• Time to buy? This ASX 200 media share hasn’t been this cheap in 5 years

    A couple stares at the tv in shock, with the man holding the remote up ready to press a button.

    This ASX 200 media share has been knocked around for years. On Tuesday, Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) went to a new 5-year low at $1.09 per share.  

    Advertising shift to Google and Meta

    The media group behind Channel 9, Stan, The Sydney Morning Herald and Australian Financial Review has seen its share price gradually sink to multi-year lows. The reason for the downfall of the ASX 200 media share is weakening advertising demand and a bleak outlook for traditional media.

    The intense shift of advertising dollars to global tech giants such as Google and Meta continues to threaten Australian media groups like Nine Entertainment.

    Analysts are particularly concerned about Nine’s reliance on its television business, which is vulnerable to a decline in the advertising market.

    In its latest trading update on 7 November, the board of the media company flagged that the TV advertising market remains soft and short for the run into Christmas. This will impact revenues in both September and October and has been a reason for some brokers to cut revenue estimates for 2026 from $2.7 billion to $2.3 billion.

    Strong multimedia brands

    Yet, most analysts argue that the sell-off has gone too far. Nine may be better positioned for recovery than the market currently believes.

    Founded as a free-to-air broadcaster, Nine Entertainment has evolved into a multimedia business, spanning television, print, radio, digital publishing, streaming and events. The ASX 200 media share has diversified revenue streams, strong brands and a comparatively healthy balance sheet.

    Nine’s biggest strength remains audience reach and brand trust. Across news, entertainment and sport, the company maintains national visibility. That’s something that advertisers continue to value, even in softer markets.

    Digital buffers traditional TV

    Nine says its digital and subscription arms, particularly through 9Now and Stan, have helped to cushion declines in traditional TV advertising.

    Operating efficiencies introduced over the past 18 months have also supported cash generation. As a result, Nine management expects further EBITDA growth in the first half of FY26 compared to H1 FY25.

    What do analysts say?

    After a bruising year, Nine Entertainment is no guaranteed turnaround story. The advertising market may not rebound quickly, and streaming competition won’t be any easier for Nine Entertainment.  

    Most analysts don’t think that Nine’s share price will go much lower than what it is now. In the past 6 months the ASX 200 media share has lost 30.4% in value and compared to the end of August the share price is even 72.5% lower. The majority of the brokers see Nine Entertainment at this low price level as a buy.

    However, in recent weeks, most brokers did downgrade their 12-months price target to an average of $1.44, which suggests a 32% upside at the current share price. This may be the moment for value-focused investors to tune back in.

    The post Time to buy? This ASX 200 media share hasn’t been this cheap in 5 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Nine Entertainment Co. 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 Nine Entertainment Co. 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 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 recommended Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Takeover bid in the wings for this major self storage outfit

    Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.

    Shares in the $3.2 billion National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR) have been placed in a trading halt ahead of an announcement about a potential bid for the company.

    The company on Wednesday morning asked that its shares be placed in a trading halt pending an announcement, “in relation to a potential control transaction for all of NSR’s stapled securities”.

    The trading halt will remain in place until an announcement is made or until the start of trade on 28 November, the statement to the ASX said.

    Bid being pulled together

    The Australian is reporting that investment firms Brookfield and GIC are in negotiations with NSR, but that a deal has not been finalised.

    NSR listed on the ASX in late 2013, with the company’s Chair, Anthony Keane, telling the company’s annual general meeting last month that total returns to shareholders since that time had been more than 330%.

    He went on to say:

    Our compound annual growth rate for both our underlying earnings and total revenue of over 20% per annum over the last 11 years, stands as one of the best and most consistently performing (listed property trusts) over this period.  

    Mr Keane said the company now operated more than 280 storage centres in every state and territory across Australia and New Zealand.

    As he said:

    We are not a passive rent collector. Our business spans multiple retal areas including revenue management, the operation of multisite, geographically diverse businesses, SEO … marketing, AI and call centre operation to name a few focus areas.

    Growth plans afoot

    Mr Keane said the company had spent $664 million on growth projects in FY25 across acquisitions, completed developments, and expansion opportunities.

    This is unrivalled in the Australian and New Zealand markets and underpins our exceptional and unique ability to identify, execute and capitalise upon key opportunities in the self-storage sector. Our significantly expedited development pipeline has over 50 current and future development projects comprising approximately 49,000 square metres of new lettable area that is expected to be completed and brought online over the next two to three years. This reflects NSR’s increasing focus on high value accretive new development opportunities and will allow us to further build on our advantages of critical mass and economies of scale in the coming years.  

    NSR also owns a 4.78% stake in fellow storage provider Abacus Storage King Ltd (ASX: ASK).

    NSR shares last changed hands at $2.26, in the midpoint of their trading range over the past 12 months, which is $2.05-$2.55.

    The post Takeover bid in the wings for this major self storage outfit 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 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.

  • Is Telstra stock a buy for its 6% dividend yield?

    A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.

    Owning Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) stock over the last five years has been a rewarding experience, marked by a rising Telstra share price and increasing dividends. After climbing more than 55% in the past five years, it’s worth asking whether the ASX telco share is a buy today for the dividend yield.

    After a difficult period in the second half of the 2010s, when the ownership of the wire infrastructure shifted to the NBN, Telstra has emerged from the COVID-19 period with earnings heading in the right direction.

    The outlook for further profit growth appears promising, and passive income payments are expected to continue rising.

    Analysts predict more growth

    In FY25, the company reported a total income growth of 0.7% to $23.6 billion and a rise in earnings per share (EPS) of 3.2% to 19.1 cents. Cash EPS increased by 12% to 22.4 cents, demonstrating strong underlying business growth. EPS is a key factor in determining the valuation of Telstra stock and the company’s dividend yield.

    Mobile service revenue climbed by 3.5%, with operating profit (EBITDA) climbing by 5% to $5.3 billion. This was driven by both the growth of mobile handheld users and sustained average revenue per user (ARPU) growth.

    When the ARPU rises, it can drive margins higher because of the operating leverage of its financials. There was a 2.5% rise for postpaid handheld users, an 8.4% growth for prepaid handheld users, and a 5% growth for wholesale users.

    Analysts at UBS predict that the company’s EPS can climb from 19 cents in FY25 to 22 cents in FY26, suggesting an increase of roughly 15%. That would be an impressive rise if that happens.

    UBS expects mobile revenue growth of 3% in FY26, although the broker is predicting slower subscriber growth now than it did before seeing the FY25 results.

    The broker also projects the ASX telco share will generate cash earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to climb by 9% to $4.7 billion. Pleasingly, the broker expects a rise in both the EBIT margin and return on invested capital (ROIC) in each of the years between FY26 and FY30.

    Is the Telstra stock price a buy for the dividend yield?

    UBS analysts are currently forecasting that Telstra could pay an annual dividend per share of 21 cents in the 2026 financial year (with further dividend increases in the coming years).

    This means the company could deliver a cash dividend yield of 4.2% and a grossed-up dividend yield of 6%, including franking credits, in FY26.

    The potential dividend yield is attractive to me for generating passive income; it’s considerably better than what term deposits are currently paying.

    In terms of potential share price growth for Telstra stock, UBS has a neutral rating on the ASX telco share, indicating there may be better opportunities for possible capital gains.

    The post Is Telstra stock a buy for its 6% dividend yield? 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 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 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.

  • My best ASX stocks to invest $2,000 in right now

    A group of businesspeople clapping.

    When markets get choppy, many investors sit on the sidelines waiting for conditions to get better.

    But long-term wealth is built by doing the opposite, buying high-quality stocks when uncertainty drags their share prices lower.

    Right now, two ASX giants have been sold off heavily in 2025, despite continuing to strengthen their underlying businesses.

    If I had $2,000 to put to work today, these ASX stocks would be at the top of my list.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    It is not often Australia’s biotech champion trades at this kind of discount. CSL shares are down sharply this year, falling close to 40% from their peak as investors react to slower margin recovery at CSL Behring, uncertainty around the planned spin-off of Seqirus, and noise surrounding potential US tariffs.

    But despite this, the underlying fundamentals remain strong. CSL continues to benefit from rising global demand for plasma-derived therapies, with long-term demographic and healthcare trends firmly in its favour. Its pipeline is expanding, its US manufacturing investment is progressing, and the company remains one of the most profitable and resilient healthcare businesses in the world.

    Importantly, CSL’s valuation has reset to levels not seen in a decade. At roughly 20x earnings, the stock is trading at a meaningful discount to its historical averages. Unsurprisingly, many major brokers now see significant upside, with price targets far above current levels.

    For example, UBS has a buy rating and $275.00 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of 50%.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Another ASX stock that could be a great option for a $2,000 investment is WiseTech Global. It has also experienced a rare pullback in 2025, despite continuing to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most important logistics software companies.

    Its CargoWise platform is embedded across global supply chains, used by many of the largest freight forwarders and logistics operators across Europe, Asia and North America.

    The company’s recurring revenue model, sticky customer base, and history of disciplined acquisitions have made it one of the ASX’s most consistent tech performers over the past decade. And with global freight complexity increasing, WiseTech’s software is becoming more essential, not less.

    Despite this, the share price has been volatile this year and that volatility offers an attractive entry point according to many brokers.

    Morgans is one of them. It has a buy rating and $127.60 price target on the company’s shares.

    The post My best ASX stocks to invest $2,000 in right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CSL 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 CSL 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 CSL and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. 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.

  • This furniture outfit has delivered a big miss on sales expectations, with its shares smashed as a result

    Exhausted young Caucasian woman lying on comfortable sofa in living room sleeping after hard-working day, tired millennial female fall asleep on couch at home, take nap or daydream, fatigue concept

    Furniture company Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) says it is delivering solid market share gains, with revenue up 18% for the year to date. However, its shares were smashed in early trade, selling down more than 30% on the open.

    The company is due to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, with Chief Executive Officer Mark Coulter stating in a release to the ASX that revenue from July 1 to November 20 was up 18% compared to the previous corresponding period.

    Mr Coulter added:

    Key leading indicators and customer cohort performance are trending positively, with average order values up 3% vs the pcp, active customers at record levels, and the proportion of orders from repeat customers continuing to increase.

    Mr Coulter said the home improvement business “continues to outperform”, with growth tracking at 40% over the previous period, while trade and commercial was also doing well, with growth sitting at 23%.

    He added:

    In terms of outlook, our focus remains on delivering revenue growth within our target range for FY26 and we remain on track to achieve our mid-term goal of $1 billion in annual revenue. We reaffirm our EBITDA margin guidance of 3 – 5%, and with a cash position of over $150 million, our on-market share buy-back program is in place and ready to be deployed.

    Growth not strong enough

    While the growth numbers reported were strong in isolation, RBC Capital Markets said in a note to clients that consensus estimates were for even stronger growth of 23% across the whole of the company’s first half.

    As the broker said:

    Temple & Webster’s AGM update revealed top-line growth in 1H26-to-date tracking behind consensus expectations. The market may be disappointed by this update. With December typically a quieter month for (the company), and the business yet to cycle the key Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales period, we see potential risk for further deceleration over the remainder of the half.

    Temple & Webster shares were pushed as low as $13.71 on Wednesday morning, down 32.9% from the previous close, before recovering to be 25.5% lower at $15.

    RBC still has a price target of $26 on the stock, while analysts at Bell Potter recently upgraded the stock, although this was prior to the most recent trading update.

    The Bell Potter team said they remained optimistic about the first half, given data from comparable retailer Mocka, which is part of competitor Adairs Group Ltd (ASX: ADH), as well as recent online spend data from Australia Post.

    Bell Potter, at the time of writing their report in late October, had a price target of $28 on Temple & Webster shares.

    The post This furniture outfit has delivered a big miss on sales expectations, with its shares smashed as a result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Temple & Webster Group Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Temple & Webster Group Ltd 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 Temple & Webster Group Ltd 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 positions in and has recommended Adairs and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • A Marriott executive says the hotel chain is betting big on this market

    John Toomey, Marriott International's chief commercial officer, is wearing a suit with a blue tie and holding a pair of glasses.
    "It is an absolutely exploding economy and democracy," John Toomey, Marriott International's chief commercial officer, said of the hospitality giant's bet on India.

    • John Toomey joined Marriott in 1996 and is the hotel chain's chief commercial officer.
    • Toomey said Marriott is betting big on India, with more than 150 hotels set to open there.
    • He said India's young and increasingly affluent population was a strong motivator for Marriott.

    India is set to become Marriott International's next big growth bet.

    The hotel chain's chief commercial officer, John Toomey, said in an interview with Business Insider that Marriott is looking to double its footprint in India, from 48 to 90 cities.

    India "is an absolutely exploding economy and democracy," said Toomey, who has worked at Marriott for nearly three decades.

    In his current role, Toomey oversees over 650 Marriott-run hotels in the Asia Pacific, excluding China. He said Marriott has over 150 hotels in the pipeline in India, in addition to the 160 hotels it operates now.

    Marriott's growth in India follows several analysts' reports in recent years, talking about travel having growth potential in the subcontinent.

    McKinsey said in a 2023 report that India's fast-growing economy would help position it as an "important global source market for leisure travel."

    A market with a young and affluent population

    Toomey said India holds a "tremendous growth opportunity" for Marriott.

    "A large, young, and increasingly affluent population, coupled with government investments in infrastructure and connectivity, is driving both domestic and international tourism," he said. "We see strong demand from middle- and upper-class travelers, who are seeking premium experiences across the country."

    Domestic travelers make up the bulk of Marriott's customer base in India, he said, adding that tourism in India is expected to boom over the next decade.

    And Marriott is not just betting on big metropolitan cities.

    "While we continue to strengthen our presence in major cosmopolitan hubs such as Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore, we are equally committed to expanding into tier two and three cities through initiatives like Series by Marriott, which is set to add 115 properties to our portfolio," he said.

    "Series by Marriott" is a collection of independent and regional hotel brands that have been brought under the Marriott umbrella. It was launched in May.

    Toomey also said Marriott's plans for India were largely driven by developments in the country's infrastructure and travel industry.

    "I remember a time, maybe 10 years ago, when they had 50 airports. They are at 150 airports, and they are going to add another 200," he said.

    One of the biggest challenges of operating in India is the country's diversity. India has 28 states and eight union territories, with over 100 languages spoken across the country. Its landscape ranges from deserts and tropical jungles to snowcapped mountains.

    "There is no one-size-fits-all approach; each region, city, and even property may require a tailored approach to meet guest expectations," he said.

    Toomey's comments come as the Indian travel market looks set to boom in the years to come.

    "If India follows China's outbound travel trajectory (which it could, due to similarity in population size and per capita income trajectory), then Indian tourists could make 80 million to 90 million trips a year by 2040," McKinsey wrote in 2023, adding that Indian tourists had made 13 million trips in 2022.

    In 2022, Morgan Stanley said in a report that India's consumption of goods and services, including leisure and recreation, would double to $4.9 trillion, from $2 trillion in 2022, by the end of the decade.

    An estimated 1.4 billion tourists traveled internationally in 2024, an 11% increase from 2023, per UN Tourism's World Tourism Barometer. UN Tourism said it expected international tourism arrival numbers to grow by 3% to 5% this year.

    China still matters

    Toomey told Business Insider that Marriott's plans for India aren't coming at the expense of other Asian markets such as China.

    "I wouldn't say it's over for China. At the start of the decade, China was a big bet, and it still is today," he said.

    "China remains one of the top source markets for travelers heading to countries like Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, you name it," he added.

    Toomey said Marriott's expansion plans for India were inspired by what they had learned from operating in the Chinese market.

    "I feel that India is in a similar position to where China was 10 to 15 years ago," he said.

    "When you look at the budding population of 1.4 billion people surpassing China's, and a democracy that gives its citizens the freedom to travel where they want, we just feel that India is going to be massive," he continued.

    Besides increasing its number of hotels, Toomey said Marriott has been broadening its partnerships with local partners in India. This includes launching a co-branded hotel credit card with India's HDFC Bank. In August, Marriott announced a joint loyalty program with the Indian e-commerce giant, Flipkart.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Buy low candidates: Two of the worst-performing ASX 200 stocks this year

    Three business people stand on platforms in the desert and look out through telescopes.

    Much of my time as an investor is spent reading about S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock market winners, wishing I’d invested in Nvidia five years ago, and panicking over tariffs. 

    But the truth is, success comes from buying solid companies at a relative value and holding for the long term. 

    So while it’s fun to speculate on a pre-profitable penny stock going to the moon, it’s probably a more valuable use of time to look at blue-chip companies that offer value. 

    While there’s no guarantee these companies bounce back, here are two well-known ASX 200 companies that have fallen the most in 2025 and could present a buy-low opportunity. 

    James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

    James Hardie is the world’s leading producer and marketer of fibre cement building products. It is also a major supplier of fibre gypsum and cement-bonded boards in Europe. 

    Its share price has tumbled more than 42% in 2025. 

    This included a single-day drop of 27% back in August, following the company’s first-quarter FY26 results. 

    However, there is reason for optimism, as this ASX 200 stock saw a 9% recovery last week following its Q2 FY26 results.

    The company posted a 34% increase in net sales over the prior corresponding period, and EBITDA rose 25%. 

    Recent analysis from brokers suggests that this blue-chip stock may be significantly undervalued following its challenging year. 

    The team at Morgans has a $35.50 price target on this ASX 200 stock. 

    From yesterday’s closing price of $28.78, this indicates an upside of approximately 23%. 

    Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

    Everyone’s favourite on-the-go burrito chain has seen its stock price almost cut in half in 2025. 

    Earlier this year, this ASX 200 stock hit yearly highs of more than $45 per share. 

    Last week, Guzman y Gomez shares hit an all-time low of $21.89 a piece. 

    Today, shares are hovering around $22. 

    Overall, year to date, Guzman y Gomez shares have fallen 45%. 

    So could these shares be a bargain? Or should investors stay away?

    It seems the fall in share price is more about investor sentiment than financial concern. 

    It has consistently been one of the most shorted stocks on the ASX this month. 

    However, back in August, the restaurant operator reported its FY25 results. It posted a 23% year-on-year increase in global reported sales. It also recorded a 45.5% increase in EBITDA, and a 151.8% surge in net profits after tax (NPAT). 

    Last month, analysis from Macquarie indicated that market expectations were overly re-based, with the current share price offering an attractive entry point. 

    The broker suggested the stock price was inflated post-IPO, and this has now been overcorrected. 

    Macquarie initiated coverage with a price target of $31.10.

    This indicates an upside of 41.56%. 

    Foolish Takeaway

    It’s important that investors are aware that struggling stocks like these are struggling for a reason. 

    There may not be a magical turnaround. 

    However, it’s worthwhile for investors to monitor not only share market winners, but also stocks that may present long-term value. 

    The post Buy low candidates: Two of the worst-performing ASX 200 stocks this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Guzman Y Gomez right now?

    Before you buy Guzman Y Gomez 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 Guzman Y Gomez 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.

  • 2 top ASX shares I’d buy with $2,000 right now

    Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.

    There are several high-quality ASX-listed share investments available for Australians to invest in. The two I’ll highlight today are two of the best that investors can buy.

    I strongly believe that long-term winners are likely to continue winning due to their sound economics, competitive advantages, and ability to generate revenue growth in various ways.

    If I were investing $2,000 today, the two ideas below would be right at the top of my list.  

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    Xero is a leading cloud accounting software business which has managed to capture a strong market share in a number of countries, particularly New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

    With the world moving increasingly towards technology and digital tax reporting, this seems like a business benefiting from strong tailwinds.

    The company has an annual subscriber loyalty rate of around 99%, which suggests subscribers love the software. This low churn rate means the company has locked in significant revenue for the long term while also giving it the power to regularly increase prices without losing many subscribers.

    I believe the rising average revenue per user (ARPU) is a key reason to think the company’s earnings can continue growing for a long time to come. In the HY26 result, Xero’s ARPU rose 15%, helping annualised monthly recurring revenue (AMRR) grow 26% to $2.7 billion, net profit increased 42% and free cash flow surged 54% higher.

    If the business can continue to win more global subscribers, deliver a higher ARPU, and achieve a stronger net profit after tax margin, then I’ll continue to believe it’s one of the best ASX shares to own for the long term.

    VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

    I think this exchange-traded fund (ETF) is one of the most effective ways to invest in high-quality shares around the world.

    I’m calling this an ASX share because we buy it on the ASX, and it gives exposure to shares. It actually has a stake in 300 companies, making it very effectively diversified, in my opinion.

    These companies come from across a range of geographies and sectors, which means it’s very effective at ticking the diversification box.

    But, it’s not just about diversification. For me, the most important element of this fund is that it invests in high-quality businesses that are judged on three characteristics – a high return on equity (ROE), earnings stability and low financial leverage.

    The QUAL ETF has performed strongly with this investment strategy, achieving an average return per year of 14.4% over the last decade. While it’s not guaranteed how it’ll perform in the next decade, I think it has a very promising future with great holdings.

    I’m planning to increase my investment in this ETF in the coming weeks.

    The post 2 top ASX shares I’d buy with $2,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Xero 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 Xero 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 Tristan Harrison has positions in VanEck Msci International Quality ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • If I invest $10,000 in Fortescue shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026?

    Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.

    Owning Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares has been extremely fruitful for dividend income over the last several years, thanks to the high level of profits it achieved and the low price/earnings (P/E) ratio it typically trades at.

    The ASX mining share is heavily dependent on the iron ore price, which is currently above US$100 per tonne, enabling a solid level of profit generation for the business.

    Indeed, the commodity price is pleasing enough for broker UBS to estimate that Fortescue could achieve a net profit of US$4 billion in FY26, representing a solid increase from FY25.

    While the new Simandou project in Africa could be a headwind for the iron ore price over the next few years, I don’t think it will have a noticeable negative impact in 2026. Let’s take a look at how much passive income owners of Fortescue shares could receive in 2026 with a $10,000 investment.

    Passive income projection

    If broker UBS is correct with its forecast profit figure, that could mean the business is also able to grow its dividend per share for investors in FY26, which would be great. Resource businesses usually base their passive income payments on a dividend payout ratio derived from net profit.

    UBS currently projects that owners of Fortescue shares could receive an annual dividend per share of $1.29 in the 2026 financial year. That means the business could deliver a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.8%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

    There are few ASX blue-chip shares that offer a dividend yield anywhere near what Fortescue could pay in the current financial year.

    Of course, the iron ore price will play a significant role in determining how much cash Fortescue has to distribute to shareholders in the coming months.

    With that level of payout, owning $10,000 of Fortescue shares could lead to around $880 of passive income (including the franking credits).

    Is the Fortescue share price a buy?

    Commenting on its views on the iron ore market, UBS said:

    Fundamentals have been tighter than expected on a range of factors… However, we continue to expect the fundamentals to ease as Simandou ramps up over the next 3yrs, with first tonnes Nov-25. We expect low grade discounts to stay narrow, bolstering FMG’s realisations as low grade tonnes will be needed to blend down high grade material from Simandou. 2) Macro: China’s economic outlook will also be pivotal and we continue to monitor key indicators. US trade policy will also be key.

    UBS currently has a neutral rating on the ASX mining share, with a price target of $20. That suggests a possible slight decline over the next year, but it also indicates that the Fortescue share price can maintain the gains it has achieved this year (it’s up more than 10% in 2025 to date).

    The post If I invest $10,000 in Fortescue shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Fortescue Metals 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 Fortescue Metals 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 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.

  • Why is this top ASX 200 gold stock crashing 15% on Wednesday?

    Man sitting at desk in front of PC with his head in hands after looking atA worried man holds his head and look at his computer as the Megaport share price crashes today

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) is taking a dive on Wednesday.

    West African shares just emerged from a lengthy trading halt this morning.

    The ASX 200 gold stock last traded on 27 August, when shares closed the day at $3.04.

    In early morning trade today, West African shares are changing hands for $2.58 apiece, down 15.1%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1% at this same time, while the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 1.1%.

    Why did West African Resources pause trading in August?

    Before market open on 28 August, West African notified the market that it was temporarily pausing trading. A temporary pause that since drew out to almost three months.

    The ASX 200 gold stock, whose shares were up 106.8% year to date at the time, said it was entering the trading halt as it prepared to announce a request from the Burkina Faso government to acquire, “for valuable paid consideration”, an additional 35% of the miner’s subsidiary Kiaka SA, which owns the recently constructed Kiaka gold project.

    Today, investors received that announcement.

    Here’s what we know.

    ASX 200 gold stock tumbles on sovereign risk

    Following lengthy negotiations, investors look to be selling down West African shares today as few concrete results appear to have been achieved, leaving more negotiations and uncertainties on the horizon.

    The ASX 200 gold stock said that following the Burkina Faso government’s request to acquire a larger equity interest in Kiaka SA, it has held discussions with the government aimed at promoting the long-term growth of the nation’s gold mining industry.

    While no new deals look to have been reached, West African Resources said the government has affirmed its commitment to reaching an outcome that respects the legitimate interests of all parties.

    Management noted that West African’s Sanbrado and Toega gold projects, both located in Burkina Faso, have not been part of the discussions.

    As an alternate to the government acquiring more equity in new and previously closed gold projects, like the Kiaka project, West African Resources said it has proposed that the government increase both national participation and its revenue from these projects.

    What did management say?

    West African Resources Chairman and CEO Richard Hyde recently returned from discussions in Burkina Faso.

    Commenting on the ongoing negotiations that look to be pressuring the ASX 200 gold stock today, Hyde said, “We appreciate the constructive engagement and continued support of the government of Burkina Faso.”

    According to Hyde:

    Our discussions regarding the ownership structure of our recently constructed Kiaka Project have reflected a shared vision to develop a strong and sustainable mining industry that benefits the Burkinabe people and delivers long-term value for all stakeholders. Sanbrado and Toega have not been part of these discussions.

    Hyde added:

    Operations at Sanbrado and Kiaka have remained unaffected throughout this engagement with the Government. We remain on track to achieve group production guidance of 290,000 to 360,000 ounces gold in calendar year 2025.

    The post Why is this top ASX 200 gold stock crashing 15% on Wednesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in West African Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy West African Resources 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 West African Resources 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 Bernd Struben 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.