Author: openjargon

When investing with retirement in mind, the goal is to own businesses that can remain relevant, profitable, and resilient over many years.

The types of companies that suit this approach tend to share a few traits. They operate in markets with long-term demand, they reinvest to stay ahead of competitors, and they have business models that can adapt as technology and customer needs evolve.

With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 stocks I would be comfortable holding through market cycles and all the way through to retirement.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is one of the most respected healthcare shares listed on the Australian stock exchange.

It is the world leader in implantable hearing solutions, operating in a market supported by powerful demographic tailwinds. As populations age and access to healthcare improves globally, demand for hearing implants is expected to grow steadily over time.

What makes Cochlear particularly attractive for long-term investors is its competitive position. The company benefits from deep intellectual property, strong clinician relationships, and very high switching costs. Once a patient enters the Cochlear ecosystem, they often remain within it for life, supporting recurring revenue through upgrades and accessories.

This combination of essential healthcare, innovation, and long-term customer relationships makes Cochlear a classic buy and hold candidate.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Another ASX 200 stock I would be happy to hold until retirement is Megaport.

It is a very different type of retirement-style investment, but its long-term potential is compelling.

The company operates a global network-as-a-service platform, which allows businesses to connect quickly and securely to cloud providers and data centres. As more workloads move to the cloud and hybrid IT environments become the norm, demand for flexible, on-demand connectivity continues to grow.

Megaport’s business model is highly scalable. Once its network infrastructure is in place, incremental customers can be added at relatively low cost, creating the potential for strong operating leverage as revenue grows. It also recently completed the acquisition of Latitude, which has increased its total addressable market materially. This bodes well for its long-term growth outlook.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Lastly, I think ResMed would be a great long term pick. It combines defensive healthcare characteristics with genuine growth optionality.

ResMed is a global leader in sleep apnoea and respiratory care devices, operating in a market that remains significantly underdiagnosed. In fact, the sleep apnoea treatment market is estimated to be over 1 billion sufferers.

Beyond hardware, ResMed has been expanding its software and digital health offerings, building deeper relationships with patients and healthcare providers. This shift toward connected devices and data-driven care adds a layer of recurring revenue and enhances the durability of the business.

In light of this, I think this ASX 200 stock could be a great buy and hold option for Aussie investors.

The post The ASX 200 stocks I’d be happy to hold until retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d build a $1,000-a-month passive income from ASX shares
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026
• This might be the most underrated artificial intelligence ASX stock to own in 2026
• How to turn small ASX share investments into life-changing money

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Cochlear, Megaport, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear, Megaport, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.1% in morning trade on Thursday, with ASX All Ords stock Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR) racing ahead of those gains.

Shares in the engineering, construction, and remediation contractor closed yesterday trading for $1.865. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $2.030 apiece, up 8.9%.

This outperformance follows an update on the Duratec Ertech Joint Venture (DEJV), Duratec’s 50:50 joint venture with Ertech.

Here’s what’s piquing ASX investor interest.

ASX All Ords stock lifts off on contract news

Duratec shares are leaping higher after the company reported DEJV has been instructed to proceed with early procurement of some $5 million worth of long lead items.

These items will assist the program and project timing as part of the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for the planning phase of infrastructure upgrades to support future submarine capability at the HMAS Stirling naval base, located in Western Australia.

The ASX All Ords stock noted that additional early on-site contract works could occur as the contract design nears 100% completion and design approval is granted.

Duratec expects the award and commencement of the project in the third quarter of FY 2026.

The company said that it now expects the second contract award for the delivery of the “fit-for-purpose, nuclear regulatory compliant facilities” in the fourth quarter of FY 2026. This will help support the expansion and enhancement requirements of the Department of Defence’s infrastructure upgrade at HMAS Stirling. The ASX All Ords stock added that there is the potential to undertake early works via the current planning phase contract.

The infrastructure upgrades and projects are being carried out ahead of the expected arrival of the rotational force from the United States and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS partnership. Those forces are anticipated to arrive in late calendar year 2027.

What did management say?

Commenting on the early procurement news that’s sending the ASX All Ords stock flying higher today, Duratec managing director Chris Oates said, “Duratec is proud to play a key role in supporting Australia’s future submarine capability through these critical infrastructure upgrades at HMAS Stirling.”

Oates added:

The early procurement of long lead items is strong validation of Duratec’s critical involvement at HMAS Stirling and its broader partnership with the Department of Defence. We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Defence to ensure the timely and compliant delivery of these strategically important facilities.

With today’s intraday boost factored in, the Duratec share price is up more than 49% since this time last year.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords stock is rocketing today on AUKUS partnership development news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter names three engineering companies to buy

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Shares in Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) are trading sharply higher at new record levels after the company announced $110 million worth of new contracts.

The wins follow a $175 million contract win with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) announced earlier in the week, which in turn followed a $250 million contract win with Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) in December.

Diversified contracts won

The company said on Thursday that the new contracts were “in the resources and energy, and renewable energy sectors”.

Monadelphous said in its statement to the ASX:

The company has secured a four-year contract with BW Offshore Australia Management to provide multidisciplinary maintenance services at the BW Opal Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility located approximately 300 kilometres north-northwest of Darwin, Northern Territory. Work is expected to commence on the facility in the first quarter of 2026.

The company was also awarded a contract with Rio Tinto for modification works at the Hope Downs 2 iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with that work expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

The company went on to say:

In Papua New Guinea, the company has secured a contract with Santos for the demolition and disposal of the Hegigio Pipeline Bridge, a 500-metre-long suspended wire bridge, located in the Southern Highlands region. Work is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Finally, Zenviron, the company’s renewable energy joint venture, has secured a contract with Flow Power for the delivery of the 100/223 MWh Bennetts Creek Battery Energy Storage System in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria. The work, which includes balance-of-plant design, construction, installation and commissioning, is expected to be completed in late 2027.

Strong momentum

At the company’s AGM in late November, chair Rob Velletri said the company had in 2025, secured about $2.3 billion in new contracts and contract extensions, which was a record, plus had added another $570 million since the end of the financial year.

Mr Bebic said at the time the company was forecasting revenue for the half-year ending December 30 of about $1.5 billion, with full-year revenue expected to be about 20% to 25% higher than the previous year.

Shares in Monadelphous Group have more than doubled over the past year, and were changing hands for $28.87 on Thursday morning, up 7.6%. The shares traded as high as $28.89, which was a new record, before settling back.

The shares have increased from lows of $13.36 over the past year. The company was valued at $2.68 billion at the close of trade on Monday.

The post This ASX 200 company’s shares have hit a new record high on more contract success appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Monadelphous lands $110m in new contracts across sectors
• 5 best ASX 200 industrial shares of 2025
• Why BlueScope, DroneShield, Monadelphous, and SGH shares are racing higher today
• This ASX 200 company is celebrating its second major contract win in as many months
• Monadelphous awarded $175 million BHP contract: Key details for investors

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) shares are under pressure on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the steel products manufacturer’s shares are down 1% to $29.56.

What’s going on with BlueScope shares?

Investors have been hitting the sell button today after the company released an update on the takeover approach it received from a consortium comprising SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and Steel Dynamics, Inc (NASDAQ: STLD).

The takeover proposal offered to acquire all BlueScope shares by way of a scheme of arrangement at a price of $30.00 cash per share.

According to the release, the BlueScope board has unanimously rejected the unsolicited, non-binding, indicative, and conditional takeover proposal from the consortium.

It notes that the takeover proposal was subject to numerous conditions, including the consortium undertaking extensive due diligence on the company on an exclusive basis and securing significant debt financing.

The board unanimously rejected the takeover proposal on the basis that it “very significantly undervalued BlueScope.”

Commenting on the decision, the company’s chair, Jane McAloon, didn’t hold back. She said:

Let me be clear – this proposal was an attempt to take BlueScope from its shareholders on the cheap. It drastically undervalued our world-class assets, our growth momentum, and our future – and the Board will not let that happen. This is the fourth time we’ve said no, and the answer remained the same – BlueScope is worth considerably more than what was on the table.

The BlueScope team is well recognised for driving and delivering value for our shareholders and customers. Since its restructure was completed in financial year 2017, BlueScope has invested over $3.7 billion in growth projects, delivered over $3.8 billion of shareholder returns and achieved an 18% average return on invested capital. Under the experienced leadership of the incoming MD&CEO, Tania Archibald, the Board is highly confident that management will continue to deliver superior shareholder value.

Undervaluing its assets

BlueScope believes the consortium’s takeover proposal failed to adequately recognise the value of its assets and comes at a time of lower steel spreads in Asia.

It highlights that if steel spreads and foreign exchange rates reverted to historical average levels, this would be expected to generate an additional $400 million to $900 million of EBIT per annum relative to FY 2025.

The company also points out that the consortium are seeking to debt-fund the takeover, and BlueScope had virtually no net debt at FY 2025. As a result, it feels that the bidders are seeking to use BlueScope’s strong balance sheet to help fund their opportunistic takeover proposal.

The post BlueScope shares fall after rejecting ‘significantly undervalued’ takeover offer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• What’s Bell Potter’s view on SGH shares after the BlueScope Steel acquisition proposal?
• BlueScope Steel shares soar 23%: Buy, hold or sell for 2026?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why BlueScope, DroneShield, Monadelphous, and SGH shares are racing higher today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Steel Dynamics. 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.

Shareholders in AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) don’t have too long to wait to get some visibility over the company’s full-year results, with the company set to report to shareholders on February 12.

The company said in a statement to the ASX this week that it will report its results next month, followed by its annual general meeting on April 10.

The company’s half-year results will be announced on August 6.

Impact of legal settlements in focus

Something to watch out for in the full-year results will be the one-off impacts of a $29 million legal settlement, which AMP agreed to in December, and another settled for $75 million earlier in the year.

The first settlement was related to a class action brought against the company in 2020 regarding “commissions for advice and insurance advice” in the company’s own words.

The lawsuit related to the payment of commissions for the period from July 2014 to February 2021, with claims brought against AMP and some of its subsidiaries, which were previously part of the AMP advice network.

AMP Chief Executive Officer Alexis George said last month, “I’m pleased that we have resolved another legacy legal matter as we focus on the future and on delivering for our customers and members”.

The company also, earlier in the second half of the year, settled another class action in the superannuation area for $120 million, with AMP to contribute $75 million and the balance to be met by insurance.

Continuing to innovate

In the company’s most recent business update in October, AMP said its assets under management had grown 3% to $159.5 billion.

Ms George said at the time the company was continuing to innovate in areas which financial advisers value, “such as managed portfolios, where assets under management is now $23.8 billion”.

She went on to say:

In our super business, net cash flows for the quarter improved almost 28% on the same period last year, bringing us closer to achieving a sustainable positive net cash flow position. We are continuing to drive member retention by providing exclusive access for AMP members to our intuitive digital advice journeys and our innovative retirement solution, AMP Lifetime Super. In August we enhanced our proposition further when AMP Super became the first major super fund to offer cashback rewards that can boost members’ super balances – leveraging Citro’s established rewards platform.

AMP was valued at $4.58 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post Own AMP shares? Here are your key dates for the year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AMP settles legacy class action for $29 million

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

Earning $1,000 a month in passive income from shares sounds ambitious, but it is achievable.

The key is to stop thinking in terms of quick wins and instead focus on building a portfolio of reliable, cash-generating businesses over time.

On the ASX, dividend-paying shares and income-focused funds make this goal particularly realistic for patient investors.

Here is how I would think about building a $12,000-a-year passive income stream, step by step.

Where to start

A $1,000-a-month income stream equates to $12,000 a year in dividends.

If a portfolio delivers an average dividend yield of around 5%, that means a portfolio value of roughly $240,000. At a 6% yield, the required capital falls closer to $200,000.

These figures are not small, but they are achievable over time through a combination of regular investing, dividend reinvestment, and patience.

The focus should be on sustainable dividends, not the highest yield available today.

Build your portfolio

In the early years, investors may want to focus on ASX shares that have the potential to grow over the long term.

This might mean shares such as ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), or Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

What we are looking for is a 10% per annum average return, which is in line with historical averages.

If we can achieve that, then it would take just 10 years of investing $1,000 a month to build a $200,000 investment portfolio. One further year of compounding would take us to approximately $240,000.

Focus on passive income

Now we have the portfolio to the size we want, we can focus on building the foundations of a passive income portfolio.

This is where we should be looking for ASX shares with predictable cash flows and a track record of paying dividends through different economic conditions.

One example is Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). Telstra operates in a defensive industry and generates steady cash flow from its mobile and network businesses. While it is not a high-growth stock, its dividends can play an important role in providing income stability.

Another is APA Group (ASX: APA). APA owns and operates critical gas infrastructure across Australia, with long-term contracts that support consistent distributions. Assets like these are often well suited to income-focused portfolios.

These types of businesses are not exciting, but reliability matters far more than excitement when building passive income.

In addition, retail businesses like Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) can sometimes offer attractive dividend yields when trading at sensible valuations. These companies are more cyclical, but when managed carefully, they can meaningfully boost income.

The key is diversification. No single stock should be responsible for too much of the monthly income target.

Foolish takeaway

Passive income from ASX shares is not reserved for professionals or retirees.

With a clear income target, the right mix of ASX dividend shares, and a long-term mindset, building a $1,000-a-month income stream is a realistic goal for everyday investors.

The post How I’d build a $1,000-a-month passive income from ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Bellevue Gold, Harvey Norman, Karoon Energy, and Westpac shares are falling today
• Top retirement shares for Australian investors to buy now
• 2 unstoppable ASX 200 stocks to buy in 2026 and hold forever
• Expecting a down year for the ASX? Here’s 3 ASX defensive shares to target
• 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, ResMed, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group, ResMed, and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Harvey Norman, ResMed, Super Retail Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I were deploying $100,000 into the share market today, I’d focus on simplicity, durability, and businesses that have already proven they can compound value through multiple cycles.

With that mindset, here are three ASX 200 blue-chip shares I would be comfortable backing with a meaningful amount of capital.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is the definition of a blue chip on the Australian share market.

After a disappointing 2025, expectations for CSL are far more grounded in 2026 than in previous years. The market has already repriced the stock to reflect slower near-term growth in its plasma therapies business and softer conditions in vaccines. That reset matters.

What hasn’t changed is CSL’s competitive position. It remains one of just three global tier-one plasma therapy companies, operating in an oligopolistic market with enormous barriers to entry.

As plasma efficiency initiatives progress and margins begin to recover over the coming years, CSL’s earnings growth should normalise. 

It doesn’t need to surprise on the upside; it just needs to execute steadily. For a $100,000 portfolio, I think it could be a core holding.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is a stock I turn to when I want resilience without stagnation.

The company owns some of Australia’s strongest consumer brands, including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and Priceline. These are businesses with scale, pricing power, and entrenched market positions. They generate significant cash flow across a wide range of economic conditions.

What sets Wesfarmers apart from many other ASX 200 blue-chip shares is management’s capital discipline. The company has shown a consistent willingness to rework its portfolio, exit underperforming assets, and reinvest where long-term returns look attractive. That mindset is critical for compounding over decades.

Wesfarmers may not deliver explosive growth in any single year, but it offers diversification, downside protection, and steady value creation. If I were investing $100,000, I’d want at least one stock that helps me sleep well at night. For me, that’s Wesfarmers.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is not a traditional bank, and that’s precisely why I like it.

The company operates across asset management, banking, commodities, capital markets, and advisory services. This diversified model enables Macquarie to generate earnings across various market environments, rather than relying on a single economic outcome.

Over time, Macquarie has proven its ability to allocate capital patiently, manage risk conservatively, and pivot its business mix as opportunities evolve. Its asset management division, in particular, provides exposure to long-term themes such as infrastructure, energy transition, and global investment flows.

Macquarie’s earnings can fluctuate year to year, but the long-term trajectory has been consistently upward. For investors with a large sum to invest, I think that combination of diversification and optional upside makes it an attractive blue-chip holding.

Foolish Takeaway

CSL, Wesfarmers, and Macquarie are not speculative ideas. They are established, well-managed businesses with competitive advantages and long track records of navigating uncertainty.

If I were investing $100,000 today, I’d be backing companies that have already proven they can endure, adapt, and compound. These three blue chips tick those boxes for me.

The post 3 ASX 200 blue-chip shares I would buy with $100,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Prediction: CSL shares could soar past $270 in 2026
• 5 unbeatable ASX stocks I’m eager to buy in 2026
• The simple buy and hold investing lesson that still works with ASX shares today
• Could these ASX 200 losers be among the best shares to buy in 2026?
• 3 no-brainer ASX stocks to buy with $1,000 right now for the New Year

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Almost all of us have a superannuation fund. But many of us aren’t too familiar with what that super fund is actually investing our hard-earned money in.

Most Australians tend to opt for a simple ‘balanced’ fund from one of the many providers out there. But there are others who instead choose to directly pick and manage the investments, or even run their own self-managed super funds (SMSF). For these investors, there are numerous exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that may suit their needs.

ETFs are a great way to easily add diversification and stability to a super fund. So let’s talk about the two top ASX ETFs that I think would be suitable for most superannuation funds today.

Two ASX ETFs to consider for your superannuation fund in 2026

Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

Most Australian superannuation funds, whether they be pre-mix portfolios, SMSFs, or others, are heavily exposed to both the Australian and American stock markets. That makes sense. The Australian markets offer familiarity, domestic investment, and exposure to a market that has historically delivered wealth-building returns. Franking credits are an added bonus.

Meanwhile, the USA is home to many of the best businesses in the world, whether that be Apple, Mastercard, Costco, or Nvidia.

But some investors may wish to diversify their superannuation portfolios away from these two markets. The Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF is an easy solution. This Vanguard ETF tracks dozens of stock markets around the world, excluding the American markets. It draws its holdings from countries as diverse as India, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, and Thailand. Some of its largest positions include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Shell plc, Toyota, and Nestle.

This ASX ETF would suit any investor who would like to see their superannuation investments spread out amongst a truly global portfolio of stocks.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

Given that our superannuation funds represent our ticket to a comfortable retirement, investors usually want to see their capital deployed in safe, reliable businesses that can survive and thrive in all kinds of economic climates. That’s where this ASX ETF can come in handy.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF invests in a basket of the world’s best consumer staples stocks. These stocks produce goods that we tend to need to buy continuously. They include food, drinks, household essentials, alcohol, and tobacco.

These companies make for wonderful defensive investments, as the requirement to keep our households well-stocked doesn’t abate during recessions or periods of high inflation. Some of IXI’s largest companies include Coca-Cola Co, Walmart, Kraft Heinz, Procter & Gamble, and Colgate-Palmolive.

If you’re looking for a defensive ETF for your superannuation fund that puts your money in some of the world’s most resilient businesses, this fund is well worth a closer look.

The post 2 top ETFs to consider for your superannuation in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Australian ETFs to buy and hold forever
• The ASX ETF portfolio I’d build if I wanted to sleep well at night
• The best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs of 2025
• Own IVV or IOO ETFs? Here’s your next dividend
• Simple, easy investing: These 3 ASX ETFs are all a beginner needs

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Apple, Coca-Cola, Costco Wholesale, Kraft Heinz, Mastercard, and Procter & Gamble. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Colgate-Palmolive, Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Kraft Heinz and Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Mastercard, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX financials shares had a solid year in 2025 broadly speaking. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) slightly outperformed the ASX 200. 

It rose by just over 7%. 

There were a few ASX financials shares that had stellar years, bringing happy investors strong returns. 

Let’s look at three and investigate if they are likely to repeat their strong performance in 2026. 

Consolidated Operations Group Limited (ASX: COG)

Consolidated Operations Group shares were among the best performing in the entire sector over the last year. 

The company is Australia’s leading finance broker aggregator and equipment leasing company for small to medium-sized businesses. 

The company has two segments, its finance broker & aggregation business and its lending business.

Its share price is up almost 100% across the last year. 

Is it time to buy, hold, or sell after this impressive gain?

Estimates from brokers indicate it still has more room to run. 

Late last year, Morgans placed a price target of $2.63 on these financials shares and Bell Potter, a buy rating and $2.70 price target. 

These targets indicate a further upside from yesterday’s closing price of around 29% to 33%. 

The cherry on top is the expected 3.8% to 4.5% dividend yield over the next two years. 

Ma Financial Group (ASX: MAF)

This financials stock has enjoyed a rise of 85% over the last 12 months. 

It is a diversified financial services company, specialising in managing alternative assets, lending, corporate advisory, and equities.

This has been driven by strong growth in assets under management (AUM).

Investors also reacted positively to the acquisition in late November of Hyperdome Town Centre shopping centre for $678.7 million.

Estimates from analysts indicate these ASX financials shares are now trading close to fair value. 

TradingView has a 12 month price target of $11.27, which is roughly 25% higher than its current share price. 

Navigator Global Investments (ASX: NGI)

Navigator Global Investments shares were another stock market winner in 2025. 

Its share price is up 86% from this time last year. 

The company believes its strong financial performance can continue, with management targeting to double its EBITDA to over US$200 million by 2030.

Estimates from the team at Morgan reinforce that these ASX financials shares can keep rising. 

In December last year, the broker initiated coverage with a buy rating and $3.45 price target.

This indicates a further 15% upside. 

The post Can these high flying financials shares from last year do it again? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Finishing strong – 3 ASX 200 stocks soaring in December
• Why Morgans just put buy ratings on these ASX stocks

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 Ma Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) share price is in focus today after the company announced CEO Neil Salmon will retire in February 2026, with Nathalie Ahlström stepping in as his successor. The leadership change follows a period of strong organic growth and strategic transformation for the safety equipment leader.

What did Ansell report?

• CEO Neil Salmon to retire after 13 years, including since 2021 as Managing Director and CEO
• Nathalie Ahlström, former President and CEO of Fiskars Group, appointed as next CEO
• Salmon to continue as Special Advisor until 30 June 2026 for a smooth transition
• Board credits Salmon with strong organic growth, productivity, and successful integration of major acquisitions
• Ahlström to start transition on 26 January 2026, becoming CEO on 16 February 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Ansell’s leadership handover comes after several years of operational improvements, including the integration of the Kimberly-Clark PPE business—the company’s largest acquisition. The Board has sought to maintain continuity, with Mr. Salmon staying on as Special Advisor during the changeover.

Nathalie Ahlström brings experience from global roles at Fiskars, Fazer Group, and Amcor, and her appointment signals a drive to further innovation and international market reach. Her employment terms include both short and long-term incentives tied to performance, reflecting Ansell’s ongoing commitment to shareholder value.

What did Ansell management say?

Chair Nigel Garrard said:

We are delighted to appoint Nathalie as Ansell’s next Managing Director and CEO. Nathalie brings exceptional leadership experience, a track record of delivering results in complex global markets, and a deep understanding of innovation and operational excellence. These qualities, combined with her strategic vision, will help ensure that Ansell continues to strengthen its market position and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.

What’s next for Ansell?

The incoming CEO will lead Ansell into its next stage of growth, with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and reinforcing global market leadership in personal protective equipment. The Board expects a seamless transition under Ahlström’s guidance, building on the foundations established under Neil Salmon’s tenure.

Investors can anticipate Ansell continuing to develop new products, pursue sustainable sourcing and manufacturing, and target further opportunities for both organic growth and acquisitions.

Ansell share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ansell shares have risen 5%, running slightly ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has climbed 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ansell announces CEO transition: Nathalie Ahlström to succeed Neil Salmon in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources reports steady gold output; FY26 guidance reaffirmed
• Monadelphous lands $110m in new contracts across sectors
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Magellan Financial Group dips as AUM slips in December quarter
• Capricorn Metals hits key Q2 production targets and advances expansion projects

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in Ansell. 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 Ansell. 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.