What has this top broker got against South32 shares?

Macquarie believes South32 is no longer a fit for its model portfolio.

| More on:
A businesswoman and businessman look sideways at each other during a dispute at their laptops.

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

  • South32 shares have been dropped from Macquarie's model portfolio
  • This comes amid the bank adopting more defensive posturing in anticipation of a recession in the United States
  • Other brokers have also turned bearish on South32 shares in the recent past

Macquarie believes the South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price could have some tough times ahead of it.

The broker said that some shares it previously recommended, such as South32, are now at risk of underperforming in the face of substantial interest rate hikes made in the United States, The Australian reports.

South32's recent share price performance doesn't help its case either. The ASX mining share has lost more than 2% of its value year to date.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ), which the company is a part of, has gained more than 1% over the same period.

So let's take a look at why the broker has changed its position on South32.

What did the broker say?

Amid Macquarie forecasting a recession in the United States next year, shares of the metals and mining company were dropped from the bank's model portfolio.

Model portfolios contain baskets of diversified shares that are recommended by brokers to clients. They are created to help clients reach their investment goals by generating an estimated rate of return from investing in them.

Macquarie Research commented on the change to its portfolios, per The Australian:

The portfolio changes we have made are done to reduce exposure to earnings risks, while still trying to minimise exposure to highly valued stocks. We also reduce exposure to stocks that benefit from higher bond yields and rotate to 'bond proxies'. Our changes are also informed by what worked in past recessions.

It should be noted that dropping South32 from its model portfolio does not constitute a sell recommendation.

However, judging by comments from Macquarie Research, it appears the bank believes the company could miss its earnings estimates or that its shares are otherwise overvalued by the market.

Macquarie is not the only broker that has expressed bearish sentiment about South32 in the recent past.

Last week Ord Minnet ASX broker Tony Paterno rated the company as a hold and said a slowdown in global growth, if it eventuates, could impact commodity prices. That could, in turn, affect South32's top and bottom lines.

Meanwhile, the company was downgraded by Goldman Sachs near the start of October. The bank also downgraded the share's price target to $3.70 each, leaving it with an estimated downside of almost 7% at the time of writing.

South32 share price snapshot

South32 shares are currently trading for $3.97 each, up 3% on the day. They are also up 11% over the past year.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.7% on Tuesday and down 2% over the past 12 months.

South32 has a market capitalisation of almost $18 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Matthew Farley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Materials Shares

Are Pilbara Minerals shares a buy, sell, or hold for 2025?

Let's see if analysts think this lithium giant should be in your portfolio now.

Read more »

Image from either construction, mining or the oil industry of a friendly worker.
Materials Shares

4 popular ASX lithium shares going gangbusters on Tuesday

Pilbara Minerals and three other lithium stocks are having a particularly strong session.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

South32 shares sink amid $33 million copper investment

Copper continues to be in hot demand.

Read more »

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Should you buy BHP shares amid 2024's weakness?

Is now the time to pounce on the mining giant's shares? Here's what analysts are saying.

Read more »

Lion holding and screaming into a yellow loudspeaker on a blue background, symbolising an announcement from Liontown.
Materials Shares

Here's why the Liontown share price could rise almost 70%!

Bell Potter thinks this lithium miner could be a high risk/high reward option for investors.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Why is the Novonix share price rocketing 16% on Monday?

Big news is giving this stock a huge lift on Monday morning.

Read more »

A man wearing a shirt, tie and hard hat sits in an office and marks dates in his diary.
Materials Shares

Liontown shares fall on major guidance and cost update

Big changes are being made at this lithium miner due to weak prices.

Read more »

Miner standing in front of trucks and smiling, symbolising a rising share price.
Materials Shares

Core Lithium share price storming higher on 'excellent' exploration results

ASX investors are sending Core Lithium shares flying higher today.

Read more »