Why is the JB Hi-Fi share price slumping today?

JB Hi-Fi shares are heading south on Thursday. Here's why.

| More on:
Person with large headphones looking puzzled holding their hand to their chin.

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

  • JB Hi-Fi shares backtrack 4.57% to $41.81 during midday trade 
  • The company's shares are trading ex-dividend today which is causing the share price to fall 
  • Eligible shareholders will receive a payment of $1.53 per share on 9 September 

The JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) share price is falling wayside on Thursday despite no announcements from the company.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.78% during midday trade, but can't seem to get JB Hi-Fi shares over the line.

At the time of writing, the retailer's shares are swapping hands at $41.81, down 4.57%.

Let's take a look at what is causing the share to fall today.

What's going on with JB Hi-Fi shares?

Following the retailer's full-year results last week, investors are selling off JB Hi-Fi shares as they go ex-dividend today.

This means if you purchased the company's shares yesterday or before and owned them at today's market open, you'll be eligible for the latest dividend.

When a company reaches its ex-dividend day, its shares tend to fall in proportion to the dividend paid out. This is because after securing the dividend, investors try to make a quick profit.

For those who are set to receive JB Hi-Fi's final dividend, a payment of $1.53 per share will be made on 9 September. The dividend is also fully franked.

This brings the FY2022 dividend to $3.16 per share, reflecting a 10.1% increase compared to the prior corresponding period.

The board has adopted a policy of monitoring the dividend payout ratio and targeting a payout ratio of 65% of NPAT. Whilst ensuring adequate capital is retained for the growth of the business, it also aims to deliver shareholder returns.

Are JB Hi-Fi shares a buy?

Following the company's 2022 financial scorecard, a number of brokers updated their outlook on JB Hi-Fi shares.

According to ANZ Share Investing, Jefferies downgraded its rating to underperform from hold. In addition, the broker cut its price target by 14% to $38.50 per JB Hi-Fi share. Based on the current price, this implies a downside of 8%.

On the other hand, Macquarie and Citi raised their price targets by 1% to $41.30, and 6.4% to $50, respectively.

Citi's bullish broker note implies an upside of almost 20% from where JB Hi-Fi trades today.

JB Hi-Fi share price snapshot

For the first half of 2022, the JB Hi-Fi share price travelled sideways before sinking to a 52-week low of $36.69 in June. While there has been some recovery of late, it's still 36% off its all-time high of $56.85.

JB Hi-Fi has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.13 and commands a market capitalisation of approximately $4.57 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 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

View of a business man's hand passing a $100 note to another with a bank in the background.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Elders gets third strike in a row against its executive pay

The boss' pay packet is still on the nose at the major agribusiness.

Read more »

A businessman in a suit adds a coin to a pink piggy bank sitting on his desk next to a pile of coins and a clock, indicating the power of compound interest over time.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

1 ASX 200 share to consider for the coming decade

I think this stock has a right decade in front of it.

Read more »

Portrait of a female student on graduation day from university.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Here's why a surprise accounting shift sent IDP shares higher today

Management reaffirmed IDP Education's FY26 guidance.

Read more »

Wife and husband with a laptop on a sofa over the moon at good news.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Bapcor shares soar 12% on the appointment of a new CEO

The market’s strong reaction reflects a clear message: investors are ready for a reset.

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

Gaming tech company's tie up with global operator Stake sends shares higher

An agreement to supply racing data to Stake has sent this company's shares higher.

Read more »

A young farnmer raise his arms to the sky as he stands in a lush field of wheat or farmland.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Macquarie tips more than 20% returns for this ASX 200 stock after a sharp sell-off this week

This grain handler's shares are looking cheap after some bad news drove them lower this week.

Read more »

a man sits alone in his house with a dejected look on his face as he looks at a glass of red wine he is holding in his hand with an open bottle on the table in front of him.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Treasury Wine Estates shares slump 56% this year. Buying opportunity or time to sell up?

The wine giant has faced headwinds this year.

Read more »

Young man sitting at a table in front of a row of pokie machines staring intently at a laptop. looking at the Crown Resorts share price
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why are Star shares rocketing 12% today?

The casino operator is betting on some big changes to position it for the future.

Read more »