Why Macquarie thinks the Magellan (ASX:MFG) share price is undervalued

Brokers think that Magellan shares are undervalued.

| More on:

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

The brokers at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) reckon that the Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is undervalued.

An orange sign with the word value against a blue cityscape, representing ASX value shares

Image source: Getty Images

How undervalued could the Magellan share price be?

Macquarie noted that Magellan shares have fallen. It's down around 25% since Magellan reported its FY21 result.

Over the past year it has fallen 46%.

The broker attributes this decline to the underwhelming returns that its main investment strategies have been generating, causing the business to trade on a lower price/earnings ratio (p/e ratio).

However, Macquarie now believes Magellan could be good value.

The dividend is one of the things Macquarie thinks will support Magellan from dropping further. Based on the broker's numbers, Magellan is expected to pay a partially franked dividend yield of 6.7% in the current financial year.

Its forward estimated earnings multiple is also lower compared to its longer-term average. Looking at Macquarie's profit estimate for FY22, the Magellan share price is valued at 15x FY22's estimated earnings.

The analysts also believe that Magellan will deliver growth of both earnings and the dividend in FY23. The FY23 expected partially franked dividend yield is 7%, whilst the Magellan share price could be valued at 13x FY23's estimated earnings.

What has been happening to performance?

For the period to 30 June 2021, the Magellan Global Fund had returned 10.8% over 12 months and 13.2% per annum over three years. However, the benchmark of the MSCI World NTR Index in AUD returned 27.5% over the prior 12 months and 14.4% per annum over the prior three years.

The Magellan Infrastructure Fund also underperformed its global infrastructure benchmark over the prior year.

In the three months to 30 September 2021, Magellan experienced net outflows of $1.53 billion, which was approximately 1.3% of average funds under management (FUM) over the quarter. That comprised net retail outflows of $617 million and net institutional outflows of $910 million.

In relation to the net institutional outflows, $1 billion of outflows were the result of three clients rebalancing their portfolios. However, all three clients were retained, each with mandates of more than $2 billion.

No institutional mandates were lost during the quarter and the global sustainable strategy secured its first two mandates during the quarter.

How did Magellan perform in FY21?

The Magellan share price started falling when it reported its report for the 2021 financial year.

Statutory net profit fell 33% to $265.2 million. There were several different elements that made up that result.

Adjusted net profit before tax and before associates rose 3% to $454.4 million.

However, its associates (namely Barrenjoey) are investing heavily for growth, leading to a loss after tax for Magellan of $41.8 million. That meant Magellan's 'adjusted' net profit after tax fell 6% to $412.7 million.

The fund manager also recorded $154.1 million of transaction costs related to strategic initiatives of $154.1 million. That included a restructuring of its global equity retail funds into a single trust.

Magellan has also launched new products like a core series of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a sustainable fund and its retirement product called FuturePay. These new initiatives may assist with FUM, profit and the Magellan share price in the coming years.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of Magellan Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares

Let’s see if they are bullish or bearish on these names.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Broker Notes

Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX ETF: experts

Here's what experts are saying about these two investment options.

Read more »

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

Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus shares

Are brokers bullish or bearish on these names? Let's find out.

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to buy these shares.

Read more »

Humanoid robot analysing the stock market, symbolising artificial intelligence shares.
Broker Notes

Up 109% since November, are Appen shares still a buy today?

A leading expert digs into the outlook for Appen shares amid the rise of AI.

Read more »

A white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banks
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Pro Medicus shares today

Two leading investment analysts believe Pro Medicus shares are primed for a rebound.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy BHP shares today

Two leading investment analysts offer their outlook for the BHP share price.

Read more »

Three happy team mates holding the winners trophy.
Broker Notes

What's Bell Potter's updated view on Catapult shares after its earnings results?

This ASX tech stock could be set for growth.

Read more »