Business · Markets · 1 day ago
Investor rates BHP and Zip as buys, Westpac as a hold
The assessment covers three companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange: mining group BHP, bank Westpac and buy now, pay later company Zip.
The investor rates BHP a buy, citing expected growth in copper demand and its plans to expand copper and potash production.
BHP’s iron ore business also generates cash that can help fund its projects, though iron ore prices fluctuate.
Westpac is rated a hold because it has a large customer base and pays dividends, but the investor expects growth to be constrained by pressure on borrowers, weaker loan demand and competition.
Zip is rated a buy, with the investor pointing to expansion opportunities in the United States and the potential to grow earnings as transaction volumes rise.
That outlook carries more risk: Zip must maintain lending discipline as higher interest rates strain household finances.
The Motley Fool AU author rates BHP and Zip shares as buys and Westpac shares as a hold.
The author sees BHP’s copper growth prospects, iron ore cash flow and planned potash production as reasons to buy.
Zip is rated a buy because of its US expansion potential and scope for more profitable growth, though the author flags lending risk.
Westpac is rated a hold because competition and pressure on borrowers could limit earnings growth.
The article was published on 10 October 2026.
- Who
- An unnamed Motley Fool AU author.
- What
- The author rates BHP and Zip shares as buys and Westpac shares as a hold.
- When
- 10 October 2026.
- Where
- The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
- Why
- The author sees growth opportunities at BHP and Zip, while expecting challenges to limit Westpac’s earnings growth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
BHP is a buy for me, largely because of how I expect its business to develop over the next decade.
Westpac is a hold in my view.
Zip is my second buy, although it comes with considerably more risk than BHP shares.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Ratings
- BHP: buy; Westpac: hold; Zip: buy
- Publication date
- 10 October 2026
- BHP growth opportunity
- Copper demand linked to electricity networks, renewable energy, electric vehicles and AI infrastructure
- Zip market opportunity
- United States
- Westpac concern
- Competition and pressure on borrowers may limit earnings growth
Sources
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