Tag: Stock pick

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is in focus after its half-year profit climbed 5% to $5.41 billion, and the bank announced an interim fully franked dividend of $2.35 per share.

What did Commonwealth Bank of Australia report?

• Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT): $5,412 million, up 5% from 1H25
• Cash NPAT: $5,445 million, up 6% on the prior year
• Pre-provision profit: $8,131 million, up 5%
• Interim dividend: $2.35 per share, fully franked, up 4%
• Net interest margin: 2.04%, steady on an underlying basis
• Return on equity (ROE): 13.8%, up 10 basis points

What else do investors need to know?

CBA grew its lending and deposit volumes in core businesses, helping offset a squeeze on margins from competition and higher operating expenses, particularly as investments in technology continued. The bank’s credit quality strengthened, with loan impairment expense down to $319 million and home loan arrears falling during the half.

The balance sheet remains robust, with a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio at 12.3%—well above regulatory minimums. Deposit funding accounted for 79% of total funding, while liquidity and funding ratios exceeded required levels. The bank also provided over $25 billion in business loans and returned $4.4 billion to shareholders.

What’s next for Commonwealth Bank of Australia?

Looking ahead, the bank notes that economic growth picked up, led by consumer demand and investment in AI and energy infrastructure. However, capacity constraints could keep inflation above target, putting upward pressure on interest rates. Commonwealth Bank plans to keep supporting customers, accelerate its technology modernisation, and bolster capabilities in areas like generative AI and cyber security.

The leadership remains positive on Australia’s economic outlook, with a commitment to balancing customer support, digital innovation, and capital strength to drive long-term value for shareholders and communities.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, CBA shares have declined 2%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post CBA half-year results: profit lifts, dividend grows, tech spend ramps up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• James Hardie lifts Q3 sales 30% on AZEK acquisition
• HomeCo Daily Needs REIT posts 1H FY26 FFO growth and reaffirms guidance
• CSL half-year earnings: profit drops but guidance reaffirmed
• SGH delivers strong first-half FY26 earnings with higher dividend
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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 SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) share price is in focus after the company posted a robust half-year FY26 result, with EBIT holding steady at $844 million and NPAT rising 2% to $518 million. Operating cash flow jumped 32% to $1.1 billion, and a 7% higher fully franked interim dividend of 32 cents per share was declared.

What did SGH report?

• Revenue of $5.4 billion, down 2% from 1HY25
• EBIT of $844 million, flat year-on-year, up 22% on 2H FY25
• NPAT of $518 million, up 2% on the prior corresponding period
• EBITDA of $1.1 billion, up 1%
• Operating cash flow of $1.1 billion, up 32%
• Interim fully franked dividend of 32 cents per share, up 7%

What else do investors need to know?

SGH saw EBIT margin expand 30 basis points to 15.6%, mainly driven by Boral and WesTrac performing strongly thanks to operating leverage and cost initiatives. Boral posted a 10% EBID growth, while continued focus on cash generation helped lower the adjusted net debt to EBITDA ratio to 1.9x, giving SGH extra financial flexibility.

Safety remains a top priority, with the company reporting a 36% reduction in Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate and further progress on operational safety across its businesses. The group also refinanced debt, securing longer maturities and reducing funding costs, with over $2.2 billion in liquidity available at the end of December.

What did SGH management say?

Managing Director & CEO Ryan Stokes said:

We are pleased to deliver a strong result for the first half of FY26. It demonstrates the strength and resilience of our diversified industrial businesses. In a dynamic market, we delivered earnings growth in our core Industrial Services segment, expanded our margins, and generated significant growth in operating cash flow.

What’s next for SGH?

SGH heads into the second half of FY26 with solid operational momentum and a balanced outlook across its sectors. The company is sticking with its “SGH Way” operating model, focusing on sales execution, efficiency, and innovation.

Management reiterated guidance for “low to mid single-digit EBIT growth” for FY26, supported by balanced market exposures and ongoing cost control. Investors can expect ongoing investment into key projects and disciplined capital management.

SGH share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, SGH shares have declined 4%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post SGH delivers strong first-half FY26 earnings with higher dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• James Hardie lifts Q3 sales 30% on AZEK acquisition
• HomeCo Daily Needs REIT posts 1H FY26 FFO growth and reaffirms guidance
• CSL half-year earnings: profit drops but guidance reaffirmed
• CBA half-year results: profit lifts, dividend grows, tech spend ramps up
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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 team at Bell Potter has been busy this week assessing options for Aussie investors.

Three ASX shares that have fared well and are being recommended by the broker to its clients are named below.

Here’s why the broker is bullish on these names:

Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC)

Bell Potter believes that Dexus Convenience Retail REIT offers a compelling mix of defensive income and valuation support.

The broker highlights DXC’s high-quality portfolio of service stations and convenience retail assets, leased to long-term, non-discretionary tenants. This includes tenants such as 7-Eleven, Ampol (ASX: ALD), and Chevron. This provides stable cash flows and resilience through the cycle.

Importantly, Bell Potter sees scope for valuation upside as capitalisation rates stabilise. It said:

Petrol stations are typically a low volatility asset class given long term leases with strong covenants, however higher debt base rates are likely to see cap rate expansion ahead. Asset valuations however at a 6.3% portfolio cap rate do not look demanding to us vs. industry transactions and peer REITs.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and price target of $3.25 on Dexus Convenience Retail REIT’s shares. Based on its current share price of $2.82, this implies upside of more than 15%. That’s before factoring in a forecast dividend yield of around 7.5%.

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

Orica is an ASX share to buy this week according to Bell Potter.

The broker points to strong structural tailwinds driven by increased production of iron ore, copper, and gold, which should underpin long-term demand for blasting services. It notes that Orica’s scale, global footprint, and pricing discipline position it well to benefit from this trend. The broker said:

We expect EBIT growth momentum to be sustained in the short-to-medium term underpinned by cyclical tailwinds in mining and exploration markets. EBIT growth is expected to be supported by further premium product uptake, robust facility performance across AN and sodium cyanide supply networks and commercial discipline.

Bell Potter has put a buy rating and $28.50 price target on Orica shares. Based on its current share price of $25.38, this implies potential upside of 12% for investors.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Finally, Bell Potter believes Sonic Healthcare offers an appealing combination of income and share price upside.

The broker expects Sonic to return to double-digit earnings growth in FY 2026, driven largely by acquisitions, particularly in pathology, and steady demand across its diagnostics businesses. While cost control and execution remain key risks, Bell Potter believes much of this is already reflected in the share price. It said:

While SHL has outperformed the XHJ, it has materially underperformed the broader market, reflecting concerns with growth and cost control. If the new CEO can impress investors with financial performance and strategy, we believe upside remains in SHL.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $28.50 price target on Sonic Healthcare’s shares. Based on its current share price of $21.82, this suggests that upside of 30% is possible. In addition, the broker is forecasting a dividend yield of approximately 5% in FY 2026.

The post Broker names 3 ASX shares to buy this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

As per usual earnings season results are causing big price swings for ASX shares. 

It can be difficult for investors to not overreact both positively and negatively depending on the earnings results posted by a company. 

However these swings can sometimes be overcorrections, leading to great entry points for certain ASX shares. 

Here is one ASX stock that was heavily sold off yesterday that could now be attractively valued. 

AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)

AUB Group is the second-largest general insurance broker network in Australia and New Zealand.

This ASX 200 financials stock has experienced some significant volatility over the last 12 months and its start to 2026 has been difficult. 

AUB Group shares fell more than 6% yesterday, taking its year to date loss to 15%. 

It is now trading at 52-week lows.

Failed takeover 

Investors have been exiting their positions in this insurance company following a failed takeover deal late last year. 

The deal would have seen indicative offers up to A$45 per share – well above the prevailing share price at the time. 

Initially, this pushed the stock sharply higher. 

However, after due diligence negotiations, the buyers pulled out and terminated the takeover talks at the end of 2025, shocking markets and removing the potential takeover premium. 

The share price plunged sharply after that announcement.

Analysis via The Bull said this result was a disappointment for shareholders. 

AUB’s board had indicated the consortium’s offer appropriately valued the company, making the withdrawal a significant disappointment for shareholders who had anticipated a premium exit.

The subsequent announcement of the Prestige acquisition suggests management has pivoted quickly to pursue organic growth strategies rather than waiting for another takeover approach.

January acquisition

Late last month, AUB Group completed a $400 million institutional placement to help fund its acquisition of UK insurer Prestige and support growth. 

The placement was priced below the then-current share price (at about $29.40), diluting existing holders and signalling a reduction in valuation expectations.

Most of this year’s share price fall has come after this announcement. 

The $400 million raise represents a substantial capital commitment for the company. According to management, it will now focus on integrating Prestige while delivering on promised synergies.

Buy low opportunity?

These ASX shares now sit at roughly $26.00 per share after yesterday’s crash. 

Have they now hit rock bottom?

Based on the average rating of 8 analysts, these ASX shares are now undervalued. 

TradingView has an average 12 month price target of $37.63, with analysts one year targets ranging from $35.00 to $42.00. 

This average target is 45% higher than yesterday’s closing price. 

The post This ASX 200 share crashed 6% yesterday – time to buy the dip? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gave back its intraday gains to record a small decline. The benchmark index dropped slightly to 8,867.4 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Wednesday despite a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 31 points or 0.35% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.25%, but the S&P 500 is down 0.1% and the Nasdaq is 0.25% lower.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Wednesday after oil prices eased overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.35% to US$64.14 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.1% to US$68.96 a barrel. Traders appear to be waiting to see what happens next with the US and Iran tensions.

CSL shares on watch

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares will be on watch for two reasons on Wednesday. The first is because the biotherapeutics giant is scheduled to release its eagerly awaited half-year results for FY 2026. The second reason is the shock announcement of the exit of its CEO, Dr Paul McKenzie, during the close of play on Tuesday. CSL’s shares were heading for a positive finish before crashing 5% into the red during the closing auction on the news. Dr McKenzie is stepping down with immediate effect. CSL’s chair, Dr Brian McNamee AO, said: “Paul and the Board have determined that now is the right time for new leadership to continue to drive CSL’s strategic transformation and performance.”

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a relatively poor session on Wednesday after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.65% to US$5,048 per ounce. Traders were taking profit ahead of the release of US jobs and inflation data.

Buy WiseTech shares

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating on the logistics solutions company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $87.50 (from $100.00). It said: “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.” It adds that “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.”

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

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• These 3 ASX 200 stocks have already soared 20% to 30% in 2026

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

After a year of solid outperformance, it may be time to hit the sell button on these three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) giants.

That’s according to Family Financial Solutions’ Jabin Hallihan and Alto Capital’s Tony Locantro, who believe the companies’ outperformance over the past months leaves them in overvalued territory (courtesy of The Bull).

The ASX 200 giants facing the analysts’ knife are National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), which has a market cap of just under $135 billion; Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), which commands a market cap of $99 billion; and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), with a market cap of just over $40 billion.

Atop of the dividends all three companies pay, NAB shares have gained 8.5% over the past 12 months; Wesfarmers shares are up 14.9%; and Northern Star shares have rocketed 57.8%.

Now, here’s why it may be time to take profits.

ASX 200 giants on the chopping block

“NAB is Australia’s largest business bank, benefiting from an oligopolistic market structure,” Family Financial Solutions’ Hallihan noted.

Commenting on his sell recommendation on this ASX 200 giant, Hallihan said:

Statutory net profit of $6.759 billion in full year 2025 was down 2.9% on the prior corresponding period. A credit impairment charge of $833 million was up from $728 million in the previous year.

In our view, the shares are materially overvalued and leave little margin for error. Capital is better redeployed into discounted quality.

Hallihan also has a sell recommendation on Wesfarmers shares.

“This industrial conglomerate owns high quality businesses, such as Bunnings and Kmart Group,” he said.

“The company is diversified, with other businesses including Officeworks, Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers and industrial safety,” he added. “Diversification is a benefit as it spreads risk.”

But Hallihan is also concerned over this ASX 200 giant’s current valuation. He concluded:

However, in our view, the stock remains significantly overvalued, with optimism already priced in. The stock was recently trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio above 32 times, so it’s exposed to a correction on signs of any weakness.

We would be inclined to trim holdings and re-invest the proceeds in stocks offering better value.

Also tipped as a sell

Alto Capital’s Tony Locantro noted, “Northern Star’s share price has performed strongly, supported by higher gold prices and improved sentiment towards large market capitalisation producers.”

But with the ASX 200 giant running into some recent operational headwinds, Locantro concluded:

However, the company’s most recent production report disappointed, with output and cost guidance undershooting market expectations. While the longer-term outlook for gold remains positive, recent operational softness tempers near term confidence.

With much of the upside already reflected in the share price, the risk-reward balance favours taking profits at current levels.

The post Experts name 3 ASX 200 giants to sell today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Are Nick Scali and Northern Star Resources shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results?
• Are these the best blue-chip ASX shares money can buy?
• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio
• 3 ASX mining shares to sell: experts

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

When it comes to building a self-managed super fund (SMSF) portfolio, investors typically prioritise business quality and the ability to generate reliable returns across many market cycles.

Balance sheets, competitive positions, and long-term relevance tend to matter more than short-term momentum.

With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares I’d be comfortable holding inside an SMSF for the long haul.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The first ASX 200 share I would be comfortable holding in an SMSF is Goodman Group.

Goodman has evolved well beyond a traditional property trust. It focuses on high-quality industrial property, logistics facilities, and data centres in major global cities. And it often develops these assets in partnership with long-term capital providers, as we saw here with CPP Investments.

This model allows Goodman to recycle capital, fund growth without excessive balance sheet risk, and maintain exposure to structural tailwinds such as ecommerce, supply chain optimisation, and digital infrastructure. For an SMSF, that combination of asset backing and growth optionality is attractive.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Another ASX 200 share that could suit an SMSF is Macquarie Group.

It operates a diversified global financial services business, with earnings generated across asset management, infrastructure, commodities, and advisory activities. This diversity is very attractive for SMSF investors as it helps smooth results across economic cycles and reduces reliance on any single revenue stream.

What makes Macquarie particularly attractive for long-term investors is its capital discipline. The group has a strong track record of investing alongside clients, managing risk conservatively, and returning surplus capital to shareholders when appropriate.

For an SMSF, Macquarie offers exposure to global financial markets without needing to constantly trade or reposition. This arguably makes it a solid candidate for a buy and hold approach.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

A final ASX 200 share I’d be comfortable owning in an SMSF is supermarket giant Woolworths Group.

It operates in a part of the economy that rarely disappears from household budgets. Food, groceries, and everyday essentials tend to see consistent demand regardless of economic conditions, which helps underpin revenue stability.

Beyond its supermarket dominance, Woolworths continues to refine its operations through digital channels, loyalty programs, and supply chain improvements. These initiatives are protecting margins and its market share.

Overall, for an SMSF, Woolworths offers a blend of defensive characteristics and steady cash generation. These are qualities that can be valuable when building a portfolio that is designed to last through to retirement.

The post The ASX 200 shares I’d be comfortable holding in an SMSF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Are these the best blue-chip ASX shares money can buy?
• Macquarie shares taking off today as assets under management top $736 billion
• 5 ASX stocks that are still good value at over $100 a share
• Are Woolworths shares a good buy today amid rising interest rates?

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

When I look at the ASX right now, I’m not trying to make bold calls or predict the next big move. I’m simply asking a straightforward question: are there high-quality shares I’d still feel good about buying at today’s prices?

My answer is yes for the three ASX shares in this article, but for different reasons.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is the kind of stock I would own when I want exposure to resources and strong cash flow generation.

The near-term outlook for iron ore and other bulk commodities can move around, but BHP’s portfolio is increasingly about copper. That matters. Copper demand is being driven by electrification, renewable energy, data centres, and electric vehicles. Those trends are structural, not cyclical.

On top of that, BHP’s balance sheet is strong and its capital discipline has improved materially over the past decade. Even in softer commodity environments, it has the capacity to generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders.

For me, this is less about timing a commodity cycle and more about owning a global leader with assets that will be relevant for decades.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL has been through a frustrating period, and that’s why I’m more constructive now than I was a few years ago.

Slower plasma margin recovery, weaker influenza vaccine demand in the US, softer albumin sales in China, and the disappointment around CSL112 have all weighed on sentiment. Add in regulatory and tariff setbacks and it’s easy to see why investors lost patience.

But the core business remains intact. CSL still operates in an oligopolistic plasma market with very high barriers to entry. Demand for immunoglobulins continues to grow globally, and efficiency initiatives should gradually support margins over time.

Expectations are now far more realistic. I don’t think CSL needs everything to go right to deliver acceptable returns from here.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is an ASX share that I think has a lot of promise.

Counter-drone technology has gone from niche to essential. Military conflict, critical infrastructure protection, and public safety concerns are driving global demand for detection and mitigation systems. DroneShield operates right in the middle of that shift.

The company’s sales pipeline can be lumpy and contract timing will always create volatility. But its addressable market is large, defence budgets are rising, and its technology is already proven in the field. SaaS revenue and software upgrades also add a higher-margin layer to the story over time.

I wouldn’t expect a smooth ride, but I think the long-term opportunity is being underestimated.

Foolish takeaway

BHP offers strength and cash flow, CSL offers recovery potential, and DroneShield offers long-term growth. For me, that combination makes all three worth buying right now, as long as you’re investing with a long-term mindset.

The post Should you buy BHP, CSL, and DroneShield shares? Here’s my take appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• CSL prepares for half-year results as CEO transition comes into focus
• CSL names Gordon Naylor interim CEO as Dr Paul McKenzie retires
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 amazing ASX shares that could build serious wealth for investors
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares to pick up in February

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

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
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• 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.

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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.