Author: openjargon

  • I’d buy 36,519 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $1,000 a month of passive income

    Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    ASX stock MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF) is one of my preferred ideas for passive income. It’s one of the largest positions in my portfolio, partly because of how rewarding the dividends are and how confident I am about its future.

    MFF is a listed investment company (LIC), one of the largest on the ASX. An LIC aims to make money for shareholders by investing in shares (or other assets) to generate returns.

    LICs can fund the dividends they pay from returns they generate. If a LIC performs strongly, it can deliver a triple benefit – a good dividend yield, a rising dividend and capital growth.

    Let’s look at the elements of what makes MFF a great investment.

    Strong investment performance

    MFF says that it aims to build lasting wealth for shareholders primarily through long-term ownership of advantaged businesses. Its strategy favours duration and enables the power of compounding.

    The business has largely focused on global blue-chips which can provide pleasing long-term returns. This investment style has delivered good returns.

    As of 30 June 2026, over the prior decade, its pre-tax net tangible assets (NTA) return (with taxes reinstated) has averaged 15.5% per year. I think most LICs would be very happy with that level of return over the last 10 years.

    Over time, I expect the investment portfolio may change, and MFF has the investment flexibility to look for the best opportunities across the global (and ASX) share market.

    Good passive dividend income

    MFF has steadily grown its regular annual dividend per share each year since FY18, providing several years of dividend growth, and that trend continued in FY26.

    The FY26 annual dividend per share was hiked by 23.5% to 21 cents per share. The MFF leadership has provided guidance that it’s going to continue hiking its half-year dividend by another 1 cent per share in six months. MFF has been growing its half-year dividend each year since 2024. The next dividend is guided to be 12 cents per share in six months.

    If the ASX stock continues with that track record, it would pay an annual dividend per share of 25 cents in FY27 – that would represent a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.7%, including franking credits, at the time of writing. It would also represent a year-over-year increase of 19%.

    Pleasing capital growth

    With all of the investment returns that MFF has generated over the years, the business has been able to provide pleasing dividends and the retained money is helping drive the MFF share price and NTA higher.

    Over the prior five years, the MFF share price has climbed by 82%, at the time of writing.

    Considering the excellent dividend payouts over the past five years, I’d say that MFF’s capital growth has been very pleasing. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

    $1,000 of passive income per month

    MFF doesn’t pay a dividend each month, it only pays every six months. But we can take that monthly goal and multiply it by 12 for an annual goal. Investors can then divide the received dividends into monthly chunks.

    The FY26 final dividend of 11 cents per share will be paid in October and the LIC expects to announce an interim dividend of 12 cents per share in six months. Therefore, we’re looking at 23 cents per share of dividends within the next 12 months.

    To receive $12,000 of dividend cash within the next year, an investor would need to own 52,174 MFF shares.

    If we include franking credits as part of the income, then an investor would only need 36,519 MFF shares for $12,000 of annual passive income.

    I think this would be a solid investment for the long-term right now and I’d happily buy a bit more of the ASX stock at this price.

    The post I’d buy 36,519 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $1,000 a month of passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mff Capital Investments right now?

    Before you buy Mff Capital Investments 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 Mff Capital Investments 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 Tristan Harrison has positions in Mff Capital Investments. 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 Mff Capital Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Could this ASX 200 share be one of the best long-term buys?

    A car dealer stands amid a selection of cars parked in a showroom.

    CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) has come a long way from the Australian classifieds business many investors still associate with carsales.com.au.

    Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share owns leading automotive marketplaces across several major international markets.

    I think that global expansion could give the company plenty more room to grow over the next decade.

    The model has travelled well

    What first catches my attention is that CAR Group has managed to take what worked in Australia and build a much larger international business around it.

    The company now operates major marketplaces in Australia, South Korea, Brazil, and North America. Importantly, management says its brands hold the number-one audience position in each market where they operate.

    That scale can create a powerful cycle.

    Car buyers gravitate towards marketplaces with plenty of vehicles to choose from. Dealers want to advertise where the buyers are. More dealers then bring more inventory, giving consumers another reason to return.

    CAR Group now attracts an average monthly audience of around 52 million people across its marketplaces. I think that figure is worth highlighting because it shows how far the opportunity has expanded beyond Australia.

    There is also still room to build more services around these audiences, rather than relying solely on charging for vehicle advertisements.

    It can become more valuable to dealers

    I think the next stage of this ASX 200 share’s story could increasingly be about helping dealers run their businesses.

    The company already sits between dealers and millions of potential buyers, giving it access to information about vehicle demand, pricing, enquiries, and how quickly particular cars sell.

    It is now using that data to develop tools that can help dealers decide which vehicles to acquire, how to price them, and which enquiries deserve the most attention.

    That moves CAR Group further into the daily operations of its customers.

    For me, this could strengthen the relationship considerably. A dealer using the platform to advertise vehicles is valuable. A dealer relying on CAR Group to source inventory, set prices, manage leads, and improve turnover could be worth much more over time.

    AI could strengthen an advantage it already has

    Artificial intelligence (AI) provides another opportunity, although I think CAR Group’s approach is more interesting than simply adding an AI feature to its website.

    The company has decades of proprietary information covering listings, prices, enquiries, consumer behaviour, and vehicle transactions across its markets. Management is using this data to power its own AI platform.

    The early applications are practical.

    Its conversational search tool is helping people find vehicles using natural language, while AI is also being used to improve dealer listings, respond to enquiries, and provide pricing intelligence. CAR Group says users of its AI-led search are four times more likely to submit a lead.

    I think this is where the company’s scale becomes particularly valuable. The technology itself will continue evolving, but CAR Group owns data and customer relationships that have taken years to build.

    That could allow AI to make an already strong marketplace more effective rather than forcing the company to create an entirely new business.

    Foolish takeaway

    CAR Group is the sort of ASX 200 share I find increasingly attractive the further ahead I look.

    It has already shown that its marketplace model can succeed internationally, and the opportunity is now expanding into dealer technology, transactions, data, and AI.

    If CAR Group keeps becoming more important to both buyers and sellers, I think today’s business could look surprisingly small compared with what it becomes by 2036.

    That is a growth story I would be happy to buy and give plenty of time.

    The post Could this ASX 200 share be one of the best long-term buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CAR Group Ltd right now?

    Before you buy CAR Group Ltd 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 CAR Group Ltd 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 Grace Alvino 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 recommended CAR Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Is the CSL share price in the buy zone after the biotech giant’s results?

    A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, and holding a mobile phone in his other hand.

    The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price had its best day in recent memory on Tuesday.

    The biotech giant’s shares ended the day 17% higher at $157.82 following the release of its FY 2026 results.

    Is it too late to buy CSL shares? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter notes that CSL delivered a result in line with guidance for FY 2026. And while weak on paper, the broker was pleased to see the key CSL Behring business rebound in the second half. It said:

    NPATA declined -2% to $3.14b (cc) and was in line with $3.1b guidance. Revenue declined -1% to $15.37b (cc) and was above the $15.2b guidance. FX lifted reported revenue to $15.8b (above VA cons and BPe of $15.4b) but dragged down reported NPATA to $3.10b (in line with VA cons and BPe of $3.1b). 

    The biggest highlight was in Behring, particularly the rebound in 2H26 Ig sales (+7% at cc or +11% reported) and to a lesser degree albumin declining less than feared (-5% at cc or -1% reported). The excess Ig supply imbalance that was prevalent earlier in CY26 now appears to have largely returned to normalcy based on comments from CSL and its main rivals Takeda and Grifols. Behring gross margin however continued to face pressures, with 2H gross margin of 48.2% the lowest half-yearly result since at least FY17.

    The broker also highlights that CSL’s FY 2027 guidance was above expectations. It adds:

    FY27 guidance for underlying NPAT +5% (cc) is above the +1% growth consensus had been expecting based on the old metric of NAPTA, hence the downgrade cycle has likely eased for the first time in several results despite the expected drag from Vifor in FY27. Investors will have also been buoyed by FY27 guidance for Behring growth at mid-single digits and an expectation of a turnaround in the Behring GM by ~70bps. We have revised our forecasts following the result and guidance, resulting in upgrades of 8%/6%/6% at the NPATA line across FY27/28/29.

    Is the CSL share price in the buy zone?

    Despite the positives, Bell Potter is sitting on the fence when it comes to the CSL share price.

    According to the note, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $150.00 (from $120.00).

    Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter believes that CSL’s shares are fully valued at current levels. It said:

    Based on the new underlying NPAT metric, CSL trades on a PE multiple of ~19x FY26 and ~18x FY27 earnings, with flat revenue growth and low-to-mid single digit earnings growth expected for FY27. While the result today suggests the worst (by way of earnings declines) is in the rear-view for CSL, we find it difficult to justify a greater premium than is now being attributed relative to global biopharma peers.

    The post Is the CSL share price in the buy zone after the biotech giant’s results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CSL 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 CSL 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 James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • With $30 billion in FY26 income, should I buy CBA shares today?

    ASX 200 bank share trading depicted by red buy and sell dice tumbling across a sheet of data in colourful graphics

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have had a tough two week run.

    In late afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock were down 1.3%, changing hands for $162.84 apiece.

    That marks the eighth consecutive day of losses for Australia’s biggest bank stock. And it sees CBA shares down 9.5% since market close on 6 August, the last day the stock closed in the green.

    That’s certainly unwelcome news for longer-term shareholders.

    But if you bought shares in the ASX 200 bank yesterday, and held them at market close, then you’ll be getting the all-time high dividend payout management declared when CommBank released its full year FY 2026 results last Wednesday, 12 August.

    CBA stock trades ex-dividend today. And at recent share price levels you’ll be getting a significantly higher yield than if you’d bought the stock two weeks ago.

    Among the more impressive figures from CBA’s FY 2026 results, the big four bank reported a 6.2% year-on-year increase in operating income to $30.2 billion.

    And with profits up as well, management declared a fully franked dividend of $2.70 per share. That represents a 3.9% increase from last year and marks a record passive income payout from the company.

    At the recent share price of $162.84, the final dividend alone offers a yield of 1.7%. Eligible stockholders can expect to receive that payout on 29 September.

    Of course, that rising dividend means little if CBA’s share price continues to decline in the first half of FY 2027.

    Which brings us back to our headline question.

    CBA shares: Buy, hold or sell?

    Dolphin Partners Financial Services’ Arthur Garipoli recently analysed the outlook for Australia’s biggest bank stock (courtesy of The Bull).

    “Cash net profit after tax of $10.982 billion in full year 2026 was up 7% on the prior corresponding period. The net interest margin of 2.05% was down 3 basis points,” he noted of the bank’s full year results.

    As for his sell recommendation on CBA shares, Garipoli said:

    The bank acknowledged growth is slowing in response to higher interest rates and inflation placing uneven pressure on household incomes and economic activity.

    Home loan applications since the federal budget in May fell 15%.

    And despite the recent share price decline, Garipoli still has concerns over CBA’s valuation.

    He concluded:

    CBA is a high-quality bank, but an uncertain Australian economy leaves a challenging outlook at this point. We believe the bank is trading on a stretched valuation, so it may be prudent to lock in some profits.

    CBA stock trades on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of around 26 times, the highest among the big four ASX 200 bank stocks.

    The post With $30 billion in FY26 income, should I buy CBA shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia right now?

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank Of Australia 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 Commonwealth Bank Of Australia 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 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.

  • 3 top ASX dividend shares to buy now

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    Luckily for income investors, the Australian share market is stacked with ASX dividend shares.

    To narrow things down, let’s look at three top dividend shares that could be worth considering this month:

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Flight Centre could be an ASX dividend share to buy now.

    The travel agency company has been through an extremely difficult period, but its earnings base is now rebuilding as travel demand normalises and the business becomes more efficient.

    Flight Centre has exposure to both leisure and corporate travel, giving it more than one way to benefit if consumers and companies continue spending on trips, events, conferences, and overseas experiences.

    The company is also no longer just a pure recovery story. If management can keep costs under control and improve margins, there may be scope for stronger profits and larger dividends over time.

    Speaking of which, according to a recent note out of Morgans, its analysts expect a fully franked 48 cents per share dividend in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $12.75, this would mean a dividend yield of 3.8%.

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT could be another ASX dividend share to buy.

    The property company owns a portfolio of neighbourhood and large-format retail assets that are focused on everyday spending.

    Its tenants include supermarkets, healthcare providers, pharmacies, pet stores, childcare operators, and other businesses linked to daily needs.

    That gives the REIT a relatively defensive flavour. After all, people may delay big-ticket purchases when conditions are tough, but groceries, medicines, healthcare, and essential services remain part of normal household spending.

    For FY 2027, Ord Minnett expects a dividend of 8 cents per share. This represents a 6.9% dividend yield at current prices.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    Rural Funds could be a third ASX dividend share to buy now.

    It owns a portfolio of agricultural assets, including farmland, cattle properties, vineyards, orchards, and water entitlements.

    Rather than operating all these assets itself, Rural Funds generally leases them to agricultural businesses under long-term agreements.

    That gives investors exposure to agriculture without taking on all the direct operating risk of farming.

    Agriculture can be cyclical, and asset values can move around. But demand for food does not disappear, and high-quality agricultural land can be valuable over the long term.

    Bell Potter expects this to underpin an 11.7 cents per share dividend in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.18, this would mean a dividend yield of 5.4%.

    The post 3 top ASX dividend shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre Travel Group right now?

    Before you buy Flight Centre Travel Group 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 Flight Centre Travel Group 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 James Mickleboro 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 Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Is the NAB share price a buy for its 6% dividend yield?

    Calculator next to money.

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the last year, as the chart below shows. After the decline, it’s a good time to consider whether the business is attractive for its dividend yield.

    The ASX bank share normally offers a pleasing payout because of its fairly generous dividend payout ratio and relatively low price/earnings (P/E) ratio.

    A declining share price can present an opportunity because it boosts the dividend yield on offer. If a share price falls 10%, then the dividend yield is boosted by 10%. For example, if the dividend yield was 6% and the share price fell by 10%, the dividend yield would become 6.6%.

    Let’s take a look at the appeal of the dividend yield and consider whether the NAB share price is appealing to buy.

    Dividend yield from the ASX bank share

    The ASX bank share has regularly paid investors a good dividend yield thanks to its rewarding payouts.

    Analysts think the ASX bank share’s dividend could be consistent and reliable in the 2026 financial year.

    According to the projection on Commsec, the business is forecast to pay an annual dividend per share of $1.70. That translates into a dividend yield of 4.3% excluding franking credits and 6.1% including franking credits.

    The business is forecast to increase its dividend per share in the 2027 financial year. That translates into a dividend yield of 4.4% excluding franking credits and 6.2% including franking credits.

    Is the NAB share price a buy?

    Analysts are a bit mixed on the ASX bank share right now.

    According to Commsec’s collation of analyst recommendations about the business, there are currently three buy ratings, seven hold ratings and five sell ratings. While a hold is the most popular rating, the other ratings lean a bit more negative than positive.

    NAB recently announced its FY26 third-quarter update, showing it generated $1.83 billion in cash earnings, representing 4% year-over-year growth. Cash earnings rose 2% compared to the FY26 first-half quarterly average.

    Earnings growth was driven by 5% year-over-year growth in revenue. Total lending and acceptances rose 6% year-over-year to $817.4 billion, with 4% growth in housing loans to $451.4 billion and 9% growth in housing loans to $352.4 billion.

    Based on the projections on Commsec, the NAB share price is valued at 16x FY26’s estimated earnings.

    The dividend yield is decent without being significant; however, analysts seem to think there’s better value elsewhere.

    The post Is the NAB share price a buy for its 6% dividend yield? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank 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 National Australia Bank 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 Tristan Harrison 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.

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

    Woman on her phone with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

    On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a subdued session and edged slightly lower. The benchmark index fell 3.2 points to 9,070 points.

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

    ASX 200 to fall

    The Australian share market looks set for a poor session on Wednesday following a disappointing night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.2%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.7%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 1.3%.

    Oil prices rise again

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have another positive session on Wednesday after oil prices rose again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.8% to US$85.20 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$91.14 a barrel. Fading US-Iran peace deal hopes were behind this.

    CSL shares rated hold

    In response to its results on Tuesday, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating on CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares with an improved price target of $150.00 (from $120.00). It said: “Based on the new underlying NPAT metric, CSL trades on a PE multiple of ~19x FY26 and ~18x FY27 earnings, with flat revenue growth and low-to-mid single digit earnings growth expected for FY27. While the result today suggests the worst (by way of earnings declines) is in the rear-view for CSL, we find it difficult to justify a greater premium than is now being attributed relative to global biopharma peers.”

    Gold price tumbles

    ASX 200 gold shares such as Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor session on Wednesday after the gold price tumbled. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.8% to US$4,394 an ounce. Traders were selling gold after bond yields surged to their highest levels in decades.

    More ASX 200 results

    Another group of ASX 200 shares are releasing their results on Wednesday and will be on watch. This includes gold miner Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), mineral sands producer Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU), lotteries company Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC), energy giant Santos, and coal miner Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC).

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

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

    Before you buy Beach 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 Beach 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 James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why I’d buy Telstra, Woolworths, and Macquarie shares

    Woman sitting on a chair by the pool on her laptop, looking at a stock market chart.

    There are plenty of ASX blue-chip shares I would be comfortable owning for the medium to long term.

    For me, the best opportunities are businesses that can keep growing over time while giving shareholders something along the way.

    Here are three I would be happy to buy today.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Telstra has become a business I am increasingly comfortable owning for the long term.

    Connectivity is now essential for households and businesses, and Telstra remains focused on strengthening its position in mobile and other core services.

    Its Connected Future 30 strategy is targeting mid-single-digit compound annual growth in cash earnings through to FY30. I like that ambition because Telstra does not need spectacular growth to produce a good outcome for shareholders. Steady earnings growth can support higher dividends and give the share price room to rise over time.

    There are also opportunities beyond simply adding more mobile customers. Telstra is investing in areas such as its intercity fibre network, satellite connectivity, and technology that can improve how customers use its services.

    Management has also made a sustainable and growing dividend an important part of its plans.

    For me, Telstra offers a nice combination of recurring demand, income, and steady long-term growth.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

    Woolworths is another business I would be happy to own for years.

    Groceries account for a meaningful part of household spending, giving the company a large base of customers who return regularly.

    What interests me is how Woolworths can make that enormous existing business better. The company has invested heavily in its supply chain, including automated distribution centres designed to move products into stores faster and make replenishment more efficient. Its Moorebank precinct in Sydney is a major investment that gives the business modern infrastructure to support its operations for many years.

    I think those investments can help Woolworths improve convenience, build stronger customer relationships, and gradually grow earnings over time.

    The supermarket giant also has a long history of paying dividends, adding an income component to the investment case.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    Macquarie has a wide range of opportunities ahead.

    This ASX share operates across asset management, commodities and financial markets, banking, advisory, and investing. Its global reach also means its fortunes are not tied solely to the Australian economy.

    I particularly like Macquarie’s exposure to long-term investment themes through its asset management and infrastructure activities.

    The world needs enormous amounts of capital for areas such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, transport, and other essential assets. Macquarie has spent decades building expertise in finding, financing, and managing these types of investments.

    Its Commodities and Global Markets business provides another earnings engine by helping clients manage risks and access markets around the world.

    Macquarie’s earnings can move around with market conditions and investment activity, but I think its ability to find opportunities across countries and asset classes gives it plenty of room to keep creating value over the long term.

    Foolish takeaway

    I think the best blue-chip shares are those that can keep finding ways to become better businesses over time.

    Telstra, Woolworths and Macquarie already have strong positions in their respective markets, but I can still see opportunities for each to grow from here.

    That is why I would be happy to buy them today and hold on for the years ahead.

    The post Why I’d buy Telstra, Woolworths, and Macquarie shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Macquarie Group right now?

    Before you buy Macquarie Group 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 Macquarie Group 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 Grace Alvino 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Australian Strategic Materials: Federal Court approves Energy Fuels takeover

    A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles with a laptop open.

    Yesterday, Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX: ASM) announced that the Federal Court had approved Energy Fuels’ takeover, with ASM shareholders set to receive 0.053 New Energy Fuels CDIs and 13 cents in cash per share. ASM options holders will receive 50 cents per option in cash if the schemes proceed as planned.

    What did Australian Strategic Materials report?

    • Federal Court of Australia has approved the acquisition by Energy Fuels Inc. subsidiary.
    • ASM shareholders entitled to 0.053 New Energy Fuels CDIs (or shares) plus A$0.13 cash per ASM share.
    • ASM optionholders to receive A$0.50 cash per ASM option.
    • Trading in ASM securities to be suspended from close of 19 August 2026.
    • Final implementation date set for 28 August 2026.

    What else do investors need to know?

    ASM will lodge court orders with ASIC on 19 August 2026, at which point the schemes will become effective. Eligible ASM shareholders will default to receiving New Energy Fuels CDIs, unless they elect to receive shares, and must submit election forms by 5.00pm AWST, 19 August 2026.

    Ineligible foreign shareholders will not receive New Energy Fuels CDIs or shares directly; instead, they will get a proportionate cash payment after their entitlement is sold by a sale agent. ASM securities will be removed from the ASX following completion, with trading of new securities commencing on ASX, NYSE American, and TSX in late August.

    What’s next for Australian Strategic Materials?

    The schemes are expected to be implemented on 28 August 2026, with shareholders receiving their consideration soon after. This marks the end of ASM’s journey as an independent ASX-listed company, and investors will transition to holding securities in Energy Fuels.

    Normal trading of New Energy Fuels CDIs is set to begin on 31 August 2026, while holding statements will be dispatched from 1 September. The company will announce any further timetable changes as they arise.

    Australian Strategic Materials share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Australian Strategic Materials shares have risen 113%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Australian Strategic Materials: Federal Court approves Energy Fuels takeover appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Strategic Materials right now?

    Before you buy Australian Strategic Materials 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 Australian Strategic Materials 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 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. 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.

  • Healthcare results wrap: Are Cogstate and Pro Medicus shares a buy, hold or sell?

    Happy healthcare workers in a lab.

    Yesterday, both Cogstate Ltd (ASX: CGS) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) released FY26 results. 

    Investors reacted very differently to these results, with Cogstate shares falling 2% and Pro Medicus shares rocketing over 11%. 

    Following these results, the team at Bell Potter provided updated guidance on these healthcare companies. 

    What did they report?

    Cogstate posted record FY26 revenue of US$60.9 million, up 15%, and a net profit after tax of US$11.9 million, up 17%.

    Meanwhile, Pro Medicus announced full-year revenue of $261.7 million, up 22.9%, with underlying NPAT rising 24.1% to $144.7 million. The company remains debt-free and has lifted its fully franked total dividend by 25.5% to 69 cents per share.

    Cogstate and Pro Medicus’ full results can be found here: 

    Both healthcare companies have had a very different 12 months. 

    Cogstate shares are up 62% in the last year, while Pro Medicus are down 38% in the same span. 

    Following yesterday’s results, here is the latest guidance out of the team at Bell potter. 

    Bell Potter’s outlook for Cogstate

    The broker Bell Potter viewed Cogstate’s FY26 result positively, with revenue up 15% to $60.9m, ahead of expectations, while a strong 2H gross margin of 62% drove full-year EBITDA of $18.3m and NPAT of $11.9m, both above forecast. 

    The company doubled its dividend to 4 cents per share and remained debt-free with $34.8m of cash. Cogstate now enters FY27 from a record base, supported by very positive sales prospects, expected revenue growth, and an intention to maintain FY26’s EBITDA margins. 

    Bell Potter has increased FY27-29 revenue forecasts by around $1m annually, reflecting stronger Clinical Trials activity and improved visibility, but higher operating costs more than offset this, resulting in around $1m lower NPAT forecasts in each year.

    Based on this guidance, the broker retained its $3.70 price target and buy recommendation. 

    This indicates an upside potential of more than 35%. 

    Bell Potter’s outlook for Pro Medicus 

    Pro Medicus reported FY26 revenue and EBIT growth of 23% and 26%, respectively, with EBIT results modestly (1.5%) ahead of consensus earnings. 

    Bell Potter said that as the group’s revenue base expands, top-line growth is decelerating. However, margin expansion continues, driving the small earnings beat. 

    The broker also highlighted that the company retained all six of its expiring contracts during FY26, which it believes were not subject to a competitive bidding process, based on factors such as client satisfaction with service levels and value.

    The team at Bell Potter retained its buy recommendation and $226 price target for Pro Medicus shares after the company’s results. 

    From yesterday’s closing price, the price target indicates 15% upside.

    The post Healthcare results wrap: Are Cogstate and Pro Medicus shares a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pro Medicus right now?

    Before you buy Pro Medicus 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 Pro Medicus 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 Aaron Bell 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 Cogstate. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Cogstate. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.