2 obscure ASX shares to go 'long and bullish' on right now

Engineering might not be glamorous, but it's a service the world will always need.

| More on:
Natural gas plant engineers using laptop

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

Engineering companies are not often discussed among ASX investors, but there are a couple at the moment that look like excellent buys.

That's according to Shaw and Partners portfolio manager James Gerrish, who said in his Market Matters newsletter that Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) and Austin Engineering Ltd (ASX: ANG) had recently "caught our eye".

'Double-digit sustainable earnings growth'

Gerrish's team is "long and bullish" on engineering company Worley after an investor day this week showed an impressive outlook.

"[Management] articulated its growth strategy, which they believe will drive double-digit sustainable earnings growth over the medium term – something that has eluded them in the past," said Gerrish.

"Worley is ramping up its capabilities towards battery metals, carbon capture, utilisation & storage & low carbon hydrogen."

The market is already taking notice, rocketing the Worley share price up 11.8% over the past week.

The business will be a beneficiary of a worldwide transition.

"An expected four-fold increase in global energy investment and decarbonisation projects provides a great backdrop to generate revenue," said Gerrish.

"However, it will be their ability to expand the currently thin margins that will provide the real kicker to profits."

Worley has admittedly been a disappointment for past investors, with the stock flat over the last five years.

Gerrish said this week's presentation "was a step in the right direction for this cyclical business".

"Trust has also been a missing ingredient, with the market having been disappointed in the past as targets have fallen by the wayside."

Punished too harshly, and ready to bounce back

The Austin Engineering Ltd (ASX: ANG) share price has crashed 27% since 2 May after a profit guidance downgrade.

According to Gerrish, there was a single source for the change in numbers. 

"The downgrade stemmed from their Perth business unit which was expecting to deliver on a contract before year-end before the order was delayed," he said. 

"As a result, much of the fixed costs associated with the contract will be booked this year, while the revenue won't land until 1Q24."

Even with that nose dive, the stock is 18.75% higher than it was a year ago, which is an enviable performance considering the rest of the market.

The reality is that the rest of Austin Engineering is sound.

"The other business units are progressing well with revenue growth coming through and margins improving as a result."

Thus Gerrish's team is "bullish" on Austin Engineering shares.

"We see Austin Engineering as oversold, given the share price decline was harsh relative to the downgrade."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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 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 Industrials Shares

A businesswoman exhales a deep sigh after receiving bad news, and gets on with it.
52-Week Lows

Down 68% from highs, this ASX 200 stock just hit a 4-year low. Time to pounce?

Is this beaten down stock a buy? Let's see what one leading broker is saying.

Read more »

An older man wearing glasses and a pink shirt sits back on his lounge with his hands behind his head and blowing air out of his cheeks.
Industrials Shares

Have ASX investors fallen out of love with DroneShield shares?

What's in store for the counter-drone player?

Read more »

Woman looking at her tablet at a warehouse.
Mergers & Acquisitions

ASX 200 stock slides on huge $13 billion buyout news

ASX 200 investors are mulling over the $13 billion merger implications on Wednesday.

Read more »

A girl wearing a homemade rocket launches through the stars.
Industrials Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just surged 24% on big takeover news

The offer price represents a 49% premium for investors.

Read more »

A team of people giving the thumbs up sign representing APA and Wesfarmers doing a deal to study green hydrogen transport using an APA gas pipeline
Industrials Shares

Does this top ASX share have an unmatched moat? This fundie thinks so

Things could be turning up.

Read more »

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today
Industrials Shares

Up 39% in a year, is there more growth to come for this ASX 200 share?

IML Equity Analyst Josh Freiman shares his views on a major ASX 200 industrial stock.

Read more »

Male building supervisor wearing high vis vest and hard hat stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site
Industrials Shares

This $23 billion ASX 200 stock is surging 6% while the market sinks. Here's why

This ASX 200 stock is shrugging off the wider market sell down today and racing higher. But why?

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Earnings Results

Goodman shares fall on Q1 update

How did the company perform in the first quarter? Let's find out.

Read more »