• Netwealth Group vs HUB24: Which financial platform is better from an investor’s perspective?

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    Netwealth Group vs HUB24 shares: which wealth platform is the better buy?

    If you’re eyeing the ASX financials sector, it’s hard to ignore Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) and HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB). Both are leading ASX-listed investment platform providers shaking up how advisers and individuals manage wealth in Australia. With impressive growth in recent years, both have become favourites among investors keen on exposure to the financial tech sector. If you’re wondering whether Netwealth or HUB24 shares are a better buy today, let’s break down the details.

    The case for Netwealth Group

    Netwealth Group is a financial services and technology business offering cloud-based investment administration software, a retail super fund, and administration services. Its platform delivers powerful portfolio tools and investment solutions for advisers, private clients, and companies. Revenue is mainly SaaS-based, tied to funds under administration on its platform.

    In terms of numbers, Netwealth stands out for its 100% fully franked dividends and a yield of 2.23%—meaning income investors get solid, tax-effective dividends. While its P/E ratio is elevated at 76.28 (suggesting a high valuation relative to earnings), the company has made a habit of increasing its dividends over the years. Its recent year-to-date return is negative at -24.97%, reflecting share price pressure, but it remains a formidable operator in its niche. Netwealth’s earnings per share sits at $0.247, while it pays out $0.42 per share as a dividend.

    The case for HUB24

    HUB24 is also a diversified financial services business with a strong focus on providing administration platforms and cloud-based technology for financial advisers, accountants, and brokers. HUB24’s holistic offering also stretches into advanced data solutions for a variety of client types, including individuals and SMSFs.

    HUB24 eclipses Netwealth in terms of scale, boasting a $5.74 billion market cap—more than $1 billion bigger than Netwealth. It has a lower P/E ratio at 48.21, pointing to a more moderate valuation given current earnings. Its dividend yield is lower at 1.11%, but it has lifted dividends impressively, paying a hefty $0.84 per share in the past year. HUB24’s earnings per share are a healthy $1.460, much stronger than Netwealth. The company’s year-to-date return is also negative at -26.07%, almost mirroring Netwealth’s underperformance in 2026.

    Valuation comparison

    Here’s how the two stack up on key valuation metrics:

    Metric Netwealth Group HUB24
    Market Cap $4.61 billion $5.74 billion
    P/E Ratio 76.28 48.21
    Dividend Yield 2.23% 1.11%
    Earnings per Share (EPS) $0.247 $1.460
    Dividend per Share $0.42 $0.84
    Franking 100% 100%
    Year To Date Return -24.97% -26.07%

    HUB24’s P/E ratio is notably lower, suggesting better value relative to current earnings, and it delivers much higher earnings per share than Netwealth. Netwealth, meanwhile, takes the crown for a higher dividend yield, despite paying less in absolute terms. Both offer fully franked dividends, which is a win for Aussie investors.

    Recent share price performance

    Neither stock has been a winner so far in 2026, based on the latest prices (as of 15 September 2026). Netwealth’s shares have fallen from $23.31 on 18 August to $18.77, dropping steadily over the past month. HUB24’s story is similar; its share price slipped from $79.94 on 18 August to $70.16 on 15 September. Both stocks have shed roughly a quarter of their value year to date, showing the market is cautious on the sector right now.

    While both have experienced sizeable declines, the trends have been fairly consistent—no wild volatility, just a steady grind downward.

    Which is the better buy?

    If I had to pick between these two financial platform heavyweights based on the latest data, I’d lean toward HUB24. While its dividend yield is lower, HUB24 offers a more reasonable (though still rich) P/E ratio, stronger earnings per share, and a larger scale that could provide greater resilience and firepower for future growth. Its dividend growth has also been robust, and the business seems to generate superior profits relative to its share price. Netwealth may appeal more to those who want higher yield and franking credits, but for me, HUB24’s combination of value and earnings momentum gives it the edge—even though both face a tough market environment at present.

    The post Netwealth Group vs HUB24: Which financial platform is better from an investor’s perspective? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Hub24 right now?

    Before you buy Hub24 shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Hub24 wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Hub24 and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Lovisa vs Temple & Webster: Which ASX retailer is the better growth stock today?

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    Lovisa vs Temple & Webster shares: Which is the better growth stock?

    Everyday investors are spoiled for choice on the ASX when it comes to high-growth retailers, but Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) and Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) stand out. If you’re hunting a growth stock, you might find yourself weighing Lovisa’s sparkly global expansion against Temple & Webster’s home décor disruption. So, which one looks more promising as a buy right now? Here’s how I see the Lovisa vs Temple & Webster shares match-up.

    The case for Lovisa Holdings

    Lovisa is a fast-growing fashion jewellery retailer, founded in Sydney in 2010 and now boasting over 1,136 stores across more than 50 countries. Its vertically integrated model lets Lovisa design, source, and sell its own branded jewellery affordably through brick-and-mortar stores and seven online sites, capturing trend-focused consumers around the world.

    Notably, Lovisa sits at a market cap of $2.51 billion and generated earnings per share (EPS) of $0.792. The company’s P/E ratio of 26.50 feels moderate for a growth-oriented retailer, and it currently offers a fully franked dividend yield of 3.5%. I also noticed a decent earnings yield of 3.77% and a history of paying increasing dividends, as recent years’ totals outpace the past.

    The case for Temple & Webster Group

    Temple & Webster is an online-only retailer, best known for its massive range of over 200,000 furniture and homewares products. It started in 2011 and now boasts more than a million Aussie subscribers, as well as the private label Milan Direct. That focus on e-commerce gives TPW a different growth path – fewer overheads, nimble operations, and a highly scalable reach across Australia.

    Temple & Webster’s fundamentals, however, highlight its much smaller size: a market cap of $510.47 million. Its EPS is $0.064 – well below Lovisa’s – and although it’s profitable, its P/E ratio is a sky-high 128.82. TPW does not pay a dividend, preferring to invest every spare dollar into growth and market share.

    Valuation comparison

    Here’s how three key stats line up side-by-side:

    Metric Lovisa Temple & Webster
    Market Cap $2.51 billion $510.47 million
    P/E Ratio 26.50 128.82
    Dividend Yield 3.50% 0.00%
    Earnings per Share 0.792 0.064

    Lovisa is clearly the larger, more established company and is valued much lower on a P/E basis. Its dividend yield is attractive – and half-franked – while Temple & Webster is growth-oriented and reinvests instead of paying dividends. The glaring difference is the P/E ratio; TPW trades at nearly five times Lovisa’s multiple, which suggests either big future growth is anticipated or the shares are stretched.

    Recent share price performance

    Based on the most recent data (as at mid-September 2026), both stocks have been under the pump this year. Lovisa is down 20.16% year-to-date while Temple & Webster has plunged 67.32%. TPW’s 2026 share price history shows some big up and down swings – with sharp drops (like -17.82% in one day) and a lower base around the $4–5 mark.

    Lovisa has also seen volatility in the past month but the daily moves have generally been in the -4% to +13% range, whereas Temple & Webster has seen several massive one-day falls and occasional bounces. Overall, recent momentum points to Lovisa holding value much better in tough conditions.

    Which is the better buy?

    If I’m making the call between Lovisa and Temple & Webster as a growth stock, my pick would be Lovisa.

    Here’s why: Lovisa has a genuine global footprint, solid profitability, ongoing store rollouts, and a P/E that actually makes sense for a growth retailer. Plus, you get a fully-franked dividend of 3.5% as a sweetener. By contrast, Temple & Webster might have serious digital appeal, but its earnings are tiny, the P/E is sky-high, and the 67% share price drop makes me nervous about its near-term growth story. Unless Temple & Webster’s next era of growth comes through – which could reward risk-tolerant punters – the numbers simply stack up for Lovisa.

    So, if you’re hungry for a top ASX growth stock right now, I’d lean toward Lovisa.

    The post Lovisa vs Temple & Webster: Which ASX retailer is the better growth stock today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lovisa right now?

    Before you buy Lovisa shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Lovisa wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Lovisa and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Buy, hold, sell: AGL Energy, Telstra, Zip shares

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    Australian shares are still under pressure overall this week from high oil prices, inflation concerns, and expectations of an impending interest rate hike.

    Let’s find out how major S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares like AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) are tracking, and which ones brokers rate as a buy, sell, and a hold.

    Buy Zip shares

    It’s been a volatile ride for Zip shares over the past 12 months, with its shares swinging between a low of $1.38 in March and a high of $4.93 in January.

    Most recently, the sell-off picked up pace after the company posted its FY26 results late last month. Zip posted a record result, including a huge 57.9% increase in its cash EBTDA, a 24.7% increase in total revenue, and a 45.7% hike in its NPAT for FY26. 

    The announcement was initially well received by investors, who rushed to snap up the BNPL provider’s shares. But gains were quickly reversed, and the shares are now down around 28% since the announcement.

    While the result itself was positive, many investors were underwhelmed by the company’s outlook for future growth.

    Zip said it is aiming to deliver a group cash EBTDA of $340 million in FY27, up 26% on FY26, and target an operating margin of 20% to 22%. That’s much lower than the 57.9% cash EBTDA growth the company experienced in FY26.

    But it looks like brokers are confident that the shares can keep climbing higher over the next 12 months. Market Index data shows all brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX tech shares. And the $3.95 average target price implies an upside of around 79% at the time of writing.

    Sell AGL Energy shares

    AGL shares rallied higher in mid-August after the ASX energy stock posted an impressive FY26 result. 

    The energy supplier announced a 2% increase in both its underlying EBITDA and underlying NPAT for FY26. It also confirmed a 60% increase in its operating free cash flow. The company said that it has grown its customer base, invested $600 million in firming projects, achieved major milestones – including two long-term power purchase agreements – and completed divestment of its stake in Tilt Renewables.

    For FY27, AGL is guiding underlying EBITDA between $1.9 to $2.2 billion and underlying NPAT between $470 to $670 million.

    But quickly after the share price spike, many investors rushed to take their gains off the table. 

    At the time of writing, the shares are down around 5% over the past month, to $8.33 a piece. AGL shares are now down around 11% for the year to date and 4% lower than a year ago.

    There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of AGL since its results announcement, so it looks like the latest sell-off is led by lower investor sentiment.

    It looks like there are concerns that the company’s earnings recovery is taking longer than expected. 

    At the same time, softer power-price expectations, driven by a surge in renewable energy and lower wholesale costs, are expected to put electricity companies like AGL under pressure.

    Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a sell rating on AGL shares. However, after the latest share price decline, the $9.70 target price implies a potential 16% upside.

    Hold Telstra shares

    Telstra shares have rebounded around 7% from an annual low in late August. The ASX telco shares are now around 0.2% higher year to date but roughly 1% lower than 12 months ago.

    The shares tumbled after the telco posted its FY26 results mid-month, with revenue down 0.8% and underlying earnings up 4.4%. However, not long after, investors swooped back in to snap them up at a lower valuation.

    As a classic defensive business, Telstra shares are also likely benefiting from a recent flight to security amid renewed geopolitical volatility and inflation concerns.

    Brokers aren’t convinced that there is much more room for growth going forward. Market Index data shows the majority have a hold rating on Telstra shares. But the $5.01 average target price implies an upside of around 3% at the time of writing.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: AGL Energy, Telstra, Zip shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Agl Energy right now?

    Before you buy Agl Energy shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Agl Energy wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. 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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