This ASX 200 stock's 'compelling valuation' makes it a strong buy

Goldman Sachs thinks a 50% return could be on the cards for investors.

| More on:
A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.

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

Although the Australian share market is trading within sight of its record high, that doesn't mean there aren't any bargain buys out there.

For example, the ASX 200 stock in this article has been labelled as undervalued and tipped to deliver big returns for investors over the next 12 months.

Which ASX 200 stock is cheap?

The stock in question is steel products manufacturer BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL).

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have reiterated their buy rating on the company's shares with an improved price target of $30.10.

Based on the current BlueScope share price of $20.54, this implies potential upside of approximately 47% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is expecting the ASX 200 stock to provide dividend yields of 2.9% in FY 2024 and 3.4% in FY 2025. This boosts the total potential return to approximately 50%.

Why is the broker bullish?

The main reason that Goldman Sachs is bullish on BlueScope is its US painted steel business. It explains:

BSL began its push into the high growth US painted steel market in 2022 with the acquisition of Coil Coatings making BSL the third-largest painted steel producer in the US. Our analysis of the US painted steel market and BSL's strategy indicates the US painted steel growth opportunity could deliver ~A$400mn (~20%) EBITDA upside.

The broker also highlights that this ASX 200 stock is trading at a significant discount to peers. It adds:

Comp analysis implies BSL undervalued: Despite ~50% of EBITDA being higher margin painted steel by FY28E, BSL trades at ~4x EBITDA vs. US steel peers at ~7-8x, with painted steel company AZZ on ~9x. […] Compelling valuation and FCF: trading at ~0.65x NAV (A$31.7/sh), ~4x NTM EBITDA (vs. 10-yr average of 4-7x), and on a FCF yield of ~6% in FY24E.

Goldman then concludes:

We reiterate our Buy rating on BSL. Our NAV increases by 5% (~A$700mn) to A$31.7/sh after incorporating US painted growth into our base case, and our 12m PT rises by 8% to A$30.1/sh, on the higher NAV and putting the US coated and painted business on 8x (unchanged for Aus, new for US). Although the US growth strategy could take around five years to deliver, BSL already looks undervalued vs. US steel peers, and we believe very little of the potential upside from the US growth strategy is being priced into the stock.

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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 33% to 37%

Analysts at Morgans think these shares could deliver big returns.

Read more »

Female miner in hard hat and safety vest on laptop with mining drill in background.
Broker Notes

Experts reveal 2 buys and 1 sell in the ASX 200 materials sector

And they're not all mining companies, either.

Read more »

A smiling miner wearing a high vis vest and yellow hardhat does the thumbs up in front of an open pit copper mine.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie expects this ASX All Ords copper stock to soar 48% in a year

Macquarie forecasts another big year of gains ahead for this ASX All Ords copper stock. But why?

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Broker Notes

How much upside does Macquarie expect for Steadfast Group shares?

The broker has given its verdict on this blue chip.

Read more »

Female miner standing smiling in a mine.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie predicts Pilbara Minerals shares could surge 71%

Macquarie forecasts a big rebound ahead for Pilbara Minerals shares. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Broker Notes

The smartest Australian stocks to buy with $250 right now

$250 to invest? Check out these stocks that brokers rate as buys.

Read more »

A woman wearing dark clothing and sporting a few tattoos and piercings holds a phone and a takeaway coffee cup as she strolls under the Sydney Harbour Bridge which looms in the background.
Broker Notes

1 magnificent Aussie stock down 23% to buy and hold forever

Let's see why this could be a top share to buy while it is down.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »