Why this struggling ASX tech stock could surprise investors

The best opportunities can emerge when sentiment is weakest.

| 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 stock Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) started the week in the red, slipping 1% to $79.66.

That leaves the ASX tech stock down around 17% in 2026.

But while the sell-off may look ugly on the surface, the recent weakness appears driven more by macro fears and sector sentiment than company-specific problems.

And for long-term investors, that could create an interesting opportunity.

Half a man's face from the nose up peers over a table.

Image source: Getty Images

Caught in a sector sell-off

The broader technology sector has been under pressure as investors reassess valuations and try to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) could reshape competitive dynamics.

Growth shares have been hit particularly hard. That is not unusual during periods of uncertainty. Markets often sell first and ask questions later. Even high-quality ASX stocks can get caught in broad-based de-rating cycles.

Importantly, Hub24's operational performance still looks strong. The ASX tech stock continues to benefit from structural growth as more financial advisers adopt its platform.

In its latest quarterly update, Hub24 reported net inflows of $4 billion. Total funds under administration climbed to $151.7 billion, up 22% year-on-year. Those are not the numbers of a business losing momentum.

Platform monogamy

The platform also continues to gain traction across the advice industry. More than 5,200 advisers now use Hub24, and industry trends appear to be working in its favour.

One of the biggest is platform consolidation. More advisers are moving toward "platform monogamy," where they consolidate client assets onto a single provider rather than spreading them across multiple systems.

That trend could become a major tailwind for the ASX tech stock as advisers prioritise efficiency, integration, and scale.

Strong operational leverage

And there may be another powerful growth driver hiding beneath the surface. Platform businesses often benefit from strong operating leverage.

In simple terms, once fixed costs are covered, additional funds flowing onto the platform can generate higher incremental margins. That creates the potential for earnings growth to outpace revenue growth over time. That is one of the more interesting parts of the investment case right now.

The market may be focusing heavily on short-term sentiment, valuation concerns, and AI disruption fears. But internally, Hub24 could still be building a much stronger earnings engine as it scales.

AI uncertainty

The AI debate also deserves some perspective. Technology is evolving rapidly, and AI will almost certainly change parts of the financial services industry over time.

But Hub24 is not simply a basic software product. The ASX tech stock operates a deeply integrated ecosystem connecting advisers, clients, compliance, reporting, and investment administration.

Those ecosystems tend to be sticky. In fact, AI could potentially strengthen platforms like Hub24 rather than disrupt them. Automation and smarter tools may improve efficiency and client servicing without replacing the underlying platform infrastructure.

That distinction matters.

What do the experts think?

Analysts also appear increasingly optimistic despite the recent share price weakness.

According to TradingView data, most brokers currently rate Hub24 shares as a buy.

The average broker price target sits at $105.96, implying potential upside of roughly 33% from current levels. The most bullish target stands at $132.10, while the lowest target is $66.20.

Jarden is among the more positive brokers on the ASX fintech stock. It currently has a buy rating and a $115.30 price target on Hub24 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 positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
52-Week Lows

Should investors buy low on these ASX shares hitting 52-week lows?

It could be time to scoop up the value.

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

It looks set to be a good session for Aussie investors.

Read more »

Two children dressed as space travellers in white suits look on at the smoking wreckage of their tin foil covered carboard rocket in their backyard with one child pulling the other away from the crash site.
Share Market News

Why is the ASX 200 starting at a 7-week low today?

Investors have had better starts to a trading week...

Read more »

Female pharmacist smiles with a digital tablet.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Sigma Healthcare shares today

A leading analyst expects “impressive growth” from Sigma Healthcare shares.

Read more »

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a horrible start to the week for investors.

Read more »

Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it
Broker Notes

Why experts are selling these 3 ASX shares this week

These shares have been given sell ratings. But why?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: ResMed, Sigma, and TechnologyOne shares

Are analysts bullish on these popular stocks? Let's see what they are saying this week.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to buy these shares.

Read more »