2 ASX shares rated as strong buys by analysts

Bapcor is one of the ASX shares that several brokers like.

| More on:
A compass with the word opportunities is shown in black and blue representing a broker upgrade on the EML share price

Image source: Getty Images

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

There are thousands of different ASX shares to choose when it comes to investing in stocks.

But only a certain number of them may be good value to consider today. Share prices are changing all the time and this can alter whether they are good value or not.

If a price looks attractive, then analysts may call it a buy. If many different analysts all believe that a business is a buy then that could mean it's an opportunity.

With that in mind, here are two ASX shares that are rated as buys:

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

Bapcor is one of the largest auto parts businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.

It operates a number of different brands including the trade business Burson, the retail business Autobarn, multiple specialist wholesale businesses such as Truckline and other auto-related businesses like Midas.

Bapcor recently expanded into Asia with its acquisition of a large minority stake of Tye Soon – an Asian auto parts business – and a small network of Bursons in Thailand.

At the moment, Bapcor is rated as a buy by at least seven brokers, including Morgan Stanley with a price target of $9.70. That suggests a potential upside of close to 20% over the next year. The broker thinks that Bapcor can meet its guidance that it has set.

Bapcor recently gave a trading update that said it had made a 'solid' start to FY22, with flat revenue. Management said this demonstrated the resilience and non-discretionary nature of Bapcor's businesses in the face of lockdowns in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and New Zealand.

The ASX share is aiming to at least meet the pro forma profit of FY21 in FY22. Whilst lockdowns have had an impact on the first half, no more lockdowns are expected, with a stronger second half expected.

Management point to a number of tailwinds. There are more cars on the road, the average age of vehicles continues to rise (needing more maintenance), there has been a move away from public transport and more people are spending their holidays domestically.

Morgan Stanley thinks that the Bapcor share price is valued at 21x FY22's estimated earnings.

New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)

New Hope is one of the largest coal miners in Australia.

It's currently rated as a buy by at least four different brokers, including Credit Suisse. The broker has a price target of $2.80 on the business – that suggests a potential upside of close to 40% over the next 12 months, if the analysts are right.

Credit Suisse points to a useful environment for the coal price and demand. There may not be a large increase of supply because of the increasingly negative reputation that coal has as an energy source, with growth of fighting against climate change.

The broker thinks that New Hope is valued at just 2x FY22's earnings and 3x FY23's earnings. Based on the dividend projections, Credit Suisse's numbers suggest a potential grossed-up dividend yield of 17% in FY22 and 8.2% in FY23.

New Hope recently released its FY21 result which showed a net profit of $79 million and an annual dividend per share of 11 cents. That translates into a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of 7.8%.

The business is expecting that sustained cost management across the business will bring a continuation of improved results that it saw in the second half of FY21.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 owns shares of and has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% and 50% in 2025

Analysts are tipping these shares to beat the market this year. Let's see why.

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Broker Notes

More of the best ASX stocks to buy in 2025 according to Bell Potter

Let's see why its analysts are so bullish on these stocks this year.

Read more »

A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements
Broker Notes

Goldman Sachs says these ASX 200 shares are buys

Let's see what the broker is saying about these big names.

Read more »

group of friends jump on the beach
Broker Notes

6 ASX All Ords shares lifted to 'strong buy' consensus ratings for the new year

Brokers upgraded these ASX stocks last month.

Read more »

Broker Notes

Why these ASX 200 stocks could be strong buys in January

Let's see why analysts are bullish on these stocks and are tipping them as buys in January.

Read more »

a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall
Broker Notes

Down 50% and 70%: Why these ASX 200 shares could be cheap buys

Although the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has been trading within sight of a record high, the same cannot be said…

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these stocks.

Read more »