Forget CBA and buy this ASX bank stock for big returns

Goldman Sachs thinks this bank stock could offer much better returns.

| More on:
A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have continued their positive run on Thursday and reached a new 52-week high.

Unfortunately, almost every major broker believes this leaves the banking giant's shares in overvalued territory.

In light of this, if you're looking for ASX bank stocks to buy, then you may be better off looking beyond CBA and the rest of the big four.

One option to consider, according to analysts at Goldman Sachs, is Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO).

Is it an ASX bank stock to buy?

This morning, Goldman has reiterated its buy rating on Judo Capital's shares with a $1.66 price target.

Based on where the ASX bank stock is currently trading, this implies potential upside of 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker believes the market is being too pessimistic with Judo's margin potential and is undervaluing the company. It said:

We think the market's skepticism around the at-scale NIM focuses on the lending spread assumption of mid-4%, given the 1H24 spread was <4%. However, our comfort around this assumption stems from: i) historically, its lending spread has generally been in the mid-4%, ii) JDO's Dec-23 quarterly average new lending spread was 4.64%, and iii) its lending spread on its A$1.0 bn pipeline was c. 4.5%.

It then adds:

Our analysis suggests that, with the stock currently trading 26% below our TP, the market is implying very little recovery in the 1H24 back-book lending spread, despite the material improvement JDO experienced in both the front book and pipeline lending spreads through the half. Coupled with i) JDO continuing to demonstrate strong volume growth such that despite NIM pressures, we expect net interest income will still grow, and ii) a macro environment that we think will remain relatively supportive of commercial asset quality, we reiterate our Buy recommendation.

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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and Judo Capital. 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 Bank Shares

A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.
Bank Shares

Why this expert expects CBA shares will capitalise on AI

CBA could get an ongoing boost from its leading adoption of AI.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Bank Shares

ASX expert: Sell CBA shares now

Calls to sell CBA shares near record highs are growing louder...

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Bank Shares

Invested $10,000 in ANZ shares during the 2020 dip? Here's what you have now!

Despite the pandemic market panic, ANZ shares continued to deliver dividends in 2020.

Read more »

A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.
Bank Shares

After leaping to 52-week highs in March, what's next for the Westpac share price?

Westpac shares notched a number of new 52-week highs in March.

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
Bank Shares

With a 7% dividend yield, are NAB shares a buy?

Can investors bank on an appealing dividend from NAB?

Read more »

A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.
Bank Shares

Why March was a record-smashing month for the CBA share price

CBA shares leapt to new all-time highs in March and delivered a boosted interim dividend.

Read more »

Man on a laptop thinking.
Bank Shares

The pros and cons of buying ANZ shares right now

Is this a good time to buy ANZ?

Read more »

A corporate female wearing glasses looks intently at a virtual reality screen with shapes and lights representing Block shares going up today
Bank Shares

Are Westpac shares a buy following the bank's big tech update?

Is now a good time to buy the banking giant's shares? Let's find out.

Read more »