Buy Hold Sell, by Livewire Markets

Over the past few episodes, we’ve galloped through our Spring Racing Carnival series - from the “stayers” built to go the distance, to the “wet-track wonders” that hold their footing when conditions turn tough. And now, as we thunder down the home straight, it’s time for the Photo Finish. In this final instalment, we’re doing things a little differently. Rather than our usual stock-by-stock format, we’ve set up a series of head-to-head matchups - five pairs of closely matched companies, each vying for line honours. Our guests will weigh in on which business they’d back, and why. It’s a chance to see how professional investors think when they’re forced to make the hard calls, where conviction meets comparison, and small details separate a winner from the pack. Joining me to make those calls are Nick Pashias from Antares Equities and Marcus Ryan from Yarra Capital Management.  Please note this episode was filmed on 22 October 2025.    

Winter might be over, but in markets, the clouds can roll in at any time. And when they do, only the sure-footed survive. With the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival in full swing, we’re once again taking inspiration from the track - this time, looking for the “wet-track wonders” of the ASX.  These are the companies that can handle tougher terrain, those with strong balance sheets, reliable earnings, and management teams that know how to keep moving forward when the ground gets heavy. In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire’s Chris Conway is joined by Marcus Ryan from Yarra Capital Management and Nick Pashias from Antares Equities. Together, they’ll explore what defines true resilience in the sharemarket and where investors might find the best footing if conditions deteriorate. Before they dive into the stocks, Chris asks Nick what traits he looks for in businesses that can weather the storm - from fiscal discipline and predictable cash flows to that all-important pricing power. Marcus then weighs in on which sectors tend to thrive when the economic going gets tough. As well as analysing three ASX names, for good measure, the guests each share a stock in their portfolio that they might look at differently if conditions head south.  Please note this episode was filmed on 22 October 2025.

Spring has arrived, and with it, the familiar buzz of the racing season in Melbourne - where form, endurance, and timing can make all the difference. It’s not just the horses gearing up for a big run - investors, too, are scanning the field for those rare “stayers” that can go the distance. In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, we’re drawing inspiration from the track to talk about the enduring performers of the sharemarket - the companies that keep compounding, year after year, through every twist in the economic cycle. These are the market’s equivalent of the proven stayers: dependable, disciplined, and capable of delivering over the long haul. Joining Livewire's Chris Conway to break down what makes a true long-term performer are Nick Pashias from Antares Equities and Marcus Ryan from Yarra Capital Management.  We kick off by finding out whether the gents fancy a flutter during the Spring Racing Carnival or prefer to keep their bets confined to the stock market. We then explore what the term “quality compounder” really means to them - the traits, fundamentals, and track records that separate the contenders from the also-rans. And of course, we’ll run the ruler over three proven “stayers”, before each guest reveals the one company they’d hold for the next five years (if they had to!). Please note this episode was filmed on 22 October 2025.    

Sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t in the headlines. While the market chases momentum, savvy investors know that real alpha often comes from spotting quality before the crowd does, and knowing when to step aside when things get a little too hot. In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, host Anna Dadic is joined by small-cap specialists Matt Griffin from Maple Brown-Abbott and Luke Laretive from Seneca to unpack some of the market’s lesser-known winners and a couple of names they think are best avoided for now. From the small-cap success stories flying under the radar to red flags flashing on overhyped names, our guests share where they’re finding value, what signals they look for when identifying early opportunities, and how they avoid the common traps that trip up investors.

Small caps are in comeback mode, and investors are starting to take notice. After years in the doldrums, this once-unloved corner of the market is showing real signs of life, with the index surging more than 20% year to date. But is this rally built on solid foundations, or is it just another short-term burst of optimism? In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, host Anna Dadic is joined by Matt Griffin from Maple-Brown Abbott and Luke Laretive from Seneca to unpack what’s really driving the small-cap recovery and where the next wave of opportunity might lie. From takeover activity heating up to renewed investor appetite for growth, our guests share their read on what’s changed, what still looks cheap, and the risks investors need to keep on their radar.  If you’ve been sitting on the fence about small caps, this episode is packed with insights to help you separate the real signals from the market noise.

When it comes to small caps, investors tend to fall into two camps: those who see risk and those who see opportunity. With a small-cap comeback underway, the latter camp might just be onto something. While this part of the market can be volatile and under-researched, it’s also fertile ground for stock pickers with a sharp eye and thick skin. In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire’s Anna Dadic is joined by Matt Griffin from Maple Brown Abbott and Luke Laretive from Seneca Financial Solutions to uncover where they’re spotting value in today’s small-cap landscape. From sector-level trends to the traits that separate a potential winner from a flop, these two fundies share how they’re navigating a dynamic market full of hidden gems and hopefuls. We put three small-cap names under the microscope, with our guests weighing in on which ones still have room to run and which might have already had their moment. They also each share a high-conviction pick they believe could outperform over the next 12 months. This interview was filmed on Wednesday 8 October 2025. 

This year's NRL Finals have been dominated by the players with the magic touch showing up when needed. But which companies are doing the same thing on the ASX? Who are the real MVPs and who are the also-rans?  In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Tom Stelzer is joined by Tim Riordan from Blackwattle and Brenton Saunders from Pendal to offer their verdicts on the companies showing strong game management and delivering on the big stage.  Our guests also bring the ASX innovator they think has a winning strategy right now.  Please note, this episode was filmed on Wednesday, 24th September 2025. 

This episode was filmed Wednesday, 24th September 2025. The siren might have sounded on another AFL season, but when it comes to markets, the game next stops.  With the ASX trading near record highs and valuations stretching common sense, investors are asking the big question: how do you protect the scoreboard when conditions turn tough? As the saying goes, attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles. And while growth stocks often grab the spotlight, low-volatility names and reliable portfolio ballast can be just as crucial for staying in the match when momentum shifts. So in this episode, we’re drawing up our own starting lineup of ASX defenders. Which stocks deserve a place in your portfolio’s backline, and which ones should be left warming the bench? Joining Livewire's Tom Stelzer to make the calls are  from Blackwattle and Brenton Saunders from Pendal, who put three ASX names under the spotlight. They also share their best defensive stock picks for when markets get choppy.

Growth stocks by definition are going to run hot from time to time, but as the old saying goes: form is temporary, class is permanent. In a year that's seen a surprisingly resilient stock market, some names have taken the ball and run with it. But it's where they go next that matters. In this episode of Buy Hold Sell, Livewire's Tom Stelzer is joined by Tim Riordan from Blackwattle and Brenton Saunders from Pendal to analyse some of the ASX's current star performers and see whether they can maintain that form going forward. They also throw up the ASX growth stock they think can continue to kick goals over the next 12 months. Please note this episode was filmed on 24 September 2025.

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.