Down 20% in 2022. Is the Harvey Norman share price in bargain territory?

Are Harvey Norman shares currently 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

Key points
  • Harvey Norman shares climb 1.56% to $3.91 today after falling the last two days 
  • Negative sentiment surrounding the ASX appears to be dragging the company's shares down 
  • Two brokers weighed in on the Harvey Norman share price last month, indicating bargain territory 

Despite rebounding over the past couple of weeks, the Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) share price has fallen 20% this year.

This comes despite the company not releasing any announcements to the ASX since half year results in late February.

At the time of writing, the multi-national retailer's shares are swapping hands for $3.91, up 1.56% for the day.

Woman looking at prices for televisions in an electronics store.

Image source: Getty Images

What's dragging down Harvey Norman shares?

Investors have sent the Harvey Norman share price into freefall since March amid the gloomy outlook on the global economy.

With inflation levels soaring, this led the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to significant ramp up interest rates.

In the March quarter, inflation rose by 5.1% which was the fastest annual pace over the past two decades.

Evidently, this affects consumer spending habits on discretionary items as the cost of debt gets more expensive.

It's worth noting that the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ) index also backtracked 20% in 2022.

What do the brokers think?

Given that the Harvey Norman share price is trading 10% off its 52-week low of $3.53, is this a bargain?

As reported by ANZ Share Investing, Macquarie cut its outlook to neutral from outperform for the multi-national retailer's shares.

In addition, the broker slashed its price target by 31% to $4.40 apiece.

This implies an upside of almost 12.5% based on today's price.

JP Morgan also refreshed its rating on Harvey Norman shares by dropping its 12-month price target by 20% to $4.50.

It appears that despite the price reduction, both brokers believe that the current share price is undervalued.

Harvey Norman share price snapshot

Market volatility on the ASX has led the Harvey Norman share price to sink 26% over the last 12 months. These losses have mostly come from the past three months.

On valuation grounds, Harvey Norman commands a market capitalisation of roughly $4.80 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. 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

Woman in red hat with scarf rejoicing in the city park with leaves falling.
Share Market News

Here's what happened to Wesfarmers shares in April

Wesfarmers had a rather strange April...

Read more »

A jockey gets down low on a beautiful race horse as they flash past in a professional horse race with another competitor and horse a little further behind in the background.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

This exciting ASX small cap could almost double in value according to Morgans

This gaming stock is deeply undervalued, this broker says.

Read more »

Woman customer and grocery shopping cart in supermarket store, retail outlet or mall shop. Female shopper pushing trolley in shelf aisle to buy discount groceries, sale goods and brand offers.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why are Coles shares falling today?

Let's see what the supermarket giant reported for the third quarter.

Read more »

Family having fun while shopping for groceries.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

Coles Group delivered above-market supermarket sales growth in Q3 FY26, while Liquor sales and trading conditions remained challenging.

Read more »

Sad person at a supermarket.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why did Woolworths shares just crash 10%?

Investors are pummelling the Woolworths share price today. But why?

Read more »

Happy man on a supermarket trolley full of groceries with a woman standing beside him.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Woolworths Group Q3 sales grow as shoppers turn to value and convenience

Woolworths Group’s Q3 sales rose 4.5% to $18.1bn, with strength in Australian Food and eCommerce balancing economic headwinds.

Read more »

Woman chooses vegetables for dinner, smiling and looking at camera.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why I think Woolworths shares could beat the market over 10 years

Some of the best long-term performers are not the fastest growers. Consistency, scale, and predictable demand can be just as…

Read more »

Three women laughing and enjoying their gambling winnings while sitting at a poker machine.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

This ASX gaming company could deliver 20%+ returns: RBC Capital Markets

Gaming spending is holding up well, which is good news for this company.

Read more »