Tag: Stock pick

ANZ Group vs AMP shares: Which blue chip is the better buy this month?

When it comes to big names on the ASX, few stand out as much as ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP). Both are pillars of the Australian financial sector, but they play very different games—ANZ as one of the nation’s “big four” banks, and AMP as a diversified wealth manager with a long history. With changing markets, improved performance, and new strategies underway, plenty of investors are weighing up ANZ Group vs AMP shares right now. So, which blue chip shapes up as the better buy this month?

The case for ANZ

ANZ is one of Australia’s giant banks—part of the “big four,” with a strong foothold in retail, business, and institutional banking across nearly 30 markets worldwide. While its roots stretch back decades, ANZ is anything but stale; it’s continued evolving, adapting its product offering for millions of customers across Australia, New Zealand, Asia-Pacific, and beyond.

What stands out for ANZ right now is its solid dividend yield of 4.33%, which, along with a sizeable market cap of $112.16 billion, underscores its status as a blue-chip mainstay. According to its company profile, ANZ caters to a customer base of more than 8.5 million people globally, though keep in mind this number may have shifted since. ANZ’s franking on its dividends currently sits at 75%, which is a welcome boost for many Aussie investors. The bank’s P/E ratio of 19.42 looks reasonable when viewed against its strong position in the market. Year to date, shares are up 7.7%, suggesting a steady performance in 2026 so far.

The case for AMP

AMP has been around since 1849, forging a reputation in superannuation, investment management, life insurance, and a select set of banking services. While the company has faced its share of public challenges, recent years have seen AMP redefine itself, offloading its institutional funds management business and steering its financial advice arm into a fresh joint venture. AMP’s story is about rebuilding and repositioning for a new era.

From a numbers perspective, AMP offers a market cap of $6.27 billion—much smaller than ANZ’s but still sizeable by most standards. Its P/E ratio is 34.86, reflecting the market’s expectation of future growth (or possibly a premium for turnaround potential). The current dividend yield is 1.94% with 20% franking, noticeably lower than ANZ’s yield and franking. However, the real eye-catcher is AMP’s year-to-date return: a whopping 44.5% as of 30 September 2026, showing very strong share price momentum this year.

Valuation comparison

When it comes to straight-up fundamentals, there are some sizeable differences:

Metric	ANZ	AMP
Market Cap	$112.16 billion	$6.27 billion
P/E Ratio	19.42	34.86
Dividend Yield	4.33%	1.94%
Dividend per Share	$1.66	$0.05
Franking	75%	20%
Earnings per Share (EPS)	1.973	0.074

ANZ trades on a lower P/E ratio than AMP, meaning investors are paying less for each dollar of earnings. It also offers more than double the dividend yield, with higher franking on those payouts. AMP’s valuation may reflect turnaround hopes or perceived growth from its new structure, but right now it’s considerably more expensive on a P/E basis.

Note: AMP’s reported P/E ratio may be based on a different earnings measure (e.g. underlying or forward earnings) than the EPS figure shown, which is why these numbers may appear inconsistent.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to 30 September 2026:

• ANZ closed at $38.31 on 30 September 2026, delivering a year-to-date return of 7.7%. In the last week of available data, it’s seen mild ups and downs, but trends sideways overall after some earlier strength in the month.
• AMP closed at $2.60 on 30 September 2026, riding an impressive year-to-date performance of 44.5%. Its past week shows more short-term gains and positive sentiment from investors.

Which is the better buy?

Both ANZ and AMP bring something distinct to the table—ANZ the stable, high-yield blue-chip; AMP the smaller, turnaround financial with momentum on its side. Right now, though, I think the case is stronger for ANZ.

The reasons? ANZ offers a much higher, better-franked dividend, trades at a far more accessible P/E ratio considering the size and strength of its franchise, and provides a level of predictability that AMP, still working through strategic change and capital structure tweaks, cannot quite match. AMP’s near-45% run-up this year is dazzling, but that sort of momentum can cool quickly if the turnaround doesn’t deliver. For investors chasing reliable yield and a dominant market position, my pick would be ANZ this month.

The post ANZ vs AMP: Which ASX blue chip is the better buy this month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Macquarie Group vs AMP: Which ASX financial stock is best?
• If I invest $10,000 in ANZ shares, what passive income could I receive in FY27?
• Are ASX 200 bank stocks a buy in October?
• Commonwealth Bank vs ANZ: Which is better for passive income?
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

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.

Owning Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares could be a wonderful pick for dividend income in the years ahead because of their stability and growth.

Coles is best known for its supermarket business, the second-largest operator in Australia. It also has a liquor division which includes Coles Liquor and Liquorland, a 50% stake in Flybuys, and it offers financial products like insurance, credit cards and personal loans.

Given that food is a life essential, I think Coles is one of the leading ASX defensive shares in Australia. Australia’s steady population growth is a key driver of demand for Coles’ products.

I think Coles is one of the leading ASX blue-chip shares because of its track record of growing its payout and delivering a solid dividend yield.

Let’s take a look what could happen with a $6,000 investment in Coles shares.

Strength of the dividend

Coles spun off from Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) more than seven years ago. Since then, the supermarket business has increased its annual dividend every year. None of Australia’s largest businesses can say that they have done the same – COVID-19 impacts, lower commodity prices, or inflation led to dividend cuts this decade for many of the large ASX shares.

Coles has kept things consistent, and shareholders’ bank accounts have benefited.

The ASX blue-chip share generated underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) growth of 13.7% to $1.25 billion in FY26, helping fund a 13% increase in the annual dividend per share to 78 cents per share.

At the time of writing, the FY26 payout translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.8%, including franking credits. But, that’s the past. Any investors buying Coles shares will receive the 2027 financial year dividend next, so we should focus on that.

Excitingly, the payout is forecast to increase again in FY27. According to CommSec’s projection, the ASX blue-chip share is expected to pay an annual dividend of 83.5 cents per share. That would be year-over-year growth of 7%, much stronger than inflation.

That projected payout for FY27 would also represent a forward grossed-up dividend yield of 5.2%, including franking credits.

$6,000 investment in Coles shares

If someone were to buy $6,000 of Coles shares today, they’d be able to buy 260 Coles shares.

That could mean dividend cash of $217.10 from FY27 and grossed-up dividend income of $310.14 including franking credits.

If I were looking for dividend income from an ASX blue-chip share, Coles would be a strong contender. But it’s not the only business I’d look at today for returns.

The post If I buy $6,000 of Coles shares, how much dividend income will I receive? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Insurance Australia Group vs Coles: Which ASX dividend comes out on top?
• Why I’d buy CBA and Coles shares in October
• BHP vs Coles: Which ASX share is better for passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $10,000 monthly passive income?
• Investors get defensive as ASX 200 drifts to a 15-week low

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. 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.

The Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) share price is in focus after the company reported gold production of 31,218 ounces for the September 2026 quarter, in line with guidance, and announced the completion of the Karlawinda Expansion Project on schedule.

What did Capricorn Metals report?

• Gold production for Q1 FY27: 31,218 ounces (vs 30,437 ounces in Q4 FY26)
• Karlawinda Expansion Project completed on time and within budget
• Cash and gold on hand at 30 September 2026: $535.0 million (up from $507.0 million at 30 June)
• Underlying cash build for the quarter: $62.2 million, prior to $42.7 million capital expenditure
• FY27 production guidance of 137,000–147,000 ounces at AISC of $1,900–$2,100 per ounce reaffirmed

What else do investors need to know?

Mining activities continued at the expanded rate across the Karlawinda Gold Project, allowing for both strong gold output and the seamless integration of the new processing facilities. The commissioning of the expanded plant has increased processing capacity to 6.5 million tonnes per annum, with expected annual gold production now at 150,000 ounces going forward.

Development is also progressing at Capricorn’s Mt Gibson Gold Project. During the quarter, $2.1 million was spent mainly on procurement and contract set-up, positioning the company well for a quick construction start after regulatory permits are received. Federal approvals have been secured and key state environmental assessments are underway.

What’s next for Capricorn Metals?

Capricorn expects to maintain steady production in line with its guidance for FY27, as the benefits of the Karlawinda Expansion Project begin to flow through. The company aims to lift output to 150,000 ounces per year at the Karlawinda operations, while advancing the Mt Gibson Gold Project, pending further permitting decisions.

Investors will be watching for the release of more detailed operational and cost figures in Capricorn’s full quarterly report later in October, as well as regulatory progress and timelines at Mt Gibson.

Capricorn Metals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Metals shares have risen 5%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has fallen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Capricorn Metals delivers solid Q1 gold output and expansion milestone appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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.

ResMed vs Fisher & Paykel Healthcare shares

Looking at the ASX 200 healthcare sector, you’re likely to come across two standout names: ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH). Both are leaders in designing and manufacturing respiratory and sleep apnea devices. With the health tech industry under the spotlight, many investors want to know—between ResMed shares and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare shares, which offers better value right now?

The case for ResMed

ResMed is a global leader in sleep technology and respiratory devices, best known for its CPAP machines, masks, and related cloud-based software. Originally founded in Australia but now headquartered in the US, ResMed operates across more than 140 countries and serves both hospitals and home-based patients. Its broad product range targets sleep apnea, COPD, and other respiratory conditions, as well as providing digital tools for healthcare professionals and carers.

Notably, ResMed boasts a substantial market capitalisation at $45.51 billion, making it one of the larger players in the healthcare space. Its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio sits at 21.51, and earnings per share are reported at 1.043. The current dividend yield is 1.11%, with a dividend per share of $0.38. However, it’s worth noting that its dividends are unfranked and—according to the data here—Year To Date Return is a negative -10.3%. This recent underperformance might catch the eye of value-focused investors looking for a turnaround.

ResMed’s dividend record is steady with consistent, albeit modest, growth over the years, but it doesn’t offer franking credits—so it’s less appealing to income investors seeking tax-effective Australian dividends.

The case for Fisher & Paykel

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is another respiratory heavyweight, based in New Zealand. While also strong in sleep apnea devices, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare puts even more emphasis on hospital-focused respiratory systems, particularly in acute and critical care. The company earns a large proportion of its revenue from the US and Europe, and invests heavily in research and development, maintaining a robust innovation pipeline.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s market cap sits at $21.97 billion—roughly half of ResMed’s. Its current P/E ratio is a hefty 57.56 and EPS is listed as 0.793. Dividend yield is just above ResMed at 1.18%, with dividend per share at $0.44, though these also come unfranked. What really jumps out to me, though, is the company’s strong price momentum: its Year To Date Return is 13.54%, a significant positive in contrast to ResMed’s negative performance.

Their dividend stream includes both interim and supplemental payments, and like ResMed, there’s no franking benefit for Australian investors.

Valuation comparison

With both companies serving similar end-markets, their valuation metrics reveal a strong contrast:

Metric	ResMed	Fisher & Paykel
Market Cap	$45.51 billion	$21.97 billion
P/E Ratio	21.51	57.56
Dividend Yield	1.11%	1.18%
Dividend per Share	$0.38	$0.44
Earnings per Share	1.043	0.793
YTD Return	-10.3%	13.5%

ResMed trades at a notably lower P/E than Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, making it look comparatively cheaper based on earnings. The two offer similar dividend yields, both unfranked. ResMed also delivers a higher EPS.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to 30 September 2026:

• As of 30 September 2026, ResMed shares closed at $31.98, rising 0.95% that day, but are down -10.3% for the year to date.
• On the same date, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare shares closed at $37.43, rising 1.71% on the day, and are up 13.5% year to date.
• Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has enjoyed stronger recent momentum, with a solid upward trend during September compared to ResMed’s more muted, slightly negative swings.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m weighing up ResMed and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare on value right now, I’d lean towards ResMed. Its P/E ratio of 21.51 is much lower than Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s 57.56, suggesting ResMed shares are more attractively priced relative to current earnings—especially since both companies are exposed to similar markets and risks.

While Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is running hot with a strong year-to-date share price gain, that momentum comes at the cost of a very steep valuation multiple. Even with a slightly higher dividend yield, I don’t see enough income upside to justify paying nearly three times the P/E for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

Both companies are outstanding in healthcare tech, and Fisher & Paykel’s recent gains are impressive, but for pure valuation appeal, my pick would be ResMed. I think it’s offering better value for investors looking for quality, scale, and the potential for a turnaround in sentiment.

The post ResMed vs Fisher & Paykel Healthcare: Which is better value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a $52,000 passive income with ASX shares
• Is the ResMed share price a cheap buy?
• 5 best ASX shares to buy in October
• How I’d build a $50,000 ASX share portfolio today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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 ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Ingenia Communities Group (ASX: INA) share price is in focus after the company updated investors on a revised acquisition proposal, highlighting continued interest from Warburg Pincus and ongoing progress with Peet Limited.

What did Ingenia Communities Group report?

• Received a further revised non-binding indicative proposal from Warburg Pincus to acquire 100% of Ingenia at $5.25 cash per stapled security.
• The proposal is subject to due diligence and confidentiality arrangements.
• Ingenia is still advancing its acquisition transaction with Peet Limited under the existing scheme implementation deed (SID).
• No determination has been made that the Warburg Pincus proposal is superior or will be recommended to securityholders at this stage.

What else do investors need to know?

Ingenia has granted Warburg Pincus initial due diligence access on a non-exclusive basis, aiming to let Warburg Pincus firm up its offer. Importantly, the Ingenia Board emphasised that there is no certainty the proposal will become a formal binding offer or result in a transaction.

Meanwhile, Ingenia continues with the acquisition by Peet under the terms agreed in August. The Board has put robust governance in place to assess all proposals with a focus on the best interests of Ingenia securityholders. At this stage, investors are advised that no action is needed.

What’s next for Ingenia Communities Group?

Looking ahead, Ingenia will work through its due diligence process with Warburg Pincus and continue progressing the Peet scheme in line with agreed timelines. The Board will assess any revised proposals to ensure decisions serve the interests of all securityholders.

The outcome depends on whether Warburg Pincus’ proposal becomes sufficiently compelling and certain, and on any future recommendations by the Board under the SID with Peet. Investors should stay tuned for further updates.

Ingenia Communities Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ingenia shares have declined 14%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has fallen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ingenia Communities Group updates on revised Warburg Pincus offer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in September?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Ingenia Communities receives further revised $5.25 takeover proposal
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Ingenia Communities rejects revised $5.05 takeover offer

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

The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price is in focus after the company announced an exclusive agreement to co-develop and co-promote lixudebart for rare kidney and liver diseases, with an initial US$355 million payment to Alentis Therapeutics and plans for expanded trials.

What did CSL report?

• Entered exclusive deal with Alentis Therapeutics for lixudebart, a treatment targeting rare kidney and liver conditions
• CSL to make an upfront payment of US$355 million to Alentis
• Additional commercial milestone payments of up to US$1.2 billion possible
• CSL will fund all upcoming Phase 2 and 3 trials for lixudebart in key indications
• Profits from global sales to be shared, with 55% to CSL and 45% to Alentis

What else do investors need to know?

CSL’s new agreement centres around lixudebart, a novel antibody designed to slow both inflammation and fibrosis—key factors in organ damage for conditions like ANCA-associated vasculitis and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (AAV-RPGN). Both are life-threatening and currently have limited treatment options.

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

What did CSL management say?

Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Dr Bill Mezzanotte said:

We believe lixudebart has the potential to become an important new therapeutic option to help improve kidney function and prevent progression to end-stage kidney disease…Our collaboration with Alentis reflects CSL’s commitment to building a leading global nephrology franchise, and our strategic intent to create high-value external partnerships.

What’s next for CSL?

Looking forward, CSL aims to complete the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial for lixudebart and start new trials in additional rare kidney and liver diseases. The company’s strategy is to strengthen its position in nephrology through innovation and global partnerships.

Investors can expect further updates as results from these trials are released and as CSL moves closer to potential commercialisation, which would generate shared global profits.

CSL share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, CSL shares have declined 15%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post CSL unveils exclusive Alentis deal to advance rare disease treatments appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Westpac, CSL shares

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX dividend stock Universe Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) has fallen 19% from its 2026 high in February 2026, as the chart below shows. I think it’s a great time to invest in the ASX retail share.

Universal Store says it owns a portfolio of premium youth fashion brands. Its principal businesses are Universal Store (trading as Universal Store and Perfect Stranger) and CTC (trading as the THRILLS and Worship brands),

At the last count, it had 123 physical stores across Australia. Its strategy is to grow and develop its premium fashion apparel brands and retail formats, targeting fashion-focused customers.

Higher dividend yield

When a share price changes, it means investors can get a higher dividend yield.

For example, if a business has a dividend yield of 6% and then the share price drops 10%, then the dividend yield becomes 6.6%, which is a big difference for investors wanting dividend income.

As I’ve mentioned, Universal Store’s share price has fallen 19%, significantly boosting the dividend yield.

In FY26, the ASX dividend stock hiked its annual dividend per share by 11.7% to 43 cents per share. That’s currently a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.1%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

The projection on Commsec suggests the business could hike its annual dividend per share by 4.7% to 45 cents per share. That implies a forward grossed-up dividend yield of 8.4%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

In terms of passive income, the company is clearly expected to deliver huge payouts.

Ongoing growth

The ASX dividend stock is showing it can deliver growth, even in weak economic conditions. Not many ASX retailers can say that right now.

In FY26, the company generated group sales growth of 12.9% to $376.1 million, with particularly impressive performance by Perfect Stranger which grew sales by 40.8% to $35.9 million.

It also reported that the gross profit margin improved by 140 basis points to 62.5%, and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) rose by 16.3% to $40.5 million. As you can see, its profit margins rose despite inflation in costs.

FY27 has started strongly and I think this bodes very well for future growth.

In the first seven weeks of FY27, group direct-to-customer sales were up 9.1%, including Perfect Stranger sales growth of 45.8% (partly powered by like-for-like sales growth of 17.6%). Universal Store sales growth was 5.5%, with LFL sales growth of 2.9%.

Management intends to open between 16 and 20 stores in FY27, including nine to ten new Universal Store locations, six to eight new Perfect Stranger stores and one or two new THRILLS stores.

According to the projection on Commsec, the Universal Store share price is valued at 13x FY27’s estimated earnings. I think this is a great time to invest in the ASX dividend stock, though it’s not the only opportunity out there right now.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 19% I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

One of Australia’s leading funds, Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) (AFIC), recently made some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share investments in its portfolio.

AFIC is the largest and one of the oldest listed investment companies (LICs), meaning it invests in other shares on behalf of shareholders.

The LIC structure is beneficial because it provides permanent capital for long-term investment. LICs can also provide investors with a good source of dividends. AFIC recently announced it would move to pay quarterly dividends, giving investors more regular cash flow.

What are the types of investments that AFIC targets?

It has outlined that it focuses on quality companies and it has built a well-diversified portfolio with the right mix of income and growth. By making those investments, Aussies can benefit from compounding over the long-term.

There were six ASX 200 shares amid three growth trends that AFIC decided to invest in.

Rising dividends per share

Two of the ASX 200 shares that AFIC recently invested in were ASX blue-chips: Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Both of these companies have achieved a turnaround from a growth halt in recent history.

AFIC highlighted that the supermarket business is delivering dividend growth amid rising profits.

In FY26, Woolworths grew its annual dividend by 15% to 97 cents per share. AFIC highlighted that analysts estimate the annual dividend is projected to increase by another 10% in FY27.

For Telstra, the ASX telco share hiked its annual dividend per share by 10.5% to 21 cents per share. Analyst forecasts suggest the company could hike its dividend again in FY27 by another 4.75% to 22 cents per share.

Growing earnings per share

Some of the best ASX 200 shares have delivered earnings growth for many years in a row, and they can continue to deliver impressive profit growth. Earnings projections suggest profit could compound.

Pro Medicus provides a full range of medical imaging software and services to hospitals, imaging centres and healthcare groups worldwide. Earnings per share (EPS) rose 26.4% in FY26, and it’s predicted to increase another 30.9% in FY27, according to AFIC.

Meanwhile, TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is a provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for businesses, local councils, governments, universities and so on. It’s benefiting from rising demand for digitalisation and efficiencies.

The TechnologyOne EPS rose by 16.7% to 42 cents in FY25, and EPS is forecast to increase 19% to 50 cents, according to AFIC.

Compelling gold outlook

The final duo of ASX 200 shares that AFIC revealed it had bought were ASX gold shares.

They are two of the ASX’s largest players and there are various tailwinds for the sector such as inflation, investors seeking safety away from the uncertainty of government bonds (and currency).

A higher gold price over the last few years has led to significant improvements in operating cash flow.

For Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM), operating cash flow grew 60% to US$10.3 billion in FY25 and is projected to rise another 28% to US$13.2 billion in FY26, according to AFIC.

With Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), operating cash flow grew 30% in FY26 to A$2.6 billion, it’s forecast to rise another 3.8% in FY27.

Of course, these aren’t the only ASX shares that could be compelling long-term buys.

The post A leading fund just bought these top ASX 200 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much superannuation do I need to earn $56,000 per year in passive income?
• Tech shares shine while ASX 200 plunges to 4-month low
• Wesfarmers vs Woolworths: Which ASX dividend share looks better this month?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Technology One. 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 Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

MFF Capital Investments vs PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund shares

If you’re weighing up MFF Capital Investments (ASX: MFF) and PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund (ASX: PGF), you’re looking at two of the most prominent ASX-listed listed investment companies (LICs) specialising in international equities. These vehicles let Aussies invest globally without having to do all the heavy lifting themselves. But which is the better buy right now? Let’s size up what makes each stand out — and dive into the current numbers.

The case for MFF Capital Investments

MFF Capital Investments is a well-established LIC focused on providing investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of international listed securities. MFF has traditionally been known for its disciplined, long-term approach to global blue-chip investing, often with a tilt to quality growth companies around the world.

Looking at the numbers, MFF currently sports a market cap of $3.17 billion, making it the larger of these two funds. Its reported dividend yield is 4.01%, which is fully franked — a nice draw for income-seeking investors. The dividend records show a consistent upward track, with the most recent interim and final payouts at $0.10 and $0.09 per share (both 100% franked) in 2026. That means plenty of tax-effective income is going back to shareholders.

What stands out is MFF’s strong franking credits, plus its reliability: over the past decade, dividends have risen steadily (with a one-off special dividend in 2020). However, 2026 has been negative for performance so far, with a year-to-date return of -5.09%.

The case for PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund

PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund is another major international LIC. PM Capital aims to build investor wealth by investing in a portfolio of global listed securities. The company is managed by PM Capital and has a track record dating back to 2013. PM Capital’s investment approach is long-term and focused on identifying opportunities abroad, from quality stalwarts to special situations.

PGF’s current market cap comes in at $1.95 billion, making it smaller than MFF, but still substantial in the LIC world. The headline yield is a little higher at 4.64%, with 100% franking as well. The most recent dividend was a $0.075 per share final (ex-date in September 2026), also fully franked. Like MFF, PGF has lifted its dividends regularly over the years, with a fairly steady growth curve since 2016.

What really leaps out, though, is performance: year-to-date, PGF is in the green at 3.92%, a sharp contrast to MFF’s negative result.

Valuation comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at the most meaningful financial metrics available right now:

Metric	MFF Capital Investments	Pm Capital Global Opportunities Fund
Market Cap	$3.17 billion	$1.95 billion
Dividend Yield	4.01% (100% franked)	4.64% (100% franked)
Year To Date Return	-5.1%	3.9%

Recent share price momentum

Comparing share price performance up to is 30 September 2026:

• As of 30 September 2026, Mff Capital Investments closed at $5.48 (having climbed 1.86% on the day).
• As of the same date, Pm Capital Global Opportunities Fund closed at $3.20 (down 0.93% for the day).
• Year to date, MFF shares are down 5.1%, while PGF shares are up 3.9%.

So PGF has clearly enjoyed more positive momentum in 2026 so far. Of course, LICs can trade at a premium or discount to their portfolio’s value, but that data wasn’t supplied here.

Which is the better buy?

With both funds offering global diversification, strong franking, and a rising dividend record, it really comes down to performance and yield, based on these numbers.

I’d lean toward PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund as the better buy in this matchup. Here’s why: PM Capital is offering a higher dividend yield (4.64% vs 4.01%), fully franked, and has managed a positive year-to-date return (+3.9%) while MFF has lost ground (-5.1%). Both have a robust history of dividend increases, but PM Capital’s shares are simply showing stronger recent momentum.

MFF’s larger market cap points to more scale, but for income and growth, the data slightly favours PM Capital right now. I haven’t considered underlying valuation (like P/E or discount to NTA) for this exercise, but based on performance and yield, my pick would be PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund at these levels.

The post MFF Capital vs PM Capital Global Opportunities: Which LIC is the better investment today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Mff Capital Investments. 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.

Once a week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which ASX shares are being targeted by short sellers.

That’s because I believe it is worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, listed below are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC.

The top 10 most shorted ASX shares

• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has returned to the top of the table with short interest of 15.2%, up from 14.3% last week. The counter-drone technology company remains a major target for short sellers, possibly due to the uncertainty created by the ongoing ASIC investigation.
• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) has seen its short interest fall sharply to 13.3%. Short sellers may have concerns over the uranium producer’s production ramp-up at Kayelekera and how quickly it can reach its longer-term targets.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has seen its short interest rise to 13.2%. Despite achieving its revised FY 2026 production guidance, short sellers may be questioning the longer-term production outlook at Honeymoon.
• IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) has short interest of 12.8%, which is up again week on week. Short sellers seem to believe plenty of future growth is already priced in as the titanium company works to scale up its US operations.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) has seen its short interest jump to 12.7%. Short sellers may believe higher interest rates could put pressure on the buy now pay later company’s business model by increasing funding costs and weighing on consumer spending.
• PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) has 12.3% of its shares held short, up from 11.7% last week. Short sellers may be betting that the recent improvement in lithium market conditions will not last.
• 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) has seen its short interest ease slightly to 11.9%. The medical technology company continues to make commercial progress, but its high valuation relative to current revenue makes it an obvious target for short sellers.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has short interest of 11.8%, which is broadly unchanged week on week. Short sellers may still be waiting for stronger evidence that the pizza chain operator’s turnaround can deliver a meaningful earnings recovery before closing positions.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has returned to the top ten with short interest of 11%. This is a third uranium stock that short sellers are loading up on.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise slightly to 10.9%. Short sellers may remain cautious on the Penfolds owner due to weak luxury wine demand and the work still required to improve its Americas business.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.