As always brokers around Australia have been working away revaluing a good number of shares on the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) this week.
Shareholders of the following three companies may be pleased to learn that their respective shares have just been upgraded to consensus buy ratings according to CommSec.
Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX: AIA)
Shareholders of New Zealand's busiest airport are certainly having a great year so far. Year-to-date its share price has gained a whopping 25%, thanks largely to the impressive growth in passenger numbers passing through its gates.
The airport's total passenger numbers grew by 9.1% to 17.3 million in the 12 months to June 30, with growth being achieved across all passenger segments. International passengers were up 8.1%, transit passengers up 17.2%, and domestic passengers increased 9.8% during the period.
Personally, I have a preference for Sydney Airport Holdings Ltd (ASX: SYD), but I expect Auckland International Airport will deliver strong growth for a number of years thanks to the increasing levels of inbound tourism.
Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)
Since this packaging company demerged from Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC) in 2013 it has been one of the best-performing shares on the S&P/ASX 200 with a massive share price gain of 127%.
I would have to agree with brokers with this one. I believe Orora would make a good long-term investment, thanks largely to its growing North American business. With around 44% of sales coming from the region, Orora's earnings growth could get a huge boost if and when the Australian dollar eventually weakens significantly against the U.S. dollar.
Tower Limited (Australia) (ASX: TWR)
The company behind New Zealand's TOWER Insurance could be a good pick for income investors, in my opinion, thanks to its huge dividend.
Analysts are expecting the provider of insurance products and services throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to pay a full year dividend of 15.1 cents per share. Although this is unfranked, it is still an incredible 11.7% yield based on the current share price of $1.29.
