These ASX shares are the latest to be hit by broker downgrades

Broker downgrades are clouding over these two ASX shares even as the broader market rallies.

ASX shares broker downgrade three buttons indicating thumbs up, neutral and thumbs down broker ratings on ASX share market

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The market is gaining ground this morning but broker downgrades are holding back these two ASX shares.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) increased by 0.4% at the time of writing with the Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price leading the charge on a takeover bid.

But the news isn't quite as rosy for the Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price, which dipped 0.1% to $37.57. This is after Morgan Stanley downgraded the supermarket to "equal-weight" from "overweight".

ASX shares getting downgraded post demerger

The broker also slashed its 12-month price target on the Woolworths share price to $36.50 from $44 a share post-demerger with the Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) share price.

Coincidentally, the Endeavour Group share price is also underperforming today.

"With operational momentum and an impending demerger, WOW traded up 7% over the 3 months leading into the Endeavour demerger," said Morgan Stanley.

"Since then, WOW+EDV has rallied a further 4% over the last week."

Trading at a premium

This makes the Woolworths share price look fully valued at around 31.3 times earnings. Woolies is trading at a 6% premium to the ASX 200 and a 35% premium to the Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price).

However, Morgan Stanley's valuation doesn't include any potential capital return. Woolworths indicated it could have up to $2 billion in excess cash that could be used for capital management.

This is likely to take the form of an off-market share buy-back. Assuming an average discount of 14%, the program could be 1.7% accretive to the Woolworths share price, noted the broker.

Downgrade dents sentiment for this ASX share

Another that's struggling to gain traction today is the AMA Group Ltd (ASX: AMA) share price. The panel beating group dipped 0.9% to 56 cents at the time of writing.

The underperformance coincides with UBS downgrading the ASX shares to "neutral" from "buy".

"While the long-term opportunity remains appealing, in our view there are a number of uncertainties that cloud the near-term outlook," said UBS.

Four risk factors

There are four specific areas of concern highlighted by the broker. The first is the potential impact of rolling lockdowns.

Looking at Apple vehicle mobility, the seven-day rolling average is down around 13% in AMA's regions for the week starting 24 June when compared to pre-COVID-19.

Next is the labour and parts inflation pressures, followed by the group's ability to pass on these higher costs.

Finally, the recent turnover of senior management is also dragging on the AMA share price. This is perhaps the most worrying risk factor, in my view.

Short-term risks trumps longer-term outlook

"We still see AMA as a beneficiary of industry consolidation and higher volumes post-COVID," added UBS.

"But consider the risk-return balance to have shifted until we have better visibility on the above mentioned concerns."

UBS cut its 12-month price target on the AMA share price to 56 cents from 70 cents a share.

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Endeavour Group Ltd and Woolworths Group Ltd. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Fallers

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.
Share Fallers

The worst 3 ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in October unmasked

You would have done well to avoid these three ASX 200 stocks in October.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why AFT, Amcor, Corporate Travel, and Macquarie shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why AGL, Imugene, Star, and Woolworths shares are dropping today

These shares are dropping on Thursday. Let's see why investors are selling them.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Share Fallers

Why Corporate Travel Management, JB Hi-Fi, Mineral Resources, and Syrah shares are rising

These shares are having a strong session. Why are investors buying their shares?

Read more »

A guys points his fingers down.
Share Fallers

Why Brainchip, Cettire, Star, and Woolworths shares are being sold off today

These shares are having a difficult time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Share Fallers

Why Black Cat, BlueScope, Cettire, and Coronado shares are falling today

These shares are missing out on the good times on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

a business man in a suit holds his hand over his eyes as he bows his head in a defeated post suggesting regret and remorse.
Share Fallers

Why Adriatic Metals, Metcash, Paladin Energy, and Westgold shares are tumbling today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Share Fallers

Down 36% in 3 weeks, why is the Mineral Resources share price getting hammered again on Friday?

ASX investors are bidding down Mineral Resources shares again on Friday.

Read more »