Top broker says Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price is a buy

Suncorp shares could be heading higher according to this top broker…

| More on:

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

The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price has been a strong performer in 2021.

Since the start of the year, the banking and insurance giant's shares have risen 27%.

This is more than double the gain of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the same period.

young woman reviewing financial reports at desk with multiple computer screens

Image Source: Getty Images

Can the Suncorp share price keep rising?

The good news is that the team at Goldman Sachs believe the Suncorp share price can rise further from here.

According to a recent note, the broker has a buy rating and $13.74 price target on the company's shares.

Based on the current Suncorp share price of $12.52, this implies potential upside of 10% over the next 12 months before dividends.

In addition to this, the broker is expecting generous dividends from Suncorp in the coming years. It has pencilled in fully franked dividends per share of 61 cents in FY 2022, 73 cents in FY 2023, and 76 cents in FY 2024.

As a result, this means the total potential return on offer is approximately 15% including its FY 2022 dividends.

What did Goldman say?

While Goldman acknowledges that the Suncorp share price is not cheap, it still sees enough value to maintain its buy rating. Particularly given its positive momentum and its belief that the risks are to the upside for its earnings.

Goldman said: "While it is now harder to argue that SUN is cheap, we have nonetheless maintained our Buy rating, where we see good momentum in the business, plus near-term earnings risks as skewed positively noting: 1) provided pressure does not mount on the industry to return recent motor frequency benefits, SUN will almost certainly record gains in 1H22 (potential for c.5% upside in EPS), 2) SUN's recent reserve development remains well above its normalised 1.5% release assumption and noted relative comfort in the outlook, 3) scope for further banking collective provision release, and 4) into FY23 if we were to calibrate to the mid-point of SUN's insurance margin targets alongside the bank cost/income ratio target we would see c.10% upside."

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

a couple consider the advice from a man with documents laid out on a table and the man holding a tablet in his hand.
Financial Shares

3 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: experts

ASX 200 financial shares are down 2.5% over six months and up 2.1% in 2026-to-date.

Read more »

A man rests his chin in his hands, pondering what is the answer?
Broker Notes

What is Morgans saying about Cochlear and Northern Star shares?

Here's what the broker is saying about these big names following their updates.

Read more »

A woman with a mobile phone in her hand looks sceptical with a puzzled expression on her face with an eyebrow raised and pursed lips.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: NextDC, Hub24, PLS Group shares

The market is pessimistic about the next round of talks between the US and Iran.

Read more »

A team of people giving the thumbs up sign.
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

Brokers have indicated continuing confidence in Cochlear, REA, and several other ASX 200 shares.

Read more »

Buy now written on a red key with a shopping trolley on an Apple keyboard.
Broker Notes

Broker reiterates buy ratings on 2 ASX shares

These ASX shares remain worth watching.

Read more »

Sell buy and hold on a digital screen with a man pointing at the sell square.
Broker Notes

After more than quadrupling investors' money in a year, are PLS shares still a buy?

A leading analyst delivers his outlook for the soaring PLS share price.

Read more »

A young man wearing a bright yellow jumper and glasses purses his lips together and moves them to the side of his face as he wonders about something.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, or sell? Life360, Iress, Lynas Rare Earths shares

Experts reveal their views.

Read more »

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Broker Notes

Why did this broker just lower its outlook on this ASX 200 stock?

Despite a lowered outlook, attractive upside remains.

Read more »