Macquarie places 'outperform' rating on this ASX All Ords financial services stock

This financial services stock seems to be going from strength to strength.

| More on:
Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.

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

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has strengthened 0.93% over the past month and is up 0.47% at the time of writing this afternoon. And it seems like one All Ords financial services stock is driving some of the gains.

At the time of writing, Australian Finance Group Ltd (ASX: AFG) shares are trading 1.66% higher for the day, at $2.145 apiece. Over the year, the group's share price has risen an impressive 52.13%, the majority of which (42.05%) has occurred since early April.

For context, the All Ords Index has risen 4.60% for the year to date.

AFG's climbing share price can be attributed to the Reserve Bank's latest interest rate cuts. Combined with higher property prices, the market shift has sparked more confidence in the sector.

AFG has an extensive broker network and is expected to be well-positioned to meet the rising demand for home loans. In particular, it's manufacturing arm – AFG Home Loans – is expected to drive the majority of business revenue growth and profitability.

Here's what Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has to say about the stock.

Macquarie's view on ASX All Ords stock

In a recent note to investors, the broker maintained its outperform rating on AFG shares and increased its 12-month target price to $2.20, up from $1.80. The upgraded target price represents a potential 2.56% upside.

"PT $2.20 (from $1.80), driven by higher multiple, implies ~13x 1Y fwd Cash EPS (from 10.5x), and compares to majors banks ex-CBA of ~16x. Our confidence reflects record lodgements, improved funding and operating leverage,'' the investor note said.

According to Macquarie, AFG's Home Load product activity and margin stabilisation are key growth drivers and support the broker's earnings outlook.

The group's total lodgement activity is a key driver of earnings in AFG's aggregation business. Total lodgements were up 18.7% year-on-year in Q4 2025. Volumes were 12.1% higher over the period, and the average loan size was 5.9% higher.

"Macquarie analysis of the AFG Home Loan lodgement data shows lodgements of ~ $1.81bn in 4QFY25, vs ~$1.78bn in the pcp, comprising AFG Securitisation (AFG Branded and AFG Funded product) and White-label product (AFG-branded, third-party funded product). 61% of was AFG's own funded AFG Securities products," the investor note said.

"AFG disclosed 61% of AFG HL product lodgements in 4Q25 were AFG's own higher margin AFG Securities products, vs 56% in the previous two quarters. This implies ~$1.1bn of AFG Securities product lodgements in 4Q25, and has stepped up compared to an average of ~0.9bn in the previous 6 quarters".

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Financial Shares

Five candles on birthday cake.
Financial Shares

5 ASX financial shares to buy in 2026

Here are 5 ASX financial shares that the experts are backing for price growth this year.

Read more »

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

Own AMP shares? Here are your key dates for the year

Full-year results are not far off.

Read more »

Two people in flying suits and helmets cruise in mid-air high above the earth with arms outstretched and the sun on the horizon.
Financial Shares

Can these high flying financials shares from last year do it again?

Is it too late to jump on board these soaring stocks?

Read more »

Person sitting on couch with computer on lap whilst flood waters rise around ankles
Financial Shares

Which ASX insurance stock to buy in 2026: QBE or Suncorp?

Most analysts see a better 2026, but risks remain.

Read more »

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

This fund has just declared a special dividend after "record outperformance"

The investment team at this fund says there's still plenty left in the tank after boosting dividend payouts substantially.

Read more »

A man wearing a suit and holding a colourful umbrella over his head purses his lips as though he has just found out some interesting news.
Financial Shares

Why are IAG shares slipping today?

IAG shares are trailing the benchmark on Tuesday. Here’s what’s happening.

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
Financial Shares

Argo just locked in its key dates for 2026. Here's what investors need to know

Let’s take a look at what’s ahead for the start of the year.

Read more »

one man in a classic navy blue business suit lies atop a wheelie office shair while his colleage, also in a navy business suit, grabs him by the legs and propels him forward with both of them smiling widely as though larking about in the office.
Financial Shares

Why these brokers are bullish on the Suncorp share price

The insurance giant could be a compelling investment, according to experts.

Read more »