Is Qantas a bargain ASX 200 stock today?

Analysts at Goldman Sachs think the Flying Kangaroo could be dirt cheap.

| More on:
Couple at an airport waiting for their flight.

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

With the ASX 200 index likely to hit a record high on Thursday, you would be forgiven to think that there are no bargain ASX 200 stocks currently trading on the bourse.

However, that may not be the case according to analysts at Goldman Sachs.

The broker has identified one ASX 200 stock that could be well and truly in the bargain bin right now and have major upside potential.

That stock is Australia's flag carrier airline Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN).

Is Qantas a bargain ASX 200 stock?

As with most airlines, Qantas had an incredibly tough time during the pandemic.

But it certainly didn't waste the crisis. It worked hard to cut costs materially and make its operations leaner and more profitable.

So much so, the company was able to deliver a huge profit in FY 2023 and then followed this up with another bumper profit during the first half of FY 2024.

However, despite this structurally improved profitability, Qantas shares are still trading on a lower valuation than pre-COVID times.

This hasn't gone unnoticed by analysts at Goldman Sachs, who believe the market is seriously undervaluing this ASX 200 stock, potentially making it a real bargain at current levels. The broker recently commented:

Notwithstanding a decline in unit revenues (and group capacity still at 95% of pre-COVID) our estimated FY24e EPS sits 52% above pre-COVID levels. Despite this, QAN's market capitalisation and EV is 17% and 24% lower than pre-COVID levels. We acknowledge broader macro uncertainty at this point in the cycle, but believe the current share price does not reflect the group's improved earnings capacity.

Big returns to come?

Goldman currently has a buy rating and $8.05 price target on Qantas shares.

Based on its current share price of $5.41, this implies potential upside of almost 50% for investors.

The broker concludes:

[W]e believe QAN is not priced for a generic recovery, let alone prospects for improved earnings capacity. We continue to see upside associated with substantially improved MT earnings capacity.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Cheap Shares

Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.
Cheap Shares

2 cheap ASX 200 shares that look too good to ignore today

Cheap shares are hard, but not impossible, to find right now.

Read more »

A cool dude looks back at the camera while ziplining above the treetops.
Cheap Shares

2 great ASX shares to buy in July: experts

These companies have a lot going for them. Here’s why.

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Cheap Shares

In an expensive market, 2 ASX 200 companies too cheap to ignore

These two businesses seem far too cheap for what could happen next.

Read more »

a man and a woman kneel in a boxing ring with exaggerated make-up injuries, posing in humorous stance with the woman leaning back on her knees and the man leaning against her bright pink boxing glove as he gasps for air.
Cheap Shares

Is it time to buy these 2 beaten-up ASX shares in 2025?

These ASX shares could be great buys right now.

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Cheap Shares

Why this fund manager bought this ASX 300 share for bigger returns

A fund manager thinks good things can happen with this rising ASX share.

Read more »

Three male athletes sprint on an athletics track with the sun low on the horizon behind them representing the race between ASX lithium shares to outperform
Cheap Shares

The pros and cons of buying Accent shares after its decline

There are plenty of positives to consider about this stock.

Read more »

An ASX 200 market analyst holds his hand to his chin and looks closely at his computer screens watching share price movements
Cheap Shares

Why a leading fund manager is calling these underrated ASX 200 stocks buys

These stocks have big return potential, according to a leading fund manager.

Read more »

a man leans back in his chair with his arms supporting his head as he smiles a satisfied smile while sitting at his desk with his laptop computer open in front of him.
Cheap Shares

Here are 2 exciting ASX shares rated as buys

Experts think these ASX shares are undervalued. Here’s why…

Read more »