In the ever-evolving world of stock markets, staying informed about the most promising investments is crucial. For FY25, several standout companies on the ASX have caught the attention of top brokers. Here are the top five stocks to watch, handpicked by experts, offering a blend of growth potential and robust financial performance.
1. Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)
Pro Medicus has been a stellar performer this year, with its shares surging by an impressive 58%. Currently trading at $151.3 per share, the company has established itself as a leader in health imaging technology. In FY24, Pro Medicus reported a 29.3% increase in revenue, reaching $161.5 million. North America was the primary driver of this growth, with a 34.4% rise in revenue, while Australia contributed a solid 5.9% increase. Despite a slight dip in European revenue, the company's overall performance remained strong.
One of the key highlights of Pro Medicus' success is its operating leverage, which resulted in an impressive 69.5% operating margin. This strong financial performance enabled the company to increase its fully franked final dividend by 29.5%, now standing at 22 cents per share.
Goldman Sachs remains bullish on Pro Medicus, maintaining a buy rating. The broker had anticipated a 28% growth in revenues for FY24, and the company exceeded these expectations. Looking ahead, Goldman Sachs sees a strong growth trajectory for Pro Medicus in FY25, making it a stock worth keeping an eye on.
2. WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
WiseTech Global has been a favourite among ASX investors, and for good reason. The company has experienced a remarkable rise, with its shares increasing from around $14 in early 2018 to a record high of $122.72 recently. This six-year journey represents a staggering 770% gain.
WiseTech's financial performance in FY24 has been equally impressive. The company reported $1.04 billion in revenue, marking 28% year-on-year growth. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) also rose by 28%, reaching $496 million. Furthermore, WiseTech's underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) increased by 15% to $284 million.
What sets WiseTech apart is its optimistic guidance for FY25. The company expects revenues between $1.30 billion and $1.35 billion, translating to a growth rate of 20-25%. Additionally, WiseTech anticipates EBITDA growth of 33-41%, driven by its innovative product offerings like CargoWise Next, Container Transport Optimisation, and ComplianceWise.
With its strong financials and ambitious growth plans, WiseTech Global is undoubtedly a compelling investment opportunity for the coming year.
3. Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)
Qantas Airways has had a strong year so far, with its shares rising 16%, significantly outperforming the broader market. The Flying Kangaroo is expected to release its FY24 results soon, and the market is eagerly anticipating a big profit.
According to analysts at Goldman Sachs, Qantas is expected to report revenue of $22.1 billion for FY24, reflecting 11.7% year-on-year growth. However, due to rising costs, the airline's earnings are expected to be slightly lower than in FY23. Goldman Sachs forecasts EBITDA of $4.04 billion (down 9.2%) and a net profit before one-offs of $1.41 billion (down 18.8%).
Despite the anticipated drop in earnings, Goldman Sachs remains bullish on Qantas, maintaining a buy rating with a price target of $8.05. This implies a potential upside of 30% from the current share price of $6.20. The broker believes that Qantas' earnings capacity has structurally improved, positioning the company for sustained growth in the coming years.
4. TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)
TechnologyOne is Australia's largest enterprise software company, providing a global software-as-a-service (SaaS) enterprise resource planning solution. More than 1,300 companies, governmental organisations, municipal councils, and academic institutions use the company's software to increase productivity and streamline operations.
In the first half of FY24, TechnologyOne delivered strong financial results, with total revenue increasing by 16% to $244.8 million. Net profit after tax (NPAT) also grew by 16%, reaching $48 million. The company's total annual recurring revenue (ARR) rose by 21% to $423.6 million, with UK ARR seeing a significant 36% increase.
One of TechnologyOne's strengths is its net revenue retention (NRR), which stood at 117%, indicating strong organic growth from existing customers. The company's global SaaS ERP solution is expected to drive continuing profit growth, with analysts at UBS forecasting a 101% increase in NPAT by FY28.
With its robust financial performance and promising growth prospects, TechnologyOne is a stock to watch in FY25.
5. Servcorp Ltd (ASX: SRV)
Servcorp, a leader in office space solutions, has been making waves in the real estate sector. Thanks to excellent FY24 results, the company's shares recently reached a 52-week high of $4.85.
Servcorp reported an underlying net profit before non-cash impairments and tax (NPBIT) of $56.6 million, up 18% from the prior year. The company also saw an 18% increase in underlying free cash, reaching $72.5 million. As a result, Servcorp will pay a final dividend of 13 cents per share, bringing its full-year dividend to 25 cents per share, up 14% from FY23.
Looking ahead, Servcorp has guided a minimum dividend of 26 cents per share for FY25, equating to a dividend yield of 5.37% based on the current share price. With its solid financials and attractive dividend yield, Servcorp is an appealing investment for income-focused investors.
These five ASX stocks—Pro Medicus, WiseTech Global, Qantas Airways, TechnologyOne, and Servcorp—represent a diverse mix of growth potential and financial stability. Whether you're looking for technology-driven growth, robust financials, or income opportunities, these expert picks offer compelling reasons to consider them for your portfolio in FY25.
Author
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James Turner is a skilled economist and fund manager with extensive experience in the investment sector. Known for his strategic thinking and analytical skills, James has played a key role in the success of many investment portfolios. In addition to his financial work, he writes about market trends and shares his insights through various publications.
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