The latest ASX stocks leading brokers are urging you to buy today

There’s an unmistakable air of optimism around this reporting season. If this is putting you in a buying sort of mood, there are the latest ASX stock “buy” ideas from leading brokers.

It’s also safer to buy stocks when the tide is rising, and this certainly was the case today with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) gaining 0.5%.

Investors seem to have forgotten their COVID-19 fears as the early profit result releases are better than what many have feared. Let’s hope this continues.

While this isn’t typically the ideal time to be buying stocks (not so early into the reporting season), brokers think now is the right time to be buying these ASX stocks.

Bargain properties

The GPT Group (ASX: GPT) share price may appeal to value buyers with a stomach for volatility. JPMorgan reiterated its “overweight” recommendation on the retail and office property group even after its interim results missed its mark.

But the broker isn’t concerned even though it warned that GPT’s properties is likely to suffer more write downs due to the COVID-19 fallout.

The group reported a net tangible asset (NTA) of $5.52 a share, which is 5% lower than in December. This is likely to fall again with JPMorgan forecasting a 30% drop in the value of GPT’s retail properties and a 20% decline in its office portfolio.

Even then, GPT’s NTA should come in at around $4.50 a share, which is well ahead of GPT’s last closing price of $4.03.

JPMorgan’s price target on the group is $4.70 a share.

On the right track

Meanwhile Morgans is sticking to its “add” recommendation on the Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) share price.

The rail operator’s full year results came in ahead of expectations, although its FY21 outlook was softer than what the broker would have liked.

Higher dividends

But Aurizon’s defensively positioned business is ideal in this volatile environment. What’s more, Morgans believes it can lift its dividend from 27 cents a share to 31 cents in FY22.

Even on the current dividend, the stock’s yielding close to 6% before its 70% franking credit.

Aurizon’s strong balance sheet is another thing to like about the stock with management using its excess firepower to fund a $300 million on-market share buyback.

Morgan’s price target on the stock is $15.14 a share.

New highs likely

Finally, don’t let the rocketing James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) share price put you off even as it hits a new record high of $32.22 on Tuesday.

Goldman Sachs believes there’s more upside following the building materials group’s latest quarterly earnings update.

The broker was particularly taken by James Hardie’s outlook for its North American business, which appears to be taking market share.

The outperformance of this division is behind management’s upbeat FY21 net profit guidance of US$330 million to US$390 million. This compares with consensus estimates at US$344 million.

The broker’s 12-month price target on the stock is $34.38 a share.

More reading

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• Has the ASX 200 finally taken off?

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of James Hardie Industries plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon Holdings Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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