Why is the Bega share price on the nose this week?

Shares of Bega have taken a beating lately.

| More on:
A cute tiny mouse nibbling on a block of cheese symbolising the falling Bega Cheese share price today

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

Key points

  • Bega shares have softened lately amid a combination of market weakness and macroeconomic pressures 
  • Analysts at UBS also downgraded the share to hold in a recent update 
  • In the last 12 months, the Bega share price has slipped more than 36% into the red 

The Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price is trading down again on Tuesday and is now 3.5% in the red at the time of writing.

Shares have taken a nosedive this week, in continuation of a downtrend started from 10 June. Since then, the Bega share price has sunk from $4.65 to $3.86 in early trade on Tuesday.

In wider market moves, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has started in the green today and now trades 1% higher at 6,502.

What's up with the Bega share price?

There's been no market-sensitive news out of Bega's camp lately.

However, the share did cop a downgrade from the analyst team at UBS last week. The broker reckons higher milk prices and other cost pressures are likely to pull Bega's earnings lower in FY23.

"Input cost pressures mainly relate to increased milk supply costs, but also material increases in packaging, freight, labor and electricity," the broker said.

It revised its FY23 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $214 million, down from a previous $245 million.

The UBS team now values Bega at $4.75 per share.

Following the downgrade, those at Bell Potter also cut recommendations to a hold at a $4.20 price target.

Meanwhile, Macquarie followed suit and cut its price target by 12% to $4.75 per share as well.

Despite the shift in sentiment, support remains behind Bega, with several brokers still constructive on its outlook.

Out of all analysts covering the share, almost 64% rate Bega a hold right now, versus 27% saying it's a buy, according to Bloomberg data.

The consensus price target is $4.86 per share, per this list.

This year to date, shares are down more than 30%, as seen on the chart below.

TradingView Chart


Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Young couple having pizza on lunch break at workplace.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Is Warren Buffett buying Domino's shares while they're down?

Could this be a vote of approval?

Read more »

Happy couple doing grocery shopping together.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

What is Bell Potter saying about the Woolworths share price?

Is it recommending Woolies as a buy?

Read more »

A man cheers after winning computer game while woman sitting next to him looks upset.
Earnings Results

2 high-flying ASX 200 gaming shares splitting ways today

Which gaming giant is winning the admiration of investors amid results?

Read more »

Two brokers analysing stocks.
Broker Notes

Don't miss these changes to broker ratings on ASX shares

The verdicts are in.

Read more »

a man stands with his arms folded in front of banks of unused poker machines in a darkened gaming room.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Up 59% in 2024, why this ASX 200 stock is making noise today

Big money for this company's free offering.

Read more »

A company manager presents the ASX company earnings report to shareholders at an AGM.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why today is a big day for Coles shares

And not because of any outsized share price moves.

Read more »

A child pulls a very sad crying face sitting in the child seat of a supermarket trolley in a supermarket aisle lined with grocery items.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why did the Woolworths share price just hit a new 4-year low?

Pressures continue for the supermarket giant.

Read more »

Couple look at a bottle of wine while trying to decide what to buy.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock just hit an all-time low following a profit warning

Higher costs and flat sales are weighing on this blue-chip stock.

Read more »