Why these 3 ASX 200 shares just earned some big broker upgrades

Leading brokers expect some sizeable gains from these three ASX 200 shares in 2024.

| More on:
Broker working with share prices on computers.

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

Three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have just been upgraded by top brokers following this week's earnings results.

According to these brokers, the three ASX 200 shares in question could enjoy gains of 15% to 21% in the year ahead. And that's not including the dividends some of the companies pay.

Without further ado, here are the three stocks in question.

(Broker upgrade data, courtesy of The Australian.)

ASX 200 shares tipped for significant 2024 gains

The first company getting a broker upgrade today is online furniture and homewares retailer Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW).

The ASX 200 share closed up 9.8% yesterday after reporting some strong half-year results.

Highlights included all-time high half-year revenue of $254 million, up 23% from the prior corresponding period. And earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 3% year on year to $7.5 million.

The company also boasts a strong balance sheet, with a closing cash balance of $114 million and no debt as at 31 December.

Temple & Webster shares are currently trading for $11.01 apiece, up a whopping 204% in 12 months.

But Citi's analysts see more growth to come.

The broker raised Temple & Webster to a 'buy' rating with a $13 price target. That represents a potential upside of more than 18% from current levels.

Which brings us to the second ASX 200 share getting a broker upgrade, building materials supplier James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX).

The James Hardie share price closed down a painful 8.5% yesterday after the company released its third-quarter update.

Expectations were clearly highs, as investors hit the sell button despite the company reporting a 14% year on year increase in quarterly global net sales of US$978 million. And adjusted EBITDA of US$280 million was up 34%.

James Hardie shares are currently trading for $54.20, up 79% in 12 months despite yesterday's sell-off.

Citi also has a positive outlook for this stock, raising its target price by 14% to $63 a share. That's more than 16% above the current share price.

Also getting a big broker upgrade following earnings results

Which brings us to the third ASX 200 share getting a sizeable broker upgrade, online jobs classified company Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK).

The Seek share price closed down 4.6% yesterday following the release of the company's half-year results. The stock is down another 6.3% today, with shares trading for $24 apiece at the time of writing.

Investors were hitting the sell button after Seek reported a 5% year on year decline in revenue to $597 million. EBITDA was down 11% from the prior corresponding half to $253 million.

Although Seek noted that the decrease in job ad volume that pressured its revenue could continue into the second half, the company forecast a further 10% increase in yield. Management expects costs to come down significantly from their previous guidance of $670 million for FY 2024.

Following two days of heavy selling the Seek share price is now flat over 12 months but still up 19% since the recent 30 October lows.

Macquarie was not put off by the slip in half-year earnings and revenue. The broker raised the ASX 200 share to an 'outperform' rating with a $29 price target.

That represents a potential upside of almost 21% from current levels.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Seek and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Broker Notes

Bell Potter says this newly listed ASX stock could rocket 80%

The broker has good things to say about this stock following its recent IPO.

Read more »

Keyboard button with the word sell on it, symbolising the time being right to sell ASX stocks.
Broker Notes

3 ASX insurance shares to sell: experts

After strong share price gains over 2 years, is the party over for ASX insurance shares?

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Broker Notes

Experts name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell now

Analysts are feeling bearish about these popular shares. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: DroneShield, Macquarie, and Wesfarmers shares

What do analysts think of these popular shares?

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Broker Notes

Analysts say these 3 Australian shares are buys

These shares have been given a big thumbs up from brokers.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Develop Global, Metcash, and Treasury Wine shares

Let's see what analysts are saying about these shares.

Read more »

Two university students in the library, one in a wheelchair, log in for the first time with the help of a lecturer.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Broker Notes

Up 109% in a year, 3 reasons to buy this ASX All Ords share today

A leading broker expects this surging ASX All Ords share to outperform again in 2026.

Read more »