Is it time to cash in these 2 ASX large-cap stocks?

Go big or go home? Experts weigh in on the verdict.

| More on:
A woman holds a tape measure against a wall painted with the word BIG, indicating a surge in gowth shares

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

Investing in the ASX large-cap stocks can be rewarding, but knowing when to sell is crucial. Some of us use sell rules. Others go by changes in fundamentals. Some, via the stars.

With the ASX bustling in 2024, it's a good time for investors to assess their portfolios. Today, I'm going to look at two large-cap ASX stocks: Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) and Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN).

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Bank of Queensland + Mineral Resources PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL0www.fool.com.au

Here's what brokers are saying about the 2 ASX large-caps in their recent notes.

Should you sell this ASX large-cap stock?

Bank of Queensland shares have struggled in 2024, having compressed by around 2% into the red at the time of writing.

The ASX large-cap stock currently has one of the highest trailing dividend yields of all the ASX 200 banking majors and boasts a 2.7% share of the Australian residential mortgage market.

Despite this, Goldman Sachs has a bearish outlook on BOQ shares. It rates the bank a sell based on foreseeable risk and valuation grounds. Its BOQ price target is $5.44 apiece, below the $5.98 per share the bank was trading at on Friday's close.

The broker points out that Australian banks – including BOQ – no longer offer the robust returns on equity (ROE) they once did.

Back in 2015, Australian banking majors boasted "the second highest average ROE of global comparable banks…". BOQ's 9.25% projected returns on equity for FY 2026 also fall short of this mark.

While we believe the company's transformation program a positive long-term strategy (aiming to deliver a lower cost to serve on the back of its digitisation efforts), we remain wary of both the high degree of execution risk and the potential for going over budget on investment spend (as has often been the case historically when banks undergo such large scale initiatives).

However, Goldman Sachs believes the high price-to-book (P/B) valuations aren't sustainable given the underwhelming ROE and potential for lower returns moving forward.

Despite this view, BOQ's current trailing dividend yield is 6.4%, which is attractive for income-focused investors, in my opinion. In fact, for the dividend-minded, I believe BOQ could offer compelling value.

Mineral Resources reiterated a sell

Goldman Sachs recently released a note on Mineral Resources highlighting several factors that investors should consider.

Despite the company's impressive $1.3 billion Onslow Haul Road asset sale in June, which generated significant proceeds, Goldman Sachs maintains a cautious outlook on the ASX large-cap stock.

The broker points out that the current market price reflects long-run commodity prices about 20% higher than their estimates.

It also highlights that Mineral Resources trades at a multiple significantly above its peers, with a price-to-net asset value (NAV) ratio of 1.35x and a 17x forward EBITDA multiple. The peer group is priced at 8x forward EBITDA.

This valuation suggests that much of the company's future growth is already priced in, leaving limited upside potential.

Furthermore, Goldman Sachs is concerned about the expected decline in lithium prices over the next couple of years. It expects lower spodumene prices going forward.

Our commodity team expect spodumene prices to average US$800/t and hydroxide at US$10,000/t (vs. spot c. US$1200/t and US$10,000/t) in 2H CY24 driven by our view of a market surplus over 2024-2025, and for the price to trade at or below marginal cost which we think will be set by Chinese integrated lepidolite producers.

The broker also forecasts low or negative free cash flow for the next two years, producing a free cash flow yield of negative 4% to negative 19%. As such, it values the miner at $47 per share, a 31.5% downside potential on the Mineral Resources share price of $68.63 at Friday's close.

It's not all negative sentiment on ASX large-cap stock, however. Analysts at Bell Potter rate Mineral Resources a buy. According to my colleague James, its diverse operations and growth outlook are two of Bell Potter's themes.

The rating is "underpinned by MIN's earnings diversification, strong insider ownership, clearly articulated strategies, expertise in contracting and internal growth options at Onslow as well as potential lithium expansions including into downstream".

It values the company at $85.00 per share, almost double that of Goldman.

ASX large-cap shares on the block

Both BOQ and Mineral Resources present unique opportunities and risks. For BOQ, Goldman says the high valuation amidst underwhelming returns makes it a potential candidate for selling.

Meanwhile, Mineral Resources' strategic asset sale offers have split hairs among brokers. Whilst Goldman rates it a sell, Bell Potter is bullish and sees it trading higher.

The difference in opinion highlights the importance of conducting your own due diligence.

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 6 March 2025

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Broker Notes

Hand of a woman carrying a bag of money, representing the concept of saving money or earning dividends.
Broker Notes

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

Its analysts believe these shares 'offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term.'

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

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 »

A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.
Broker Notes

Battle of the online classifieds: Should I buy Car Group or Seek shares?

Brokers rate both shares highly.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Broker Notes

2 top quality ASX 200 shares to buy after the market selloff

Bell Potter speaks very highly about these shares. Let's see why they could be strong buys.

Read more »

A businessman lights up the fifth star in a lineup, indicating positive share price for a top performer
Broker Notes

The ASX share market selloff has created a 'valuable window to buy quality stocks'

The broker thinks investors should be focusing on quality now.

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
Broker Notes

'This is a great time to get rich': 3 of the best ASX shares to buy

The US President has made a bold claim over the weekend.

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 »

ASX shares Business man marking buy on board and underlining it
Broker Notes

10 ASX shares to buy after the market selloff

Analysts think these shares could be strong buys after recent weakness. Let's see what they are recommending.

Read more »