Category: Stock Market

  • How to retire early with ASX shares and the power of compounding

    Woman at home saving money in a piggybank and smiling.

    Retiring early is a dream for many Australians, but it often feels out of reach.

    The truth, however, is that early retirement has less to do with earning a massive salary and far more to do with how early and consistently you invest.

    And the most powerful tool working in your favour is compounding.

    To show how achievable it can be, let’s see what could happen to a 30-year-old investor who commits to putting $1,000 a month into ASX shares and earns an average return of 10% per year.

    It may not feel like much at first, but the numbers become surprisingly exciting over time.

    Here’s how compounding can quietly transform your financial future.

    Why compounding is the key to early retirement

    Compounding is what happens when your returns start earning returns of their own. The longer your money stays invested, the harder it works. In the early years, progress is slow and almost unnoticeable. But as the years roll on, growth snowballs rapidly.

    This is why time matters more than timing. A consistent investor who starts early will almost always beat the person who waits for perfect market conditions.

    When you reinvest everything and stay patient, your portfolio becomes its own growth engine.

    $1,000 a month in ASX shares

    If our 30-year-old invests $1,000 every month into a diversified portfolio filled with quality ASX shares like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), and that portfolio compounds at 10% per year, here’s what happens:

    After 10 years, they would have contributed $120,000, but their portfolio could be worth around $200,000.

    After 20 years, that same investor would have contributed $240,000, but thanks to compounding, the portfolio could grow to around $725,000.

    That might be enough for many investors to call the boss and hand in their retirement notice.

    But if you want to keep going, then you could end up with an even greater nest egg. If you were to stay invested for a total of 30 years, your portfolio could climb to approximately $2.1 million.

    Foolish takeaway

    If you’re 30 today, the path to early retirement is far more achievable than it appears. Start now, stay consistent and let compounding turn monthly investments into life-changing wealth.

    The next two to three decades will pass either way, the question is whether you want your money growing while they do.

    The post How to retire early with ASX shares and the power of compounding appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Is the Zip share price a buy after falling 33% in less than 2 months?

    Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price has seen enormous volatility over the last few years (as the chart below shows), which can open up a major opportunity for investors willing to buy low when the valuation drops. Despite an 8% rise during Wednesday’s trading, the Zip share price is still down 33% in less than two months.

    The buy now, pay later business continues to deliver rapid top-line growth, and it’s becoming increasingly profitable.

    In the first quarter of FY26, the company said that its total transaction value (TTV) grew by 38.7% to $3.9 billion, income rose 32.8% to $321.5 million, net bad debts were flat at 1.6% of TTV, and the cash operating profit (EBTDA) grew by 98.1% to $62.8 million.

    Two of the most pleasing figures from the company’s quarterly report were 5.3% growth of active customers to 6.4 million and the cash net transaction margin (NTM) improving to 4% (up from 3.9% in the first quarter of FY25).

    While growth will fluctuate quarter to quarter, virtually all the numbers were pleasing to see, in my view.

    I also think it’s a good vote of confidence in the company’s future that the buy now, pay later business has been utilising its share buyback, suggesting management believes the Zip share price was undervalued.

    Is the Zip share price a buy?

    UBS currently has a buy rating on Zip shares, with a price target of $5.40. That implies a possible rise of approximately 66% over the next year, if UBS analysts are correct.

    The broker was impressed by the pace of cash EBTDA growth last quarter, which was stronger than expected.

    UBS noted that the US saw a loss rate that’s trending higher, but that makes sense because of the growth of new customers, but it’s “still at a comfortable level balancing growth and profitability”.

    For Australia and New Zealand, UBS noted strong metrics. While ANZ’s receivables growth continues to lag stronger TTV growth, the broker is forecasting a catch-up from here.

    Following the release of those numbers for the first quarter, UBS increased its forecasts for TTV and revenue by 3% for the medium term. This led to cash EBITDA upgrades of 9% and 6% for FY26 and FY27, respectively, while earnings per share (EPS) projections were hiked by 19% and 4%, respectively, for FY26 and FY27.

    UBS predicts that Zip’s net profit could reach $86 million in FY26 and $154 million in FY27. By FY30, the broker expects that Zip could reach $385 million in net profit.

    Taking that all into account, the Zip share price is valued at 27x FY27’s estimated earnings, which doesn’t seem expensive to me at all.

    The post Is the Zip share price a buy after falling 33% in less than 2 months? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Zip Co right now?

    Before you buy Zip Co 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 Zip Co 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 Tristan Harrison 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.

  • 3 top ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF in December

    a man leans back in his chair with his arms supporting his head as he smiles a satisfied smile while sitting at his desk with his laptop computer open in front of him.

    Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They give investors more control, more flexibility and, for those willing to manage their own portfolios, the ability to tailor investments to long-term retirement goals.

    One of the simplest and most effective ways to build an SMSF portfolio is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

    They offer instant diversification, low fees and access to global opportunities without the need to pick individual winners.

    With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could make strong additions to an SMSF next month.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    For long-term retirement investing, very few options beat broad exposure to the US share market. The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives SMSFs access to 500 of America’s largest listed stocks.

    This includes a diverse range of giants such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) and Home Depot (NYSE: HD).

    The US market has historically been one of the world’s strongest performers, driven by innovation, global competitiveness, and deep corporate profitability.

    And with the US economy proving more resilient than expected and rate cuts likely in 2026, this ASX ETF could continue to compound strongly through the next market cycle.

    Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

    For SMSFs looking to focus on quality, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF is well worth considering.

    Its portfolio leans heavily into global leaders such as Mastercard (NYSE: MA), ASML (NASDAQ: ASML) and Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), with the fund selecting companies that meet strict criteria around profitability and stability.

    This makes the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF a useful complement to broader index funds, offering exposure to high-performing businesses that tend to hold up better during market downturns.

    For SMSF owners who want long-term growth without taking on unnecessary risk, this ASX ETF ticks a lot of boxes. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

    For SMSFs willing to allocate a portion of their portfolio to higher-growth opportunities, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF could be worth a look.

    It provides exposure to Asia’s most powerful tech companies. Its holdings include Tencent (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

    Asia’s technology sector remains one of the world’s fastest-growing, fuelled by rising digital adoption, a huge emerging middle class and innovation across cloud computing, semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

    While more volatile than the US market, the long-term potential is significant, making this fund an attractive option.

    The post 3 top ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF in December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Adobe, Amazon, Baidu, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Adobe, Amazon, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    A panel of four judges hold up cards all showing the perfect score of ten out of ten

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed another rosy recovery day this Wednesday, as investors continue to shake off the negativity that dominated much of last week. By the time the markets wrapped up trading today, the ASX 200 had added 0.81% to its total. That leaves the index back over 8,600 points at 8,606.5.

    This happy hump day for the local markets comes after a euphoric session on Wall Street in the early hours of this morning.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a jubilant mood, rocketing 1.43% higher.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was quite upbeat as well, gaining 0.67%.

    But let’s return to the ASX now, and take stock of how the different ASX sectors fared amid today’s pleasant conditions.

    Winners and losers

    There were far more green sectors than red ones today, although the gains weren’t universal.

    Leading the red sectors were utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) missed out today, tanking by 0.84%.

    Tech shares were also left out in the cold, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) sinking 0.68%.

    Communications stocks were unlucky as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) ended up sliding 0.49% lower.

    It was all smiles everywhere, though.

    At the front of the pack, we found mining shares, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 1.84% push higher.

    Consumer discretionary stocks had a day to remember, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) saw its value soar 1.22%.

    Healthcare shares ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) surging 1.18%.

    Gold stocks had a similar experience. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) galloped up 0.95% today.

    Energy shares saw some demand as well, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 0.87% lift.

    Industrial stocks also had a strong session. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) added 0.83% to its total by the closing bell.

    Consumer staples shares found plenty of buyers, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) jumping 0.72%.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little more muted. Even so, the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) bounced up 0.48%.

    Finally, financial stocks comfortably made the winner’s cut, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)’s 0.39% rise.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    This hump day’s index winner was National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR), which exploded 19.47% higher today despite being put in a trading halt. It seems this is a result of a potential takeover offer.

    Here’s how the rest of today’s top stocks tied up at the dock:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR) $2.70 19.47%
    Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) $2.72 14.29%
    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) $2.17 8.50%
    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) $21.81 7.86%
    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) $4.04 7.16%
    Perenti Ltd (ASX: PRN) $2.88 7.06%
    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) $3.20 6.67%
    Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) $5.05 6.54%
    IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) $6.73 5.49%
    Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) $33.35 4.78%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Storage REIT right now?

    Before you buy National Storage REIT 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 National Storage REIT 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 Sebastian Bowen 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Are QBE shares a buy for passive income in 2026?

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares are a popular option for income investors.

    But would they be a good pick if you were looking to generate passive income in 2026? Let’s see what one leading broker is saying.

    Are QBE shares a buy for passive income in 2026?

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts think that investors should be waiting for a better entry point.

    Ahead of the release of its quarterly update this week, a note reveals that the broker has put a hold rating and $21.20 price target on its shares.

    Based on its current share price of $19.74, this implies potential upside of 7.4% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its expectations for this week’s update, the broker said:

    The Q3 update is due on 27 Nov. The quarterly statements usually cover written premium, rating changes, catastrophe claims, and investment returns, as well as the outlook and expectations. We anticipate a relatively benign quarter. Short bond yields have been stable, but H1 saw strong returns on risk assets.

    Premium rate increases remain positive but have been slowing (Q2 rates were +0.8% vs pcp) and we will be watching whether these have flattened out or continued to soften. Inflation remains present and this may be storing up problems for the combined ratio (COR), so there will be a focus on whether the company continues to expect a COR of ~92.5%.

    But what about passive income?

    The broker estimates to QBE’s shares will provide investors with dividend yields of 4.8% in FY 2025 and then 4.7% in FY 2026.

    That would turn a $10,000 investment into passive income of approximately $480 and $470, respectively.

    Commenting on its hold recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    At the half year results, we felt the company could be seen to be growing into a softening environment. With a PCA capital ratio of 1.81 (after interim dividend), the company’s capital is at the top of its target range (1.6-1.8x). This capital is being valued by the equity market at a premium to book value and the company is looking for ways to utilise its capital and grow into attractive areas.

    We have not changed our assumptions and any change to our forecasts is driven by changing fx rates (we use spot rates as a forecast). We will review our forecasts post the Q3 update, noting the upside with the shares below $20/sh. For now, we maintain our target price at $21.20/sh and keep our HOLD recommendation.

    The post Are QBE shares a buy for passive income in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in QBE Insurance right now?

    Before you buy QBE Insurance 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 QBE Insurance 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.

  • 1 reason now is a great time to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock

    Smiling man sits in front of a graph on computer while using his mobile phone.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • Warren Buffett is retiring at the end of the year.

    • He’s leaving the company in great shape.

    • Incoming CEO Greg Abel will have numerous options to grow shareholder value.

    Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) is nearing the end of an era. Long-time CEO Warren Buffett is retiring at the end of this year. That adds some uncertainty about what’s ahead for the conglomerate.

    Despite that uncertainty, now is a great time to invest in Berkshire Hathaway. Here’s one reason why investors shouldn’t hesitate to buy the stock right now.

    In a great position

    Berkshire Hathaway reported its third-quarter financial results earlier this month, the last time before Warren Buffett’s retirement as the CEO. The company reported a robust 34% increase in its operating profit, which rose to $13.5 billion on lower insurance losses in the period. Berkshire also posted a 17% increase in its net income, which rose to $30.8 billion.

    The company continued to retain all of its earnings. Berkshire didn’t repurchase any of its shares during the quarter (it hasn’t bought back stock for five straight quarters) and hasn’t paid a dividend since 1967. Additionally, the company continued to be a net seller of stocks out of its investment portfolio. It has sold more stocks than it bought for 12 straight quarters. As a result, Berkshire ended the period with a record $381.7 billion in cash.

    While Buffett’s company has been a net seller of stocks, including continuing to trim its positions in Apple and Bank of America, the company has a more than $306 billion investment portfolio. Berkshire Hathaway recently added a meaningful new position, purchasing $4.3 billion of shares in Alphabet during the third quarter. The technology giant is currently its 13th largest holding at 1.8% of its investment portfolio.

    In addition to its cash position and stock portfolio, Berkshire owns nearly 200 operating businesses, including BNSF railroad, Dairy Queen, and GEICO. With its market capitalization currently over $1 trillion, these operating businesses are worth nearly $400 billion after subtracting Berkshire’s cash position and the value of its investment portfolio. The company is bolstering its operating portfolio after recently agreeing to acquire the chemicals business of Occidental Petroleum (one of its largest stock holdings) in a $9.7 billion deal. The acquisition will expand Berkshire’s chemicals portfolio (it previously bought Lubrizol for $9.7 billion in 2011), while providing it with another strong operating business that should generate relatively stable and growing earnings.

    Tremendous optionality

    Warren Buffett is handing over a tremendous company to his successor, Greg Abel. It has a record cash position, a strong portfolio of operating companies, and a massive investment portfolio. That gives Abel an extraordinary amount of flexibility to guide the company in the future.

    With a record $381 billion in cash, Abel could buy nearly any company he wanted to expand Berkshire’s operating portfolio. He could easily top Buffett’s biggest deal, which was the 2016 acquisition of Precision Castparts for $37 billion. However, going for a big splashy deal might not make the most sense, as Buffett eventually lamented the price his company paid for Precision Castparts after writing off nearly $10 billion of that company’s value in 2011. More than likely, Abel will remain disciplined and only pursue a sizable acquisition if it’s too good to pass up.

    Abel can also use the company’s massive cash position to add to Berkshire’s investment portfolio. He likely had some say in Berkshire’s recent decision to make a sizable investment in Alphabet.

    Finally, Abel will have the flexibility to return more cash to investors. For example, while Warren Buffett has been reluctant to pay a dividend, Abel might opt to initiate a quarterly payment to return some cash to investors, given the strength of its operating cash flows and size of its cash position. He could also start making more routine share repurchases compared to his value-oriented predecessor. Unless the company starts putting more cash to work in new investments, it might need to return more money to shareholders. It will become increasingly difficult for the company to justify retaining such a large amount of cash on its balance sheet, especially given the expected decline in interest rates as the Federal Reserve continues to lower them.

    Starting an exciting new chapter

    Berkshire Hathaway is about to turn the page on an illustrious part of its history with Warren Buffett’s upcoming retirement. He’s leaving the company in great shape and capable hands, which makes the next chapter look exciting. That’s why right now looks like a great time to buy shares of Berkshire.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post 1 reason now is a great time to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. right now?

    Before you buy Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 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 Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 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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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Matt DiLallo has positions in Alphabet, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway and has the following options: short January 2026 $265 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Occidental Petroleum. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Should you buy Netflix before 2026?

    Netflix logo.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • Netflix continues to report strong revenue growth with impressive profitability.
    • Despite shares being 21% off their peak, they trade at an elevated valuation.
    Netflix‘s (NASDAQ: NFLX) stock performance certainly has momentum on its side. Share prices are up 17% this year (as of Nov. 22), outpacing the broader market. The business continues to post strong financial results. This makes it easy for investors to remain bullish. And yet, despite that bullish take, the streaming stock currently trades 22% off its early July 2025 peak. Should you buy Netflix stock before the calendar turns to 2026?

    Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape

    Despite the stock’s recent dip, Netflix as a company is firing on all cylinders. While the company stopped reporting subscriber numbers at the end of last year, it’s likely that the membership base continues to expand. Revenue through the first nine months of 2025 increased by 15% year over year, indicating greater adoption of the streaming platform. Profits are soaring as well. Operating income is expected to rise by 26% in 2025, according to the management team.

    Market expectations are high

    This is a high-quality business. But investors shouldn’t rush to buy the stock just yet. That’s because it’s expensive, trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 46. The market continues to view the company in an extremely favorable light, which is no surprise given that Netflix dominates the industry. Can Netflix shares keep marching higher? Of course they can. However, I don’t think there’s any margin of safety for prospective investors who buy in right now. A wait-and-see approach might be the better option with this stock right now.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Should you buy Netflix before 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Netflix right now?

    Before you buy Netflix 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 Netflix 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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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Neil Patel 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 Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Trading just under $38 now, the Soul Patts share price looks like a bargain to me anywhere below $35

    Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) has long been one of my favourite ASX investments, with the Soul Patts share price one of the top names on my ASX watchlist.

    As I’ve documented here many times before, I am attracted to this ASX share’s diversified underlying portfolio, as well as the company’s management, which has a long history of delivering market-beating returns to shareholders.

    The fact that Soul Patts has the best dividend track record on the ASX (28 years of annual dividend increases) doesn’t hurt either.

    Soul Patts shares have been on quite a journey over 2025. The investment house rocketed in value back in early June after the company announced plans to acquire the building materials manufacturer Brickworks, topping out at a new record high share price of $45.14 in September. Since then, however, the Soul Patts share price has come off the boil somewhat, as the joy over the merger’s consummation faded.

    After dipping below $35 each last week, the company is sitting at $37.49 a share at the time of writing. That’s almost 20% down from that September record high.

    So yes, the Soul Patts share price is a lot cheaper than it used to be. But they’re not quite cheap enough for me to buy more.

    How to value the Soul Patts share price

    It can be hard to put a valuation on a company like Soul Patts, considering the nature of its vast underlying portfolio. Although this portfolio includes many easily valued ASX shares, it also contains assets like property, private equity and credit, which are harder to put a price tag on.

    Soul Patts does give us some insights. Each year, for example, we get a net tangible assets per share metric. As of July 2025, this stood at $27.90, which doesn’t factor in the Brickworks merger.

    Back in September, Soul Patts also told the market that its post-merger portfolio was valued at $13.2 billion. Today, the company’s market capitalisation sits at $14.26 billion.

    Given the haphazard nature of these valuation metrics, I prefer to use a simpler, albeit cruder, method to value Soul Patts shares.

    We’ve already established this company’s stellar dividend track record. Given that Soul Patts is such a consistent dividend payer and has increased its annual payouts every year for almost three decades, I think comparing the company’s running dividend yield to its long-term average is a simple way to check if it is presenting good value at current pricing.

    So, going back about five years, I’ve determined that the average Soul Patts dividend yield stands at about 2.9%. For the company to achieve that yield today, its shares would need to be priced at approximately $35.50. Unfortunately, at the current price of $37.49, the dividend yield is only 2.75%.

    As such, the company is still a little pricey for my liking. I would like to see the Soul Patts share price below $35.50 a share, preferably below $35, before I consider adding more. Let’s hope there’s an opportunity to do so soon.

    The post Trading just under $38 now, the Soul Patts share price looks like a bargain to me anywhere below $35 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Washington H. Soul Pattinson and 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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and 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 Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. 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 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.

  • Almond grower’s shares up on positive full-year profit result

    Woman holding almonds and pointing up

    Shares in Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV) were trending higher on Wednesday after the company announced a solid profit result and predicted demand for almonds to remain strong.

    The Australian almond grower reported a net profit of $30.9 million, up from just $900,000 the previous year, while EBITDA was up 81% to $82.4 million.

    This was despite the company’s almond crop falling by 16% to 24,903 tonnes.

    The profit uplift came as a result of an improved almond price, up 32% over the previous corresponding period.

    The company said it also achieved a “meaningful reduction in net debt” to $79.1 million, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.1%.

    Almond consumption growing

    The company said on the outlook, it “continues to hold the view that the macro environment for almonds is positive”.

    On the demand side, global trends indicate continued growth in the consumption of healthy foods and snack products, alongside increasing demand for high-quality protein in our key markets. This along with our customer strategy means we continue to see a strong order book. We anticipate world almond demand to continue at a compound annual growth rate of 5% – 7%. On the supply side, our view is that US bearing acres have peaked and we are witnessing a reduction in almond acreage across California.

    Managing Director David Surveyour said the company continued to execute against its strategic pillars.

    The investment in safety, our people, horticulture, processing and sales has positioned us to leverage the favourable macro-economic conditions. The improvements to our profit, cash and balance sheet reflect the quality of our assets, the operational gains we are making and our commitment to financial discipline. We thank our team and partners for their dedication and our customers for their continued support of the business.

    The company said with regards to the current season, the bloom was “generally positive”, however, it was not forecasting a crop size at this time.

    Our sales and operations teams are well prepared for the coming season. It remains our view there is substantial leverage and growth in our core business. Our focus remains on growing, processing and selling as efficiently as we can.

    Select Harvests did not declare a final dividend for FY25, with the company saying the board was balancing the importance of paying down debt against dividend payments, and it would continue to do so.

    Select Harvests was valued at $568.4 million at the close of trade on Tuesday. The company’s shares were 3.5% higher at $4.14 around noon on Wednesday.

    The post Almond grower’s shares up on positive full-year profit result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Select Harvests 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 Select Harvests 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.

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

    Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

    Chrysos Corporation Ltd (ASX: C79)

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have upgraded this mining technology company’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $9.40. This follows the release of a trading update at its annual general meeting. Bell Potter notes that Chrysos has started FY 2026 strongly, with revenue up 54% year to date. This is ahead of the broker’s estimates. The good news is that it appears to believe that this trend can continue. It highlights that Chrysos’ industry adoption has accelerated over the past 12 months with the signing of the master services agreement with Newmont and the broadening of relationships with commercial lab operators. In addition, the exploration upcycle should deliver further upside. So much so, it estimates that the company will comfortably outperform its EBITDA guidance this year. The Chrysos share price is trading at $8.04 this afternoon.

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $40.00. This follows the release of a trading update from Lovisa covering the first 20 weeks of FY 2026. Morgans notes that the company’s sales and store growth have slowed over the past three months. However, it is still growing sales at 20%+, which is impressive given the challenging retail trading conditions. In light of this and the recent pullback in its share price, Morgans thinks that it is a great opportunity to buy a high quality retailer with a global store rollout opportunity. Especially given that its shares are trading back around their average 10-year forward earnings multiple and offering ~20% EPS compound annual growth over the next 3 years. The Lovisa share price is fetching $31.24 at the time of writing.

    Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

    Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating on this travel technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $6.85. According to the note, the broker was pleased with the WebBeds owner’s performance during the first half. It highlights that Web Travel delivered earnings that were in line with expectations. As a result of this strong performance, the broker is feeling increasingly confident that the company can achieve its FY 2027 growth targets. The Web Travel share price is trading at $4.60 on Wednesday.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Chrysos right now?

    Before you buy Chrysos 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 Chrysos wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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