Is there still opportunity outside the big four ASX bank shares?

This broker has identified a smaller bank as one with upside.

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ASX bank shares have largely enjoyed a bull run over the last 12-18 months. 

The ASX 200 financials sector was the top-performing market sector of FY25, which is largely dominated by ASX bank shares. 

While much attention is always paid to the big four, particularly with the record highs hit by Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares, there are other bank shares to monitor. 

The Motley Fool's Bernd Struben astutely pointed out that many of Australia's bank shares lost value in July as investors perhaps took profits and reinvested elsewhere. 

  • National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), fell 1.1% in July
  • Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), dropped 0.1% in July
  • Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), lowered 3.1% in July
  • Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ), fell 2.6% in July
  • Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO), dropped 3.2% in July

So is there still any value left in this sector?

Broker eyes small bank

While three of the big four banks still hover around 52-week high's, Bell Potter has listed one smaller bank with a tempting price target. 

That bank is Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO). 

It is an Australian bank focused on lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Its Judo Bank brand provides business lending starting at $250,000 and touts itself as providing more flexibility than major banks. It also offers personal term deposit products and home loans.

It has enjoyed a share price rise of more than 25% over the past year. Unlike some of its competitors, Bell Potter believes there is still room for growth. 

Attractive price target

Judo Bank shares closed last week at $1.73.

Bell Potter currently has an "overweight" rating and a price target of $2.18. 

This implies an attractive upside of approximately 26%. 

The optimism largely revolves around the banks expansion plans in the near future. 

The broker noted earlier this year that the company added 15 new business banks, reaching a total of 159, and successfully opened 5 new regional locations, aiming for a total of 10 new locations by the end of FY25.

Management is focused on expanding into new regions, developing warehouse lending, and enhancing offerings in trade and debtor finance.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in National Australia Bank. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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