There are a lot of ASX 200 shares out there for investors to choose from.

So, to narrow down the options, let’s take a look at what analysts are saying about three names, courtesy of The Bull.

One has been named as a hold, whereas the others are being tipped as buys. Here’s what you need to know:

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

This diversified food company’s shares are a hold according to Ord Minnett. The broker thinks that recent increases in the farmgate milk price could be a headwind in 2026 and weigh on its profit growth. It said:

Shares in this food and dairy company have performed well since late 2025, with the price increasing from $5.15 on November 7 to trade at $6.21 on February 5, 2026. The company’s profitability has recovered as the gap between farmgate milk prices and global commodity prices has narrowed. However, farmgate milk price increases in fiscal year 2026 may limit further profit gains from the bulk segment. The company maintains its long term focus on achieving its fiscal year 2028 target of more than $250 million in earnings and a return on funds employed exceeding 10 per cent.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

The team at Family Financial Solutions thinks that Telstra could be a top ASX 200 share to buy this week.

It likes Australia’s largest telco due to its resilient mobile earnings and defensive earnings. In addition, it thinks its fully franked dividend is attractive (and reliable). It explains:

Telstra is Australia’s dominant telecommunications provider with infrastructure‑like cash flows. Reported net profit after tax of $2.3 billion in full year 2025 was up 31 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Cash earnings per share of 22.4 cents were up 12 per cent. The shares were trading at $4.935 on February 5, below our fair value of $5.40. Cost discipline, share buy-backs and resilient mobile earnings support steady upside in a market that still rewards defensiveness. On top of this, Telstra pays reliable, fully franked dividends. Its full year dividend of 19 cents a share in fiscal year 2025 was up 5.6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. TLS was recently trading on a dividend yield of 3.85 per cent.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Ord Minnett has named buy now pay later provider Zip as an ASX 200 share to buy.

The broker highlights that Zip is performing very positively in FY 2026 and believes this trend can continue. This is especially the case given that the second half is usually the stronger half for margins. It said:

This digital financial company operates in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. There’s a lot to like about this buy now, pay later platform provider’s first quarter result in fiscal year 2026. Total transaction volume (TTV) growth in the US was up 47.2 per cent and revenue was up 51.2 per cent.  Consequently, Zip’s management has increased TTV guidance in the US to more than 40 per cent in full year 2026, which is up from 35 per cent. Margins were strong across the board, highlighted by an operating margin of 19.5 per cent in the first quarter, which is above the guidance range of between 16 per cent and 19 per cent for full year 2026. Margins are usually stronger in the second half.

The post Forget this ASX 200 share and buy Telstra and Zip shares: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• I would invest $50,000 in these ASX 200 shares if I were aiming to beat the market in 2026
• How could I turn $500 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares?
• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• The best Australian dividend stocks to buy and hold forever

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Global equities are showing signs of being stretched across many sectors. 

Despite a dip last week, both the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) are not far off all-time highs. 

When this happens, it can be prudent for investors to shift the focus away from growth/value investing strategies to income. 

One way to do this is through ASX ETFs that target market-beating income returns. 

Income-focused ASX ETFs can be attractive because they offer diversification and access to dividends that may help cushion volatility.

Here are three ASX ETFs investors may wish to consider for an income boost. 

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

This high yield ASX ETF consistently performs as one of the top passive income options for investors. 

The fund employs an investment strategy that tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index. 

This index provides exposure to ASX shares with higher forecast dividends than the broader market.

It currently offers a trailing yield of around 4.25%. 

Last year, I covered that the trailing 12-month dividend yield of the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) was 3.5%.

This fund clearly outperforms this average, which is good news for long-term investors seeking market beating income. 

Its top weighted holdings are: 

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP): 10.62%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA): 9.91%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC): 7.31%. 

It comes with a management fee of 0.25% p.a, which is relatively low.

Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)

This ASX ETF uses a slightly different strategy to generate income. 

It aims to provide franked income that exceeds the net income yield of the broad Australian sharemarket on an annual basis, along with exposure to a diversified portfolio of Australian shares.

According to Betashares, it follows a rules-based ‘dividend harvest’ strategy, which seeks to maximise HVST’s exposure to dividend-paying Australian shares.

The fund’s share portfolio is generally selected from the largest 100 Australian shares on the ASX, screened for high dividend and franking outcomes based upon expected future gross dividend payments.

The share portfolio is rebalanced approximately every three months, with the aim of including the shares that are expected, within the next rebalance period, to provide the highest gross yield outcomes.

As of 2 February 2026, its 12-month yield was 5.8%.

It comes with a management fee p.a. of 0.72%. 

Global X S&P/ASX 300 High Yield Plus ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

This ASX ETF invests in 50 high-dividend stocks from the S&P/ASX 200 Index.

It has the lowest management cost of the three listed funds, charging 0.24% p.a.

As at 30 January 30, it had a 12-Month yield of 4.12%. 

It is worth noting the fund is a purely income-focused strategy with limited capital growth.

However this could make it ideal for investors anticipating limited capital gains from the ASX in 2026. 

The post With global valuations stretched here are 3 great income ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2029 for CBA shares
• Earnings preview: How do experts rate these blue-chip ASX stocks reporting this week?
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• Westpac vs CBA shares, which is the better buy?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group. 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 recommended BHP Group and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a day to forget. The benchmark index fell 2% to 8,708.8 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to bounce back

The Australian share market looks set for a great start to the week following a strong finish to the last one on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 102 points or 1.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 2.5%, the S&P 500 rose 2%, and the Nasdaq stormed 2.2% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a decent start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.4% to US$63.55 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.75% to US$68.05 a barrel. Oil prices bounced around last week amid increased uncertainty between the US and Iran.

ASX 200 tech stocks on watch

It could be a much better session for ASX 200 tech stocks like Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). After being sold off last week on concerns that artificial intelligence could disrupt software providers, WiseTech and Xero look set to rebound on Monday after their peers on Wall Street finished the week with a bang. It seems that some investors felt the selling was overdone.

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.85% to US$4,979.8 an ounce. Traders were buying gold in response to a softer US dollar and US-Iran tensions.

Buy Life360 shares

Bell Potter is urging investors to buy Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares after they were caught up in the tech selloff. The broker points out that “Life360 is an app rather than software company so faces little risk of AI displacement given the ecosystem it has developed over >15 years.” This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $41.50. It adds: “Life360 is now trading on 2026 and 2027 EV/Adjusted EBITDA multiples of c.31x and c.21x which looks value for forecast growth of c.45% in both periods.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 45 in 2026
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• Gold price recovers as reasons for buying ‘remain in place, but are also compounding’
• Why are ASX 200 tech shares diving 13% this week?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, WiseTech Global, Woodside Energy Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Owning Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares could come with steady earnings growth in the next few years, according to the projections from leading experts.

Experts regularly describe the ASX bank share as expensive. But, the CBA share price has dropped more than 10% in the past six months, as the chart below shows.

While the CBA share price does have a higher price/earnings (P/E) ratio than other ASX bank shares, it has an impressive record of regularly increasing earnings.

Let’s take a look at where earnings are expected to go in the coming years.

FY26

The last update investors saw from the ASX bank share was the first quarter of FY26, which saw $2.6 billion of cash net profit, representing a year-over-year increase of 2%.

The update saw CBA’s business lending grow by 10% year-over-year, household deposits grow by 9.5% year-over-year and home lending grow by 6.1%. However, operating expenses rose by 4% (excluding restructuring and notable items) because of wage and IT vendor inflation.

CBA’s underlying net interest margin (NIM) slightly dropped because of deposit switching, competition and the lower cash rate environment.

Commonwealth Bank’s loan impairment expense of $220 million, with collective and individual provisions being broadly flat. Portfolio credit quality remained “sound” with lower consumer arrears and corporate troublesome and non-performing exposures.

Broker UBS said that the result was broadly in line with expectations for the first half of FY26. However, the increase in costs (6.1% quarter-over-quarter) was “somewhat surprising”, even excluding the notable items. It was also surprising to UBS that the CET1 ratio declined to 11.75%, compared to market expectations of 12.3%.

Based on the above analysis, the broker UBS has forecast that CBA could produce $10.75 billion of net profit in FY26.

FY27

Commonwealth Bank’s net profit is expected to rise in the 2027 financial year, but the earnings growth rate is expected to be lower.

UBS is expecting the business to deliver net profit of $10.9 billion, which would be a rise of around $100 million.

FY28

The 2028 financial year could be another period of growth if UBS’ projections come true.

UBS expects CBA to achieve net profit of $11.25 billion, which would be a rise of around $370 million.

FY29

Of the years we’ve looked at, the 2029 financial year could see the biggest increase of earnings.

CBA is projected by UBS to see net profit of around $11.8 billion, which would be a year-over-year increase of approximately $350 million.

Therefore, UBS is projecting that CBA’s earnings could climb by 10% between FY26 and FY29, which isn’t exactly massive growth.

When the CBA share price was trading at $175, UBS thought it “would appear perfection is implicitly expected”. UBS has a sell rating on the business, with a CBA share price target of $125, implying a significant potential decline during 2026.

The post Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2029 for CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• With global valuations stretched here are 3 great income ASX ETFs
• Earnings preview: How do experts rate these blue-chip ASX stocks reporting this week?
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Westpac vs CBA shares, which is the better buy?
• What to expect from the Commonwealth Bank half-year result

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) was smashed again on Friday, with its share price dropping 8% to $5.08.

The decline caps off a brutal year. The ASX 200 share is now down 53% over the past 12 months. Last week’s sell-off made the company one of the worst performers on the ASX 200.

It’s a sharp reversal for a 68-year-old business behind global prestigious brands like Penfolds, 19 Crimes and Lindemans.

Naturally, investors are asking the big question. Has the market gone too far? Or is there more pain ahead for the ASX 200 share?

Deep US problems

This isn’t just market nerves. Treasury Wine is facing real structural issues. The biggest concern is the US. It’s one of the company’s most important profit engines. And right now, it’s misfiring.

Distribution problems continue to bite. That’s especially worrying given how much capital has been poured into the region.

For his part, the relatively new Sam Fischer has not wasted any time in letting the market know that he’s there to make changes. Mid-December he announced that the company would look to strip $100 million per annum in costs out of the business.

The $4 billion ASX 200 share also cancelled its $200 million buyback at the time, in a bid to increase flexibility and lower debt levels.

French major shareholder

The company attracted some positive attention in December when French billionaire Olivier Goudet emerged as a significant shareholder, sparking speculation about a potential takeover bid.

Goudet is well known in European business circles as the former head of JAB Holding, where he oversaw the Reimann family’s wealth. He also led high-profile acquisitions including Krispy Kreme and Pret A Manger.

China hasn’t saved the day

The ASX 200 share also had high hopes for China when trade restrictions eased in 2024. But the rebound hasn’t delivered. Sales momentum remains sluggish. As a result, the recovery has been slower and weaker than expected.

Add in global trade tensions and political uncertainty, particularly in the US, and the outlook gets even murkier. These pressures have forced Treasury Wine into defence mode.

Treasury Wine management downgraded earnings, pulled guidance and shelved the planned buyback. Each move has chipped away at confidence. Together, they’ve accelerated the sell-off.

What now for the shares?

Broker sentiment is turning colder. UBS weighed in on Friday. It downgraded the stock to a sell from neutral. The broker slapped a $4.75 price target on the ASX 200 share, down from $5.25 on the shares. That implies downside risk compared with the current share price.

The broker points to shifting consumer behaviour, with younger drinkers consuming less alcohol than older generations. That’s a trend hitting the key US and China markets hardest.

Within alcohol, wine continues to lag spirits and ready-to-drink categories. UBS also warned that the once-lucrative China market may now be oversupplied with Penfolds.

The post How low can this ASX 200 share go after losing 53%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• Why UBS says it’s time to sell Treasury Wine Estates shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 1 ideal ASX dividend stock, down 50%, to buy and hold for a lifetime
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX industrials stock Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) is set to release FY26 Half Year Results on Friday 20 February.

This is important for investors to monitor as earnings results can trigger strong share price movement.

A new report from Ord Minnett suggests this ASX industrials stock has long-term potential. 

Let’s see what is behind the optimism. 

Qube Holdings

Qube Holdings is Australia’s leading provider of logistics solutions, largely focused on import and export supply chains. 

It is comprised of two core units: the first is its logistics operating division.

The second is the company’s 50% interest in Patrick Terminals, Australia’s leading container terminal operator.

It has been in focus over the last couple of months due to the takeover proposal from Macquarie Asset Management. 

Macquarie Asset Management has made a non-binding, all-cash takeover proposal to buy Qube Holdings for about A$11.6 billion (A$5.20 per share) via a scheme of arrangement, representing a significant premium to Qube’s pre-bid share price. 

Ord Minnett’s view on this ASX industrials stock

In a new report from Ord Minnett, the wealth and investment services firm said Macquarie Asset Management has provided notice to extend the due diligence exclusivity period for its takeover of Qube Holdings until 15 February. 

Ord Minnett has run three adjacent scenarios to the $5.20 a share indicative offer to ascertain a likely price.

‍It said the mean of the scenarios show that the indicative offer is close to fair value in the short-term, albeit with a lower implied premium for control and/or less value ascribed to the circa $400 million in Qube’s franking credit balance. 

The scenarios, however, support a view that $5.20 a share understates the longer-term valuation potential within Qube. 

Given the entrenched market position in many verticals, earnings quality and scarcity of infrastructure assets of this size, our view is that an offer price of $5.42–5.60 per share is full freight in present value terms, with upside from franking credit value.

What does this mean for investors?

Macquarie Asset Management is still progressing its proposed $5.20 per share takeover, having extended its exclusive due-diligence period to mid-February. 

Ord Minnett thinks $5.20 is about fair value in the short term. However this likely undervalues Qube’s longer-term potential, given its strong market position, high-quality earnings, scarce infrastructure assets and valuable franking credits. 

They believe a more realistic “full value” price is $5.42–$5.60 per share, with extra upside from franking credits.

Operationally, Qube is performing well, with expected profit growth is around 6%.

This is supported by steadier port volumes, stronger grain logistics in NSW, and solid performance from Patrick Stevedoring.

Based on this analysis, this ASX industrials stock is trading below fair value. 

It closed last week at $4.74. 

Based on the full value price indicated from Ord Minnett, this ASX industrials stock would be set to rise between 14% and 18%. 

This gives investors a window pre-earnings results to potentially buy-low on this ASX industrials stock. 

The post Why investors should snap up this ASX industrials stock before 20 February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Qube Holdings updates investors on Macquarie Asset Management proposal

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

Gold ETFs attracted a record US$19 billion (A$27.3 billion) in net inflows in January, according to the World Gold Council.

The inflows plus a 14% rise in the gold price pushed global gold ETF assets under management to a record US$669 billion.

That’s a 20% increase on December.

Collective global holdings of the safe-haven asset rose by 120 tonnes to 4,145 tonnes, also a record high.

Asia invested a net $10 billion in gold ETFs in January, its strongest month ever, while the US invested $7 billion, its second-best month.

Europe invested a net $2 billion amid escalating geopolitical tensions over Greenland, which drove continued interest in gold ETFs.

Here in Australia, ASX gold ETFs attracted US$202 million in inflows, taking local AUM to US$8.6 billion.

What happened to the gold price in January?

The gold price reached a record US$5,608 per ounce during the month.

The commodities rout that started on 29 January put a three-day drag on gold’s otherwise impressive monthly performance.

The council said investors appeared to buy the dip, with all regions bar Europe recording net inflows on 30 January and 2 February.

The gold price fell from US$5,608 per ounce on 29 January to $US4,405  per ounce on 2 February before commencing a rebound.

By the market close on Friday (Australian time), the gold price had recovered to about US$4,870 per ounce.

Interested in ASX gold ETFs?

Global asset manager, Sprott, which runs one of the world’s largest gold bullion investment funds, says the reasons to invest in gold “remain in place, but are also compounding”.

If you’re interested in ASX gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), here are three options.

Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS)

The MNRS ETF invests in 56 gold shares, with 44% in Canada, 14% in the US, 13% in South Africa, and 8% in Brazil.

Its largest holding is Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM), which has CDIs listed on the ASX as Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM).

MNRS tracks the Nasdaq Global ex-Australia Gold Miners Hedged AUD Index.

This ASX ETF has total net assets of $267 million and a management fee of 0.57%.

VanEck Gold Miners AUD ETF (ASX: GDX)

The GDX ETF invests in 93 shares, with 44% in Canada, 20% in the US, 11% in Australia, and 6% in China.

The ASX gold ETF’s biggest holding is Newmont shares.

GDX is also invested in Aussie miners like Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

This ETF has total net assets of $1.61 billion and a 0.53% fee.

Global X Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD)

The GOLD ETF seeks to mirror the performance of the gold price in Australian dollars.

The index it tracks is the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (AUD).

Global X says GOLD is the largest and most liquid gold-backed ETF on the ASX, with the lowest bid/ask spread.

This ETF has total net assets of $6 billion and a 0.4% fee.

The post Gold ETFs attracted a record US$19 billion in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week
• 4 ASX ETFs that produced 110% to 150% returns in 2025
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• $10,000 invested in GDX ETF a year ago is now worth…

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

Today marks the beginning of the second week of February’s earnings season. 

This week features several blue-chip ASX stocks that are set to release earnings results.

This includes: 

• CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) reports Wednesday 11 February
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) reports Wednesday 11 February
• Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) reports Thursday 12 February
• Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) reports Friday 13 February

Earnings season can bring heightened volatility as investors react – positively or negatively – to full or half-year results. 

With that in mind, here is what experts are saying about these blue-chip ASX stocks. 

Reason for optimism for these ASX stocks?

CSL shares are trading close to its 52-week low right now. The general consensus seems to be the current share price is an attractive entry point according to experts. 

It closed trading last week at $180.50. 

This ASX stock is down more than 30% over the last 12 months. It remains one of the top 10 largest companies on the ASX by market capitalisation.

Recent analysis from Canaccord Genuity said it is trading at a forward P/E of 17.5x – its lowest in 10 years. 

Morgan Stanley recently put an overweight rating and $242.00 price target on its shares.

This would indicate an upside of roughly 34%. 

The company reports its HY26 on Wednesday, which could spark movement depending on the results. 

It’s worth noting that this ASX stock crashed 15.9% in October last year after management reduced the company’s full-year FY 2026 guidance.

Another ASX stock drawing optimism ahead of earnings results is Pro Medicus. 

Sentiment for this blue-chip healthcare company indicates it is now undervalued. 

Its share price has fallen more than 44% in the last 12 months, closing last week at $157.62. 

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and a $320.00 price target.

That indicates more than 100% upside. 

Mixed reviews 

CBA shares have shown some signs of life in the last week or so, rising 4% in that span. 

It closed last week at $158.91. 

Opinions remained mixed on this ASX banking giant.

The argument against CBA shares seems to always remain the same – it looks expensive. 

However Australia’s largest bank and second largest company could be a buy ahead of earnings results. 

It has now retreated significantly since passing $190 a share last June. 

Trying to time the market to perfection can be futile, and now could be close to a fair entry point. 

According to investment firm Wilsons, the upcoming result is expected to confirm that underlying sector fundamentals remain in good shape.

On the bearish side, Morgans estimates still suggest the stock is well overvalued. 

The broker has a price target on CBA shares under $100. 

Wait and see

For Cochlear shares, experts are suggesting a cautious approach before the company reports on Friday. 

It is currently trading almost 17% below their 52-week high.

Management has delivered three successive downgrades, driven by its services segment, which is reason for caution heading into its result.

However if the share price retreats further on Friday, it could land at an attractive buying opportunity. 

The post Earnings preview: How do experts rate these blue-chip ASX stocks reporting this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• I would invest $50,000 in these ASX 200 shares if I were aiming to beat the market in 2026
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Pinnacle, and Telix shares
• A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares?
• 2 ASX shares that could be overdue for a new year jump

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Cochlear, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Earnings season is in full swing. One company’s results I am keeping an eye on is Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares. 

Earnings results can lead to significant share price movement. 

This can give investors both increased opportunity and risk. 

On one hand, investing before a company releases its February earnings can offer big upside if results beat expectations. 

However it also carries higher risk because disappointing results can lead to sharp price drops. 

The team at Ord Minnett has provided an updated outlook on Origin Energy shares ahead of its earnings results on Thursday, 12 February. 

Headwinds blowing for Origin Energy shares

Origin Energy is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration and production of natural gas, electricity generation, wholesale and retail sale of electricity and gas, and sale of liquefied natural gas in Australia and internationally.

According to the report from Ord Minnett, the company posted December-quarter LNG production and revenue ahead of its forecasts.

Ord Minnett said the stronger realised pricing in the quarter was likely driven by sales into the spot LNG market. However this raises a question over whether the performance can be repeated in coming quarters considering weak domestic gas demand. 

According to the report, volumes in Origin’s electricity and gas volumes in its energy markets division were weak, with retail volumes stable but business demand falling.

Concerns over UK business

Ord Minnett also raised questions over Origin Energy’s UK business – Octopus Energy. 

It said Origin did not provide formal quantitative guidance on earnings from its UK Octopus Energy business but was at pains to emphasise the retail energy and software group’s seasonal bias to the second half of the year.

We note prior FY26 guidance for Octopus operating earnings (EBITDA) of $0–150 million was not mentioned, leading us to view it as being at risk considering persistent problems with bad debts in the retail segment in the UK.

Post the result, Ord Minnett raised FY26 EPS estimate by 4.1%, largely due to higher full-year LNG sales, while FY27 and FY28 forecasts were cut by 5.2% and 6.0% .

This incorporates increased depreciation and amortisation estimates and downgrades to expectations for Octopus.

Price target update

Based on this guidance, Ord Minnett has slightly increased its price target to $11.00 (previously 10.80). 

Last week Origin Energy shares closed at $10.91, indicating it is currently trading close to fair value. 

Ord Minnett also has a hold recommendation on Origin Energy shares. 

The rise in our FY26 EPS forecast leads us to increase our target price to $11.00 from $10.80, but we remain cautious on Origin given the headwinds we see – increased capital expenditure to maintain APLNG production, ongoing bad debt problems at Octopus, weaker wholesale electricity pricing, and a likely fall in spot LNG prices – and remain at Hold.

The post Are Origin Energy shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

Thinking in 25-year timeframes changes how you invest. Short-term noise fades into irrelevance, while strong business models, structural growth, and competitive advantages start to matter far more.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be particularly powerful over these horizons, because they let investors benefit from long-term trends without needing to constantly adjust their portfolio as individual winners and losers change.

With that mindset, here are three ASX ETFs that could be well suited to a true buy-and-hold approach measured in decades rather than years.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF to consider for a 25-year horizon is the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF.

It tracks the S&P 500 Index, which represents the largest and most influential companies in the United States. What makes this fund particularly attractive over long periods is its ability to evolve. Companies that lose relevance are removed, while new leaders are added as the economy changes. That adaptability could make it a compelling long-term core holding.

Current holdings include businesses such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA). These companies sit at the centre of global innovation, capital markets, and technology investment.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

Another ASX ETF that could reward patient investors is the VanEck China New Economy ETF.

It focuses on China’s new economy, targeting companies involved in areas such as technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and domestic consumption.

The ETF holds a wide range of emerging leaders, including businesses such as Intsig Information and Shennan Circuits. Many of these companies are still early in their growth journeys and benefit from rising incomes, innovation, and domestic demand.

China’s market can be volatile, but over a 25-year period, exposure to a transforming economy could prove valuable for investors willing to tolerate short-term uncertainty. It was recently recommended by VanEck.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A final ASX ETF to consider for long-term investors is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This fund provides exposure to a concentrated portfolio of international companies that have sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats, that can endure for 20 years or more.

Importantly, the ETF also applies a valuation discipline, targeting companies trading below the estimate of fair value.

Holdings include businesses such as Roche Holding (SWX: ROG), GSK (LSE: GSK), and Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ). These are established global companies with strong brands, intellectual property, or regulatory advantages that make them difficult to displace. The fund manager also recently recommended this ETF.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 25 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Is this the best ASX ETF to buy to build wealth?
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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 Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Constellation Brands, GSK, and Roche Holding AG. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.