Are WBC shares worth considering in December?

Core Viewpoint - Westpac Banking Corp's share price is under scrutiny as ASX investors attempt to establish a target valuation for the company, utilizing various valuation methods such as PE ratios and dividend discount models [1][2]. Valuation Methods - The PE ratio is a common method for valuing bank shares, comparing the share price to earnings per share, with a current PE ratio for Westpac at 19.8x, compared to the banking sector average of 18x [3][5]. - A sector-adjusted PE valuation for Westpac, based on its earnings per share of $1.92, results in a valuation of $35.01 [5]. - The Dividend Discount Model (DDM) is another valuation approach, which considers the most recent dividends and assumes they will remain consistent or grow [6][7]. Dividend Valuation - Using the DDM formula, the valuation of Westpac shares is calculated based on last year's dividend payment of $1.66, with a risk rate between 6% and 11%, yielding a valuation range of $34.05 to $48.64 when considering gross dividends [10][11]. - The expected gross dividend payment of $2.30 leads to a higher valuation of $48.64, reflecting the benefits of fully franked dividends [11]. Growth and Risk Rates - Different growth rates (2% to 4%) and risk rates (6% to 11%) yield varying valuations, indicating the sensitivity of the share price to these assumptions [12]. - The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding net interest margins and regulatory impacts on non-interest income for a comprehensive evaluation of the bank's performance [13]. Management and Culture - An assessment of Westpac's management and corporate culture is crucial, as cultural factors can influence long-term investment decisions [13].