On Thursday I looked at three shares that had found favour with brokers and been given buy ratings.
Today I thought I would look at the other side of the coin, at the shares that broker have given sell ratings to.
Three shares that caught my eye are listed below. Here's why they have been rated as sells:
Auckland International Airport Limited (ASX: AIA)
According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, it has retained its sell rating and NZ$6.35 (A$5.81) price target on the airport operator's shares after it released its latest passenger numbers. Although total passenger movements are in line with the broker's expectations and its strategic and operational growth prospects remain positive, Goldman is wary of the constraints on its cash flows under the current investment plan. Especially given its proposed development pipeline remains exposed to rising construction inflation and timing delays. While I probably wouldn't be a seller if I owned its shares already, I wouldn't be in a rush to buy at this price.
Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG)
A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their sell rating and $2.80 price target on the property listings company's shares. According to the note, its analysis shows that REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) is still dominating the market and could mean Domain needs to increase its marketing spend considerably to compete. I would agree with Citi on this one and think investors would be better off skipping Domain and buying REA Group shares instead.
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)
Analysts at Citi have downgraded this energy producer to a sell rating with a $5.30 price target after it rejected Harbour Energy's takeover approach. The broker appears concerned by comments out of the latter after conducting its due diligence. Citi has based its valuation on the oil price being at US$55 a barrel in the long term. I like Santos but I wouldn't be a buyer unless its shares came down to a level close to Citi's price target. I believe at that level it would offer a more compelling risk/reward.
