Analysts say these 3 Australian shares are buys

These shares have been given a big thumbs up from brokers.

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Key points

  • Macquarie Group is making strategic moves with a major takeover bid and divestments, all the while maintaining resilient core earnings and enhancing shareholder returns.
  • Select Harvests is experiencing a financial uplift thanks to recovering almond prices and booming global demand, positioning it well for future growth.
  • Sonic Healthcare is showing robust financial health and growth potential, supported by its expansive global presence and attractive dividend yield.

There are a lot of options out there for Aussie investors to choose from.

To narrow things down, let's take a look at three Australian shares that analysts are recommending as buys this week, courtesy of The Bull. Here's what they are bullish on:

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The team at Bell Potter is positive on investment bank Macquarie Group and has named it as a buy. It highlights its resilient earnings and strategic plays as reasons to be positive. The broker explains:

This diversified financial services group is actively advancing strategic plays. The company's asset management division has lodged a $11.6 billion takeover bid for Qube Holdings, a provider of integrated import and export logistics, at $5.20 a share. MQG recently sold its United States and European public asset management business to Nomura, a financial services group. MQG has increased its interim dividend and extended its buy-back program. Despite a softer profit phase, core earnings remain resilient, reinforcing our buy recommendation.

Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV)

Bell Potter's analysts also think that almond producer Select Harvests could be an Australian share to buy now.

It notes that almond prices have rebounded, which has supported improvements in its balance sheet. In addition, cyclical tailwinds and margin improvement initiatives, together with rising global demand, look set to support its future growth. The broker said:

Select Harvests has delivered a solid recovery, supported by a rebound in almond prices and healthy crop volumes. The business has significantly strengthened its balance sheet, halving net debt and returning to strong cash flow generation. Management commentary points to further upside through operational efficiencies and potential processing volume growth. Given rising global demand for almonds and favourable export trends, SHV is poised to benefit from cyclical tailwinds and internal margin improvement initiatives. This remains a compelling agribusiness story in recovery mode.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

The team at Shaw & Partners is a fan of this pathology provider and has named it as a buy.

The broker highlights the company's strong growth outlook for FY 2026, its global scale, and dividend yield as reasons to be positive. It said:

Company operations include pathology, radiology, laboratory medicine, general practice medicine and corporate medical services. The company has operations in Australasia, Europe and North America. Revenue of $9.645 billion in fiscal year 2025 was up 8 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Net profit of $514 million was up 7 per cent. The company is expecting strong earnings per share growth in fiscal year 2026. Global scale and dividend yield supports our buy recommendation. The shares have risen from $20.89 on November 18 to trade at $22.55 on December 18.

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 Sonic Healthcare. 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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