Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, NextDC, and Woolworths shares

What is Morgans saying about these large-cap shares?

Last week was a big one for Aussie investors, with some large-cap ASX shares releasing their latest results.

Three that Morgans has been looking at are listed below. Here's what the broker is saying about them:

Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.

Image source: Getty Images

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

Morgans was pleased with this iron ore giant's half-year results. It highlights that the miner delivered earnings ahead of expectations.

However, it wasn't quite enough for a buy recommendation. Instead, the broker has upgraded NextDC's shares to a hold rating with a $20.60 price target. It said:

The hematite business delivered a 5% EBITDA beat; the problem is what happens to the cash after that. A strong hematite result, but 43% of group capex is directed to activities generating zero current earnings, compressing FCF conversion to 48% and ROCE to 19%. NPAT miss reflects rising capital intensity, with a sharp rise in D&A. Dividend solid at A$0.62/share. Post recent pullback we upgrade to HOLD.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

This data centre operator had a strong finish to the first half, delivering more unit sales in the final month than it did in the three years before.

In light of this, the broker sees a path to $700 million in EBITDA in FY 2029. And given its undemanding valuation, Morgans has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $20.50. It said:

NXT sold more MWs in the month of December 2025 than in the preceding 36 months combined. It was a record sales period for enterprise and hyperscale. The 416MW now contracted underpins FY29 underlying EBITDA of >$700m (without new contract wins) and sees NXT trading on an undemanding ~22x EV/Contracted EBITDA, with upside potential. BUY retained and target price lifted to $20.50 from $19.00 following our upgrades.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

This supermarket giant's half-year results surprised to the upside. However, to prove that this wasn't a fluke, Morgans wants to see more of the same before it will recommend Woolworths shares as a buy.

It has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $37.30. It said:

WOW's 1H26 result overall was above expectations, with productivity and cost efficiencies a key highlight as all divisions delivered improved margins. Management said competition remains elevated and customers continue to be value-focused. While there were tentative signs of improving customer sentiment toward the end of CY25, persistent inflation and rising interest rates have led customers to revert to finding ways to save.

We increase FY26-28F underlying EBIT by between 0-3%. While 1H26 performance was solid, we would prefer to see further evidence of consistent execution before moving to a more positive view on the stock. We therefore maintain our HOLD rating. Our target price increases to $37.30 (from $28.25) following a roll-forward to FY27 estimates and a higher valuation multiple of 25.5x (from 22x previously), reflecting improved execution and stronger sales momentum across all segments.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc and Woolworths Group. 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 Woolworths Group. 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

Woman holding her glasses and looking at her laptop.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Deep Yellow, SGH, Telstra shares

We review three fresh buy, hold, and sell calls from expert market analysts. 

Read more »

View of a row of blue and black server racks in a data centre.
Broker Notes

How high does Macquarie think Megaport shares will go?

Shares in this technology company are looking cheap, the broker says.

Read more »

A happy group of workers around a table raise their arms in the air as though celebrating a work achievement. One woman is on her feet with her arm raised in the air in a fist-pumping action.
Broker Notes

Brokers tip up to 67% for these 3 ASX shares

All three are rated a strong buy

Read more »

A mining worker wearing a white hardhat and a high vis vest stands on a platform overlooking a huge mine, thinking about what comes next.
Broker Notes

7 ASX mining shares with 11% to 158% upside ahead: experts

Brokers have updated their ratings and price targets on BHP, Mineral Resources, and others. 

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices.
Broker Notes

6 ASX shares upgraded by experts amid a weak market 

Brokers have increased their ratings on Capricorn Metals, REA Group, and others this week. 

Read more »

woman on phone
Broker Notes

With $2.4 billion in FY26 profits, are Telstra shares a good buy today?

A leading expert delivers his outlook for Telstra shares.

Read more »

Woman looking at her computer and pondering something.
Broker Notes

Barrenjoey tips this ASX financial stock to rise 73%

A new deal has impressed the analysts.

Read more »

Sell written several times on board.
Broker Notes

Sell alert! Expert calls time on Corporate Travel and CBA shares

A leading expert expects CBA and Corporate Travel shares to face significant headwinds.

Read more »