Here are six stocks that have strong 12-month growth ahead of them, according to market analysts.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price closed at $107.51 on Friday, up 0.3%.

The ASX 200 healthcare share jumped 9.8% last week while its peers in the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) rose 3.3%.

The CSL share price has cratered over the past two years, but many experts maintain a positive view on the former blue-chip.

There is a consensus moderate buy rating on CSL shares among 18 analysts on the Commsec trading platform today.

UBS renewed its buy rating on CSL shares with a 12-month price target of $158 last week.

This suggests potential capital gains of 47% ahead.

Waratah Minerals Ltd (ASX: WTM)

The Waratah Minerals share price closed out the week at 61 cents, down 1.6% on Friday.

Bell Potter reiterated its speculative buy rating after Waratah Minerals released new assay results last week.

The explorer is conducting an 80,000-metre drill program at its Spur Gold and Copper Project in NSW.

Bell Potter said:

The Spur project is showing strong indications of delivering a gold-copper deposit of substantial scale and grade in a strategic setting.

We see potential for the delineation of a regionally significant gold Resource of 2.5-3.0Moz at competitive gold grades between 0.8-1.0g/t Au.

The broker has an unchanged price target of $1.05, which indicates a potential 73% upside ahead.

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

The Deep Yellow share price finished Friday's session at $1.42, up 4%.

Jefferies upgraded this ASX uranium share to a buy rating last week.

The broker has a target of $1.90, which implies 34% upside from here.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price closed at $5.18 on Friday, up 1.2%.

Ord Minnett has a buy rating and a $7.25 target on the ASX 200 consumer staples share.

This suggests potential capital growth of 40% ahead.

The broker said:

The FY27 crop is likely to be smaller than FY26, but it is now unlikely to be the disaster it was shaping up to be. In Ord Minnett's view, this makes the 21% retracement in the GrainCorp share price since 14 May seem like a significant overreaction. 

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price closed out the week at $4.52, up 3.4% on Friday.

Citi has reaffirmed its buy rating on this ASX 200 mining share.

Analyst Ephrem Ravi has a price target of $6.10.

This implies a potential 35% upside ahead.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo share price finished Friday's session at $1.44, up 1.4%.

Morgans renewed its buy call on the ASX bank share with a $2.15 price target.

This implies a potential 50% upside over the next 12 months.

The post 6 ASX shares with 35% to 75% growth ahead of them: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This follows US President Donald Trump claiming a peace agreement with Iran could be reached this weekend.

Meanwhile, brokers have indicated new confidence in several ASX 200 shares.

Let's check them out.

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

The Deep Yellow share price is $1.41, up 3.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 uranium share has fallen 22%.

Jefferies upgraded Deep Yellow shares to a buy rating on Monday.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $1.90.

This suggests a potential 35% upside ahead.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

The TPG share price is $3.70, down 0.1% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 telecommunications share has fallen 9%.

JP Morgan upgraded TPG Telecom shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $3.70.

This implies the stock is fully priced.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is $5.20, up 1.6% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has dropped 15%.

Ord Minnett upgraded Graincorp shares from an accumulate to buy rating this week.

The broker said:

We note that at the first-half FY26 results release on 14 May, there were growing concerns for the FY27 crop due to significant areas of northern NSW and Queensland not having sufficient soil moisture profiles to plant and a weather forecast suggesting a dry winter and the chance of El Nino.

Relieving rains of the past two weeks, however, have washed away these fears.‍ The FY27 crop is likely to be smaller than FY26, but it is now unlikely to be the disaster it was shaping up to be.

In Ord Minnett's view, this makes the 21% retracement in the GrainCorp share price since 14 May seem like a significant overreaction.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $7.25 on Graincorp shares.

This suggests a potential capital gain of almost 40% over the next year.

Vysarn Ltd (ASX: VYS)

The Vysarn share price is 98 cents, down 0.5% today.

Vysarn delivers production services to the resources, utilities, and construction sectors.

Morgans upgraded this ASX materials small-cap share after Vysarn announced an acquisition.

The broker lifted its rating from speculative buy to buy.

It also raised its target price from 90 cents to $1.10.

This implies a potential 12% upside ahead.

Morgans said:

VYS is acquiring NewGround, adding highly accretive (~25% EPS) annuity-style earnings that, alongside greater customer-base diversification in the industrial division, materially increases earnings visibility.

The limited upfront cash component of $8.3m preserves balance sheet flexibility, providing further capacity to continue building out its integrated water-services platform via acquisitions.

Incorporating NewGround from early October, we raise our EPS forecasts in FY27 and FY28 by +19 and +24% respectively.

Reflecting the improvement in earnings quality and reduced volatility, we upgrade VYS from Speculative Buy to Buy.

While the Kariyarra asset management business carries a binary outcome, at the current share price, investors are getting this optionality for free.

The post 4 ASX shares upgraded by brokers this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The All Ords is currently down 1.4% to 8,730 points, a near 3-week low.

Strong jobs data released last week put fear into the US market that inflation and interest rates may go up this year.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fell 1,121 points or 4.2% on Friday and regained just 0.9% overnight.

Friday's dramatic decline was the Nasdaq's biggest daily fall in more than a year.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) fell 200 points or 2.6% on Friday and recovered 0.3% overnight.

Meanwhile, let's take a look at some new notes from Ord Minnett.

The broker has a buy rating on these 3 ASX All Ords shares.

Here's why.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is $5.06, down 1.2% today and down 40% over six months.

Ord Minnett upgraded this ASX All Ords consumer staples share from an accumulate to buy rating.

The broker explained:

Grain-growing areas serviced by GrainCorp have received relieving rain in the past two weeks, which will now underwrite an FY27 winter crop.

We note that at the first-half FY26 results release on 14 May, there were growing concerns for the FY27 crop due to significant areas of northern NSW and Queensland not having sufficient soil moisture profiles to plant and a weather forecast suggesting a dry winter and the chance of El Nino.

Relieving rains of the past two weeks, however, have washed away these fears.‍ The FY27 crop is likely to be smaller than FY26, but it is now unlikely to be the disaster it was shaping up to be.

In Ord Minnett's view, this makes the 21% retracement in the GrainCorp share price since 14 May seem like a significant overreaction.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $7.25, suggesting a potential capital gain of 43% over the next year.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo share price is $1.39, down 2.8% today and down 19% over six months.

Ord Minnett renewed its buy rating on the ASX All Ords bank share with a $2.40 price target.

This implies potential capital growth of 72% over the next year.

In its new note, Ord Minnett said:

Judo is highly exposed to broader macroeconomic conditions and its performance will be more volatile than most of its larger rivals.

It is thus strongly leveraged to any Middle East war resolution and a return to calmer energy markets that had potentially threatened the asset quality of its SME loan book.

We forecast a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for EPS of 40% and view Judo as an appealing investment option on a medium-term outlook. 

Shape Australia Corp Ltd (ASX: SHA)

Shape Australia is a fit-out and construction services company operating in the commercial property sector.

The Shape Australia share price is $6.51, down 3.8% today and up 8.7% over six months.

Ord Minnett kept its buy recommendation in place for this ASX All Ords industrials share.

The broker explained:

SHAPE has announced the acquisition of Australian Professional Shopfitters (APS) for an upfront consideration of $20.4 million, comprising $17.4 million cash and $3.0 million in Shape scrip, with a potential earnout of $9.0 million over the next two years.

APS operates on an EBITDA margin of ~16% and as such, represents yet another acquisition that bolsters SHAPE's margin story.

The broker raised its price target from $8.50 to $8.85.

This implies 36% upside over the next 12 months.

The post Broker names 3 ASX All Ords shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Data shows 124 ASX 200 companies are in the red today.

This includes a hefty 3.7% share price decline for the market's largest listed company, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

Meanwhile, several brokers have lifted their ratings on select ASX shares this week.

Let's take a look.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price is $2.98, up 3.7% today and down 19% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

Last week, Endeavour unveiled a strategy involving $300 million in cost savings by FY29, including $100 million in FY27.

The group wants to strengthen Dan Murphy's price leadership, modernise BWS' digital experience, and lift its hotels performance. 

Endeavour will divest non-core assets, including most of its winery and vineyard portfolio.

The group also lowered its dividend payout ratio to a range of 50% to 75% of underlying net profit after tax (NPAT).

Citi upgraded the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share to a buy rating on Wednesday.

However, the broker reduced its 12-month price target from $3.45 to $3.25.

This still implies a potential near-10% upside ahead.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP Group share price is $62.51, down 3.7% today, and up 40% over six months.

Germany's DZ Bank AG upgraded the ASX 200 mining share to a hold rating this week.

DZ Bank has a $65 price target on BHP shares.

This suggests that only 4% upside is left for the next 12 months.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is $5.09, up 2% today, and down 38% over six months.

Jarden upgraded the ASX 200 consumer staples share to a hold rating on Tuesday.

The broker lowered its price target from $5.50 to $5.40.

This implies potential capital growth of 6% over the next year.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

The Dicker Data share price is $11.16, down 1.4% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 technology share has lifted 22%.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Dicker Data shares to a buy rating this week.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $10.30 to $11.

This implies the tech stock is fully valued today.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) 

The Nufarm share price is $2.87, up 0.7% on Thursday and up 24% YTD.

UBS upgraded the chemical and seed technology company to a buy rating this week.

Following Nufarm's FY25 results, the broker lifted its target on the ASX 200 agriculture share from $2.80 to $3.50.

This suggests a 22% upside is on the way.

Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM)

The Sims share price is $27.68, down 2.5% today and up 52% YTD.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Sims shares to a hold rating on Monday.

The broker has a $24 target, implying a 13% downside over the next 12 months.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH)

The Tabcorp share price is 80 cents, down 0.6% today and down 32% over the past month.

Morgans upgraded the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share to a buy rating this week.

The broker said:

Following the announcement of AUSTRAC's investigation this month, the TAH share price has fallen approximately 37%.

While we expect the investigation to remain an overhang for the foreseeable future, at these levels the stock appears materially undervalued.

Current trading conditions remain supportive in our view and position the company well for a strong upcoming result, despite inherent uncertainty surrounding the scope of the investigation and the quantum of potential penalties.

Morgans has a share price target of $1.07, implying 34% potential capital growth ahead.

The post 7 ASX shares attracting upgraded ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Since the start of the year, the ASX 200 stock has lost almost a third of its value.

Is this a buying opportunity for investors? Let's see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the grain exporter's shares following their decline.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter notes that recent industry data has been released and it isn't looking favourable for GrainCorp. It said:

The ABARE Jun'26 east coast crop forecast implies a -27% YoY contraction in the east coast winter crop and a -19% YoY contraction in the southeastern canola crop.

Winter East coast crop forecast: ABARE has issued a June 2026-27 east coast winter crop forecast of 23.8mt (vs. 27.2mt in the pcp and a R5YA of 24.2mt). The forecast is predicated on an acreage forecast of 10,370mHa (vs. Jun'24 of 12.0mHa and R5YA of 11.5mHa) and a yield forecast of 2.29t/Ha (vs. Jun'25 of 2.3t/Ha). The acreage forecast is a 7yr low and the yield projection is broadly comparable with the outcome experienced in similar years when the acreage was in the 10,000- 11,000mHa range.

However, the broker highlights that this crop forecast is notoriously unreliable. It explains:

The June forecast is historically the least accurate, on average it has underestimated the final crop size by ~5% over FY11-25 and in the past 5years has underestimated the final crop outcome by ~19%.

Nevertheless, it has still reduced its profit expectations. The broker adds:

NPAT changes are -1% in FY26e and -15% in FY27e reflecting lower crop receipts and lower canola crush volumes, offset in part by stronger crush margins. Our target price is $5.20ps (prev. $5.90ps) reflecting a view that with a drier bias GNC is likely to trade at a discounted multiple.

Is this ASX 200 stock a buy, hold, or sell?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating on GrainCorp's shares with a reduced price target of $5.20.

This is only marginally higher than the current share price of $5.05.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

In the June report we noted a seven year low in east coast winter crop acreage sown and a seven year low in southeastern (VIC/NSW/SA) canola production. Key months are now the August-September window, which are crucial for yield development in a potentially dryer backdrop.

The post Down 30%: Does Bell Potter rate this ASX 200 stock as a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a better day on Wednesday following a positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 37 points or 0.4% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.45%, but the S&P 500 rose 0.15% and the Nasdaq edged slightly higher.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.5% to US$93.54 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$95.87 a barrel. This has been driven by concerns over rising tensions between the US and Iran.

Buy 4D Medical shares

Bell Potter remains bullish on 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) shares. This morning, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating on the medical technology company's shares with an improved price target of $6.00 (from $4.85). It said: "The clinical data from the CLEAR study will provide the necessary evidence to further support broad adoption for diagnosis of PE [Pulmonary Embolism]. Outpatient reimbursement will continue under the existing category III CPTA codes paid at US$650/scan. TAM for this market is estimated at $2.5bn annually."

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a decent session on Wednesday after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.3% to US$4,519.2 an ounce. Traders appear to believe the precious metal has been oversold.

Hold Graincorp shares

Bell Potter thinks Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares are fully valued. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the grain exporter's shares with a reduced price target of $5.20 (from $5.90). It said: "In the June report we noted a seven year low in east coast winter crop acreage sown and a seven year low in southeastern (VIC/NSW/SA) canola production. Key months are now the August-September window, which are crucial for yield development in a potentially dryer backdrop."

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While the world waits for further news, the global oil shock continues to cause direct economic ramifications worldwide.

The conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

That's a key global shipping channel through which about 20% of the world's oil and gas supply is transported.

We are now in the third month of the conflict, which has exacerbated already resurgent inflation in Australia.

Despite today's recovery, ASX 200 shares remain just inside the red for 2026 so far.

Experts say some stocks have strong potential upside ahead, despite the impact of the war.

Here is a selection of them.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The Web Travel share price is $2.71, up 6.5% today.

This ASX 200 travel share is down 44% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

In a new note this week, Morgans gave Web Travel shares a buy rating with a price target of $3.75.

This suggests 38% capital growth over the next 12 months.

The broker said:

Given the Middle East conflict affected trading in March, WEB's FY26 result came in at the lower end of guidance, albeit better than consensus, proving its resilience.

Unsurprisingly, WEB's FY27 update showed that trading has slowed materially given the conflict. Adverse FX has been another headwind.

Given the uncertainty, WEB did not provide any formal FY27 earnings guidance.

We have made significant downgrades to our forecasts. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment impacts WEB's 1H27 (seasonally stronger half), followed by a recovery in the 2H27.

After material share price weakness, we upgrade WEB to a BUY rating. The company is worth materially more than the current share price.

We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is $5.04, up 2.3% today.

This ASX 200 consumer staples share has tumbled 30% YTD.

Canaccord Genuity has a buy rating with a $6.88 target.

This implies potential capital growth of 37% over the next year.

Nexgen Energy (Canada) CDI (ASX: NXG)

Nexgen shares are $15.86, up 2.9% today.

The ASX 200 uranium share has lifted 10.9% YTD.

In light of the Iran war, energy security is a hot topic these days.

Nations are highly motivated to develop new domestic energy supplies, and modern nuclear reactors are one way to do it.

This trend bodes well for ASX 200 uranium shares like Nexgen.

UBS has a buy rating on Nexgen shares with a $21 target.

This indicates a potential 32% upside ahead.

Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

The Charter Hall share price is $20.33, up 4.5% today.

This ASX 200 real estate investment trust (REIT) has declined 16.8% YTD.

Morgan Stanley has a buy rating with a price target of $26.89.

This implies a potential 32% upside ahead.

The post 4 ASX 200 shares tipped to rise 30% or more in the year ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Rabobank, which is a specialist agribusiness bank, says producers face mixed weather conditions and significantly higher input costs.

It estimates Australia's winter cropping area will be 23.1 million hectares, down 8% on last year and 4.3% below the five-year average.

The Australian RaboResearch team predicts wheat cropping will fall 20.4% to 9.8 million hectares this season.

However, barley, canola and pulse plantings are forecast to increase.

Report author, Vitor Pistoia, a senior grains and oilseeds analyst at RaboResearch, said:

Australia enters the 2026/27 winter cropping season with a more uneven and weather-dependent cropping area than in recent years.

The season is opening with a clear geographic split across Australia's cropping regions.

Conditions on the northern east coast, particularly in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, have been dry through summer and early autumn, leaving limited topsoil moisture and delaying sowing.

Pistoia said lower rainfall was likely amid the high risk of a shift towards El Nino conditions this season.

He added that higher costs, particularly for fertiliser and diesel due to the Iran war, were influencing farmers' decisions this winter.

These higher costs are encouraging shifts towards lower-input crops and contributing to a reduction in total cropping area.

Let's take a look at experts' ratings on three ASX agriculture shares.

Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC)

Australian Agricultural Company shares have fallen 9.5% over the past 12 months.

Last week, Australian Agricultural Company reported a record operating profit of $71.6 million for FY26, up 23% year-over-year.

After reviewing the numbers, Bell Potter kept its buy rating in place on the ASX agriculture share.

The broker said:

AAC delivered a record operating performance that was understated, due to the inclusion of $9m in flood related costs.

While costs are currently experiencing inflationary pressure (grain and oil), continued strong pricing in core offshore markets, uplifts in grainfed cattle capacity (FY27-28e sales program) and a larger herd are reason for optimism in future periods.

Bell Potter reduced its 12-month price target from $1.95 to $1.85, implying a 43% potential upside from here.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price has tumbled 32% over the past 12 months.

After reviewing the company's 1H FY26 results, Morgans downgraded the ASX agriculture share to a hold rating.

The broker commented:

GNC's 1H26 result was weak but broadly in line with consensus at the NPAT level.

GNC reported a significantly larger than expected cash outflow and its core cash position was also lower than expected.

The era of special dividends now appears to be over. GNC reiterated its FY26 earnings guidance.

The outlook for the FY27 winter crop is one of caution given grain grower's cost pressures and the BOM's dry outlook.

GNC's strategic assets are worth materially more than its current share price. However, given earnings look set to decline again in FY27, the stock is lacking share price catalysts, and we move to a HOLD recommendation.

The broker has a $5.62 price target, which still implies a potential 11% upside ahead.

Ricegrowers Ltd (ASX: SGLLV)

The Ricegrowers share price has lifted 11% over 12 months.

On The Bull, Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse said the Sunrice brand owner had benefited from elevated rice prices and strong export demand.

However, he has a sell rating on this ASX agriculture share.

Elzayed explained: 

… we believe much of the good news is already reflected in the share price of this global group.

Moving forward, we expect earnings growth to moderate as global rice supplies normalise amid what we consider to be elevated input costs.

The company is up against strong competition in several markets.

Margins also face pressure from freight and currency volatility, potentially limiting near term upside.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Australian Agricultural Company, Graincorp, Ricegrowers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After kicking off the trading week on a positive note yesterday, investors couldn't keep up the momentum, with the index opening in the red this morning and staying that way all session. By the time the markets closed up shop, the ASX 200 had lost 0.39% and finished up at 8,657.8 points.

The US markets were closed for the Memorial Day public holiday last night, so the small gains we saw 'Stateside last Friday are still holding.

So, without further ado, it's now time to take stock of how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's frosty trading conditions.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is the second time in a month that the defensive sector has led the market.

Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) edged 0.3% higher to finish the week at 8,657 points.

The market whipsawed last week as the war in Iran dragged on and depressing economic data was released.

US President Donald Trump said he called off strikes on Iran after Persian Gulf leaders assured him of an acceptable deal in the works.

However, on Friday, reports emerged of Iran and Oman working together to create a permanent toll system for the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait, through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas is shipped, runs between the two nations and remains effectively closed.

Meanwhile in Australia, the market was surprised by a fall in employment in April that pushed the unemployment rate up to 4.5%.

Additionally, the latest monthly consumer sentiment index rose just 3.5% off the extreme low recorded last month.

Matthew Hassan, Head of Australian Macro-Forecasting at Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), commented:

… consumers remain deeply pessimistic.

Forward views are clearly still being weighed down by uncertainty around global energy supply with the Strait of Hormuz still effectively shut.

However, rate rise fears are also in the mix.

Fierce debate also broke out last week over how proposed capital gains tax (CGT) changes may disincentivise start-ups in Australia.

Amid volatile trading conditions, ASX 200 investors upped their exposure to defensive consumer staples shares.

Let's take a look at the impact.

Consumer staples shares led the ASX sectors last week

The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price rose 5.15% to finish at $34.68 per share on Friday.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price rose 3.17% to $21.47.

IGA network owner Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) lifted 3.39% to $3.05 per share.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares fell 0.65% to $3.08.

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price tumbled 7.67% to $5.66.

ASX 200 wine share Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) increased 5.88% to $4.50.

The Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price rose 0.37% to $5.39.

Almond food producer Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV) ascended 6.65% to $3.85 per share.

ASX 200 agricultural share Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) decreased 8.64% to $4.76.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) shares tanked 18.33% to $5.88 after the company released its 1H FY26 numbers last week.

The Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) share price rose 2.27% to $1.35.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 consumer staples shares outperformed again last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Among the 11 market sectors, materials is in the lead today, up 1%, while utilities is the laggard, down 1%.

Let's take a look at some stocks that have received renewed buy recommendations from the experts this week.

Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

The Tuas share price is $2.27, down 1.7% today.

The ASX 200 telco share is down 63% since news dropped that the company has allegedly been using spectrum it doesn't own.

Morgan Stanley kept its buy rating on Tuas shares with a $10 target this week.

This implies a massive potential capital gain of 325% over the next year.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

The Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure share price is $5.60, down 0.8% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX 200 industrial share has leapt 25%.

Citi reaffirmed its buy rating and raised its 12-month target from $5.75 to $6.10 on Thursday.

This suggests a potential 8% upside ahead.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is $4.75, up 0.9% today.

This ASX 200 agribusiness share has tumbled 45% over six months.

Canaccord Genuity renewed its buy rating with a $6.88 target on Monday.

This implies potential capital growth of 45% over the next year.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is $12.98, up 1.2% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 technology share has ripped 48% higher.

Morgans renewed its buy rating and raised its target from $13.50 to $15.50 this week.

This suggests a potential 19% upside ahead.

The broker commented:

MP1 has announced a series of large contract wins which are financially and strategically significant.

MP1 will use its globally unique communications platform to connect servers and GPU clusters in numerous DCs across the US.

DC power constraints are a growing issue and MP1 was uniquely able to stitch together multiple sites to provide consolidated inference solutions.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price is $8.98, up 12% on Friday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 defence share has fallen 16%.

Canaccord Genuity renewed its buy rating and raised its target from $12.50 to $14 this week.

This suggests a potential 24% upside ahead.

Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

The Charter Hall share price is $19.35, up 0.5% today.

This real estate investment trust (REIT) has declined 21% over the year to date.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating with a price target of $26.89 on Monday.

This implies a potential near-40% upside ahead.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

The James Hardie share price is $29.10, up 4% today.

This building materials supplier is the largest non-mining company in the ASX 200 materials sector.

James Hardie shares have fallen 19% over 12 months.

This week, James Hardie released its FY26 results.

Amid subdued construction activity, broker Morgans said FY26 could be "chalked up as a transformational but financially dilutive year, while FY27 is about margin and cash-recovery driven by synergies rather than any improvement in the housing market".

Morgans reiterated its buy rating with a price target of $39.

This implies potential capital gains of 34% ahead.

The post 7 ASX shares with strengthened buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three such companies hitting new yearly lows were: 

• Black Pearl Group Ltd (ASX: BPG) fell 9%
• Tamawood (ASX: TWD) fell 5% 
• GrainCorp (ASX: GNC) fell 0.4%

While holders of these shares will undoubtedly be worried about further drops, there is some upside potential according to experts. 

Here's the latest guidance on these ASX shares hitting 52-week lows. 

Black Pearl Group

Black Pearl Group is a newly listed ASX small-cap stock. 

It is a data technology platform that develops and operates a lead prospecting and marketing product suite via its proprietary Pearl Engine platform and augmented large language model developed by BPG in 2022. 

The company transforms anonymous, unstructured web visits and data layers into identifiable prospects to significantly increase efficacy for SME ad/marketing spend by targeting prospects with a high intent to buy.

Since its initial listing, it has experienced some volatility and now sits at an all-time low of 50 cents per share. 

The combination of its small market cap and short life on the ASX can make it difficult to pinpoint fair value for prospective investors. 

However the team at Bell Potter are optimistic there are brighter days ahead. 

The broker has a speculative buy recommendation, and price target of $1.76. 

This implies a 250% upside from yesterday's closing price. 

GrainCorp

GrainCorp is an agribusiness and processing company with a history spanning more than 100 years. The company operates the largest grain storage and logistics network in eastern Australia.

Its share price has fallen 34% in 2026 and hit fresh 52-week lows yesterday. 

Much of this decline came after its half-year results released earlier this month. 

GrainCorp reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million for the six months to 31 March 2026, down 33% from $202 million in the prior corresponding period.

Underlying net profit after tax fell 52% to $33 million. 

After such a sell-off in such a short period, investors may now be circling for a value play. 

However the team at Morgans is not certain of a rebound any time soon. 

The broker has a hold rating with a $5.62 price target.

GrainCorp shares closed yesterday at $4.71 per share. 

Tamawood

Tamawood engages in the design and construction of residential buildings. It deals with contract home construction, home design, and other associated activities in Australia.

It has fallen significantly over the last two weeks since the company announced its updated dividend of 11 cents per share. 

Since then, it has fallen over 15%, which included 5% yesterday. 

This stock could be in danger of falling further, as shrinking profit margins, a potentially unsustainably high dividend payout, and weak sentiment toward Australia's housing and construction sector are all headwinds for the company right now. 

The post Which of these shares hitting 52-week lows can bounce back? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The agribusiness and grain handling giant saw its shares crash on Thursday following the release of its half-year results, extending its year-to-date decline.

The stock now sits well below where it traded this time last year.

So what went wrong, and is the damage done?

What the numbers showed

GrainCorp reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million for the six months to 31 March 2026, down 33% from $202 million in the prior corresponding period.

Underlying net profit after tax fell 52% to $33 million, while reported NPAT collapsed to just $5 million.

The Agribusiness division saw EBITDA drop 26% to $104 million, reflecting weaker conditions on Australia's east coast.

Total grain handled came in at 26.5 million tonnes, down from 29.5 million tonnes a year ago, as a lower carry-in position and reduced grower selling activity weighed heavily on volumes and pushed export margins to multi-year lows.

The Nutrition and Energy segment also disappointed, with a $12 million EBITDA timing impact from derivative mark-to-markets dragging on the result, though management expects that to unwind in the second half.

What management said

GrainCorp CEO Robert Spurway did not sugarcoat the result.

He said:

GrainCorp's 1H26 result reflects a disciplined performance in a challenging global grain market. Oversupply of grain and associated low pricing have compressed margins across the supply chain and reduced grower selling activity, limiting available volumes and increasing competition for grain brought to market. Against this backdrop, we are tightly focused on cost management, capital discipline and portfolio optimisation.

On a more positive note, Spurway confirmed minimal impact from the Middle East conflict, stating:

We have experienced minimal impact from the Middle East conflict to date, with our supply chain continuing to operate as normal.

What brokers think

Neither Bell Potter nor Morgans saw the result as a buying opportunity.

Bell Potter retained its hold rating and cut its price target to $5.90 from $6.80, warning that global production forecasts for 2026/27 remain elevated at around 2% above the five-year average, suggesting grain trading margins will stay tight.

Morgans also downgraded GrainCorp to a hold with a $5.62 price target, noting:

GNC's 1H26 result was weak but broadly in line with consensus at the NPAT level. The era of special dividends now appears to be over.

Is there any good news?

GrainCorp reaffirmed its FY2026 earnings guidance of underlying EBITDA between $200 million and $240 million and underlying NPAT between $20 million and $50 million, implying a significantly stronger second half.

The board also declared a fully franked interim ordinary dividend of 14 cents per share, payable on 16 July 2026.

The balance sheet remains solid, with a core cash position of $163 million and an ongoing share buyback program that has deployed $38 million of its $75 million authorisation to date.

Weather across east coast Australia has been broadly supportive for the upcoming winter crop, with favourable soil moisture conditions across Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Foolish takeaway

GrainCorp is a cyclical business and this is clearly a down cycle.

With global grain oversupply showing little sign of easing and both major brokers sitting on hold ratings, investors may want to be patient.

However, patient investors with a contrarian mindset may see value at current prices for Graincorp shares.

The post Why GrainCorp shares sank 15% last week and what it means for investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's see if Morgans rates these shares as buys, holds, or sells this week.

Here's what the broker is saying about them:

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

This grain exporter's half-year results disappointed due to a weak performance from the Nutrition & Energy business.

And with concerns over its outlook, Morgans has downgraded GrainCorp's shares to a hold rating with a $5.62 price target. It explains:

GNC's 1H26 result was weak but broadly in line with consensus at the NPAT level. Business unit performance was stronger for Agribusiness but materially weaker for Nutrition & Energy given a one-off derivate [sic] timing issue. GNC reported a significantly larger than expected cash outflow and its core cash position was also lower than expected. The era of special dividends now appears to be over. GNC reiterated its FY26 earnings guidance.

The outlook for the FY27 winter crop is one of caution given grain grower's cost pressures and the BOM's dry outlook. We have downgraded our forecasts for a much smaller crop. GNC's strategic assets are worth materially more than its current share price. However, given earnings look set to decline again in FY27, the stock is lacking share price catalysts, and we move to a HOLD recommendation.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

This wine giant's shares could be undervalued according to Morgans.

In response to significant share price weakness and an improving outlook, the broker has upgraded Treasury Wine shares to a buy rating. It commented:

We see TWE's Investor Day on 4 June as a key share price catalyst. At this event, the company intends to share its detailed plans and targets for its portfolio and operating model to support a future state TWE. TWE's recent trading update was positive with strong depletion growth, highlighting the strength of its brands. It also has the support of its banks with new debt commitments secured.

2H26 EBITS is on track to be higher than the 1H26. Following material share price weakness, given its low trading multiples and our belief that new management can deliver more acceptable returns overtime, we upgrade to a BUY recommendation.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Finally, Morgans was impressed with Xero's FY 2026 results and its outlook for FY 2027.

It notes that the company's earnings momentum continues to improve relative to consensus expectations.

As a result, it has retained its buy rating on Xero shares with an $111.00 price target. It said:

XRO reported a better-than-expected FY26 result and FY27 outlook. Earnings momentum continues to improve relative to consensus expectations. Management were confident enough to announce a buy-back and hint at potential capital management in FY28. However, investors didn't take comfort with commentary around AI disruption risk versus reward.

Management has a plan to maximise the opportunity set (TAM) ahead of a path to AI monetisation. It's early days in AI and the path to AI driven value creation will become clearer, over time. We retain our BUY recommendation and $111 Target Price.

The post Buy, hold, sell: GrainCorp, Treasury Wine, and Xero shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Brokers have reduced their ratings on several stocks this week.

Let's take a look.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $97.98, up 0.7% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen another 30%.

Jarden downgraded CSL shares from a buy to hold rating on Tuesday.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $244 to $191.

This still suggests major potential upside of 95% over the next 12 months.

GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is $5.23, down 2.9% and down 20% over the past month.

Morgans downgraded this ASX 200 agribusiness share after the company released its 1H FY26 results.

The broker moved to a hold rating with a $5.62 target, implying 7.5% upside ahead.

In a note, the broker said:

GNC's 1H26 result was weak but broadly in line with consensus at the NPAT level. Business unit performance was stronger for Agribusiness but materially weaker for Nutrition & Energy given a one-off derivate timing issue.

GNC reported a significantly larger than expected cash outflow and its core cash position was also lower than expected.

The era of special dividends now appears to be over. GNC reiterated its FY26 earnings guidance. 

Looking ahead to FY27, Morgans said dry El Nino conditions and cost pressures would likely lead to a "much smaller crop".

GNC's strategic assets are worth materially more than its current share price.

However, given earnings look set to decline again in FY27, the stock is lacking share price catalysts, and we move to a HOLD recommendation.

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

The Healius share price is 37 cents, down 1.4% on Friday.

Over the past five trading days, this ASX healthcare stock has fallen 27%.

Healius shares were smashed after the company issued an FY26 earnings downgrade.

RBC Capital downgraded Healius shares to a sell rating this week.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from 75 cents to 35 cents.

This indicates the stock is fully priced.

Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV)

The Amotiv share price is $6.25, up 0.2% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX consumer discretionary share has fallen 30%.

Citi downgraded Amotiv shares to a hold rating on Tuesday.

The broker slashed its price target from $9.30 to $6.70, indicating limited upside ahead.

Mach7 Technologies Ltd (ASX: M7T)

The Mach7 Technologies share price is 28 cents, up 1.8% today.

In the calendar year to date, this ASX healthcare share has tumbled 59%.

Canaccord Genuity downgraded Mach7 shares to a hold rating with a 27-cent target on Tuesday.

This suggests the stock is fully priced.

The post 5 ASX shares downgraded by brokers this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX 200 stock was sold off on Thursday and crashed 13%.

This means the grain exporter's shares are now down 31% since this time last year.

Is this a buying opportunity for investors? Let's see what Bell Potter is saying.

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 stock?

Bell Potter notes that Graincorp released a half-year result this week that was well short of expectations. It said:

Revenue of $3,884m was down -5% YOY (vs. BPe $3,849m). EBITDA of $136.1m was down -32% YOY (vs. BPe of $148.6m) with a weaker result in Nutrition and energy and Agribusiness, despite moving higher volumes of grains in the half. There was a $12m EBITDA timing impact on derivative mark-to -markets within the Nutrition business which should unwind in 2H26e. Operating NPAT of $32.7m (vs. BPe of $49.6m) was down -53% YOY. 1H26 crop receipts were 11.0mt (vs. BPe of 10.4mt) and crop exports were 3.3mt (vs. BPe of 3.0mt).

In response to the results, the broker has reduced its earnings estimates for the coming years. It adds:

EPS changes are -4% in FY26e, -12% in FY27e and -9% in FY28e. changes reflect modestly lower margin assumptions and higher base interest rate assumptions. Our target price is $5.90ps (prev. $6.80ps) reflecting lower corporate net cash.

Should you buy the dip?

According to the note, the broker doesn't think investors should be rushing in to buy the ASX 200 stock following its decline.

It has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $5.90 (from $6.80). Based on its current share price of $5.38, this implies potential upside of 9.5% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter has concerns that grain trading margins could remain tight in the near term. It said:

As the focus shifts to the upcoming crop, soil moisture profiles are in general the opposite of a year ago, being improved in the south and drier in the north. At this stage, the increasing shift in outlook towards an El Nino bias in 2HCY26 warrants consideration against potential yield outcomes. Global production forecasts for 2026/27 remain at elevated levels (~2% above the 5YR avg.), suggesting ongoing tight grain trading margins. Oilseed crush margins remain strong and have the potential to be a tailwind as hedge positions rollover.

The post Down 30%: Is this ASX 200 stock a buy after its crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Friday following a solid night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 51 points or 0.5% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.75%, the S&P 500 rose 0.75%, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.9%.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) will be on watch on Friday after a decent night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.95% to US$102.00 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$106.55 a barrel. With no sign of a US-Iran peace deal being agreed, traders have been bidding oil prices higher.

Hold Graincorp shares

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares were out of form and sank 13% on Thursday following the release of its half-year results. The team at Bell Potter doesn't think this is a buying opportunity. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $5.90 (from $6.80). It said: "Global production forecasts for 2026/27 remain at elevated levels (~2% above the 5YR avg.), suggesting ongoing tight grain trading margins. Oilseed crush margins remain strong and have the potential to be a tailwind as hedge positions rollover."

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.1% to US$4,656 an ounce. Rising oil prices appear to have spooked traders. They may believe higher inflation could increase the risk of rate hikes.

Buy Catapult shares

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares are being undervalued by the market according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the sports technology company's shares with a trimmed price target of $4.50 (from $4.75). It commented: "Catapult remains our key pick in the tech sector amongst mid cap stocks outside the S&P/ASX 100 index. We see little risk of AI disruption for the stock given its extensive proprietary data, multiple product platform and the hardware component to its solutions."

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are sinking:

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

The Bapcor share price is down 19% to 41.7 cents. Investors have been selling this auto parts retailer's shares following the release of another disappointing update. Bapcor advised that its performance in the second half of FY 2026 has been negatively impacted by the Middle East conflict. As a result, it now expects underlying EBITDA in the range of $144 million to $150 million. This is down from its previous guidance of $150 million to $160 million. Bapcor's CEO and managing director, Chris Wilesmith, said: "We are pleased with the positive momentum of the turnaround, which has been delivered through decisive actions we've taken to improve pricing, stock availability and team engagement. This is despite the challenging external environment which was not contemplated when we began this turnaround, and which has slowed the rate of improvement contemplated in our previous guidance."

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price is down 3% to $20.52. This morning, the supermarket giant provided an update on proceedings brought against Coles by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. This was in relation to 245 products on the company's Down Down promotional program between February 2022 and May 2023. While price increases resulting from supplier cost price increases were commercially justifiable, the Federal Court found that Coles misled consumers with its Down Down tickets. It said: "The Court found that, after a cost price increase, a minimum price establishment period of 12 weeks was required before promoting products on its Down Down program. As a result, the Court found the Down Down tickets were misleading."

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is down 14% to $5.34. This has been driven by the agribusiness and processing company's first-half results. For the six months ended 31 March, GrainCorp reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million. This was down 33% from $202 million in the prior corresponding period. GrainCorp's managing director and CEO, Robert Spurway, said: "GrainCorp's 1H26 result reflects a disciplined performance in a challenging global grain market. Oversupply of grain and associated low pricing have compressed margins across the supply chain and reduced grower selling activity, limiting available volumes and increasing competition for grain brought to market."

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is down 7% to $75.22. This follows the release of the cloud accounting platform provider's FY 2026 results. Although Xero outperformed on most metrics, its profits were a miss due to higher R&D capitalisation. Outside this, it was another impressive period for Xero, driven partly by a strong performance in the key US market. Xero reported a 31% increase in operating revenue to $2.75 billion, an 18% lift in adjusted EBITDA to $757.4 million, and a 37% jump in annualised monthly recurring revenue (AMRR) to $3.27 billion.

The post Why Bapcor, Coles, Graincorp, and Xero shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Two of the ASX heavyweights are trailing the 0.2% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) during the Thursday lunch hour, while one is rocketing higher.

Here's what's capturing investor interest.

Megaport shares rocket on big contract wins

Megaport shares are on fire today.

Shares in the ASX 200 tech stock are up a whopping 33.8% today, changing hands for $13.18 apiece. That sees the share price up 96.4% since the stock plumbed one-year closing lows on 10 April.

The company is making waves after announcing this morning that it had secured three new contracts with two United States based technology providers involved in AI applications. The total contract value (TCV) was reported to be $254 million.

Two of the fixed-term contracts run for three years, while one runs for two years.

The company said this will required around $140 million in new capital investment.

Commenting on the contract wins sending Megaport shares flying today, CEO Michael Reid said:

We are at the forefront of an accelerating inflection point across the industry. As use cases shift from AI foundation models to inference and the edge, Megaport is becoming an essential platform for powering the applications of tomorrow with globally distributed, automated infrastructure.

Air New Zealand shares sink on surging fuel costs

Air New Zealand is also turning heads today after the ASX airline stock reported on the significant impact of surging jet fuel prices following the outbreak of the Iran war.

In news also likely to alarm Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shareholders, Air New Zealand revealed that jet fuel prices have surged from around US$85 to US$90 per barrel before the conflict to trade in the range of US$160 and US$230 per barrel in the last 10 weeks.

As such management now expects the airline to post a full year FY 2026 loss before tax between $340 million to $390 million.

Air New Zealand shares are down 4.2% at time of writing, trading for 42 cents each.

Which brings us to…

 Graincorp shares plunge on profit decline

Joining Air New Zealand and Megaport shares in the headlines today, investors are tuning into Graincorp following the ASX 200 agribusiness and processing company's half year results (H1 FY 2026).

Graincorp shares are down a sharp 13.2% at time of writing, trading for $5.40 apiece.

Investors are reaching for their sell buttons after the company reported 32.7% year-on-year decline in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $136 million.

On the bottom line, underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $33 million was down 52.2% from H1 FY 2025.

Looking ahead, the ASX 200 stock reaffirmed full year FY 2026 underlying EBITDA guidance in the range of $200 million to $240 million.

Management expect to achieve underlying NPAT in the range of $20 million to $50 million.

The post Why Graincorp, Air New Zealand and Megaport shares are turning heads on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is down 12% to $5.45 following the release of its half-year results.

ASX 200 stock crashes on results

Investors have been selling the agribusiness and processing company's shares after it reported a softer first-half result.

For the six months ended 31 March 2026, GrainCorp reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million, down 33% from $202 million in the prior corresponding period.

In Agribusiness, EBITDA fell 26% to $104 million from $141 million a year earlier. This reflected weaker conditions in East Coast Australia, where total grain handled was 26.5 million tonnes, compared with 29.5 million tonnes a year ago.

The ASX 200 stock said this was due to a lower carry-in position and reduced grower selling activity, which weighed on receivals and left margins at multi-year lows.

There were some positives in the division. Non-grain port volumes increased to 1.5 million tonnes from 1.2 million tonnes, supporting better utilisation of port infrastructure. GrainCorp also reported an improved result from its International business, supported by record Western Australian grain production.

Nutrition and Energy EBITDA was $46 million, down 39% from $75 million in the prior corresponding period.

Human Nutrition performed solidly, with processing sites crushing 277,000 tonnes of canola seed, but edible oils sales volumes were lower due to softer customer demand. Agri-energy sales volumes and margins were also lower, impacted by uncertainty in US biofuel policy. This was partly offset by record Animal Nutrition sales of 390,000 tonnes.

This ultimately led to underlying net profit after tax declining by over half to $33 million from $69 million. Statutory net profit after tax was $5 million, down from $58 million.

Despite the profit decline, the ASX 200 stock's board elected to maintain its fully franked interim dividend at 14 cents per share.

Management commentary

Commenting on the half, GrainCorp's managing director and CEO, Robert Spurway, said:

GrainCorp's 1H26 result reflects a disciplined performance in a challenging global grain market. Oversupply of grain and associated low pricing have compressed margins across the supply chain and reduced grower selling activity, limiting available volumes and increasing competition for grain brought to market.

Against this backdrop, we are tightly focused on cost management, capital discipline and portfolio optimisation. We have maintained strong execution across our network and continue to diversify our business.

Spurway also revealed that the company hasn't been meaningfully impacted by the Middle East conflict. He added:

We have experienced minimal impact from the Middle East conflict to date, with our supply chain continuing to operate as normal. GrainCorp's resilient business model, integrated supply chain and strong balance sheet underpin our demonstrated ability to consistently navigate commodity cycles and capitalise on opportunities to deliver long-term value for shareholders.

Outlook

GrainCorp reaffirmed its FY 2026 earnings guidance of underlying EBITDA between $200 million and $240 million and underlying net profit after tax between $20 million and $50 million.

The post ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.