Is the Macquarie share price in the buy zone? Here's what Goldman Sachs thinks

Is it time to buy Macquarie shares?

| More on:
A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.

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

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price was on form last week.

Investors were buying the investment bank's shares after it delivered a half year result ahead of expectations.

Is the Macquarie share price good value?

The team at Goldman Sachs has been running the rule over the Macquarie result and was pleased with what it saw. It commented:

MQG's 1H23 NPAT was up +13% on pcp and 6% above GSe and Visible Alpha consensus. The beat versus our forecasts was driven by lower expenses, partially offset by lower revenues largely on account of trading income.

This has led to the broker upgrading its earnings estimates slightly for the remainder of FY 2023 and beyond. It explained:

We revise our FY23/FY24/FY25E EPS by +1.2%/+0.3%/+3.3% driven by: i) small net revenues downgrades, partially offset by ii) lower expenses, and iii) diluted adjustments.

However, it isn't enough for the broker to recommend Macquarie as a buy to investors. Instead, its analysts have reiterated their neutral rating with a slightly higher price target of $188.35.

Though, this still offers decent upside of 13% for investors over the next 12 months based on the current Macquarie share price.

Why is Goldman sitting on the fence?

Goldman notes that the Macquarie share price is trading at a premium to long term averages despite the expectation of a full year earnings decline in FY 2023. It concludes:

Despite the challenging macro backdrop (rising rates, inflationary pressures, weak markets), MQG delivered a solid 1H23 result, characterised by the diversity of its business and particularly supported by Commodities trading. While 2H23 is likely to be more adversely impacted by the difficult macro backdrop, there is reason to be more optimistic looking beyond FY23, given the apparent strong pipeline within its Private Markets business (details within).

That said, given that the updated divisional guidance implies FY23 earnings will likely fall (GSe -11%), and with the stock is trading on a 12-mo fwd PER of c.15x (ex-div. adjusted), which is c.11% above its long-term average of 13.6x, we stay Neutral.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

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 recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

Broker looking at the share price.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

A smiling woman at a hardware shop selects paint colours from a wall display.
Broker Notes

After its strategy day, what does Macquarie think Wesfarmers shares are worth?

Let's see what the broker is saying about this blue chip.

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Technology Shares

After surging 13% yesterday, are TechnologyOne shares a buy, hold or sell according to Macquarie?

Valuations matter when investing, and Macquarie feels no different.

Read more »

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

Broker reveals which ASX stocks are rate-cut winners

Macquarie is tipping three further interest rate cuts in July, August, and November.

Read more »

Ecstatic woman looking at her phone outside with her fist pumped.
Broker Notes

Where to invest $1,000 into ASX 200 shares in June

Goldman Sachs is tipping these shares as buys. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Broker Notes

3 amazing ASX 200 shares to buy and hold forever

Brokers think these shares are in the buy zone. Let's see why they could be top buy and hold picks.

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices.
Broker Notes

Macquarie tips 20% upside for this ASX 200 industrials stock

Let's see what the broker is saying about this stock following an update.

Read more »

A young woman lifts her red glasses with one hand as she takes a closer look at news about interest rates rising and one expert's surprising recommendation as to which ASX shares to buy
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »