Author: openjargon

The Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) share price is in focus today after the company posted a half-year statutory profit of $557 million and lifted guidance for its Energy Markets segment. Underlying profit came in at $593 million, while adjusted free cash flow rose to $705 million.

What did Origin Energy report?

• Statutory profit of $557 million, down from $1,017 million in HY25
• Underlying profit of $593 million, down from $924 million in HY25
• Underlying EBITDA of $1,589 million, compared to $1,926 million in HY25
• Adjusted free cash flow up to $705 million, from $518 million in HY25
• Interim dividend of 30 cents per share, fully franked
• Adjusted net debt/EBITDA ratio at 2.0x

What else do investors need to know?

Origin’s Energy Markets business delivered strong underlying EBITDA of $860 million, up $122 million year on year, thanks to higher electricity gross profit and ongoing cost savings. Customer growth remains healthy, with 96,000 new accounts and churn well below the market average.

In the Integrated Gas segment, underlying EBITDA was $860 million, reflecting lower LNG prices and volumes at Australia Pacific LNG, but production remained steady at 339 PJ. Octopus Energy continued to grow international customer numbers, though the division posted an underlying EBITDA loss as investment ramped up.

What did Origin Energy management say?

Frank Calabria, Chief Executive Officer, said:

Origin’s first half results are solid, allowing an upgrade to full-year guidance for Energy Markets. Retail performance continued to strengthen, grid-scale batteries added further portfolio flexibility, gas production was steady, and cost management remained disciplined as commodity prices softened.

What’s next for Origin Energy?

Origin has upgraded its Energy Markets full-year underlying EBITDA guidance to between $1,550 million and $1,750 million, with electricity business performance driving the improvement. Cost to serve is also expected to improve, with management on track to achieve targeted savings by FY26.

Investment continues across battery storage, gas infrastructure, and digital platforms, aiming to support the energy transition and deliver steady returns. The company expects capital expenditure of $900–$1,100 million for the year, reflecting expanded investment in new battery projects.

Origin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Origin Energy shares have risen 8%, slightly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Origin Energy posts $557m half-year profit and upgrades guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AMP FY25 result: 21% profit lift and higher AUM
• Orora earnings: robust half-year profit growth and outlook
• Breville Group posts record half-year sales and lifts dividend
• Northern Star Resources lifts profit 41%, maintains dividend after active half
• IAG FY26 half-year result: profit down, revenue up, dividend steady

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) is an exciting ASX technology stock. It has drawn plenty of positive attention in the last couple of years. 

The company is a leading global provider of elite athlete wearing tracking solutions and also analytics for athlete tracking. 

It is one of the standout, good-quality tech stocks in the mid-cap space. 

The key target market of Catapult is elite sporting teams and organisations. 

According to Bell Potter, the pro sports technology market is currently valued at US$36bn in 2025. It is forecast to double to US$72bn by 2030.

These signs all point towards a positive long-term outlook for this ASX technology stock. 

Analysis from Bell Potter agrees there is plenty of upside for Catapult Sports shares. 

So why did the broker just reduce its price target on this technology stock?

Let’s find out. 

Lack of catalysts 

This ASX technology stock has experienced some significant volatility over the last 12 months. 

Its share price closed yesterday at $3.53. 

Overall, it is down 7% over the last 12 months. 

What’s more intriguing is the fact that it is down 52% since its yearly highs last October. 

According to Bell Potter, there is some potential for Catapult to be removed from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) at the next rebalance in March. 

The broker also noted Catapult will not report its next result till May, and it does not expect much news flow between now and then.

Updated forecast

In yesterday’s report, Bell Potter updated its FY26 statutory forecasts for this technology stock to include approximately US$3.8 million in flagged transaction costs related to the IMPECT acquisition, which were previously excluded. 

As a result, statutory EBITDA for FY26 has been reduced by 22% from US$17.2 million to US$13.4 million, although the underlying (management) EBITDA forecast remains unchanged.

The inclusion of these transaction costs also lowers FY26 operating and free cash flow forecasts, partly offset by revised working capital assumptions. 

Bell Potter now forecasts FY26 free cash flow of US$6.8 million, down from US$7.7 million previously, but still expects higher underlying free cash flow than FY25 (US$10.6 million forecast vs US$8.6 million actual in FY25, excluding transaction costs).

No need to panic 

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter reduced its price target to $5.50 (previously A$6.50). 

However, this still suggests plenty of upside for this technology stock. 

The broker also maintained its buy recommendation.

Based on yesterday’s closing price of $3.53, Bell Potter’s new target is an upside of 55.8%. 

The post Why did this broker just downgrade its price target on this exciting technology stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy this ASX tech share after the AI software selloff
• 3 of my high-conviction ASX 200 share picks for February
• Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in February
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why I’m bullish on these buy-rated ASX shares in February

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 Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) share price is in focus today after the company posted record half-year revenue, up 10.1% to $1.1 billion, and delivered a small lift in profit.

What did Breville Group report?

• Total sales revenue rose 10.1% to $1,098.7 million
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) increased 0.7% to $98.2 million
• EBITDA grew by 2.9% to $182.8 million
• Interim dividend of 19 cents per share fully franked, up from 18 cents last year
• Net debt improved to $43.6 million from $55.1 million in the prior period
• Basic earnings per share was 68.0 cents (67.8 cents in 1H FY25)

What else do investors need to know?

Breville delivered its strongest first-half sales result, with growth across all major markets. The Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions all posted revenue gains, partly offset by a slightly lower gross margin due to higher US tariffs. Operating expenses climbed in line with revenue growth, driven by increased headcount and wage inflation as the business expanded geographically.

The company’s inventory reduced to $435.2 million, while cash at bank increased strongly to $176.8 million, supporting a healthier balance sheet. The board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 19 cents per share, with no dividend reinvestment plan in place for this period.

What’s next for Breville Group?

Breville Group says it’s tracking to plan and continues to prioritise innovation, new product development, and expanding its global reach. The company’s board remains confident, focusing on further organic growth opportunities, efficiency improvements, and navigating ongoing economic headwinds, including tariffs and inflation.

Investors can expect Breville to keep investing in new geographies and product categories. Management has signalled a continued commitment to capital discipline and delivering value for shareholders going forward.

Breville Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Breville shares have declined 8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Breville Group posts record half-year sales and lifts dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AMP FY25 result: 21% profit lift and higher AUM
• Orora earnings: robust half-year profit growth and outlook
• Origin Energy posts $557m half-year profit and upgrades guidance
• Northern Star Resources lifts profit 41%, maintains dividend after active half
• IAG FY26 half-year result: profit down, revenue up, dividend steady

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is in focus today after the gold miner reported NPAT of $714 million, up 41% from last year, and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 25 cents per share.

What did Northern Star Resources report?

• Revenue rose 19% to $3,414.3 million, fuelled by a 31% increase in gold prices.
• Statutory net profit after tax climbed 41% to $714.4 million (earnings per share: 50.0 cents).
• Underlying NPAT was $759.8 million, up 49% from last year.
• Underlying EBITDA increased 34% to $1,875.5 million.
• Cash earnings totalled $1,100 million, or 77.0 cents per share.
• Fully franked interim dividend: 25.0 cents per share, unchanged year-on-year.

What else do investors need to know?

Northern Star’s underlying free cash flow was negative $320 million this half, impacted by a softer second quarter, prior-period tax payments of $275 million, and ongoing capital investment in major growth projects. Despite these outflows, the balance sheet remains strong, with $1,176 million in cash and bullion, and a net cash position of $293 million.

Operating cash flow fell 18% to $1,031.2 million, reflecting higher mining costs, increased royalties, and inflationary pressures. The company recognised a non-cash impairment charge of $77.6 million relating to its exploration portfolio.

What did Northern Star Resources management say?

Managing Director & CEO Stuart Tonkin said:

This first half result demonstrates the resilience and growing returns we are embedding in our business, which allowed the Board to declare a 25cps interim dividend despite a soft operating performance. Our balance sheet remains in a net cash position notwithstanding the significant investments we are making to transform Northern Star into a lowest-half global cost producer. We look forward to safely commissioning the KCGM Mill Expansion on schedule in early FY27, positioning the business for a significant uplift in cash generation and ROCE. This enhanced cash flow outlook strengthens our ability to deliver attractive returns on investment, supports capital management, and allows us to continue to advance the Hemi Development Project in a disciplined manner.

What’s next for Northern Star Resources?

The company is continuing to invest in growth, with major projects like the KCGM Mill Expansion and Hemi Development Project on track. These developments are expected to strengthen returns and lift cash generation into the future.

Despite revising FY26 production and cost guidance in January, Northern Star remains focused on operational excellence and growth. The company reaffirmed its goals of improving production, reducing unit costs, and delivering long-term value for shareholders.

Northern Star Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Northern Star Resources shares have risen 54%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Northern Star Resources lifts profit 41%, maintains dividend after active half appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AMP FY25 result: 21% profit lift and higher AUM
• Orora earnings: robust half-year profit growth and outlook
• Origin Energy posts $557m half-year profit and upgrades guidance
• Breville Group posts record half-year sales and lifts dividend
• IAG FY26 half-year result: profit down, revenue up, dividend steady

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price is in focus today after the insurance giant posted a 23% jump in revenue to $11.14 billion, while net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 35.1% to $505 million for the half year ended 31 December 2025.

What did Insurance Australia Group report?

• Revenue: $11.14 billion, up 23.3% from 1H25
• Net profit after tax (NPAT): $505 million, down 35.1%
• Gross written premium (GWP): $8.93 billion, up 6.0%
• Reported insurance margin: 13.5%, down from 19.4%
• Interim dividend: 12 cents per share, franked to 25%
• Return on equity (ROE): 13.8%, down from 22.7%

What else do investors need to know?

The result was impacted by severe weather events, particularly in the newly acquired RACQ Insurance Limited (RACQI) portfolio, contributing to higher than expected claim costs. Excluding RACQI, insurance profit was stronger, and the reported margin was 17.7%.

IAG completed its $855 million acquisition of 90% of RACQI in September 2025. The half-year results include four months of contribution from this business. IAG also announced an on-market share buy-back of up to $200 million, reflecting its strong capital position.

The board determined to pay an interim dividend of 12 cents per share, payable on 13 March 2026, with a 25% franking rate. The dividend reinvestment plan will apply.

What’s next for Insurance Australia Group?

IAG is maintaining its FY26 profit guidance, expecting high single-digit GWP growth and an insurance profit between $1,550 million and $1,750 million. The integration of the RACQI business is expected to strengthen IAG’s Queensland footprint, with further improvements in the reported insurance margin anticipated as RACQI is fully integrated into IAG’s reinsurance program.

The company has announced a buy-back of up to $200 million in shares, and continues to invest in technology and claims transformation to help offset inflationary pressures and improve efficiency.

Insurance Australia Group share price snapshot

Over the pat 12 months, IAG shares have declined 18%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post IAG FY26 half-year result: profit down, revenue up, dividend steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• ANZ Group posts $1.94b cash profit as costs drop in 1Q26
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price is in focus as the bank posted a first-quarter cash profit of $1.94 billion and a statutory profit of $1.87 billion. Cash profit jumped 75% compared to the second-half 2025 quarterly average, driven largely by lower expenses and stronger revenue.

What did ANZ Group report?

• Cash profit for 1Q26: $1.94 billion, up 75% from 2H25 quarterly average
• Statutory profit: $1.87 billion for the quarter
• Operating income: $5.7 billion, up 4% on 2H25 quarterly average
• Operating expenses: $2.8 billion, down 21%
• Cash return on tangible equity (RoTE): 11.7%, up 173 basis points
• Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio: 12.15%, up 12 basis points

What else do investors need to know?

ANZ says its efficiency program is delivering results, with an 8% reduction in expenses helping to boost profit and bring the cost-to-income ratio under 50%. The bank saw growth in both customer deposits (up 5% to $787 billion) and lending (up 1% to $837 billion) over the quarter, supported by broad-based strength across divisions.

Credit quality remains sound overall, with low portfolio losses and a slight improvement in past-due housing loans in both Australia and New Zealand. The bank completed more than 60% of planned role exits as part of its simplification push, and reported stable liquidity and capital positions.

What did ANZ Group management say?

ANZ Chief Executive Officer Nuno Matos said:

The quarterly result highlights the early progress we are making in executing our ANZ 2030 strategy.

Our productivity program aimed at removing duplication and simplifying the bank is well underway, delivering a significant reduction in expenses while growing revenue. There was an improvement across our key financial metrics, including the return on tangible equity which rose to 11.7% and cost to income ratio to below 50%.

Looking ahead, we continue to be fully engaged in executing our ANZ 2030 strategy. This is the beginning of our five-year journey to become the best bank for customers and shareholders in Australia and New Zealand.

What’s next for ANZ Group?

ANZ is pressing ahead with its ANZ 2030 strategy, which focuses on simplifying operations, embedding its new executive team, and integrating Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN). The migration of Suncorp Bank customers to ANZ platforms is on track for completion by June 2027.

The bank reiterated its FY26 cost guidance and expects further gains from process improvements and digital upgrades—aiming to deliver a single digital front-end for all retail and SME customers by September 2027.

ANZ Group share price snapshot

Over the 12 months, ANZ shares have risen 26%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post ANZ Group posts $1.94b cash profit as costs drop in 1Q26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• IAG FY26 half-year result: profit down, revenue up, dividend steady
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals unveils on-market buy-back supported by strong cash flows
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Superloop flags $4 million margin risk from AGL telecom business exit

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Warren Buffett has never claimed to be a trader or a market timer. Instead, the Oracle of Omaha has built his fortune by doing a few simple things exceptionally well. These are buying high-quality businesses, making sure they have durable competitive advantages, and paying a reasonable price for them. He then holds those businesses for a very long time.

The good news is that there is a simple way to replicate the philosophy behind his approach with ASX shares.

That’s where the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT) comes in.

Warren Buffett-style investing, systemised

This ASX ETF is built around a concept Buffett often talks about: economic moats.

These are competitive advantages that allow a company to defend profits against competitors over long periods of time. They can come from brand strength, switching costs, scale, regulation, or intellectual property.

The fund tracks an index that identifies companies believed to have sustainable competitive advantages and then applies a valuation filter. Importantly, this mirrors Buffett’s preference for quality at a fair price, not simply buying the cheapest stocks available.

In other words, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF isn’t about bargain hunting. It is about owning great businesses without overpaying.

The kind of businesses Buffett likes

Holdings change over time, but the fund consistently owns businesses that feel very Buffett-like.

Examples from the current portfolio include United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), a logistics giant with global scale that would be almost impossible to replicate today, Danaher (NYSE: DHR), a diversified life sciences and diagnostics company built around recurring demand and disciplined capital allocation, and Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), which owns premium beverage brands with strong pricing power.

There are also defensive consumer names such as Clorox (NYSE: CLX) and Mondelez International (NASDAQ: MDLZ), as well as high-quality industrial and technology companies that benefit from long-term structural demand rather than short-term hype.

These are not speculative businesses. They are companies designed to keep compounding.

The long-term results speak for themselves

Over the past 10 years, the index tracked by the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF has delivered an average total return of 16.06% per annum.

To put that into perspective, a $20,000 investment made 10 years ago would now be worth roughly $90,000, assuming returns were reinvested. That is the power of compounding applied to quality businesses.

What’s even more notable is that this outperformed the S&P 500 index, which returned around 15.09% per annum over the same period. That gap may not sound large in a single year, but over a decade it becomes meaningful.

It is a strong reminder that Buffett’s core philosophy still works, even in a market dominated by technology and rapid change.

Foolish takeaway

Investing like Warren Buffett with ASX shares doesn’t require picking individual stocks or waiting for market crashes.

By focusing on businesses with durable advantages and sensible valuations, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF offers ASX investors a straightforward way to apply Buffett’s principles in a diversified, rules-based way.

As Buffett himself has shown for decades, that is often exactly the point.

The post This is the easy way to invest like Warren Buffett with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy in February and beyond
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs this month
• Why I would buy and hold these VanEck ETFs for a decade or more
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy now while they’re on sale
• 3 VanEck ETFs on the ASX I rate as buys

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Danaher and United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Constellation Brands. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking for an ASX 200 stock with income appeal and potential upside, Bell Potter believes it has found one.

In a note released this morning, the broker has picked out a stock it believes can offer 11% upside and a 5% dividend yield.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock that is being recommended to clients by Bell Potter is Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP).

Bell Potter notes that the ASX 200 stock delivered a steady first-half result, with funds from operations slightly ahead of expectations. It said:

CIP announced its 1H26 result with FFO / share of 9.1c slightly above BPe and Visible Alpha consensus (+1%). FY26 guidance was reiterated (previously increased bottom end of range) for FFO / share range of 18.2c – 18.5c (BPe 18.4c; VA consensus 18.4c) and DPS of 16.8c (in line with BPe and VA consensus).

Importantly, the broker sees further upside from leasing activity across the portfolio. It explains:

With 4.3% vacancy on foot (improved vs. FY25), we still see scope for earnings upside solving for several single larger vacancies as well as near-term expiries (7.1% of portfolio in FY27) particularly in NSW where the $ rents / sqm have increased earnings impact.

Data centre exposure

Bell Potter also highlights the REIT’s growing exposure to data centre opportunities as a positive. The broker notes:

CIP has acquired two new assets post bal date for $60.2m combined with scope for additional power capacity or pathway to near-term power, as well as having submitted a DA to develop up to a 40MW centre adjacent to its existing Clayton DC, VIC where Telstra lease surrender is expected to be net neutral to earnings but accretive to NTA post DA and power allocation.

Attractive valuation

According to the note, in response to the ASX 200 stock’s half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $3.60 (from $3.75). Based on its current share price of $3.24, this implies potential upside of 11% for investors.

In addition, it is forecasting a 5.2% dividend yield in FY 2026 and a 5.3% dividend yield in FY 2027.

Bell Potter believes the stock is trading at an attractive discount compared to its net tangible assets. The broker said:

CIP currently trades at a -18% discount to NTA vs. +8% average premium to book achieved on all non-core asset sales (c.$270m worth) since FY23 with elevated levels of industrial cap trans across the market, and the ability to unlock earnings upside via a small number of leasing deals.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock Bell Potter rates as a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Centuria Industrial REIT grows earnings and holds guidance for HY26
• 2 ASX REIT stocks I want to buy for a lifetime of passive income!
• Is this the right time to invest in ASX defensive shares?
• These buy-rated ASX dividend stocks offer 4% to 6% yields
• 3 ASX dividend shares that still beat bank interest rates

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 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.

Brokers have been very busy this month recommending which ASX 200 shares to buy, hold, and sell.

Three which analysts have given their verdict on are named below. Here’s what they are saying about them:

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

This energy producer’s shares are fully valued according to analysts at Morgans. Given its free cash flow outlook and difficult to analyse results, the broker has downgraded Beach Energy shares from a hold rating to a trim rating with a $1.09 price target. This compares to its current share price of $1.13. It said:

A noisy 1H26 result that was hard to analyse, with the treatment of various items not aligning with what we would expect. Pushing its accounting treatments harder than its operations leaves us concerned around BPT’s forward FCF profile. Gradually declining reserves could suppress BPT’s valuation until it makes an acquisition, a difficult position to be in. We downgrade our rating to TRIM (from HOLD), with an updated A$1.09 target price.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The team at Bell Potter hasn’t been overly impressed with recent developments at this biotechnology giant. So, although CSL shares trade at a sizeable discount to historical earnings multiples, it only rates them as a hold with a $175.00 price target. This compares to its current share price of $163.44.

Commenting on the struggling company, the broker said:

CSL now trades on an underlying PE of 16.5x in FY27, well below its historical average but remains above the global biopharma avg of ~15x. It faces the daunting prospect of hiring a new CEO to re-invigorate a lacklustre growth outlook in the face of headwinds on multiple fronts.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Morgans is feeling upbeat about this ASX tech stock ahead of the release of its results. In response to the AI-induced software selloff, the broker has upgraded Pro Medicus shares to a buy rating with a $290.00 price target. This implies more than 70% upside for investors from its current share price of $169.47. It said:

PME has been sold off heavily as investors increasingly worry that AI could structurally erode the economics and commoditise premium imaging SaaS platforms. For PME, that feels misunderstood. Bravery required with volatility high and trend weak, but this has proven to be a good time to pick up PME shares. Upgrade to BUY on weakness. 1H26 results due 12th of February.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Beach Energy, CSL, and Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• What’s Morgans’ view on these ASX shares following earnings results?
• Why ASX, CSL, GQG, and Meteoric Resources shares are sinking today
• CSL shares crash 12% on half-year results and shock CEO exit
• Here’s everything you need to know about CSL’s upcoming dividend

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

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a strong session and raced higher. The benchmark index rose 1.65% to 9,014.8 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set for subdued session

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Thursday following a relatively flat night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 1 point higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.1%, the S&P 500 is up 0.1% and the Nasdaq is flat.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session on Thursday after oil prices stormed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.45% to US$64.88 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.25% to US$69.68 a barrel. Improved demand and US-Iran tensions gave oil prices a boost.

Pro Medicus results

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares will be on watch today when the health imaging technology company releases its half-year results. As well as its results, the market may be looking for management to ease concerns over AI disruption. Other ASX 200 shares that are releasing results today include Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG). The market will no doubt be interested to see how the latter is navigating US trade tariffs.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.6% to US$5,110.6 an ounce. Traders were buying the precious metal despite the release of strong US jobs data, which could lessen rate cut hopes.

Hold CSL shares

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares remain fully valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the biotechnology giant’s half-year results, the broker has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $175.00. It said: “CSL now trades on an underlying PE of 16.5x in FY27, well below its historical average but remains above the global biopharma avg of ~15x. It faces the daunting prospect of hiring a new CEO to re-invigorate a lacklustre growth outlook in the face of headwinds on multiple fronts.”

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

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