Sometimes winning isn’t about sprinting. It’s about starting early, and this ASX dividend share looks like it’s back in the race.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) shares have declined by 17% in value over the past 12 months. Since the end of August, the ASX dividend share has experienced a steady decline to $22.80 at the time of writing.

Many analysts believe now is the time to consider the seventh largest ASX 200 healthcare share by market capitalisation.

Plumber of modern medicine

Sonic Healthcare made its name doing the unglamorous but essential stuff: pathology and diagnostic imaging. It specialises in blood tests, biopsies, and scans — the plumbing of modern medicine.

It’s boring, sure. But boring can be beautiful when cash flows are steady, and demand refuses to go away.

After riding a pandemic sugar hit, the ASX dividend share spent the past couple of years sobering up. COVID testing revenue faded, margins tightened, and investors wandered off in search of shinier stories.

Ageing population, healthy balance

Expectations around Sonic Healthcare are now lower, and that’s often where opportunity sneaks in. Its underlying business is solid with a healthy balance sheet, the company has a bright future fuelled by an ageing global population, and it reported sound full-year results.

In FY 2025, the company delivered revenue of $9.6 billion, up 8% year over year. The net profit increased by 7% to $514 million, and EBITDA rose 8%, while operating cash flow also surged by 21%.

The ASX stock has leveraged its strong cash flows – bolstered during the COVID pandemic – to fund acquisitions in Germany and the US, as well as investments in digital pathology and AI. This could drive future growth.

Risks? Plenty. Government funding pressures, wage inflation, and regulatory changes can all bite.

What do analysts think?

According to Bell Potter, the ASX dividend share is a good choice for investors seeking income opportunities. The broker expects Sonic Healthcare’s earnings to rise due to cost-cutting, recent acquisitions, and increased activity at its labs and clinics returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Bell Potter forecasts dividends of $1.09 per share in FY 2026 and $1.11 in FY 2027. With Sonic shares currently at $22.80, this would result in a dividend yield of 4.8% and 4.9%.

The broker has assigned a buy rating and a $33.30 price target to its shares. Based on the share price at the time of writing, this implies a potential upside of 33% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter is on the bullish side, as the average 12-month target price is $26.51. However, that still points to a 16% upside and could bring the total gain in 2026 to well over 20%.

The post Start the new year bright by snapping up this ASX dividend share 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT) share price is in focus after the company announced it will acquire QT Auckland for NZ$87.5 million (~A$76 million), strengthening its owned hotel portfolio and extending its QT brand presence in the region.

What did EVT report?

• Acquisition of QT Auckland, a 150-room premium lifestyle hotel, for NZ$87.5 million (~A$76 million)
• Strategic expansion aligns with hotel division growth strategy and asset ownership in key city locations
• Divestment of Rydges Geelong for $24.5 million as part of capital recycling initiative
• Completion of both transactions expected early in the 2026 calendar year
• QT Auckland has won multiple industry awards since opening in 2020

What else do investors need to know?

This acquisition secures long-term brand presence for EVT in Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct precinct—an area popular with business and leisure travellers. The purchase cements EVT’s strategic approach to focus on high-performing hotels in major city locations.

Funds from the sale of Rydges Geelong, described as a non-core asset, will be redirected to support this investment. EVT’s asset recycling program is designed to strengthen its property portfolio and improve profitability by investing in flagship locations.

The QT brand continues to grow both locally and internationally, with new openings such as QT Singapore and plans for QT Parramatta to open in 2027.

What did EVT management say?

EVT CEO Jane Hastings said:

We are pleased to secure ownership of one of our flagship QT hotels, reinforcing our commitment to growing earnings from owned hotel assets and advancing our broader hotel brand strategy. This investment also complements the upcoming conversion of our Queenstown property to the QT brand, which will be an exceptional property in one of our strongest markets, with Auckland serving as a key feeder market for international visitors to Queenstown.

What’s next for EVT?

Looking ahead, EVT plans to complete both the QT Auckland acquisition and the Rydges Geelong sale in early 2026, subject to conditions being met. The company aims to drive further growth with its asset-light QT brand expansion, hotel management agreements, and innovative brand extensions such as qtQT cabins.

Management has highlighted a focus on portfolio optimisation, international market entry, and ongoing capital recycling to maximise returns for shareholders. The opening of QT Parramatta and further brand rollouts are expected to complement the Group’s growth strategy.

EVT share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, EVT shares have risen 15%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post EVT buys QT Auckland in $87.5m deal: hotel portfolio gets a boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

When it comes to building long-term wealth, few things are as powerful as reliable dividends paid by high-quality businesses.

While share prices will always move around, companies with strong earnings and a commitment to returning cash to shareholders can provide investors with peace of mind through all market cycles.

If I were building a portfolio designed to last decades, these are three ASX dividend shares I would be comfortable buying and holding forever.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is one of the most dependable income stocks on the Australian share market. As a leading owner and operator of energy infrastructure, it generates stable, regulated cash flows that are largely insulated from economic ups and downs.

Its portfolio spans gas pipelines, electricity transmission assets, and power generation, with long-term contracts that provide excellent visibility over future earnings. This stability has allowed APA to steadily grow its distributions over time, making it a favourite among income-focused investors.

In fact, it has gone almost two decades with consecutive annual dividend increases.

Overall, I like this ASX dividend share due to its predictability, inflation-linked revenues, and a business model that supports consistent payouts year after year.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

In recent years, Telstra has quietly re-established itself as a core ASX dividend share for investors. As Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, it benefits from essential infrastructure, a dominant mobile network, and recurring revenue from its millions of customers.

Ongoing investment in 5G, network reliability, and cost efficiency has strengthened Telstra’s earnings base, helping underpin its dividend outlook. Importantly, connectivity demand continues to grow, even during weaker economic periods, which supports Telstra’s defensive characteristics.

For investors seeking income with lower volatility, Telstra could be the one to choose.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Finally, Universal Store might look different to traditional ASX dividend shares, but it earns its place here through growth-supported income. The youth fashion retailer has built a scalable store network, strong private-label penetration, and disciplined cost control, even in challenging retail conditions.

Unlike many retailers, Universal Store continues to generate solid free cash flow despite the tough consumer backdrop and has been able to return a meaningful portion of earnings to shareholders.

And with the company having a significant store rollout and private label opportunity, its future looks very bright. As a result, I think this is an ASX dividend share worth buying and holding for the long term.

The post 3 strong ASX dividend shares I would buy and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Apa Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are plenty of indexes Aussie investors track to measure their portfolio performance. Here in Australia, the benchmark index is the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

It is made up of the 200 largest Australian companies based on market cap.

It is heavily weighted towards Australia’s largest companies like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and mining giants like BHP Group (ASX: BHP). 

Because these companies are significantly larger than most of the others, the ASX 200 index is largely influenced by how these blue-chip companies perform. 

For example, CBA is twice as big as the next largest bank and almost 5x larger than the 11th largest company listed on the ASX. 

How did the ASX 200 perform this year

The ASX 200 index started the year at 8,201 points. 

It dropped significantly from February to early April, declining more than 14% in that span. 

This was largely due to a strong sell-off in early April as investors reacted to Tariff news from the US. 

After this initial panic, the ASX 200 steadily recovered. 

Prior to Christmas eve, it closed trading at 8,795.70 points, which is an overall rise of 7.25% for the year. 

Overall this sits just below, but close to an average year for the index. 

Motley Fool research shows the ASX 200 has compounded at roughly 9% per annum over the last 10 years, dividends included.

How does this compare to the US?

Two of the key indexes investors pay close attention to in the US are the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) and the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX). 

The first, the S&P 500 index, is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. 

The index includes 500 leading companies and covers approximately 80% of available market capitalisation.

Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 Index includes 100 of the world’s largest non-financial companies listed on the broader Nasdaq sharemarket. 

As a collection of dynamic companies at the forefront of innovation, the Nasdaq 100 Index has come to represent the ‘new economy’. 

This year, the S&P 500 Index has risen 17.21%. 

Meanwhile, the NASDAQ-100 Index has risen 21.39%. 

Since 1985 (until December 2024), the NASDAQ-100 index has provided an average annual return of 14.25%, compared to 11.57% for the S&P 500. 

How do investors get exposure?

For investors looking to track these Australian and global indexes, there are many ASX ETFs to choose from. 

For exposure to the ASX 200, some options include: 

• BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)
• iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)
• SPDR S&P/asx 200 Fund (ASX: STW)

To track the S&P 500: 

• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (ASX: SPY)

To track the NASDAQ 100, investors can consider: 

• BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
• Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HNDQ)

The post Did the ASX 200, NASDAQ 100, or S&P 500 perform better this year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF – Currency Hedged, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Although I’m technically a few decades away from the traditional retirement age, I’m already planning for a life beyond 9-5. That planning involves investing in ASX shares that will hopefully be paying my bills one day. There’s one stock in my portfolio that I have placed a lot of faith in to get me there faster. I have every confidence that this Australian stock will be worth $1 million alone one day.

That stock is investing house Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL), a stock that has been on the ASX for more than a century.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson, or Soul Patts for short, is a company that functions more like an investor itself than a producer of goods or services. It owns a vast underlying portfolio of assets that it manages on behalf of its investors. These assets consist of stakes in other ASX shares, property, venture capital investments and private credit, amongst others.

Soul Patts has been a proven Australian stock market performer for many years now. Back in September, the company told investors that it had delivered a total shareholder return (growth plus dividends) of 13.7% per annum over the 25 years to 23 September 2025. That beat the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by 5.1% per annum over the same period.

Of course, past performance is never a guarantee of future success. But 25 years of outperforming the broader Australian stock market is still a rare achievement. As is delivering an annual dividend increase every year since 1998 – a feat unmatched by any other Australian stock.

How to turn $10,000 into $1 million with an Australian stock

I’ve built Soul Patts into one of my portfolio’s largest positions with the hope and expectation that its 13.7% annual return will continue well into the future.

Let’s, for a moment, assume that Soul Patts will be able to keep to that 13.7% return going forward. How long would it take for this Australian stock to compound its way to $1 million?

Well, let’s say an investor puts $10,000 into Soul Patts stock, reinvests all dividends, and adds an additional $500 every month. At 13.7% per annum, that investor would have $1 million to their name after 22 years. That’s easily enough to help that investor into an early retirement.

Let’s up the ante and say our investor initially invests $20,000 and puts another $1,000 in every month. Well, under this scenario, that investor will hit six figures after 17 years. For an investor who starts this process at 25, they will have $1 million in Soul Patts shares well before age 40.

Of course, Soul Patts might not be able to hit 13.7% per annum forever. But a long track record of outperformance is worth an awful lot in the Australian stock investing world. I’m happy to hitch my financial cart to this wagon.

The post Retirement wealth plan: Create $1 million with a single Australian stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Many investors might not be aware that there are roughly 390 ASX ETFs available. 

These range from broad index tracking funds, to niche thematic funds.

What’s equally as important to understand, is not every fund is successful, and it’s not uncommon that ASX ETFs actually have to shut down entirely. 

Running an ASX ETF involves ongoing costs such as index licensing fees, market-making and trading costs, administration, compliance, and regulatory reporting. 

Investors cover some of these costs in the form of management fees.

These costs exist regardless of how much money is invested in the fund and are largely fixed for the issuer. 

Because of this, an ASX ETF could be forced to shut down if it isn’t attracting enough investors to be worth running. 

If a fund has low money invested in it or very little trading activity, the fees collected may not cover these costs. 

15 years of ups and downs

A recent report from Vanguard showcases just how hard it can actually be for a fund to have long term success. 

Over the last 15 years, we’ve seen:

• COVID-19
• 2022 inflation and interest rate shock
• Geopolitical conflicts
• Tariff and trade escalation and de-escalation
• Brexit
• European debt crisis

All of these impacted international markets. 

According to Vanguard, over that period, Australian investors had access to just over 1,000 multi-asset funds.

Over half have closed or ceased reporting performance data. 

Vanguard said there are approximately 200 funds that have at least a 15-year track record as at 30 September 2025.

What does this tell us? To have long term success is easier said than done.

Which funds have had long term success?

While it’s important to note past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns, there are ASX ETFs that have stood the test of time. 

The first, is the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). 

As the name suggests, it invests in the performance of the S&P 500 Index which is the largest US companies by market capitalisation. 

This includes global powerhouses like Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA). 

It was first listed in 2008, and is up 650% total in that span. 

Over the last 10 years, it has provided annual returns of roughly 15%. 

Another fund that has provided long term success is Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). 

The fund tracks the return of the S&P/ASX 300 index – Australia’s largest 300 companies. 

It is actually the largest ASX ETF by market cap. 

Recent data (October 2025) shows it has a market cap of more than $22 billion.

Historically, dating back to its initial inception in 2009, it has offered returns of roughly 9% per annum.

The post The ASX ETFs that have stood the test of time appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price has been a disappointing performer again in 2025.

Year to date, the energy giant’s shares have lost approximately 7% of their value.

This compares unfavourably to a gain of 7% by the benchmark ASX 200 index over the same period.

But what is next for the Woodside share price? Let’s take a look at what analysts are forecasting for its shares in 2026.

Where next for the Woodside share price?

The good news is that most brokers believe that the company’s shares are undervalued at current levels. Though they are not necessarily urging investors to hit the buy button just yet.

For example, the team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has put a neutral rating and $25.00 price target on its shares.

Based on its current share price of $23.27, this implies potential upside of 7% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on Woodside, the broker said:

Sangomar oilfield has performed exceptionally well over its first 5 quarters – we now include 50% risking for a Phase 2 project (was 0%). Scarborough project tracking well for 2H26 start. However, we are concerned that deteriorating gas markets in 2027-28 will hurt sentiment as WDS progresses the 28mtpa largely uncontracted US LNG project.

Our CY25e/26e EPS are -6%/-2% on lower LNG prices, partly offset by lower opex. CY27e/28e EPS are +5%/ +10% on lower taxes (income tax & PRRT). Our 12-month TP is +4% to 25.00/sh as we include Sangomar Phase 2 (still based a 50/50 weighting to SOTP DCF and EV/EBITDA multiple approach).

Elsewhere, analysts at Morgan Stanley, Citi, and Ord Minnett have the equivalent of hold ratings on Woodside’s shares with price targets of $27.00, $25.50, and $25.00, respectively. This suggests that upside of 7.5% to 16%.

Bullish broker

There is one broker out there that is particularly bullish and sees potential for some very big returns for investors in 2026.

A recent note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have a buy rating and $30.60 price target on Woodside’s shares.

If Morgans is on the money with its recommendation, then it would mean a massive 31% return for investors from current levels.

And let’s not forget the dividends.

The market is expecting a fully franked dividend of approximately 89 cents per share from Woodside in FY 2026.

This represents an attractive 3.8% dividend yield.

The post Prediction: Here’s where the latest forecasts show the Woodside share price going next appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) shares were hit hard on Tuesday, sliding 22% to 18 cents. This came after the silver exploration company released a disappointing update on its Bowdens Silver Project.

The timing really surprised investors, with silver near record highs and Silver Mines shares coming off a strong run over the past year.

So, what changed, and does this pullback create an opportunity?

Why Silver Mines shares sold off

The weakness followed an update outlining the next steps required to progress the Bowdens project in New South Wales. After the NSW Court of Appeal voided the project’s previous development consent in 2024, Silver Mines has been working through the redetermination process.

Management confirmed it will need to refresh ecological surveys and prepare an updated biodiversity assessment in line with the Biodiversity Conservation Act. While this work is aimed at strengthening the application, it also extends the overall timeline.

That extension appears to be what the market is reacting to. With no near-term catalyst and further regulatory work required, some investors have chosen to step back, at least for now.

The silver price backdrop remains supportive

The sell off comes despite a very strong backdrop for silver itself. Prices have surged over the past year and recently pushed to fresh all-time highs, supported by a mix of industrial demand, investment flows, and tighter inventories.

For developers like Silver Mines, higher silver prices materially improve long term project economics. If Bowdens ultimately reaches production, the commodity environment looks far more supportive today than it did just a few years ago.

That said, commodity strength alone is rarely enough to offset regulatory uncertainty in the short term.

Bowdens remains a large, long-life asset

Bowdens is still considered one of the largest undeveloped silver projects in Australia. The resource hosts significant silver alongside gold and base metals, and recent drilling has continued to deliver high quality intersections.

While the quality of the resource has not materially changed, the timeline has. Until approvals are resolved, Bowdens remains a pre-production asset with no revenue and ongoing funding requirements.

That keeps Silver Mines among the higher risk mining stocks on the ASX.

Is this a buying opportunity?

For long term investors with a high-risk tolerance, the pullback may be worth watching. Silver Mines offers leveraged exposure to silver prices and a large-scale project in Australia.

However, this is not a stock for investors seeking certainty or income. Regulatory timelines, funding requirements, and execution risk all remain key factors.

For now, this looks less like a clear buy signal and more like a reminder of why development stage miners can be volatile. If progress on Bowdens becomes clearer, investor sentiment could shift quickly. Until then, patience may be required.

The post After a 22% fall, is now the time to buy Silver Mines shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has had a pre-Christmas surge. 

In the last 5 days, it has gained almost 3%. 

This is significant when you consider it is up 7% for the entire year. 

However there are a few notable ASX 200 shares that have missed out on the positive year. 

When ASX 200 stocks tumble, it can be a great opportunity to buy-low on fundamentally strong companies. 

Over the last weeks, the team here at the Motley Fool have been identifying stocks that fall into this category. 

These kinds of stocks could be great buys ahead of the new year. 

Here are two more for buy-low investors to consider. 

Block (ASX: XYZ)

Block is a global company best known for providing payment-acquiring and related services to businesses.

It opened 2025 trading for approximately $139 per share. 

Fast forward to December 23, this ASX 200 financials stock closed trading at $97.84. 

This represents a fall of around 30%. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX:XFJ) index is up 8.63% in the same period. 

This fall has been despite solid earnings growth from the BNPL company. 

In the company’s September quarter results, released in early November, it reported: 

• 18% year-on-year profit increase for Q3
• Forecasted US$10.243 billion in gross profit for 2025, up 15% from 2024.
• Cash App gross profits per monthly transacting active of $94 on an annualised basis, up 25% year-over-year

With fundamentals looking relatively healthy (albeit missing guidance) this ASX 200 stock could be undervalued right now. 

Online brokerage platform Selfwealth lists this ASX 200 stock as undervalued by 87%. 

Meanwhile, TradingView has an average 12 month price target of $175.33 which indicates an upside of 79%. 

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the ongoing development of diagnostic and therapeutic (‘theranostic’) products using targeted radiation. 

This process treats cancerous or diseased cells, an alternative approach to many cancer therapies which also attack healthy tissue at the same time.

Its share price has fallen almost 50% in 2025. 

However it did show some signs of life on Monday after announcing positive results from a recent trial. 

The company has also drawn attention recently from Broker Bell Potter. 

Earlier this month, The Motley Fool’s James Mickleboro reported that the broker believes there is a strong probability its Zircaix (targeting therapy) receives US FDA approval next year. 

This is seen as a good sign for company revenue. 

The broker also has a $23.00 price target on this ASX 200 stock, along with a buy recommendation. 

This indicates an upside of more than 90%. 

The post 2 ASX 200 shares down 30% or more that could be a new years buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Block and Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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.

If you’ve been watching the ASX this December, Electro Optic Systems (ASX: EOS) has been hard to miss.

EOS shareholders could hardly ask for a better Christmas present given that the defence technology company’s share price has surged 106% in December alone, and is now up an eye-watering 617% year to date. Its a year to date return that eclipses fellow defence tech company Droneshield (ASX: DRO) (up 336% year to date).

So what’s driving one of the strongest Santa Claus rallies on the market?

2025: a breakout year for EOS

2025 has been a big renaissance year for EOS after it began the year with a share price almost 90% below its all time high.

Since then however, the company has been steadily announcing new customer contracts across its product portfolio, and this has sent its share price sky-rocketing higher.

The latest leg higher came yesterday (23 December), when EOS shares jumped 7.8% after the company revealed that it had secured a binding $33 million contract to supply its Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) to General Dynamics Land Systems, one of the largest defence manufacturers in the world.

As part of the contract, EOS’ Remote Weapon Systems will be integrated onto a major U.S. Army ground combat platform, with work delivered over the next two to three years. Manufacturing will take place at EOS’ facility in Huntsville, Alabama, further cementing its presence in the US defence market.

For investors, this matters because EOS has long talked about cracking the US market. This deal represents a genuine entry and expansion point in that market, and management has flagged that it could lead to larger follow-on orders (although nothing is guaranteed).

A month stacked with good news

This wasn’t a one-off announcement either, December has been a busy month for EOS.

Just days earlier, EOS had announced a $32m RWS order for another North American customer, with production scheduled for 2026– 2027.

Mid-month, the company also unveiled a conditional $120m contract for a high-energy laser weapon system with a customer in South Korea.

Add it all together, and EOS’ unconditional contract backlog now exceeds $400m, up from just $136m a year ago. Most of that revenue is expected to start landing in 2026 and beyond.

Foolish bottom line

Defence spending is rising globally, and EOS sits in some of the most attractive niches including remote weapon systems, counter-drone technology, and laser weapons.

After years of promise, EOS is now backing up its story with real contracts from serious customers. That’s why the market has rewarded the stock so aggressively this Christmas.

With strong momentum to end the year, EOS investors are repricing higher a business that’s firing on all cylinders.

The post Up 106% in December, this stock has one of the biggest Santa Claus rallies on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and 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.