With a number of companies coming out with quarterly updates and preliminary results, brokers up and down Australia have certainly been kept busy this week.
Amongst the many recommendation changes that have been revealed, three upgrades caught my eye today. They are as follows:
BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL)
This steel manufacturer has seen its shares upgraded to an accumulate rating by Ord Minnett following its surprise profit upgrade yesterday. At around 11x estimated FY 2017's earnings, its analysts believe its cheap price more than compensates for the volatility of its earnings. Whilst I was admittedly impressed by yesterday's preliminary half-year result, that lack of stability in its earnings is not something I find attractive. I'll continue to sit this one out.
Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR)
A research note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts have upgraded the residential property development and commercial property company to a buy rating. The investment bank believes Mirvac's residential portfolio is being undervalued by investors. Furthermore, it is optimistic on its commercial portfolio which has a strong presence in the booming Sydney market. I would agree with Goldman on this one. As long as the Australian property market remains solid, Mirvac should prove to be a good investment.
ResMed Inc. (CHESS) (ASX: RMD)
Another research note out of Ord Minnett reveals that the shares of sleep treatment company ResMed have been upgraded to an accumulate rating. As well as being impressed with yesterday's solid quarterly result, its analysts appear confident that the launch of its new masks will result in a rise in gross margins. This time I agree with Ord Minnett. I think ResMed is one of the best investments available to investors on the ASX. Its strong growth potential in an expanding market could make it the perfect buy and hold investment today.
If I could only pick one of the three shares above for an investment I would have to pick ResMed. I feel reasonably confident that it will outperform the market and the other two recommendations over the next 12 months.
