It has been another busy week for many of Australia's top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.
Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:
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Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)
According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $34.20 price target on this appliance manufacturer's shares. This follows the release of an update at the company's annual general meeting this week. On the whole, Goldman notes that Breville is performing within FY 2025 planning parameters. And while Donald Trump's victory in the US election means there's a risk that increased tariffs will be put on Chinese made products, the broker isn't overly concerned. It does not see coffee makers as highly price sensitive products, noting that Breville has proven price increases in the past without significant volume impact. In addition, other industry peers are likely to be facing similar pressures. The Breville share price is trading at $31.16 on Friday afternoon.
Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ)
A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this salary packaging and fleet management company's shares with an improved price target of $10.00. The broker notes that the auto market is cooling, with lower prices being offered on novated leases. However, Bell Potter isn't concerned and believes recent share price weakness is unwarranted and does not reflect its positive earnings outlook. In light of this, the broker views Smartgroup as reasonable buying at the current levels. The Smartgroup share price is fetching $8.00 at the time of writing.
Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)
Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating on this cloud accounting platform provider's shares with an improved price target of $188.50. The broker believes that Xero is delivering the goods with its profitable growth strategy. And while Xero is currently offering sign up discounts to new subscribers, it highlights that this makes little difference to long-term customer lifetime value. Outside this, it highlights that artificial intelligence could support margin expansion in the coming years and sees scope for earnings boosts from ongoing product enhancements and strategic acquisitions. The latter includes its recent deal to acquire cloud-based reporting, insights and analytics platform Syft. The Xero share price is trading at $157.52 on Friday.
