ANZ shares breach 52-week record amid merger expectations

Top broker says ANZ's proposed merger with Suncorp's banking division is "more likely to occur than not".

| More on:
A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.

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

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have set a new 52-week high on Friday at $26.12.

The ANZ share price is currently $26.00, up 0.81%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.9%.

There is no official news from ANZ today.

The ASX bank share is currently awaiting the outcome of its appeal against the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) decision to block its merger with the banking division of Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN).

ANZ applied for a review of the ACCC's decision by the Australian Competition Tribunal in August 2023.

As reported by Reuters, top broker Citi has put out a note on Suncorp saying the sale of its banking unit is "more likely to occur than not".

Citi says it expects solid revenue growth for Suncorp due to interest rate increases over the past six months.

However, it also expects 1H FY24 net interest margins to be lower than forecasted due to an "intensely competitive environment".

Citi has raised its 12-month share price target on Suncorp shares to $15.55.

The Suncorp share price is currently $14.01, up 0.21% for the day.

ANZ share price snapshot

ANZ shares have lifted 4.5% over the past 12 months, while Suncorp shares have risen 13.35%.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Anz Group. 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.

More on Share Market News

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX was back in the green this Wednesday.

Read more »

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: How does Morgans rate these ASX shares?

Morgans has been looking at a couple of popular shares.

Read more »

A man pulls a shocked expression with mouth wide open as he holds up his laptop.
Broker Notes

Why this beaten down ASX 200 stock could rise 50%

This stock could be dirt cheap according to analysts at Bell Potter.

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
Share Market News

4 pros and cons of buying the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (VAS) in 2026!

This popular ETF isn't a slam dunk...

Read more »

A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Regis Resources, Unico Silver, and WiseTech Global shares are pushing higher

These shares are having a good time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Bellevue Gold, Harvey Norman, Karoon Energy, and Westpac shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

woman testing substance in laboratory dish, csl share price
Share Market News

After a 73% surge this ASX healthcare share looks far from done

Brokers are upbeat, and some see possible gains of 90% in 2026.

Read more »

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
Share Market News

Magellan Financial Group dips as AUM slips in December quarter

Magellan Financial Group's AUM declined to $39.9 billion at December 2025, with net outflows for the quarter.

Read more »