Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let’s see what Shaw and Partners is saying about three big names, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells this week? Let’s find out:

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

Shaw and Partners currently rates this energy giant as a hold.

While there are positives, it has concerns over the challenges that AGL Energy faces with respect to asset transitions and evolving policy settings. It explains:

AGL provides exposure to Australia’s energy sector during a period of structural change. The company benefits from its scale and essential service positioning, but faces ongoing challenges as it navigates asset transitions and evolving policy settings. Earnings stability has improved, yet execution risk still remains. In our view, AGL warrants a hold rating, balancing its strategic importance against longer term capital requirements.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

Shaw and Partners is far more positive on rival Origin Energy. This week, the broker has put a buy rating on its shares.

It likes the company due to its attractive income profile and exposure to the domestic energy transition. However, it warns that an investment is not without risk. Shaw and Partners said:

Origin combines an attractive income profile with leveraged exposure to Australia’s evolving energy market. The company benefits from scale in electricity generation and retailing, while its yield remains appealing in a market still sensitive to income certainty. That said, regulatory risk and energy price volatility remain key risks. We see Origin as well placed to balance defensive income characteristics with longer term opportunities tied to the domestic energy transition.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Finally, Shaw and Partners rates Woodside shares as a sell this week.

The broker believes investors should be taking advantage of a strong rise in its share price to sell at current levels. It explains:

This energy giant has historically struggled to consistently meet market expectations. While the current commodity environment has supported its share price, we see this as an opportunity to exit. Capital intensity, project execution risk and long dated development timelines remain my concerns.

Investors may want to consider taking advantage of its recent valuation and improved sentiment. The shares rose from $23.59 on January 9 to $35.80 on April 7. The shares were trading at $33.37 on April 9. The shares are also responding to volatile crude oil prices resulting from the Middle East conflict.

The post Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.