Having a little exposure to the small side of the market can be a good thing for a balanced portfolio.
But you can't invest in any small cap ASX share, you only want the best.
That said, which are the best small caps to buy? Well, Bell Potter has just named three that it thinks could be among the best to buy now. Here's what it is recommending to clients:
Image source: Getty Images
Macmahon Holdings Ltd (ASX: MAH)
Bell Potter thinks that this mining services company could be a small cap ASX share to buy now.
It believes that the company is well-placed to deliver steady growth in the coming years thanks to its significant order book and its acquisition of Decmil. The latter boosts its exposure to the civil and renewable infrastructure sectors. It explains:
Macmahon's (MAH) long-term client relationships are likely to deliver steady growth, underpinned by a $5.4 billion order book and $2.1 billion in secured revenue. The company is positioned for multi-pronged growth with the underground mining division projected to expand by 50% over the next two years, while its international footprint is set to accelerate, leveraging a distinct competitive advantage in Indonesia. The strategic acquisition of Decmil has enhanced its exposure to the high-demand civil and renewable infrastructure sectors, a move already validated by $333 million in new work won.
And despite this positive outlook, it highlights that its shares are trading on low earnings multiples and offer an attractive dividend yield. Bell Potter adds:
Despite these strong fundamentals, Macmahon trades at a discount at just 6.7x FY26 EPS, 1.3x net tangible asset value (of 29cps at FY26), while offering a 4.9% yield. This creates an attractive entry point for investors to capture a re-rating as growth catalysts materialise.
Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS)
Another small cap ASX share that has been named as a best buy is investment platform provider Praemium.
Bell Potter believes the company is well-placed to grow at a strong rate in the coming years. So, with its shares trading at a deep discount to peers, it thinks now could be the time to buy. It said:
We add Praemium Ltd (PPS) to the small cap panel, seeing a strong runway for the company to scale platform revenue, and grow market share from where it currently sits in the low single digits.
While Praemium has demonstrated commercial momentum, strong growth capacity, and a leading technology offering, its valuation continues to lag key peers. This stock looks very attractive at a 12MF PE of ~18x, and we expect the market to catch on as the company executes on further market share gains and FUA growth.
Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)
Finally, Bell Potter continues to believe that youth fashion retailer Universal Store could be a small cap ASX share to buy.
It likes the company due to its positive growth outlook, supported by its growing store network, and its attractive valuation. The broker explains:
Universal Store Holdings is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. UNI will continue to increase store numbers over the next few years, supporting earnings growth of 10% p.a.. Valuation looks attractive, trading on a forward P/E of ~16x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~26%) that is executing on its rollout strategy.
