Top broker says A2 Milk (ASX:A2M) share price is a buy

One leading broker believes this embattled infant formula company's shares could be in the buy zone…

| More on:
A white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banks

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

sdf

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price continued its slide on Friday.

The fresh milk and infant formula company's shares ended the day down 1% to $5.73.

This means A2 Milk shares are now down 51% since the start of the year.

Is the A2 Milk share price a bargain buy?

While opinion is admittedly very divided on where the A2 Milk share price is going next, one top broker expects it to rebound higher.

According to a recent note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating but trimmed their price target on the company's shares to $7.70.

Based on the latest A2 Milk share price, this implies potential upside of 34% over the next 12 months.

What did the broker say?

While Bell Potter has reduced its earnings estimates materially, it still believes the A2 Milk share price offers value for money. Particularly given the good work the company has done rebalancing its inventory after a disastrous FY 2021.

Commenting on its inventory, the broker said: "We think the market is underestimating the impact that inventory swaps and sales pullbacks [had] on FY21 and while this is unlikely to be recovered in FY22e, it gives a glimpse of the relative FY21 under earn relative to baseline. As YOY comparisons become softer in 2H22e and with inventory positions reduced we would anticipate a resumption of top line growth to ensue."

"Our Buy rating remains unchanged. Sell-in rates materially lagged sell-out rates in 2H21, implying steps to reduce channel inventories have been effective. As revenues more closely align to point of sale trends we would expect top line growth to return, which could well be complemented by internalising supply chain costs in FY23-25e," it added.

Overall, while the last 12 months have been bitterly disappointing for the A2 Milk shareholders, Bell Potter appears cautiously optimistic that it will be a different story over the next 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

a man looks down at his phone with a look of happy surprise on his face as though he is thrilled with good news.
Broker Notes

3 of the best ASX stocks to buy now with $2,500

These shares are highly rated by the team at Bell Potter.

Read more »

A man in suit and tie is smug about his suitcase bursting with cash.
Broker Notes

2 big-name ASX 200 shares brokers rate as top buys

Let's see which shares could be in the buy zone right now.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Broker Notes

3 Australian shares to buy and hold for the next 5 years

Let's see why analysts think these stocks could be worth holding tightly to for the remainder of the 2020s.

Read more »

A person sitting at a desk smiling and looking at a computer.
Broker Notes

4 ASX tech shares impressing analysts today

Four technology companies featured prominently in Wilson Asset Management's recent investment updates.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy

Let's see which shares the broker is bullish on this month.

Read more »

Business man at desk looking out window with his arms behind his head at a view of the city and stock trends overlay.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

I young woman takes a bite out of a burrito n the street outside a Mexican fast-food establishment.
Broker Notes

How much upside does Macquarie see for Collins Foods shares?

The company is scheduled to report on 24 June.

Read more »