Author: openjargon

It’s been another brutal week for shareholders of WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

The ASX technology stock tumbled another 15% last week, extending what has become one of the market’s most dramatic sell-offs. WiseTech shares are now down around 54% since the start of 2026 and have plunged approximately 71% over the past 12 months.

Not long ago, WiseTech was one of the ASX’s undisputed tech champions, consistently delivering strong earnings growth and commanding a premium valuation. Today, it has become one of the market’s biggest battleground stocks.

So, what’s driving the volatility?

Markets hate uncertainty

The biggest issue hanging over WiseTech shares isn’t slowing demand for its software.

It’s governance. Investors have become increasingly uneasy about the ongoing scrutiny surrounding founder and executive chairman Richard White. Markets can tolerate bad news. What they dislike is uncertainty.

When governance concerns dominate the headlines, investors often demand a lower valuation regardless of how well the underlying business is performing.

That’s exactly what’s happened here. Even after the share price collapse, some investors remain concerned that the ongoing distractions could affect management’s focus, customer relationships, staff retention, or the company’s ability to execute its long-term growth strategy.

Whether those risks ultimately materialise almost becomes secondary. Right now, the uncertainty itself is enough to keep many investors on the sidelines.

Why are analysts still optimistic?

Despite the negative headlines, many analysts argue that the core business remains largely intact.

WiseTech’s flagship CargoWise platform is deeply embedded within the global logistics industry. Freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouse operators, and supply chain businesses rely on the software to manage everything from customs compliance and freight movements to inventory and international trade documentation.

That creates one of the company’s biggest competitive strengths. Once CargoWise becomes part of a customer’s operations, replacing it is expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming. Those high switching costs help support recurring revenue, strong customer retention, and pricing power.

Analysts also see significant long-term growth opportunities. Global logistics remains a highly fragmented industry, leaving plenty of scope for CargoWise to win new customers, expand into additional markets, and sell more products to existing clients.

In other words, while the price of WiseTech shares has collapsed, many believe the business itself hasn’t changed nearly as much.

What are brokers saying?

Broker opinion reflects that view. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) recently lowered its price target for WiseTech shares but maintained its overweight rating.

Likewise, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation. While Bell Potter reduced its 12-month price target from $78.75 to $71.75, that still implies upside of around 127% from the current share price of approximately $31.55.

The message from analysts is fairly consistent: governance concerns have hurt sentiment, but they don’t necessarily believe the company’s competitive advantages have disappeared.

What’s next for WiseTech shares?

The next move could come down to two key questions. Can management restore investor confidence by addressing governance concerns? And can WiseTech keep delivering the earnings growth that made it one of Australia’s most successful technology companies?

Until governance uncertainty fades, WiseTech shares are likely to remain volatile. But if management can rebuild trust while continuing to execute operationally, the stock’s recent collapse could eventually look more like an overreaction than a permanent reset.

The post WiseTech shares are all over the place. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 4 ASX 200 shares I’d buy before the end of June
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week
• Down almost 75%, are WiseTech shares really cheap?
• Is the tech recovery finally here for Xero and Wisetech shares?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Calling popular ASX dividend shares “well priced” is a disservice to readers.

Some have simply run too far for that to still be true. Being honest means being upfront about which of these three ASX dividend shares still offer value, and which ones have become more of a quality holding than a bargain.

Here are three ASX dividend stocks that offer attractive yields at attractive prices for Australian investors.

Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC)

Amcor remains the clearest case of a well-priced dividend share on this list.

Its shares trade at approximately $61.67, still down materially from their 52-week high of $76.40. Amcor carries a dividend yield of approximately 5.9%, based on the most recently declared quarterly dividend of 91.0 AUD cents per share, annualised.

That yield is unfranked, reflecting Amcor’s UK domicile and predominantly offshore earnings base. But the headline number remains attractive on an absolute basis.

Moreover, the company is performing. In the March 2026 quarter, Amcor delivered net sales of US$5.91 billion, up 77% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA surged 87% to US$892 million, as synergies from the completed Berry Global acquisition continued to come through.

CEO Peter Konieczny noted the result, stating:

The resilience of our business as we mark the first anniversary of bringing legacy Amcor and Berry together as One Amcor.

Even better, Amcor pays dividends quarterly, giving income investors a more frequent cash flow than the twice-yearly norm on the ASX.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

Suncorp is the second well-priced name here, though the dividend outlook requires a degree of patience.

UBS expects Suncorp’s FY2026 net profit and dividend to fall significantly due to catastrophe costs running roughly $580 million above budget, cutting its FY2026 EPS forecast by 31%.

Despite that near-term hit, UBS retains a buy rating with a $22 price target and forecasts an annual dividend of 66 cents per share for FY2026.

This implies a grossed-up yield of approximately 5.0% including franking credits.

The broker’s more interesting observation is that the same catastrophe events pushing this year’s dividend lower could “extend the positive home/motor pricing cycle,” supporting a recovery in FY2027 and beyond.

UBS projects the dividend will climb toward $1.09 per share by FY2030, implying a forward grossed-up yield of approximately 8.2% at today’s price.

This gap between a soft near-term number and a much stronger multi-year trajectory represents a potential attractive entry point for incoming investors.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure has appeared on dividend lists like this one before, and for good reason.

Why? The underlying business is high quality, with regulated, contracted revenue from its metallurgical coal export terminal in Queensland.

DBI shares hit an all-time high of $6.01 on 24 June 2026, up roughly 40% over the past twelve months. This has compressed the trailing yield to approximately 4.6%.

At an all-time high with a yield below 5%, DBI may not be the bargain it was earlier this year. However, shares have proven to be a reasonable holding for income investors over the long-term.

For investors seeking compounding dividends over the long term, DBI’s high-quality business model provides a compelling investment case.

Foolish takeaway

Amcor and Suncorp both still offer a genuine combination of an attractive yield and a credible path to dividend growth from here.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure is a quality business with a proven track record of compounding earnings and dividends.

Income investors looking for high yield at a reasonable price don’t need to look much further than these ASX dividend shares.

The post 3 well-priced ASX dividend shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend shares to buy for growing passive income
• Downgrade alert! 4 ASX shares re-rated by experts this week
• 1 ASX share to accumulate, one to hold, and one to sell
• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $1000 per week in passive income?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

Passive income is even better when it has room to grow.

A good dividend yield today can be attractive, but growth can make a big difference over time as earnings rise and companies return more cash to shareholders.

With that in mind, here are three ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering for the long term.

Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC)

Amcor could be an ASX dividend share to consider for growing passive income.

The packaging giant operates across the world, producing flexible and rigid packaging for food, beverages, healthcare, personal care, and other consumer products.

That gives Amcor exposure to everyday consumption rather than one narrow product category. People may change brands, shop around, or reduce spending in tougher periods, but packaged goods remain part of daily life across households and businesses.

The company is also exposed to defensive end markets, which can help support cash flow through different economic conditions.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

Another ASX dividend share to look at for the long term is Dicker Data.

It is a technology distributor that connects major global vendors with resellers, managed service providers, and business customers across Australia and New Zealand.

Its products cover areas such as hardware, software, cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and other technology infrastructure.

That puts the company in an interesting position. It is not trying to be the next software disruptor. It sits in the middle of the technology supply chain, helping businesses access the tools they need to operate, modernise, and protect their systems.

Over the past decade, Dicker Data has also built a reputation as a strong dividend payer. The good news is that this trend looks set to continue.

As companies keep investing in cloud services, security, devices, and digital infrastructure, Dicker Data is well-placed to continue generating the cash flow needed to support dividends over time.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A third ASX dividend share to consider is youth-focused fashion retailer Universal Store.

Retail can be cyclical, but Universal Store has carved out a clear position in the youth fashion market, with a strong understanding of brands, trends, store experience, and customer behaviour.

That gives it a different income profile from traditional defensive dividend shares.

When trading conditions are supportive, retailers with strong margins, disciplined inventory management, and a loyal customer base can generate attractive cash flow.

Another positive is that Universal Store has the potential to grow its earnings and dividends through new store openings, brand development, private label expansion, and better online execution.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares to buy for growing passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 well-priced ASX dividend shares to buy today
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 19% I’d buy right now
• Downgrade alert! 4 ASX shares re-rated by experts this week
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• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $1000 per week in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc and Dicker Data. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been a rough ride for the GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) share price over the last year, it’s down around 40% since July 2025, as the chart below shows. The drop of the valuation has led to a big increase in the dividend yield.

GQG is a leading US-based fund manager offering four main strategies. Its key funds are focused on international shares (excluding the US), emerging market shares, US shares and global shares.

Headwinds to turn into tailwinds?

Short-term investment performance has been difficult as the fund manager positioned its portfolios defensively to protect against excessive, lofty valuations. Despite that, all four of its strategies have outperformed their respective benchmarks since their inception in 2014.

I think the business has a lot of potential to outperform from this current low point in the GQG share price.

The business could see better performance in the coming months if share markets rise, providing a tailwind for its funds under management (FUM) to rise. Or, if the market falls, its defensive positioning could enable outperformance of the benchmark.

FUM outflows have already slowed significantly, and returning to outperformance could help GQG regain FUM inflows.

Big dividend yield

The business is currently paying out approximately 90% of its distributable profit to shareholders, which is a very generous level of passive income.

With the large drop in the GQG share price, it’s now trading on a very low price/earnings (P/E) ratio, giving investors an opportunity to buy this business for incredible value.

It pays its dividend quarterly, meaning investors receive their payouts at a pleasing frequency. The latest dividend was AU $0.04878 per share, which translates into an annualised dividend yield of 13.4%.

That also suggests that the business is currently valued at less than 7x its current annualised distributable profit.

If FUM were to continue declining over a long period, that would not be ideal. But GQG has a long track record of outperforming its benchmarks, and I believe it can get back to that level of performance.

What do analysts think of the GQG share price?

According to CMC Invest, there have been three ratings on the business within the last three months, with two buy ratings and one hold rating. The average price target is $1.76, implying a possible rise of around 20% over the next year.

Overall, it seems like the business is significantly undervalued, and it can provide investors with a lot of passive income.

The post Down 39% in 12 months with a 13% yield, are GQG shares too cheap to ignore? 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 Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P 500 Index (INDEXSP: .INX) has been a strong performer over the long-term. We shouldn’t judge a market or investment too much based on a short time frame, which I’d describe as anything less than a year.

The S&P 500 is one of the most popular indices from across the world because many of the largest (and strongest) global companies are listed in the US.

In this index, we can find 500 of the largest and most profitable businesses listed in the US share market, such as Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms.

How strongly has the S&P 500 Index performed in 2026?

At the time of writing, the S&P 500 Index has risen by 7.2% in 2026 to date. That compares very favourably to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has only risen by 0.4% in 2026 to date.

As you might expect, the gains in the US share market have largely been driven by a very small number of businesses.

In 2026 to date:

• The Nvidia share price is up 2% (it’s down 18% from mid-May)
• The Apple share price is up 4.7%
• The Microsoft share price is down 21%
• The Amazon share price is up 2.7%
• The Alphabet share price is up 6.1%
• The Meta Platforms share price is down 15%
• The Broadcom share price is up 5%
• The Micron Technology share price is up 259%
• The Advanced Micro Devices share price is up 133%

It is very interesting to me that names like Microsoft and Meta Platforms have suffered major declines, and Nvidia has given up much of its 2026 gains, while others in the tech space have soared.

How can Australian investors get exposure to this index?

The easiest way for Aussies to buy into the S&P 500 is through the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). It’s one of the cheapest exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX with an annual management fee of just 0.04%.

The fund’s performance has been excellent, thanks to the businesses it holds. Over the past decade to 31 May 2026, the IVV ETF has averaged an annual return of 15.5%.

I’m not expecting the next five and ten years to be as good as that because of how reliant those returns were on a few tech names.

It becomes increasingly difficult to continue growing earnings at a strong pace when you’re talking about businesses with market capitalisations of more than US$1 trillion. Plus, it’s an intriguing development that the index is becoming more concentrated on the top ten names.

However, great companies do manage to continue growing their earnings. So, aside from the complexity of the huge spending on AI, I think the outlook for the S&P 500 looks compelling.

The post $5,000 invested in the S&P 500 at the start of 2026 is now worth… 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 positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Broadcom, Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Buying ASX dividend stocks at cheap value makes a lot of sense. That’s why I think the business Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) is very appealing after its 19% decline since late February 2026, as the chart below shows.

It may not be one of the most well-known dividend businesses out there, but I think it has significant potential. It’s a retailer of what it describes as premium youth fashion brands, including Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and the CTC business (with the THRILLS and Worship brands). It has more than 120 stores across Australia.

Let me explain why it’s such an appealing ASX dividend stock today.

Great dividend track record

The ASX dividend stock began paying dividends to shareholders in 2021 and has continued to increase its annual payout each year since.

Universal Store’s latest result was the FY26 half-year result – it hiked its interim payout by 18.1% to 26 cents per share. I’m not expecting the company to continue increasing its payout at that pace every year forever, but it shows it is delivering excellent passive income growth for investors.

There are plenty of ASX blue-chip shares that have given investors a dividend reduction in the last five years, but Universal Store has not.

According to the projection on CMC Invest, the business is forecast to pay a dividend that equates to a grossed-up dividend yield of close to 8%, including franking credits, with further (but slower) growth projected for FY27 and FY28.

There are not many ASX dividend stocks with a yield of around 8% (or more) that are expected to grow their payout in high single-digit terms in the coming years.

Why this is a good time to buy the ASX dividend stock

The business is doing all the right things to grow its sales and earnings in a number of ways.

For starters, it’s achieving ongoing sales growth through both good like-for-like sales at existing stores and expansion of its store network.

Its FY26 retail sales through week 43 were solid. Universal Store delivered sales growth of 11.8%. Perfect Stranger’s like-for-like (LFL) sales grew 12.9%, while total sales growth came to 39.8%. CTC LFL sales increased 3.8%, while total sales increased 14.5%.

During FY26, Universal Store has opened four new stores and Perfect Stranger opened seven new stores.

The company expects total FY26 sales to grow by approximately 11.5%, while underlying operating profit (EBITA) could grow by 15.4%. As we can see, profit margins are expected to improve, which helps the bottom line grow faster, and this is what funds those rising dividends.

It has shown great skill at growing earnings and dividends over the years – I think this is a good time to invest in the ASX dividend stock, along with a few other names.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 19% I’d buy right now 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.

Building lifelong passive income from the share market is not about finding the highest dividend yield today.

I think it is about building an engine that can keep producing cash for years, while also having the strength to grow over time.

That means investors need to think beyond this year’s income. They also need to think about dividend sustainability, reinvestment, inflation, diversification, and the quality of the businesses behind the payments.

Start with the right goal

The first step is deciding what the income is meant to do.

Some investors may want dividend income to help cover bills in retirement. Others may want to reinvest dividends for years before eventually using them. Younger investors may simply want to build an income stream that becomes more useful over time.

The strategy can look different depending on the goal.

For someone still building wealth, I think reinvesting dividends can be powerful. Each dividend can buy more units or shares, which can then produce more dividends in the future. Over long periods, that can help the portfolio gather momentum.

For someone already living off income, the focus may shift more toward reliability, balance, and having enough cash set aside so shares do not need to be sold at a poor time.

Do not chase yield blindly

A high dividend yield can look tempting, but it can also be a warning sign.

Sometimes a yield is high because a business is strong and the market is offering a good price. Other times, it is high because investors expect the dividend to be cut.

That is why I would look at the business first and the yield second.

I would want companies with durable earnings like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). Its businesses are exposed to everyday spending across areas such as hardware, discount department stores, office supplies, and healthcare. That does not mean profits will rise every year, but I like the group’s long record of disciplined capital allocation.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is another example of the type of income share I would consider. Mobile connectivity has become essential for households and businesses, and that gives Telstra a defensive quality that can support dividends over time.

The aim is not to collect the biggest yield possible. It is to build an income stream that has a better chance of lasting.

Keep growth in the mix

Passive income can lose value if it does not grow.

A $10,000 income stream may sound useful today, but it will not buy the same amount in 20 years if inflation keeps rising. That is why I think a lifelong income portfolio should include businesses with the ability to grow earnings and dividends over time.

This may mean accepting a lower starting yield from some shares if the long-term dividend growth potential is stronger.

A company like Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) can also be useful in this kind of portfolio. Its toll roads sit on important urban routes, and distributions can be supported by assets that people keep using across different economic conditions.

I would also think about balance. A portfolio built only around banks or miners may pay strong income in good times, but dividends from cyclical businesses can move around. Adding companies with different cash flow drivers can make the income stream feel more resilient.

Build slowly and let time help

The share market rewards patience more often than urgency.

I would build a passive income portfolio gradually, adding money regularly and using market pullbacks as opportunities when quality assets become cheaper.

APA Group (ASX: APA) is the sort of infrastructure name that could appeal when income is the goal. Its energy infrastructure assets may not be exciting, but they can help provide steady cash flows.

Over time, the income stream can start to do more of the work. Dividends can be reinvested, the portfolio can grow, and the investor can become less dependent on new contributions.

Foolish takeaway

Lifelong passive income comes from building a portfolio that can survive different market conditions and keep working in the background.

I would focus on quality first, then yield, then growth. Shares such as Wesfarmers, Telstra, Transurban, and APA show the kinds of businesses I would look for: useful, established, cash-generative, and capable of supporting income over time.

Dividends are never guaranteed. But with patience, diversification, and a focus on sustainable businesses, I think investors can build a passive income stream that lasts for decades.

The post How to build passive income for life from the ASX share market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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.

Shares in mining heavyweight BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) have finally hit a speed bump. BHP shares have fallen around 10.5% from its recent record high of $65.98, and are down approximately 6.5% over the past five trading sessions.

Despite the pullback, long-term shareholders still have plenty to smile about. BHP shares remain up roughly 30% in 2026 and an impressive 64% over the past 12 months.

So, is this simply a healthy breather after a huge rally, or the beginning of something more concerning?

What do brokers think?

Judging by analyst forecasts, the market isn’t leaning strongly in either direction. According to TradingView data, most brokers are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Of the 19 analysts covering BHP shares, 13 currently rate the $300 billion mining giant as a hold. Four recommend buying the stock, while two recommend selling.

That tells a story of cautious optimism rather than outright enthusiasm. Among the latest broker moves, DZ Bank upgraded BHP from sell to hold. Its $65 price target implies around 10% upside from current levels.

What’s striking, however, is the enormous spread between broker forecasts. The most bullish analyst values BHP at $94.51 a share, suggesting upside of nearly 60%. The most bearish sits at just $40.97, implying downside of around 30%.

When professional investors disagree by that much, it usually reflects genuine uncertainty about where the business is heading.

Why are BHP shares under pressure?

The catalyst for the recent sell-off was BHP’s latest update on its giant Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Following a comprehensive review, management revealed Stage 2 will cost far more than previously expected. The company now expects the project will require an additional US$4.9 billion to US$5.4 billion beyond earlier estimates. That’s on top of the original US$4.9 billion budget approved in late 2023.

BHP also expects to recognise an impairment charge of around US$2.3 billion relating to Jansen Stage 2 in its FY26 results.

The timeline has deteriorated as well. First production from Stage 2 is now targeted for FY2031, two years later than originally planned.

Little patience for bad news

Unfortunately for BHP shares, this isn’t the first time Jansen’s budget has blown out.

Each successive cost increase has chipped away at investor confidence and raised questions about management’s ability to accurately forecast one of the company’s biggest growth projects.

Stage 1 remains on track for first production in FY2027, although even that project’s cost estimate has drifted higher since it was first approved. BHP has promised another update on Stage 1 before the end of the year.

Timing also mattered

Before the announcement, BHP shares had rallied about 30% since the start of 2026, leaving the stock trading near record highs.

When expectations are elevated, markets tend to punish disappointments more severely. The sell-off likely reflects not only concerns over Jansen, but also some investors taking profits after an exceptional run.

The bigger picture, however, hasn’t changed dramatically. BHP still generates enormous cash flow from its world-class iron ore business, continues to expand its exposure to copper, and retains long-term optionality through potash.

For now, though, the market appears happy to wait for greater clarity on Jansen before pushing BHP shares decisively higher again.

The post BHP shares have lost momentum. Should investors be worried? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) have been growing strongly for many years.

But I think the bigger opportunity is still ahead. Life360 is building a family safety and connection platform with a huge user base, while Zip is becoming a more profitable digital payments business with a particularly exciting opportunity in the United States.

Because of this, I think both ASX shares are strong buys for investors willing to accept some volatility.

Life360 shares

Life360 has become one of the more interesting consumer technology shares on the ASX.

The company’s app helps families stay connected through location sharing, driving safety features, alerts, and related services. I think that gives Life360 a useful emotional layer that many apps do not have. It is not just entertainment or convenience. For many families, the product is about reassurance.

That can be powerful if the company keeps building around that relationship.

Life360’s recent quarterly update showed how quickly the business is still growing. In the first quarter of 2026, total revenue grew 38% year over year to US$143.1 million. Monthly active users reached approximately 97.8 million, up 17% year-over-year, while total Paying Circles rose 27% to 3.0 million.

The advertising opportunity is also becoming more meaningful. Advertising revenue reached US$19.7 million in the quarter, up 329% year-over-year.

That is partly what makes Life360 exciting to me. The company has a large free user base, a growing paid subscriber base, and a developing advertising business. If it can keep improving the product without damaging user trust, there could be several ways to grow revenue over time.

There are risks. Consumer apps can be competitive, privacy is crucial, and valuation can move around quickly. But I think Life360 has the ingredients of a much larger business.

Zip shares

Zip is another ASX growth share I think is worth buying.

The buy-now-pay-later company has been through a major reset in recent years, and I think that makes the investment opportunity more attractive. It is not just chasing growth. It is showing better profitability, tighter execution, and momentum in the right markets.

The US business is what I value most. Zip recently said its US operations had 4.6 million active customers and annual transaction volume of around A$12 billion as at 31 March 2026. The company also pointed to a high-growth US business executing strongly in what it sees as an attractive early-stage market.

That is a big opportunity if Zip can keep underwriting customers profitably. The company says it serves Americans who are often overlooked by traditional financial services providers. I think that is an important point. Many customers still want flexible, transparent payment options, particularly when managing everyday expenses.

Zip’s update also showed group momentum. For the third quarter of FY26, total transaction volume rose 22.4% year over year, total income increased 20.2%, and cash EBTDA jumped 41.5%.

That combination of growth and improving profitability is what I want to see.

Foolish takeaway

Life360 and Zip are not low-risk blue-chip ASX shares, but I think both have attractive long-term upside.

Life360 is building a large consumer platform around family safety and connection, with subscriptions and advertising both contributing to growth. Zip is showing that a digital payments business can grow while becoming more profitable, with the US market offering a large runway.

Both companies still need to execute well. But based on their recent momentum, I think Life360 and Zip shares are strong buys today.

The post Why I think Life360 and Zip shares are strong buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this analyst rates Life360 shares a buy right now
• Why I’d buy CSL and Zip shares before they recover
• 5 ASX growth shares I want in my portfolio in FY27
• 3 reasons to buy the dip on Life360 shares today
• If I’d invested $7,000 in Zip shares 3 months ago, guess what I’d have now!

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been a spectacular year for investors in Australia’s biggest ASX lithium stocks.

Over the past 12 months, shares in Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) have surged around 213%, while PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) has done even better, rocketing approximately 301%.

The rally has been driven by a powerful recovery in the lithium sector after several difficult years.

Momentum has cooled in recent weeks, however. Both stocks have retreated over the past month as lithium prices eased.

That’s hardly surprising. Lithium carbonate prices climbed roughly 155% over the past year, providing a major tailwind for producers. But after falling around 14% over the past month, investors are once again questioning how much upside remains.

Even so, anyone who invested $5,000 in either stock a year ago would still be sitting on an eye-catching gain.

Here’s what that investment would be worth today.

$5,000 invested in Mineral Resources

A $5,000 investment in Mineral Resources 12 months ago would now be worth approximately $15,650.

While the company has benefited from the rebound in lithium, it’s not a pure-play producer.

Unlike many ASX lithium stocks, Mineral Resources also has sizeable mining services and iron ore operations, giving investors broader commodity exposure.

That diversification has proven to be valuable. The company recently delivered its strongest half-year result on record, reporting revenue of $3.1 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion.

A standout contributor was the rapidly expanding Onslow Iron project, which has emerged as a major earnings driver alongside improving lithium market conditions. The growing iron ore business helps reduce Mineral Resources’ dependence on lithium alone, making earnings less sensitive to swings in a single commodity.

That doesn’t eliminate risk, however. Both iron ore and lithium prices remain important profit drivers, and weakness in either market could weigh on earnings and investor sentiment.

$5,000 invested in PLS Group

The returns have been even more remarkable for PLS Group shareholders.

A $5,000 investment made 12 months ago would now be worth approximately $20,050, effectively quadrupling an investor’s original capital.

Unlike some of its peers, PLS’ rally hasn’t been driven solely by rising lithium prices. The $18 billion mining giant has also delivered impressive operational growth.

In its latest half-year result, the ASX lithium stock reported revenue of $624 million, up 47% from the previous corresponding period as both realised lithium prices and sales volumes increased.

Underlying EBITDA surged 241% to $253 million, while EBITDA margins expanded dramatically to 41%, compared with just 17% a year earlier.

Its flagship Pilgangoora operation remains one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mines, providing significant scale and cost advantages as global demand for battery materials continues to grow.

Like every lithium producer, though, PLS remains exposed to commodity prices. If lithium continues to weaken, profitability could come under pressure despite strong production growth.

Foolish takeaway

The recent pullback is a timely reminder that ASX lithium stocks remain highly leveraged to commodity prices. That said, the underlying businesses continue to strengthen. Production is rising, earnings have rebounded sharply, and major growth projects are progressing.

If lithium prices stabilise – or resume their upward trend – both Mineral Resources and PLS Group could find fresh momentum.

The post $5,000 invested in these ASX lithium stocks a year ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about Mineral Resources, A2 Milk and Pro Medicus shares on Thursday?
• Up 218% in a year, Mineral Resources shares sinking today amid mine closure news
• Forget PLS shares, this US-focused ASX lithium share could rise 100%+
• These ASX mining stocks soared 185%+, then tumbled. What now?
• PLS shares drop 5%: What’s driving the move?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.