Tag: Stock pick

ASX shares are climbing higher on Tuesday afternoon as investor jitters calm, oil prices fall, and gold edges higher.

Here are three ASX shares that brokers expect will help drive the share market higher over the next 12 months.

And one of them is tipped to jump 322%!

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

The diversified financial services company’s shares have consistently and continually tumbled lower over the past year. 

At the time of writing, they’re trading for $2.68 each, down around 55% for the year to date and 63% lower than an all-time high in October last year. 

It looks like the share price decline is mostly investors taking their gains off the table after a strong rally through 2025.

The company itself continues to perform well. Its FY26 results showed Generation Development Group is performing well operationally. The company posted record funds under management of $6.5 billion in August, which is a 37% year-on-year increase. 

Its underlying NPAT also increased 21% to $40.7 million, and group revenue climbed 23% to $178.7 million.

The company also said that it thinks it is well-placed to benefit from strong structural tailwinds across superannuation, retirement, and managed account markets in FY27. Management expects continued FUM growth, supported by adviser adoption and stable product revenue margins.

Brokers are very optimistic that the shares can stage a turnaround. Market Index data shows that all brokers agree on a strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The $5.62 average target price implies about 109% upside at the time of writing.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The ASX lithium shares are down 2% for the day at the time of writing, trading at 27 cents each. That’s a 28% decline for the year to date, but the shares are still trading around 30% higher than 12 months ago.

In late August, the company reported strong lithium drill results at its Bolt Cutter Central and Tabba Tabba projects in WA. The company has identified multiple high-grade lithium drill intersections across Bolt Cutter Central and Tabba Tabba, including 16m at 1.5% Li₂O and 13.9m at 2.0% Li₂O.

The company is focused on delivering a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Bolt Cutter Central and advancing technical studies at Tabba Tabba, set for release in the second half of 2026. 

Wildcat is also targeting key new drill regions for further resource upgrades in the months ahead.

Experts are optimistic that Wildcat can reach its Tabba Tabba lithium project milestones and expand its Bolt Cutter discovery.

The company is also expected to benefit from an improving lithium market. If lithium demand from EVs and battery storage keeps rising, the ASX shares could benefit from a boom in demand.

Market Index data shows that all brokers have a strong buy rating on the shares. The $1.15 average target price implies a potential 322% upside, at the time of writing. 

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

Deep Yellow is an ASX uranium development company with a portfolio of Australian and global projects. At the time of writing, its shares are down around 0.5% for the day, to an annual low of $1.09 a piece. For the year to date, the shares are now down around 44% and 46% lower than 12 months ago.

Rising bond yields and higher interest rates have acted as strong headwinds for ASX uranium shares over the past year. Uranium developers like Deep Yellow need upfront capital, and it takes several years to become profitable. Investors have also been rotating towards more stable or defensive assets in times of volatility.

It’s not all bad news, though. In August, the company announced it had completed two major milestones at its flagship Tumas Project in Namibia. These included a long-term water supply agreement and finalisation of local ownership arrangements. The company is now focused on successfully progressing its Tumas Project towards a Final Investment Decision in Q4 2026.

Brokers are also bullish that the ASX shares can keep climbing. Market Index data shows the majority have a strong buy rating, and the $2.28 average target price implies an upside of around 109% at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX shares tipped to fly 109% to 322% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Deep Yellow, SGH, Telstra shares
• This ASX uranium stock could rise 40%: Broker
• 4 ASX shares tipped by brokers to return 63% to 125%
• Why is this ASX lithium stock crashing 10% on Monday?
• 3 ASX shares trading at 52-week lows that could be outstanding value plays 

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are down slightly in Tuesday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the ASX bank shares are down around 0.1% to $151.11 each. Today’s decline means the shares are down around 7% over the past month, and around 6% lower for the year to date.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up around 0.5% for the day, at the time of writing. This index is down around 3% over the past month and largely flat for the year to date.

The question now is, are CBA shares a buy? Or will any investment made today turn into an inevitable loss by October 2027?

Let’s take a look.

Analyst outlooks on CBA shares

Higher oil prices, a stubbornly high inflation rate, a tight jobs market, and the potential for more interest rate increases are all strong headwinds for CBA over the next 12 months.

And brokers aren’t too positive on the outlook for the bank shares going forward.

Market Index data shows all experts have a strong sell rating on the shares. The $125.20 average target price implies a downside of around 17% at the time of writing.

The data is similar on TradingView. The majority of analysts (14 out of 16) have a sell or strong sell rating on CBA shares. Another two rate the bank shares as a hold.

The average $128.29 target price implies the shares could fall around 15% over the next 12 months. Although some are even more bearish and think they have the potential to crash around 40% to $90 by this time next year, at the time of writing.

So, if I buy $10,000 of CBA shares today, what could they be worth by this time next year?

If broker forecasts come to fruition, a $10,000 investment in CBA shares today could be worth significantly less by October 2027. Average downsides of 15% to 17% could see $10,000 turn into $8,300 to $8,500 within the next 12 months.

If the more bearish expert forecasts come to fruition, a $10,000 investment today could drop to $6,000 by this time next year.

Does that mean investors should avoid buying CBA shares?

If capital gain is your plan, CBA shares might not be for you at the current trading price.

But there are some other reasons that the bank shares could still make for a good investment. 

Its large scale and strong operational performance means the company has the potential to be resilient through times of economic volatility, and its cyclical nature also means it can outperform during times of recovery.

And this is fantastic news for passive income-seeking investors.

CBA has a long history of paying its shareholders regular fully-franked dividends dating back to 1992. These are typically paid out every six months, in March and September.

The bank most recently paid its shareholders a $2.70-per-share fully-franked final dividend and a fully-franked full-year dividend of $5.05. That translates to a yield of around 3.3%.

Forecasts suggest the bank will pay its shareholders closer to $5.45 per share in FY27, which translates to a forward dividend yield of roughly 3.6%.

So while your $10,000 investment might not rocket higher in value, you could still earn a tidy passive income off of it. 

Using the current trading price and forecasted $5.45 per share dividend in FY27, I’ve calculated that you could earn around $360 in passive income off a $10,000 investment in FY27.

The post If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares today, what could they be worth in October 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much could the big 4 banks’ share prices fall?
• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Capstone Copper, Codan shares
• Why I’d buy CBA and Coles shares in October
• If I invest $10,000 in ANZ shares, what passive income could I receive in FY27?
• Are ASX 200 bank stocks a 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 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.

CAR Group vs Seek shares: Which online classifieds company offers better value?

Australians weighing up online classifieds stocks might find themselves choosing between CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) and Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK). Both companies have carved out leading roles in digital marketplaces, but their business models, recent performance, and value for investors are each surprisingly distinct. Whether you’re after dividends, growth, or just a smart long-term buy, there’s plenty to consider in a direct CAR Group vs Seek share showdown.

The case for CAR Group

CAR Group is a genuine heavyweight in the vehicle classifieds space. Best known locally for its flagship Carsales platform, CAR Group has expanded beyond Australia into digital marketplaces in South Korea, the US, and Latin America. According to its company profile, the group directly operates several overseas subsidiaries and holds a majority interest in Brazil’s webmotors.

Three fundamentals stand out for CAR Group:

• Market Cap: $8.34 billion, making it significantly larger than Seek Ltd in pure market size.
• Dividend Yield: 3.84%, with partial franking at 30% – not fully franked but still appealing given current rates.
• Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.828, matched by a reported P/E ratio of 27.02.

CAR Group’s dividend has grown steadily over many years, reflecting a pattern of semi-annual increases. However, its year-to-date return has been negative at -24.5%, indicating the share price has faced a tough period.

The case for Seek

Seek is the dominant name in online employment classifieds, connecting jobseekers with employers and branching out into learning and business sale platforms. Seek’s reach extends well outside Australia across Asia and Latin America, and its inclusion of services like Seek Learning and Seek Volunteer gives it a somewhat diversified edge.

Key points for Seek:

• Dividend Yield: 4.33%, fully franked at 100%, which comes with maximum franking credits for eligible investors.
• Market Cap: $4.24 billion – noticeably smaller than CAR Group, but still a major ASX contender.
• P/E Ratio: 24.88, slightly below CAR Group, though the reported EPS is negative at -$0.858.

Notably, Seek has one of the most consistent and long-standing fully franked dividend histories among Australian tech-leaning businesses. However, its year-to-date return is -45.8%, which is a much steeper decline than CAR Group’s. Also, note: Seek’s reported P/E ratio may be based on a different earnings measure (e.g. underlying or forward earnings) than the EPS figure shown, which is why they may appear inconsistent.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the numbers stack up side by side:

Metric	CAR Group	Seek
Market Cap	$8.34 billion	$4.24 billion
P/E Ratio	27.02	24.88
Dividend Yield	3.84% (30% franked)	4.33% (100% franked)
Earnings Per Share	$0.828	-$0.858
Dividend per Share	$0.87	$0.52
Year To Date Return	-24.5%	-45.8%

Seek edges ahead on dividend yield and investors get the bonus of full franking credits, which can be a decent tax benefit. CAR Group, on the other hand, is bigger, has a positive EPS, and more modest negative returns this year.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to 1 October 2026:

• As of 1 October 2026, CAR Group closed at $22.00. Its year-to-date return stands at -24.5%.
• As of 1 October 2026, Seek finished at $11.85, with a sharper year-to-date slide of -45.8%.
• Both shares have faced selling pressure over 2026, but Seek’s drop has been noticeably more severe over the same period.

Which is the better buy?

If I had to choose today, my pick would be CAR Group. Despite facing a tough year, it remains profitable with a positive EPS, a significantly larger market cap, and less severe recent losses than Seek. CAR Group’s dividend isn’t fully franked, but the blend of yield, size, and ongoing profitability tips the scale for me.

Seek’s fully franked, higher percentage dividend would normally be appealing. But the negative EPS and steeper price decline raise some red flags. The inconsistent EPS and P/E figures for Seek suggest underlying or adjusted measures are in play, so I’d approach its valuation with extra caution.

Of course, both businesses are proven leaders with global reach and clear digital moats. But for value and resilience right now, CAR Group looks just that bit steadier to me.

The post CAR Group vs Seek: Which ASX 200 stock is better value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares to buy amid a volatile market: experts
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• These 3 ASX 200 shares have lost 49%+ in 2026. Are any now bargains?
• Top broker names 2 growing ASX dividend shares to buy now
• Where to invest as interest rates charge higher

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 recommended CAR Group Ltd. 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.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are up 0.34% to 8,889.5 points on Tuesday.

Over 12 months, the market is down 4.21%.

The US-Iran war, high oil prices, rising interest rates, and multi-decade-high bond yields are weighing on share price valuations.

However, experts say there are buying opportunities amid today’s turbulent trading conditions.

Let’s check them out. 

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

The CAR share price is $22.02, down 0.23% today and down 43% over 12 months. 

Arthur Garipoli from Dolphin Partners has a buy rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share. 

Garipoli said (courtesy The Bull):

This online automotive platform operator recently posted a solid fiscal year 2026 result.

Reported revenue of $A1.253 billion was up 6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Reported net profit after tax of $A314 million was up 14 per cent.

The stock has fallen on AI disruption concerns. At recent levels, the stock screens favourably on a risk adjusted returns basis.

The company expects to generate high single digit revenue growth in Australia in fiscal year 2027 and double digit revenue growth in constant currency in North America and Latin America.

Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1)

The Global Lithium Resources share price is $1.01, up 1.51% today and up 181% over 12 months. 

Shaw & Partners has a buy recommendation on this ASX lithium share. 

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $1.75 on Global Lithium Resources shares.

In a new note, Shaw & Partners said: 

Global Lithium Resources Limited (ASX: GL1) has released its Manna-Nova Integration Study, the first quantified assessment of a streamlined development pathway that treats Manna ore at the recently acquired Nova processing plant.

By utilising Nova’s existing infrastructure ($7m acquisition) via a 135km haul route, GL1 avoids the $440m greenfield concentrator build proposed in the Dec’25 DFS.

Integrating targeted process additions onto Nova’s established brownfield foundation significantly reduces upfront capital requirements, de-risks project delivery, and accelerates the timeline to first cash flow.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

The Netwealth share price is $17.03, down 0.76% today and down 44% over 12 months. 

In a new note, Bell Potter retained its buy call on this ASX financial share. 

However, the broker reduced its 12-month share price target from $30 to $25.

Bell Potter said: 

Maintain Buy. Given interest rates,we have moved our valuation multiple to 2022-23 levels with a class action provision.

Our flow expectations are below FY27 guidance.

NWL has operated in similar environments,with large withdrawals and clients moving off platform.

FY23 flows landed -10% below the guidance and growth was restored in 12mths.

Our $17.9bn matches this experience. So far, we are 6mths into the cycle.

The post 3 ASX shares to buy amid a volatile market: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CAR Group vs Seek: Which ASX 200 stock is better value?
• Buy, hold, sell: Myer, Develop Global, Netwealth shares
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Top ASX shares to buy in October 2026
• This ASX 200 share is tipped to return over 50%

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) and Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500) are two Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I would happily own for the long term.

There is also plenty of overlap between them, which can make choosing between the two less straightforward than it first appears.

So, if I could buy only one, which would get my money?

Why buy the VGS ETF?

The VGS ETF is the broader option. It gives investors exposure to around 1,300 stocks across approximately 23 developed countries outside Australia, including the United States, Japan, the UK, Canada, France, and Switzerland.

That geographic spread is its biggest strength, in my view. The US still accounts for a large part of the portfolio, so investors retain significant exposure to companies such as NVIDIA, Apple, and Microsoft. But the VGS ETF also puts money to work across other developed economies.

That could prove valuable during periods when US shares are not leading global markets. Rather than needing to predict which country performs best next, investors have exposure across a much wider group.

For someone wanting a single international ETF to provide broad diversification, I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is difficult to fault.

What does the V500 ETF do differently?

The V500 ETF focuses entirely on the United States. It tracks the famous S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), giving investors exposure to around 500 large US companies representing roughly 80% of the value of the American share market.

Many of the largest companies are also owned by the VGS ETF. NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet currently sit at the top of the portfolio.

The difference is how much influence these US businesses have. The V500 ETF does not dilute that exposure with Japanese, European, Canadian, or other developed-market companies. Investors are making a clearer bet that the US can continue producing some of the world’s strongest businesses.

I am comfortable with that. The US remains a major centre for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, software, healthcare innovation, consumer brands, and many other industries. The S&P 500 Index also extends well beyond technology, so buying this Vanguard ETF is not simply a bet on a handful of AI companies.

Which Vanguard ETF would I choose?

I would lean towards the V500 ETF. Both funds are buys in my view, and the VGS ETF would actually win if broader geographic diversification were my main priority.

But if I could choose only one, I would prefer to put more weight behind the US businesses inside the Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF.

Foolish takeaway

I can see a strong case for owning either ETF.

But for me, the V500 ETF narrowly comes out ahead. I am comfortable accepting less geographic diversification in exchange for greater exposure to the US market.

If I were choosing just one today, it is the Vanguard ETF that would get my money.

The post VGS vs V500: Which Vanguard ETF would I buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• My top 3 Vanguard ETFs for October
• How much do I need to retire on $110,000 a year at 65?
• VGS vs IVV: Which ETF would I buy with $10,000?
• How I’d build a $50,000 ASX share portfolio today
• Own VAS, VHY, VGS, or other Vanguard ETFs? Here’s your next dividend

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have climbed higher into the green in Tuesday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the ASX biotech stock is up around 1% and is trading for $178.34 a piece.

Today’s increase means CSL shares have now jumped 93% from a 10-year low, recorded in June. The shares have also recouped losses shed this year, and are now up around 4% for the year to date. CSL shares are currently trading 13% lower than this time last year.

What drove the CSL share price rebound?

It looks like a combination of factors drove a renewal of investor confidence.

The company has faced several strong headwinds over the past 18 months, including a general investor rotation away from ASX healthcare shares, a full-year guidance downgrade earlier in the year, and news that the company expects an additional non-cash pre-tax impairment of around $5 million in FY26 and FY27.

But it looks like investors realised that the sell-off was way overdone, and by June the shares were trading significantly below fair value.

CSL’s final FY26 result in mid-August helped drive confidence higher again. The company reported total revenue of US$15.8 billion and NPAT of US$2.6 billion, which came in way ahead of guidance. 

Management described FY26 as a ‘reset year’, and said that in FY27 it expects a return to growth.

And all this has happened while the Australian healthcare sector stages a significant recovery, with investors becoming interested in the sector once again.

And why are the shares climbing higher again today?

Just yesterday, the company announced it has entered into an exclusive deal with Alentis Therapeutics for lixudebart, a treatment targeting rare kidney and liver conditions.

The company plans to expand clinical trials to cover other rare diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), supporting the growth of CSL’s nephrology portfolio.

CSL is expected to make an initial upfront payment of US$355 million to Alentis Therapeutics. It will also make additional commercial milestone payments of up to US$1.2 billion depending on commercial success.

The agreement is valued at up to US$1.6 billion in total.

Is the ASX biotech stock a buy, sell, or hold for October?

It looks like the company is well positioned for future growth. And the experts are bullish that CSL shares can keep climbing higher, too.

Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers have a buy rating on CSL shares. But after the strong rebound over the past couple of months, the average $159.86 target price now implies a downside of around 10% from the current trading level.

Analysts on TradingView are also bullish. Again the majority (11 out of 19) have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. The average $185.96 target price implies a potential 4% upside, at the time of writing. Some think the shares have the potential to jump another 22% to $218.30 within the next 12 months.

If analyst forecasts are correct, now could be a great time to buy the shares, ahead of the next rally.

The post CSL shares jump 93%: Is the ASX biotech stock a buy, sell or hold for October? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are CSL shares a buy after its big news?
• CSL unveils exclusive Alentis deal to advance rare disease treatments
• Top ASX shares to buy in October 2026
• CSL vs Pro Medicus: Which ASX healthcare share is better?
• Expert names Woodside and CSL shares as top buys today

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.4% to 8,719.6 points on Tuesday.

Let’s check out some new ratings on these three ASX 200 shares (courtesy The Bull).  

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC shares are $10.62 apiece, down 0.2% today.

Arthur Garipoli from Dolphin Partners has a buy rating on this ASX 200 tech share. 

Garipoli said: 

This data centre operator delivered total revenue of $496.5 million in fiscal year 2026, up 16 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying EBITDA of $248.8 million was up 15 per cent.

Underlying EBITDA is expected to range between $385 million and $410 million in fiscal year 2027.

NXT has invested heavily in infrastructure during the past three years.

The recent share price decline enables longer term investors to gain entry into a growth stock with structural tailwinds.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

Cleanaway Waste Management shares are $2.65, down 0.6% on Tuesday.

Steven Springford from Catapult Wealth has a hold rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

He said: 

This waste management company received a conditional, non-binding indicative proposal from EQT Infrastructure at $3.13 cash a share less the cash amount of any dividends. The proposal values Cleanaway at about $9.4 billion.

There’s no certainty the proposal will proceed… In our view, investors should continue holding and potentially receive the proceeds, which may also include a special fully franked dividend.

Cleanaway released an update yesterday saying that EQT had confirmed nothing had arisen during its due diligence that would prevent it from going ahead with the purchase, and it does not intend to vary any terms of its proposal.

Cleanaway received EQT’s conditional, non-binding indicative offer to buy 100% of its shares on 13 August.

Yesterday, Cleanaway said: “EQT is continuing to progress its confirmatory due diligence and the parties are working towards the negotiation and execution of an implementation deed.”

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope Corporation share price is $5.78, down 0.7% today.

Garipoli gives this ASX 200 coal share a sell recommendation.

He explained: 

New Hope is a thermal coal producer.

Underlying EBITDA of $514.3 million in full year 2026 was down 32.8 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Net profit after tax of $161 million fell 63.4 per cent. The profit result was below broker estimates.

Heightened costs contributed to the fall in profit.

The shares have performed well in calendar year 2026, so investors may want to consider pocketing some gains.

The post Buy, hold, sell: New Hope, Cleanaway Waste Management, NextDC shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Tech shares shine while ASX 200 plunges to 4-month low
• Top ASX shares to buy in October 2026
• 5 leading ASX shares I’d buy and hold until 2040
• Buy, hold, sell: Premier Investments, New Hope, Xero shares

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

Nobody knows when the next serious market sell-off will arrive.

But I think it is worth owning ASX shares that I would still feel comfortable holding if share prices suddenly fell 20% or 30%.

For me, that means looking for strong competitive positions, dependable demand, and businesses that can keep moving forward even when the economic backdrop becomes less friendly.

These are three ASX shares that fit that description.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear would be one of my first choices. It is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions, operating in a healthcare market where the underlying need does not disappear because economic conditions weaken.

That gives Cochlear a degree of resilience I like.

There is also a long-term growth story behind the defensive qualities. Ageing populations and greater awareness of hearing loss should continue expanding the number of people who could benefit from treatment.

Cochlear also has a strong record of product development, which helps it keep improving the technology available to patients and healthcare professionals.

A market sell-off could still drag Cochlear shares lower. But I would be comfortable looking through that volatility and sticking with the long-term investment case.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is an ASX share that gives me a different kind of confidence.

This conglomerate’s portfolio includes businesses such as Bunnings, Kmart, Target, Silk Laser, Priceline, and Officeworks, giving the company exposure to categories that remain important to Australian consumers through different parts of the economic cycle.

I particularly like the strength of Bunnings. Its scale, brand recognition, and position in home improvement make it difficult to replicate, while Kmart has built a strong value proposition that can remain relevant when household budgets are under pressure.

Wesfarmers also has a long history of allocating capital across different businesses and industries. That flexibility is valuable during weaker markets. A strong balance sheet and patient management can create opportunities when other companies are forced to pull back.

For me, that makes Wesfarmers the sort of business I would be happy to keep holding even if sentiment towards the broader market turned sharply negative.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths would be my third ASX share pick.

Grocery spending is one of the more defensive parts of the economy because households still need food and everyday essentials regardless of what markets are doing.

That gives Woolworths a steady demand base through periods when consumers may be cutting back elsewhere.

Its scale also works in its favour. Woolworths operates one of the country’s largest supermarket networks, with the purchasing power, distribution infrastructure, and customer reach that come with that position.

The business still needs to execute well, particularly around pricing, costs, and competition. But if the share market were falling because investors were worried about the economic outlook, Woolworths is the sort of company I would be comfortable continuing to own.

Foolish takeaway

A market downturn would probably send all three share prices lower. That would not automatically make me want to sell them.

What I care about is whether the businesses themselves can keep strengthening while the market works through the turbulence.

Cochlear, Wesfarmers, and Woolworths all give me reasons to believe they could. That is why I would be comfortable owning them before, during, and after the next sell-off.

The post 3 defensive ASX shares I’d buy in a market sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Buy, hold, sell: Megaport, Northern Star, Woolworths shares
• A leading fund just bought these top ASX 200 shares
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking to bring your portfolio to life, then it could be worth considering the ASX healthcare stock in this article.

That’s because if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation, it could double in value between now and this time next year.

Which ASX stock?

The stock that has caught the eye of Bell Potter is Aroa Biosurgery Ltd (ASX: ARX).

It is a commercial stage medical device company that operates within the wound care and soft tissue reconstruction sector. 

Bell Potter highlights that the company has reported positive peer-reviewed results from its published Symphony randomised controlled trial in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). It said:

Symphony plus standard of care (SOC) increased complete wound closure at 12 weeks to 45.6% versus 23.6% with SOC alone, a 22pp benefit (p=0.008). The benefit importantly remained significant after adjustment for baseline wound area and ulcer recurrence, with consistent per-protocol findings. Estimated mean time to closure was also 7.8 days shorter at 67.4 days. These results establish substantive clinical evidence expected to support Symphony’s outpatient adoption in both chronic and complex wounds.

The broker believes these results and economics reshape the opportunity. It adds:

The results arrive as reimbursement reform increases scrutiny of both clinical evidence and treatment economics. Provider uncertainty and wastage restrictions are disrupting the market, creating opportunities in the institutional channels that ARX is targeting. 

Symphony’s competitive pricing, shelf-stable format and range of SKUs support its positioning as provider margins, logistics and wound-matched sizing become increasingly important to product selection.

Big potential returns

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $1.09 price target on the ASX stock. 

Based on its current share price of 50.5 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 115% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its investment thesis and valuation, Bell Potter said:

Myriad remains the established near term growth driver, while Symphony provides access to a significant outpatient opportunity supported by a stronger clinical evidence base. Against an estimated US$1bn addressable market, our Symphony revenue forecasts remain modest at NZ$1.5m in FY27 and NZ$2.0m thereafter, leaving meaningful upside as adoption gains traction. 

ARX continues to screen attractively on 1.6x consensus CY26 EV/revenue, a ~40% discount to the broader peer average and ~61% to domestic peers. We see scope for this gap to narrow through continued direct sales growth, with the November H1 result the next catalyst in assessing commercial progress. We maintain our Buy rating and $1.09 target price.

The post Top broker says this ASX stock could rise 115% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Some share price falls make me nervous. Others make me want to look much more closely at what has actually changed inside the business.

One ASX growth share has fallen more than 60% over the past 12 months, yet I think its long-term opportunity may be getting stronger.

That share is cloud accounting platform provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

Beaten-down ASX growth share

Xero shares are now trading around $57 after a brutal year for shareholders.

Part of the concern has centred on artificial intelligence (AI) and what increasingly capable software could mean for traditional accounting platforms. Growth stocks have also faced pressure from higher interest rates and weaker market sentiment.

I can understand why investors are asking harder questions. But I think the market may be overlooking how Xero itself is changing.

Becoming more than accounting software

For years, the Xero investment case largely revolved around convincing more small businesses to move their accounting into the cloud.

That opportunity still exists, but the company now has broader ambitions.

Its acquisition of Melio has pushed Xero further into payments, particularly in the United States, while the company has also launched integrated payroll through Gusto. That means this ASX growth share can increasingly sit across accounting, payments, and payroll rather than solving only one part of a small business owner’s financial life.

I think that could make the platform more valuable to customers and give Xero more ways to grow revenue from the businesses already using it.

The US is particularly important here. It remains a much less mature market for Xero than Australia or New Zealand, so successfully bringing these services together could significantly expand the company’s opportunity.

What about AI?

AI is often presented as a threat to accounting software because it could automate tasks that users currently rely on platforms like Xero to perform.

But Xero is investing heavily in the same technology. Its Just Ask Xero (JAX) platform is designed to automate financial workflows and provide insights to small businesses and accountants, while Xero has also integrated with tools such as Anthropic’s Claude.

For me, AI could ultimately make financial software stronger if it allows customers to do more with the information already sitting inside the platform.

Xero now serves around 5 million customers globally, giving it an enormous base from which to introduce those capabilities.

Is the business still growing?

Importantly, the share price decline has not been accompanied by a collapse in the underlying business.

FY26 operating revenue increased 31% on a headline basis and 21% organically, while adjusted EBITDA increased 18%, or 30% organically, despite the investment associated with Melio.

That does not mean the risks have disappeared.

Xero still needs to integrate Melio successfully, prove it can gain ground in the US, and show that AI strengthens rather than undermines its competitive position.

But those are very different concerns from a business whose growth story has simply run out.

Foolish takeaway

After such a steep fall, I think this ASX growth share deserves another look.

The share price is telling a much more pessimistic story than it was a year ago, while the company is expanding the role it can play for small businesses.

If Xero can turn payments, payroll, and AI into meaningful new growth engines, I think today’s price could look surprisingly cheap several years from now.

Because of this, I would be willing to buy and give that strategy time to develop.

The post Down 60%, is this ASX growth share now too cheap to ignore? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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