Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Monadelphous, and Northern Star shares

Do analysts think these shares are good picks right now?

| More on:
A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the CSL balance sheet and the value of CSL shares today

Image source: Getty Images

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

The team at Morgans has been busy running the rule over a number of popular ASX 200 shares recently.

Are they buys, holds, or sells? Let's see what the broker is saying about the three listed below.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

Morgans wasn't overly impressed with this big four bank's performance during the second half of FY 2025. It highlights that credit impairment charges were up and profits were down.

In light of this, the broker has a trim rating (between sell and hold) and a $33.09 price target on ANZ shares. It said:

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.

Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

This engineering company has caught the eye of Morgans. It was pleased with its recent update and believes there is more to come in the near future thanks partly to a multi-year Pilbara replacement cycle.

In response to its update, the broker retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $29.00. It commented:

Today's update was exceptionally strong, and our view is that the good times are poised to continue. Though 1H revenue is expected to grow +40% YoY, management has tempered expectations for the full year by providing early guidance (FY26 revenue +20-25%). This leaves capacity for further beats if demand surprises. Our view is that demand in E&C will accelerate due to Rio's multi-year Pilbara replacement cycle (which gathers pace in CY26 and CY27), and a resurgence in rare earths projects (MND was heavily involved in ARU's US$1.2bn Nolans project previously).

Additionally, volume strength in Maintenance should continue as project scheduling indicates further oil & gas turnarounds into FY27, although FY26 contains a few one-offs so we fade growth expectations into FY27. Target price moves to $29.00 (from $24.40). BUY maintained.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Finally, this ASX 200 gold miner disappointed the market (and Morgans) recently with a soft quarterly update and guidance downgrade.

Unfortunately, Morgans isn't convinced that the worst is over yet and is cautious on its short to mid-term production outlook. As a result, it has put a hold rating and $26.00 price target on its shares.

Commenting on the gold miner, the broker said:

NST has revised FY26 guidance lower after another soft sales quarter, cutting the midpoint ~8% to 1,650koz (from 1,775koz). The downgrade reflects ongoing operational challenges across all hubs, including grade, throughput and utilisation constraints. This marks the second guidance miss in as many years. While we remain constructive on NST's long-term growth pathway, we are adopting a more cautious (previously bullish) short-to-midterm production outlook, maintained until delivery consistency improves.

We now forecast FY26 sales of 1,589koz (-9%), marginally below updated guidance (1,600–1,700koz). We lift our AISC to A$2,770/oz, reducing forecast EBITDA and EPS by 16% and 22% respectively. Rating revised to HOLD, price target A$26.00ps (previously A$27.41ps). The downgrade partly offset by our higher spot scenario of US$3,500/oz (from US$3,250/oz).

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

Two people comparing and analysing material.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, Santos, and South32 shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these shares following updates.

Read more »

Business man at desk looking out window with his arms behind his head at a view of the city and stock trends overlay.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

Three smiling corporate people examine a model of a new building complex.
Broker Notes

Broker says this ASX All Ords stock could rise 15%

Bell Potter thinks investors should be buying this growing company's shares.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Broker Notes

Why Lynas shares could crash 33%

Bell Potter believes this rare earths stock could lose a third of its value.

Read more »

Three girls compete in a race, running fast around an athletic track.
Broker Notes

Two ASX 200 stocks to buy after crashing 6-9% yesterday

Bell Potter is tipping an 18-40% resurgence for these stocks.

Read more »

A woman looks quizzical as she looks at a graph of the share market.
Broker Notes

Looking for double-digit returns? Check out RBC Capital Markets' picks ahead of reporting season

These shares could deliver strong upside.

Read more »

Man controlling a drone in the sky.
Broker Notes

ASX defence stocks to target according to Bell Potter

The bull run might not be finished yet for these two companies.

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Broker Notes

What is Morgans saying about ARB and BHP shares?

Is now the time to buy these popular shares? Let's find out.

Read more »