18 Share Tips – 23rd February 2026

Welcome to this week’s edition of 18 Share Tips – our weekly selection of top ASX shares, chosen by leading analysts, that we think are worth considering.

This week Jed Richards of Shaw and Partners, Jonathan Tacadena of MPC Markets and Dylan Evans of Catapult Wealth share their ‘Buy’, ‘Hold’ and ‘Sell’ recommendations.

Please note these share tips are simply recommendations and are in no way intended as financial advice. These share tips are general advice and don’t take into account any individual’s financial situation. Investors are advised to seek professional financial advice before investing.

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Jed Richards, Shaw and Partners

BUY RECOMMENDATIONS

BUY – Wesfarmers (WES)

This industrial conglomerate remains one of the best managed companies in Australia. Its management team consistently demonstrates smart capital allocation and a disciplined acquisition strategy amid maintaining a strong oversight on operations across its diverse group of businesses. This quality of leadership gives me confidence that Wesfarmers can continue delivering long term value, even through changing economic conditions. Its diversified revenue streams across retail, chemicals and industrial operations also provide resilience that few companies can match. The company posted its first half results for fiscal year 2026 on February 19. Revenue of $24.212 billion was up 3.1 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Statutory net profit after tax of $1.603 billion increased 9.3 per cent.

BUY – Woolworths Group (WOW) 

The supermarket giant’s revenue base is remarkably consistent, supported by everyday essential spending. Even during softer economic periods, consumers continue to prioritise groceries and household staples, which helps stabilise WOW’s earnings. The company’s ongoing investment in digital shopping, supply chain improvements and customer experience initiatives should continue to support dependable, long term performance. 

HOLD RECOMMENDATIONS

HOLD – South32 (S32)

The miner is benefiting from strength across several of its key commodity markets, particularly aluminium, alumina, manganese and nickel. Increasing global investment in energy transition infrastructure continues to support demand for these metals, while tighter supplies in aluminium and manganese assists in keeping prices elevated. Nickel markets remain volatile, but long term demand linked to battery production provides an underlying support theme. Despite these positive conditions, commodity markets can shift quickly, and the next phase of the cycle will depend heavily on global industrial activity and continuing momentum in electrification. For now, the outlook remains encouraging, but given the inherent volatility across these commodities, I believe it’s prudent to hold existing positions rather than add further exposure until we see increasing clarity in pricing trends and broader macroeconomic conditions.

Please note Jed Richards has listed South32 as a ‘hold’, but Jonathan Tacadena has listed it as a ‘buy’. Each analyst’s views are their own and they do not always agree. Make sure to do your own research and seek professional financial advice before investing.

HOLD – Fortescue (FMG)

The miner continues to benefit from iron ore prices, which are holding up better than many expected. The company’s low cost position and large scale operations support strong profitability. But similar to my commentary on S32, the commodities and iron ore markets are cyclical. Movements in iron ore prices are influenced by global demand and particularly China’s steel production. For that reason, I’m comfortable maintaining current exposure without leaning in further just yet.

SELL RECOMMENDATIONS

SELL – REA Group (REA)

This online multinational digital advertising business specialises in property. The shares have plunged since Nasdaq-listed CoStar Group acquired REA competitor Domain Holdings Australia in August 2025. REA is a strong operator, with a well established brand. However, CoStar is well equipped to provide fierce competition. Also, investors are most concerned about the impact artificial intelligence will have on the company’s operations moving forward. As new AI‑driven competitors emerge, margins may compress and the traditional valuation multiples applied to software centric companies could moderate.

SELL – CAR Group (CAR)

CAR operates a global digital marketplace across diverse vehicle categories. Reported revenue of $626 million in the first half of fiscal year 2026 was up 8 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Reported net profit after tax of $143 million was up 16 per cent. However, the shares have fallen from $41.62 on August 18, 2025 to trade at $25.51 on February 19, 2026. In my view, CAR is another group exposed to advancing artificial intelligence, which is transforming the economics of software creation. AI can reduce barriers to entry and heighten competitive pressures. It may be prudent to reduce exposure.

Jonathan Tacadena, MPC Markets

BUY RECOMMENDATIONS

BUY – South32 (S32)

Mining operations include aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, manganese and silver. The company delivered a solid first half year result in fiscal year 2026, with earnings largely in line with expectations, a better-than-expected dividend and an expanded share buy-back, which is usually a good sign. Extending the Cannington mine life adds value amid upside potential at Sierra Gorda and Hermosa. S32 has a quality portfolio with improving margins. We believe the company is a sold long term buy, particularly on any temporary dips. 

Please note Jonathan Tacadena has listed South32 as a ‘buy’, but Jed Richards has listed it as a ‘hold’. Each analyst’s views are their own and they do not always agree. Make sure to do your own research and seek professional financial advice before investing.

BUY – Solstice Minerals (SLS) 

The miner recently delivered encouraging copper-gold drilling results at its Nanadie project in Western Australia, including an impressive assay of 62 metres at 1.55 per cent copper and 0.66 grams a tonne of gold. Management believes this is a large scale system, with meaningful high grade zones beyond the existing inferred mineral resource estimate of 162,000 tonnes of copper and 130,000 ounces of gold. The share price doubled in response to the latest assay results, but has since retreated to more appealing entry levels on February 19, 2026. More assay results are due in coming weeks, which may be positive. Investors, with an appetite for risk, may want to consider buying SLS in anticipation of good results.

HOLD RECOMMENDATIONS

HOLD – Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (DBI)

DBI operates the world’s largest metallurgical coal export facility near Mackay in Queensland. Recent debt re-financing of $1.07 billion has reduced borrowing costs from 3.26 per cent to 1.56 per cent. In our view, it was a shrewd play. These meaningful savings should underpin solid dividend growth of around 6 per cent annually, with potential for more. The chart is looking strong, but I suggest holding and waiting for full year results on February 24.

HOLD – NRW Holdings (NWH) 

NRW provides diversified contract services to government and the resources, industrial and infrastructure sectors in Australia. On February 19, the company announced first half year results for fiscal year 2026. Revenue of $1.974 billion was up 19.5 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Statutory net profit after tax of $72.8 million was up 40.8 per cent. Investors responded positively to the results, sending the shares up about 12 per cent in morning trade on February 19. The company offers a strong order book of $7.5 billion, which includes repeat business.

SELL RECOMMENDATIONS

SELL – Lovisa Holdings (LOV)  

This global fashion and jewellery accessories retailer generated total revenue of $500.7 million in the first half of fiscal year 2026, an increase of 23.3 per cent. The company released its results on February 19, 2026. Statutory net profit after tax of $58.39 million was up 2.6 per cent. The results appear to have fallen short of market estimates as the shares were down about 12 per cent in morning trade on February 19. The shares have fallen from $43.14 on August 29, 2025 to trade at $27.85 on February 19, 2026. Despite, the share price fall, we believe the shares are trading at a premium, so investors may want to consider cashing in some gains.

SELL – Aussie Broadband (ABB)

ABB’s acquisition of AGL Energy’s telecommunications business looks like a genuinely good deal. It adds an estimated 350,000 broadband services and mobile connections to ABB’s customer base. The acquisition is expected to be completed in June 2026. Migration is expected to be completed in the first half of fiscal year 2027. ABB shares soared sharply on the news, but then retreated. Technically, that’s a bearish sign. We believe good news from the AGL deal is priced into the stock, so we would be inclined to cash in some gains. The shares have fallen from $6.09 on October 22, 2025 to trade at $5.22 on February 19.  

Dylan Evans, Catapult Wealth

BUY RECOMMENDATIONS

BUY – Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (CLW)

This Australian real estate investment trust reported solid first half results in fiscal year 2026, which were in line with expectations. Statutory earnings of $153.6 million increased 209 per cent compared to the prior corresponding period. Net tangible assets of $4.68 per security were up 2 per cent from June 30, 2025. CLW’s share price has declined due to the re-emergence of inflation and its impact on interest rates and bond yields. CLW appeals for its reliable income stream. It was recently trading on a dividend yield above 6.5 per cent, supported by a high quality property portfolio with occupancy of 99.9 per cent and a weighted average lease length of more than nine years.

BUY – Netwealth Group (NWL)

Netwealth agreed in late 2025 to pay compensation of $100.7 million to customers who invested in the First Guardian Master Fund, a collapsed fund that was included on its platform. On February 18, 2026, investors responded positively to the company’s first half results in fiscal year 2026. Platform revenue of $189 million was up 25.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period. A statutory loss of $2.2 million includes the First Guardian compensation expense. Excluding the expense, net profit after tax of $69 million was up 19.9 per cent. Netwealth is the second fastest growing superannuation and investment platform in Australia, driven in part by technology investment and leadership in a rapidly changing sector.  With less than 9 per cent of market share, Netwealth still has plenty of room to continue growing in double digits.

HOLD RECOMMENDATIONS

HOLD – Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC)

The bank’s first quarter update in fiscal year 2026 was positive, with profit growth of 6 per cent, excluding notable items, tracking ahead of consensus. The bank’s cost cutting program has the potential to boost earnings. Upside potential is backed by one of the best balance sheets in the sector, and a strong retail banking franchise. Despite the positives, Westpac and the broader banking sector remain relatively expensive given modest growth expectations, so it’s difficult to make a case for an overweight allocation.

HOLD – ASX Limited (ASX)

The financial markets operator has struggled for several years. It continues to face regulatory scrutiny after  technology issues. Total expenses of $264.4 million in the first half of 2026 were up 20 per cent, partly as a result of costs associated with the inquiry by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which cited ASX operational and governance issues in its interim report. However, the outlook for the ASX may be starting to turn for the better. It has consistently grown its revenues, courtesy of a near monopoly position. Operating revenue of $602.8 million in the first half of 2026 was up 11.2 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Statutory net profit after tax of $263.6 million increased 8.3 per cent. If the company can reduce costs and sustain revenue growth, earnings should benefit moving forward.

SELL RECOMMENDATIONS

SELL – AMP (AMP)

This diversified financial services company has been making progress with its turnaround strategy. Simplifying the business is revealing positive outcomes. However, there’s a long road ahead for AMP given its disappointing performance over many years. Its platform business is exposed to the tailwind of a growing superannuation asset pool, but it lags competitors in a space with rapidly evolving technology. The shares were priced at $1.41 on March 1, 2021. The shares were trading at $1.37 on February 19, 2026. Better options exist elsewhere.

SELL – Domino’s Pizza Enterprises (DMP)

The fast food giant has been expanding into European and Asian markets with some success. However, in our view, DMP faces too many headwinds. Domino’s is battling cost inflation on raw materials, cost of living pressures among consumers and a long term trend towards healthier options. Also, Domino’s faces significant competition from an ever-growing list of food choices and home delivery services.

The above recommendations are general advice and don’t take into account any individual’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Investors are advised to seek their own professional advice before investing. Please note that TheBull.com.au simply publishes broker recommendations on this page. The publication of these recommendations does not in any way constitute a recommendation on the part of TheBull.com.au. You should seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.