Yesterday, ASX small-cap Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD) gave investors a rollercoaster ride.

After releasing its 1H FY26 result, the share price plunged as much as 15% in early trade before clawing back most of those losses to finish the session down just over 3%. That kind of intraday swing usually signals something dramatic.

In this case, the numbers looked more like business as usual.

What does Mader actually do?

Mader is a global provider of specialised maintenance services to the mining, energy and industrial sectors. It supplies skilled technicians who maintain and repair heavy mobile equipment, often working onsite in remote locations.

The ASX small-cap has built its reputation on a scalable workforce model. Instead of owning large fleets of equipment, Mader deploys highly trained personnel where they are needed. That asset-light structure has historically supported solid margins and strong cash generation when demand is steady.

Its growth strategy has combined organic expansion with selective acquisitions, particularly offshore, as it pushes deeper into North America and other international markets.

A steady set of numbers

According to its 1H FY26 result, Mader delivered net profit after tax of $30.5 million, up 17% on the prior corresponding period

Revenue and earnings continued to track higher, reflecting ongoing demand for maintenance services across its key markets. On the face of it, this was not a half-year marked by collapsing margins or vanishing contracts.

The headline surprise was elsewhere.

Management chose not to declare an interim dividend. Instead, the company said it would defer the first half interim payout to accelerate its pathway to a net cash position and strengthen liquidity.

In its words, this move would bring forward the achievement of its net cash target and support a more aggressive approach to organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

For income-focused investors, the absence of a dividend can feel like a red flag. Markets often react quickly to that signal, even when profitability is still rising.

When sentiment runs ahead of substance

The initial 15% sell-off suggests some investors interpreted the dividend decision as a sign of stress.

Yet the profit line moved in the opposite direction.

This is where markets can occasionally behave less like weighing machines and more like voting machines, at least in the short term. A single headline can overwhelm the broader context, especially when it challenges expectations.

By the close of trade, the share price had recovered much of its losses. That intraday reversal hints that cooler heads may have revisited the actual numbers rather than just the dividend line item.

It is worth remembering that deferring a dividend to reduce debt is not the same as cutting it due to falling earnings. One speaks to capital allocation priorities. The other can point to operational weakness.

Looking beyond the ticker tape

None of this means the market is wrong. Investors may reasonably question whether accelerating toward a net cash position will ultimately translate into higher long-term returns. Execution risk always exists when companies pursue both organic growth and acquisitions.

However, the broader principle remains important.

Short-term price action often reflects emotion and expectations. Underlying business performance, on the other hand, is measured in revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and balance sheet strength.

For the ASX small-cap, the first half of FY26 showed rising net profit and a strategic decision around capital management.

Whether the market continues to view that through a sceptical or supportive lens will likely depend on what the company delivers next.

For long-term investors, moments of volatility can be a reminder to focus less on a single day’s price swing and more on what the business itself is actually doing behind the scenes.

The post The market might be pricing this growing ASX small-cap like it’s broken appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why ARB, Austal, Mader, and Steadfast shares are dropping today

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant owns shares in Mader Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Mader Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mader Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Reporting season has been anything but calm.

In recent weeks, we have seen sharp moves across the market. High-quality software names such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) have pulled back heavily on the back of results and AI disruption fears. Meanwhile, banks like ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and miners such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) have pushed toward, or beyond, new highs.

If you are focused on individual stock picking, this kind of environment can feel exhausting.

One week, you are up double digits. The next, a headline wipes out months of gains.

And yet, broad-based ETFs tracking large indices have largely ticked along in the background.

That contrast says something important.

Volatility is normal

Individual shares can be wonderful wealth builders. They can also be wildly volatile.

Earnings misses, guidance tweaks, margin compression, AI threats, commodity prices, interest rates – each factor can send a single stock sharply higher or lower in a matter of hours.

For many investors, especially those building wealth alongside a career and family, that level of intensity is not sustainable.

A diversified ETF portfolio, on the other hand, spreads risk across dozens or hundreds of companies. Instead of betting on one narrative, you own the market.

That shift in mindset can make all the difference.

Start with the core: broad market exposure

A simple starting point is broad exposure to Australia and the US.

For example, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) tracks the largest companies on the ASX. It gives investors exposure to banks, miners, healthcare, industrials and more in one trade.

Similarly, the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) provides access to 500 of the biggest businesses in the United States. That includes global leaders across technology, consumer brands, healthcare and financials.

Together, these two ETFs give exposure to thousands of billions of dollars’ worth of productive businesses.

When one sector stumbles, another often picks up the slack.

This kind of structure is consistent with the idea of building a portfolio you can “sleep through a market crash” with.

Add resilience, not complexity

Some investors go a step further and add diversification beyond equities.

That could mean including a global ex-US ETF, an emerging markets ETF, or even a bond-focused ETF to dampen volatility.

The goal is not to perfectly optimise returns.

The goal is robustness.

A robust portfolio is one that:

• Survives bear markets
• Reduces the temptation to panic sell
• Encourages long-term contributions
• Frees up your mental energy

The irony is that simplicity often increases durability.

The more moving parts you have, the more decisions you must get right.

Discipline beats drama

The biggest edge most investors have is not stock selection.

It is behaviour.

An ETF-based approach shifts the focus away from short-term noise and toward:

• Consistently investing surplus cash
• Progressing in your career
• Spending less than you earn
• Avoiding costly emotional decisions

You are no longer trying to outguess the next earnings update from a single company.

You are participating in the long-term growth of global capitalism.

Over decades, markets have rewarded patience and diversification. They have punished overconfidence and reactionary moves.

Staying in the game matters most

There is nothing wrong with owning a handful of high-conviction shares if you enjoy research and accept volatility.

However, if headlines about AI disruption, interest rates or geopolitics are causing sleepless nights, it may be worth reassessing your structure.

A low-cost, diversified ETF portfolio may not be exciting.

It may not produce brag-worthy weekly gains. Yet, it can help you stay invested through good times and bad.

And in investing, staying in the game is often the real superpower.

The post The sleep easy ETF portfolio to survive market crashes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Zip, CSL and BHP among CommSec’s most-traded ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As February earnings season nears the finish line, there have been plenty of individual winners and losers.

Zooming out a little further, we can see which sectors generally beat expectations and performed well. 

Investors can then target these sectors through individual shares or thematic ASX ETFs.

Here are some key sectors that performed well over earnings season, and funds that offer exposure to that sector. 

Big four bank recovery

It’s well known that the big four banks are a cornerstone of Australia’s economic landscape. 

But the performance of the big four banks surprised many this earnings season. 

In the past month: 

• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) have risen 12.8%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) are up nearly 19%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) have climbed 9.4%
• ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) are up 7.9%

Key earnings season highlights included: 

• NAB posted a 15% hike in its cash earnings for the first quarter of FY26 and a 6% increase in revenue.
• CBA reported a 6% increase in cash net profit to $5,445 million. The bank also lifted its interim dividend by 4%.
• Westpac reported a 5% increase in unaudited statutory net profit and a 6% increase in net profit excluding notable items.
• ANZ reported a first-quarter cash profit of $1.94 billion, up 75% from the second-half average of FY25.

It’s worth noting, some brokers ratings indicate valuations on the big four banks now look inflated.

However,  this earnings season has already proven investors are more than happy to buy big four bank shares regardless. 

Which ASX ETFs include the big four?

If you are looking to target these companies through an ASX ETF, there are a couple of options. 

Firstly, investors might consider VanEck Vectors Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB). 

80% of the fund is allocated to the big four, in addition to three other ASX bank shares that make up the rest. 

It has risen 8.7% in the last month. 

Another option is the BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Financials Sector ETF (ASX: QFN). 

While it doesn’t only include banks, the big four make up 75% of the total fund. 

The other 25% is made up of other ASX-listed companies in the financial sector. 

It has risen almost 9% in the last month. 

Miners climb

Broadly speaking, blue-chip energy and materials/miners also performed well this earnings season. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) and S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) are up roughly 7% in February.

This has included steady gains from some of Australia’s biggest companies: 

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are up 10% in a month.
• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares have lifted 14%.
• Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are up over 5%.

For exposure to these companies, some ASX ETFs to consider include: 

• SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resources Fund (ASX: OZR) includes roughly 50% weighting to these three companies. 
• BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE) also has these three companies as its largest three by exposure. 

The post How to target earnings season winners with ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The sleep easy ETF portfolio to survive market crashes
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• Own Rio Tinto or Mineral Resources shares? Here are the updated expert ratings post-results
• 3 ASX All Ords shares I’d buy with $5,000 today
• Are Westpac shares a buy after the bank’s positive earnings results?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group and National Australia Bank. 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.

The EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) share price is in focus today after the company reported a 13% lift in revenue to $6.77 billion and a 3.2% increase in underlying EBITDA for the first half of FY26.

What did EBOS Group report?

• Revenue rose 13.0% to $6.77 billion (HY25: $5.99 billion)
• Underlying EBITDA increased 3.2% to $300 million
• Net Profit After Tax (statutory) up 13.0% to $125 million
• Interim dividend maintained at NZ 57.0 cents per share
• Leverage ratio of 2.2x, within target range
• Healthcare EBITDA up 1.3% to $254 million; Animal Care EBITDA up 15.1% to $68 million

What else do investors need to know?

EBOS’ Healthcare division delivered revenue growth, helped by continued customer wins, demand for high-value medicines, and expansion into medical technology and pharmacy networks. The major distribution centre renewal program is nearing completion, with six of eight new sites now operational—including its largest at Kemps Creek in Sydney, which is expected to generate further productivity gains.

Animal Care posted strong growth thanks to the successful acquisition and integration of vet wholesaler SVS and Next Generation Pet Foods, which contributed to a 48.3% jump in segment revenue. Retail Pharmacy Brands also expanded, with the acquisition of MediAdvice and digital engagement initiatives boosting network performance.

The company maintained a disciplined approach to capital management, successfully refinancing debt and keeping leverage within stated targets. The dividend reinvestment plan remains active, giving shareholders flexibility as the group wraps up its current capital investment cycle.

What did EBOS Group management say?

EBOS Group CEO, Adam Hall, said:

Our HY26 performance demonstrates the resilience and diversification of our portfolio as we continue to execute with discipline. We delivered strong revenue growth and reaffirmed our EBITDA guidance, supported by solid customer demand and the early benefits from our strategic investments. This sets us up well for H2 FY26, with additional opportunities from new stores and new products, as well as nearing the end of the current capital investment cycle.

What’s next for EBOS Group?

Looking ahead, management has reaffirmed FY26 EBITDA guidance and anticipates further improvement in the second half as productivity and utilisation continue to ramp up. The completion of the distribution centre program in FY26 is expected to improve efficiency and set up a multi-year growth runway, while capex is forecast to fall by around 30% in FY27, supporting stronger cash flows.

EBOS remains focused on its growth strategies for each division, including expanding distribution scale in healthcare, digital engagement in retail pharmacy, innovation in animal care, and medical technology expansion both in Australia/New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

EBOS Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, EBOS Group shares have declined 42%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post EBOS Group posts rising revenue and EBITDA in HY26, keeps dividend steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. 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.

ASX real estate stock Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP) climbed 2.14% higher on Tuesday. 

It is an Australian property development company. Its principal interests are in urban land subdivisions and built-form development for residential, commercial, and retail purposes.

Despite having a slow start to 2026, the share price has risen more than 45% over the last 12 months. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate (ASX: XRE) index is down 4.6% over that same span. 

This ASX real estate stock was making headlines yesterday after posting record half-year results. 

What did the company report?

Cedar Woods reported a record NPAT of $39.6 million. This was 163% higher than the previous corresponding period. 

Revenue for the half rose 40% to $274.8 million.

Additionally, management upgraded its FY 2026 guidance, expecting net profit after tax growth of 30% to 35%.

It also declared a fully franked interim dividend of 14 cents per share, up 40% on last year’s interim dividend of 10 cents per share.

Investors were seemingly pleased with these results, as the share price jumped 12% in early morning trade, before retreating in the afternoon. 

Where to next for this real estate stock?

The long term outlook continues to look strong for this ASX real estate stock. 

Following yesterday’s result, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on the company. 

It said the reported EPS of 47.4c was significantly above Bell Potter’s estimate (+30.7%) and Visible Alpha consensus (+60.9%). 

The broker said the 1H26 beat was driven by higher settlement volume and further expansion in gross development margin (31.3% vs 28.4% FY25 and 26.3% pcp) reflecting ongoing strength across key markets.

It also highlighted that demand remains robust, despite a less supportive interest rate backdrop, with management emphasising the supply/demand imbalance far outweighs the deterrent effect of higher rates.

We adjust our FY26-FY28 FFO / share estimates by +1% to +10% to reflect: (1) impact of half year actuals; (2) upgraded earnings guidance; and (3) increased gross development margin expansion across a spectrum of CWP projects.

Target price increase

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has upgraded its target price for this ASX real estate stock to $10.20 (previously $10.00). 

The broker maintained its buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $8.13, this indicates an upside of approximately 25.5%. 

We see an improvement in the quality of earnings, as well as further upside to BPe, and with a 4.8% fully franked dividend yield see a TER of +30% on our revised $10.20 TP.

The post How high could this soaring ASX real estate stock go in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

There are some ASX dividend shares that pay a large dividend yield and others that have a record of very regular dividend growth. It’s rare to find options that can provide both an attractive dividend yield and consistent growth. Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) is delivering an impressive level of both.

The ASX dividend share’s main businesses are Universal Store, Perfect Stranger and CTC (trading as the THRILLS and Worship brands). Its strategy is to grow and develop its premium fashion apparel brands and retail formats, targeting fashion-focused customers.

The business recently reported its FY26 half-year result, which included a number of positive numbers that make me believe its dividend growth is on track for a very good future after already rising each year since 2021.

Recap of strong earnings

In the first six months of FY26, it reported group sales growth of 14.2% to $209.6 million, including Universal Store sales growth of 11.9% to $174.8 million, Perfect Stranger sales growth of 41.5% to $17.8 million and CTC sales grew by 4.8% to $23.2 million.

The gross profit margin improved by 150 basis points to 62.1% and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) increased by 22% to $28.3 million.

It was able to grow the gross profit thanks to “strong private band and third-party assortments, category mix and disciplined price management.” Management said that inventory “continues to be well-managed, supporting disciplined pricing”.

The broker UBS recently explained why the ASX dividend share’s outlook seems positive regarding the business:

Retain Buy rating given confidence in the revenue & gross margin outlook, driven by market share gains from strong execution, and leveraging the generally more resilient youth consumer.

We remain confident in the UNI revenue outlook due to merchants that judiciously adapt product ranges & persistently strong in-store execution, which drives customer conversion & basket size expansion. These drivers support sustained market share gains in the fragmented youth apparel market. A secondary tailwind is the youth consumer where, based on UBS Research, spending intentions are stronger than the all-age consumer and apparel & footwear categories are of greater importance (remain strong & above the all-age consumer).

Large dividend yield expected from the ASX dividend share

The broker UBS is forecasting that the business can grow its annual payout each year between now and FY30.

In the 2029 financial year, the company is forecast by UBS to pay an annual dividend per share of 58 cents in FY29. That means it could, at the time of writing, provide a grossed-up dividend yield of 9.3% for FY29. That’s a great yield and it could continue growing in the coming years.

The post This ASX dividend share is projected to pay a 9.3% yield by 2029 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a tough day for Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) shares yesterday. 

Investors heavily exited their positions after the company released its 2026 half-year result.

As a result, Nanosonics shares dropped 9.89%. 

It is now trading at a 52-week low, closing yesterday at $3.28. 

What did the company report?

Nanosonics is an Australian healthcare company specialising in infection prevention.

Yesterday, the company reported for FY26 H1: 

• Total revenue of $102.2 million, up 9% on prior corresponding period (pcp)
• Recurring revenue of $75.7 million, up 9% on pcp, and capital revenue of $26.5 million, also up 9% on pcp
• EBIT of $8.4 million, down 3% on pcp.

Commenting on the results, Michael Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer and President of Nanosonics said: 

The first half marked the successful launch of our next generation trophon technologies including trophon3 and the trophon2 Plus software upgrade package. Customer feedback to date has been highly encouraging particularly in relation to the workflow enhancements and digital capabilities.

However, it seems investors were not as convinced, as Nanosonics shares slumped nearly 10% following the announcement. 

What are experts saying about Nanosonics shares?

With Nanosonics shares trading at a 52-week low, it could appear to be a buy low opportunity. 

However a new report from Bell Potter indicates prospective investors should proceed with caution. 

Following the results yesterday, the broker said the stock is oversold and the current market price represents a reasonable entry point.

With that being said, the broker has a hold recommendation on Nanosonic shares. 

Bell Potter commented that the US business performed strongly, delivering double-digit growth in both capital equipment and consumables.

However, total revenue did not grow compared to the previous half, which is the first time this has happened since the end of COVID.

This slowdown was mainly due to currency headwinds and slower growth in consumable sales. 

Growth in ex US markets is wafer thin, hence all the growth must be generated from the US market which faces currency headwinds and sluggish demand growth in consumables.

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter also lowered its price target to $3.60 (previously $4.10). 

From yesterday’s closing price, that indicates approximately 9.8% upside. 

The stock is now trading at near 1 year lows with EV/Rev ~4.1x, which is as low as it has been for some time. Our earnings forecasts for FY26 – FY28 have been impacted by the stronger A$.

Elsewhere, estimates from analysts via TradingView indicate a more optimistic outlook for Nanosonics shares.

Analysts have an average one year price target of $4.54, which indicates approximately 38% upside.

The post What are experts saying about Nanosonics shares after crashing 10% on earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Nanosonics. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nanosonics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When you’re under 40, retirement can feel like someone else’s problem.

There’s a career to build, travel to plan, maybe a mortgage to tackle. Thinking 20 or 30 years ahead isn’t always exciting. But I genuinely believe your 20s and 30s are the most powerful financial decades of your life.

Not because you earn the most. But because you have time on your side.

Here are three financial moves I think can set you up for life if you make them early and stick with them.

1. Invest in ASX shares consistently, not occasionally

If I could give one piece of advice to someone under 40, it would be this: start investing in quality ASX shares or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as soon as possible and do it regularly.

The share market is volatile. It always has been. There will be crashes, scary headlines, and periods where it feels like you made a mistake.

But history shows that broad share markets have delivered long-term returns in the high single digits per year. That doesn’t mean 9% every year. It means ups and downs that average out over time.

If you’re under 40, you likely have decades before you need to draw on your investments. That long runway gives you the ability to ride out downturns and benefit from recoveries.

Whether it’s individual blue chips like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), or diversified ETFs such as a broad market fund, the key is consistency. Monthly investing builds discipline and removes the pressure to time the market.

2. Embrace dividend income and reinvest it

A lot of younger investors gravitate towards growth stocks, and that makes sense. But I think dividend shares deserve serious attention as well.

In Australia, many ASX shares pay fully franked dividends. That means you receive income plus franking credits, which can boost after-tax returns.

More importantly, dividends give you cash flow. In your early years, that cash flow should almost always be reinvested. Each dividend buys more shares. Those shares then generate more dividends. And so on.

Over time, that creates a powerful snowball effect.

It might not feel exciting at first. The amounts seem small. But a portfolio that starts paying a few hundred dollars a year can grow into one paying tens of thousands annually if you give it enough time.

That income stream can eventually fund lifestyle choices, reduce working hours, or even support early retirement.

3. Let compounding do the heavy lifting

Compounding is often described as the eighth wonder of the world. I genuinely think that’s true.

Here’s the simple version: when your investments earn returns, and those returns earn returns, growth accelerates.

In the first five years, most of your portfolio growth will come from your own contributions. It can feel slow and even frustrating. But after 10 or 15 years, the balance shifts. Investment returns begin contributing more than you do.

That’s when things get interesting.

For example, investing $500 a month at an average return of 9% per year for 25 years can build a portfolio worth well over half a million dollars. Stretch that to 30 years and the numbers become even more powerful.

The earlier you start, the less you need to invest to reach the same end result.

Foolish takeaway

If you’re under 40, you don’t need a perfect strategy. You need a sensible one you can stick with.

Invest consistently. Reinvest dividends. Stay patient through volatility. And give compounding decades to work.

Do that, and you dramatically increase the odds that your future self will be financially secure, flexible, and free to choose how you spend your time.

The post Aged under 40? Here are 3 financial moves that could set you up for life appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

As we approach the finish line of February earnings season, the team at Bell Potter have just released updated guidance on two ASX financials stocks. 

Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL) and HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) both released HY26 results yesterday. 

Here’s a snapshot of what these ASX financials stocks reported. 

Cuscal

Cuscal is a payment and regulated data services provider in Australia. The group offers a comprehensive suite of payment infrastructure solutions to a diversified client base.

For the six months ended 31 December 2025, the company reported:

• Profit after tax (NPAT) increased by 76% to $21.5 million, compared to $12.2 million in the prior corresponding period
• Completed acquisition of Indue on 1 December 2025, contributing $5.3 million to Net Operating Income
• Transaction volume growth of 9%
• Total Net Operating Income increased 10% to $161.5 million
• Underlying NPAT increased 13% to $24.2 million
• Interim dividend of 4.5 cents per share.

Investors reacted positively to these results, as the ASX financials stock rose 6%. 

Its share price is now up more than 65% over the last year. 

HMC Capital 

HMC Capital is an alternative asset manager which invests in high conviction and scalable real asset strategies.

For the financial half year ended 31 December 2025, the company reported:

• Assets under management (AUM) of $19.5bn (+4% vs. Jun-25)
• 1H FY26 pre-tax operating EPS of 10.1 cents ($41.6m)
• $1.6bn of net tangible assets and undrawn debt
• 1H FY26 dividend of 6.0cps (partially franked)
• Reaffirmed FY26 pre-tax operating EPS target of at least 40 cps. 

Investors were seemingly disappointed with the results, as the share price fell 4.7% on Tuesday. 

HMC Capital shares are now down 71% over the last year, trading near its 52-week low.

Bell Potter’s updated outlook

Commenting on Cuscal results, Bell Potter said it delivered a strong result, with the highlight being upgraded guidance for high-single digit transaction volume growth to mid-teen growth.

The key surprise was elevated net interest and good early progress on Indue with an initial contribution. 

The broker has upgraded earnings per share (EPS) +1%/+3%/+4% out to FY28. 

Meanwhile, Bell Potter noted that HMC Capital pre-tax earnings per share (EPS) of 10.1 cents was well below expectations. It was 39% below Bell Potter’s estimate and 35% below consensus. 

This was mainly because it received less income from one-off or non-recurring sources.

Bell Potter reduced its FY26–FY28 post-tax EPS forecasts by 6–8%.

Target price adjustments from Bell Potter

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter increased the price target for Cuscal to $5.10 (previously $4.60). 

It retained its buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $4.23, this indicates an upside of approximately 20%. 

CCL screens cheap factoring in run-rate cost synergies, remains well capitalised to return capital, assess further acquisitions and is benefitting from strong client performance, structural tailwinds.

Meanwhile, the broker lowered its price target for ASX financials stock HMC capital. 

The broker now has a price target of $3.20 (previously $4.25), along with a hold recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $2.82, this indicates a potential upside of 13.5%. 

The post How does Bell Potter view these ASX financials stocks after earnings season? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guess which ASX stock could pay a 9% dividend yield in 2027
• Why Bougainville Copper, Brainchip, Challenger, and HMC Capital shares are falling today
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 64% I’d buy right now
• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today

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 positions in and has recommended HMC Capital. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HMC Capital. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares soared 6.49% to $57.29 while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) closed 1.1% lower at $159.32 yesterday.

Both ASX 200 miners divulged their latest earnings reports last week.

On Thursday, Rio Tinto reported a 9% increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to US$25.4 billion for full-year FY25.

The miner reported stable underlying earnings of US$10.9 billion and a 14% reduction in net profit attributable to owners to US$10 billion.

Rio Tinto shares will pay a fully franked final dividend of US$2.54 per share.

On Friday, Mineral Resources revealed a record EBITDA of $1.2 billion for 1H FY26, up a whopping 286% on 1H FY25.

The underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was $343 million, up 275% year-over-year, with no dividend declared.

Mineral Resources shares haven’t paid a dividend since 1H FY24 due to management’s preference to strengthen the balance sheet.

The experts have since pored over the numbers and updated their ratings and 12-month price targets on both ASX 200 mining shares.

Let’s take a look.

Rio Tinto shares

Goldman Sachs downgraded Rio Tinto shares to a hold rating after reviewing the full-year report.

However, the broker raised its 12-month price target on Rio Tinto from $160 to $165 per share.

Ord Minnett retained its buy rating and reduced its target slightly from $173 to $172.

Morgan Stanley kept its hold rating with a target of $140.

Macquarie reiterated its hold rating with a price target of $155.

UBS kept its hold rating with a price target of $160.

Morgans maintained its trim rating and lifted its price target from $142 to $146 per share.

In a note, the broker said:

Solid earnings result, albeit flat earnings despite Copper EBITDA doubling.

An investment heavy phase, FCF will rise on Simandou/OT ramp.

Whether RIO prove sceptics wrong and unlock value from mega deals at the top of the cycle is a key question and risk.

We lean towards ‘no’, as in our experience M&A action in bull markets pushes listed targets beyond fair value.

RIO is keeping pace with the upgrade cycle, which supports gains but undermines our view on further value, although it remains one of the highest quality sector exposures.

Mineral Resources shares

After reviewing the miner’s 1H FY26 results, Morgans upgraded Mineral Resources shares to a buy rating.

The broker increased its 12-month share price target from $66 to $68.

RBC Capital reiterated its buy rating with a 12-month price target of $67.

UBS kept its buy rating with a price target of $68.

Bell Potter maintained its buy rating with a price target of $70.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on Mineral Resources shares and lifted its price target from $75 to $76.

The post Own Rio Tinto or Mineral Resources shares? Here are the updated expert ratings post-results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Rio Tinto shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 low-cost ASX ETFs for a global diversified portfolio
• Buy, hold, sell: Lovisa, Wesfarmers, and Rio Tinto shares

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.