Tag: Stock pick

The Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) share price is on the radar today after the company announced further steps to simplify its funding structure, including fully repaying all US Private Placement notes and securing new debt facilities to strengthen its liquidity.

What did Fletcher Building report?

• Prepaid all outstanding US Private Placement (USPP) notes on 10 November 2025, simplifying its funding mix
• Terminated associated cross-currency swaps and made a make-whole payment, totalling $7.2 million in cash costs
• Established a new two-year $200 million club facility on 10 September 2025
• Extended Tranche C ($325 million) of its Syndicated Facility Agreement by four years
• Extended Senior Interest Cover covenant at 2.25x to 31 December 2026; dividend restrictions remain in place until covenant lifted

What else do investors need to know?

Fletcher Building has deferred its next material debt maturity until FY28, giving it more breathing room to manage market uncertainty and operational priorities. The group continues to restrict dividend payments until it meets its standard covenant requirements, prioritising a conservative approach to capital management.

Banking partners have affirmed their ongoing support as the company works through its strategic reset, with covenant levels carefully managed to provide added balance sheet resilience while debt remains above guidance.

What did Fletcher Building management say?

Andrew Reding, Managing Director and CEO said:

These steps represent another milestone in strengthening our financial foundations. Simplifying our funding structure and extending key facilities gives us greater flexibility, lowers our ongoing cost of capital, and supports the disciplined execution of our strategic reset. We remain committed to reducing leverage and ensuring the business is well positioned to navigate current market conditions and return to sustainable, long-term performance.

What’s next for Fletcher Building?

Looking ahead, Fletcher Building’s focus remains on reducing leverage and maintaining investment-grade credit metrics. Management aims to further simplify funding arrangements and prioritise balance sheet flexibility, supporting the company as it navigates tough market conditions.

The board believes these funding and covenant changes will help safeguard operations and place Fletcher Building on a more resilient footing for a return to long-term, sustainable growth. Investors can expect capital management discipline to remain central to company strategy until balance sheet targets are comfortably met.

Fletcher Building share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Fletcher Building shares have risen 18%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Fletcher Building updates funding: repays USPP, extends bank facilities appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• AMP suspends AMPPB hybrid notes for redemption and removal
• Why brokers are bullish on this rapidly-growing ASX 200 share
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• BWP Group announces December 2025 half-year dividend: distribution details and DRP

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.

Thankfully for income investors, there are a lot of options out there for them to choose from on the Australian share market.

But which ASX dividend shares could be buys for investors with $5,000 to put into the market? Let’s take a look at three that analysts are recommending to clients this month:

Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

Cedar Woods could be an ASX dividend share to buy according to Bell Potter.

It is one of Australia’s leading property companies with a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type. This includes subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in vibrant inner-city neighbourhoods.

Bell Potter notes that this leaves Cedar Woods well-positioned to be a big winner from Australia’s chronic housing shortage.

The broker expects this to underpin dividends per share of 34 cents in FY 2026 and then 38 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.69, this equates to 4.4% and 4.9% dividend yields, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $9.70 price target on its shares.

Harvey Norman Holdings (ASX: HVN)

Another ASX dividend share that brokers are positive on is Harvey Norman.

This retail giant is a household name in furniture, electronics, and appliances. It also has one of the largest retail property portfolios in Australia, which provides both stability and an additional layer of asset backing for shareholders.

Bell Potter is positive on the retailer and expects fully franked dividends of 30.9 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 35.3 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.24, this would mean dividend yields of 4.25% and 4.9%, respectively.

Its analysts have a buy rating and $8.30 price target on the company’s shares.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is a third ASX dividend share that could be a good option for the $5,000 investment.

It is a toll road giant that operates a network of roads across Australia and North America. This includes CityLink in Melbourne, the Eastern Distributor in Sydney, and AirportlinkM7 in Brisbane.

This portfolio of roads has been experiencing growing traffic volumes over the years and this looks set to continue thanks to urbanisation and population growth. And with its pricing linked to inflation, Transurban is well-placed to steadily grow distributions over the long term.

Citi is forecasting dividends per share of 69.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 73.7 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $15.10, this equates to dividend yields of 4.6% and 4.9%, respectively.

Citi currently has a buy rating and $16.10 price target on the ASX dividend stock.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares to buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter names the best ASX dividend shares to buy in December
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 3 top consumer discretionary shares from Bell Potter
• Transurban announces 34c interim distribution and reaffirms FY26 guidance
• Does Macquarie rate Harvey Norman shares a buy, hold or sell?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are plenty of well-established, index tracking ASX ETFs. 

In Australia, funds like Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) and iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) track the biggest companies domestically. 

Additionally, there are similar funds to track US blue-chips.

However, there have been plenty of new funds hitting the market this year as providers try to focus on niche sectors and themes.

At the end of October, Betashares dropped its newest fund. 

The fund is the FTSE Global Infrastructure Shares Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: TOLL). 

ASX ETF overview 

According to Betashares, the fund aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to infrastructure companies from developed countries, hedged into Australian dollars.

It is currently made up of 135 holdings. 

The provider said 50% of the portfolio is invested in utilities, 30% in transportation companies and 20% in infrastructure REITs, energy pipelines and telecommunications.

Infrastructure companies provide capital-intensive essential services that tend to be in consistent demand across the economic cycle. As a result, they typically enjoy strong market positions and pricing power, making them a useful portfolio building block. Low historical correlations with global equities mean an allocation to global infrastructure can also contribute to portfolio diversification.

According to the provider, the companies that this fund invests in tend to generate stable, long-term cash flows that are often linked to inflation. 

It aims to generate attractive quarterly income, funded by the dividends paid by the companies in the portfolio.

It has a 12 month trailing dividend yield of 3.2%.

Geographically, its largest exposure is to companies in: 

• United States (59.0%)
• Canada (10.8%)
• Australia (6.2%)
• Spain (5.7%)
• Britain (4.2%)

The fund is currency-hedged to AUD. This means the fund seeks to neutralise fluctuations in foreign currencies vs the Australian dollar. That means investors hold a “global infrastructure” exposure but with reduced foreign-exchange risk.

How has it performed?

This ASX ETF has only been listed for roughly one month so far. 

However, it is up 1.26% in that span. 

The fund may be ideal for investors wanting global infrastructure exposure without currency risk. 

It is worth mentioning there are some funds already listed on the ASX that may be directly competing with this Betashares ETF. 

For example: 

• Vanguard Global Infrastructure Index ETF (ASX: VBLD) – This fund offers exposure to infrastructure sectors, including transportation, energy and telecommunications. The ETF is exposed to the fluctuating values of foreign currencies.
• VanEck Ftse Global Infrastructure (Hedged) ETF (ASX: IFRA) – Also gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of infrastructure securities listed on exchanges in developed markets around the world.

The post Meet the newest ASX ETF from Betashares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Macquarie names 3 top dividend-paying ASX 200 shares to buy today
• Top ASX shares to buy right now with $1,000
• Broker reveals ratings on 4 ASX 200 sector leaders
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• The best stocks to invest $1,000 in right now

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

With 2026 fast approaching, now’s a great time to think about buying a few S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that look well-placed to outperform in the new year. With a particular eye out for companies that also pay dividends.

With that in mind, we look at three such large-cap passive income shares Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) expects should deliver gains of 7% to 12% atop their attractive dividend yields.

Two agribusiness ASX 200 shares to buy today

First up, we have agribusiness Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD).

Elders shares closed on Thursday trading for $7.33 each. That sees the Elders share price up 2% in 2025. The ASX 200 share also trades on a partly franked 4.9% dividend yield.

Looking to the year ahead, Macquarie has an outperform rating on Elders shares.

According to the broker:

Optimism from the company re FY26 outlook evident at recent result with first 6 weeks of trading +30% vs pcp (pre Delta, EBIT basis) on improvement in seasonal conditions. Delta adds c$40m of EBIT on our forecasts and underpins our expectation for EBIT growth of 49% next 12 months.

15% return on capital target in focus with benefit from streamlined NWC, less bolt-on M&A activity and as come to end of SysMod transformation programme. Medium-term, we think ELD offers good earnings growth potential with cyclical rebound, Delta synergies (conservative) and further organic growth.

Macquarie has a price target of $8.25 on Elders shares. That represents a potential upside of more than 12% from current levels, not including dividends.

Which brings us to the second ASX 200 share to buy that Macquarie expects to outperform, rival Aussie agribusiness Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC).

Graincorp shares closed on Thursday trading for $8.19 each. This puts the Graincorp share price up 12% in 2025. Graincorp stock also trades on a market-beating, fully franked 5.9% dividend yield.

Macquarie noted:

GNC balance sheet/returns metrics compare well to peers. Particularly in Ag sector, a strong balance sheet affords flexibility to sustain investment requirements and capital returns even volatile cycle. GNC has demonstrated these characteristics over the past 2-3 years as grain prices and earnings have fallen from peak levels.

We expect FY26 EBITDA -1% vs pcp on fall in east coast grain vols (albeit remain near record levels) amid constrained margin environment. Recent corporate activity across broader infrastructure space a reminder of value inherent in GNC assets.

Macquarie has an $8.80 price target on Graincorp shares. That represents a potential upside of more than 7% from yesterday’s closing price, not including those upcoming dividends.

Also tipped to outperform

The third ASX 200 share you may wish to buy today in preparation for the new year is Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI).

Shares in the mining and infrastructure solutions provider – which is also the world’s largest commercial explosives manufacturer – closed on Thursday trading for $24.01.

This sees the Orica share price up a whopping 45% in 2025. Orica shares also trade on a 2.4% unfranked dividend yield.

And Macquarie expects more outperformance from Orica in the year ahead.

According to the broker:

We fct a positive earnings outlook (10% CAGR eps next 3 years) coupled with a strong bal sheet. At 17.5x FY27e, PE ORI trades at 4% PE rel discount to ASX100 vs ~4% L/T premium and a slight discount to DNL’s 18.1x (FY27 first year post-fert for DNL). Gold is ORI’s largest end market commodity (26% of rev) with exposure via explosives, cyanide and Axis (latter more exploration driven).

At FY25 result ORI lifted medterm earnings growth targets for Specialty Mining Chemicals (SMC) to high-single digit EBIT growth (mid-single digits prior) & Digital to middouble digits (low-double digits). Other focus areas inc duration of CF supply outage at Yazoo city: force majeure declared and ORI has lined up alternate supply but likely additional cost.

Commod price evolution (gold prices likely supported near term) and activity drivers across Nth Am Q&C, mining and coal sectors also in focus.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on Orica shares with a $25.95 price target. That’s more than 8% Thursday’s close. And again, it doesn’t include the upcoming 2026 dividends.

The post Macquarie names 3 top dividend-paying ASX 200 shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers rate these 3 top ASX shares as buys in December
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 3 ASX agriculture shares just re-rated by experts
• How much higher can this explosive ASX stock go?
• Ord Minnett just raised its price target on this soaring ASX 200 stock

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

November was a rough month for ASX 200 shares. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell more than 3% in that span. 

Sectors that were hit particularly hard by losses were Financials, Technology and Real Estate, which all fell between 4-11% according to Bell Potter’s Monthly Bell report. 

But when quality blue-chip stocks lose ground, it can create buying opportunities. 

It’s not uncommon for investor sentiment to fall, and spiral on itself, despite a company not having any serious flaws. 

There are a few ASX 200 stocks that I believe might fall into this bucket. 

When this happens, it’s a great time to jump in on undervalued stocks. 

With that sentiment in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares to target right now with $1,000. 

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is one of the largest publicly listed software companies in Australia, with offices across six countries. 

It develops user-friendly enterprise software products that are deeply integrated into customers’ information technology, or IT, infrastructure.

The information technology sector fell more than 11% in the month of November. 

TechnologyOne was certainly not immune to the pain. 

Its share price is down more than 20% in the last month. 

This was despite the fact the company actually delivered another record full year result for FY 2025.

I still see this as a quality company. With its share price now below fair value, it could be an opportunity for investors to swoop in. 

Bell Potter has a price target of $33.00 on this ASX 200 stock, indicating an upside of 12.55%. 

REA Group (ASX: REA)

REA Group shares are down 9% in the last month and 20% over the last 6 months. 

When you look at the fundamentals, this company is still operationally strong. 

In its Q1 FY26 release, the company reported revenue of $429m, up 4% YoY, and EBITDA excluding associates of $254m, an increase of 5%.

I believe investors might have overreacted to the news that its competitor Domain was acquired by CoStar Group Inc (NASDAQ: CSGP) in August. 

In my opinion, REA Group still holds market dominance.

Morgans recently cut its target price. 

However the updated target of $247 still indicates more than 28% from its current share price. 

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life 360 shares are down almost 22% in the last month. 

However, its Q3 2025 results included a reported 34% year-on-year increase in revenue for the three months to US$124.5 million. 

Net profit of US$9.8 million was up more than 27% from Q3 2024.

The team at Bell Potter seems to agree it is now undervalued. The broker placed a price target of $52.50 on the company in November. 

This indicates an upside of more than 38%. 

The post Top ASX shares to buy right now with $1,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• After tanking 26% in a month should you buy Life360 shares now?
• 3 high-quality ASX 200 shares now trading at multi-year discounts
• Where I’d invest $20,000 into ASX shares right now
• This is a great place to invest $1,000 into ASX shares right now
• Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, CBA, and Life360 shares

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. 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 closed higher on Thursday, up 0.27% to 8,618.4 points.

There are 11 market sectors comprising the ASX 200.

Let’s take a look at some new ratings and 12-month price targets for four sector leaders.

ASX 200 sector leaders: Buy, hold, or sell?

Here’s what the analysts at Morgans think of these four sector leaders.

1. Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Oil & gas giant Woodside is the largest ASX 200 energy share with a market cap of $48 billion.

The Woodside share price closed at $25.55, up 0.59% yesterday and up 2.4% in the year to date.

Morgans has a buy rating on Woodside shares with a price target of $30.50.

The broker recently commented:

Growth to 2032 with net operating cash flow guided to ~US$9bn (+6% CAGR) with a pathway to ~50% higher dividends.

Execution remains best-in-class: Scarborough, Sangomar and Trion all tracking on time and budget. Louisiana progressing under de-risked funding structure.

2. Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is the largest ASX 200 consumer discretionary share with a market cap of $93 billion.

The Wesfarmers share price closed at $82.01, up 0.35% yesterday and up 14.8% in 2025.

Morgans has a trim rating on Wesfarmers with a price target of $79.30 per share.

In a note, the broker explained:

While we continue to view WES as a core long-term portfolio holding with a diversified group of well-known retail and industrial brands, a healthy balance sheet, and an experienced leadership team with a strong track record of growth, trading on 35x FY26F PE we see the stock as overvalued in the short term.

3. Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is the largest ASX 200 consumer staples share with a market cap of $93 billion.

The Woolworths share price closed at $29.39, down 0.1% yesterday and down 3.5% in the year to date.

Morgans has a hold rating on Woolworths with a price target of $28.25.

The broker commented:

… we think the stock remains fully valued and prefer to wait for further evidence of improvement before reassessing our view.

4. Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group is largest ASX 200 property share with a market cap of $60 billion.

The Goodman Group share price closed at $29.36, down 2.7% yesterday and down 18.5% in 2025.

Morgans has an accumulate rating on Goodman Group with a share price target of $36.30.

The broker says:

GMG continues to reiterate the immense data centre opportunity ahead – 5GW of potential capacity across key global gateway cities.

However, the longer time to develop these assets is seeing capital intensity increase as data centres form a larger proportion of work-in-progress (WIP).

… we attribute much of the recent share price decline to the shifting narrative around the outlook for hyperscale capex.

The post Broker reveals ratings on 4 ASX 200 sector leaders appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best stocks to invest $1,000 in right now
• Is Beach Energy’s 7.7% dividend yield a tempting passive income opportunity?
• 3 ASX blue-chip shares I’d buy with $3,000 right now
• Best ASX retail stock to buy right now: Wesfarmers or Woolworths?
• 4 ASX shares I’d buy today with $10,000

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

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard to carve out a decent gain. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 8,618.4 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to edge higher on Friday following a mixed night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 13 points or 0.15% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is currently down 0.15%, the S&P 500 is 0.05% lower, and the Nasdaq is up 0.1%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a good finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.2% to US$59.66 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$63.24 a barrel. Traders have been buying oil after Russia-Ukraine peace talks failed to reach a deal.

Rio Tinto update

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares will be on watch today after the mining giant announced its new strategy. The company’s chief executive, Simon Trott, detailed how Rio Tinto will unlock its full potential to become the most valued metals and mining business. It aims to achieve this through a strategy that starts with having the right assets in the right markets, supported by a diversified model that delivers market-leading performance and industry-leading returns. The miner has earmarked up to A$15 billion of assets that it could divest.

Gold price edges higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a reasonably positive finish to the week after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.15% to US$4,238.9 an ounce. US dollar weakness appear to have been behind this.

NextDC-OpenAI deal

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares will be in focus today amid reports that the company has signed an agreement with ChatGPT owner OpenAI. According to the AFR, this will see NextDC build the largest data centre in the southern hemisphere in Sydney’s Eastern Creek. OpenAI chief executive, Sam Altman, said: “Australia is well-placed to be a global leader in AI, with deep technical talent, strong institutions and a clear ambition to use new technology to lift productivity.”

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

More reading

• AMP suspends AMPPB hybrid notes for redemption and removal
• Why brokers are bullish on this rapidly-growing ASX 200 share
• Expert lists its top resources shares to target in December
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Major ASX 200 mining shares hit 52-week highs

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. 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.

With the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down about 5.4% from its October record highs, it’s arguably a good time to reassess the markets as we approach the end of 2025 and look for some of the best stocks available to invest in.

It’s still hard to call the ASX cheap as a whole, despite this dip. But it’s what we have right now, so we may as well work with it.

If I had $1,000 to invest in this market today, there are two best ASX stocks I would probably go for. Neither are screaming buys, but both are still trading at reasonable valuations for a long-term investor. At least in my view. Let’s dive in.

2 of the ASX’s best stocks to buy with $1,000 today

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

First up, we have Wesfarmers. Wesfarmers is the name behind some of the most successful retailers in the country, including OfficeWorks, Kmart and Bunnings. Wesfarmers also owns a sprawl of other businesses though, ranging from Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) to the Priceline pharmacy chain.

I like this company as a long-term investment because of this inherent diversification, as well as Wesfarmers’ decades-long track record of delivering results for its shareholders. It has prudently managed its underlying companies with aplomb, delivering meaningful capital growth over many years. It has also been a star in the dividend department, consistently raising its fully franked payouts over time.

At just over $80 a share today, I wouldn’t call this stock particularly cheap. But it’s a lot better than the $95 we were seeing just a few months ago. If you’re stuck for a place to put $1,000 right now, you could do worse than this conglomerate.

MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

Next up, we have the listed investment company (LIC) MFF Capital. Like most LICs, MFF owns and manages a portfolio of underlying investments on behalf of its shareholders.

In this case, those investments are some of the best stocks from the United States. MFF follows a Warren Buffett-inspired playbook of buying high-quality stocks at prices that make sense, and holding them through thick and thin. Some of its longest-held positions include Amazon, Alphabet, Visa, American Express and Mastercard. All have been in the MFF portfolio for years.

This week, MFF told the market that its portfolio was worth $5.30 per share on a pre-tax basis. Yet you can buy its shares for $4.81 each at recent pricing. Given this LIC’s impressive performance and savvy investment strategy, I think it is one of the best stocks on the ASX. I would be happy to put $1,000 in it today.

The post The best stocks to invest $1,000 in right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Broker reveals ratings on 4 ASX 200 sector leaders
• Is Beach Energy’s 7.7% dividend yield a tempting passive income opportunity?
• 3 ASX blue-chip shares I’d buy with $3,000 right now
• Best ASX retail stock to buy right now: Wesfarmers or Woolworths?
• Is it time to sell your Wesfarmers shares?

American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, American Express, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Passive income investors scouring the share market for big dividend yields might come across one from Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares that might take their fancy.

Yesterday, this ASX 200 energy stock closed at $1.16 a share. At that price, Beach closed with a trailing dividend yield of 7.73%. If we include the full franking credits that Beach usually attaches to its dividends, investors have a grossed-up yield of over 11% staring them in the face.

It’s understandable that more than a few income investors might find that a little tempting. Particularly so, considering the yields available on blue chip shares like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) are all currently under 4%.

So today, let’s discuss whether passive income seekers should succumb to temptation and buy Beach Energy shares today for that big dividend.

Are Beach shares a buy for big passive income?

2025 has indeed been a bonanza when it comes to Beach Energy payouts. Shareholders received a 3-cent per share interim dividend back in March. The final dividend, worth 6 cents per share, follows in September.

That 9 cents per share in total dividend income for 2025 gives us that 7.73% yield at Beach’s last share price of $1.16.

However, as most dividend investors are aware, dividend yields always reflect the past, not the future. Just because Beach Energy paid out 9 cents per share in 2025 doesn’t mean investors should expect that kind of income in 2026, or beyond.

No ASX dividend share offers absolute income guarantees. But energy shares are more prone to passive income ebbs and flows than most other stocks on our market. That’s because the company’s profits, and thus ability to fund dividends, are highly dependent on something completely outside their control: global energy prices.

If the global oil price falls, for example, Beach’s profits take an immediate hit.

This is evident when we examine the level of passive income this stock has paid in prior years. 2025 was actually something of an outlier for Beach shareholders. Far from enjoying 9 cents per share annually, Beach’s owners collected 4 cents per share over 2024 and 2023. Between 2017 and 2022, the annual total came to just 2 cents per share.

If Beach reverted to paying out 4 cents per share over 2026, the shares would have a forward yield of 3.45% today. As it happens, many analysts are predicting that Beach will indeed be forced to slash its payouts next year. Whilst that is not a certainty, it does indicate that investors should not expect an automatic 7.76% passive income yield if they buy Beach shares today.

The post Is Beach Energy’s 7.7% dividend yield a tempting passive income opportunity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX blue-chip shares I’d buy with $3,000 right now
• Best ASX retail stock to buy right now: Wesfarmers or Woolworths?
• Own CBA shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026
• ASX bank stocks: Buy, sell, or hold?
• Down 8% and 11% in November – Is this the start of a long slide for NAB and CBA shares?

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 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.

Yesterday afternoon, AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) announced the immediate suspension and upcoming removal of its AMP Capital Notes 2 (AMPPB) hybrid securities from quotation. The move follows the pending redemption of these notes, which only affects this specific security class.

What did AMP report?

• AMP Capital Notes 2 suspended from ASX quotation, effective immediately
• Notes to be removed from quotation following redemption announcement
• Redemption process covered under ASX Listing Rules 17.2 and 17.10
• This change only applies to AMPPB; no impact on other AMP securities

What else do investors need to know?

The suspension means investors will no longer be able to trade AMP Capital Notes 2 on the ASX, pending the formal redemption process. AMP has advised the redemption details will be confirmed in a separate announcement, along with lodgement of the required appendix for cessation of these securities.

If you hold AMPPB notes, this action does not affect your ordinary AMP shares or any other securities. The broader AMP business and its main ASX shares continue to trade as normal.

What’s next for AMP?

Investors can expect further announcements from AMP outlining the timing and process for redeeming the AMP Capital Notes 2. The company will also lodge the formal Appendix 3H to confirm cessation of these securities.

For holders of AMPPB, keep an eye on your broker or registry communications for details around payment and closure. Ordinary AMP shares and other quoted securities remain listed and unaffected.

AMP share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, AMP shares have risen 5%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post AMP suspends AMPPB hybrid notes for redemption and removal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why brokers are bullish on this rapidly-growing ASX 200 share
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• BWP Group announces December 2025 half-year dividend: distribution details and DRP
• Which junior biotech’s shares are flying on positive trial news?
• Pro Medicus responds to data breach speculation: no client or patient data accessed

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.