Tag: Stock pick

Broker Shaw and Partners recently held an Emerging Financial Companies Conference, during which several ASX-listed companies presented their outlooks.

I’ve had a look at the broker notes for two, which the Shaw and Partners team think could appreciate well over the next 12 months.

Let’s have a look at the companies they are tipping for strong share price gains.

Credit Clear Ltd (ASX: CCR)

Credit Clear offers a customer intelligence and accounts receivable platform and has clients including Toyota Finance, Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN), and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN).

Shaw and Partners said Credit Clear reiterated FY26 guidance of $9.5 to $10.5 million in EBITDA during its presentation.

They said the company has a strong economic moat and a large potential runway.

Shaw and Partners added:

CCR provides a highly regulated service in debt resolution and receivables management to Tier 1 utilities, financial firms, government entities and leisure companies. CCR has 10 years of data across numerous industries and dozens of clients to train its next-best-action AI debt resolution system. This is difficult for competitors to replicate. CCR is gaining share in the Australian market for commission-based debt resolution from a base of about 10% of industry revenue. Tier 1 client retention is about 95%.

The Shaw research note added that Credit Clear has a solid footprint in the UK and New Zealand and an emerging presence in the US and Canada.

They also noted that the company was working on an artificial recoveries platform to automate some processes, while noting that “debt recovery from consumers is generally highly regulated, and in many instances must involve human intervention”.

Shaw and Partners has a price target of 40 cents on Credit Clear shares compared with 23 cents currently.

Pioneer Credit Ltd (ASX: PNC)

Pioneer Credit also operates in the debt recovery sector.

Shaw and Partners said the company reiterated its full-year net profit guidance of more than $23 million.

The company also “re-iterated that FY26 cash collections are in growth and further cash growth is expected in FY27”.

Shaw said that Pioneer indicated that the industry was now returning to a growth phase.

Over the last few years the debt recovery industry suffered from subdued supply in part due to very low interest rates and regulatory oversight inhibiting banks from selling debt. PNC observes now that banks are returning to the market in force.  

One example was Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), which Shaw estimated could be inventorying nearly $2 billion of aged debt, which had been “written off but not resolved”.

Shaw estimated that winning its share of that debt could be worth 30 cents a share to Pioneer alone.

Shaw also said Pioneer benefits from being in a strong market position.

As they said:

In recent years competition has thinned such that the large end of the market, PNC operates in a duopoly. PNC is benefitting from panel deselection of competitors and its status as preferred counterparty due to its compliance record.

Shaw and Partners has a price target of $1 on Pioneer shares compared with 60 cents currently.

Pioneer Credit is valued at $96.4 million.

The post These two ASX financial services companies could both jump more than 50% Shaw and Partners says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the big four banks could keep delivering for income investors
• How much do I need to invest in ASX shares for $500 a month of passive income?
• Which Australian banks will benefit the most from rising interest rates?
• Why the ASX 200 is being smashed today
• If I invest $8,000 in Westpac shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

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 positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares are having a rough week.

The ASX 200 stock was sold off on Thursday and crashed 13%.

This means the grain exporter’s shares are now down 31% since this time last year.

Is this a buying opportunity for investors? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying.

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 stock?

Bell Potter notes that Graincorp released a half-year result this week that was well short of expectations. It said:

Revenue of $3,884m was down -5% YOY (vs. BPe $3,849m). EBITDA of $136.1m was down -32% YOY (vs. BPe of $148.6m) with a weaker result in Nutrition and energy and Agribusiness, despite moving higher volumes of grains in the half. There was a $12m EBITDA timing impact on derivative mark-to -markets within the Nutrition business which should unwind in 2H26e. Operating NPAT of $32.7m (vs. BPe of $49.6m) was down -53% YOY. 1H26 crop receipts were 11.0mt (vs. BPe of 10.4mt) and crop exports were 3.3mt (vs. BPe of 3.0mt).

In response to the results, the broker has reduced its earnings estimates for the coming years. It adds:

EPS changes are -4% in FY26e, -12% in FY27e and -9% in FY28e. changes reflect modestly lower margin assumptions and higher base interest rate assumptions. Our target price is $5.90ps (prev. $6.80ps) reflecting lower corporate net cash.

Should you buy the dip?

According to the note, the broker doesn’t think investors should be rushing in to buy the ASX 200 stock following its decline.

It has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $5.90 (from $6.80). Based on its current share price of $5.38, this implies potential upside of 9.5% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter has concerns that grain trading margins could remain tight in the near term. It said:

As the focus shifts to the upcoming crop, soil moisture profiles are in general the opposite of a year ago, being improved in the south and drier in the north. At this stage, the increasing shift in outlook towards an El Nino bias in 2HCY26 warrants consideration against potential yield outcomes. Global production forecasts for 2026/27 remain at elevated levels (~2% above the 5YR avg.), suggesting ongoing tight grain trading margins. Oilseed crush margins remain strong and have the potential to be a tailwind as hedge positions rollover.

The post Down 30%: Is this ASX 200 stock a buy after its crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Why Bapcor, Coles, Graincorp, and Xero shares are tumbling today
• Why Graincorp, Air New Zealand and Megaport shares are turning heads on Thursday
• ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results
• GrainCorp shares: 1H26 profit drops but guidance stands

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 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 tech stock Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) has gone absolutely ballistic lately.

On Thursday alone, the ASX tech stock blasted 27% higher to $12.58 after delivering a major announcement tied to the booming artificial intelligence sector.

That latest surge means Megaport shares have now skyrocketed an eye-watering 75% over the past month. Remarkably though, the stock is still sitting marginally lower than this time last year, highlighting just how volatile the journey has been for investors.

Now the big question being asked across the market is simple: can this rally keep going?

Three major contracts

First, it is worth understanding exactly what Megaport does. The ASX tech stock operates a global network-as-a-service platform that allows businesses to instantly connect to cloud providers, data centres, and internet infrastructure around the world.

That positioning is becoming increasingly valuable as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure demand continue accelerating globally.

And this week, the company delivered exactly the kind of update growth investors love to see. Megaport unveiled three major contract wins tied directly to the booming AI sector. Combined, the deals carry a total contract value of US$182.9 million, or roughly A$254 million.

Even more importantly, management of the ASX tech stock expects the contracts to generate approximately US$65.2 million (A$90.6 million) in annual recurring revenue.

That instantly caught the market’s attention. Recurring revenue is highly prized in technology investing because it improves earnings visibility and can create powerful operating leverage as businesses grow.

The contracts also strengthen Megaport’s position as an emerging AI infrastructure player rather than simply another speculative tech stock riding the hype cycle.

Fierce cloud competition

Of course, risks still remain. ASX tech stocks can stay extremely volatile, particularly after sharp rallies like the one Megaport has experienced over the past month.

Competition across cloud infrastructure and connectivity markets also remains fierce, with global giants constantly investing heavily in the space.

Execution will also be critical. Investors will want proof that Megaport can successfully deploy the required infrastructure, manage costs carefully, and convert this momentum into sustained profitability growth.

What next for the ASX tech stock?

Still, analyst sentiment currently appears very supportive. According to TradingView data, 12 of 15 analysts covering the ASX tech stock currently rate it as either a buy or strong buy. The remaining three have hold recommendations.

The average analyst price target sits at $15.32, implying roughly 22% upside from current levels.

Meanwhile, the most bullish valuation among analysts suggests Megaport shares could climb as high as $24. That would suggest a potential gain of around 90% from the current share price.

So while the stock has already staged a stunning rally, many analysts clearly believe the AI-fuelled growth story may only just be getting started.

The post This ASX tech stock has exploded 75% in a month, but can it climb higher? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX tech shares vs. ATEC ETF: How they fared during sector downturn
• Why Megaport just landed its biggest ever AI infrastructure contract
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why is this ASX tech stock rocketing 35% today?
• Why Codan, Medallion, Megaport, and Mineral 260 shares are storming higher today

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 positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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.

Are you looking for exposure to the mining sector outside the status quo of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)?

If you are, and have a higher tolerance for risk, then it could be worth checking out the ASX mining stock in this article.

That’s because Bell Potter believes it is on track to deliver big returns and equally big profits in the near future.

Which ASX mining stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1).

It is the niobium-focused mineral exploration company behind the West Arunta project in Western Australia.

Bell Potter notes that since its listing, WA1 Resources has focused on an aggressive drill-out program at West Arunta, specifically targeting the Luni carbonatite structure.

Niobium is considered to be a critical mineral by both the United States and European Union due to supply concentration and economic importance.

Bell Potter was pleased with the recently updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Luni deposit. It said:

The total MRE tonnage for Luni was already established and widely understood, what this update importantly delivers is the conversion of Inferred material into the Indicated category. At 57% of contained niobium now sitting in Indicated, WA1 has crossed a material threshold in terms of resource maturity and provides a platform for Ore Reserve declaration, pre-feasibility study completion, and ultimately, project financing. The Indicated high-grade subset represents a meaningful improvement in tonnage and grade versus the prior update.

This material is expected to anchor the initial mine schedule and underpin any starter operation economics. Our base case assumes a staged development, beginning with a 0.5Mtpa operation (5yrs) processing ore at average grade of 2.5% Nb₂O₅, scaling to 1.0–1.5Mtpa over the following decade. The high-grade Indicated subset as it now stands is sufficient to support that schedule.

Based on this, Bell Potter believes the company is well-placed to start generating sales and profits in FY 2028.

It is forecasting sales of $491.8 million, EBITDA of $354.1 million, and a net profit after tax of $256.1 million.

Should you invest?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating and $24.80 price target on the ASX mining stock.

Based on its current share price of $16.17, this implies potential upside of 53% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

We maintain our Speculative Buy recommendation with a $24.80/sh valuation (unchanged). Our valuation is based on a Notional Development Scenario (NDS) for Luni, discounted at 10% and risked at 30% to reflect the project’s current stage. Key catalysts for higher valuations and share price re-rating include: eastern zone assay results, Measured classification, PFS/Reserve declaration and potential MRE increase from eastern AC extensions.

The post This ASX mining stock tipped to rise 50% could make a profit of $250m in 2028 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Your early 50s are a vital time to prioritise your superannuation.

At this stage, your focus should shift from accumulating funds in your superannuation to deciding what your retirement will look like and how to pay for it.

The good news is that at this point, you’ve most likely built a decent superannuation balance, which means compounding can really start to work in your favour. 

But if not, your 50s are also the last major opportunity to significantly boost your superannuation before it’s too late.

Here’s a breakdown of the average superannuation balance of Aussies aged 53, and the balance you need by this point if you want to retire comfortably.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 53?

According to the latest data from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), the average Australian male aged 50-54 has around $254,074 in their superannuation.

The average 50-54-year-old female has a lot less, at around $190,175.

Around $65,000 is a huge difference for men and women in this age bracket. And that is mainly due to women taking time out of the workforce to raise children, working fewer hours, and having lower overall incomes, as well as taking on a greater amount of unpaid work at home.

Even so, none of these average superannuation balances is anywhere near what Australians need to afford a comfortable retirement when the time comes.

In fact, even if you have an above-average superannuation balance for your age, it doesn’t mean you have enough to live the retirement lifestyle that you want.

How much do I need at age 53 to get a comfortable retirement?

Again, ASFA has crunched the numbers. The association estimates that a comfortable retirement will cost around $54,840 per year for singles and $77,375 per year for couples.

This amount means you should be able to afford to maintain a good standard of living. It assumes you’ll have top level private health insurance, own a reasonable car, and partake in the occasional meal out or domestic trip. 

To fund $54,840 per year for singles and $77,375 per year for couples in retirement, you’ll need a superannuation balance of at least $630,000, or a combined $730,000 if you’re a couple.

In order to reach that figure, you’d need a balance of $364,000 at age 53, regardless of whether you’re a male or female.

And the concerning thing is that this $364,000 figure is significantly higher than the average superannuation balance for 50-54-year-olds. 

You say my 50s are the last major opportunity to significantly boost my superannuation savings. How can I do that? 

The good news is, at age 53, there are still seven years left until you reach preservation age (when you can access your superannuation balance if retired), or 12 years until you reach age 65 (when you can access your superannuation regardless of whether you’re still working or not).

That means there is still plenty of time to boost your superannuation balance up to the level that you need.

The most important thing you can do today is ensure your superannuation is with a well-performing fund and that your risk profile suits your own. 

Once you’ve checked that the money you already have in your super is working as well as possible, the next step is to think about how to add extra funds. Take advantage of additional concessional or non-concessional contributions, whether this is salary sacrificing or after-tax payments (within your annual limits), while you still can.

Also, look into any applicable government initiatives that could help turbocharge your balance. For example, there is a downsizer contributions rule, a bring-forward rule, a government co-contribution rule, and many others. 

If that still doesn’t give you enough to catch up, there is always the option of delaying retirement by a couple of years. By pushing your retirement back, even by another five years, it gives your investments more time to grow, and it could be the difference between a comfortable retirement and a modest one. 

The post The average superannuation balance at age 53 in Australia, versus what you need to retire comfortably appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These two ASX financial services companies could both jump more than 50% Shaw and Partners says
• Down 30%: Is this ASX 200 stock a buy after its crash?
• This ASX tech stock has exploded 75% in a month, but can it climb higher?
• This ASX mining stock tipped to rise 50% could make a profit of $250m in 2028
• Why ASX gold miners Evolution Mining and Northern Star could keep shining in 2026

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.

Gold trades near record highs, and Australia’s two largest ASX-listed gold miners are riding the wave. 

Here is why the story may not be over yet.

Gold hit US$5,417 per ounce in January 2026, a new all-time high, before pulling back amid rising inflation expectations and interest rate uncertainty. 

Today, the yellow metal trades around US$4,730 per ounce, still well above the levels at which Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) can generate substantial free cash flow. 

With several structural tailwinds still intact, the bull case for both stocks remains interesting.

What is driving the gold price

Central bank buying remains robust, with approximately 70% of central banks surveyed at a recent Goldman Sachs conference expecting global gold reserves to rise in 2026. 

Geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, combined with ongoing concerns about Western fiscal sustainability, continue to support demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

Ian Samson, a portfolio manager at Fidelity International, said:

We continue to expect gold to rally in 2026, as the drivers of its strong run remain intact.

Global X forecasts the gold price to hit US$5,000 per ounce in 2026, with the potential to reach US$6,000 if global equity markets deteriorate or geopolitical tensions escalate further.

Evolution Mining

Evolution Mining hit an all-time high share price of $17.75 on 2 March 2026, before pulling back to trade around $13.20 today. 

The company operates six mines across Australia and Canada, generating EBITDA margins above 50% at current gold prices. 

Evolution recently declared a fully-franked dividend of 20 cents per share and has paid fully-franked dividends consistently since August 2017.

Northern Star Resources

Northern Star paid a record fully-franked final dividend of 30 cents per share in September 2025 and an interim dividend of 25 cents in March 2026, both driven by the surging gold price. 

The stock has more recently come under pressure following a profit warning tied to higher operating costs, which sent shares sharply lower. 

For investors with conviction on the gold price outlook, that pullback could represent a more attractive entry point.

Foolish Takeaway

Gold miners carry operational risk, cost inflation risk, and significant sensitivity to the gold price itself. 

But with gold supported by persistent central bank demand, geopolitical uncertainty, and a structurally weaker US dollar, Evolution Mining and Northern Star both offer compelling ways to participate in the theme for patient, risk-aware investors.

The post Why ASX gold miners Evolution Mining and Northern Star could keep shining in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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.

If you have a high tolerance for risk, then Bell Potter thinks it could be worth considering the ASX biotech stock in this article.

In fact, if everything goes to plan, the broker believes this speculative stock could more than double in value over the next 12 months.

Which ASX biotech stock?

The stock in question is Imugene Ltd (ASX: IMU). It is a drug developer specialising in the development of new agents for various cancer indications.

Bell Potter notes that the company has a history of in-licensing early-stage assets, typically pre-clinical or with phase 1 data, and progressing their development.

Consequently, it points out that the risk of failure is probably high, however “the future financial benefit from development of a new chemical entity for the treatment of disease are immense.”

Bell Potter has been speaking to a leading haematological oncologist in relation to the ASX biotech stock’s Azer-cel product. The good news is that the oncologist has spoken positively about its potential. The broker explains:

Our recent discussion with a leading Haematological Oncologist regarding IMU’s Azer-cel has provided significant assurance regarding its potential in the treatment landscape for both common and rare forms of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL).

The broker also highlights that recent trial data has been encouraging. It adds:

The CAR-T naïve patient group continues to enrol and early signs of efficacy are highly encouraging. Hi[gh] risk Mantle Cell Lymphoma patients typically fail quickly on first and second line therapies including BTKi. These patients are particularly well suited to Azer-cel where healthier donor T-cells provide potentially superior in vivo expansion versus patient-derived cells in this setting. The company continues to enrol patients in this cohort where the off the shelf solution remains a major attraction of oncologists who otherwise have few treatment options.

Big potential returns

According to the note, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating and 25 cents price target on the ASX biotech stock.

Based on its current share price of 9.3 cents, this implies potential upside of almost 170%.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Azer-cel remains an outstanding alternative for the treatment of NHL. The next catalyst is the median DoR data in the DLBCL population (n=17) and further interim data from the CAR-T naïve group and BTKi concurrent combination. Valuation and earnings are unchanged.

The post Guess which ASX biotech stock could rise over 150% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These two ASX financial services companies could both jump more than 50% Shaw and Partners says
• Down 30%: Is this ASX 200 stock a buy after its crash?
• This ASX tech stock has exploded 75% in a month, but can it climb higher?
• This ASX mining stock tipped to rise 50% could make a profit of $250m in 2028
• The average superannuation balance at age 53 in Australia, versus what you need to retire comfortably

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 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 year has delivered plenty of volatility for investors in ASX shares.

But sharp market sell-offs can also create rare opportunities to buy high-quality businesses at far more attractive valuations.

After suffering heavy declines over the past 12 months, these two ASX shares still look well-positioned for long-term growth over the next decade and beyond.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

When it comes to dominant Australian digital platforms, REA Group remains one of the market’s highest-quality businesses.

The $22 billion ASX share sits right at the centre of Australia’s property market through realestate.com.au, giving it a powerful competitive advantage that is incredibly difficult to replicate. Real estate agents need visibility to attract buyers and vendors and REA controls much of that online traffic.

That market dominance has allowed the company to steadily raise prices over time through premium listings, depth products, and advertising services, even during softer housing cycles.

Importantly, it is also an exceptionally scalable business model. Because the platform is digital, incremental revenue tends to flow through to earnings at very attractive margins.

Even amid a difficult share price period, the business itself continues performing strongly. Last week, REA reported revenue from core operations of $398 million for the three months ended 31 March, up 11% from the prior corresponding period. After adjusting for mergers and acquisitions, revenue still increased 6%.

The earnings result was similarly solid. EBITDA excluding associates climbed 11% to $220 million, while operating expenses increased only 5% to $178 million.

Despite those numbers, the ASX share fell another 6% on Thursday and are now down roughly 35% over the past year.

That disconnect between operational performance and share price weakness is exactly what long-term investors often look for.

Broker sentiment also remains supportive. Morgans said it was impressed with the company’s strong yield outcome and operating cost guidance. The broker retained its buy rating while slightly trimming its price target to $219, suggesting a 37% upside at the current share price.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Another beaten-down ASX growth share catching attention is Pro Medicus.

The healthcare technology company has built a world-class reputation for securing major hospital imaging contracts across the United States. Its Visage imaging platform becomes deeply integrated into hospital radiology workflows, creating powerful switching costs and sticky recurring revenue streams.

That business model continues delivering exceptional financial results. In its HY26 result, Pro Medicus reported revenue growth of 28.4% to $124.8 million, while underlying profit before tax surged almost 30%. Those are elite growth numbers by almost any standard.

Yet despite the strong operational momentum, Pro Medicus shares have been heavily sold off alongside the broader healthcare sector. The ASX share is now down 55% over 12 months and was trading around $121.60 at the time of writing.

For long-term investors, that weakness may present an attractive opportunity. Healthcare imaging demand continues rising globally, while hospitals increasingly require faster and more efficient digital imaging systems. Pro Medicus appears well-positioned to benefit from those long-term structural trends.

Analysts also remain optimistic on the ASX share. Morgan Stanley currently maintains a buy rating on the stock with a $200 price target. That implies potential upside of roughly 65% from current levels.

The post 2 beaten-down ASX shares to hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 amazing ASX growth shares to buy and hold forever
• ASX tech shares vs. ATEC ETF: How they fared during sector downturn
• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy calls from the experts this week
• Why Pro Medicus shares could still have their best years ahead
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Macquarie, and REA Group shares

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

The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price is in focus today after the company’s April 2026 monthly report revealed strong growth in retail sales and demand, along with increased national hydro storage.

What did Meridian Energy report?

• National hydro storage rose to 119% of the historic average by 11 May 2026 (up from 106% a month earlier).
• South Island hydro storage reached 109% and North Island storage surged to 201% of average by the same date.
• April retail sales volumes were 8.2% higher than April 2025, led by a 25% lift in residential sales.
• Meridian’s total electricity generation for April was 1,009 GWh, up 13.5% on last year, reflecting strong hydro conditions.
• National electricity demand in April was up 3.7% on the prior year; demand excluding NZ Aluminium Smelters rose 2.6%.
• Average price received for generation in April was $100.50/MWh, significantly lower than April 2025’s $332.30/MWh.

What else do investors need to know?

April’s bumper rainfall in the North Island and healthy inflows in the South Island boosted hydro storage across the country. Meridian’s Waitaki catchment ended April at 106% of average storage, while Waiau reached 91%.

Retail customer connections dipped by 1.1% in April, but still grew 15.7% over the year. Retail segment sales outpaced 2025 levels for every major customer group, with business and agricultural segments both seeing solid growth.

On the wholesale market, ASX forward electricity prices continued to fall, likely reflecting strong renewable investment and improved system security from Huntly agreements.

What’s next for Meridian Energy?

Management is staying focused on capitalising on strong hydro conditions as New Zealand moves into winter, traditionally a period of higher demand. Meridian is also watching market dynamics as increased renewable generation investment and strong storage keep prices subdued, which could impact earnings going forward.

Weekly updates on lake levels and further operating developments can be found on the company’s website, giving investors timely visibility as conditions evolve.

Meridian Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Meridian Energy shares have declined 8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Meridian Energy’s April retail sales and hydro storage climb in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 slips as weakness spreads across the board
• Worley unveils new growth strategy and $300m buyback at Investor Day
• GrainCorp shares: 1H26 profit drops but guidance stands

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.

Buying and holding forever sets a high bar. It means looking past the next result and focusing on businesses that have the potential to keep getting larger, stronger, and more valuable over many years.

That does not mean share prices will rise in a straight line. They never do. But the right companies can use time to their advantage.

Here are three amazing ASX growth shares that could fit that mould.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Lovisa has turned a simple retail concept into a global rollout story.

The company sells affordable fashion jewellery through a store model that can be replicated across many markets.

Its appeal is the combination of global store growth and disciplined retailing. The business has already shown that its model can travel, and there are still large markets where its presence remains relatively small.

Fashion retail is not without risk. Consumer spending can soften and trends can shift. But Lovisa has a track record of moving quickly, keeping its ranges fresh, and maintaining a clear customer proposition.

If management continues to execute on its international expansion, this could be an ASX share with a very long runway for growth.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus is one of the rare ASX technology companies that has built a world-class niche.

Its Visage platform helps hospitals manage and view medical images with speed and efficiency. That matters because medical imaging is becoming more data-heavy, while health systems are under pressure to improve productivity.

This ASX growth share is solving a real problem. Radiologists, who are in short supply, are dealing with larger scan files, rising workloads, and growing demand for faster results. Visage helps address this by making imaging workflows more efficient.

Pro Medicus has built a strong position in the United States, where major hospital networks can sign long-term contracts and expand usage over time. Once embedded, the software becomes a critical part of clinical operations.

Its valuation is often demanding, but the business quality is hard to ignore. With healthcare data volumes continuing to grow, Pro Medicus arguably remains one of the ASX’s most compelling long-term growth stories.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is building around one of the most important workflows for small businesses: money.

Its cloud platform helps businesses manage accounting, payroll, invoicing, payments, and financial information. Once a business is running on Xero, the software can become deeply embedded in daily operations.

That creates a powerful base for long-term growth. Xero can add more customers, expand in larger markets, and increase the value of each subscriber by adding new services.

The company’s opportunity in the United States remains particularly important. It is a large market, and Xero’s position there is still much smaller than in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

The good news is that recent updates show that Xero is gaining traction there. If it can build on this, then the future could be very bright for this ASX growth share.

The post 3 amazing ASX growth shares to buy and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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