Stocks We Like

I joined Sean Aylmer from Fear and Greed’s Summer Series to discuss the strengthening performance of Australian small caps, why quality matters, and where opportunities are emerging. I shared a number of small-cap examples across different sectors to illustrate these points, including ZIP (ASX:ZIP), a buy-now-pay-later business growing strongly in the United States; Megaport (ASX:MP1), a key technology provider connecting data centres where a recent acquisition is yet to be fully recognised by the market; Codan (ASX:CDA), which manufactures gold detectors and continues to benefit from solid demand supported by elevated gold prices; and MA Financial Group (ASX:MAF), a private credit manager seeing strong inflows as investors seek more reliable income.

The key takeaway from this episode was the importance of being selective and backing quality businesses.

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by Roger Montgomery Posted in Investing Education, Podcast Channel, Small Caps, Stocks We Like.

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I joined Juliette Saly on Ausbiz to reflect on how markets closed out in 2025 and what may lie ahead in 2026. Last year was again dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and the Magnificent Seven (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Nvidia and Tesla). However, with valuations now stretched amongst these technology leaders, there may be opportunities for investors beyond the headlines.  continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Companies, Market commentary, Small Caps, Stocks We Like, TV Appearances.

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At face value, Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) is best known as a mineral sands producer. However, the market continues to undervalue the hidden strategic and financial assets embedded across its diversified portfolio. With a current market capitalisation of over A$3 billion, Iluka trades below the implied value of its tangible holdings alone  – ~A$1 billion in mineral sands inventory, ~A$1.3 billion in rare earths concentrate feedstock (potentially greater than A$2 billion Net Present Value (NPV)) and a A$450 million equity stake in Deterra Royalties (ASX:DRR) – therefore ascribing very little value to the core mineral sands business. continue…

by Sean Sequeira Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like.

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In 2025, so far, the seven most influential U.S. tech giants – The Magnificent Seven, or Mag 7 (Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Tesla and Nvidia) – have continued to assert their dominance and reinforce their role in determining the S&P 500’s trajectory. Despite what appears to be artificial intelligence (AI) hype, or perhaps because of it, the seven giants have collectively outpaced the broader S&P 500’s 12.47 per cent year-to-date (YTD) rise, delivering a gain of 15.9 per cent through Monday’s close. At the same time, however, their market-capitalisation share has dropped slightly from a peak of 32.2 per cent in mid-August to 31.3 per cent of the S&P 500’s total value. That indicates some stocks outside of the Mag 7 have been outperforming them. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Polen Capital, Stocks We Like, Technology & Telecommunications.

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When it comes to the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, few events command as much attention as Nvidia’s quarterly earnings calls. With so much riding on the boom enduring, including Nvidia’s $US4.15 trillion market cap, analysts and traders understandably dissect every nuance – from the precise wording of forward guidance to the subtle inflections in CEO Jensen Huang’s voice. They’re looking for clues about whether excitement or caution lies ahead or is presently justified. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Polen Capital, Stocks We Like.

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Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW), one half of Australia’s supermarket duopoly, just released its full-year results for the 2025 financial year. The numbers painted a picture of significant headwinds and a planned recovery. The results were largely in line with consensus expectations, but the company spelled out a softer-than-anticipated outlook, triggering a sharp sell-off in the stock.

At the time of writing, Woolworths shares have likely made a significant dent in super funds, having fallen to around $29 from more than $33 yesterday. Investors are particularly concerned about declining profits, margin pressures, and challenges in key segments, despite the company highlighting pockets of strength in digital operations and internationally. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like.

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Auckland International Airport (ASX:AIA), New Zealand’s premier gateway handling the bulk of the nation’s international traffic, delivered a resilient performance for 2025, after navigating a weakening economy, airline capacity constraints, and ongoing infrastructure investments. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Airlines, Companies, Stocks We Like.

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Commonwealth Bank’s (ASX:CBA) financial year 2025 (FY25) result might just have been a study in strategic restraint. Cash profit rose 4 per cent to $10.3 billion – right on consensus –underpinned by stronger wholesale banking in the second half and solid growth in both home and business lending. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like.

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Breville Group (ASX: BRG), the premium kitchen appliance maker behind brands like Breville and Sage, has released its full-year results for financial year 2025 (FY25). The company’s results largely met or slightly exceeded expectations, with strong revenue growth across regions and categories. Strategic initiatives including geographic expansion and manufacturing diversification were highlighted.

However, attention has been drawn to looming U.S. tariff impacts, which could pressure margins next year and beyond. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Financial Services, Stocks We Like.

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Cochlear’s financial year 2025 (FY25) results delivered a steady, if unspectacular, performance that broadly aligned with the company’s June guidance reset. Revenue came in at $2.34 billion, consistent with market expectations following the downgrade, while underlying net profit landed at $392 million – the low end of the revised $390-400 million range.

These results reflected a year of mixed dynamics: implants and acoustics continued to post strong growth, but the Services segment remained a significant drag on both revenue momentum and operating leverage. continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like.

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