3 reasons to buy this $10 billion ASX 200 stock today

A leading expert sees "clear upside" for this $10 billion ASX 200 company.

| More on:
Buy now written on a red key with a shopping trolley on an Apple keyboard.

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

Key points

  • Infratil is experiencing a 1.6% decline today amidst a broader ASX 200 market sell-off driven by US-China trade tensions.
  • Despite a 3.8% annual drop, Infratil shares have risen 115% over five years and stand to benefit from clean energy sector momentum.
  • Elio D’Amato of EnviroInvest sees growth opportunities for Infratil and recommends the ASX 200 stock as a buy.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) is succumbing to the broader market sell-off today.

During the Monday lunch hour, the ASX 200 is down 0.6% amid investor concerns about the escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.

The Infratil share price is down a steeper 1.6% at this same time.

Shares in the New Zealand-based infrastructure investment company, which trades on both the ASX and the New Zealand stock exchange (NZX), are currently swapping hands for $10.64 apiece.

That sees the ASX 200 stock down 3.8% since this time last year and gives it a market cap of $10.4 billion. Longer term, Infratil shares are up 115.0% over five years. Infratil stock also trades on a 1.5% unfranked trailing dividend yield.

And looking to the year ahead, EnviroInvest's Elio D'Amato sees tailwinds building to help Infratil shares outperform (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy this ASX 200 stock today?

"Infratil continues to deliver via its infrastructure investments in renewables, digital platforms and critical services located around the world," said D'Amto, who has a buy recommendation on the ASX 200 stock.

"A recent disclosure included a renewables valuation workshop that it presented to investors and analysts in September," he added.

Citing the first reason Infratil shares are a buy, D'Amato said, "It benefits from momentum in the clean energy sector, with markets materially re-rating infrastructure exposed to low carbon assets."

Then there's the company's growth and modest passive income payments.

"It's profitable, growing and pays a small dividend yield," D'Amato noted.

As for the third reason he's bullish on the ASX 200 stock, D'Amato said, "Infratil's balance sheet and scale give it options to back future transitions."

Connecting the dots, he concluded, "We see clear upside, so it merits investors considering a buy."

What's the latest from Infratil?

Atop its exposure to the clean energy sector, Infratil has also been investing heavily in data centres, giving it exposure to the booming growth in artificial intelligence (AI).

On 24 September, the ASX 200 stock announced that its data centre business, CDC, had secured around 100 megawatts (MW) of new contracted capacity. Infratil shares closed up 1.1% on the day and gained another 1.2% the following trading day.

Commenting on the positive growth outlook on the day, Infratil CEO Jason Boyes said:

This announcement provides high visibility that CDC remains on track to double FY25 earnings by FY27. With other contracts signed since May, approximately 95% of forecast lease revenues are now under contract, and we remain confident in contracting the remaining capacity.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

Cheerful boyfriend showing mobile phone to girlfriend in dining room. They are spending leisure time together at home and planning their financial future.
Financial Shares

Forecast: Here's what $5,000 invested in Macquarie shares could be worth next year

What could happen next for the investment bank’s shares?

Read more »

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Broker Notes

A 16% upside plus dividends! Macquarie upgrades QBE shares to outperform

Macquarie research reveals QBE shares are trading at a steep discount. But why?

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Financial Shares

This ASX 200 technology stock is racing higher on plans to permanently boost margins

This financial data company says a new cost-cutting initiative will deliver permanent earnings benefits.

Read more »

Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.
Financial Shares

New supporter joins in takeover talks for this insurance major

CVC Asia Pacific is teaming up with Danish firm EQT on the potential bid for AUB Group.

Read more »

Person holding up a smartphone in front of a stock market chart.
Broker Notes

Macquarie upgrades this ASX 200 stock to 'outperform'; tips 16% upside

Trading volumes are rising, competition is easing, and valuation looks attractive.

Read more »

Woman holding $50 notes with a delighted face.
Dividend Investing

Guess which ASX 200 dividend stock Macquarie just upgraded for expected gains of 22%

Atop dividends, Macquarie expects this ASX 200 stock to leap 22% in a year. But why?

Read more »

Businessman looks with one eye through magnifying glass
Broker Notes

Macquarie tips 37% upside for Steadfast shares

Analysts see brighter days ahead for this insurance heavyweight after a sharp pullback in October.

Read more »

A man happily kisses a $50 note scrunched up in his hands representing the best ASX dividend stocks in Australia today
Financial Shares

Everything you need to know about the new Macquarie dividend

Macquarie just gave income investors something to cheer about.

Read more »