Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

The Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX:SIG) share price is one of three which could be given a lift this week after it was labelled as a buy by brokers. Should you invest in all three?

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Yesterday I took a quick look at a number of unfortunate shares which brokers had just slapped sell ratings on.

Today I thought I would look at shares which have found favour with brokers and have been given buy ratings. Here they are:

McPherson's Ltd (ASX: MCP)

A research note out of Shaw and Partners yesterday revealed that its analysts have slapped a buy rating and $1.85 price target on the household and beauty products company's shares. The broker appears to believe that McPherson's is trading at a significant discount to its peers and could be rerated in the near future. While 10x trailing earnings is certainly cheap, the company does look likely to deliver a third successive year of sales declines in FY 2017. I'd prefer to invest in companies which are exhibiting strong sales growth.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Credit Suisse has upgraded the pharmacy operator and supplier to an outperform rating with a 90 cents price target. According to the note the broker believes that the market has been overly negative on its legal action against Chemist Warehouse. Although it acknowledges that losing a contract with its major customer would be difficult, it sees opportunities for Sigma to reinvest freed up working capital in earnings accretive acquisitions. Although I agree with this view, I'm not convinced that Sigma's shares have found their bottom yet. This could make it one to avoid.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have reiterated their outperform rating and $45.00 price target on Wesfarmers' shares following a series of executive appointments. The broker appears confident that the new management team will ensure that the next few years are successful, delivering earnings growth and improved returns. At the current share price I think Wesfarmers is a good, but not great option for income investors.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Wesfarmers Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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