Author: openjargon

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price rose 2.7% to a new record high of $54.75 during a red day for the market on Monday.

BHP has been publicly listed in Australia for more than 140 years, so today’s record is a bit of a deal for the ‘Big Australian’.

The previous price record for BHP shares was $54.55, set on 30 July 2021.

Back then, the iron ore price was about US$135 per tonne, and BHP was paying out its largest annual dividend ever at $4.85 per share.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a second day in the red.

The ASX 200 closed at 9,026 points, down 0.61%.

The ASX 200 is letting off steam after reaching a new record high of 9,118.3 points last Thursday, as earnings season continues.

Why did BHP shares reach a new record?

There is no official news from BHP today.

BHP shares have been riding high since the miner released its 1H FY26 results.

Shareholders were pleased with the 28% profit increase to US$5.64 billion and a 46% increase in the interim dividend.

BHP will pay a fully-franked dividend of 73 US cents per share on 26 March.

For the first time, copper made up more than half the miner’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).

BHP’s copper operations contributed record underlying EBITDA of US$8 billion, representing 51% of total EBITDA.

On the same day, BHP also announced a US$4.3 billion silver streaming agreement. 

BHP is the largest mining share on the market, and its rise contributed to the materials sector outperforming on Monday, up 1.53%.

Today’s BHP share price record was not enough to snatch back the ASX 200’s top spot from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

At the close of trading, CBA had a market capitalisation of just over $300 billion compared to almost $271 billion for BHP shares.

BHP shares briefly took back the title last month.

However, CBA shares surged after a surprise 6% lift in profit to $5.45 billion for 1H FY26, enabling the bank to return to the top spot.

Where to next for the BHP share price?

Some experts think the BHP share price still has room to run.

Bank of America, which is buy-rated on BHP shares, has the most ambitious 12-month price target at $60.

Morgan Stanley, which is also buy-rated, has a price target of $55.50.

RBC Capital, which gives BHP shares a hold rating, has a target of $55.

Some brokers expect BHP shares to decline from here.

The most pessimistic price target published since BHP’s half-year results is $45.80 from Deutsche Bank.

Barclays has a target of $47.71 for BHP shares.

Both banks have a hold rating on the ASX 200 mining share.

The BHP share price closed at $54.02, up 1.29%.

The post BHP share price cracks new all-time high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Brokers review 12-month price targets for 3 ASX 200 mining shares post-results

Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Barclays Plc. 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.

If you are looking for some exposure to the booming mining sector, then it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the stocks in this article, courtesy of The Bull.

Are these mining shares buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

This iron ore giant is a popular option in the mining sector. However, the team at Shaw and Partners only rates it as a hold at present.

Although the broker is comfortable maintaining its current exposure, it isn’t recommending investors buy Fortecue shares at current levels. It explains:

The miner continues to benefit from iron ore prices, which are holding up better than many expected. The company’s low cost position and large scale operations support strong profitability. But similar to my commentary on S32, the commodities and iron ore markets are cyclical.

Movements in iron ore prices are influenced by global demand and particularly China’s steel production. For that reason, I’m comfortable maintaining current exposure without leaning in further just yet.

Solstice Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLS)

Analysts at MPC Markets are positive on this copper and gold explorer. They were pleased with recent drilling results from the Nanadie project in Western Australia.

In light of this and the recent pullback in its share price, MPC Markets thinks an appealing entry point has opened up for investors and is recommending the mining stock as a buy. It said:

The miner recently delivered encouraging copper-gold drilling results at its Nanadie project in Western Australia, including an impressive assay of 62 metres at 1.55 per cent copper and 0.66 grams a tonne of gold. Management believes this is a large scale system, with meaningful high grade zones beyond the existing inferred mineral resource estimate of 162,000 tonnes of copper and 130,000 ounces of gold.

The share price doubled in response to the latest assay results, but has since retreated to more appealing entry levels on February 19, 2026. More assay results are due in coming weeks, which may be positive. Investors, with an appetite for risk, may want to consider buying SLS in anticipation of good results.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

MPC Markets is also recommending South32 shares as a buy this week. After a solid half-year result, it believes South32 is a good long-term buy, especially on any pullbacks. It said:

Mining operations include aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, manganese and silver. The company delivered a solid first half year result in fiscal year 2026, with earnings largely in line with expectations, a better-than-expected dividend and an expanded share buy-back, which is usually a good sign. Extending the Cannington mine life adds value amid upside potential at Sierra Gorda and Hermosa. S32 has a quality portfolio with improving margins. We believe the company is a solid long term buy, particularly on any temporary dips.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Solstice, and South32 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) shares are no strangers to volatility. They swing sharply as investors pile in and out of the fast-emerging defence sector.

Last week, the Australian shipbuilder was one of the big winners with a gain well over 25%. Austal shares have started this week completely different, as they have lost 10.6% at $5.64 during afternoon trade.

Let’s have a closer look at how brokers see this wild stock.

Heavy defence spending

Over the past 12 months, defence stocks like Austal have been in the spotlight as global conflict and geopolitical risk have led to heavy defence spending.

Austal is an Australian shipbuilder that designs, builds, and supports defence and commercial vessels for customers worldwide. Its portfolio spans naval ships and surface combatants, high-speed military support vessels, patrol boats, offshore platforms, and passenger and vehicle ferries.

Investor sentiment has largely been positive on this sector. At the time of writing, Austal shares are 40% higher than a year ago, but they have fallen 15% so far in 2026.

The 12-month range, with the stock trading between $3.50 and $8.82, shows how volatile Austal shares have been over that period.

Good news, bad news

The company has had some good news in recent months, and the share price soared. In mid-December, it reported that it had been awarded a contract extension to build another two Evolved Cape Class patrol boats for the Australian Border Force.

Two weeks ago, the share price plunged. The company issued a brief statement to the ASX saying that, in preparation for publishing its half-year accounts, it had identified some discrepancies. Austal revealed that it had previously overstated its potential earnings for the year. 

In a statement to the ASX on Friday morning, the board of Austal shares said its Australian defence division had been awarded a $4 billion contract to build eight landing craft heavy (LCH) vessels. Austal said the construction would take place at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia and would start in 2026 and carry on until 2038.

In reaction to the new contract, Austal shares surged over 5%, bringing the total plus for the week to 28%.

What next for Austal shares?

TradingView data show that most analysts are positive on Austal shares. Most of them see the ASX defence stock as a hold or strong buy with an average 12-month price target of $7.24. This points to a 28.5% upside at the time of writing.

Bell Potter is more cautious than most colleagues. In a recent report, the broker lowered its price target on Austal shares from $8 to $6.60. This target indicates roughly 17% upside from current levels. 

Bell Potter maintains its hold rating, saying:

When stripping out the MMF 3 earnings from future consensus forecasts, we observe that ASB trades in line with global peers on an EV/EBIT basis for FY26. Although ASB exhibits superior revenue growth, operational risks are relatively elevated as ASB transitions from legacy to new shipbuilding contracts in the USA. We retain Hold.

The post Are Austal shares a buy after weeks of heavy gains and losses? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• Are Austal shares a buy, hold or sell after soaring 20% on Monday?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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.

When I think about building a defensive ASX portfolio, I’m looking for businesses with essential products, resilient earnings, and balance sheets strong enough to ride out economic cycles.

If I had to start that portfolio today, three names that would be near the top of my list are in this article.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL has been a frustrating investment for many shareholders over the past couple of years. The biotech’s share price has de-rated significantly from its highs, and there have been operational headwinds across parts of the business.

Influenza vaccine weakness in the US, softer demand for albumin in China, and slower-than-expected margin recovery in CSL Behring have weighed on sentiment. The disappointment around its CSL112 trial outcome also removed what many had hoped would be a meaningful growth driver.

There’s no point pretending that period didn’t happen. It did.

But from my perspective, that’s precisely why the risk-reward now looks more favourable than it did when the stock was trading near its peak valuation.

CSL remains a global plasma leader with scale advantages that are difficult to replicate. Plasma collection networks, manufacturing expertise, and deep relationships with healthcare providers create a formidable moat. Demand for immunoglobulins and other plasma-derived therapies is structurally driven by chronic disease and an ageing population.

If the business simply stabilises and resumes steady margin improvement, I believe the current valuation better reflects the risks than it did before. For patient investors, this looks more like a reset than a broken story.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

If I want genuine defensiveness in an ASX portfolio, infrastructure is hard to ignore. That is where APA fits in.

APA owns and operates critical energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines and related assets. These are long-lived assets underpinned by contracted revenues. Demand for energy transmission does not disappear in a slowdown.

What I like about APA is the visibility of its cash flows. Many of its contracts are long term, and the regulated nature of parts of the business provides a degree of earnings stability.

On top of that, APA has historically offered an attractive dividend yield. For a defensive portfolio, a reliable income stream can help smooth total returns during volatile periods.

It’s not the fastest-growing business on the ASX, but that’s not the point here. In a defensive allocation, stability and cash generation matter more than rapid expansion.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is another classic defensive cornerstone.

People need groceries regardless of consumer confidence. Supermarket spending may shift between premium and private-label products, but it does not disappear.

While Woolworths has had operational challenges and competitive pressure to navigate, it remains one of Australia’s dominant supermarket operators. Scale, supply chain capability, and brand recognition provide advantages that are not easily eroded.

For me, Woolworths represents a steady compounder. It may not deliver explosive growth, but over time, consistent earnings, dividends, and reinvestment can add up.

Foolish takeaway

If I were building a defensive ASX portfolio today, I would start with businesses that provide essential services, generate resilient cash flows, and have proven staying power.

CSL offers global healthcare exposure at a more reasonable valuation after its de-rating. APA brings infrastructure-backed income and visibility. Woolworths adds everyday consumer stability.

Together, I believe they form a solid foundation for investors who want to play defence without giving up long-term potential.

The post If I had to build a defensive ASX share portfolio today, I’d start here appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Woolworths Group. 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.

With ASX earnings season in full swing, it’s a great time to scour the share market for passive income investments. Whenever an ASX dividend share reports its latest earnings, it also tends to reveal the next dividend pay cheque that investors can expect.

Last week, we heard from two ASX 200 blue-chip shares in this manner. In my view, both of these shares have dividends that suggest they could make for fantastic long-term passive income investments.

Two top ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income right now

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra has long been one of my top picks for passive income on the ASX. This telco offers an established business model and wide economic moats in the form of Telstra’s strong brand and superior national mobile network.

It also offers a highly defensive earnings base. In our modern world, I think there are plenty of goods and services customers would be willing to give up in tough economic times before their mobile phones and internet connections.

Telstra has long been known for its passive-income chops thanks to its habit of paying large dividends. Last week’s earnings report from Telstra did nothing to dent that reputation. The company announced that its interim dividend for 2026 would come in at 10.5 cents per share. Unusually for Telstra, it will only come 90.5% franked. But even so, passive income investors would have been pleased with this 10.5% dividend hike.

Telstra shares are currently (at the time of writing) trading on a dividend yield of 3.91%.

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)

Next up, we have private health insurer Medibank Private. I think Medibank Private is another defensive stock worth considering for anyone looking for passive income in the share market today.

Medibank is the largest and most dominant private health insurer in Australia, enjoying significant market share through both its Medibank Private and budget-friendly ahm brand. As there are several government policies that encourage Australians to buy private health insurance, I tend to think of Medibank as another stock with a defensive earnings base.

Medibank’s earnings from last week also contained good news for dividend investors. The company unveiled a 6.4% increase to its interim dividend, with investors to receive an 8.3 cents per share dividend as the company’s first 2026 passive income payment. This dividend will come with full franking credits attached to it.

Medibank shares are currently trading on a dividend yield of 4.13%.

The post 2 top ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) share price is in focus as it announces a monthly unfranked distribution of 1.17 cents per unit, payable on 9 March 2026.

What did Metrics Master Income Trust report?

• Declared a monthly distribution of $0.0117 per ordinary unit
• Unfranked distribution for the period ending 28 February 2026
• Ex-date set for 27 February 2026, with a record date of 2 March 2026
• Distribution payment date confirmed as 9 March 2026
• Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) is available with no discount

What else do investors need to know?

The Trust’s latest distribution maintains its regular monthly payment schedule, providing consistent income to unitholders. Investors can elect to reinvest their distribution through the DRP, but need to submit their election by 5:00pm on 3 March 2026 if they wish to participate.

The entire distribution is unfranked, indicating no franking credits will be attached. The DRP price will be calculated in line with the Trust’s constitution and no discount will apply for this period.

What’s next for Metrics Master Income Trust?

The Trust will continue its established approach of monthly distributions, aiming to provide investors with steady income. Investors considering DRP participation need to act before the stated deadline to be eligible for the March payment.

Ongoing updates to the distribution rate or Trust strategy will be communicated directly to unitholders and the market as required.

Metrics Master Income Trust share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Metrics Master Income Trust shares have declined 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Metrics Master Income Trust reveals March 2026 unfranked distribution appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained its buy rating and $9.90 price target on this gold miner’s shares. This follows the release of a solid half-year result last week. In addition, it highlights that the company has signed an agreement to acquire Magnetic Resources NL (ASX: MAU) for $639 million. The broker believes this deal puts the company on a path to growing production to 500,000 ounces per annum, which is almost double its current production. Overall, the broker is a big fan of the company and points out that it is a high-quality gold producer with expanding production underpinned by a large mineral resource portfolio in a rising gold price environment. The Genesis Minerals share price is trading at $7.20 on Monday.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this quick service restaurant operator’s shares with a trimmed price target of $27.30. This follows the release of a half-year result that fell short of consensus estimates due to another poor performance in the United States market. Macquarie believes the long-term outlook for the Australian business is positive but concedes that there is uncertainty for the US business. But it isn’t overly concerned, noting that management has the option for closing the business if the losses continue. As a result, it feels that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. The Guzman Y Gomez share price is fetching $19.25 at the time of writing.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Analysts at Morgans have retained their buy rating on this network-as-a-service provider’s shares with a trimmed price target of $15.50. According to the note, the broker was pleased with Megaport’s performance in the first half. It highlights that its EBITDA was ahead of both consensus and its own expectations. In addition, although management has reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2026, it thinks that this could be conservative given its lower than expected costs. The Megaport share price is trading at $8.06 on Monday afternoon.

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Megaport. 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.

McMillan Shakespeare Ltd (ASX: MMS) shares have dropped 5.25% in Monday afternoon trade. At the time of writing, the ASX 300 stock is trading at $16.62 per share. The drop follows the company’s half-year results for FY26, which it posted ahead of the market open early this morning.

Today’s decline means the employee benefits provider’s shares are now 3.15% lower for the year to date, but still 19.23% above where they traded this time last year.

Why the ASX 300 stock is falling on results day

Here’s what McMillian Shakespeare posted for the six months ending 31st December 2025:

• Statutory Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) up 9.7% to $49.6 million
• Underlying Net Profit After Tax and Amortisation (UNPATA) up 1.4% to $50.3 million
• Group revenue up 11.2% to $297.4 million
• Half year full-franked dividend of 62 cents

What happened in H1 FY26?

McMillan Shakespeare reported a statutory NPAT from continuing operations of $49.6 million. This was up 9.7% from the first half of FY25.

The company also reported a 1.4% increase in its UNPATA to $50.3 million, although this was 7% below market expectations.

Group revenue reached $297.4 million for the six-month period, up 11.2% on the prior corresponding period (pcp), driven by growth across all segments.

McMillan Shakespeare’s novated leases segment was up 7% on the pcp. The increase was supported by new customer growth, improved retention and increased penetration into the salary packaging client base.

Oly grew its client base by 233% on the pcp, accounting for 5.2% of all group novated lease sales during the period.

Meanwhile, the onboard Finance receivables segment grew strongly, up 31% to $539 million.

The board announced a half-year fully franked dividend of 62c declared. It said this reflects the mid-point of its stated dividend payout policy of 70-100% of UNPATA. The board added that McMillan Shakespeare will undertake an on-market buyback of shares up to a value of $10 million over the next 12 months. The interim dividend announcement was a miss versus market expectations.

McMillan Shakespeare’s CEO and managing director Rob De Luca said: “The Group delivered growth in financial performance in the half underpinned by an increase in revenue across all segments and an uplift in productivity to offset inflation.”

“MMS continues to pay dividends within our stated policy range of 70%-100% of UNPATA, balancing investments for future growth and returning capital to investors. This half we will pay an ordinary fully franked dividend of ~85% of UNPATA and undertake an on-market buyback of up to $10 million over the next 12 months, reflecting total announced capital returns of up to $53.2m, up 7.6% on 1HFY25 ($49.4m).”

What’s the outlook for the H2 of FY26?

The company said it expects its UNPATA to benefit from customer growth across all segments. It also expects increased Onboard Finance receivables, and efficiencies from prior year strategic investments in the second half of FY26.

It notes that the Federal Government’s review of the Electric Car Discount is underway. The NDIS annual pricing review outcomes are also expected in the next six months. 

The company said it will “continue to take a disciplined approach to investing in and executing on our strategic priorities – excelling in customer experience, driving simplicity and technology-enablement, and delivering valued solutions”. 

The post This ASX 300 stock has shed over 5% following half-year results 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended McMillan Shakespeare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Digico Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT) reported a strong set of first-half numbers last week, and also announced it was accelerating its key SYD1 expansion project.

The team at Macquarie have run the ruler over the results, and while they’ve reduced their target price for the company, they still have an outperform rating on the stock and are bullish on its prospects.

Positive operating result

More on that later. Firstly, to the results, Digico reported underlying revenue of $108 million, up 12% on the previous corresponding period, and underlying EBITDA of $57 million, up 15%.

The company will pay an interim dividend of 6 cents, in line with guidance, and its gearing is sitting at 35.8%, towards the lower end of its target range of 35-45%.

On the growth front, the data centre operator said existing capacity at its SYD1 site was now 100% contracted, “and broad-based demand has materially exceeded IPO expectations and validated the asset’s strategic value”.

An 88MW expansion project is now expected to deliver 15% yield on cost, the company said, and had been accelerated, “and will now be delivered in progressive stages over the next three years”.

Digico reaffirmed its full-year guidance for underlying EBITDA of $125 million, at the top end of its previous guidance of $120-$125 million, with full-year dividends of 12 cents per share.

Digico chief executive officer Michael Juniper said regarding the result:

Digico enters the second half of FY26 with strong momentum and a clear path to unlocking long term value. In the past six months, we have demonstrated the strength of our underlying platform, secured substantial new capacity, executed meaningful steps to simplify our operating model and materially accelerated our capacity expansion at SYD1. Every action we’re taking is about closing the gap between Digico’s net asset value and security price to ensure our market valuation reflects the underlying value of our assets and growing earnings base. We are focused on delivering sustainable, high quality growth for our investors.

Shares looking cheap

The Macquarie team reviewed last week’s results and noted that the yield from the SYD1 expansion had improved from 12% to 15%.

They did, however, reduce their price target on Digico shares from $3.89 to $3.54, which, combined with the dividend yield, would be a total shareholder return of 67.2%.

The Macquarie team added:

Digico has posted some good runs on the board recently with … approval for SYD1, contract wins, and senior hires. Momentum is building, but the key to unlocking value is SYD1 capital recycling to demonstrate the inherent value of the asset.

Digico shares were changing hands for $2.08 on Monday. The company was valued at $1.21 billion at the close of trade on Friday.

The post How high does Macquarie think Digico shares can go? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) and Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) shares have both underperformed the 8.8% gains delivered by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past year.

And Catapult Wealth’s Dylan Evans doesn’t foresee a turnaround for the two beleaguered stocks anytime soon (courtesy of The Bull).

In afternoon trade on Monday, Domino’s shares are up 1%, changing hands for $22.28 apiece. This leaves shares in the ASX 200 fast food pizza retailer down 31% over the past 12 months.

AMP shares are down 2.4% today, trading for $1.33 each. This puts shares in the diversified financial services company down 5.2% since this time last year.

AMP shares crashed 26.7% on 12 February following the release of the company’s full calendar year 2025 results. Investors were favouring their sell buttons, with the company reporting an 11.3% year-on-year fall in statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) to $133 million. AMP also forecast tighter margins in its platforms business.

Now, here’s why Evans has a sell recommendation on both AMP and Domino’s shares.

AMP shares flat over five years

“This diversified financial services company has been making progress with its turnaround strategy,” Evans noted. “Simplifying the business is revealing positive outcomes.”

But that’s not keeping him from recommending investors sell AMP shares.

According to Evans:

However, there’s a long road ahead for AMP given its disappointing performance over many years. Its platform business is exposed to the tailwind of a growing superannuation asset pool, but it lags competitors in a space with rapidly evolving technology.

Commenting on the long-run historic AMP share price performance, Evans concluded, “The shares were priced at $1.41 on March 1, 2021. The shares were trading at $1.37 on February 19, 2026. Better options exist elsewhere.”

Time to sell Domino’s shares?

Turning to Domino’s Pizza, Evans noted, “The fast food giant has been expanding into European and Asian markets with some success.”

But he doesn’t believe that expansion is a sufficient reason to hold onto Domino’s shares.

Evans concluded:

However, in our view, DMP faces too many headwinds. Domino’s is battling cost inflation on raw materials, cost of living pressures among consumers and a long-term trend towards healthier options.

Also, Domino’s faces significant competition from an ever-growing list of food choices and home delivery services.

ASX investors will get a clearer look under the hood (or bonnet, if you prefer) of Domino’s shares on Wednesday when the company reports its half-year earnings results (H1 FY 2026).

Stay tuned!

The post Why this expert is calling time on AMP and Domino’s shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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