Author: openjargon

The team at Morgans has been working overtime looking at the countless results releases this week.

Let’s see what the broker thinks of three very big results and whether it thinks these ASX 200 shares are now buys, holds, or sells. Here’s what you need to know:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Morgans was pleased with this banking giant’s performance during the first half, highlighting that its earnings were comfortably ahead of expectations. This has seen the broker upgrade its earnings estimates materially.

And while Morgans has lifted its valuation, it remains bearish on the investment opportunity here. It has put a sell rating and $124.26 price target on CBA shares. It said:

CBA delivered a meaningful beat of 1H26 earnings expectations. We have materially upgraded our EPS forecasts after factoring in continuation of higher loan growth and benign credit loss environments. We expect DPS growth won’t match EPS growth as we see approaching CET1 capital tightness. Target price lifted to $124.26. SELL retained, with potential TSR of -24% (including 3% cash yield) at current elevated prices and trading multiples.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Morgans was disappointed with this biotech giant’s half-year results, which were softer and less clean than it was expecting.

However, it was pleased to see the company reaffirm its guidance despite recent chaos. In light of this and its improving outlook, the broker has retained its buy rating with a lowered price target of $241.34. It said:

1HFY26 result was softer and less clean than expected, with adjusted NPATA declining 7% and revenue modestly below forecasts. The result was further complicated by US$1.1bn in impairment charges, largely relating to Vifor and Seqirus, weighing on statutory earnings and sentiment.

Importantly, FY26 guidance was maintained, despite Behring weakness and heightened scrutiny following the announced CEO transition, suggesting a 2H recovery, pointing to an execution reset, not structural impost, in our view. The outlook looks supported through a combination of cost-outs, marketing initiatives, new product launches and diminishing headwinds, reinforced by the Board’s urgency around operational delivery. We adjust FY26-28 forecasts modestly, with our PT decreasing to A$241.34. BUY.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

Finally, building materials company James Hardie impressed the broker with its third-quarter update. And with the US housing market likely near its trough, Morgans is feeling positive about its medium-term outlook.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $45.75. It said:

JHX delivered a clean Q3 beat with sequential margin improvement, disciplined execution on AZEK integration, and early evidence that volumes in core Siding & Trim (S&T) are stabilising at low levels. While NPAT remains temporarily weighed by amortisation and higher interest, the underlying margin trajectory and synergy capture both point to improving earnings quality into FY27.

With US housing likely near the trough, we see medium-term upside as organic growth returns, synergies compound, and leverage falls toward <2.0x by 3Q28. We retain our BUY rating and lift our valuation to A$45.75/sh.

The post Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, CSL, and CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here’s an ASX 200 share that I think could beat CSL in 2026

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

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares will be closely watched today after a shocking 32% share price crash yesterday. 

The company reported:

• Revenue rise of 19.8% to $375.9 million for H1 FY26
• EBITDA (pre-NZ investment) increased 13% to $14.9 million.
• Net cash rose 15.3% to $160.6 million as of 31 December 2025
• Active customers grew 14% year-on-year to ~1.4 million
• Repeat customers made up 62% of total orders
• Free cash flow of $23 million was generated during the half

However investors were not pleased with these results as the company endured a huge sell-off. 

The Motley Fool’s Aaron Teboneras reported yesterday that this was likely due to expectations not being met, as investors may have been hoping for stronger operating leverage at this stage of the cycle.

Its share price has now fallen 44% year to date, including Thursday’s crash. 

Following yesterday’s result, the team at Bell Potter issued updated guidance on Temple & Webster shares 

Here is what the broker had to say. 

Earnings miss 

Temple & Webster is an online-only retailer of furniture and homewares. Some of its products include office furniture, lighting, rugs, wall art, and home décor.

According to the report, Temple & Webster’s 1H26 EBITDA was roughly a 12% miss to consensus. 

The competitive environment coupled with a value driven customer has seen TPW pulling levers of price activation beyond supplier funded promotions during the seasonal period.

Bell Potter also noted key metrics like active customers (1.35m) and repeat rates (62%) were in line with its expectations, however revenue per customer was below.

The broker said while check-out revenue growth is tracking towards 2H26e estimates, challenging comps in 4Q26 sees modest changes to revenue estimates.

Our EBITDA forecasts -10%/-28%/-28% for FY26/27/28e.

Share price target drops

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter lowered its target price on Temple & Webster shares to $13.00 (previously $19.50). 

Following yesterday’s sell-off, Temple & Webster shares closed at $7.64. 

The broker still has a buy recommendation on the consumer discretionary stock.

Its revised price target still indicates 70% upside. 

Our views are unchanged of TPW’s ability to outperform over the long term as market share capture in an expanded TAM is expedited with range, pricing/scale advantages, AI/data capability backed by a strong balance sheet (~$160m cash).

The post Are Temple & Webster shares a buy after falling 32% yesterday following earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
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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 positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

These 2 ASX dividend shares have both lost significant ground over the past 12 months. The share prices of Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) have fallen 23% and 12%, respectively.

Here are two very different ASX dividend shares that tick both the potential growth and income boxes. Let’s go and check them out.

Sonic Healthcare plays defence for a living

Sonic Healthcare isn’t the flashy growth stock grabbing headlines. This ASX dividend share is the quiet achiever that just keeps compounding.

This healthcare company plays defence for a living. People don’t stop getting blood tests or scans when the economy wobbles. Demand is steady, recurring, and largely immune to economic mood swings.

Sonic’s pathology and imaging empire stretches across Australia, Europe, the US, and the UK. A global footprint few ASX healthcare shares can rival. That diversification gives it multiple earnings engines and a natural hedge when one region slows.

The real magic? Resilience. Ageing populations and the relentless shift toward preventative healthcare keep test volumes humming. Management has layered on disciplined acquisitions over the years, adding scale without blowing up margins.

Where Sonic Healthcare really earns its stripes is in dividends. It pays shareholders twice a year and has a long history of maintaining — and gradually lifting — payouts. Bell Potter forecasts partially franked dividends of 109 cents per share in FY26 and 111 cents in FY27.

At a share price of $21.78 at the time of writing, that’s yields of roughly 4.8% and 4.9%. That’s not bad for a defensive healthcare stock, especially when those dividends are backed by recurring cash flow rather than one-off sugar hits.

Analysts also see growth potential for the ASX dividend share. The consensus target is $25.65, suggesting about 17% upside. Add in a forecast 4.9% dividend yield, and total potential returns could exceed 20%.

Super Retail Group: resilient in a tough market

Super Retail Group has proven it can drive sales in a tough retail environment, but investors are still debating whether earnings can keep up.

The owner of Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF and Macpac recently posted solid revenue growth, supported by resilient demand across auto and leisure categories and continued online traction. The $3.3 billion ASX dividend share has also been disciplined on inventory, helping protect margins in a cautious consumer backdrop.

Even so, profit growth has been patchy. Cost pressures, discounting, and softer discretionary spending have weighed on earnings momentum at times. That’s reflected in the price of the ASX dividend share, which has been volatile over the past year and has lagged the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) during periods of consumer uncertainty.

Like Sonic Healthcare, Super Retail stands out for dividends. The retailer pays shareholders twice a year and has built a reputation for consistent, largely fully franked payouts. In stronger years, it has also delivered special dividends. The current yield is attractive at 4.5% compared to the market. It’s supported by solid cash generation and a generally disciplined payout ratio.

Most analysts rate the ASX dividend share a buy. They have set the average 12-month price target at $16.32, implying a 13% upside, which could bring total earnings for the year to 17.5%.

The post 2 beaten-down ASX dividend shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Are you looking for some new ASX dividend shares to buy? If you are, then it could be worth checking out the three below which have been named as buys by brokers.

Here’s what they are recommending to income investors:

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

The first ASX dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by analysts is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

It is a property company that owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail centres that are anchored by supermarkets, service stations, and essential services. These assets tend to be defensive because shoppers continue to spend on groceries and everyday essentials regardless of economic conditions.

The team at Citi is positive on the company due to its successful capital deployment, improving margins, and retail property trends. The broker believes this will support dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 26 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.94, this would mean dividend yields of 6.5% and 6.6%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Over at Bell Potter, its analysts think Harvey Norman could be an ASX dividend share to buy.

It highlights that the retail giant benefits from a unique franchise model that generates robust cash flows and provides flexibility during challenging retail environments. In addition to its core electronics and furniture operations, Harvey Norman owns a substantial property portfolio. This adds another layer of income stability and supports its dividend payments.

Bell Potter expects fully franked dividends per share of 30.9 cents in FY 2026 and 35.3 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $6.51, this represents dividend yields of 4.75% and 5.4%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

A third ASX dividend share that analysts are recommending to income investors is IPH.

It is a global intellectual property services group that helps clients across the world protect their patents, trademarks, and intellectual property.

The company’s defensive business, strong cash conversion, and disciplined capital management have allowed it to pay generous dividends over the past decade.

Macquarie is positive on the company and believes that its cost cutting will offset weaker operating environment. As a result, the broker feels it is positioned to pay fully franked dividends of 39 cents per share in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.58, this would mean dividend yields of almost 11% for both years.

Macquarie has a buy rating and $4.04 price target on its shares.

The post 3 top ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Charter Hall Retail REIT, Harvey Norman, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares dropped another 7.81% at the close of the ASX on Thursday afternoon, to $6.14 a piece.

The latest decline means the shares have now crashed 44.28% from their all-time high of $11.02 per share recorded in mid-January.

But it’s not all bad news, thanks to some price surges in 2025, the shares are still 365.15% higher than the trading price this time last year.

What happened to EOS shares this year?

The Aussie defence company, which develops and produces advanced electro-optic technologies, faced a couple of headwinds this month.

The ASX stock benefited from surging demand for exposure to the defence sector amid ongoing geopolitical volatility throughout 2025. And it’s a trend which continues to translate, or potentially exacerbate, in 2026 so far. The company has had several major contract wins recently.

But its share price has fallen sharply since late January, now dropping over 44% over the past month alone.

It looks like investors locked in their gains late last month, and then the sell-off continued into February after speculation that the company might move its headquarters and stock market listing from Australia to Europe to capitalise on rapidly rising defence spending across the region.

This was shortly followed by a scathing short seller report from Grizzly Research which said that it finds “statements that EOS made in the investor call dedicated to the new Korean contract announcements aggressively misleading, and sometimes bordering on outright lies”. 

The report also raised doubts over a recent acquisition.

It said:

Our research in the acquisition of MARSS by EOS in January 2026 uncovers a multitude of issues. We believe management has lied about past revenues and is misrepresenting the economic opportunity of this acquisition.

The following week, the US-based short seller disclosed that it holds a short position in EOS shares, meaning it stands to benefit financially if the share price falls.

In response, EOS requested a trading halt and released a detailed statement. It said it rejects what it describes as the report’s “misleading, manipulatory and pejorative” conclusions. The company also revealed it has instructed legal advisers in Australia and Germany to consider potential legal action.

But the damage to investor confidence has already been made.

But analysts are still bullish

Investor confidence may have been slashed this month, but analyst sentiment remains bullish on the outlook for EOS shares.

TradingView data shows a consensus strong buy rating on EOS shares, and a maximum target price of $12.72. That implies a potential 107.17% upside at the time of writing.

The post EOS shares crashed 44% from their all-time high last month. Is it time to sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Electro Optic Systems. 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.&lt;/p>

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 9,043.5 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to tumble on Friday following a poor night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 54 points or 0.6% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.7%, the S&P 500 is down 1%, and the Nasdaq is down 1.6%.

Oil prices sink

It could be a poor finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.5% to US$63.03 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.4% to US$67.73 a barrel. This was driven by news that the IEA has reduced its demand forecast.

Cochlear half-year results

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares will be on watch on Friday when the hearing solutions company releases its half-year results. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts are expecting Cochlear to report underlying net profit after tax of $202.6 million. It said: “Cochlear is seen as a key result to watch given its stretched valuation and the launch of the new Nucleus Nexa system, but we view the outcome as more likely to confirm or be slightly below consensus than surprising it.”

Gold price tumbles

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 2.6% to US$4,964 an ounce. Gold fell in response to strong US economic data, which reduced rate cut bets.

Buy Temple & Webster shares

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares are undervalued after a heavy decline on Thursday according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating with a reduced price target of $13.00 (from $19.50). It said: “Key metrics, active customers (1.35m) and repeat rates (62%) were in line with BPe, however revenue per customer tracking below. TPW reaffirmed FY26 EBITDA margin guidance of 3-5% post the entry investment into New Zealand (launched in Oct-25). 2H26 has commenced on +20% check-out revenue growth.”

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

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

Gold and silver prices tumbled sharply overnight after reports emerged that Russia is considering a return to the US dollar as part of a broader economic partnership.

According to reports, the proposal could involve Russia pivoting back toward the US dollar settlement system in exchange for closer economic cooperation with the United States.

Markets reacted swiftly.

Silver prices fell nearly 10% in around 30 minutes, dropping back below US$76 per ounce. Gold also slid heavily, shedding roughly 3.5% in 15 minutes and falling back under US$5,000 per ounce.

Across global markets, as much as US$3.2 trillion in value was wiped out within an hour as investors rapidly repositioned portfolios.

What is being proposed?

While details remain limited, the suggested framework includes:

• Cooperation between the US and Russia on fossil fuel production
• Joint investment in natural gas infrastructure
• Partnerships in offshore oil and critical raw materials
• Preferential treatment for US commercial interests
• Russia’s return to US dollar-based trade settlement

In simple terms, the proposal centres on Russia moving away from efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar and instead re-engaging with the American financial system.

That potential shift is what appears to have rattled precious metals markets.

Why would this hit gold and silver?

Gold and silver are often viewed as hedges against uncertainty.

Investors typically buy precious metals when they are worried about geopolitical instability, currency debasement, or fractures in the global financial system. In recent years, one of the dominant narratives has been “de-dollarisation” – the idea that major economies, including Russia and members of the BRICS bloc, were gradually shifting away from the US dollar in trade and reserves.

That narrative has helped underpin demand for gold in particular, as central banks increased bullion purchases and investors sought alternatives to the US dollar.

If Russia were to pivot back to the US dollar system, it would signal a potential reversal of that trend.

In that scenario, fears of a fragmented global currency system may ease. A stronger US dollar outlook can also weigh on gold and silver prices, as both metals are priced in US dollars and tend to move inversely to it.

In short, if confidence in the US dollar rises, the immediate need for alternative stores of value can diminish. That dynamic helps explain the sharp and rapid selling in precious metals following the reports.

A market moving in real time

The speed of the move highlights how sensitive markets are to shifts in global power structures and currency alliances.

Gold falling more than 3% in minutes and silver plunging close to 10% in half an hour underscores just how crowded some of these thematic trades may have become.

For now, what we have are reports of discussions and a potential framework. No formal agreement has been announced.

But the reaction shows that sentiment weighs heavily towards any signs that the global financial architecture could be shifting again.

Whether this proposal advances or fades, the world will be watching closely. The implications stretch far beyond gold and silver prices and into energy markets, currency dynamics, and the broader balance of economic power.

The post Why did the silver and gold price just fall so sharply? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares had a terrible day at the office on Thursday and crashed deep into the red.

The health imaging technology company’s shares ended the day 24% lower at a multi-year low of $129.00.

What happened?

Investors were selling the company’s shares following the release of its half-year results.

Unfortunately, it was a case of strong but not strong enough for this one, with its record results falling short of expectations.

But while an earnings miss as software stocks are being sold off due to artificial intelligence (AI) disruption concerns is bad timing, the level of the selling has many analysts believing it was a severe overreaction from investors.

One of those is Morgans, which is urging investors to pick up Pro Medicus shares while they are down in the dumps.

Let’s see what the broker is saying about this ASX tech stock after digesting Thursday’s results.

What is the broker saying?

Morgans notes that Pro Medicus delivered a record result with revenue and underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rising by approximately 30% over the prior corresponding period.

However, this missed consensus expectations due to higher staff costs and a smaller contribution from the mammoth Trinity contract.

The broker thinks investors should overlook this, especially with its longer-term growth outlook being strengthened from significant contract wins.

Commenting on the result, the broker said:

PME delivered record revenue and underlying EBIT up ~30% YoY, yet the result fell short of expectations on operating leverage with a jump in staff costs driving an EBITDA miss as Trinity contributed less than anticipated. The longer-term outlook strengthened with more than A$280m of new contracts signed and five-year contracted revenue now around A$1.1bn, though the market remains wary of a heavy 2H execution load and cost base increase.

It is not ideal to deliver a miss in this market, but the reaction feels overcooked and the setup into 2H is far better than the share price implies. Our valuation is reduced to A$275 (from A$290) and we retain our Buy recommendation.

As you can see above, in response to the results, Morgans has reaffirmed its buy rating on Pro Medicus shares with a trimmed price target of $275.00 (from $290.00).

Based on its current share price of $129.00, this suggests that its shares could more than double in value between now and this time next year.

The post Why Pro Medicus shares could rebound over 100% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares crashed 26.65% over the course of the day on Thursday. When the ASX closed on Thursday afternoon the share price had dropped to $1.28 a piece. The crash means the shares are now 27.27% lower for the year.

The decline came straight off the back of the financial services company’s FY25 results announcement posted on the ASX ahead of market open on Thursday morning.

According to The Australian, Thursday was the biggest one-day fall in the AMP share price since 2003, when its value tanked 36%. 

The wealth manager reported a 20.8% lift in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $285 million. It also reported a 9% increase in total assets under management (AUM) and a 11.3% decline in statutory NPAT over the year. AMP said this decline was due to legacy legal settlements.

The result was far below market expectations across the board.

So if I bought $2,000 worth of AMP shares in early 2026, what is it worth now?

The decline means $2,000 invested in AMP shares when the ASX first opened for the year on the 2nd of January would be worth just $1,467 at the close of the market on Thursday.

$2,000 invested in AMP shares this time last year would be worth even less, totalling $1,454 at the time of writing.

It remains to be seen whether AMP’s shares can recover today, or whether the investor sell-off will continue through the end of the week.

It’s not the first headwind to hit AMP shares this year

The disappointing results follow a dent in confidence last month after news that a new CEO will take over the business spooked investors. 

The company announced that Blair Vernon will take the reins as the company’s new CEO and sitting CEO, while Alexis George will retire from her executive roles on the 30th of March. George has served as AMP’s CEO since August 2021, overseeing a period of significant transformation and growth for the company.

The move stirred up concerns about business uncertainty among investors even ahead of its FY25 results announcement. AMP has spent the past year or so reshaping its business after selling off its advice and insurance in August 2024. It looks like the latest financial results have done nothing to instil any confidence. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more downside from here.

The post $2,000 invested in AMP shares at the start of 2026 is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AMP share price nosedives 31% on earnings miss and disappointing guidance
• Why AMP, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster shares are crashing today
• AMP FY25 result: 21% profit lift and higher AUM
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

ASX 200 healthcare stock Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) made headlines yesterday after tumbling 24% following the release of its latest earnings result.

Investors were running for the exit despite some positive results.

For the six months ended 31 December, Pro Medicus reported:

• Revenue up 28.4% to $124.8 million
• Underlying profit before tax up 29.7% to a record $90.7 million
• Underlying EBIT margin expanding to 72.6%
• Interim dividend of 32 cents per share, fully franked. 

On the surface these look like solid results, but investors weren’t convinced. 

The ASX healthcare stock has now fallen 42% since the start of 2026. 

Brokers response

Following the brutal sell-off, Bell Potter updated its guidance on the ASX 200 healthcare stock. 

The broker said the outlook statements continue to support expectations of robust growth in the years ahead. 

Despite these positives, the stock has been “priced for perfection” and the 5% miss at the top line was sufficient to trigger a brutal share price reaction.

The earnings miss could not have been more poorly timed in an environment of hyper-sensitivity to the perceived threat to long term earnings posed by the evolution of advanced AI tools. 

In addition the company disclosed that it had been unsuccessful on more than one contract during the period, on the basis of price – not what the market needed on the back of an earnings miss.

Where to from here?

In yesterday’s report, Bell Potter reinforced it remains confident on ongoing outlook for revenue and earnings growth. 

However, it significantly reduced its share price target. 

The broker retained its buy recommendation on the basis the current price is an attractive entry point.

The broker now has a price target of $240.00 (previously $320.00) on this ASX 200 healthcare stock. 

This indicates an upside of 86% from yesterday’s closing price of $129.00.

Another ASX healthcare stock gets an update

Pro Medicus wasn’t the only healthcare stock that endured a tough day of trading yesterday. 

Oneview Healthcare PLC (ASX: ONE) shares dropped more than 7% on Thursday after releasing earnings results.

The company provides patient engagement and clinical workflow technology solutions to healthcare facilities. It serves hospitals and healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and pediatric hospitals.

Following yesterday’s results, Bell Potter improved its forecast operating losses (R. EBITDA) over the FY26-FY28 period by 20%/22%/48%. 

The broker retained its speculative buy recommendation and $0.50 price target. 

This indicates an upside of roughly 66%. 

Although the thematics appear to be improving, we remain cautious about the long-term trajectory and therefore moderated our long-term growth assumptions to leave our TP unchanged at $0.50/sh.

The post Broker weighs in on two ASX healthcare shares that crashed yesterday 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 recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.