Author: openjargon

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares have had a tough run of it since notching new all-time closing highs last June.

Though signs are emerging that a sustained turnaround could be brewing for the embattled stock.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) business and accounting software provider closed up 0.36% on Tuesday, trading for $83.72 apiece.

Despite the welcome lift, the share price is still down a painful 49.87% since this time last year.

As for that potential early turnaround, Xero shares notched a multi-year closing low of $71.84 on 24 February. That low point came amid a broader tech stock sell-off driven by concerns that artificial intelligence, or AI, could be poised to knock the stuffing out of software as a service (SaaS) providers.

But since that low, posted just two weeks ago, Xero shares have surged 16.6%.

And according to Red Leaf Securities’ John Athanasiou, the ASX 200 tech stock is well-placed to keep outperforming over the medium to longer term (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy Xero shares today?

“This accounting software provider has been sold off, but fundamentals remain strong,” Athanasiou said.

Citing the first reason he’s bullish on Xero shares, he said, “Its capital light, subscription-based model provides recurring revenue, pricing power and operating leverage.”

As for the second reason the tech stock could outperform, he noted:

Subscriber growth in Australia, New Zealand and the UK is resilient amid expanding margins through improving cost discipline. The US market remains under-penetrated, offering options over the long term.

And Athanasiou doesn’t believe that AI is likely to take a bite out of Xero’s bottom line. Quite the contrary.

“Artificial intelligence is likely to enhance Xero’s product suite, improving workflow automation and stickiness rather than disrupting revenue,” he said.

As for the fourth reason you might want to buy Xero shares today, Athanasiou concluded:

Recently trading below prior multiples, the risk/reward is attractive for long term investors. This is a profitable, global software platform with scale, and current weakness presents an accumulation opportunity for those looking beyond short-term sentiment.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 tech share?

The last price-sensitive news out from Xero was the 3 February market update, highlighting its growth potential.

The company noted that more than 4 million customers worldwide are now using its platform. And some two million Xero subscribers were said to be benefitting from AI features, with 300,000 of those subscribers using new GenAI tools.

Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy said:

We are deeply focused on capturing the global AI and US accounting plus payments TAM [total addressable market]. Xero is well positioned to shepherd SMBs [small and medium sized businesses] into the AI era and take advantage of this technology.

Xero shares closed up 2.6% on the day the update was released.

The post 4 reasons to buy the redound in Xero shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy, hold, sell: Whitehaven Coal, Goodman, and Xero shares

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a decisive relief rally this Tuesday, delivering some welcome respite for investors after yesterday’s horror-show start to the week.

By the time trading wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had gained a healthy 1.09% after initially rallying even harder this morning (up 2% at one point). This session’s rise leaves the index at 8,692.6 points.

This happy Tuesday for the Australian markets follows an optimistic start to the American trading week in the early hours of this morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) returned from the weekend with a spring in its step, rising 0.5%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more enthusiastic, gaining a rosy 1.38%.

But let’s return to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors were lifted, or not, by today’s market tide.

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

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• After the ASX 200’s latest slide, I spy bargain shares!
• Australia’s next great ASX mining boom: Are we already in it?
• 3 ASX shares to buy for magnificent long-term growth
• 3 ASX tech stocks that brokers rate as buys
• Why are Life360 shares soaring 10% higher today?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 DroneShield, Life360, and Telix Pharmaceuticals and is short shares of DroneShield. 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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Australian bank stocks are climbing higher today amid a broad market rally on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

At the time of writing, 11 out of 12 Australian banks listed on the ASX are trading in the green. 

ASX banks have historically outperformed many global bank peers thanks to Australia’s highly concentrated, stable, and well-regulated bank sector. Many global banks operate in fragmented or volatile markets, whereas in Australia, local banks are subject to strict risk management.

Australian bank stocks are also less exposed to global financial and credit crises, unlike some US or European banks. And they pay high and reliable dividends to their investors. 

When it comes to bank stocks, which I think could outperform the rest in FY26 and FY27, here are my top three picks.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) 

ANZ is going full steam ahead with its strategy to strengthen and simplify its business and significantly reduce operational costs this year. 

The first phase of the Australian bank’s ANZ 2030 strategic restructuring will see the company accelerate the integration of Suncorp Bank, roll out its ANZ plus platform to replace old technology, and plan to reduce costs and go back to basics by cutting around 8% of its workforce by late 2026.

The bank’s strategy to simplify and strengthen its business could improve net interest margins and return on equity, which could help ANZ outpace growth of its global peers over the next 12 months.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) 

Westpac has gained traction in the first quarter of FY26 as its cost-reduction drive is starting to deliver results. 

Its solid first-quarter update showed steady earnings growth, improved credit quality, and a strong capital position.

The bank is targeting another $500 million in productivity gains in FY26. It also has plans to roll out new technology this year, including AI training for all staff and expanding its business banking solutions.

If Australia’s economy remains resilient, Westpac’s consistent earnings and investor support could drive profitability higher in FY26 and FY27.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) 

NAB is another Australian bank stock that has strong profit growth and efficient operations. The bank has historically demonstrated careful cost management, ensuring that its revenue translates into profit.

Like its local peers, NAB reported strong first-quarter results for FY26, which showed strong cash profit year on year. And going forward, it plans to continue growing its business and home lending portfolios while keeping operating expense growth below FY25’s rate. The bank is targeting more than $450 million in productivity savings for the full year. 

NAB’s strong earnings growth and profitability savings plans could help it outperform global peers, especially if interest rates begin to rise again. 

The post 3 Australian bank stocks that could outperform global peers again in 2026 and 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

ASX mining shares are leading the market recovery today, with money flowing out of the energy sector and into materials.

The ASX materials sector, which is dominated by the mega miners, is 2.3% higher, while the energy sector is down 3.5%.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in recovery mode today, up 1%, after a surge in oil prices created a $90 billion rout yesterday.

While the war in Iran is dominating headlines, longer-term trends in our investment markets continue to play out.

One of them is a new commodities ‘super cycle’ that seems to be taking strong hold of our share market.

So, let’s dig into the question posed in our headline today.

Is Australia now in a new mining boom?

Australia’s last mining boom, from the early 2000s through to 2013, was primarily driven by China’s rapid industrialisation.

This period saw a big increase in iron ore and coal prices, major investment in mining infrastructure, and a substantial lift in exports.

It appears we’ve now entered a new mining boom, but this one is not going to centre on iron ore, nor demand from just China.

This boom will centre on critical materials with industrial applications tied to electrification, power generation, and energy security.

Demand will come from many nations, underpinned by structural changes in the global economy that will take decades to play out.

Paul Wong and Jacob White from Sprott Asset Management name copper, uranium, lithium, rare earths, and silver as the commodities to watch.

In an article, Wong and White said:

[This is] a new kind of commodity supercycle.

The emerging bull market is not repeating past cycles, and is being driven by deglobalization, fiscal dominance and the global push for energy, infrastructure and strategic, domestic supply chains.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, also says we are embarking on “a new super cycle in commodities”.

In a recent article, Dr Oliver said:

… the commodity price slump from their 2008-2011 highs looks to be over with commodities embarking on a new super cycle bull market driven by constrained supply after low levels of investment and electrification and rising defence spending driving increased demand for metals.

This will benefit Australia’s resource stocks.

Iron ore is likely to feature less this time around partly reflecting slowing urbanisation in China and its property slump.

Commodity prices and ASX mining shares

The price of gold, silver, copper, lithium, and many critical minerals skyrocketed last year amid rising demand and low supply.

This pushed up the prices and returns of scores of ASX mining shares, with materials the top sector of 2025, returning a staggering 36%.

Gold is part of this mining boom, but for different reasons. Gold is benefiting from central bank buying and safe-haven investor demand.

Wong and White added:

After years of shrinking representation in global portfolios, commodities and resource equities have broken out above multi-year trading ranges, an action that, in our view, marks the developing stages of the new commodity bull market.

Impact on ASX mining shares

The new mining boom is already playing out in the Australian share market.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is up 31% over 12 months and 12.2% in the YTD.

BHP shares recently soared to $59.39 apiece, their highest level in 140 years, and the miner is once again the market’s largest company.

Many other ASX mining shares have also hit new records.

These include Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares at $170.71 per share and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) at $31.96 per share.

Take a look at the 12-month change in these ASX mining shares below.

ASX mining share	Metals and minerals	12-month share price change
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)	Iron ore, copper, met coal	31%
Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)	Iron ore, copper	21%
Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)	Iron ore, copper, lithium	30%
Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)	Gold	51%
Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)	Gold	124%
South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)	Aluminium, alumina, copper, silver	20%
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)	Rare earths	151%
Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)	Gold	135%
PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)	Lithium	156%
Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)	Iron ore, lithium	164%
Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)	Copper	49%
IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)	Lithium and nickel	99%
Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)	Lithium	152%

Foolish Takeaway

Wong and White emphasise that this mining boom will not be broad-based, and targeted exposure is important.

They said:

Broad commodity exposure may lack focus on the critical materials currently leading this cycle.

Investors are increasingly focusing on companies tied directly to critical materials and structural demand trends.

As an example, Wong and White point out that copper miners are outperforming diversified miners.

We can see this by comparing the performance of Global X Copper Miners AUD ETF (ASX: WIRE), up 84% over 12 months, to diversified ETF BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE), up 42%, and VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR), up 48%.

Wong and White conclude:

We see considerable room for continued outperformance from select commodities and the associated equities. 

The post Australia’s next great ASX mining boom: Are we already in it? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and Global X Copper Miners ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

I’m always on the lookout for ASX dividend-paying stocks which offer a monthly passive income. 

I’ve written before about BetaShares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST) which gives its investors exposure to a large portfolio of up to 60 dividend-paying shares. 

Or the Plato Income Maximiser Limited (ASX: PL8) which targets income-focused investors like retirees and SMSF investors who need a dependable income stream. 

And then there’s newcomer BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX) which targets the largest 20 Australian shares on the ASX.

But there’s another ASX stock which has caught my eye. And it pays monthly dividends with a yield just over 9%.

Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT)

The Metrics Income Opportunities Trust is a listed investment trust (LIT). The trust has a diversified portfolio of private credit and other related opportunities. 

It means that investors can get direct exposure to private credit investments, an increasingly popular asset class for income-focused investors.

The LIT said its investment objective is to provide monthly cash income, preserve investor capital and manage investment risks. It also seeks to provide potential for upside gains through investments in private credit and other assets. These “other assets” include warrants, options, preference shares and equity.

What passive income does the ASX dividend stock pay?

Metrics Income Opportunities Trust targets a cash yield of 7% per year, with a total target return of 8% to 10% per year. The yield is net of fees and expenses. The LIT pays dividends on a monthly basis. It also has a distribution reinvestment plan (DRP) which allows unitholders to reinvest monthly income distributions. 

The ASX dividend stock’s latest payout was 0.92 cents per share in late February. This was followed a payment of 1.22 cents per share paid in January.

Over the past 12 months, the Metrics Income Opportunities Trust has paid out 12 dividends that total 16.25 cents per share (unfranked). This means the LIT has a dividend yield around 9.25% at the time of writing.

The Metrics Income Opportunities Trust share price is trading 2.01% higher at $1.78 at the time of writing. However, for the year-to-date the shares are down 5.32% and they’re down 13.59% over the past year. 

The LIT’s annual decline means it has underperformed the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO). Over the same 12-month period, the All Ords Index has risen 8.53%, at the time of writing.

The post Passive income investors: This ASX stock has a 9% yield with monthly payouts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

Silver has been on an extraordinary run over the past year.

The precious metal is now trading around US$88 per ounce, putting it close to historic highs and leaving it almost 170% higher than a year ago.

After a volatile start to 2026, silver has rebounded strongly as investors return to precious metals and supply pressures tighten.

The rally is also lifting investment products linked to the metal.

One example is Global X Metal Securities Australia Ltd (ASX: ETPMAG), which provides exposure to physical silver held in secure vaults.

At the time of writing, the physical silver-backed ETF is priced at $114.74, up 5.24% today.

So, what is driving the rally? Let’s take a closer look.

Structural supply shortages supporting prices

One of the biggest factors pushing silver higher is a persistent shortage of physical supply.

According to recent reports, the silver market is expected to record its 6th consecutive annual supply deficit in 2026, with global demand continuing to exceed mine production.

Last year alone, demand outstripped supply by about 95 million ounces, and cumulative deficits over the past several years have exceeded hundreds of millions of ounces.

Investment demand has also remained strong, with investors continuing to buy silver bars, coins, and exchange-traded products.

Industrial demand remains strong

Silver plays an important role across a wide range of industries.

It is widely used in solar panels, electronics, batteries, and technologies linked to artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and electric vehicles.

This dual role as both an industrial metal and a precious metal makes silver distinct from many other commodities.

Demand for silver is closely tied to manufacturing activity and the expansion of technologies that require high electrical conductivity.

At the same time, periods of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty often increase investor interest in precious metals.

A weaker US dollar helping precious metals

Another factor influencing silver prices has been movements in currency markets.

Precious metals are priced in US dollars. When the US dollar weakens, commodities such as silver become cheaper for buyers using other currencies.

This can affect international demand for the metal.

Recent volatility in global markets and shifting expectations around interest rates have also increased investor attention on the white metal.

What happens next?

Silver has already experienced a significant rally over the past year.

However, the global silver market remains relatively tight, with demand continuing to exceed supply in recent years.

Ongoing movements in industrial demand, currency markets, and precious metal investment flows are likely to remain key factors influencing silver prices through 2026.

The post Silver surges to US$88 per ounce. Here’s what is driving the rally appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

The Australian share market has been under pressure recently as global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions weigh on investor sentiment.

Market pullbacks can feel uncomfortable. But they also create opportunities to buy high-quality companies at lower prices.

After the latest slide in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), a few standout businesses are starting to look increasingly attractive to long-term investors.

Here are 3 ASX shares I believe could offer compelling value right now.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is currently up 0.58% to $83.90.

Despite today’s modest rise, the accounting software company remains well below its previous highs. The stock has fallen over the past year as investors rotated away from high-growth tech companies.

That pullback may be creating an opportunity.

Xero operates one of the world’s leading cloud accounting platforms for small and medium-sized businesses. Its software allows companies to manage invoicing, payroll, payments, and financial reporting through a simple online interface.

The business has built a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, while continuing to expand in North America.

What makes Xero particularly attractive is its growing ecosystem. Beyond accounting software, the platform integrates with a wide range of financial tools and business applications, making it increasingly embedded in customers’ day-to-day operations.

With millions of subscribers already on the platform, Xero still has significant room to grow globally.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is currently up 2.06% to $145.15.

CSL is one of Australia’s most successful healthcare companies and a global leader in biotechnology.

The company develops and manufactures treatments for serious diseases, including immune disorders, haemophilia, and respiratory conditions. Its products are used by patients in more than 100 countries.

Despite its strong global position, CSL shares have struggled over the past year and are now trading near multi-year lows.

A range of factors have weighed on the stock, including higher plasma collection costs and operational pressures across parts of the business.

However, long-term demand for CSL’s therapies remains strong as healthcare needs grow worldwide.

If earnings growth begins to accelerate again, the current valuation could prove very attractive.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is currently up 6.58% to $140.15.

Pro Medicus develops medical imaging software used by hospitals and healthcare providers around the world. Its flagship Visage platform enables clinicians to quickly and efficiently view and analyse complex imaging data.

The company has built a reputation for winning large contracts with leading healthcare institutions, particularly in the United States.

Although Pro Medicus shares surged in recent years, the stock has come under pressure in 2026.

That weakness could represent an opportunity for investors focused on healthcare stocks.

The post After the ASX 200’s latest slide, I spy bargain shares! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 CSL and Xero. 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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are a lot of ASX 200 shares to choose from.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts at Investor Pulse are saying about three, courtesy of The Bull.

Is it bullish, bearish, or something in between?

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)

The expert is tipping this broadband provider as an ASX 200 share to buy now.

It was pleased to see operational leverage starting to emerge and appears to support management’s recent M&A deals. It said:

This telecommunications company continues to build a credible long term growth case as it pushes further into scale and diversification. First half group revenue of $637.8 million in fiscal year 2026 was up 8.4 per cent compared to the prior corresponding period. Underlying EBITDA of $74.7 million grew 13.5 per cent. We’re impressed with the operational leverage beginning to emerge.

ABB recently acquired AGL Energy’s, telecommunications business, adding an estimated 350,000 broadband services and mobile connections to ABB’s customer base. It recently entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100 per cent of Nexgen Investment Group, a provider of advanced business communication solutions. The deals strengthen ABB’s small-to-medium sized enterprise business offering.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

This ASX share has been rated as a sell by the expert. While it concedes that Harvey Norman’s dividend yield remains appealing, it believes its shares are now fully valued after a material re-rating over the past 12 months. It said:

Much of the operational recovery now appears reflected in the retail giant’s share price. Fiscal year 2025 results and early fiscal year 2026 trading updates confirmed solid aggregated sales growth, aided by an improving UK performance and continuing strength in Europe.

Yet after a material re-rating over the past year, we see limited room for positive surprises. Competition in the consumer electronics category is intense. While the dividend yield remains appealing, consumer discretionary sector headwinds leave valuation multiples looking extended, in our view.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Finally, Wesfarmers has been named as a hold by the expert. It likes the resilience of the ASX 200 share, but not its valuation. It said:

Despite the recent market turbulence, we continue to hold this industrial conglomerate, reflecting group resilience amid consistency among its core retail divisions. The recent first half result for fiscal year 2026 reinforced our view, with statutory net profit after tax of $1.603 billion up 9.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Bunnings and Kmart Group sustained sales momentum by leaning into their low price positioning at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.

Wesfarmers chemicals, energy and fertiliser division has also become a more meaningful contributor, helped by firmer lithium prices and the ramp up of the Covalent Lithium refinery, which is now producing battery grade lithium hydroxide.

The post Expert gives its verdict on 3 popular ASX 200 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Aussie Broadband and Wesfarmers and is short shares of Aussie Broadband. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aussie Broadband and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Pioneer Credit Ltd (ASX: PNC) recently upgraded its full-year profit outlook, and what made it even more impressive was that it was the second profit upgrade the company has announced in under a month.

The strong upgrades have caught the eye of the team at Shaw and Partners, which has a bullish share price target for the company.

More on that later, let’s see what the company has recently announced.

Strong operating results

Back on February 18, when the company announced its first-half results, it pulled its first upgrade out of the hat.

The company reported revenue of $47.7 million, up 5% on the previous corresponding period, and a net profit of $10.2 million, which was slightly more than double the same period in FY25.

At the time, and reflecting what the company said was “strong performance”, it upgraded its profit outlook for the full year by $2 million to at least $20 million.

Managing Director Keith John said at the time:

At the beginning of FY25 we outlined a clear pathway to our FY26 guidance. By the end of FY25 we were ahead of those expectations, and this momentum has continued. 1HY26 Statutory NPAT exceeded the full FY25 result, reflecting strong strategy execution and delivery on our commitment to shareholders. We are pleased to upgrade our FY26 Statutory NPAT guidance to at least $20m.

The company, which says it is in the business of “ethical debt recovery”, had cash collections of $71.4 million for the first half, up 1%, and EBITDA of $51.5 million, up 7%.

Then, just last week, the company upgraded its full-year outlook again to a net profit of at least $23 million.

The company said regarding that upgrade:

The increase reflects the material repricing of both the company’s $272.5m Senior Finance Facility and its $55.5m medium term notes (MTN), together with the company’s solid operating performance, where 1HY26 Net Revenue was up 5% of the previous half year. These structural improvements materially strengthen Pioneer’s earnings profile and capital structure. The MTN repricing delivers approximately $1.75m per annum in pre-tax interest savings. When combined with the repricing of the Senior Facility, total cash interest savings of $2.02m will be realised in 2HY26, with annualised savings of approximately $4.63m from FY27 onwards.

Shares looking cheap

The team from Shaw and Partners said the company was demonstrating to investors that it could deliver in three key areas: cash collections, debt purchases, and free cash flow.

The Shaw team added:

PNC is the only debt purchaser in Australia with agreements in place with all four big banks. Debt recovery is a duopoly with high barriers to entry at the large end of the market. Service providers need established, compliant reputations and financial capacity. It could take perhaps a decade to build a market position that rivals PNC.

Shaw has a price target of $1 on Pioneer shares, compared with 67.5 cents currently.

The post Up more than 80% in 12 months, there’s still upside for this ASX finance company: broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Successful long-term investing often comes down to finding businesses that can keep expanding for many years.

The best ASX growth shares usually have large addressable markets, strong competitive advantages, and business models that become more powerful as they scale. 

When those ingredients come together, the result can be impressive earnings growth over time.

While no investment is guaranteed to succeed, there are a number of ASX shares that I think have the potential to deliver strong long-term growth.

Here are three that stand out to me.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 has become one of the most impressive growth stories in the Australian financial sector, in my opinion.

The company operates a wealth management platform used by financial advisers to manage client portfolios. Over the past decade, it has steadily taken market share from larger incumbent providers by offering a more modern, technology-driven platform.

What makes Hub24 particularly attractive is the structural tailwind behind its business. The wealth management industry is gradually shifting toward professionally advised portfolios and more sophisticated investment platforms.

As that shift continues, Hub24 has positioned itself as a key beneficiary. Its funds under administration have grown rapidly in recent years, and net inflows remain strong as advisers increasingly adopt its platform.

If that momentum continues, I think Hub24 could still have a long runway for growth.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is a very different type of growth opportunity.

The company specialises in counter-drone technology designed to detect and defeat hostile drones. As drones become more widely used in both military and civilian environments, the need for effective countermeasures is increasing.

DroneShield has built a strong reputation in this emerging industry thanks to its radio frequency detection and counter-drone solutions. Its technology is already being used by defence organisations and security agencies around the world.

Defence spending is rising globally, and many governments are prioritising technologies designed to counter drone-based threats. If that trend continues, DroneShield could find itself operating in a rapidly expanding market.

For investors willing to accept a bit more volatility, it could represent a high-growth opportunity.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 has built the world’s most widely used family safety platform, with almost 100 million monthly active users.

Its core app allows families to stay connected through location sharing, driving safety features, and emergency alerts. Over time, the company has expanded the ecosystem to include hardware products and additional services designed to keep families safe.

What stands out to me about Life360 is the scale it has already achieved. Millions of families globally rely on the platform, creating a powerful network effect.

As the company converts more of those users into paying subscribers and introduces new services, revenue per user and annual recurring revenue have the potential to increase significantly over time.

With a large and growing user base and multiple monetisation opportunities, Life360 could have massive long-term growth potential.

Foolish Takeaway

Finding ASX shares with long-term growth potential often means looking for businesses that are still expanding into large markets.

Hub24 is benefiting from structural growth in the wealth management industry, DroneShield is positioned in a rapidly evolving defence technology sector, and Life360 is building a global family safety platform.

If these companies continue executing their strategies, they could deliver magnificent growth over the years ahead.

The post 3 ASX shares to buy for magnificent long-term growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield and Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield, Hub24, and Life360 and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.