These ASX 200 shares are 'fallen angels' to buy

Goldman Sachs thinks these beaten down shares are buys ahead of earnings season.

| More on:
A man looks surprised as a woman whispers in his ear.

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

Although the ASX 200 index is nearing a record high, the same cannot be said for all shares on the benchmark index.

For example, the two ASX 200 shares in this article have fallen heavily from their highs and sit far nearer to their 52-week lows now.

While this is disappointing, Goldman Sachs believes it has created an opportunity for investors to buy these "fallen angels" before they recover. Here's what the broker is saying about them:

Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

Goldman Sachs revealed that it isn't expecting a strong result from this pizza chain operator next month. In fact, it suspects that its earnings could be lower than consensus estimates. It said:

We look for 1H25 Sales/EBIT of -10.0%/-8.6%, and are -3.1% below Consensus on EBIT. We forecast group EBIT of A$99mn, just shy of 2H24 EBIT of A$100mn, and a narrowing of Japan's sales/store growth to LSD in 1H25 vs MSD in 2H24 as unit economics begin to return to previous level on recent store closures. While France/SEA could take longer, the current market price implies that Europe/Asia is trading at ~10x pre-AASB EV/EBIT, close to the acquisition multiples at which DMP initially acquired the regions.

Nevertheless, with improvements on the way and its shares trading at a discount to peers, the broker feels that now is the time to buy. Goldman adds:

The stock is trading at FY26e P/E of ~17x, below that of CKF and global QSR peers; and we expect reversion to LFL sales growth while network units stabilize and cost initiatives begin to materialize and drive re-rating.

Goldman has a buy rating and $40.20 price target on its shares.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Another ASX 200 share that is being described as a fallen angel by the broker is supermarket giant Woolworths.

Once again, Goldman Sachs suspects that a result below consensus estimates could be coming in the first half. It said:

We look for +4.0%/-18.3% YoY sales/EBIT growth in 1H25. While this is ~9% below VA Consensus on EBIT, which we attribute to the one-off impact of DC disruption still to be fully factored in. We estimate this impact to be ~A$100mn. Excluding this gives EBIT growth of -12% YoY. From 3Q25, we see comps easing and forecast ~3% LFL sales (normalized for 53rd week last year).

Goldman feels investors should look beyond this and focus on the future. Especially with its omni-channel advantage expected to support ecommerce growth and its shares trading at a discount compared to historical averages. It adds:

With channel shift into online continuing, our recent e-Comm deep dive still suggests that WOW has the best omni-channel and digital retail capabilities amongst Australian retailers. The stock is trading at FY26e P/E of ~20x, approximately -1std below its historical average, we expect recovery in market share and cost discipline and scaling of retail media to drive recovery in AU Food EBIT margin, with trough earnings in NZ/W Living also support earnings recovery from 2H25 onwards.

Goldman has a buy rating and $36.10 price target on its shares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino's Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino's Pizza Enterprises and Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino's Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A group of three miners in hard hats and high visibility vests confer at a rocky mining site.
Broker Notes

Up 66% in a year, just how much more upside does Macquarie tip for Perseus Mining shares?

Just how much higher might Perseus Mining shares soar? Here’s what Macquarie had to say about the ASX 200 gold…

Read more »

Rising share price chart.
Broker Notes

Why this exciting ASX 200 share could rise almost 50%

Bell Potter has good things to say about this biopharmaceutical company.

Read more »

Buy and sell written on silver cubes on a stock market chart.
Broker Notes

2 buys and 2 sells in the ASX 200 financials sector: analysts

We reveal what the experts think of these ASX 200 financial shares.

Read more »

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 33% to 37%

Analysts at Morgans think these shares could deliver big returns.

Read more »

Female miner in hard hat and safety vest on laptop with mining drill in background.
Broker Notes

Experts reveal 2 buys and 1 sell in the ASX 200 materials sector

And they're not all mining companies, either.

Read more »

A smiling miner wearing a high vis vest and yellow hardhat does the thumbs up in front of an open pit copper mine.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie expects this ASX All Ords copper stock to soar 48% in a year

Macquarie forecasts another big year of gains ahead for this ASX All Ords copper stock. But why?

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Broker Notes

How much upside does Macquarie expect for Steadfast Group shares?

The broker has given its verdict on this blue chip.

Read more »