Buy, hold, sell: Amcor, ANZ, and Macquarie shares

Does a leading broker think investors should be buying these blue chips? Let's find out.

| 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
  • Amcor's first quarter result met expectations despite soft volumes, with management reaffirming full-year guidance and showing increased confidence in delivering at least US$260 million in synergies from the Berry acquisition, prompting an upgrade to buy.
  • ANZ's second-half profit disappointed the market, falling 7% compared to the first half due to rising costs and doubled credit impairment charges, leading analysts to recommend investors trim positions as the share price trades near all-time highs.
  • Macquarie Group's half-year profit missed expectations by 9%, with factors including green asset impairments and increased investment spending weighing on results, though full-year guidance remains relatively unchanged and the stock is viewed as fairly valued.

If you are in the market for some blue chip additions to your portfolio, then it could be worth hearing what Morgans is saying about the three listed below.

Let's see if the broker is bullish on bearish on these big names right now:

A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.

Image source: Getty Images

Amcor (ASX: AMC)

This packaging giant could be undervalued according to Morgans. Its analysts have put a buy rating and $15.20 price target on its shares.

The broker highlights the low multiples its shares trade on, its positive growth outlook, and its generous dividend yield as reasons to buy. Morgans said:

Our target price is maintained at $15.20 and with a 12-month forecast TSR of 25%, we upgrade our rating to BUY (from ACCUMULATE). Following AMC's solid 1Q26 result, management's increased confidence in delivering FY26 synergy targets, and the reaffirmation of FY26 guidance, we believe the outlook remains positive. Trading on 10.4x FY26F PE with a 6.1% yield, we view the valuation as attractive. Potential positive catalysts include meeting or exceeding expectations in upcoming quarterly results and the successful completion of additional asset sales.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

This banking giant's recent second half results disappointed Morgans.

The broker responded by retaining its trim rating (between hold and sell) on ANZ's shares with a $33.09 price target. It feels that its shares are expensive after a strong gain. Morgans explains:

Ex $1.1bn of significant items, 2H25 profit declined 7% vs 1H25, with a -3% decline in pre-provision profit (revenue +2%, costs +6%) and a doubling of credit impairment charges. Earnings were materially below market expectations, albeit consensus may not have fully adjusted for the significant items. We have downgraded our FY26-28F cash earnings by 1-2%. However, 12 month target price lifts 29 cps to $33.09/sh due to CET1 capital outperformance in 2H25. We recommend clients TRIM into share price strength, with the share price and implied valuation multiples trading at or around all-time highs.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Finally, Morgans has been looking at this investment bank. It was a little disappointed with its performance in the first half of FY 2026.

In light of this and its fair valuation, the broker has put a hold rating and $215.00 price target on its shares. It commented:

MQG's 1H26 NPAT (A$1.65bn) was +3% on the pcp, but -9% below company-compiled consensus ($1.81bn). Whilst acknowledging there were some explainable items driving this miss, e.g. increased investment spend in CGM, factors like green asset impairments and non-repeated prior year gains also came into play. Purely on face value, it was another headline result miss for MQG, albeit full year guidance commentary appears relatively unchanged. We make mild downgrades to our MQG FY26 earnings of -2%, with future year earnings slightly lifted (+2% to 4%) on a broad review of our earnings assumptions. Our PT is reduced to ~A$215 (previously ~A$223). We maintain our HOLD recommendation on MQG, believing the stock is currently fair value trading on 19x PE.

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 Amcor Plc and Macquarie Group. 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

Broker Notes

Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy now

The broker has named these shares as buys following their results.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city.
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 broker buy ratings

One of these buy-rated stocks could potentially rise as much as 55%.

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Broker Notes

Why this broker thinks REA Group shares are a sell right now

There could be more downside for this ASX 200 stock.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Broker Notes

2 ASX travel stocks to buy and one to sell

These airline stocks are defying fuel price impacts and are set to lift off.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Orora, Virgin Australia, and ResMed shares

Ord Minnett has given its verdict on these shares.

Read more »

Group of friends toasting with drinks.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Light & Wonder, Transurban, Endeavour shares

Morgans has issued new notes on these stocks as the market reaches a new record high.

Read more »

A group of hands up in the air as if signifying a hearty vote in favour of a motion.
Broker Notes

8 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

Brokers retained a positive view on BHP, NAB, South32, and other ASX 200 shares.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Broker Notes

5 ASX shares downgraded by brokers this week

Brokers reduced their ratings on Endeavour, APA Group, Guzman y Gomez, and other shares. 

Read more »