Does Macquarie rate Harvey Norman shares a buy, hold or sell?

The broker has downgraded its view on this consumer discretionary stock.

| 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

Key points
  • Harvey Norman shares surged over 50% in 2025, driven by strong performance in electronics and furniture sectors.
  • Despite robust sales, Macquarie has downgraded its rating of Harvey Norman shares to neutral, citing balanced risk/reward after significant stock re-rating.
  • Macquarie notes potential headwinds for Harvey Norman’s real estate arm, with modest price target growth suggesting limited upside potential amid a subdued housing market.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) shares have flown more than 50% higher in 2025. 

This is partly thanks to continued strong aggregated sales in FY 2026

Aggregated sales for the period 1 July 2025 to 20 November, increased by 9.1% over the prior corresponding period. 

On a comparable store basis, its aggregated sales increased by 8.1% year-on-year.

As many investors are aware, the company is a leading Australian-based retailer selling electrical, computer, furniture, and entertainment goods.

Perhaps lesser known is the company also owns a considerable portfolio of properties, many housing its retail stores in Australia and New Zealand, as well as some overseas property holdings.

After strong returns this year, particularly in FY26, is there still upside for Harvey Norman shares?

Here is the latest guidance from Macquarie on Harvey Norman shares. 

Young lady in JB Hi-Fi electronics store checking out laptops for sale

Image source: Getty Images

Momentum continues for Harvey Norman shares

Citing proprietary High Frequency Consumer Data, Macquarie recently noted that the electronics and furniture categories are growing. 

The broker said consumer electronics has continued its momentum, with recent key product releases and laptop/small appliance replacements driving growth. 

In furniture, management noted tailwinds from replacements also being realised from the COVID-period. 

However, comparable sales growth has been broadly unchanged between the Jul-25 trading update and the year-to-date.

The report also indicated growth in three key international markets. 

Since July, there has been sequential improvement in the sales trajectory across New Zealand, Malaysia and the UK. 

According to the report, this bodes positively for earnings and potential network expansions. 

Real estate arm faces headwinds 

Despite growth in the Australian and international markets for electronics and furniture, the team at Macquarie sees increasing challenges for Harvey Norman for its real estate portfolio. 

Macquarie said a meaningful improvement in detached housing creation is key to seeing additional momentum in the AU business, with recent inflation prints tempering the outlook for potential cuts.

Our house view is the RBA cutting cycle has finished. While replacements are supporting current comps, we see the potential for further upside surprises as more limited.

Neutral view 

Based on this guidance, Macquarie has downgraded its view on Harvey Norman shares to a neutral rating. 

Despite a more subdued housing outlook, HVN is performing well, with tech and furniture exposure benefiting from replacements. However, with the stock having re-rated ~30% on a P/E basis and share price rising >50% over last 12-months, we see risk/reward as more balanced.

Yesterday, Harvey Norman shares closed at $7.14. 

Macquarie has a price target of $7.60. 

This indicates modest upside of 6.44%. 

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. 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 »

A group of hands up in the air as if signifying a hearty vote in favour of a motion.
Broker Notes

9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings for FY27

Brokers maintained a positive stance on BHP, JB Hi-Fi, ANZ, and other ASX 200 shares this week. 

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Broker Notes

Three ASX 200 companies Macquarie says are a buy right now

There's plenty of value to be had here.

Read more »

A man pulls a shocked expression with mouth wide open as he holds up his laptop.
Broker Notes

Why this ASX 200 share could deliver a 40% return

This growth stock could be in the buy zone according to Bell Potter.

Read more »

Rising ASX uranium share price icon on a stock index board.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy this beaten down ASX 300 uranium stock today

A leading analyst believes investors are undervaluing this ASX uranium share. But why?

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
Broker Notes

6 ASX shares upgraded by experts this week

At the start of FY27, brokers have increased confidence in Paladin Energy, Stockland, and these other shares.

Read more »

A frustrated businesswoman tries to figure out the numbers, indicating poor earnings results or share price movementon the ASX
Broker Notes

7 ASX shares downgraded by brokers this week

Brokers reduced their ratings on South32, JB Hi-Fi, Whitehaven Coal, and other shares.

Read more »

A young woman holds her hand to her ear and leans sideways as if to listen to something that's surprising her as her eyes and her mouth are wide open.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Bannerman Energy, Saluda Medical, Bapcor shares

Analysts reveal their ratings and 12-month targets on these ASX shares.

Read more »