ASX tech share Xref rallies on 834% profit boost

Expenses increased over the year to support continued revenue growth and product development.

| More on:
A man and a woman sitting in a technology-related work environment high five each other while the man wears headphones around his neck and the woman sits in front of a laptop.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • Xref share price surges 8%
  • The ASX tech share saw profits rocket 834% in FY22
  • Fast-growing demand in the United States helped drive the strong results

ASX tech shares are broadly outperforming today with the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) up 1.22% compared to a 0.58% gain posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

But ASX tech share Xref Ltd (ASX: XF1) is charging far higher, up 8.3% to 39 cents per share.

This comes following the release of the human resources technology company's full-year results for the 12 months ending 30 June (FY22).

Here are the highlights.

Xref share price soars on rocketing profits

What else happened with the ASX tech share during the year?

FY22 was a record year for sales and revenue for Xref.

Total expenses were up 20% from the prior year, to $16.9 million. That was largely driven by higher marketing spending and increased wage costs. The company said the extra spending will support continued revenue growth and product development.

The company said it remained the number one ranking reference checking company on peer-to-peer review site G2, with an average 4.7-star rating. Its global Google review rating is 4.8 stars, while Capterra reviews also award the ASX tech share with 4.7 stars.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results sending the ASX tech share higher today, Xref CEO Lee Seymour said:

All regions grew strongly in FY22. North American revenue grew 49% year on year with revenue from the United States growing by 129% when compared to FY21 showing strong demand for Xref's products from this area…

Clients who joined Xref prior to FY2020 accounted for 60% of revenue in FY2022. Clients who joined in FY2021 grew by 131% in FY2022 and revenue from new clients grew 32% when compared to the previous year. This demonstrates Xref's strong track record in client retention and increasing customer life time value.

What's next?

Xref did not offer specific guidance for the year ahead.

However, the ASX tech share did note its continued growth plans, stating, "The first half of FY23 will see Xref preparing to launch products to grow the marketplace and platform subscriptions."

How has this ASX tech share been tracking?

Despite today's rise, the Xref share price remains down 42% in 2022. That sees the ASX tech share underperforming the All Ordinaries, which is down 9% year to date.

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

More on Earnings Results

A young man stands facing the camera and scratching his head with the other hand held upwards wondering if he should buy Whitehaven Coal shares
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

ASX 300 stock tumbles despite strong first half profit growth and guidance upgrade

This KFC restaurant operator is performing very positively in FY 2026.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Earnings Results

Metcash shares on watch amid $142m first half profit and flat dividend

It is results day for this popular income stock.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Earnings Results

Fisher & Paykel shares surge 8% on half-year results

The market's response was in appreciation of strong results and upgraded guidance.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Earnings Results

Guess which ASX 200 stock is jumping 14% on record results

This travel technology company had a record half. Let's dig deeper into things.

Read more »

A plumber gives the thumbs up
Earnings Results

Reece 1Q FY26: Revenue growth, profit margin pressures, and a $365m buyback

Reece posted higher revenue but softer profit margins in 1Q FY26.

Read more »

Shot of a young scientist using a digital tablet while working in a lab.
Earnings Results

ALS reports higher revenue, profit, and dividend for H1 FY26

ALS reported stronger H1 FY26 earnings as Commodities performance drove higher revenue, profit, and a bigger dividend for shareholders.

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Earnings Results

Catapult Sports earnings: ACV and profit hit record highs in 1H FY26

Catapult Sports lifted its ACV by 19% and operating profit by 50% in 1H FY26, while continuing global expansion.

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Materials Shares

Why are James Hardie shares jumping 9% today?

Let's see why this blue chip is getting a lot of investor attention from investors on Tuesday.

Read more »