Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Macquarie shares

Are these blue chips buys? Let's find out.

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Key points

  • Sanlam Private Wealth highlights recent fundamental changes for BHP, suggesting possible growth due to shifts in its key divisions.
  • Australia's largest bank is assessed for its recent performance, with discussions on capital growth and dividend prospects amidst changing market conditions.
  • Investment bank Macquarie is noted for its long-term steady performance and attractive dividend history, with insights into potential investor considerations for entry points.

If you are looking for blue chip additions to your investment portfolio, then there's a good chance you will have considered the three in this article.

But are they buys, holds, or sells? Let's see what one analyst is saying, courtesy of The Bull. Here's what you need to know:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Now could be a good time to buy this mining giant's shares according to Sanlam Private Wealth.

It has turned positive on the Big Australian recently following fundamental changes, which has seen its copper business become more prominent. Though, it warns that the miner may not be a top pick for income investors given its subdued dividend outlook. It explains:

We have been lukewarm on BHP for some time, but there's fundamental changes happening below the surface. The new chairman Ross McEwan appears to be driving positive change, and the prize is a better balanced business with the copper division becoming more prominent. However, dividends are likely to stay around the current level as profits are re-invested.

We're not overly concerned about dividends if the global miner generates share price growth. This will depend on the company allocating its capital expenditure in a responsible and profitable manner. We believe BHP can achieve this and suggest it's a worthy addition to portfolios at current levels.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Australia's largest bank has been given a sell rating by Sanlam Private Wealth.

It thinks that there are better options out there for investors looking for capital growth and an attractive dividend yield. It commented:

The CBA share price is off its 2025 highs above $191. This was despite the bank reporting a clean set of 2025 financial year results in August. In our view, the share price rise was driven by index positioning rather than the prospect of strong financial results. Statutory net profit after tax of $10.133 billion in full year 2025 was up 7 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

The shares were trading at $171.05 on October 30. The bank was recently trading on a modest dividend yield below 3 per cent. CBA is a solid performer, but, in our view, capital growth appears limited. Other stocks appeal more for potential capital growth and dividend yield.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Finally, Sanlam Private Wealth thinks that investment bank Macquarie is a hold at current levels.

It sees it as a good option due to its steady performance, but appears to believe it would be more attractive if its shares were a little cheaper. It said:

This diversified financial services giant appeals for its steady performance over time. Net profit of $3.715 billion in full year 2025 was up 5 per cent on the prior corresponding period. It delivered a return on equity of 11.2 per cent, up from 10.8 per cent.

Dividends are also enticing, with the company posting $6.50 a share in full year 2025. The company's net profit contribution in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 was down on the prior corresponding period. MQG has a track record of generating capital growth amid delivering solid dividends.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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