3 ASX tech shares to buy now for long-term returns

These 3 ASX tech shares have shown promising form through the coronavirus pandemic and have the potential to provide long-term rewards.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX tech shares took a beating in March and many are yet to recover previous highs. This means many ASX tech shares are trading at lower multiples than we've seen in some time.

For those with a long-term horizon, market dips are often a good time to add to the portfolio. These 3 ASX tech shares have shown promising form through the pandemic and have the potential to provide long-term rewards. 

Female Archer Materials staffer standing in front of computerised images

Image source: Getty Images

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

Altium is well-positioned in the current environment, with electronic design anticipated to be relatively resilient to unfolding market conditions. Management remains firmly committed to its aspirational market leadership target of US$200 million revenue in FY20. 

Altium's model is robust and well-diversified across industry segments and regions worldwide. Marketing and direct selling are conducted via the internet and telephone. The roll-out of new cloud platform Altium 365 is being accelerated as worldwide demand for cloud-based collaborative tools grows rapidly.

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

Appen reiterated its full-year guidance for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $125 million to $130 million last month. The company maintains a healthy balance sheet with cash resources in excess of $100 million. Its global crowd workers are ideally situated, working from home as usual. 

Appen has delivered annual compound growth in revenue of 60% over the past 5 years. A pandemic-led increase in the use of search, social media and e-commerce platforms could enhance Appen's performance, as could the weaker Australian dollar and greater availability of crowd workers.

Arguably the largest global provider of data for machine learning, Appen is strengthening its revenue base by extending the range of customers and expanding into new geographies.

Whispir Ltd (ASX: WSP)

Whispir has shown resilience in the current downturn. A record 49 net new customers were added in the March quarter. This was thanks to increased demand for communications software due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many Whispir customers are utilising the platform to activate and coordinate their COVID-19 business continuity plans. 

Whisper provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) communications workflow platform that is used by the government for COVID-19 communications. The platform automates interactions between businesses and people, and boasts more than 500 enterprise clients. 

Whispir added 8 international brands as customers during the quarter, demonstrating how the platform can expand into multiple use cases for customers. The company is well funded and on track to achieve its FY20 prospectus forecast of revenue of $37.84 million. Revenues increased by 20% in the most recent half while annualised recurring revenue increased 22% to $36.7 million.

Motley Fool contributor Kate O'Brien owns shares of Altium and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Altium and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Whispir Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

Army man and woman on digital devices.
Technology Shares

This red-hot ASX 200 defence stock is rising again. Here's why

Codan is adding another US defence specialist to its portfolio.

Read more »

A human-like robot checks out market performance on a laptop, indicating the rise of AI shares.
Technology Shares

This ASX AI stock is surging 9% today after a wild month

Appen shares are rocketing after a volatile month.

Read more »

Person with a handful of Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock just raised its dividend by 21%

This stock is raising its dividends like clockwork.

Read more »

A man in a business suit and tie places three wooden blocks with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on them on top of each other.
Technology Shares

Down 70%: 3 reasons why WiseTech shares could be a buy

This ASX tech share has been under serious pressure, but I think the sell-off may have created a more interesting…

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Technology Shares

Should you buy and hold Xero shares for 10 years?

This tech stock stands out as a potential long-term compounder.

Read more »

Digital rocket on a laptop.
52-Week Highs

Up 300% in a year, this ASX tech stock just hit its highest level since 2023

Investors are chasing this ASX tech stock after a stunning rally.

Read more »

A male ASX investor sits cross-legged with a laptop computer in his lap with a slightly crazed, happy, excited look on his face while next to him a graphic of a rocket shoots upwards with graphics of stars scattered around it
Technology Shares

Is this ASX tech stock a buy after rocketing 18% yesterday?

Bell Potter has given its verdict on this tech stock. Here's what it is saying.

Read more »

A businessman wears armour and holds a shield and sword.
Technology Shares

Here's why this ASX defence stock is charging higher today

A major acquisition has complete on Thursday. Here's what is happening.

Read more »