Why Macquarie forecasts a big rebound for these 2 quality ASX All Ords tech stocks

Macquarie expects a big rebound is coming for these AI linked, ASX All Ords tech stocks.

| 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

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 5.3% so far in 2025, with two quality ASX All Ords tech stocks having yet to add to those gains.

But, according to the analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), that underperformance is likely to turn to outperformance in the months ahead.

Both companies have a strong connection to semiconductors, data centres, and the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

Yet both are lagging the recovery in the global semiconductor sector.

The ASX All Ords tech stocks in questions are New Zealand based infrastructure investment company Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) and data centre operator and developer NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT).

In afternoon trade on Monday, NextDC shares are down 1.5% at $14.02. That sees the NextDC share price down 6.7% year to date.

Shares in Infratil, which trades on both the ASX and New Zealand stock exchange, are down 0.4% on the ASX today, trading for $10.55 apiece. That puts the Infratil share price down 7.0% in 2025.

Now, here's why Macquarie forecasts a rebound ahead for both AI related stocks.

Hologram of a man next to a human robot, symbolising artificial intelligence.

Image source: Getty Images

Why these ASX All Ords tech stocks could leap higher into 2026

The analysts at Macquarie noted that both NextDC shares and Infratil shares have lagged the recovery in Global Semiconductors off the March lows.

They point out that, "NXT is -22% relative to the PHLX Semi Index, IFT is -18%" despite a strong positive historical correlation of Australian data centres with the PHLX Semi Index.

Citing demand for new data centre capacity in Australia and New Zealand, the broker said, "We see scope for NXT & IFT multiple expansion," adding that both ASX All Ords tech stocks are "trading below +1 standard deviation to the median in the AI era".

Commenting on the rally in semiconductors, Macquarie said:

Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) produces a specialised China AI chip, the H20, which complied with old US export restrictions. New US export restrictions came into effect in April, ceasing H20 chip sales to China (driving US$2.6b of lost 1Q26 revenue for NVIDIA).

Despite this lost revenue and a US$4.5b inventory write-off, NVIDIA 1Q26 H20 revenues were US$4.6b. These restrictions were recently relaxed with media speculation that this is part of a US-Sino rare earths deal and is restarting H20 sales.

Although ANZ Data Centres have no exposure to China, NXT & IFT are yet to recover despite a strong demand environment and Google & Oracle's increased leasing activity in Australia.

Connecting the dots, Macquarie expects both ASX All Ords tech stocks to deliver positive gains in the year ahead.

The broker has an outperform rating on Infratil, with a 12-month price target (for its New Zealand listing) of NZ$12.32. That's 6.6% above current levels.

Macquarie expects significantly more gains from NextDC shares, with an outperform rating and a 12-month price target of AU$22.10 a share. That represent a potential upside of 57.6% from current levels.

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 and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on AI Stocks

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
AI Stocks

Bell Potter just initiated coverage on this ASX AI stock with a buy rating

Let's see why the broker is bullish on this exciting company.

Read more »

A man has computer-generated images rushing through his head, indicating an AI (artificial intelligence) concept of a communication network.
AI Stocks

3 under-the-radar ASX AI shares that could be the next WiseTech

These AI stocks could deliver outsized returns.

Read more »

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
AI Stocks

How to invest in the AI Build-Out: Expert

The team at Canaccord Genuity have highlighted AI stocks to target.

Read more »

Humanoid robot analysing the stock market, symbolising artificial intelligence shares.
Broker Notes

Up 109% since November, are Appen shares still a buy today?

A leading expert digs into the outlook for Appen shares amid the rise of AI.

Read more »

A humanoid robot is pictured looking at a share price chart
AI Stocks

3 reasons this AI and Robotics ASX ETF is a long term play

Is now the time to invest in robotics and AI?

Read more »

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
AI Stocks

AI may look like a bubble. But what about Block shares?

Here's what to expect from this AI-driven tech stock next.

Read more »

AI written in blue on a digital chip.
AI Stocks

2 amazing AI stocks to buy in the ASX 200

These stocks appear well-positioned to benefit from the AI boom.

Read more »

A happy family of four on holidays stand on a jetty and cheer.
Broker Notes

Down 40% in 2026, should you buy the big dip in Life360 shares?

A leading analyst offers his outlook for Life360 shares.

Read more »