It was a rough return for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares to trading this Tuesday following the long weekend break.

After closing the trading week on a bit of a sour note last Friday, investors didn't lose their cold feet over the weekend. The ASX 200 did recover a little from a sharp plunge at market open this morning, but still closed 0.24% down for the day. That leaves the index at 8,604.2 points.

This miserly start to the short trading week follows a mixed start to the American trading week on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) wasn't in a great Monday mood, falling 0.16%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared much better, though, advancing a confident 0.86%.

But let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The financial services group is higher on Friday after announcing a new acquisition and an update on its debt position.

At the time of writing, the Perpetual share price is up 2.13% to $15.84.

It was stronger earlier in the session, reaching $15.96 in morning trade before some investors took profit.

The move offers some relief after a difficult run for the stock.

Even after today's gain, Perpetual shares are still down around 15% in 2026.

Perpetual makes a new acquisition

According to the release, Perpetual has entered a share sale deed to acquire 70% of Interfi Systems Pty Ltd.

Interfi is a loan servicing technology business with around $55 billion in assets under administration (AUM).

The company provides loan administration, arrears management, recovery, collections, and special servicing services.

Perpetual said the deal is part of its plan to grow its Corporate Trust business and expand its Digital and Markets division.

The acquisition price was not disclosed.

Perpetual said the deal will be funded from internally generated cash flows and is expected to be completed before the end of June.

The company also has an option to acquire the remaining 30% of Interfi shares by FY31.

Interfi founder and Managing Director Michael Dilworth will continue with the business.

Why investors are buying

The market appears to be focusing on both sides of today's update.

On the acquisition side, Interfi gives Perpetual more exposure to loan servicing technology, which sits alongside its existing corporate trust operations.

Management expects the acquisition to contribute to growth in the Corporate Trust Digital and Markets division in FY27 and beyond.

Chief Executive Bernard Reilly said the deal supports Perpetual's aim of building a broader digital ecosystem and automating end-to-end loan functions.

The balance sheet update is also likely helping sentiment.

Perpetual said its gross debt is expected to fall by about 15% over the six months to 30 June.

Gross debt stood at $742 million at 31 December 2025.

Debt remains a key focus

Perpetual has been under pressure this year, and investors are still watching the balance sheet closely.

The company has been trying to tidy things up after several years of deals and corporate changes.

Its wealth management, asset management, and corporate trust operations have all been under the microscope as investors look for a simpler business.

So, the lower debt guidance is a welcome sign, especially after such a difficult run for the share price.

The post This beaten-down ASX stock just jumped on a $55 billion deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Perpetual report?

• Agreement to acquire 70% of Interfi Systems Pty Ltd, an asset servicing technology business.
• Interfi has around $55 billion in assets under administration as at 30 April 2026.
• Perpetual expects its gross debt to decrease by approximately 15% for the period to 30 June 2026, from $742 million at 31 December 2025.
• The acquisition will be funded from internally generated cashflows.
• Option to acquire the remaining 30% of Interfi shares by FY31.

What else do investors need to know?

The acquisition is set to strengthen Perpetual's Corporate Trust and expand its capabilities in digital and market services. By integrating Interfi's technology with Perpetual's own platforms, the company aims to create a more integrated and digital end-to-end client solution.

Completion of the Interfi transaction is expected by the end of June, dependent on certain conditions being met. Michael Dilworth, Interfi's founder and managing director, will stay on to help guide the business post-acquisition.

The company also emphasised its recent progress in reducing gross debt, which includes recent repayments and the impact of the Interfi deal.

What did Perpetual management say?

Perpetual's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bernard Reilly, said:

This transaction is in line with our strategy to invest in new capabilities in Corporate Trust to support long-term growth and retain its strong market leadership. The acquisition is expected to contribute to growth in Corporate Trust's Digital and Markets division in FY27 and beyond.

What's next for Perpetual?

Looking ahead, Perpetual intends to continue investing in new digital capabilities and pursuing opportunities that will support sustainable growth. Management expects the Interfi acquisition to accelerate innovation and bolster Perpetual's market leadership in corporate trust and digital services.

The company is also focused on further strengthening its financial position, with the targeted reduction in gross debt expected to provide additional balance sheet flexibility.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 15%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has rise 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Perpetual to acquire Interfi majority stake; debt reduction underway appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The pool now exceeds $4.5 trillion in total assets.

It grows every fortnight as 12% of every Australian worker's salary flows in by law.

And as the population ages, an increasing proportion of that capital is moving from industry and retail mega-funds toward independent advisers who use wealth management platforms to administer their clients' money.

Three ASX-listed companies sit directly in the path of that shift.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 has been one of the standout performers on the ASX over the past five years, rising significantly as advisers migrated from legacy platforms to its modern, technology-first alternative.

The numbers confirm the momentum is not slowing.

In Q3 FY 2026, Hub24 delivered $4.0 billion in net platform inflows, bringing total funds under administration to $151.7 billion, up 22% year on year.

More than 5,200 advisers now use the Hub24 platform, up 11% year on year, and the company has ranked first for quarterly net inflows for nine consecutive quarters.

Hub24 upgraded its FY 2027 platform FUA target to $160 billion to $170 billion, and is rolling out its myhub AI ecosystem.

This will integrate advice tools and technology into a single platform, providing an even stronger product that will drive future growth.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is Hub24's closest rival and is equally well-positioned to capture the superannuation growth story.

Netwealth's first-half FY 2026 result sent shares surging 10% in a single session, with platform FUA reaching a record as revenue and earnings grew at double-digit rates.

The company has built a reputation for product quality and client retention that rivals Hub24's.

Both companies are raising capital faster than Australia's largest industry super funds, a remarkable achievement for businesses that were virtually unknown a decade ago.

Netwealth has also slipped in recent weeks alongside Hub24, creating a more attractive entry point for investors.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT)

Perpetual offers a different angle on the superannuation theme.

Rather than a platform business, Perpetual is one of Australia's oldest investment management firms, overseeing $219.2 billion in assets under management across global equity and fixed income strategies.

The company is in the middle of a significant transformation, having announced the $500 million sale of its Wealth Management division to Bain Capital.

This will reduce net debt to approximately 0.2 times EBITDA and sharpen its focus on institutional asset management.

A cleaner balance sheet and renewed strategic focus have attracted growing broker interest.

For investors seeking exposure to the superannuation theme through a more value-oriented lens, Perpetual's post-sale transformation looks increasingly interesting.

Foolish Takeaway

Australia's compulsory superannuation system means the pool keeps growing regardless of what markets do.

Hub24 and Netwealth capture that growth through platform market share gains.

Perpetual captures it through institutional asset management.

All three are positioned to benefit from a multi-decade tailwind that most investors are underestimating.

The post Why Australia's $4 trillion superannuation pool is creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for these ASX stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With total assets now exceeding $4 trillion and set to grow further as the population ages, the businesses that manage and administer that capital are sitting in an enviable position.

Two ASX-listed companies in particular deserve closer attention.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

There is a revolution underway in Australian wealth management, and Hub24 sits at the centre of it.

The company operates one of Australia's fastest growing investment and superannuation platforms, providing financial advisers, stockbrokers, and their clients with an integrated portfolio administration and technology ecosystem.

In Q3 FY2026, Hub24 delivered $4.0 billion in platform net inflows despite challenging market conditions.

This brought total funds under administration to $151.7 billion, up 22% year-on-year.

Moreover, Hub24 has ranked first for quarterly and annual net inflows for nine consecutive quarters, consistently capturing the largest market share gains of all platform providers.

The company expanded its adviser network by 272 practitioners during the quarter to reach 5,549 total advisers, up 11% year-on-year, a metric that directly underpins future asset growth.

In the first half of FY2026, underlying NPAT surged 60% to $68.3 million, reflecting the powerful operating leverage that emerges as a platform business scales.

Hub24 has upgraded its FY2027 platform FUA target to $160 billion to $170 billion and is rolling out its myhub AI ecosystem, which integrates advice tools, technology, and the core platform into a single seamless experience for advisers.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT)

Perpetual takes a different approach to capturing superannuation capital.

Perpetual is one of Australia's oldest and most respected investment management firms, overseeing $219.2 billion in assets under management as at 31 March 2026 across a range of global equity and fixed income strategies.

The company is currently in the middle of a significant strategic transformation.

Perpetual announced the sale of its Wealth Management division to Bain Capital Private Equity for $500 million upfront, with a potential further $100 million based on business performance.

The transaction aims to simplify the business, substantially reduce net debt, and sharpen the company's focus on its core asset management operations.

Following the sale, net debt to EBITDA is expected to fall to approximately 0.2 times, leaving Perpetual with a clean balance sheet and significant capacity to return capital to shareholders or reinvest in growth.

Revenue for the first half of FY2026 came in at $697.9 million, and management continues to invest in its global distribution capability as the primary growth lever for the simplified business.

Foolish takeaway

Hub24 and Perpetual both benefit from Australia's compulsory superannuation tailwind, but in very different ways.

Hub24 captures the shift of advisers from legacy platforms to modern, technology-first alternatives, and rewards patient investors with consistent earnings growth.

Perpetual, meanwhile, is reshaping itself into a leaner, more focused asset manager with a strengthened balance sheet and renewed strategic clarity.

For long-term investors, both deserve serious consideration.

The post Why these 2 ASX superannuation stocks could quietly build serious wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Perpetual report?

• Revenue of $697.9 million for 1H26 (up from $1,373.0 million FY25 full year)
• Assets Under Management (AUM) of $219.2 billion
• Market capitalisation of $2.1 billion as at 31 December 2025
• Dividend of 97.1 cents per share (cps) for 1H26, with a payout ratio of 60%
• Funds Under Administration of $1.3 trillion across key platforms
• Diluted EPS on UPAT: 97.1cps for 1H26

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual has announced the sale of its Wealth Management division to Bain Capital Private Equity for an upfront cash payment of $500 million, with potential for a further $100 million based on business performance. The transaction aims to simplify Perpetual's business, strengthen its balance sheet, and reduce net debt to EBITDA to approximately 0.2 times after completion.

Following the sale, Perpetual will focus on Asset Management and Corporate Trust. The business highlighted steady growth in UPBT (Underlying Profit Before Tax) in Corporate Trust, strong brand presence, and a robust distribution network. The company is also delivering on its Simplification Program, targeting cost savings of $70–$80 million per annum by the end of FY27.

What did Perpetual management say?

CEO and Managing Director Bernard Reilly said:

Post-sale, Perpetual will be a simpler, stronger and more focused company. Our clear strategy is to simplify the business, deliver operational excellence and invest for growth.

What's next for Perpetual?

Looking ahead, Perpetual is investing in its multi-boutique Asset Management model with a strong global footprint and an expanded product offering, including ETFs. The company also aims to maintain its leadership in Corporate Trust services through service excellence, digital transformation, and new partnerships.

Key initiatives for the coming year include completing the Wealth Management sale, driving efficiency through cost reduction, and accelerating growth opportunities, especially in global asset management and digital solutions.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have risen 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Perpetual 1H26 earnings: strategy shift and Wealth Management sale appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The stock opened higher and briefly touched $16.68 before drifting lower through the session. At the time of writing, the global asset manager's shares are down 1.21% to $16.40.

That pullback comes despite a solid run this year. The share price is still up around 12% in 2026.

Today's move follows the release of its third-quarter FY26 update, which showed mixed conditions across the business.

Asset management flows remain under pressure

The main pressure point came from asset management.

Total assets under management (AUM) fell 3.6% over the March quarter to $219.2 billion. The decline was driven by a mix of outflows, weaker markets, and currency movements.

Net outflows were $2.8 billion for the quarter. That is a step down from the prior period but still shows clients pulling capital in parts of the business.

However, results varied across the business.

Barrow Hanley saw the largest outflows, particularly across global and US strategies. J O Hambro Capital Management also recorded declines, linked to both withdrawals and market moves.

But there were some offsets. Pendal posted modest growth in AUM, supported by positive market performance and selective inflows.

Across the group, investment performance remained mixed, with some strategies holding up better than others.

Corporate Trust holds steady

Corporate Trust delivered a more stable result.

Funds under administration rose to $1.32 trillion, up 0.3% over the quarter. Growth came from debt market services, particularly structured finance and securitisation activity.

Managed Funds Services also expanded, supported by new client mandates and continued inflows into existing products.

These areas tend to be less sensitive to market swings, which is reflected in the above numbers.

Wealth business edges lower ahead of sale

Wealth management continues to move in a different direction.

Funds under administration declined 4% to $21.1 billion, driven largely by negative market movements. Net flows were broadly flat.

This segment is in the process of being sold to Bain Capital, with completion expected later this calendar year, subject to conditions.

Perpetual also reaffirmed its cost guidance.

The company expects total expense growth of around 1% to 2% for FY26. That signals a relatively stable cost base despite the shifting revenue backdrop.

Foolish Takeaway

On the surface, not much has changed.

Asset management is still under pressure from outflows and performance swings. Corporate Trust is holding up with steadier growth.

That contrast is what is sitting under the share price.

The early move higher faded once the detail came through, which suggests the market is still weighing up which side of the business is more important.

Until that becomes clearer, the stock may struggle to build momentum.

The post Perpetual shares slip after update. But there's more going on beneath the surface appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Perpetual report?

• Total AUM at 31 March 2026 was A$219.2 billion, down 3.6% from December 2025.
• Net outflows of A$2.8 billion (or A$4.9 billion excl. cash), mainly from global strategies.
• Corporate Trust Funds Under Administration rose 0.3% to A$1.32 trillion.
• Managed Funds Services FUA increased 1.3% to A$588.2 billion, with new client growth.
• Expense growth guidance for FY26 maintained at 1–2%.
• Wealth Management FUA fell 4% to A$21.1 billion, mainly due to negative market movements.

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual's Corporate Trust division continued to see growth even as market volatility persisted, particularly benefiting from new and existing clients in the Managed Funds Services and Digital & Markets areas. The robust non-bank client segment helped support Debt Market Services, although some segments faced declines.

Perpetual also announced the sale of its Wealth Management business to Bain Capital Private Equity. The transaction is expected to complete later in 2026, subject to conditions, and work is underway to ensure a smooth transition.

A stronger Australian dollar against the US and UK currencies, combined with market declines, particularly impacted Perpetual's international AUMs.

What did Perpetual management say?

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bernard Reilly said:

The business has been resilient through what continues to be a highly volatile period in global equity and economic markets. In the March quarter, our Corporate Trust business continued to deliver consistent growth for Perpetual, benefiting both from growth from existing clients and new client wins. … All our teams remain focused on delivering investment outperformance for our clients through these turbulent times. We believe we are well placed in this period of volatility to strengthen our investment performance, particularly in our value-style strategies.

What's next for Perpetual?

Looking ahead, Perpetual is keeping operating expenses under tight control, reaffirming its FY26 guidance for expense growth of just 1% to 2%. The group's focus remains on supporting clients and strengthening investment performance, particularly in value-style strategies amid ongoing market uncertainty.

With the pending sale of the Wealth Management business, the company is set for a more streamlined operating model and will continue to invest in growth areas, especially those benefiting from changing client and market dynamics.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have risen 11%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Perpetual provides Q3 FY26 update: reveals AUM decline, Corporate Trust growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Two ASX dividend shares stand out right now: Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) and Shaver Shop Group Ltd (ASX: SSG). Both deliver attractive yields around 7%, and brokers see meaningful upside ahead.

Let's take a closer look.

Perpetual: Sharpen execution, unlock value

Perpetual is a well-known financial services group, operating across asset management, wealth management, and corporate trust. But the ASX dividend share is undergoing a major shift.

Last week, the company announced the $500 million sale of its wealth business to Bain Private Equity. The move is all about simplification. By narrowing its focus, Perpetual aims to sharpen execution and unlock value.

Management of the ASX dividend share says proceeds will be used to reduce debt and invest in organic growth across its remaining divisions. That's a positive signal for dividend sustainability.

Perpetual has a long-standing reputation in funds management and a solid institutional footprint. The business is becoming leaner, which could improve margins over time.

However, earnings can be sensitive to market movements. Funds under management can fluctuate, and execution risk remains as the company reshapes itself.

This ASX dividend share shines when dividend payouts come into play. Analysts at Macquarie expect a 7% dividend yield this financial year, easing slightly to 6.7% in FY27 and 6.4% in FY28. That's still comfortably above market averages.

And there's potential capital upside too. Macquarie has a bullish price target of $24.60 on the ASX dividend share. The broader consensus sits at $20.32, about 26% above current levels.

Shaver Shop Group: Strong niche, growing online sales

Shaver Shop is one of the region's leading retailers of personal grooming products. Think electric shavers, clippers, trimmers, and wet shave essentials. It operates 126 stores across Australia and New Zealand, alongside a growing online channel.

This is a steady, cash-generative retail business. Grooming products tend to have repeat demand, and Shaver Shop has built a strong niche. Its online sales are also gaining traction.

Recent numbers back that up. In the second half of FY26 to 22 February 2026, total sales rose 3.8%, while online sales jumped 12.7%. That kind of growth can support future earnings — and dividends.

Like all retailers, this ASX dividend share is exposed to consumer spending cycles. Cost pressures and competition could also weigh on margins.

Shaver Shop has an impressive dividend track record. It increased its dividend every year from 2017 to 2023, held steady in 2024, and nudged it higher again in FY25.

Right now, the stock offers a grossed-up yield of 10.7%, including franking credits. That's exceptionally high.

And it's not just about income. Analysts see upside in the share price too, with an average target of $1.71. That's a 29% upside at current levels.

The bottom line

Perpetual and Shaver Shop tick two key boxes: strong passive income and growth potential.

They're not risk-free. No dividend stock ever is. But with yields around 7% or higher and double-digit upside on offer, both are worth a closer look for income-focused investors.

The post These ASX dividend shares pay 7% and could jump 25% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I've had a look at three companies which appear to fit the bill pretty well.

Let's take a look.

Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX)

This toll road company is exactly the sort of business that I think most dividend investors are searching for.

Infrastructure companies such as Atlas Arteria tend to have long-term, stable contracts, with good visibility out over potentially several years, especially on the cost front.

Atlas Arteria is currently paying a trailing dividend yield of 8.67%, which is high, but investors can take heart from what the company said when announcing its full-year results in February.

The company not only reaffirmed its final dividend of 20 cents per share but also said it would target future full-year distributions of at least 40 cents per share, "supported by free cash flow".

While that's not an ironclad guarantee, it's a strong indication that the company will continue paying out strong returns.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld makes the list for both strong returns and potential upside in its share price.

Shaw and Partners issued a research note this week saying that strong traveller arrival and departure numbers for January boded well for the travel operator, and they set a price target of $2.80 on the stock, compared with $1.47 currently.

The broker is predicting a dividend yield of 7.5% for the current financial year, rising to 8.2% over the subsequent two years.

Helloworld shares have been sharply sold off since the conflict in the Middle East began, and are not far off their 12-month lows of $1.30.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT)

Financial stock Perpetual is paying a 7% dividend yield, and just this week announced the $500 million sale of its wealth business to Bain Private Equity, in a move that will simplify the business.

The company said the money raised would be used to retire debt and foster organic growth in its two remaining business divisions. This surely puts the company in a good position to maintain its dividend flows.

Macquarie had a look at the wealth deal this week and put out a research note to its clients forecasting a dividend yield of 7% this financial year, which would then fall to 6.7% in FY27 and 6.4% in FY28.

The analyst team at Macquarie also has a bullish share price target of $24.60 for the stock, compared with $15.99 currently.

The post These 3 ASX stocks are paying better than 7% dividend yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The analyst team at Macquarie have run the ruler over the sale, and has upgraded their price target for Perpetual shares as a result.

Major deal

We'll get to that later; let's first look at what was announced.

Perpetual will sell the Perpetual Wealth business to Bain for $500 million, plus a potential $50 million payment depending on the performance of the business.

Perpetual Chief Executive Officer Bernard Reilly said regarding the sale:

Following a thorough sale process, we believe we have achieved the right outcome for our shareholders, clients and people, and one that reflects Wealth Management's longstanding reputation as a premium provider of high net worth advisory, fiduciary, philanthropic and not-for-profit offerings in the Australian market. "This is a pivotal step in our strategy to simplify and transform Perpetual. Following completion, Perpetual will have a stronger balance sheet and more simplified business, focused on two core businesses, asset management and corporate trustee services, while also enhancing its ability to invest for future growth and deliver improved shareholder returns over the longer term. We believe we have found the right owner for the Wealth Management business to help it continue to grow and deliver high quality products and services to its clients.

The money raised will be used to retire debt and support investment in Perpetual's asset management and corporate trust divisions.

Perpetual shares looking cheap

The Macquarie team said the sale, which followed a 12-month process, was conducted at a multiple which appeared reasonable.

They noted that Perpetual must overcome several regulatory hurdles to complete the transaction and that separating the wealth business would be complex.

They added:

However, Perpetual expects no 'material' stranded costs post-completion, reflecting an effective carve-out while generating revenue to offset any lingering costs during this process.

Macquarie raised its price target on Perpetual from $23.85 to $24.60 on the back of the deal. This compares to Perpetual's current share price of $16.02.

They added:

Despite continued outflows, we reiterate our Outperform rating, with the Wealth sale to simplify the business and unwind some of the some of the parts discount, while we see scope for further cost out above current plans with Perpetual's cost-to-income ahead of global peers.  

Perpetual is also expected to pay a 7% dividend yield this financial year. Perpetual was valued at $1.86 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.   

The post How high does Macquarie think this ASX 200 stock will go after its wealth sale? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC)

The Lifestyle Communities share price is up 2% to $5.43. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Citi. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the retirement communities company's shares to a buy rating with a $5.60 price target. The broker notes that Hometown Australia recently bought a 9.8% stake in the company. It highlights that the $58.46 million deal was undertaken at a premium to the prevailing share price. Citi suspects that this could lead to increased M&A speculation.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT)

The Perpetual share price is up almost 2.5% to $16.61. Investors have been bidding the financial services company's shares higher after it announced the sale of its Wealth Management business to Bain Capital for an upfront consideration of $500 million. Perpetual's CEO and managing director, Bernard Reilly, said: "Following a thorough sale process, we believe we have achieved the right outcome for our shareholders, clients and people, and one that reflects Wealth Management's longstanding reputation as a premium provider of high net worth advisory, fiduciary, philanthropic and not-for-profit offerings in the Australian market." Perpetual expects to use sale proceeds to pay down debt and fund further growth in its core Asset Management and Corporate Trust businesses.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC)

The Reliance Worldwide share price is up 4.5% to $3.05. This morning, this plumbing parts company announced that it will undertake a further on-market share buy-back targeting $120 million. The company's chair, Russell Chenu, said: "RWC has continued to generate strong cash flows over the past two years despite subdued end markets. This has enabled us to substantially reduce net debt. Consequently, RWC's leverage ratio has fallen below the bottom end of our target range of 1.5 time to 2.5 times net debt to EBITDA. Undertaking this additional share buy-back will enable us to return excess capital to shareholders efficiently and is consistent with our previously articulated capital management strategy."

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price is up over 2% to $31.77. This has been driven by a rise in oil prices due to supply disruptions caused by war in the Middle East. It isn't just Woodside that is rising today. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy index is up almost 1% at the time of writing.

The post Why Lifestyle Communities, Perpetual, Reliance Worldwide, and Woodside shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the Perpetual share price is up 0.95%% to $16.40. Despite today's modest gain, the stock has had a weak start to the year and is down 13% in 2026.

Here's what the company revealed to the market.

Perpetual to sell wealth management business

Perpetual announced that it has entered into a binding agreement to sell its Wealth Management business to Bain Capital Private Equity.

The deal involves the sale of Perpetual Wealth Management and Perpetual Private, which together form the company's wealth management division.

Under the agreement, the transaction will deliver $500 million in upfront cash proceeds, subject to customary adjustments.

In addition, Perpetual could receive a further earn out payment of up to $50 million. This will depend on the future performance of parts of the business following completion.

The company also noted that an additional upfront cash payment may be made, depending on the performance of the advice business before completion.

Perpetual will continue to own the rights to the Perpetual brand. Bain Capital will license the brands 'Perpetual Wealth' and 'Perpetual Private' for a period of 15 years.

The transaction will be implemented through the sale of shares in Perpetual WM Services, which houses the wealth management operations.

What the deal means for the business

Management described the move as a significant step toward simplifying the group and sharpening its strategic focus.

Following completion, Perpetual will concentrate on its Asset Management and Corporate Trust divisions.

Chief Executive Officer Bernard Reilly said the transaction follows an extensive review process and recognises the strength of the wealth business, while allowing Perpetual to focus on areas where it sees stronger long-term opportunities.

Reilly added:

We believe we have achieved the right outcome for our shareholders, clients and people, and one that reflects Wealth Management's longstanding reputation as a premium provider of high net worth advisory, fiduciary, philanthropic and not for profit offerings in the Australian market.

Management noted that the company expects to emerge from the deal with a stronger balance sheet and a more streamlined structure.

Use of proceeds and balance sheet impact

Perpetual said net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be used to reduce debt and support future investment.

The company plans to repay a $400 million bridge facility, with remaining funds potentially directed toward growth initiatives in the remaining businesses.

The deal is expected to complete towards the end of the 2026 calendar year, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.

These include approvals from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the ACCC, as well as internal restructuring steps required to separate the wealth business.

Transaction and separation costs are estimated at around $30 million after tax, while taxes on the sale are expected to range from $45 million to $50 million.

Perpetual currently has a market capitalisation of around $1.88 billion and offers a dividend yield of roughly 6.96%.

The post This ASX financial stock just struck a $500 million deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Perpetual report?

• Binding deal to sell Wealth Management division to Bain Capital for $500 million cash up front
• Potential additional upfront payment, dependent on advice business performance to completion (up to $50 million)
• Earn-out component of up to $50 million, tied to Wealth business performance post-completion
• Net proceeds will be used to reduce company debt and invest in Asset Management and Corporate Trust businesses
• Pro-forma net debt to EBITDA expected to fall to around 0.2x after completion

What else do investors need to know?

Completion of the transaction is subject to approvals from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), the ACCC, and a corporate restructure to separate Wealth Management from the Perpetual Group. Completion is targeted towards the end of 2026.

Transaction and separation costs are expected to be around $30 million (post-tax) over the next 12–18 months. Estimated tax on proceeds is $45–50 million, with franking credits from this available for future dividends, likely from 2H27.

Perpetual will license its Wealth-related brands to Bain Capital for 15 years but will retain full ownership of the core "Perpetual" brand. Transitional support services for technology and operations will be provided to the Wealth Management business for up to 18 months post-completion.

What did Perpetual management say?

Perpetual CEO and Managing Director Bernard Reilly said:

Following a thorough sale process, we believe we have achieved the right outcome for our shareholders, clients and people, and one that reflects Wealth Management's longstanding reputation as a premium provider of high net worth advisory, fiduciary, philanthropic and not-for-profit offerings in the Australian market.

This is a pivotal step in our strategy to simplify and transform Perpetual. Following completion, Perpetual will have a stronger balance sheet and more simplified business, focused on two core businesses, asset management and corporate trustee services, while also enhancing its ability to invest for future growth and deliver improved shareholder returns over the longer term.

We believe we have found the right owner for the Wealth Management business to help it continue to grow and deliver high quality products and services to its clients. Today's announcement also provides clarity and certainty for our teams, who have continued to show an exceptionally high level of professionalism, commitment and focus throughout this process.

What's next for Perpetual?

With the Wealth Management sale, Perpetual will concentrate on its core Asset Management and Corporate Trust operations. The business expects to use sale proceeds to pay down debt and fund further growth in these divisions.

Over the coming months, the group will progress the required regulatory and court approvals for completion, and provide transitional support to the Wealth Management business until it is fully separated. The simplification aims to position Perpetual for long-term growth and improved shareholder returns.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares declined 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

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The post Perpetual sells Wealth Management business to Bain Capital for $500m appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For you to be entitled to a stock's next dividend, you must own it before its ex-dividend date.

Here are some of the ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

The post 32 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Perpetual report?

• Operating revenue of $697.9 million, up 2% on 1H25
• Underlying profit after tax (UPAT) of $112.7 million, up 12%
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) of $53.9 million, up 349% year-on-year
• Interim dividend of $0.59 per share, unfranked
• Asset Management UPBT of $106.9 million (up 4%), Corporate Trust UPBT of $49.0 million (up 11%)
• Simplification Program delivered $60 million in annualised cost savings so far

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual kept expense growth tightly controlled at 1%, and its Board reaffirmed full-year expense guidance at 1–2%. Cost savings from the company's Simplification Program are on track for $70-80 million annually by FY27, with $60 million already achieved.

Talks with Bain Capital Private Equity for the potential sale of the Wealth Management business are advancing, though there's no binding agreement yet. Meanwhile, Wealth Management's funds under advice grew 6% despite profit pressure.

What did Perpetual management say?

Perpetual CEO and Managing Director Bernard Reilly said:

Perpetual delivered a solid first half, with revenue and double-digit underlying profit growth driven by the strength of our diversified business model including Asset Management and Corporate Trust, while Wealth Management continued to show resilience as the sale process continued.

What's next for Perpetual?

Looking ahead, Perpetual plans to keep simplifying its operations to increase focus and reduce costs, supporting sustainable long-term growth. The company remains disciplined in expense management, while investing in new products and innovation within Asset Management.

Discussions with Bain Capital about selling the Wealth Management division are ongoing, with the company committed to keeping shareholders informed as things progress.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 24%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Perpetual posts higher earnings and tight cost control for 1H26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a decent start to the week following a good finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.45%, the S&P 500 rose 0.7%, and the Nasdaq stormed 0.9% higher. However, the announcement of US tariffs over the weekend could add some volatility to today's session.

Oil prices edge higher

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices edged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.1% to US$66.48 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.15% to US$71.76 a barrel. Oil prices have been rising after the US weighed up military strikes on Iran.

Half-year results

A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch today when they release their half-year results. Among them are NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF), Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT), and Reece Ltd (ASX: REH). With respect to the latter, Morgans expects the plumbing parts company to report a 22.9% decline in net profit to $139.5 million. It said: "Management noted that the macroeconomic environment remains challenging across ANZ and the US and expects activity in both regions to stay subdued in the near term."

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.7% to US$5,080.9 an ounce. This was driven by the release of soft US economic data which supported interest rate cut hopes.

Buy Telix shares

Bell Potter thinks investors should buy Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares following the release of its half-year results. It has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $19.00. It said: "FY25 was a challenging period by virtue to the two CRLs from the FDA and a stream of negative news flow – most recently the sudden resignation of the Chairperson. Nevertheless, the clinical programs are ongoing, and the company is well funded to continue these."

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Bell Potter thinks Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) could be worth a closer look, even after a softer quarter for the asset manager.

What is the broker saying about this ASX financial stock?

Bell Potter described the second quarter as underwhelming, driven by fund outflows in its Asset Management division and limited progress on the sale of its Wealth Management business. The broker said:

Overall this was an underwhelming quarter with lower AUM down 2% and limited progress on the sale of Wealth Management (WM). In Asset Management, AUM was A$227.5b vs A$232.0b at end of Q1. Outflows were A$7.8b or 3.4% of opening, with outflows concentrated at Barrow Hanley and TSW, (3.7% and 11.2% of opening values respectively).

Market and other movements were +A$5.4b or 2.3% of opening while FX moves were -A$2.1b (or 0.9% as the US$ weakened over the quarter. Performance fees are expected to be A$10m in H1.

But it wasn't all bad news. Bell Potter noted that parts of the business continued to grow, particularly within Corporate Trust:

Wealth Management Funds under Advice were flat at A$21.9b. Corporate Trust saw Funds under Administration grow 2.1% over the quarter to A$1.3trn, with Debt Market services up 2.8% and Managed Funds up 1%.

Costs remain under control

Bell Potter also highlighted that cost control remains a positive for the ASX financial stock, with currency movements helping keep expenses toward the lower end of guidance. The broker said:

FY26 costs are tracking at the lower end of the 2-3% guidance, helped by currency moves. The first half should be better than guidance. Significant items are expected to be between A$54-63m after tax, with no impairments. Excluding impairments, this level is slightly below the average of the last few half years.

Why Bell Potter is still a buyer

While Bell Potter trimmed its price target following forecast downgrades, it remains positive on Perpetual's valuation and longer-term strategy. The broker explained:

We remain positive on PPT, given what we consider an undemanding valuation. The drawn-out sale process for WM is disappointing, and we would like to see WM sold, debt reduced and management focused on delivering efficient and profitable growth.

We agree with the new CEO's strategy to take the initiative and find new strategies to add to existing platforms, and the inflows seen in the Perpetual Diversified Income Active ETF are encouraging.

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX financial stock with a trimmed price target of $22.80 (from $25.00). Based on its current share price of $18.99, this implies potential upside of 20% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, Bell Potter is forecasting a generous 6.3% dividend yield in FY 2026, which boosts the total potential return to approximately 26%.

The post Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX financial stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Perpetual report?

• Total assets under management (AUM) fell 1.9% to $227.5 billion at 31 December 2025.
• Net outflows of $7.8 billion, or $6.6 billion excluding cash, in the quarter.
• Corporate Trust's funds under administration (FUA) rose 2.1% to $1.31 trillion.
• Wealth Management's FUA remained flat at $21.9 billion.
• First-half 2026 performance fees expected to be about $10 million, mainly from J O Hambro and Perpetual Asset Management strategies.
• 1H26 significant items (post tax) are expected between $54 million and $63 million, with no impairments anticipated.

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual's Asset Management division saw net outflows and unfavourable currency movements, partially offset by positive market moves. Barrow Hanley and J O Hambro both experienced outflows, while Perpetual Asset Management recorded net inflows on new fixed income strategies.

The Corporate Trust arm delivered growth across all major segments, with particular strength in Debt Market Services and Managed Fund Services. Digital and Market Assets under Administration jumped 4.1% to $585.8 billion.

Discussions are ongoing with Bain Capital Private Equity over the sale of the Wealth Management business. While advanced, there is still no certainty the deal will go ahead, and more information is expected at the half-year results in February.

What did Perpetual management say?

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bernard Reilly said:

The quarter saw a mixed performance across our businesses. Corporate Trust performed strongly across all three of its segments, Asset Management was impacted by net outflows and Wealth Management was stable despite the ongoing sale process for the business.

What's next for Perpetual?

Perpetual will provide another update on the potential Wealth Management sale as part of its half year 2026 results, scheduled for 26 February 2026. Management remains focused on keeping expense growth below guidance and continuing investment in the Corporate Trust business.

The outlook includes careful management of costs, as the company tracks positively against its 2%–3% full-year expense growth guidance. Investors can also expect further updates on assets under management performance and progress across the group's individual boutiques.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 14% trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post Perpetual reports mixed results in FY26 second quarter update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Perpetual report?

• Continued exclusive sale discussions regarding the Wealth Management division with Bain Capital
• Exclusivity period extended into the first quarter of 2026
• No confirmation yet of a binding agreement or transaction value
• Company promises ongoing disclosure to shareholders

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual first announced exclusive negotiations with Bain Capital Private Equity on 5 November 2025. Since then, talks have made progress, but the parties have agreed more time is needed to finalise any potential deal.

It's worth noting there is no certainty that these discussions will result in a sale, binding agreement, or completed transaction. Perpetual says it will keep shareholders and the market updated according to its continuous disclosure obligations.

What's next for Perpetual?

Perpetual's immediate focus is to continue progressing the negotiations with Bain Capital regarding the possible Wealth Management division sale. Management will provide further updates should a material deal be reached.

Looking ahead, Perpetual remains committed to its global asset management and corporate trust businesses, while reviewing options for unlocking value for shareholders through strategic initiatives.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Perpetual extends exclusivity in Wealth Management sale talks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.