With 2027 approaching, I've been looking at ASX shares that could have a particularly good year ahead.
There are a few companies where I think business developments over the next 12 months could make a meaningful difference to their prospects.
Here are three that stand out to me.
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Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)
Cochlear is my first pick because I think 2027 could be an important year in its recovery.
The hearing implant company has had a challenging period, with weaker profitability and a slower-than-expected rollout of its latest technology affecting results.
But I still like its position in the global hearing implant market. Its Nucleus Nexa system represents an important step forward, offering new capabilities that can be updated as technology improves.
Adoption has been encouraging, with the system accounting for more than 95% of implant sales across developed markets by June.
I think the next opportunity comes from building on that product launch while improving the company's operations. Cochlear has been reducing fixed costs and investing in programmes to help more adults with severe hearing loss access treatment. That could help expand the market over time, particularly given how many potential patients remain untreated.
Management expects underlying profit to improve modestly in FY27, so I wouldn't expect an immediate return to the growth rates investors once enjoyed.
But if Cochlear can demonstrate stronger demand and improving margins, I think sentiment towards the shares could recover considerably.
HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)
HUB24 is another ASX share I would be watching closely.
Its investment platform helps financial advisers manage client portfolios, including investments held through superannuation and other structures.
What I like is how HUB24 has been gaining market share. In FY26, its platform attracted $18.9 billion in net inflows, while total funds under administration reached $164.3 billion.
That is a substantial amount of money flowing into a business that can benefit from having more assets on its platform.
There is also an opportunity to improve profitability as it grows. HUB24 has already developed much of the technology and infrastructure required to service advisers and their clients. As more money flows onto the platform, I think earnings could grow faster than the underlying cost base.
Competition remains strong, and financial market weakness can affect funds under administration. Nevertheless, I think HUB24 has the momentum to deliver another strong year in 2027.
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)
My final pick is Lovisa, which I think still has considerable international growth potential.
The fashion jewellery retailer has been expanding rapidly, taking its relatively affordable products into more markets around the world.
I like the flexibility of its store model. Lovisa can open relatively small stores in shopping centres, giving it opportunities to expand without requiring the same investment as larger-format retailers.
In FY26, the company opened 160 new stores, taking its global network to 1,136 locations. That growth is already contributing to earnings, and I think there are plenty of markets where Lovisa could become more established.
Early FY27 trading has also been encouraging, with sales growth supported by continued store expansion and improving comparable sales.
Of course, fashion preferences can change, and rapid international expansion requires careful execution. But if this ASX share continues opening profitable stores while maintaining customer demand, I think 2027 could be another rewarding year.
Foolish takeaway
I think all three ASX shares have reasons to be optimistic about 2027.
There is still work to do, particularly at Cochlear, but I like the longer-term opportunities across these businesses.
I'd be happy buying them today with the expectation that the next year could bring some encouraging progress.
