Goldman Sachs tips 19% upside for Suncorp shares…plus dividends!

Goldman Sachs expects Suncorp shares to outperform in 2026.

| 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

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) insurance company closed yesterday trading for $17.26. In early afternoon trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $16.85 apiece, down 2.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Suncorp shares have fallen 25.8% over the past 12 months. Much of the selling pressure came amid elevated natural hazard payouts related to extreme weather events in the latter months of 2025.

But investors' capital losses will have been somewhat mitigated by the two Suncorp dividend payouts.

Over the past 12 months, the ASX 200 insurance stock paid out a total of 90 cents a share in fully franked dividends. This sees Suncorp stock trading on a 5.3% trailing dividend yield.

A woman wearing a lifebuoy ring reaches up for help as an arm comes down to rescue her.

Image source: Getty Images

Suncorp shares tipped for big 2026 rebound

While 2025 was a year to forget for Suncorp stockholders, 2026 could deliver a big turnaround.

That's according to the analysts at Goldman Sachs (courtesy of The Bull).

The broker recently upgraded Suncorp shares to a buy rating with a $20 price target. That represents a potential upside of 18.7% from current levels. And it doesn't include the two upcoming Suncorp dividends.

What's been happening with the ASX 200 insurance stock?

Suncorp reported its full-year FY 2025 results on 14 August.

Among the highlights, the 2025 financial year saw the ASX 200 insurer complete its sale of Suncorp Bank to ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). Separately, Suncorp also sold off its New Zealand Life business.

The sales helped drive a 52% year-on-year increase in Suncorp's net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.82 billion.

Investors were also bidding up Suncorp shares on the day after management announced the company would commence an on-market share buyback of up to $400 million. That buyback that started in September is scheduled to run through to the end of FY 2026.

"Our disciplined approach to capital management and robust capital position has enabled us to announce an on-market buy-back of up to $400 million," Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston said.

Johnston added:

Our strong set of results delivered this year included the one-off profits on the sale of Suncorp Bank and New Zealand Life, significantly higher investment returns and weather costs across Australia and New Zealand that were favourable to allowance by more than $200 million.

Looking at what could impact Suncorp shares in the months ahead, the insurance company forecasts gross written premium growth in the mid-single digits for the full FY 2026 financial year.

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 Goldman Sachs Group. 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

Person pointing finger on on an increasing graph which represents a rising share price.
Financial Shares

A leading investor just bought these ASX 200 shares for income and growth

These businesses have been chosen as top buys right now.

Read more »

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

Macquarie says this major fintech stock can rocket almost 100%

The signs are looking good for future growth.

Read more »

A man sits wide-eyed at a desk with a laptop open and holds one hand to his forehead with an extremely worried look on his face as he reads news of the Bitcoin price falling today on his mobile phone
Financial Shares

Why this ASX 200 financials stock is crashing 7.6% today

The shares are now 16.35% below the trading level this time last year.

Read more »

A group of people gather around a computer screen in rapt attention, one man holds his hands to cover his mouth as if in nervous anticipation of what news may come.
Financial Shares

AMP share price crashes 35% in 2026. What's next?

Here's what to expect over the next 12 months.

Read more »

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

Up more than 80% in 12 months, there's still upside for this ASX finance company: broker

Two profit upgrades in under a month is good news in anyone's book.

Read more »

A close-up of a handshake depicting a business deal with one of the people in the background of the shot alongside a colleague looking pleased at the deal.
Financial Shares

Lowy family buys into Magellan after merger news pushes share price 25% higher

Steven Lowy said the merger with Barrenjoey would create 'a sound long-term investment' for the family.

Read more »

A young man wearing a bright yellow jumper and glasses purses his lips together and moves them to the side of his face as he wonders about something.
Financial Shares

2 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: Experts

Do you have these two ASX 200 stocks in your portfolio?

Read more »

Flying Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

Why investors are piling into this ASX stock today

FleetPartners shares jump after announcing a new $20 million on market share buyback.

Read more »