Top broker upgrades BHP (ASX:BHP) share price to a buy rating

This mining giant's shares could be in the buy zone…

| 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 BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has been out of form in recent months following weakness in the iron ore price.

This means the mining giant's shares are now down 10% since the start of the year. This compares to a year to date gain of 23% in August.

A mining worker wearing a hard hat, orange high vis vest, and blue long-sleeved shirt raises his fists in celebration with an excited expression on his face.

Image source: Getty Images

Is the BHP share price in the buy zone?

One leading broker that sees a lot of value in its shares at the current level is Morgans.

According to a note this week, the broker has upgraded the Big Australian's shares to an add rating with an improved price target of $46.05.

Based on the current BHP share price of $38.57, this implies potential upside of just over 19% for investors.

In addition, the broker is forecasting a ~$3.96 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2022. If we include this in the equation, the total potential return stretches to almost 30%.

What did the broker say?

While the broker still has concerns about the iron ore market, it appears to believe the sell down of the company's shares has been overdone.

Morgans commented: "Our cautious view on iron ore remains, but the relative value on offer in BHP has grown as: 1) BHP's share price has fallen (now implying a US$61/t iron ore price), 2) the value of the petroleum demerger has grown with WPL's share price outperformance (the guided 52/48 WPL/BHP merger split suggests the value attributed to BHP has grown US$3.8bn), and 3) BHP's robust dividend profile of +10% at the current share price."

"With these factors in mind, and BHP now trading at a sizable discount to our target price, we upgrade our rating to Add (from Hold)," it concluded.

All in all, this could make the mining giant one to consider if you're looking to invest in the resources sector.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 2 skyrocketing ASX energy shares to buy today

Top brokers forecast further strong outperformance from these two surging ASX energy stocks. But why?

Read more »

Two brokers pointing and analysing a share price.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Xero, Woolworths, CBA shares

Here's what the experts think of these sector giants.

Read more »

A male ASX 200 broker wearing a blue shirt and black tie holds one hand to his chin with the other arm crossed across his body as he watches stock prices on a digital screen while deep in thought
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Here what to expect on the local market today.

Read more »

A white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banks
Opinions

Want to double your money in 2026? This is what I'd buy

High-quality ASX tech stocks are now trading well below prior highs.

Read more »

A bemused woman holds two presents of different sizes and colours and tries to make a choice.
Opinions

My ASX share portfolio: Overcoming a common investing mistake

Can you have too many shares?

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Market News

3 ASX shares Bell Potter rates as top buys

Bell Potter has good things to say about these shares this month.

Read more »

A senior couple discusses a share trade they are making on a laptop computer.
Share Market News

3 ASX 200 shares tipped to rise 20% or more

These ASX 200 stocks remain undervalued.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

NextDC vs Wesfarmers shares: Which is a buy?

Analysts have given their verdict on these shares this week.

Read more »