rate and 6% risk rate [15]. - The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding the growth in total loans on the balance sheet, as rapid growth may indicate higher risk, while slow growth may suggest conservatism [17]. Financial Health Indicators - Key areas to analyze include provisions for bad loans, assessment rules for bad loans, and sources of capital, with a focus on the cost of capital acquisition [18].