Investors navigating the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) are currently presented with a challenging landscape, despite the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) remaining close to its all-time high of 9,054.5 points reached last month. Recent insights from top fund managers at the 2025 Livewire conference have identified several stocks they believe stand out in the current market environment. These recommendations, reported by the Australian Financial Review, could provide valuable guidance for investors seeking promising opportunities.
Expert Recommendations for 2025
One notable pick comes from Simon Mawhinney, Chief Investment Officer at Allan Gray, who has selected medical supplies company Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN). Mawhinney highlights Ansell’s strong capital management, noting that it has successfully reduced its share count over the past 15 years, a rarity among companies. He stated, “It’s one of the very, very few companies, bar a recent equity raise … [where] the share count is lower than it was 15 years ago, so it has perpetually been buying back shares.” Mawhinney expressed confidence in the leadership of CEO Neil Salmon, describing him as a methodical thinker and a capable capital allocator.
Another intriguing choice comes from Jun Bei Lie of TenCap, who has opted for the troubled Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP). Despite the company experiencing a difficult year with shares down more than 50% year-to-date, Lie believes that Domino’s is positioned for a turnaround. She asserts, “The company has now identified what they need to do … close unmarketable stores, stop this rampage of store rollout… If franchisees make more money, then they will roll out more stores, and it’s good for you.”
Looking Beyond Australia
In a broader context, Qiao Ma from Munro Partners has directed attention towards the United States, recommending NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA). Ma asserts that the chip maker is poised for significant growth, especially given the ongoing AI boom. She remarked that at a price of USD 168, NVIDIA is trading at less than 17 times price to earnings, positioning it well for the future. “This decade is going to be the NVIDIA decade,” she emphasized.
Returning to the ASX, a final noteworthy selection comes from David Lloyd of Ausbil, who is bullish on Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). Lloyd describes the company as “the market’s next Berkshire Hathaway,” particularly following its plans to merge with Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW). He believes the merger will create a robust investment platform, stating, “This is turning Souls into a USD 14 billion investment house [that’s] starting to look a little bit like a Berkshire Hathaway or a Blackstone.” Lloyd anticipates that this merger will enhance liquidity and potentially allow for a higher valuation of the company.
As investors consider these recommendations from seasoned fund managers, it is evident that a mix of traditional and innovative strategies may define the investment landscape in the coming years. The insights from the 2025 Livewire conference offer valuable perspectives that could influence decision-making for both seasoned and new investors alike.
