Author: openjargon

It is fair to say that CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares had a brutal 2025.

Over the course of the 12 months, the biotherapeutics giant’s shares crashed 39% to end the period at $172.65.

For a company long regarded as one of the ASX’s highest-quality blue chips, that kind of pullback naturally left investors asking what went wrong.

The short answer is that several headwinds hit at the same time, exposing just how sensitive even elite businesses can be when growth expectations start to unravel. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors behind CSL’s sharp sell-off.

Growth expectations reset lower

One of the biggest drivers of CSL’s share price decline was a downgrade to its growth outlook. After years of delivering strong and consistent earnings growth, the company was forced to rein in expectations for the years ahead.

Management cut revenue growth guidance for FY 2026 and trimmed profit growth forecasts, signalling that the next phase of CSL’s journey would be slower and more uneven than investors had grown accustomed to. For a stock that had long traded on a premium valuation, that reset hit sentiment hard.

Pressure in the CSL Behring division

CSL’s plasma business, CSL Behring, has historically been the engine room of the group. In 2025, however, it ran into problems on multiple fronts.

Demand for albumin in China weakened after government cost-containment measures reduced usage, directly impacting sales. At the same time, margin recovery in the plasma business has taken longer than the market expected and weighed on profitability.

This combination undermined confidence that CSL Behring could quickly return to the high-growth, high-margin profile investors had priced in.

Seqirus complications and vaccine uncertainty

CSL’s vaccines business, Seqirus, also played a role in the sell-off. Vaccination rates in the United States declined more sharply than anticipated, and management flagged expectations for further weakness.

That uncertainty led CSL to defer the proposed demerger of Seqirus, which had previously been viewed as a potential value-unlocking event. Instead of providing clarity, the vaccines division became another source of near-term earnings risk, further unsettling investors.

External factors added fuel to the fire

Beyond company-specific issues, CSL also faced broader challenges. Heightened volatility in global healthcare markets, changing US trade and tariff dynamics, and a more cautious outlook for global growth all weighed on sentiment.

Even though favourable currency movements provided some earnings support, they weren’t enough to offset the cumulative impact of slower growth, operational complexity, and increased uncertainty.

What’s next?

The good news is that many analysts believe that CSL shares are starting 2026 in bargain territory.

For example, Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating and $256.00 price target and Morgans has a buy rating and $249.51 price target. These prices targets imply potential upside of 45%+ over the next 12 months.

The post Why did CSL shares crash 39% in 2025? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• My best ASX 200 shares to buy in January
• What I look for in ASX shares when uncertainty is everywhere
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 fantastic ASX ETFs for beginners in 2026
• Best and worst performing ASX 200 sectors of 2025

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.

When building passive income from shares, I’m not chasing the highest dividend yields or the most aggressive payout forecasts. What I really want are reliable dividends, backed by businesses with long-term cash flows and a clear reason to remain relevant for decades.

That’s why two ASX heavyweights stand out to me right now: Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

They operate in very different sectors, but they share the qualities I look for when buying shares for long-term income.

Telstra shares

Telstra plays an important role in Australia’s digital economy. Mobile connectivity, internet access, and data services are no longer discretionary; they’re essential for households, businesses, and government.

What makes Telstra attractive from an income perspective is the predictability of demand. People might delay big purchases during tough times, but they don’t cancel their mobile plans or disconnect their internet. That creates a stable revenue base that supports dividends.

Telstra is also benefiting from a multi-year investment cycle in digital infrastructure. Data usage on its mobile network has more than tripled over the past five years, and there’s no realistic future where demand for connectivity slows. As networks become more sophisticated, Telstra is shifting from simply selling bandwidth to selling higher-value services, such as prioritised connectivity, security, and enterprise solutions.

For income investors, that matters. Stable demand, combined with disciplined investment, increases the likelihood that dividends will remain sustainable, even if growth is modest. Telstra may not be exciting, but for passive income, I think boring can be beautiful.

Woolworths shares

If Telstra benefits from digital necessity, Woolworths benefits from something even more basic: people need to eat.

Supermarkets are among the most defensive businesses in the economy. Regardless of economic conditions, consumers still buy groceries every week. That makes Woolworths’ revenue far less sensitive to economic cycles than most retailers.

Woolworths also operates on an enormous scale, serving around 24 million customers each week. Its supply chain strength, buying power, and brand trust enable it to navigate inflationary pressures and cost challenges more effectively than smaller competitors.

From an income perspective, this reliability is crucial. Woolworths isn’t immune to short-term issues, as the past year has shown, but its underlying business model has proven durable over decades. That durability supports consistent dividend payments over time, even when growth is subdued. I believe this will remain the case over the next few decades.

Why these two work well together for income

What I like about pairing Telstra and Woolworths for passive income is how different their drivers are, yet how similar their outcomes can be.

Telstra is tied to data, connectivity, and digital infrastructure. Woolworths is tied to food, staples, and everyday consumption. Both sit at the centre of essential spending categories. Both generate steady cash flows. And both have business models that are unlikely to be disrupted overnight.

Neither share is about chasing rapid dividend growth. Instead, they’re about dependability. The kind that allows investors to sleep at night while collecting income.

The post Why I think Telstra and Woolworths shares are buys for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I would invest $5,000 in these ASX 300 shares in January
• My best ASX 200 shares to buy in January
• What I look for in ASX shares when uncertainty is everywhere
• $20,000 in excess savings? Here’s how to try and turn that into a second income in 2026
• 5 fantastic ASX ETFs for beginners in 2026

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are pushing higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock closed on Friday trading for $23.66. In late morning trade on Monday, shares are swapping hands for $23.86, up 0.9%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.1% at this same time.

Today’s outperformance in Woodside shares comes as investors mull over the potential impact on global oil supplies following the United States’ shock intervention in Venezuela.

Woodside shares in focus as Venezuelan oil embargoed

As you’re likely aware, this weekend saw US special forces swoop into Venezuela to seize the nation’s president, Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple is now in detention inside the US.

While the move looks to have shocked most of the world, tensions between the two countries have been building for many months. US President Donald Trump has been engaged in a lengthy and building feud with Maduro, who is accused of corruption and supporting narco-terrorism.

As for Woodside shares, they’re in the green today despite the Brent crude oil price declining by 0.5% over the weekend to US$60.45 per barrel.

That may be because Venezuela’s recent oil production only represents around 1% of total global output. However, analysts note that proven oil reserves in the South American country may be among the world’s largest.

And Trump confirmed over the weekend that an oil embargo on Venezuela was being fully enforced.

Trump also indicated that the military action would open the door for US energy companies to return to the nation. Although Woodside shares are increasingly linked to US projects, analysts say Chevron Corp (NYSE: CVX) could be the biggest beneficiary here, with the US oil giant already active in Venezuela.

What else is impacting ASX energy shares on Monday?

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners (OPEC+) also looks to be offering some tailwinds for ASX energy stocks, including Woodside shares.

The cartel reported that it will again hold back on any further supply increases in the first quarter of 2026.

Atop new uncertainties unleashed by the US intervention in Venezuela, OPEC+ is eyeing a forecast supply surplus in the first months of the year.

Commenting on OPEC’s decision to delay supply increases, Jorge Leon, an analyst at consultant Rystad Energy, said (quoted by Bloomberg):

In an environment this fragile, OPEC+ is choosing caution, preserving flexibility rather than introducing new uncertainty into an already volatile market. The political transition in Venezuela adds another major layer of uncertainty.

The post Woodside shares outperforming today amid US intervention in oil rich Venezuela appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Light & Wonder, NAB, and Woodside shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Why Woodside shares could face short-term pressure as oil prices slide
• Which ASX shares paid the best dividends in 2025?
• ASX 200 energy sector leads the market ahead of OPEC+ meeting

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 positions in and has recommended Chevron. 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 originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Is Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) finally slowing down? The artificial intelligence (AI) giant ended 2025 on a high note, up 39%. However, it’s down about 7% from its highs at the end of October, when it became the first company to hit a $5 trillion market cap.

Can it get back there? And does it still offer value for investors from this level? Let’s see where it could be a year from now. 

New products, rising competition

Nvidia plays a central role in AI development. Its product line, including its various graphics processing units (GPU) and CUDA software, are relied upon by its many high-profile clients like Amazon and Microsoft.

AI is a fast-moving and rapidly changing industry, and Nvidia continues to roll out innovative technology and new products to provide the necessary power for its clients to process data. Data centers are one of its biggest growth drivers today, and it keeps bringing out new graphics processing units (GPU) with more processing power to handle greater data loads. It’s also rolling out many vertically integrated solutions that keep clients within its ecosystem. That protects it to some degree from the onslaught of new competition in the space. As a high-growth industry, there’s no shortage of companies trying to develop more sophisticated AI technology.

That brings us to where Nvidia could be in a year. Considering its dominance and innovation, I don’t envision it slowing down and losing ground just yet. So while new competition could eventually put a dent in its growth, it may take a while to make a big impact. At the same time, it looks like the market is already pricing in these worries into the stock’s cost. As long as the AI market continues to grow, Nvidia is likely to follow suit, albeit at a slower pace than in the past. 

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The post Where will Nvidia stock be in 1 year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

More reading

• 3 strong ASX ETFs that could be top buys in 2026
• 2 no-brainer AI stocks to buy hand over fist for 2026
• 5 fantastic ASX ETFs for beginners in 2026
• What are the 2 top artificial intelligence (AI) stocks to buy right now?
• 1 incredible reason to buy Nvidia stock before Feb. 25

Jennifer Saibil 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 Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Fenix Resources Ltd (ASX: FEX) has announced a strong cash build on the back of record quarterly iron ore production, sending its shares sharply higher on Monday.

The iron ore junior said in a statement to the ASX on Monday that it now had $79 million in cash at bank, representing a $21 million cash build over the December quarter.

This was built on the back of record production, as the company said:

Record quarterly iron ore shipments have resulted in a strong cash build demonstrating the company’s successful ramp up in production, consistent operational execution, and the strength of a fully integrated and scalable pit to port model.

The company also reconfirmed its FY26 guidance at total iron ore sales of 4.2 to 4.8 million tonnes, with that guidance last upgraded on December 11.

Delivering on the plan

Fenix said it had shipped 21 cargoes of iron ore, and the 1.24 million tonnes of ore shipped was a milestone for the company, being the first quarter of production at greater than one million tonnes.

At that rate, the company’s annualised production would be 4.9 million tonnes of iron ore.

Fenix said the strong results reflected optimised mining across its midwest iron ore operations, efficient haulage through the company’s wholly-owned Newhaul logistics subsidiary, and streamlined port operations at the Geraldton port.

While Fenix is targeting slightly less than 5 million tonnes of exports from its three mines this year, the company said in its ASX release that it has “an identified pathway to long term production of 10 million tonnes per annum”.

As the company said:

Fenix’s diversified midwest iron ore, road, rail, and asset base provides an excellent foundation for future growth. Assets include the Iron Ridge Iron Ore Mine, the Shine Iron Ore Mine, the Weld Range Iron Ore Project (including the Beebyn-W11 Iron Ore Mine), the Newhaul Road Logistics haulage business which owns and operates a state-of-the-art road haulage fleet, two rail sidings at Ruvidini and Perenjori, as well as the Newhaul Port Logistics business which owns and operates three on-wharf bulk storage sheds at Geraldton Port.

The company has a three-year production plan which envisages 15 million tonnes of production across the financial years out to FY28.

Fenix shares were 9.3% higher in early trade at 52.5 cents. The shares have more than doubled from lows of 25.5 cents over the past years and are not far off their highs of 55.5 cents.

The company was valued at $357.6 million at the close of trade on Friday.

The post This ASX iron ore producer, trading near record highs, just announced a record result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Fortescue shares may have peaked but this ASX iron ore stock could rise 50%
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why 4DMedical, Core Lithium, Fenix, and Goodman shares are storming higher today
• Why Austal, Fenix Resources, Metcash, and Polynovo shares are falling today
• Forget Fortescue shares, this ASX iron ore stock is better

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

If you have space in your portfolio for some new additions, then read on.

That’s because listed below are two ASX 200 stocks that could be strong buys according to analysts at Bell Potter.

Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

The first ASX 200 stock that could be a strong buy in 2026 is Catapult Sports.

It is a sports technology company that specialises in wearable tracking solutions and analytics for athlete tracking.

Bell Potter believes the company is well-positioned for a period of very strong growth. This is thanks to its leadership position in a market that is expected to double from 2025 to 2030. The broker said:

Catapult Sports is a leading global provider of elite athlete wearing tracking solutions and analytics for athlete tracking. The key target market of Catapult is elite sporting teams and organisations and the acquisition of SBG also now gives the company a presence in motorsports. The pro sports technology market is currently valued at US$36bn in 2025 and is forecast to double to US$72bn by 2030. We view CAT as a market leader entering a stronger phase of cash generation and operating leverage, with an underpenetrated global customer base and expanding analytics suite providing a long runway for subscription growth and valuation upside.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $6.50 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of over 50% for investors over the next 12 months.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Another ASX 200 stock that gets the seal of approval from Bell Potter is WiseTech Global. It is a leading provider of software solutions to the logistics industry.

After a difficult time in 2025 due to leadership controversies and product launch delays, the broker appears positive on the company’s outlook. Especially given its market leadership and ultra low churn rates. It said:

WiseTech is a leading global provider of software solutions to the logistics industry, with its market-leading CargoWise One platform used by many of the world’s largest logistics providers. The company’s quality is underpinned by a highly predictable business model, with around 95% of its revenue being recurring and a customer churn rate of less than 1%. This provides clear and consistent cash flow, enabling a distinct path to deleverage, with management confident in reducing ND/EBITDA from ~3x in FY26 to 1.7x in FY27.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $100.00 price target on WiseTech Global’s shares. This suggests that upside of 45% is possible from current levels.

The post Why these ASX 200 stocks could be strong buys in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 9 ASX All Ords shares upgraded to strong buy ratings for the new year
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Shocking declines: Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025

Shares in Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) have opened lower after the company said heavy rain and flooding in north-western Queensland would have a material effect on its earnings.

Queensland was battered by storms in late December, with record rainfall in the state’s north leading to flooding across wide areas of the state.

Several flood and major flood warnings remain in effect across the state, issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, with the Diamantina and Flinders rivers subject to major flood warnings.

Material impact on the way

Australian Agricultural Company, or AACo as the company refers to itself, said in a statement to the ASX on Monday morning that three of its 27 properties – Carrum, Dalgonally, and Canobie – had been affected by flooding.

The company went on to say:

AACo has a herd of approximately 456,000 head of cattle. The three AACo Gulf properties impacted by the flooding are carrying a total of approximately 55,000 head of cattle (significantly lower head count than 2019 flood event in the same region). Any comparisons between the 2019 event and the current event should be approached with caution, due to current cattle valuations, operating practices, property and livestock conditions, weather and rainfall variations and seasonality. At this early stage, as conditions are evolving and remain challenging, a credible assessment of the impact on livestock and infrastructure is currently unable to be undertaken – noting there is still the possibility of further wet season impacts.

The company went on to say that the impact of the flooding on its earnings for the March 2026 financial year was yet to be determined, but was “likely to be material”.

It said further:

Management is currently assessing and managing the situation and an update will be provided as appropriate, when further assessments of the impacted properties are available.

The company said that, in keeping with industry practice and because of the large cost involved, it was not insured for the impact of flooding on its herd and infrastructure.  

It said:

Whilst the impact of the situation is continuing to be determined, the company’s balance sheet and financial position remain strong.

Good conditions elsewhere

On the upside, the company said it was experiencing favourable rainfall in southwestern Queensland and the Northern Territory, where the majority of its cattle were located, and “the company remains able to fulfil supply obligations to its key markets in line with its strategy”.

AACo shares were 3.5% down in early trade on Monday at $1.40.

The company in November announced it had almost doubled its first-half operating profit to $39.8 million, compared to $20.2 million in the previous corresponding period.

The company was valued at $874 million at the close of trade on Friday.

The post Queensland floods to have a ‘material’ impact on this ASX agricultural stock’s earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX 200 stocks could be strong buys in 2026
• Guess which ASX All Ords share is leaping higher on BHP and Fortescue contract news
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Light & Wonder, NAB, and Woodside shares
• 3 strong ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.1% in morning trade today, with one ASX All Ords share leaping ahead of those gains.

The outperforming stock in question is Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL).

Shares in the construction and engineering services provider closed on Friday trading for $1.465. At the time of writing on Monday, shares are changing hands for $1.55 apiece, up 5.8%.

This follows an ASX release this morning detailing a number of new contracts and extensions Civmec has inked with companies, including industry heavyweights BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

Here’s what we know.

ASX All Ords share jumps on BHP and Fortescue contracts

Investors are bidding up Civmec shares after the company revealed a series of new contracts and extensions it has recently signed with Tier-1 clients worth a combined value of more than $400 million.

As mentioned above, those companies include BHP.

The ASX All Ords share said it has secured a “significant contract” with BHP for the Port Debottlenecking Project 2 (PDP2) at Nelson Point, Port Hedland.

BHP awarded Civmec the contract to deliver the concrete and earthworks for the installation of a sixth car dumper. The car dumper is also being manufactured by Civmec at its Henderson fabrication facility.

Separately, Fortescue inked a contract with Civmec for the construction of Light Mobile Equipment and Support Mobile Equipment charger facilities and pit power infrastructure at Fortescue’s Eliwana and Flying Fish mine sites.

The ASX All Ords shares stated that the deal encompasses the construction, installation, verification, and commissioning of multiple charger facilities, along with civil works and electrical integration for transportable pit power substations.

The substations are designed for modular deployment and will support the rollout of electric excavators and drills as part of Fortescue’s decarbonisation goals.

What did management say?

Commenting on the PDP2 civils package with BHP that’s helping boost the ASX All Ords share today, Civmec CEO Patrick Tallon said, “We are absolutely delighted to be entrusted with this significant package of work.”

Tallon added:

We are honoured to be trusted to deliver, particularly given the location and complexity of the scope, which plays to Civmec’s strengths.

BHP were among our earliest clients and sustaining this healthy relationship makes this award especially meaningful, a further demonstration of our capabilities, and our proven, proactive and collaborative delivery model.

Civmec expects the $400 million of new contracts and extensions to be delivered across the second half of FY 2026 and FY 2027. The company said this will build on an uplift in activity heading into the second half of the financial year.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords share is leaping higher on BHP and Fortescue contract news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much could the Fortescue share price rise in 2026?
• 3 of the best performing VanEck ASX ETFs in the last year
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 3 Australian shares with bullish catalysts heading into 2026
• $20,000 in excess savings? Here’s how to try and turn that into a second income in 2026

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

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) starts the year as the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 20.4%, which is down sharply week on week. Short sellers were big winners in 2025 after the uranium producer’s shares crashed in response to a very disappointing update on the Honeymoon Project.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest remain flat at 17.9%. Short sellers don’t appear to believe that this pizza chain operator’s performance will improve meaningfully in 2026.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.8%, which is up week on week again. This could be due to valuation concerns, with the burrito seller’s shares trading on sky-high multiples.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 13.1%, which is down week on week again. Potential operational challenges and uranium pricing doubts may be behind this.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 12.6% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. Short sellers have been targeting this language testing and student placement company’s shares due to concerns over student visa changes.
• PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 11.8%, which is up since last week. Short sellers have loaded up on this motorsport products company’s shares recently as it goes through a transitional period.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 11.5%, which is up since last week. This may also be due to valuation concerns for this medical device company’s shares.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 11%, which is flat week on week. This radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares were sold off last year in response to delays to FDA approvals and increased regulatory scrutiny.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has entered the top ten with short interest of 10.5%. The bulls and the bears have been battling it out with this counter drone technology company’s shares in recent months. It seems that the bears believe its shares are overvalued after rising 300% in 2025.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 10.4%, which is down week on week again. It seems that short sellers are closing positions after the travel agent reported a positive start to FY 2026 and a new cruise acquisition.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I would invest $5,000 in these ASX 300 shares in January
• EOS shares are near all-time highs. Here’s why I think $15 is next in 2026
• ASX 200 energy sector leads the market ahead of OPEC+ meeting
• Fastest rising ASX 200 share of each market sector in 2025
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, PWR Holdings, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are a lot of options out there for investors to choose from on the Australian share market.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three popular options that Morgans has recently given its verdict on. Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Morgans thinks that this gaming technology company’s shares are good value at current levels.

In response to a strong third quarter result, the broker retained its buy rating on its shares with a $175.00 price target. It commented:

Light & Wonder’s (NDAQ/ASX: LNW) strong 3Q25 result was met with a well-deserved positive reaction, alleviating market concerns around FY25 guidance delivery with a much more achievable 4Q25 implied outlook. Given the imminent NASDAQ delisting, the timing of this beat positions the company exceptionally well heading into FY26. LNW delivered record margin expansion across all three segments, with iGaming operating leverage the standout performer, while land-based margins surprised on favourable product mix as Grover scales and premium installed base momentum continues. Our FY25-26F estimates remain largely unchanged. We rate LNW a BUY recommendation, A$175 12-month target price.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The broker isn’t feeling as upbeat on banking giant NAB. In fact, it thinks its shares are overvalued after strong gains over the last couple of years left them trading on higher than normal multiples.

Morgans has put a sell rating and $31.46 price target on NAB’s shares. It commented:

2H25 earnings (-2% vs 1H25) missed market expectations of a flat result. While NAB has loan growth and revenue momentum heading into 1H26, it also has momentum in costs and showed signs of asset quality deterioration and tightness in regulatory capital. This is likely to see limited (if any) DPS growth and constrain capital management over coming years. We make +/-1% changes to FY26-28 forecast earnings, targeting mid-single digit earning growth over the forecast period. NAB is trading at historical extremes of key valuation metrics. The 2H25 result and earnings outlook doesn’t justify such pricing. SELL retained at current prices. Target price $31.46 (+23 cps).

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Finally, Woodside could be a top pick for investors looking for exposure to the energy sector according to Morgans.

It believes the energy giant is well-placed for solid growth through to 2032. As a result, it has put a buy rating and $30.50 price target on its shares. It said:

Execution remains best-in-class: Scarborough, Sangomar and Trion all tracking on time and budget. Louisiana progressing under de-risked funding structure. Growth to 2032 with net operating cash flow guided to ~US$9bn (+6% CAGR) with a pathway to ~50% higher dividends. Partner sell downs (Stonepeak, Williams) back-load capex and cut near-term funding by >US$5 billion. Market remains cautious on midstream Louisiana model, but it solves previous major gap in fundamentals as Pluto/NWS output declines in future years. We maintain our BUY rating and unchanged A$30.50 target price.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Light & Wonder, NAB, and Woodside shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CBA shares returned just 4.9% last year. Should investors look elsewhere?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Why Woodside shares could face short-term pressure as oil prices slide
• Which ASX shares paid the best dividends in 2025?
• ASX 200 energy sector leads the market ahead of OPEC+ meeting

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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.