Author: openjargon

The Australian share market remains a great hunting ground for passive income.

While bank shares often receive plenty of attention from dividend investors, there are many other options offering attractive forecast dividend yields.

Some of these shares also provide exposure to very different parts of the economy, which can be useful for investors trying to build a more diversified income stream.

Here are three ASX dividend shares that are rated as buys by brokers and forecast to yield more than 5% in FY 2027.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is APA Group.

APA owns energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines and related infrastructure that help keep energy moving across Australia.

That gives the company an important role in the economy. Its assets support households, industry, power generation, and energy security, which can make its cash flows attractive to income-focused investors.

Citi is bullish on the company. It has a buy rating and $11.10 price target on APA’s shares.

As for income, the broker expects APA to pay a dividend of 59 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on the current share price of $10.31, this represents a forward dividend yield of approximately 5.7%.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

Another ASX dividend share that could be attractive for income investors is the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT.

This property trust owns a portfolio of leased assets across Australia, with a focus on long weighted average lease expiry properties.

That long-lease structure is the key part of the income story. Rather than relying heavily on short-term leasing conditions, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT is built around contracted rental income from a portfolio of tenants across different sectors.

Citi also sees value here. It has a buy rating and $4.10 price target on its shares.

The broker expects Charter Hall Long WALE REIT to pay a dividend of 25.7 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on the current share price of $3.75, this equates to a forecast yield of approximately 6.9%.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A third ASX dividend share to consider is Universal Store.

It is a youth-focused fashion retailer with a portfolio of brands and stores targeting younger shoppers.

Retail shares can be cyclical, but Universal Store has built a strong position in its niche. Its store network, brand mix, and understanding of youth fashion trends give it a point of difference in a competitive market.

Morgans is positive on the company. It has a buy rating and $9.50 price target on Universal Store’s shares.

With respect to income, the broker expects the company to pay a fully franked dividend of 46 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.34, this represents a forward dividend yield of approximately 6.3%.

The post 3 buy-rated ASX dividend shares forecast to yield 5%+ in FY 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Term deposits or ASX dividend shares as the RBA holds?
• How to invest $9,000 for passive income in superannuation?
• Close to retirement? 4 ASX shares for decades of income
• Here are my 5 best ASX passive income stocks

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Apa Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When it comes to buying blue-chip ASX shares for dividend income, Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) is often overlooked in favour of its larger and more famous rivals. But while the likes of Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) may be more popular with ASX investors, Metcash appears to have a lot more to offer income investors right now.

Metcash may not be a household name. However, most Australians would be quite familiar with the store networks that they help manage and supply to. These most prominently include IGA and Mitre 10, but also Cellarbrations, FoodWorks, and Thirsty Camel.

This makes Metcash one of the ASX’s most prominent consumer staples stocks, which have long been favourites of dividend investors thanks to their defensive characteristics.

But let’s get into the Metcash dividend.

Do Metcash shares really yield 6% right now?

At the time of writing, Metcash is trading at $3.12 a share. At this pricing, this ASX dividend stock is trading on a trailing dividend yield of 5.76%.

That yield derives from the last two shareholder payments that Metcash has doled out. The first of those was the final dividend worth 9.5 cents per share from August last year. The second was the interim dividend, worth 8.5 cents per share, that investors bagged in January of this year.

Both dividends came with full franking credits, as is Metcash’s habit.

Metcash has also flagged that its; next final dividend, due in August this year, will be kept steady at 9.5 cents per share.

Together, the two dividends that Metcash owners have enjoyed over the past 12 months give this company that trailing yield of 5.76%. That’s significantly more than what any of its larger and more popular rivals are offering right now, so income investors may wish to take note.

It is true that no trailing dividend is a reliable indicator of what a company will pay out going forward. It only ever reflects the past, it doesn’t predict the future.

Saying that, income investors can take comfort that Metcash has already given a heads-up for its next payout. So one could argue that investors will enjoy at least some of the current dividend yield if they buy Metcash shares today.

What do the experts reckon?

Zooming out, the future is more uncertain. However, last month, my Fool colleague covered the views of an ASX broker on Metcash. As we discussed at the time, Shaw and Partners’ Jed Richards did say this:

While growth is modest, [Metcash’s] defensive characteristics and reliable income stream support a hold position. It remains well positioned to benefit from steady consumer demand.

No doubt investors will be hoping that Richards is on the money there, at least from an income perspective. But there’s no doubt that Metcash is one of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s most eye-catching income stocks right now.

The post Buying Metcash shares? Here’s the yield you’ll get today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• ASX 200 stock drops on FY 2026 results
• Metcash shares: FY26 profit edges lower, dividend maintained
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares started the week on a positive note, rising 1% to $176.64. The healthcare technology stock has delivered an impressive 35% gain over the past month, though it remains down around 36% from its highs of 12 months ago.

After such a strong rebound, investors may be wondering whether it’s time to lock in profits or whether the rally still has further to run.

Why have Pro Medicus shares surged?

The recent share price strength reflects growing confidence in the company’s growth outlook and its ability to continue winning major contracts in the highly competitive healthcare technology market.

Pro Medicus develops medical imaging software used by hospitals and healthcare networks around the world. Its flagship Visage platform enables clinicians to access and analyse medical images quickly, helping improve workflow efficiency and patient outcomes.

The company’s biggest advantage is its competitive moat. Pro Medicus has built a reputation for delivering faster and more efficient imaging solutions than many rivals. Once a hospital adopts its platform, switching providers can be costly and disruptive, creating strong customer retention and annual recurring revenue opportunities.

Turning a corner

The price of Pro Medicus shares turned a corner in early June when Pro Medicus announced three significant contract wins.

These included a new seven-year, $16 million agreement with TidalHealth, a five-year $28 million contract renewal with Allegheny Health Network (AHN), and a five-year $16 million contract renewal with Ohio State University (OSU).

The announcements reinforced the market’s confidence in both the quality of Pro Medicus’ technology and its ability to retain major customers. They also highlighted the company’s growing presence in the US, which remains its most important growth market.

Valuation and competition risk

Despite its impressive track record, Pro Medicus is not without risks.

Valuation remains the most obvious concern. Even after last year’s pullback, Pro Medicus shares continue to trade on a premium multiple relative to most ASX-listed healthcare stocks. That leaves little room for disappointment.

The business is also heavily reliant on winning and renewing large contracts. While management has consistently delivered in this area, any slowdown in contract activity could weigh on investor sentiment.

Competition is another factor to watch. The medical imaging market remains attractive, and rivals continue to invest heavily in their own technology offerings.

Finally, Pro Medicus generates a significant portion of its revenue from the US. Changes in healthcare spending, hospital budgets, or economic conditions could influence future growth rates.

What do analysts think?

Many market experts believe the rally may not be over.

TradingView data shows that 12 of 15 brokers currently rate the ASX healthcare stock as a buy or strong buy. The average price target sits at $189.47, implying around 8% upside from current levels.

Macquarie is among the most optimistic. The broker has an outperform rating on Pro Medicus shares and a price target of $221 per share. If achieved, that would represent potential upside of approximately 27%.

The post Pro Medicus shares are flying 35% higher. Time to cash out? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Healthcare shares led the ASX 200 last week. Is a sector comeback underway?
• New to investing? 3 ASX shares to set and forget until 2036
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• 3 beaten-down ASX healthcare shares tipped to rise up to 202%

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. 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.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares have been among the strongest performers on the Australian share market over the past year.

During this time, the defence and space company’s shares have risen an incredible 293%.

Despite this incredible rise, the team at Bell Potter believes it isn’t too late to invest.

What is the broker saying about Electro Optic Systems (EOS) shares?

Bell Potter was pleased to see the company announce a major order from the UAE this month for one of its Slinger products. It said:

EOS has secured a US$124m (A$175m) Slinger counter-drone (C-UAS) order and entered a binding, conditional joint venture (JV) with Gen5, a 100% UAE-owned defence company, covering its High Energy Laser Weapon (HELW) and Remote Weapon System (RWS) franchises.

The A$175m order comprises the remote weapon system, cannon, spares, training and associated supplies. EOS understands the systems are intended to strengthen defence capability in light of ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East. Manufacturing is expected to be split between Australia and the UAE, with deliveries across 2027 and 2028; the order is subject to Gen5’s customary terms and to export approval requirements.

Another positive from the announcement was news that EOS is looking to form a joint venture with this customer. It adds:

EOS and Gen5 have entered a binding, conditional agreement to establish an incorporated JV covering the development, manufacture and distribution of EOS’s 100-150kW and 200-300kW HELW products and RWS products. The JV is expected to be based in Abu Dhabi on a 50/50 equity and profit-sharing basis, subject to relevant UAE laws and government approvals, and EOS believes it could begin contributing to results from 2027 or 2028 onwards. Under the agreement, Gen5 is obligated to contribute US$40m of equity to the JV while EOS contributes its existing IP.

Both parties will use reasonable endeavours to secure a minimum US$250m order for the 200-300kW HELW within 12 months and a minimum US$290m order for the 100-150kW HELW within nine months, and to progress a solution with UAE government agency Tawazun to grant EOS offset credit benefits. The JV will own the IP for the 200-300kW system, and its scope may be extended to include Command & Control (C2) and Space Control.

More strong returns to come

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on EOS shares with an improved price target of $12.50 (from $10.60).

Based on the current EOS share price of $10.26, this implies potential upside of 22% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter concludes:

We retain our Buy rating and raise our TP to $12.50/sh. EOS is positioned as a market leader across many C-UAS verticals and is leveraged to increasing defence budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. The conditional JV announcement presents a clear path towards producing HELW systems at scale and is therefore a significant development. We expect further JVs to be signed over the coming years. The agreement suggests there is a strong likelihood of major HELW order intake over the next 12 months from the UAE.

The post Up 293%! Can Electro Optic Systems (EOS) shares keep rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares have, in my opinion, been one of the best ASX blue-chip shares, and have mostly flown under the radar. The supermarket business offers retiree investors a number of positives.

The company’s key division is supermarkets, though it also generates earnings from liquor (Liquorland), Flybuys and financial services (insurance, credit cards and personal loans).

There are three elements that make me believe the ASX share is a very useful pick for retirees in FY27.

Good dividend yield

One of the best reasons to like the business is that it offers a solid level of passive income. That’s because it has a generously high dividend payout ratio and a reasonable price/earnings (P/E) ratio, leading to a good dividend yield.

Based on the projection on Commsec, the business is forecast to pay an annual dividend per share of 82 cents in FY27.

Using that estimate, Coles could pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 5%, including franking credits, at the time of writing. That’s a high enough yield to challenge the return from term deposits.

Growing payouts

For me, the most important factor is how consistently the supermarket business has paid and grown its dividends.

Coles started paying a dividend in 2019 after its demerger. It has grown its annual dividend per share every year since 2019, so it has already given investors several years of consecutive growth and I think it has potential to continue this.

The business is predicted to grow its annual payout regularly, according to Commsec. It could raise its annual payout to 75.5 cents per share in FY26, 82 cents per share in FY27 and 95.3 cents per share in FY28.

The company can deliver such pleasing dividend growth thanks to its rising profit.

Long-term earnings growth

There are a few long-term tailwinds for its net profit over time, which includes a rising population, long-term inflation of food prices, an expanding supermarket network, and strengthening operating leverage.

Part of the strategy includes the fact that Coles has built multiple high-quality, advanced warehouses, which help improve efficiencies, stock flow, online order fulfilment, and more.

The company’s revenue is regularly growing and this is coming through in the quarterly updates. In the FY26 third-quarter, total sales grew by 3.1% to $10.7 billion and supermarket sales rose by 4% to $9.8 billion. Impressively, e-commerce sales jumped 24.8%, with online sales penetration increasing to 13.6%.

Retirees could see Coles’ earnings per share (EPS) rise by a projected 11% in FY26, 7.3% in FY27 and 16% in FY28.

This means the business is valued at 24x FY27’s estimated earnings. It’s not cheap, but I think it’s a great long-term option.

However, it’s not the only ASX share I think would work very well for retirees.

The post Why Coles shares are a retiree’s dream for FY27 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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. 

Retiring early will not happen by accident.

For most people, it takes years of investing, patience, and the willingness to keep putting money to work even when the share market feels uncertain.

But I think $500 a month can become a powerful starting point.

That amount may not feel like it could be life-changing at first. But if it is invested regularly into ASX 200 shares and allowed to compound over decades, it could make a major difference to someone’s financial future.

Here is how I would approach it.

Let the habit do the work

The first step is building the habit. 

If an investor put $500 a month into ASX 200 shares and achieved an average annual return of 9%, the portfolio could grow to more than $850,000 after 30 years. After 32 years, it could pass $1 million.

Those numbers are only examples. Actual returns will vary, and there will be years when the portfolio falls.

But the point is that early retirement is not only about finding the next great stock. It is about creating a repeatable process and giving that process enough time to matter.

A $500 monthly investment also has another advantage. It takes away some of the pressure of trying to pick the perfect moment to buy. Some purchases will happen when prices are high. Others will happen when fear is higher and valuations look more attractive.

Over long periods, I think that consistency can be more useful than waiting for the perfect entry point.

Buy businesses that can grow

If I were investing $500 a month into ASX 200 shares, I would want a mix of companies with strong positions and room to get larger.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) is one example I would consider. 

It has built a global business around gaming content, gaming machines, digital products, and intellectual property. What I like is that the company’s success depends heavily on product quality and reinvestment. 

If it keeps creating content that venues and players value, I think it can remain a strong long-term compounder.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is another ASX 200 share I would look at. Its software is used by organisations that need reliable systems for finance, payroll, student management, local government, and other core operations. That kind of software can become deeply embedded in customer workflows, which can support recurring revenue and long-term growth.

I would also consider Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG). The business is now tied to a large pharmacy retail and distribution platform, with exposure to everyday health, beauty, wellness, and prescription needs. 

I like the repeat nature of the spending and the potential for scale to support supplier relationships, logistics, customer data, and broader category growth.

These are not the only ASX 200 shares I would buy. But they show the sort of qualities I would be looking for: relevance, scale, and a clear reason the business could be worth more in the future.

Stay focused on the end goal

The hardest part of this strategy may not be the maths. It may be staying patient.

A $500 monthly investment will not look meaningful in the early years. The portfolio may feel slow to move, and market falls can make the progress look even slower.

But compounding often becomes more visible later. Once the portfolio reaches a decent size, investment returns can start adding more than the monthly contributions in strong years.

That is when the early discipline begins to pay off.

Foolish takeaway

I think investing $500 a month into ASX 200 shares could be a realistic way to work toward early retirement.

It will still take time, and investors need to choose businesses carefully. But the strategy does not need to rely on one lucky stock pick.

Regular investing, quality companies, reinvested returns, and patience can be a powerful combination.

For someone starting today, I think the best move is simply to begin. The earlier the habit starts, the more time compounding has to turn those monthly investments into something much more meaningful.

The post I’d invest $500 a month in ASX 200 shares to retire early appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX growth shares to buy next month
• These ASX gaming stocks are rebounding. Is it for real?
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• Healthcare shares led the ASX 200 last week. Is a sector comeback underway?
• How to build a $1 million ASX share portfolio for retirement

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 Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) and the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) are two very popular but very different ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Both can be useful long-term investments, but they give investors exposure to very different parts of the share market.

One is focused on the Nasdaq 100 and many of the world’s most important technology and growth companies. The other gives broad exposure to the Australian share market, including banks, miners, healthcare companies, retailers, and industrial shares.

So, which one makes more sense for investors today?

What does the NDQ ETF offer?

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq.

This means the fund is heavily exposed to global technology and innovation.

Its holdings typically include businesses involved in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, software, digital advertising, ecommerce, streaming, and consumer technology, such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).

This gives the NDQ ETF a strong long-term tailwind.

The trade-off is volatility. Growth and technology shares can fall sharply when interest rates rise, valuations are questioned, or investors become more cautious. But for investors with a decade-long time horizon, that volatility may be worth accepting.

What does the VAS ETF offer?

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is very different.

This ASX ETF gives investors exposure to the Australian share market through a broad basket of local shares.

That includes all the major banks, large miners, healthcare companies, supermarkets, infrastructure businesses, insurers, property groups, and other leading ASX companies, such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

The Australian market has historically been attractive for income investors because many large companies pay dividends and, in some cases, offer franking credits.

This is where it has an advantage over the NDQ ETF. Investors seeking growth with some income on the side may find the VAS ETF appealing.

Verdict

Both ASX ETFs look like buys for long-term investors.

The VAS ETF could be the better choice for investors who want Australian exposure, more dividend income, and a simpler way to own a broad slice of the local share market.

However, the NDQ ETF is my pick for investors chasing stronger capital growth over the next decade.

Its focus on global technology leaders gives it exposure to some of the most powerful trends in the world economy. While investors should expect ups and downs along the way, it could be the better option for those willing to accept more volatility in pursuit of higher long-term returns.

The post Should I buy the NDQ ETF or the VAS ETF? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have delivered truly extraordinary returns over the past 12 months. Among the standout performers are Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL) and 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX).

At the time of writing, Sunrise Energy shares have surged an astonishing 2,316% to $17.64, while 4DMedical shares have rocketed 1,715% to $4.72.

To put that into perspective, a $10,000 investment in Sunrise Energy a year ago would now be worth approximately $231,600. The same investment in 4DMedical would have grown to roughly $171,500.

After such incredible gains, investors may be asking a simple question: can these rocketing ASX 200 shares keep climbing?

Sunrise Energy: rich scandium resources

Sunrise Energy has emerged as one of the market’s hottest mining stories thanks to its exposure to scandium, one of the world’s rarest and potentially most valuable strategic metals.

Scandium is prized for its ability to enhance aluminium alloys, making them stronger, lighter, and more resistant to heat and corrosion. These characteristics make the metal highly attractive for aerospace, defence, fuel cells, and advanced semiconductor applications.

Australia hosts some of the world’s richest scandium resources, and New South Wales is widely regarded as the only region where scandium could potentially be mined as a primary commodity at scale. That gives the ASX 200 share a unique position in an emerging market with very few credible suppliers.

Investor interest accelerated earlier this year after Beijing imposed export controls on scandium and several other rare earth elements. The move heightened concerns about supply security and increased attention on alternative Western sources.

The challenge for investors is that analyst coverage on the ASX 200 share remains extremely limited. According to TradingView data, only one broker currently covers Sunrise Energy.

The good news is that the broker maintains a strong buy recommendation and a $20.00 price target. Based on the current share price, that implies upside of around 13%.

4DMedical: intersection of healthcare and AI

4DMedical develops advanced respiratory imaging technology that helps clinicians assess lung function in ways traditional imaging methods cannot. Using proprietary software and artificial intelligence, the company generates detailed functional images of the lungs, positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare technology and AI.

Investors have been encouraged by several growth initiatives.

A major recent development was the acquisition of Austrian AI imaging company Contextflow. The deal provides an immediate foothold in Europe, adds lung cancer screening capabilities, and expands the company’s addressable market by an estimated 50%.

Meanwhile, management of the ASX 200 share recently launched its CLEAR clinical program targeting acute pulmonary embolism. The company believes this could help unlock a US market opportunity worth around US$3 billion.

Of course, risks remain. The company is still in growth mode, adoption rates remain critical, and analyst coverage is sparse.

TradingView data shows analysts are divided on the ASX 200 share. Of the three analysts covering the stock, one rates it a buy, one a hold, and one a sell.

The consensus price target sits at $4.97, implying upside of around 5%. The most bullish broker, Bell Potter, sees 27% upside, while Ord Minnett has a $3.00 target, suggesting a downside of roughly 36%.

The post Up 1,700% and more, what’s next for these ASX 200 shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares fell heavily yesterday, plummeting 18% to levels last seen back in 2021.

Media reports state that the Australian Federal Police are investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters, relating to a former cleaner at WiseTech.

It has been claimed that White exploited the woman’s immigration status and financial position and provided false information on a visa application.

WiseTech has not responded to the reports.

Why this is hitting WiseTech shares so hard

White’s continued prominence at the company makes today’s news particularly significant for shareholders.

WiseTech shares are now down more than 56% since the start of 2026 and around 70% lower than this time last year.

White co-founded WiseTech and served as chief executive until October 2024, before stepping down amid separate allegations relating to inappropriate behaviours.

He was later appointed Executive Chair and Chief Innovation Officer in February 2025 under a ten-year employment agreement. In this role, he retained significant influence over the company’s product development and strategic direction.

A pattern of governance concerns

Today’s allegations land on top of an already difficult governance backdrop.

In October 2025, the ABC reported that ASIC and the AFP had searched a WiseTech office as part of a separate investigation into alleged trading in WiseTech shares by White and three employees.

Macquarie noted that this investigation could take up to 18 months to resolve.

That earlier search triggered board turnover, including the resignation of four independent non-executive directors, and sustained media scrutiny that has weighed on investor confidence ever since.

The company is also midway through a major restructuring tied to AI-driven automation across the business.

Each of these issues alone could be manageable. Together, and now compounded by today’s allegations, they have eroded the institutional confidence that previously supported WiseTech’s premium valuation.

What the underlying business looks like

CargoWise generated US$682.2 million in revenue for WiseTech in FY2025. This is up 18% on the prior year, with growth continuing into FY2026 as first-half CargoWise revenue rose 12% to US$372.4 million.

CargoWise remains deeply embedded in the operations of major global freight forwarders. Switching away from the platform is expensive and disruptive for customers, providing a source of revenue stability even amid the governance turmoil.

The operational business and the governance crisis are, for now, two separate stories.

What happens next

The resolution of today’s news will depend heavily on the outcome of any AFP investigation and on how WiseTech’s board responds.

Bell Potter previously argued the worst was behind WiseTech following earlier governance issues. The broker noted that focus was returning to product momentum and a new commercial model, before today’s fresh allegations reset that narrative entirely.

Until clarity emerges on both the legal matter and the board’s response, WiseTech shares are likely to remain volatile, and investors should treat any near-term share price movements with appropriate caution given the seriousness and unresolved nature of the allegations.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s news is serious. WiseTech’s underlying logistics software business continues to perform, but the company’s governance challenges have now reached a new and more serious level.

Investors considering WiseTech shares may want to wait for greater clarity on both the AFP investigation and the board’s response before drawing firm conclusions about the path ahead.

The post WiseTech shares just crashed. Can investors look past the company’s governance issues? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• WiseTech shares crash 12% as founder scandal deepens
• Down but not out: 3 ASX tech shares ripe for a rebound
• Is the only way up for WiseTech shares after a 65% fall?
• How to know when a beaten-down ASX share is worth buying

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking for ASX dividend shares to buy, then it could be worth considering the one in this article.

That’s because Bell Potter believes it has the potential to offer both major upside and a very generous dividend yield.

Which ASX dividend share?

The dividend share that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL).

It is a growing boutique asset manager that manages a number of alternative investment strategies, investing across hedge funds, growth equity, credit and royalties, and real and natural assets.

Bell Potter is positive on the company’s outlook and has lifted its earnings estimates to reflect its expectation for further funds under management growth. In fact, it believes the ASX dividend share could grow earnings in the teens over the medium term. It explains:

We upgrade EPS and retain our Buy rating. Regal Partners is an alternative investment manager, housing eight separate primary brands with a heritage in long/short equities. Strategies have track records that predate the global financial crisis. The Group controls $21bn in funds under management. We see further growth, driven by positive net inflows, investment performance, acquisitions and exposure to secular asset classes. This is supported by an aspirational blueprint to double offshore client capital.

Successful execution, in our view, provides a pathway to teens growth over the medium term, enhanced through operating leverage. A strong balance sheet further de-risks that view. Regal Partners has $250m in available capital. We see it well positioned to recycle capital, generating higher return, locking in gains and distributing this to shareholders.

Time to buy

According to the note, Bell Potter has reinstated its buy rating and $4.70 price target on the ASX dividend share.

Based on its current share price of $2.91, this implies potential upside of over 60% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in FY 2026, 19 cents per share in FY 2027, and then 22 cents per share in FY 2028. This equates to big dividend yields of 6.2%, 6.5%, and 7.6%, respectively.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy is reinstated, and we hold our target price at $4.70/sh based on a DCF. We use global asset manager P/E multiples as a cross-check, with the cohort trading on an average 15x including 11x for long-equities, 15x for private markets/credit and 19x for comparable multi-boutiques and hedge funds. To that end, we see the valuation as undemanding.

Trading on 10x earnings, RPL does not screen as an alternative investment manager. We view the emerging evidence of performance fees, capital management and broadening investment strategies as an opportunity to narrow the discount and drive a re-rating in the stock.

The post Could this be the best ASX dividend share to buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How I’d aim for $10,000 a year in superannuation boosting passive income buying ASX shares

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 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.