Category: Stock Market

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are in focus today after the supermarket giant posted strong earnings results. 

Woolworths shares shot 13% higher on Wednesday following its half-year earnings. 

Including yesterday’s gain, Woolworths shares have now climbed 37% since its 52-week low reached last October. 

The company reported half-year sales of $37.14 billion, up 3.4% year-on-year. 

It also reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) increase of 16.4% year-on-year to $859 million.

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $1.66 billion was up 14.4% from H1 FY 2025.

Holders of Woolworths shares would be rejoicing after what was a tough 2025. 

However, prospective investors may now be wondering if they have missed the boat. 

Here is the updated view from Bell Potter following yesterday’s gain. 

Results at a glance

Bell Potter analysis indicates Woolworths delivered a solid 1H26 result, with underlying NPAT of $859m up 16% YoY and ahead of both Bell Potter’s $845m forecast and the $816m market consensus, representing the key earnings beat. 

EBITDA of $3,206m (+9% YoY) also exceeded expectations (BPe $3,127m; VA $3,173m). 

Meanwhile, revenue of $37,135m (+3% YoY) was marginally below Bell Potter and consensus estimates. 

Margin performance improved, with gross margin up 18bps and cost of doing business down 25bps, supported by cycling prior-period industrial action and supply chain costs. 

Operating cash flow strengthened to $1,528m, capex declined to $913m, and net debt rose modestly to $5,091m. 

Bell Potter said consumer confidence has strengthened in NZ following recent interest rate cuts and has weakened in Australia.

According to the report, consumer spending indicators continued to demonstrate mid-single digit YoY growth in OOH channels through 1H26. Food inflation averaged +3.2% YoY but was stronger in 2Q26 than in 1Q26.

NPAT changes are +5% in FY26e, +5% in FY27e and +3% in FY26e.

Buy recommendation unchanged for Woolworths shares

Included in the report was a price target upgrade for Woolworths shares. 

Bell Potter increased its 12 month price target to $38.25 (previously $30.70). 

It retained its buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $35.63, that indicates an upside of 7.35%. 

The clear highlight is the pick-up in top line growth in the Australian food business, which adjusting for supply chain disruptions in the pcp returned to +3.2% YoY in 2Q26 (from +2.1% in 1Q26) and the maintenance of GM despite investing in price. 

While the stock has closed the gap on its historical trading multiple, we see execution against medium term targets in the Australian and NZ Food businesses as likely to sustain a reasonable level of growth to FY28e.

The post How high could Woolworths shares rise in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Up 15%: Everything you need to know about the new Woolworths dividend
• Why Accent, DroneShield, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths shares are racing higher
• Why is the Woolworths share price rocketing 10% on Wednesday?

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

The ASX is full of shares that one could charitably describe as of ‘middling’ quality. There are far fewer Australian stocks that could be called high-quality companies. The thing about a high-quality Australian stock is that investors usually know them when they see them. That can mean those shares rarely trade at a bargain price. It’s for this reason that you’ll sometimes hear the phrase ‘millionaires are made in market crashes’.

Here’s one Australian stock that is first on my watchlist to buy on any dip. It is none other than Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL).

Washington H. Soul Pattinson, or Soul Patts for short, is a rather unique ASX share. Rather than producing products for consumption, it functions as an investment vehicle itself, owning and managing an underlying portfolio of investments on behalf of its shareholders.

This portfolio is both vast and diversified. It contains a range of investments, spanning from large stakes in individual ASX shares to property, venture capital, and private credit.

This inherent diversification, which not too many other Australian stocks offer, is one of the reasons that this company is one of my largest single ASX investments.

But it is not the only one. Diversification doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t come with real returns. Fortunately, Soul Patts has a long history of delivering some of the best returns that the ASX has seen in its long history.

An Australian stock and a bona fide market beater

Back in September of last year, this Australian stock informed the markets that its investors had enjoyed an average return of 13.7% per annum (that’s share price growth plus dividend returns) over the 25 years to 23 September 2025. That’s 5.1% higher per annum than what the broader market delivered over the same period.

Past performance is never a guarantee of future returns, of course. But I think this track record proves that Soul Patts’ investing philosophy is a sound one. Particularly when we consider that this Australian stock also possesses the ASX’s best dividend streak. Yep, Soul Patts has rewarded its shareholders with an annual dividend increase every single year since 1998. Between FY 1998 and FY 2025, the average rate of annual dividend increases came in at 10.5% per annum.

Putting all of this together, we have an Australian stock that I would love to buy, if not load the boat with, on any share price dip.

The post 1 Australian stock I’d buy on any dip appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

This week, three of Australia’s largest companies relative to their sectors posted important earnings results. 

• Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) posted half year results on Wednesday
• Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) posted half year results on Wednesday
• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) released full year results on Tuesday. 

The reaction to these results was mostly positive, with Fortescue and Woodside Energy shares rising more than 4% following their respective announcements.

Meanwhile, Ebos Group shares stayed flat. 

Here’s a quick recap of what each company posted, and how experts reacted. 

Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

Ebos Group saw its revenue increase by 13.0% to $6.77 billion (HY25: $5.99 billion). 

Additionally, underlying EBITDA increased 3.2% to $300 million, Net Profit After Tax (statutory) rose 13.0% to $125 million and the company announced an interim dividend of NZ 57.0 cents per share. 

Following the result, the team at Morgans released updated guidance on the healthcare stock. 

The broker said 1H26 result was broadly in line with expectations. 

EBO is coming to the end of the heavy investment phase upgrading its DC network and operational efficiencies will start to be seen across the business. Other 1H26 highlights include: strong LFL sales across the TWC network up 8.8% driven in part by greater GLP-1 uptake and shift to higher value medicines; stable market share (29%) in pharmacy wholesaling; and solid performance in animal care.

As a result the broker has lowered its price target to $28.07 (previously $34.82). 

However, it maintained a buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $20.01, this indicates a healthy upside of approximately 40.28%. 

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

Fortescue shares climbed yesterday after the company reported record H1 iron ore shipments alongside a 23% lift in underlying EBITDA.

It also reported revenue of US$8.4 billion, up 10%, and a fully franked interim dividend of $0.62 per share, 24% higher than prior interim. 

However while investors gobbled up Fortescue shares, Morgans appear to be less optimistic. 

The hematite business delivered a 5% EBITDA beat; the problem is what happens to the cash after that. A strong hematite result, but 43% of group capex is directed to activities generating zero current earnings, compressing FCF conversion to 48% and ROCE to 19%. NPAT miss reflects rising capital intensity, with a sharp rise in D&A. Dividend solid at A$0.62/share. Post recent pullback we upgrade to HOLD.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside Energy shares have also been storming higher this week. 

On Tuesday, the company reported record annual production of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent for 2025, with a final dividend of US59 cents per share.

Its share price is now up more than 19% year to date. 

Responding to the result, Morgans said it came in ahead of consensus on both NPAT and dividend. 

Yet another half where WDS outperforms on opex and net debt balance. We see a clear case for value upside remaining in WDS, from a recovering oil price, solid project delivery and FCF harvest as projects come on (CY27-29). We retain our BUY rating, with an upgraded A$30.50 (was A$29.80).

From yesterday’s closing price of $28.24, this revised price target indicates an upside of 8%. 

The post How do experts view Fortescue, Ebos Group and Woodside Energy shares after earnings? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
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• Everything you need to know about the latest Fortescue dividend
• Why is the Fortescue share price racing ahead of the benchmark on Wednesday?
• Fortescue delivers record shipments and a bigger dividend in H1 FY26 earnings

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

Australian investors tend to have a home bias. It is natural. We know our banks. We know our miners. We hear about them every day. But limiting a portfolio to local shares can mean missing out on growth happening elsewhere in the world.

The good news is that you do not need to open an overseas brokerage account to invest globally.

That’s because you can do it directly on the ASX with exchange traded funds (ETFs).

But which funds could be used to achieve this? Here are three that make global investing simple.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first way to gain international exposure is through Asia’s technology leaders.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF invests in stocks such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Tencent (SEHK: 700), and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

TSMC plays a central role in global semiconductor manufacturing. Tencent dominates digital platforms across China with WeChat. Baidu is heavily involved in search, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving.

Asia remains a hub of innovation and manufacturing, and this ETF provides targeted exposure to that region’s technology heavyweights without requiring investors to pick individual stocks. This ETF was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and having exposure to it is easier than ever.

The Betashares India Quality ETF focuses on high-quality Indian stocks screened for profitability and financial strength. Instead of tracking the entire Indian market, it tilts toward high-quality businesses that boast strong balance sheets and earnings metrics.

India’s demographic profile, expanding middle class, and ongoing economic reforms provide a backdrop for long-term growth. For Australian investors, the fund offers exposure to that growth story in a straightforward way. It was also recently recommended as a buy by analysts at Betashares.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If you prefer broad global diversification, the Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF is a simple solution to consider to do this.

This ASX ETF provides investors with exposure to thousands of stocks across developed markets, including the United States, Europe, and Japan. Holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nestlé (SWX: NESN), and Visa (NYSE: V).

Rather than focusing on one region or theme, this fund captures global corporate earnings growth across industries. As a result, it could serve as a core international holding within a portfolio.

The post The easy way for Aussies to invest globally on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Baidu, Microsoft, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Microsoft, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX 200 has historically delivered returns of around 9% per year over the long run.

That’s a solid outcome. But I’m not investing just to match the market. When I look at true growth businesses with structural tailwinds, strong competitive positions, and long runways, I think there’s a real chance to outperform that benchmark over a decade.

Right now, these three ASX growth shares stand out to me.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 has quietly become one of the most powerful growth stories in Australian financial services.

The company operates a wealth management platform used by financial advisers, and it continues to win market share from incumbents. What I like most is that this isn’t just cyclical growth. It’s structural.

The shift toward independent financial advice, more sophisticated portfolio solutions, and digital administration platforms plays directly into Hub24’s strengths. Net inflows have been consistently strong, funds under administration keep climbing, and margins are benefiting from scale.

In my view, the real opportunity lies in the operating leverage. Once the platform is built, incremental flows are highly profitable. If funds under administration continue compounding at double-digit rates, earnings growth could comfortably outpace the broader market.

For a 10-year holding period, I see a long runway ahead.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is another ASX growth share I believe could outperform the market over a 10-year timeframe.

Sleep apnoea remains underdiagnosed worldwide. Obesity trends, ageing populations, and increased awareness continue to expand the addressable market. ResMed’s devices and cloud-connected software ecosystem give it a recurring revenue profile that many traditional healthcare companies lack.

What I find compelling is the combination of steady device growth and high-margin software revenue. The company’s digital health platform creates stickiness with providers and patients, which reinforces its competitive moat.

There have been short-term concerns around weight loss drugs and their potential impact on sleep apnoea rates. But I think those fears have been overstated. Even if treatment patterns evolve, the underlying prevalence of sleep disorders and respiratory conditions remains significant.

Over a decade, I believe ResMed’s mix of innovation, global reach, and strong balance sheet positions it to compound earnings at an attractive rate.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat is often pigeonholed as a pokies manufacturer, but it’s much more than that.

The company has built a dominant position in land-based gaming machines, particularly in North America, where it commands strong market share. But what excites me is its growing digital and interactive segment.

Through acquisitions and internal development, Aristocrat has expanded into online real money gaming and social casino platforms. That diversifies revenue streams and provides exposure to faster-growing digital markets.

Importantly, Aristocrat has demonstrated disciplined capital allocation over time. It invests heavily in game development and intellectual property, which drives repeat usage and customer loyalty.

If the interactive segment continues scaling and the core gaming operations maintain their leadership position, I think earnings growth could outpace the broader ASX 200 over the next decade.

Foolish takeaway

Beating the market over 10 years usually requires more than just owning safe, steady businesses. It requires exposure to companies with structural growth drivers and competitive advantages.

For me, Hub24, ResMed, and Aristocrat Leisure each tick those boxes. None are risk-free, but over a decade, I believe they have a strong chance of delivering returns above the market average.

The post 3 ASX growth shares I’d back to beat the market over the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Which ASX tech share is the smarter buy: Hub24 or Netwealth?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Two ASX industrials stocks that have had a strong 12 months are SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) and Tasmea Ltd (ASX: TEA). 

These ASX industrials companies rose by 2.45% and 9.6% yesterday respectively following half-year results.

Here’s what both companies reported. 

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) 

The company develops and distributes technology products. It provides audiovisual products & solutions and electrical and communications cabling for commercial, retail, health, defence and education markets.

For the half year to 31 December 2025, it reported: 

• A 52.5% increase on pcp in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $8.81 million
• EBITDA of $14.02 million, up 42.9% on pcp
• An earnings per share increase of 49.6%
• A 3.5 cents per share fully franked interim dividend.

Investors reacted positively to this result, with the share price climbing 2.45%. 

It is now up 16.6% year to date and 120% over the last 12 months. 

Tasmea Ltd (ASX: TEA)

Tasmea is a skilled services company. 

It provides essential maintenance, engineering, and specialised project services and solutions across the following four service streams to the mining and resources; oil and gas; waste and water; power and renewable energy; and defence and infrastructure industries.

Yesterday, it reported its H1 FY26 Results.

This included: 

• Revenue A$400.5m, increase of 62.4% on A$246.7m in H1 FY25
• Underlying EBIT A$44.3m, increase of 35.8% on A$32.6m in H1 FY25
• Underlying NPAT A$26.5m, increase of 31.8% on A$20.1m in H1 FY25
• Interim fully franked dividend of 6.0 cents per share, up 20% on 5.0 cents in H1 FY25.

Investors gobbled up shares in this ASX industrials stock following this announcement. 

Its share price is now up 31.5% over the last year. 

What did Morgans have to say about these ASX Industrials stocks?

Following these results, Morgans provided updated guidance. 

For SKS Technologies, the broker said NPAT and PBT margins, net cash generation, and the interim dividend all beat expectations. 

We upgrade our FY26-28F EPS forecasts by +19%/+15%/+14% based on SKS’ recent FY26 revenue & improved margin guidance. Our blended DCF/P/E-based price target lifts to $5.10/sh (from $4.25). This sees SKS now trading with a TSR of ~15%, we therefore move to an ACCUMULATE rating.

From yesterday’s closing price of $4.60, this revised price target indicates a further upside of 10.87%. 

Meanwhile, for ASX industrials stock Tasmea, the team at Morgans said 1H26 was modestly below its expectations. 

Strong performances in Civil (EBIT +92% YoY) and Electrical (+29% YoY) were encouraging, though these gains were more than offset by softer earnings in the seemingly lumpy Mechanical segment (-24% YoY).

The broker lowered its price target to $5.25 (previously $5.40). 

From yesterday’s closing price, that indicates an upside of approximately 35%. 

The post How does Morgans view these soaring ASX industrials stocks following earnings results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and stormed higher. The benchmark index rose 1.15% to 9,128.3 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to rise again

The Australian share market looks set for a good session on Thursday following a strong night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 60 points or 0.65% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.65%, the S&P 500 is up 0.85% and the Nasdaq is up 1.3%.

NextDC results

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares will be on watch today after the data centre operator released its half-year results. The company reported a 13% increase in net revenue to $189.2 million and a 9% rise in underlying EBITDA to $115.3 million. Looking ahead, management has reaffirmed its FY 2026 guidance for revenue of $390 million to $400 million and underlying EBITDA of $230 million to $240 million. NextDC’s CEO, Craig Scroggie, said: “NEXTDC remains on track to deliver another record financial performance in FY26 on the back of exceptional sales and strong financial performance in 1H26. With total liquidity of A$4.2 billion, record forward order book and record sales pipeline, the Company remains in an outstanding position to take advantage of further customer growth opportunities.”

Oil prices mixed

ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) will be on watch on Thursday after oil prices traded mixed overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.2% to US$65.52 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.25% to US$70.94 a barrel. This mixed performance was driven by news of a large US inventory build, which was offset by concerns over supply.

Buy WiseTech shares

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the logistics software company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $83.75 (from $87.50). It said: “The key potential catalyst is the release of the FY26 result in August where, firstly, we expect the guidance to be met and, secondly, expect FY27 guidance to be provided. The latter has the potential to positively surprise given it will provide some visibility around the expected cost savings from the headcount reduction and likely show the company is well on track to return to an EBITDA margin of 50% or more in the next two to three years.”

Gold price rises again

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price stormed higher again overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1% to US$5,226.4 an ounce. This was driven by increased safe haven demand due to tariff and geopolitical risks.

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

More reading

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

ASX All Ords gold stock Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX: AUE) has smashed the returns delivered by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) over the past year.

Aurum shares closed up 2.1% on Wednesday, trading for 74 cents apiece.

That puts the Aurum Resources share price up a jaw dropping 172% since this time last year, racing ahead of the 10% 12-month returns posted by the benchmark index.

As you’d expect, the ASX All Ords gold stock has enjoyed strong tailwinds from the surging gold price. On Wednesday, the yellow metal was trading for US$5,189 per ounce. That sees the gold price up more than 78% in a year.

But Aurum has hardly been sitting idle, achieving a series of regulatory and exploratory successes Aurum at its flagship Boundiali Gold Project, located in Cote d’Ivoire. The project consists of seven neighbouring exploration tenements extending across some 75 kilometres.

Why the ASX All Ords gold stock could keep charging higher

If you think you’ve missed the boat on this one, the analysts at Canaccord Genuity would disagree, with the broker expecting the Aurum share price could more than double again from current levels.

In a research report released in 16 February, Canaccord advised investors to tune into any upcoming potential news flow from the ASX All Ords gold stock.

Canaccord noted:

With ~$40m cash at 31 December 2025, AUE is fully funded for an aggressive 130,000m drilling program across Boundiali and Napie project in 2026, in our view.

Potential catalysts this quarter include updated resources for both projects and completion of the Boundiali open-pit PFS, positioning the company for a potential DFS transition later in 2026 while continuing regional exploration and discovery drilling.

What’s happening with Aurum’s Boundiali Gold Project?

Just one week later, on Monday 23 February, the ASX All Ords gold stock reported a 49% increase (more than 450,000 ounces) in Indicated Resources at Boundiali to 1.37 million ounces of gold. This saw the total Boundiali Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) increase to 3.03 million ounces of gold.

Aurum Resources said the upgrade provides “a robust foundation for Boundiali’s upcoming PFS”. The gold miner noted that on a consolidated basis, its Group Resource now stands at 3.90 million ounces of gold. That includes the 870,000 ounces from the Napie Gold Project. The MRE update for Napie was said to be on track for delivery this quarter.

“This MRE update represents a significant milestone at our Boundiali Gold Project,” Aurum managing director Caigen Wang said.

Wang noted:

This follows an aggressive infill drilling campaign that successfully converted a large portion of our inventory into this higher confidence category, providing the robust foundation required for our upcoming economic studies.

Canaccord has a speculative buy rating on the ASX All Ords gold stock with a price target of $1.50 per share. That’s more than 100% above Wednesday’s closing price.

The post Up 172% in a year, why this surging ASX All Ords gold stock is forecast to more than double investors’ money again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Are Tabcorp shares a buy after soaring 24% following its half-year result?
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• How to invest like Warren Buffett using ASX ETFs
• How high could Woolworths shares rise 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 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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have been hotly covered this year. The shipping and logistics management software company has seen its share price fall significantly amidst the heavy tech sell-off. 

Its share price fell 37% to start 2026. 

Technology shares have been caught up in heavy scrutiny as investors have exited the sector due to AI fears.

However on Wednesday, WiseTech shares roared back to life with an 11% gain on the back of earnings results. 

So is this the start of a rebound or a false alarm?

Let’s unpack the results. 

Accelerated AI transformation 

For 1H26, the company reported total revenue growth in 1H26 of 76% to $672.0 million (1H25: $381.0 million). This was driven by the acquisition of e2open and continued growth in CargoWise. 

CargoWise revenue grew 12% on 1H25 to $372.4 million, including $6.6 million from FY25 M&A and a $3.7 million FX tailwind.

Organically, CargoWise revenue grew by 9% on 1H25 or $30.4 million.

It seems that WiseTech management were well-aware of investor fears coming into 2026. This was addressed in the company’s 1H26 report. 

The company said WiseTech is undergoing a deep AI transformation, as AI continues to be embedded across its software for customers and internal operations. 

2,000 WiseTech jobs to be cut

According to the release, this will accelerate productivity, automation and decision-making across the industry’s complex, regulated workflows.

WiseTech announced the next phase of their efficiency program, starting in the second half of FY26 and continuing into FY27, expecting to reduce teams – initially product & development and customer service across the company, including e2open, by up to 50% in terms of headcount. 

As part of WiseTech’s long-term strategic focus on higher-margin recurring revenue, and WiseTech’s commitment to building a higher-performance culture, this program will likely result in a reduction of approximately 2,000 roles in FY26 and into FY27.

What does this mean?

Essentially, AI disruption will potentially lead to 2,000 jobs being cut in the company. This equates to almost 30% of WiseTech staff losing their jobs. 

Speaking on the cuts, WiseTech Chief Executive Officer Zubin Appoo said: 

Software development has experienced its most significant shift in decades. I am prepared to say this clearly: the era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over. 

AI amplifies the productivity of our expertise in logistics and trade, the rich datasets that WiseTech holds, and the network advantage that we have built over 30 years. And it allows us to move faster from ideas to real customer value through the efficiencies it brings in software development and product creation.

What is Bell Potter’s view?

Following the release, the team at Bell Potter issued updated guidance on WiseTech shares. 

The broker downgraded its price target on WiseTech shares, but maintains a buy recommendation on valuation grounds. 

The broker now has a 12 month price target of $83.75 (previously $87.50). 

From it’s current share price, this indicates an upside of roughly 75%. 

Foolish takeaway

Heavy job cuts can often set off alarm bells for investors.

However in this case, it seems to be the latest example of the global shift towards AI automation.

After heavy sell-offs in the tech sector, this seems to be WiseTech’s move to address these concerns.

It isn’t the first company to do so.

Last month, Amazon cut 16,000 jobs in a similar move to streamline operations.

In regards to valuations moving forward, it seems Bell Potter is more focussed on the current share price opportunity more than management decisions, as the broker sees WiseTech shares as a value play.

The post Are WiseTech shares a buy, hold or sell after announcing 2,000 job cuts? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher 
• Why Accent, DroneShield, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths shares are racing higher
• WiseTech shares jump 7% on its half-year results
• WiseTech Global FY26 earnings: Robust revenue growth, AI strategy in focus

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

Most investors spend a lot of time looking for the next big winner. They scan headlines, chase upgrades, and wait for breakouts.

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The power of steady investing

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Why most investors struggle

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Foolish takeaway

There is nothing exciting about investing the same amount every month.

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The post How to build serious wealth with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The easiest way to get rich and retire a millionaire with ASX shares
• Why I would buy ResMed and these quality blue chips now
• 3 ASX ETFs for beginner investors to buy in March
• The sleep easy ETF portfolio to survive market crashes
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares in March

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group, ResMed, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, ResMed, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.