Category: Stock Market

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares looked to be finding their feet last week. Not anymore.

The hearing implant leader slipped 2.3% to $124.49 during Wednesday morning trade, putting the brakes on what had been an impressive recovery.

The stock had rallied around 10% last week and is still up 28% over the past month. That’s no small feat after suffering one of the biggest share price collapses on the ASX this year.

But before investors start celebrating, it’s worth remembering the bigger picture. Cochlear shares remain down 52% in 2026 and have lost almost 60% over the past 12 months.

So, is today’s weakness simply a pause after a strong rebound, or are investors being reminded why the shares fell so hard in the first place?

A reality check

It’s easy to forget just how brutal April was. On 22 April, Cochlear dropped a trading update that landed like a lead balloon.

Demand for hearing implants across developed markets came in below expectations. Then, to make matters worse, conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments and triggered order cancellations.

Management didn’t just trim guidance; it took a chainsaw to it. The company cut its FY26 underlying net profit forecast from $435 million to $460 million down to just $290 million to $330 million.

The market’s response was swift and ruthless. Cochlear shares plunged more than 40% in a single trading session as investors suddenly questioned whether one of the ASX’s highest-quality healthcare companies had lost its mojo.

Since then, the debate has been simple: was this a nasty bump in the road or the start of a much tougher journey?

The bull case hasn’t disappeared

Here’s the thing. Cochlear’s long-term competitive position hasn’t suddenly vanished.

The company still controls around half of the global cochlear implant market, making it the clear industry leader. That leadership has been built over decades through research, innovation, and close partnerships with surgeons and hospitals around the world.

Those advantages are incredibly difficult for rivals to replicate.

The growth runway for Cochlear shares also remains enormous. More than six million people across developed markets are estimated to be eligible for cochlear implants, yet only around 3% have received one.

That leaves plenty of room for future growth as awareness increases, diagnosis rates improve, and hearing technology continues to evolve.

What do the experts think?

Brokers aren’t exactly pounding the table, but neither are they rushing for the exits.

According to TradingView data, most analysts currently rate Cochlear shares as a hold. The average 12-month price target is $127.33, only about 3% above the current share price. In other words, the market thinks the easy money from the recent rebound may already have been made.

That said, there are still plenty of optimists. Six of the 18 analysts covering Cochlear rate the healthcare stock as either a buy or strong buy. The most bullish forecast sees the stock climbing another 38% over the next year.

On the flip side, two brokers recommend selling, with the lowest target price sitting at $95, implying a downside of roughly 23%.

The post Cochlear shares are slipping again. Is the comeback already over? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• ASX healthcare shares have jumped 21% since June. Can the recovery continue?
• 3 ASX shares down at least 50% in FY26
• Healthcare shares lead the ASX 200 again as sector rotation gathers pace

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

The IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) share price is in focus after the company announced it has priced an underwritten public offering of 2,275,000 American Depositary Shares (ADSs), raising nearly US$50 million before costs. The funds will support expansion of IperionX’s titanium production technologies and R&D activities.

What did IperionX report?

• Priced public offering of 2,275,000 ADSs at US$21.98 per ADS
• Gross proceeds of approximately US$50 million (before costs)
• Offering led by US institutional investors
• Funds to be used for commercialising titanium and alloy technology, plus site expansion
• Expected closing date: 9 July 2026 (subject to conditions)

What else do investors need to know?

Each ADS will represent 10 ordinary IperionX shares, with the total 22,750,000 shares to be issued from the company’s existing placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1. The capital raise is being managed by Cantor as sole bookrunner, with Roth Capital Partners and B. Riley Securities acting as co-managers.

Net proceeds from the offer will be directed towards advancing the scale-up and expansion of IperionX’s Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus, furthering its titanium metal research, and developing the Camden-Titan Project in Tennessee. Extra funds will go towards general corporate purposes.

What’s next for IperionX?

With fresh funding, IperionX plans to accelerate the commercialisation of its proprietary titanium technologies and continue building out its production capabilities in the United States. The company sees these investments supporting its goal to become a key producer of high-quality, lower-cost, and more sustainable titanium alloys.

The outlook includes ongoing expansion at core US sites and increased R&D to enhance process efficiencies. Management also flagged continued focus on developing the Camden-Titan Project and supporting general business initiatives.

IperionX share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, IperionX shares have declined 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post IperionX launches US$50m capital raise for titanium expansion appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares are pushing higher on Wednesday after the company released a senior leadership update.

At the time of writing, the QBE share price is up 2% to $25.49. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.8% to 8,737 points.

The move adds to a strong recent run for the ASX insurance stock, which is now up around 12% over the past month and 28% since the start of 2026.

Here’s what the company told investors.

Senior leader to retire

In a statement to the ASX, QBE said Sue Houghton has advised the company of her intention to retire.

She will step down from her role as Chief Executive Officer for Australia Pacific at the end of 2026.

Houghton has been with QBE for more than 5 years and has spent over 35 years working across financial services.

The Australia Pacific business is one of QBE’s 3 main divisions, sitting alongside North America and International.

Group Chief Executive Andrew Horton said Houghton had made a strong contribution to QBE over the past 5 years and helped the Australia Pacific business improve its performance, capability, and customer outcomes.

He said:

On behalf of the Board and Executive Leadership Team, I thank Sue for her contribution and leadership and wish her every success in retirement.

Houghton will remain in the role while QBE begins a search for her replacement.

What is really moving QBE shares

A senior leadership change could have taken some heat out of QBE shares, but investors seem comfortable with the way this one is being handled.

The stock was already moving higher before the update, with investors backing the insurer after a solid start to 2026.

QBE has been getting support from stronger underwriting, premium growth, and steady demand for large defensive financial stocks.

The timing of Houghton’s exit is also helping. She is staying in the role until the end of 2026, which gives QBE plenty of time to find a replacement and manage the handover.

Can QBE shares keep climbing?

After a 26% gain in 2026, QBE shares have already had a strong run.

But I wouldn’t say the run looks finished just because the stock is near its 52-week high.

The leadership change should be manageable, especially with Houghton staying on until the end of next year.

If QBE keeps underwriting well and claims don’t blow out, I think investors will be happy to stick with it.

The post QBE shares surge again as $37 billion insurance giant faces leadership change appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

Building a reliable passive income stream doesn’t have to mean chasing the ASX dividend shares with the highest yields.

In fact, some of the best income investments are businesses that combine attractive payouts with the ability to grow those payments over time. That’s especially important for retirees, who need their income to keep pace with inflation.

With that in mind, here are two ASX dividend shares I think deserve a closer look.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group has built one of the strongest income records on the ASX.

The ASX dividend share has increased its annual distribution every year since the mid-2000s, giving it one of the longest uninterrupted distribution growth streaks on the market. Only Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) has a longer record among major ASX companies.

APA expects to pay an annual distribution of 58 cents per security for FY26. At today’s share price, that equates to a distribution yield of around 5.7%, making it highly competitive with even the best term deposit rates.

And the income story may not stop there. It’s expected that APA will increase its annual distribution again in FY27 to around 59 cents per security, lifting the forward yield to approximately 5.8%.

Importantly, APA isn’t funding those distributions by standing still.

The company continues investing heavily in projects that should support higher cash flows over time. It is expanding its East Coast gas grid, progressing early works in the Beetaloo Basin, growing remote power generation in the Pilbara, and building a new gas peaking power station in Queensland.

At its FY26 half-year result, APA reported an organic growth pipeline worth around $3 billion. Those investments should help grow earnings over the coming years and support further distribution increases.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

AGL offers a different type of income opportunity.

The ASX dividend share has fallen around 11% so far in 2026 and remains roughly 20% below its February highs, leaving investors with an attractive dividend yield of approximately 5.7%.

Even better, AGL’s recent dividends have been fully franked, lifting the grossed-up yield to around 8% for eligible investors.

The business also benefits from operating in an essential industry. Regardless of economic conditions, households and businesses still need electricity and gas. That helps underpin demand for AGL’s services and provides a relatively defensive earnings base.

However, investors also need to understand the risks. Australia’s energy sector is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history. Coal-fired power stations are progressively being retired and replaced by renewable energy generation and large-scale battery storage.

AGL sits at the centre of that transition. The company must invest billions of dollars to modernise its generation fleet while navigating government regulation, wholesale electricity price volatility, and the complexities of the National Electricity Market.

Those challenges create uncertainty, but they also provide opportunities if management executes successfully.

The post Want passive income? These ASX dividend shares keep delivering appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa 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.

The Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX) share price is in focus today after the company announced the close of the IFM Takeover Offer, with IFM subsidiary holding 67.43% voting power. The company also revealed a new interim Chair and details about its ongoing board succession process.

What did Atlas Arteria report?

• The IFM Takeover Offer closed on 7 July 2026, with the bidder securing 67.43% of Atlas Arteria’s voting power.
• Debbie Goodin retired as Independent Non-executive Chair and Director after the offer closure.
• John Wigglesworth appointed Interim Chair of Atlas Arteria Limited and Non-executive Director of Atlas Arteria International Limited.
• Jean-Georges Malcor appointed Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
• The board is accelerating its search for a new independent Chair, considering both internal and external candidates.

What else do investors need to know?

The board has reaffirmed its approach to related party transactions, emphasising that any potential conflicts of interest or material transactions involving IFM will continue to be overseen by independent directors. This is in line with Atlas Arteria’s established practices and existing agreements.

Atlas Arteria also operates an international portfolio, including toll road businesses in France, Germany and the United States. The company’s focus remains on disciplined management and delivering long-term value for investors.

What did Atlas Arteria management say?

Interim Chair John Wigglesworth said:

We are entering a crucial period for Atlas Arteria. As we look ahead after the closure of the takeover offer, the Boards recognise the importance of focusing on optimising value for our investors. We thank Debbie for her significant contribution to Atlas Arteria over many years. Her support for a smooth transition has underscored her relentless commitment to act in the best interests of all securityholders. While the process for determining a new independent Chair of ATLAX continues, I am committed to engaging constructively with IFM.

What’s next for Atlas Arteria?

The board recruitment process for a new permanent Chair is underway, with both internal and external candidates being considered. Until an appointment is made, John Wigglesworth will act as Interim Chair and work constructively with IFM and other stakeholders.

Reflecting its new ownership, Atlas Arteria will maintain strong governance practices around related party decisions and continue to focus on sustainable business practices across its international toll road assets.

Atlas Arteria share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Atlas Arteria shares have risen 1%, slightly trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Atlas Arteria closes IFM takeover and begins board renewal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

ASX blue-chip shares can be one of the smartest ways to build long-term wealth without trying to predict tomorrow’s biggest winner

I’d focus on owning exceptional businesses with strong competitive advantages, proven management teams, and industries that should continue growing regardless of short-term market swings.

With that in mind, these are the three ASX blue-chip shares I’d be comfortable buying today and holding for the next decade.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Every long-term portfolio deserves exposure to a world-class healthcare company, and CSL remains one of Australia’s best.

The ASX blue-chip share has endured a difficult period following earnings downgrades and acquisition-related concerns, but I see those as execution challenges rather than structural problems.

The biotechnology giant is the world’s second-largest producer of plasma-derived therapies, operating in an industry protected by enormous barriers to entry. Building a global plasma collection network takes decades, billions of dollars, and extensive regulatory approvals, making it incredibly difficult for competitors to catch up.

The long-term investment case remains compelling. Demand for plasma therapies continues to grow, supported by ageing populations, expanding healthcare access, and increasing diagnosis rates for immune disorders.

After its significant share price decline, CSL also trades at a far more reasonable valuation than investors have become accustomed to over the past decade.

For patient investors, this looks like a rare opportunity to buy one of the ASX’s highest-quality businesses at a meaningful discount to its former highs.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group has quietly become one of Australia’s greatest business success stories.

While many investors think of it as a property company, it’s really a technology platform with extraordinary pricing power and one of the strongest network effects on the ASX.

Real estate agents need to advertise where buyers are looking, while buyers naturally gravitate to the largest property marketplace. That creates a virtuous circle that’s incredibly difficult for competitors to break.

The $19 billion ASX blue-chip share also generates exceptional profit margins and strong free cash flow thanks to its asset-light business model.

Importantly, REA doesn’t need Australia’s property prices to rise forever. Whether people are buying, selling, renting, or simply researching homes, the platform continues attracting millions of users every month.

The company also has additional growth opportunities through mortgages, financial services, and property data, giving it multiple avenues to expand beyond traditional listings.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is unlike any other financial institution on the ASX.

Often called the “millionaires’ factory”, the company has spent decades building a global investment banking and asset management business with operations spanning infrastructure, renewable energy, commodities, and specialist financial services.

One of Macquarie’s greatest strengths is its ability to adapt. Over the years, the ASX blue-chip share has successfully reinvented its business model several times as markets evolved, allowing it to continue generating attractive returns through very different economic environments.

The company’s global footprint also reduces its reliance on the Australian economy, while its growing infrastructure and renewable energy businesses position it to benefit from long-term structural trends.

Macquarie’s earnings will always fluctuate with market conditions, but its culture of disciplined risk management and capital allocation has consistently created long-term shareholder value.

The post The only 3 ASX blue-chip shares I’d buy and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) share price is in focus today after the miner achieved its FY26 production guidance for a sixth straight year, producing 192,182 ounces of gold and reporting a strong free cash flow of A$138.3 million for the June 2026 quarter.

What did Ramelius Resources report?

• Gold production: 192,182 ounces for FY26, within guidance (185,000–205,000 ounces), up 40% quarter-on-quarter to 53,466 ounces in June quarter
• Underlying free cash flow of A$138.3 million (including growth capital and exploration)
• Cash and gold balance: A$649.6 million at 30 June 2026
• Interim fully franked dividend: $0.03 per share (A$57.3 million) paid in April 2026
• Share buybacks: A$30.5 million in the quarter, total A$140.7 million (56% of announced $250 million program)
• All-In-Sustaining-Cost (AISC) to be finalised in the full quarterly report

What else do investors need to know?

During the quarter, Ramelius executed the sale of its Edna May hub to Forrestania Resources for a revised consideration of A$210 million in cash and A$90 million in FRS shares, with completion targeted for the September 2026 quarter. Upon completion, Ramelius will become a 9.6% shareholder in FRS, continuing to benefit from regional gold expansion.

Operationally, key project developments included the ongoing ramp-up at Never Never and Dalgaranga, advances on the Mt Magnet processing plants and camp expansions, and progress on the hybrid power project. Exploration activities are on track, with a further update due later in July.

What’s next for Ramelius Resources?

Looking ahead, Ramelius expects to finalise and report full financials, including AISC, in its upcoming quarterly report. Key capital projects—including Stage 1 and 2 expansions at Mt Magnet and camp upgrades—are progressing to plan with further milestones slated for the September 2026 quarter.

The company remains focused on disciplined growth, maintaining strong shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks, and value creation through exploration and strategic investments. The imminent completion of the Edna May hub sale will provide additional capital and ongoing exposure to the region’s potential via its FRS shareholding.

Ramelius Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ramelius shares have risen 21%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ramelius Resources achieves FY26 guidance, grows cash flow and completes Edna May sale appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) are two of the most recognisable ASX shares, and I think they remain interesting for very different reasons.

One is connected to the materials required to build the next stage of the global economy. The other sits at the centre of how Australians save, borrow, and manage money.

Both businesses have already achieved enormous scale. The reason I would still consider buying them is that I think their advantages can continue evolving.

BHP shares

The investment case for BHP is often discussed through commodity prices, but I think the more interesting question is what role the company can play over the next decade.

BHP owns some of the world’s largest resource assets, but scale alone is not what attracts me. What I like is the company’s ability to invest in areas where long-term demand could become increasingly important.

Copper is the obvious example. The global economy is becoming more dependent on electricity, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and new technologies. All of those trends require significant amounts of copper.

I think BHP’s opportunity is that it already has exposure to a commodity with a potentially important role in the future.

The company is also exploring growth through Jansen potash, which gives investors exposure to a different long-term theme. Food production and agricultural productivity are areas with their own structural demand drivers.

The recent challenges at Jansen have been disappointing, and investors are right to pay attention to capital discipline. Large projects need to generate attractive returns.

However, I think BHP’s size gives it options that many resource companies simply do not have. It can manage cycles, invest through uncertainty, and continue looking for opportunities that strengthen its long-term position.

That is why I would buy BHP shares in July.

CBA shares

CBA is a business I think investors sometimes underestimate because banking can appear simple from the outside.

A bank takes deposits, provides loans, and earns the difference. But the strongest banks are built around something deeper: customer relationships, trust, technology, and data.

That is where I think CBA stands out. The company has spent years building one of Australia’s strongest financial ecosystems. Its digital platform, customer base, and brand recognition create advantages that are difficult for competitors to replicate quickly.

I also think CBA’s scale gives it flexibility.

Technology investment is becoming increasingly important in banking. Fraud prevention, customer service, payments, and lending decisions are all becoming more digital. Large banks with significant resources can continue investing in these areas.

The valuation is always part of the discussion with CBA. Investors know it is a high-quality business, and that recognition is reflected in the share price.

But I think quality businesses often deserve a premium when they can consistently defend their position.

For long-term investors, I like the combination of a strong franchise, reliable earnings, and the ability to keep adapting as financial services change.

That is why I would buy CBA shares in July.

Foolish takeaway

I think BHP and CBA appeal for the same underlying reason: both have built positions that are difficult to recreate.

Their industries are different, but both companies have spent decades developing assets, relationships, and capabilities that can continue creating value.

I would expect periods where sentiment changes around both businesses. Commodity cycles move, banking conditions shift, and investors constantly reassess valuations.

But when I look beyond the next headline, I see two companies with the scale and resources to keep finding ways to remain relevant.

The post Why I’d buy BHP and CBA shares in July appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) is one of the more exciting growth shares on the ASX.

The company operates in a market that barely existed as a major investment theme a decade ago, but the world has changed quickly.

Drones are becoming more accessible, more capable, and more widely used across defence, security, and critical infrastructure. That creates a growing need for technology that can detect, track, and respond to drone threats.

For investors willing to accept volatility, I think DroneShield shares could be worth buying and holding for the next 10 years.

A company solving a growing problem

The strongest investment ideas often begin with a simple question: what problem is becoming harder to ignore?

For DroneShield, that problem is protecting people, assets, and infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated drone activity.

The company develops counter-drone technology designed to identify and respond to threats across fixed locations, mobile operations, and defence environments.

What interests me is that this is not a consumer trend that could disappear when attention moves elsewhere. Defence forces, governments, airports, energy infrastructure operators, and other organisations have a genuine need to improve security.

As drone technology continues to develop, counter-drone technology may become a more important part of modern security systems.

I think that creates a long-term opportunity.

Why I think the next decade could be exciting

DroneShield is still a relatively young growth company, which means the investment case is very different from owning an established blue-chip business.

The company needs to keep winning contracts, scaling production, improving its technology, and turning demand into sustainable earnings.

But I think the opportunity comes from the size of the market it is entering. Defence technology has historically been dominated by large companies with decades of experience. DroneShield represents a different type of opportunity, where software, artificial intelligence, sensors, and electronic systems are becoming increasingly important.

Modern defence is changing. The companies that can provide practical solutions quickly may have significant opportunities as governments and organisations adapt to new threats.

The path will not be smooth

A 10-year investment in DroneShield would require patience.

Growth companies can experience sharp share price movements. Investor expectations can move quickly, contract timing can change, and the market may regularly question whether future opportunities are already reflected in the valuation.

Execution will be critical. DroneShield needs to continue proving that it can move from promising technology to a large, profitable global business.

That process will likely include setbacks. However, I think long-term investors should focus on the company’s ability to build a valuable position in an expanding market.

Foolish takeaway

The reason I find DroneShield shares interesting is that the company is targeting a problem with increasing importance.

It does not need every possible defence opportunity to succeed. It needs to become a trusted provider in a market where demand is likely to grow over many years.

If DroneShield can continue improving its technology, expanding its customer base, and executing well, I think the company has the potential to become a much larger defence technology business over the next 10 years.

The post Should I buy and hold DroneShield shares for 10 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Listed investment companies (LICs) trade on the ASX just like ordinary shares.

LICs typically invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, including shares, bonds, property, and other securities.

ASX LICs are run by professional managers who make judgment calls on what assets to invest in, and when to buy and sell them.

Their investment strategy may focus on a particular market sector, or type of stock, like ASX growth shares or value shares.

The market’s largest LIC is Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI).

AFIC’s investment style is to buy shares and hold them for the medium to long term.

Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG) is Australia’s oldest LIC and invests in a diversified group of ASX shares.

Argo describes itself as a “value-style investor with a bottom-up approach to investment analysis”. 

On The Bull, James Bills from Shaw and Partners explains his buy rating on two other ASX LICs today.

Let’s take a look.

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

The L1 Long Short Fund share price is $4.66 as of market close on Tuesday and is up 57% over 12 months.

Bills says:

LSF provides exposure to global long and short strategies managed by a well regarded investment team with a strong long term track record.

The fund’s flexible approach enables it to capitalise on rising and falling markets, which is particularly effective in volatile macroeconomic conditions.

Management’s meaningful co-investment aligns interests with investors, while the portfolio’s global positioning offers diversification beyond Australian financial markets.

Recent performance has demonstrated resilience, with the fund continuing to offer an attractive blend of growth potential and income generation within a diversified portfolio.

Hearts and Minds Investments Ltd (ASX: HM1)

The Hearts and Minds Investments share price is $2.99 as of market close on Tuesday and is down 7% over 12 months.

Bills comments:

HM1 offers investors access to a concentrated portfolio of high conviction global equity ideas sourced from leading fund managers across the world.

The unique structure, combined with its philanthropic component, has attracted some of the industry’s top investors, enhancing the quality of stock selection.

The portfolio is tilted towards innovative, growth oriented companies with long term upside potential. It also pays a fully franked dividend. HM1 was recently trading at a discount to net tangible assets.

In our view, the company provides an appealing entry point for investors seeking exposure to global growth themes with strong management backing.

The post 2 ASX LICs to buy now: expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.