Macquarie tips 20% return for this ASX 200 stock

The broker is bullish on this stock. But why?

| More on:
Man ecstatic after reading good news.

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

  • Macquarie is optimistic about SGH, expecting a 20% total return for investors, driven by a potential 19% share price increase and a 1.5% dividend yield.
  • SGH, a diversified company with interests in industrial services, media, and property, has maintained its FY 2026 guidance despite facing some operational challenges, particularly in NSW due to weather.
  • Macquarie maintains an outperform rating on SGH, citing the company's strong execution, peer valuations, and potential for mergers and acquisitions as supportive of its current valuation and outlook.

If you want to make an investment that has the potential to deliver market-beating returns, then the ASX 200 stock in this article could be a contender.

That's the view of analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), which are feeling bullish on this name.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock that Macquarie is bullish on is SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH).

Previously known as Seven Group Holdings, SGH is a diversified operating and investment company that owns industrial services, media, property and other businesses. This includes Westrac, which operates Caterpillar dealerships.

Macquarie highlights that the company has reiterated its guidance for FY 2026 despite facing some challenges in the first quarter. It said:

While Boral would have faced some weather challenges in 1QFY26, its operational performance was good, while solid performances in WesTrac, improvement in Coates (TU >60%) and stronger Media interests' performance than consensus estimates all likely aided in a reiteration of FY26 guidance for LSD to MSD EBIT growth.

A detailed assessment of key markets points to the challenging backdrop for Boral in 1QFY26 in NSW, with 15 days with rainfall above 5mm in rapid succession. Conversely, conditions in Victoria and Southeast Queensland were conducive to uninterrupted trading. Operational performance continues to improve.

And with the broker not expecting any further interest rate cuts in Australia, it concedes that momentum could be hit in residential construction. Nevertheless, it feels confident with its forecasts. It said:

Resi improving, but choked? Leading indicators of residential construction activity are improving. However, with rate reduction support now slowing (we expect no further cuts), it could stint momentum somewhat. We have not altered forecasts though, as we did not expect material further stimulation from our former reduction rate profile.

Big returns from this ASX 200 stock

According to the note, the broker has retained its outperform rating on the ASX 200 stock with a slightly improved price target of $53.60.

Based on its current share price of $45.08, this implies potential upside of 19% for investors over the next 12 months.

And with a modest 1.5% dividend yield expected in FY 2026, the total potential return stretches to approximately 20%.

Commenting on its outperform recommendation, the broker said:

Maintain Outperform. The stock's valuation is relatively extended in historic terms. However, this is supported by SGH's execution, peer valuations and the prospect of M&A. The group noted intent to reduce leverage to <2x EBITDA 'absent material M&A' — SGH have earned their M&A right, in our view.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

rising asx share price represented by rollercoaster ride climbing higher
Broker Notes

2 ASX All Ords shares tipped to rip 20% to 85% in 2026

Here are 2 ASX All Ords shares that the experts predict will grow strongly in the new year.

Read more »

Army man and woman on digital devices.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names the best ASX defence stocks to buy

Wanting exposure to this booming industry? Bell Potter has two picks for you.

Read more »

A little Asian girl is so excited by the bubbles coming out of her bubble machine.
Broker Notes

Wondering which ASX shares to buy for 2026? Experts weigh in

We reveal 4 ASX shares with buy recommendations from the experts.

Read more »

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 50% to 65%

Big things could be coming for buyers of these shares according to analysts.

Read more »

Higher interest rates written on a yellow sign.
Broker Notes

How will interest rate hikes impact the big four ASX banks like CBA shares?

If the RBA hikes interest rates in 2026, what will that mean for ANZ, Westpac, NAB, and CBA shares?

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Broker Notes

Why Morgans just put buy ratings on these ASX stocks

The broker thinks these stocks could rise 17% to 68%.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Broker Notes

How much upside does Macquarie tip for REA Group shares?

Is the broker bullish, bearish, or something in between?

Read more »