Category: Stock Market

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today 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 positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, Lovisa, Netwealth Group, ResMed, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc, Catapult Sports, Netwealth Group, ResMed, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Gqg Partners, Lovisa, Orora, and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The recent selloff across software-as-a-service (SaaS) stocks has been brutal. Artificial intelligence (AI) breakthroughs have sparked fears that entire layers of software could one day be automated away, and the market hasn’t waited around to find out. Valuations have compressed fast, sentiment has turned, and some very high-quality businesses have been sold as if their competitive advantages no longer matter.

I don’t see it that way.

While it’s sensible to acknowledge that AI will change how software is built and used, I think the market has gone too far in assuming it will simply replace entrenched platforms with deep customer relationships, complex workflows, and massive datasets. In a few cases, the selloff has created a risk-reward setup that looks genuinely attractive.

Two ASX software shares I would buy after the AI selloff are WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

Why WiseTech still has a powerful moat

WiseTech’s share price has been hit hard, with investors worrying that AI could commoditise logistics software or lower barriers to entry. That fear ignores how deeply embedded WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is in global supply chains.

CargoWise isn’t a simple point solution. It sits at the centre of freight forwarding operations, customs compliance, tariffs, documentation, and increasingly complex cross-border trade rules. Large logistics providers don’t just use it because it’s functional. They rely on it because ripping it out would be operationally risky and enormously disruptive.

AI, in my view, is more likely to enhance CargoWise than replace it. Automating data entry, improving routing decisions, and helping customers navigate regulatory complexity all play directly into WiseTech’s strengths. Add in the integration of e2open and the shift to a new commercial model, and I think the business is quietly setting itself up for a re-acceleration in earnings once execution risk fades.

The share price suggests the market is focused on what could go wrong. I’m more interested in what happens if WiseTech simply continues doing what it has done for years.

Why AI may strengthen Xero

Another ASX software share caught up in the broader AI panic is Xero, with concerns that generative AI could one day replace accounting software altogether. But when you dig into how small businesses actually operate, I think that thesis looks shaky.

Xero already sits at the heart of a small business’s financial life. It is the system of record that holds years of transaction data, payroll history, tax information, and compliance workflows. AI tools still need a trusted source of truth to operate from, and that is where Xero’s position becomes powerful.

In an investor briefing this week, management made it clear that Xero sees AI as a way to evolve from a system of record into a “system of action and decision making” for small businesses. The company highlighted that millions of subscribers are already benefiting from AI-enabled features, from automation through bank feeds to insights that help owners manage their businesses more effectively. Xero also pointed to its deep domain knowledge, unique data platform, and strong network of accountants and bookkeepers as structural advantages that are hard to replicate.

Rather than being disrupted by AI, Xero appears to be using it to expand its total addressable market and increase the value it delivers per customer. The integration of Melio in the US only reinforces that, bringing accounting and payments together on one platform and improving unit economics over time.

Why the risk-reward looks compelling here

There’s no denying that both WiseTech and Xero face real risks. AI is moving quickly, competition is intense, and execution always matters. But after the share price declined by more than 50% over the past 12 months, I think the market is already pricing in a lot of bad news.

What it may be underestimating is how durable these platforms are, how sticky their customers tend to be, and how well positioned they are to adapt AI to their advantage rather than fall victim to it.

For me, this is exactly the kind of environment where long-term investors should lean in, not step back. When fear drives prices well below what the underlying business quality suggests, the odds start to tilt in your favour.

Foolish takeaway

AI will absolutely reshape software. But not all software is created equal.

WiseTech Global and Xero aren’t generic tools that can be swapped out overnight. They are deeply embedded platforms with data, scale, and customer trust on their side. After the recent selloff, I think the market is being too pessimistic about their futures.

The post I would buy these ASX software shares after the AI selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

It is fair to say that ASX 200 blue chip shares can play an important role in a long-term portfolio.

These are typically well-established businesses with strong market positions, reliable earnings, and the ability to navigate different economic conditions.

While they may not always deliver the fastest growth, owning a few high-quality blue chips can help provide stability and confidence through market ups and downs.

But which ones could be buys with $5,000? Let’s look at three that analysts are recommending to clients:

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL could be an ASX 200 blue chip share to buy. This biotech company operates global plasma and vaccine businesses that are deeply embedded in healthcare systems around the world. Demand for its therapies is driven by medical need rather than economic cycles, which gives CSL a level of resilience that few ASX shares can match.

And while it has been going through a cold streak due to a number of headwinds hitting at once, management appears confident that improvements are coming. So, with its shares trading on below average multiples, now could be an opportune time to load up on this high-quality stock.

Morgan Stanley is bullish and recently put an overweight rating and $242.00 price target on its shares.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Investment bank Macquarie is another ASX 200 blue chip share that could be a good addition to a portfolio right now.

Rather than relying on one line of business, Macquarie operates across asset management, banking, commodities, and infrastructure. This diversification allows it to perform in a wide range of market environments.

Over time, this approach has helped Macquarie grow through cycles while still returning capital to shareholders, which reinforces its status as one of the ASX’s highest-quality financials.

Ord Minnett recently put a buy rating and $255.00 price target on its shares.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Lastly, Woolworths could be an ASX 200 blue chip share to buy.

Food retail is essential, but running a national supermarket network efficiently is anything but simple. Woolworths operates at enormous scale, giving it purchasing power, data advantages, and logistics capabilities that smaller competitors struggle to replicate.

Beyond day-to-day groceries, the company continues to invest in digital platforms, data analytics, and store formats that improve efficiency and customer experience. These incremental improvements do not grab headlines, but over time they strengthen margins and cash flow.

Combined, this leaves Woolworths well placed to grow at a steady rate over the next decade.

Ord Minnett is positive on the company’s outlook. It has a buy rating and $33.00 price target on its shares.

The post 3 fantastic ASX 200 blue chip shares to buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Fund managers are always on the hunt for ASX share opportunities, and the team at Wilson Asset Management has picked out two S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares that look like opportunities at the current valuation.

These picks are companies currently in the portfolio of the listed investment company (LIC) WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE), which aims to actively invest in the highest-quality ASX shares. These picks are usually larger businesses.

One of the ASX 300 shares is a large steel producer, while the other is a uranium business.

BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL)

WAM describes BlueScope as a global supplier and manufacturer of steel products for the building and construction industries.

In January, the business announced it had received a non-binding indicative takeover proposal of $30 per share from a consortium that included SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ: STLD). This helped the BlueScope share price rise around 25% during January 2026.

The BlueScope Steel board decided to reject the proposal, saying that it materially undervalued the company, particularly when taking into account the company’s $2.8 billion property portfolio.

After that, the board decided to declare a $1 per share unfranked special dividend. The new CEO, Tania Archibald, pointed out additional cost-reduction opportunities totalling an additional $150 million for the ASX 300 share.

The fund manager noted that BlueScope Steel has been a core holding in the WAM Leaders investment portfolio, and it continues to see “upside not yet reflected in the current share price, underpinned by strong US spreads and an improving outlook for the demand amongst the North American market.”

Nexgen Energy (Canada) CDI (ASX: NXG)

The fund manager describes Nexgen Energy as a Canadian uranium explorer and developer, with its key asset being the Rook I project in the southwestern Athabasca Basin.

Uranium prices rose 25% in January 2026, supported by an ongoing supply-and-demand imbalance and increased focus on data centres and the materials required to outfit and expand construction.

In January, the business announced a further expansion of the Patterson Corridor East uranium deposit, located 3.5km from the Rook I project, which may provide an extension of high-grade uranium ore and meaningfully extend the mine life at Rook I.

WAM said:

We remain positive towards NexGen Energy given the favourable near-term uranium market outlook and a pipeline of catalysts, including the receipt of final federal permits for Rook I, which would enable construction activities ahead of targeted commercial production in 2030.

All of that bodes well for the ASX 300 share, it seems.

The post Experts think these 2 ASX 300 shares are great buys in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Steel Dynamics. 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.

It has been a tough week for Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares.

Since this time last week, the ASX 200 healthcare stock is down 20%.

Is this a buying opportunity? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the pharmaceuticals company.

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 healthcare stock?

Bell Potter notes that Neuren was given some surprising and bad news out of Europe this week relating to its Daybue (trofinetide) drug. It said:

The EU’s drug advisory body, the CHMP, has adopted a “negative trend vote” on the marketing application for Daybue (trofinetide) in Europe. In other words, when the formal CHMP recommendation is passed down at the end of February, it will almost certainly be to not recommend Daybue for approval in Europe. The CHMP decision clouds what was the key near-term catalyst for NEU.

What’s next?

The broker acknowledges that this has created a lot of uncertainty, with a number of potential outcomes. It estimates that the probability of Acadia having the decision reversed in the first instance sits at around 25% to 50%. It explains:

Best case: NEU’s partner, Acadia, seek re-examination which leads to reversal of the CHMP’s initial decision and Daybue is approved in ~June-July 2026 with a label in Rett patients aged >2yrs. Middle case: Re-examination leads to reversal of CHMP decision and Daybue is approved but with restricted label limited only to patients aged >5 years (as opposed to > 2years), which was the age group included in the Phase 3 trial. Worst case: CHMP does not change its negative decision after a reexamination and Acadia would likely be required to provide further additional evidence to support approval, potentially including additional clinical data.

There are precedents for CHMP reversals: recent examples include Rezurock in GVHD (Jan 2026) and lecanemab and donanemab for Alzheimer’s (Nov 2024 and July 2025). Our best guess is the CHMP’s negative view in this instance was most likely related to scrutiny of the RSBQ co-primary endpoint used in the Phase 3 trial rather than safety concerns. While difficult to predict based on the very limited detail, we tentatively ascribe a ~25-50% chance of a CHMP reversal in the first instance.

Should you buy the dip?

Bell Potter has responded to the news by retaining its buy rating on the ASX 200 healthcare stock with a reduced price target of $22.00 (from $25.00).

Based on its current share price of $13.27, this implies potential upside of 66% for investors over the next 12 months.

It concludes:

NEU remains attractively valued based on the upside potential from its second drug candidate, NNZ-2591, hence we maintain our BUY. The Phase 3 trial for NNZ-2591 still has ~18 months until its readout, so investors will require patience to see through to this catalyst. Royalties from Daybue in the US alone will generate ~A$65m in CY26 income by our estimate, so NEU’s balance sheet remains very healthy regardless of the EU decision.

The post Why this beaten down ASX 200 healthcare stock could rebound 66% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have struggled to pick up pace so far in 2026. The ASX 200 Index is down 0.45% at the time of writing on Thursday afternoon. For the year to date, it is just 1.84% higher.

The good news is that some ASX 200 shares are tipped to scream higher over the next 12 months. Here are five of them, and they’re all forecast to gain 100% or more in 2026.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Mesoblast is an Australian clinical-stage biotech company that develops and commercialises allogeneic cellular medicines to treat complex diseases. It has a couple of products already in use, and other cell therapy candidates are in the late stages of clinical trials. The business has exceptional potential for strong growth this year, it’s well-funded, and it won’t be subject to the US 100% pharmaceutical tariff. Analysts think the shares could climb another 109.52% from the share price at the time of writing, to $5.04 a piece.

Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)

The US-founded company, best known for providing payment-acquiring and related services to businesses, posted some impressive profit results late last year. But the ASX 200 company has been caught in a perfect storm of rising interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and concerns around buy now, pay later models, which slashed investor sentiment towards the end of 2025. It looks like the sell-off has continued into 2026, but analysts are bullish that there will be a huge upside ahead. Block shares are tipped to climb as high as $245 each, which implies a 199.64% upside at the time of writing. 

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

I’m a big fan of this ASX 200 stock, and I think the business has a lot more to bring to the table amid the AI boom. NextDC operates a rapidly expanding network of data centres focused on cloud computing and telecommunications, and supports AI workloads. It has physical centres, cooling, power, security services, and project support. As data usage continues growing, demand for this type of secure, high-quality infrastructure is very likely to grow alongside it. The company is heavily investing in expanding its business, too, with new partnerships and contracts. Some analysts think the share price will climb to $29.36 a piece this year, which implies a 124.04% upside at the time of writing. 

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Western Australian gold producer announced a significant new high-grade discovery at its Plutonic Gold Belt. The ASX 200 gold miner also delivered impressive FY25 financial results last year. This represents a long period of operational consistency and organic growth. It looks like there will be plenty more upside ahead for its shares this year. Analysts tip a maximum target price of $18.90, which implies a potential 149.01% upside at the time of writing.

Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)

Nickel Industries owns a portfolio of mining and downstream nickel processing assets in Indonesia. It has a controlling interest in the Hengjaya nickel mine and four rotary kiln electric furnace projects. These produce nickel pig iron (NPI) for the stainless-steel industry and materials for EV batteries. The company has had a very strong start to 2026. It has posted news of a new acquisition and strong financial results, pushing its share price higher this year. The ASX 200 Nickel business is planning to expand further this year, too. Analysts are tipping the shares to climb another 131.26% to $2.10 a piece over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

The post 5 ASX 200 shares forecast to soar 100% (or more) in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block. 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.

Silver’s huge rally has come to a sudden stop.

After climbing to a record US$121.64 per ounce, silver has fallen sharply over the past two weeks and is now trading around US$76 per ounce. In the latest session alone, prices dropped more than 13%.

That leaves silver down roughly 6% over the past month, despite January’s powerful surge that had many investors talking up a new silver boom.

Australian investors have felt the pain too. The Global X Physical Silver Structured ETF (ASX: ETPMAG) has fallen about 11% to around $102, tracking the sharp pullback in the silver price.

So, what caused yet another sudden reversal?

Speculative positioning unwinds

Silver’s decline reflects a combination of positioning, changing macro expectations, and forced selling.

The earlier rally was heavily driven by speculative demand. Trading volumes rose sharply, particularly in China, where retail participation and leveraged positions increased as prices pushed to new all-time highs.

Once momentum eventually slowed, selling pressure built quickly. Margin calls and stop loss orders forced traders to reduce exposure, which added to the downward pressure and accelerated the move.

Interest rate expectations shift

Silver was also affected by changes in interest rate expectations in the United States.

Markets reacted to reports that President Donald Trump intends to nominate Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh is viewed as more focused on controlling inflation, which lifted expectations that monetary policy could remain tighter for longer.

The shift helped lift the US dollar, adding further pressure to commodities priced in US dollars, including silver.

Leverage intensifies volatility

As prices fell, leveraged positions were unwound across futures and derivatives markets.

Higher margin requirements at major exchanges, including the CME and the Shanghai Gold Exchange, forced some traders to exit positions. This added further selling pressure during already volatile trading conditions.

Why ETPMAG followed lower

The Global X Physical Silver Structured ETF provides direct exposure to the silver spot price through physical bullion holdings.

As silver prices fell, the ETF moved lower in line with the commodity. After benefiting from the late 2025 rally, ETPMAG has now given back a portion of those gains as volatility increased.

What happens next

Many analysts believe the recent fall is mainly due to traders reducing positions, rather than a change in silver’s underlying outlook.

Silver continues to benefit from industrial demand and supply constraints, but the earlier rally moved well ahead of what fundamentals alone would support.

In the near term, prices are likely to remain sensitive to interest rate expectations, currency moves, and shifts in risk appetite.

The post Silver’s record run hits turbulence as prices slide 13% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 long-suffering shareholders in Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) might be very happy to know that, as far as the team at Macquarie is concerned, the company’s shares are quite undervalued at the moment.

The shares in the company, which has divisions across human and animal healthcare, are trading at $22.30 at the moment, not far off their 12-month lows of $21.61, and well below their highs over the period of $38.23.

The company’s shares took a tumble around the time of their full-year results release last year.

Since then, they have drifted lower, despite some optimistic remarks from management at the annual general meeting in late October.

Reset underway

Chair Elizabeth Coutts pointed out at the time that the company “operate(s) in attractive markets with supportive megatrends across both our healthcare and animal care segments and EBOS’ diversified portfolio positions us well for long term growth”.

She added:

Having said that, we are operating in an environment influenced by near-term macro pressures which we do need to work through.

Ms Coutts said the company was “a leading pharmaceutical wholesaler in Australia, and the largest in New Zealand, and one of New Zealand and Australia’s largest healthcare-focussed contract logistics providers”.

We are New Zealand and Australia’s largest hospital medicines wholesaler, and one of the largest independent medical technology distributors across New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In Animal Care, we operate New Zealand and Australia’s largest dry dog food brand by volume in the pet specialty category, and leading vet wholesale businesses in both countries.

But Ms Coutts warned that after a solid result in FY25, “the current financial year is set to be a year of transition, as we manage the near-term macro pressures”.

She added:

We will focus on positioning our business for the future by making considered and disciplined investments and achieving operational efficiencies from our investments, enabling us to continue to meet market growth and gain market share. As we then look to FY27 and outer years, we will see the benefits of our distribution centre renewal program which will be substantially completed this year.

Shares looking cheap

Macquarie has issued a research note on the business ahead of its results on February 25, and the analyst team said they believed the company was well-placed to pleasantly surprise the market.

The Macquarie team said risks around catalysts were “skewed to the upside”, and benefits from investments in distribution centres would begin to flow in the current half year.

Macquarie has a price target of NZ$39.78 ($34.16) for the dual-listed company’s shares, and, when combined with a dividend yield of 5%, they expect a total shareholder return of 60.5%.

The post Ahead of its earnings results, Macquarie reckons this healthcare company is severely undervalued 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 positions in and has recommended 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.

Shares in Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH) have been absolutely smashed on Wednesday after the company unveiled a major strategic overhaul.

The Maas share price is down a brutal 23.57% to $4.28, wiping hundreds of millions off its market value as investors fled the stock.

That sell-off comes despite Maas announcing a transformational transaction that will fundamentally reshape the business.

Let’s dive right in!

What did Maas announce?

Maas revealed it has agreed to sell its Construction Materials division to Heidelberg Materials Australia for $1.703 billion.

The consideration includes $120 million in contingent payments, linked to the achievement of agreed post-completion, operational, and commercial milestones.

The assets being sold include Maas’ quarries, concrete, asphalt, and related construction materials operations. Certain freehold land will be retained by Maas and leased back to Heidelberg under long-term commercial arrangements.

The transaction is expected to complete in the second half of CY2026. However, it is still subject to regulatory approvals, including ACCC and FIRB, along with shareholder approval.

Why investors hit the sell button

On paper, the deal looks attractive. Management highlighted that the sale price represents a premium to Maas’ trading multiple and sits above comparable construction materials transactions.

However, the market appears to be focused on what Maas is giving up.

Construction Materials has been a large, stable earnings engine for the group, delivering reliable cash flows through multiple infrastructure cycles. Selling it significantly changes the earnings profile of the business.

Investors are also grappling with uncertainty around capital redeployment. While Maas has outlined its priorities, the exact timing, scale, and returns of future investments remain unknown.

How Maas plans to reset the business

Following the transaction, Maas plans to reposition the business for its next phase of growth.

Proceeds are expected to be used to reduce net debt, strengthen the balance sheet, and fund expansion across electrification, digital infrastructure, and industrial services.

As part of this shift, Maas announced a $100 million minority investment in Firmus, an AI and digital infrastructure platform developer.

Maas will hold an approximate 1.7% equity interest, providing exposure to AI infrastructure without taking on operational control.

Management says this approach reflects disciplined capital recycling rather than a wholesale bet on unproven assets.

Foolish Takeaway

Maas is reshaping the business by exiting a mature, cash-generative division and freeing up significant capital.

Today’s sell-off suggests investors are uneasy about the gap between selling the asset and seeing where the proceeds are ultimately deployed.

From here, the share price will depend on execution and how quickly management can deliver returns from the next phase.

The post This ASX stock just crashed 24% after a $1.7bn deal. Here’s what spooked investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) shares have re-emerged as one of the most talked-about ASX names in recent weeks. The price swings of Seek shares have pulled investors back into the debate.

On Thursday afternoon the ASX shares lifted 2.54% to $19.75. However, in 2026 Seek still has lost 15% of its value to $6.88 billion at the time of writing.

Seek shares are back in the spotlight because the company sits at the crossroads of a recovering jobs market and a long-term digital growth story. That mix of opportunity and risk is exactly what’s fuelling the sudden surge in attention.

Let’s take a closer look.

Stabilising ad volumes

The immediate catalyst has been evidence that job ad volumes are stabilising after a tough period. While hiring activity remains below peak levels, the pace of decline has eased. This has sparked optimism that Seek’s core Australian and New Zealand markets are finding a floor.

The stabilising job market has coincided with management reaffirming guidance and pointing to improving operating leverage as conditions normalise. For a stock that is closely tied to labour market sentiment, even modest signs of improvement can move the needle quickly.

Australian go-to jobs platform

One of Seek’s key strengths is its dominant market position. It remains the go-to platform for employers and jobseekers across Australia, with additional scale in Asia and emerging markets. That reach gives it pricing power and strong cash generation when volumes recover.

Seek has also been investing heavily in its unified platform and AI-driven job matching, aiming to lift yield per ad and improve outcomes for both recruiters and candidates.

Solid cash flow

Another positive for investors in Seek shares is the balance sheet and capital management. Seek continues to generate solid free cash flow and has shown a willingness to return value to shareholders through dividends, while still funding growth initiatives.

If hiring trends improve even modestly, margins could rebound faster than revenues thanks to the company’s cost base.

On the flip side, the risks remain real. Seek shares are still highly exposed to economic cycles, and any renewed weakness in employment would hit ad volumes quickly.

The stock also trades on relatively high valuation multiples compared to many industrial peers, leaving little room for disappointment if growth stalls. Competition from global platforms and alternative hiring models also means Seek must continue innovating to defend its moat.

What’s next for Seek shares?

Looking ahead, analyst sentiment is broadly constructive but cautious. Many see upside if job markets continue to stabilise and Seek executes on its technology and yield strategy.

Trading View data show that most brokers see Seek shares as a strong buy. The average 12-month price target is $29.31, a potential upside of 49%.

The post Why is everyone talking about Seek shares all of a sudden? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.