Why is the Bega share price on the nose this week?

Shares of Bega have taken a beating lately.

| More on:
A cute tiny mouse nibbling on a block of cheese symbolising the falling Bega Cheese share price today

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

Key points

  • Bega shares have softened lately amid a combination of market weakness and macroeconomic pressures 
  • Analysts at UBS also downgraded the share to hold in a recent update 
  • In the last 12 months, the Bega share price has slipped more than 36% into the red 

The Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price is trading down again on Tuesday and is now 3.5% in the red at the time of writing.

Shares have taken a nosedive this week, in continuation of a downtrend started from 10 June. Since then, the Bega share price has sunk from $4.65 to $3.86 in early trade on Tuesday.

In wider market moves, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has started in the green today and now trades 1% higher at 6,502.

What's up with the Bega share price?

There's been no market-sensitive news out of Bega's camp lately.

However, the share did cop a downgrade from the analyst team at UBS last week. The broker reckons higher milk prices and other cost pressures are likely to pull Bega's earnings lower in FY23.

"Input cost pressures mainly relate to increased milk supply costs, but also material increases in packaging, freight, labor and electricity," the broker said.

It revised its FY23 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $214 million, down from a previous $245 million.

The UBS team now values Bega at $4.75 per share.

Following the downgrade, those at Bell Potter also cut recommendations to a hold at a $4.20 price target.

Meanwhile, Macquarie followed suit and cut its price target by 12% to $4.75 per share as well.

Despite the shift in sentiment, support remains behind Bega, with several brokers still constructive on its outlook.

Out of all analysts covering the share, almost 64% rate Bega a hold right now, versus 27% saying it's a buy, according to Bloomberg data.

The consensus price target is $4.86 per share, per this list.

This year to date, shares are down more than 30%, as seen on the chart below.

TradingView Chart


Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A photo of a young couple who are purchasing fruits and vegetables at a market shop.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Buying Coles and Woolworths shares? Here's why the supermarkets are fuming over Chalmers' new law

Woolworths and Coles are less than pleased with Chalmers’ weekend announcement. Let's see why.

Read more »

Young fruit picker clipping bunch of grapes in vineyard.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Over 51% down this year, how low can Treasury Wine shares go?

Many analysts see the wine stock now as a buy.

Read more »

A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Bell Potter names the best ASX retail stocks to buy

The broker thinks you should add these retailers to your shopping list.

Read more »

A female Woolworths customer leans on her shopping trolley as she rests her chin in her hand thinking about what to buy for dinner while also wondering why the Woolworths share price isn't doing as well as Coles recently
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Woolworths shares are down 12% from their peak. Should those who don't own them consider buying now?

Are the supermarkets shares a good buy today?

Read more »

A row of Rivians cars.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Trading near 12-month lows, are Bapcor shares worth a look?

Bapcor shares have been sold off on weak trading results, but does that mean they're now worth running the ruler…

Read more »

a woman stands behind a market stall smiling widely with a wide range of colourful fresh produce on display in front of her.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

How much upside does Macquarie predict for Coles shares?

The broker recently toured the supermarket giant's vertically integrated fresh food production site in NSW.

Read more »

A row of Rivians cars.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

3 reasons to buy this racing ASX 200 stock

Brokers are positive about a new rally.

Read more »

Seven people look for bargains to buy at a yard sale.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Macquarie names its top ASX consumer staples and consumer discretionary stock picks

Do you have exposure to these stocks in your portfolio?

Read more »