A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares?

The Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) share price has seen plenty of volatility over the past year, as the chart below shows. I think it has already demonstrated it’s one of Australia’s top retail shares, and it still has significant growth potential.

Universal Store is not one of the most famous retailers on the ASX, but it’s quickly growing into an impressive force in the space.

It owns a portfolio of premium youth fashion brands, including Universal Store and Perfect Stranger and CTC (trading under THRILLS and Worship). The company operates 121 physical stores across Australia.

There are a few reasons why it looks like one of Australia’s top shares to consider for the next few years.

Solid revenue growth with great outlook

The last few years have been a tough retail environment for many operators, but Universal Store has managed to deliver strong top-line growth over the past five years.

FY26 looks like another year of strong growth for the business, particularly for its two core brands.

Its latest trading update showed group retail sales in the first 43 weeks of FY26 grew 14%, with Universal Store sales growth of 11.8% and Perfect Stranger sales growth of 39.8%. Universal Store’s like-for-like sales growth was 8.5%, and Perfect Stranger’s LFL sales growth was 12.9%.

The LFL sales growth shows the existing store network is performing strongly, while new stores are also adding significant growth for the brands. For example, Perfect Stranger currently has a store network of 26 locations and has opened seven new stores in FY26.

To be counted as one of Australia’s top shares, I think a business needs to demonstrate solid revenue growth. It ticks this box.

Rising profit margins

The business has a strong track record of growing profit margins, meaning its bottom line is rising faster than the top line. Net profit growth is essential because it’s what investors usually value a business on, and profit generation funds dividends.

For example, in the FY26 half-year results, group sales grew 14.2%, the gross profit margin increased by 150 basis points (1.50%) to 62.1%, and the underlying net profit grew by 22%.

Profit margins are expected to rise again in FY26, according to the company’s guidance. Based on the midpoint of its guidance, FY26 sales are projected to rise 11.5%, and underlying operating profit (EBITA) could grow by 15.4%.

I think rising profit margins are a key factor that helps an ASX share deliver strong shareholder returns.

Compelling shareholder metrics

The investor metrics the company trades at remain very attractive, in my opinion.

According to the projections on CMC Invest, the Universal Store is trading at less than 15x FY26’s estimated earnings, with a potential grossed-up dividend yield of 7.8%, including franking credits.

In my view, the business is undervalued and it could be a very good buy after dropping 18% since March 2026, making it one of Australia’s top shares.

The post A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares? 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.