Author: openjargon

The countdown is on.

Soon – once the kids are in bed – the jolly fat man will start his worldwide ride.

My son has regularly reminded me this morning of how many hours there are until Christmas Day.

The carols are on in our house (I shop online almost exclusively, so the shopping centre muzak hasn’t ruined that for me).

Tonight, our family will sit down and watch Carols by Candlelight together… after coming home from a Christmas Eve screening of Die Hard at our local cinema.

(Yes. It is. Case closed. IYKYK)*

The only thing I can’t abide (much to the chagrin of some of my colleagues) is Mariah on repeat.

And yet, even that, plus all of the other things, tell us that it’s Christmas time.

It is, as the song goes, the most wonderful time of the year.

Sure, a little more wonderful in 2025 given we’ve already wrapped up The Ashes, but it’s wonderful every year.

The thing is, it’s not wonderful, by itself. There’s nothing magical about the date, or the time of year (singing ‘White Christmas’ in summer tells us a much!).

For some, it’s magical because of what it represents, religiously.

For most, these days, it’s because of what Christmas represents, more secularly.

It’s a generally warm, lazy time of year. The kids are off school, work tends to wind down a little (and a lot of us head off on holidays), the days are longer, the newspapers get thinner, and we make time to see family and friends.

Now, I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on what Christmas means to different people, but I reckon ‘peace and goodwill’ is pretty high on the list, even if we don’t consciously use those words.

We find time to see people. We wish a Merry Christmas to friends and strangers alike, and we smile more, even through the shopping crush.

It’s all voluntary (except the muzak!) of course – but in that lies its beauty.

Whether you’re religious or not, there is something communal about Christmas that we can all choose to share in, and the vast, vast bulk of us do.

You know by now that I’m an inveterate optimist. I was just born and raised that way, but I also think it’s – despite the world’s imperfections – the best way to be, because optimists win. Why? Because things get better, over time.

And because people are overwhelmingly good, and true, and positive. Because we are social animals who value community, and who want the best for others.

Everyone? No. All the time? No.

But overwhelmingly, and almost all the time. It brings out our best, and for a time, reminds us of how much better we can be.

I am conscious that I write those words after a horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach. It was an atrocity committed as an act of hatred against people simply because of their religion and culture. And one that happened at one of Australia’s most iconic places.

It was an attack directly on Jewish Australians, and indirectly on all of us who value the things I just mentioned.

Their friends and families will be in all of our thoughts as we sit around our tables, this Christmas. May their memories be a blessing.

I’m also mindful that Christmas has its modern origins in Christianity, as I mentioned above, and that other religions either don’t recognise it, or have their own celebrations at this time of year.

I hope and believe that modern Australia has room for those differences, observed peacefully and with the goodwill I mentioned.

Indeed, from experience, those of different faiths are usually more than happy to engage in what we know as the Christmas spirit, even if the observance of the event itself is different for them.

Because, as I said, Christmas is now as much a time of year, and a mindset, as it is a religious observance.

And, as I do each year, I want to specifically mention two groups. First, those who will do it tough this Christmas. Perhaps you’ll be spending Christmas alone, or you’ll have an empty chair at your table, having lost someone this year. I hope Christmas isn’t too hard for you, and that your memories and interactions with others will carry you through.

And to those working this Christmas, so we can take some time off, thank you. Particularly to those who will be away from family, including our defence forces. To those who will be keeping us safe in the emergency services and health system. And to those who are keeping the country’s wheels turning: essential services, retail and lots more. Thank you.

And so, whatever your faith, creed, or traditions at this time of year, the whole team here at The Motley Fool wishes you a very Merry Christmas. We hope you find peace and joy.

Oh, you expected something investing-related? It’s Christmas! Normal service will resume soon.

I will leave you, though, with another Motley Fool Australia tradition: our Foolish Christmas Carol… somewhere between a cringey Dad Joke and a lighthearted way to say thanks, and share an investing idea or two.

Enjoy! (Or just stop reading now. It’s on you if you keep scrolling though!)

Frosty The (Investing) Snowman

Frosty the snowman was a kind investing soul

With portfolio full of well-picked stocks

His snowball was on a roll

Long term investing’s not a fairy tale they say

Build it strong and slow ‘cos the children know

You won’t make it in a day

There must have been some magic in

That jester’s cap they found

For when they placed it on his head

Buffett quotes they did abound

Frosty the snowman was relaxed as he could be

And the children say the course he could stay

Though the volatility

Frosty the snowman knew that stocks get hot some day

So he said don’t run losing cash ain’t fun

If it’s hype just stay away

Down to the village with a checklist in his hand

Looking here and there all around the square

For ideas to add as planned

He led them down the streets of town

To every store and shop

He was looking out for scuttlebutt

To help him add and chop

Frosty the snowman kept investing just this way:

Buying quality, be long term, low fees

Compounding will win the day

Thumpety-thump-thump

Thumpety-thump-thump

Look at Frosty go

Thumpety-thump-thump

Thumpety-thump-thump

That how his wealth will grow

Merry Christmas!

* The question of whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie is asked every year – usually by media outlets desperate to fill some column inches or airtime minutes when there’s not much other news – but yes, it clearly is a Christmas movie, because John McClane does his thing at a Christmas party. Oh, and if you’re wondering, ‘IYKYK’ is ‘if you know, you know’.

Fool on, merrily!

The post Merry Christmas appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Bell Potter says this newly listed ASX stock could rocket 80%
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Motley Fool contributor Scott Phillips 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.

When it comes to iron ore, many investors will look for exposure to the base metal with Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares.

And that’s not been a bad move this year. Since the start of 2025, the mining giant’s shares have risen approximately 18%. And that doesn’t include the dividends the ASX iron ore stock has paid to shareholders over the period.

However, with many analysts believing that Fortescue shares are now fairly valued to overvalued, better returns could potentially be found elsewhere.

Bell Potter certainly thinks that could be the case. It has a hold rating and $19.30 price target on Fortescue’s shares, but a buy rating and sky-high price target on one of its rivals.

Which ASX iron ore stock?

The iron ore miner that Bell Potter is recommending to investors is Fenix Resources Ltd (ASX: FEX).

The broker notes that it is aiming to unlock stranded mining assets across the Mid-West region of Western Australia through three wholly owned business pillars.

It is also in the process of growing its iron ore production to 10Mtpa by FY 2031 through its Weld Range Project.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was pleased with the ASX iron ore stock’s scoping study results. It notes that the company is positioned to grow its production and cut its costs materially. The broker said:

FEX has announced results of a Scoping Study (SS) outlining a 10Mtpa iron ore operation at the Weld Range Project in Western Australia’s Mid-West. The study assesses production ramp-up from FY29, with the development of the Madoonga hub to produce in parallel with the Beebyn Hub, and construction of a 244km private road to leverage FEX’s integrated logistics business. Key SS financial metrics (net to FEX) include: Development capex of $521m (including 16% contingency); average C1 cash cost $55/wmt; average annual EBITDA $235m; and pre-tax NPV10 $1.2b (assumed average iron ore 61% Fe price of US$85/t and AUDUSD 0.65).

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating on Fenix’s shares with an improved price target of 70 cents (from 65 cents).

Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of almost 50% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter concludes:

FEX continues to grow its portfolio of low capital mining assets, leveraging its integrated logistics networks to underpin cash flows for growth and shareholder returns. The company holds the largest storage position at the strategic and fast-growing Geraldton Port. The expanded FEX-SMC agreement provides a clear pathway to 10Mtpa iron ore production at significantly lower unit costs.

The post Fortescue shares may have peaked but this ASX iron ore stock could rise 50% 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 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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are having a strong session ahead of the Christmas break.

In morning trade, the counter drone technology company’s shares are storming 6.5% higher to $3.48.

This compares favourably to the S&P/ASX 200 index, which is down 0.4% at the time of writing.

Why are DroneShield shares storming higher?

Investors have been fighting to get hold of the company’s shares after it announced its second major contract win in as many weeks.

As a reminder, last week DroneShield announced that it received a contract worth $49.6 million. It was from an in-region European reseller that is contractually required to distribute the products to a European military end-customer.

Management advised that the contract was for handheld counter-drone systems, associated accessories, and software updates.

As DroneShield has a large portion of this stock available already, it expects to complete all deliveries in the first quarter of 2026.

What’s the latest contract?

This morning, DroneShield announced that it has received a standalone contract for $6.2 million from an in-country reseller for delivery to a military end-customer in an Asia Pacific country.

It notes that the reseller is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a multi-billion dollar, global, publicly listed customer that is contractually required to distribute solutions to a major Asia Pacific military government department.

DroneShield advised that the solutions include selected 3rd party hardware, interoperable with DroneShield’s command-and-control software platform, DroneSentry-C2.

DroneSentry-C2 is an advanced command-and-control (C2) platform that delivers a unified, real-time counter-drone operating picture. It has been designed for seamless interoperability with DroneShield sensors and third-party systems, and enables precise detection, tracking, and response to drone threats.

Management expects to complete this delivery and receive payment in 2026. No additional material conditions need to be satisfied.

This isn’t the first order from this reseller. It highlights that it has previously received 14 standalone contracts from this reseller over the past 2 years totalling over $48 million. Though, it warns that there is no obligation for any additional contracts from this customer.

Commenting about the decision not to name its multi-billion dollar, global, publicly listed customer, the company stated that “it does not consider the identity of the counterparty/customer to be information that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of DroneShield’s securities.”

Following today’s gain, DroneShield shares are now up by almost 100% since this time last month.

The post Why are DroneShield shares racing higher again today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• DroneShield secures $6.2 million Asia Pacific contract
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: DroneShield, Macquarie, and Wesfarmers 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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) shares are pushing higher on Wednesday morning.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is up 3.5% to $5.23.

Why is this ASX 200 stock rising?

Investors have been buying the property developer’s shares this morning after it announced a major contract win.

According to the release, the ASX 200 stock has secured the Sydney Metro Hunter Street West Over Station Development, which also includes construction of the new metro station beneath the site.

The project will see Lendlease deliver a 52-storey premium commercial tower on the corner of George Street and Hunter Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Known as the West Tower, the building is expected to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating and will feature up to 58,000 square metres of commercial office space and around 1,000 square metres of retail space.

It is fair to say that the scale of the project is significant. Lendlease estimates the West Tower will have a gross end value of approximately $2.2 billion, while the associated station construction contract is valued at around $1.5 billion.

Construction is targeted to commence in FY 2027, with completion expected in 2032. It notes that this aligns with the planned opening of the Hunter Street metro station.

Future earnings boost

Management highlighted that the project will contribute meaningfully to Lendlease’s future earnings profile.

The group expects to receive development management and performance fees, as well as construction income, and noted that the development has been structured in a capital-efficient manner. Encouragingly, returns from the project are expected to be above the group’s cost of equity, reflecting Lendlease’s disciplined approach to new opportunities.

The ASX 200 stock’s CEO, Tony Lombardo, said:

Growth momentum is building across our core segments. Securing the Hunter Street Over Station Development and 175 Liverpool St residential development during 1H FY26, we have added ~$5 billion to our Australian Development pipeline year to date. The award of the Hunter Street contract has resulted in ~$4 billion of new Construction work being secured in the first half.

Following strong progress to simplify the Group, our focus remains firmly on strengthening our balance sheet and developing opportunities for growth across our Australian operations and international investment management platform.

The Hunter Street win also represents another step in rebuilding Lendlease’s Australian development pipeline. The company revealed that the project contributes to a goal of securing more than $10 billion of new opportunities in FY 2026, adding to an already secured pipeline of $10 billion.

In addition, Lendlease is progressing discussions on several other major projects, including the RNA Showgrounds redevelopment in Brisbane, which is set to host the Athletes’ Village for the 2032 Olympic Games, and a large residential metro development in Melbourne.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is rising on $3.7b contract win 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 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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares sit at the centre of Australian investing.

It is the nation’s largest bank, a core holding in countless superannuation portfolios, and a share that many Australians hold for decades rather than years. When CBA moves, a lot of household wealth moves with it.

So how has it actually performed in 2025?

Let’s rewind to the very start of the year and see what would have happened if an investor put $10,000 into CBA shares and then did absolutely nothing.

$10,000 invested at the start of 2025

At the end of 2024, CBA shares were trading at $153.25.

With $10,000, an investor could have bought 65 shares for a total cost of $9,951.25, leaving a small amount of cash on the sidelines for a nice dinner.

For a while, that decision looked very smart.

CBA shares surged in the first half of the year and reached an all-time high of $192.00 in late June. At that peak, those 65 shares would have been worth $12,480, representing a paper gain of more than $2,500 in just six months.

However, the second half of 2025 told a different story.

Concerns about its valuation, slowing growth, and how much further Australia’s biggest bank could realistically run began to weigh on the share price. At the time of writing, CBA shares had fallen back to $161.73, which is roughly 16% below their June high.

At that price, the original 65 shares are now worth $10,512.45. This is around $550 higher than the initial investment.

The dividends

Of course, focusing only on the share price misses a big part of the CBA story.

Over the period, the bank paid two fully franked dividends to shareholders. They received a $2.25 per share interim dividend in March, followed by a $2.60 per share final dividend in September.

Across 65 shares, that equates to total dividend income of $315.25, which means that the total value of this investment would now be $10,827.70.

That’s a total return of almost 9% for the year.

While this is not a spectacular outcome, especially given how strong the first half of the year looked, it is better than what some blue chips delivered this year.

It is also a return that many shareholders would be pleased with given how most analysts were predicting sharp declines from CBA shares this year.

The post Was it a good idea to invest $10,000 in CBA shares in 2025? 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 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.

The Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT) share price is in focus today after the company announced it has secured a NSW Whole‑of‑Government cleaning contract in Western Sydney, valued at around $100 million over 18 months with a possible one-year extension.

What did Ventia report?

• Secured new NSW Whole‑of‑Government Cleaning Services contract for Western Sydney Region
• Contract valued at approximately $100 million over 18 months, with option for one‑year extension
• Extends Ventia’s longstanding partnership with NSW Government, building on 20+ years of service delivery
• Commitment to create local jobs and support small and medium enterprises in Western Sydney
• Focus on strengthening local supply chains and direct economic benefits to local communities

What else do investors need to know?

Ventia says this award demonstrates its capacity to deliver large-scale, sustainable services for government and the wider community. The company highlights its proven track record, providing essential services throughout the COVID period and maintaining critical operations under pressure.

Another key takeaway is Ventia’s stated commitment to local economic growth. By prioritising partnerships with small and medium businesses, Ventia aims to channel benefits directly into the Western Sydney region, supporting jobs and helping the supply chain.

What did Ventia management say?

Dean Banks, Managing Director and Group CEO said:

We are proud to be selected for this important contract and to continue our longstanding partnership with NSW Government in Western Sydney. This award demonstrates Ventia’s capability to deliver large-scale, sustainable services that make a real difference to communities. We aim to set new standards in cleaning services and expand our support for government and community across Australia.

What’s next for Ventia?

Looking forward, Ventia is well-placed to further cement its reputation as a leading essential infrastructure services provider. The company’s focus remains on delivering reliable, scalable services and creating shared value for clients, communities, and shareholders.

Ventia’s strategy centres on redefining service excellence—through strong local partnerships, innovation, and sustainable operations—across a broad range of sectors, including defence, utilities, and transport.

Ventia share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ventia Services shares have risen 65%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ventia wins $100m NSW cleaning contract, boosting services outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) share price is in focus today after the company announced a new $6.2 million contract for its AI-powered defence solutions, expected for delivery and payment in 2026.

What did DroneShield report?

• Secured a $6.2 million Asia Pacific contract with a military end-customer
• Delivery and cash payment anticipated in 2026
• The contract was arranged through an in-country reseller for a government department
• Solutions include interoperability with DroneShield’s command-and-control software, DroneSentry-C2
• DroneShield has received 14 standalone contracts from this reseller over the past 2 years, totalling over $48 million

What else do investors need to know?

DroneShield’s latest deal adds to a growing tally of contracts in the Asia Pacific region, reinforcing its role as a trusted technology supplier for military clients. The company points out there is no obligation for further contracts but notes its consistent relationship with this significant global reseller.

Management also confirmed all material information regarding the financial impact and customer identity is fully disclosed and does not expect this news to have an outsized impact on its share value.

What’s next for DroneShield?

With delivery and payment on this contract expected in 2026, DroneShield’s focus now turns to executing on its obligations and continuing to nurture key industry relationships. Management remains committed to innovation, leveraging its AI-based defence platforms across terrestrial, maritime, and airborne security markets.

DroneShield share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Droneshield shares have soared 411%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post DroneShield secures $6.2 million Asia Pacific contract appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ventia wins $100m NSW cleaning contract, boosting services outlook
• EVT buys QT Auckland in $87.5m deal: hotel portfolio gets a boost
• Retirement wealth plan: Create $1 million with a single Australian stock
• Up 106% in December, this stock has one of the biggest Santa Claus rallies on the ASX
• Up 83% in a month, is it too late to buy DroneShield shares now?

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 DroneShield. 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.

Sometimes winning isn’t about sprinting. It’s about starting early, and this ASX dividend share looks like it’s back in the race.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) shares have declined by 17% in value over the past 12 months. Since the end of August, the ASX dividend share has experienced a steady decline to $22.80 at the time of writing.

Many analysts believe now is the time to consider the seventh largest ASX 200 healthcare share by market capitalisation.

Plumber of modern medicine

Sonic Healthcare made its name doing the unglamorous but essential stuff: pathology and diagnostic imaging. It specialises in blood tests, biopsies, and scans — the plumbing of modern medicine.

It’s boring, sure. But boring can be beautiful when cash flows are steady, and demand refuses to go away.

After riding a pandemic sugar hit, the ASX dividend share spent the past couple of years sobering up. COVID testing revenue faded, margins tightened, and investors wandered off in search of shinier stories.

Ageing population, healthy balance

Expectations around Sonic Healthcare are now lower, and that’s often where opportunity sneaks in. Its underlying business is solid with a healthy balance sheet, the company has a bright future fuelled by an ageing global population, and it reported sound full-year results.

In FY 2025, the company delivered revenue of $9.6 billion, up 8% year over year. The net profit increased by 7% to $514 million, and EBITDA rose 8%, while operating cash flow also surged by 21%.

The ASX stock has leveraged its strong cash flows – bolstered during the COVID pandemic – to fund acquisitions in Germany and the US, as well as investments in digital pathology and AI. This could drive future growth.

Risks? Plenty. Government funding pressures, wage inflation, and regulatory changes can all bite.

What do analysts think?

According to Bell Potter, the ASX dividend share is a good choice for investors seeking income opportunities. The broker expects Sonic Healthcare’s earnings to rise due to cost-cutting, recent acquisitions, and increased activity at its labs and clinics returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Bell Potter forecasts dividends of $1.09 per share in FY 2026 and $1.11 in FY 2027. With Sonic shares currently at $22.80, this would result in a dividend yield of 4.8% and 4.9%.

The broker has assigned a buy rating and a $33.30 price target to its shares. Based on the share price at the time of writing, this implies a potential upside of 33% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter is on the bullish side, as the average 12-month target price is $26.51. However, that still points to a 16% upside and could bring the total gain in 2026 to well over 20%.

The post Start the new year bright by snapping up this ASX dividend share 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 recommended Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT) share price is in focus after the company announced it will acquire QT Auckland for NZ$87.5 million (~A$76 million), strengthening its owned hotel portfolio and extending its QT brand presence in the region.

What did EVT report?

• Acquisition of QT Auckland, a 150-room premium lifestyle hotel, for NZ$87.5 million (~A$76 million)
• Strategic expansion aligns with hotel division growth strategy and asset ownership in key city locations
• Divestment of Rydges Geelong for $24.5 million as part of capital recycling initiative
• Completion of both transactions expected early in the 2026 calendar year
• QT Auckland has won multiple industry awards since opening in 2020

What else do investors need to know?

This acquisition secures long-term brand presence for EVT in Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct precinct—an area popular with business and leisure travellers. The purchase cements EVT’s strategic approach to focus on high-performing hotels in major city locations.

Funds from the sale of Rydges Geelong, described as a non-core asset, will be redirected to support this investment. EVT’s asset recycling program is designed to strengthen its property portfolio and improve profitability by investing in flagship locations.

The QT brand continues to grow both locally and internationally, with new openings such as QT Singapore and plans for QT Parramatta to open in 2027.

What did EVT management say?

EVT CEO Jane Hastings said:

We are pleased to secure ownership of one of our flagship QT hotels, reinforcing our commitment to growing earnings from owned hotel assets and advancing our broader hotel brand strategy. This investment also complements the upcoming conversion of our Queenstown property to the QT brand, which will be an exceptional property in one of our strongest markets, with Auckland serving as a key feeder market for international visitors to Queenstown.

What’s next for EVT?

Looking ahead, EVT plans to complete both the QT Auckland acquisition and the Rydges Geelong sale in early 2026, subject to conditions being met. The company aims to drive further growth with its asset-light QT brand expansion, hotel management agreements, and innovative brand extensions such as qtQT cabins.

Management has highlighted a focus on portfolio optimisation, international market entry, and ongoing capital recycling to maximise returns for shareholders. The opening of QT Parramatta and further brand rollouts are expected to complement the Group’s growth strategy.

EVT share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, EVT shares have risen 15%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 7% over the same period.

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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.

When it comes to building long-term wealth, few things are as powerful as reliable dividends paid by high-quality businesses.

While share prices will always move around, companies with strong earnings and a commitment to returning cash to shareholders can provide investors with peace of mind through all market cycles.

If I were building a portfolio designed to last decades, these are three ASX dividend shares I would be comfortable buying and holding forever.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is one of the most dependable income stocks on the Australian share market. As a leading owner and operator of energy infrastructure, it generates stable, regulated cash flows that are largely insulated from economic ups and downs.

Its portfolio spans gas pipelines, electricity transmission assets, and power generation, with long-term contracts that provide excellent visibility over future earnings. This stability has allowed APA to steadily grow its distributions over time, making it a favourite among income-focused investors.

In fact, it has gone almost two decades with consecutive annual dividend increases.

Overall, I like this ASX dividend share due to its predictability, inflation-linked revenues, and a business model that supports consistent payouts year after year.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

In recent years, Telstra has quietly re-established itself as a core ASX dividend share for investors. As Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, it benefits from essential infrastructure, a dominant mobile network, and recurring revenue from its millions of customers.

Ongoing investment in 5G, network reliability, and cost efficiency has strengthened Telstra’s earnings base, helping underpin its dividend outlook. Importantly, connectivity demand continues to grow, even during weaker economic periods, which supports Telstra’s defensive characteristics.

For investors seeking income with lower volatility, Telstra could be the one to choose.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Finally, Universal Store might look different to traditional ASX dividend shares, but it earns its place here through growth-supported income. The youth fashion retailer has built a scalable store network, strong private-label penetration, and disciplined cost control, even in challenging retail conditions.

Unlike many retailers, Universal Store continues to generate solid free cash flow despite the tough consumer backdrop and has been able to return a meaningful portion of earnings to shareholders.

And with the company having a significant store rollout and private label opportunity, its future looks very bright. As a result, I think this is an ASX dividend share worth buying and holding for the long term.

The post 3 strong ASX dividend shares I would buy and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 and Telstra 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.