Tag: Stock pick

October is here, which could make now a good time to look at where fresh money could go next.

ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can make that decision easier by providing exposure to a collection of companies in one trade.

Here are five that could be worth considering this month.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF could be a good option for investors who want exposure to Australia’s technology sector.

This fund invests across locally listed businesses involved in software, online marketplaces, payments, data, and other digital services.

Australia does not have a technology sector on the same scale as the United States, but it has still produced some impressive global businesses like WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

That makes this fund a simple way to back local innovation without having to decide which individual technology company will perform best.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF remains one of the simplest ways for Australian investors to access the US market.

It owns 500 large American companies spanning technology, healthcare, financial services, industrials, consumer goods, and more. This includes Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Visa (NYSE: V).

What stands out is how many of these businesses operate well beyond the United States.

Their products and services are used around the world, giving investors exposure to global earnings through a single fund.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF takes a more selective approach.

Rather than simply owning the largest companies, it focuses on businesses with characteristics such as strong profitability, healthy balance sheets, and relatively stable earnings.

That can be a very good thing. When economic conditions become more difficult, financially strong companies are often better placed to keep investing, protect margins, and take advantage of opportunities.

For investors who want international exposure with a quality tilt, this fund could be a strong option.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF. 

It gives investors exposure to companies protecting the digital economy. That includes businesses involved in network security, cloud protection, identity management, endpoint security, and threat detection.

Cybersecurity spending is becoming harder for companies to avoid. As businesses use more cloud software, artificial intelligence, online payments, and connected systems, the cost of a security failure can become enormous.

That could support demand for the companies held by this fund for many years.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Finally, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF could suit investors wanting local shares without simply following the biggest companies in the market.

The fund looks for Australian shares with stronger profitability, healthier balance sheets, and more stable earnings.

This means its portfolio is shaped by financial quality rather than company size alone.

That could be attractive for investors who want Australian exposure but would prefer something different from a traditional index fund dominated by banks and miners.

The post 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy in October appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• VGS vs IVV: Which ETF would I buy with $10,000?
• How much must I invest in IVV ETF shares to earn a $1,000 passive income in 2027?
• Own US ETFs like IVV or NDQ? Here’s why your dividends are so low
• Invested in ASX IVV or other iShares ETFs? Here’s your next dividend
• 10 top ASX ETFs to watch in 2027

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, Nvidia, Visa, WiseTech Global, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Nvidia, Visa, 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.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares have faced some strong headwinds over the past six months.

The shares are now just shy of a 52-week low, at $16.27 a piece. For the year-to-date they’re down around 27%.

The shares have tumbled around 21% since early April, at the time of writing, driven by a sharp drop off in iron ore prices over the same period.

According to Trading Economics, iron ore spiked to a two-year high of around US$111 per tonne in mid-May, before crashing to around US$94 per tonne in early August. Since then, it has risen slightly, but the metal is still around US$96 per tonne at the time of writing.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has also put downward pressure on shares, driven by concerns about rising costs, oil costs and supply, and general market uncertainty.

But it’s not all bad news.

Fortescue shares can offer investors more than just share price growth. The miner can also offer attractive passive income.

What makes Fortescue an attractive passive income player?

The miner generates a substantial cash flow from its large iron ore operations and it is able to return a significant portion of its profits to shareholders through regular dividends.

Fortescue is also actively diversifying its business beyond iron ore and into other markets, such as copper and renewable energy, which could reduce its reliance on iron ore over the long term and strengthen its bottom line.

But exactly what sort of passive income could you get from a $10,000 investment into Fortescue shares?

Let’s take a look.

How many Fortescue shares can I buy with $10,000?

Using the $16.27 share price at the time of writing, $10,000 will buy around 614 shares.

What dividend does the miner pay its shareholders?

The ASX iron ore miner pays its shareholders two fully-franked dividends every year, in March and September. The miner has a policy of returning 50% to 80% of its net profit after tax to shareholders as dividends.

Fortescue paid its most recent dividend to shareholders in late-September. The final 46 cent fully-franked dividend, combined with the 62 cent fully-franked dividend paid out in March, brings the miner’s total FY26 dividend to $1.08 per share. 

That translates to a dividend yield of around 6.6% at the time of writing.

Current forecasts suggest the company’s total dividend per share could fall to 86.4 cents in FY27, driven by lower iron ore prices. 

Based on the current share price, that translates to a forward dividend yield of around 5.3% for FY27.

What passive income can I earn off a $10,000 investment in Fortescue shares?

If the mining giant pays the forecasted 86.4 cent dividend in FY27, then a $10,000 investment (or 614 shares) will generate around $530 in passive income. 

The post If I invest $10,000 in Fortescue shares, how much passive income could I earn in FY27? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Westpac, CSL shares
• If I buy $6,000 of Fortescue shares, how much dividend income will I receive?
• How much do I need in ASX dividend shares to receive $15,000 passive income per year?
• Fortescue vs Wesfarmers: Which ASX share is better for passive income in 2026?
• What do brokers tip for Fortescue shares over the next 12 months?

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.

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and edged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.9% to 8,789.3 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

It looks set to be a poor start to the month for Australian investors following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 48 points or 0.55% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.85%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.25%, but the Nasdaq rose 0.25%.

ASX 200 shares paying dividends

A number of ASX 200 shares are rewarding their shareholders with dividends on Thursday. This includes diversified food company Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA), appliance manufacturer Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), drinks giant Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), and job listings leader Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK). The latter is paying 25 cents per share to shareholders.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares including Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a decent session after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.1% to US$90.35 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$103.50 a barrel. Doubts over US-Iran peace talks were behind the rise.

Buy Liontown shares

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are undervalued according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the lithium miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $1.70. It said: “LTR’s EV is lagging the recent recovery in lithium markets and expected tight supplydemand fundamentals. When LTR was trading at its current EV in October 2025, SC6 prices were US$820/t and net debt was $274m. Since then, the Kathleen Valley underground ramp-up has been further de-risked and spot SC6 prices are above US$1,700/t. While we expect lithium markets will be volatile, market fundamentals remain strong. Over FY27, LTR will continue to ramp up and de-risk Kathleen Valley, a highly strategic asset in terms of scale, long project life and location in a tier-one mining jurisdiction.”

Gold price edges higher

It could be a positive day for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.2% to US$4,189.5 an ounce. Cooler inflation data boosted the precious metal.

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

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why has the ASX 200 jumped to its highest level in 3 weeks?
• Why are Northern Star shares rocketing 8% on Wednesday?
• Expert names Woodside and CSL shares as top buys today
• Liontown Resources approves $389m Kathleen Valley lithium expansion

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.

Adairs vs Temple & Webster Group shares: Which retailer is better in October?

Australians shopping for homewares and furniture are often choosing between Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) and Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW). That makes their shares equally interesting for investors keen on the retail sector, especially as both names are now staples in bedding, furniture, and décor. So, if you’re weighing up Adairs vs Temple & Webster Group shares right now, let’s unpack their standout differences to see which might be the pick heading into October.

The case for Adairs

Adairs is a well-known bricks-and-mortar and online homewares retailer in Australia and New Zealand. With a presence in more than 170 stores (as suggested by its company profile) plus a solid e-commerce platform, Adairs offers everything from bedding and towels to lighting, furniture, nursery gear, and pet products. Its brands — Adairs, Mocka, and Focus on Furniture — give it a broad reach across budget and mid-market segments.

What’s striking about Adairs in this snapshot is its dividend profile. The company’s dividend yield sits at 8.91%, and all its dividends are fully franked — an appealing feature for Aussie investors who prefer those tax credits. Notably, the dividend per share for the most recent period was $0.12, with payments historically consistent and fully franked.

However, Adairs shows an earnings per share (EPS) of -0.222, putting it in negative earnings territory based on the figures provided. Its market cap stands at $229.52 million, with a P/E ratio of 14.33 (though with negative EPS, this may reflect alternative earnings metrics).

Year to date, Adairs’ shares are down 20.4%, which suggests a softer period for sentiment or profit, but could also potentially offer value for turnaround seekers.

The case for Temple & Webster

Temple & Webster is Australia’s leading online-only destination for furniture and homewares — it doesn’t operate physical stores. With a whopping range of over 200,000 products and “more than a million” Aussie subscribers (according to its most recent company profile), Temple & Webster has carved out a reputation for variety and e-commerce convenience. Its private label, Milan Direct, sits alongside curated branded pieces that cover office, living, lighting, wall art, and more.

Temple & Webster’s fundamentals show a market cap of $490.66 million, making it more than twice the size of Adairs by that measure. It is solidly profitable per the supplied EPS of 0.064. It’s worth noting, though, that Temple & Webster pays no dividend and has no franking, meaning investors are relying purely on share price appreciation for returns.

However, the P/E ratio is an eye-popping 121.04 — a figure that jumps off the page, and seems based on positive underlying earnings, though it may factor in forward or adjusted metrics given the EPS. Year to date, the company has suffered a very sharp fall of 69.3%, suggesting the market is penalising it for stalling growth or stretched valuation.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the two line up on the most relevant valuation and shareholder return data:

Metric	Adairs	Temple & Webster
Market Cap	$229.52 million	$490.66 million
P/E Ratio	14.33	121.04
Earnings per Share	-0.222	0.064
Dividend Yield	8.91%	0.00%
Dividend Franking	100%	–
Year to Date Return	-20.4%	-69.3%

Note: Adairs Ltd’s P/E ratio is positive despite a negative EPS, which suggests the reported ratio may be based on an underlying or forecasted earnings figure not directly shown here.

Temple & Webster’s P/E, on the other hand, is exceptionally high, typical of fast-growth tech or online retailers — but only justifiable if growth resumes.

Recent share price performance

Comparing recent share price action up to September 2026:

• Adairs closed at $1.29 on 28 Sep 2026, down 0.78% for the day, and sunk 20.4% for the year to date.
• Temple & Webster Group closed at $4.21 on 28 Sep 2026, up a modest 0.24% for the day, but a whopping 69.3% lower year to date.

Both retailers have copped a battering, but Temple & Webster’s share price decline has been far steeper over 2026 so far.

Which is the better buy?

Both these retailers face tough market conditions, but if I had to choose in October, my pick would be Adairs. Here’s why:

Adairs offers a substantial, fully franked dividend yield near 9%, which softens the blow of recent price falls and provides steady income. Even as its share price has slipped this year, that yield looks enticing, especially compared with Temple & Webster’s zero dividend.

Temple & Webster still promises online growth and is much larger by market cap, but its P/E ratio is well over 120 — a level I can’t justify based on its current growth and the fact its shares have cratered nearly 70% this year. The lack of a dividend and severe negative momentum make it hard to see an immediate turnaround.

Both may recover if consumer sentiment improves, but for now, I’d lean towards Adairs as a better income and relative value play for October, especially if you’re after returns you can bank on regardless of what the share price does next.

The post Adairs vs Temple & Webster: Which ASX retail stock wins for October? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d invest in ASX shares after the recent RBA rate rise
• This ASX retail stock is sliding today after a surprise CEO exit
• Temple & Webster vs Nick Scali: Which furniture share is better?
• Treasury Wine Estates vs Temple & Webster: Which beaten down ASX stock is better value?
• 3 ASX shares down 40% to 80% I’d buy on the cheap

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 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. 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.

ASX shares have slid lower this week as investors digest the latest interest rate hike and inflation data remains stubbornly high.

But, while the outlook looks bleak for some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XKO) shares, there are some which are tipped to drag the index higher over the next 12 months.

Here are three of them.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 has tumbled lower over the past week after persistent inflation and September’s interest rate increase dragged down growth shares like Life360.

At the same time, investors may still be digesting the company’s second-quarter FY26 update released last month. Life360 announced a 38% increase in revenue and a 53% hike in EBITDA. It also said it expects FY26 revenue growth to accelerate from 33% to 40% year-on-year.

But it wasn’t enough to impress investors, who may have expected another upward revision in full-year guidance. 

The latest slump also follows multiple headwinds over the past year, including a tech-sector-wide sell off, loss in confidence for AI-related stocks and a general investor rotation away from growth shares.

But it looks like the shares are finally considered to be trading below fair value. Market Index shows that all brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The $31.72 target price implies a potential 67% upside at the time of writing.

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

A2 Milk shares have been relatively resilient over the past week after investors flocked to defensive assets like ASX consumer staple stocks, ahead of the Reserve Bank announcement on Tuesday. Shares like A2 Milk are considered defensive because their products aren’t discretionary.

It’s good news for the company after it suffered a difficult start to the year. The shares crashed to a multi-year low in June but rebounded quickly and have stayed relatively stable since. However, the share price still has a long way to go to recover to 2025 levels.

The company’s FY26 results last month weren’t as bad as many were expecting. It reported a 12.4% increase in revenue but a 2.5% decline in full-year statutory EBITDA and a 5.8% drop in statutory NPAT. The announcement didn’t have much impact on A2 Milk’s shares.

The shares still look well below fair value, though. Market Index data shows most brokers rate the shares a buy. The $8.04 average target price implies a potential 21% upside at the time of writing.

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)

Aussie Broadband shares are around flat for the week so far, again likely supported by the company’s defensive qualities at a time when investors are flocking to less risk-averse assets.

The ASX telecommunications and internet retail service provider’s shares crashed in August after it posted its FY26 results. The company posted a 19.6% increase in underlying EBITDA and a 9.2% increase in revenue. But investors quickly sold off, possibly due to concerns about the company’s momentum and outlook.

The shares dropped to an annual low in mid-September but have since rebounded around 6%.

It looks like they could keep climbing higher. Market Index data shows all brokers rate the telco’s shares a strong buy. The $5.73 average target price implies a potential upside of around 36% at the time of writing.

The post Brokers tip up to 67% for these 3 ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Woodside, Life360, Ramsay Health Care shares
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Life360 and Xero shares
• TechnologyOne vs Life360: Which ASX tech share has more upside?
• Investors get defensive as ASX 200 drifts to a 15-week low
• 5 best ASX shares to buy in October

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 positions in and has recommended Aussie Broadband and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aussie Broadband. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Goodman Group vs Charter Hall Group shares: Which ASX REIT pays better income?

Comparing Goodman Group (ASXL GMG) and Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) makes a lot of sense if you’re looking for reliable REIT income on the ASX. Both companies have built significant property portfolios spanning industrial, office, and retail assets, but their approach to dividends, franking, and portfolio focus differs in interesting ways. I’ve dug into the numbers to see which REIT might suit those chasing income – and why the choice isn’t as simple as size or brand alone.

The case for Goodman Group

Goodman Group is a global giant in industrial and logistics property. Since its 2005 merger, Goodman has expanded into 14 countries, with a hefty development and investment presence in Australia, Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. It owns, develops, and manages warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics hubs – putting it at the heart of e-commerce and supply chain growth. As of 30 June, its global portfolio is worth $89 billion, making Goodman the largest REIT on the ASX.

Looking at the fundamentals, I see three things stand out for Goodman:

• Market cap of $54.04 billion puts it in a different league to most local REITs.
• The P/E ratio of 19.85 (with reported EPS at $1.329) is matched by Charter Hall, so it doesn’t look unusually “expensive” within this pair.
• Dividend yield is 1.14%, with dividends per share steady at $0.30 annually. Goodman’s dividends have remained flat at 15 cents per half since 2020, but crucially, all payments are unfranked.

Goodman’s enormous scale and prime global assets make it a core holding for many institutional money managers, especially those seeking stability and growth from industrial property.

The case for Charter Hall Group

Charter Hall Group is a diversified property manager and investor, with major activities in funds management and operating a series of listed and unlisted REITs. Charter Hall’s interests range from shopping centres and logistics hubs to office buildings and early learning assets. As of 30 June, the managed portfolio covers $76 billion in assets and a strong property development pipeline.

Here’s what catches my eye about Charter Hall’s numbers:

• Market cap is $8.45 billion, making it a mid-sized REIT relative to Goodman.
• P/E ratio is also 19.85, with EPS reported at $0.888.
• Dividend yield is 2.87% – more than double Goodman’s rate.
• Dividends per share are $0.52 annually and, importantly, heavily franked. Recent dividend history shows franking up to 90% for some payments, with a current blended franking rate around 80%.

For income-focused investors, Charter Hall looks more rewarding at first blush, not just for its higher yield but also that generous franking credit potential. Its track record over the past decade has also seen regular increases to dividends per share.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how Goodman and Charter Hall stack up on key income and value metrics:

	Goodman Group	Charter Hall Group
Market Cap	$54.04 billion	$8.45 billion
P/E Ratio	19.85	19.85
Earnings per Share (EPS)	$1.329	$0.888
Dividend Yield	1.14%	2.87%
Dividend per Share	$0.30	$0.52
Dividend Franking	0%	~80%

Note: Both companies report matching P/E ratios despite different EPS figures. This could reflect slight differences in the earnings calculation method or timing.

Charter Hall comes out ahead for dividend yield and offers substantial franking, making each dollar of payout potentially more valuable for after-tax income than Goodman’s unfranked distributions.

Recent share price performance

Let’s see how Goodman Group and Charter Hall Group shares have performed recently.

Comparing share price activity up to 28 September 2026:

• Goodman Group closed at $26.30 on 28 Sep 2026, down 14.4% year-to-date.
• Charter Hall Group closed at $17.86 on 28 Sep 2026, down 26.8% year-to-date.

In recent weeks, Goodman’s share price has shown a small dip but relative resilience. Charter Hall has faced steeper year-to-date declines, despite a recent day or two in positive territory.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m focusing on income, my pick is Charter Hall Group over Goodman Group. The headline reasons are hard to ignore: Charter Hall’s dividend yield is more than double Goodman’s, and its dividends come with substantial franking – which means extra value at tax time for many Australian investors. Charter Hall also has a history of boosting its payout per share over time, and its current yield of 2.87% stands out in a sector where steady, inflation-beating income is prized.

Goodman Group is the titan of the sector, but with its low (and unfranked) income distributions, I think it suits those seeking global growth and stability rather than immediate income rewards. Its share price has been more resilient than Charter Hall’s during this tough period for property stocks, but if reliable, tax-effective passive income is my main goal, I’d lean toward Charter Hall Group as the more attractive buy right now.

The post Goodman Group vs Charter Hall: Which ASX REIT pays better income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 2 ASX real estate funds that could return 23% to 35%
• 3 cheap ASX shares I would buy now
• Will Goodman shares reach $30 in 2027?
• How to build a $50,000 passive income from ASX shares

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 positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. 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 draft. 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.

Lovisa vs Baby Bunting shares: A retail face-off for ASX investors

It’s not every day you pit a global fast-fashion jewellery success against a homegrown baby goods specialist, but Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) and Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN) give investors two very different options in the ASX consumer discretionary space. Whether you’re drawn to Lovisa’s international expansion or Baby Bunting’s niche positioning, choosing between these shares means weighing growth, value, dividends, and momentum.

The case for Lovisa

Lovisa operates a sprawling network of fashion jewellery and accessories stores, starting from humble Sydney beginnings in 2010 and now spanning over 900 locations in 45+ countries, with seven online stores as well. This business model is fast, vertically integrated, and sharply focused on affordable, on-trend pieces for a global shopper.

When I look at Lovisa, a few data points leap out:

• Market cap of $2.66 billion shows major scale for an Australian retailer.
• P/E ratio of 28.21 positions Lovisa at a growth-type multiple.
• Dividend yield is 3.53% — healthy for a retailer, though only 50% franked according to latest data.
• Year-to-date return is down, at -14.0%, signalling a recent pullback after a strong run in prior years.

Lovisa’s dividend history suggests some variability in franking and amount, with recent payments split between fully and partially franked. According to its most recent public profile, the brand has achieved impressive global penetration.

The case for Baby Bunting

Baby Bunting is a specialist in baby and young children’s products, running around 76 stores across Australia and New Zealand. It’s a familiar destination for expectant or new parents, stocking all the essential brands as well as some exclusive private-label ranges.

Looking at Baby Bunting right now, what stands out is:

• Market cap of just $143 million makes it much smaller than Lovisa — a real David and Goliath scenario.
• P/E ratio of 13.48 means the market currently prices this business at less than half the earnings multiple of Lovisa.
• Dividend yield is 0.00% based on the latest fundamentals — a big change from a solid dividend payer history, possibly reflecting current earnings pressure.
• Year-to-date return has been very tough at -58.4%, pointing to a challenging operational period or structural concern.

Dividend history shows Baby Bunting was consistently fully franked and paid (if small) dividends up to 2024; the absence of a yield now suggests a pause due to weaker earnings or cash flow. According to its latest company profile, Baby Bunting has grown into a category leader in baby goods, supported by a focused product range and a loyal customer base.

Valuation comparison

There are some big numbers on display when you line up Lovisa and Baby Bunting. Let’s break down the key metrics:

	Lovisa	Baby Bunting
Market Cap	$2.66 billion	$143 million
P/E Ratio	28.21	13.48
Dividend Yield	3.53% (50% franked)	0.00% (100% franking in most recent payments)
EPS	$0.792	$0.079
Dividend per Share	$0.86	$0.07
Year-to-date Return	-14.0%	-58.4%

It’s worth noting Lovisa’s higher market cap, higher multiple, and higher yield, offset against Baby Bunting’s rock-bottom valuation multiple — a reflection of recent struggles. Lovisa’s P/E and EPS, and Baby Bunting’s P/E and EPS, do appear mathematically consistent based on the data given. Also, Lovisa’s dividends are only partially franked, while Baby Bunting’s prior dividends were fully franked, though now absent.

Recent share price performance

Comparing recent share activity up to 28 September 2026:

• Lovisa closed at $24.06. Over the prior 15 trading days, its price fluctuated, recording sharp daily changes both up and down, but trended lower since the start of September 2026. Its year-to-date return is -14.0%.
• Baby Bunting Group closed at $1.05. Its share price has dropped steeply over the same period, with several negative sessions and only minor positive days. Its year-to-date return sits at a bruising -58.4%.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m forced to pick between Lovisa and Baby Bunting, I’d lean towards Lovisa for now. The company is showing clear profit generation (EPS and dividend), has the scale and international reach to weather retail storms, and continues to pay a reasonably attractive dividend — even if only 50% franked.

Baby Bunting trades at a far lower earnings multiple and looks much cheaper on paper, but the absence of a dividend and the sharp share price decline tell a story: confidence in near-term recovery is weak, and market doubt is high. While I can see the value argument, I’d need to see a turnaround before getting confident.

For investors after growth plus income, Lovisa ticks more boxes. For contrarians happy with a turnaround gamble, Baby Bunting is a speculative play — but I wouldn’t call it the better buy.

The post Lovisa vs Baby Bunting: Which ASX retailer is the better buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) staged a strong advance this hump day, driving the value of many ASX shares markedly higher. In what is shaping up to be a fairly optimistic week on the markets, the ASX 200 recovered from some early wobbles to decisively push upwards, banking a solid 0.92% rise by the time trading finished today. That leaves the index at 8,789.3 points.

This jubilant Wednesday for the Australian markets followed a far less rosy night over on the American bourse.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) sold down again, losing 0.26% of its value.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did a little better, but still lost 0.085%.

Let’s return to the local markets now and take a closer look at what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

There was only one sector that was left behind in the stampede to higher ground.

That unfortunate sector was tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was left out in the cold, diving 0.41%.

It was much more exciting everywhere else.

Leading the charge higher this Wednesday were real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) rocketing 3.6%.

Consumer discretionary shares were on fire, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soared up 2.27%.

Communications shares ran hot as well, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 1.93% surge.

Industrial stocks also saw decent demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) galloped 1.65% higher.

Energy shares didn’t miss out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) vaulting up 1.56%.

We could say the same for gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) jumped 1.35% this session.

Healthcare shares were a little less enthusiastic, though, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 0.71% leap higher.

Mining stocks followed healthcare. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw its value get a 0.67% bump today.

Consumer staples shares came back from an early retreat, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) adding 0.57% to its total.

Utilities stocks fared decently as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) enjoyed a 0.48% lift.

Finally, financial shares managed to stay on the right side of the ledger, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)’s 0.27% dip.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today’s index winner was REIT LendLease Group (ASX: LLC). LendLease units roared 11.3% higher this Wednesday to close at $2.66. There wasn’t any price-sensitive news out of the REIT today, although most of its peers did very well.

Here’s how the other high-flyers landed their planes:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
LendLease Group (ASX: LLC)	$2.66	11.30%
Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)	$1.58	8.97%
Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)	$18.86	6.43%
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)	$20.53	6.32%
Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)	$24.77	6.35%
Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)	$0.875	6.06%
REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)	$157.50	5.85%
Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)	$4.49	5.65%
Atlas Arteria (ASX: ALX)	$3.95	5.33%
DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)	$1.70	5.26%

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price is in focus today after the NSW Independent Planning Commission approved the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Continuation Project, extending mining at the HVO site until 2045—a key milestone for the company and the region.

What did Yancoal Australia report?

• NSW Independent Planning Commission approval for the HVO Continuation Project
• Project extends the Hunter Valley Operations mine life to the end of 2045
• HVO employs around 1,570 mine workers
• Six-year regulatory process included extensive community and stakeholder engagement
• Project aligned with State and Federal legislative and environmental standards

What else do investors need to know?

The State-level approval marks a significant step but isn’t the final hurdle. Yancoal’s Hunter Valley Operations still requires Federal environmental approval from the National EPA by the end of 2026.

Throughout the approval process, HVO worked closely with regulators, adapting its design to meet rigorous environmental and net-zero standards. The company acknowledges the ongoing support from its workforce, local suppliers, and the Hunter Valley community.

What did Yancoal Australia management say?

CEO of Yancoal Mr Sharif Burra said:

The HVO Continuation Project enjoyed support from the vast majority of submissions made during the IPC public hearing. Support was also voiced by local and State Government representatives. We are optimistic the final elements required can be secured, allowing HVO to operate the next 19 years to the benefit of our workforce, local business partners, regional community, shareholders, customers and the NSW economy.

What’s next for Yancoal Australia?

Yancoal is now focusing on securing Federal environmental approval before the 31 December 2026 deadline. The company will continue working with the National EPA to finalise the necessary requirements.

Securing full approval would bring long-term operating certainty for the HVO mine and provide ongoing benefits for Yancoal’s workforce, partners, and the wider Hunter Valley region.

Yancoal share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Yancoal shares have risen 13%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Yancoal shares in focus after Hunter Valley mine approval appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why these ASX shares are worth watching closely today
• Chasing dividends? 11 ASX shares in top-paying sectors going ex-dividend this week

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.

The high-yield ASX dividend stock APA Group (ASX: APA) is one of the top picks out there for passive income, in my opinion. I’d rather own shares of it than receive the Age Pension.

Australia’s Age Pension is one of the most generous in the world. It’s great that retirees have that safety net, but I like the idea of income coming into my bank account from assets I own myself.

APA is one of the biggest energy businesses on the ASX. Its main asset is a network of gas pipelines that spans the country. It also owns gas power stations, gas storage, gas processing, solar farms, wind farms, and electricity transmission.

Australia needs energy for residential and business usage, so APA plays an important role in Australian society. It actually transports half of the nation’s gas usage, so it’s an essential part of the national energy picture.

Let’s take a look at how an investor could use the high-yield ASX dividend stock to match the Age Pension.

Passive income guidance

I view APA as one of the most impressive passive income businesses on the ASX because of how consistently it has increased its payout. Of course, past dividend growth is not a guarantee of future dividend growth.

APA has increased its annual distribution for 22 years in a row. That’s the second-longest payout growth streak for a business on the ASX.

The business has provided distribution guidance that will take it to 23 years of consecutive growth.

APA management expects the business to hike its payout to 59 cents per security. At the time of writing, that represents a forward distribution yield of 5.6%, which I think is an excellent starting point and extremely competitive against the best term deposit rates right now.

Its earnings and cash flow are growing thanks to inflation-linked revenue, new energy projects being built and completed, and acquisitions.

Equal the Age Pension

Australian retirees recently received a payment increase, which is great news during this period of higher inflation and cost of living.

The maximum Age Pension that a single Australian can receive is $1,237.70 per fortnight. That translates into an approximate annualised figure of $32,180.

If an investor wanted to receive $32,180 of annual income from the high-yield ASX dividend stock from its projected FY27 payout of 59 cents per security, that investor would need to own 54,543 APA Group shares.

Of course, diversification is an important element of investing for passive income. I wouldn’t have 100% of my portfolio invested in APA shares; I’d spread it across a number of ASX shares that can generate returns.

The post 54,543 shares of this high-yield ASX dividend stock pay an income equal to the Age Pension appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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