What are brokers saying about Step One shares after 17% crash

Should investors swoop in and buy the dip?

| 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

Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP) shares are in focus today after the company's earnings results led to a big sell-off this week.

On Wednesday, the company released its H1 FY26 result, which led to a 12% share price fall.

Investors then continued to exit the company on Thursday. 

As a result, Step One shares are down 17% this week.

A picture taken from ground level focusing on the underside of a man's boot with the stylishly dressed man in the background wearing black amid a cold concrete background.

Image source: Getty Images

What did the company report?

Step One Clothing is a direct-to-consumer online retailer for men's undergarments.

Included in Wednesday's half year earnings was: 

  • Revenue of $36.3 million for the six months to 31 December 2025, down 24.5% compared to the prior corresponding period
  • EBITDA loss of $10 million, compared to a $11.2 million profit a year earlier
  • Statutory NPAT loss after tax of $8.5 million, versus a $8.2 million profit in 1H25
  • Gross margin declined to 43%, down from 78% in the prior period. 

Speaking on the results, Step One Founder and CEO, Greg Taylor, said: 

Sales in late 2025 were below our expectations, primarily due to slower-than-expected clearance of legacy inventory despite promotional activity. As a result, we have taken a $10.9 million provision against this stock, which is now fully provided for, with no material additional provisions anticipated.

What now for Step One shares?

Following this week's fall, there could be an opportunity to buy low on Step One shares. 

Two brokers have provided updated guidance following the earnings results. 

In a note out of Morgans, the broker said the 1H26 earnings were broadly in line with guidance provided in December, although fell materially short of prior expectations. 

Morgans said FY26 will be a reset year for the business, with management focusing on rebuilding brand equity for longer term profitable growth. 

STP have reset pricing, scaling back promotional activity, increased brand marketing spend to drive new customer acquisition and continue to launch new products in adjacent categories. We have made modest changes to earnings, our price target is $0.29 (was $0.30) and we maintain our HOLD recommendation.

From yesterday's closing price of $0.265, this indicates an upside of 9.4%. 

Bell Potter weighs in

The team at Bell Potter also provided updated guidance on Step One shares following the result. 

The broker reiterated its hold recommendation, and also revised its price target to $0.29. 

Given the recent inventory provision, we remain cautious on inventory management due to the increased investment into new products, particularly with a push into new segments with broader competitive pressures.

We still view STP's product as market leading in terms of quality, however we believe a mix of maturation in the core market/customer mixed with a higher cost of living to provide future strain on the business.

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 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 Small Cap Shares

Children skipping and jumping up a hill.
Small Cap Shares

2 ASX small-cap stocks tipped to double in the next year

These companies could rise as much as 166%.

Read more »

Two lab workers fist pump each other.
Healthcare Shares

Orthocell shares soar 22% on landmark US breakthrough

The company has been given approval to sell Remplir in more than 220 hospitals in the US.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.
Small Cap Shares

2 ASX shares that could rise 100% according to Bell Potter

These high-risk, high-reward shares are being recommended by the broker.

Read more »

A man raises his reading glasses in a look of surprise.
Small Cap Shares

Morgans just slapped a buy rating on this small-cap ASX share

Let's see what the broker is saying about this one.

Read more »

Woman presenting financial report on large screen in conference room.
Small Cap Shares

This beaten-down ASX small cap is sliding again despite a major US milestone

Small cap selling pressure is outweighing a strong US quarterly update.

Read more »

Two boys looking at each other while standing by the start line with two schoolgirls.
Small Cap Shares

2 ASX small-cap shares to buy with big potential for returns

Experts think these hidden gems are about to sparkle…

Read more »

4 teenagers playing mobile game
Small Cap Shares

Morgans says this exciting small-cap ASX share could rise almost 50%

Let's see what Morgans is saying about this growing company.

Read more »

three children wearing superhero costumes, complete with masks, pose with hands on hips wearing capes and sneakers on a running track.
Small Cap Shares

3 ASX small-cap shares this fund manager expects to outperform

Here's why Blackwattle is invested in these ASX small-cap shares.

Read more »