The GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) share price is in focus today after the company released its FY26 earnings guidance, forecasting underlying EBITDA of $200–240 million and underlying NPAT between $20–50 million, both lower than FY25 results.

What did GrainCorp report?

• FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance: $200–240 million (FY25: $308 million)
• FY26 underlying NPAT guidance: $20–50 million (FY25: $87 million)
• Export volumes expected: 5.5–6.5 million tonnes (FY25: 7.0mmt)
• Receival volumes anticipated: 11.0–12.0 million tonnes (FY25: 13.3mmt)
• Nutrition and Energy average crush margins steady with FY25
• Agri energy contribution expected to be lower due to US biofuels uncertainty

What else do investors need to know?

GrainCorp highlighted that global grain markets are experiencing oversupply and low prices, leading to multi-year low export margins and weaker financial performance. Slow grower selling on the east coast and reduced incentives for grain delivery are adding to the pressure on margins and volumes.

In response, GrainCorp is accelerating cost management measures to ensure sustainability while maintaining reliable services for growers. The company described its balance sheet as strong and reaffirmed confidence in its ongoing strategic direction. Guidance remains subject to variables like grain volumes, export timing, and oilseed margins.

What did GrainCorp management say?

GrainCorp Managing Director and CEO, Robert Spurway, said:

Record global production has created an oversupply of grain, outpacing demand growth and placing downward pressure on commodity prices for the whole market. Despite strong ECA production volumes, with ABARES estimating a 2025-26 ECA winter crop of 31.2 million tonnes (mmt), the current abundance of global supply and low grain prices have reduced incentives for growers to deliver grain to market. As a result, GrainCorp is experiencing lower margins on grain handled in FY26.

What’s next for GrainCorp?

Looking ahead, GrainCorp plans to keep managing costs closely and maintain high-quality service for Australian growers during this market downturn. The company’s balance sheet remains robust, supporting its long-term strategy across the food, feed, and energy value chain.

Management will update investors on further market developments, including new season opportunities late in the year. The next key update will be at the AGM on 18 February 2026.

GrainCorp share price snapshot

Ove the past 12 months, GrainCorp shares have declined 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post GrainCorp shares: FY26 earnings guidance forecasts lower profits appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy in February
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market as oil and uranium prices spike
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• Zimplats quarterly earnings: production up, costs down, projects on track

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.

If you are looking to add some fresh ideas to your portfolio this month, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a simple way to gain exposure to big themes without relying on a single stock to get everything right.

This month, a number of exciting ASX ETFs stand out for their links to long-term structural trends that continue to reshape the global economy. Here are five that could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity has become an important part of the digital economy. As more data moves online and businesses rely on cloud-based systems, the cost of breaches continues to rise. That creates ongoing demand for security software and services.

This ASX ETF provides investors with exposure to global cybersecurity leaders, including companies such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW). Rather than betting on a single technology, the fund captures the broader trend of rising security spend across industries.

Betashares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

Another exciting ASX ETF is the Betashares Cloud Computing ETF. It focuses on stocks that enable and benefit from the shift to cloud computing. This includes businesses involved in software-as-a-service, cloud infrastructure, and data platforms that underpin modern IT systems.

Holdings include companies such as Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) and ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW). As enterprises continue migrating workloads to the cloud and optimising their digital operations, demand for these services is likely to remain strong over time. It was recently recommended to investors by Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The popular Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers investors easy exposure to technology leaders across Asia.

This ASX ETF invests in stocks that are shaping digital payments, e-commerce, semiconductors, and online services across the region. Examples include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM).

What makes the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF interesting is the combination of long-term growth potential and subdued sentiment. While Asian tech stocks have faced volatility in recent years, digital adoption and rising incomes across the region continue to support a strong long-term investment case.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

For investors looking closer to home, the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF provides investors with exposure to Australia’s listed technology sector.

The ETF includes companies such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), which operate globally but are listed on the ASX. Recent weakness across the tech sector has seen the fund trade well below its previous highs, which could make it an opportune time to consider a position. It was also recently recommended by the fund manager.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

A final ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF. It invests in stocks involved in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. Its holdings include businesses such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), which enable automation across industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.

The fund targets the tools and infrastructure that support long-term productivity gains, making it an interesting option for investors with a long-term horizon.

It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 5 exciting ASX ETFs to buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 amazing ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late
• An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments
• 3 Australian ETFS to buy and hold forever
• Why these ASX ETFs could be perfect to buy and hold forever
• Why I think these ASX ETFs are best buys for 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Intuitive Surgical, Nvidia, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CrowdStrike, Nvidia, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares have rushed to 52-week highs in the past month. In the past 6 months, the share price has soared by 58% to $4.62 at the time of writing.

In 2025, South32 shares experienced a rough patch that saw the mining stock fall sharply at times. The tumble was down to cyclical weakness and operational headwinds.

The recent surge and upcoming major earnings release next week have investors asking: Can South32 keep the rally going?  

Multi-trick pony

Over the last month, South32 shares have jumped, in part driven by stronger metals prices and better production results. In the past 6 months, the stock has outperformed some peers thanks to silver, copper, and aluminium strength.  

On the bullish side, the core argument for sustained upside is straightforward: South32 isn’t a one-trick pony. Unlike single-commodity miners, the miner spans nine metals, from silver and copper to manganese and aluminium. As a result, rising prices across different markets can all feed into revenues.

Stronger balance, financial flexibility

Analysts pointing to buy ratings highlight a strategic pivot away from low-growth coal toward metals that matter for electrification and the energy transition. South32’s assets, like Sierra Gorda in Chile and the Hermosa project in the US, offer leverage to copper, zinc, and battery-related materials.

A stronger balance sheet and recent divestments have also improved financial flexibility, and many brokers still see upside for South32 shares over the next year. Morgans has a buy rating on the $21 billion ASX 200 share with a 12-month price target of $5, an 8% upside.

The broker increased its price target from $4.50 after South32 released its 2Q FY26 update in January. Morgans said South32 achieved a modest beat on consensus expectations for operations, supported by strong alumina and silver output.

Silver rally

Naturally, the commodities boom is lifting fundamentals too. Recent production reports showed gains in manganese and aluminium output, and first-half results were strong enough to propel the share price to 12-month highs as markets responded.

Analysts note that silver’s rally in particular could materially boost earnings if prices remain elevated, potentially reshaping South32’s earnings mix beyond traditional aluminium exposure. 

Bumpy boom, bumpy share ride

But it isn’t all smooth sailing. The mining business is cyclical by design, and commodity price volatility can cut both ways. Past share price swings underscore how quickly sentiment can turn when prices retreat or operational hitches emerge.

Heavy capital commitments, like Hermosa’s large upfront cost, carry execution risk, and projects in jurisdictions like Chile and Mozambique expose the company to regulatory and sovereign risk.

In plain terms, South32’s diversified portfolio and surge in metals prices give it a shot at riding the commodities rally further. But cyclical risk, project execution challenges, and uneven performance history mean the ride for South32 shares might be as bumpy as the boom itself.

The post Can South32 shares keep surfing the commodities boom? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• Sigma Healthcare, TechnologyOne, South32 shares: Buy, hold, or sell?
• ASX All Ords shares smashing 52-week highs today
• Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy
• 2 ASX shares that could keep riding this commodities boom

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in South32. 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.

Here are 2 ASX dividend stocks often mentioned in the same breath by income investors — but for very different reasons.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) sit at opposite ends of the market. One sells groceries to millions of Australians every week. The other quietly compounds wealth through long-term investments.

What the ASX dividend stocks share is a reputation for dependable dividends. The question is how reliable that income really is from here.

Coles

Coles has positioned itself as a defensive income stock since its demerger, with dividends paid twice a year and typically fully franked. The ASX 200 share aims to return a large portion of earnings to shareholders, and that policy has delivered a steady, if unspectacular, yield.

The strength of Coles lies in its predictability. Australians keep buying groceries regardless of economic conditions, which gives Coles resilient cash flow and earnings visibility.

That stability underpins its dividend reliability and makes it attractive to conservative investors. For example, Coles’ dividends have steadily risen from 35.5 cents per share in 2019 to 57.7 cents in 2020, 61 cents in 2021, 63 cents in 2022, 66 cents in 2023, and 68 cents in 2024.

All of those dividends came with full franking credits attached too.

Coles’ weakness is growth. Supermarket margins are thin, cost pressures are constant, and competition from Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Aldi limits pricing power. When earnings come under pressure, the ASX dividend stock has limited flexibility because its payout ratio is already high.

Looking ahead, Coles is likely to remain a steady dividend payer rather than a growing one. Coles maintained its dividend streak in 2025, paying 37 cents per share in March and 32 cents in September. The 69-cent total marked a 1.47% increase on 2024’s payout.

Since hitting a record high in September, the blue-chip share has fallen to $21.28 at the time of writing. That’s lifted the trailing dividend yield to 3.24%, or 4.65% grossed-up with full franking—though this reflects past dividends, not future payouts.

In 2026, investors should expect consistency over excitement, with modest dividend growth tied closely to cost control and execution.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson

This $15 billion ASX dividend stock is one of the quiet achievers of the ASX. Soul Pattinson’s dividend policy is simple and powerful: pay a fully-franked dividend every year and aim to increase it over time.

That approach has resulted in one of the longest dividend growth records in Australian market history. The investment house has been the most reliable ASX dividend share over the last three decades, as it has grown its payout every year since 1998.

The company’s strength is diversification. Its portfolio spans telecommunications, resources, property, credit and private equity, smoothing earnings across cycles. Management takes a long-term view and prioritises balance sheet strength, which supports dividend durability even in weaker markets.

The trade-off is yield. Soul Pattinson’s dividend yield is lower than many traditional income stocks, reflecting its focus on sustainability rather than maximum payout. As mentioned, Soul Patts hasn’t got the largest payout, with a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.9%, including franking credits, in 2025.  

The outlook remains solid. As long as the company continues to reinvest wisely and protect capital, this ASX dividend stock looks well placed to keep delivering slow, steady dividend growth for patient investors.

The post 2 heavyweight ASX dividend stocks for reliable income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Don’t want to rely on your wage? Build a second income with these ASX shares
• Buying Coles stock? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• Coles vs Woolworths shares: Which supermarket giant has the biggest upside for 2026?
• Buying Woolworths shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• Which ASX retail stocks look like good buying ahead of the looming reporting season?

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

The BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) share price is in focus today as Tania Archibald steps into the role of Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Mark Vassella. Ms Archibald launches her tenure with a fresh agenda to accelerate value for shareholders, highlighting the company’s nearly completed $2 billion investment program and continued commitment to operational excellence.

What did BlueScope Steel report?

• Tania Archibald officially commenced as MD & CEO on 2 February 2026
• BlueScope’s current $2 billion investment program is approaching completion
• The company expects stronger cash flows as investment phase wraps up
• Announced ongoing $200 million cost and productivity program
• $4.2 billion returned to shareholders and $3.7 billion invested in growth during the previous CEO’s tenure
• Special dividend of $1.00 per share recently announced

What else do investors need to know?

BlueScope is pushing ahead with its ambition to simplify operations, targeting an additional ~$150 million in annualised cost improvements by 30 June 2026. The company also plans to unlock value from its 1,200 hectares of surplus land by seeking multiple commercial partners, starting in the next few months.

The board has rejected a recent takeover approach from SGH Holdings and Steel Dynamics, stating it undervalued BlueScope significantly. Management emphasised the company remains open to any future proposals that better reflect its underlying value.

What did BlueScope Steel management say?

Managing Director and CEO Tania Archibald said:

It’s a privilege to step into the role of BlueScope’s MD&CEO with a clear mandate to deliver value to our shareholders. Our current $2 billion investment program is now entering the final phase. We’re poised to deliver strong cash flows. And I intend to capitalise on it for the benefit of shareholders.

What’s next for BlueScope Steel?

Ms Archibald has laid out four immediate initiatives for her first year: executing ongoing programs, streamlining teams, accelerating surplus land value, and evolving the company’s balance sheet to lift shareholder returns. These moves aim to sharpen BlueScope’s focus on productivity, customer value, and cash generation as it moves out of its heavy investment phase.

An update on this new program and progress towards key targets is due at BlueScope’s half-year results on 16 February 2026.

BlueScope Steel share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, BlueScope Steel shares have risen 42%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post BlueScope Steel: New CEO Tania Archibald sets out fresh value-focused agenda appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

When one expert thinks an ASX share is a buy, that’s interesting. When numerous analysts think a business is a buy, that could be a clear indication that the business is a potential opportunity.

I’m going to talk about a couple of businesses that are some of the most highly-rated ASX shares on the Australian stock exchange.

Time will tell whether they’re able to live up to the hype of analysts, but there are promising signs.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

According to a Commsec collation of analyst ratings on this business, there are currently 16 buy ratings.

Broker UBS is one that rates Telix as a buy. It describes the business as an Australian biotechnology company that’s engaged in developing and commercialising radiopharmaceuticals – drugs which are conjugated to molecules that are radioactive or will undergo radioactive decay.

UBS has a price target of $31 on the company, suggesting a possible rise of close to 200% within the next year.

The broker noted that the 2025 fourth-quarter group revenue was $208 million, an increase of 1% year-over-year, below UBS’s estimate of $219 million.

While that was below expectations, UBS said it was encouraged by the continued volume growth and the average sales price (ASP) growth in the fourth quarter, likely indicating continued Illuccix and Gozellix (Telix products) continued penetration in outpatient hospitals.

UBS suggested that the ASX share’s high-quality customer services is well-liked by radiologists, making Illuccix and Gozellix “sticky”.

UBS concluded:

We believe the stock was under pressure due to 2 CRLs, PSMA diagnostics pricing headwind, TLX591 data delays, and SEC investigations. We believe these overhangs should start to resolve in 2026, starting with Pixclara resubmission and TLX591 Part 1 data in the upcoming weeks.

Importantly, FY26 guidance in the upcoming weeks should set a tone on Gozellix growth expectations in 2026 and we estimate Illuccix/Gozellix to achieve $776M sales in 2026 (24% y/y growth). Overall, we model PSMA diagnostics franchise alone would be worth $16.6/share. We see the current stock price as undervalued fundamentally.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Cloud accounting software provider Xero is another very popular ASX share with analysts. According to the Commsec collation of analyst opinions on the business, there are currently 12 buy ratings on the company.

UBS is one of the brokers that rates Xero as a buy, with a price target of $194. That implies the company could more than double within the next 12 months.

The broker noted that the decline of the Xero share price of around 50% since June 2025 is because of AI concerns, the Melio acquisition and US profitability.

UBS thinks the market isn’t pricing in any value for Melio (which cost $4 billion) nor the majority of its international segment.

The broker thinks there could be improving losses at Melio, accelerating core accounting growth in Australia and the UK, and cross-selling benefits in the US.

UBS suggests the Melio operating loss (EBITDA) will narrow “meaningfully” in FY27 and break even in FY30.

The broker also believes that Xero’s core accounting (including the US) can grow revenue at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% over the next three years, with stronger operating profit growth thanks to price rises and general scale, particularly thanks to subscriber momentum in Australia and the UK.

UBS estimates that by FY30 the company could generate NZ$928 million of annual net profit.

The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

If you are wanting to buy an ASX 200 gold stock after the selloff, then it could be worth considering Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares.

That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, which sees a lot of value in this record-breaking gold miner.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was impressed with Genesis Minerals’ performance in the second quarter, noting that it outperformed both its own and consensus expectations. It said:

GMD hit records across the portfolio, broadly beating our expectations and consensus. GMD produced 74koz Au (BPe 66koz Au, VA 68koz) +3% QoQ. Laverton – 43koz Au (BPe 39koz, VA 44koz). Leonora – 31koz Au (BPe 27koz, VA 24koz). Gold sales over the quarter were 71koz at an average realized gold price of A$6,057/oz (BPe A$5,900, VA A$6,325/oz). Revenue was A$432m (+6% QoQ; BPe $408m, VA $432m). AISC was A$2,578/oz (+2% QoQ; BPe A$2,731/oz, VA A$2,632/oz).

The good news is that the broker believes the ASX 200 gold stock will build on this in the second half of the financial year with increased productivity and hit the upper end of its guidance range. Though, it concedes that a change of contractor could be somewhat testing. It adds:

The 2HFY26 looks to be shaping up nicely, with increased productivity anticipated in 4Q particularly at Jupiter and Hub, with stripping and pre-stripping investments being made over 3Q. GMD announced the transfer of mining contractors to Byrnecut (from Macmahon), and whilst the expectation is for a relatively smooth transfer, short-term teething issues may present. Byrnecut were the historical contractor at Gwalia when it was owned by St Barbara, so the history with the asset is a positive.

Barring any material disruptions, we anticipate GMD to track to the upper end of guidance (260- 290koz) particularly as third-party processing rolls off in the 3QFY26 (there may be minimal spillage into 4Q) and greater ore from Jupiter feeds the Laverton mill. Nearterm catalysts include Reserve and Resource update and the five-year outlook which will include details on mill expansions (2HFY26). EPS changes in this report: FY26 +35%, FY27 +17% and FY28 +8%.

Time to buy

In response to the update, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 gold stock and lifted its price target to $9.90 (from $8.65).

Based on its current share price of $7.59, this implies potential upside of 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

We increase our TP to $9.90 on adjustments to our gold price outlook and incorporation of our 2QFY26 result and maintain our Buy recommendation. We believe GMD to be a high-quality gold producer, expanding production underpinned by a large Mineral Resource portfolio (18.6Moz), into a rising gold price environment.

The post Buy this record-breaking ASX 200 gold stock after the selloff: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Genesis Minerals posts record production, strong cash in December 2025 quarter
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• 2 ASX 200 gold shares to buy and 1 to sell: experts
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

Quality doesn’t always come cheap on the ASX. However, when strong ASX shares fall out of favour, opportunity can open up.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and GQG Partners Inc. (ASX: GQG) are three high-profile names on the ASX that have seen their share prices retreat 20% or even 40% in the past 6 months. This despite retaining long-term growth drivers.

For investors willing to look past short-term volatility, these beaten-down ASX shares could offer attractive upside from current levels.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group shares have cooled significantly after a strong run over recent years. The ASX share pulled back sharply 21% in the past 6 months to $189.75 at the time of writing.  

The fall of the blue chip share was a result of higher interest rates and softer housing activity that weighed on listing volumes and sentiment.

Despite that, REA’s underlying business remains one of the strongest digital marketplaces on the ASX. Realestate.com.au dominates Australian property listings, giving the company pricing power and resilient margins.

Revenue growth can slow when property markets cool, and regulatory scrutiny remains a risk, but history shows activity eventually rebounds. If housing turnover stabilises, REA’s earnings leverage could drive a renewed re-rating.

Most brokers see the ASX 200 share as a buy, with an average 12-month price target of $235.05. That points to a 45% upside.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

This ASX healthcare share has also experienced a meaningful pullback after years of exceptional gains. The company’s share price surged as its medical imaging software won major hospital contracts globally, but valuation concerns and broader growth stock sell-offs have taken some heat out of the rally.

The ASX 200 share lost 42% of its value in the past 6 months and currently trades at $184.12 apiece. No wonder most analysts see serious upside ahead. The consensus price target for the ASX share is set at $296.19, a potential gain of 61% for the next 12 months.

Brokers think that Pro Medicus’ long-term story remains compelling. The ASX share operates a high-margin, capital-light business with sticky customers and recurring revenue.

The main risk lies in its premium valuation and reliance on hospital spending cycles, which can delay contract decisions. Even so, continued global rollout of its technology supports the case that recent weakness may represent an entry point rather than a warning sign.

GQG Partners Inc. (ASX: GQG)

GQG Partners rounds out the trio as a very different kind of opportunity. The price of the ASX share has drifted 23% lower over 6 months amid market volatility and periods of investor outflows.

As an active manager, GQG’s earnings are tied to assets under management, which can fall quickly when performance lags benchmarks. That said, the business still generates strong cash flows, operates with a low-cost structure and pays a generous dividend.

If markets improve and performance stabilises, sentiment could turn quickly. Market watchers rate the current valuation of $1.57 as overly pessimistic. They think the ASX share could climb to $2.06 in the next 12 months, a potential upside of 31%.  

The post Why these beaten-down ASX shares are worth a second look appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• These 2 ASX shares are set to soar in 2026 and beyond
• Is AI a real threat to CAR Group and REA Group shares?
• The incredible ASX stock I’d hold for 10 years without watching the share price

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Gqg Partners and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) remains the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 17%. Though, this is down slightly week on week again. Short sellers seem to be doubting that this pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy will be a success.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has seen its short interest reduce again to 16.2%. This uranium producer’s shares have rallied strongly since the start of the year. This has been driven by optimism over uranium demand and prices.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.7%, which is down slightly week on week. Disappointment over this taco and burrito seller’s performance in the United States could be behind this. After all, this market is a key part of analysts’ growth assumptions.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise to 13.3%. This wine giant is going through a tough period. This includes facing distributor uncertainty in the United States and unfavourable consumer trends.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 12.8% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. Student visa changes in key markets are negatively impacting the company’s performance and outlook.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 12.1%, which is up since last week. This is likely to be due to concerns over this medical device company’s valuation.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) is back in the top ten with short interest of 11.5%. Short sellers may believe that consumer trends could put pressure on the travel agent’s revenue margin outlook.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 11.4%, which is up slightly week on week. Traders may be concerned that this radiopharmaceuticals company could struggle again with its FDA approvals in 2026.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 10.8%, which is down sharply week on week. This uranium producer’s shares have been on fire this year, which appears to have led to short sellers closing positions in a hurry.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has returned to the top ten with short interest of 10.1%. Short sellers may believe the market is being too bullish on this counter-drone technology company’s growth outlook.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, DroneShield, and Santos shares
• These 2 ASX shares are set to soar in 2026 and beyond
• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in January

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Wistech Global (ASX:WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX:XRO) and Bapcor Ltd (ASX:BAP) have all dropped around 50% in the last 12 months. Investors must now decide if these falls are a sign of further difficulties ahead or a measure of short-term sentiment.

Is Wisetech stock priced to buy?

The Wisetech share price has fallen around 50% from its peak of almost $130 in early Feb 2025. Declines in 2025 were largely driven by market pressure on high growth high valuation stocks as well as investor caution around the integration risks of its US $2.1 billion acquisition of e2open.

Coming into 2026, continued weak sentiment in high valuation stocks and a period of decelerated growth for the company are continuing the trend.

However, despite these headwinds, its core business continues to prosper. Wisetech’s global logistics and supply chain software, CargoWise, reports solid results and continued, if decelerating, growth. And some brokers remain bullish, buoyed by the software’s defensive moat against AI.

The question for investors is whether the share price can return to its previous highs. While the current price may not amount to a universal buy signal, it could prove an attractive entry point for long-term investors, albeit with some higher risk attached.  

Is Xero stock priced to buy?

February 2025 saw Xero trading at around $180 per share but has recently dropped below the $100 mark. Still a hefty price tag, but is it a steal for one of our most high-profile tech growth stocks?

There is no single event driving the share price declines for Xero. A combination of sector headwinds, acquisition decisions and overvaluation concern in growth stocks have fuelled the sell-off.

In June 2025, Xero announced the acquisition of US-based bill pay platform, Melio, in a bid to expand its footprint in the lucrative US market. But the US $2.5 billion price tag and the decision to partly finance the purchase through the issue of new shares left some investors cold. In addition, some investors worried that the acquisition wouldn’t produce results, given the more competitive US landscape.

That said, Xero continues to post revenue growth and strong cashflow. And the potential in the US market is significant, if it can execute. Given its track record of disciplined growth over the last few years, I believe it can.

For me, Xero remains a solid option for long-term investors. There is a valid question around whether it can return to the lofty valuations of early 2025. However, if it makes a successful play in the US market with Melio, I believe it will deliver some solid returns in years to come.

Is Bapcor stock priced to buy?

Aftermarket automotive parts provider, Bapcor, has experienced share price declines of over 50% in the last year, from highs above the $5 mark in February 2025. The drop has been driven by a combination of earnings downgrades, operational disruption and notable leadership movements. In addition, lower discretionary consumer spending has impacted its retail business.

In December 2025, Bapcor reported an expected net loss of $5-8 million for the first half of FY2026, down from a profit forecast of $3-7 million. This represented its second downgrade of the year, after initially anticipating $14-18 million in profit.

On the leadership front, the company announced the appointment of experienced CEO, Chris Wilesmith (ex Jaycar Electronics, Mitre 10 and Supercheap Auto) on 18 December 2025. Response to the move was positive, with the share price jumping 12%. But it has come on the tail of significant group leadership movement that has left some investors wary.

At this point, Bapcor is a turnaround play. The experienced hand of Wilesmith at the helm offers some reassurance. But there is a significant journey ahead.

For me, Bapcor is one for the watch list, for now. However, more risk-tolerant investors may see an opportunity at current prices.  

The post Down 50% from recent highs: Is it time to buy these ASX stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy in February
• Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• Why these brokers are very bullish on the WiseTech share price
• 3 ASX 200 shares trading at 52-week lows: Are they a buy?

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