Macquarie names 3 ASX shares to buy for 40%+ returns

These shares could be set to rocket higher.

| 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

Beating the market is a challenging proposition, so it pays to turn to the experts if you're looking for shares which might be undervalued.

I've had a look at the research coming out of Macquarie over the past week and selected three ASX shares which the analyst team thinks will do well, and which they believe can deliver about 50% upside, and 77% in one case.

Let's see who they're tipping to perform.

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

Image source: Getty Images

James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

The building products maker reported its full year results this week, and the shares initially fell after it was revealed  net profit attributable to shareholders was down 75% to US$104 million.

But the analysts have looked through the results, and picked up on the fact that underlying EBITDA was above the guidance range, and the synergies from the company's takeover of US company AZEK were being realised.

 The Macquarie team said:

Cost and operational execution was solid, with productivity benefits from operational improvements and plant optimisation (including a coming ~$25m from closures) helping offset volume pressure.

Macquarie said there were some soft elements in the business, and the US market looked challenging.

They reduced their price target on the company to $39.60, but this remains well above the $28.87 the shares were changing hands for on Friday.

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

Macquarie has also cut its price target for this ASX share, but again, the price target is still much higher than where the shares are trading right now.

Jumbo is a lotteries technology and management company, and Macquarie said trackable Australian lotteries volumes were down 2% year on year.

Macquarie said the majority of Jumbo's revenue comes from a reseller agreement with Lottery Corp, which is up for renewal in August 2030.

The analyst team said Jumbo shares were trading on a valuation which suggested the renewal did not take place, "providing a free option on the outcome''.

Macquarie values Jumbo shares at $10.50 compared with $7.08 currently.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Once again, Macquarie has downgraded its price target for this ASX share, but their target is particularly bullish on this travel operator.

Macquarie said Web Travel Group is exposed to the Middle Eastern market which presented risk at the moment, "as traveller caution remains high, and the region is having difficulties restimulating demand''.

The Macquarie team also said the company was exposed to foreign exchange headwinds from the strong Australian dollar and also mentioned the uncertainty around a recently-revealed audit of the company's Spanish operations.

They said:

Whilst near-term visibility is low due to travel market disruption and Spanish audit uncertainty, we remain constructive on WEB's ability to improve margins when the travel market recovers, as it scales over the medium term.

Macquarie has a price target of $4.34 on Web Travel Group shares compared with $2.37 currently.

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 Jumbo Interactive. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Jumbo Interactive. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A man in a business suit holds his hand up to his mouth as though sharing a secret and gives a sly grin.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why this ASX 200 stock is climbing after a $2 million insider buy

A buyback update and insider buying have investors watching closely.

Read more »

A woman smiles as she stands next to a car loaded with a stack of suitcases on the roof.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Bell Potter just tipped 12% to 34% upside for these consumer discretionary stocks

These shares could be a value play.

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Here's the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Coles shares

The supermarket business is on course to give investors great dividend income.

Read more »

A happy couple drinking red wine in a vineyard.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Treasury Wine shares jump 12% on big investor update

Investors are saying cheers to the Penfolds owner's plans.

Read more »

Happy smiling young woman drinking red wine while standing among the grapevines in a vineyard.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Treasury Wine Estates kicks off 2026 Investor Day with a renewed transformation plan

Treasury Wine Estates' 2026 Investor Day revealed a major transformation program targeting cost savings, margin expansion, and a refocused premium…

Read more »

Displeased and shocked emotional young friends cooking in the kitchen.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Breville shares could be the most underrated consumer shares on the ASX right now

Breville shares are down from their peak and Macquarie sees significant upside.

Read more »

Close-up photo of a back jean pocket with Australian dollar bills in it and a hand reaching in to collect the notes
Economy

Australia's minimum wage just rose 4.75%. Here is what it means for ASX consumer stocks

Australia's minimum wage rose 4.75% to $26.44 per hour from July 2026. Here's what that means for ASX consumer stocks.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Looking for a 100% gain? One broker says try this small-cap ASX car dealer

Despite headwinds, this stock still has plenty of upside, Jarden says.

Read more »