Many of Australia's top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models again, leading to the release of a number of broker notes this week.
Three ASX shares brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why they are bullish on them:
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BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this mining giant's shares with a trimmed price target of $49.20. The broker has been looking at the mining sector ahead of the release of quarterly updates later this month. It believes BHP will deliver a reasonably solid quarterly update, with copper and met coal production expected to increase quarter on quarter. Outside this, the broker continues to like BHP due to its attractive valuation, its optionality with a +US$20 billion copper pipeline and strong production growth, and its robust free cash flow generation. The BHP share price is trading at $44.67 on Thursday.
Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)
A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have initiated coverage on this gold miner's shares with a buy rating and $69.00 price target. The broker is feeling positive on the Newcrest Mining owner due to the sky high gold price and its expectation that prices will remain high in the second half of 2024. The only risks it sees are execution risks relating to the miner's strategies. However, it appears relatively confident that the company can deliver meaningful free cash flow growth in the coming years. The Newmont share price is fetching $56.98 this afternoon.
Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)
Analysts at Goldman Sachs have also retained their buy rating but cut their price target on this packaging company's shares to $3.00. According to the note, Goldman was disappointed with Orora's trading update earlier this week. While it was somewhat expecting the company to downgrade its Saverglass earnings expectations, it was surprised to see management do the same for its legacy business earnings. It notes that the key source of disappointment was its North America business, which had thus far demonstrated earnings resilience and strong margin expansion. In light of this, the broker has downgraded its earnings estimates through to FY 2026 and its valuation accordingly. However, it still sees plenty of value on offer with its shares and good (5%+) dividend yields over the coming years. The Orora share price is trading at $2.24 on Thursday afternoon.
