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

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

| More on:
young woman reviewing financial reports at desk with multiple computer screens

Image Source: Getty Images

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.

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

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A group of people push and shove through the doors of a store, trying to beat the crowd.
Broker Notes

2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

Are these two stocks the best buys on the ASX?

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 55%

Brokers have good things to say about these shares.

Read more »

A little girl is about to launch down the slide with a blue sky and white clouds in the sky behind her.
Broker Notes

BHP vs. Fortescue shares: Goldman Sachs says 1 will rip and 1 will dip

Top broker Goldman Sachs upgraded its 12-month share price forecasts for BHP and Fortescue shares this week.

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Broker Notes

Brokers rate these 3 ASX shares as buys in January

These ASX shares have an exciting outlook according to experts.

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

busy trader on the phone in front of board depicting asx share price risers and fallers
Resources Shares

Brokers issue new price targets on soaring ASX 200 mining shares

ASX 200 mining shares BHP, PLS Group, South32, and many others hit multi-year highs this week.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Why Bell Potter just upgraded this smashing ASX 200 stock

After rising over 100% in 12 months, Bell Potter believes there is more to come.

Read more »