A few days ago I picked out a few lucky shares which had found favour with brokers and been given buy ratings.
Today I thought I would look at a few shares which unfortunately didn't find favour with brokers last week. So much so they have been given sell ratings. Here they are:
AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)
A research note out of Macquarie towards the end of last week reveals that its analysts reiterated their underperform rating and $24.30 price target on the energy provider. The reason for the negative sentiment was that the broker believed that electricity prices had reached a peak. Unfortunately for consumers this doesn't appear to be the case. On Friday AGL revealed an 18% price hike in South Australia from July 1. Furthermore, New South Wales is facing a 16.1% increase in electricity prices and a 9.3% increase in gas prices also from July 1 according to the Fairfax press.
Caltex Australia Limited (ASX: CTX)
According to a research note out of Morgan Stanley, this fuel retailer has had its shares downgraded to an underweight rating with a $27.00 price target. The investment bank believes that the sale of its premium fuel has now peaked and expects increased premium fuel competition with its rivals to lead to lower volume sales. As premium fuel sales have been a key driver of growth for the company, it would be a big disappointment if they have peaked now. I would suggest investors approach Caltex with caution and keep a close eye on its premium fuel sales.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
Analysts at Citi have reiterated their sell rating and reduced the price target on Wesfarmers' shares to $38.10 following the conglomerate's recent strategy briefing. Citi believes that Wesfarmers is going to struggle due to pressure on its Coles supermarket business and its UK expansion suffering from losses. I would agree with Citi on this one. The impact that the supermarket price-war has had on its Coles business is a big concern for me. Whilst its dividend yield is attractive, considering the risks it faces, I would only be a buyer at a much cheaper price.
