Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Whitehaven and Beach Energy shares

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) and Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares have delivered markedly different investor returns over the past year.

In morning trade on Monday, Whitehaven shares are up 0.4%, changing hands for $7.35 each. This sees the Whitehaven Coal share price up 4.4% in 12 months, matching the 4.4% one-year gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Atop those gains, the ASX 200 coal stock also trades on a fully-franked 1.4% trailing dividend yield.

As for Beach Energy shares, the ASX 200 oil and gas stock is down 2.1% today, trading for 85 cents a share. This puts the share price down a sharp 35% in 12 months. Beach Energy stock trades on a 3.5% fully-franked dividend yield.

That's the year just past.

Looking ahead, EnviroInvest's Elio D'Amato forecasts building headwinds for both ASX 200 stocks (courtesy of The Bull).

Here's why.

Time to exit Beach Energy shares?

"The energy producer posted a statutory net profit after tax of $281 million in full year 2026 compared to a loss of $44 million in the prior corresponding period," D'Amato said.

But despite that profit boost, FY 2026 was far from smooth sailing for Beach Energy.

D'Amato noted:

However, production of 19.4 million barrels of oil equivalent was down 2% in full year 2026 and sales revenue of $1.801 billion was down 10%. Operating cash flow of $890 million was down 21%.

Summarising his sell recommendation on Beach Energy shares, D'Amato concluded:

The shares have fallen from $1.32 on August 12, 2025 to trade at 89.5 cents on August 6, 2026. In my view, other stocks appeal more given a volatile fossil fuel energy sector across the globe, which is increasingly challenged by renewables.

Should you sell Whitehaven shares today?

Alongside his bearish outlook for Beach Energy shares, D'Amato also issued a sell recommendation for Whitehaven Coal stock.

Commenting on the company's second-quarter update, he said:

Managed run-of-mine (ROM) production of 10.7 million tonnes in the June quarter of 2026 was up 13% on the March quarter. Full year 2026 ROM production of 40.3 million tonnes was up 3% on prior corresponding period. The operational result was strong.

So, why is he recommending selling Whitehaven shares?

D'Amato explained:

However, net debt rose to $1.3 billion at June 30, 2026 following the second deferred acquisition payment. The shares have fallen from $9.53 on June 4 to trade at $7.245 on August 6.

The company is exposed to coal price volatility, investor sentiment and the development of lower emissions technologies.

The post Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Whitehaven and Beach Energy shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

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