It was another busy week for 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:
GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)
According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts retained their outperform rating on this fund manager's shares with a slightly reduced price target of $2.50. This followed the release of GQG Partners' monthly funds under management (FUM) update which revealed higher than expected outflows. Unfortunately, because of the underperformance of its funds due to its defensive positioning, Macquarie thinks that its funds inflows could remain soft in the near term. As a result, the broker has trimmed its earnings per share estimates. However, despite this, it remains positive and thinks investors should be snapping up GQG Partners' shares while they are cheap. Especially given that it is forecasting a generous (~14%) dividend yield from its shares over the next 12 months. The GQG share price ended the week at $1.60.
Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)
A note out of Morgans revealed that its analysts upgraded this online lottery ticket seller's shares to a buy rating with an increased price target of $15.90. Morgans was pleased with Jumbo's decision to move into the international business to consumer (B2C) prize draw market with the acquisition of UK-based Dream Car Giveaways (DCG) for $110 million. DCG is a leading digital competition platform. Morgans highlights that the acquisition of DCG bridges a potential earnings gap and will accelerate Jumbo's strategic shift from slower-growing international B2B operations into higher-margin B2C opportunities. Another positive is that the acquisition provides Jumbo with immediate scale and profitability in a large, underpenetrated UK prize market. The Jumbo share price was fetching $12.60 at Friday's close.
Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)
Another note out of Macquarie revealed that its analysts reinstated coverage on this uranium producer's shares with an outperform rating and $11.25 price target. This followed the release of Paladin Energy's first quarter update last week. Macquarie notes that the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) is performing well, with 1.1 million pounds of production in first quarter. This was supported by stabilised grades despite significant pit stripping taking place. Outside the quarterly update, it highlights that nuclear's expanding role in global energy and the AI race will require significant investment in new uranium mines. And with a largely exhausted restart queue and production challenges at major producers, it believes that contract floors should lift. This should be good news for the company and its profitability. The Paladin Energy share price ended the week at $9.20.
