Two of the best performing ASX 200 stocks over the last 12 months have been Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares. 

Nick Scali shares have climbed more than 41% in the last year. 

Northern Star Resources shares are up 52% in that same period. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up about 4.5% since February 2025. 

Both of these ASX companies will report HY26 earnings this week, and stock prices can swing significantly based on earnings results. 

Investors may be able to avoid losses, or scoop up gains by buying or selling ahead of these results. 

With that in mind, here is what experts are tipping. 

Northern Star Resources: reporting Thursday 12 February

Northern Star Resources is a global-scale Australian gold producer with projects in Australia and North America.

Like many gold shares, it has enjoyed a bull run over the last year thanks to record commodity prices. 

There has been a significant surge into safe-haven assets like gold over the last year on the back of geopolitical uncertainty and global conflict.

This has helped push Northern Star Resources shares more than 50% higher in the last year. 

It has outpaced the S&P/ASX 300 Metals and Mining Index (ASX: XMM), which is up 44.5% in that time. 

There is now a growing sentiment now is the time to cash in on gold producers like Northern Star Resources shares. 

Recently, the gold stock received a sell recommendation from one expert who said despite a positive long-term gold outlook, weaker-than-expected recent production, tempered near-term confidence. 

It’s possible the current share price already reflects much of the upside, suggesting the risk-reward now favours taking profits.

Similarly, Alto Capital believes that Northern Star Resources shares are a sell. 

However, it is worth noting that brokers such as UBS still anticipate the price of gold to continue rising in 2026. 

Should these gold shares dip on earnings results news, it could create a more ideal entry point. 

Nick Scali: reporting Friday 13 February 

Nick Scali shares have also enjoyed a stellar 12 months. 

They were some of the best retail shares to own in 2025, and have continued positive momentum in 2026. 

Despite such a strong rise, sentiment remains positive on this ASX 200 stock. 

One key aspect to watch in the upcoming report is the dividend announcement.

Despite hovering around all-time highs, Nick Scali shares could still have more growth ahead. 

Bell Potter recently placed a buy recommendation and $27.00 price target on this ASX 200 stock. 

That indicates a further upside of just over 11% from yesterday’s closing price of $24.25. 

The post Are Nick Scali and Northern Star Resources shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX mining shares to sell: experts
• UBS raises gold price target to US$6,200 per ounce for this quarter
• Experts name NAB and these ASX 200 shares as sells
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Gold price recovers as reasons for buying ‘remain in place, but are also compounding’

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 Nick Scali. 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 fallen heavily over the past 12 months.

The decline has been so severe that the logistics solutions technology company’s shares are now trading at their biggest discount in their history according to Bell Potter.

WIseTech shares trading on huge discount

Bell Potter highlights that WiseTech shares are currently trading on an estimated FY 2027 EV/EBITDA multiple of around 18 times.

It notes that this is the lowest multiple that they have traded on during their history on the ASX boards, which spans almost a decade. The broker explains:

WiseTech is currently trading on an FY27 EV/EBITDA multiple of c.18x which is the lowest forward multiple in its listed history of almost ten years. There are perhaps several reasons for the relatively low multiple including recent management and board upheaval, shift to a new pricing model, large acquisition risk, potential for a downgrade/soft downgrade to FY26 guidance and erosion of its competitive moat from agentic AI.

While Bell Potter acknowledges that there have been reasons to be bearish at times, it feels the extent of this decline is unjustified. It adds:

These are all valid concerns to varying degrees but at this stage they do not individually or collectively cause us to change our forecasts and we continue to forecast high teens revenue growth and strong margin expansion in both FY27 and FY28 largely driven by the integration of e2open (and the realisation of synergies), the launch of new products including CTO and the shift to the new pricing model. We therefore believe the recent sell-off in the share price and the reduction in the forward EV/EBITDA multiple is unjustified and represents a key buying opportunity.

Big return potential

According to the note, Bell Potter has reaffirmed its buy rating on WiseTech shares with a trimmed price target of $87.50 (from $100.00).

Based on its current share price of $50.59, this implies potential upside of 73% for investors over the next 12 months.

To put that into context, a $10,000 investment would turn into approximately $17,300 by this time next year if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation.

Commenting on its buy rating, the broker concludes:

We have rolled forward our PE ratio and EV/EBITDA valuations by a year – so FY27 is now the base – and apply multiples of 55x and 30x respectively. We have also increased the WACC we apply in the DCF from 8.4% to 8.6% through an increase in the beta relating to the risk around erosion of the competitive moat from agentic AI.

The net result is a 13% decrease in our PT to $87.50 which is >15% premium to the share price so we maintain our BUY recommendation. Potential catalysts include the upcoming H1 result where in our view reiteration of the FY26 guidance would be a positive given the risk of a soft downgrade and the larger-than-usual H2 skew.

The post Did you know WiseTech shares are trading at their biggest discount in their history? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How undervalued are Wisetech shares? Two brokers have their say
• What is happening to these ASX software shares?
• Why are ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC going gangbusters on Monday
• Why now could be the time to buy WiseTech shares
• Why I’m planning to act this week and buy ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in 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.

Sun Silver Ltd (ASX: SS1) shares have experienced phenomenal growth, rising 160% over the past 12 months.

East Coast Research thinks there is more room to run for this ASX silver share, despite volatility in the commodity price.

In a new note, East Coast Research has revealed a 12-month price target of $6.54 for Sun Silver shares.

This tip implies a staggering 235% potential upside from the stock’s closing value of $1.955 on Tuesday.

Before we find out why East Coast expects such strong growth, let’s check in on Sun Silvers’ recent performance.

How did Sun Silver shares survive the commodities rout?

Sun Silver shares reached an all-time high of $2.73 on 29 January.

That was the same day that the silver price reached a record of US$121 per ounce.

Then came the fall.

A major metals market sell-off last week saw the silver price nearly halve to a low of about US$67 per ounce, before rebounding.

Sun Silver shares followed suit, and remain nearly 30% off their historical high now.

The silver price is US$81.51 per ounce at the time of writing, down 2.2% and up almost 160% year over year.

Silver retains an impressive 2026-to-date growth rate of 15.5%.

What’s the latest news with Sun Silver?

Sun Silver is developing the Maverick Springs Silver-Gold Project in Nevada, US.

The project has a JORC Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 539 Moz silver equivalent (AgEq) at 71g/t AgEq.

This includes 347.2Moz of silver (Ag) at 45.5g/t Ag and 2.25Moz of gold (Au) at 0.30g/t Au.

Sun Silver says this makes Maverick Springs the largest pre-production primary silver project on the ASX and within the US.

Last month, Sun Silver tripled its landholding by staking 427 additional lode claims to the north and south of the existing project.

Sun Silver also announced that further drilling had uncovered more thick silver-gold and antimony mineralisation at Maverick Springs.

In its December quarterly update, Sun Silver said it expects “further significant growth” for the silver/gold mineral resource estimate on the back of recent drilling results, as well as the potential for a maiden antimony mineral resource estimate.

Why will this ASX silver share rocket 235%?

In its note, East Coast Research praised Sun Silver for adding 59 Moz to its mineral resource estimate in the December quarter.

SS1’s impressive recent 3rd Mineral Resource upgrade in under 2 years since listing places its Maverick Springs Project as a standout, strategically significant U.S. primary silver asset at a time when silver is becoming an important element of the North American / western-based secure supply chain thematic.

East Coast said the scale of Maverick’s growth potential was unusual for an already large silver mining project.

Maverick Springs continues to reaffirm our original thesis that, apart from just peer set leading primary silver asset scale, the asset is still open for notable further exploration upgrade.

SS1’s last 2 Mineral Resource upgrades have increased both scale and silver equivalent grades, which is an uncommon facet of large projects.

Sun Silver began trading on the US OTCQX market under the code (OTCQX: SSLVF) during the December quarter.

East Coast says this is “setting the stage for an eventual material rerate that rewards SS1 stockholders from the U.S. markets’ silver premium”.

East Coast said it viewed the recent pullback in the silver price as “an opportune time to increase exposure to silver, given that the medium- to long-term structural thesis supporting silver remains intact”.

The silver price is supported by continuing safe-haven demand and rising industrial use in the green energy transition.

Given all these tailwinds, East Coast said its most conservative estimate for the Sun Silver share price is $5.96 within 12 months.

Its bull case is $7.11, a whopping 264% higher than where the ASX silver share closed yesterday.

The post Sun Silver shares to soar 235% in 12 months, tips expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 333% since April, why is this ASX silver share tumbling on Friday?
• ASX All Ords shares smashing 52-week highs today
• 2 ASX mining shares up 200% in a year and tipped to keep rising
• ASX silver shares streak higher as silver price nears US$100

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 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.

A new report from Global X has identified some key global investment themes that ASX investors should be aware of. 

Billy Leung, Senior Investment Strategist, reinforced that while gold and silver have dominated recent headlines, there is still plenty of opportunity in other corners of the market.

Here are three other themes investors should be aware of. 

AI infrastructure 

According to Global X, the narrative around AI is currently evolving. 

Reports are emerging that OpenAI is testing alternatives to Nvidia. 

According to Reuters, OpenAI has been unsatisfied with some of Nvidia’s latest artificial intelligence chips, and it has sought alternatives since last year. 

While this has raised concerns around potential market share loss for Nvidia, switching costs across AI hardware, software stacks and developer ecosystems remain high, both in time and capital.

Mr Leung said the more important takeaway is not a sudden loss of Nvidia’s dominance, but the continued broadening of the AI value chain. 

As AI workloads scale, opportunities extend beyond leading chip designers into the infrastructure layer supporting compute, networking and data centre build-out.

SpaceX and xAI

Another emerging story is that SpaceX and xAI are reportedly planning to merge ahead of a potential mega IPO, valuing the combined entity at around US$1.25 trillion. 

If realised, this would be one of the largest technology listings in history. It would also reshape the investable universe across launch services, satellite communications and frontier technologies.

This analysis supports a case for investing in defence shares because it points to a powerful overlap between defence, aerospace, and the rapidly accelerating space economy.

It could generate tailwinds for defence and aerospace companies supplying propulsion, satellites, sensors and mission-critical systems.

India and US Trade

Finally, the US is set to cut tariffs on India to 18% following commitments by Prime Minister Modi to curb Russian oil purchases and increase US imports. 

According to Global X, the announcement triggered sharp moves in India futures, easing a key macro overhang and reinforcing India’s role within US-aligned supply chains. 

This development has been supportive for Indian equities and the rupee. 

While near-term volatility will persist, the combination of external resilience, domestic liquidity and institutional depth supports the case for India as a structural growth market rather than a macro risk trade.

How to gain exposure with ETFs

For investors looking into these themes more deeply, there are several thematic ASX ETFs that track these sectors. 

For global AI exposure: 

• Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI)
• Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)

Global defence: 

• Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)
• Beta Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

For exposure to India: 

• Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)
• Global X India Nifty 50 ETF (ASX: NDIA)
• VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF (ASX:GRIN)

The post Investment themes investors should be watching closely – Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy with $20,000 in February
• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy in February and beyond
• 3 super ASX ETFs to add to your SMSF
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in February with $3,000
• 3 ASX ETFs that returned 40% to 100% in 2025

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 0.03% lower on Tuesday afternoon. For the year-to-date the index is still 1.6% higher and is 4.53% above this time last year. The gains so far this year are sturdy, but there are some stocks which have already significantly outperformed the ASX 200 index.

Here are three of them.

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

Uranium development company, Deep Yellow, has had a fantastic start to 2026. It was one of the best stock performers on the ASX 200 index in January as tailwinds from its solid quarterly update and overall improving sentiment in the uranium sector drove the share price higher.

The company reported a strong cash balance of A$187.1 million for the quarter ending 31st of December. The company also revealed that engineering and infrastructure at its Tumas project is on track. 

Demand for uranium is expected to continue quietly climbing this year as governments ramp up activity on nuclear power.

Deep Yellow shares jumped 7.14% higher on Tuesday to close the day at $2.55 a piece. And for the year-to-date the shares are now an impressive 30.77% higher.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Paladin is another uranium production company that focuses on developing and operating uranium mines globally. Its share price has also been pushed higher off the back of surging demand for uranium so far in 2026. 

The company’s production and financials are very strong too. In its December 2025 quarterly report, Paladin announced a 16% quarter-on-quarter increase in uranium production and reaffirmed full-year FY26 production guidance of between 4 and 4.4 million pounds of uranium. The ASX 200 miner is also on track for full mining and processing operations by FY27.

Paladin Energy share closed Tuesday 5.48% higher at $12.13 a piece. The gain pulled the ASX 200 stock’s share price up 19.74% for 2026 so far.

Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP)

Greatland Resources is an ASX 200-listed gold and copper mining stock. It focuses on discovery, development, extraction, processing, and sale of precious and base metals. 

The miner’s share price has surged this year as copper shares rally. Demand comes from a jump in demand for safe haven commodities amid global geopolitical uncertainty and a rapid decline in the US dollar. Greatland has also benefited from a gold price rally this year. 

It wasn’t the commodity boom which pushed the ASX 200 stock higher though, it also posted record drilling and grades at its Telfer site, a strong Q4 cash flow and progress in its mine expansion plans in January. 

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, Greatland Resources shares were 3.47% higher at $12.82. For the year-to-date the share price has jumped 21.4%.

The post These 3 ASX 200 stocks have already soared 20% to 30% in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX Limited CEO to step down as CHESS project enters new phase
• Computershare lifts outlook and dividend after solid 1H26 earnings
• CSL names Gordon Naylor interim CEO as Dr Paul McKenzie retires
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares closed 2.99% higher on Tuesday afternoon. While the uptick is good news for investors, the stock has a while to go before it recovers losses made over the past four months.

For the year to date, Life360 shares have declined 18.33%. They’re also 52.18% below the all-time high of $55.44 achieved in October last year.

What happened to Life360 shares?

The US-based software development company took the tech industry by storm last year. The dual-listed (on the Nasdaq and the ASX) company was earmarked as an unstoppable ASX growth share after the launch of its new GPS pet-tracking feature.

There was never any real price sensitive news out of the tech company to explain the dramatic investor sell-off. Rather, it looks like the decline is a combination of investors selling up to take profit off the table after a period of strong price growth, combined with overall sector wide weakness across the tech sector.

Earlier this month there was concern that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional platforms and software models. This damped investor sentiment and caused a further pullpack in the share price.

This year’s headwinds come off the back of a sharp share price correction across the tech sector in late 2025. 

The company delivered a standout quarterly update last month. The result beat expectations and caused a share price surge of nearly 30%.

Life360 reported strong user growth, with monthly active users (MAU) reaching 95.8 million. That marks the highest Q4 MAU level in the company’s history and represents an intake of an additional 16.2 million users over calendar year 2025.

But it wasn’t enough to keep confidence high and the uptick was short-lived. 

What’s ahead for Life360 in 2026?

Life360 said it expects to see strong user acquisition and monetisation in both its core US and fast-growing international markets this year. 

Following its new pet-related software, the business plans to turn its attention to an elderly-focused solution.

Some even think the user growth could accelerate in 2026 if engagement remains strong.

In short, Life360 is well positioned for growth in 2026. If that eventuates, then the current share price is a bargain for investors who want to get in on the stock. Especially ahead of the next uplift.

Data shows that analysts are mostly bullish on the outlook for the tech stock. Out of 13 analysts, 10 have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. The maximum price target is $49.68 which implies a potential 87.41% upside for investors at the time of writing.

The post Life360 shares drop 50% from their peak: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 compelling ASX shares this fund manager rates as buys!
• Buy, hold, sell: CAR, REA, and Life360 shares
• 5 reasons to buy Life360 shares this week
• Why are ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC going gangbusters on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) will report its 2026 half-year financial results this morning. The update comes as the company prepares for a change in senior leadership.

Just after market close on Tuesday, CSL confirmed that chief executive officer and managing director Dr Paul McKenzie will retire. Gordon Naylor has been appointed interim CEO and managing director, effective from 11 February 2026.

The timing places leadership succession firmly in focus as investors await the company’s earnings update and outlook commentary.

CSL shares were volatile during Tuesday’s session. The stock was trading up around 2.2% at around $184.02 in late afternoon trade before reversing direction to finish the day down 4.98% at $171.39.

Leadership change after 3 years as CEO

Dr McKenzie served as CSL’s CEO and managing director since late 2022. His tenure covered a challenging period marked by shifting demand conditions, cost pressures and operational adjustments across parts of the group.

CSL chair Brian McNamee said the board determined it was the right time for new leadership to continue driving the company’s strategic transformation. He also acknowledged Dr McKenzie’s contribution during a period that included post-pandemic operational stabilisation and ongoing investment in research and development.

Incoming interim CEO Gordon Naylor is a long-time CSL executive and current non-executive director, with more than 3 decades of experience at the company. His background includes senior leadership roles across plasma therapies and vaccines, as well as involvement in major acquisitions and infrastructure expansion.

The board said Naylor will have full authority during the interim period while a search for a permanent CEO takes place.

Half-year results due before market open

CSL is scheduled to release its half-year financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2025 before the market opens today.

An investor and analyst briefing will follow at 10:00am AEDT via webcast.

The result is also expected to include the declaration of an interim dividend. Historically, the interim dividend is paid in April, with the ex-dividend date typically falling in early March.

What investors will be watching

While the leadership change is notable, attention will remain firmly on the numbers and forward guidance.

Investors will be focused on revenue performance across CSL’s plasma and specialty therapies businesses, margins, currency impacts and commentary around second-half trading conditions.

Any update to full-year guidance is likely to be closely watched, particularly given recent share price weakness.

With CSL shares well below previous highs and sentiment still fragile, the earnings update comes at an important time.

The post CSL prepares for half-year results as CEO transition comes into focus appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you buy BHP, CSL, and DroneShield shares? Here’s my take
• CSL names Gordon Naylor interim CEO as Dr Paul McKenzie retires
• 5 amazing ASX shares that could build serious wealth for investors
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares to pick up in February
• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio

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

Recently it has been well covered here at The Motley Fool that both the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) are trading close to all-time highs. 

When valuations appear full, it can be a good time for investors to consider generating passive income through dividend shares. 

Dividend shares can bring steady passive income should markets correct or stay flat. 

Here are three options to consider with healthy yields right now. 

Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG)

Argo is a listed investment company (LIC) with a diversified portfolio of more than 90 ASX-listed companies. 

It has a healthy track record of consistent dividends dating back more than 20 years. 

This aligns with its ethos, as it aims to provide shareholders with long-term growth as well as reliable dividend income.

Argo released its half-year results to 31 December 2025 on Monday. 

The announcement included an interim dividend worth 18.5 cents per share for the first half of FY2026.

As Sebastian Bowen reported on Monday, this is a record high interim dividend for the company. 

It’s important to note the ex-dividend date for this payout has been set for this Friday, 13 February.

This means you need to have bought Argo shares by market close on Thursday to qualify for the payment. 

The updated interim dividend means these ASX dividend shares now give the company a forward dividend yield of roughly 4.2%.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

Car Group is another ASX dividend stock that announced positive news for investors this week. 

On Monday, the company also released half-year results, which included a bumped up dividend payment. 

Car Group announced its next interim dividend will be 42.5 cents per share.

This is a significant jump from the interim dividend of 38.5 cents per share that investors saw last year.

The stock now has a forward dividend yield of 3.16%.

While 3.16% isn’t the best yield on the market, it’s the consistency of passive income that might attract investors. 

As far as dividend shares go, Car Group has now put together 10 years of consistent increases. 

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas is one of Australia’s most recognisable ASX dividend shares. 

New data from UBS has projected a cash dividend yield of almost 5% in 2026 including the franking credits.

Macquarie also expects Qantas to deliver a dividend yield of around 5% in FY26.

This is expected alongside further share price gains, which could bring the magical combination of capital gains and passive income. 

Its dividend is also expected to continue to grow through 2030, giving these ASX dividend shares strong long term potential. 

Qantas will release its half-year results on February 26.

The post 3 of the best ASX dividend shares right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter says these ASX 200 stocks are buys with 20%+ upside
• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to storm 50% to 60% higher this year
• Buy, hold, sell: CAR, REA, and Life360 shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

Are you wanting some exposure to the small side of the market? If you are, then Bell Potter has you covered.

It has named three small-cap ASX shares that could be top picks for investors in February. Here’s what it is recommending to clients:

Integral Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: IDX)

This diagnostic imaging company is highly rated by Bell Potter, especially after its merger with Capitol Health. The broker sees plenty of growth opportunities from greenfield and brownfield investments, as well as M&A opportunities. It said:

The merger between Integral Diagnostics and Capitol Health results in a diagnostic imaging (DI) company which operates 151 clinics throughout Australia. Its strongest presence will be within Victoria and Queensland (67 & 41 locations respectively) with minor penetration in the other States. The company offers a range of imaging modalities through its clinics with the largest contribution to revenue from CT (31%) followed by US (24%), MRI (13%) and X-Ray / Diagnostic Radiology (11%), and Nuclear Medicine PET (5%). The growth strategy has centred around a combination of greenfield & brownfield investments and M&A opportunities.

Kinatico Ltd (ASX: KYP)

Another small-cap ASX share that has been recommended as a buy by Bell Potter is technology company Kinatico. It provides CV checks and workforce compliance management solutions.

The broker is positive on the company’s growth outlook. It said:

Kinatico is a leading provider of “know your people” solutions to organisations in Australia and New Zealand. The company operates two key businesses: its legacy CVCheck brand, which provides employment screening and verification services to over 10,000 repeat corporate customers and its new key focus, a SaaS-based business that delivers real-time workforce compliance management and monitoring. The core strategy is to leverage the large customer base of the legacy CVCheck business to provide a ready-made sales pipeline for its higher growth SaaS compliance solutions.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A third small-cap ASX share that is being recommended by Bell Potter is youth fashion retailer Universal Store.

The broker highlights Universal Store’s strong growth outlook, which is being underpinned by its store rollout strategy, and cheap valuation as reasons to buy. It said:

Universal Store Holdings is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. UNI will continue to increase store numbers over the next few years, supporting earnings growth of 10% p.a.. Valuation looks attractive, trading on a forward P/E of ~16x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~26%) that is executing on its rollout strategy.

The post 3 super small-cap ASX shares that could be destined for big things appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX dividend shares raising dividends like clockwork
• These buy-rated ASX dividend stocks offer 4% to 6% yields
• Why these ASX dividend shares could be top picks for income investors in February
• These excellent ASX dividend shares offer 4% to 6.7% yields
• 3 high-yield ASX dividend shares that smash term deposits

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Integral Diagnostics and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares jumped 6.07% higher to close the day at $2.62 a piece on Tuesday.

The digital financial services company’s shares have caught headlines and investor attention over the past year for its volatile price swings. The shares have swung anywhere between $1.08 and $4.93 each over the past 52 weeks.

But this week, investors are buying back in. Since closing at $2.36 a piece on Friday afternoon last week, Zip shares have climbed 10.78%. And they’re now 18.55% higher than this time last year.

It’s welcome news. But now the question is, can it keep on going?

What’s ahead for Zip in 2026?

Zip has posted strong financial results over the past few quarters, and the business has robust growth plans for 2026. 

In October the company announced its Q1 results for FY26. It revealed that its total transaction value had jumped 38.7% to $3.9 billion and income was 32.8% higher at $321.5 million. Zip also confirmed it is on track to meet its FY26 results target.

Late last year Zip also made some significant progress in plans to broaden its product range and expand its global presence.

The company announced that its US segment is expanding its partnership with programmable financial services business, Stripe, a move which caused investor panic at the time. 

Zip is still considering plans to tap into the US capital markets too in order to boost its presence among US-based investors. It is mulling over plans for a secondary sharemarket listing on the Nasdaq to potentially drive opportunity for business expansion.

On paper, Zip’s rapid expansion plans and growing profit margins make the stock a no-brainer buy. And it looks like investor confidence could finally be returning too.

What do the experts expect from the shares?

I think Zip shares are a bargain at the current trading price, and I expect the share price growth could very well keep climbing higher. 

TradingView data shows that analysts also expect great things from the buy-now-pay-later (BPNL) provider this year. All 11 analysts are incredibly bullish and have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock and the maximum target price is $6.72. At the time of writing this implies the shares could soar 156.48% higher over the next 12 months.

Zip is due to post its FY26 half-year results on the 19th of February which it is expected to reveal whether the business is still on track and any news about the potential US expansion.

The post Zip shares climb 10% higher this week. Can they keep going? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 reasons to buy Zip shares today
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy: experts
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Zip shares
• Forget this ASX 200 share and buy Telstra and Zip shares: Experts

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