Buy, hold, sell: Whitehaven Coal, Goodman, and Xero shares

A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.

Looking for ASX shares to buy after the market selloff?

Well, let’s see what analysts are saying about these popular shares, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The team at Red Leaf Securities thinks there are limited short-term catalysts that could drive this industrial property company’s shares higher. As a result, it has put a hold rating on its shares this week.

The investment company thinks investors should wait for a better entry point before buying shares. It said:

Goodman Group offers high quality exposure to industrial property and data infrastructure globally. Structural tailwinds from e-commerce logistics and data centres support long term growth, while development margins remain robust. The capital management platform provides recurring earnings visibility.

However, after a share price recovery, the valuation was recently stretched relative to near term earnings, and higher interest rates and construction costs temper development returns. The long term growth story is intact, but short term catalysts are limited, in our view. Existing investors can consider holding for now, while new entrants may wait for a more attractive entry point.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The team at EnviroInvest has put a sell rating on the shares of coal miner Whitehaven Coal.

It wasn’t impressed with its performance in the first half and highlights that its earnings are leveraged to a commodity that is facing long term demand erosion. It explains:

Revenue of $2.5 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2026 was down from $3.4 billion in the prior corresponding period, reflecting a fall in average realised prices. Underlying EBITDA of $446 million was down from $960 million.

The company reported an underlying net loss after tax of $19 million, despite moderately lower costs of $135 a tonne compared to the prior corresponding period. While markets may tighten cyclically, global decarbonisation targets and a capital flight from thermal coal remain structural risks. In my view, earnings are leveraged to a commodity facing long term demand erosion.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Analysts at Red Leaf Securities are more positive on this one. They have put a buy rating on Xero shares following a recent selloff.

The investment company highlights that the cloud accounting platform provider still has a long growth runway and believes artificial intelligence (AI) will enhance its offering, not disrupt it. It explains:

This accounting software provider has been sold off, but fundamentals remain strong. Its capital light, subscription based model provides recurring revenue, pricing power and operating leverage. Subscriber growth in Australia, New Zealand and the UK is resilient amid expanding margins through improving cost discipline. The US market remains under-penetrated, offering options over the long term.

Artificial intelligence is likely to enhance Xero’s product suite, improving workflow automation and stickiness rather than disrupting revenue. Recently trading below prior multiples, the risk/reward is attractive for long term investors. This is a profitable, global software platform with scale, and current weakness presents an accumulation opportunity for those looking beyond short term sentiment.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Whitehaven Coal, Goodman, and Xero shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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