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.

Should you invest $1,000 in Biontech Se right now?

Before you buy Biontech Se 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 Biontech Se 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 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 written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Goldman Sachs says these ASX 200 stocks are strong buys

The broker is feeling very bullish about these stocks. But why?

Read more »

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

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in May

These stocks could be best buys this month according to the broker.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
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 shares.

Read more »

Man looking upwards contemplating which shares to buy
Broker Notes

CSL shares have climbed 10% since 11 April. Is it too late to buy?

What are analysts saying about this biotech giant after its recent rally? Let's find out.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in May

The broker is feeling bullish on these names this month. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it representing asx tech shares to buy today
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
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 »