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Highlights
- DOW gains over 20% in 2025 amid infrastructure strength
- MQG nears 52-week high backed by strong asset management
- Dividend yields reflect income potential across both stocks
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has seen notable movements in 2025, with Downer EDI Ltd (DOW) and Macquarie Group Ltd (MQG) emerging as prominent companies demonstrating sector strength and performance potential. These stocks are attracting investor attention, especially for those looking to explore infrastructure services and diversified financial operations.
Downer EDI Ltd (ASX:DOW): Infrastructure Backbone in Motion
Downer EDI Ltd, a leading name in infrastructure services, has seen its share price rise by 20.5% since the beginning of 2025. Operating primarily across Australia and New Zealand, Downer specialises in construction, operation, and maintenance of transit systems, utilities, and public infrastructure.
The company plays a central role in projects that are part of everyday life, such as operating Melbourne’s Yarra Trams and manufacturing passenger trains used across multiple states. Downer's business is structured into three segments—Transport, Utilities, and Facilities—contributing approximately 50%, 20%, and 30% to total revenue respectively.
From a financial standpoint, the company reported a debt-to-equity ratio of 81.1% in FY24, indicating a relatively balanced capital structure with more equity than debt. Over the past five years, DOW has delivered an average dividend yield of 3.7% annually. However, its return on equity (ROE) for FY24 stands at 3.6%, lower than what’s typically expected from a mature infrastructure entity.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX:MQG): A Global Financial Powerhouse
Meanwhile, Macquarie Group continues to show resilience and performance strength. Its share price is currently just 5.5% below its 52-week high, reflecting ongoing investor confidence. Founded in 1969, MQG operates as a multinational financial services firm with a strong emphasis on asset management across sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, commodities, real estate, and global equities.
Macquarie’s diversified model distinguishes it from traditional banks, blending investment expertise with financial innovation. The group boasts an uninterrupted 55-year history of profitability, underscoring its ability to adapt and perform across market cycles.
In FY24, Macquarie Group reported a debt-to-equity ratio of 258.5%, suggesting a more leveraged approach in line with its expansive global operations. Since 2019, MQG has offered an average annual dividend yield of 3.2%, and most recently posted an ROE of 10.4%, aligning with benchmarks expected of a high-performing financial services firm.
Together, Downer EDI Ltd and Macquarie Group Ltd represent diverse opportunities across infrastructure and global finance on the ASX. Their performance metrics and operational scale make them noteworthy candidates for inclusion in market watchlists, especially for those seeking to monitor potential long-term resilience and income generation.
