Tag: Stock pick

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.4% after the US cancelled a trip for officials to the Middle East over the weekend.

There is currently no prospect of fresh peace talks between the US and Iran.

The US blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, and Iran says it will not negotiate under these circumstances.

Meanwhile, on the The Bull this week, two experts have revealed their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s see what they think.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is $137.45, down 0.6% at the time of writing and down 51% over the past six months.

Pro Medicus sells proprietary medical imaging software and services to healthcare providers worldwide.

The Pro Medicus share price hit a record of $336 last July before commencing a steep decline alongside the broader healthcare sector.

Stuart Bromley from Medallion Financial Group has a buy rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share. 

Bromley said: 

The share price is down significantly in the past year on fears of artificial intelligence impacting the business.

But the company continues winning large and long term contracts. PME recently renewed a five-year, $37 million contract with Northwestern Medicine based in Chicago. The renewal comes with increased minimums and a higher fee per transaction.

In our view, PME presents a rare chance to buy a world class software play at a significant discount.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is $21, up 0.7% at the time of writing and down 58% over six months.

ASX 200 tech shares experienced a major rout between 29 August 2025 and 30 March this year.

AI fears drove a 48% cliff-dive in the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) over that 7-month period.

A strong turnaround in the Australian and US share markets began on 31 March. Since then, Life360 shares have risen 15.6%.

Jonathan Tacadena from MPC Markets thinks investors should keep Life360 shares on their watchlist for the moment.

Tacadena said: 

In our view, fears of artificial intelligence severely impacting software-as a-service companies are fading, and a lot of our preferred names have rebounded strongly. We expect Life360’s share price to recover further moving forward.

Full year revenue in 2025 was up 32 per cent on the prior corresponding period. It expects revenue growth in full year 2026 to be driven by its core subscription business and the scaling of its advertising platform.

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is $7.32, down 1.1% at the time of writing and down 22% in just one month.

This sharp fall followed a trading update revealing higher supply chain costs associated with the Iran war, and other matters.

Tacadena has a sell rating on the ASX 200 consumer staples share.

The analyst said:

This infant formula company recently downgraded guidance in full year 2026 in response to the Middle East conflict indirectly generating supply chain issues.

It expects lower infant milk formula sales, mostly related to Chinese labels.

The EBITDA percentage margin is forecast to decline from previous guidance of between 15.5 per cent to 16 per cent to between 14 per cent to 14.5 per cent. Net profit after tax is expected to be similar or down on full year 2025.

Tacadena noted that the A2 Milk share price has fallen from $9.24 on 10 April to $7.32 today.

It may be prudent to reduce risk and deploy capital elsewhere in case the downward trend continues from here.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Pro Medicus, Life360, A2 Milk shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Analysts pick 3 ASX 200 stocks to buy
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Nervous investors turn to ASX 200 defensives as global energy shock drags on
• What are the best Australian shares to buy now to try and make a million?
• 2 ASX 200 stocks that could rise 50%

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Mach7 Technologies Ltd (ASX: M7T) are trading well down on their highs over the past 12 months, but the good news is that, according to Morgans, there’s plenty of share price upside to be had.

Morgans recently issued a research note to their clients with a buy recommendation on the stock and a bullish share price target, which we’ll get to later.

Weaker revenue forecast

The research focused on the company’s recent quarterly report, which was released just last week.

The ASX small-cap healthcare software company said in the report that it had generated positive operating cash flow during its third quarter to the tune of $1.2 million.

The company’s annual recurring revenue rate was sitting at $22.8 million at March 31, up 2% in constant currency terms versus the rate at the end of December, and the company had $19.2 million in cash and no debt.

Regarding the result, Mach7 Managing Director Teri Thomas said:

FY26 is an operational reset year, with clear progress in cost control, partnership development, pipeline quality and delivery. Our Q3 result reflects that shift with significantly lower operating activity payments and positive operating cash flow…Over the past six months, we have strengthened the business fundamentals, aligning our product roadmap to AI-driven imaging workflows, expanding our partner ecosystem, and accelerating the shift toward higher-quality, recurring revenue. This is driving a more predictable revenue base and a higher-quality pipeline.

But Ms Thomas said the company expected full year revenue to be about 15% below FY25, “due to reduced services revenue and delays in capital deal conversion in the Middle East”.

She added:

This is partially offset by an expected ~10% reduction in operating expenses, reflecting efficiencies delivered across the business. We have reset the business, improved cost control and are now positioned for growth as we build the imaging data layer for AI-driven healthcare.

Shares looking cheap despite uncertainty

Morgans said in its research note that the optics around the downgrade were not positive, “but also not surprising given the geopolitical tensions in the area likely pushed these decisions”.

The broker added:

The revenue downgrade is a timing rather than demand issue, but the distinction only matters if deals convert. Confidence in the Middle East pipeline is noted, but this is the second consecutive period where capital deal conversion has disappointed. Until deals land in numbers, the market will likely continue to discount the pipeline. By no means an unfair position given the macro and geopolitical backdrop.

Morgans said on the positive side of the equation, a lower operating cost base sets the company up well for better operating leverage from FY27.

Morgans has a price target of 44 cents on Mach7 shares, compared with the current price of 27.5 cents.

The company is currently valued at $65.8 million.

The post This ASX small-cap healthcare stock could rocket more than 50%: Morgans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Atlas Arteria, Forrestania, Megaport, and WA1 shares are charging higher today
• Mader Group shares are up 700% in 5 years. Is patience about to pay off again?
• Why Cochlear, Karoon Energy, Origin Energy, and WiseTech shares are falling today
• Why the Atlas Arteria share price is rocketing 14% today
• Up 87% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords gold stock leaping higher again on Monday?

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 Mach7 Technologies. 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 8,769 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX)

The Atlas Arteria share price is up almost 14% to $4.92. Investors have been buying the toll road operator’s shares after it received a takeover offer. The company revealed that IFM has made an unsolicited offer at $4.75 per share in cash. However, it has also “indicated that the price will be increased to A$5.10 per security if the bidder’s relevant interest in Atlas Arteria securities is 45% or more prior to the close of the Offer.” Outside that, this is IFM’s best and final offer. Atlas Arteria advised that it will consider and evaluate the offer and will update shareholders in due course.

Forrestania Resources Ltd (ASX: FRS)

The Forrestania Resources share price is up 2.5% to 51.7 cents. This has been driven by the release of drilling results for the gold explorer’s British Hill, Mt Palmer and Johnson Range projects. The good news is that high-grade gold results were returned across all projects. Forrestania Resources’ chair, David Geraghty, commented: “These encouraging results are improving our understanding of the geology and metallurgy across each project and support the next phase of drilling, as we move with intent to increase the size and potential of the British Hill, Johnson Range and Mt Palmer Mineral Resource Estimates.”

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is up over 6% to $9.46. This morning, this network solutions company revealed that it has secured a three-year compute and storage contract with a total value of approximately US$25.1 million (A$35.4 million). Megaport’s CEO, Michael Reid, said: “Securing a contract of this size reflects both the scale of the opportunities we see in the compute market, and our disciplined approach to deploying capital. We will continue to evaluate similar opportunities, investing alongside committed customer demand at compelling paybacks, ensuring capital is deployed after rigorous analysis while supporting the long-term growth of these markets.”

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up almost 7% to $16.17. This follows the release of the niobium developer’s quarterly update. That update revealed that the company ended the period with a cash balance of $131 million. It also confirmed that all data inputs have been received for a mineral resources estimate update that is expected in the June quarter.

The post Why Atlas Arteria, Forrestania, Megaport, and WA1 shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Atlas Arteria receives a takeover offer
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• What are the best Australian shares to buy now to try and make a million?

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

Some of the best share market returns come not from drama, but from patience. Not from chasing headlines, but from holding steady while a well-run business quietly compounds.

That is the story Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD) has been writing for the past five years — and the next chapter may be just as interesting.

A five-year run most investors missed

Mader is not a household name. It does not appear in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). It does not benefit from analyst coverage on every broker desk. What it does have is a clear, repeatable business model: deploying highly skilled technicians to maintain and repair heavy mobile equipment for mining and energy clients across Australia, North America, and beyond.

That asset-light, people-first model has driven a share price return of more than 700% over the past five years — outperforming the ASX 200 by a wide margin. Investors who backed Mader early have more than eight times their original capital, not counting dividends received along the way.

That kind of performance is rare. It does not happen by accident.

The sideways stretch 

Since September 2025, the share price has largely marked time. For investors watching the ticker, this can feel frustrating. For long-term holders, it may simply be a pause.

Mader’s first-half FY26 result showed net profit after tax of $30.5 million, up 17% on the prior corresponding period. Revenue continued to track higher across its Australian and North American divisions, reflecting sustained demand for maintenance services. On the face of it, the business is still growing.

The headline surprise came elsewhere. Management chose not to declare an interim dividend, opting instead to accelerate the company’s pathway to a net cash position. The stated goal: strengthen the balance sheet before pursuing a more aggressive approach to organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

Markets reacted. Mader shares fell sharply on the day of the result before clawing back most of those losses. That intraday reversal is worth noting. Cooler heads, on reflection, appeared to separate the dividend decision from what the business itself was actually doing.

Deferring a dividend to reduce debt is not the same as cutting it because earnings are falling. Capital allocation decisions and operational performance are different conversations.

The case for patience now

Broker Bell Potter sees value in Mader at current levels. Following the half-year result, the broker upgraded the shares to a buy rating with a price target of $9.70, implying potential upside of around 23% at time of writing.

The reasoning: North America and Australia profitability is expected to improve in the second half of FY26 as revenue lifts faster than the respective cost bases. 

Labour recruitment and deployment remain the primary constraint on faster growth, particularly in North America. That is a real risk. Execution risk also exists when companies pursue both organic expansion and acquisitions simultaneously.

But Mader has navigated this balance before. Its workforce model is built around culture and retention, which has historically supported contract wins and margin performance. The shift toward net cash would also give management considerably more firepower when the right acquisition opportunity presents itself.

The Foolish takeaway

Five years ago, Mader was a small, under-the-radar mining services company. Today it is a diversified, internationally expanding business with a strong track record and a deliberate growth strategy. The share price reflects that journey — but the sideways drift since September 2025 suggests the market is still in a wait-and-see posture.

If profits continue to grow and the balance sheet strengthens as management expects, that posture may not last. As with the best long-term compounders, the reward for patience can arrive quietly — and quickly. The key risk is that execution in North America and on the acquisition front falls short of expectations. For investors with a long enough horizon, Mader remains one of the more intriguing stories on the ASX.

The post Mader Group shares are up 700% in 5 years. Is patience about to pay off again? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX small-cap healthcare stock could rocket more than 50%: Morgans
• Why Atlas Arteria, Forrestania, Megaport, and WA1 shares are charging higher today
• Why Cochlear, Karoon Energy, Origin Energy, and WiseTech shares are falling today
• Why the Atlas Arteria share price is rocketing 14% today
• Up 87% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords gold stock leaping higher again on Monday?

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant owns shares in Mader Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Mader Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mader Group. 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) has had a subdued start to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 8,764.8 points.

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

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price is down 2.5% to $94.92. This hearing solutions company’s shares have been sold off recently following the release of a disappointing trading update. Cochlear downgraded its FY 2026 underlying net profit guidance range to $290 million to $330 million. Previously it was guiding to underlying net profit of $435 million to $460 million. Management advised that softer trading in developed markets is being driven by hospital capacity constraints and a decline in referrals from the hearing aid channel.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is down 2.5% to $2.18. This is despite there being no news out of the energy producer. However, as we covered here, Karoon Energy shares were named as a sell this morning by Medallion Financial Group. It said: “In our view, Karoon has benefited from increasing crude oil prices since the conflict in the Middle East started on February 28. We believe these sorts of opportunities should be taken and we have locked in profits on Karoon.”

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

The Origin Energy share price is down 2.5% to $12.46. This morning, this energy giant released its quarterly report. Origin revealed that March quarter production was lower compared to the prior quarter. This was primarily reflecting two fewer days in the quarter and natural field decline. It also advised that Integrated Gas revenue was down $247 million compared to the prior quarter at $1,855 million. This reflects lower realised LNG prices. Origin Energy’s CEO, Frank Calabria, said: “Global commodity markets have experienced significant volatility this quarter, with the conflict in the Middle East affecting oil and LNG supply. Changes in oil prices have a lagged effect on Australia Pacific LNG’s long term export contracts, and we do not expect this to flow through to results until FY27.”

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The WiseTech Global share price is down 3% to $43.09. Investors have been selling this logistics solutions technology company’s shares despite there being no news out of it. However, this may have been driven by broad weakness in the tech sector. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Technology Index drop 0.7% on Monday.

The post Why Cochlear, Karoon Energy, Origin Energy, and WiseTech shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Down 43% this week, are Cochlear shares now the best bargain buy of the year?
• After falling 43% in a week, are Cochlear shares now a buy?
• Buy, hold, sell: Cochlear, CSL, and DroneShield shares

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

Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX) shares are surging on Monday after the toll road operator confirmed it has received a takeover proposal.

At the time of writing, the Atlas Arteria share price is up a massive 14.55% to $4.96.

The move comes after an unsolicited, off-market bid was received this morning from infrastructure investor IFM Investors.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Takeover proposal hits the market

According to the release, IFM Investors has made a bid for all Atlas Arteria securities it doesn’t already own.

The offer is priced at $4.75 per share in cash.

There is also a potential increase to $5.10 per share if IFM lifts its stake to 45% by the close of the offer.

IFM already holds close to 35% of Atlas Arteria, making it the company’s largest shareholder.

At $4.75 per share, the offer represents a modest premium to the last closing price of $4.33. The shares are now trading about 2.3% above the offer price.

The proposal values the company at roughly $6.9 billion.

What’s the next steps?

The offer is not a done deal, just yet.

Atlas Arteria noted that the proposal is subject to a range of conditions, including third-party approvals and other customary requirements.

There is also no guarantee those conditions will be satisfied.

The company has established an independent board committee to assess the proposal.

Advisers have been appointed, with UBS and Flagstaff handling financial advice and Mallesons acting as legal adviser.

Management has advised shareholders to take no action while the offer is being reviewed.

Further updates are expected once the committee has completed its assessment.

Share price reaction

Takeover approaches often change how a stock is valued, even when the premium is not that large.

Right now, the $4.75 offer sits below the current share price, which points to expectations of a higher outcome for shareholders.

And now, attention is already shifting to the $5.10 conditional price.

The fact IFM already owns a large stake adds another layer of complexity.

It already owns more than a third of the business, giving it room to increase its holding and shape how this plays out.

That position can also influence how any deal is structured.

Foolish Takeaway

I don’t think this is the final offer.

The share price is already trading above the bid, which tells you the market is expecting something higher.

IFM is already a major holder, so it has the ability to lean in if it wants control.

At these levels, I’d be more inclined to wait and see if a better price comes through rather than rush into anything.

The post Why the Atlas Arteria share price is rocketing 14% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Atlas Arteria, Forrestania, Megaport, and WA1 shares are charging higher today
• Atlas Arteria receives a takeover offer
• This ASX dividend share could deliver a return of more than 25% Macquarie says
• Why have Atlas Arteria shares hit a 12-month low today?
• Atlas Arteria shares: Q1 2026 toll revenue ticks higher

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.

ASX All Ords gold stock Barton Gold Holdings Ltd (ASX: BGD) is charging higher today.

Barton Gold shares closed on Friday trading for 97 cents. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for 97 cents apiece, up 3.2%.

For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.3% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Barton Gold shares are up 86.5% over 12 months, racing ahead of the 9.3% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

Here’s what’s piquing investor interest today.

ASX All Ords gold stock lifts on mining progress

Barton Gold shares are outperforming following the release of the miner’s March quarter update, detailing progress at its three gold projects, all located in South Australia.

Over the three months, the ASX All Ords gold stock completed 8,065 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling and 1,322 metres of diamond drilling at its Challenger Gold Project ahead of the definitive feasibility study (DFS).

Among the top assay results received at Challenger, Barton cited new high-grade mineralisation up to 170 grams of gold per tonne (g/t Au) in the pit wall.

The quarter also saw Barton Gold receive high-grade drill results from its Tunkillia Gold Project. The ASX All Ords gold stock now has three drilling rigs operating at Tunkillia, with a 30,000 metre RC drilling program underway for a Mineral Resources Estimate (MRE) upgrade in the open pit areas.

The miner said planning is also underway for follow up drilling at its Tolmer Silver Discovery.

As for potential diesel disruptions from the Middle East conflict, Barton Gold said it has secured diesel supplies for all its planned drilling programs during calendar year 2026. Barton is holding these supplies in its own storage facilities.

Turning to the balance sheet, as at 31 March the company had $13.3 million in cash and $4.5 million in interest bearing deposits.

What did Barton Gold management say?

Commenting on the results helping boost the ASX All Ords gold stock today, Barton Gold managing director Alexander Scanlon said, “We are steadily advancing Barton’s development strategy, focused on lower-cost, faster payback assets which provide a high degree of long-term regional optionality.”

Scanlon added, “Our existing infrastructure offers a material advantage.”

As for the miner’s growing silver exposure, Scanlon said:

We are also accelerating our emerging silver portfolio as a potentially significant contributor to our regional strategy. This includes work to upgrade Tunkillia’s 3.1-million-ounce silver Resource, and follow up drilling at our Tolmer Silver discovery, which in 2025 yielded the world’s highest-grade intersection of 6 metres @ 4,747 g/t Ag from only 46 metres (plus 4 metres @ 13.2 g/t Au in the same interval).

Both assets offer significant value and monetisation opportunities.

The post Up 87% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords gold stock leaping higher again on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX small-cap healthcare stock could rocket more than 50%: Morgans
• Why Atlas Arteria, Forrestania, Megaport, and WA1 shares are charging higher today
• Mader Group shares are up 700% in 5 years. Is patience about to pay off again?
• Why Cochlear, Karoon Energy, Origin Energy, and WiseTech shares are falling today
• Why the Atlas Arteria share price is rocketing 14% today

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.64% to 8,730.6 points on Monday.

Among the 11 market sectors, only technology is trading higher, up 0.22% today, as the sector turnaround continues.

The energy sector is the worst performer, down 1.5%, after the US cancelled a trip for US officials to the Middle East.

A second round of talks between the US and Iran will not proceed at this stage.

Iran is refusing to negotiate while the US blockade of its ports remains in place.

The Iran war is now in its ninth week, intensifying concerns about the long-tail global impact of the oil shock.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply is transported by ship, remains effectively shut down.

Amid this ongoing economic saga, Damien Nguyen from Morgans provides his views on three ASX 200 shares (courtesy The Bull).

Let’s check them out.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The Goodman Group share price is $28.97, down 0.6% today and down 16% over the past six months.

Goodman Group is a global industrial property owner and manager with a big focus on warehouses and data centres.

Nguyen reckons Goodman Group shares are a good buy.

He comments:

Long term demand remains supported by online retail growth and the need for efficient distribution networks close to major cities.

Goodman’s development pipeline and customer relationships provide visibility and flexibility, while its balance sheet remains conservative.

Although the valuation isn’t cheap, it reflects the group’s premium asset quality and structural growth exposure.

After recent market volatility, we see the risk–reward as attractive for long term investors.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $55.77, down 0.6% today and up 28% over six months.

Nguyen has a hold rating on this ASX 200 mining share.

He explains:

BHP provides diversified exposure to iron ore, copper and future-facing commodities, backed by a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital management.

Copper offers long term appeal through electrification, while iron ore continues to drive near term earnings. However, results remain sensitive to global growth and Chinese demand.

With commodity prices reflecting mixed economic signals, BHP’s valuation looks fair rather than compelling.

BHP suits investors seeking stability and income, but upside appears balanced by cyclical risk, supporting a hold rating.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $38.73, down 0.7% today and up 20% over the past 12 months.

Westpac shares hit an all-time high of $43.32 on 25 February.

Nguyen has a sell rating on this ASX 200 bank share on valuation grounds.

He explains:

Westpac has made progress simplifying its business, but returns continue to lag peers. Growing revenue is a challenge in a competitive and mature banking market, while execution risk persists.

Cost control and balance sheet strength offer some support, but growth drivers are limited in a slowing credit environment.

The valuation doesn’t offer a clear margin of safety given these challenges. Income may appeal to some investors.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Goodman Group, BHP, Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Analysts pick 3 ASX 200 stocks to buy
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Market alert: 2 major ASX bank shares could fall double digits
• 3 reasons to buy BHP shares now and hold for the next decade
• Want to fast-track retirement? These ASX ETFs could get you there

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

Knowing which ASX 200 shares to avoid can be just as important as knowing which ones to buy when aiming to maximise portfolio returns.

So, with that in mind, let’s see which shares analysts are tipping as sells this week, courtesy of The Bull.

Here’s what they are bearish on:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Morgans has named this big four bank as an ASX 200 share to sell this week.

This bearish stance is based on valuation grounds, with the broker suggesting that better value can be found elsewhere in the market. It explains:

CBA is Australia’s strongest major bank, with a leading retail franchise and consistent profitability. However, the market fully recognises these strengths. The shares were recently trading at a significant premium, leaving limited upside as interest rate benefits fade and competition increases.

While the business remains high quality, future returns are likely to be more modest, in our view. With the company’s valuation pricing in a lot of good news, we see better value elsewhere, supporting a sell view.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

Medallion Financial Group has named this energy producer as a sell.

It believes investors should be locking in profits after a strong run following a surge in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. It said:

Karoon is an oil and gas explorer and producer. It has assets in Australia, the United States and Brazil. Revenue from ordinary activities was down 19 per cent in full year 2025 when compared to the prior corresponding period. Net profit after tax was down 2 per cent. The shares have risen from $1.54 on February 27 to trade at $2.16 on April 23.

In our view, Karoon has benefited from increasing crude oil prices since the conflict in the Middle East started on February 28. We believe these sorts of opportunities should be taken and we have locked in profits on Karoon.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The team at Medallion Financial Group also thinks investors should be doing the same with Santos shares following a similarly strong gain.

It has named the energy giant as a sell, especially given uncertain energy prices. Medallion said:

Santos is a global energy company. It has operations across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the United States. Total revenue from ordinary activities fell by 8 per cent in full year 2025 when compared to the prior corresponding period. The fall in revenue was due to lower realised prices. Net profit after tax was down 33 per cent. The share price has risen from $5.92 on January 7 to trade at $7.61 on April 23. We would be inclined to lock in gains given volatile and uncertain energy prices emanating from the conflict in the Middle East.

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

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Brambles, CBA, and Macquarie shares
• Is the Santos share price a buy or a sell amid the Middle East events?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
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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 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) has opened with a slight dip on Monday. 

Simultaneously, the team at Morgans have provided updated guidance on Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) and PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares. 

Bank of Queensland shares have stayed relatively flat in 2026, while PLS shares have raced ahead by a further 34%. 

It appears that Morgans views these ASX 200 stocks very differently moving forward. 

Here’s the latest from the broker. 

Bank of Queensland

Bank of Queensland released its half-year results last week. 

The bank reported a 4% increase in revenue to $835 million, but a 20% drop in statutory net profit after tax to $136 million.

As The Motley Fool’s Laura Stewart reported last week, BOQ’s business mix continued to shift towards commercial lending, which grew by 16% over the half, while housing loan balances contracted.

This result led to a hefty single-day fall of 7% last Wednesday, and investors reacted negatively to the results. 

In a new note out of Morgans, the broker said BOQ’s 1H26 earnings per share declined -12% on the previous period. This beat Morgan’s forecast by 4%. 

The broker has made small changes to its forecasts for BOQ. Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for FY26 to FY28 have been tweaked slightly, ranging from a 1% increase to a 4% decrease.

At the same time, dividend per share (DPS) forecasts have been increased, because the bank is expected to pay out a larger share of its profits and maintain a strong capital position (CET1 ratio).

Upgrade from HOLD to ACCUMULATE, with recent share price decline lifting the potential TSR to c.18% TSR. BOQ’s attractive fully franked dividend and upcoming capital release may appeal in particular to income-oriented investors.

The broker has an unchanged price target of $7.39, which indicates a potential upside of 11.6% from today’s stock price hovering around $6.62. 

PLS Group

PLS shares have continued to climb in 2026, following a strong year last year. 

The company also released updated results last week, which included record production, +8% ahead of consensus expectations, and costs -13% ahead of consensus expectations. 

Morgans said this highlights PLS’ strong operating leverage. 

However, the broker now sees the upside fully priced in for PLS shares. 

Strong cash build supports growth and potential shareholder returns. Move to a TRIM rating (previously HOLD) with a A$5.40ps target price. PLS is our preferred lithium exposure, but we see much of the near-term upside priced in and suggest selectively trimming positions.

At the time of writing, PLS shares are changing hands for approximately $5.80 each. 

The post What is Morgans’ updated view on Bank of Queensland and PLS shares? 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 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.