Tag: Stock pick

Shares in OFX Group Ltd (ASX: OFX) have racked up double-digit gains after the company said it would kick off a strategic review into the future of the business.

The company, in a statement lodged with the ASX on Thursday, said it had started a “strategic review to explore a range of organic and inorganic options seeking to maximise value for shareholders”.

The company went on to say:

As a pioneer of cross border payments, OFX has regularly been in discussion with industry participants about the shape of the industry, trends and opportunities, including inorganic opportunities. OFX’s acquisition of Firma originated from such dialogue. Recently, OFX has received an increasing level of inbound inorganic interest. The Board has determined that it is in the best interests of shareholders to comprehensively consider any approaches through a structured review process, and compare them to OFX’s organic growth opportunities.

We’re worth more, board says

The company said the board did not believe the value of OFX was reflected in the current share price, “noting OFX’s robust and well established global operating infrastructure, strong cash generation and growth prospects through execution of its 2.0 strategy that plays into a very large potential global total addressable market”.

The company added:

OFX has appointed Goldman Sachs Australia as its financial advisor in relation to the Strategic Review to support the Board and management team in assessing the value that could be created under various strategic options, including a potential sale. OFX will seek to carry out the Strategic Review in an efficient manner that minimises operational distraction from the continued execution of the OFX 2.0 strategy.

The company also provided a trading update for the current quarter to date, saying revenue for the quarter was expected to be 11.5% lower at $29.4 million, compared with the same period last year.

Exec on the move

The company also announced on Thursday that its Chief Financial Officer, Selena Verth, was leaving after more than eight years with the group.

The company said:

A search for a new CFO has commenced and Ms Verth will remain with OFX until 30 June 2026 to support the continued execution of the 2.0 strategy, as well as the Strategic Review process and an effective handover.

OFX Group shares were 13.5% higher in afternoon trade at 54.5 cents. The shares are well down on their 12-month high of $1.47 and not far off their low for the period of 46 cents.

The company was valued at $111.2 million at Wednesday’s close.

The post OFX shares jump as it says it’s officially on the market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Silver’s record run hits turbulence as prices slide 13%
• Ahead of its earnings results, Macquarie reckons this healthcare company is severely undervalued
• This ASX stock just crashed 24% after a $1.7bn deal. Here’s what spooked investors
• Why is everyone talking about Seek shares all of a sudden?
• Morgans names 2 ASX shares to buy now

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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.

One of the things I find most useful when reviewing broker research isn’t the target price itself. It’s understanding why analysts are confident that a business can do better than the market expects. 

When multiple things line up, strong execution, clear growth drivers, and supportive industry trends, I’m much more inclined to lean bullish.

These are three buy-rated ASX shares where I think the underlying case stacks up well in February.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 is a company I continue to find compelling, and Bell Potter’s latest commentary reinforces why.

The broker was impressed by Life360’s recent quarterly update, which came in ahead of both guidance and its own forecasts. It highlighted that year-end monthly active users (MAU) reached 95.8 million, comfortably above expectations, with strength across both the US and international markets. Paying circles also exceeded forecasts, pointing to improving monetisation alongside user growth.

What really stands out to me is the outlook. Management guided to 20% MAU growth in 2026, which implies roughly 19 million new users in a single year. That’s a big number, and it suggests the platform is still very much in expansion mode rather than maturity.

Bell Potter has a buy recommendation and a $45 target price. With the shares trading around $26.18, the broker sees meaningful upside. I agree with the underlying logic. A business growing users, revenue, and EBITDA faster than expected, while still early in its monetisation journey, deserves close attention.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is another ASX share where broker optimism makes sense to me, even after a strong run.

Bell Potter believes the company has a market-leading radio frequency detect and defeat capability, built on years of battlefield experience and sustained investment in R&D. It sees 2026 as a potential inflection point for the counter-drone industry, with governments poised to significantly increase spending as defence budgets roll over.

What I find most interesting is the sales pipeline. Bell Potter points to a $2.1 billion potential pipeline and expects material contracts to flow over the next three to six months. That kind of visibility is rare in defence technology, especially for a company of DroneShield’s size.

The broker has a buy recommendation and a $5 target price, noting that the stock trades at a discount to global drone peers despite stronger growth prospects. For me, that combination of structural tailwinds and valuation support is something I find compelling.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a name that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but Morgans’ recent initiation of coverage puts a spotlight on the long-term opportunity.

The broker sees Catapult as a global leader in sports performance technology, offering an all-in-one platform spanning wearables, analytics, coaching, and athlete management. Importantly, it believes Catapult’s expansion beyond wearables has opened up a much larger addressable market of around 20,000 teams globally.

Morgans is forecasting strong top-line growth, with an estimated 20% annual contract value CAGR over the next three years. It also expects Catapult to reach the so-called Rule of 40 by FY27, reflecting a combination of growth and profitability that many SaaS investors look for.

On the back of this, Morgans has initiated with a buy recommendation and a $6.25 target price, implying lots of upside from current levels. I like the fact that this thesis is built around scalability and improving SaaS economics rather than a single short-term catalyst.

The post Why I’m bullish on these buy-rated ASX shares in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How low can Droneshield shares go?
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 today
• Could buying these ASX shares make me rich?
• 10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year
• These ASX 200 shares could rise 50% to 80%

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, DroneShield, and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares have fallen sharply over the past fortnight. After last year’s explosive rally, investor confidence now appears to be fading.

The share price is down almost 20% over the past week and has dropped another 7.18% to $3.23 today. That leaves the stock down roughly 27% from its late January highs near $4.50, and only about 6% higher for the year.

Let’s take a closer look at whether this is just a temporary pullback or the start of a deeper downtrend.

Why the quarterly update disappointed the market

The selling pressure intensified after Droneshield released its fourth-quarter update on 27 January.

While management again highlighted strong long-term demand for counter-drone technology, the update brought few surprises on the financial front.

Cash receipts remained modest, contract momentum stalled, and revenue growth showed little sign of improvement.

At the same time, operating costs stayed elevated as the company continues to invest heavily in expansion. Free cash flow remained negative, reinforcing concerns that profitability is still some distance away.

Overall, the update did little to support the stock’s premium valuation, prompting investors to start taking profits after a strong run.

Valuation pressure is hard to ignore

Even after the recent sell-off, Droneshield’s valuation still looks stretched.

At the current share price, the company has a market capitalisation of roughly $3 billion. That compares with annual revenue of around $100 million, based on its recent disclosures.

Investors are still valuing Droneshield at close to 30 times its annual sales, a very high price for a business that is not yet profitable and continues to spend heavily to grow.

The sell-off is starting to bite

The technical picture has also deteriorated.

The share price has broken below several short-term moving averages, and momentum indicators continue to weaken. The relative strength index (RSI) has fallen into the low 40s, suggesting sellers remain in control rather than buyers stepping in aggressively.

The $3 level now looks like a key line in the sand. If that support fails, there is limited technical protection until the $2.50 to $2.70 range, where the stock last found sustained buying interest.

On the upside, the former support zone around $3.80 to $4 has now become a clear ceiling, meaning rallies may struggle to gain traction.

Foolish bottom line

Droneshield is positioned in a growing defence niche, but the recent share price weakness shows the market is becoming more demanding.

With a $3 billion valuation, relatively modest current sales, and ongoing cash burn, investors are now looking for clearer proof that growth is accelerating.

If meaningful contract wins and stronger revenue momentum do not emerge, the recent sell-off may turn into a broader reset rather than a short-term pullback.

The post How low can Droneshield shares go? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’m bullish on these buy-rated ASX shares in February
• Could buying these ASX shares make me rich?
• 10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• How DroneShield shares soared ahead of the benchmark in January

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 DroneShield. 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.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares are sliding today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium miner and diversified resources producer closed yesterday trading for $55.65. In afternoon trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $54.53 apiece, down 2.0%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time.

Last week, on 27 January, Mineral Resources shares hit one-year-plus highs, closing the day trading for $63.98.

Not coincidentally, that high-water mark coincided with lithium carbonate prices notching their own two-year highs.

However, amid concerns that Chinese lithium demand may not be as robust as assumed, lithium prices have slumped 15% since 26 January. Though it’s worth noting that lithium carbonate prices are still above the levels we saw throughout 2024 and 2025.

As you’d expect, this recent sharp retrace in lithium prices has thrown up headwinds for most every ASX lithium stock. Indeed, Mineral Resources shares are down 14.7% since 27 January.

Despite that slide, though, shares in the ASX 200 mining stock remain up 278.7% since plumbing a multi-year closing low on 9 April.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

Should you buy Mineral Resources shares today?

Morgans’ Damien Nguyen recently ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 mining stock (courtesy of The Bull).

“MIN is a diversified resources company in Western Australia. It has extensive operations in lithium, iron ore, energy and mining services,” he said.

“Mineral Resources enters 2026 with improved stability after a volatile period, supported by progress at Onslow Iron.,” Nguyen added.

Commenting on the company’s December quarter update, he noted:

On January 29, 2026, the company upgraded lithium volume guidance and maintained cost guidance at both operations. It reduced net debt to about $4.9 billion as at December 31, 2025.

Explaining his current hold recommendation on Mineral Resources shares, Nguyen concluded:

We remain confident management can successfully execute its strategy and expect strong earnings growth in the current commodity price environment. The shares have risen from $14.40 on April 9, 2025 to trade at $61.18 on January 29, 2026.

At this point, we believe the stock is fully valued.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 lithium stock?

Mineral Resources shares closed down 3.9% on 29 January, with the release of the miner’s solid December quarter update unable to outweigh negative market sentiment from the sinking lithium price on the day.

As Nguyen mentioned above, the company upgraded its FY 2026 lithium volume guidance at its Wodgina project to the range of 260,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) to 280,000 dmt SC6, up from the prior 220,000 dmt to 240,000 dmt.

Mineral Resources also upgraded FY 2026 lithium volume guidance at Mt Marion to 190,000 dmt to 210,000 dmt, up from previous guidance of 160,000 dmt to 180,000 dmt.

The post Up 288% since April, are Mineral Resources shares still a good buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year
• Buy, hold, sell: IAG, Mineral Resources, and Westpac shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Liontown, and Mineral Resources shares
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 4 ASX mining shares just re-rated by Morgans

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

All eyes will be on Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares when it reports its half-year result later this month.

That is because CommBank is the only one of the big four banks due to report an interim result this month, which means its numbers are likely to shape sentiment across the entire banking sector during reporting season.

According to investment firm Wilsons, the upcoming result is expected to confirm that underlying sector fundamentals remain in good shape, even if it does little to change the valuation debate surrounding CBA’s shares.

Sector fundamentals still look sound

Wilsons expects Commonwealth Bank’s result to reinforce that conditions across the banking sector remain relatively healthy. It said:

We expect the result to confirm that sector fundamentals remain sound, with continued solid credit growth, robust capital buffers and benign bad debt trends.

In other words, there is no expectation of stress emerging in the loan book or balance sheet. From a risk perspective, the bank appears well positioned.

The upgrade question looms large

The investment company notes that a key disappointment for some investors was that CBA failed to deliver an upgrade at its FY 2025 full-year result.

As a result, bullish investors will now be looking for signs that the bank can re-enter an upgrade cycle this reporting season. However, the broker is sceptical that this will happen. It adds:

After CBA failed to deliver an upgrade at its FY25 full year result, CBA bulls will be looking for a resumption of the bank’s upgrade cycle this reporting season. A key focus specifically will be on costs, after CBA’s OPEX was worse than expected in FY25 due to greater tech spend, rising staff costs and workforce mix changes.

Valuation remains a key issue

While Wilsons expects the result to confirm solid fundamentals, it does not see meaningful upside to consensus earnings estimates.

If CBA falls short, or merely meets consensus, the broker believes the rotation out of the stock is likely to continue. That is largely due to valuation. It explains:

[W]e don’t see meaningful upside to consensus EPS estimates. If CBA’s result meets or falls short of consensus, as we expect, the rotation out of the stock is likely to continue. In that scenario, bank sector performance should continue to broaden, given CBA remains on a material valuation premium to the sector (at a ~40% P/E premium to peers). This is despite CBA offering only comparable (~3-4%) EPS growth to peers in FY26, while being the only bank not currently in an earnings upgrade cycle.

The post What to expect from the Commonwealth Bank half-year result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX bank shares: One I’d buy and one I’d avoid
• The best Australian dividend stocks to buy and hold forever
• Don’t buy CBA shares until this happens
• What should you do with your CBA shares in 2026?
• 3 ASX dividend stocks I’m excited to see the payouts of this reporting season

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a subdued session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.5% to 8,882.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is down over 4% to $1.20. This follows the release of the energy producer’s half-year results. Beach Energy reported a 1% decline in sales revenue to $981.7 million and a 32% drop in net profit after tax to $150.2 million. This reflects a combination of production declines and weaker oil and liquids prices. Beach Energy’s CEO, Brett Woods, spoke positively about the second half. He said: “Our steady financial footing and safe operational performance through a challenging half positions Beach for an active second half, particularly as Waitsia ramps up and offshore campaigns progress.”

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The Elders share price is down 4% to $7.04. Investors have been selling this agribusiness company’s shares after it announced a change of leadership. Elders has named Rene Dedoncker as its new CEO, commencing 1 October 2026. He will be replacing long-serving CEO, Mark Allison. Elders’ chair, Glenn Davis, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rene as our next CEO. He brings deep agricultural roots and outstanding leadership experience to Elders. He has proven expertise from his years with Fonterra and Mars, where he drove operational excellence and strategic growth on a global scale. The Board has great confidence in his ability to lead Elders into its next phase of success.”

Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH)

The Maas Group share price is down 23% to $4.30. This has been driven by news that the construction materials, equipment and service provider is selling its construction business for $1.7 billion. The company believes the deal will help fund a strategic shift into digital assets. It said: “Just as the Group positioned itself early into renewables-related infrastructure, MGH is now positioning to participate in the next wave of infrastructure investment, combining digital, AI, and electrification opportunities. The Australian data-centre and electrification markets present scalable, high-value opportunities aligned with MGH’s execution DNA, integrated capabilities, and program-based delivery.”

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

The Neuren share price is down 10% to $13.19. This follows the release of an update on its NNZ-2591 product candidate. While the US FDA has given Neuren a pathway forward for advancing NNZ-2591 in two rare neurological conditions, some additional work will be required. This could mean it takes longer than expected for approval.

The post Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Beach Energy shares a good buy for passive income today?
• ASX 200 healthcare stock sinks 9% on FDA update
• Guess which ASX 200 stock is falling on CEO news
• This ASX 300 company has just inked a $1.7 billion asset sale to fund a pivot to digital
• Elders appoints René Dedoncker as next CEO in planned succession

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

The holy grail of mining investing is to find an early-stage company with good prospects and, hopefully, hang on to the shares as they mature into a fully-fledged miner.

There are no certainties in this regard, but the team over at Shaw and Partners have had a look at Sunstone Metals Ltd (ASX: STM) and has taken a shine to them after a positive announcement this week.

What was announced this week?

So the news this week included trenching results from the company’s most recent exploration efforts, which delivered some positive findings.

These included 29.5m at 0.91 gram per tonne of gold equivalent (made up of gold, copper, and molybdenum) and 21.6m at 1.19 grams per tonne of gold equivalent.

The company said in its statement to the ASX that the high grade mineralisation at the surface “highlights the huge scope to grow the 3.6Moz AuEq Mineral Resource at its Bramaderos Project in southern Ecuador”.

The company’s Managing Director, Patrick Duffy, added:

These results demonstrate yet again the huge potential to grow what is already a big gold-copper resource at Bramaderos. “The latest results come from the first three trenches across part of the large Porotillo soil gold-copper anomaly, which lies south of the recent Copete discovery. They contain extremely strong, consistent gold and copper mineralisation and significantly strengthen our targeting model ahead of imminent drilling at Copete, Porotillo, and Melonal.

Mr Duffy said the company had recently increased the resource base by a third to 3.6 million ounces and said, “Sunstone is well-placed to fast-track further expansion of the resource in 2026”.

He added that a scoping study was also well underway, “which we are very confident will demonstrate outstanding economics of this growing cluster of outcropping gold-copper porphyry systems on the Bramaderos project”.

The Shaw and Partners team examined this week’s announcement and said the trenching method of exploration was a cost-effective way to refine targets for the company’s upcoming drilling program.

They also put the region into context:

Bramaderos is in elephant country, with a vast exploration target of an additional 5-13 million ouncs. The immediate strategy focuses on drilling to convert targets to formal resources, aiming to reach 5 million ounces by the end of the year. By integrating the high-grade Limon epithermal system into the broader mine plan, Sunstone aims to enhance early-year project economics through higher-grade feed, reinforcing Bramaderos as a globally significant asset with long-life, low-cost potential.

Shaw and Partners added that Sunstone is continuing to engage with strategic partners to potentially accelerate its projects.

The broker has a price target of 7 cents per share, which would represent a 311.8% return from the current level of 1.7 cents if achieved.

Sunstone was valued at $115.6 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post Looking to get in on the ground floor of an early stage gold stock? This one might be worth a look appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’m bullish on these buy-rated ASX shares in February
• How low can Droneshield shares go?
• Up 288% since April, are Mineral Resources shares still a good buy today?
• What to expect from the Commonwealth Bank half-year result
• Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today

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

Thematic ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) enable investors to participate in investment themes with long-term tailwinds.

One of them is the global green energy transition.

This investment theme is being clearly seen in the commodities markets, where prices for future-facing metals have soared.

Here are 2 ASX ETFs capitalising on this thematic.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)

XMET ETF is $16.83 per unit, down 0.7% on Thursday but up a staggering 114% over the past 12 months.

This ASX ETF invests in 30 metal producers that are powering the global clean energy transition.

XMET tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition Materials Select Index.

It provides exposure to global producers of copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, silver, and rare earths elements.

Many of these metals show up in our article on the 12 best-performing commodities of 2025.

Betashares explains the ETF’s thesis:

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions is driving growth in a range of disruptive products and processes such as renewable energy generation, battery storage solutions, and electric vehicles, all of which are critically dependent on the select group of ETMs [Energy Transition Metals] that XMET provides exposure to.

Holdings include international shares like First Majestic Silver Corp and Ivanhoe Mines.

There are also Aussie shares like ASX lithium pure-play PLS Group (ASX: PLS) and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC).

Just under a third of holdings are in Canada, and nearly 18% are in Australia.

XMET has net assets of $122 million, and the management fee is 0.69%.

Betashares investment strategist, Tom Wickenden, said only two of XMET’s 30 stocks recorded negative returns in 2025 and nine of them more than doubled in value.

Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL)

GMTL ETF is $14.63 per unit, down 2.2% today and up 94% over the past year.

Global X says this ETF is capitalising on surging demand for green metals and impending global supply crunches for those metals.

GMTL tracks the Bita Global Green Energy Metals Index.

It provides diversified exposure to the global materials and industrials sectors with strategic allocations to green metals such as lithium, copper, nickel, and cobalt.

Among the 49 holdings is Canadian miner, First Quantum Minerals, and US lithium processor, Albemarle Corp.

Aussie names include South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), Lynas Rare Earths, PLS Group, and copper miner, Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR).

About a third of holdings are listed in China.

GMTL has net assets of $13 million, and the management fee is 0.69%.

The post 2 ASX ETFs leveraging the green energy transition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why 2026 will be the year of ASX resources and commodities – Expert
• Buy, hold, sell: Credit Corp, PLS, and ResMed shares
• These ASX ETFs are already up between 11% and 21% in 2026!
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here’s what Bell Potter is saying about PLS shares in February

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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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) is down 0.2% in early afternoon trade on Thursday, with these three ASX 200 shares not helping matters as they sink to new one-year plus lows.

Now, if you’re on the hunt for bargain priced ASX stocks, take note.

While new multi-year lows can represent a potentially strategic long-term entry point, there’s no guarantee that these stocks won’t continue to slide.

So, before you hit that buy button, do some thorough research – or reach out for professional advice – to minimise the odds you’re trying to catch the proverbial falling knife.

With that said…

ASX 200 shares slumping to one-year plus lows

The first large-cap company hitting new one-year plus lows today is WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

Shares in the global logistics software solutions company are down 0.9% at time of writing, trading for $50.80 each. That’s the lowest levels for this ASX 200 share since January 2023.

WiseTech shares have plunged 13.9% over the past five days. With no fresh news out from the company that’s likely to spook investors, the selling pressure looks to be related to the broader AI fuelled sell-off in global software stocks.

With AI capabilities continuing to advance at breakneck, investors fear that the technology could soon disrupt the business models of most software focused stocks.

Moving on to the second ASX 200 share pluming new one-year plus lows today, real estate investment trust (REIT) Dexus (ASX: DXS).

Dexus shares have recovered from steeper losses posted earlier today but remain down 0.1% at time of writing, trading for $6.58 each.

That’s the lowest share price since June 2024.

There’s also no recent fresh news out from Dexus. But investors could be eyeing the ongoing, and growing, weakness in Australia’s office vacancies. Dexus has a large holding of quality office properties.

The prospect of ongoing elevated interest rates also isn’t going to offer any help to rate sensitive stocks like REITs.

Which brings us to…

Also plumbing one-year plus lows today

The third ASX 200 share sliding to one-year plus lows today is Guzman Y Gomez (ASX: GYG).

Shares in the Mexican fast food restaurant chain are down 2.0% in early afternoon trade on Thursday, changing hands for $20.27 apiece.

That’s the lowest level ever for Guzman Y Gomez shares, which first began trading on the ASX on 20 June 2024.

Guzman Y Gomez shares have plunged 48.5% over the past 12 months.

While painful for faithful stockholders, the ongoing slide will be welcomed by the raft of short sellers betting against the stock.

The ASX 200 share kicked off this week with a short interest of 13.7%.

The post Bargain hunting? Here are 3 ASX 200 shares plumbing 52-week lows today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think this ASX tech share sell-off is a great time to invest
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy after hitting a 52-week low
• 3 Australian stocks that are my best buy and holds for 2026
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts
• Why I think the market is wrong about WiseTech shares

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 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.

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) shares are in a trading halt on Thursday after the company requested a pre-market pause.

The halt will remain in place pending the release of a further announcement to the market, or until the start of trade on Monday, 9 February.

Lotus shares last traded at $2.88 on Wednesday before the halt. The stock is now up around 43% for the year amid improving sentiment across the uranium sector.

According to the ASX notice, the trading pause was requested while the company finalises and releases additional information.

What investors know so far

While the initial ASX trading halt notice contained limited detail, Lotus has since released further information. That update outlines a funding initiative linked to the ramp-up at its Kayelekera uranium operation in Malawi.

The company said it has launched a non-underwritten institutional placement to raise approximately $76 million, alongside plans for a Share Purchase Plan (SPP) of up to $5 million.

The funding is intended to provide added balance sheet flexibility as the company transitions toward steady state production.

New shares under the placement are priced at $2.15 each, representing a discount to the last closing price, and will rank equally with existing ordinary shares.

Why Lotus is raising now

Lotus holds an 85% interest in the Kayelekera uranium project, a former producer that restarted operations in August 2025.

The company is targeting production of around 200,000 pounds of U3O8 per month in Q2 CY2026, equivalent to approximately 2.4 million pounds per annum.

First shipment of uranium concentrate is expected during Q2, with first cash receipts targeted for Q3 CY2026.

Product qualification is progressing, with preliminary confirmation already received from one western converter. Final product acceptance is expected during February, which is a key step toward commencing regular exports.

Management said the funding will help support working capital needs, inventory build, and remaining commissioning activities, including completion of the acid plant and grid connection.

Favourable long-term sector tailwinds remain

The announcement comes amid strong long-term demand expectations for uranium.

Governments globally continue to back nuclear power as part of broader decarbonisation and energy security strategies.

Many countries are extending the life of existing reactors, approving new builds, and committing to higher nuclear capacity targets over the coming decades. This shift has tightened long-term supply expectations and supported uranium prices.

What investors will watch next

Investors will now be watching closely for the lifting of the trading halt. Attention will then turn to placement completion and any further operational updates from Kayelekera.

With funding visibility improving, execution over the coming months is likely to be the key driver of shareholder returns.

The post Why this ASX uranium miner’s shares are frozen today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter names the best ASX uranium stocks to buy now

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