Brokers say BHP and this ASX 200 share are buys

Here are two ASX 200 shares rated as buys….

| More on:
A man leans forward over his phone in his hands with a satisfied smirk on his face although he has just learned something pleasing or received some satisfying news.

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

If you're looking for ASX 200 shares to buy, then you may want to check out the two listed below.

Both have recently been named as buys by brokers. Here's why they are bullish on them:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The first ASX 200 share to look at is mining giant BHP. It released its full year results this week and impressed the market with its record operating profits and free cash flow. This allowed the company to reward its shareholders with a bumper US$3.25 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2022.

The team at Morgans were impressed with BHP's performance. In response to the result, the broker has retained its add rating and $48.40 price target on the Big Australian's shares.

Morgans commented:

A strong result from BHP, with earnings slightly ahead of expectations while positively surprising on both dividend and free cash flow (FCF) generation. […] Our long-term preference for BHP over RIO continues to pay dividends (literally), with BHP asserting itself as the better miner and with the stronger growth profile.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Another ASX 200 share that is rated as a buy is big four bank Westpac.

Australia's oldest bank is Goldman Sachs' top pick in the sector at the moment. The broker believes Westpac provides the best exposure to rising rates and feels that its shares offer the most upside potential.

Goldman currently has a conviction buy rating and $26.55 price target on the banking giant's shares.

It commented:

We continue to see WBC as our preferred exposure to the A&NZ Financials reflecting: i) its strong leverage to rising rates, ii) while we think its A$8 bn FY24 cost target will now be unachievable, we still forecast a 7% reduction in underlying expenses, iii) its recent market update highlighted that the business is still investing effectively in its franchise, and iv) our 12-mo TP implies a 23% TSR, and we note the stock is trading at a 20% discount to peers, versus the historic average discount of 2%.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 recommended Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Blue Chip Shares

A happy older couple relax in a hammock together as they think about enjoying life with a passive income stream.
Blue Chip Shares

Buy these quality ASX blue chip shares for a passive income boost

Analysts think these blue chips could be great options for investors searching for passive income.

Read more »

A group of people in suits watch as a man puts his hand up to take the opportunity.
Blue Chip Shares

3 excellent ASX 200 blue chip shares to buy in 2025

Analysts have good things to say about these blue chips.

Read more »

A fit man flexes his muscles, indicating a positive share price movement on the ASX market
Blue Chip Shares

3 strong ASX 200 blue chip stocks to buy with $2,000 in December

These blue chips have been given the thumbs up from analysts.

Read more »

A share market analyst looks at his computer screen in front of him showing ASX share price movements
Blue Chip Shares

Analysts name 3 strong blue chip ASX 200 shares to buy in December

Let's see which blue chips are bring tipped as buys by analysts right now.

Read more »

three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.
Blue Chip Shares

Buy these 3 high-quality ASX 200 blue chip shares in December

Analysts think these high-quality shares are buys right now. Let's see what they are saying.

Read more »

Two people comparing and analysing material.
Blue Chip Shares

Are Woodside or CBA shares a better buy?

Here’s how I’d compare these two major ASX blue chips.

Read more »

A group of young people lined up on a wall are happy looking at their laptops and devices as they invest in the latest trendy stock.
Blue Chip Shares

Why these ASX 200 blue chip shares could generate big returns

Brokers think these shares are could be dirt cheap at current levels.

Read more »

Man sits smiling at a computer showing graphs
Blue Chip Shares

3 ASX shares Australians can buy and hold for the next decade

Analysts think these high quality stocks could be in the buy zone right now.

Read more »