Are AMP shares finally cheap enough to buy following Thursday's 13% crash?

A return to dividend hasn't convinced this top broker.

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Key points

  • The AMP share price has tumbled to its lowest point in months this week – trading at $1.107 at the time of writing
  • It follows the release of the company's full-year earnings, detailing a 34% drop in profit and a return to dividend
  • UBS has reportedly reiterated its sell rating on the stock following the update, tipping it to fall to $1.09

The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price took a tumble on Thursday after the former-financial giant dropped its full-year earnings, declaring its return to dividend.

The stock dumped 13.4% in yesterday's session and it's continuing its fall today. It's trading 1.32% lower at $1.12 at the time of writing.

That's its lowest point in months. And looking further back, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock has dumped 79% since February 2018.

Does that leave the AMP share price in the buy zone right now? Let's take a look.

Are AMP shares a buy following Thursday's dive?

The market turned its back on AMP shares on Thursday when the company announced a $184 million underlying net profit after tax (NPAT). That marked a 34% year-on-year fall.

The dint was mainly put down to market volatility, repricing in the wealth management business, and a reduced net interest margin in its bank business.

Though, it did post its first dividend in four years – offering investors 2.5 cents per share.

It also vowed to continue its $1.1 billion capital return initiative in the coming financial year.

While the 20% franked dividend did mark a milestone for the embattled company, it wasn't enough to impress UBS.

The broker kept its sell rating on AMP shares, tipping them to fall to $1.09, The Australian reported. That marks a potential 2.75% downside on its current price.

Analysts were disappointed by the results and guidance, saying courtesy of the publication:

[O]ur first impressions are that the result highlights the depth of challenges facing the core businesses, and FY23 guidance commentary does not indicate FY23 will be much easier.

Looking to future dividends, the ASX 200 staple is tipped to pay 4 cents per share in financial year 2023, according to CommSec data. That's forecasted to increase to 5.2 cents per share in financial year 2024.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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.

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