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

NextDC shares drop 23% from their peak: Buying opportunity or sign to sell-up?

The tech stock has suffered amid the sector-wide sell off over the past couple of months.

Read more »

A woman looks nervous and uncertain holding a hand to her chin while looking at a paper cut out of a plane that she's holding in her other hand. representing the falling Air New Zealand share price today
Opinions

Flight Centre shares drop 18% this year: Buy, sell or hold?

Can the travel stock keep flying higher?

Read more »

Engineer at an underground mine and talking to a miner.
Opinions

Best ASX mining stock to buy right now: Fortescue or South32?

Here’s my pick between the two mining majors.

Read more »

woman on phone
Communication Shares

Up 24% in a year! The red-hot Telstra share price is smashing BHP, Westpac and Coles

The Aussie telco's shares stormed higher over the past 12 months.

Read more »

A female CSL investor looking happy holds a big fan of Australian cash notes in her hand representing strong dividends being paid to her
Opinions

2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $10,000

These businesses have a strong outlook for long-term growth.

Read more »

two people sit side by side on a rollercoaster ride with their hands raised in the air and happy smiles on their faces
Opinions

Up over 200% in 6 months: Are Pilbara Minerals shares still a buy?

How high can the lithium producer’s shares go?

Read more »

Two young boys sit at a desk wearing helmets with lightbulbs, indicating two ASX 200 shares that a broker has recommended as buys today
Opinions

The best stocks to invest $1,000 in right now

I'd be happy to pick up more of these winners right now.

Read more »

A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.
Opinions

Best ASX retail stock to buy right now: Wesfarmers or Woolworths?

Here's my pick between the two retail powerhouses.

Read more »