Experts reveal 3 ASX industrial shares to buy

The industrials sector tends to fly under the radar but it delivered impressive total returns of 26% in FY25.

| More on:
Five factory workers and professionals standing and smiling.

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

S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) shares are down 1.16% today, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.73%.

Industrial companies are engaged in the production of goods and services across many different sectors.

ASX industrials shares include transport services companies, such as airlines and toll road operators, capital goods manufacturers and distributors, and commercial services and supplies providers.

The industrials sector tends to fly under the radar.

It's not particularly volatile, like the tech and mining sectors, which tend to grab the headlines.

The ASX industrials sector also doesn't comprise many household names, except for Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) and bathroom products supplier Reece Ltd (ASX: REH).

However, it's a sector worth paying attention to, with ASX 200 industrials generating 26% total returns for investors in FY25.

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) was 26.24%, with dividends making up 4.11%.

That 4.11% is above the new average for the market, with the ASX 200 dividend yield dipping to 3.34% in recent times. (Here's why.)

3 ASX industrial shares scoring buy ratings today

In this article, we reveal 3 ASX industrial shares that the professional brokers are backing for growth in FY26.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

Electro Optic Systems produces advanced weapon systems, counter-drone solutions, and space domain awareness.

This ASX industrial share is benefiting from the emerging global defence investment theme.

The Electro Optic Systems share price is up 0.087% to $5.75 on Tuesday and up 238% over the past 12 months.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX industrial share.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $3.75 to $5 per share after Electro Optic Systems announced a major order on 5 August.

The order, valued at €71.4 million or approximately A$125 million, is for a new laser counter-drone product based on a high-power laser.

The order was placed by a European NATO member nation and follows NATO's recent commitment to spend 5% of GDP on defence.

Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT)

Ventia Services is a leading infrastructure maintenance services provider in Australia and New Zealand.

The Ventia Services share price is down 1.63% to $5.43 today, and up 23% over the past 12 months.

Ventia reported its 1H FY25 results last week.

Ventia announced an 11.9% increase in NPATA to $119.4 million and a 19.4% lift in the value of work in hand to a record $20.6 billion.

Macquarie slapped an outperform rating on this ASX 200 industrial share after reviewing its FY25 numbers.

The broker said:

A mixed 1H result, but FY upgrade pleasing and expression of confidence in outlook.

Margin outlook is stronger than previously expected given + margin mix (Telco, IS) and efficiency/procurement focus.

Defence estate ct renewals key near-term catalyst.

SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH)

This diversified investment company was formerly known as Seven Group Holdings.

The SGH share price is up 0.17% to $48.20 on Tuesday and up 25% over the past 12 months.

Last week, SGH revealed its full-year FY25 investment results, including a 1% rise in revenue and a 9% lift in net profit after tax.

After reviewing the results, top broker Macquarie retained its outperform rating on this ASX industrial share.

However, the broker lowered its 12-month price target from $59.20 to $53.20.

In a note, the broker said:

While we have reassessed WesTrac Capital sales growth, Support services remain firm, while Boral and Coates are supported by pending resi recovery.

Growth in FY26E is soft, but acceleration still lies ahead, supported by improving macro conditions.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Electro Optic Systems and 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 Industrials Shares

Man controlling a drone in the sky, symbolising DroneShield share price.
Industrials Shares

Down 71% since October, should you buy DroneShield shares now?

A leading investment expert delivers his outlook for DroneShield shares.

Read more »

a builder wearing a hard hat and a safety high visibility vest closes his eyes and puts his hands on his head as if receiving bad news.
Industrials Shares

This ASX 200 stock could plummet 50% next year

Here's what analysts at Macquarie have to say about the stock.

Read more »

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

Why this dividend paying ASX All Ords share is tipped to outperform again in 2026

A leading broker forecasts more outperformance to come from this dividend-paying ASX share.

Read more »

A hand holds coin and a small growing plant.
Broker Notes

Up 61% since April, 3 reasons to buy this ASX All Ords share today

A leading broker expects more outperformance from this fast-rising ASX All Ords share.

Read more »

Wooden blocks spelling rebound with coins on top.
Industrials Shares

Down 51% in a year, guess which resurgent ASX 200 stock is lifting off on $35 million buyback news

Investors are piling into this $8 billion ASX 200 stock on Thursday. Let’s see why.

Read more »

One hundred dollar notes blowing in the wind, representing dividend windfall.
Industrials Shares

Up 107% this year! Another boost for this ASX 300 high-flyer with $650m in new contract wins

Big news.

Read more »

A smiling boy holds a toy plane aloft while a girl watches on from a car near an airport runway.
Industrials Shares

Why are DroneShield shares flying 16% higher on Tuesday?

Investors are piling into DroneShield shares today. Let’s see why.

Read more »

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Industrials Shares

Should you buy the dip on this soaring ASX industrials stock?

This innovative company could be set for further growth.

Read more »