Buy, hold, sell: JB Hi-Fi, New Hope, and Qualitas shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these ASX shares following their updates.

| More on:

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

Are you hunting for new investment ideas? If you are, it could be worth listening to what Morgans is saying about the ASX shares in this article.

Does it rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let's find out:

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.

Image source: Getty Images

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

Morgans notes that retail giant JB Hi-Fi delivered a solid half-year result, which was largely in line with expectations. It was also pleased to see that margins were well-managed.

However, with January starting slowly and management sounding cautious, it has put a hold rating on JB Hi-Fi's shares with a reduced price target of $87.00. It said:

JBH delivered a solid result, which was broadly in line with expectations. Sales were robust (+7.3%) driven by continued demand for consumer electronics and home appliances and executed well during key promotional sales events. Margins were well managed, resulting in EBIT growth of +8.1% yoy.

Trading in January has slowed from the 2Q, with management noting a cautious outlook given the retail market uncertainty and continued competitive environment. We have upgraded to a HOLD (from TRIM), and look for any weakness as a buying opportunity for this high quality retailer. Our target price falls from $95 to $87.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

This coal miner's half-year results weren't too bad considering recent coal price weakness. Another positive is that Morgans believes that the company is positioned to achieve the top end of its New Acland 3 guidance range.

However, it is not enough for anything but a hold rating (down from accumulate) with an improved price target of $5.00. The broker explains:

Delivered underlying, unaudited EBITDA of $106.9 million in 2Q26, bringing 1H26 EBITDA to $214.8 million despite weakness in coal prices. NHC delivered a 2Q that positions it to ramp up its Bengalla operation to its 13.4Mtpa ROM coal production run rate in 2H26 and achieve upper end of New Acland 3 guidance range. We rate NHC a HOLD (previously ACCUMULATE) with a target of A$5.00ps (previously $4.55ps).

Qualitas Ltd (ASX: QAL)

Finally, this alternative investment company's performance was positive thanks to residential and private-credit tailwinds.

And with its shares pulling back recently, the broker sees value on offer here. As a result, Morgans has retained its accumulate rating and $3.80 price target on its shares. It said:

QAL's 1H26 result shows a platform accelerating on deployment, benefiting from both residential and private-credit tailwinds, and converting scale into higher recurring revenue, stronger margins and growing performance fees. This has seen Fee Earning FUM (FEF) increase 38% (vs pcp), while record deployment (+57% vs pcp) was largely driven by repeat borrowers (76%).

The continued demand for QAL's funds resulted in higher quality result, with recurring base management fees +28% (yoy) and loan transaction fees up +69% (yoy). Running contrary to the strong operational performance, QAL's share price has declined 14% over the past three months as sector multiples moderated. In light of this share price moderation we retain an Accumulate recommendation with a $3.80/sh target price.

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.

More on Broker Notes

Wooden house models on a table with a man using a calculator.
Broker Notes

Why this expert believes it's time to exit positions in REA Group shares

One broker is calling time on this ASX 200 stock.

Read more »

Happy young couple riding a motorbike together.
Broker Notes

7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week

Brokers retained a positive view on Santos, Zip, AMP, and other shares this week. 

Read more »

Sad man sitting at desk and grabbing his head as he looks at a laptop.
Broker Notes

Downgrade alert! 5 ASX 200 shares downgraded by experts this week

Brokers reduced their ratings on Wisetech, Harvey Norman, Ansell, and other stocks this week. 

Read more »

Woman holding several shopping bags.
Broker Notes

ASX retail shares are down 13% in 2026. Here's what Morgan Stanley is worried about

The sector has fallen hard, and concerns remain.

Read more »

Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.
Broker Notes

Forget Xero shares! Broker tips this top ASX tech stock for 24% gains

This ASX tech stock has rocketed 143% in a year, and a leading broker forecasts another 24% of gains to…

Read more »

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Broker Notes

This ASX nickel miner could jump 57%, Macquarie says

A resumption of dividends could also be on the cards.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, REA Group, and Ramelius shares

Analysts have given their verdict on these shares.

Read more »

Small kid giving a thumbs up.
Broker Notes

2 ASX 200 stocks that Morgans just upgraded

These stocks have between 15% and 20% upside.

Read more »