Westpac stock posts AUD 6.8 billion FY26 profit as dividend holds
Published on 11/04/2026 at 09:41 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSWestpac balances profit and growth
- Westpac's statutory earnings declined, while adjusted profit remained broadly stable.
- Deposit and lending growth was led by business and institutional customers.
- Management expects interest rates to remain elevated into 2027.
Westpac reported a statutory net profit of AUD 6.8 billion for fiscal 2026 on November 2, down 1 percent from the previous year. Net profit excluding notable items was AUD 7.0 billion and broadly unchanged, according to the bank's fiscal 2026 results release.
The result combined balance-sheet growth with pressure from the operating environment. Deposits increased 6 percent and lending rose 5 percent. Business lending advanced 12 percent, while institutional lending grew 18 percent. Westpac said revenue growth was strong in those businesses and increased 2 percent in Consumer.
Lending growth supports the balance sheet
Chief Executive Officer Anthony Miller described the year as a solid result while the bank continued investing in its transformation. Westpac said it hired more bankers, opened three regional service centres and introduced its Community Banking Service in 14 locations. The bank also said 95 percent of its employees were using artificial intelligence tools.
Westpac reported a CET1 capital ratio of 12.5 percent, above its target ratio of 11.25 percent in normal operating conditions. The board declared a fully franked final dividend of AUD 0.77 per share, taking total dividends for fiscal 2026 to AUD 1.54 per share. The final payment is scheduled for December 21, 2026.
Rates remain the main outlook risk
Management said strong business investment was supporting the medium-term economic outlook and that demand for credit remained strong among business and institutional customers. At the same time, Westpac expects interest rates to remain elevated into 2027, while inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range. That combination could continue to pressure borrowers and net interest margins even as lending volumes expand.
Westpac also announced a target to facilitate AUD 100 billion in housing-related lending by 2030. The initiative is intended to support new housing supply, social and affordable housing, renters and pathways to home ownership.
The real-time quote of Westpac stock was 23.16 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 9:35 a.m. CET on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Westpac fiscal 2026 facts
- Company: Westpac Banking Corporation
- ISIN: AU000000WBC1
- Fiscal 2026 statutory net profit: AUD 6.8 billion
- Net profit excluding notable items: AUD 7.0 billion
- Final dividend: AUD 0.77 per share, fully franked
- Lang & Schwarz quote: EUR 23.16 at 9:35 a.m. CET on November 4, 2026
- CET1 capital ratio: 12.5 percent
Australian banking shares remain sensitive to interest-rate expectations, credit quality and household borrowing conditions. Current market reports provide the broader market context.
More news and analyses on Westpac stock will follow developments in lending, margins, capital and shareholder returns.
