After its result, what does Macquarie think Xero shares are worth?

Here's what the leading broker is saying about this tech stock.

| More on:
Business people discussing project on digital tablet.

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

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares have been on fire over the past month.

During this time, the cloud accounting platform provider's shares have rallied almost 19% higher to $181.47.

Can they keep climbing from here? Let's see what analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) are saying about the high-flying stock.

What is being said about Xero?

Macquarie was pleased with the company's strong performance during FY 2025 and sees no reason why it can't continue for the foreseeable future. Particularly given its abundant organic growth opportunities and significant total addressable market (TAM) in payments. The broker said:

Product velocity supporting growth. Product development and partnerships over the last 12 months have significantly enhanced XRO's product and competitive position vs global peers. Many of these are yet to fully launch, with many partnerships still in the process of being embedded/rolled out. Notable developments in FY25 include full release of US BILL integration and Xero Simple for Making Tax Digital Phase III in the UK, further roll-out of JAX beta, and Syft launched for early access in the US.

In respect to payments, Macquarie feels that this could be its new growth engine. It adds:

Payments is XRO's largest TAM at ~NZ $59b, mostly in the US. Growth was driven both by TPV (+38% YoY) and take-rate (+27 YoY). With Trump's digitisation of payments, accounts receivable partnership, positive commentary on UK payments and high EBIT margins (we estimate ~90%) on Stripe partnership, there is early evidence of new growth engine.

In light of the above, the broker is forecasting annual EBITDA growth in the region of 26% to 29% each year through to FY 2028.

What are Xero shares worth?

The team at Macquarie believes that Xero's shares could reset records over the next 12 months and hit new all-time highs.

According to the note, its analysts have put an outperform rating and $204.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $181.47, this implies potential upside of 12.5% for investors.

Clearly, the broker doesn't believe it is too late for investors to get on board with this one. It then concludes:

Mgmt is walking the walk, making data-driven decisions that invariably lead to better capital allocation outcomes. We have high conviction in >12- month story. However, with upcoming brand reinvestment, any downside from cost growth presents buying opp. Reiterate Outperform.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Xero. 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

Soldier in military uniform using laptop for drone controlling.
Technology Shares

This ASX drone tech stock just hit a record high. Here's why investors are piling in

Elsight shares hit a record high as strong momentum, revenue growth, and insider buying attract investor attention.

Read more »

A woman on a green background points a finger at graphic images of molecules, a rocket, light bulbs and scientific symbols as she smiles.
Technology Shares

2 magnificent ASX tech stocks to buy in 2026

Quietly essential, globally relevant, and built for the long term. These are two ASX tech stocks I’m watching closely in…

Read more »

A child dressed in army clothes looks through his binoculars with leaves and branches on his head.
Opinions

Up 735% in a year! The red-hot EOS share price is smashing Droneshield and other defence stocks

Investor interest in defence stocks has boomed.

Read more »

It's raining cash for this man, as he throws money into the air with a big smile on his face.
Technology Shares

Up 700% in 12 months! Why this ASX tech stock just raised $150m

This high-flying stock is raising funds. But why?

Read more »

A montage of planes, ships and trucks, representing ASX transport shares
Technology Shares

Is Wisetech a buy, sell or hold at current levels?

Jarden has run the numbers on the Wisetech share price.

Read more »

a uranium-fuelled mushroom shaped cloud explosion surrounded by a circle of rainbow light with a symbol of an atom to one side of it.
Opinions

What's next for the best-performing ASX 200 stock of 2025?

This ASX stock boomed in 2026.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Opinions

3 reasons Xero shares are a screaming buy right now

Here's what I expect from the tech stock this year.

Read more »

Piggybank with an army helmet and a drone next to it, symbolising a rising DroneShield share price.
Technology Shares

New all-time high. Why this ASX defence stock is flying again today

EOS shares jump to a record high on defence tailwinds and a broker upgrade.

Read more »