BHP shares: Buy, hold, or fold?

One broker is tipping a 26% upside for the BHP share price.

| More on:

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
  • The BHP share price has underperformed the market over the last 30 days, falling 6% to trade at $38.05
  • That leaves it boasting considerable upside, according to most experts
  • However, one top broker expects the iron ore giant's stock to fall another 6.7%

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has had a rough year so far, falling nearly 10% since the start of 2022.

While that leaves it outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) – it's fallen 11% year to date ­– the stock's tumble has left brokers tipping a considerable potential upside.

The BHP share price is $38.05 at the time of writing, having dumped 6% over the last 30 days.

For context, both the ASX 200 and the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) have slumped 5% since this time last month.

Do experts think the iron ore giant can pull out of its strop? Let's take a look.

An engineer takes a break on a staircase and looks out over a huge open pit coal mine as the sun rises in the background.

Image source: Getty Images

Is the BHP share price a buy right now?

Most experts offer a bullish outlook for the BHP share price. However, one top broker is breaking away from the pack in doubting the ASX 200 giant.

And that broker is UBS. It's tipping the BHP share price to slide 6.7% to $35.50 amid falling commodity prices, my Fool colleague James reported earlier this month.

UBS isn't alone in questioning commodity prices. Fitch Solutions is said to have dropped its outlook for iron ore earlier this week.

It now tips the steelmaking ingredient's value to average US$115 a tonne this year, falling to US$100 a tonne in 2023, and by another US$10 each year thereafter until 2025, the Australian Financial Review reports.  

But, while iron ore makes up a large portion of BHP's business, some tip its coal production to drive its stock higher in the near term.

According to The Australian, Macquarie lifted expectations on both the price of coal and BHP's shares earlier this week. The broker now tips the BHP share price to lift 10% to $42.

Meanwhile, Morgans has flagged the mining giant as one of its top tips for September. Its analysts slapped the stock with a whopping $48 price target – representing a potential 26% upside, saying:

While there are more leveraged plays sensitive to a global recovery scenario, we see BHP as holding an attractive combination of upside sensitivity, balance sheet strength, and resilient dividend profile.

Finally, Citi and Goldman Sachs have both slapped the stock with buy ratings and respective price targets of $44.50 and $40.50.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

A young male ASX investor raises his clenched fists in excitement because of rising ASX share prices today.
Broker Notes

Forget CBA shares, Bell Potter says this ASX financial stock could deliver a 75% return

The broker sees potential for major upside and a generous return from this stock.

Read more »

Lion roaring in the wild, symbolising a rising Liontown share price.
Broker Notes

Up 117% in a year, should you still buy Liontown shares now?

A leading analyst delivers his verdict on the soaring Liontown share price.

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Bapcor, Challenger, and DroneShield shares

Analysts have given their verdict on these shares this week. Are they bullish, bearish, or something in between?

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

These ASX 300 stocks could be top buys offering 25%+ returns according to Bell Potter

The broker thinks the total returns on offer with these shares could be substantial.

Read more »

A silhouette of a soldier flying a drone at sunset.
Broker Notes

The DroneShield share price has soared 266% in a year. Time to take profits?

A leading expert offers his outlook for DroneShield’s surging shares.

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to buy these shares.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: CBA, QBE, and Qantas shares

Let's see what analysts are saying about these shares.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Broker Notes

Why this ASX 200 share could be dirt cheap with a 7% dividend yield

Bell Potter is predicting 50% upside and a 7% dividend yield.

Read more »