It has been another busy week for many of Australia's top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.
Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:
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APA Group (ASX: APA)
According to a note out of Ord Minnett, its analysts have upgraded this energy infrastructure company's shares to a buy rating with an $8.60 price target. The broker made the move for a couple of reasons. One of those reasons is reducing regulatory risks. This follows news that the Australian Energy Regulator has decided not to regulate APA's South-West Queensland pipeline. In light of this, Ord Minnett believes that the company is destined to deliver low risk revenue growth for the next decade. And with its dividend yield significantly higher than market averages and supported by inflation linked earnings, it thinks now is the time to buy. Especially for income focused investors. The APA Group share price was trading at $6.98 today.
Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)
A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this location technology company's shares with an improved price target of $26.75. The broker was very impressed with Life360's performance during the last quarter. It notes that the highlight of the result was very strong paying circle growth of 159,000 quarter on quarter. This materially exceeded its forecast of 121,000 additions and was a new record for a quarter. It also highlights that Life360 finished the quarter with a hefty cash balance of US$160 million. The Life360 share price was fetching $22.75 at Friday's close.
Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)
Analysts at Goldman Sachs have retained their conviction buy rating and $201.00 price target on this cloud accounting platform provider's shares. This follows the release of Xero's half year results this week. Goldman was pleased with the company's performance, noting that's its sales fell a touch short of expectations but its EBITDA was comfortably ahead of them. One of the biggest positives was its much lower than expected operating expense ratio, even if benefiting from capitalised R&D, which drove the stronger than expected earnings outcome. Looking ahead, Goldman remains very positive on Xero's long term growth outlook thanks to its massive total addressable market. The Xero share price was trading at $172.61 on Friday afternoon.
