• Bendigo Bank shares crash 20% in November: Are they a buy, hold or sell?

    Scared, wide-eyed man in pink t-shirt with hands covering mouth

    Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares closed 0.2% higher on Wednesday afternoon, at $10.21 a piece. In November so far, the shares have declined by 20.54% and are now 23.23% lower than this time last year.

    What happened to Bendigo Bank shares?

    The bank reported its first-quarter results in early November. Investors weren’t impressed. Bendigo Bank reported a 3.2% drop in cash earnings after tax for the first quarter of FY26. This was also a 3.2% drop in the average quarterly earnings for the H1 FY25. Its residential lending was also 5.6% lower over the quarter. Although there was better news on the business lending front, with growth of 2.9%.

    Earlier this week, the bank’s shares were hammered again. This time, the sell-off followed the results of an independent Deloitte investigation into suspicious activities at one of its branches between 1 August 2019 and 1 August 2025. Bendigo Bank engaged Deloitte to conduct the investigation after it identified and reported suspicious activity.

    The Deloitte review concluded that deficiencies in the bank’s approach to identifying, mitigating, and managing money laundering and terrorism financing risk existed throughout the six-year period.

    And Deloitte discovered that these deficiencies weren’t limited to the single branch either. The report identified weaknesses and deficiencies across many key aspects of Bendigo Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing risk management approaches.

    In response, the board said it is very disappointed with the findings. It added that it is fully committed to ensuring that the bank undertakes necessary enhancements to ensure it is compliant with its obligations.

    Are they a buy, hold or sell? 

    TradingView data shows that analysts are pretty bearish on Bendigo Bank shares. Out of 14 analysts, 8 have a hold rating and 5 have a strong sell rating.

    The average target price for the stock is $10.86, which, after the latest price plunge, represents a potential 6.37% upside over the next 12 months. Some analysts believe the shares could drop to $7.39, implying a 27.62% downside for investors.

    The team and Macquarie have assigned an underperform rating and a $10.50 price target to the shares. This implies a potential 2.84% upside is ahead for the bank. The broker said that it’s not overly impressed with Bendigo Bank’s latest results. The team said its trading update was “weak” and costs were also materially higher. The team said the results missed consensus expectations by 8%.

    My take? I think Bendigo Bank shares are probably approaching the bottom. I’d sit tight for now.

    The post Bendigo Bank shares crash 20% in November: Are they a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bendigo and Adelaide Bank 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 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Why EOS shares could rise 75% in just a year

    A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone

    If you are wanting exposure to the defence sector, then it could be worth considering Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares.

    That’s because if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation, it could be destined to deliver huge returns for investors over the next 12 months.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter notes that EOS has just completed the acquisition of the MARSS Groups drone interceptor business.

    While it will take time before there is a commercial product, the broker believes this is a good move by management given recent defence trends. It said:

    EOS has acquired MARSS Groups drone interceptor business for an upfront consideration of €5.5m (A$10m) funded via existing cash reserves. Interceptor drones are an emerging hard-kill counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technology. EOS expects 12-24 months of further development before full commercial launch, with ongoing investment of up to A$10m over the next three years, with potential for customer development funding.

    Given recent political/industry attention and contract awards for this vertical we view this acquisition favourably, further leveraging EOS to the global C-UAS thematic. We believe EOS positioning the product as a lowest-cost solution is appropriate but expect competitive intensity to increase.

    Bell Potter believes that interceptor revenue will start to be generated in FY 2027, and sees potential for double-digit growth from the business in the years that follow. It adds:

    We have assumed an incremental $6m of Interceptor revenue in CY27e and expect this to grow at 10% thereafter, a conservative assumption, in our view.

    Should you buy EOS shares?

    While the broker thinks that a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia could weigh on its share price in the near term, it doesn’t feel a deal will impact its growth forecasts. As a result, it is urging investors to pick up EOS shares today. It said:

    We expect a Ukraine peace deal to weigh negatively on share price sentiment in the short term but would likely see no change to our forecasts given current global defence spending rhetoric.

    We retain our Buy rating and downgrade our TP to $8.10. EOS is positioned as a market leader in C-UAS solutions and is leveraged to increasing budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. We see positive news flow over the next 6 months stemming from C-UAS and RWS contract awards. Following the award of the A$20m Slinger contract in Nov-25, we estimate that our CY26e revenue forecast is 59% secured by announced contracts. We see material upside to our CY27e and beyond forecasts if at least 1 laser contract is awarded in CY26e.

    As mentioned above, Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.10 price target on EOS shares. This implies potential upside of 75% for investors over the next 12 months.

    The post Why EOS shares could rise 75% in just a year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems Holdings 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 Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

  • Are Lendlease shares a bargain after hitting fresh lows?

    Two businessmen look out at the city from the top of a tall building.

    The share price of Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) has been exploring new depths this month. Lendlease shares have lost another 9.55% and are valued at $5.21 apiece at the time of writing.

    The property developer’s stock is hovering near year lows and trades at more than 60% below its value from 5 years ago.

    Prestigious projects

    Lendlease was once considered a global powerhouse in property development and urban regeneration. Now, the sustained weakness has left investors questioning whether the worst is finally over or if more pain lies ahead.

    The real estate group designs, builds, and manages large commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects. Its fingerprints are on some of the world’s most prestigious precincts, such as Sydney’s Barangaroo and the Elephant & Castle redevelopment in London.

    Turbulent UK exit

    A series of earnings downgrades, budget blowouts, delayed project deliveries, and rising interest rates have battered the company, Lendlease shares, and investors’ sentiment.

    Lendlease also made a costly and turbulent exit from the US and UK property markets. The real estate shares dropped more than 17% in early April this year on completion of the sale of its UK Construction business to Atlas Holdings. The reason for the fall, was that investors were starting to have increased doubts about Lendlease’s ambitions.

    Investors slowly started buying back into the property developer’s shares after it officially signed a joint venture agreement with the Crown Estate in the UK in May. However, the disposal of assets and stalled developments have reduced stabile earnings, while restructuring costs continue to dampen profitability.

    Cleaner balance sheet

    Despite its troubles, the property and construction company still owns valuable assets and long-standing relationships with governments and institutional investors. And after years of restructuring, the balance sheet looks cleaner with more cash and fewer risk-heavy assets.

    The company expects FY26 to be a transition year, as it will continue to simplify its business. It anticipates a lower earnings contribution from major project completions, but it plans for a sharp rebound in earnings from FY27.

    Growing funds under management

    Looking further ahead, Lendlease has a strong pipeline of new development opportunities, including $25 billion in bids and plans to secure over $10 billion in FY26. Progress in international funds management, ignited by new partnerships, is set to support growth in funds under management over the medium term.

    Execution remains the biggest challenge. Multi-billion projects take years to complete, making profits lumpy and dependent on external market conditions. Rising construction costs, labour shortages, and bureaucracy continue to threaten Lendlease margins.

    Reputational fatigue

    Lendlease also battles with reputational fatigue. Many fund managers are tired to hear yet ‘another turnaround scenario’.

    Analysts are also divided. Most acknowledge Lendlease shares look cheap, after such a severe sell-off. Some brokers do see upside from current levels, but the average 12-month target price of $5.80 sits modestly above today’s share price.

    This suggests an 11% upside and implies cautious optimism, rather than conviction.

    The post Are Lendlease shares a bargain after hitting fresh lows? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Lendlease 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 Lendlease 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 Marc Van Dinther 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 ASX small-cap stock could be set to rise 25%

    A man looks surprised as a woman whispers in his ear.

    The team at Bell Potter have just released fresh analysis on ASX small-cap stock Aroa Biosurgery Limited (ASX: ARX). 

    It is a New Zealand-based biomedical company specialising in soft tissue regeneration. It develops, manufactures, and distributes medical and surgical products.

    The company’s principal market is the United States, where it markets four key products: 

    • Endoform
    • Myriad
    • OviTex
    • Symphony

    These products improve healing in complex wounds and soft tissue reconstruction. 

    It appears Bell Potter sees significant upside in this ASX small-cap stock on the back of positive 1H26 earnings

    The broker has a buy recommendation and optimistic price target, suggesting more than 20% upside. 

    What did the company report?

    On Tuesday, Aroa Biosurgery released H1 FY26 Results. 

    This included: 

    • Total revenue of NZ$44.9 million (14% growth on H1 FY25)
    • NZ$19.7 million in Myriad product revenue (33% growth on H1 FY25)
    • NZ$19.2 million in total OviTex/OviTex PRSi product revenue (4% growth on FY25)
    • Product gross margin of 85%
    • Normalised EBITDA profit of NZ$1.8 million (up from NZ$1.5 million normalised EBITDA loss in H1 FY25)

    FY26 Outlook

    • Revenue of NZ$92-$100 million (10%-20% growth on FY25 on a constant currency basis)
    • Normalised EBITDA of NZ$5-$8 million (19%-90% growth on FY25)

    Commenting on AROA’s H1 FY26 results, Managing Director and CEO Brian Ward said:

    We are very pleased with our first half performance, delivering NZ$44.9 million in total revenue, underpinned by strong Myriad growth, and our fourth consecutive quarter of positive operating cash flow.

    We reaffirm our FY26 guidance of NZ$92–100 million in revenue and NZ$5–8 million normalised EBITDA. Looking ahead to the second half of FY26, we expect new clinical publications to further validate AROA ECM’s efficacy and strengthen its commercial uptake.

    Reason for optimism for this ASX small-cap stock

    Markets reacted positively to the results of Aroa Biosurgery yesterday. 

    The stock price closed almost 8% higher at $0.68. 

    Following the results, Bell Potter said ARX’s balance sheet continues to strengthen. 

    We are confident regarding the ongoing performance of the Myriad sales team, while conviction levels surrounding the Tela Bio group are lower. Fortunately 2H is traditionally the stronger sales period for Tela.

    The broker has a buy recommendation on this ASX small-cap stock and a price target of $0.85. 

    From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates an upside of 25%. 

    Elsewhere, TradingView has a 12-month price target of $0.845 and online brokerage platform Selfwealth lists the ASX small-cap stock as undervalued by approximately 30%.

    The post This ASX small-cap stock could be set to rise 25% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Aroa Biosurgery 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 Aroa Biosurgery 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 Aaron Bell 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.

  • A Madison Avenue makeover: Omnicom’s $9 billion merger with IPG is complete

    omnicom john wren
    John Wren's Omnicom has completed its takeover of fellow advertising giant IPG.

    • Advertising giant Omnicom has completed its acquisition of Interpublic Group.
    • The merger creates the largest advertising agency by revenue.
    • Agency holding companies face challenges from emerging tech like AI and new competitors.

    Madison Avenue's makeover is taking shape.

    Omnicom officially completed its acquisition of Interpublic Group on Wednesday, in a $9 billion all-stock deal that creates the largest advertising agency holding company by revenue. The combined company will generate annual revenue exceeding $25 billion, Omnicom said.

    The agency mega-merger, first announced in December, creates a portfolio that unites creative networks such as BBDO and McCann, media buying agencies including OMD and Initiative, and the Omni and Acxiom data platforms.

    In a statement, Omnicom CEO John Wren, who will lead the merged company, said the acquisition marks a "defining moment for our company and our industry."

    "With the completion of the deal, Omnicom is setting a new standard for modern marketing and sales leadership — creating stronger brands, delivering superior business outcomes, and driving sustainable growth," Wren said.

    Omnicom said it will announce its full leadership team on December 1.

    The deal reflects the changing fortunes of Madison Avenue. The holding company landscape, once referred to as the big six — Omnicom, IPG, WPP, Publicis Groupe, Dentsu, and Havas — has now become five.

    One of the theories behind the deal is that being bigger is the best strategy. By merging, Omnicom-IPG can reduce operating costs by consolidating systems, while also leveraging its collective client ad spending from the world's biggest brands to negotiate better deals with media owners and tech platforms.

    However, some industry insiders have said that the deal also highlights how the power of holding companies is being challenged by the emergence of new technologies and competitors. Technology such as generative AI has made it easier for marketers to in-house some of the work they used to outsource to agencies. Newer entrants to the space, including consulting firms, private equity-backed ad networks, and independent agencies, are all vying for marketers' budgets. Marketers, facing macroeconomic pressures such as tariffs and high interest rates, are pushing agencies to produce more work at the same or lower budgets.

    "The industry in general is under attack because clients are finding more efficient ways to make content at scale," said Greg Paull, president of global growth at the media advisory firm MediaSense.

    Even the sector's star performer, Publicis, buoyed by several significant new business wins in recent months, including Mars and Coca-Cola's North American media account, has seen its market value drop by around 19% year-to-date.

    Omnicom's share price has also fallen sharply since the IPG deal was first announced late last year, causing the transaction to drop from an initial valuation of roughly $13 billion. Omnicom shareholders will own around 61% of the combined company, with Interpublic shareholders owning about 39%.

    Agency layoffs have been a constant at companies across the advertising sector. Steve Boehler of the consulting firm Mercer Island Group expects the Omnicom merger will lead to 20,000 job cuts at the combined company, including the layoffs IPG has already made this year.

    Industry analysts anticipate further ad agency consolidation in the coming months.

    Japan-based Dentsu is restructuring its international business — everything outside Japan — which could include a potential sale. Speculation has swirled around the future of WPP amid a recent run of poor financial performance, with newly appointed CEO Cindy Rose tasked with bringing about a turnaround. Earlier this month, media reports suggested Havas was eyeing a bid for WPP. Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré later said in an internal memo, "We are not in discussions with WPP." Industry insiders and analysts have also predicted that advertising companies will continue to be a target for private-equity giants and consulting firms.

    As Omnicom works through the intricacies of its merger to deliver the margins expected by investors, competitors could look to seize the opportunity.

    "It'll look like an interesting time where there are fewer big holding company brands, leaving space in the market for PE-backed and large successful independents to continue to merge and do a better job of attacking that middle-market where there's so much business that isn't getting senior-level attention from the holding companies," Boehler said.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • The next wave of ASX tech winners to buy before 2026

    A group of six work colleagues gather around a computer in an office situation and discuss something on the screen as one man points and others look on with interest

    If there’s one corner of the market that consistently produces long-term wealth, it is technology.

    Sure, 2025 has been volatile for ASX tech stocks, but history shows that the best time to buy future winners is often during periods of uncertainty, not after the recovery has already happened.

    So, if you are looking to position your portfolio for the next phase of tech-led growth heading into 2026, it could be worth checking out the three ASX tech stocks listed below that analysts rate as buys:

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    The first ASX tech stock that could be a long term winner is Megaport.

    Its global software-defined network allows businesses to connect directly to the world’s biggest cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure, with speed and flexibility traditional networks simply can’t match.

    As enterprises accelerate their shift toward hybrid cloud environments and AI workloads require faster, more flexible networking, Megaport sits in the sweet spot of a long-term structural trend. It has also just announced a key acquisition in India, which significantly boosts its addressable market.

    Earlier this week, the team at Morgans upgraded Megaport’s shares to a buy rating with a $17.00 price target.

    NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

    The AI boom isn’t slowing down, and NextDC is one of the clearest beneficiaries on the ASX. Its network of hyperscale data centres is experiencing strong demand from cloud providers, enterprise customers, and AI-driven infrastructure requirements.

    NextDC continues to invest heavily in new facilities, expand its footprint and secure long-term customer commitments. As data usage, cloud adoption and AI modelling continue to surge, the company is positioned for years of sustained growth.

    Macquarie is a fan of the data centre operator. It has an outperform rating and $20.90 price target on its shares.

    Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

    A third ASX tech share that could be destined for big things is Siteminder. It has established itself as one of Australia’s global software-as-a-service success stories.

    Its cloud-based hotel commerce platform now serves tens of thousands of accommodation providers worldwide, helping them manage bookings, pricing, distribution and payments through a single interface.

    The company continues to benefit from the global shift towards digital hotel management. Larger properties are upgrading outdated systems and smaller operators are moving online for the first time.

    With strong annualised recurring revenue, improving margins and a massive international footprint still to penetrate, Siteminder is shaping up as a long-term compounder that the market isn’t fully appreciating yet.

    Macquarie is also a fan of this one. It has an outperform rating and $8.55 price target on its shares.

    The post The next wave of ASX tech winners to buy before 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Megaport 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 Megaport 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 Megaport and Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Megaport, and SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and SiteMinder. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 reasons Telstra shares are a screaming buy right now!

    A cute little kid in a suit pulls a shocked face as he talks on his smartphone.

    Telstra Group Limited (ASX: TLS) shares closed 0.61% lower on Wednesday afternoon, at $4.92 a piece. For the month, the shares are 0.41% higher, and they’re now 25.83% higher than this time last year.

    Right now, I believe the leading Australian telecommunications and technology company is a screaming buy. Here’s why.

    1. Telstra’s dividends provide a reliable passive cashflow

    Telstra has a reputation for handing out large and regular fully franked dividend payments to its shareholders. It’s known for being one of the most reliable options on the index, which is great for any investor seeking a passive income. Telstra has paid out a steadily increasing dividend yield for several years, including during the COVID pandemic period.

    Commsec analysts have forecast that Telstra will pay an annual dividend per share of around 20 cents in FY26. That translates to a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.6%, including franking credits. 

    UBS thinks this could be even higher. The broker is currently forecasting that Telstra could pay an annual dividend per share of 21 cents in FY26 (with further dividend increases in the coming years). This implies the company could deliver a cash dividend yield of 4.2% and a grossed-up dividend yield of 6%, including franking credits, in FY26.

    2. It’s a defensive stock

    A defensive stock is a company that tends to perform steadily, regardless of the stage of the economic cycle. Typically, this is because it provides essential goods or services that people need, regardless of the state of the economy. Telstra falls into this category because, in my view, mobile and internet connections in households and businesses is no longer a luxury but a necessity. 

    This means that if investors hold some defensive stocks, such as Telstra shares, in their share portfolio, it can help hedge against potential risk. It may even act as a safety net in the event of a share market crash. In my view, this is a compelling reason to hold Telstra shares in your portfolio. 

    3. There’s a good potential upside for Telstra shares

    Telstra has heavily invested in its 5G network over the past few years, which has helped the company boost its subscriber base and grow its market share. 

    Tradingview data shows that, out of 9 analysts, 3 have a strong buy rating on Telstra shares. The maximum target price for the stock is $5.40 per share, which, at the time of writing, implies a potential 9.76% upside over the next 12 months.

    The post 3 reasons Telstra shares are a screaming buy right now! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Telstra Corporation 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 Telstra Corporation Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Which ASX dividend shares are brokers recommending to clients?

    A female broker in a red jacket whispers in the ear of a man who has a surprised look on his face as she explains which two ASX 200 shares should do well in today's volatile climate

    Fortunately for income investors in this low interest rate environment, there are many options for them on the Australian share market.

    Two ASX dividend shares that brokers think are in the buy zone right now are listed below. Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Flight Centre could be an ASX dividend share to buy this month.

    That’s the view of analysts at Morgans, who believe that it is worth holding very tightly to this travel agent’s shares.

    The broker believes that when trading conditions return to normal, the upside could be significant for investors. It said:

    FLT’s FY25 result was broadly in line with its recent update. Corporate was weaker than expected while Leisure and Other were stronger. FLT’s guidance for a flat 1H26 was stronger than we expected however it was weaker than consensus. Earnings growth is expected to accelerate in the 2H26 from an improvement in macro-economic conditions and internal business improvement initiatives. We have made minor upgrades to our forecasts.

    We are buyers of FLT during this period of short-term uncertainty and share price weakness because when operating conditions ultimately improve, both its earnings and share price leverage to the upside will be material.

    As for income, Morgans is expecting fully franked dividends of 51 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 58 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on the current Flight Centre share price of $12.71, this would mean dividend yields of 4% and 4.6%, respectively.

    The broker has a buy rating and $15.65 price target on its shares.

    GDI Property Group Ltd (ASX: GDI)

    Another ASX dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by analysts is GDI Property Group. It is an integrated, internally managed commercial property investor.

    Bell Potter is positive on the company and highlights the massive discount that its shares are trading on at present. The broker explains:

    No change to our Buy recommendation. GDI continues to trade at a significant -41% discount to NTA which reflects no value for its FM OpCo, and while the Perth office market recovery could be a ‘slow burn’ with early leasing wins working through for GDI, we do still see upside from current levels which drops straight through to FFO gains

    In respect to dividends, the broker is forecasting payouts of 5 cents per share in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of 65.5 cents, this would mean dividend yields of 7.6% for both years.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and 85 cents price target on its shares.

    The post Which ASX dividend shares are brokers recommending to clients? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre Travel Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Flight Centre Travel Group 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 Flight Centre Travel Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Should I buy Sigma Healthcare shares for the Chemist Warehouse exposure?

    A senior pharmacist talks to a customer at the counter in a shop.

    Owning Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) shares means gaining exposure to several healthcare businesses, including Chemist Warehouse. After dropping 7% since the November peak, I think it’s worth asking whether the business is a buy-the-dip opportunity.

    There are several other businesses in the portfolio, including Amcal and Discount Drug Stores. It’s also a wholesale supplier to other pharmacies.

    Chemist Warehouse has pharmacies in several other countries, including New Zealand, Ireland and Dubai. It’s also working on Chinese locations.

    Let’s take a look at whether this is a good time to invest in Sigma Healthcare shares.

    Expert views on Sigma Healthcare shares

    Broker UBS currently has a buy rating on the business because Chemist Warehouse is on course to drive “multi-year double-digit” earnings per share (EPS) growth.

    UBS notes that the health and beauty market is growing at an estimated 6% per year, and Chemist Warehouse is expected to deliver continued market share gains.

    The broker said that the company’s sales growth, driven by both like-for-like (LFL) sales growth and store network expansion, is delivering operating leverage. The operating profit (EBIT) margin is also benefiting from a rising gross profit margin and the ongoing synergies between Chemist Warehouse and the rest of the Sigma Healthcare business.

    UBS believes the Sigma Healthcare share price and relatively high price/earnings (P/E) ratio are justified because of the potential EPS growth and the fact that it’s capital-light, making the risk-reward dynamic attractive.

    Analysts at UBS predict Chemist Warehouse’s LFL sales growth could accelerate from 10.9% in FY25 to 13.2% in FY26, then a further 10.2% LFL growth in FY27. After that, high single-digit LFL sales growth is expected for FY30.

    Tailwinds that could drive the industry and the company

    Sigma Healthcare shares could benefit from both industry tailwinds and ongoing market share gains in the years to come, according to UBS.

    The broker said there are multiple industry tailwinds, including:

    (1) ageing population; (2) health prioritisation; (3) higher value medicines; and (4) greater category participation and spend per consumer in health & beauty.

    On the prospect of a higher market share, UBS said:

    Chemist Warehouse is likely to continue to gain share as an everyday retailer given its leadership in price & range, regulatory advantages, compliance and omni-channel capabilities. Chemist Warehouse is forecast to maintain 33 store openings as per its historical average due to: (1) franchisor support; (2) acquisitions; and (3) international growth in existing and possibly new markets.

    Price target on Sigma Healthcare shares

    UBS currently has a price target of $3.40 on the ASX healthcare share, implying a potential rise of 16% over the next year. The broker is also expecting the company to pay an annual dividend of 4 cents per share in the 2026 financial year.

    The post Should I buy Sigma Healthcare shares for the Chemist Warehouse exposure? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Sigma Healthcare 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 Sigma Healthcare 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.

  • 2 great ASX shares I’d buy for diversification

    a man's hand places a white egg into a basket of similar white eggs.

    It’s usually a good idea not to put all of one’s investment eggs in one basket. Different ASX shares can provide investors with both good returns and exposure to a variety of sectors, enabling diversification.

    Owning a portfolio of just two businesses isn’t very diversified. But owning two investments that each have a diversified portfolio could be a smart move, particularly if they provide exposure to assets that Aussies don’t typically own.

    In this article, I will discuss one exchange-traded fund (ETF) and one ASX share that’s best known as a listed investment company (LIC).

    Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ)

    There are several different markets that investors can invest in, including the US stock market, the global stock market, emerging markets, Asian shares, and others.

    European shares could be an underrated option for Aussie investors who don’t necessarily want (more) exposure to some areas of the global share market.  

    The VEQ ETF provides exposure to companies listed in major European markets.

    It has more than 1,200 holdings, which is a lot of businesses and good diversification. Some of the world’s most compelling companies are in the portfolio, including ASML, SAP, Astrazeneca, HSBC, Nestle, Roche, Novartis, Shell, Siemens and LVMH.

    The returns of the VEQ ETF have been solid – over the last three years, it has returned an average annual rate of 19%, and in the past five years, it has returned an average annual rate of 14.5%. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

    I should note that I’m calling this an ASX share because it’s about investing in shares, and we can buy it on the ASX.

    I view its sector allocation as more compelling than the ASX 200, with the VEQ ETF having the following weightings: financials (23.1%), industrials (19.8%), healthcare (12.9%), consumer discretionary (9.4%), technology (8.6%), consumer staples (8%), energy (5.1%), basic materials (4.5%), utilities (4.4%), telecommunications (2.7%) and real estate (1.6%).

    Finally, I’ll note the country allocation is pleasing because of how many markets it’s invested in such as the UK (23.3% of the portfolio), France (14.5%), Germany (13.9%), Switzerland (13.7%), the Netherlands (7%), Sweden (5.6%), Spain (5.5%), Italy (5.4%), Denmark (2.9%), Belgium (1.8%), Finland (1.8%), Norway (1.2%) and more.

    MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

    MFF has spent most of its life as a pure LIC, but it recently acquired a funds management business called Montaka, so it now has an operational element (and a broader investment research team).

    The main value of the business is based on its portfolio of mostly international shares. Some of its largest holdings include Mastercard, Visa, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms and Microsoft.  

    The ASX share has the flexibility to invest in various markets and different-sized businesses. For example, it recently invested in L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G), a promising fund manager that is significantly smaller than Microsoft and the other major tech companies.

    It has been trading at a discount of around 10% to its net tangible assets (NTA) in recent times, which I believe is an appealing valuation for purchase.

    With a growing dividend, there’s a lot to like about the business for diversification and potential returns.

    The post 2 great ASX shares I’d buy for diversification appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mff Capital Investments right now?

    Before you buy Mff Capital Investments 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 Mff Capital Investments 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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    HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Mff Capital Investments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended AstraZeneca Plc, HSBC Holdings, Nestlé, Roche Holding AG, and SAP and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Meta Platforms, Mff Capital Investments, Microsoft, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.