Should you hold on to these 4 ASX 200 outperformers or take your profits and run?

Should you hold on to these ASX stocks after outstanding growth or take your profits and run?

| More on:
A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) increased 9.97% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 13.81% in FY25.

The following four stocks delivered strong share price gains, which begs the question: Should you hold them or take your profits and run?

Four experts share their recommendations.

What to do now with these 4 ASX 200 stars of FY25

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price rose by 45% to finish FY25 at $185 per share.

On Friday, CBA shares are down 1.55% to $175.15 at the time of writing.

John Athanasiou of Red Leaf Securities says investors should hang on to their CBA shares for now.

The CBA remains Australia's biggest and most profitable bank, renowned for reliable dividends and steady earnings.

Its strong capital base and defensive earnings make it a dependable long term hold, particularly for income investors.

However, slowing credit growth and margin pressures suggest cautious expectations ahead.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

This buy now, pay later company was one of just nine ASX 200 stocks to double in value in FY25.

The Zip share price screamed 110% higher to $3.07 in FY25.

Today, the Zip share price is currently $3.24, up 0.15%.

On The Bull, Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a buy rating on Zip shares but says the ASX 200 financial stock is "higher risk".

Wielandt said:

Despite the strong share price performance during the past 12 months, there's still much to like about Zip, in particular the significant opportunity in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) space in the US.

The BNPL market in the US is quite immature relative to Australia or Europe. With 6 million active clients and 83,000 merchants processing 88 million transactions to the value of about $12 billion, it wasn't surprising the business provided an earnings upgrade in June.

ZIP is holding more than $400 million in cash and bad and doubtful debts are low at 1.6 per cent.

Investors should expect volatility, so the stock should be considered higher risk.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

This large-cap gold share was among 17 ASX 300 shares that soared 100% or more in FY25.

Evolution shares leapt 123% to $7.79 in FY25.

Today, the gold stock is down 0.49% to $7.08.

Morgans slapped a trim rating on Evolution shares this month.

The broker suggests investors take some profits off the table.

The rating change followed the ASX 200 miner's quarterly report and exploration update on 16 July.

The broker said Evolution's cash flow stood out again in FY25, but its all-in sustaining-cost (AISC) is trending higher.

FY25 delivered – production, costs and capex met guidance with strong cash flow enabling further balance sheet deleveraging and early debt repayment.

FY26 AISC to increase +14% on inflationary pressures and non-cash items.

Solid EBITDA margins and continued deleveraging provide share price support, but EVN appears fully valued and we suggest taking profits.

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

The Eagers Automotive share price rose by 66% to finish FY25 at $17.45 per share.

On Friday, Eagers Automotive shares are up 1.33% to $19.88, at the time of writing.

Macquarie thinks this car retailer can rise further in FY26.

The broker has an outperform rating on this ASX 200 retail share with a 12-month price target of $20.60.

Macquarie said: 

We expect APE to achieve its larger than typical 2H skew.

The ST margin outlook has stabilised, and we see material upside to LT margins.

Offshore M&A and further rate cuts are material catalysts.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Opinions

A man rests his chin in his hands, pondering what is the answer?
Opinions

Is WiseTech a buy, sell or hold in 2026?

The software company has faced several headwinds this year.

Read more »

green arrow rising from within a trolley.
Opinions

My 5 top stocks to buy in 2026

After market volatility, here are 5 ASX stocks I’d be happy to own heading into 2026.

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
Opinions

5 magnificent ASX stocks that can make you richer in 2026

Do you have any of these shares in your portfolio?

Read more »

A woman scratches her head in dismay as she looks at chaotic scene at a data centre
Opinions

Should you buy CSL shares before 2026?

CSL shares have suffered brutal sell-offs this year.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Opinions

$5,000 to spare? I'd buy these 5 ASX 200 shares before the end of 2025

These shares look like a good buy to me right now.

Read more »

Two boys play outside on an old army tank.
Opinions

What's next on the horizon for EOS? Why I think 2026 could be massive

EOS is entering a new growth phase, with a growing backlog, deep pipeline, and multiple large defence contracts on the…

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Technology Shares

Why I think these 3 ASX shares are top-quality buying at today's prices

These 3 high-quality ASX shares have fallen out of favour. I think they all look attractive at today’s prices.

Read more »

A man in a business suit whose face isn't shown hands over two australian hundred dollar notes from a pile of notes in his other hand to an outstretched hand of another person.
Opinions

2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $5,000!

I’m excited by the potential of these two businesses.

Read more »