The trading update reflected tougher market conditions and a softer-than-expected outcome for Automotive Holdings in the year to date. Morgans suspects this reflects a more conservative accounting treatment by AP Eagers, softer new vehicle sales, and underperformance by Automotive Holdings.
While AP Eagers has acquired a large and complex business with several underperforming parts the broker believes the eventual prize remains attractive. Add rating maintained. Target is reduced to $12.02 from $15.55.
Sector: Retailing.
Target price is $12.02.Current Price is $10.51. Difference: $1.51 – (brackets indicate current price is over target). If APE meets the Morgans target it will return approximately 13% (excluding dividends, fees and charges – negative figures indicate an expected loss).
