Revenue growth key for Australia's ANZ to meet forecasts, brokerages say

** Morningstar and Jefferies say revenue growth will be crucial for ANZ Group ANZ.AX to meet its medium-term forecasts and sustain momentum

** The Australian lender reported a 31% jump in annual cash profit, but net interest margin (NIM) and net interest income missed expectations

** Jefferies raises its EPS estimates by 3% and 4% for fiscals 2027 and 2028, respectively; also raises price target to A$35.13 from A$34.22

** Brokerage, however, retains "hold" call on expectation that ANZ achieving its ROTE targets of 12% by FY28 and 13% by FY30 will be difficult without revenue growth of 4% per annum

** Morningstar says with FY27 expenses guided to be flat, revenue growth "must do the work" to help ANZ meet its targets as costs come down

** Investment research firm sees average top-line growth of 3%-4% over next five years, through loan growth and steady NIM

** ANZ up 7.5% YTD as of last close, outperforming a 4.3% rise on the financials sub-index .AXFJ