Why Macquarie expects this ASX 200 dividend stock to keep outperforming

Macquarie has tipped this ASX 200 dividend stock to outperform. Let's find out why.

| 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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dividend stock ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) has a lengthy track record of outperforming the benchmark index.

In late morning trade on Friday, shares are up 0.1%, changing hands for $16.45 apiece.

If you're not familiar with ALS, the testing services company provides environmental monitoring, food and pharmaceutical quality assurance, mining and mineral exploration and commodity certification.

As for the length track record of outperformance, over the past five years the ALS share price is up 127%, easily outpacing the five-year 42% gains posted by the ASX 200.

Over the past 12 months, the ALS share price has gained 12.9%, again beating the 9.3% gains delivered by the benchmark index.

As for 2025, shares in the ASX 200 dividend stock are up 8.2% compared to the 4.2% gains posted by benchmark index.

And we haven't included the passive income the company has returned to shareholders.

Over the past year, ALS had paid out 38.6 cents a share in partly franked dividends. That sees the testing services company trading on a 2.4% trailing dividend yield.

Now, here's why the analysts over at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) forecast another year of outperformance ahead for ALS shares.

man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoin

Image source: Getty Images

ASX 200 dividend stock tipped to outperform

In a new research report released on Wednesday, Macquarie forecast that ALS will deliver 12% compound annual earnings per share (EPS) growth over the next three years.

The broker noted that this "compares favourably to market & peers".

Macquarie also pointed to the successful $350 million capital raise conducted by the ASX 200 dividend stock in late May.

The analysts said the money will be used to fund four organic lab capacity expansions at a cost of $230 million. It also bolsters ALS' balance sheet capacity by $120 million "to support future bolt-on growth initiatives".

Macquarie added the ALS provides FY 2026 building blocks include 5% to 7% organic revenue growth guidance, up from 4.9% in FY 2025.

And while ALS trades at 5% premium to its global peers, Macquarie said it has also done so in prior minerals up-cycles.

Adding the dots, the broker maintained its outperform rating on the ASX 200 dividend stock with an $18.20 12-month price target.

That represents a potential upside of 10.9% from current levels, not including the two upcoming dividend payouts.

While it's too early to guess what kind of returns the ASX 200 will deliver over the next 12 months, it could well mean another year of outperformance ahead for ALS shares.

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. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie 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 happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements
Broker Notes

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

It looks likely to be a good start to the week for Aussie investors.

Read more »

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 »

Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Rio Tinto shares

Morgans has been running the rule over these giants.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Broker Notes

Does Macquarie rate BHP shares a buy, hold or sell right now?

What's the verdict on this week's operational update?

Read more »

A young African mine worker is standing with a smile in front of a large haul dump truck wearing his personal protective wear.
Broker Notes

This ASX gold stock could jump by 45%, brokers say

This company has big expansion plans.

Read more »

Engineer looking at mining trucks at a mine site.
Broker Notes

What are the top picks in the ASX lithium sector right now?

A recent pullback in share prices could be creating opportunities.

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

Macquarie tips three ASX finance companies to return better than 30%

These finance stocks could be worth a look.

Read more »

A miner shakes hands with a businessman or banker inside an underground mine setting.
Broker Notes

A miner and an energy company to buy according to Macquarie

The broker is bullish on these two companies.

Read more »