The HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) share price is in focus today after the company reported record platform net inflows of $5.6 billion in Q2 FY26, with total Funds Under Administration (FUA) reaching $152.3 billion as at 31 December 2025, up 26% on last year.

What did HUB24 report?

• Record Q2 FY26 platform net inflows of $5.6 billion (up 2% on pcp, up 42% excluding large migrations)
• Half-year platform net inflows of $10.7 billion (up 13% on pcp)
• Total FUA of $152.3 billion as at 31 December 2025 (up 26% on pcp)
• Platform FUA of $127.9 billion (up 29% on pcp); PARS FUA of $24.4 billion (up 11% on pcp)
• Active advisers using the platform increased 8% to 5,277
• HUB24 ranked first for net inflows for an eighth consecutive quarter

What else do investors need to know?

HUB24 continues to gain market share, lifting its platform position to 9.3% as at 30 September 2025, up from 7.9% a year prior, and is now the sixth largest in the sector by FUA.

The company announced the development of an Innovative Lifetime Retirement Solution (IRIS) with TAL, broadening its retirement product offering and set for launch in the second half of FY26.

The group also advanced its myhub ecosystem, aimed at solving advice practice productivity challenges by leveraging AI and integrating third-party and in-house platforms. A pilot is planned for 1HFY27.

What did HUB24 management say?

HUB24 Managing Director and CEO Andrew Alcock said:

Our record platform inflows and strong adviser engagement reflect HUB24’s ongoing leadership and our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that help advisers support clients through all life stages.

What’s next for HUB24?

Looking ahead, HUB24 plans to launch its new lifetime retirement solution with TAL in 2HFY26, and will continue investing in platform enhancements like productivity tools and reporting upgrades for advisers. The company also intends to pilot its new myhub ecosystem in 1HFY27, aiming to further integrate its technology stack and support advice practices.

HUB24 is progressing with the proposed transition of the HUB24 Super Fund trustee role to within the HUB24 Group, pending regulatory approval, with updates promised as the process advances.

HUB24 share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, HUB24 shares have risen 51%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post HUB24 posts record inflows in Q2 FY26 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Origin Energy to keep Eraring Power Station running until 2029
• BHP lifts copper guidance after record half-year output
• AMP appoints Blair Vernon as CEO, Alexis George to retire
• Telix Pharmaceuticals receives China’s nod for Illuccix prostate cancer imaging NDA
• Northern Star Resources revises FY26 cost guidance after lower gold sales

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Hub24. 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price is in focus today after the company announced Blair Vernon will become the new Group Chief Executive Officer, with Alexis George set to retire after leading major transformation and growth since 2021.

What did AMP report?

• Blair Vernon appointed as incoming Group CEO, effective following Alexis George’s retirement on 30 March 2026
• Alexis George stepping down after a successful five-year tenure overseeing transformation and growth
• Vernon’s contract includes a base salary of $1.4 million, with annual and long-term incentive opportunities
• Ms George will stay on for a smooth handover before exiting
• New search for a Chief Financial Officer to begin, following Vernon’s move from CFO to CEO

What else do investors need to know?

AMP has undergone significant change under Ms George, selling its AMP Capital and Advice business units and sharpening its focus on core growth opportunities. The board said the appointment of Blair Vernon follows a thorough internal and external recruitment process designed to support a seamless leadership transition.

The company has emphasised stability, with Mr Vernon having previously led transformation efforts and served in executive roles across both Australian and New Zealand operations. The board is confident that strong executive bench strength will support AMP’s momentum in its next chapter.

What did AMP management say?

Blair Vernon commented:

It’s a privilege to take on the leadership of AMP, a company with a proud legacy of serving the financial needs of Australians and New Zealanders. AMP is delivering against its strategy, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in executing our strategic ambitions and delivering positive outcomes to customers, shareholders, communities and colleagues. I want to thank Alexis for her incredible contribution to AMP and all its stakeholders, and for her support over so many years. I wish her well for the future and look forward to continuing to work with her during our transition.

What’s next for AMP?

AMP says the executive handover will be managed carefully to maintain stability and delivery of ongoing strategy. The board and new CEO will continue to focus on growth and customer outcomes as the company enters its next phase.

A formal search for a new Chief Financial Officer is set to begin soon. The company says all incentives and contractual arrangements for Ms George’s departure will proceed as previously disclosed.

AMP share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, AMP shares have risen 13%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post AMP appoints Blair Vernon as CEO, Alexis George to retire appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Origin Energy to keep Eraring Power Station running until 2029
• BHP lifts copper guidance after record half-year output
• HUB24 posts record inflows in Q2 FY26 earnings
• Telix Pharmaceuticals receives China’s nod for Illuccix prostate cancer imaging NDA
• Northern Star Resources revises FY26 cost guidance after lower gold sales

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) share price is in focus after the company announced the Chinese regulator has accepted the New Drug Application for Illuccix, Telix’s lead imaging agent for prostate cancer. The pivotal Phase 3 study in China reported a positive predictive value of 94.8% and showed the agent led to a change in treatment for over two-thirds of patients.

What did Telix Pharmaceuticals report?

• The Chinese NMPA has accepted the New Drug Application for Illuccix for prostate cancer imaging.
• Illuccix China Phase 3 study met its primary endpoint, recording a 94.8% positive predictive value in patients with biochemical recurrence.
• 67.2% of patients experienced a change in treatment as a result of Illuccix PSMA-PET imaging.
• Submission was made in partnership with Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited for the Greater China region.
• The submission seeks a broad label covering multiple stages of prostate cancer care.

What else do investors need to know?

The China pivotal study results confirm Illuccix’s clinical performance in Chinese patients is comparable to outcomes in international studies. Notably, the imaging agent demonstrated strong accuracy even in patients with very low PSA levels and across various metastatic sites.

Prostate cancer remains a major and growing health challenge in China, with diagnoses increasing by about 6% annually. Wider government support for nuclear medicine is expanding imaging access, with a jump in PET/CT camera installations in China in recent years.

What’s next for Telix Pharmaceuticals?

Telix expects to work closely with its partner Grand Pharmaceutical Group and Chinese regulators during the approval process. If successful, the launch of Illuccix in China could significantly expand Telix’s commercial footprint and support its strategy to deliver precision medicine in large and growing markets.

Looking forward, Telix continues to build out its product portfolio and international operations, aiming to address unmet needs in oncology and rare diseases both in China and worldwide.

Telix Pharmaceuticals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Telix shares have declined 57%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Telix Pharmaceuticals receives China’s nod for Illuccix prostate cancer imaging NDA appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Origin Energy to keep Eraring Power Station running until 2029
• BHP lifts copper guidance after record half-year output
• HUB24 posts record inflows in Q2 FY26 earnings
• AMP appoints Blair Vernon as CEO, Alexis George to retire
• Northern Star Resources revises FY26 cost guidance after lower gold sales

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is in focus after the company revised its FY26 all-in sustaining cost (AISC) guidance to A$2,600–2,800 per ounce. The gold miner also confirmed its annual production guidance will now be 1,600,000–1,700,000 ounces.

What did Northern Star report?

• FY26 AISC guidance lifted to A$2,600–2,800/oz (up from A$2,300–2,700/oz)
• FY26 Group production guidance downgraded to 1.6–1.7 million ounces (previously 1.7–1.85 million ounces)
• Higher royalties due to increased gold prices are expected to add around A$40/oz to costs
• Sustaining capital guidance for FY26 remains steady at ~A$750 million, or ~A$450/oz
• 1H FY26 actual AISC was A$2,720/oz

What else do investors need to know?

Northern Star flagged these cost and production changes after disappointing gold sales across all three production centres in the December quarter. Management says the main drivers for higher AISC are lower volumes and increased royalties as gold prices have risen.

The company is sticking with its sustaining capital expenditure targets, signalling confidence in its long-term asset investment. Investors can expect further detail when Northern Star releases its December quarterly results on 22 January.

What’s next for Northern Star?

Northern Star says these guidance changes are intended to give investors a clearer picture of FY26 expectations ahead of the quarterly report. The company will update shareholders further on its performance and outlook once the full quarterly results are out.

Focus will now turn to how management executes operational improvements and whether gold prices remain high enough to offset rising costs for the remainder of the year.

Northern Star share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Northern Star resources shares have risen 63%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Northern Star Resources revises FY26 cost guidance after lower gold sales appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

A new report from ASX ETF provider Global X has shed light on the record breaking year for ETFs in 2025. 

The report highlights that this investment class is becoming an increasingly attractive asset option for investors. 

Key takeaways

According to the Global X report, the Australian ETF market grew 34.1% in 2025 and is running at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.3%. 

This growth was driven by over $53 billion in net inflows over the past year, positive market movements, and unlisted funds converting into active ETFs.

Investors poured $5.3 billion in Australian ETFs in the final month of the year, capping off a record breaking 2025 with net inflows totalling $53.3 billion to close out the year, shattering the prior record of $31 billion set in 2024.

But it wasn’t just the total investment that broke records. 

For the first time since 2019, 92% of Australian-listed ETFs delivered positive returns. 

These milestones highlight how ETFs have firmly established themselves as mainstream investment vehicles for Australian investors, offering transparency, liquidity and cost efficiency. 

With ETF penetration in Australia still well below international markets, we believe adoption has further room to grow as investors increasingly use ETFs as core portfolio building blocks across asset classes and investment styles.

The report also noted that most Australian ETF investors opt for unhedged currency funds for their global exposure. 

Historically, only 10-15% of global equity ETF allocations have been directed to currency-hedging strategies.

However, according to Global X, in 2025, that share rose. Roughly one in every five dollars flowing into currency-hedged exposures, reflecting a heightened focus on managing currency risk.

December at a glance

The report highlighted that December 2025 was dominated by a powerful surge across precious metals. 

This capped off a year where commodities emerged as the standout investment theme of 2025. 

Gold, silver, platinum and palladium all rallied sharply in the final month, supported by tight supply conditions, resilient central bank demand and growing expectations of easier monetary policy in 2026.

What were the most popular categories in 2025?

The report also shed light on the most heavily sought after sectors in 2025. 

Equity ETFs dominated inflows, capturing about two-thirds of total ETF flows in 2025. 

Of the $35 billion allocated to equity ETFs, $7.3 billion went into broad-based global equity ETFs, making them the most popular category as investors sought low-cost, diversified exposure.

Broad-based Australian equity ETFs ranked second, after leading flows in 2024.

Defensive assets were also significant, with $14 billion allocated to fixed income ETFs. Global diversified fixed income ETFs had a particularly strong December, boosted by a large model portfolio rotation, contributing to $2.1 billion in inflows for the year.

Liquid alternatives regained momentum, with commodity ETFs attracting over $2 billion in net inflows. Their share of total flows was the highest since 2020, reflecting renewed interest in diversification, inflation hedging, and real assets.

How to target these sectors?

For investors looking for exposure to these sectors, there are plenty of ASX ETFs to consider. 

Amongst thematic ASX ETFs, Global X identified the following as the fastest growing: 

• Global X China Tech Etf (ASX: DRGN)
• Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)
• Global X Gold Bullion (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX:GHLD). 

For global equities, popular ASX ETFs to consider include: 

• Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX:QUAL)

For broad-based Australian Shares: 

• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
• BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)
• Global X Australia 300 Etf (ASX: A300). 

The post Why Aussies are pouring into ASX ETFs at a record pace appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF 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.

One of the best ways for Aussies to grow wealth is to make patient, long term investments in ASX growth shares.

But which shares could be top picks for buy and hold investments?

Let’s take a look at five that analysts currently rate as buys. Here’s what they are recommending:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat Leisure could be an ASX growth share to buy and hold. It is one of the world’s leading gaming technology companies with global operations covering poker machines, real money gaming, and mobile games. The team at Bell Potter believes it is well-placed for growth over the long term. The broker has a buy rating and $80.00 price target on its shares.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Another ASX growth share that analysts are bullish on is Lovisa. It is a fashion jewellery retailer that is operating approximately 1,075 stores across more than 50 markets. While this is a large number, it is still only scratching at the surface of its global market opportunity. The team at Morgans is very positive on Lovisa and recently named it as one of its top picks in the retail sector. The broker has a buy rating and $40.00 price target on its shares.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Morgans also sees NextDC as an ASX growth share to buy now. It is one of Australia’s leading data centre-as-a-service providers. From its growing data centre network, it delivers critical power, security, and connectivity for global cloud platform providers, enterprise, and government markets. With demand for data centre capacity expected to increase materially over the next decade due to the AI boom, NextDC stands to benefit greatly. The broker currently has a buy rating and $19.00 price target on its shares.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

A fourth ASX growth share that could be a top long-term option for investors is TechnologyOne. It is a leading enterprise software provider to governments, universities, and corporations. Its shift to a software-as-a-service model has been a huge success, locking in sticky recurring revenue and improving profitability. As it expands further in international markets, TechnologyOne’s addressable market will only get larger, which bodes well for the future. The team at UBS is positive on the tech stock and has a buy rating and $44.50 price target on its shares.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Finally, WiseTech could be an ASX growth share to buy and hold. It is a global leader in logistics software, with its CargoWise platform now used by freight forwarders and transport companies across the world. With global trade volumes still rising and supply chains becoming more complex, WiseTech appears well placed to compound growth for many years to come. Morgans is positive on the company and has a buy rating and $127.60 price target on its shares.

The post 5 of the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa, Nextdc, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) is an ASX small-cap stock that has endured a tough 12 months. 

Its stock price is down 44% in that span. 

However, it has had a red hot start to 2026. 

Since the start of the new year, its share price has risen from $0.36 to $0.42. 

That’s good for a rise of more than 16%. 

Why is the share price up to start the year?

This ASX small-cap stock is the largest pure-play met coal producer delivering into global export markets.

The key tailwind for Coronado Global Resources is the rebound in metallurgical coal prices.

Coking coal has risen to around US$230/t, up sharply over the past month and more than 16% higher year-on-year.

The recovery reflects tighter supply, improving steel demand, higher blast furnace utilisation, and inventory restocking, alongside production and logistics constraints in key export regions.

As a pure-play metallurgical coal producer, Coronado is well positioned to benefit. Higher prices likely translate quickly into stronger earnings due to its operating leverage.

The rally to start the year is despite a single day drop of more than 11% after a fatal incident at its Curragh operations in Queensland.

The coal producer’s share price fell 11.11% on the 5th of January to a one-month low of 28 cents.

What is Bell Potter’s view?

Between coal price tailwinds and operational faults, it can be hard to pinpoint fair value for this ASX small-cap. 

However in a new report from Bell Potter yesterday, the broker upgraded its near-term coal price outlook. 

Hard coking coal is now expected to average US$220/t in 2026 (up from US$190), US$210/t in 2027 (from US$190), and US$195/t in 2028 (from US$180).

Thermal coal forecasts have also been raised to US$110/t in 2026 (from US$100) and US$100/t in 2027-28. Long-term price assumptions are unchanged.

While Bell Potter has slightly reduced production forecasts due to recent operating performance, the higher coal price outlook materially improves earnings. 

Losses in 2025 are marginally smaller, and profits are now expected in 2026 and 2027, representing a significant upgrade to previous forecasts.

Increased target price 

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has maintained a speculative hold recommendation on this ASX small-cap stock, recognising balance sheet risks.

In the near-term, operational performance is set to lift with the ramp-up of Mammoth underground and the Buchanan expansion projects, supporting production volumes and lower unit costs.

Coronado Global Resources shares closed yesterday at $0.42 each. 

Bell Potter has an updated price target of $0.47 (previously $0.33). 

Based on this target, there is an estimated upside of 11.90%. 

The post Up 16% in 2026 already – is this ASX small-cap a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

For investors looking to build income alongside capital growth, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be the answer.

They help by spreading income exposure across dozens or even hundreds of underlying assets, reducing reliance on any single company.

But which funds could be worth considering for passive income? Let’s take a look at four top options. They are as follows:

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF is one of the most straightforward income ETFs on the ASX.

It invests in Australian shares with above-average dividend yields, drawing heavily from sectors such as banks, resources, and consumer staples. That means income is supported by businesses that are already significant dividend payers rather than speculative cash flows.

This provides exposure to franked dividends and spreads risk across many of the ASX’s major income contributors, making it a potential core holding for Australian-focused income portfolios.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)

Another ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Shares High Yield ETF.

It seeks to improve on traditional high-dividend strategies by aiming to screen out potential dividend traps. This includes companies projected to pay unsustainably high dividend yields, as well as companies that exhibit high levels of volatility relative to their forecast dividend payout.

Among its holdings are the big four banks, Australia’s largest miners, and the country’s leading retailers.

Betashares Global Royalties ETF (ASX: ROYL)

The Betashares Global Royalties ETF is the third ASX ETF to look at for passive income.

This fund invests in shares that earn royalties from assets such as intellectual property, music, energy infrastructure, and natural resources. These royalty models often produce recurring revenue without the need for heavy ongoing capital investment.

For income investors, this ETF provides diversification away from traditional dividends. Its cash flows are linked to usage and production rather than company profits alone. This can help smooth income across cycles and add a different dimension to a passive income portfolio.

Betashares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser ETF (ASX: UMAX)

Finally, the Betashares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser ETF generates income in a very different way.

Rather than relying purely on dividends, the ETF uses a covered call strategy over US equities to generate option premium income. This can result in relatively high and regular distributions, even when underlying markets are moving sideways.

The trade-off is that upside is capped in strong market rallies. However, for investors prioritising income over capital growth, this fund can provide an additional income stream that behaves differently from traditional dividend ETFs.

The post These ASX ETFs could be top passive income picks 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Fund. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I think it could be a mistake to think that the largest S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) growth shares have finished expanding.

For starters, there are reasons why those businesses have been as successful as they have – their product/service attracted customers and the economic moat has kept them ahead of competitors. I think it’s likely these winning ASX 200 shares can continue to perform, which is why I’m a big fan of the below names.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is one of the world’s leading cloud accounting providers for small and medium businesses.

Its software is very popular with subscribers thanks to its easy-to-understand layout, efficiency tools and digital capabilities for reporting figures to the government.

The ASX 200 share has a subscriber retention rate of around 99% each year, which is a great sign of the value customers get and allows the business to implement price increases over time without losing many subscribers.

If its revenue and cash flow continue growing at a strong double-digit pace, the company’s valuation (which has fallen substantially in recent times – down 40% in six months) could be very attractive.

The fact its gross profit margin remains close to 90% is a very good sign for further profit growth as it adds more subscribers.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

This is another ASX 200 share with an exceptional record and plans to become much larger. It provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) software in multiple countries.

By the end of the decade, the business is aiming for $1 billion of annualised recurring revenue (ARR), which would be close to a doubling of that figure over the next five years.

That growth is likely to be driven by two key elements.

First, it’s targeting the UK which has similar sorts of potential customers as Australia: local councils, companies, governments, universities and so on. It recently won two important London borough councils as subscribers.

Another long-term driver of revenue could be the company’s high net revenue retention (NRR). This explains how much of last year’s revenue it retained from the existing client base. It’s hitting a NRR rate of 115%, meaning 15% more revenue than last year.

It’s achieving such a high growth rate because the ASX 200 share is successfully improving the software and selling more modules. Growing revenue at 15% per year means it would double in five years.

The business is also expecting its profit before tax (PBT) to climb towards 35% in the coming years, making it more likely that its bottom line can continue its ascent to much larger figures in the next five years.

According to the forecast on CMC Markets, the TechnologyOne share price is valued at 39x FY28’s estimated earnings.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares that could be top buys for growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares have had an excellent start to 2026. 

Since New Year’s Day, its stock price has jumped more than 12%. 

Whitehaven Coal is a leading Australian coal producer. 

Investors have been gobbling up Whitehaven Coal shares to start the year for a combination of reasons: 

• The outlook for long-term coal demand is getting a big boost as China prepares to launch more than 100 coal-fired power generators that are expected to supply electricity across the globe this year.
• Broader investment in ASX energy sector. 
• Whitehaven Coal continues sound operational results despite challenging conditions.

These factors have helped push Whitehaven Coal shares higher, and for brokers to adjust near-term outlooks.

Bell Potter updates near-term coal price outlook

Whitehaven Coal’s main focus is in the Gunnedah Basin in northwest New South Wales, where it operates six mines – five open cut and one underground. It operates one in the Bowen Basin of QLD.

In a new report from Bell Potter yesterday, the broker said in 2026 to-date, extreme weather conditions have impacted supply across the Bowen Basin and logistics chain resulting in elevated shipping queues at Queensland’s coal export terminals.

The report also noted that the Newcastle thermal coal benchmark has remained relatively subdued, averaging US$108/t in the December 2025 quarter (down 2% QoQ, spot US$109/t) with strong quarterly shipments out of the Port of Newcastle of 42Mt. 

This is the highest level since the September 2021 quarter.

Bell Potter has raised its short-term coal price forecasts, which is supportive for Whitehaven Coal’s earnings in the next few years. Long-term assumptions remain unchanged.

We have tapered our production outlook across the forecast period in line with recent operational performance. Together with the coal price update, EPS changes are: FY26 +99%; FY27 +75%; and FY28 +49%.

Investment outlook for Whitehaven Coal shares 

Whitehaven Coal shares closed trading yesterday at $8.80 each. 

This is a rise of almost 40% in the last year. 

Bell Potter has raised its price target to $8.40 (previously $7.00). 

However the broker has a hold recommendation based on its current valuation. 

The broker said the miner is positioned to capitalise on improved coal markets with its portfolio of operating and development assets that are diversified by product (met/thermal) and location (Queensland/New South Wales). 

We have a positive long term met coal outlook, driven by constrained supply and increased demand from steel producers reliant on seaborne met coal (i.e. India). We maintain a Hold rating given WHC’s current market valuation.

The post Top broker just increased its price target on Whitehaven Coal shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.