Author: openjargon

  • This ASX All Ords stock jumped 50% in 2025, tipped to climb another 23%

    A female superhero dressed in shiny green with a mask leaps in the sky with leg and arm outstretched in a leaping action.

    The ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) closed in the green on Friday afternoon, up 0.22% for the day. For the year-to-date, the index is 5.45% higher.

    The index gains are decent, but some ASX All Ords stocks have seen significantly stronger growth in 2025.

    Fineos Corporation Holdings PLC (ASX: FCL) shares ended the week 1.4% lower to $2.82 at the close of the ASX on Friday afternoon. But the latest dip has barely touched the huge gains the Irish public software development company has enjoyed this year. For the year-to-date, the company’s shares have grown 49.2%.

    Now, the team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has weighed in on where it expects the company’s shares to go next.

    The ASX All Ords stock tipped to jump higher

    In a note to investors, Macquarie confirmed its outperform rating and $3.48 target price on Fineos shares. These are unchanged from September.

    At the time of writing, the target price implies that the ASX All Ords small-cap stock‘s shares could climb another 23.4% over the next 12 months.

    “FCL’s medium-term revenue mix targets imply ~25% Subscription fee growth, compared to MRE forecasts +10%. The implied Subscription fee growth is based on FCL’s targeted Subscription fees mix of 65% in FY27, assuming 2.5% Services revenue growth estimates,” the broker said in its note.

    Latest Guidewire Q1 FY26 results are a read-through for FINEOS 

    Macquarie has used the first quarter FY26 Guidewire Software Inc (NYSE: GWRE) results as a “read-through” for Fineos. This is where the results or performance of one company are used to predict or explain what might happen with another company in the same industry.

    The broker noted that Guidewire posted a 22% increase in annual recurring revenue (ARR), a 27% year-over-year rise in revenue, and a 20% increase in operating cash flow margin. 

    The company also raised its guidance for the full year, now expecting around 20% growth in both ARR and revenue, and about 50% growth in operating cash flow.

    When comparing valuations, Fineos trades at a much lower enterprise value/sales multiple than Guidewire. Fineos is valued at around 3.9 times sales, which is sharply lower (73%) than Guidewire’s valuation at 14.4 times sales. 

    Looking at financial metrics, the Guidewire software revenue growth is much higher than that of Fineos. Guidewire’s subscription and license revenue grew 23% over the past year, while Fineos’ software revenue grew only 5.5%. 

    Overall, Fineos is at a material discount to Guidewire. Although Macquarie’s analysts note that this could be because Guidewire has a different mix of revenue types, and spent less of its revenue on capitalised R&D compared to Fineos in the first half of FY25.

    The post This ASX All Ords stock jumped 50% in 2025, tipped to climb another 23% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in FINEOS Corporation right now?

    Before you buy FINEOS Corporation 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 FINEOS Corporation 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended FINEOS Corporation and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended FINEOS Corporation and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 explosive ASX ETFs to buy and hold

    Two men look excited on the trading floor as they hold telephones to their ears and one points upwards.

    For long-term investors who want exposure to fast-growing global themes without picking individual stocks, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be the answer.

    That’s because there are many out there that offer a simple, diversified way to tap into the next decade of disruption.

    Three that stand out as explosive opportunities that could be worth buying and holding for years to come are named below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    BetaShares Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

    The BetaShares Australian Technology ETF provides investors with exposure to homegrown innovators such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), and NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT).

    One company that highlights the long-term potential of this ETF is WiseTech Global. Its CargoWise platform is used by the world’s largest logistics companies and has become the industry standard for managing global supply chains. As freight operators continue digitising and automating their networks, WiseTech’s pricing power, global reach, and sticky customer base give it a long runway for growth.

    Betashares recently recommended this fund to investors.

    BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

    For investors willing to embrace higher volatility in exchange for higher potential returns, the BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF could be worth a shout.

    It provides exposure to the stocks that are building the global cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem. Its holdings include digital asset exchanges, mining companies, and blockchain development firms such as Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: MARA), and Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT).

    Coinbase is the leading U.S. crypto exchange, it benefits directly from increasing institutional adoption of digital assets, rising transaction volumes, and the broader growth of decentralised finance applications. As blockchain technology continues to expand beyond trading into payments, tokenisation, and real-world applications, companies like Coinbase could play a central role.

    While BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF is not for the faint-hearted, over a long investment horizon, the potential upside of the digital asset industry could be substantial.

    BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX: GAME)

    Gaming has evolved from a hobby into one of the world’s largest entertainment industries. So much so, it is now bigger than the movie and music sectors combined.

    The BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF gives investors exposure to the companies driving that growth, including Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Nintendo, and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA).

    A standout holding is Nintendo. Its iconic franchises, such as Mario to Zelda, continue to generate billions in global sales, while its hybrid Switch console remains one of the best-selling gaming systems ever. With esports expanding, digital sales rising, and subscription-based gaming becoming mainstream, companies in this ASX ETF’s portfolio are well placed to benefit from lasting consumer trends rather than short-lived fads.

    The BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF provides a simple way to invest in an industry with massive and enduring global demand. It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    The post 3 explosive ASX ETFs to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology ETF right now?

    Before you buy Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology ETF 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 Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology ETF 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Coinbase Global, Electronic Arts, and Nintendo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. 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.

  • Russia is blocking Snapchat and Roblox, saying they’re used for ‘terrorist activities’

    A child is seen playing a game on the Roblox platform.
    Roblox, the popular gaming platform, is now blocked in Russia. Moscow said it's been used to coordinate "terrorist" activities.

    • Roblox and Snapchat are now blocked in Russia over what it said were concerns about extremism.
    • They're now added to an extensive list of blocked or restricted platforms in Russia for such reasons.
    • Apple's FaceTime also faces restrictions for what Russia said was "terrorist" activity.

    Russia's internet and media regulator said this week that it has blocked Snapchat and Roblox, saying both platforms were used for "extremist and terrorist" activity.

    Roskomnadzor announced its decision to block Snapchat on Thursday, but said it had already made the social media app unavailable in Russia since October 10.

    "According to law enforcement agencies, Snapchat is being used to organize and conduct terrorist activities in the country, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud and other crimes against our citizens," it said in a statement, per state media.

    The federal agency made a similar announcement on Wednesday regarding Roblox, accusing the gaming platform of enabling the distribution of propaganda advocating for extremist or terrorist activities.

    It also said that users were using Roblox to spread "LGBT information," which Russia legally considers extremist.

    Meanwhile, Roskomnadzor said on Thursday that it is also imposing "restrictive measures" on Apple's FaceTime video calling service.

    State media outlet TASS wrote that the agency said that "FaceTime is being used to coordinate terrorist activities in the country, recruit terrorists, and commit fraud and other crimes against citizens."

    A Roblox spokesperson told Business Insider that the company has a "deep commitment to safety" and enacts proactive measures to catch and prevent harmful content on the platform.

    "We respect the local regulations in the countries where we operate and believe Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creation, and meaningful connection for everyone," they said.

    The gaming firm's CEO, Dave Baszucki, said in September 2022 that Russia contributed roughly 2 million active daily Roblox users at the time, compared to 11 million in the US.

    Apple and Snap Inc. did not respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

    Since it began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has stepped up internet regulation by placing varying degrees of restrictive measures on international social media and messaging platforms, including bans on Signal and Meta's WhatsApp and Instagram.

    Telegram, a messaging app founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, has been partially restricted in Russia, with voice and video calls limited in the country. The Kremlin is also suspected of throttling YouTube traffic in the country.

    The Kremlin has cited extremism and terrorism concerns for internet restrictions since before 2022, but now also uses these terms to describe Ukrainian or anti-Kremlin partisan attacks on its territory.

    It's unclear, however, whether the latest restrictions are related to such attacks at all. Ukraine's defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

    Additionally, Russia has been dealing with domestic attacks and threats that don't have strong links to Ukraine.

    In March 2024, at least 149 people were killed, and another 609 were injured during a coordinated attack at a concert venue in Moscow. An Afghanistan-based branch of ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Ulta Beauty says its bet on K-beauty is paying off

    A view of an Ulta Beauty store on August 28, 2025 in Novato, California. Beauty products retailer Ulta Beauty will report second-quarter earnings today after the closing bell.
    Ulta Beauty's bet on K-beauty is paying off.

    • Ulta Beauty has been making a strong push into K-Beauty, and it appears to be paying off.
    • CEO Kecia Steelman said that K-beauty is driving sales and bringing in new customers.
    • The company inked exclusive sales partnerships with K-beauty brands like Medicube and Peach & Lily.

    Ulta Beauty's bet to expand its South Korean beauty collection is paying off, driving sales and bringing in new customers.

    In a Thursday earnings call, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman said the company's K-beauty assortment "continues to resonate and drive skincare sales."

    She said that aside from its long-standing exclusive sales partnership with skincare and beauty brand Peach & Lily, it expanded its K-beauty brand portfolio in 2025.

    "We saw space for growing K-beauty trends in both skincare and makeup," Steelman said to investors. "We moved with agility to build a complementary and largely exclusive pipeline, including a portfolio of new and many exclusive brands throughout 2025, like a new Medicube, TIRTIR, Fwee, and Unleashia."

    Ulta Beauty is the only US retailer selling products from beauty-tech company Medicube, which has been promoted by celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber.

    Steelman added that some K-beauty brands, like pimple-patch brand Starface, "benefited from newness and social media virality." The brand sells cute, colorful pimple patches, shaped like stars and cartoon characters.

    She said the brands are attracting "the next generation" of customers.

    Ulta Beauty posted third-quarter results on Thursday, reporting net sales of $2.9 billion, a 12.9% increase from the same period a year ago. Its same-store sales increased 6.3% year-on-year.

    The company's stock price rose by almost 6% in after-hours trading on Thursday. It's up about 33% in the past year.

    This comes as K-beauty is establishing a strong fan base in the US. Data from marketing research firm NielsenIQ showed that K-beauty was a $2 billion industry in the US in the year leading up to July 2025, a 37% from the same period the year before.

    Beauty retail experts told Business Insider in October that the draw of K-beauty was their affordable price point.

    Anna Keller, a principal analyst from London-based market research firm Mintel, told Business Insider, "They're super affordable, so you're getting high-quality, effective products without breaking the bank."

    Ulta Beauty and Sephora are attempting to secure exclusive sales partnerships with K-beauty brands before the mega South Korean beauty retailer, Olive Young, makes its highly anticipated debut in the US next year.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.

    It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

    Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $256.00 price target on this biotechnology company’s shares. The broker remains very positive on CSL’s outlook due to the long term demand for immunoglobulins and plasma yield improvements from the Horizon program. It expects the latter to be supportive of a margin recovery in the key CSL Behring business. In light of this and recent share price weakness, the broker sees a favourable risk/reward profit here for investors. The CSL share price is trading at $183.21 on Friday afternoon.

    NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

    A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $18.35 price target on this data centre operator’s shares. This follows news that the company has signed an agreement with ChatGPT’s owner, OpenAI. Citi notes that OpenAI is set to become an anchor tenant for the 650MW S7 data centre at Eastern Creek in Sydney. While revenue from this centre is still a couple of years away, the broker was pleased with the news and the diversification that it brings to its customer base. The NextDC share price is fetching $13.91 at the time of writing.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Analysts at Macquarie have upgraded this logistics solutions technology company’s shares to an outperform rating with a $108.50 price target. According to the note, the broker is feeling more confident about WiseTech Global’s business model transition. And while it sees limited risk with its half year result, it remains cautious on its FY 2026 result and FY 2027 guidance. Nevertheless, the broker is bullish on the long term and believes that the company can and will fundamentally reshape the logistics industry. It also notes that execution risks are commensurate with the size and deliverability of a massive market opportunity, and that its current share price doesn’t reflect this delivery. The WiseTech Global share price is trading at $73.28 this afternoon.

    The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today 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 18 November 2025

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Nextdc, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Macquarie Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. 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.

  • Lithium price rebounds 25% in 2025: Which ASX lithium shares are a buy?

    A statuesque woman throws earth in the air in front of a rocky outcrop.

    The lithium carbonate price has surged 25% in 2025 and now sits at an 18-month high of US$13,292 per tonne.

    The commodity’s rebound began in June amid higher demand for lithium to power battery infrastructure and electric vehicles (EVs).

    Major global lithium producer Ganfeng expects lithium demand to grow by 30% in the new year.

    Meantime, China is implementing supportive measures for the EV industry, which will boost lithium demand.

    Analysts at Trading Economics said:

    Top lithium consumer China stated it would double EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027, supporting lithium-rich energy storage systems with compensation mechanisms for power storage infrastructure.

    Also, output of new energy vehicles in China rose by 33.1% in the first ten months of the year, with October sales reflecting 51.6% of the market share, the first majority for new energy vehicles on record.

    Other lithium prices are also higher.

    The Spodumene Concentrate Index (CIF China) Price has ripped 26% in a month to US$1,162 per tonne.

    The Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide price is also up about 9.5% in a month to US$10,300.32 per tonne.

    China is also enacting anti-involution initiatives to constrain the output of critical minerals like lithium to preserve current price levels.

    Broker recommendations on ASX lithium shares

    Higher lithium prices have provided a tailwind for ASX lithium shares, many of which have recently hit new 52-week highs.

    Today, the Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is $3.82, up 2.3% on Friday and up 184% since 1 July.

    The market’s largest pure-play ASX lithium share hit a 52-week high of $4.26 last month.

    Last month, Citi reiterated its hold rating on Pilbara Minerals shares with a 12-month price target of $3.25.

    Morgans says this ASX lithium share is a sell with a price target range of $2.80 to $3.10.

    IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are $6.91, up 7% on Friday and up 66% since 1 July.

    The nickel and lithium producer reached a 52-week high of $7.35 per share last month.

    Macquarie put a buy rating on IGO shares this week with a price target of $5.75.

    Citi has a hold rating with a price target of $5.60.

    Morgan Stanley has a sell rating on this ASX lithium share with a target range of $4.50 to $4.60.

    The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price is $1.33, up 5.6% today and up 90% since 1 July.

    Liontown shares hit a 52-week high of $1.61 last month.

    Last week, Macquarie put a sell rating on Liontown with a price target of 65 cents.

    Citi also has a sell rating with a target of 50 cents.

    Outlook for lithium prices

    Jacob White from Sprott Asset Management said lithium sentiment turned bullish this year following three years of decline.

    Now, expectations of stronger demand outside the US mean global oversupply may be absorbed sooner than anticipated.

    In an article this week, White said:

    This rebound is being driven by robust demand growth and ongoing inventory reduction, alongside regulatory tightening, including the shutdown of a major Chinese lithium mine by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) and new government measures aimed at preventing producers from selling lithium at unsustainably low prices.

    The increased recognition of lithium as a critical mineral, combined with Western concerns over China’s control of global supply chains, is bolstering the sector outside of China.

    These combined forces are reshaping the global lithium landscape and providing support to prices.

    White said Sprott Investment had a positive outlook on lithium prices.

    As supply adjustments take hold and global EV demand remains relatively strong, our outlook on lithium remains positive.

    We believe price stabilization, industry consolidation and continued government stimulus measures in China should support long-term growth prospects even as shifting U.S. policies create uncertainty.

    White points out that lithium batteries are increasingly being used in data centres that are powering the artificial intelligence revolution.

    He said:

    Given that the electricity demand of global data centers is projected to rise 2.5 times by 2030, there is significant room for growth. 

    Google is using more than 100 million lithium-ion cells in its data centres worldwide.

    The post Lithium price rebounds 25% in 2025: Which ASX lithium shares are a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy IGO 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 IGO 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 18 November 2025

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Macquarie says this top ASX tech stock could rise 15%

    A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company

    Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD) shares are pushing higher on Friday afternoon.

    At the time of writing, the mining technology company’s shares are up almost 2% to $3.30.

    This means that its shares are now up almost 40% since the start of the year.

    But if you thought it was too late to invest, think again! That’s because analysts at Macquarie believe the ASX tech stock could keep rising from here.

    What is the broker saying about this ASX tech stock?

    Macquarie notes that the company has announced acquisitions that will expand its market-leading product suite. It said:

    Imdex will acquire 100% of Advanced Logic Technology (ALT) and its subsidiary, Mount Sopris Instruments (MSI) for €55.8m (~A$98.9m) upfront and performance-linked deferred components including ~A$4.5m and ~A$35.4m. The acquisition will be funded from existing cash and debt facilities, with proforma leverage ~1.1x post completion.

    The broker appears positive on the move and believes it will create some easy wins that accelerate growth and margins. It adds:

    Expands the portfolio with complementary offerings. The acquired product portfolios are complementary and don’t compete with existing IMD products. Around 20% of revenue is software with an 85% GM, while the hardware business is ~45%

    Some easy wins to accelerate growth & margins. Leveraging IMD’s global network is expected to generate quick wins, particularly in markets where the business currently has lower penetration. The approximately 45% gross margin in hardware has been partly driven by one-off sales revenue; however, transitioning to IMD’s rental model is likely to deliver more sustainable and stronger margins over time.

    Time to buy

    According to the note, the broker has upgraded Imdex’s shares to an outperform rating with an improved price target of $3.80.

    Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of 15% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, it expects a modest 1.1% dividend yield in FY 2026, growing to 2.9% in FY 2027.

    Commenting on its outperform rating, Macquarie said:

    Capital raising & drilling activity levels continue to improve – IMD’s AGM noted an increase in rig utilisation in all regions. Current multiple ~11x EBITDA is near the top of its range, but we see potential for a re-rate if IMD can accelerate growth in its software business, both organic and M&A.

    Valuation: TP +4% to $3.80ps (set near the top end of our valuation range), driven by incorporation of ALT & MSI into our forecasts. Catalysts: 1H26 result, ongoing improvement in raising and drilling activity, strategic M&A, building out software businesses.

    The post Macquarie says this top ASX tech stock could rise 15% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Imdex Limited right now?

    Before you buy Imdex Limited 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 Imdex Limited 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 18 November 2025

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

  • Up 680% since July, here’s why 2025 was a breakout year for this hot ASX stock

    Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.

    It has been a challenging 5-year period since 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) IPO’d in 2020.

    At one point, the company’s share price was down 90% from its October 2020 all-time high of $2.60, but things finally seem to be turning around. In fact, one could argue that 2025 is turning out to be a breakout year for the medical technology company.

    The company’s share price is now up a staggering 680% since July and is currently trading at $1.89. Moves like that usually trigger two reactions: “I missed the boat” or “This must be a bubble”, so what exactly has contributed to this remarkable recovery?

    Consistent contract wins

    The first clear signal for investors was the steady drumbeat of new deal announcements throughout the year. 4D Medical has been consistently locking down renewals and new agreements with some notable clients.

    In July, they secured a 3-year contract renewal with the University of Michigan, and the company has recently expanded its agreement with Stanford University to include the new CT:VQ technology, whilst also entering into local deals with Royal Melbourne Hospital.

    Recently, the company announced that Phillips would add CT:VQ™ to its North American product catalogue, backed by a minimum $15m contractual order commitment over 2 years.

    While the contract sizes vary, the consistency of these wins with such prestigious institutions showed the market that the technology was gaining genuine traction.

    The FDA green light

    The company cleared a major hurdle on September 1, 2025, when it received FDA clearance for CT:VQ. CT:VQ™ is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product that enables doctors to scan for pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) using a standard CT scan, without the need for contrast dye or radioactive tracers.

    The FDA clearance opens up an addressable market of US$1.1 billion in the US alone, and it solves a logistical nightmare for hospitals by removing the need for nuclear medicine teams, meaning 4D Medical isn’t just selling software; it’s selling efficiency.

    Investment from Pro Medicus

    In July, Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), the $26 billion ASX medical imaging giant, invested $10 million into 4D Medical.

    The investment was structured as a hybrid debt/equity facility. This means that while it provides 4D Medical with non-dilutive cash to grow, it also gives Pro Medicus “upside alignment.” If 4D Medical’s share price performs strongly over the two-year term, Pro Medicus stands to gain more.

    Pro Medicus is the poster child of what success looks like for a medical imaging company listed on the ASX and selling its products in the US. If 4D Medical can follow in those footsteps, then there is plenty more upside to come.

    Foolish bottom line

    4D Medical’s stunning turnaround is the product of real traction. With consistent contract wins, FDA clearance unlocking a billion-dollar US market, and strategic backing from Pro Medicus, the company is adding credibility, capital, and a commercial pathway to success.

    The risks aren’t gone, but for the first time since its IPO, 4D Medical looks less like a speculative bet and more like a business that’s beginning to deliver.

    The post Up 680% since July, here’s why 2025 was a breakout year for this hot ASX stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in 4DMedical Limited right now?

    Before you buy 4DMedical Limited 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 4DMedical Limited 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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.

  • After soaring 40% in 2 weeks, this ASX All Ords healthcare stock has been downgraded

    Shot of a senior scientist looking stressed out while working in a lab.

    The Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) share price is trading in the red at Friday lunchtime. At the time of writing, the shares are 1.73% lower for the day at 85 cents a piece.

    The ASX All Ords stock’s share price stormed 44% higher two weeks ago on the 24th November after the company received and rejected “an opportunistic, unsolicited, conditional and non-binding indicative proposal” from a consortium comprising Genesis Capital and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). 

    For context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is 0.12% higher today. Over the past two weeks, the index has climbed 1.3%.

    For the year-to-date, the specialist assisted reproductive services provider’s shares are still 32.28% lower, thanks to several sharp sell-offs earlier in the year.

    And now Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) analysts have weighed in on the shares.

    Here’s what the broker had to say.

    Limited upside ahead for this ASX All Ords stock

    In a note to investors, the team at Macquarie downgraded Monash IVF’s shares to neutral from a previous outperform rating. The target price remains unchanged at 94 cents. 

    At the time of writing, this implies a potential 10.6% upside for investors over the next 12 months.

    “We move our recommendation to Neutral, from Outperform. While we continue to expect medium-term upside on an improving macro environment, increased genetic testing, underlying structural demands, demographic and social changes, we think the share price is approaching fair value,” the broker said in its note.

    Macquarie said that increased competition, recent operational incidents, and regulatory costs weigh on Monash IVF’s outlook. The broker sees the current share price as close to fair value

    Despite the lower offer relative to historical benchmarks, the outlook for IVF has changed since CY22. Incidents have potentially weighed on customer acquisition and triggered greater regulatory scrutiny, likely increasing compliance costs as additional safeguards are implemented. Aggressive competition from unlisted peers, especially in VIC, is adding pressure. As such, we believe MVF’s share price appears close to fair value.

    What did Macquarie say about the bid rejection?

    Two weeks ago, Monash IVF rejected an 80 cent per share cash offer from a private equity consortium comprising Genesis Capital and Soul Patts. The two companies currently hold 19.6% of ASX All Ords company’s shares.

    Macquarie explained that the offer implied a company valuation of 7.7 times its FY25 EBITDA. This is substantially less than comparable transactions in the sector.

    “Despite a 31% premium to the pre-bid share price, the board’s decision reflects their view that the bid materially undervalues MVF’s strategic position and longer-term prospects,” Macquarie said in its note to investors.

    For context, Monash IVF’s rival Virtus Health was acquired by BGH Capital in 2022 after a takeover battle. The sale represented 11.9 times the company’s EBIDTA, Macquarie explained in its note.

    “However, it’s important to note that market conditions have since shifted, with FY21 benefiting from COVID-driven demand. Further, on a FY26E basis, MVF’s offer multiple increases to 8.6x (MRE EBITDA forecasts), as earnings are expected to reduce,” Macquarie said.

    The post After soaring 40% in 2 weeks, this ASX All Ords healthcare stock has been downgraded appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Monash IVF 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 Monash IVF 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why Collins Foods, Monash IVF, Premier Investments, and Step One shares are tumbling today

    A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.

    In afternoon trade on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down slightly to 8,615.2 points.

    Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are tumbling:

    Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

    The Collins Foods share price is down over 3% to $10.22. This has been driven by the quick service restaurant operator’s shares going ex-dividend this morning. Earlier this week, the company released its half year results and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 13 cents per share. This dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders early next month on 5 January

    Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF)

    The Monash IVF share price is down 2.5% to 84.2 cents. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the fertility treatment company’s shares to a neutral rating with a 94 cents price target. It said: “We move our recommendation to Neutral, from Outperform. While we continue to expect medium-term upside on an improving macro environment, increased genetic testing, underlying structural demands, demographic and social changes, we think the share price is approaching fair value. Prior research.”

    Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

    The Premier Investments share price is down 13% to $15.72. Investors have been selling this retailer’s shares following the release of a trading update at its annual general meeting. The Peter Alexander and Smiggle owner revealed that Premier Retail first half underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) is expected to be around $120 million. This is down 7.3% on the prior corresponding period.

    Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP)

    The Step One share price is down almost 12% to 26.5 cents. This online underwear seller’s shares have been sold off this week after it announced dismal sales results for the first half of FY 2026. Step One advised that it expects half year revenue to be in the range of $30 million and $33 million. This represents a decline of between 31% to 37% on the prior corresponding period. Things will be even worse for its EBITDA, which is expected to be a loss of between $9 million and $11 million. This is down from a profit of $11.3 million a year ago and includes a $10 million obsolescence provision against legacy stock that it has been unable to shift.

    The post Why Collins Foods, Monash IVF, Premier Investments, and Step One shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Collins Foods Limited right now?

    Before you buy Collins Foods Limited 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 Collins Foods Limited 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Collins Foods. 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.