Shape Australia Corporation Ltd (ASX: SHA) might not be the most well-known stock, but its share price performance over the past year is worth noting.

The company has delivered a 12-month share price return of 114.9%, and according to Shaw and Partners’ analyst team, there’s more upside to be had.

So what does the company do?

As the Shaw team explains:

Shape is a national construction services specialist focused on commercial fit outs, refurbishments, modular construction, façade remediation, and select new build projects. Founded in 1989 and listed on the ASX in 2021, SHA operates across all Australian states and maintains strong client loyalty, with about 81% of revenue from repeat clients.

Shape’s most recent first-half results indicate a company that is travelling well.

The company reported first-half revenue of $553.3 million, up 16% on the previous corresponding period, and net profit of $14 million, up 49%.

Shape Chief Executive Officer Peter Marix-Evans said it was a strong result:

Our diversification strategy continues to deliver tangible results, particularly our expansion into non-office sectors. Additionally, during the half, project wins in the education sector increased 170% to $153.5 million, driven by a combination of fitout and refurbishment work in the tertiary category and modular projects in schools. We also saw momentum in emerging sectors, with the industrial and data centres sectors achieving a combined $137.4 million in project wins, compared with $7.0 million in 1HFY25, and further expansion into aged care with project wins of $57.5 million.

The company said it was well-placed going into the second half with backlog orders up 33% and a diversified pipeline of projects.

The Shaw team said the company had done a good job of diversifying its work streams.

Aided by acquisitions, Shape has diversified its sector exposure into more resilient sectors including healthcare, defence, education, hospitality, and retail, and has expanded into solutions that capture more of the project lifecycle such as design & build and aftercare/facilities maintenance. This strategic shift contributed to its impressive financial results.

Shaw said Shape had a market-leading position in high margin fit out and a strong pipeline and net cash position.

Shares looking cheap

The Shaw analysts recently upgraded their price target for Shape from $7.40 to $8.25 per share, compared with $6.49 currently.

Shape also pays a dividend yield of 3.07%.

Shape was valued at $541.9 million at the close of trade on Tuesday.

The post After more than doubling over the past year one broker sees more upside for this ASX small-cap stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX small cap could be in a sweet spot for construction demand

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 recommended Shape Australia. 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 are down 8.9% since the war in Iran began, with mining stocks the hardest hit.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) — dominated by Australian miners — has fallen 18.7% since 28 February.

Amid the market turmoil, here are three ASX mining shares to buy, hold, and sell, according to the experts.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star Resources share price closed at $17.57 yesterday, up 2.1% for the day and down 2% over 12 months.

The ASX 200 gold mining share has fallen 42% since the war began.

A downgrade in guidance from the miner and a 16% fall in the gold price have contributed to the stock’s dramatic fall this month.

Last week, Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating on Northern Star Resources shares.

However, the broker slashed its 12-month target from $29.70 to $23.70.

This still implies a potential upside of 35% ahead.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price closed at $48.52 yesterday, up 3% for the day and up 23% over the past 12 months.

The market’s largest ASX 200 mining share has fallen 17% since the war in Iran began.

As we reported yesterday, BHP is among the 5 most traded ASX 200 shares on the Stake platform this month.

It’s likely that investors have been cashing in their gains after BHP shares reached a new record of $59.39 on 3 March.

Last week, UBS reiterated its hold rating on BHP shares with a 12-month price target of $52.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

This ASX 200 lithium mining share finished yesterday’s session at $1.55, up 6.5%.

Liontown has held up much better than its materials sector peers since the war in Iran began.

The Liontown share price has fallen 9.3% since 28 February, but remains 138% higher over 12 months.

Lithium commodity prices have been resilient this month, falling just 3.6% over 30 days.

On The Bull this week, Tony Locantro from Alto Capital put a sell rating on Liontown shares.

Locantro explained:

The company’s first half year result in fiscal year 2026 highlighted strong operational progress, with production ramping up and revenue increasing significantly from growing concentrate shipments.

While the long term outlook for lithium demand remains encouraging, the current share price appears to reflect a large portion of the project’s future growth potential.

With earnings still developing and the company transitioning through a capital intensive ramp-up phase, the risk-reward balance at current levels favours taking profits following the sector’s recent re-rating.

The post Are these 3 ASX 200 mining shares a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The war in Iran has inspired an unexpected ASX 200 market trend
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• ASX gold shares down 31% since war began: What should you do?
• ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began

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

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price is in focus after the company announced the withdrawal of its bid for Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM) and received regulatory approval for a $150 million share buy-back.

What did Challenger report?

• Challenger’s joint non-binding proposal to acquire Pepper Money was discontinued after review by Pepper Money’s Independent Board Committee.
• The company has secured all regulatory approvals to commence an on-market buy-back of up to $150 million in ordinary shares.
• No changes reported to Challenger’s core business segments or operational strategy.
• Challenger remains Australia’s largest provider of annuities and operates both Funds Management and APRA-regulated Life divisions.

What else do investors need to know?

Challenger’s bid to acquire Pepper Money, in partnership with Pepper Group ANZ HoldCo Limited, will not go ahead. This follows the Independent Board Committee of Pepper Money finding the offer is not reasonably capable of execution.

In a separate development, Challenger has now obtained all necessary regulatory approvals to proceed with an on-market share buy-back of up to $150 million. This move may support shareholder returns and potentially bolster confidence in the Challenger share price.

What’s next for Challenger?

With the Pepper Money proposal off the table, Challenger is shifting its attention back to core operations and capital management. The announced $150 million buy-back signals the company’s commitment to prudent capital deployment and shareholder returns.

Investors will be watching for further updates on Challenger’s funds management and annuities business, as well as any new growth opportunities or capital allocation decisions.

Challenger share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Challenger shares have risen 33%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Challenger share price: Pepper Money bid dropped, $150m buy-back greenlit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Tuas half-year result: profit leaps as revenue and subscribers grow
• Region Group extends $100m securities buy-back – earnings update
• The war in Iran has inspired an unexpected ASX 200 market trend
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began

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 recommended Challenger. 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.

The Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) share price is in focus today after the telco reported half-year revenue up 26% to S$91.9 million and net profit after tax jumping 173% to S$8.2 million.

What did Tuas report?

• Revenue: S$91.9 million, up 26% from S$73.2 million a year earlier
• Statutory profit after tax: S$8.2 million, up 173% from S$3.0 million
• Underlying EBITDA: S$42.1 million, up 27%, excluding non-recurring acquisition costs
• Basic earnings per share: 1.53 cents, up from 0.65 cents
• No interim dividend declared
• Net tangible assets per share: S$1.30, up from S$0.70

What else do investors need to know?

Tuas continued to generate strong positive net cash flow, with cash and term deposits rising to S$478 million at 31 January 2026, boosted by a S$364.5 million equity raising to support Tuas’ proposed acquisition of M1.

Simba, its main Singapore subsidiary, grew monthly paid mobile active services to around 1.41 million, up from 1.25 million at 31 July 2025, while broadband subscribers exceeded 46,000. Simba’s fibre broadband business claimed “Singapore’s Fastest Internet Download” and “Most Reliable Internet Speed” awards from Ookla for the second half of 2025.

Tuas’ results included S$10.5 million in one-off costs related to M1 acquisition activity, and the acquisition remains subject to final regulatory approval.

What did Tuas management say?

Chairman David Teoh said:

This half saw strong growth in both our mobile and broadband businesses, alongside positive net profit and robust cash generation, while the M1 acquisition presents an exciting opportunity for our group.

What’s next for Tuas?

Looking ahead, Tuas is focused on closing the M1 acquisition, which it views as a transformative deal for Simba and the wider Singapore market. Equity funding is in place, but finalisation depends on regulatory approval, expected later in 2026.

Operationally, the company aims to keep expanding its mobile and broadband market share in Singapore, leveraging recent awards and continued 5G network investments.

Tuas share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Tuas shares have declined 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Tuas half-year result: profit leaps as revenue and subscribers grow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Challenger share price: Pepper Money bid dropped, $150m buy-back greenlit
• Region Group extends $100m securities buy-back – earnings update
• The war in Iran has inspired an unexpected ASX 200 market trend
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began

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.

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) provides broad exposure to the Australian share market, tracking the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO).

Since the escalation of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran on 28 February 2026, equity markets have experienced increased volatility. This has flowed through to index-based ETFs such as VAS.

At the time of writing, VAS units are trading at $104.59 as of the 24 March 2026 close.

What a $10,000 investment looks like

On 27 February 2026, just before the conflict began, VAS was trading at approximately $114.14.

A $10,000 investment at that price would have purchased around 87.6 units.

At the current price of $104.59, those units would now be worth roughly $9,160.

This represents a decline of about 8.4% over the period.

Keep in mind that this move reflects broader weakness across the Australian share market rather than any ETF specific factor.

Market-wide pressure driving the decline

VAS is a passive ETF, meaning its performance is tied directly to the underlying index.

Since late February, global markets have been impacted by the ongoing Middle East conflict, alongside higher energy prices and shifting expectations around interest rates.

These factors have weighed on equity valuations, particularly in rate-sensitive sectors such as financials and real estate, which make up a large portion of the Australian market.

Financials alone represent a significant share of the index, with major banks among the top holdings. This concentration has also amplified following the shift in investor sentiment.

Recent data shows VAS is down around 3.96% year to date, although it remains up approximately 5.59% over the past 12 months.

Short-term performance has been weaker, with the ETF falling about 2.75% over the past week and 6.57% over the past month.

Income remains a component of returns

While the capital value has declined in recent weeks, VAS continues to provide income through distributions.

The ETF currently offers a dividend yield of around 3.15%, with distributions paid quarterly and partially franked.

Importantly, this income component can somewhat help offset periods of price volatility.

Foolish Takeaway

Although a $10,000 investment made just before the late February escalation would currently be lower in value, this reflects recent market weakness. It points to short-term movements rather than longer-term performance.

The decline highlights how quickly broad market ETFs can move when macro conditions change.

However, VAS remains a diversified, low-cost way to gain exposure to the Australian equity market. Its returns are driven by overall market direction rather than individual company performance.

The post $10k invested in the ASX via this ETF before the war is currently worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is this a good time to invest in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index (VAS) ETF?
• 3 ASX ETFs to weather market turmoil
• Should I invest $2,000 in the VAS ETF?
• What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares
• How investing $50 a day into ASX shares could become $1 million faster than you think

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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) officially entered market correction territory in March and the big four bank shares have not been immune from the broad sell-off,

Australia’s benchmark index is now down 9% since the beginning of the month. 

In this period: 

• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have fallen 10%
• ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have dropped 7.3%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are down roughly 5%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have fallen 1.37%.

What’s impacting bank shares?

There are multiple factors putting pressure on big four bank shares. 

Firstly, energy costs are rising as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. 

This is reigniting global inflation pressures, complicating the outlook for central banks. 

Additionally, CommBank economists note that persistently higher oil prices could weigh on household sentiment at a time when inflation is already pushing higher and interest rates look like climbing. 

This is a headwind for mortgage borrowers and loan quality.

According to Commbank, the longer the conflict drags on, the more pressure banks will face through slower growth, stressed household budgets, and an uncertain interest rate environment. 

I covered last week two possible outcomes from the current conflict and how investors may decide to construct their portfolios. 

For now, the ASX big four remain in a difficult position – caught between a risk-off market and the broader economic damage an extended energy shock would inflict on their customers.

Is there any opportunity in ASX big four bank shares?

Based on current valuations from experts, it appears sentiment is largely cautious on ASX bank shares. 

CBA recently received a sell rating from Medallion Financial Group. 

The note out of the group said its shares are trading at a significant premium to peers despite having similar earnings growth outlook. 

For Westpac, analyst targets indicate it could continue to fall in the near term. 

14 analyst forecasts via TradingView have an average price target of $35.16 on Westpac shares. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $39.72, that indicates a downside of approximately 11%. 

ANZ appears to have the most optimistic outlook from recent analysis. 

Citi have recently retained their buy rating and $40.30 price target on ANZ shares. 

This indicates a potential upside of 10%. 

Finally, Samantha Menzies recently laid out the bull case for NAB shares after the recent 10% fall. 

Analysts views on NAB shares are mixed, with price targets ranging from $30 – $50 per share compared to a current price hovering around $42.75. 

Foolish takeaway 

With messaging changing day to day regarding the Iran/USA conflict, it is extremely difficult to predict the future of blue-chip shares like the ASX big four. 

A quick resolution could mean current valuations are an ideal entry point. 

However if the conflict continues long-term, the more pressure these stocks may come under through subdued growth and unclear interest rate decisions. 

The post How have the ASX big four bank shares held up in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• A top ASX dividend stock to buy on a pullback
• Up more than 17% since January, should you buy CBA shares today?
• 3 reasons to buy NAB shares today
• 3 massively popular ASX 200 shares experts say to sell (inc. CBA)
• Forget CBA shares, Bell Potter says this ASX financial stock could deliver a 75% return

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in National Australia Bank. 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 All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares finished 0.22% higher on Tuesday after the US delayed strikes on power plants in Iran.

Trading data shows 248 of the 500 All Ords companies rose yesterday, while 168 shares fell, and 48 held steady.

Among them were four ASX All Ords shares that hit new 52-week lows.

Are they a buy, hold, or sell?

Let’s defer to the experts.

Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The Wisetech share price touched a near 4-year low of $39 yesterday.

Wisetech shares have fallen 17.6% so far this month amid the broader market sell-off due to the war in Iran.

The Wisetech share price has also more than halved over 12 months amid an ongoing ASX tech sector rout.

On Monday, Citi reiterated its buy rating on this ASX All Ords tech share with a 12-month target of $65.35.

This implies a potential near-70% capital gain ahead.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) 

Guzman Y Gomez shares hit an all-time low of $16.30 yesterday.

The ASX All Ords consumer discretionary share has fallen almost 15% this month.

Guzman Y Gomez shares have also more than halved over 12 months, but Morgans is optimistic.

In a new note, the broker maintained its buy rating but slashed its target price from $32.30 to $24.

This still suggests an attractive potential upside of 47% over the next year.

Morgans said:

If it was just about Australia, GYG would be doing just fine right now. In its home market, it continues to outperform the broader QSR industry both in terms of comp sales and network expansion.

Australian earnings were up strongly in 1H26, much as we had expected. But it’s not just about Australia.

GYG came to market with a strategy for global expansion that was breathtakingly ambitious. The first big opportunity was the US.

Unfortunately, the pace of network expansion in the US so far has been pedestrian and the restaurants it has opened have lost more money than expected.

GYG has a bit to prove, but we can be certain it is going to give it all it’s got to ultimately realise its growth ambitions.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

This ASX All Ords wine share fell to a multi-year low of $3.54 yesterday.

The Treasury Wine share price has fallen by 64% over the past 12 months.

Traders think Treasury Wine shares have further to fall, with the stock among the most shorted ASX shares this week.

Last week, Ord Minnett upgraded the ASX All Ords wine share to a hold rating.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $5 to $4.50, implying a 27% upside from here.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

The Flight Centre share price tumbled to a six-year low of $11.03 on Tuesday.

Not surprisingly, the war in Iran is having a direct impact on ASX All Ords travel shares.

Investors are worried about fuel costs and supply, as well as flight cancellations, given the Middle East’s role as a major transit hub.

The Flight Centre share price is down 13.8% since 28 February, and down 23% over 12 months.

In a new note released last week, Citi retained a buy rating on Flight Centre shares with a $16.75 price target.

Citi reckons the sell-off has been overdone, presenting a buying opportunity.

The broker’s 12-month target suggests a mighty 52% potential upside for the ASX All Ords travel share.

The post 4 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Which ASX battered tech stock has the most upside according to brokers?
• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and loading up on cheap ASX shares
• Could this beaten-down ASX 200 stock double in the next 12 months?
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A number of popular blue-chip ASX 200 shares recently hit 52-week lows or worse.

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

For example, listed below are three top blue-chips that analysts think are top buys:

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The first blue-chip ASX 200 share that has fallen heavily is Cochlear.

The hearing implant leader recently reported a softer half-year result, with profit declining and margins coming under pressure. A key issue was a higher mix of lower-priced emerging market sales, which weighed on revenue growth despite solid unit growth.

In addition, the rollout of its new Nexa system has been slower than expected, delaying revenue growth and disrupting the earnings trajectory investors had been anticipating.

However, demand remains strong and the company has been gaining market share, with Nexa now making up the majority of units sold. This suggests the issue is more about timing than underlying demand.

In light of this, Cochlear’s global leadership and exposure to long-term hearing healthcare demand could make the recent pullback an interesting opportunity for Aussie investors.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Another blue-chip ASX 200 share that looks attractive after a heavy decline is CSL.

The biotech giant has faced pressure following a softer-than-expected result, with its key CSL Behring division weighing on performance. Margin recovery has been slower than hoped and earnings growth expectations have been revised lower.

Adding to the uncertainty is the recent CEO departure, which has raised questions around leadership and the company’s near-term direction.

That said, CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies with significant barriers to entry and strong long-term demand drivers.

For investors with a long-term horizon, the combination of quality and a lower share price could present a more balanced risk-reward opportunity.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

A final blue-chip ASX 200 share that has come under significant pressure is Treasury Wine Estates.

Last month, the wine giant reported a sharp decline in earnings, with margins compressing and revenue falling amid softer conditions in key markets such as the United States and China. A large non-cash impairment also led to a statutory loss, while the interim dividend was suspended to preserve capital.

These developments highlight that the business is currently going through a period of transition rather than simply experiencing a short-term slowdown.

Management is now focused on its TWE Ascent transformation program, which aims to reduce costs, simplify operations, and reposition the portfolio for sustainable growth.

While there are clear execution risks, the company’s portfolio of premium wine brands continues to perform in the market. If the transformation is successful, the current weakness could prove to be an incredible buying opportunity.

The post 3 top blue-chip ASX 200 shares that look dirt cheap right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The war in Iran has inspired an unexpected ASX 200 market trend
• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and loading up on cheap ASX shares
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for CSL shares
• Forget CSL shares, this ASX healthcare stock could double in value
• Why I’d buy these high-quality ASX 200 shares this week

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

While examining the recent performance of ASX sectors, it’s clear that energy has been a winner this year. 

Meanwhile, healthcare and technology have come under heavy pressure. 

However another sector perhaps undervalued and garnering less attention are ASX real estate shares. 

Four in particular that have dipped in 2026 include: 

• Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) is down nearly 37%
• Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC) is down 18% since mid February
• Dexus (ASX: DXS) is down 14% year to date
• Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) is down 10% year to date. 

Why have real estate shares dropped?

ASX real estate stocks have had a tough 2026, with the sector down significantly. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) is down roughly 17% year to date. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen roughly 4% in the same span. 

This has been driven by concerns about Australia’s interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and overall investor uncertainty. 

These factors have all weighed heavily on sentiment in 2026.

Can these shares bounce back?

Amongst the four companies listed earlier, there is reason for some optimism in the long term according to analysis from brokers. 

In a weekly REIT report from Bell Potter, the broker had a buy recommendation on Centuria Industrial REIT. 

Centuria Industrial REIT is a real estate investment trust that owns around four billion dollars of industrial properties. These include manufacturing facilities, distribution warehouses, and data centres.

It closed trading yesterday at $2.96. 

However Bell Potter has a price target of $3.60, indicating a 21% upside from current levels. 

There is optimism around this real estate stock on the back of significant rental growth potential and tailwinds from a growing population. 

Upside may be more tempered for Lifestyle Communities, which recently received a hold recommendation from Bell Potter.

Dexus and Lendlease to rebound?

Dexus is a major Australian property investor, developer, and manager. It has a large, high-grade office portfolio and a smaller industrial portfolio in Australasia.

It may attract investors looking for strong dividend history, as it has a reputation as a reliable passive income option. 

To go along with a 5% yield, analysts forecasts via TradingView also anticipate capital growth, with 9 analysts having an average one year price target of $7.28. 

That’s a healthy 22% higher than yesterday’s closing price. 

Finally, Lendlease is an international property development and construction business. 

After falling significantly to start the year, it could be a value play. 

The average price target amongst 6 analysts sits at $5.33. 

This is 63% higher than yesterday’s closing price of $3.26, which is likely to excite investors.

The post Is now the time to jump on these ASX real estate stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend shares to double up on right now
• 3 ASX shares now trading at crazy cheap prices!
• These ASX 300 stocks could be top buys offering 25%+ returns according to Bell Potter
• Should you buy these ASX gold stocks after last week’s crash?
• Top broker says ASX this consumer staples stock could rise nearly 40%

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.

Amidst broader market sell-offs over the last month, several individual ASX shares have bucked the trend and charged to 52-week highs. 

Three such shares that hit new yearly highs yesterday were: 

• New Hope Corp Ltd (ASX: NHC) hit fresh highs of $5.84 
• Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR) rose to $2.48 
• Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) has now reached $5.34. 

Investors on the outside looking in may be considering if there is any further upside. 

Here is what experts are saying about these ASX shares hitting fresh 52-week highs. 

Telstra Group

Telstra shares closed yesterday after a 0.75% gain. 

They have now risen almost 30% in the last year, including more than 9% year to date. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 4% year to date. 

There are two key reasons investors may be piling into Telstra shares. 

Firstly, Telstra shares are considered to be a defensive option as Australia’s largest and longest-running provider of telecommunications and information products and services.

In simple terms, consumers still need access to its services regardless of global conflict and economic instability. 

Another reason investors may be turning to Telstra shares is for its reliable income through dividends. 

As Tristan Harrison reported earlier this week, Telstra has been steadily increasing its dividend payout in the last few years, including the FY26 half-year result. 

In terms of further upside, these two factors could easily continue to push the share price higher if near-term risk off sentiment continues. 

13 analysts forecasts via TradingView indicate the current price is hovering close to fair value. 

Duratec

Duratec is an investment holding company. The company’s operating segment includes Defence; Mining and Industrial; Building and Facades, and Energy. 

This combination has helped it continue to benefit from defence spending, which contributes to most of its revenue. 

Thanks to this, its share price has risen an impressive 34% year to date, hitting fresh 52-week highs yesterday.

After such a strong run, it seems analysts see the All Ords stock as fully valued, with average forecasts hovering around $2.41. 

New Hope

New Hope is an Australian thermal coal miner.

Its share price has lifted 44% year to date. 

It has benefited from a rally in global coal prices, which recently hit a 16 month high.

While the previous two shares listed appear close to fair value, recent broker targets indicate New Hope shares may now be overvalued. 

Morgans has a hold rating on these ASX shares, along with a price target of $5.00. 

That target is 14% higher than yesterday’s closing price. 

The post Are these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs still worth buying? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the safest ASX 200 dividend stocks in Australia
• Can Telstra Group shares keep soaring after hitting a 10-year high?
• $7,500 invested in New Hope shares 5 weeks ago is now worth…
• Oil slides below US$100 as tensions shift, ASX energy stocks pull back
• 3 ASX dividend shares raising dividends like clockwork

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