Many of Australia's top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.
Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:
AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)
According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have initiated coverage on this energy retailer's shares with a buy rating and $12.00 price target. Although the broker acknowledges that AGL's transition to a focus on renewables from coal is weighing on its cash flow, it remains positive. It highlights that AGL can benefit from price volatility in batteries and virtual power plants. In light of this, the broker thinks that its outlook is positive and that there's plenty of value on offer with its shares. The AGL share price is trading at $10.43 on Wednesday.
IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)
A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this language testing and student placement company's shares with a heavily reduced price target of $6.40. This follows the release of a market update from IDP Education this week which revealed a significant drop in volumes due to tough trading conditions. Macquarie highlights that IDP Education's EBIT guidance for FY 2025 is around 30% below its own estimates and consensus forecasts. In light of this, the broker has cut its estimates for FY 2025 materially. It has also done the same for FY 2026 and FY 2027 and taken an axe to its valuation to reflect this. However, despite all this doom and gloom, Macquarie remains cautiously positive and sees potential for IDP Education to return to double-digit growth in the future. Particularly given its cost reduction opportunities. The IDP Education share price is fetching $4.18 at the time of writing.
Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)
Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this small business lender's shares with an improved price target of $1.75. This follows the release of the company's investor day update. Macquarie highlights Judo Capital's positive near-term margin outlook, which is being supported by improved funding costs. Combined with improved term-deposit spreads, this has led to the broker boosting its earnings per share forecasts for FY 2026 and FY 2027, which has ultimately led to Macquarie lifting its valuation accordingly. The Judo Capital share price is trading at $1.55 this morning.
