Are Nick Scali and Northern Star Resources shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results?

Two of the best performing ASX 200 stocks over the last 12 months have been Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares. 

Nick Scali shares have climbed more than 41% in the last year. 

Northern Star Resources shares are up 52% in that same period. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up about 4.5% since February 2025. 

Both of these ASX companies will report HY26 earnings this week, and stock prices can swing significantly based on earnings results. 

Investors may be able to avoid losses, or scoop up gains by buying or selling ahead of these results. 

With that in mind, here is what experts are tipping. 

Northern Star Resources: reporting Thursday 12 February

Northern Star Resources is a global-scale Australian gold producer with projects in Australia and North America.

Like many gold shares, it has enjoyed a bull run over the last year thanks to record commodity prices. 

There has been a significant surge into safe-haven assets like gold over the last year on the back of geopolitical uncertainty and global conflict.

This has helped push Northern Star Resources shares more than 50% higher in the last year. 

It has outpaced the S&P/ASX 300 Metals and Mining Index (ASX: XMM), which is up 44.5% in that time. 

There is now a growing sentiment now is the time to cash in on gold producers like Northern Star Resources shares. 

Recently, the gold stock received a sell recommendation from one expert who said despite a positive long-term gold outlook, weaker-than-expected recent production, tempered near-term confidence. 

It’s possible the current share price already reflects much of the upside, suggesting the risk-reward now favours taking profits.

Similarly, Alto Capital believes that Northern Star Resources shares are a sell. 

However, it is worth noting that brokers such as UBS still anticipate the price of gold to continue rising in 2026. 

Should these gold shares dip on earnings results news, it could create a more ideal entry point. 

Nick Scali: reporting Friday 13 February 

Nick Scali shares have also enjoyed a stellar 12 months. 

They were some of the best retail shares to own in 2025, and have continued positive momentum in 2026. 

Despite such a strong rise, sentiment remains positive on this ASX 200 stock. 

One key aspect to watch in the upcoming report is the dividend announcement.

Despite hovering around all-time highs, Nick Scali shares could still have more growth ahead. 

Bell Potter recently placed a buy recommendation and $27.00 price target on this ASX 200 stock. 

That indicates a further upside of just over 11% from yesterday’s closing price of $24.25. 

The post Are Nick Scali and Northern Star Resources shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Gold price recovers as reasons for buying ‘remain in place, but are also compounding’

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 recommended Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.