Why DroneShield, Nickel Industries, and CSL shares could be best buys

Let's see why Bell Potter is so bullish on these shares.

| 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

If you're looking for ASX shares to buy, then it could be worth checking out three on Bell Potter's latest Australian Equities Panel.

Each offers a unique growth profile—ranging from cutting-edge defence tech to high-demand battery metals to world-class healthcare innovation. And all are backed by strong fundamentals and forward-looking catalysts.

Let's take a closer look at why these three shares could be among the best buys on the ASX right now.

a man sits at his desk wearing a business shirt and tie and has a hearty laugh at something on his mobile phone.

Image source: Getty Images

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

Few companies are as well-positioned to benefit from rising geopolitical tensions and defence spending as DroneShield.

Bell Potter has high conviction in DroneShield's outlook, particularly following the largest contract wins in its history and a global uplift in military budgets. With the NATO alliance expanding its defence spending and governments around the world prioritising counter-drone capabilities, DroneShield is in a sweet spot. It said:

DRO provides an end-to-end counter-drone solution that integrates proprietary artificial intelligence software with a suite of hardware products utilised to detect, identify and defeat aerial, ground and maritime threats. The company's products are largely in-house technology and include handheld, vehicular and fixed installations. DRO's customers primarily include military and intelligence, as well as law enforcement, critical infrastructure and commercial parties globally.

Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)

At a time when decarbonisation, EVs, and grid-scale storage are driving a surge in demand for battery materials, Nickel Industries gives investors a front-row seat at a compelling valuation according to Bell Potter.

With operations in Indonesia, Nickel Industries is one of the lowest-cost producers globally. It has demonstrated it can generate positive free cash flow even in a soft nickel market—an essential trait during commodity cycles. Commenting on the company, it said:

NIC is the only material ASX way to gain exposure to the nickel price, has a growth story, and is diversifying earnings to span Type 1 and Type 2 nickel. NIC continues to generate positive cash flows in a tough nickel market and is set to deliver major growth milestones in CY25 across its highest margin nickel operations. All up, given the forecast high production growth and potential for a very large free cash flow uplift in the next 2 years or so, NIC presents a compelling story and appears cheap at current valuation.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is a global leader in plasma therapies and biopharmaceuticals.

Bell Potter believes it is in the midst of a margin recovery cycle that should drive above-market earnings growth over the coming years. Importantly, this comes at a time when CSL trades on a forward P/E of 21.2x, which is well below its 10-year historical average of 31x.

Commenting on the ASX share, the broker said:

CSL presents an attractive buying opportunity as we expect the margin recovery phase for CSL to drive above-market earnings growth over the next few years. CSL trades at a 12-month forward PE of ~21x, representing a discount to its 10- year average of ~31x. Furthermore, the company will continue to deleverage the balance sheet over the next few years. Given the company's proven quality and growth prospects, we believe significant upside remains.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Down 34% in 2026, are Virgin Australia shares a good buy today?

A leading analyst delivers his outlook for Virgin Australia’s beaten-down shares.

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Broker Notes

Why these ASX shares are rated as buys in April

Let's see what makes them bullish on these names right now.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Broker Notes

Are CBA shares still a good buy for passive income?

A leading analyst delivers his verdict on CBA’s passive income appeal.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Broker Notes

Morgans names 2 ASX shares to buy and 1 to accumulate

What is the broker recommending investors do with these shares?

Read more »

A man in a business suit rides a graphic image of an arrow that is rebounding on a graph.
Broker Notes

2 ASX 200 shares to buy ahead of anticipated rally: expert

After a 9.1% drop between 27 February and 23 March, the ASX 200 reversed course last Tuesday.

Read more »

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today

A leading analyst expects Ramsay Health Care shares to keep outperforming in the months ahead.

Read more »