Here's why this top broker is tipping 27% upside for ANZ shares

The Silicon Valley Bank collapse has weighed heavily on ANZ's shares and could have created a buying opportunity.

| More on:
A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.

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

Key points

  • The Silicon Valley Bank collapse has weighed on sentiment in the Australian banking sector
  • This has led to ANZ's shares falling meaningfully in recent sessions
  • Citi sees significant upside and big yields from the bank's shares at current levels

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have taken a bit of a beating recently.

Concerns over the Silicon Valley Bank collapse have sent many investors to the exits, driving the bank's shares deep into the red.

The good news is that if you have confidence in the Australian banking sector, then this may have created a mouth-watering opportunity for investors.

ANZ shares could have huge upside

According to a recent note out of Citi, its analysts believe that ANZ is the best bank to buy right now.

Citi was pleased with ANZ's first-quarter update and believes its earnings are currently ahead of expectations.

As a result, the broker has named it as its top pick in the sector with a buy rating and $29.25 price target on its shares. Based on the current share price, this implies potential upside of 27% over the next 12 month for ANZ shares.

Citi commented:

ANZ's 1Q23 disclosures exhibited strong trends in both lending growth and asset quality. No earnings disclosure was provided, but we think that after backing out RWA movements from capital, it comfortably implies above market earnings, although subject to movements in deductions/reserves.

Citi also highlights that ANZ's asset quality remains strong despite the current environment. It adds:

Despite fears of deteriorating asset quality, impaired assets declined again in the quarter, although this could be the bottom as seasonally mortgages and personal credit arrears tick higher in the March quarter.

The broker concludes:

Institutional lending momentum continued and accelerated in the Dec qtr, which we expect was driven by more available liquidity and pricing vs debt markets. ANZ remains our top pick in the sector, and we expect the lending momentum, particularly in institutional, to continue to differentiate vs peers.

Don't forget the dividends

But there's more than just upside on offer with ANZ shares. The broker is also expecting some big dividend yields in the near term.

Citi is forecasting fully franked dividends of 166 cents per share in FY 2023 and then 176 cents per share in FY 2024. This would mean yields of 7.2% and 7.6%, respectively, for investors.

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 Scott Phillips.

More on Bank Shares

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
Bank Shares

Do ANZ shares present better value than other Big Four options?

Here's my take on whether ANZ is a good value investment right now.

Read more »

Happy man at an ATM.
Bank Shares

These ASX bank shares are cashing in on new highs today

Bank stocks are still in vogue.

Read more »

a small child carrying a brief case tries to reach an elevator button outside closed elevator doors.
Bank Shares

Why this top fundie is 'happy to be short' on CBA shares

CBA shares have soared more than 50% in a year, but this fundie thinks the party’s about over.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Bank Shares

Should I dump my holding in CBA shares and buy an ASX S&P 500 tracker instead?

Deciding between CBA and an S&P 500 tracker is a no-brainer for me.

Read more »

Businessman smiles with arms outstretched after receiving good news.
Bank Shares

CBA and Klarna: What a $1.8 billion IPO windfall could mean for shareholders

The bank's ongoing rise continues to defy the bearish crowd.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Bank Shares

$10,000 invested in Westpac shares 12 months ago is now

Would you be smiling now if you invested in the big four bank a year ago? Let's see.

Read more »

a woman wearing the black and yellow corporate colours of a leading bank gazes out the window in thought as she holds a tablet in her hands.
Bank Shares

These 3 headwinds make CBA shares a sell: expert

This leading expert believes now is a good time to take profit on CBA shares. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
Bank Shares

Are ANZ shares still in the buy zone near 6-month highs

Bank stocks have rallied hard in 2024.

Read more »