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

Two happy and excited friends in euphoria holding a smartphone, after winning in a bet.
Broker Notes

3 ASX shares upgraded by Morgans to buy ratings

Let's see why the broker has turned positive on these shares.

Read more »

Successful group of people applauding in a business meeting and looking very happy.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

Wooden blocks spelling rebound with coins on top.
Broker Notes

Can Life360 shares recover from the AI fuelled sell-off?

A leading expert looks into the AI-driven pressure hitting Life360 shares.

Read more »

An engineer takes a break on a staircase and looks out over a huge open pit coal mine as the sun rises in the background.
Broker Notes

Up 49% in a year, should you buy BHP shares for their 'stability and income'?

A leading expert delivers his forecast for BHP’s fast-rising shares.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Pro Medicus, Life360, A2 Milk shares

Expert analysts reveal their latest recommendations on 3 ASX 200 stocks.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Goodman Group, BHP, Westpac shares

ASX 200 shares are in the red for a fifth consecutive session amid stalled peace talks between the US and…

Read more »

Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it
Broker Notes

Experts name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell now

Let's see which shares are being tipped as sells this week.

Read more »

A man and a woman sit in front of a laptop looking fascinated and captivated.
Broker Notes

What is Morgans' updated view on Bank of Queensland and PLS shares?

These ASX 200 stocks are performing very differently this year.

Read more »