Tag: Stock pick

  • 1 prediction for Nvidia in 2026

    A bald man in a suit puts his hands around a crystal ball as though predicting the future.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

     

    Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has been a focal point of investment in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector this year. It’s the undisputed leader in accelerated computing. However, Nvidia’s chips aren’t the only reason why.

    The company’s graphics processing unit (GPU) stacks combine hardware, software, and platform solutions designed to support applications from gaming to professional visualization and accelerated computing. I believe Nvidia’s vast array of solutions will reaccelerate growth in the stock price next year. 

    AI solutions for the future

    Nvidia’s revenue soared to a record $57 billion in the recently reported fiscal third quarter. That was a remarkable 62% year-over-year jump.

    Some investors believe that this kind of growth is unsustainable. That seems like a sensible position considering that level of sales. I predict that another leg of sustainable growth lies ahead that investors will begin to recognize in 2026. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has already publicly signaled what it will be, too.

    Even if the AI data center buildout slows, as some believe will happen, Jensen Huang sees a long growth runway for his company over the next decade. In an interview earlier this year, Huang stated, “This is going to be the decade of AV [autonomous vehicles], robotics, autonomous machines.”

    Nvidia will supply both hardware and software to support that development. The company produces embedded systems for autonomous and robotic applications. Nvidia’s Drive ADX platform provides high-level compute performance for the highest level of self-driving technology.

    The company calls its Jetson platform “the ideal software for robotics and generative AI at the edge.” It’s powered by Nvidia’s leading Blackwell GPU, helping to generate more hardware sales, too.

    Investors should continue to monitor data center growth to track the state of Nvidia’s business. However, watching developments in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and machines should provide confidence that a new leg of sales growth for Nvidia is likely. That, in turn, should drive the stock higher after shares have consolidated over the past couple of months. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post 1 prediction for Nvidia in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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

    Before you buy Nvidia shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Nvidia wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Howard Smith has positions in Nvidia and has the following options: short February 2026 $170 calls on Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Elders gets third strike in a row against its executive pay

    View of a business man's hand passing a $100 note to another with a bank in the background.

    Agribusiness Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) received the third strike against its remuneration report in as many years on Thursday, with investors lodging a hefty protest vote at the annual general meeting (AGM).

    Under Australian corporations law, a vote of 25% or more against the remuneration report at a company’s annual general meeting constitutes a strike, with two strikes in a row triggering a vote to potentially spill the board.

    Elders’ board survived such a vote at last year’s AGM, when the vote against the remuneration report ran at about 67%.

    Under the law, the strike count resets after a spill vote, meaning today’s protest vote did not trigger a spill vote.

    The company also received a strong protest vote against Managing Director Mark Allison’s remuneration package, with 39.6% of the vote against.

    New boss not far off

    While the remuneration vote this year sets the company up with a potential spill trigger if it receives another protest vote next year, this is arguably unlikely, given that current Chief Executive Officer Mark Allison’s succession plans are “well advanced”, according to Chair Glenn Davis.

    Mr Allison originally announced he would retire from the company three years ago; however, he ended up staying on when a global search for a new leader failed to find a suitable candidate.

    Mr Davis said on Thursday that Mr Allison was “available” to stay with the business as Chief Executive until September next year, “ensuring an orderly transition aligned with the completion of our current Eight Point Plan”.

    Outlook looking good

    Mr Allison told the AGM on Thursday that Elders was “optimistic” about the outlook for FY26.

    Elders expects EBIT growth in FY26 driven by a positive outlook for most agricultural commodities and season. We are also looking to a strong contribution from transformation projects and Delta Agribusiness in FY26. We will continue to focus on maintaining operational and financial discipline, investing in growth opportunities, and upholding our commitment to clients as trusted partners in their agricultural enterprises and communities. With our new business structure in place, we have a clear and focused direction for stable and methodical performance to make the most of improved conditions and to remain responsive to the needs of our clients.  

    Mr Allsion said the company had delivered a strong result in FY25, despite “mixed seasonal conditions and commodity market volatility”.

    Elders shares have delivered a total shareholder return of just 2.3% over the past year and a negative 1.7% over the past five years, annualised, according to data sourced from CMC Markets.

    Elders was valued at $1.48 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.

    The post Elders gets third strike in a row against its executive pay appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Elders Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Elders Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shook off a sombre mood and ended up recording a modest rise at the end of the trading day this Thursday, its first positive session for the week thus far.

    After staying in red territory for most of the morning and afternoon, investors ultimately relented and sent the ASX 200 up 0.035% by the closing bell. That leaves the index at 8,588.2 points.

    This near-miraculous recovery for the Australian markets comes after a decidedly negative morning up on the American stock exchanges.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in poor form, dropping 0.47%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared far worse still, falling by a nasty 1.81%.

    But let’s get back to the happier market now, and dive a little deeper into how the different ASX sectors coped with today’s volatile trading conditions.

    Winners and losers

    There were more winners than losers this Thursday.

    Leading the latter, though, were energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was singled out for punishment today, tanking 1.5%.

    Utilities shares weren’t popular either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) plunging 1.06%.

    Gold stocks were no safe haven. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) took a 0.77% dive this session.

    Nor were industrial shares, as you can tell from the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.35% dip.

    Healthcare stocks didn’t get out unscathed as our last losers. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) saw its value cut by 0.15%.

    Let’s turn to the winners now. It was consumer staples shares that put on the best show, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) galloping 0.64% higher.

    Communications stocks were relatively hot as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) bounced up 0.46% today.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) got a reprieve as well, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 0.43% lift.

    Next came consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) added 0.39% to its total this Thursday.

    Tech shares saw some demand, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) rising 0.19%.

    As did mining stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) got a 0.17% boost this session.

    Finally, financial shares scraped home with a small bump, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)’s 0.01% inch higher.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    It was automotive retailer Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) that took today’s cake, and by a mile too. Bapcor shares rocketed 15.49% this session to close at $2.05 each. This came after the embattled stock announced a new CEO.

    Here’s how today’s other winners pulled up at the kerb:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) $2.05 15.49%
    Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) $6.24 5.05%
    SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR) $5.95 3.30%
    Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) $14.44 2.78%
    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) $113.04 2.52%
    Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) $3.01 2.38%
    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) $4.20 2.19%
    IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) $5.69 2.15%
    Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR) $1.67 2.14%
    Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD) $3.35 2.13%

    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.

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

    Before you buy Bapcor Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bapcor Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • 3 ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginners

    Happy teen friends jumping in front of a wall.

    Getting started in the share market can be scary. Many new investors worry about picking the wrong stock, buying at the wrong time, or not knowing enough to compete with professionals.

    Unfortunately, that fear alone is enough to stop some people from ever investing at all.

    But don’t let that stop you. Not when there are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) out there to make life easier for beginner investors.

    They offer instant diversification, low costs, and exposure to dozens or even thousands of stocks in a single trade. For beginners, that simplicity can make all the difference.

    With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be ideal starting points for new investors.

    Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is often one of the first ETFs new investors come across, and for good reason. It provides exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial stocks listed on the famous Nasdaq exchange in the United States.

    The fund includes well-known global leaders such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). These are businesses with strong competitive positions, global customer bases, and long histories of innovation.

    For beginners, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers a simple way to gain exposure to world-class growth stocks without having to choose individual winners.

    Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

    Another top option for beginners could be the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

    This ASX ETF invests in global stocks with strong balance sheets, consistent profitability, and high returns on capital.

    Its portfolio includes high-quality businesses such as Visa (NYSE: V), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Accenture (NYSE: ACN), and L’Oreal (FRA: OR). These are market leaders with pricing power and resilient earnings.

    For beginners, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF could be attractive because it emphasises quality over hype. It aims to smooth out some of the bumps that come with growth investing, making it a solid core holding for those who want steadier long-term returns.

    It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

    A third option for beginners is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF.

    It is focused on value investing. Rather than chasing fast-growing or highly priced stocks, this fund targets developed-market stocks that are trading at attractive valuations relative to their fundamentals.

    The ETF holds around 250 large- and mid-cap international companies selected using a rules-based approach that looks at metrics such as price-to-book value, forward earnings, and cash flow. This provides diversified exposure across multiple countries and sectors. Its holdings include Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC), and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO).

    It was recently recommended by analysts at Van Eck.

    The post 3 ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Accenture Plc, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Cisco Systems, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Tesla, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • A 5.8% yield and 30% undervalued — time for me to buy this ASX 300 passive income star?

    Close up of worker's hand holding young seedling in soybean field.

    Most investors would do a double-take if they saw an ASX 300 dividend share trading at a yield of almost 6% today. After all, most popular passive income picks on the ASX currently sport yields far lower than that.

    You won’t get anything close to 6% from the likes of Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) or Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) right now.

    Yet that’s what’s apparently on offer from Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) shares right now.

    Yep, this ASX 300 real estate investment trust (REIT) currently trades on a yield of 5.81%.

    That yield stems from the four quarterly dividend distributions that this REIT has doled out over 2025. Each one of those quarterly dividend distributions was worth 2.93 cents per unit. That annual total of 11.72 cents per unit gives Rural Funds that trailing yield of 5.81% at the present (at the time of writing anyway) unit price of $2.02.

    What’s more, this ASX passive income stock seems to be trading at a steep discount to its underlying value.

    Rural Funds periodically reports the net tangible assets (NTA) per unit for the benefit of investors. In other words, that’s how valuable its property portfolio is on a per-unit basis. Bear in mind that, as Rural Funds is an agricultural-based REIT which owns vast tracts of diverse farmland, these assets can be more difficult to put a value on than publicly-traded shares.

    Even so, Rural Funds told investors in August that its NTA per share was $3.08 on adjusted terms. That’s as of 30 June 2025.

    At the current $2.02 unit price, this implies that this ASX 300 share is currently trading at a 30% discount to the value of its underlying portfolio.

    So is this ASX 300 REIT a buy for passive income?

    Looking at Rural Funds, I think this passive income stock has what it takes to be a useful investment for anyone who prioritises seeing maximum dividend income from their portfolio. Rural Funds has never cut its dividend distributions since listing in 2013, and obviously offers that hefty 5.8% yield today (although investors should remember that no yield is ever in the bag).

    Having said that, Rural Funds’ dividends don’t usually come with much in the way of franking credits, as is typical of most REITs.

    As a REIT, Rural Funds’ unit price is highly impacted by interest rates, though. That would explain why investors have seen the value of their units drop more than 20% over the past five years. As such, I wouldn’t expect much in the way of capital appreciation going forward. Particularly if interest rates have already bottomed this cycle.

    As I am not a solely dividend-focused investor, I won’t be buying this passive income stock anytime soon. But I would recommend it to anyone who does want to maximise their cash flow as part of a diversified dividend portfolio.

    The post A 5.8% yield and 30% undervalued — time for me to buy this ASX 300 passive income star? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Rural Funds Group right now?

    Before you buy Rural Funds Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Rural Funds Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 1 ASX 200 share to consider for the coming decade

    A businessman in a suit adds a coin to a pink piggy bank sitting on his desk next to a pile of coins and a clock, indicating the power of compound interest over time.

    When I buy an ASX share, I tend to do so with the expectation of owning that share, whether it be on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) or not, for at least a decade. Hopefully longer.

    But of course, finding those companies is easier said than done. I myself have bought ASX 200 shares before with the hope of owning a lifelong investment, only to have had to sell out of them as my original thesis failed to hold up with time.

    Today, though, let’s discuss an ASX 200 share that I think is worthy of consideration as a stock to own for the coming decade. This ASX 200 company shows signs of market dominance and significant brand loyalty with its portfolio of iconic brands. It also looks financially healthy and has established itself as a reliable payer of fully-franked dividends.

    That ASX 200 share is Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA). You probably know Bega for its dairy products. After all, this is a company that has been around in some shape or form since 1899.

    Why is Bega a top ASX 200 share for long-term investors?

    But aside from Bega Cheese (which is actually produced by French dairy company Lactalis), Bega owns a wide stable of some of Australia’s favourite household brands. There are juice labels Juice Brothers, Daily Juice Co and Mildura, as well as dairy brands Yoplait, Dairy Farmers and Pura.

    But Bega has been on a bit of a buying spree over the past decade. For one, it acquired the rights for Kraft peanut butter from Mondelez International in 2017, which has subsequently been rebranded as Bega Peanut Butter. The company also owns the more health-focused Simply Nuts brand.

    Even more significant was Bega’s acquisition of Mondelez’s other snack brands, which included Zoosh and the culturally iconic Vegemite. It was the first time Vegemite returned to an Australian owner in almost 90 years.

    But that’s not the largest acquisition Bega has made in recent years. This ASX 200 share purchased the non-alcoholic drinks division of Lion Dairy & Drinks from the Japanese giant Kirin in 2020. These included popular names like Farmers Union, Big M, Dare, and Zooper Dooper.

    So Bega is a giant share in the ASX 200 consumer staples space.

    But let’s get into this company’s financials. So Bega has just come off a bumper year. For its FY2025, it posted a normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $202 million, up 23.1% year on year. Earnings per share (EPS) rose by a stunning 72.9% on a normalised basis to 16.6 cents.

    Meanwhile, the company is making enormous progress in paying off its debt from the acquisitions discussed above. Its net debt fell 22.4% over the 2025 financial year to $126.1 million.

    At the same time, Bega paid out its highest dividend in history in 2025. The company announced two dividends, both worth 6 cents per share, this year. Both came fully franked too, as is Bega’s habit.

    Foolish takeaway

    Bega is not a perfect investment. The company is subject to many factors outside its control, most notably farmgate dairy prices. But no ASX share is perfect. With such a strong portfolio of beloved consumer brands, I think Bega is well placed to thrive over the coming decade.

    The post 1 ASX 200 share to consider for the coming decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Bega Cheese Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bega Cheese Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Kraft Heinz and Mondelez International. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Kraft Heinz. 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.

  • Here’s why a surprise accounting shift sent IDP shares higher today

    Portrait of a female student on graduation day from university.

    IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) shares rose around 2% today after the company announced a voluntary change to how it recognises revenue across its global student placement business. While accounting policy updates rarely grab headlines, this one clearly caught the attention of investors.

    Under the updated approach, IDP Education will recognise student placement revenue at census date across all jurisdictions, bringing its Australia and UK businesses in line with the approach already used for its businesses in Canada, the United States, Ireland, and New Zealand.

    According to the announcement, the change will shift the timing of revenue recognition for some markets but will not alter underlying cash flows, capital management settings, or banking covenants.

    So why did the share price rise?

    Consistency builds confidence

    IDP Education has become a much more complex global business, and aligning revenue recognition across all markets simplifies the way investors evaluate its performance. Increased comparability typically reduces uncertainty.

    Greater certainty and consistency are something that the market values highly.

    The revised treatment results in a $9.2 million uplift in revenue and a $5.2 million increase in net profit after tax for FY25, reflecting the timing shift between reporting periods. While this doesn’t change the economic reality of the business, stronger reported results often provide a short-term sentiment boost.

    Guidance remains intact

    Management reaffirmed its FY26 Adjusted EBIT target of $115 million –$125 million, even after incorporating the accounting change. For investors already navigating a volatile macro environment for international student flows, reaffirmed guidance is a welcome signal of stability and visibility.

    Importantly, the update does not affect operating cash flow, which is the lifeblood of IDP Education’s business, nor does it imply any deterioration in demand or margins.

    Foolish bottom line

    Today’s share price reaction suggests the market is happy that guidance has not been downgraded and that it sees the policy shift as a housekeeping move that improves transparency rather than a sign of trouble. In an environment where consistency is valued, IDP’s proactive approach may be exactly what investors want to see.

    The post Here’s why a surprise accounting shift sent IDP shares higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Idp Education right now?

    Before you buy Idp Education shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Idp Education wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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.

  • Buy, hold, sell: Flight Centre, Suncorp, and Zip shares

    A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the CSL balance sheet and the value of CSL shares today

    There are a lot of ASX 200 shares out there for investors to choose from.

    Let’s now take a look at three popular options and see if analysts rate them as buys, holds, and sells.

    Here’s what they are saying about them:

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Morgans was pleased with this travel agent’s acquisition of UK based online cruise agency Iglu. This is due to Iglu operating in a high growth and high margin segment of the travel industry.

    In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $18.38. It said:

    In our view, Iglu is a strategically sound acquisition for FLT’s Leisure business unit, given the cruise sector is a high growth and high margin segment within the travel industry. The acquisition multiple was reasonable for an online business and, importantly, is immediately EPS accretive. FLT’s strong balance sheet can comfortably fund this acquisition and its capital management strategy. We have upgraded our forecasts to reflect the acquisition of Iglu. Despite recent share price appreciation, FLT’s fundamentals remain attractive and we retain a Buy recommendation with a new A$18.38 price target.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    Over at Ord Minnett, its analysts aren’t feeling overly positive on insurance giant Suncorp due to its softening premium rate growth.

    Although the broker sees value in its shares, it isn’t enough to give it a buy rating. Instead, the broker has put a hold rating and $20.50 price target on Suncorp. It said:

    Between weather-related volatility and an industry-wide slowdown in premium rate growth, the outlook for Suncorp (and its peers) remains challenging. This leads Ord Minnett to cut its target price on Suncorp to $20.50 from $22.50, and maintain its Hold recommendation despite the apparent value on offer.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

    Finally, Macquarie remains very bullish on this buy now pay later provider. Although it acknowledges that its rapid total transaction value (TTV) growth is leading to higher loss rates, it believes Zip will still achieve its net transaction margin (NTM) guidance.

    As a result of this and its rapid growth, the broker has put an outperform (buy) rating and $4.85 price target on its shares. It commented:

    Outperform. We forecast Zip to continue to deliver rapid growth supported by increased product adoption, expansion of merchant network, increased customer engagement and digital product innovation. […] We expect ZIP to deliver attractive TTV growth and NTM in the guidance range, with potential upside risk to earnings.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: Flight Centre, Suncorp, and Zip shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre Travel Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Flight Centre Travel Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Flight Centre Travel Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Bapcor shares soar 12% on the appointment of a new CEO

    Wife and husband with a laptop on a sofa over the moon at good news.

    It can be sometimes awkward when the market celebrates a change in C-suite leadership, but that’s exactly what seems to be happening at Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP).

    Bapcor shares surged as much as 12% today after the company announced the resignation of CEO Angus McKay and the appointment of Chris Wilesmith as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

    Why the optimism?

    The market’s strong reaction reflects a clear message from investors: they are ready for a reset.

    A new CEO is likely to bring in fresh ideas and could be the catalyst that Bapcor needs to reset its trajectory.

    Bapcor shares are down 56% so far in 2025, but investors will be looking at the new CEO’s background with great optimism.

    Wilesmith, a seasoned operator in the automotive aftermarket and broader retail sector, brings decades of experience across businesses closely aligned with Bapcor’s core segments. According to the ASX announcement, he has held senior leadership roles at Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) owned brand Supercheap Auto, as well as Jaycar Electronics, and Mitre 10 New Zealand. This should give him deep insight into trade, retail, and supply-chain operations across Australia and New Zealand.

    The board highlighted his track record in growing businesses within the very categories Bapcor competes in. That relevance appears to have resonated strongly with shareholders, many of whom have been waiting for more stability and clearer execution after a difficult period for the company.

    The market’s enthusiasm also reflects a desire for renewed strategic direction. Bapcor has faced operational and profitability challenges in recent years, including multiple earnings downgrades, rising short interest, and ongoing concerns around its turnaround efforts. With customer-facing brands such as Autobarn, Autopro, and Burson, the business remains a meaningful player in the Australian automotive aftermarket, but execution has held it back.

    Wilesmith will officially step into the role on 14 January 2026, with outgoing CEO Angus McKay assisting through a transitional period. The ASX filing notes that Bapcor’s board thanked McKay for the progress made in simplifying the organisation and stabilising its foundations, but the decision to transition leadership now signals the company’s focus on a new phase centred on recovery and growth.

    Bapcor shares Takeaway

    Investors appear to view Wilesmith’s appointment as a credible catalyst for that next phase. His combination of automotive experience, operational discipline, and exposure to both supplier and competitor dynamics positions him well to address Bapcor’s challenges while unlocking value in its trade and retail networks.

    While the share price pop reflects renewed optimism, the real test will come as Wilesmith begins to shape strategy, rebuild confidence, and demonstrate that Bapcor can return to sustainable earnings growth.

    For now, the market has rewarded the company for making what many see as a decisive and much-needed leadership shift.

    The post Bapcor shares soar 12% on the appointment of a new CEO appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Bapcor Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bapcor Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned.  The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why this under-the-radar ASX energy stock could rise 60%+

    Happy man working on his laptop.

    If you are looking for exposure to the energy sector outside giants like Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), then read on!

    Bell Potter has just named one ASX energy stock that it believes could rise over 60% from current levels.

    Which ASX energy stock?

    The stock that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Comet Ridge Ltd (ASX: COI).

    It is an energy exploration and development company focused on coal seam and conventional gas projects in eastern Australia.

    Bell Potter notes that the company has announced a deal to acquire Santos’ 42.86% interest in the Mahalo Joint Venture coal seam gas project. This takes its ownership to 100%.

    Comet Ridge is paying $40 million on financial close and a further $20 million on meeting production milestones.

    The broker is positive on the deal and believes it will simplify its structure. It explains:

    The transaction will vastly simplify COI’s Mahalo acreage, increasing development optionality and overall project funding capacity. COI previously held ground in the Mahalo JV and 100%-owned positions in adjacent permits; COI will move to owning all of the coal seam gas permits 100%. The acquired Mahalo area is fully permitted, FEED is nearing completion and Jemena is working on pipeline FEED.

    Mahalo is expected to initially produce up to 60TJ/day into the east coast gas market with FID targeted for mid-2026. STO viewed the asset as non-core and not a near-term priority; COI will now have control to progress that asset under its own timeline. COI is in discussions with the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility for debt financing and the simplified structure could now attract a strategic partner and gas prepayments.

    Big potential returns

    According to the note, the broker has responded to the news by retaining its speculative buy rating and 21 cents price target on its shares.

    Based on its current share price of 13 cents, this implies potential upside of 61% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Overall, the broker feels that Comet Ridge could be a good option for investors with a high tolerance for risk. It concludes:

    Our COI valuation is underpinned by COI’s Mahalo projects; we are yet to apply the acquisition of STO’s Mahalo JV interest. The Mahalo JV was awarded a Petroleum Lease in mid-2020, making it one of the few development-ready gas projects capable of delivering near-term supply.

    We are positive on Australian east coast gas markets, with supply shortfalls likely to support higher prices. COI is a gas development company with prospective operations and cash flows only. Our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of risk and volatility of returns.

    The post Why this under-the-radar ASX energy stock could rise 60%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Comet Ridge Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Comet Ridge Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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