Top brokers are urging you to buy these ASX shares today

Here are the latest buy ideas from brokers as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) extends its bull run today.

| More on:

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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) is extending its bull run today as investors continue to pile back into equities best placed in the post-coronavirus economic recovery.

While value buys are getting increasingly hard to find after the near 30% bounce in the market since the low point of the COVID-19 bear market, there's still a good handful of ASX shares that have room to run higher.

Here are the three latest buy-ideas from top brokers.

Appetite for a big upside

The first is Freedom Foods Group Ltd (ASX: FNP) with Goldman Sachs reiterating its "buy" recommendation on the stock, which also happens to be on its "conviction" list.

This is despite the group's latest warning that its second half earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) would take a big hit.

A number of one-off blows from the COVID-19 pandemic is behind the bad news, including the shutdown of its OOH and Foodservice channels, a $4 million bad debt provisioning and a $5 million restructuring charge.

"We are confident the broader strategy anchored around nutritional dairy and plant based beverages remains on track," said the broker.

"We don't see FNP needing to raise capital in the short term despite elevated leverage…[and] expect earnings to grow significantly in FY21."

Goldman's price target on the stock is $5.75 a share, or a 64% upside to the current share price.

Best leverage to rebounding oil price

The dramatic rebound in the oil price may have put a rocket under the Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price recently, but Credit Suisse thinks there's more room to zoom.

The commodity bounced from a negative US$30+ a barrel to around US$35 a barrel, and the recovery bodes well for Santos' two growth projects Dorado and Barossa.

Credit Suisse believes the breakeven for Dorado is as low around circa US$30 a barrel and that Santos will give the final green light to start on the Barossa project.

"We see STO in the wake of COVID-19 sell-off as potentially more leveraged to an oil recovery over the coming 18 months vs peers," said the broker.

"Most of STO's growth should readily return as the market recovers, and STO has leverage to long-term oil price assumptions should they return to pre-COVID-19 levels."

Credit Suisse rates the stock as "outperform" with price target of $6.61 a share.

Worth more than originally thought

Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded its earnings forecasts for auto parts group Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) and reiterated its "overweight" recommendation on the stock.

"During lockdown we estimate industry sales were down >25% yoy in Australia and more like 85% in NZ," said the broker.

"Our numbers previously baked in longer duration closures and a more measured ramp up. We now essentially see that pulled forward resulting in a 32% upgrade to FY21e EPS and 10% in FY22e."

The broker lifted its price target on Bapcor to $7.20 from $6 a share, which suggests a 23% upside for the stock.

Should you invest $1,000 in Insurance Australia Group Limited right now?

Before you buy Insurance Australia Group Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Insurance Australia Group Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 6 March 2025

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Freedom Foods Group 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Cheap Shares

A senior couple sets at a table looking at documents as a professional looking woman sits alongside them as if giving retirement and investing advice.
Value Investing

Forecast earnings growth of 10% a year but down 11%, is now the time for me to consider this ASX 200 high-flyer?

Despite recent good news, the shares are down...

Read more »

Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.
Cheap Shares

A leading fund manager is excited by these 2 undervalued ASX shares

Here’s why investors can feel bullish about these stocks.

Read more »

Broker looking at the share price on her laptop with green and red points in the background.
Cheap Shares

Leading fund manager bullish on these 2 exciting ASX 200 shares

These buy-rated stocks have a compelling future.

Read more »

A happy young couple lie on a wooden deck using a skateboard for a pillow.
Cheap Shares

These cheap ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 35%

Analysts have good things to say about these beaten down shares.

Read more »

A young woman drinking coffee in a cafe smiles as she checks her phone.
Cheap Shares

The 2 best ASX shares to buy before they recover

Goldman Sachs has put buy ratings on these beaten down stocks.

Read more »

Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.
Cheap Shares

I think these 2 cheap ASX shares are buys for value investors

These stocks look attractively cheap. Here’s why.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Cheap Shares

Buying AFIC shares? Here's what you actually own

AFIC shares are currently trading well below their value.

Read more »

A woman looking at her watch representing need to buy ASX shares urgently.
Cheap Shares

Is this the last chance to grab these cheap ASX shares at a discount?

These buy-rated shares may not be cheap for long according to analysts.

Read more »