** Analysts at Citi cut FY25 EBITDA estimate for top grocer Woolworths Group WOW.AX by about 4% with 2% downgrades thereafter
** Brokerage lowers estimate citing an uncertain outlook for WOW's discount chain unit BIG W, which now expects second-half loss before interest and tax to be about A$70 million ($44.67 million), up from previous forecast of A$40 million
** Compared to smaller rival Coles COL.AX, which saw a 3.4% rise in its quarterly group sales, Citi says it appears to be having the better operating momentum and is closing the gap to Woolworths in online business
** "We hold our view that on an underlying basis Woolworths is still underperforming Coles" — Citi
** Brokerage retains neutral rating and target price of A$33 per share
** Stock rated "hold" on average; median price target is A$31.85 per share — data compiled by LSEG
** WOW last up 4.8% YTD
($1 = 1.5669 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Jasmeen Ara Shaikh in Bengaluru)
((JasmeenAraIslam.Shaikh@thomsonreuters.com;))
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