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  • Bell Potter says this ASX 200 share can rise 50%

    A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.

    Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) shares could be an ASX 200 share to buy right now.

    That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, which see significant upside potential for the agricultural company’s shares.

    What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 share?

    Bell Potter highlights that Nufarm released its results this week and delivered numbers that were in line with expectations and its guidance. It said:

    Revenue of $3,443m was up +3% YOY (vs. BPe $3,464m). Operating EBITDA of $302.1m was up down -3% YOY (BPe $302.5m and implied guidance of $283-308m). Operating NPAT loss of -$22.9m compares to a -$3.7m loss in FY24 (and vs. BPe -$9.4m). Hybrid Seeds generated EBITDA of $67m (vs. $74m FY24) and the emerging seed platforms incurred a loss of -$53m (-$11m loss in FY24) inclusive of $29m in inventory impairments and ~$20m in operating losses in omega-3.

    It was also pleased to see that Nufarm’s debt had reduced to $824.2 million at the end of FY 2025, which was better than its guidance of $850 million to $925 million.

    Looking ahead, the broker points out that management is guiding to EBITDA growth in FY 2026.

    Key comments: (1) Expect strong FY26e underlying EBITDA growth under normal conditions; (2) Crop protection EBITDA continuing to grow, moderating on the +18% YOY growth in FY25; (2) Seed technologies growth in EBITDA from hybrid Seed and targeting a $30m YOY improvement in the emerging platforms; and (4) Expect positive free cashflow in FY26e and net debt/EBITDA of ~2.0x (vs. 2.7x in FY25).

    Big return potential

    In response to the results, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 share with an improved price target of $3.60.

    Based on the current Nufarm share price of $2.37, this implies potential upside of 52% for investors over the next 12 months.

    To put that into context, a $10,000 investment would turn into over $15,000 by this time next year if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation.

    In addition, the broker is expecting a modest 1.3% dividend yield in FY 2026, and then 2.1% in FY 2027 and 3% in FY 2028.

    Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    NUF delivered a FY25 result modestly ahead of consensus, driven by +170bp topline outperformance in Crop protection revenue growth (relative to sector aggregates) and highlighted by a better-than-expected net debt position. In recent weeks we have witnessed a strengthening in omega-3 oil pricing indicators (following the IMARPE catch quota) while also noting continued YOY growth in active ingredient values.

    The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 share can rise 50% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Nufarm 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 Nufarm 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 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.

  • Sonic Healthcare holds AGM after posting strong FY25 growth and reaffirming FY26 outlook

    A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.

    The Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) share price is in focus after the company reaffirmed its FY26 earnings guidance and posted 8% revenue and EBITDA growth for FY2025.

    What did Sonic Healthcare report in FY25?

    • Statutory revenue for FY2025 rose 8% year-over-year to A$9,645 million
    • EBITDA increased by 8% to A$1,725 million
    • Net profit climbed 7% to A$514 million
    • Earnings per share improved by 6% to 106.7 cents
    • Total FY2025 dividends of $1.07 per share, up 1% on the prior year
    • Cash generated from operations jumped 21% to A$1,297 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    Sonic Healthcare confirmed its FY26 EBITDA guidance range of A$1.87–1.95 billion (on constant currency), targeting up to 13% growth on FY25. Year-to-date statutory revenue as of October 2025 grew 17%, with organic revenue up 5%, supported by recent acquisitions and contract wins.

    The company completed the acquisition of LADR Laboratory Group in Germany, marking a significant milestone. This deal, partly funded by issuing new Sonic shares, is expected to deliver immediate earnings per share accretion and strong returns after synergies.

    What’s next for Sonic Healthcare?

    Looking ahead, Sonic Healthcare expects first-half weighting for FY2026 earnings to follow historical patterns, after an atypical FY2025. The company plans to sustain organic growth through innovation in pathology and diagnostics as well as pursue further targeted acquisitions.

    Management is focused on controlling costs, boosting earnings per share, and extracting value from recent acquisitions, while maintaining a progressive dividend policy supported by ongoing strong cash flows.

    Sonic Healthcare share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Sonic shares have fallen 23%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Sonic Healthcare holds AGM after posting strong FY25 growth and reaffirming FY26 outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Sonic Healthcare 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 Sonic Healthcare 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 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 recommended Sonic Healthcare. 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.

  • Worley holds AGM after growing revenue and maintaining its dividend in FY25

    Happy shareholders clap and smile as they listen to a company earnings report.

    The Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) share price is in focus today as the company holds its annual general meeting (AGM). In FY25, the global professional services company delivered a steady result, including a 4% uplift in revenue to $12.05 billion and maintaining a 50 cent per share dividend, consistent with previous years.

    What did Worley report in FY25?

    • Aggregated revenue rose 4% to $12,050 million for FY2025
    • Underlying EBITA increased 10% to $823 million
    • EBITA margin (excluding procurement) improved to 9.2%
    • NPATA reached $475 million
    • Normalized cash conversion stood at 94.9%
    • Final dividend maintained at 50 cents per share, unchanged on prior years

    What else do investors need to know?

    Worley’s diversification—with around 50% of revenue from Energy, 24% from Chemicals, and 26% from Resources—helped soften the impact of challenging global conditions. The company continued its disciplined capital management, spending $269 million so far in an on-market share buy-back program of up to $500 million, reflecting ongoing Board confidence in Worley’s financial health.

    Sustainability remained core to Worley’s strategy, with 60% of aggregated FY2025 revenue linked to sustainability-related projects. The business also delivered major projects across LNG, critical minerals, and renewable fuels, and used technology and AI to improve delivery on complex, global contracts. Leadership changes included a new CFO and board renewals to support the company’s next phase of growth.

    What did Worley management say?

    Chris Ashton, CEO and Managing Director said:

    We delivered another strong result in FY2025, in a complex global operating environment marked by economic and political shifts which impacted our customers’ investment decisions. Our result reflects the fourth year of consistent growth in revenue, earnings and margin through the disciplined execution of our strategy.

    What’s next for Worley?

    Looking ahead, Worley expects moderate growth for FY2026, with a focus on higher revenue and underlying EBITA. The company’s earnings are anticipated to be weighted more towards the second half, reflecting seasonality, targeted restructuring, and continued repositioning for areas of high demand and technology-driven growth. Management has revealed plans to unveil a refreshed strategy, targeting new adjacencies and further AI adoption, at its next Investor Day in May 2026.

    Worley says it remains guided by disciplined contract selection, a commitment to sustainability, and ongoing improvement in diversity and inclusion. The leadership team is working to ensure strong foundations for long-term growth while continuing to support customers as the energy, chemicals, and resources landscape evolves.

    Worley share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Worley shares have declined 4%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Worley holds AGM after growing revenue and maintaining its dividend in FY25 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Worley 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 Worley 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 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.

  • Australian Agricultural Company shrugs off cost-of-living concerns to almost double first-half profit

    Beef cattle in stockyard.

    Beef producer Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) has almost doubled its first-half operating profit and says a tightening of beef supply globally could help balance out increased cost-of-living concerns in the second half of the year.

    The company said while there were “unstable market conditions” in the first half, it had executed well across its three strategic focus areas of “better beef, unlocking the value of the land, and partner and invest”.

    Bottom line looking good

    The company’s revenue for the first half was $239.9 million, compared to $195.6 million in the prior corresponding period (pcp). The operating profit came in at $39.8 million, compared to $20.2 million in the pcp.

    The company said in a statement to the ASX that it was a solid result.

    Operating profit, which rose 97% versus the previous corresponding period and is AACo’s highest half year operating profit, was driven by favourable beef and cattle sales margins and supported by a strategic program of earlier live cattle sales compared to the prior period. Good productivity outcomes driven by improved land condition and station-based cattle management activities meant AACo was able to capitalise on increased demand and higher prices for live cattle.

    The company’s average beef price per kilo grew 7% over the previous corresponding period to $18.62 per kilogram, driven by the company’s “sophisticated in-market sales and distribution strategy”.

    Production costs remained steady, down 1% to $2.46 per kilogram.

    AACo managing director David Harris said he was pleased with the progress against the company’s strategy, which was released six months ago.

    There are multiple streams of work underway against those priorities, which will help drive company growth into the future. Our excellent financial results this period further highlight the ability we have to leverage our integrated supply chain to maximise performance. They also demonstrate the different avenues we can take to achieve consistent positive outcomes and create long-term value.   

    Increased investment to drive profits

    AACo said it would continue to invest in its world-class Wagyu herd, which would “improve the genetic profile and overall efficiency of AACo’s herd by increasing the proportion of Wagyu animals, as part of the Better Beef program”.

    That is expected to result in both immediate gains and long-term value creation through improvements in overall quality, and a greater number of animals better suited to the company’s premium brands and high-paying markets.

    The company said it had also progressed its landscape carbon project at Glentana Station in central Queensland with the installation of infrastructure, which would help with the generation of Australian carbon credit units.

    On the outlook, the company said the market remained “dynamic”, with cost-of-living concerns and a downturn in high-end food services being experienced in some key regions.

    The company added:

    However, market reports suggest a tightening of global beef supply could balance out these price pressures, and AACo is well positioned to manage evolving circumstances through its global distribution network.

    AACo did not declare an interim dividend. The company was valued at $867.9 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

    The post Australian Agricultural Company shrugs off cost-of-living concerns to almost double first-half profit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Agricultural Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Australian Agricultural Company 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 Australian Agricultural Company 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 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.

  • TPG Telecom launches $438m reinvestment plan after $3bn capital return

    Business meeting to discuss buy now pay later platform

    The TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) share price is in focus today after the company unveiled details of its Retail Reinvestment Plan, which aims to raise up to $138 million from eligible investors. This follows the successful completion of the Institutional Reinvestment Plan, which will bring in $300 million for TPG Telecom.

    What did TPG Telecom report?

    • Institutional Reinvestment Plan to raise $300 million, with completion on 24 November 2025
    • Retail Reinvestment Plan targeting up to $138 million, with shares priced at the lower of $3.61 or a 5% discount to VWAP
    • Capital Return of $1.61 per share to all shareholders, comprising $1.52 capital reduction and $0.09 unfranked special dividend
    • Pro forma revenue of $4.9 billion and EBITDA of $1.6 billion for the year ending 31 December 2024
    • Debt repayments of approximately $2.3 billion since June 2025, with further repayments planned using Reinvestment Plan proceeds

    What else do investors need to know?

    TPG Telecom’s Capital Management Plan aims to return $3 billion in cash to shareholders and strengthen the company’s balance sheet. The Retail Reinvestment Plan gives eligible retail investors the choice to reinvest some or all of their Capital Return proceeds into new shares, potentially improving the company’s free float and trading liquidity.

    The plans follow the sale of TPG’s fibre network and Enterprise, Government and Wholesale operations to Vocus Group, a move that generated net cash proceeds of around $4.7 billion for TPG Telecom. Proceeds from both the Institutional and Retail Reinvestment Plans will be used to further reduce bank debt, lowering the company’s leverage to an estimated 1.1 times FY24 EBITDA (pre-AASB16).

    What’s next for TPG Telecom?

    Looking ahead, TPG Telecom intends to use net proceeds from the Reinvestment Plan to continue reducing its bank debt and support its goal of delivering long-term value to shareholders. The company confirmed its FY25 EBITDA guidance of $1,605 to $1,655 million, with lower capital expenditure of $770 million.

    TPG Telecom also plans to focus on integrating new technology, further simplifying its business, and continuing to deliver strong network and customer outcomes. Eligible retail investors have until 5 December 2025 to participate in the Retail Reinvestment Plan.

    TPG Telecom share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, TPG Telecom shares have fallen 16%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post TPG Telecom launches $438m reinvestment plan after $3bn capital return appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy TPG Telecom 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 TPG Telecom 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 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.

  • Nextdc shares tumble 25% from their peak: Buy, hold or sell?

    A shocked man sits at his desk looking at his laptop while talking on his mobile phone with declining arrows in the background representing falling ASX 200 shares today

    Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares closed 0.3% lower on Wednesday afternoon, at $13.51 a piece. The daily decline pushed the share price 17% lower over the month. It also means the data centre provider and operator’s shares have now fallen 25% from their annual peak of $17.99 in mid-September. 

    Over the year, Nextdc shares are now 18.2% lower.

    For context, over the past month, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen 6.5%. Over the past 12 months, the index has risen 1.5%.

    Why are Nextdc shares tumbling?

    NextDC has benefited from an explosion of demand for cloud computing, AI adoption, and general digital infrastructure needs over the past few months. But more recently, investors have started selling off the stock.

    Nextdc’s shares slid after the company suffered a huge protest vote against its remuneration report at its annual general meeting (AGM) last week. The company’s chair, Douglas Flynn, defended the company’s remuneration policies during his address to the meeting, but more than 71% of votes cast went against the adoption of the report.

    Under Australian corporations law, a vote of more than 25% against a remuneration report constitutes a first strike. Two consecutive strikes could trigger a vote to potentially spill the board.

    This week, Nextdc shares have also been caught up in the tech-led market pullback. The market has taken a beating this month as volatility surged, interest rate uncertainty spooked investors, and tech valuations came under pressure. Some high-quality Australian stocks, like Nextdc, have been dragged down with the broader market. 

    Are the shares a buy, hold, or sell?

    Nextdc has an aggressive expansion plan to meet an ever-increasing demand for data storage and cloud services. This demand, combined with Nextdc’s network-rich connectivity ecosystem, means the company is well-positioned to experience significant growth prospects. 

    I think the latest sell-off presents a good opportunity for investors to get in on a high-quality growth stock, ahead of the next price surge.

    What do the experts think?

    Analysts also think there is strong potential for a large upside ahead. According to TradingView data, 14 out of 15 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. The maximum target price is $28.66. That’s a potential upside of a huge 112.14% at the time of writing.

    UBS has a buy rating on Nextdc shares, with a price target of $21.45. That implies a possible increase of 58.8% over the next 12 months.

    Macquarie analysts are also a fan of the ASX 200 tech stock but are a little more conservative in their outlook. They hold an outperform rating and a $20.90 price target on its shares. This implies a potential upside of 54.7% for investors. 

    The post Nextdc shares tumble 25% from their peak: Buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy NEXTDC 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 NEXTDC 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 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. 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.

  • The A2 Milk Company lifts guidance for FY26 earnings

    A cute young girl with curly hair sips a glass of milk through a straw with a smile on her face.

    The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price is on watch after the company upgraded its FY26 revenue guidance, now expecting low double-digit revenue growth and a stable EBITDA margin.

    What did The A2 Milk Company report?

    • FY26 revenue growth guidance has been raised to low double-digit percent versus FY25 (previously high single-digit).
    • 1H26 revenue growth expected to outpace 2H26, with stronger English label IMF performance.
    • EBITDA margin expected between 15% and 16%.
    • NPAT anticipated to be slightly up on FY25’s reported $203 million.
    • Cash conversion forecast at 80% to 90%.
    • Capital expenditure projected at $60 to $80 million.

    What else do investors need to know?

    The company attributed its improved outlook to stronger than expected performance across Infant Milk Formula, Other Nutritionals, and Liquid Milk categories. Recent currency movements, particularly NZD weakness, are expected to boost reported sales and expenses, although the net effect on EBITDA (after hedge losses) should be minimal.

    Depreciation and amortisation are forecast at $20 to $24 million, while lower market interest rates will likely reduce interest income. Capital investment is set to support ongoing growth initiatives and operational efficiencies.

    What’s next for The A2 Milk Company?

    Looking ahead, A2 Milk expects first-half FY26 revenue growth to be stronger than the second half, driven in part by robust English label IMF sales. The business will continue to focus on innovation and brand strength in key international markets, while carefully managing currency exposures and capital investments.

    Ongoing operational discipline and targeted marketing are likely to remain priorities as the company seeks to build on its momentum and deliver steady growth for shareholders.

    The A2 Milk Company share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, A2 Milk shares have risen 90%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post The A2 Milk Company lifts guidance for FY26 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in The a2 Milk Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy The a2 Milk Company 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 The a2 Milk Company 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…

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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.

  • Luigi Mangione wants five pairs of socks for an upcoming hearing. Here’s what that request reveals.

    Luigi Mangione's feet.
    Luigi Mangione opted to not wear the argyle socks to his February 21 court appearance.

    • Luigi Mangione has successfully asked a judge to OK an extensive wardrobe for an upcoming hearing.
    • The request for five pairs of socks signals the hearing in NY v. Mangione could last five days.
    • The request also suggests an end to Mangione's recent sox scandal.

    A judge on Wednesday okayed an extensive wardrobe — including five pairs of socks — for Luigi Mangione to wear at an upcoming state court hearing in New York City.

    The development offers a first glimpse at what's next, not just sartorially but legally, for Mangione, accused of the assassination murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

    The public court schedule only says that Mangione is scheduled to be in court on Monday, December 1. The request for five pairs of socks signals that Mangione's defense team could be bracing for a possible Monday-through-Friday hearing lasting the entirety of the first week of December — including December 4, the one-year anniversary of Thompson's shooting on a Manhattan sidewalk.

    It suggests the hearing could involve lengthy testimony by multiple witnesses extending into Friday, December 5.

    The newly-approved clothing request also includes two suits, three shirts, three sweaters, three pairs of pants, and one pair of shoes without laces.

    Luigi Mangione is escorted into state court in Manhattan, where a judge dismissed the top murder-as-terrorism counts.
    Luigi Mangione is escorted into state court in Manhattan, where a judge dismissed the top murder-as-terrorism counts.

    The upcoming hearing concerns extensive evidentiary challenges involving Mangione's arrest and is set to be the first time Mangione is in court for more than a brief, one-day appearance.

    Mangione is fighting prosecutions in three jurisdictions. In Manhattan, he faces murder charges in federal and state court. In Blair County, Pennsylvania, he faces forgery and firearm-possession charges relating to his arrest there following a five-day manhunt.

    He is in federal custody, and so the wardrobe request required approval from a federal judge, even though it concerned a state court appearance.

    The success of Mangione's wardrobe request also heralds at least a temporary detente in one of the stranger and more heated public disputes between the defense, led by Karen Friedman Agnifilo, and lead prosecutor Joel Seidemann.

    Earlier this year, the two sides sparred in court filings over two heart-shaped notes that were nearly smuggled to Mangione inside a pair of argyle socks. The socks were part of the civilian clothes he'd been allowed to wear in lieu of his federal prison uniform for a February court appearance.

    Manhattan prosecutors say these heart-shaped notes were "secreted" into court inside a new pair of argyle socks being delivered to UnitedHealthcare murder suspect Luigi Mangione.
    Manhattan prosecutors say these heart-shaped notes were "secreted" into court inside a new pair of argyle socks being delivered to UnitedHealthcare murder suspect Luigi Mangione.

    The attempted smuggling was an abuse of the "special treatment" Mangione was receiving, Seidemann wrote to New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro, the judge in the state-level case.

    Even after the notes were intercepted, "The defendant was permitted to wear the argyle socks, which he first changed into and later changed out of because he felt that 'they did not look good,'" the prosecutor added.

    Photographs showing Mangione's brown loafers and shackled, sockless ankles under the defense table were widely circulated.

    In her response, Friedman Agnifilo suggested "most respectfully" to the judge that prosecutors should focus on Mangione's "constitutional rights" instead of "whether or not he chose to wear socks."

    The February wardrobe malfunction cost Mangione his right to wear civilian clothes; he was back to wearing prison garb at his next state court hearing, in September.

    This latest approval suggests Mangione's sox scandal has subsided.

    On Tuesday, Seidemann joined with Judge Carro in consenting to Mangione's request to wear his specified wardrobe of civilian clothes at his December hearing — socks included. The request was approved on Wednesday by Mangione's federal judge, US District Court Judge Margaret Garnett.

    The December hearing will be comprised of at least two separate proceedings, as granted in September by Carro.

    In the first, the defense will challenge and the prosecution will defend how police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, elicited statements from Mangione during his arrest in a local McDonald's.

    Mangione's lawyers argue that he was not read his Miranda warnings until 17 minutes after they began asking about his identification, his possessions, and what he was doing in the fast food restaurant.

    In the second proceeding, both sides will fight over the admissibility of the evidence seized by Altoona police.

    According to prosecutors, Mangione's possessions as he sat in the restaurant included a black backpack containing a 9 mm "ghost gun" with a metal barrel and a 3D printed trigger and pistol grip. Prosecutors say this was the weapon used to murder Thompson.

    The 50-year-old father of two from Minnesota was repeatedly shot in the back from close range outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel where he'd been scheduled to address a UnitedHealthcare investor conference.

    Mangione's backpack also contained what Altoona police vouchered as a "manifesto," a red spiral notebook with handwritten pages. In it, according to prosecutors, Mangione described his misspelled intent to "wack the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention."

    Carro approved a third, Mosley hearing, at which the judge may assess the reliability of witness identifications.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • These ASX 200 blue chip shares could rise 25% to 40%

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

    Blue chip shares are often the cornerstone of long-term portfolios. They offer stability, strong market positions, and the ability to grow earnings through multiple economic cycles.

    And with recent volatility pulling several high-quality names down meaningfully, analysts see buying opportunities emerging across the ASX 200.

    For example, here are three ASX 200 blue chip shares that brokers have flagged as top buys right now. They are as follows:

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

    Cochlear could be an ASX 200 blue chip share to buy. It is a leader in implantable hearing devices globally. Demand for its products continues to rise as ageing populations grow and access to hearing treatments expands worldwide.

    The company’s ongoing investment in research and new product development has helped it maintain its dominant market share and support steady revenue growth. And with a strong balance sheet, rising volumes, and a history of delivering consistent earnings and dividends, Cochlear continues to stand out as a reliable long-term compounder.

    UBS is a fan of the company and has a buy rating and a $350.00 price target on the stock. This implies around 30% upside from current levels.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    Global biotech heavyweight CSL has come under pressure in recent months, with investor sentiment dampened by the planned Seqirus spin-off, regulatory uncertainty, and a slower-than-hoped recovery in plasma margins. But despite recent share price weakness, CSL’s long-term fundamentals remain strong.

    CSL continues to invest in expanding its plasma collection network, developing new therapies, and strengthening its manufacturing footprint in the United States. Demand for its core plasma-derived products remains robust, and analysts expect earnings momentum to rebuild as temporary headwinds ease.

    So, with its shares trading close to a 52-week low, CSL’s valuation looks significantly more appealing than it has in years.

    Morgans sees meaningful upside from current levels. It has a buy rating and a $249.51 price target on its shares, which suggests that they could rise almost 40%.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    Finally, REA Group could be an ASX 200 blue chip share to buy now. It dominates Australia’s online property advertising market, supported by powerful pricing power, strong customer relationships, and significant digital scale.

    It has also expanded beyond listings into financial services, data products, and international investments, broadening its growth runway. With more interest rate cuts potentially coming in 2026, the company’s premium positioning and deep integration into the property ecosystem give it substantial leverage to any improvement in listing volumes.

    Bell Potter remains bullish. It has a buy rating and $244.00 price target on its shares, implying nearly 25% upside from current levels.

    The post These ASX 200 blue chip shares could rise 25% to 40% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Cochlear 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 Cochlear 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…

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

  • Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, is leaving to create a new AI startup

    Yann Lecun
    Yann LeCun

    • Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, is leaving the company.
    • LeCun said in a social media post that he is creating a new AI startup.
    • The departure comes amid a period of instability within Meta's AI organization.

    Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist and one of the most influential figures in the field, is leaving the company to start a new AI venture, a Meta spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider.

    LeCun announced the move on Facebook, sharing that he is building a startup centered on his long-standing interest in world-model research. Meta will partner with LeCun on his new venture, a Meta spokesperson told Business Insider, but didn't reveal any details about the nature of the partnership.

    LeCun's departure comes during a period of instability inside Meta's AI organization. Over the past few months, Meta has hired dozens of top researchers and engineers from rivals and reorganized its AI efforts under the new Superintelligence Labs division, led by former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang. Tensions emerged within the newly formed team between the highly compensated new hires and the existing researchers, some of whom have threatened to quit, Business Insider previously reported.

    In August, the company made the biggest reorganization of its artificial intelligence operations to date, creating four distinct teams that focus on research, training, products, and infrastructure.

    This shift followed the company's pivot toward out-competing OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic on large-scale AI models. At the same time, researchers have cycled in and out of key roles, and Meta's Llama 4 release drew muted reactions internally and externally. Earlier this week, Souminth Chintala, the creator of Meta's open source AI framework PyTorch, left the company after 11 years to join Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab.

    LeCun's departure isn't entirely surprising. He's been a vocal critic of relying too heavily on large language models, arguing instead for his JEPA approach — a method that trains AI to understand and predict the physical world from images and sensory data, rather than generating text. Meta, meanwhile, has increasingly focused on scaling LLMs and pushing commercially driven model development.

    Have a tip? Contact Pranav Dixit via email at pranavdixit@protonmail.com or Signal at 1-408-905-9124. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

    Read the original article on Business Insider