Morgans names 2 ASX 50 shares to buy now

The ASX 50 is home to the 50 largest companies on the Australian share market…

| More on:
A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer

Image source: Getty Images

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

The ASX 50 index is home to many of the highest quality companies that the Australian share market has to offer.

And while not all shares in the index are necessarily in the buy zone right now, two that could be are listed below.

Here's why analysts at Morgans rate these ASX 50 shares highly:

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

The first ASX 50 share that the broker has named as a buy is insurance giant QBE.

Morgans highlights that the company vastly outperformed expectations with its full-year results and is well-positioned for growth thanks to premium rate rises and higher investment income. It explained:

QBE's FY22 result NPAT (US$770m) was an 18% beat versus consensus, with the 2H22 dividend (A30cps) 11% above consensus. Overall, in our view, this was a very strong FY22 performance versus market expectations. Heading into FY23, the key tailwinds are premium rate increases and higher investment income which remain supportive of earnings growth, as highlighted by QBE expecting a mid-teens ROE versus 10.5% in FY22.

The broker has an add rating and $16.96 price target on its shares.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another ASX 50 share that Morgans rates as a buy is telco leader Telstra.

The broker was pleased with the company's performance during the first half of FY 2023 and believes it is well-placed to build on this. This is thanks partly to favourable industry conditions. Morgans commented:

TLS delivered a 7.5% underlying ROIC in 1H23 (from 6.2% on 1H22) and is on-track for 8% in FY23. With a ROIC that now marginally exceeds WACC, TLS is back in the game of creating financial value. Mobile price rises across the sector should help competitors and continue pointing to industry rationality and sustainability. […] Telco has the strongest tailwinds in a decade with an increasingly rational market, price rises across the majors and the criticality of telco increasingly recognised.

The broker has an add rating and $4.70 price target on its shares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Blue Chip Shares

Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it representing asx tech shares to buy today
Blue Chip Shares

3 ASX blue-chip shares I'd buy with $10,000 right now

These stocks are among Australia’s biggest businesses and have a good outlook.

Read more »

Happy work colleagues give each other a fist pump.
Blue Chip Shares

Where to invest $5,000 in ASX 200 shares to try and beat the market

Let's see what makes these shares potential market-beaters.

Read more »

Happy man on a supermarket trolley full of groceries with a woman standing beside him.
Blue Chip Shares

Are Woolworths shares a blue-chip buy?

Would I buy this supermarket giant's shares? Here's my verdict.

Read more »

A shocked man holding some documents in the living room.
Blue Chip Shares

Why is everyone talking about the Wesfarmers share price this week?

The retail giant is in the spotlight this week.

Read more »

A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.
Blue Chip Shares

3 ASX shares I would hold for the next 10 years

There's a reason why I would hold these shares for the long term.

Read more »

A group of businesspeople clapping.
Blue Chip Shares

3 ASX 200 shares for smart investors to buy and hold

Not sure where to invest? Here are three smart picks for January.

Read more »

A woman looks at a tablet device while in the aisles of a hardware style store amid stacked boxes on shelves representing Bunnings and the Wesfarmers share price
Blue Chip Shares

Wesfarmers vs Coles: Which ASX share is the best buy?

Coles offers simplicity. Wesfarmers offers diversification, capital discipline, and long-term optionality.

Read more »

Three rock climbers hang precariously off a steep cliff face, each connected to the other with the higher person holding on and the two below them connected by their arms and rope but not making contact with the cliff face.
Blue Chip Shares

3 reasons some brokers think it's time to sell CBA shares

Brokers see more losses ahead for the banking giant.

Read more »