Buy, hold, sell: Megaport, Northern Star, Woolworths shares

Experts explain their ratings on these three ASX 200 stocks.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.3% to 8,709.9 points on Monday.

Let's review some new ratings on three ASX 200 shares.

Two brokers analysing stocks.

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Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is $22.64, up 1.3% today and up 49% over 12 months. 

Shawn Hickman from Market Matters is bullish on this ASX 200 tech share. 

Hickman said: 

Megaport (ASX: MP1) has upgraded its FY27 revenue and EBITDA margin guidance after securing new strategic AI infrastructure contracts, while also benefiting from earlier-than-expected execution of previously announced agreements.

The stronger outlook demonstrates both incremental revenue from the new contracts and improving operating leverage as the business scales.

MP1 is increasingly evolving from a pure network-connectivity business into a broader digital and AI infrastructure platform.

We like MP1 moving into 2027 with the stock looking attractive ~$21-22.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star Resources share price is $24.09, up 0.3% today and down 3% over 12 months. 

Arthur Garipoli from Dolphin Partners Financial Services has a hold rating on this ASX 200 gold share. 

Garipoli said (courtesy The Bull): 

This Australian gold producer recently rejected an indicative proposal from Gold Fields Limited to acquire 100 per cent of NST at an implied equity value of $A38.7 billion. The proposal included $A7.25 in cash and 0.3125 new Gold Fields shares.

The NST board rejected the proposal on the grounds it materially undervalues NST and is highly opportunistic.

Also, Elliott Investment Management announced it had increased its stake in NST to 6.24 per cent on September 10.

We suggest investors continue holding for further developments.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The Woolworths share price is $38.28, down 0.2% today and up 45% over 12 months. 

Steven Springford from Catapult Wealth has a sell rating on this ASX 200 consumer staples share. 

Springford said: 

The supermarket giant has managed a solid recovery. Group net profit before tax and significant items of $1.599 billion in full year 2026 was up 15.4 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Group sales of $71.5 billion were up 3.6 per cent.

The balance sheet is in good shape and selling groceries is a defensive business. However, this is a recovery from a weaker base rather than a new growth phase.

The shares have risen from $26.70 on September 30, 2025 to trade at $38.77 on September 30, 2026. The shares are trading at a premium, in our view.

Investors can consider cashing in some gains before re-deploying the capital in cheaper growth orientated alternatives.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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.

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