Investors with room in their portfolio for some ASX 200 blue chip shares might want to listen to what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the three in this article.
These large caps have been named on its Australian Equities Panel, which are its top picks, the broker explains:
Our panel of favoured Australian equities offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term. We consider the current macro-economic backdrop and investment environment, focusing on quality companies with proven track records, strong management teams and competitive advantages.
Let's see which blue chip shares being tipped as buys. They are as follows:
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
Australia's largest miner could be an ASX 200 blue chip share to buy according to the broker.
It likes the Big Australian due to its exposure to copper and believes it is well-placed to benefit from potential stimulus measures in China. It said:
BHP presents an attractive investment proposition, providing exposure to both copper and the potential upside from further Chinese stimulus measures. BHP is one of the top three global producers of copper and has the largest copper endowment of any company globally. BHP operates the Escondida mine in Chile, where they have a 57.5% ownership stake.
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)
Another top blue chip share that could be a strong buy according to the broker is Santos.
Bell Potter believes that increasing production will underpin earnings growth in the coming years. It said:
STO can continue to increase production and drive earnings growth over the next few years and should see a significant increase in its free cash flow and dividends as they pass peak CAPEX in FY24. STO does not need higher commodity prices to drive higher FCF and dividends.
Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)
Finally, toll road giant Transurban could be a top ASX 200 blue chip share to buy in March according to Bell Potter.
It believes the company is well-placed for growth due to its positive exposure to inflation and its development pipeline. It said:
We believe the current inflationary environment is favourable for TCL given its inflation-linked revenue stream with annual escalators. Moreover, TCL provides low risk cash flows over the long term, with long concession duration (30+ years), and relative traffic/income resilience.
The group's current pipeline of growth projects is $3.3 billion (TCL's share of total project cost) and further huge development opportunities are expected over the next few decades, supported by population and economic growth.
