Macquarie tips 15% upside for this ASX 200 industrials stock

Is this transportation business preparing for take-off?

| More on:
A young woman looks at here phone as she strides out in an airport dragging her wheelie bag behind her and smiling widely.

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

Across the pond in New Zealand, the nation's government recently cast a shadow over some businesses operating in the transportation sector.

More specifically, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has been conducting a review of airport regulation services in the country.

But what on earth has this got to do with the ASX?

As it turns out, this government review directly impacts a leading ASX 200 industrials business.

And a key development announced this week had its shares flying.

Tell me more

Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX: AIA) is New Zealand's largest and busiest airport.

It caters to more than eight million domestic passenger movements annually and is served by four airlines across 23 destinations.

It also accounts for more than 10 million international passenger movements each year, with 69% of all foreign visitors to New Zealand first arriving at this airport.

In April, MBIE launched a review of airport regulations just three weeks after New Zealand's Commerce Commission gave Auckland International the tick of approval for an upgrade.

For this review, MBIE allowed related parties to provide their viewpoints on the regulation of airport services in the nation.

To cut a long story short, this regulatory evaluation created doubt about the airport's operations.

But news from this week appears to have delivered some clarity.

What happened this week?

MBIE provided an update to parties who made submissions on the effectiveness of the economic regulation of airport services in New Zealand.

Here, it advised that legislative changes are not being considered for the time being.

And Auckland International now believes the MBIE review process to be complete.

In turn, the company's shares jumped sharply, rising from $6.78 each at the close of trading on Wednesday to $7.07 apiece by Thursday's close.

This represents a jump of 4.28%.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was up by 0.9% during this period.

However, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) believes there could be more fuel left in the tank for Auckland International's share price.

What is Macquarie saying?

The broker has now placed an overperform rating on Auckland International, citing the regulatory review outcome as one of the key catalysts for its decision.

It also noted that passenger volumes continue to recover towards pre-COVID levels, with non-aeronautical revenue opportunities providing further appeal for the company.

As such, Macquarie sees potential for further share price appreciation for Auckland International.

However, it is important to note that the company's primary reporting currency is New Zealand dollars.

So, Macquarie has placed a 12-month share price target of NZ$8.55, up from NZ$7.46 on Wednesday.

This equates to a healthy 15% ascent for the airport's shares.

Motley Fool contributor Bart Bogacz 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

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

person holding hat
Broker Notes

3 ASX 200 large-cap shares just re-rated by analysts

We reveal the latest views on an ASX 200 large-cap miner, retailer, and consumer staples leader.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Down 80% in 2025: Is it time to buy this beaten down ASX stock?

Let's see what Bell Potter is saying about this stock after its heavy decline.

Read more »

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Broker Notes

NextDC shares jump 11% on major OpenAI deal

This data centre operator will be home to the AI giant in Australia.

Read more »

A large clear wine glass on the left of the image filled with fifty dollar notes on a timber table with a wine cellar or cabinet with bottles in the background.
Broker Notes

Macquarie names 3 top dividend-paying ASX 200 shares to buy today

Macquarie expects these three dividend paying ASX 200 shares to outperform in 2026. Let’s see why.

Read more »

Confident male executive dressed in a dark blue suit leans against a doorway with his arms crossed in the corporate office
Broker Notes

Broker reveals ratings on 4 ASX 200 sector leaders

Prefer ASX 200 large-cap stocks? Here are some new ratings and price targets for four sector leaders.

Read more »

A young boy points and smiles as he eats fried chicken.
Broker Notes

Why brokers are bullish on this rapidly-growing ASX 200 share

This business is delivering tasty earnings growth…

Read more »

Three excited business people cheer around a laptop in the office
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names the best ASX 200 shares to buy in December

Let's see what the broker is recommending to clients this month.

Read more »