Top broker says this ASX 200 share is a buy for a 10%+ return

Goldman Sachs has good things to say about this share.

| 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

Wanting a double-digit return on investment? Then check out these ASX 200 share in this article.

That's because Goldman Sachs is tipping this share as a buy right now.

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

Image source: Getty Images

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 share?

The share is question is ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ). It is a global leader in testing.

ALS notes that it provides comprehensive solutions to a wide range of industries around the world, with an innovative and data-driven approach backed by quality, service and technical excellence.

It also highlights that its global business supports diverse end-markets, services and customers, and is underpinned by long-term industry megatrends, strong market positions and disciplined capital allocation.

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have put a buy rating and improved price target of $17.75 on the ASX 200 share.

Based on its current share price of $15.96, this implies potential upside of 11.2% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is forecasting a dividend yield of 2.5% over the period, which boosts the total potential return to almost 14%.

Why is it bullish?

Goldman highlights that there are Life Sciences tailwinds that should be supportive of ALS' growth. It said:

ALQ's global peers reported solid FY24 results, with Environmental organic revenue growing ~HSD-DD and PFAS remaining a structural story driving investment. Federal regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. is not seen as necessarily negative, as state regulations remain strict. […] Minerals organic growth was ~LSD-MSD, though DD growth from critical minerals—and more technical testing— resulted in higher margins, highlighting structural trends.

The broker also feels that the mining cycle could be turning favourably for the ASX 200 share. It adds:

Our analysis of sub-US$20m mining capital raisings shows a return to growth in Jan25, a potential precursor to a sharp uptrend as seen in past cycles. While ALQ's Commodities business was previously volatile, cyclicality is reducing, green-mineral tailwinds are growing, and ALQ has achieved higher revenue and earnings per sample—and a higher margin floor—against the recently subdued Minerals backdrop.

Overall, the broker is positive on its outlook and sees value in its shares at current levels. It concludes:

With sustainably higher margins, faster last-5Y organic growth, and consensus forecasting higher growth, ALQ is still trading nearer the peer set median than the high. With the Minerals cycle potentially inflecting after ALQ's margins held up in a downturn, we believe it deserves to trade near the top of the set. Our forecasts are unchanged though we roll forward valuation and update our applied multiple to ALQ's 5-year average, given improved recent margin and revenue resilience. Our new 12-m TP of A$17.75 (+7% vs prior) implies ~12% upside to last close and an NTM EV/EBIT multiple ~17.6x, near the peer high.

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

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Broker Notes

Why this ASX 200 share could be heading 40%+ higher

Looking for big returns? Bell Potter thinks this stock could be a buy.

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Broker Notes

What is Morgans saying about A2 Milk and these ASX shares?

Let's see what the broker is saying about these names.

Read more »

A woman with bright yellow hair wearing a brightly patterned blouse reacts to big news that she's reading on her phone.
Broker Notes

What does this broker have to say about Cleanaway Waste Management and Capstone Copper shares?

These shares have 20% to 30% upside.

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Broker Notes

Why this surging ASX All Ords gold stock is tipped to rocket another 79%

A leading broker forecasts more outsized gains from this fast-rising ASX gold stock. But why?

Read more »

A person working on a computer holds a lightbulb that is connected to the network and shining brightly.
Broker Notes

Origin Energy shares: Experts argue the case to buy, hold, and sell

Three experts present three different ratings.

Read more »

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

What is Bell Potter saying about A2 Milk shares after the selloff?

Is this a buy, hold, or sell after Monday's weakness? Let's find out.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Broker Notes

Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX 200 stock: Shaw & Partners

Let's see what the broker is saying about these stocks.

Read more »