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

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 3% to $6.47. This morning, the respiratory imaging technology company revealed that its CT:VQ product has received CE Mark certification for commercial use in the European Union. The company notes that this allows it to immediately commence commercial engagement with healthcare providers, which sets up a pathway for clinical adoption and collaboration with major European hospital networks. 4DMedical's CEO and founder, Andreas Fouras, said: "CE Mark certification for CT:VQ is a significant milestone that opens access to one of the world's largest and most sophisticated healthcare markets. Combined with FDA clearance, 4DMedical now holds regulatory approval to rapidly commercialise CT:VQ across both the U.S. and the EU."

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price is up 1.5% to $9.93. This has been driven by news that the biopharmaceutical company is showcasing at America's largest dermatology conference. Clinuvel's head of North American operations, Dr Linda Teng, said: "Following the success of the 2025 AAD Meeting, our team has refined its approach to ensure maximum engagement with the dermatology community ultimately aimed at helping to treat patients with melanocortin therapies. We know there is great demand from physicians who wish to offer more to their vitiligo patients, while interest in our commercial program for EPP continues to grow as patients seek approved therapy."

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is up 1.5% to $19.28. This week, Bell Potter put a buy rating and $37.75 price target on its shares. This is almost double its current share price. Commenting on its expectations for the first quarter, the broker said: "After setting expectations relatively low for Q1, there is some chance of a small beat, perhaps more in the adjusted EBITDA margin rather than MAU growth."

Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

The Silex Systems share price is up 1% to $5.34. This morning, the laser uranium enrichment technology company advised that Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) has received preliminary approval for a major US government funding package. GLE is the exclusive licensee of the Silex uranium enrichment technology. The performance-based incentives package will provide up to US$98.9 million (A$142.6 million) in tax and other economic incentives.

The post Why 4DMedical, Clinuvel, Life360, and Silex shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the biopharmaceutical company closed yesterday trading for $9.64. In morning trade on Friday, shares are changing hands for $9.52 apiece, up 0.5%.

For some context, the ASX 300 is down 0.3% at this same time.

This modest outperformance follows a major leadership announcement.

Here's what's happening.

ASX 300 healthcare stock makes CEO decision

In a letter to shareholders released this morning, Clinuvel chairman Jeffrey Rosenfeld highlighted the company's record setting first half year financial results.

"Profitability continues despite the planned increase of expenses. Our cash reserves stand at $233 million as of 31 December," he said. "What matters now is what we do with this position."

Rosenfeld said that after a rigorous review of the company's succession planning and strategic direction, the board has decided that Philippe Wolgen will continue as CEO of the ASX 300 healthcare stock.

"This is not a routine renewal. This is a strategic imperative," Rosenfeld said.

He continued:

The coming 24 to 36 months represent the most critical execution phase in Clinuvel's history. The risks are considerable. We will need to navigate regulatory uncertainty, clinical complexity, and market volatility.

In this environment, a change at the top would not merely delay us, it would set us back a minimum of two to three years. Worse, it could result in outright failure to execute our strategy. The board has examined this question from every angle. We are not willing to incur that cost.

Rosenfeld said the board examined the option of recruiting a United States-based executive and had reviewed candidates. However, he said the board concluded that "recruiting a new CEO would introduce strategic diversion, create unavoidable delays, and carve a void in institutional knowledge".

Wolgen's employment agreement will be extended under new terms currently being negotiated, which are likely to include long-term equity incentives.

"We are treating this exactly as we would treat the recruitment of a new American CEO – except we are retaining someone who already knows how to deliver and financially run a lean company," Rosenfeld said.

What about the struggling Clinuvel share price?

Over the past 12 months, shares in the ASX 300 healthcare stock have slumped 20%

Addressing that decline, Rosenfeld said, "Market data tell a clear story: pre-revenue biotechs often outperform as perception and hope dominates investment decisions, while profitable companies executing quietly can be undervalued."

He added:

The board, market analysts, and sophisticated institutions recognise that our share price does not reflect the company's performance. It reflects a perceived ceiling on further growth. Our job, and Philippe's, is to break through that ceiling.

The post ASX 300 healthcare stock outperforming today on 'strategic' leadership news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After all, the potential returns from small-cap ASX shares can be significantly greater than those on offer with large caps.

With that in mind, here are two small-cap shares that Morgans thinks could rise strongly from current levels. Let's see what it is recommending:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

This biopharmaceuticals company disappointed Morgans during the first half, with softer-than-expected revenue growth and higher-than-expected cost growth.

However, the broker remains positive, especially given that this small-cap ASX share trades on lower-than-normal multiples.

As a result, the broker has put a speculative buy rating and $13.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 30% for investors from current levels. It said:

CUV delivered a softer result that landed below expectations, with top line underperformance and operational cost growth materially outpacing revenue. The combination of slower revenue growth, heavier opex, FX drag, and margin compression makes for an underwhelming print relative to expectations.

While fundamentally cheap with a large cash balance providing valuation support and trading well below historical multiples, the outlook continues to hinge on clinical catalysts and a change in sentiment (strategic direction driven) which we view is unlikely to shift meaningfully in the near term. Minor downgrades due to higher OpEx base and adjustments to WACC. Our target price reduces to A$13 (from A$14) but retain a SPECULATIVE BUY recommendation.

Readytech Holdings Ltd (ASX: RDY)

Another small-cap ASX share that Morgans is positive on is enterprise software company Readytech.

While it also delivered a half-year result that was softer than expected, the broker remains bullish due to its cheap valuation and strong sales pipeline. It has a speculative buy rating and $2.20 price target on Readytech's shares, which suggests that upside of almost 80% is possible over the next 12 months. Morgans said:

RDY's 1H26 result and revised outlook came in softer than expected, with Underlying EBITDA of $17.5m / Cash EBITDA of $7.5m ~6% behind MorgF. Whilst RDY's enterprise strategy remains on track, the group indicated that increased churn in 1H26 along with more protracted implementation/sale conversion have led to an FY26 guidance downgrade and the withdrawal of its longer-term targets.

Whilst we downgrade our FY26-17 EBITDA forecasts by 10-20% reflecting revised guidance, given RDY's robust pipeline, potential catalysts (VIC TAFE decision and likely increased corporate appeal), we move to a SPECULATIVE BUY rating, with a revised price target of $2.20/sh (previously $3.00/sh).

The post Morgans says these small-cap ASX shares could rise 30% to 80% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX All Ords stock ended the week with a 10% decline to $10.01.

This leaves the biopharmaceutical company's shares trading close to a 52-week low.

While this is disappointing, the team at Bell Potter believes it has created a compelling buying opportunity for investors.

What is the broker saying about this ASX All Ords stock?

Clinuvel is a biopharmaceutical company distributing its lead drug Scenesse (afamelanotide) across Europe, the US, and Israel. It is for patients with the rare disease erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

In addition, Bell Potter notes that the ASX All Ords stock is looking to diversify revenues through undertaking clinical trials to expand the approved use of afamelanotide in additional indications (such as vitiligo) and is developing additional pharmaceutical products.

The broker highlights that Clinuvel's performance during the first half was mixed, with revenue falling short of expectations but earnings coming in stronger than expected. It said:

Revenue increased 4% on pcp to $36.9m but was 2% below our forecast and 3% below VA. Earnings were a $2.2m and $2.4m beat to our forecasts at the EBITDA and NPAT lines, respectively, due to opex reducing materially from the preceding half. The company maintained an impressive >90% gross margin. Closing cash balance was $233m with no debt and increased +$9m from 30-June-2025.

While Bell Potter expects a competing product to be approved for EPP in the near future, it is confident that its growth will continue thanks to new product launches. It adds:

Forecasts are updated to reflect lower topline growth and lower operating expenses. The reduction in opex more than offsets the revenue decrease, hence earnings are increased in the forecast period. As detailed in this note, we continue to expect at least one other EPP market entrant will eventually obtain approval in the future, albeit not for at least another 12 months, thus we currently forecast EPP sales peaking in FY27-28 before ACTH and vitiligo restore growth for CUV.

Huge potential returns

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $19.00 price target on the ASX All Ords stock.

Based on its current share price of $10.01, this implies potential upside of 90% for investors over the next 12 months. It concludes:

CUV's EPP franchise continues to provide a strong financial foundation, however the key driver of our investment thesis is the opportunity to expand Scenesse into the far larger vitiligo indication. The first vitiligo Phase 3 trial (CUV105) readout is quickly approaching (2H CY26).

A successful readout would drastically de-risk this step-up in market opportunity and see renewed investor enthusiasm. Lastly, the company's ACTH program could come to market in the next ~2 years and provides another interesting avenue for growth and diversification.

The post Why this cheap ASX All Ords stock could rocket 90% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the ASX 300 stock is up 6.5% to $13.48.

What's going on with this ASX 300 stock?

Investors have been buying the biotechnology company's shares after it unveiled encouraging progress on a brand new drug delivery platform that could materially expand its long-term growth runway.

According to the release, Clinuvel has commenced dosing in a preclinical study of its controlled-release liquid injectable peptide platform, known as VLRX-L.

This marks the first time one of the ASX 300 stock's next-generation delivery technologies has entered formal preclinical evaluation. This is a milestone that investors have clearly welcomed judging by its share price move on Monday.

What is VLRX-L?

The announcement reveals that VLRX-L has been designed to control the release of peptides, including Clinuvel's melanocortin-based drugs, through a flexible liquid dose.

The current preclinical study is focused on assessing safety, release kinetics, and the reproducibility of drug delivery using in-vitro models. Results from the study are expected in the second half of 2026.

Importantly, this platform has been developed entirely in-house at Clinuvel's Research, Development & Innovation Centre in Singapore. The VLRX-L program follows more than a decade of research into peptides, polymers, and controlled-release delivery systems. Management believes this highlights the depth of capability that the company has quietly been building behind the scenes.

The company's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Dennis Wright, described the early in-vitro data as encouraging and reproducible. He said:

Through extensive preliminary work and iterative innovation we have arrived at a VLRX-L candidate platform that has demonstrated encouraging, reproduceable results in-vitro. The platform now needs to be challenged in in-vivo models to understand how it may ultimately deliver therapies for patients.

If these initial results are successful in 2026, we will look at the optimal pathways to scale up and commercialise this technology, with a view to extensively expanding our pipeline with our own IP.

Speaking about the ASX 300 stock's long term goal, Dr Wright said:

Long-term, the goal is to establish a suite of delivery platforms for melanocortins, and other peptides, which meet the diverse needs of a range of patient groups, addressing some of the challenges of technologies currently offered on the market. It is exciting that we can now start to unveil the work of our VALLAURIX team and our ambitions for the next generation of CLINUVEL's products.

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals shares are now up almost 20% since this time last year.

The post This ASX 300 stock is racing 6% higher on exciting news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Artrya Ltd (ASX: AYA)

The Artrya share price is up almost 10% to $3.78. Investors have been buying this medical technology company's shares after it announced its second customer win in the United States. Artrya has signed a commercial agreement with Northeast Georgia Health System for its Salix AI-powered cloud platform. It is used for the near real time, point of care assessment and management of coronary artery disease. The company's co-founder and CEO, John Konstantopoulos, said: "We are proud to secure our second U.S. commercial customer through this three-year commercial agreement with Northeast Georgia Health System, a respected leader in patient care across the U.S. Southeast."

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price is up 4% to $12.81. This morning, this specialty pharmaceuticals company announced a significant expansion of its VALLAURIX Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Centre in Singapore. Management notes that this strategic five-year investment solidifies the site's transition into a global hub for developing advanced, long-acting peptide formulations. Clinuvel's chief operating officer, Lachlan Hay, said: "We are grateful for the support from EDB and are committed to building a truly unique, bespoke facility in Singapore. This positions CLINUVEL at the forefront of peptide delivery technologies, enabling us to execute our vision with speed and precision."

Imugene Ltd (ASX: IMU)

The Imugene share price is up 5% to 33.7 cents. This has been driven by news that the immune-oncology company has received written minutes from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following its recent Type C meeting. This is in relation to the registrational pathway for azer-cel. The company notes that the minutes "provide clear alignment across the key elements required to advance azer-cel into a pivotal study and further validate the program's growing clinical and commercial potential."

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The Pilbara Minerals share price is up 4% to $3.95. This may have been driven by a broker note out of UBS this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the lithium miner's shares to a neutral rating (from sell) with an improved price target of $4.00 (from $2.40). It made the move after upgrading its lithium forecasts on increased demand.

The post Why Artrya, Clinuvel, Imugene, and Pilbara Minerals shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX:XHJ) has fallen more than 16% year to date. 

However one ASX healthcare stock that broker Bell Potter believes is set to rebound is Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV). 

The company is an Australian-based global biopharmaceutical company developing drugs for the treatment of genetic and vascular disorders.

What's going on with this ASX healthcare stock price?

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price has fallen more than 18% over the last month. 

This included a single day drop of 16%. This came following the release of its full-year financial results for the 12 months to 30 June (FY 2025).

In the report, Clinuvel revealed a 10% year-on-year revenue growth to $105.3 million from sales of its SCENESSE product. 

SCENESSE is the company's principal product. It is used to treat erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients, primarily in Europe and the United States.

However, the company also reported a 20% increase in expenses to $53.7 million while net profit after tax (NPAT) grew just 2%. 

What did Bell Potter have to say?

Bell Potter released a report following the results, and said the reported revenue of $95.0m (+8% yoy) was 2% below its forecast. 

Additionally, operating expenses were above the forecast, which was attributed to R&D investment increases.

Finally, the broker also said both EBITDA and NPAT came in below its forecast. 

However it wasn't all negative. 

EBITDA margin remains impressive at 46% albeit down from 51% in FY24. The company continues to accrue a large cash balance of $224m as at 30-June-2025 with no debt.

Price target adjustment

Previously, Bell Potter had a price target of $21.75 on this ASX healthcare stock. 

However, it has reduced this to $19.00.

Despite the reduction, the broker still indicates an enticing upside of over 69% based on yesterday's closing stock price of $11.20. 

The key driver of our BUY recommendation is the potential expansion of Scenesse into vitiligo. The first Phase 3 readout is a major inflection point in achieving this objective and is ~12 months away. Our PT is decreased to $19.00 due to a reduction in our EV/EBITDA multiple to 10x and a decrease in DCF valuation due to lower forecasts.

The broker noted that the commercialisation of SCENESSE in additional indications, as well as the commercialisation of additional pharmaceutical drugs, requires regulatory approval from agencies such as the FDA and EMA.

This is worth monitoring for prospective investors of this ASX healthcare stock.

The post This ASX healthcare stock fell 18% in a month – is it a buy low? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price is up over 3% to $11.58. Investors have been buying the specialty pharmaceuticals company's shares after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) agreed to amend the label for its photoprotective drug SCENESSE (afamelanotide). This change will allow adult erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients to receive the treatment every two months, removing the recommended maximum annual dose of four implants per year. Clinuvel's chief scientific officer, Dr Dennis Wright, said: "We are pleased that the CHMP's positive opinion will enable EPP patients to receive year-round treatment for this very debilitating condition. There was a strong logic to removing the maximum dose restriction in Europe, which has now been validated by the CHMP. It also harmonises the label with the USA."

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up 8% to $3.58. This has been driven by news that the counter drone technology company is significantly expanding its research and development (R&D) operations in the United States. DroneShield USA's CEO, Matt McCrann, said: "As we continue to scale our operations globally, this expansion in the U.S. plays a crucial role in enhancing our ability to innovate and deliver advanced solutions for the evolving defense industrial base right here in the U.S. We're investing in the future of defense, and our growing footprint and impact in the U.S. market directly supports that effort."

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up over 5% to $2.84. This follows the investigative analytics and intelligence software provider's investor day event. At the event, the company talked up its AI opportunity. Its CEO, Jonathan Rubinsztein, said: "The future of Nuix is bright, built on this foundation of excellence in data processing, analysis and a holistic approach to AI. We're excited about the momentum we're building and look forward to continuing to deliver value for our customers and shareholders."

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is up 7% to $16.02. Investors have been buying this radiopharmaceuticals company's shares following the release of an announcement. Telix revealed that the United States Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has granted Transitional Pass-Through payment status for Gozellix. It is Telix's next generation PSMA-PET1 imaging agent for prostate cancer. Telix's CEO of Precision Medicine, Kevin Richardson, said: "Granting TPT status for Gozellix is a strong endorsement of the clinical value of our next-generation imaging agent. Gozellix is already available nationally, and this reimbursement milestone will reduce the out-of-pocket burden for patients, enhance patient access to advanced prostate cancer imaging and simplify payment for providers."

The post Why Clinuvel, DroneShield, Nuix, and Telix shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX healthcare stock is up almost 10% to $12.30.

Why is this ASX healthcare stock jumping?

Investors have been buying the global specialty pharmaceuticals company's shares this morning after it released a big announcement.

According to the release, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has agreed to amend the label for the company's photoprotective drug SCENESSE (afamelanotide).

This change will enable adult erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients to receive treatment every two months, removing the recommended maximum annual dose of four implants per year.

The company notes that this harmonises the treatment dosage in Europe with the USA, where many patients receive year-round therapy.

Why the change?

The ASX healthcare stock highlights that the EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued its positive opinion on the benefit-risk profile of year-round SCENESSE treatment following extensive engagement with its team.

The CHMP evaluated data from two Phase III studies (CUV039 and CUV029) and real world evidence that was captured from over 15 years of SCENESSE use under compassionate, special access, and commercial programs.

The data package included a review of the safety and effectiveness profile of SCENESSE in the European patients who have received four or more implants in any one calendar year.

It notes that recognising the clinical need for EPP patients to receive year-round treatment, the committee concluded that there were no significant safety concerns with the ongoing administration of SCENESSE every two months. This variation can now be implemented immediately.

'Strong logic'

The ASX healthcare stock's chief scientific officer, Dr Dennis Wright, was pleased with the news. He said:

A decade after EMA's approval of SCENESSE we have generated a much deeper, richer pool of data helping to define the drug's benefit-risk profile, with a dossier that supports year-round patient dosing.

We have received ongoing requests from EPP expert physicians to facilitate year-round treatment in Europe and we are pleased that the CHMP's positive opinion will enable EPP patients to receive year-round treatment for this very debilitating condition. There was a strong logic to removing the maximum dose restriction in Europe, which has now been validated by the CHMP. It also harmonises the label with the USA.

Since we are administering SCENESSE in vitiligo at higher frequency of one dose every three weeks, it is obvious that both programs – EPP and vitiligo – assist us in compiling our next regulatory dossier with robust safety data.

The post Why is this ASX healthcare stock jumping 10% on Tuesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel share price is up 4% to $11.97. This follows the release of data relating to its SCENESSE product and its potential use treating vitiligo. Commenting on the data, director of global clinical affairs, Dr Emilie Rodenburger, said: "Most satisfying is to hear how patients are receiving benefit from treatment and the shared excitement from the treating physicians who may have – for the first time – a therapy that works for patients with extensive vitiligo. We look forward to learning the full study results in 2026." This could be a very lucrative market for the specialty pharmaceuticals company. It estimates that vitiligo represents an addressable market of US$490 million to US$570 million in just the United States. Whereas the global market opportunity sits at an estimated US$4.5 billion according to the company.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is up 1% to $200.36. This may have been driven by the release of a broker note out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the biotechnology company's shares with a price target of $265.00. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of over 30% for investors between now and this time next year. Citi continues to believe that double-digit earnings growth is possible over the medium term.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is up 6% to $317.30. This may also have been driven by a broker note out of Citi. This morning, the broker has upgraded the health imaging technology company's shares to a buy rating with a vastly improved price target of $350.00. While Citi acknowledges that Pro Medicus shares trade on very high multiples, it believes this is justified due to its strong earnings growth outlook. This is being underpinned by sticky customers and long contracts.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is up 3.5% to $4.71. Another broker note could be behind this solid rise on Friday. According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this buy now pay later provider's shares with an improved price target of $5.25. UBS has been looking at app store data and believes it points to strong growth in downloads. It feels that this indicates that momentum is strong and has upgraded its earnings estimates accordingly.

The post Why Clinuvel, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Zip shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX 300 stock is up 6% to $12.21.

Why is this ASX 300 stock storming higher?

Investors have been bidding the specialty pharmaceuticals company's shares higher today following the release of an update on its SCENESSE product.

This is the ASX 300 stock's lead therapy and the world's first systemic photoprotective drug for the prevention of phototoxicity (anaphylactoid reactions and burns) in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

However, the company is looking to expand its use into other indications. One of those is vitiligo, which brings us to today's update.

What was announced?

According to the release, new patient cases demonstrating the efficacy of SCENESSE in vitiligo patients have been presented to the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) conference in Paris.

The three patients treated at a single reference hospital in La Reunion, France, all completed treatment in the ongoing CUV105 study, receiving seven SCENESSE implants and up to 40 narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy sessions.

The good news is that all three patients, with Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V and long-standing disease, reported satisfaction with the therapy. One of the patients had previously been resistant to topical treatments, whereas another had previously experienced a relapse following partial treatment response. Importantly, no unexpected safety concerns were identified.

The ASX 300 stock's director of global clinical affairs, Dr Emilie Rodenburger, was pleased with the news. She said:

Vitiligo patients receiving SCENESSE treatment understand that temporary darkening of the entire skin surface is required to activate the pigment to reverse vitiligo. Most satisfying is to hear how patients are receiving benefit from treatment and the shared excitement from the treating physicians who may have – for the first time – a therapy that works for patients with extensive vitiligo. We look forward to learning the full study results in 2026.

This is promising news for the company and its shareholders. A recent presentation reveals that vitiligo represents an addressable market of US$490 million to $570 million for the company in just the United States. It said:

Based on data sources and a range of assumptions, CLINUVEL has provided an indicative model of the commercial roll out for vitiligo in the U.S.A., with expected revenues of US$490–570 million in the first two years of distribution.

Its global opportunity is even larger and worth an estimated US$4.5 billion according to the company.

The post This ASX 300 stock is up 6% on exciting news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the biopharmaceutical company closed yesterday trading for $12.53. In earlier trade, shares plunged to $10.53 each, down 16.0%. After some likely bargain hunting, at the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $10.81 apiece, down 13.7%.

For some context, the ASX 300 is down 0.1% at this same time.

Here's what's happening.

ASX 300 healthcare share tumbles on results

Investors are pressuring the ASX 300 healthcare share following the release of Clinuvel's full-year financial results for the 12 months to 30 June (FY 2025).

That's despite the company reporting its ninth consecutive year of profits.

Net profit before tax came in at $51.6 million, while net profit after tax (NPAT) was $36.2 million. Both figures are up 2% from FY 2024.

Clinuvel also achieved 10% year-on-year revenue growth to $105.3 million from sales of its SCENESSE product, which is used to treat erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients, primarily in Europe and the United States.

Perhaps pressuring the ASX 300 healthcare share today, the company reported a 20% increase in expenses to $53.7 million. Management said this reflects the company's direct and indirect costs associated with its clinical program for vitiligo.

Still, cash reserves increased by 20% over the 12 months to $224.1 million.

On the passive income front, the board declared a fully franked final dividend of 5 cents per share, in line with last year's final Clinuvel dividend. That brings the full-year payout to 10 cents per share.

If you want to grab that final dividend, you'll need to own shares at market close on 3 September. Clinuvel stock trades ex-dividend on 4 September. You can then expect to be paid on 19 September.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results pressuring the ASX 300 healthcare share today, Clinuvel CFO Peter Vaughan said:

The Clinuvel team has delivered what it set out to achieve in FY2025: continued commercial growth while accelerating our Phase III clinical program for vitiligo in a cost-controlled manner.

This year's result sees us deliver a ninth year of profits from the commercial distribution of SCENESSE for EPP.

Looking ahead, Vaughan added:

All of our key financial metrics – revenues, profit, re-investment in the business and asset growth – continue to increase year-on-year, providing a strong basis for a sustainable biopharmaceutical group and enabling us to expedite our objectives for the revenues and growth of tomorrow.

The company did not provide specific FY 2026 guidance, which may also be spooking investors today with potential increases in US drug tariffs still looming.

With today's big fall factored in, the ASX 300 healthcare share is down 30% since this time last year, excluding dividends.

The post This ASX 300 healthcare share just crashed 16%. Here's why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price is up 8% to $12.97. This morning, this biopharmaceutical company announced a plan to upgrade its Nasdaq listing before the end of 2025. Clinuvel's managing director, Dr Philippe Wolgen, said: "We believe this initiative will significantly broaden CLINUVEL's visibility and trading access in the United States. Recent engagement with U.S. institutional investors has confirmed growing interest in CLINUVEL's profile as one of the very few profitable biopharmaceutical companies."

Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL)

The Cuscal share price is up 26% to $3.71. This follows the release of the payments and regulated data services provider's full year results. Cuscal reported a pro forma net profit after tax of $38.4 million, which was up 17% and ahead of its prospectus forecast. Cuscal Managing Director, Craig Kennedy said: "We are pleased to deliver a strong maiden full year result since listing, exceeding our Prospectus profit forecast driven by growth in transaction-based revenue across all our core capabilities."

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price is up 5% to $4.95. Investors have been buying this defence and space company's shares after it released its half year results and posted a $46 million profit after tax. This doesn't include the world's first export sale contract to deliver a high-energy 100kW laser system to a European NATO Member State, which was announced on 5 August 2025. That order is valued at 71.4 million euros (approximately A$125 million). This morning, management noted that it continues "to deal with enquiries from several potential future customers for High Energy Laser Weapon products."

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is up 18% to $3.68. This has been driven by the release of the buy now pay later provider's FY 2025 results. Zip was on form once again and reported a 30.3% lift in total transaction value to $13.1 billion and a 147% lift in cash EBTDA to $170.3 million. Commenting on its performance, Zip's CEO, Cynthia Scott, said: "It has been a defining year for Zip with cash earnings growing by 147.0% to $170.3m. We achieved several milestones including delivering over $1b in total income and our US business generated over US$100m of cash earnings. Disciplined execution and strong unit economics underpinned our performance, with Group operating margin almost doubling within 12 months to 15.8%."

The post Why Clinuvel, Cuscal, EOS, and Zip shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three more of the best ASX shares to buy this month according to the broker are listed below. Here's why it is bullish on these names:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The first ASX share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is Clinuvel. It is a pharmaceutical company distributing its lead drug Scenesse (afamelanotide) across Europe and the USA for patients with the rare disease Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Bell Potter believes that its shares are good value given its strong growth outlook. This is being underpinned by its existing EPP product and its potential expansion into other areas. It explains:

Trading at approximately 7.4x EV/EBITDA valuations are not stretched, our analysts view the current valuation as well-supported by its existing, highly profitable EPP franchise alone without consideration for the substantial market opportunity presented by its vitiligo treatment program.

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP)

Another ASX share that gets the seal of approval from the broker this month is Develop Global.

It operates under a hybrid model as an underground mining contractor and operator of two mining assets: The Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Mine; and The Sulphur Springs Zinc-Copper Project.

Bell Potter thinks that now is the time to buy given the potential transformation of its earnings profile. It said:

Our analysts are forecasting a transformation in DVP's EPS profile in the forward years, with FY26 PE currently undemanding at ~8.2x. Re-rate catalysts in the near-term include production updates showing Woodlawn is on a path to achieving processing plant nameplate capacity and additional Mining Services contract wins.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Finally, Bell Potter has named Elders on its Australian equities panel again in August.

The broker believes the market is undervaluing the agribusiness company. Particularly given the potential benefits of the proposed acquisition of Delta Agribusiness for $475 million. It said:

We see value in ELD, particularly with the market appearing to undervalue the pending Delta acquisition. The base business is performing well with multiple growth drivers including recovery from drought conditions, system modernisations, and backward integration benefits. We are attracted to ELD's valuation, which is relatively cheap at 11.8x 12MF P/E, along with these potential upside catalysts and a strong dividend yield

The post Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in August appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Well, to narrow things down, let's take a look at three ASX shares that Bell Potter believes are best buys.

They have been named on its Australian equities panel, which is home to its favoured Australian equities that offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

Here's why these shares could be worth considering for a $5,000 investment this month:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The first ASX share to look at for a $5,000 investment is Clinuvel.

It is a pharmaceutical company distributing its lead drug Scenesse across Europe and the USA for patients with the rare disease erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Bell Potter believes its shares are good value given its highly profitable core operations and the potential expansion into other areas with significant market opportunities. It commented:

Trading at approximately 7.4x EV/EBITDA valuations are not stretched, our analysts view the current valuation as well-supported by its existing, highly profitable EPP franchise alone without consideration for the substantial market opportunity presented by its vitiligo treatment program.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Another ASX share to look at is Elders. The broker continues to believe that this agribusiness company's shares are undervalued at current levels.

Bell Potter highlights that Elders has a positive outlook, strong dividend yield, and a number of growth drivers. It explains:

We see value in ELD, particularly with the market appearing to undervalue the pending Delta acquisition. The base business is performing well with multiple growth drivers including recovery from drought conditions, system modernisations, and backward integration benefits. We are attracted to ELD's valuation, which is relatively cheap at 10.7x 12MF P/E, along with these potential upside catalysts and a strong dividend yield

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Universal Store could be an ASX share to buy with the $5,000. It is the youth fashion retailer behind Universal Store, Perfect Strangers, and Thrills.

Bell Potter believes its shares are good value based on its positive earnings growth outlook. It said:

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 14% p.a. over (FY25-27). Valuation looks attractive, trading on a forward P/E of ~14x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~26%) that is executing on its rollout strategy.

The post 3 of the best ASX shares to buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because compared to other sectors like financials (big banks) and resources (mining and energy), healthcare makes up a much smaller portion of the ASX's total market capitalisation.

For example, financials and materials can account for 50–60% of the ASX 200, while healthcare often contributes around 10–12%, depending on market conditions.

Furthermore, the healthcare sector on the ASX is dominated by a few major companies:

• CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) – one of Australia's largest companies, and by far the biggest healthcare stock.
• Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD), and Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) are also prominent.

This means the sector's performance is heavily tied to these few holdings, making it less diversified than in other markets like the US.

However, that also means there are hundreds of growth stocks with the potential to bring large returns. 

Let's look at two that are tipped for growth according to broker Bell Potter. 

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

This biopharmaceutical company develops and commercialises treatments for rare genetic and skin disorders, especially those related to light sensitivity.

This healthcare stock has seen its share price fall 34.53% over the last year. 

However, Bell Potter sees opportunity in this healthcare stock. 

The broker maintains its "buy" recommendation and $21.45. 

At the time of writing, shares are trading at $9.99 each, which indicates an upside of approximately 117.7%. 

The company is optimistic thanks to the company's lean, vertically integrated business model. 

Furthermore, the broker noted that the company commercialises Scenesse, the only approved drug in the US and EU for patients with EPP (Erythropoietic protoporphyria). 

Cyclopharm Ltd (ASX: CYC)

Cyclopharm Ltd. is a radiopharmaceutical company, which engages in diagnostic imaging in lung health. It manufactures and sells medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

At the time of writing, CYC shares are down 42.86% in the past year. 

This significant drop might mean it's been oversold, with Bell Potter placing a "buy" recommendation and $2.20 price target. 

This indicates a 134.0% upside from its current price of $0.94. 

A report from the broker last month highlighted the company has experienced slower than expected growth. 

However, the underlying U.S. market opportunity remains significant according to Bell Potter. 

Investors should be also aware that growth stocks can come with increased upside, but simultaneously more volatility.

The post These healthcare stocks could be set to double according to broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because listed below are a couple of ASX growth stocks that analysts have rated as buys and tipped to rise at least 80%.

Here's what they are saying about these stock right now:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

The team at Bell Potter thinks that this pharmaceutical company could be an ASX growth stock to buy for big returns right now.

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals is focused on the distribution of its lead drug Scenesse (afamelanotide) across Europe and USA for patients with the rare disease Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Bell Potter believes that the company's shares are severely undervalued at present. This is particularly the case given its strong margins and the possible expansion of Scenesse into other indications. It recently said:

The company recently delivered a record half-year result, showcasing strong profitability with attractive EBITDA margins (~50%). Trading at approximately 7.4x EV/EBITDA valuations are not stretched, our analysts view the current valuation as well-supported by its existing, highly profitable EPP franchise alone without consideration for the substantial market opportunity presented by its vitiligo treatment program.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $21.75 price target on the growth stock's shares. Based on its current share price of $10.63, this suggests that they could double in value between now and this time next year.

HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC)

Over at Goldman Sachs, its analysts think that this beaten down diversified alternative asset manager could be a top ASX growth stock to buy now.

The broker likes HMC Capital due to its growth strategy and the recent diversification away from traditional real estate. Goldman believes that this will support strong funds under management (FUM) growth over the medium term. It recently said:

We are Buy rated given HMC's FUM growth strategy and diversification away from classic Real Estate and into Digital Infrastructure (including DigiCo) among various other strategies including Energy Transition and Private markets.

On the latter we see four key factors supporting FUM growth in the medium term, including: i) increased investor allocation to private markets, ii) a positive skew in borrower preferences to private credit, iii) a structural shift in the public markets to larger deal sizes, and iv) an acceleration in commercial real estate credit due to Australia's undersupply of housing stock.

Goldman Sachs currently has a buy rating and $9.96 price target on HMC Capital's shares. Based on its current share price of $5.58, this implies potential upside of almost 80% for investors.

The post These ASX growth stocks could rise 80% to 100% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But which small cap ASX stocks could be among the best to buy now? Let's take a look at three that Bell Potter has named on its top picks list this month. They are as follows:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV)

Bell Potter is bullish on Clinuvel and believes it could be an ASX small cap stock to buy in May.

It is a pharmaceutical company behind the Scenesse (afamelanotide) drug, which is a treatment for rare disease Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

The broker believes its shares are good value given the positive outlook of its existing business and the potential expansion of Scenesse's indications. It explains:

Trading at approximately 7.4x EV/EBITDA valuations are not stretched, our analysts view the current valuation as well-supported by its existing, highly profitable EPP franchise alone without consideration for the substantial market opportunity presented by its vitiligo treatment program.

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP)

Another small cap ASX stock that could be a buy is mining and underground mining contractor Develop Global.

The broker believes that the upcoming restart of the Woodlawn mine will transform its earnings and could support a re-rating of its shares. It said:

Our analysts are forecasting a transformation in DVP's EPS profile in the forward years, with FY26 PE currently undemanding at ~8.0x. Re-rate catalysts in the near-term include production updates showing Woodlawn is on a path to achieving processing plant nameplate capacity and additional Mining Services contract wins.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A final small cap ASX stock that Bell Potter is bullish on is Universal Store. It is the youth fashion retailer behind the Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and Thrills brands.

Bell Potter believes that its shares are great value. This is based on its strong earnings growth outlook, which is being underpinned by increasing store numbers. Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

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 14% p.a. over (FY25-27). Valuation looks attractive, trading on a fwd P/E of ~14x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~25%) that is executing on its rollout strategy.

The post 3 of the best small cap ASX stocks to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's see what the broker is recommending investors buy now:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

The first ASX healthcare stock that could be a buy according to the broker is Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals. It is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercialising treatments for patients with genetic, metabolic, systemic, and life-threatening, acute disorders.

Its key product is Scencesse, which is the only approved drug in the US and EU for patients with erythropoeitic protoporphyria (EPP).

Bell Potter believes the company is well-placed to deliver a strong result in FY 2025. Based on this and promising trial results, it feels that the company's shares are great value. It said:

The company's lean, vertically integrated business model has it on track to generate $97m rev in FY25 and EBITDA of $52m (VA cons $49m). We expect a strong full-year FY25 result as margins typically expand in 2H as more sales are booked in the lead up to the northern hemisphere summer. At an EV of ~$390m and ~7.4x EV/EBITDA, we view the existing EPP franchise alone comfortably supporting the share price, with potential step-change in market opportunity from vitiligo which is nearing a critical Ph3 de-risking event in ~1H CY26.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $21.75 price target on its shares.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Another ASX healthcare stock that the broker is tipping as a buy is biotechnology company Mesoblast.

It highlights that the company is on the cusp of being profitable thanks to its recently approved Ryoncil stem cell therapy. It said:

Ryoncil is the company's long awaited first product to market and is indicated for treatment of steroid refractory acute graft vs host disease (SR aGvHD) in children under 17 years. […] SR aGvHD is an ultra orphan indication, nevertheless at US$1.3m per patient (minimum) and no competing therapy, MSB requires only modest market penetration to reach profitability.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and $4.30 price target on its shares.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Finally, Telix could be an ASX healthcare stock to buy according to the broker.

This rapidly growing radiopharmaceuticals company is being tipped to have a bright future by Bell Potter. It said:

TLX is building a vertically integrated radiopharmaceutical specialist company providing research, product development, isotope production, supply chain management and distribution in order to capture most of the margin in these highly valued assets for medical imaging and therapy. The company aims to initially dominate the urology space with a range of products for imaging, therapy and surgery.

The broker has a buy rating and $36.00 price target on its shares.

The post Bell Potter names the best ASX healthcare stocks to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price is up over 2% to $11.98. This follows the release of promising preliminary results from its second clinical study investigating its drug afamelanotide as a treatment for arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS). Clinuvel's Chair, Prof Jeffrey Rosenfeld, said: "While considerable progress has been made in treating stroke with approved therapies, a large number of patients remain ineligible for existing therapies. Afamelanotide represents an innovative approach, taking a drug with a long-standing safety profile and evaluating whether a known mechanism of action may provide a therapeutic option for these previously untreated patients."

Orthocell Ltd (ASX: OCC)

The Orthocell share price is up 2.5% to $1.54. Investors have been buying the regenerative medicine company's shares after it announced the first sales of Striate+ in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Striate+ is the company's dental guided bone and tissue regeneration product. The global market opportunity for Striate+ is estimated to be approximately >US$730 million, with the EU and UK market contributing approximately US$180 million. Orthocell is targeting a 20% share of the global market.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price is up 13% to $5.38. This follows news that its Phase One Lionheart Project has officially been recognised as a Strategic Project under the European Commission's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The CRMA aims to secure Europe's supply of critical materials like lithium, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Vulcan CEO, Cris Moreno, said: "Achieving Strategic Project status from the European Commission validates the importance of our integrated lithium and renewable energy project to European industry, and builds momentum for the delivery of Europe's first fully domestic and sustainable lithium value chain."

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is up 6% to 18 cents. Investors have been buying the lithium explorer's shares following the release of a drilling update from its Tabba Tabba Lithium Project in Western Australia. Wildcat Geology Manager Torrin Rowe said "Exploration is a part of Wildcat's DNA, resulting in the successful discovery of the flagship Tabba Tabba lithium deposit. While progressing the newly defined resource through a PFS, the team continues to advance targets with exploration drilling planned in the Pilbara, WA as well as at Mt Adrah, NSW."

The post Why Clinuvel, Orthocell, Vulcan, and Wildcat shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.