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Buy Hold Sell, by Livewire Markets

Buy Hold Sell, by Livewire Markets
Author: Livewire Markets
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Buy Hold Sell is a fast-paced business and investing podcast, bringing you stock tips and investment ideas every Friday and every second Monday. Join Livewire’s Ally Selby as she quizzes Australia’s top fund managers and investment analysts on a range of local and global stocks, as well as ETFs. Learn about the forces moving equities markets, the potholes you should avoid, and the companies going from strength to strength - all in 10 minutes or less. Whether you are new to investing or a seasoned professional, this podcast will get you thinking differently about markets.
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Facebook (now Meta) founder Mark Zuckerberg coined the phrase “move fast and break things” – a catchy motto designed to celebrate speed and experimentation. But as investors know, speed counts for little if a company can’t cross the Rubicon from potential to profitability.
That’s the real test: turning hype into hard dollars. Profitability is the finish line, and plenty of flashy contenders never make it across.
In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire’s Chris Conway is joined by Martin Hickson (1851 Capital) and Steve Johnson (Forager) to zero in on a clutch of ASX names either approaching that threshold or already beyond it.
Which businesses are set to graduate from promise to performance – and which are still running on fumes, with more buzz than balance sheet? For good measure, both guests also reveal one stock they believe is presently offering more hype than substance.
Please note this episode was filmed on 10 September 2025.
We all love a compelling growth story, but how do you tell whether you're buying substance or sizzle?
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most exciting - and sometimes most dangerous - areas of the market: innovation.
It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, but how do you tell the difference between a company with a slick marketing pitch and one that’s genuinely building something transformative?
To unpack this, Livewire's Chris Conway is joined by Steve Johnson from Forager and Martin Hickson from 1851 Capital.
Johnson and Hickson share what innovation means to them, the traits that set true disruptors apart, and the red flags that suggest hype over substance. They also cover how to assess competitive moats, and what metrics matter when profitability hasn't quite yet arrived.
Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of Buy Hold Sell without some stock ideas, so the guests each share an ASX innovator that is underrated and the market might be missing, as well as the best innovator across any market cap segment.
Please note this episode was filmed on 10 September 2025.
It's September, and that means football finals - time to separate the contenders from the pretenders, as they say.
It's no different when hunting for opportunities on the ASX, particularly when it comes to the innovators - those companies pushing boundaries, reshaping industries, and trying to become the market leaders of tomorrow.
But as every investor knows, backing innovation isn’t as simple as spotting a good idea. For every success story like Pro Medicus or Life360, there are countless others that never quite make the leap, leaving investors nursing losses.
So how do you tell the difference between a genuine innovator and a pretender? And what signals should investors look for when trying to back the next big thing?
To answer those questions, Lvewire's Chris Conway is joined by Martin Hickson from 1851 Capital and Steve Johnson from Forager. Together, they run the ruler over a handful of ASX innovators.
For good measure, each guest shares a disruptor they are backing that has massive upside potential - provided they can nail it.
Please note this episode was filmed on 27 August 2025.
Reporting season already feels like a lifetime ago, given how fast markets are moving these days, but some results - both good and bad - will have a lasting impact.
A great set of results and positive share price reaction can reset a company's trajectory, both operationally and in the minds of investors.
Suddenly, a middling company with a middling share price can look like a world-beater - though with that comes greater expectations. On the other hand, market darlings can turn into pumpkins almost in an instant, with momentum and share prices derailed in equal measure.
In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Anna Dadic speaks with Ben Rundle (Hayborough) and Joe McCarthy (Elston) to unpack some of the most painful results from the season.
For balance, they also each highlight a standout winner that they believe can kick on over the next 12 months.
This episode of Buy Hold Sell was filmed 27th August, 2025.
Reporting season is always full of surprises, and this one didn’t disappoint.
Some companies smashed expectations, sending share prices soaring, while others stumbled badly and left investors wondering what went wrong. And then, of course, there were the quiet achievers, delivering solid results without making much noise.
To help us cut through the chaos, Livewire's Anna Dadic is joined by Ben Rundle from Hayborough Investment Partners and Joe McCarthy from Elston Asset Management.
Together, they examine the key themes from the season, including some of the best, worst, and under-the-radar results, and - perhaps most importantly - whether they are making any portfolio adjustments.
Strap in, there's plenty to cover.
Please note this episode was filmed on 27 August 2025.
While the aggregate numbers suggest this August reporting season hasn’t been as volatile as previous ones—at least when looking at average share price moves on beats and misses—several big-name stocks have experienced outsized reactions.
CSL, Woolworths and James Hardie were punished, while Coles, Brambles, and REA Group fared far better. Such sharp swings among large-cap “reliable” names have made the season feel more unpredictable than usual, particularly since these are the stocks investors typically buy for stability.
They are also companies that dominate headlines and, understandably, get a lot of coverage. However, that also means that there are likely many companies beyond the headlines that delivered solid results, which the market might have overlooked.
In this episode, Livewire’s Anna Dadic is joined by Ben Rundle from Hayborough Investment Partners and Joe McCarthy from Elston Asset Management to run the ruler over three ASX names that quietly delivered strong results.
For good measure, they each nominate another stock that may have flown under the radar —one they believe offers a compelling buying opportunity.
Please note this episode was recorded on 27 August 2025.
Despite having a world-class healthcare industry and some equally impressive companies, the ASX healthcare sector has been code blue over the last 12 months and is in dire need of a defibrillator.
The sector has been the third-worst performer over the period, down around 2%. So, what gives? Well, COVID didn't help, and healthcare companies have never been 'cheap' historically, but it does beg the question - is the sector due for a turnaround?
And, far more importantly, as it concerns Buy Hold Sell, which stocks could lead the charge?
To help answer those questions, Livewire's Chris Conway was joined by David Wilson from First Sentier Investors, and Matt Williams from Airlie Funds Management.
Not only do the guests run the ruler over a handful of healthcare names, but they also each identify one healthcare company they believe is set for a big year ahead.
Please note this episode was recorded on 30 July 2025.
There’s something stirring in the ASX property sector.
With interest rates finally trending lower, the landscape for real estate investment is beginning to shift. Cheaper financing, improving asset valuations, and a potential tailwind for yield-focused investors all mean that property stocks are starting to look a lot more compelling.
While they’ve been out of favour in recent times, could we now be witnessing the early signs of a comeback?
In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we’re diving into the world of listed property - from retail to residential, industrial to office - to uncover where the best opportunities might lie.
To help make sense of it all, host Chris Conway is joined by two top investors who’ve seen more cycles than most: Matt Williams from Airlie Funds Management and David Wilson from First Sentier Investors.
Together, they run the ruler over three ASX-listed property stocks and discuss the macro forces driving the sector.
For good measure, Matt and David also name a property play (or two) they like right now.
Please note this episode was filmed on 30 July 2025.
There has been a lot of focus on the banks over the past 12 months, and fair enough. Commonwealth Bank (CBA) has traded more like a growth stock, and its unexpected trajectory has warped not only its valuation but those of its peers.
Whilst debate about the reasons for CBA's rally rages on, investors might do well to remember that the ASX financials sector comprises more than just the Big Four - hard to believe, we know.
With that in mind, we've brought in the big guns to run the ruler over the other parts of the financial sector, including insurers and platform businesses. Joining host Chris Conway are Airlie Funds Management's Matt Williams and First Sentier Investors' David Wilson.
Together, they talk about the opportunities beyond the banks, run the ruler over three other key financial stocks, and each share an ASX name they particularly like in the space.
Oh, and just because we couldn't help ourselves, they also share whether any of the Big Four look appealing right now.
Please note this episode was recorded on 30 July 2025.
With the headline yield for the ASX 200 now sub 4%, generating a decent yield from equities has become more challenging in recent years.
There are a couple of factors investors can screen for, however, to make the task a little easier.
First and foremost, make sure to look for companies with an above-market yield – otherwise, you might as well just buy the market. In this case, the line in the sand is 4%.
Secondly, look for companies whose consensus estimates suggest they will at least maintain, if not grow, their dividends over the next two years. As we all know, there is no point getting 8% one year, and then no dividend the following year – income investors crave consistency.
So, with those simple but powerful guardrails in place, Livewire’s James Marlay is joined by Peter Gardner from Plato Investment Management and Hugh Dive from Atlas Funds Management to run the ruler over a handful of stocks that meet the criteria.
For good measure, they each share a name that they like for its above-market yield and expected consistency in coming years.
Please note this episode was filmed on 16 July 2025.
In this income-focused episode of Buy Hold Sell, to celebrate Livewire’s 2025 Income Series kicking off, we’re tackling one of the most beloved - and fiercely defended - corners of the Australian market: fully franked dividends.
To help make sense of the dividend landscape in 2025 and beyond, Livewire’s James Marlay is joined by two seasoned pros: Peter Gardner from Plato Investment Management and Hugh Dive from Atlas Funds Management.
Together, they explore where the best income opportunities lie, what traps to avoid, and how to hunt for companies that deliver both yield and capital growth.
You’ll hear why traditional dividend darlings like CBA and Wesfarmers might not be pulling their weight anymore, why payout ratios matter more than ever, and how franking credits can offer crucial insight into a company’s financial health.
Plus, we get their verdicts on some of the most consistent dividend payers on the ASX – including Soul Patts, Charter Hall, and Steadfast Group - before each guest shares their top pick for income in 2025.
If you’re serious about dividends, you won’t want to miss this one.
Please note that this episode was recorded on July 16, 2025.
Investing is rarely black and white, but one of the most enduring debates in equity markets is this: Do you chase the proven performers at a premium, or take a punt on the underpriced underdogs?
In this episode, we’re putting that question to the test.
Joining Livewire's Chris Conway are two seasoned portfolio managers, Hamish FitzSimons of AllianceBernstein and Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott.
Together, they explore some of the ASX’s most closely watched names across key sectors, including banks, miners, healthcare, and consumer staples. But there's a twist.
For each 'quality' name, Hamish and Dougal will assess the company in classic Buy Hold Sell style. Then, they’ll weigh up a potential 'value' alternative and tell us whether they prefer it.
Which names offer true long-term defensiveness? Which ones are still too expensive despite recent drawdowns? And which cheaper stocks have what it takes to close the gap?
Please note this episode was filmed on 2 July 2025.
With the ASX hovering near all-time highs, you’d be forgiven for thinking the value train has left the station. But is that really the case? Or are there still pockets of opportunity hiding in plain sight?
In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we dig into whether there’s any genuine value left in the market, and where two leading investors are finding it.
Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott and Hamish FitzSimons from AllianceBernstein share their philosophies, the must-have traits of a value stock, and what sectors they’re eyeing right now.
Plus, they name one stock to avoid - and one they’re buying.
No matter which factor you like, clear-cut winners are hard to find. Why? Because quality is rarely cheap and value can be anything but. So in this episode, we're going to keep it simple by running the ruler over five ASX names with strong balance sheets.
These are companies that boast robust financial foundations: low debt, consistent cash flows, and disciplined capital management.
Such businesses typically not only weather economic storms but often emerge stronger on the other side. But that does not mean they are automatic 'buys' if the valuation doesn't stack up.
Applying their respective lenses are Dougal Maple-Brown from Maple-Brown Abbott, and Hamish FitzSimons from AllianceBernstein.
For good measure, they also share one ASX name that they like right now.
Please note this episode was filmed on 2 July 2025.
We’ve crunched the numbers from Livewire Markets and Market Index to uncover the most-searched ASX stocks over the past 12 months, and now it’s time to put them under the microscope.
As you'd expect, big-name favourites lead the pack. But behind the ticker symbols are stories full of surprises, challenges, and potential - and that’s where the real insight begins.
Joining guest host Grady Wulff are two of the sharpest (and most entertaining) minds in the market: Henry Jennings from Marcus Today and James Gerrish from Market Matters.
Together, they weigh in on what’s driving investor interest and whether these companies still have room to run.
And to top it off, Henry and James each reveal one innovative stock they believe could make serious waves in FY26.
It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s not to be missed.
Please note this episode was filmed on 18 June 2025.
FY25 has been anything but dull. From sharp market pullbacks and the ripple effects of global trade tensions, to geopolitical flare-ups and wild swings in commodity prices - there’s been no shortage of drama. Yet, despite the volatility, markets have remained surprisingly resilient, with the ASX 200 now flirting with all-time highs.
So, what have investors learned? What caught them off guard? And more importantly, how should they be positioning for FY26?
In this episode, we’re taking stock of the past 12 months whilst also looking to the future. To help us unpack the biggest surprises, wins, and lessons from FY25 - and uncover where the smart money might be heading next - guest host Grady Wulff is joined by two of Australia’s sharpest market minds: Henry Jennings from Marcus Today and James Gerrish from Market Matters.
From their best (and worst) investment calls to the sectors they’re backing for FY26, the biggest risks still looming on the horizon, and a stock they are each backing for the year ahead - this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
The end of the financial year is more than just tax time. It's a time to reflect on your portfolio, sort the winners from the duds, and make some informed decisions about how to position for the next 6-12 months.
Invariably, there will be some stocks in your portfolio that have crushed it, and some that you wish you'd never bothered with.
Against that backdrop, we’re taking a look at some of the best and worst performers in the ASX 200 - based purely on share price performance over the past 12 months - and asking the big questions: can the market’s high fliers keep climbing in FY26? And is opportunity hiding in the rubble of this year’s worst performers?
To help us separate the traps from the turnarounds, guest host Grady Wulff is joined by two of Australia’s most respected market commentators - James Gerrish from Market Matters and Henry Jennings from Marcus Today.
Whether you’re hunting for momentum or bargain buys, this episode will give you expert insights into what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be next.
Please note this episode was filmed on 18 June 2025.
While the top end of town tends to steal the spotlight, real innovation often happens in the small and mid-cap space. From nimble fintech redefining how we bank to next-gen healthcare firms disrupting traditional delivery models to tech-savvy logistics players streamlining operations, there’s a new wave of challengers taking on the incumbents.
These companies may not yet be household names but many are leveraging technology, unique business models, or sharp customer focus to punch well above their weight. And in a market where growth is increasingly hard to come by, they offer investors a compelling, if sometimes risky, alternative.
So, how do you sort the genuine disruptors from the hype machines? Which companies have the vision, execution, and balance sheets to go the distance, and which are more likely to fizzle out?
Joining Livewire's Chris Conway to break it all down are Emanuel Datt from Datt Capital and Michael Steele from Yarra Capital. Together, they put three emerging challengers under the microscope.
For good measure, they also name their favourite disruptor they are backing right now.
It’s easy to forget that many of today’s ASX blue chips – household names like CSL, REA Group and WiseTech – started life as small-cap stocks. While they may have flown under the radar at the time, patient investors who could spot their potential early on have been handsomely rewarded.
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of small caps, where volatility runs high, but the rewards can be even higher.
More specifically, we’re exploring how to separate the true long-term compounders from the companies fueled by hype, rather than fundamentals. Which business models are built to last? Which leaders have the vision and execution to deliver real growth? And what signs suggest a small company could one day play in the big leagues?
To help us tackle these questions, Livewire's Chris Conway was joined by two seasoned investors who know the small-cap landscape inside and out: Emanuel Datt from Datt Capital and Michael Steele from Yarra Capital Management.
For good measure, they each share an ASX name they are backing to become the next big thing.
Please note this episode was filmed on 7 May 2025.
Equity investors, quite rightly, are looking beyond large caps for opportunity. There's only so much Commonwealth Bank and Magnificent 7 you can have in a portfolio before things start to look top-heavy.
But moving down the market cap spectrum does not have to equal higher risk - not if you know where to look.
Whilst small-cap names are often under-researched and overlooked, this can create opportunities for outsized returns. The key is to have a process for unearthing the mispriced or underappreciated gems.
So, in this episode, Datt Capital’s Emanuel Datt and Yarra Capital’s Michael Steele share what they are looking for when mining the small-cap space, before putting their method to the test by analysing three small-cap names.
For good measure, they each share a diamond in the rough small cap that they are backing right now.
Please note this episode was filmed on 7 May 2025.