Tag: Stock pick

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have slipped into the red for 2026, down 1% in the calendar year-to-date (YTD).

Let’s check out some new ratings from the experts.

Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL) 

The Regal Partners share price has plummeted 29% over the YTD.

Ord Minnett has a buy rating on this specialist alternative investment manager.

In a new note, the broker said:

Regal Partners (RPL) delivered a strong first-half FY26 result (1H26), although the attention was mainly on the announced transition to retirement of founder and portfolio manager Philip King.

Mr King is responsible for approximately 16% of RPL’s funds under management (FUM), or $3.4 billion, and will remain in his current roles until at least 30 June 2027.

Financially, the result was robust. Normalised net profit after tax reached $93 million (guidance was for at least $90 million), more than double the prior corresponding period, and 3% ahead of consensus.

RPL ended FY26 with approximately $289 million of balance sheet capital and access to a further $130 million of undrawn debt facilities. 

Despite the leadership transition risk, RPL is trading on an attractive FY27 price to earnings multiple of circa 8x, and on our numbers, offers around 14% per annum growth in EPS over FY26–29.

APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA)

The APA Group share price is up 20% over the YTD.

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a hold rating on this ASX 200 utilities share. 

Wielandt said (courtesy The Bull): 

APA owns an extensive portfolio of energy infrastructure assets across Australia and benefits from long term contracts and inflation-linked tariff increases, which the company negotiates directly with its customers.

APA delivered a strong performance in full year 2026. Underlying EBITDA of $2.183 billion was up 8.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Underling EBITDA margins increased to 77.9 per cent.

APA remains a reliable income focused investment, but with more capital to be invested, we retain a hold recommendation.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

The HomeCo Daily Needs REIT share price has fallen 20% over the YTD.

This ASX ETF is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that holds properties in the retail, health, and services sectors.

Wielandt has a sell rating on this ASX REIT.

He explains:

Occupancy was 99 per cent in full year 2026. The underlying properties continue to perform well, with a steady increase in rental income.

However, like a number of other REITs, I believe the prospect of higher interest rates, finance costs amid struggling consumers may pressure HDN’s performance numbers in full year 2027 in what is a challenging retail sector.

HDN shares have fallen from $1.38 on September 18, 2025 to trade at $1.105 on September 17, 2026.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Regal Partners, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, APA Group shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much passive income can I earn off an $800,000 superannuation balance?
• Ord Minnett tips this ASX financials stock to double within the next 12 months 
• 3 ASX income shares I’d buy outside Westpac and the major banks
• Rio Tinto vs APA Group: Which is better for passive income?
• Starting with $20,000, how to build a portfolio generating $5,000 a year in passive income

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 8,757.8 points.

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

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a decent session on Wednesday despite a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.35%, the S&P 500 was flat, and the Nasdaq was 0.45% higher.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Wednesday after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.6% to US$95.21 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.8% to US$98.52 a barrel. Traders were selling oil on US-Iran peace hopes.

ASX shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes gold miner St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM), energy company Genesis Energy Ltd (ASX: GNE), and toll road operator Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX). The latter will be rewarding its shareholders with an unfranked 20 cents per share dividend next month on 7 October.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price pushed higher. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.3% to US$4,396.4 an ounce. Falling oil prices have eased rate hike bets.

Hold Seek shares

Bell Potter thinks Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) shares are around fair value at current prices. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the job listings company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $13.00 (from $13.80). It said: “We await a positive shift in sentiment or visibility on jobs volumes recovery; potential near term Growth Fund monetisation remains an asymmetric upside risk, though the rising interest rate backdrop may also be an additional headwind in seeking a desired exit price for nominated assets. SEK appears to be improving operations to sustainably target 10% yield growth on top of strong cost controls, however, despite trading at deep value ex. Growth Fund, macro-based headwinds suggest difficult sentiment near-term for the stock. Maintain Hold.”

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

More reading

• Best performing ASX 200 stock is up 350%. Can it keep rising?
• Average superannuation balances at age 42, 52 and 62 in Australia
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 4 ASX shares that pay a dividend yield of 8% (or more)
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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.

Washington H Soul Pattinson vs BHP Group shares: which is better for beginners?

Looking to start your investing journey but not sure which ASX giant is a better fit? Washington H Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) are both popular with Aussie investors, but their profiles couldn’t be more different. Let’s dig into how these two stack up and which might be a smoother way in for share market newcomers.

The case for Washington H Soul Pattinson and Co

Washington H Soul Pattinson (“Soul Patts”) is one of Australia’s oldest listed investment companies, having started out in pharmacies but now a diversified investment house. Its portfolio covers listed stocks (including big stakes in businesses like TPG Telecom and New Hope), private companies, real assets, and more. After merging with Brickworks in 2025, Brickworks is now part of the group, further boosting its diversification. Soul Patts has a reputation for steady returns and aims to deliver both capital growth and reliably increasing dividends.

Looking at the fundamentals, I think Soul Patts stands out with:

• A low P/E ratio of 7.03 – making it look attractively priced compared to the wider market and (as we’ll see) BHP
• A franked dividend yield of 2.37%, not massive, but backed by a long and consistent history
• A YTD return of 22.7%, showing robust capital gains recently

And for those who like fully franked income, every dividend here is 100% franked—a plus for Aussie investors focused on after-tax returns.

The case for BHP

BHP is a global mining powerhouse, best known for producing iron ore, copper, coal and other commodities. It’s not just the biggest ASX stock by market cap, but also a name synonymous with resources investing. BHP’s profits—and share price—are tied pretty closely to global commodity prices, so it’s naturally a bit more volatile than your typical diversified investment company.

A few standout metrics on BHP’s side:

• A current dividend yield of 3.96%, fully franked
• A P/E ratio of 22.4, much higher than Soul Patts’—though that comes with sector caveats (resources are typically ‘boom and bust’)
• Year to date, BHP is up an impressive 39.5%, outpacing even Soul Patts’ recent gains

In short, BHP is a way to gain exposure to global mining and commodities, with the kind of scale and profitability that few can match on the ASX.

Valuation comparison

When I line these two up on key numbers, here’s how they look:

Metric	Soul Patts	BHP
P/E Ratio	7.03	22.40
Dividend Yield	2.37% (100% franked)	3.96% (100% franked)
Earnings per Share (EPS)	6.417	1.932
Market Cap	$17.13 billion	$310.39 billion
Year to Date Return	22.7%	39.5%

Note: Both companies report 100% franking on all recent dividends. Also, BHP’s earnings per share and relatively high P/E ratio reflect its resources focus, and its larger size shouldn’t be mistaken for a safer or “better” buy.

Recent share price performance

Comparing 21 August to 18 September 2026:

• BHP: Share price has risen from $65.16 to $61.05 in this recent stretch, with a volatile ride—including a jump as high as $67.40 and some sharp drops. Overall, BHP has delivered 39.5% YTD return as of the last recorded date.
• Soul Patts: Price moved from $44.38 to $45.08, trending higher but with smaller daily swings. Year to date, Soul Patts is up 22.7% as of 18 September 2026.
• Both shares have seen some volatility, but BHP’s larger gains have come with bigger day-to-day moves—worth keeping in mind if you’re new to the market.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m picking the company that’s friendliest for beginners, my vote goes to Washington H Soul Pattinson. Here’s why: Its low P/E signals a more conservative valuation, while its business is built on diversification—meaning no single sector or commodity determines its fate. While BHP’s juicy dividend yield and huge YTD gain might tempt, its performance goes hand-in-hand with the wild swings of global commodity prices. For someone just dipping their toes in, I’d favour the relative steadiness and broad exposure of Soul Patts. BHP, for all its scale, feels better suited to those ready for a bit more risk and a rollercoaster ride. Of course, both feature fully franked dividends and proven track records—but for a beginner, simplicity and sleep-at-night-factor really matter. Based on all the numbers and characteristics here, Soul Patts is my pick as a starter stock.

The post Soul Patts vs BHP: Which ASX share is best for beginners? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much passive income can I earn off an $800,000 superannuation balance?
• Are the BHP and CBA share price headed for parity?
• 3 reasons to buy BHP shares for 2027
• BHP Group vs Rio Tinto shares: Which pays better dividends?
• Up 52% and paying dividends: Are BHP shares a buy, hold, or sell today?

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL) just delivered one of the wildest sessions on the ASX this year. The $3 billion S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock rocketed 13% on Tuesday to $20.48, capping a 165% gain year to date and a staggering 354% surge over 12 months.

For context, the ASX 200 Index itself is actually sitting 0.2% lower than it was a year ago. So while the broader market has gone nowhere, this ASX 200 stock has gone stratospheric. Can it possibly keep this pace up?

What does Sunrise Energy actually do?

Sunrise Energy develops large-scale mining and mineral processing projects built around ion-exchange technology. This is a process used to extract valuable metals for the mining industry and to purify and recycle wastewater.

The real prize is the company’s flagship Syerston Project in central-west NSW, home to one of the world’s largest and highest-grade primary scandium and nickel-cobalt deposits.

Scandium is a critical mineral with genuine supply scarcity. Global demand is climbing fast, but there are barely any credible producers anywhere in the world. That scarcity is precisely why the market has gone berserk over this ASX 200 stock.

The August catalyst that changed everything

In August, Sunrise secured a conditional commitment for up to US$400 million (A$570 million) in 25-year debt financing for the Syerston Scandium Project. That’s not pocket change for a company this size.

Proposed US government funding could substantially cut development and financing risk. Sunrise has also flagged plans to pursue a US stock listing to tap global capital markets, subject to shareholder and regulatory sign-off.

The project’s capital estimate has been revised upward to A$450–475 million (US$315–333 million), reflecting an expanded scope and updated costs. However, a bigger project generally means a bigger payoff too.

The initial build targets 60 tonnes per annum of high-purity scandium oxide across an estimated 32-year mine life. Sunrise has also expanded its plans to include downstream refining capacity in the US, with future scope potentially tripling output down the track.

Early works and procurement are already underway, with first production targeted for late 2028.

A gravity check

Here’s where investors need to keep their feet on the ground. The ASX 200 stock peaked at $22.40 on 11 September and have cooled slightly since then. It’s likely just profit-taking after such an explosive run, rather than any change in the underlying story.

The bigger issue is coverage. Only one broker currently tracks Sunrise Energy, according to TradingView data. That single broker rates it a strong buy with a $20 price target, just below where the stock trades today.

Foolish takeaway

A 354% run in 12 months is the kind of move that demands scepticism, not blind faith. Sunrise has genuine scarcity value in scandium and a real funding pathway taking shape.

But with only one analyst willing to put a number on it, this remains a high-conviction, high-risk bet. Not a sure thing.

The post Best performing ASX 200 stock is up 350%. Can it keep rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Average superannuation balances at age 42, 52 and 62 in Australia
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 claws back its early losses. What’s moving the market?

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

Broking house Morgans has released a report on the emerging companies on the ASX, noting that volatile share market conditions have hit the sector hard.

That said, they have identified a number of companies they believe could outperform over the next 12 months.

I’ve focused in on three in particular which Morgans believes will rerate substantially.

Let’s see who they like.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport acquired the Latitude compute-as-a-service company during FY26 adding its services into Megaport’s high-speed network.

Morgans said the acquisition had “materially changed” Megaport’s business, winning a large number of contracts in the second half of the financial year, “and in our view more to come”.

The broker said it expects earnings to increase rapidly:

FY27 will be a year of delivering and reinvesting a larger than usual share of incremental earnings back into the business, but we estimate $624m EBITDA in FY28 with the full run-rate of strategic contract wins (announced to date) and GPU pool still ramping. This further lifts to $770m in FY29, once the GPU pool has stabilised, a 10x increase from the $77m EBITDA in FY26.

Morgans said reinvestment into Megaport’s sales team should help accelerate revenue growth in FY27, while building out an ecosystem of services should also help.

The broker said they “remain positive on the structural thematics and AI and cloud momentum.

Morgans has a price target of $26.40 on Megaport shares.

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The broker said FY26 was a significant year for Nextdc, with contracted megawatts up 3.5x.

Morgans predicts EBITDA to increase from $250 million in FY26 to more than $1.1 billion by FY30, “but [Morgans] also [flags] scope for further acceleration to NXT’s current expected deployment profile”.

The broker said Nextdc was trading at earnings ratios “materially cheaper” than its peers.

Morgans has a price target of $23.45 on Nextdc shares.

Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC)

Morgans says Superloop is gaining market share in the broadband market, with strong momentum in late FY26 understood to have continued into the current financial year.

They added:

On that basis, our analysis suggests SLC could be adding close to 9% of new NBN orders to their customer base vs its ~5% market share. We think this is in an environment where churn is elevated due to price hikes being implemented in July and we consider SLC to have emerged as a net-beneficiary of this trend.

Morgans has a price target of $4.15 on Superloop shares.

The post Morgans tips 3 ASX 200 companies to rise between 35% and 106% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What does Anthropic’s $32b Queensland data centre mean for ASX AI shares?
• 2 ASX shares tipped to surge 70% or more in the next 12 months
• Goodman Group vs Nextdc: Which stock is the better buy today?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in Megaport and Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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.

Looking for solid income doesn’t mean settling for a measly term deposit. Plenty of ASX dividend shares hiding in plain sight are quietly throwing off serious cash yields. And once you factor in franking credits, these shares could start looking hard to ignore.

Here are three ASX dividend shares worth putting on the watchlist right now.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

Fortescue built its name on iron ore, not income. But make no mistake, this ASX dividend share can pack a serious punch.

The mining giant paid out $1.08 per share over the past year. With Fortescue shares trading around $16.72, that’s a cash yield of roughly 6.5%. Not bad on its own.

Here’s the kicker: those dividends are fully franked. Gross that up, and the yield jumps to about 9.2% — the kind of number that makes bank hybrids look boring.

But don’t get too comfortable. Fortescue’s profits swing hard with iron ore prices, and so does its ability to keep writing dividend cheques this size. This ASX dividend share is a high-octane bet, not a set-and-forget income play.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

Want banking sector income without piling into one of the Big Four? This ASX dividend share deserves a look.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s recent payout of 63 cents translates into a cash yield of around 6% at current prices. Add in franking credits, and the grossed-up yield pushes above 8%.

It’s not a risk-free ride, of course. Interest rates, bad debts, competition and capital requirements can all squeeze bank earnings and dividends when the cycle turns. Still, for investors hunting franked income outside the usual Big Four suspects, this ASX dividend share earns its spot on the radar.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

AGL has spent years reinventing itself, but its dividend is still the reason plenty of income investors keep watching.

The energy giant’s FY2026 payout totalled 50 cents per share, including a fully franked 26-cent final dividend. At around $8.45 per share, that’s a cash yield of roughly 5.9%. Gross it up for franking credits, and the yield climbs to approximately 8.5%. And we have another entry on the list of ASX dividend shares punching well above the headline number.

Management is targeting a 55%-60% payout ratio for FY2027, with dividends expected to stay fully franked, that’s always subject to performance and board discretion.

Foolish takeaway

These three ASX dividend shares prove why income investors shouldn’t stop at the headline cash yield. Franking credits can transform an average payout into a genuinely compelling one for Australian shareholders.

But a big number is only half the story. Fortescue’s dividend rides on iron ore prices, Bendigo Bank’s rides on the banking cycle, and AGL’s rides on a rapidly shifting energy market.

The real prize isn’t just finding ASX dividend shares with fat yields today — it’s finding the ones that can actually keep the cash flowing tomorrow.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares offering gross yields of 8% or more appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Origin Energy vs AGL Energy: Which ASX dividend stock is better for income?
• Woodside Energy vs Fortescue: Which ASX mining share is best for passive income?
• Buy, hold, sell: AGL Energy, Telstra, Zip shares
• Fortescue shares break a 4-day losing streak as $150 million legal fight heats up
• How much superannuation do I need to earn $70,000 per year in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s never too early to start thinking about whether you’ll have enough superannuation to retire on.

It can be helpful to find out how your superannuation balance compares to other Australians the same age.

And also, to compare it to how much you need to have saved away by the time you decide to retire.

Here’s a breakdown of what the average Australian aged 42 has in their super, compared with those aged 52 and 62.

Are you on track with the rest of the population?

How much superannuation does the average Australian have at age 42?

According to the most recent data from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), there isn’t an exact amount for every age, but there is a bracket which can help provide a good guide to work towards.

According to ASFA, the average male aged 40 to 44 has around $140,680 in their superannuation.

Females the same age have a little less, at around $109,209.

This is usually because women take more time out of the workforce, or move to reduced hours to care for children. At which time they earn lower or even no superannuation.

The gap then widens every year as compound growth takes over at different rates for men and women.

How much superannuation does the average Australian have at age 52?

The average male aged 50 to 54 has approximately $254,071 in their superannuation.

Meanwhile, the average female has a lot less, closer to $190,175.

How much superannuation does the average Australian have at age 62?

By the time the average male reaches the 60 to 64 age bracket, they have around $395,852 saved.

The average 60 to 64 year old woman has closer to $313,360.

Are these average super balances enough to retire on?

No, in fact the average balance is far behind at every age milestone.

ASFA data concludes that a comfortable retirement is expected to cost around $56,166 per year for individuals and $78,998 combined per year for couples.

To afford that, by retirement, a single person will need a superannuation balance of around $630,000, and couples need around $730,000.

How much do I need in my super at each age to be considered on track?

I’ve crunched the numbers using ASFA’s super detective tool to work out how much you should really have in your superannuation at age 42, 52 and 62 to be able to retire comfortably.

Assuming you’ll retire at age 67 with $630,000, and based on a $100,000 per year income, you’ll need around $130,000 in your superannuation at age 42.

By age 52, this should increase to $290,500.

Then by age 62, this should be closer to $505,000, before climbing to $630,000 by retirement age of 67.

How does this compare to the average balance?

As you can see by the figures above, the average male aged 40 to 44 is slightly ahead (at $140,680 versus the required $130,000 at age 42), but the average female is already behind by around $11,000.

By age 52, the average male is around $36,000 behind, while the average female is roughly $100,000 behind.

By age 62 the gap widens even more. The average male around this age is roughly $110,000 behind, and the average female is around $192,000 behind what is considered on track.

How does your superannuation balance compare now?

The post Average superannuation balances at age 42, 52 and 62 in Australia appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Best performing ASX 200 stock is up 350%. Can it keep rising?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 claws back its early losses. What’s moving the market?

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.

A stock can crash 66% and still not be a bargain. That’s the trap staring down anyone eyeing WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares right now.

The numbers are brutal: down 24% for the month, 52% year to date, and 66% over 12 months. That kind of collapse makes any stock look tempting. But don’t confuse cheap with fixed and that’s exactly the confusion WiseTech needs investors to avoid.

The logistics software giant has been through a bruising stretch, with governance and leadership concerns gutting investor confidence. The price of WiseTech shares has already taken its beating. Now comes the harder part: proving the business actually deserves that confidence back.

Here are three things investors should be watching.

Make governance boring again

For WiseTech, boring would be the best possible outcome right now.

The company needs to show its governance, board oversight and leadership structures can function without constantly becoming the headline. Why does this matter so much? Because investors in WiseTech shares aren’t just paying for today’s earnings, they’re paying for confidence in tomorrow’s earnings.

AFP investigations into founder Richard White. An ACCC search warrant executed on the company. ASIC and AFP raiding WiseTech’s HQ in late October 2025. If governance drama keeps stealing the spotlight, the market will keep applying a discount, no matter how good CargoWise looks on paper.

WiseTech needs investors talking about its software again, not its boardroom.

Let CargoWise do the talking

This is WiseTech’s real opportunity, and it’s a genuine one.

CargoWise sits at the heart of the investment case for WiseTech shares. Its software is so deeply embedded in customers’ logistics operations that switching becomes a genuine headache — a real competitive moat.

But here’s the catch: investors aren’t buying a moat. They’re buying future cash flows. That means WiseTech has to keep proving CargoWise can convert its dominant position into sustainable revenue and earnings growth. Watch customer adoption, revenue growth, margins and cash generation like a hawk.

The best response to scepticism isn’t another promise. It’s another strong result.

Earn back the benefit of the doubt

This might be the hardest test of all.

Once trust is broken, management doesn’t get the easy pass anymore. The fix isn’t complicated, but it takes time. Set expectations, meet them, communicate clearly, execute consistently. Repeat.

WiseTech doesn’t need fireworks. It needs predictability. Say something, then do it. That’s progress. Turn strategy into measurable results. That’s progress. Keep governance out of the headlines. That’s progress.

Stack enough of those wins together, and confidence in WiseTech shares starts to rebuild on its own.

Don’t mistake a rebound for a turnaround

That’s the line investors need to hold. A stock can bounce without the underlying business actually being repaired. WiseTech has to prove something more durable is happening. Fix governance, keep CargoWise growing, rebuild credibility.

If those three pieces click into place, investors will have a real reason to reassess. But the order matters: proof comes first, confidence comes second, and only then does a genuine rebound of WiseTech shares become easy to justify.

WiseTech doesn’t need investors to believe in a comeback story. It needs to earn the right to tell one.

The post WiseTech shares need more than a rebound. 3 things it must prove first appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• WiseTech shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell
• Could the WiseTech share price reach $50 in 2027?
• Do these ASX technology shares have too much upside to ignore?
• Downgrade alert! 5 ASX 200 shares downgraded by experts this week
• WiseTech Global vs Xero: Which fallen ASX tech share is the better buy today?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. 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 staged a remarkable recovery since plumbing a multi-year closing low of just $92.24 on 3 June.

How remarkable?

Well, in mid-day trade on Tuesday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) biotech giant were trading for $180.17 apiece. This sees the CSL share price up 95.3% in less than four months. That compares to a 0.4% loss posted by the ASX 200 over this same period.

And this doesn’t include the unfranked $2.244 a share final CSL dividend. While that passive income payout won’t be made until 2 October, CSL stock traded ex-dividend on 9 September.

If we add that back into Tuesday’s share price, then the accumulated value of CSL shares has soared 97.8% since the 3 June lows.

CSL trades on an unfranked 2.3% trailing dividend yield.

But following this meteoric recovery, and noting that CSL stock remains down more than 43% since August 2024, is the Aussie biotech company still a good buy today?

CSL shares: Buy, hold or sell?

Catapult Wealth’s Dylan Evans recently ran his slide rule over the ASX biotech giant (courtesy of The Bull).

“The CSL share price has partially recovered after the company posted a brighter outlook at its 2026 full year results,” he noted.

“A promising sign was profit growth guidance in full year 2027, driven by the core blood plasma business,” he added.

Connecting the dots, Evans issued a hold recommendation on CSL shares for now.

He concluded:

This guidance should provide the market with confidence about CSL’s brighter future after a difficult period. There’s potential value in the stock, particularly if CSL achieves guidance and growth recovers.

What’s been sending the ASX 200 biotech stock soaring?

CSL reported its full year FY 2026 results on 18 August.

Although revenue declined 1% from FY 2025, and CSL reported net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion, investors were more focused on the company’s profit growth guidance that Evans mentioned above.

For the full year FY 2027, management forecast steady revenue and underlying NPAT growth of approximately 5%.

“FY26 has been a year of reset. We have taken decisive action and created a clear path to return to sustainable growth,” CSL interim CEO Gordon Naylor said on the day.

Naylor added:

We have made solid progress on our transformation program and continue to simplify the business. We have also invested in our commercial capabilities and development programs to drive top line growth in the future.

CSL shares closed up 17.3% on the day of the results release.

The post Up 98%: Are CSL shares now a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much could the CSL share price rise in the next year?
• CSL shares are back near $180. Here’s the level I’m watching
• Why brokers think CSL shares could be on track for $200
• Buy, hold, sell: Coles, NAB, CSL shares
• ASX 200 healthcare shares lead a weaker market amid 82% chance of a rate hike

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 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.

Insurance Australia Group vs QBE Insurance Group shares

When it comes to hunting for passive income from the ASX, investors often weigh up Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) and QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE). Both are heavyweight insurers, but their investment case, size, and income prospects do show some key differences. If you’re deciding between IAG and QBE shares, especially with income in mind, here’s how I see the strengths and weaknesses stack up.

The case for Insurance Australia Group

IAG is the largest general insurer in Australia and New Zealand, with a long history rooted in NRMA Insurance and an impressive portfolio focused on home and motor cover. In FY26, IAG underwrote over $18.4 billion in premiums across well-known brands.

Some highlights that stand out for me:

• Dividend Yield: The latest reported yield is 4.00%.
• Dividend History: IAG has reliably paid dividends for decades, although franking levels have fluctuated dramatically over time. In recent years, franking has become partial, with 25% franking for the most recent payout.
• Market Cap and Stability: Backed by a substantial $18.73 billion market cap, IAG offers size and proven market leadership.

However, I have noticed IAG’s dividend per share (0.32) trails QBE’s, and the relatively modest franking may reduce its tax effectiveness for some Australian income seekers.

The case for QBE Insurance Group

QBE Insurance Group is a genuinely global insurer and re-insurer, with a much broader international footprint than IAG. Established in the late 19th century, QBE now serves institutions, corporates, and individuals in over two dozen countries.

Here’s what jumps out from QBE’s numbers:

• Dividend Yield: QBE’s current yield is 4.75% – a solid edge over IAG.
• Dividend Per Share: QBE’s annual dividend per share (1.11) is well above IAG’s (0.32).
• Recent Momentum: A standout 23.2% year-to-date return signals strong recent market support.
• P/E Ratio: At 11.66, QBE’s P/E sits comfortably lower than IAG’s, which may hint at relative value – both operate in the same sector so this is a fair, like-for-like comparison.
• Franking: Recent QBE dividends have seen only partial franking, generally in the 10%–30% range, which remains low compared to historical fully-franked periods.

QBE’s ability to generate much higher earnings per share (1.422) also underpins its more generous payouts.

Valuation comparison

Since both companies sit squarely in the insurance sector, their fundamentals can be sensibly compared. Here’s how a few critical numbers stack up:

Metric	IAG	QBE
Market Cap	$18.73bn	$34.95bn
P/E Ratio	18.71	11.66
Dividend Yield	4.00%	4.75%
Dividend per Share	0.32	1.11
Franking % (recent dividend)	25%	30%
Earnings per Share	0.428	1.422

Note: Both companies’ P/E ratios and EPS appear mathematically consistent in the data provided.

The gap in P/E is particularly interesting: QBE looks relatively lower-valued, while offering a higher income payout. Both are only partially franked, which is worth considering if tax efficiency is a priority.

Recent share price performance

Comparing 21 August 2026 to 18 September 2026:

• IAG: Over this span, IAG dropped from $7.87 on 21 August to $8.01 on 18 September, with some volatility, including a notable one-day 5.46% jump on 2 September. The year to date return is a modest 4.4%.
• QBE: QBE climbed from $22.40 on 21 August to $23.39 on 18 September. Over this short window, the share price mostly edged higher, echoing QBE’s strong 23.2% year-to-date return.

In short, QBE’s shares have outperformed IAG not only year to date, but also over the most recent one-month stretch in the data.

Which is the better buy?

Chasing passive income, my pick would be QBE Insurance Group. QBE edges out IAG on yield (4.75% vs 4.00%), has a noticeably higher dividend per share, and sports a lower P/E ratio paired with much higher earnings per share – all positive signs for income-oriented investors. While both offer only partial franking, QBE’s slightly higher franking on the last declared dividends doesn’t close the gap, but the sheer scale of QBE’s distribution makes it more attractive to me.

Add to this QBE’s far stronger share price performance both in the short term and year to date, and I think it tips the balance for those focused on total returns as well as cash flow. IAG remains a quality, defensive blue-chip, but for pure passive income, QBE looks a step ahead in the current climate.

The post Insurance Australia Group vs QBE Insurance: Which is best for income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Down 6%: What is going on with the IAG share price?
• ASX 200 bank shares led a financial sector rebound last week
• Top 3 ASX shares built for higher-for-longer rates

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 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.