Leading broker gives buy rating to BHP (ASX:BHP) shares

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP) share price could be going a lot higher from here according to one leading broker…

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is out of form on Wednesday and dropping lower.

At the time of writing, the mining giant's shares are down 2% to $35.52.

A mining worker wearing a hard hat, orange high vis vest, and blue long-sleeved shirt raises his fists in celebration with an excited expression on his face.

Image source: Getty Images

Is this a buying opportunity?

If you're interested in adding some diversification to your portfolio by investing in the resources sector, then I think you ought to consider this share price decline as a buying opportunity.

I believe BHP is the highest quality company in the sector and a great option at the current level. Especially given its generous yield, favourable commodity prices, and its growth opportunities.

One broker that agrees that this is a buying opportunity is Goldman Sachs.

In response to its acquisition of a further stake in the Shenzi asset in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) on Tuesday, the broker has retained its buy rating and $40.10 price target on BHP's shares.

This price target implies potential upside of approximately 13% excluding dividends and 18.5% including them.

What did Goldman Sachs say?

Goldman Sachs was pleased with the company's decision to acquire a greater stake in the Shenzi asset.

It commented: "Shenzi is currently 44% owned (this will increase to 72% if the acquisition closes) and operated by BHP. The transaction implies a valuation of c.US$1.8bn (100%); we currently value Shenzi at c.US$3.5bn (100%) using our long run oil price of US$60/bbl (real), and see this being a highly accretive acquisition."

The broker also believes that other acquisitions in the area could be a smart move by management and add value for shareholders.

"We continue to think bolt-ons in the GoM make sense, including BHP pursuing accretive opportunities in the current environment that utilise existing infrastructure to unlock high returning brownfield growth, or infrastructure exposure to help unlock new frontiers, such as T&T deepwater gas and conventional oil in the Western GoM," it explained.

Why is Goldman Sachs buy rated?

There are four key reasons why Goldman Sachs has a buy rating on BHP's shares.

The first is its current valuation, noting that its shares are trading at 0.92x their net asset value.

It also likes the company due to its positive view on oil, copper, and met coal prices in 2021. These represent 35% of its operating earnings. In addition to this, it sees plenty of organic growth options across the aforementioned commodities.

Finally, it believes "BHP will win the Pilbara capex, margin and FCF/t battle over RIO and FMG within the next 2 years post the ramp-up of the high grade South Flank mine."

I think Goldman Sachs is spot on and BHP is well worth considering today.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ASX Share Market News

Ten smiling business people wave to the camera after receiving some winning company news.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a wild, but ultimately positive, Tuesday for investors.

Read more »

Red percentage sign in front of a chart.
ASX Share Market News

ASX 200 slips as RBA boosts interest rates to 15-year highs

ASX investors and mortgage holders are now eyeing the highest interest rates in 15 years.

Read more »

Rocket going up above mountains, symbolising a record high.
Share Gainers

Invested $5,000 in Dateline shares a week ago? Here's how much you'd have now

It's been a huge week for Dateline shares.

Read more »

two cute young boys dressed in business suits sit amid a pile of papers with a calculator and adding machine looking very happy for themselves.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Westpac, CSL shares

One of these ASX shares is forecast to climb another 9% over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Woman working on her laptop at a café.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Woodside, Life360, Ramsay Health Care shares

New stock tips for investors this week.

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Corporate Travel Management, JB Hi-Fi, BHP shares

Here's what the experts think.

Read more »

ASX board.
ASX Share Market News

ASX 200 holds steady as investors brace for a big afternoon

Investors are preparing for a key decision today.

Read more »

Four miners discussing with each other next to mining machinery.
Broker Notes

This ASX iron ore junior could rise more than 33% UBS says

This company's high grade product is in demand, the broker argues.

Read more »