2 no-brainer Australian stocks to buy with $1,000 right now

Brokers believe these buy-rated shares could rise over 50% from current levels.

| 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 have $1,000 to invest in Australian stocks, but can't decide where to put it, then read on!

That's because listed below are two popular stocks that analysts rate highly and could be no-brainer buys right now.

Here's what they are recommending to clients this month:

A man peers into the camera looking astonished, indicating a rise or drop in ASX share price

Image source: Getty Images

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The first Australian stock that could be a no-brainer buy is NextDC. It develops and operates data centres that support cloud computing, enterprise IT, and increasingly, artificial intelligence workloads.

As more data is created, stored, and processed, demand for secure, high-performance data centre capacity continues to grow. You only need to look at its recent updates to see this. NextDC revealed that its pro forma contracted utilisation increased to 412MW during the first half of FY 2026. This is up 68% from 245MW at the end of June.

What makes NextDC compelling is that it is still in a build-out phase. Many of its facilities are yet to reach maturity, meaning earnings can grow as utilisation rises without a proportional increase in costs. Over time, this operating leverage could be powerful.

Morgans is bullish on the company's outlook and has put a buy rating and $19.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $12.48, this suggests that upside of over 50% is possible between now and this time next year.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Another Australian stock that is highly rated is Pro Medicus. Through its Visage imaging platform, the company provides mission-critical software to hospitals and healthcare networks, particularly in the United States.

Once installed, the software becomes deeply embedded in clinical workflows, making it difficult and risky to replace.

It appears well-placed for growth over the long term given its global market opportunity and favourable industry trends. Medical imaging volumes continue to rise, datasets are becoming larger and more complex, radiologists are in short supply, and hospitals are under pressure to improve efficiency. Pro Medicus addresses all of these challenges with a capital-light, high-margin model.

It is partly for this reason that the team at Bell Potter is so bullish on Pro Medicus. The broker currently has a buy rating and $320.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $209.66, this also implies potential upside of over 50% for investors over the next 12 months.

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

More on Growth Shares

Man with a rocket strapped to his back on a tiny bicycle ready to take off.
Growth Shares

2 ASX shares tipped to grow 90% or more in the next 12 months!

These stocks have the potential to deliver major returns!

Read more »

Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.
Growth Shares

Down 67%, is this ASX 300 share a bargain buy?

A sharp share price decline has reset expectations, but the underlying growth story and market opportunity have not changed.

Read more »

A man and woman sit next to each other looking at each other and feeling excited and surprised after reading good news about their shares on a laptop.
Growth Shares

2 high-quality ASX 200 shares experts rate as buys

These stocks are top-rated by some of Australia’s top brokers.

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Growth Shares

3 amazing ASX 200 shares to buy with $5,000 in May

Analysts are recommending these ASX 200 shares as buys.

Read more »

woman accessing her smart home from her phone
Growth Shares

This beaten-down ASX 200 growth stock could be one to watch

Demand for data centres is accelerating, but earnings are yet to catch up. That gap could define the opportunity from…

Read more »

A kid stretches up to reach the top of the ruler drawn on the wall behind.
Growth Shares

2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

I really like these investments for the long term.

Read more »

A woman hangs from a cliff with raging waters below.
Growth Shares

The ASX's hottest shares just stumbled — warning sign?

Are expectations starting to outpace fundamentals?

Read more »

A man flying a drone using a remote controller.
Growth Shares

Why I'd buy and hold DroneShield shares for 10 years

This growing company operates in an emerging industry with strong long-term tailwinds.

Read more »