Tag: Stock pick

It’s shaping up to be an interesting month for ASX share market investors.

If you’re hunting for reliable income or high-growth potential, these two ASX shares stand out: Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Ltd (ASX: SOL) for dependable dividends and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) for long-term capital growth.

Let’s take a closer look.

Soul Pattinson: Over 120 years of payouts

This ASX Share isn’t your average dividend play. Washington H. Soul Pattinson has been around for over 120 years and has paid a dividend every single year, through wars, pandemics, and recessions. Its track record of 28 consecutive years of dividend growth is unmatched on the ASX.

Originally a pharmacy business — hence the “Chemist” name — Soul Patts has since divested that arm and transformed into a diversified investment company. Its portfolio of investments generates strong, recurring cash flow, supporting both its regular payouts and long-term capital growth.

The company recently increased its HY26 interim dividend by 9.1% to 48 cents per share, giving it a grossed-up yield of 3.8% including franking credits.

With a combination of consistent income and an expanding investment portfolio, shareholders can reasonably expect both reliable dividends and gradual capital appreciation. The price of the ASX share has gained 9% in 2026 and 17% over 12 months.

Xero: Deep sell-off sparks opportunity

If income isn’t your priority, this ASX share offers growth. This cloud-based accounting platform powers small and medium-sized businesses, handling invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting all in one place.

Xero’s global footprint – Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond – is a major strength, an its subscription model provides recurring revenue that grows as its customer base expands.

Xero hasn’t been smooth sailing. The recent tech sell-off hit the ASX share hard, amplified by fears Artificial Intelligence could disrupt traditional software and higher interest rates pressuring valuations. But that’s creating opportunity.

After months of heavy selling, the ASX share is trading at a significant discount to prior highs, attracting bargain hunters looking for high-quality growth at lower entry points.

Analyst sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. According to TradingView, 13 out of 14 analysts rate Xero as a buy or strong buy. Price targets suggest upside of up to 210%, with Citi’s $144.80 target implying a 92% potential gain from current levels.

Its sticky ecosystem, scalable business model, and ongoing global expansion make the $12 billion ASX share a compelling long-term growth story.

Foolish Takeaway

Together, these ASX shares represent two sides of a balanced portfolio: income today and growth tomorrow. Soul Patts offers stability and dependable dividends backed by a century-long track record, while Xero offers high-growth potential for investors willing to ride the ups and downs of tech.

These ASX stocks show that whether you’re chasing reliable payouts or explosive upside, there are opportunities waiting for investors willing to buy quality at the right time.

The post 1 ASX dividend share and 1 ASX growth stock to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now
• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday?
• Is this smashed ASX tech stock gearing up for a hefty comeback?
• 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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.

ASX dividend shares with a large dividend yield could be a great buy because of the strong cash flow they can give for our bank accounts.

With inflation and interest rates seemingly on the rise, I think investors may be looking for names that can beat what interest rates bank savings accounts are likely to provide.

I want to highlight two ASX dividend shares that have never given their shareholders a dividend reduction, have a good track record of dividend increases, and have an incredible dividend yield.

WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG)

WCM Global Growth is a listed investment company (LIC) that’s managed by WCM, which is based in Laguna Beach, California. It’s deliberately based a long way away from Wall Street (in New York).

This LIC targets a global portfolio of shares, which I think is a good strategy because there are thousands of opportunities to choose from.

WCM has whittled down its portfolio to just 20 to 40 stocks from that global hunting ground.

There are two factors that WCM wants to see particularly – improving economic moats and a corporate culture that supports the strengthening of those competitive advantages.

This strategy has allowed the ASX dividend share’s portfolio to deliver a net return that’s stronger than the global share market over the past year, three years and since the LIC’s inception in June 2017.

WCM Global growth’s net portfolio return has been an average of 15.8% per year since inception, allowing it to pay a growing dividend each year since it started paying one in 2019. Of course, past investment returns are not a guarantee of future returns.

The business has provided guidance that its quarterly dividend will continue growing every quarter until March 2027.

At the time of writing and according to guidance, the next four quarterly dividends to be declared will come to a grossed-up dividend yield of just over 8%, including franking credits. 

WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI)

It’s my view that ASX small-cap shares are some of the most exciting investments to own because of their large growth potential and how early on in their growth journey we can invest in them.

For example, imagine there’s a business that now makes $100 million in revenue. Wouldn’t it have been great to have bought it when it was making just $10 million in revenue? We could look forward to owning it as it multiplied its sales by ten times.

Not every business is destined to grow 10x from its current scale, which is why I think it could be smart to leave the investing to a seasoned team of small-cap fund managers working full-time that have performed very well over the long-term.

Between inception in June 2017 to February 2026, the WAM Microcap portfolio has returned an average of 15.4% per year (before fees, expenses and taxes), outperforming the small-cap benchmark by 7% per year in that time.

That strength has allowed the ASX dividend share to increase its annual payout every year except FY24, going back to FY18 when it started paying a dividend.

Recent dividend increases have been small, but I think any growth is very appealing given it has such a large dividend yield. At the time of writing, the FY26 grossed-up dividend yield is guided to be around 10.2%, including franking credits.

The post 2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 8% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why I just made this great ASX dividend share my latest buy
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• A once-in-a-decade chance to earn a supersized passive income from ASX shares?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Wam Microcap and Wcm Global Growth. 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.

For Australian investors, the recent volatility in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) could be creating one of the best buying opportunities of 2026.

The ASX share market has pulled back from recent highs and the benchmark index is down roughly 6% over the past month at the time of writing.

At first glance, that kind of drop can feel uncomfortable. But history tells a different story. Some of the best long-term returns are made when investors buy during fear, not when markets feel safe.

Rising oil prices, war, inflation

So, what’s driving the chaos?

In recent weeks, markets have been rattled by a mix of global tensions and economic uncertainty. Rising oil prices, renewed Middle East conflict, stubborn inflation, and fresh doubts around Artificial Intelligence (AI) spending have all weighed on sentiment.

That’s a sharp shift from earlier this year.

Over the past five years, the ASX share market has delivered strong gains, powered by banks, miners, and a surging tech sector. Optimism around AI, solid commodity demand, and resilient earnings pushed the market toward record highs.

Back then, buying felt easy. Confidence was high, and every rally seemed to confirm investors were making the right call.

High quality stocks at lower prices

But here’s the twist — that’s usually not the best time to buy.

The real opportunities on the ASX share market often appear when confidence fades.

Market pullbacks allow investors to buy the same high-quality businesses at lower prices. Whether it’s blue-chip names like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), or BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), a broad sell-off reduces the cost of future earnings.

Shifting sentiment

And importantly, much of today’s uncertainty may not last. Geopolitical tensions, oil price spikes, and inflation shocks tend to be temporary. Markets have weathered similar storms before and recovered.

In fact, we’ve already seen how quickly sentiment can shift. The ASX 200 recently posted one of its strongest single-day gains in a year on hopes of easing conflict and softer inflation data.

The same applies to AI concerns.

While investors are questioning whether current spending levels are sustainable, global demand for AI infrastructure, data centres, cybersecurity, and automation remains strong. These long-term trends continue to support many ASX-listed companies and the ASX share market.

Foolish Takeaway

When share prices fall but business fundamentals remain intact, the potential for future returns improves. Lower entry prices can boost dividend yields, increase upside potential, and reduce valuation risk.

In other words, buying during downturns can tilt the odds in your favour. Markets rarely give clear signals at the bottom.

But for long-term investors, today’s volatility could be the kind of opportunity that builds serious wealth over time.

Sitting on the sidelines might feel safe, but it could also be the mistake that costs you the most.

The post Why sitting out this ASX share market chaos could cost you big appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now
• Why now could be the perfect time to buy ASX dividend stocks
• If I could buy only 1 ASX 200 share right now, it would be…
• CSL shares slide again in March — but is a comeback brewing?
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX stocks that offer investors the prospect of both growth and income are a rare breed on the ASX. I think MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF) is one such share though.

MFF Capital is a listed investment company (LIC) that has been on the ASX for almost two decades. Despite a lack of publicity and fanfare, it has produced some exciting returns for investors ever since its listing.

Today, its sharers are looking compelling. MFF currently sports a trailing dividend yield of 4.09% (as of yesterday’s closing price). So let’s discuss whether this ASX stock is the best growth and income play on the ASX.

Like most LICs, MFF owns and manages an underlying portfolio of investments. In this case, that underlying portfolio consists mostly of US stocks, with some other international companies thrown in. MFF has always followed a Warren Buffett-insprired approach to investing. Its holdings tend to be mature, dominant companies that display signs of possessing a moat, or intrinsic competitive advantage that helps it stay ahead of competition. These companies are purchased at compelling prices, and held indefinitely for the benefit of MFF shareholders.

Some of MFF’s largest positions have been in its portfolio for many years. They include the likes of Amazon, Mastercard, Alphabet, Visa, American Express, and Microsoft.

This strategy has paid off for MFF’s long-term investors. By my calculations, investors have enjoyed an average total return (share price growth plus dividends) of about 12.1% per annum over the past ten years, and 15.05% per annum over the past five. On the latter metric, investors have received an average share price growth rate of 11.7% per annum.

Growth and income from this top ASX stock?

So we know MFF offers plenty of growth potential. But what about income?

Well, MFF has that in spades too, and is more potent that even its starting 4%-plus yield would indicate. As I’ve discussed before, MFF is one of the ASX’s best dividend growth stocks. To prove it, let’s go back through this ASX stock’s recent dividend history. Back in 2017, MFF paid out 2 cents per share in fully-franked dividends to its shareholders. By 2021, the company was up to forking out 7.5 cents per share. Last year, it had hit 17 cents per share.

In 2026, the company has told investors to expect a total of 21 cents per share, up 23.5% from just 2025 levels if so. The trajectory of 2 cents per share to 21 cents per share in 2026 would come to an compounded annual growth rate of 26.4% per annum.

If this blistering dividend growth rate continues, it will be exceptionally lucrative for long-term investors.

All in all, I regard MFF Capital as one of the ASX’s best performers in recent years, and a stellar investment, period. I am happy to hold it in my own portfolio, and equally happy to recommend it to any investor who is searching for growth and income today.

The post This 4% ASX stock is my top pick for growth and income in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, American Express, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, Microsoft, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Microsoft, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, 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.

After ASX gold shares enjoyed a rally through 2025, many have lost momentum in 2026. 

A new report from VanEck suggests that this could be an opportunity for investors to buy the dip. 

Gold is currently trading around US$4,600 per ounce, down approximately 22% from its all-time high of US$5,595 in late January.

While the drawdown is significant, in our view it is presenting a compelling entry point for investors looking to add gold exposure.

What’s causing the dip?

VanEck CEO Jan van Eck addressed the recent pullback, highlighting that several forces have hit gold simultaneously. 

He outlined that these drivers appear cyclical and technical rather than structural. 

Firstly, gold had been trading well above its long-term averages, making a short-term correction unsurprising. 

VanEck reinforced this move below the 200-day moving average aligns with normal pullbacks often seen during longer-term bull markets, rather than indicating a lasting bearish shift.

Additionally, ongoing tensions involving the US and Iran, along with pressure on energy-related revenues, may have led some sovereign investors to sell gold holdings to raise immediate cash. 

This appears to reflect temporary funding stress rather than any fundamental decline in long-term interest in gold.

Why gold shares could be set for a rebound

Despite recent volatility, VanEck said the structural drivers of gold remain firmly in place and in some cases are strengthening.

While the immediate impact of the conflict has pressured gold, history shows that oil shock events ultimately drive higher inflation and macro uncertainty, conditions under which gold has historically performed strongly.

VanEck said during previous oil-shock conflicts, particularly the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the 1991 Gulf War, gold demand surged over the medium term as investors priced in higher inflation and persistent macro uncertainty.

The current conflict has disrupted roughly 20% of global seaborne oil supply, the largest such disruption in modern history.

Looking through the volatility, we think the current environment continues to support gold’s role as a strategic portfolio allocation and reinforces the case for adding exposure at current levels.

How to invest in gold shares

The ASX is home to many gold mining and production shares. 

Two of the largest ASX listed gold shares include: 

• Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)
• Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

There are also ASX ETFs that provide exposure to gold shares through a basket of miners, or tracking the spot price of gold: 

• Vaneck Gold Bullion ETF (ASX: NUGG)
• VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX)
• Global X Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD)

The post Should you buy the dip on gold shares? Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in March
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week

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.

Yesterday, this S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock enjoyed a welcome bounce.

James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) jumped 7.5% on Wednesday, offering some relief after a tough month that saw shares fall 17%. Even with Wednesday’s rally, the ASX 200 stock remains down around 25.7% over the past 12 months.

So, is this the start of a recovery — or just a temporary rebound?

Let’s take a closer look.

Global leader fibre cement

One thing is clear: James Hardie still boasts serious strengths.

The $15 billion ASX 200 stock is the global leader in fibre cement siding and trim, with a dominant footprint in the US — its most important market. That scale gives it pricing power and a strong competitive moat, which few rivals can match.

It also continues to deliver solid top-line growth. Its latest results show the business is still performing well operationally. For the three months to 31 December 2025, net sales jumped 30% to $1.24 billion, while adjusted EBITDA rose 26% to $329.9 million.

And there’s a major growth lever in play.

The acquisition of AZEK has significantly expanded its addressable market. James Hardie is no longer just a siding business. It’s building a broader outdoor living platform spanning decking, railing, and exterior solutions. If executed well, this could unlock a new phase of growth.

Exposure risk US housing market

But the ASX 200 stock is not without risks.

The biggest concern remains exposure to the US housing market. If housing starts slow or remain weak, demand for building materials could come under pressure. That’s been a key driver behind the recent share price decline.

There are also integration risks tied to the AZEK deal. Merging operations, extracting synergies, and managing costs will be critical — and any missteps could weigh on earnings.

On top of that, broader market sentiment toward cyclical and industrial stocks has been shaky, adding another layer of volatility.

So, what are the experts saying?

According to Morgans, the outlook remains compelling for the ASX 200 stock. The broker has placed a buy rating on James Hardie with a $45.75 price target.

Based on the current share price of $28.06, that implies potential upside of around 63% — a significant vote of confidence.

The bottom line?

James Hardie has been knocked down, but its core business remains strong. With market leadership, growth opportunities, and a more attractive valuation, this ASX 200 stock could be positioning for a comeback.

If housing conditions stabilise and execution stays on track, yesterday’s rally might just be the beginning.

The post Down 25%! Is this resurgent ASX 200 stock a strong buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are James Hardie shares storming higher today?
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• How I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares right now to help build long-term wealth
• Down 40%: 2 ASX 200 blue-chip shares to buy
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett and buy quality ASX shares at fair prices today

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.

The amount of money you need in your superannuation in order to retire at age 65 depends on your current living situation and what type of lifestyle you expect to live in retirement.

Generally, in Australia, retirement lifestyles are split into two options: modest and comfortable.

A modest retirement, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), is defined as being able to cover expenses slightly above the full Centrelink Age Pension. This includes basic health insurance, a cheaper model of car, and infrequent exercise. It also includes minimal utility expenses, limiting dining out, and maybe an annual domestic trip. It assumes you own your house outright.

Then a comfortable retirement is one that allows you to maintain a good standard of living. This includes top-level private health insurance, ownership of a reasonable car brand, regular leisure activities, some funds for home repairs, occasional meals out, and perhaps an annual domestic trip. Again, it assumes you own your house outright.

So, how much will these retirement lifestyles cost me?

Thanks to rising inflation and cost of living, the benchmark for both a modest and comfortable retirement increased earlier this year. It’s a reminder that long-term returns from markets like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) play an important role in building retirement savings.

Now, in order to live a modest retirement lifestyle at age 65, individual Australians need $35,503 per year, or a couple needs $51,299 per year. To fund that, ASFA estimates you need a superannuation balance of around $110,000, or a couple would need $120,000.

The cost of a comfortable retirement is a lot higher. To obtain a comfortable retirement lifestyle at age 65, individuals can expect to spend around $54,840 a year, or for couples, this can be closer to $77,375 a year. To fund that, you’ll need a superannuation balance of around $630,000 for a single person, or $730,000 for a couple.

Ok, but how do I know if my superannuation is on track to reach the balance I need?

According to ASFA, in order to be able to fund a comfortable retirement starting from age 67, your superannuation balance at age 40 should be $178,000. 

But if you want to retire just a couple of years earlier (at age 65) then you’ll need to stay ahead and aim for around $210,000 by around age 40 instead.

By age 50, Aussies who want to reach the superannuation balance needed for a comfortable retirement by age 65 should have around $347,500.

This would need to increase to around $539,000 by age 60. 

The post Want to retire at age 65? This is how much superannuation you need appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 charges higher again as relief rally gathers pace
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in March

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 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) share Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) could be one of the best businesses, if not the best, to buy right now in the index.

Lovisa is a leading retailer of affordable jewellery, which is largely aimed at younger shoppers.

I love buying undervalued businesses and this one seems like one of the most undervalued right now because it has dropped more than 40% in the past six months and it’s down roughly 25% in the year to date, as the chart below shows.

Something isn’t a buy just because it’s down. However, I think the ASX 200 share is being significantly undervalued by the market, given my view of how much profit could grow.

Rapid profit growth

There are few ASX businesses that are growing globally as well as Lovisa. It has at least one store in numerous markets.

In fact, comparing the FY26 half-year result (HY26) to the HY25 result shows it added at least one more store year over year in the following markets: Australia, New Zealand, China, Vietnam, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Hungary, UAE, the USA, Canada, Mexico, and its Middle East and Africa franchise.

Overall, its total Lovisa store count grew 15.5% year-over-year to 1,089 locations. I think it can quickly reach 1,500 stores over the next few years.

This store growth assisted Lovisa’s core revenue to grow 22.7% to $498.1 million and net profit increased 21.5% to $69.6 million.

Will it be impacted by the inflation?

The ASX 200 share has a global customer base, so anything can happen, but I think younger shoppers are less likely to be impacted by rising rates because they’re less likely to have a mortgage.

Lovisa’s FY23 result – which was in the thick of the higher inflationary period earlier this decade – saw (on a comparable 52-week basis) revenue growth of 33.1% and net profit growth of 20.1%.

Past profit growth is not a guarantee of future profit growth, but I think the ASX 200 share’s ongoing store rollout will help sustain revenue and earnings growth during this period.

According to the projection on Commsec, the business is currently forecast to generate 88.3 cents of earnings per share (EPS) in FY26, putting it at under 25x FY26’s estimated earnings.

With the company’s expanding global network of stores, I think its scale benefits will continue to improve, giving it the ability to grow its gross profit margin (and other margins), even if costs are rising.

The ASX 200 share’s growth option

The final positive I want to point out is that the business has recently opened up another growth avenue with the fact that it has opened several Jewells stores in the UK. Jewells says sells trend-led affordable jewellery for everyday use, with sterling silver, gold vermeil and gold-plated designs.

There are already a lot of jewellery businesses out there, but this gives Lovisa another way to grow revenue and earnings with products at a different price point.

If Lovisa can grow Jewells to a sufficient scale, it can start boosting earnings, and this would help diversify its profit base further (beyond the great geographic exposure it already has).

Over time, it could become a material contributor to the overall business.

The post Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Want to retire at age 65? This is how much superannuation you need
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 charges higher again as relief rally gathers pace
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in March

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

With a fresh month here, I think it is a good time to be putting money to work in quality businesses.

The good news for investors is that there are plenty of ASX 200 shares with strong long-term growth outlooks that have pulled back from recent highs, potentially creating a buying opportunity.

If I had $6,000 to invest this month, these are three shares I would be comfortable buying.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is one of those businesses that benefits from a structural shift that is still playing out.

More and more financial advisers are consolidating onto platform providers that offer better technology and user experience. Netwealth has been a clear winner from that trend.

What I like is the consistency of growth. Funds under administration continue to rise, supported by strong inflows and adviser adoption. As that base grows, so does the company’s recurring revenue.

There is also operating leverage in the model.

As more funds flow onto the platform, earnings can scale faster than costs over time. That is exactly the type of setup I want in a long-term compounder.

It may not look cheap even after recent weakness, but I think the quality of the business justifies that premium valuation.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is a very different kind of growth story. This is a consumer brand, but one that has successfully expanded beyond Australia and built a global presence.

What stands out to me is how the company continues to grow through a combination of new product development and international expansion.

Its coffee segment remains a major driver, and the broader premium appliance category appears to be holding up well, even in a more cautious consumer environment.

I also like the brand strength. Breville has positioned itself at the premium end of the market, which can support margins and help differentiate it from lower-cost competitors.

Retail can be cyclical, but I think Breville has shown it can navigate different environments while continuing to grow over time.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan brings something different again. This is a business with exposure to communications technology, defence, and increasingly, drone and counter-drone systems.

That last point is particularly interesting to me. The role of drones in modern conflict is expanding rapidly, and with that comes demand for technologies that can detect, manage, and neutralise them.

Codan is positioning itself within that ecosystem through its communications and tactical solutions.

At the same time, it still has a strong metal detection business, which provides another source of earnings.

That combination gives it both stability and exposure to long-term growth themes.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $6,000 this month, I would be looking for a mix of structural growth, strong execution, and long-term potential.

Netwealth offers platform-driven growth in financial services. Breville provides global consumer expansion with a premium brand. Codan gives exposure to defence and communications, including the growing drone and counter-drone market.

Each has a clear pathway to growth over time. And that is what I want to be buying for the long term.

The post 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy this month with $6,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more
• Why I’d buy DroneShield and these ASX 200 shares next month
• My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April
• 3 strong ASX growth shares I want to buy in April
• Hub24 vs Netwealth: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy now?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Codan. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) shares have been strong performers so far in 2026.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare stock closed on Wednesday trading for $38.90 apiece.

That sees the share price up 13.2% since market close on 31 December, which compares very favourably to the 0.8% loss posted by the benchmark index over this same period.

Atop those share price gains, the ASX 200 healthcare stock also pays dividends. Over the past 12 months, Ramsay Health Care has paid out 82.5 cents a share in fully franked dividends.

At Wednesday’s closing price, that sees the stock trading on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.1%.

And looking to the months ahead, Sanlam Private Wealth’s Remo Greco believes the private hospital and care centre operator is well-positioned to keep outperforming (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Ramsay Health Care shares today?

“The private hospital operator posted a better than expected first half year result for fiscal year 2026,” Greco said, citing the first reason he has a buy recommendation on Ramsay Health Care shares.

“Revenue of $9.3 billion from contracts with customers was up 9.7% on the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax of $171.7 million was up 8.1%,” he noted.

Ramsay Health Care CEO and managing director Natalie Davis was clearly pleased with those results, released on 26 February.

“Ramsay’s positive momentum has continued in the first half of FY26, with revenue, EBIT and NPAT growth as we execute on our three core priorities to improve performance and returns to shareholders,” Davis said on the day.

Moving on to the second reason Greco is bullish on the stock is the company’s decision to divest its 52.79% shareholding in European private health care provider Ramsay Santé.

“RHC is spinning off its European business, which we believe paints a brighter outlook,” Greco said.

Commenting on the rationale for the divestment in February, Ramsay Health Care stated:

The proposal to separate recognises the fundamentally different geographic focus, strategies and capital profiles of Ramsay and Ramsay Santé. The board believes that a separation would enhance shareholder value over time.

Among the potential benefits, the board noted the separation will enable Ramsay to simplify its portfolio and allow management to focus on “the transformation and growth potential of its core Australian hospitals business”.

Which brings us to the third reason you might want to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today.

Namely, the company’s growing passive income potential.

“The fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents was up 6.3% and potentially points to a stronger final dividend for the full year,” Greco concluded.

The post 3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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