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

Should investors swoop in and buy the dip?

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

Small girl giving a fist bump with a piggy bank in front of her.
Small Cap Shares

An ASX small-cap share to buy for its bright future

Investors can get excited about this stock.

Read more »

Man with a surprised expression on his face as he looks at his computer screen.
Small Cap Shares

Could this exciting growth stock be set to triple? Morgans thinks it can

This stock is a must watch.

Read more »

Hand stacking increasing piles of rocks.
Small Cap Shares

Why investors should be targeting ASX mid-caps and ASX small-caps after earnings season: Expert

A new report suggests there is upside for smaller equities.

Read more »

A police officer points their detector at a speeding car.
Small Cap Shares

Why is this ASX small cap up 160% to get an ASX 'speeding ticket'?

Let's take a look.

Read more »

Five young boys wearing small caps sit on a bench together watching a baseball game.
Small Cap Shares

2 ASX small-cap shares to buy and 1 to sell: Experts

The ASX Small Ords Index is down 9% in 2026 versus a 2% bump for the broader ASX All Ords.

Read more »

$50 Australian dollar note on top of a plant pot.
Small Cap Shares

This profitable ASX small-cap just posted record results

This unglamorous operator is building a surprisingly attractive growth engine.

Read more »

Construction worker celebrates success in a tunnel.
Small Cap Shares

Can this ASX small-cap share price keep running into reporting season?

While most of the local share market has gone nowhere fast this year, one small cap has left the benchmark…

Read more »

A man surrounded by huge piles of paper looks through a magnifying glass at his computer screen.
Small Cap Shares

2 ASX small-caps with 40% upside

These two companies are worth monitoring.

Read more »