The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate (ASX: XRE) index has dropped more than 14% year to date. 

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 3% in the same period. 

Despite the fall, real estate remains an important part of the Australian economy. 

Real estate activities (including renting, buying, selling, and property services) make up a significant share of Australia's GDP.

Right now, there appears to be opportunity for investors to buy low on real estate shares and REITs.

The team at Bell Potter recently provided updated guidance on the sector. 

Here is where the broker sees opportunity. 

Little delineation last week 

In Monday's report, the broker said there was little delineation between REITs and the broader ASX 200 last week (-0.5%). 

However REITs are now -15% vs. XJO 3mths rolling and as our strategy team points to, it has been the key sector underperformer vs all others since start of the Middle East conflict.

We are positive low future supply, strong fundamentals sub-sectors though (retail particularly non-discretionary; industrial) – Buy Region Group (ASX: RGN), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI). 

Here's how these stocks are currently performing. 

Region Group (ASX: RGN)

Region Group specialises in leasing out convenience-focused properties that offer everyday goods and services. More than half of the rent is derived from specialty tenants, which are mostly non-discretionary, such as food and liquor, pharmacy and healthcare, and general services.

It is down roughly 3% since the start of the year and is trading today for approximately $2.28 per share. 

However, Bell Potter currently has a price target of $2.75 on the ASX real estate stock. 

This indicates an upside potential of approximately 20%. 

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) 

CIP is a real estate investment trust that owns around four billion dollars of industrial properties. These include manufacturing facilities, distribution warehouses, and data centres.

Its share price has fallen almost 11% year to date. 

Bell Potter's updated price target for this ASX real estate stock is $3.60, which is 22% higher than today's share price. 

It also offers a strong dividend yield.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

Dexus is an Australian real estate investment trust (REIT) with a portfolio of workplace-focused properties. 

Its share price is down 11.3% in 2026 and is changing hands today for approximately $2.38 per share. 

Bell Potter recently placed a share price target of $3.00. 

If this real estate stock hits this target, it would represent a 26% climb from today's share price. 

The post Where is opportunity in the ASX real estate sector? Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials (ASX: XMJ) index has climbed over 10% in 2026. 

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up just over 2% year to date, and one such ASX materials stock that has climbed this year is Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD). 

It is an Australian mining equipment and technology company operating globally.

Its technology includes drilling optimisation products, cloud-connected rock knowledge sensors and data and analytics. These aim to improve the process of identifying and extracting mineral resources.

The Imdex share price has moved largely in line with the broader sector this year, rising 10.7%.

Yesterday the team at Bell Potter issued updated guidance on this ASX materials stock, indicating the rise could continue. 

Here's what the broker had to say. 

Exploration market outlook remains robust

Bell Potter noted that spending on exploration by major and intermediate mining companies is expected to rise by about 24% in 2026. 

This is a strong increase, similar to the growth seen in 2021–2022. Importantly, these larger companies usually make up around 80–85% of Imdex's revenue. 

In 2021 and 2022, their exploration spending grew by 26% and 29%. Subsequently, this helped drive revenue growth of 31% and 21% in those years.

According to Bell Potter, based on this pattern, the current forecast of 21% revenue growth for 2026 looks conservative. 

Imdex is also better positioned now because it offers more products and services after expanding its technology over the past three years.

IMD's greater share of wallet in this cycle, following the integration of several hardware and digital products acquired and internally developed over the past 3 years, positions the company well in an expanding market.

Buy rating unchanged for this ASX materials stock

Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter have reiterated a buy recommendation for Imdex shares. 

Furthermore, the broker has a $4.60 price target, which indicates a 20% upside from yesterday's closing price of $3.83. 

Additionally, Bell Potter said is is encouraged by the significant expansion in CY26 gold and copper major and intermediate exploration budgets, suggesting robust uptake of IMD drilling products, tools and software in the short-term. 

Together, with greater junior exploration activity, as a record wave of recently raised equity is deployed, IMD is well positioned to deliver strong revenue growth and operating leverage over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding these tailwinds, we express caution regarding first and second order impacts from the Iran war.

The post This ASX materials stock could rise 20% according to this broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX small-cap stock has developed its patented Wireless Stimulation Endocardially (WiSE) technology for the treatment of cardiac rhythm disease and to eliminate the need for cardiac pacing leads when delivering cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

What did EBR Systems report?

Last week, its release revealed a strong Q1 2026 growth in commercial cases.

It also said its WiSE® System was successfully implanted in 41 commercial patients during the quarter, bringing total implants across the pilot phase and Limited Market Release to 71. 

John McCutcheon, EBR Systems' President & Chief Executive Officer said in Q1 2026, the company made impressive progress across both commercial and clinical programs. 

Case volumes increased strongly during the quarter, reflecting growing physician experience, expanding site readiness and the steady execution of our Limited Market Release. 

We also continued to advance important clinical initiatives, with further enrolment in both the WiSE-UP post-approval study and the TLC-AU feasibility study, helping to expand the body of evidence supporting the WiSE System across a broader patient population.

This news prompted positive share price movement to end last week, with EBR Systems shares closing at $0.67. 

Bell Potter's buy recommendation and recent price target of $2.00 following this release indicates a potential upside of roughly 194%. 

Following this report, the team at Morgans also provided an updated outlook on EBR Systems shares. 

Momentum building

In a note out of the broker last Friday, Morgans said 1Q26 delivered a step-change in commercial execution, with 41 implants (+128% q/q) and preliminary revenue of US$2.25-2.36m, materially ahead of prior run-rate. 

Importantly, growth is being driven by repeat usage, not just new site additions, with the majority of 1Q implants coming from existing centres, supporting confidence in utilisation and scalability.

Morgans also said leading indicators remain strong, with 37 purchasing agreements, 55 physicians trained, and double-digit physician training demand, alongside with emerging multi-site IDN/GPO contracts. 

Buy recommendation in tact 

Morgans also noted that commercial bottleneck remains execution (sales capacity and contracting), not demand, with patient backlogs building and physician engagement "very high". 

We make no changes to CY26-28 forecasts or A$2.47 DCF-based valuation. BUY.

From last week's closing price of $0.67, this target indicates an estimated upside of approximately 268%. 

The post It could be time to buy-low on this ASX small-cap stock according to brokers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

EBR is a clinical stage company that has developed its patented Wireless Stimulation Endocardially (WiSE) technology for the treatment of cardiac rhythm disease and to eliminate the need for cardiac pacing leads when delivering cardiac resynchronisation therapy. 

The healthcare stock rose roughly 7% yesterday after the company released an announcement to the ASX.

What did EBR systems announce?

Yesterday, the ASX healthcare stock released a preliminary version of its operating metrics earlier than scheduled by its quarterly reporting time frame (mid-May). 

According to Bell Potter, it is no surprise EBR has provided an early release as it gears up toward an eventual and large capital raising.

In yesterday's report, the company said it saw strong Q1 2026 growth in commercial cases. 

It reported: 

• Robust commercial momentum continued through Q1 2026 with case volumes more than doubling from Q4 2025
• The WiSE® System was successfully implanted in 41 commercial patients during the quarter, bringing total
• implants across the pilot phase and Limited Market Release to 71
• EBR expects to report revenue in the range of US$2.25M to US$2.36M for Q1 2026, based on preliminary unaudited quarter-end results and subject to quarter-end closing adjustments. 

John McCutcheon, EBR Systems' President & Chief Executive Officer said: 

In Q1 2026, we made impressive progress across both our commercial and clinical programs. Case volumes increased strongly during the quarter, reflecting growing physician experience, expanding site readiness and the steady execution of our Limited Market Release. We also continued to advance important clinical initiatives, with further enrolment in both the WiSE-UP post-approval study and the TLC-AU feasibility study, helping to expand the body of evidence supporting the WiSE System across a broader patient population. We are encouraged by the momentum we are seeing and remain focused on disciplined execution, physician training, site activation and building the clinical and commercial foundation for broader adoption of the WiSE System.

What did Bell Potter have to say?

Following the release, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on the ASX healthcare stock. 

The broker said the data continues to impress, with implants more than doubling to quarter of quarter to 41.

The success in implant volume is supported by the growing breadth of physicians trained and hospital contracts signed. A further 22 Physicians trained on the WiSE pacing system and 16 hospital contracts signed in the quarter, bringing the cumulative totals to 55 & 37. EBR appear be tracking well toward our hospital target of 60 for FY26.

Big upside for this ASX healthcare stock

Bell Potter has maintained its buy recommendation for EBR Systems, along with a price target of $2.00. 

From yesterday's closing price of $0.68, that indicates a potential upside of 194%. 

It is not surprising that the market has reacted well to the data release, and with each data release we grow more confident in EBR's commercial prospects and expect the market to do so as well.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX healthcare stock could rise nearly 200% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX: XFJ) index remains flat year to date. 

This week, two ASX financial stocks have received positive outlooks from brokers. 

Here's what's behind the optimistic view. 

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

Navigator Global Investments is a holding company. 

It is an alternative asset management firm with diverse partnerships across investment styles, product types, and client bases. Navigator Global Investments has around US$73 billion in assets under management and is currently partnered with 11 businesses.

It has fallen 28% year to date, however a key announcement could be good news for the ASX financials stock according to Morgans. 

The company released an announcement on Monday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a strategic minority ownership interest and a preferred economic interest in Georgian and its affiliates ("Georgian").

Georgian is a Toronto, Canada based AI-focused growth equity firm with USD $5.9 billion in assets under management. 

Stephen Darke, NGI CEO, commented, 

Our strategic partnership with Georgian is the latest example of NGI executing our strategy to provide growth capital to leading alternative investment firms globally. Artificial intelligence will be one of the dominant investment themes of the next century, and in Georgian we have found an aligned partner that is a true pioneer in the field.

Following the announcement, the team at Morgans updated its outlook on this ASX financials stock. 

Morgans said it expects EPS to increase by 1-3% following the transaction. 

It also rates Navigator Global Investments shares a buy, however reduced its price target to $2.98 (previously $3.35). 

From yesterday's closing price of $2.12, this indicates an upside of approximately 40%. 

Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL)

Cuscal Ltd is a payment and regulated data services provider in Australia. The group offers a comprehensive suite of payment infrastructure solutions to a diversified client base.

In a note out of Bell Potter yesterday, the broker updated its outlook on this ASX financials stock after the Reserve Bank of Australia announced surcharging on debit and credit cards should end from 1 October 2026. 

This could impact Cuscal margins removing a key revenue mechanism tied to merchant card payments.

However, Bell Potter said its buy rating and target price is unchanged. 

We view the outcome today as a mild indirect positive for CCL whose customer base are price takers with low exposure to credit and view subscription-based models are an emerging second leg of growth.

Bell Potter has maintained its price target of $5.10 on this ASX financials stock, which indicates a potential upside of 28% from yesterday's closing price. 

The post Experts name 2 ASX financials stocks to watch closely appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, healthcare and technology have come under heavy pressure. 

However another sector perhaps undervalued and garnering less attention are ASX real estate shares. 

Four in particular that have dipped in 2026 include: 

• Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) is down nearly 37%
• Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC) is down 18% since mid February
• Dexus (ASX: DXS) is down 14% year to date
• Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) is down 10% year to date. 

Why have real estate shares dropped?

ASX real estate stocks have had a tough 2026, with the sector down significantly. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) is down roughly 17% year to date. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen roughly 4% in the same span. 

This has been driven by concerns about Australia's interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and overall investor uncertainty. 

These factors have all weighed heavily on sentiment in 2026.

Can these shares bounce back?

Amongst the four companies listed earlier, there is reason for some optimism in the long term according to analysis from brokers. 

In a weekly REIT report from Bell Potter, the broker had a buy recommendation on Centuria Industrial REIT. 

Centuria Industrial REIT is a real estate investment trust that owns around four billion dollars of industrial properties. These include manufacturing facilities, distribution warehouses, and data centres.

It closed trading yesterday at $2.96. 

However Bell Potter has a price target of $3.60, indicating a 21% upside from current levels. 

There is optimism around this real estate stock on the back of significant rental growth potential and tailwinds from a growing population. 

Upside may be more tempered for Lifestyle Communities, which recently received a hold recommendation from Bell Potter.

Dexus and Lendlease to rebound?

Dexus is a major Australian property investor, developer, and manager. It has a large, high-grade office portfolio and a smaller industrial portfolio in Australasia.

It may attract investors looking for strong dividend history, as it has a reputation as a reliable passive income option. 

To go along with a 5% yield, analysts forecasts via TradingView also anticipate capital growth, with 9 analysts having an average one year price target of $7.28. 

That's a healthy 22% higher than yesterday's closing price. 

Finally, Lendlease is an international property development and construction business. 

After falling significantly to start the year, it could be a value play. 

The average price target amongst 6 analysts sits at $5.33. 

This is 63% higher than yesterday's closing price of $3.26, which is likely to excite investors.

The post Is now the time to jump on these ASX real estate stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Gold stocks enjoyed a bull run through 2025, and this continued into the beginning of this year. 

Since the recent conflict began between Iran, Israel and the United States, many experts tipped gold shares to continue their climb. 

However last week, many ASX gold stocks were heavily sold off. 

It's a stark reminder that investing isn't as straightforward as we would like. 

A quick recap 

Among many others, some notable falls last week for some well-known gold stocks included: 

• Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) fell more than 24% last week
• Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) fell almost 11%
• Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) lost 11.5%
• Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM) fell 8.5%
• Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) fell 5.5% 

Why are gold stocks falling?

As Bernd Struben reported last week, many gold stocks are now coming under pressure from a sizable retreat in global gold prices. 

Gold dropped from about US$5,322 per ounce on 2 March and was hovering around $4,600 per ounce on Friday.

This is a fall of more than 13%. 

Simultaneously, oil prices have surged.

This shift has pushed investors from gold into energy stocks. At the same time RBA cash rate hikes have also created headwinds for gold stocks, which usually performs better in a low rate environment. 

Is there any value?

After such a heavy sell-off last week, investors may be considering buying the dip on some of these gold stocks. 

Amongst those listed above, recent analysis does suggest some offer long-term value. 

It is worth noting that if current conditions persist, there could be further drops in the near-term. 

Firstly, Bell Potter maintains a buy rating on Northern Star Resources shares and a price target of $30.00. 

It's worth noting this target has declined recently from $35.00. 

Despite this, from last week's closing price of $18.50 for Northern Star Resources, the updated target indicates an upside potential of roughly 62%. 

Another stock that may have fallen to a value is Ora Banda Mining. UBS recently placed a $1.60 price target on the gold stock. 

From last week's closing price of $1.18, this indicates an upside potential of more than 35%. 

The broker believes this gold miner has a pathway to producing 200,000 ounces of gold per year by FY29 while maintaining strong free cash flow yields.

The post Should you buy these ASX gold stocks after last week's crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company purchases and stores paddy rice, and is involved in the milling, processing, manufacturing, procurement, distribution, and marketing of rice and related products, animal feed and nutrition products, groceries, and others. 

Its share price has fallen more than 26% year to date. 

This included more than a 7% decline yesterday after the consumer staples company released a Trading and Market update yesterday. 

What did the company report?

Ricegrowers released updated FY26 guidance yesterday. 

It said it still expects NPAT growth in FY26, driven by its business mix, disciplined execution, and focus on margins.

However, full-year revenue is now expected to be similar to or slightly below last year due to:

• Strong competition in Pacific markets affecting lower-margin sales; and
• Smaller crop volumes and lower yields, reducing product available for sale.

It also noted a sharp appreciation of the Australian dollar against the US dollar is negatively impacting the translation of results from the Group's foreign operations. 

Additionally, it said conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global shipping routes and logistics and is impacting the Group's sales in this sizable market in the near term.

Despite yesterday's 7% fall, a new report from Bell Potter indicates it could currently be a value play. 

Here's what the broker had to say. 

Updated outlook from Bell Potter

Bell Potter noted that estimated FY26 revenue is expected to be in line with or slightly below FY25 levels. 

The broker said this reflects the impact of lower global rice prices, a stronger AUD, supply chain disruption in the Middle East and the retention of 2025 rice crop for the 2026 program. 

Our forecasts had already assumed a -3% YoY contraction in group revenue in FY26e and midsingle digit YoY NPAT growth. We have reduced these forecasts to account for softer trading, particularly in the International division.

Buy rating retained

Bell Potter decreased its price target on this consumer staples stock to $17.00 (previously $18.75). 

However it maintained its buy recommendation. 

In recent months we have seen a recovery in global rice price indicators and a weakening AUD which in isolation imply an improved position relative to domestic CY26e contract prices.

However, we have shifted our thought process to two consecutive poor cropping outcomes, to reflect the current low levels of SMDB storage utilisation and the rising risk of drier conditions through 2HCY26. Despite these headwinds we retain our Buy rating.

From yesterday's closing price of $12.22, the updated price target indicates an upside potential of 39%. 

The post Top broker says ASX this consumer staples stock could rise nearly 40% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Bell Financial shares fell earlier in the day before the results were released. By late afternoon, the stock had recovered to trade 0.36% higher at around $1.37, after dipping as low as $1.295.

Here's a breakdown of what investors should take away from the update.

What was announced?

Bell Financial reported a full-year profit after tax of $36 million for FY25. That is an increase of 17.1% compared to the previous financial year.

Revenue for the year rose 28% to $299.2 million. The result reflects stronger activity across the business and better market conditions.

The company said it continues to benefit from a more diversified structure. Bell Financial operates across retail and institutional broking, platforms, and other financial services. This mix is designed to smooth out earnings when market conditions change.

Management also highlighted solid contributions from its Platforms division and Markets division. The Platforms business continued to grow revenue and profit, while the Markets division maintained its position in equity capital markets activity.

Dividend details

Income investors will likely focus on the dividend.

Bell Financial declared a final dividend of 6.5 cents per share, fully franked. This brings total dividends for the full year to 9.5 cents per share, also fully franked.

The record date for the final dividend is 4 March 2026, and payment is scheduled for 19 March 2026.

How did shares respond?

Although the share price dipped earlier in the day, it recovered after the results were released and moved slightly higher by late afternoon.

The modest move suggests much of the result may have already been priced in. It may also reflect broader caution, especially towards financial services stocks that can be sensitive to trading volumes and investor sentiment.

Over the past 12 months, the share price has traded within a broad range. At around $1.37, the stock remains below some of the higher levels seen over the past year.

What to watch next

Bell Financial's future performance will depend on market conditions and trading activity.

Higher equity market volumes can support broking income and capital markets revenue. On the other hand, quieter markets can weigh on earnings.

Another key question is whether the company can continue growing its Platforms division. This part of the business offers more recurring revenue, which may help reduce earnings volatility over time.

Ultimately, continued earnings growth will likely determine whether Bell Financial shares can break out of their recent trading range.

The post Bell Financial posts strong FY25 result. Is this stock ready to run? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That ASX AI stock is Black Pearl Group Ltd (ASX: BPG).

This recently listed data technology platform company provides AI driven sales and marketing solutions to small-medium sized businesses in the North American market.

The company's solutions are powered by its private data platform, Pearl Engine, and proprietary large language model (LLM).

Bullish broker

The team at Bell Potter has been running the rule over the ASX AI stock and likes what it sees. It said:

Blackpearl Group is a data technology platform that develops and operates a lead prospecting and marketing product suite via its proprietary Pearl Engine platform and augmented large language model developed by BPG in 2022. BPG transforms anonymous, unstructured web visits and data layers into identifiable prospects to significantly increase efficacy for SME ad/marketing spend by targeting prospects with a high intent to buy. BPG's evolution from legacy email branding/engagement tracking has grown ARR from $4.6m in 2Q24 to $19.5m as at 2Q26 at a CAGR of 106%.

The broker believes that Black Pearl Group is well-positioned for growth in the coming years and expects it to achieve its medium term annualised recurring revenue (ARR) target. It adds:

We forecast BPG to hit $50m ARR by 3Q31, consistent with BPG's 3-5 year targeted horizon (BPe: 4.7years), from: (1) Evolution of Pearl Diver/Engine into wholesale, Data-as-a-Service, and Platform-as-a-Service solutions capable of penetrating the advertising agency market; (2) Acquisition of Nth. Am. agentic AI platform, B2BRocket, which is expected to grow to $10m ARR by mid-2Q27 (2Q26: ~$4.7m); (3) Driving adspend efficiencies in budget-constrained segments by eliminating non-human (i.e. bot) traffic; (4) A large addressable market consisting of 32m SME's in North America, who are increasingly interested in deploying AI-based solutions; and (5) Strong management of CAC payback (4.6mths) and churn (<5%) via customer qualification and onboarding/revenue-ramping strategies.

Should you buy this ASX AI stock?

Bell Potter thinks that Black Pearl Group could be a good pick for investors with a high tolerance for risk.

According to the note, the broker initiated coverage on the stock with a speculative buy rating and $1.45 price target. Based on its current share price of 84.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 72% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

We initiate on BPG with a Speculative Buy recommendation and a valuation of A$1.45/sh. We use a blended 50/50 DCF (WACC: 12.3%) and EV/ARR (weighted multiple relative to $50m ARR forecast horizon), which reflects near-term value attributed to ARR growth balanced by value captured in longer-term potential cashflow generation.

The post Bell Potter says this new ASX AI stock could rise 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In a recent research note to clients, Bell Potter analysts note that non-cash transaction volumes are rising, with an increasing number of transactions occurring through mobile phones.

Interestingly, their analysis shows that while on a monthly basis debit card purchases through mobile wallets have increased 10% on levels in January this year, contactless tap payments were flat, and payments which involved inserting a card fell by 11%.

Aussies comfortable with tap and go

Bell Potter analysts said Australia was actually a global leader for the take-up of digital payments, and with Cuscal providing the digital enablement technology and payment connectivity, which makes this possible, they are well placed.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on Cuscal stock, and is forecasting a total return of 20.5%, made up of 18.6% in capital growth and a modest 1.9% dividend yield.

Their confidence is based on the strong consumer take-up of mobile payments, as they explain:

Payments using mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay totalled 4.1 billion on a run rate basis in Jun'24 which equates to 35% growth on the previous corresponding period for transactions made from debit cardholders. Consumers are becoming more comfortable with storing and using their credentials to replace bank cards. Cuscal is a beneficiary from sector growth and consumer behaviour driving volumes through its infrastructure.

The company also benefits from consolidation in the banking sector, Bell Potter's analysts said, with mergers among the smaller financial institutions freeing up more funds, which can be diverted into investment in new technology.

So far there's been six announced or completed mergers within the sector which would put the level of activity above the 10-year average and align with levels not seen since FY17. We are only just into FY26 with the trend already accelerating.

Bell Potter expects growth to come from contract wins and "capability uplift to drive above system growth, reflecting its ownership of key assets''.

Modest operating leverage through scale then gets us to low double digit NPAT growth. This is augmented by the acquisition of Indue which is expected to derive run-rate cost synergies of $15-20m from FY29.

Bell Potter has a price target of $4.60 on Cuscal shares, compared with $3.92 today.

The company was valued at $743.3 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post Move to mobile wallets spells good news for this All Ords fintech appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However in addition to a balanced portfolio of well-established companies, some investors may be looking for high upside. 

Investing in small, fast-growing companies can capture substantial gains compared to later investors who wait until those companies have grown. 

One that has attracted a price target well above its current share price is Trajan Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: TRJ). 

What is Trajan Group

Trajan Group Holdings is a developer and manufacturer of analytical and life sciences products and devices, seeking to enrich human well-being through scientific measurement. 

Its current portfolio of products comprises products, devices, and solutions that are used in the analysis of biological, food, and environmental samples.

This ASX penny stock has fallen by more than 30% over the last year. 

However, broker Bell Potter has a buy recommendation on Trajan Group shares. 

The broker also released a report on August 28 following the company's FY25 financial results. 

What did the company report?

In its FY25 release, the company reported: 

• Group revenue of $166.5m (up 7.4% on pcp)
• Normalised group EBITDA was $15.5m (below the guidance range ($17.0M–$19.0M) but up 26.2%)

The company also provided FY26 guidance. 

It said it enters FY26 with a strengthened balance sheet, robust demand indicators, and clear momentum across core and emerging markets. 

Trajan's diverse global operating footprint and revenue base along with its broad customer and product mix positions it well to navigate the rising volatility in the macro-economic environment.

Despite this market landscape, management expects FY26 net revenue to be between $170m to $180m and EBITDA to be between $16m to $19m.

What did Bell Potter have to say?

Following the FY25 results, broker Bell Potter said the company had relatively healthy revenue growth. 

It said key drivers of revenue growth included automated systems, food safety, and HDX software within the Capital Equipment business. 

It's important to note Bell Potter identified risks to the company's outlook, including commercial and competitive pressures related to product development, customer acquisition, and rival firms with stronger market positions, as well as operational risks across global manufacturing sites.

As a result, the broker has kept its buy recommendation on this ASX penny stock, however it did reduce its target price (previously $1.45). 

TRJ has provided guidance for revenue and nEBITDA, with revenue expected to land between $170m – $180m and nEBITDA at $16m – $19m. 

Our revenue estimate is near the mid-point and so we have determined to maintain that estimate. However, we were at the top of the range for nEBITDA and given macro volatility and the measured approach to cost reduction, we have shifted our FY26e nEBITDA down to the low end of the range at c.$17m.

The revised price target of $1.25 indicates an upside of 56.25% from yesterday's closing price of $0.80.

The post Broker says this penny stock could rise 50%! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX All Ords had a rough day on Tuesday, falling 0.31% to close at 9,168 points.

Last month, several ASX All Ords shares received upgraded consensus ratings from analysts on the CommSec platform.

All of these stocks now have a consensus strong buy rating.

Let's check them out.

4 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy ratings

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price finished the session on Tuesday at $14.31, down 4%.

The ASX All Ords healthcare share has fallen 51% over the past six months.

During the August earnings season, Telix reported a 63% surge in revenue to US$390.4 million for 1H FY25.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was $21.1 million, down from US$37.1 million in 1H FY24.

Bell Potter is among the brokers with a buy rating on this ASX All Ords healthcare share.

The broker's 12-month price target is $23, suggesting a potential 60% upside from here.

Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The Droneshield share price closed at $3.09, down 4.6% yesterday.

This ASX All Ords defence share has risen 296% over the past six months.

Droneshield reported a 210% revenue surge to $72.3 million and a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.1 million for 1H FY25.

Bell Potter retained its buy rating with a slightly reduced price target of $3.70. 

This implies a potential 20% upside from here.

Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM)

The Ora Banda share price closed at 91 cents, up 1.11%, yesterday.

This ASX All Ords gold share has slipped 1.1% over the past six months.

The junior miner reported record revenue of $404.3 million and a huge 575% lift in net profit to $186.1 million in FY25.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on this gold stock with a 12-month price target of 95 cents.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price finished yesterday's session at $6.18, up 6.4%.

This ASX All Ords defence share has streaked 452% higher over the past six months.

Electro Optic Systems reported a 67% decline in revenue to $47.4 million and a $46.8 million net profit for 1H FY25.

Bell Potter has raised its 12-month price target from $5 to $5.70 and maintains its buy rating.

This implies the stock has overshot its fundamental value for now.

The post 4 ASX All Ords shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The benchmark index closed 0.92% lower yesterday at 8,662 points.

In July, the experts upgraded these nine ASX 200 shares to strong buy ratings.

Let's check them out.

9 ASX 200 shares with strong buy ratings

The following ASX 200 shares received an upgraded 'strong buy' consensus rating on the CommSec platform in July.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The consensus rating on Telix Pharmaceuticals shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 31 July.

The Telix share price finished the session on Friday at $20.15, down 4.28%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX 200 tech share with a 12-month price target of $34.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on Worley shares on 31 July.

The Worley share price closed at $13.38, up 0.22% yesterday.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The consensus rating on CSL shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

The CSL share price finished last week at $264.05, down 2.53%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on the ASX 200 healthcare share with a 12-month price target of $305. 

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on Orica shares on 22 July.

The Orica share price finished the session on Friday at $21.30, down 0.37%.

UBS has a buy rating on the explosives manufacturer with a 12-month share price target of $32. 

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The consensus rating on WiseTech Global shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

The WiseTech Global share price finished the session on Friday at $116.34, down 3.04%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on the ASX 200 tech share and a 12-month target price of $135.

Air New Zealand Ltd (ASX: AIZ)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on Air New Zealand shares on 31 July.

The ASX 200 airline share closed at $116.34 on Friday, down 2.55%.

But wait, there's more!

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

The consensus rating on Capstone Copper shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

Capstone Copper shares led the market on Friday after the miner reported record production.

The ASX 200 copper stock was the fastest riser of the day, up 9.46% to $9.37.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on the ASX 200 copper share with a price target of $13.30. 

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on this ASX 200 buy now, pay later stock on 22 July.

The Zip share price finished the week at $3.25, up 0.62%.

Blackwattle portfolio managers Robert Hawkesford and Daniel Broeren said Zip shares still have 'meaningful upside'.

They commented:

We still see meaningful upside through the ongoing penetration of BNPL products in the US which has a significant runway, sitting at only ~2% today, vs ~15% and ~20% in Australia and Europe respectively.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

The consensus rating on Westgold Resources shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

The Westgold Resources share price closed at $2.53, down 1.17%, yesterday.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on the ASX 200 gold share with a 12-month share price target of $3.60. 

The post 9 ASX 200 shares attracting 'strong buy' ratings from the experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) rose just 1.55% in that period. 

However, broker Bell Potter has identified two utilities stocks with more than 20% upside. 

Let's see what the broker had to say. 

LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI)

LGI Ltd is engaged in the recovery of biogas from landfills, and the subsequent conversion into renewable electricity and saleable environmental products.

The company operates at the convergence of the waste and clean energy sectors. 

It saw its share price plummet more than 5% yesterday. 

However, it remains slightly in the positive YTD, rising 2.74% in that span. 

Bell Potter lists the ASX utilities share as one to watch, placing a buy recommendation on LGI shares. 

The broker has a price target of $3.60, which indicates 20% upside from its current share price of $3.00. 

According to the broker, LGI is rapidly growing while staying focused on cutting emissions and delivering local power.

In a July report, the broker said revenue contribution is growing across multiple sources.

LGI achieves revenue in excess of $30 million from ordinary activities and is in growth phase. Landfill gas is a unique sub-sector in the renewable space, making LGI a specialist player with only a couple of direct competitors in the market.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

AGL is a power company participating in the gas and electricity wholesale and retail markets.

Its share price is down more than 5% over the last year, and closed yesterday at $9.78. 

Bell Potter has an overweight rating and price target of $12.00 on the utilities company. 

From current levels, this indicates an upside of 22.69%. 

Earlier this year, speaking on the outlook for AGL shares, the broker said customer satisfaction metrics are strong, with a strategic Net Promoter Score (NPS) of +3. 

AGL's retail transformation program is delivering benefits, and their customer markets business continues to grow, largely driven by energy and telecommunications services.

Other brokers are also optimistic on AGL shares, with Macquarie placing a price target of $11.13. 

Trading View has a 12-month price target of $12.05, which indicates more than 25% upside. 

Online brokerage platform Selfwealth has an average price target of $11.96.

The post Broker tips 20% upside for these ASX utilities shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you're considering investing in any of these companies and want to catch the next dividend payment, you must act before the ex-dividend day.

What happens on ex-dividend day?

Share prices usually fall on ex-dividend days simply because they are less appealing without the upcoming dividend attached.

Plus, investors know the impending dividend payment will take a chunk of cash off the company's balance sheet.

However, the ex-dividend day can provide a useful dollar-cost averaging opportunity if you already own the stock and are committed to the investment for the long term.

Here are a bunch of ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

30 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

The post 30 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Bell Financial Group Ltd (ASX: BFG)

The Bell Financial Group share price is down 2.5% to $1.28. This follows news that the financial services company has signed a deal to acquire SelfWealth Ltd (ASX: SWF). The two parties have agreed a price of 25 cents per share. Bell Financial Group's chair, Brian Wilson AO, said: "We look forward to working with Selfwealth to ensure a smooth integration of our two businesses with minimal client disruption. Our intention is to maintain the Selfwealth brand and to further develop the client value proposition which we expect will result in ongoing growth."

IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG)

The IPD Group share price is down 12.5% to $3.66. Investors have been selling the shares of this electrical solutions provider in energy management and automation after its guidance for the first half of FY 2025 fell well short of expectations. First half EBITDA is expected to be $22.5 million to $23.1 million, which is down from $24.8 million a year ago. Bell Potter was forecasting EBITDA growth of 33% for the full year. IPD will need a significantly stronger second half if it is going to achieve this.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is down a further 3% to $7.33. Investors have been selling this network as a service provider's shares since it released its annual general meeting update last week. Management advised that it continues to expect FY 2025 revenue of $214 million to $222 million, which represents a 9.6% to 13.7% year-on-year increase. It also advised that it expects a similar level of revenue growth in FY 2026, which was short of what the market was forecasting. This is disappointing given that Megaport has been investing heavily in its growth. Nevertheless, Goldman Sachs remains bullish and has put a buy rating and $10.40 price target on its shares.

Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG)

The Resolute Mining share price is down 5% to 38.5 cents. This gold miner's shares have come under significant pressure this month after a number of executives were detained by the Mali government. Following today's decline, its shares are now down approximately 55% since this time last month.

The post Why Bell Financial, IPD, Megaport, and Resolute Mining shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the stock is up 75% on the day and fetching 21 cents apiece.

The offer has caught the attention of investors, who seem keen to acquire shares in the hope that the takeover bid will be approved.

Zooming out, SelfWealth shares were down 27% this year to date up until the open on Wednesday.

Let's dive into the details behind this offer and what it means for shareholders.

ASX small-cap stock jumps on takeover offer

Bell Financial Group has proposed to acquire 100% of the ASX small-cap stock through a scheme of arrangement.

The offer is made at 22 cents per share, valuing the company at approximately $51 million.

This is an 83% premium to SelfWealth's closing price of 12 cents per share yesterday.

Management says Bell made its first introductions on the offer back in October. Discussions have since been underway.

Bell has also provided a scrip option for SelfWealth shareholders, allowing them to take the payout in cash or Bell shares, giving investors some flexibility in realising their gains.

SelfWealth's board has responded positively to the offer, noting it is "highly attractive" and can add "significant value" for shareholders.

Subject to Selfwealth and Bell agreeing an implementation deed on terms acceptable to Selfwealth, it is the Selfwealth Board's intention to unanimously recommend that Selfwealth shareholders vote in favour of the Bell Proposal, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to the independent expert concluding (and continuing to conclude) that the Bell Proposal is in the best interests of Selfwealth shareholders.

The company says shareholders don't need to do anything as it relates to the offer. Given there's plenty for both parties to digest, there's no guarantee it will even go ahead.

Meanwhile, the ASX small-cap stock's chair, Christine Christian, said the offer was "compelling" for shareholders.

The Board and Management of Selfwealth view the Bell Proposal as compelling for Selfwealth's shareholders, team members and clients.

It would deliver significant value to shareholders, with an attractive cash price and the potential to share in possible synergies for those electing to receive Bell shares. We also believe our clients will benefit from Bell's diversified wealth management offering

Why is this ASX small-cap stock so attractive to Bell?

Bell Financial's bid to acquire SelfWealth is part of its expanding technology & platforms business. Integrating SelfWealth customers into its own network could increase earnings. According to Bell Financial:

BFG shareholders will benefit through increased scale in BFG's online broking business and cost
synergies. The acquisition is expected to be materially earnings per share accretive post-integration, and adds almost 130,000 active portfolios, increasing BFG's sponsored holdings by $11 billion to $94 billion.

Bell Financial chair Brian Wilson expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition.

We are excited by the prospect of welcoming SelfWealth's clients and team to Bell. Clients of both businesses will benefit from a superior user experience through leveraging the respective strengths of both businesses, and access to the broader array of products and services available within BFG.

The offer remains subject to customary conditions. These include the agreement of a binding implementation deed and a unanimous recommendation from SelfWealth's board, to name a few.

Bell and SelfWealth have also entered an Exclusivity Deed, allowing Bell an exclusive negotiation period.

The ASX small-cap stock's board won't be able to entertain competing offers during this time.

Foolish takeaway

This ASX small-cap stock has exploded on Wednesday on news of a potential takeover from Bell Financial.

The premium to its last closing price is the main talking point, which could see shareholders nab quite the profit if the deal is approved. This could reverse the fortunes of shareholders who were down 25% in the 12 months to yesterday's close.

The post This ASX small-cap stock is exploding 75% on takeover news! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

Bell Financial Group Ltd (ASX: BFG)

The Bell Financial share price is up 4% to 93.5 cents. This follows news that AUSTRAC will not be taking any further regulatory action against the financial services company. This follows its consideration of the reports from an external auditor on the company's three operating subsidiaries.

Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW)

The Downer share price is up 2.5% to $4.04. This morning, Downer announced that it achieved contractual close on the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP), which is the largest investment in new rolling stock in Queensland history. The contract is expected to generate revenue of approximately $4.6 billion for Downer.

Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU)

The Imugene share price is up 8% to 9.6 cents. This follows the release of an update from the immuno-oncology company. According to the release, HER-Vaxx induced antibodies correlated with tumour reduction. Compared to chemotherapy alone, the vaccination resulted in a statistically significant overall survival benefit.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan share price is up 2.5% to $4.22. This morning, this lithium developer announced a leadership change. Its current CEO, Dr Francis Wedin, will step down and move to the role of Executive Chair. Dr Wedin will be replaced by Cris Moreno, who has been deputy CEO since 2022. Moreno has 20 years of global experience delivering major capital projects in the energy and chemicals sector.

The post Why Bell Financial, Downer, Imugene, and Vulcan shares are pushing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are sinking:

Bell Financial Group Ltd (ASX: BFG)

The Bell Financial share price is down 6.5% to $1.67. This follows the release of the financial services company's half year profit guidance. According to the release, Bell Financial is expecting to deliver a first half profit before tax of $24 million. While this is a record, it is just a 3% increase on the prior corresponding period. The market appears to have been expecting better.

Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA)

The Sayona Mining share price is down 2% to 9.5 cents. This morning the lithium explorer announced the outcome of its share placement. According to the release, Sayona Mining has received strong support to raise $45 million through its placement to institutional and sophisticated investors. These funds will be raised at a 21% discount of 7.5 cents per new share.

Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX)

The Strike Energy share price has fallen 6% to 30.5 cents. This is despite the release of a potentially positive announcement this morning. That announcement reveals that Strike has completed production testing at its West Erregulla 4 well. The results from this testing "demonstrate similar productivity characteristics consistent with the regional Permian gas fairway wells from Waitsia and Beharra and supports the progression of the Phase 1 development."

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

The Washington H. Soul Pattinson share price is down 1.5% to $33.09. This morning the investment house said it would support the takeover offer of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API) by Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). Some investors may believe that Soul Patts is selling out too cheaply.

The post Why Bell Financial, Sayona Mining, Strike, & Soul Patts are sinking appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.