Author: openjargon

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares closed 1.34% lower at 9,077.3 points yesterday, after matching Monday’s record high of 9,200.9 points during intraday trading.

The market took a breather yesterday to assess the impact of the US and Israel attack on Iran, with energy the only sector to rise.

Meanwhile, the following three ASX 200 shares hit new 52-week lows yesterday.

Are they a buying opportunity?

Let’s ask the experts.

3 ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

This ASX 200 healthcare share fell to a 52-week low of $2.70 on Tuesday.

The stock has come off by 7.5% after reaching heady levels last year due to the Chemist Warehouse merger.

Morgans thinks Sigma Healthcare shares are still worth buying, but cautiously.

The broker downgraded its rating from buy to accumulate after going through Sigma’s 1H FY26 report.

In a note, Morgans said:

SIG posted a solid 1H26, which was in line with consensus.

The highlights included solid CW LFL sales growth (up 15%), revenue growth higher than cost growth by 4.5%, and synergy targets on track.

We move to an ACCUMULATE (was Buy) due to YTD share price strength.

Morgans reduced its 12-month price target from $3.39 to $3.36.

Reliance Worldwide Corp Ltd (ASX: RWC)

The Reliance Worldwide share price fell to a 52-week low of $3.13 on Tuesday.

The ASX 200 industrial share has pulled back 35% over the past 12 months.

Morgans maintained a hold rating on the stock after reviewing the company’s 1H FY26 report.

The broker commented:

RWC’s 1H26 result was below expectations, impacted by ongoing subdued housing conditions in all regions and higher costs, particularly in relation to US tariffs.

Management anticipates trading conditions in 2H26 to remain broadly consistent with 1H26, albeit US tariff mitigation strategies and the roll-off of some costs should see an uplift in margins.

Longer term, RWC aims to reduce its exposure to copper price volatility by substituting copper with alternative materials such as plastic and stainless steel.

The company’s new operations in Poland and Mexico will also help lower costs and provide manufacturing flexibility.

Morgans said it prefers “to wait for clearer signs of an improvement in housing conditions before reconsidering our view”.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $4.50 to $3.65.

Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

This ASX 200 communications share fell to a 52-week low of 99 cents yesterday.

That’s a 40% fall over 12 months.

Following the media giant’s 1H FY26 report, Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating on Nine Entertainment shares with a $1.40 target.

UBS kept its hold rating on the stock and lowered its price target from $1.22 to $1.13.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: HMC Capital, Ramsay Health Care, and Sigma shares
• 2 great ASX 200 blue-chip shares I’d buy right now
• Is it too late to buy the shares of Chemist Warehouse owner Sigma?
• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Why Accent Group, DroneShield, IDP Education, and Sigma shares are jumping today

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

These two ASX mining stocks have started the year with a bang. Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) both raced higher, 34% and 29% respectively for the year to date.

Over 6 months, the upswings are even more impressive with Evolution Mining gaining 87% and South32 up almost 72% at the time of writing.

On Tuesday, both ASX mining stocks slipped about 4%, raising the obvious question: can the rally continue?

Evolution Mining: Copper and gold exposure

This $36 billion ASX mining stock is one of Australia’s biggest gold producers, with operations in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. It also earns meaningful copper revenue, giving it some exposure to metals beyond gold.

The company focuses on cost control, meeting production targets and turning ore into cash, which has helped it benefit from elevated gold prices.

In its half-year results to 31 December 2025, the ASX mining stock posted a strong profit performance. Statutory net profit jumped substantially compared with the prior corresponding period, backed by higher output and solid realised commodity prices.

Its strengths are hard to ignore. The company’s long-life assets and diversified metal exposure give it durability through cycles. Its project pipeline, including expansions at key underground and open pit operations, offers upside without over-reliance on a single mine.

Management’s focus on disciplined spending and debt reduction also appeals in uncertain times.

But risks remain. Metal prices swing, and gold and copper can retreat sharply, dragging earnings with them. Cost inflation and operational hiccups at any mine can erode margins.

Not many brokers are convinced the current valuation of the ASX mining stock still offers large upside. The average target price is $14.05, which implies a 16.7% downside at the time of writing.

South32: Broad mix helps smooth earnings

South32’s diversified metals base and cost discipline has helped it capture investor interest amid resurgent industrial metal prices. This ASX mining stock operates across alumina, aluminium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, lead and silver.

That broad mix helps smooth earnings when one commodity dips and another rallies. In its first-half FY2026 update, South32 reported steady production, solid margins and free cash flow generation. The company maintained its full-year guidance and continued to return capital through dividends and buybacks.

The diversified base remains one of South32’s biggest strengths. No single commodity dominates earnings, and exposure to base metals tied to electrification, infrastructure and energy transition themes gives the ASX mining stock strategic relevance.

Balance sheet discipline and shareholder returns also appeal to long-term investors.

Risks stem from volatility in underlying commodity prices and operating costs. Aluminum and alumina markets can be soft, and production cost inflation can erode margins.

Brokers are a little more positive on this ASX mining stock than Evolution Mining. The latest consensus from analysts pegs an average 12-month price target of $4.83. This points to a 6% upside from current levels.

The post Can these 2 ASX mining stocks keep soaring in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Evolution and Newmont shares tumble despite surging gold price
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Which ASX 200 mining shares raised their dividends this earnings season?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in South32. 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.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price just capped off a very strong month.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock closed out January trading for $25.37. When the closing bell sounded on 27 February, shares were changing hands for $28.31 apiece, up 11.6% for the month.

That’s well ahead of the 3.7% gains posted by the ASX 200 in February.

A rising oil price counts among the tailwinds helping boost the Woodside share price.

Brent crude oil was trading for US$66 per barrel at the beginning of February, with the oil price rising more than 9% to US$72 per barrel by the end of the month.

Investor also responded positively to Woodside’s full calendar year 2025 results.

Woodside share price lifts on results

The ASX 200 oil and gas giant reported its 2025 earnings results on 24 February.

The Woodside share price closed up 2.4% on the day, with the company exceeding its full year production guidance. 2025 saw Woodside produce 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). That marked a new record one-year high.

While the oil price has rebounded in 2026 (notably so this week, following the US and Israeli military actions in Iran), 2025 saw Woodside report a 5% year on year decline in its realised prices, sliding to US$60.2 per barrel of oil equivalent.

That led to a 1% decline in full year revenue to$12.98 billion, despite the record production levels.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $9.28 billion were in line with 2024, while on the bottom line the company’s underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) slipped 8% to $2.65 billion.

Passive income investors may have helped boost the Woodside share price on the day, with management declaring a fully franked final dividend of US 59 cents per share, up 11% from the final Woodside dividend in 2024 (in US dollar terms).

If you’re looking to bank that Woodside dividend, you’ll need to be fast! The ASX 200 energy stock trades ex-dividend on Thursday. Meaning you’ll need to own shares at market close tomorrow, 4 March to receive that payout. You should then receive those dividends on 27 March.

What now?

Looking to what could impact the Woodside share price in the months ahead, the company provided full year 2026 production guidance in the range of 172 MMboe to 186 MMboe. Management expects capital expenditure to be between US$4.0 billion and US$4.5 billion.

The post Here’s why the Woodside share price surged 12% in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 energy shares just given new 12-month price targets post-results
• What’s next for the Woodside share price?
• No savings at 30? Here’s how I’d aim for an extra $24,600 a year in retirement boosting passive income buying ASX shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Oil prices rocket to 4-year high as ASX energy giants surge

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares closed in the red again on Tuesday afternoon. Throughout the day the shares tumbled 1.81% to $9.24 a piece. 

The downturn means the airline stock has tumbled 13.24% over the past week and is now down 11.92% for the year-to-date. The stock is also 7.51% lower than this time last year.

What happened to Qantas shares?

Qantas shares tumbled 9.2% on Wednesday last week after the airline posted its first-half results for FY26. 

The company revealed a 6.3% increase in revenue, and a 5.1% hike in underlying profit before tax, which was around 2% ahead of market estimates. It also announced a net debt of $5.6 billion which was in line with its target range.

The flying kangaroo’s strong results meant the board was able to declare a fully franked interim base dividend of 19.8 cents per share, up 20%. The company also confirmed that it intends to undertake an on-market share buyback of up to $150 million.

But it looks like the results came in short of investor expectations and the share price suffered. 

The airline’s share price has tumbled even further this week as uncertainty around fuel prices heats up. Oil has surged as the US and Israeli war against Iran continues. Trading Economics data shows that WTI crude futures rose more than 2% toward $73 per barrel on Tuesday after rallying roughly 6% in the prior session

How long will the downturn last?

It’s not clear how long the share price will decline. Airlines are closely monitoring fuel prices, and, at the AFR Business Summit on Tuesday, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said that the airline has “pretty good” fuel hedging in place. 

“We’ve got pretty good hedging in place, but these are pretty significant impacts on aviation and we’re just continuing to watch how it all unfolds,” she said at the event.

Is there any upside ahead? Or has the share price already peaked?

Analysts are still very bullish on the outlook for Qantas shares. Once the current geopolitical uncertainty cools, the airline’s stock could well fly much higher.

TradingView data shows that 11 out of 15 analysts still have a buy or strong buy rating on Qantas shares. The average target price is $12.36 a piece, which implies a potential 33.8% upside at the time of writing. But some think it could climb even higher, by 45.36% to $13.43.

The post Qantas shares sink 13% in a week: What happened, and how long will it last? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brainchip, Fortescue, Qantas, and Westpac shares are dropping today
• 2 great ASX 200 blue-chip shares I’d buy right now
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• Should I buy Qantas shares after their 9% decline?
• Everything you need to know about the latest Qantas dividend

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.

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price finished February in the green.

Barely.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) iron ore giant closed on 30 January trading for $21. When the closing bell rang on 27 February, shares were swapping hands for $21.14 apiece.

This saw the Fortescue share price edge up 0.7% over the month just past, underperforming the 3.7% gain posted by the ASX 200 over this same time.

One of the headwinds impacting the miner was the declining iron ore price. Iron ore kicked off February trading for around US$109 per tonne, falling some 9% to just under US$100 per tonne by the end of the month.

Here’s what else investors were considering.

Fortescue share price gets a results boost

Fortescue reported its half-year results (H1 FY 2026) on 25 February.

The Fortescue share price closed up 4.7% on the day, with the Aussie miner reporting all-time high iron ore shipments of 100.2 million tonnes, up 3% year on year.

Adding fuel to those record shipments, Fortescue enjoyed a 7% increase in the realised price it received for its Hematite (iron ore), which came out to US$90.87 per dry metric tonne (dmt).

And costs came down over the six months to 31 December. The ASX 200 miner reported Hematite C1 unit costs of US$18.64 per wet metric tonne (wmt), down 3% from H1 FY 2025.

In other core financial metrics, Fortescue raked in revenue of US$8.4 billion over the half year, up 10% year on year. And underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) leapt 23% to US$4.5 billion.

The miner also revealed strong cash flow generation, with net cash flow from operating activities of US$3.2 billion. Free cash flow for the half year came out to US$1.5 billion, after the miner invested US$1.7 billion in capital expenditure.

On the bottom line, Fortescue’s net profit after tax (NPAT) surged by 23% from the prior corresponding period to US$1.9 billion.

The Fortescue dividend

The Fortescue share price also looks to have gotten a lift on the day the miner reported its results after management declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 62 Aussie cents per share. That’s up 24% from the 2024 interim payout.

Unfortunately, it’s a bit too late to grab the latest passive income payout from the ASX 200 miner.

Fortescue stock traded ex-dividend on Monday, 2 March.

At the time of writing, Fortescue shares trade on a 6.2% fully-franked trailing dividend yield.

The post Did you catch what happened with the Fortescue share price in February? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Fortescue shares
• No savings at 30? Here’s how I’d aim for an extra $24,600 a year in retirement boosting passive income buying ASX shares
• Why Brainchip, Fortescue, Qantas, and Westpac shares are dropping today
• Is the Fortescue share price a buy in March?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Two ASX small-cap shares that have drawn the attention of Morgans after earnings season are Ridley Corporation Ltd (ASX: RIC) and Peoplein Ltd (ASX: PPE). 

These companies reported half-year results in late February, contrubuting to a mostly positive outlook from the broker. 

Here’s what Morgans had to say. 

Ridley delivers strong results

Ridley provides and markets stock feed and animal feed supplements.

In late February, the consumer staples company saw its share price soar after investors reacted positively to earnings results. 

Investors gobbled up these ASX shares after the company reported a large increase in first-half net profit and revenue.

Its share price is now up 13.5% year to date. 

Morgans said the 1H26 result was stronger than expected and that the Integrated Poultry Feed (IPF) segment is off to a solid start. 

RIC’s outlook comments were stronger than expected for Bulk Stockfeeds and IPF but softer for the Packaged Feeds & Ingredients (PF&I). Pleasingly, IPF synergies have been upgraded to A$15m from A$7m previously. We have revised our forecasts. RIC’s new FY26-28 Growth Plan will be released at its Investor Strategy Day on 10-11 March. We view this event as the next catalyst for the stock.

Based on this guidance, Morgans said it remains positive on the group’s future prospects and maintains its accumulate rating. 

It also maintained its $3.20 price target.

From yesterday’s closing price of $2.94, this indicates 8.84% upside.

Peoplein has plenty of upside according to Morgans

Peoplein is a workforce solutions company operating in Australia and New Zealand. The company’s services include recruiting, contracting, onboarding, rostering, timesheet management, payroll, and workplace health and safety management.

It released H1 FY26 results on February 20. 

Earnings results in line with expectations at $16.1m, while ongoing operating EBITDA of $10.5m declined 9.2%. 

Morgans said the result reflected its streamlined business, following the sale of its Health and Community operations in late CY25. 

Key P&L metrics improved hoh, while still falling short of the prior year, suggesting any earnings recovery is still unproven. To this end, we continue to believe that PPE is producing cyclically low earnings, with the improvement hoh still too early to be called a trend.

Based on this guidance, Morgans retained its speculative buy recommendation on these ASX shares. 

It also maintained its $0.95 price target, which is around 45% upside from yesterday’s close price.

The broker commented:

Whilst tentative, we see some early signs of improvement and reiterate our Speculative Buy recommendation and $0.95/sh price target.

The post Are these ASX shares a buy, hold or sell after earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Which rural products company’s shares are up almost 20% on solid results?

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

Certain areas of the share market have been under significant pressure in recent months.

This has dragged a number of quality exchange traded funds (ETFs) deep into the red.

While this is disappointing, it may have created a buying opportunity for investors.

For example, the three ASX ETFs listed below have fallen by more than 25% from their highs and could be worth a closer look. Here’s what you want to know about them:

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF has been hit hard, falling around 38% from its highs.

This ASX ETF holds leading Australian technology names such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). These companies have faced heavy selling as investors reassessed valuations and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on software businesses.

However, these are not speculative startups. They are profitable, globally expanding companies with recurring revenue models and high switching costs.

Australia’s tech sector is still relatively young compared to the US. If even a handful of these businesses continue scaling internationally over the next decade, this fund’s current weakness may look like a compelling long-term entry opportunity.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF has fallen approximately 26% from its high amid broader tech volatility.

The ETF includes global cybersecurity leaders such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). While these stocks have been volatile, the underlying demand for cybersecurity has not disappeared.

In fact, cyber threats continue to rise in frequency and sophistication. Governments and corporations cannot afford to ignore digital security. In many cases, cybersecurity budgets are considered essential rather than discretionary. This bodes well for the companies in this fund over the next decade and beyond.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

The VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF is down about 30% from its highs.

This ASX ETF provides exposure to companies involved in video games, hardware, and esports. Its holdings include Nintendo, Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD), Take-Two (NASDAQ: TTWO), and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA).

Over the past decade, gaming has evolved into a global entertainment industry with recurring revenue models, digital downloads, and in-game purchases. As connectivity improves and new technologies such as cloud gaming develop, the industry’s addressable market continues to expand.

In light of this, while a 30% pullback may be painful in the short term, it has lowered the entry point for investors who believe in the long-term growth of interactive entertainment. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 3 ASX ETFs down 25% that could be big long-term winners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Take-Two Interactive Software, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, CrowdStrike, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a brutal day for the Australian markets and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this Tuesday. After hitting a new record high yesterday, investors were brought back down to earth today by a savage sell-off.

By the time trading wrapped up this session, the ASX 200 had fallen a horrid 1.34%, leaving the index at 9,077.3 points.

This rather calamitous drop for the ASX comes after a far calmer morning over on Wall Street to kick off the American trading week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a volatile session but closed 0.15% lower.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was luckier, managing to close 0.36% higher.

But let’s get back to the local markets now and take stock of how today’s nasty falls affected the various ASX sectors this session.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX 200 energy shares just given new 12-month price targets post-results
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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) share price fell 3.6% to an intraday low of $159.77 on Tuesday.

There was no price-sensitive news pertaining to this ASX 200 communications share today.

So, why the tumble from yesterday’s closing value of $165.80 apiece?

REA share price declines amid red day for market

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) took a breather on Tuesday as investors considered how the war in Iran might play out.

The ASX 200 fell 1.39%, and 149 stocks also finished in the red. That included REA shares at $161.58 apiece, down 2.55%.

But there was another factor at play — it’s also ex-dividend day for REA shares.

It’s typical for a company’s share price to fall on ex-dividend day because the stock is no longer trading with the next payment attached.

That means it’s inherently less valuable.

Earnings season came to a close on Friday, and REA is among 35 stocks going ex-dividend this week.

REA shares will pay an interim dividend of $1.24 per share, fully franked, for the 1H FY26 period.

That’s 13% higher than last year’s interim dividend.

Re-cap on 1H FY26 results

The owner of realestate.com.au reported core operations revenue of $916 million for the half, up 5% year over year (yoy).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) (excluding associates) came in at $569 million, up 6% yoy.

The net profit after tax (NPAT) from core operations was $341 million, up 9%.

REA also announced an on-market share buyback of up to $200 million worth of shares, which is now underway.

REA Group CEO Cameron McIntyre said:

REA Group’s first half performance was underpinned by strong double-digit yield growth in our core residential business. Our focus on richer, more immersive consumer experiences supported record audience and strong engagement. 

Investors were displeased with the earnings report, and the REA share price fell heavily on the day of the news.

Are REA shares a buy?

The REA share price has fallen 34% over the past 12 months.

After reviewing REA’s 1H FY26 report, UBS reiterated its buy rating with a 12-month share price target of $218.90.

Bell Potter retained a buy rating with a target of $211.

JP Morgan kept its buy rating as well, but reduced its price target from $225 to $215.

Morgans upgraded its rating to buy and shaved its price target down from $236 to $230.

Jeffries also upgraded REA to buy with a share price target of $203.

Ord Minnett maintained a hold rating on REA with a share price target of $215.

Macquarie also has a hold rating on REA shares. The broker lowered its price target from $210 to $200 after the 1H FY26 report.

Jarden reiterated its hold rating and slashed its target from $196 to $177.

The post Why did the REA share price fall today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $6,000
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• How to make $25,000 of passive income a year
• 3 Australian growth stocks to buy in 2026

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 positions in and has recommended JPMorgan Chase, Jefferies Financial Group, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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) energy shares are up 0.45% on Tuesday, and energy is the only one of the 11 market sectors in the green.

The benchmark ASX 200 is down 1.2% as the market digests what the war in Iran might mean for global energy supply and trade.

Oil and gas prices continue to rise today, with Brent Crude at US$79.50 per barrel, up 2.1%, and WTI Crude at US$72.50 per barrel, up 1.6%.

European gas prices have skyrocketed after the US and Israel attack on Iran triggered direct disruption of gas supplies on the continent.

QatarEnergy suspended production of liquefied natural gas at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed complexes after a drone struck a water tank.

The company feeds about 20% of global LNG supply.

UK natural gas futures jumped 41% to 115 pence per therm, and European futures surged 50% to 48 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh).

German gas rose to 45 euros per MWh, up 34%.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

The suspension of supply from Qatar threatens around 15% of LNG imports to the European Union, magnifying tight shipments from an already tight global LNG market, and increasing bidding competition from US sources.

Besides the targeted attacks at the LNG facility, LNG carrier operators halted flows of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, limiting supply from other key Middle Eastern gas producers.

Both British and European gas storage levels are below 30%, making them especially vulnerable to external supply shocks.

ASX 200 energy shares on Tuesday

ASX 200 oil & gas shares are somewhat mixed today.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is up 0.7% to $30.46.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are down 0.7% to $7.21.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares are among the market’s fastest risers today, up 2.1% to $29.67 apiece.

ASX 200 coal shares are also among the fastest movers due to higher thermal prices amid expectations of resilient global demand.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) shares are up 4.6% to $6.48.

Whitehaven Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares are 2.2% higher at $8.10.

The New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price is up 7.4% to $5.10 on news of an extended share buyback.

New ratings and price targets after earnings season

With earnings season ending on Friday, the brokers have been busy assessing company reports and re-rating shares accordingly.

Let’s see where they landed on three of the market’s largest ASX 200 energy shares.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Santos reported underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of US$898 million for FY25, down 30% on FY24.

The ASX 200 energy share will pay an unfranked final dividend of US 10.3 cents per share.

Bernstein reiterated its buy rating on Santos shares yesterday with an improved price target of $7.60.

Morgans retained a hold rating on the ASX 200 energy share, but increased its target from $6.80 to $7.50.

Jarden kept its sell rating with a slightly lower price target of $5.90.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) 

The oil and gas giant reported an NPAT of US$2,718 million, down 24%, for FY25.

Woodside shares will pay a fully-franked final dividend of 59 US cents per share.

RBC retained its buy rating on Woodside shares with a 12-month price target of $31.50.

Citi maintained a hold stance with a target of $28.

Ord Minnett kept a sell rating on Woodside shares with a price target of $24.

Check out more ratings and forecasts for Woodside shares here.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

Ampol reported a statutory NPAT of $82.4 million for FY25, down 33% year over year.

The ASX 200 energy share will pay a final dividend of 60 cents per share, fully franked. 

Of the five broker notes we’ve seen since Ampol reported, all of them retained buy ratings on the ASX 200 energy share.

Ord Minnett lowered its price target slightly to $35, and Macquarie also cut from $33.65 to $32.50 per share.

Morgan Stanley has a new price target of $31, down from $33.

The post 3 ASX 200 energy shares just given new 12-month price targets post-results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.