Are JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman shares a better buy right now?

Let's find out.

| More on:
Woman checking out new TVs.

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

Two of the most recognisable names in the consumer discretionary sector are JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. 

This sector relies heavily on economic conditions and consumer sentiment. 

Some of these factors have led to the sector staying relatively flat over the last 12 months.

The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ) is up just 1.6% in that span. 

But is there any opportunity in the new year for two of Australia's biggest electronics and white goods companies?

Here's what experts are tipping for JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman shares. 

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

The group's products focus on consumer electronics, electrical goods, and white goods through its JB Hi-Fi, JB Hi-Fi Home, and The Good Guys stores.

JB Hi-Fi shares have fallen by roughly 18% since late last year, and are overall down 3.3% in the last 6 months. 

Most of this decline came amidst changing inflation and cash rate news last October, which pushed consumer sentiment lower. 

This was despite the company reporting quarterly sales growth across all its businesses.

So are they worth a buy?

It's important to first point out JB Hi-Fi offers a solid dividend yield of just over 3%. 

As for the share price, RBC Capital Markets placed a $101 price target on JB Hi-Fi shares late last year. 

Meanwhile, TradingView has an average one year price target of $102.89. 

These targets indicate an upside between 8-11% from its current share price. 

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

It's been a very different story for Harvey Norman shares over the last 12 months. 

Its share price has risen by more than 46% in that span, making it among the best retail shares to have owned in 2025.

This largely came on the back of impressive FY25 results

At the time of writing, Harvey Norman shares are trading at $6.78 each. 

So is there more growth to come in 2026? Or should investors take profits?

Much like its competitor JB Hi-Fi, it also offers a strong yield

It's forecast to pay fully franked dividend yields of 4.5% in FY 2026.

Secondly, brokers still see share price growth for Harvey Norman shares in 2026. 

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares. 

From current prices, that indicates an upside of more than 22%.

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 positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A jockey gets down low on a beautiful race horse as they flash past in a professional horse race with another competitor and horse a little further behind in the background.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Betmakers confirms Tabcorp takeover approach

This punt didn't pay off for Tabcorp.

Read more »

A young man with a wide smile holds a glass bottle in one hand and holds his pointer finger up with the other hand.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Orora shares hit a fresh 12-month high as new buyback announced

It's glass half full for Orora shareholders.

Read more »

A young woman drinking coffee in a cafe smiles as she checks her phone.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Breville shares fall despite a result brokers have welcomed

Record revenue hasn't impressed the market.

Read more »

A woman has a big smile on her face as she drives her 4WD along the beach.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Are Amotiv shares a buy, hold or sell following the company's half-year results?

There's reason for optimism here.

Read more »

A woman holds a piece of pizza in one hand and has a shocked look on her face.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Domino's shares catch investors' attention today. Here's what was announced

Domino’s shares move higher as investors digest a leadership update.

Read more »

A row of Rivians cars.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Here's why this standout ASX 200 share can keep racing up

After a positive start this year, most experts see more upside.

Read more »

Happy smiling young woman drinking red wine while standing among the grapevines in a vineyard.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why Treasury Wine shares are rising today

Treasury Wine shares rise on US settlement and lifting guidance slightly.

Read more »

A couple in a supermarket laugh as they discuss which fruits and vegetables to buy
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Are Woolworths shares a good buy today amid rising interest rates?

A leading investment expert offers his outlook for the recovering Woolworths share price.

Read more »