Author: openjargon

  • How much passive income can I earn off an $800,000 superannuation balance?

    Calculator next to money.

    Superannuation is a fantastic tool to help build wealth to live off in retirement. And an $800,000 balance will provide enough money to live comfortably when the time comes.

    But you don’t have to let it sit idly in the meantime.

    Instead, you can invest your superannuation balance and generate a regular source of passive income for when you’ve stopped working.

    But exactly how much passive income could a $800,000 superannuation balance generate each year?

    Let’s investigate.

    How much passive income can I generate from an $800,000 superannuation balance?

    To calculate the potential passive income from an $800,000 superannuation balance, you need to multiply your total balance by the dividend yield of your portfolio.

    It’s a simple calculation, but the problem is that the answer varies depending on the yield of the stocks you pick.

    For example, a 3% yielding portfolio needs to be twice the size of one that yields 6% to earn the same passive income.

    Which also means that as your dividend yield increases, the passive income you can earn from your $8000,000 superannuation balance climbs higher. 

    Here’s a breakdown by yield. These figures are based on cash dividends before tax or franking credits. 

    What can I earn from a 3% to 4% yielding portfolio?

    If your superannuation portfolio has a dividend yield of around 3%, your passive income will be around $24,000 per year, because $800,000 x 3% = $24,000.

    If your portfolio yields closer to 4%, your passive income could be closer to $32,000 every year ($800,000 x 4% = $32,000).

    Major miners like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) yield around this level. As do banking giant Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and conglomerate Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

    What passive income can I earn if my superannuation portfolio yields 5% or 6%?

    If your superannuation portfolio yields closer to 5%, you could earn $40,000 every year in dividend payments off the same superannuation balance ($800,000 x 5% = $40,000).

    At a 6% yield, you could earn an annual passive income closer to $48,000.

    Classic dividend stocks like APA Group (ASX: APA), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), and JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) all pay around this level.

    What about a portfolio yielding much higher, around 7% or 8%?

    But if your portfolio has a slightly higher dividend yield of around 7% or 8%, your passive income will go up again to around $56,000 or $64,000, respectively.

    Again, it’s possible to buy shares around this level, but there are fewer options.

    Solvar Ltd (ASX: SVR), Waypoint REIT Ltd (ASX: WPR), and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN) all pay around this yield at the time of writing.

    Is it possible to invest in ASX shares yielding 10% or higher?

    It’s possible, but generally, the higher the yield, the higher the volatility and risk associated with the stock. 

    If high yield and high risk are what you’re after, at a 10% yield, a $800,000 balance could earn around $80,000.

    You could invest in ASX-listed stocks such as Tower Ltd (ASX: TWR) or Kina Securities Ltd (ASX: KSL). Another option is to invest your superannuation in a high-yielding exchange-traded fund (ETF), such as the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE) or the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX). These all yield 10% or more at the time of writing.

    The post How much passive income can I earn off an $800,000 superannuation balance? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in VanEck Gold Miners ETF right now?

    Before you buy VanEck Gold Miners 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 VanEck Gold Miners 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 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why I’d buy and hold these ASX passive income shares

    Happy young couple riding a motorbike together.

    Passive income is one of the reasons many investors turn to the ASX.

    But rather than simply chasing the highest dividend yields available today, I would recommend investors own businesses that can grow over time.

    With that in mind, these four ASX passive income shares would be on my long-term shortlist.

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Flight Centre may not be the first company that comes to mind for passive income, but I think it has an interesting long-term case.

    The travel company has rebuilt strongly since the pandemic and once again has the capacity to return cash to shareholders.

    I especially like its exposure to both leisure and corporate travel. Those businesses give Flight Centre several ways to benefit as travel spending grows over time.

    The dividend will probably be more cyclical than those of some defensive companies, particularly if economic conditions weaken.

    But I think there is room for earnings and dividends to grow as the business becomes larger and more profitable. For investors willing to accept some volatility, I would be happy to own Flight Centre for income and growth.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Coles is a much more defensive option. Australians need groceries regardless of what is happening in the economy, giving the supermarket giant a relatively dependable source of sales.

    That stability is one reason I think Coles can work well in an income portfolio.

    The company also has opportunities to grow through population increases, online shopping, and continued investment in its supply chain and automated distribution network.

    I am not expecting spectacular growth from Coles. But a business capable of steadily increasing earnings and returning part of those profits to shareholders can be a valuable long-term holding, particularly when passive income is the priority.

    Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

    Lottery Corporation is another business I think suits an ASX buy-and-hold passive income strategy.

    It operates many of Australia’s major lottery brands, giving it a strong position in a market with high barriers to entry.

    I like the relatively simple nature of the business. Lottery tickets require little physical infrastructure compared with many other consumer businesses, and the company can generate substantial cash from its established brands.

    There is still some variability depending on jackpot activity, but I think the underlying business is well-placed to keep generating cash over the long term.

    That should give management the capacity to continue paying dividends while investing enough to maintain the strength of its brands and digital offering.

    Amcor plc (ASX: AMC)

    Amcor provides a different source of passive income.

    The packaging company supplies products used across food, beverages, healthcare, personal care, and many other everyday categories.

    That gives the business exposure to demand that can remain relatively resilient through different economic environments.

    I also like Amcor’s global scale. Packaging is not a particularly exciting industry, but that is not necessarily a problem for an income investment.

    What I want is a business capable of generating cash consistently and returning some of it to shareholders.

    Amcor’s large international operations and exposure to everyday consumer products make it the type of company I would be comfortable holding through a range of market conditions.

    Foolish takeaway

    I would happily own these four ASX passive income shares for the long term rather than focusing only on the ASX stocks offering the highest yields today.

    They give investors exposure to travel, supermarkets, lotteries, and packaging, with each business generating cash in a different way.

    For me, that mix of income and the potential for earnings to grow over time is much more interesting than simply chasing yield.

    The post Why I’d buy and hold these ASX passive income shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor Plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor Plc 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 Amcor Plc wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Are the BHP and CBA share price headed for parity?

    a hand of a man in a suit points a finger towards old fashioned brass scales that are not balanced in the foreground of the picture.

    In morning trade on Tuesday, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are trading for $60.95 each, while the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price stands at $153.56.

    As it stands then, CommBank shares have a 151.9% higher valuation than BHP shares.

    Although with a market cap of approximately $310.2 billion, BHP has taken a commanding lead as the biggest company on the ASX. With a market cap of $256.9 billion, CBA comes in at number two.

    BHP retook that title from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock on 27 January this year after CBA had held the biggest ASX share crown for almost 18 months. As you may recall, the following few weeks saw the two ASX titans hand that crown back and forth as one stock alternately outperformed the other.

    But by April the winds had turned decidedly in BHP’s favour, with iron ore prices remaining resilient and copper prices racing to new record highs.

    At the same time, the CBA share price began to come under pressure as investors eyed a potentially deteriorating Aussie economy. With ongoing elevated inflation and higher interest rates, the bank could be facing lower home loans coupled with higher default rates.

    With this picture in mind, and their bullish outlook on copper, the team at Regal Partners believe that not only is BHP likely to maintain a larger market cap than CBA, but that both stocks could be trading at a similar price within five years.

    BHP and CBA share price matched at $100?

    “Phil King and I have often discussed the scenario over the next five years where CBA and BHP are both trading at $100,” Regal Partners investment director Charlie Aitken said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review).

    “We’ve generally kept that view to ourselves because it once sounded so outrageous. Today, it doesn’t sound so far-fetched,” he added.

    Pointing to the recent growing stresses emerging in the private Aussie credit market, Aitken noted, “I would be astonished if arrears, bad and doubtful debts and credit card delinquencies aren’t all increasing sharply for … banks.”

    Regal’s five-year forecast would see the CBA share price fall by almost 35% from current levels, putting it back to November 2023 prices. While Regal expects that BHP’s copper exposure will see the ‘undervalued’ miner outperform over this time amid booming demand for the red metal, spurred in part by the AI revolution.

    According to Aitkin:

    Where we prefer to invest is where productivity gains from developments in AI and an associated lift in demand for the given product driven by AI: welcome to mining. The modern world simply can’t open for business each day without BHP’s mined products, yet, unlike Jensen Huang, 99.99 per cent of the world wouldn’t recognise BHP chief executive Brandon Craig if they walked past him in the street.

    The post Are the BHP and CBA share price headed for parity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP 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 BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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

  • 2 ASX ETFs to buy and 1 to sell: expert

    Exchange traded fund in yellow bubbles, underneath red lines with ETF in black and a light brown circle above.

    ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are the most popular way in which more than 8,500 investors are investing, new data shows.

    A survey conducted by CMC found Aussies are still keen to invest despite today’s market volatility.

    ETFs allow investors to buy a basket of stocks in one trade. Part of the appeal is access to international shares via the ASX.

    This week on The Bull, Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has two buys and one sell recommendation for us to consider.

    Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

    The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF share price is $84.35, down 0.2% today and up 8% over 12 months.

    VHY ETF tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index, before fees.

    VHY invests in ASX dividend shares that have higher forecast dividend yields than other stocks.

    Wieland has a buy recommendation on VHY, and explains:

    This exchange traded fund provides exposure to a portfolio of Australian companies selected on the basis of their expected dividend yield.

    The portfolio is dominated by the major banks and large resource companies, which should continue to generate attractive income and franking credits for investors.

    However, as the portfolio is weighted towards financial stocks, it’s not as diversified as other broader based Australian ETFs on the ASX.

    Given quarterly distributions and a relatively appealing forecast dividend yield, VHY is more suited to income focused investors.

    Plato Global Alpha Fund (ASX: PGA1)

    The Plato Global Alpha Fund share price is $15.31, up 1.2% today and up 18% over 12 months.

    PGA1 aims to outperform the MSCI World Net Returns Unhedged Index by 4% per annum, after fees.

    Wieland also gives this ASX ETF a buy rating, and comments:

    PGA1 operates as a long-short exchange traded fund. Since its inception in September 2021, the fund has achieved an annualised return of 23.5 per cent after fees. It has outperformed the global benchmark by 11.74 per cent per annum.

    The fund delivered a return of 18.68 per cent in the past year. Stocks in the ETF at June 30, 2026 included Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon.

    PGA1 has generated a strong track record of performance and offers a relatively bright outlook in volatile financial markets.

    I hold PGA1 in my self managed super fund.

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

    The HomeCo Daily Needs REIT share price is $1.11, up 0.6% today and down 19% over 12 months.

    This ASX ETF is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that holds properties in the retail, health, and services sectors.

    Wieland has a sell rating on this ASX REIT, explaining:

    Occupancy was 99 per cent in full year 2026. The underlying properties continue to perform well, with a steady increase in rental income.

    However, like a number of other REITs, I believe the prospect of higher interest rates, finance costs amid struggling consumers may pressure HDN’s performance numbers in full year 2027 in what is a challenging retail sector.

    HDN shares have fallen from $1.38 on September 18, 2025 to trade at $1.105 on September 17, 2026.

    The post 2 ASX ETFs to buy and 1 to sell: expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield 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 Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield 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 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 4 reasons this ASX gold stock could more than triple

    Stacked gold bricks.

    Forrestania Resources Ltd (ASX: FRS) recently released prefeasibility studies for four separate mining projects in Western Australia, which, if developed, will keep the company producing gold for more than 10 years.

    Bell Potter has run the ruler over the projects and has actually reduced its price target on Forrestania shares, while maintaining a very bullish outlook for the company.

    I’ll get to that price target shortly. First, let’s look at what Forrestania is proposing.

    Mining projects working through central hub

    The company plans to develop four mining projects, which all process their ore through the Edna May processing facility.

    The developments are costed with an assumed gold price of $5500 per ounce, compared to the current price of gold, which is $6130 per ounce.

    The Edna May project alone is expected to generate $728.7 million in cash flow over a 10-year mine life, while costing only $98 million to develop.

    Using a gold price of $6,140 per ounce, the cash flow figure rises to $961 million.

    Forrestania said there is potential upside from upgrading inferred mineral resources within the current pit shell, which are currently treated as waste and excluded from the production target.

    Forrestania Chairman David Geraghty said:

    The Edna May Ore Reserve and Pre-Feasibility Study provide a strong technical and economic basis for the redevelopment of this established gold operation. The study benefits from substantial existing infrastructure, a proven processing facility and a long operating history, while identifying a clear pathway to restart and future production. With a 400,000-ounce Probable Ore Reserve underpinning 100% of the production target and strong projected cash generation at the PFS gold price assumption, Edna May is expected to form a key part of Forrestania’s Westonia Hub strategy.

    Three other mining projects will also feed into Edna May. These are the British Hill, Tycho, and Johnson Range projects.

    ASX gold shares looking cheap, broker says

    Bell Potter said in its research note to clients that the cost of gold production came in higher than they had expected at $3,329 per ounce.

    The broker added:

    On a filled two-hub configuration we see a pathway to improving on this figure, offering valuation upside. We anticipate further reserve announcements on the remaining deposits and those that incorporate Lake Johnston in due course. FRS is sufficiently funded to first production, subject to completing the proposed $100m facility. FRS remains underrated, in our view, with significant upside through a dual processing hub and >200koz steady state capabilities.

    Bell Potter has a $1.05 price target for Forrestania, compared with the current price of 33 cents.

    The company is valued at $802.9 million.

    The post 4 reasons this ASX gold stock could more than triple appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Forrestania Resources 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 Forrestania Resources Ltd wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

  • Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, Tabcorp, Healius shares

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

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.4% to 8,764.6 points on Tuesday.

    Among the 11 market sectors, the technology sector is in the lead today, up 2.3%.

    The energy sector is the laggard, down 0.9%. 

    Let’s check out some new ratings on ASX shares today.

    Netwealth Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    The Netwealth share price is $19.09, up 1.4% today and down 38% over 12 months. 

    Dylan Evans from Catapult Wealth has a buy rating on this ASX financial share. 

    Evans said (courtesy The Bull): 

    The company’s full year 2026 results continued to deliver strong growth, with the platform’s funds under administration increasing 20.3 per cent to $135.7 billion and earnings per share growing 16 per cent to 55.2 cents.

    Despite these strong results, the share price has fallen significantly, most likely and partially in response to a compensation payout of about $101 million to members in the collapsed First Guardian Master Fund.

    Share price weakness presents an opportunity, as Netwealth still holds a net cash position and is poised to generate strong revenue growth moving forward.

    Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

    The Healius share price is steady at 38 cents, down 53% over 12 months. 

    Ord Minnett has a hold rating on this ASX healthcare share. 

    In a new note, the broker said: 

    Revenues rose 2% to $1.4 billion, in-line with consensus, while underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 8% to $259 million, 1% shy of consensus. 

    The FY26 EBIT margin of 1.8% was below consensus expectations of 2.0% reflecting the burden of a largely fixed-cost operating base.

    Management has made progress in controlling costs, especially labour, but will need to do more if it is to offset headwinds from continued weak volumes and the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) gender-based undervaluation decision on wages.

    We increase interest cost assumptions which lowers our earnings estimates, and we do not see HLS returning to profitability until FY28.

    Reflecting the earnings downgrades, the target price has been reduced from $0.56 to $0.49.

    Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH)

    The Tabcorp share price is 96 cents, up 4.4% today and down 3% over 12 months. 

    Evans has a sell rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share. 

    The analyst said: 

    The company generated group revenue of $2.636 billion in full year 2026, up 0.8 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Group EBITDA of $431.7 million was up 10.3 per cent.

    In our view, a major challenge for Tabcorp is the highly competitive gambling industry and the underlying trend towards digital wagering amid the risk of potentially tighter regulations.

    The company expects domestic wagering turnover growth in fiscal year 2027 to be broadly consistent with fiscal year 2026, excluding the FIFA World Cup.

    The shares have fallen from $1.17 on May 1 to trade at 90 cents on September 17. Other stocks appeal more at this stage of the cycle.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, Tabcorp, Healius shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Netwealth 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 Netwealth Group wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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

  • 3 reasons to buy BHP shares for 2027

    A man and woman sit next to each other looking at each other and feeling excited and surprised after reading good news about their shares on a laptop.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is one of the ASX shares I would be happy to own heading into 2027.

    The mining giant already has a collection of large, high-quality assets, but I think there are also some interesting growth opportunities ahead.

    Here are three reasons I would buy BHP shares.

    Copper could become increasingly important

    Copper is probably the part of BHP I am most interested in over the next decade.

    The metal is needed across electricity networks, renewable energy, electric vehicles, data centres, and a wide range of other infrastructure.

    At the same time, bringing major new copper mines into production can take many years.

    That puts established producers such as BHP in a strong position.

    The company already has significant copper operations and the expertise to invest further as demand grows. I think that could make copper a much bigger contributor to BHP over time.

    Commodity prices will always move around, but I like owning an established producer rather than trying to guess which early-stage copper project might eventually succeed.

    BHP is still investing for the future

    I also like that BHP is not relying solely on its existing mines.

    The company continues to put capital into projects that could support production for decades.

    Its Jansen potash development in Canada is one example. Potash is used in fertiliser, giving BHP exposure to a market driven by global food production rather than the same forces that influence iron ore or copper.

    For me, this is an interesting addition to the portfolio.

    BHP already has enormous exposure to metals and minerals used in construction and industrial activity. Building a meaningful potash business could give it another source of earnings over the long term.

    Major projects come with execution risks and require substantial investment before they begin generating returns.

    But BHP has the financial strength to pursue opportunities of this scale, which is one of the reasons I am comfortable taking a long-term view.

    Scale gives BHP plenty of options

    The final reason is BHP’s existing strength.

    Its large iron ore operations can generate substantial cash flow when market conditions are supportive, while the company also has exposure to copper and other commodities.

    That cash gives management choices.

    BHP can reinvest in existing assets, develop new projects, pursue acquisitions when opportunities arise, strengthen the balance sheet, or return money to shareholders.

    I think that flexibility is particularly valuable in mining, where commodity cycles can create opportunities for companies with the financial capacity to keep investing when conditions become more difficult.

    There will still be weaker periods for commodity prices, and BHP’s earnings and dividends will move around with them.

    But I think its scale puts the company in a strong position to keep building the business through those cycles.

    Foolish takeaway

    BHP is the type of share I would be comfortable buying heading into 2027 and then leaving alone for years.

    I like the growing copper opportunity, investment in new areas such as potash, and the financial strength of the existing business.

    There will inevitably be ups and downs along the way, but I think BHP has plenty of ways to be a bigger and stronger company a decade from now.

    The post 3 reasons to buy BHP shares for 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP 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 BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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

  • Capstone Copper shares take off on $542 million divestment news

    Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.

    Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) shares are marching higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) copper stock closed yesterday trading for $14.55. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $14.78 apiece, up 1.6%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time.

    Here’s what’s catching investor interest today.

    Capstone Copper shares lift on asset sale

    Capstone Copper shares are lifting after the miner announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Cozamin copper-silver zinc-lead mine, located in Mexico.

    Capstone said that Luca Mining Corp will pay up to US$385 million (AU$542.3 million) in total consideration for the mine.

    The ASX 200 copper stock noted that figure is comprised of:

    • US$275 million in upfront cash, subject to customary closing adjustments
    • US$15 million in Luca shares, to be issued to Capstone at closing
    • US$35 million in deferred consideration, to be received on the first anniversary of closing
    • And up to US$60 million in contingent cash consideration tied to annual average copper prices

    Capstone said it will use the fund to strengthen its balance sheet and as well as support its growth pipeline.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the $542 million divestment helping boost Capstone Copper shares today, president and CEO Cashel Meagher said, “Cozamin has been an important part of our portfolio, providing stability and strong cash flows as Capstone has matured into a diversified copper producer.”

    Meagher added:

    The transaction optimises our portfolio and further strengthens our balance sheet, enabling us to redeploy capital into our high-return growth projects and allowing leadership to focus on the opportunities we believe will create the most value for our shareholders. It is an ideal time to streamline our portfolio through this divestiture as we advance towards transformational copper growth in Chile and the United States.

    We are also pleased to retain exposure to the exploration upside at Cozamin, through our shareholding in Luca, following completion of the Transaction. Given the strong operational track record of the Luca team in Mexico, we believe they will be excellent stewards of the mine and are well placed to unlock its full potential.

    What’s happening with the copper price?

    Capstone Copper shares have surged 33.5% since this time last year, supported in part by soaring global copper prices.

    The red metal is back near all-time highs today, trading for US$14,661 per tonne. That sees the copper price up a whopping 47% in 12 months, spurred by spiking demand from data centres, EVs and the ongoing energy transition.

    The post Capstone Copper shares take off on $542 million divestment news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Capstone Copper right now?

    Before you buy Capstone Copper 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 Capstone Copper wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Could the WiseTech share price reach $50 in 2027?

    Couple using their digital tablet together.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have fallen a long way from their previous highs.

    The logistics software company is trading around $31.77 on Tuesday, leaving the WiseTech share price well below where it has traded in recent years.

    Could it recover to $50 in 2027?

    The earnings outlook is interesting

    At first glance, a move from $31.77 to $50 looks ambitious. It would require the WiseTech share price to rise around 57%.

    But I think the earnings outlook could be supportive of a major re-rating that underpins a large rise.

    Consensus forecasts point to earnings per share of $1.42 in FY27, followed by $1.88 in FY28 and $2.28 in FY29.

    At today’s price, WiseTech is trading on a PE ratio of around 22 times forecast FY27 earnings. That falls to roughly 17 times FY28 earnings and only 14 times FY29 earnings.

    For a global technology business expected to grow earnings at that sort of rate, those multiples look quite low to me.

    In fact, I think the current valuation suggests the market is not fully convinced WiseTech will deliver those forecasts.

    That is understandable. Forecasts can change, and investors have good reason to wait for evidence that the expected earnings growth is actually coming through.

    But it also creates an opportunity if WiseTech does deliver.

    What would $50 look like?

    At $50, the WiseTech share price would trade at around 35 times forecast FY27 earnings.

    That would be a much higher valuation than today, but the picture changes as we look further ahead.

    Based on the current forecasts, a $50 share price would represent around 27 times FY28 earnings and 22 times FY29 earnings.

    I do not think those valuations would look unreasonable if WiseTech were clearly on track to produce the expected growth.

    That is why I can see a path to $50.

    There is still plenty of uncertainty

    WiseTech still has to deliver the earnings growth analysts are expecting. If profits fall short, the valuation at $50 would quickly become much harder to justify.

    That is probably one reason the shares are trading where they are today.

    For me, the opportunity comes from the gap between what the market appears willing to pay for WiseTech now and what the business could be worth if earnings grow as expected.

    However, I would not assume that gap closes quickly, and there could be plenty of volatility along the way.

    Foolish takeaway

    I think $50 is within reach for the WiseTech share price in 2027.

    The shares have a long way to go from $31.77, but the earnings forecasts give me a reason to believe a strong recovery is possible.

    There is still uncertainty around whether WiseTech can deliver those numbers. But if the business starts showing that the expected earnings growth is on track, I think today’s share price could end up looking very cheap.

    The post Could the WiseTech share price reach $50 in 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global 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 WiseTech Global wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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.

  • Woodside vs Ampol: Which ASX energy stock should you buy?

    A service station attendant crosses his arms and smiles towards the camera with a backdrop of petrol bowsers and a drive-through facility.

    Woodside Energy Group vs Ampol shares: Which ASX energy stock looks better?

    With energy prices a big topic for Aussie investors and global themes front of mind, both Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) land in the spotlight. As two of the largest names in oil and gas, yet with different business models, many will be wondering which company’s shares are the better buy today. Here’s how they stack up across their core businesses, fundamentals, value, dividend payouts, and recent momentum.

    The case for Woodside Energy Group

    Woodside Energy Group is Australia’s largest dedicated oil and gas operator. Producing mainly LNG, oil, and gas from a range of large offshore assets, Woodside is seen as a heavyweight in the sector. After merging with BHP’s oil and gas business, Woodside further cemented its status as a truly global energy player. The company, founded in 1954 and listed on the ASX since 1971, holds big production scale and a broad asset base spanning Australia and international waters.

    Looking at key fundamentals:

    • Market Cap: $61.63 billion – one of the top 20 listed companies in Australia
    • P/E Ratio: 14.32 – not far from the broader ASX average for a large energy producer
    • Dividend Yield: 5.03% (fully franked, as per its most recent figures)
    • Year To Date Return: 44.3% – a hefty share price run over the current calendar

    Woodside has a long, consistent track record of large, fully franked dividends for shareholders stretching back decades, with its last payment at $0.57 per share (fully franked). The company’s scale and resources offer stability, even as it faces the long-term headwinds familiar in fossil fuels.

    The case for Ampol

    Ampol is better known to most Aussies as the brand behind roughly 2,000 service stations nation-wide. As Australia’s only listed refiner and one of the largest distributors of petroleum products, Ampol’s business is all about refining (primarily from its Lytton plant in Brisbane) and big-volume fuel retail and distribution. The company trades on history – it’s well over a century old, formerly operated as Caltex, and has more recently focused on retailing and logistics (while also maintaining a presence in New Zealand via Z Energy and a significant stake in Philippine fuel company Seaoil).

    Ampol’s standout numbers:

    • Market Cap: $10.28 billion – much smaller than Woodside, but still substantial
    • P/E Ratio: 7.18 – sitting well below both Woodside and the broader market average for large caps
    • Dividend Yield: 5.68% (fully franked, per latest figures)
    • Year To Date Return: 42.8% – almost matching Woodside’s strong gains

    Consistent, fully franked dividends are a feature here as well, with Ampol’s last interim dividend coming in at $1.85 per share (fully franked). Its lower P/E ratio draws attention for value hunters, though its business is more exposed to the ups and downs of retail volumes and margins.

    Valuation comparison

    Both Woodside and Ampol offer eye-catching yields and have strong profit track records, but a few numbers really stand out when viewed side-by-side:

    Metric Woodside Energy Ampol
    Market Cap $61.63 billion $10.28 billion
    P/E Ratio 14.32 7.18
    Dividend Yield 5.03% (100% franked) 5.68% (100% franked)
    Earnings Per Share 1.605 7.444

    Ampol’s much lower P/E signals a potentially cheaper earnings valuation compared to Woodside, at least based on recent profits. Its higher (and also fully franked) dividend yield adds to the appeal for income seekers. Do note: the reported EPS and P/E for Ampol line up mathematically, but Woodside’s numbers appear less in sync, possibly due to differences in the basis of the earnings measurement shown.

    Recent share price performance

    Both companies have delivered big gains for shareholders recently, but their price histories reveal a bit more detail. Comparing the past month:

    • Woodside Energy: Rose from $33.78 (21 Aug) to $32.42 (18 Sep), actually showing a small drop over this period despite a strong YTD number. Its year to date return is up 44.3%.
    • Ampol: Climbed from $39.85 (21 Aug) to $43.13 (18 Sep), reflecting a net gain for the span, and a 42.8% year to date return.

    The momentum is strong for both, but Ampol’s recent month shows steadier progress.

    Which is the better buy?

    On a pure numbers basis, I’d lean toward Ampol right now. It trades on a much lower P/E than Woodside Energy (7.18 versus 14.32), offers a higher fully franked yield (5.68%), and has kept pace with Woodside’s strong share price run so far this year. While Woodside’s scale gives it stability and huge assets, that’s already reflected in its rich $61 billion market cap. Ampol’s business is more retail-facing, but its valuation and income look appealing for everyday investors. That said, Woodside’s larger projects and global reach do offer defensive qualities if you’re chasing blue chip exposure and long-term oil and gas. For value and income at today’s prices, my pick would be Ampol – but both names deserve a spot on any energy watchlist.

    The post Woodside vs Ampol: Which ASX energy stock should you buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Woodside Energy Group Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.