Once again, a large number of broker notes hit the wires last week. Some of these notes were positive and some were quite bearish.
Three sell ratings that caught my eye are summarised below. Here's why top brokers think investors ought to sell these shares next week:
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)
According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their sell rating and $70.00 price target on this banking giant's shares ahead of its half year results. Although UBS believes that CBA deserves to trade at a premium to the rest of the big four, it appears to feel that its current valuation is stretched. As a result, its shares could come under pressure if it fails to deliver on the market's high expectations for its half year result next week. The Commonwealth Bank share price ended the week at $84.80.
IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL)
Another note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their sell rating and cut the price target on this financial services company's shares to $6.80. According to the note, IOOF's first half update was weaker than the broker expected. It estimates that the underlying profit of its core operations will be around 8% lower than it forecast. In light of this, it sees no reason to change its view on IOOF at this point. The IOOF share price last traded at $7.12.
JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)
Analysts at Credit Suisse have retained their underperform rating but lifted the price target on this retailer's shares to $28.27 ahead of its half year results release on Monday. It appears concerned that JB Hi-Fi will fall short of its guidance due to soft trading conditions in the discretionary retail market since the successful Black Friday sales event. It also notes that this softness continued through January. JB Hi-Fi's shares finished the week notably higher than this price target at $40.10.
