Category: Stock Market

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares fell heavily yesterday, plummeting 18% to levels last seen back in 2021.

Media reports state that the Australian Federal Police are investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters, relating to a former cleaner at WiseTech.

It has been claimed that White exploited the woman’s immigration status and financial position and provided false information on a visa application.

WiseTech has not responded to the reports.

Why this is hitting WiseTech shares so hard

White’s continued prominence at the company makes today’s news particularly significant for shareholders.

WiseTech shares are now down more than 56% since the start of 2026 and around 70% lower than this time last year.

White co-founded WiseTech and served as chief executive until October 2024, before stepping down amid separate allegations relating to inappropriate behaviours.

He was later appointed Executive Chair and Chief Innovation Officer in February 2025 under a ten-year employment agreement. In this role, he retained significant influence over the company’s product development and strategic direction.

A pattern of governance concerns

Today’s allegations land on top of an already difficult governance backdrop.

In October 2025, the ABC reported that ASIC and the AFP had searched a WiseTech office as part of a separate investigation into alleged trading in WiseTech shares by White and three employees.

Macquarie noted that this investigation could take up to 18 months to resolve.

That earlier search triggered board turnover, including the resignation of four independent non-executive directors, and sustained media scrutiny that has weighed on investor confidence ever since.

The company is also midway through a major restructuring tied to AI-driven automation across the business.

Each of these issues alone could be manageable. Together, and now compounded by today’s allegations, they have eroded the institutional confidence that previously supported WiseTech’s premium valuation.

What the underlying business looks like

CargoWise generated US$682.2 million in revenue for WiseTech in FY2025. This is up 18% on the prior year, with growth continuing into FY2026 as first-half CargoWise revenue rose 12% to US$372.4 million.

CargoWise remains deeply embedded in the operations of major global freight forwarders. Switching away from the platform is expensive and disruptive for customers, providing a source of revenue stability even amid the governance turmoil.

The operational business and the governance crisis are, for now, two separate stories.

What happens next

The resolution of today’s news will depend heavily on the outcome of any AFP investigation and on how WiseTech’s board responds.

Bell Potter previously argued the worst was behind WiseTech following earlier governance issues. The broker noted that focus was returning to product momentum and a new commercial model, before today’s fresh allegations reset that narrative entirely.

Until clarity emerges on both the legal matter and the board’s response, WiseTech shares are likely to remain volatile, and investors should treat any near-term share price movements with appropriate caution given the seriousness and unresolved nature of the allegations.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s news is serious. WiseTech’s underlying logistics software business continues to perform, but the company’s governance challenges have now reached a new and more serious level.

Investors considering WiseTech shares may want to wait for greater clarity on both the AFP investigation and the board’s response before drawing firm conclusions about the path ahead.

The post WiseTech shares just crashed. Can investors look past the company’s governance issues? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Humm, Metcash, PLS, and WiseTech shares are sinking today
• WiseTech shares crash 12% as founder scandal deepens
• Down but not out: 3 ASX tech shares ripe for a rebound
• Is the only way up for WiseTech shares after a 65% fall?
• How to know when a beaten-down ASX share is worth buying

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

If you are looking for ASX dividend shares to buy, then it could be worth considering the one in this article.

That’s because Bell Potter believes it has the potential to offer both major upside and a very generous dividend yield.

Which ASX dividend share?

The dividend share that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL).

It is a growing boutique asset manager that manages a number of alternative investment strategies, investing across hedge funds, growth equity, credit and royalties, and real and natural assets.

Bell Potter is positive on the company’s outlook and has lifted its earnings estimates to reflect its expectation for further funds under management growth. In fact, it believes the ASX dividend share could grow earnings in the teens over the medium term. It explains:

We upgrade EPS and retain our Buy rating. Regal Partners is an alternative investment manager, housing eight separate primary brands with a heritage in long/short equities. Strategies have track records that predate the global financial crisis. The Group controls $21bn in funds under management. We see further growth, driven by positive net inflows, investment performance, acquisitions and exposure to secular asset classes. This is supported by an aspirational blueprint to double offshore client capital.

Successful execution, in our view, provides a pathway to teens growth over the medium term, enhanced through operating leverage. A strong balance sheet further de-risks that view. Regal Partners has $250m in available capital. We see it well positioned to recycle capital, generating higher return, locking in gains and distributing this to shareholders.

Time to buy

According to the note, Bell Potter has reinstated its buy rating and $4.70 price target on the ASX dividend share.

Based on its current share price of $2.91, this implies potential upside of over 60% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in FY 2026, 19 cents per share in FY 2027, and then 22 cents per share in FY 2028. This equates to big dividend yields of 6.2%, 6.5%, and 7.6%, respectively.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy is reinstated, and we hold our target price at $4.70/sh based on a DCF. We use global asset manager P/E multiples as a cross-check, with the cohort trading on an average 15x including 11x for long-equities, 15x for private markets/credit and 19x for comparable multi-boutiques and hedge funds. To that end, we see the valuation as undemanding.

Trading on 10x earnings, RPL does not screen as an alternative investment manager. We view the emerging evidence of performance fees, capital management and broadening investment strategies as an opportunity to narrow the discount and drive a re-rating in the stock.

The post Could this be the best ASX dividend share to buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How I’d aim for $10,000 a year in superannuation boosting passive income buying ASX shares

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.

ASX All Ords healthcare share Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) has enjoyed a solid rebound since getting hammered in March and April 2025.

Trading for 72 cents a share in late afternoon trade on Monday, Monash IVF shares have gained more than 22% since market close on 19 November. For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained 3.6% over this same time.

Atop that share price rebound, Monash IVF also paid out a 1.2 cent per share fully franked dividend to eligible stockholders on 10 April.

If we add that back in to Tuesday’s share price, then the accumulated value of the stock is up 24.1% since 19 November.

Looking ahead, however, Bell Potter Securities’ Christopher Watt forecasts a more difficult run over the coming months (courtesy of The Bull).

Time to exit this ASX All Ords healthcare share?

“The fertility services company recently downgraded fiscal year 2026 guidance,” Watt said. “It now expects underlying net profit after tax [NPAT] to range between $17 million and $18 million.”

Monash IVF reported that adjustment, down from prior FY 2026 NPAT guidance of $20 million, on 12 June.

Management noted that the primary driver for the lowered FY 2026 earnings outlook was lower than expected Australian assisted reproductive technology (ART) market activity in the second half of the financial year.

Addressing the slowdown, Monash IVF CEO Victoria Atkinson said “Monash IVF has increased its Australian stimulated cycle market share during this period and has taken steps to reduce costs and improve operational performance.”

But Bell Potter’s Watt still foresees potential headwinds over the medium-term.

Summarising his sell recommendation on the ASX All Ords healthcare share, Watt said:

Across the Australian market, stimulated cycle volumes were down 4.7% on a rolling three-month basis to the end of April when compared to the prior corresponding period. Cost-of-living pressures and declining birth rates are structural headwinds for the whole industry.

New leadership has a genuine reset opportunity, but until there’s evidence of an industry-wide recovery, I remain cautious.

Consider this surging ASX stock instead

Rather than buying ASX All Ords healthcare share Monash IVF, Watt recommended that investors consider buying ASX energy services provider GenusPlus Group (ASX: GNP)

“GNP appeals following the acquisition of MPC Kinetic Holdings, which broadens the business beyond electrical infrastructure and into gas, water and renewable energy services,” he said.

Summarising his buy recommendation on GenusPlus shares, Watt concluded:

The deal adds scale, recurring customer relationships and complementary civil capability, while also improving the earnings outlook. With upgraded guidance, manageable leverage and exposure to major infrastructure investment, GenusPlus remains well placed to deliver growth from existing operations and future contract wins.

With a strong contracted position and the tailwind of tighter east-coast gas, I believe there’s still upside to consensus.

As of late trade on Monday, GenusPlus shares are up 180% over the past 12 months.

The post Up 21% since November, should I buy this dividend paying ASX All Ords healthcare share today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

There is a number that haunts Australian retirement planning. For years it was $1 million. Now it is the ASFA benchmark. Either way, the message lands the same: you are probably behind.

So when your superannuation balance reads $500,000, it is easy to assume the answer is no.

But that headline figure hides something important.

The benchmark everyone quotes assumes you fund your entire retirement yourself. Most Australians do not.

The benchmark only tells half the story

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) says a single homeowner needs about $630,000 in super for a comfortable retirement, while a couple needs roughly $730,000. Those targets buy a genuinely good lifestyle: private health cover, a reasonable car, the odd holiday, and regular dinners out.

On paper, $500,000 falls short of the single figure.

Here is the part the benchmark quietly builds in. Those numbers already assume you receive a part Age Pension on top of your own drawdown. The pension is not a backstop you hope to avoid. It is baked into the maths.

And it is more generous than many people expect. From 20 March 2026, the maximum single rate is around $31,200 per year, while a couple can receive close to $47,000 combined, including supplements.

That changes the conversation entirely.

Single or couple changes everything

This is where $500,000 splits into two very different stories.

A single homeowner with $500,000 sits above the full-pension assets threshold of $321,500, but well below the part-pension cut-off of $722,000. They would draw a part Age Pension, then top it up from their super. Combine a sensible drawdown with that pension and the result lands comfortably above a modest lifestyle, though still shy of the full comfortable benchmark.

A couple with $500,000 between them is a different picture. Their combined balance sits just above the full-pension assets threshold of $481,500. That points to close to the full couple Age Pension, plus drawdown from their super. Together, that can push annual income within striking distance of the comfortable couple standard.

Same balance. Two outcomes. The difference is simply who is drawing on it.

The real variable is you

Numbers like these are starting points, not verdicts.

Owning your home outright matters enormously, because rent in retirement can swallow a large share of any budget. Retiring at 67 rather than 60 matters too, since every early year is a year you fund alone before the pension begins.

Then there is the question only you can answer. What does your version of comfortable actually cost?

Some retirees are content below the ASFA comfortable line. Others want more travel and more margin for the unexpected. $500,000 can stretch a long way for one person and feel tight for another.

The case for aiming higher

None of this is an argument to stop at $500,000.

A larger balance is not about luxury. It is a margin of safety. The cost of living rarely moves backwards, and a bigger buffer absorbs the steady climb in groceries, energy, and healthcare without forcing you to cut back.

The years before you finish work can be the most powerful stretch of your investing life. Invest well through them, and over the long run the share market has rewarded those who stay the course.

The Foolish takeaway

So, can you retire on $500,000 of super in 2026?

For some Australians, the honest answer is yes, with help. The Age Pension does far more heavy lifting than the headline benchmarks suggest, especially for couples who own their home.

It may not fund a luxurious retirement, and markets will never move in a straight line. But comfortable and secure is well within reach for plenty of people sitting on this balance.

The figure that matters is not the one the headlines fixate on. It is the income your super and the pension generate together, set against the life you want to live.

$500,000 is not the finish line everyone fears. For some, it is already enough.

The post Can you really retire on $500,000 of super in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d invest $500 a month in ASX 200 shares to retire early
• Should I buy the NDQ ETF or the VAS ETF?
• Up 1,700% and more, what’s next for these ASX 200 shares?
• WiseTech shares just crashed. Can investors look past the company’s governance issues?
• Could this be the best ASX dividend share to buy now?

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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 iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a small decline. The benchmark index dropped 0.15% to 8,816.1 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Tuesday despite a relatively poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.3%, but the S&P 500 dropped 0.4% and the Nasdaq sank 1.3%.

A2 Milk shares given hold rating

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares are fully valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $6.90 (from $6.75). It said: ” At current share price levels the stock sits at the more expensive side of the consumer sector (on a FY25-28e PEG ratio) and is likely to be materially more volatile given the polarising views on earnings expectations into the August guidance statement. Our forecasts largely split the divide and for this reason our Hold rating is unchanged.”

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.8% to US$75.19 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.8% to US$78.33 a barrel. This follows reports that US-Iran talks are going well.

Gold price softens

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a soft session after the gold price weakened overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1% to US$4,205.3 an ounce. Inflation and rate hike concerns continue to weigh on the precious metal.

Buy EOS shares

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares are good value according to Bell Potter. In response to the announcement of a US$124 million (A$175 million) Slinger counter-drone contract, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $12.50 (from $10.60). It said: ” We retain our Buy rating and raise our TP to $12.50/sh. EOS is positioned as a market leader across many C-UAS verticals and is leveraged to increasing defence budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. The conditional JV announcement presents a clear path towards producing HELW systems at scale and is therefore a significant development. We expect further JV’s to be signed over the coming years. The agreement suggests there is a strong likelihood of major HELW order intake over the next 12 months from the UAE.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has come off the boil.

The mining giant is trading around $60.34, down from its 52-week and record high of $65.98. That puts the BHP share price about 8% below its recent peak.

For a company of BHP’s size, that is a meaningful pullback. It also raises a fair question for investors: is this a chance to buy? I think it could be.

The Jansen update was disappointing

Part of the recent weakness can be linked to BHP’s update on its Jansen potash project.

The company has completed a detailed review of Stage 2 and now expects the total investment estimate to rise from US$4.9 billion to US$6.9 billion, including contingencies. First production is now expected in late FY31, two years later than planned.

That is clearly disappointing.

A US$2 billion cost increase is substantial, and the timing shift means investors will have to wait longer for the next stage of Jansen to contribute. BHP said the majority of the increase relates to additional construction hours, more materials, and escalation identified through its review.

I do not think investors should simply brush that aside. Large mining projects are complex, and cost discipline is important.

At the same time, I do not think the update changes the entire investment case for BHP.

The company still expects Jansen Stage 2 to deliver approximately 4.36 million tonnes per annum of production. After ramp-up, combined output from Jansen is expected to be 8.5 million tonnes per annum, which BHP says would represent around 10% of total global potash production.

The project is now taking longer and costing more, but it still gives BHP exposure to a commodity tied to food security and agricultural productivity. I see that as a useful future boost rather than the main reason to own the stock today.

Copper remains the bigger attraction

For me, the strongest reason to stay positive on BHP is copper.

The world is becoming more electricity-intensive. Power grids, renewable energy, data centres, electric vehicles, industrial systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure all require more copper.

At the same time, copper supply can be difficult to bring on quickly. New mines require huge capital, long approvals, technical expertise, and often many years of development.

That is a powerful position for a company with BHP’s scale.

Iron ore remains important to group earnings, and commodity prices will always move around. But I think BHP’s copper exposure is becoming more valuable as investors look further ahead.

If copper prices remain elevated over the long term, BHP could be well placed to keep producing strong cash flows.

Valuation and income

The pullback also makes the valuation a little more interesting.

According to CommSec, consensus estimates point to earnings per share of $3.55 in FY26 and $3.81 in FY27.

At a share price of around $60.34, that puts BHP on a price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 17 times FY26 earnings and 15.8 times FY27 earnings.

That is not a screaming bargain for a cyclical miner, but it looks reasonable if investors believe copper, iron ore, and future-facing commodities can support stronger earnings over time.

The dividend also remains part of the appeal. CommSec forecasts dividends per share of $2.12 in FY26 and $2.02 in FY27, implying dividend yields of around 3.5% and 3.3%, respectively.

Those yields are useful, especially alongside the potential for capital growth if commodity markets remain supportive.

Foolish takeaway

I think the BHP share price remains a buy for long-term investors.

The Jansen update is frustrating, and it reminds investors that even world-class miners can face cost and schedule pressure on major projects. But BHP’s broader position remains attractive.

The company has scale, a strong asset base, iron ore cash generation, and growing exposure to copper. Potash still adds a longer-term option, even if the timeline has moved further out.

After an 8% pullback from its record high, I think the BHP share price offers a reasonable entry point for investors who can handle the ups and downs that come with owning a global miner.

The post Down 8%, is the BHP share price a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Investors searching for ASX growth shares often look for the same ingredients: market leadership, a strong competitive moat, and a share price that doesn’t fully reflect future potential.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) and Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) fit that description.

Both companies have faced significant share price pressure over the past year. Telix shares are up 26% year to date but remain down 43% over 12 months. Catapult has fared even worse, falling 28% in 2026 and 47% over the past year.

Despite those declines, analysts see substantial upside ahead for the ASX shares. Here’s why.

Telix Pharmaceuticals

Telix develops radiopharmaceutical products used to diagnose and treat cancer. Its flagship products target some of the largest oncology markets globally, giving the company exposure to a rapidly growing area of healthcare.

One of Telix’s biggest strengths is its moat. Developing radiopharmaceuticals requires specialised expertise, manufacturing capabilities, regulatory approvals, and distribution networks that are difficult and expensive to replicate. Those barriers help protect established players such as Telix.

After a difficult period, the ASX growth share appears to have found its groove since February. The rebound began when the company confirmed it had filed for a key regulatory approval in Europe.

Momentum continued into April. Telix announced that the US Food and Drug Administration had accepted its New Drug Application for TLX101-Px (Pixclara®), an important milestone for the business. It also revealed a major collaboration with US biotechnology giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, further strengthening confidence in its long-term prospects.

Analysts remain highly optimistic. TradingView data shows the majority of brokers rate the $5 billion ASX growth share as a strong buy. The most bullish price target sits at $31.64 per share, implying upside of approximately 123% from current levels.

Morgans is also positive on the stock, with a $24.33 price target, which suggests a 71% upside. The broker recently noted that increasing consolidation across the healthcare sector could generate additional interest in Telix shares.

Catapult Sports

Catapult develops athlete performance and analytics technology used by professional sporting teams around the world.

Its solutions help coaches and performance staff monitor player workloads, reduce injury risks, analyse performance, and improve decision-making. The technology is widely used across major sporting organisations, including teams in the AFL, NRL, Premier League, NFL, NBA, MLB, and international rugby competitions.

That extensive customer base gives Catapult a significant competitive advantage. Once teams integrate the company’s hardware, software, and performance data into their operations, switching providers becomes difficult. This creates sticky customer relationships and recurring revenue streams.

Despite these strengths, investors have remained cautious, helping drive the share price of the ASX growth share sharply lower over the past year.

Analysts, however, remain overwhelmingly bullish. TradingView data shows every analyst covering Catapult currently rates it as either a buy or strong buy. The average price target stands at $5.72, implying upside of approximately 94% from current levels. The most optimistic forecast suggests the ASX growth stock could rise by as much as 175% over the next year.

Morgans has a buy rating and a $5.40 target price. Based on the current share price of $2.95, that points to potential gains of roughly 83%.

The post 2 ASX growth shares that could double your money 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 Catapult Sports and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have pulled back from their highs, but they still trade at a sizeable premium to the other major banks.

At around $163.56 at the time of writing, CBA shares are above their 52-week low of $146.97 but still well below their 52-week high of $192.

That creates an interesting setup. The banking sector is dealing with a difficult backdrop, including higher interest rates and proposed changes to negative gearing weighing on the housing market. But I think there are still good reasons to buy CBA shares today.

Quality counts in a tougher banking market

The first reason is quality. When conditions become more uncertain, I think investors have a strong reason to focus on the highest-quality bank in the sector. CBA has long held a powerful position in Australian banking, helped by its huge customer base, strong deposit franchise, digital strength, and trusted brand.

Those advantages can be especially useful when the operating environment is harder.

Higher interest rates can put pressure on borrowers. Housing market sentiment can shift. Competition for deposits and mortgages can affect margins. Credit quality also needs watching when households and businesses are under pressure.

In that environment, I think CBA’s scale and customer relationships matter.

The bank has a broad presence across home lending, deposits, business banking, payments, cards, apps, and everyday financial services. It is deeply embedded in the financial lives of many Australians, and that gives it a level of resilience that is hard to replicate.

CBA shares are rarely cheap. But I think the premium reflects a business that investors trust to navigate more difficult periods better than most.

The dividend still has appeal

The second reason is income. CBA shares may not offer the highest dividend yield among the major banks, but the dividend still looks attractive, particularly because it is expected to be fully franked.

According to CommSec, consensus estimates point to dividends per share of $5.10 in FY26 and $5.15 in FY27.

Based on the current share price of around $163.56, that implies forward dividend yields of approximately 3.1% in both years.

For investors who can use franking credits, the grossed-up income picture could look more appealing.

I also think investors should consider the total return potential. A bank share does not need to have the highest yield on the ASX to be worthwhile. If CBA can keep paying reliable dividends while also delivering capital growth over time, the overall return can still be attractive.

That combination is why I think CBA remains such a popular long-term holding.

Earnings support the premium

The third reason is the earnings base. CommSec consensus estimates suggest CBA could generate earnings per share of $6.54 in FY26 and $6.72 in FY27.

At the current share price, that puts the bank on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 25 times FY26 earnings and 24 times FY27 earnings.

That is a premium multiple for a bank. But CBA is also the bank with the strongest market reputation, and I think investors have historically been willing to pay more for its quality, consistency, and digital leadership.

The key question is whether CBA can keep justifying that premium.

I think it can. The bank’s technology investment, customer engagement, balance sheet strength, and ability to generate substantial profits all support the case. It may not deliver explosive growth, but it does not need to. A high-quality bank with strong dividends, disciplined lending, and a trusted position in the economy can still create value for shareholders over time.

Foolish Takeaway

CBA shares are not priced like a bargain-bank stock, and that is unlikely to surprise anyone who follows the sector.

But I do not think the investment case rests on the bank suddenly becoming cheap. It rests on the strength of the franchise, the role CBA plays in Australian financial life, and the likelihood that patient investors can still be rewarded through a mix of earnings, dividends, and time.

The sector faces uncertainty, especially around borrowers, housing sentiment, and competition. Even so, for long-term investors looking for exposure to Australian banking, I think CBA remains a share worth considering.

The post 3 big reasons to buy CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend shares with bigger yields than CBA
• Here’s where I would invest $5,000 in ASX shares
• 4 ASX ETFs to help you sleep through market crashes
• Invested in ASX 200 bank shares for dividends? This fundie prefers other stocks
• 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy if I were starting from scratch

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 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.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have taken a severe hit over the past year. The stock is down around 34% year to date and roughly 52% over the past 12 months at the time of writing.

That kind of drawdown has forced investors to rethink the once-premium growth story, and analyst sentiment has clearly turned more cautious. Let’s break down why.

Three major pillars

CSL is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, built on three major pillars. It collects and processes blood plasma through CSL Behring, supplies influenza vaccines through CSL Seqirus, and operates CSL Vifor, which focuses on iron deficiency and nephrology treatments after its major acquisition of Vifor Pharma.

For years, CSL shares were treated as a defensive growth compounder with strong pricing power and resilient demand. That reputation is now being tested as growth slows and integration challenges emerge.

Why CSL shares are under pressure

The sell-off has not come from a single issue. It has built gradually as investors reassess earnings quality, acquisition outcomes, and valuation support.

One of the clearest warning signs has been the downgrade cycle building across FY26 expectations and beyond. Analysts have trimmed revenue and earnings forecasts as they factor in weaker contributions from CSL Vifor and slower growth across parts of the business.

On top of that, CSL has recognised around $5 billion in impairments linked to acquired assets. While these are non-cash charges, they signal that earlier assumptions about the value and performance of those assets may have been too optimistic.

CSL Vifor is proving harder to fix than expected

The real battleground for sentiment is CSL Vifor. The business was supposed to be a strategic growth engine, particularly in nephrology, but it continues to underperform.

Ord Minnett has taken a notably bearish view on CSL shares, arguing the market is still underestimating the scale of the Vifor challenge. The broker explains:

Ord Minnett has reviewed its CSL (CSL) model further with a focus on its Vifor nephrology business that is facing challenges which, in our view, are being underestimated by the broader market. Our estimates for Vifor revenue and operating profit in FY27 are below consensus estimates by 15% and 32%, respectively, while our forecasts for operating profit across the FY27–FY29 horizon are more than 10% below market expectations.

That gap between broker expectations and consensus highlights a simple risk: earnings may still be drifting lower.

Higher interest rates are compressing valuation

The final pressure point is macro-driven. Higher interest rates have hit growth stocks hard, and CSL shares are no exception.

When interest rates rise, future earnings are discounted more heavily. That matters for CSL because a large part of its valuation depends on long-term growth assumptions rather than near-term earnings. As discount rates increase, that long-term value becomes less attractive in present terms.

What next for CSL shares?

CSL is still a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines, and its core businesses remain highly valuable. However, the market is no longer willing to pay a premium multiple without clearer proof that growth is re-accelerating. That’s why analysts at Peak Asset Management have a sell rating on CSL shares.

Until CSL Vifor stabilises and earnings forecasts stop drifting lower, sentiment is likely to remain cautious. For now, the stock is still working through a reset in expectations, and that process rarely happens quickly.

The post 3 reasons why experts think CSL shares are a sell 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. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Building a balanced portfolio doesn’t have to be complicated. One approach is to combine a reliable dividend payer with a high-quality ASX growth stock.

That way, investors can enjoy a stream of passive income while also benefiting from the potential for long-term capital growth. With that in mind, here are two ASX shares that could be worth considering right now.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

When it comes to dependable dividend shares, Woolworths stands out as one of the ASX’s most established blue chip companies.

Woolworths operates Australia’s largest supermarket network and serves millions of customers every week through its supermarkets, online platforms, and complementary retail businesses. While grocery retailing may not be the most exciting industry, the ASX stock offers something many investors value: resilience.

Consumers still need to buy food and household essentials regardless of economic conditions. That defensive characteristic helps Woolworths generate relatively stable earnings and cash flow across market cycles, providing a strong foundation for dividend payments.

The company has also been investing heavily in technology, supply chain improvements, and its digital capabilities. These initiatives should help strengthen its competitive position and support earnings growth over the long term.

While dividend yields can fluctuate, Woolworths has a long history of rewarding shareholders through fully franked dividends. Bell Potter expects Woolworths to pay dividends of 91 cents per share in FY26 and 94 cents in FY27. This translates to forward dividend yields of approximately 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively.

For investors seeking a combination of income and stability, the ASX supermarket stock remains one of the highest-quality dividend stocks on the Australian market.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

For investors seeking capital growth, Pro Medicus continues to stand out as one of the ASX’s premier growth companies. The $18 billion ASX stock has jumped 35% in the past month, but is still 20% down in 2026.

Pro Medicus develops medical imaging software used by hospitals, healthcare networks, and radiology providers around the world. Its flagship Visage platform allows clinicians to access, analyse, and share medical images quickly and efficiently, helping improve workflow and patient outcomes.

What makes the ASX stock particularly compelling is the strength of its business model. The company generates high-margin recurring revenue, carries no debt, and consistently converts a large portion of its earnings into cash.

Just as importantly, demand for advanced medical imaging technology continues to grow. Healthcare providers are handling increasing volumes of imaging data and are seeking faster, more efficient solutions. Pro Medicus has positioned itself at the centre of this trend.

The company has also built a strong track record of winning major contracts with leading healthcare institutions, particularly in the US. Each new contract expands its customer base and creates opportunities for future growth.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on the ASX healthcare company, with a $221 target, implying a potential gain of 27%. The analyst team at Morgans is a little less bullish, but still has a buy rating and $210 target price on the shares. This points to a 19% upside over the next 12 months.

The post One ASX dividend and one ASX growth stock to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• New to investing? 3 ASX shares to set and forget until 2036
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• 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy if I were starting from scratch
• Woolworths shares vs Coles: Buy, hold, or sell these ASX giants?

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