Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and Woodside shares

Let's see if Morgans thinks these giants are in the buy zone.

| More on:

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

Key points
  • BHP's current share price strength has been noted, as has its solid operational performance and a strong copper division.
  • Morgans notes that CSL has a positive earnings growth outlook, supported by restructuring and cost reductions.
  • Woodside Energy is noted for its solid financials, and could offer an attractive entry amid potential short-term oil price fluctuations.

If you have been considering a few additions to your portfolio this month, there's a high probability that one of the ASX shares named below has been on your watchlist.

So, let's see what the team at Morgans thinks about these blue chips at current levels. Here's what it is recommending:

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.

Image source: Getty Images

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Morgans likes BHP but doesn't see enough value in the mining giant's shares at present to recommend them as a buy.

In response to its FY 2025 results last month, the broker downgraded them to a hold rating with a $43.90 price target. This is just a touch higher than where its shares currently trade. Morgans commented:

A result supported by solid underlying operational and cost performances, but several key markers are at multi-year lows. Final dividend of US60cps (vs MorgansF 53cps), supported by strong 2H FCF. Target net debt range increased to US$10-$20bn (from US$5-$15bn), a softening in capital discipline. Copper division shines with robust production and strong by-product credits. Post recent share price strength we lower our rating to HOLD (from ACCUMULATE), with an unchanged A$43.90 target price.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The broker sees a lot of value in this beaten down biotechnology stock. It remains very positive on CSL's outlook and continues to forecast double-digit earnings growth over the medium term.

As a result, the broker has put a buy rating and $293.83 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of over 50% from current levels. Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

As widely anticipated, CSL flagged a restructuring, streamlining R&D and commercial productivity, targeting US$500m pre-tax savings by YE28, but surprised with Seqirus demerger and multi-year share buyback (US$500m FY26). While investors have taken a glass half full approach, we believe the restructuring augments, not masks the underlying business, with streamlining operations and cost savings supporting double-digit earnings growth over the medium term. We adjust FY26-27 forecasts modestly, with our PT decreasing to A$293.83. BUY.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Finally, this ASX energy stock isn't quite a buy, but is close. A recent note reveals that Morgans has an accumulate rating and $29.60 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of over 25% is possible between now and this time next year.

Its analysts see an attractive entry point opening up for investors. They said:

Strong where it counts, management was clear on its confidence in its: 1) balance sheet, 2) LALNG selldowns (still targeting ~50%), and 3) restoration provisions. EBITDAX of US$4.69bn was healthy at -2% YoY and in line with estimates, with margin remaining at a robust 71%. ~US$2bn blowout in actual capex cash outflows in H1 saw net debt climb to US$8.7bn, materially above estimates. We maintain an ACCUMULATE rating on WDS, any short-term oil price volatility could yield an attractive entry.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering their face.
Broker Notes

6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week

Brokers have reduced their ratings on six ASX 200 shares, including PLS Group and Westpac this week.

Read more »

Sell buy and hold on a digital screen with a man pointing at the sell square.
Broker Notes

Should you buy Wesfarmers shares amid rising profits and revenues?

A leading analyst offers his outlook for Wesfarmers shares.

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Netwealth, and Nufarm shares

What is Morgans saying about these popular shares? Let's dig deeper into things.

Read more »

Health professional looking at a laptop.
Broker Notes

Is the Telix share price heading to $19? This broker thinks it is

Bell Potter remains bullish on this name. Here's what it is saying.

Read more »

Happy man working on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Broker says this ASX 200 stock can deliver a 20% return

Bell Potter is bullish on this fintech stock. Let's see what is saying about this one.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles with a laptop open.
Broker Notes

ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

Brokers have signalled ongoing confidence in Zip, ANZ, Coles, and several other ASX 200 shares.

Read more »

Comical investor reading documents and surrounded by calculators.
Broker Notes

4 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week

As the Iran war and fuel crisis continues, some ASX 200 shares have attracted upgrades from the experts.

Read more »