URGENT UPDATE: Bell Potter has just released crucial updates on two ASX financials stocks following their recent earnings reports. Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL) has posted impressive results, while HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) has disappointed investors, sending shockwaves through the market.
In a significant announcement today, Cuscal, a leading payment and regulated data services provider in Australia, reported a staggering 76% increase in profit after tax (NPAT) for the six months ending December 31, 2025. The NPAT surged to $21.5 million, up from $12.2 million during the same period last year. This stellar performance was aided by the recent acquisition of Indue, which added $5.3 million to Net Operating Income. Investors reacted positively, driving Cuscal’s stock price up 6%, marking a remarkable 65% increase over the past year.
Meanwhile, HMC Capital, an alternative asset manager, faced a tough quarter with disappointing figures. For the first half of FY26, the company reported assets under management (AUM) of $19.5 billion, a modest increase of 4% from June 2025. However, the pre-tax operating earnings per share (EPS) of 10.1 cents fell 39% below Bell Potter’s expectations and 35% below consensus. As a result, HMC’s share price plummeted 4.7% on Tuesday, and has now declined 71% over the past year, nearing its 52-week low.
Bell Potter’s updated outlook reflects the contrasting fortunes of these financial stocks. The brokerage praised Cuscal’s performance, highlighting upgraded guidance for transaction volume growth from high-single digits to mid-teens. They have raised the EPS forecasts for Cuscal by 1% to 4% through FY28. The new price target for Cuscal has been increased to $5.10, a significant rise from $4.60, suggesting a potential upside of 20% from its current price of $4.23.
Conversely, HMC Capital’s disappointing results led Bell Potter to lower its price target from $4.25 to $3.20, maintaining a hold recommendation. This indicates a potential 13.5% upside from its closing price of $2.82.
Investors are urged to monitor these developments closely, as the financial landscape for both companies is rapidly evolving. Bell Potter’s insights will be vital for investors considering their next moves in the ASX financials sector.
For those eyeing potential investments, it’s crucial to weigh the mixed signals from these earnings reports. As the financial markets react, stakeholders will be keen to see how these forecasts influence shareholder decisions in the coming days.
As always, investors should approach these updates with caution, and consider seeking professional advice tailored to their financial situations.
