There are times when I'm happy to nibble at positions. And then there are times when I look at a share price and think the risk-reward is too attractive to ignore.
Right now, three ASX shares stand out to me for different reasons. All have been volatile. All carry risk. But at current prices, I believe they offer compelling upside relative to what the market seems to be assuming.
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DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)
DroneShield has been one of the most talked-about defence technology names on the ASX, and for good reason.
The company specialises in counter-drone solutions, using radio frequency detection and defeat technologies to neutralise hostile drones. With global conflicts highlighting the growing importance of drone warfare, demand for these systems is no longer theoretical. It is real and accelerating.
What I find particularly attractive is the scale of the opportunity relative to the company's current size. Defence budgets globally are expanding, and counter-UAS capability is becoming a priority rather than an optional extra. DroneShield has built battlefield credibility, which I think gives it a genuine edge.
Yes, the share price has been volatile. And yes, revenue can be lumpy due to the nature of defence contracts. But when I look at the addressable market and the company's expanding sales pipeline, I see asymmetric upside.
At these prices, I'd be comfortable loading up gradually and holding through the noise.
Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ)
Block is a very different story, but I think the opportunity is just as interesting.
Through Square, it provides payment and business tools to merchants. Through Cash App, it has built a powerful consumer financial ecosystem. And of course, it owns Afterpay, a brand that is deeply embedded in the Australian retail landscape.
Over the past year, tech sentiment and macro concerns have weighed heavily on the share price. Investors have questioned growth rates, margins, and exposure to consumer spending. But when I step back, I still see a business with enormous optionality.
Cash App continues to monetise its user base. Square remains a core operating system for small businesses. And the integration of Afterpay into the broader ecosystem strengthens both sides of the network.
If execution continues and growth stabilises, I believe the current valuation could look very conservative in hindsight. For investors willing to tolerate volatility, I think this is one worth loading up on.
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)
Zip has been through the wringer over the past few years, but this is not the same business it once was.
The company has tightened credit settings, exited weaker markets, and focused on profitability. Importantly, it is no longer in survival mode. It has demonstrated improving margins and better credit performance, which I think the market is still underappreciating.
Buy now, pay later as a sector has matured. The reckless growth-at-all-costs phase is over. What remains are operators that can balance growth with discipline. I believe Zip is positioning itself as one of those operators.
With the share price crashing on Thursday, expectations appear far more grounded. If revenue growth continues and credit metrics remain stable, the earnings leverage could surprise on the upside.
At these levels, I see an attractive setup for long-term investors.
Foolish takeaway
DroneShield, Block, and Zip are not low-volatility blue chips. They are growth-oriented businesses operating in fast-moving sectors.
But that's why I find them compelling at current prices. When sentiment is cautious and expectations are subdued, I think that's often when the seeds of strong future returns are planted.
For me, these are three ASX shares I'd be happy to load up on and hold for the years ahead.
