As brokers are taking a well-earned break after a busy year, I thought I would take a look at a few recommendations from last week that slipped under the radar.
Three which have been given buy ratings are listed below:
Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC)
According to a note out of the Macquarie equities desk, the broker has an outperform rating and $2.25 price target on this aged care provider's shares. The broker retained its positive rating despite Japara recently advising that first-half earnings are expected to be lower due to a fall in occupancy levels. While this led to Macquarie downgrading its forecasts, it still sees enough value to recommend it as a buy. I would agree with Macquarie on this one and believe it could be a great buy and hold investment due to Australia's ageing population.
Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)
Analysts at Morgans have retained their add rating and 81 cents price target on this digital health solutions provider following the release of its recent trading update. The broker appears confident that Volpara will achieve revenue growth in excess of 200% in FY 2018 and is pleased to see existing contracts being renewed. I think Morgans is spot on with this one and Volpara would be a good addition at the current share price.
Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB)
A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have upgraded the online travel agent's shares to a buy rating with an increased price target of $12.60. The broker has made the move on the belief that the company's core business-to-consumer business will continue to benefit from the shift to online booking. Furthermore, UBS feels a recent sell-off of its shares was overdone, leaving them trading at an attractive level. I agree with UBS and believe that Webjet is a buy at the current share price.
