Mesoblast actually had some good news this week, which we'll get to later, but first, let's look at why the Canaccord team is bullish on the stock.

Strong product pipeline

The company held a research and development day last week, which the Canaccord team attended.

They said they came away maintaining their buy rating on the stock with a bullish share price target, which we'll get to shortly.

They added:

The R&D Day reiterated Mesoblast's expectations to double its current revenue run-rate of About US$100m for RYONCIL in paediatric aGVHD in the medium term. Ongoing revenue growth efforts for the paediatric population include on-site access to RYONCIL, and progressing the treatment into 1L therapy. We garnered more colour on trial design for RYONCIL's expansion into the adult population…its likely current off-label use in adults suggests to us that uptake will likely be rapid (about US $600m peak sales), should the trial read positive in less than 18 months.

Canaccord said they still had questions about another Mesoblast compound, Revascor, around its regulatory and commercial strategy in heart failure, "mainly related to guiding physicians to understand which patients may benefit (and how the FDA will view this)".

Further down the track, Canaccord said, Mesoblast was also targeting a chronic lower back pain treatment, with clinical trial results and potential approval 12 and 24 months away, respectively.

Canaccord has a price target of $3.23 on Mesoblast shares, which would be a return of 44.2% if achieved.

More good news

The broker's research report was issued before this week's news that Mesoblast had acquired chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) platform technology, which would enable the manufacture of precision-enhanced cell products.

Mesoblast said it "plans to incorporate the engineered CARs to further boost effectiveness of Mesoblast's products, with the goal of enhancing the target specificity and augmenting inherent properties of immunomodulation and tissue regeneration''.

The company added:

Mesoblast's mesenchymal lineage stromal cell (MSC) technology platforms, including the first and only FDA-approved MSC product in the U.S., are designed for the treatment of tissue-specific inflammatory diseases due to their inherent homing capabilities and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of genetically engineering CAR constructs into MSCs is to substantially enhance targeted homing to inflamed tissue resulting in greater potency.

Mesoblast is currently valued at $2.8 billion.

The post Down almost 20% this year, how high could Mesoblast shares go? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the ASX biotechnology stock is up 8% to $2.17, outperforming a relatively flat ASX 200 index.

Why are Mesoblast shares rising today?

Investors have been bidding the company's shares higher following the announcement of a strategic acquisition that could enhance its product pipeline in the future.

According to the release, Mesoblast has secured an exclusive worldwide licence to a patented chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology platform.

This technology is designed to improve the effectiveness of the company's existing mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapies by enhancing their ability to target diseased tissue.

Mesoblast advised that its current MSC therapies already have natural anti-inflammatory and tissue repair capabilities.

However, by incorporating CAR technology, the company aims to significantly improve how these therapies home in on inflamed or damaged tissue.

The goal is to increase both the precision and potency of its treatments, particularly in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Management highlights that this could create opportunities to develop more effective treatments for conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as Lupus Nephritis.

Backed by leading research

The underlying CAR technology was developed by researchers at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the United States and published in a leading scientific journal.

Mesoblast has obtained the intellectual property through the acquisition of a startup established to advance the platform.

As part of the agreement, Mayo Clinic will also provide support to further develop the technology, including assistance with manufacturing processes.

The acquisition was completed through the issuance of shares rather than cash, allowing the company to strengthen its technology base without a direct cash outlay.

Management commentary

Mesoblast's chief executive, Silviu Itescu, said the acquisition aligns closely with the company's strategy to build on its leadership in cellular therapies. He commented:

This innovative genetic modification technology fits well with our strategy to extend our market leadership by creating products with even greater efficacy and new target indications.

Following today's move higher, Mesoblast shares continued to outperform the market and are now up 27% since this time last year.

As a comparison, the ASX 200 index is up by around 15% over the same period.

The post Why are Mesoblast shares jumping 8% today? 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 storming higher:

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price is up 7% to $14.16. Investors have been buying the gold miner's shares following the release of its quarterly update. The company reported March quarterly gold production of 170,000 ounces and copper production of 11,000 tonnes. This was achieved with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $2,220 per ounce, which underpinned record quarterly net mine cash flows. At Mungari it generated $175 million and at Red Lake it generated $104 million in net mine cash flow. Evolution Mining's CEO, Lawrie Conway, said: "Evolution continues to generate significant cash flows from consistent operational delivery and disciplined capital allocation. We have rapidly deleveraged by more than 31% in just over two years, reaching a net cash position by the end of March."

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price is up 8% to $2.17. This morning, the biotechnology company announced the acquisition of an exclusive worldwide license to a patented chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology platform for precision-enhanced augmentation of therapeutic mesenchymal lineage stromal cell (MSC) products. Mesoblast advised that it plans to incorporate the engineered CARs to further boost effectiveness of its products, with the goal of enhancing the target specificity and augmenting inherent properties of immunomodulation and tissue regeneration.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

The Nufarm share price is up almost 13% to $2.50. This follows the release of a trading update from the agricultural chemicals company this morning. Nufarm revealed that it expects first-half underlying EBITDA to come in between $239 million and $244 million. At the midpoint, that represents 17% growth on the prior corresponding period. This is being driven by better margins in Crop Protection, growth in Hybrid Seeds, and improved contributions from its omega-3 and bioenergy platforms.

Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN)

The Virgin Australia share price is up 8% to $2.54. This has been driven by the release of an update from the airline operator today. Virgin Australia advised that its FY 2026 financial guidance remains unchanged, with underlying EBIT and EBIT margin expected to improve in the second half despite a surge in fuel prices. While higher fuel costs are impacting its business, its hedging has helped offset much of the impact. It said: "For the remainder of 2HFY26, the Group is hedged 92% for Brent crude oil and 71% for refining margins. […]  This is expected to result in an increase of fuel costs for 2HFY26 of approximately $30-40m compared to previous expectations."

The post Why Evolution Mining, Mesoblast, Nufarm, and Virgin Australia shares are storming higher today 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:

Amaero Ltd (ASX: 3DA)

The Amaero share price is up 5% to 32 cents. This has been driven by news that the high-value refractory and titanium alloy powders provider has entered a master purchasing agreement that includes a purchase order for titanium alloy powders with a value of $7.8 million. Amaero's chair and CEO, Hank J. Holland, commented: "Commercial activity across both segments of Amaero's business is strong. We are excited to secure a contract for titanium powder shipments in FY2027 that approximates total titanium powder sales in FY2026. We have been advancing numerous titanium powder opportunities over the past 6-12 months with several opportunities potentially exceeding 100 tonnes of annual demand."

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price is up 4.5% to $2.12. This appears to have been driven by bargain hunters swooping in following a pullback in the biotechnology company's shares this week. One broker that is likely to approve of this buying is Bell Potter. It currently has a speculative buy rating and $4.45 price target on its shares. This is more than double its current share price.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is up 5.5% to $14.39. Investors have been buying the radiopharmaceuticals company's shares following the release of a major update this morning. Telix revealed that the US FDA has accepted its New Drug Application for TLX101-Px (Pixclara). It is a PET agent for imaging brain cancer (glioma). The US FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of 11 September 2026. This essentially means that Telix will find out if it will be approved within the next five months.

Tivan Ltd (ASX: TVN)

The Tivan share price is up 6% to 34.2 cents. This morning, this mineral exploration company announced that it has located high-grade copper-gold mineralisation across multiple sites at the Baucau and Ossu Projects in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Tivan's executive chair, Grant Wilson, commented: "We are very pleased to share these results today, that will resonate deeply in Timor-Leste, particularly the discovery of high-grade gold. Tivan will be working closely with community and stakeholders in the Ossu and Baucau regions in the months ahead to consolidate our social license to operate and to plan forward works."

The post Why Amaero, Mesoblast, Telix, and Tivan shares are charging higher today 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:

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is down 3.5% to $8.05. This is despite news that the company has signed a strategic capital partnership with Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ). The Challenger partnership includes a whole-of-loan sale and a forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. Challenger's chief investment officer, Damian Graham, said: "We're pleased to have partnered with BOQ on this whole-of-loan sale and forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. The transaction establishes a strategic partnership with BOQ and provides Challenger with access to a high-quality, seasoned and highly diversified loan portfolio that will deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns for Challenger and institutional investors."

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is down 3.5% to $1.31. This has been driven by the release of a uranium production update this morning. The company revealed that it will replace two newly installed electrical control panels in the drying and packaging area of its Kayelekera uranium mine due to fire damage sustained on Saturday. The incident is expected to result in production downtime of approximately three weeks for repairs, testing, and recommissioning. Lotus' managing director, Greg Bittar, commented: "Despite this delay, the progress in positioning Kayelekera for steady-state production this quarter has been encouraging, and we still expect to achieve this in Q2 CY2026. Reagent planning and inventories, mill performance and other key processing parameters all provide visibility on this."

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price is down 6.5% to $1.99. This follows the release of a sales update from the biotech company today. Mesoblast revealed that net sales for Ryoncil reached US$30.3 million in the third quarter. This means that revenue since the Ryoncil launch is now approaching US$100 million. This may be softer than some investors were expecting. Ryoncil is the only FDA-approved cell therapy for children under 12 with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down almost 4% to 37.5 cents. This morning, the lithium explorer and developer released a drilling update. It revealed a ~300 metres northerly extension of interpreted spodumene mineralisation at Bolt Cutter Central. It is located ~10km west of Wildcat's Tabba Tabba Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The post Why Challenger, Lotus Resources, Mesoblast, and Wildcat shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In early afternoon trade, the Mesoblast share price is down 0.47% to $2.12. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is hovering 1.5% higher to 8,696 points.

The weaker move for Mesoblast suggests the market may now be waiting for the next bigger catalyst after the stock's strong recovery over the past year.

Here's what the market is weighing up.

Ryoncil keeps building momentum

According to today's update, Mesoblast's flagship cell therapy Ryoncil generated net sales of US$30.3 million during the March quarter.

Management said this completed the product's first full-year launch cycle. Growth in February and March more than offset the usual seasonal weakness seen in January.

That puts cumulative net revenue since launch close to US$100 million, a major commercial milestone for a company that spent years working toward US commercialisation.

Ryoncil remains Mesoblast's first FDA-approved product and is currently approved in the United States for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease in children.

The company said the product's profitability is helping fund its broader late-stage pipeline. This includes label expansion studies and other inflammatory disease programs.

Why the market may still be cautious

Even with the positive sales result, the share price reaction has remained low-key.

Part of that likely reflects how much optimism had already been priced in earlier this year when Mesoblast shares hit a 52-week high above $3.30 in January.

At $2.12, the stock is now trading well below that level, even as operating progress continues.

The company's market capitalisation still sits near $2.75 billion, showing investors still see considerable value in the rest of its pipeline.

The softer move today may also reflect the fact that this release focused on quarterly sales progress rather than upgraded guidance, regulatory milestones, or new clinical data.

After such a strong run in recent quarters, the market may now be waiting for the next major clinical or commercial update before bidding the shares higher again.

What to watch next

The next major watch point is whether Mesoblast can keep quarterly sales growth building toward its previously guided FY2026 Ryoncil net revenue range of US$110 million to US$120 million.

If sales momentum continues, attention is likely to shift toward margin improvement, cash generation, and progress across its late-stage pipeline.

Despite today's positive update, Mesoblast shares are down roughly 21% since the start of the year.

The post Mesoblast shares are back in the red on Tuesday. Here's why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Mesoblast report?

• Net sales for Ryoncil® reached US$30.3 million in the third quarter to March 2026
• Revenue since Ryoncil® launch now approaches US$100 million
• Strong sales growth in February and March offset a seasonal dip in January
• Ryoncil® is the only FDA-approved cell therapy for children under 12 with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGvHD)

What else do investors need to know?

Mesoblast's first year of Ryoncil® sales has boosted its balance sheet and is helping to fund label extensions and late-stage clinical programs. The company reiterated its leadership role by being first to market with an FDA-approved mesenchymal stromal cell therapy.

Mesoblast will host its first R&D Day in New York on 8 April 2026, where it will outline growth strategies for Ryoncil® and provide updates on its late-stage product pipeline. Investors can join the live webcast or access a replay on the company's website.

What's next for Mesoblast?

The company is focusing on expanding Ryoncil®'s approved uses, including studies in adults with SR-aGvHD and in biologic-resistant inflammatory bowel disease. Mesoblast is also progressing clinical development of rexlemestrocel-L for heart failure and chronic low back pain.

Ongoing investment in its product pipeline and global partnerships should ensure Mesoblast stays at the cutting edge of cell therapy for major inflammatory diseases.

Mesoblast share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Mesoblast shares have risen 29%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 20% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

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Three ASX shares stand out right now: Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB), Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP). All three have had turbulent months. Yet analysts see massive upside, in some cases, more than a double from here.

Let's break them down.

Mesoblast: Largely pre-profit

This ASX share has had a shaky start to the year, with the share price down about 25%. That's nothing new for this high-risk biotech stock. Volatility comes with the territory.

Strengths? Mesoblast is targeting major unmet medical needs with its stem cell therapies. Regulatory progress and clinical milestones can be powerful catalysts. When sentiment turns, it can turn fast.

Weaknesses? It's still largely pre-profit and heavily dependent on approvals. Delays or setbacks can hit the share price hard. Funding risk also lingers.

Analyst outlook: This is where things get interesting. Brokers have an average price target on the ASX share of $4.23 at the time of writing. That implies around 105% upside. In other words, analysts believe a doubling is firmly on the table if execution improves.

Telix: Pipeline gaining traction

Telix is the outlier here. It's actually up about 13% this year. But zoom out and the picture changes — the ASX share is still down roughly 54% over 12 months.

Strengths? Telix is already generating revenue from its prostate cancer imaging product. It's not just a story stock. Its pipeline in therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals is also gaining traction.

Weaknesses? Growth expectations are high, and any miss can disappoint. The company also operates in a complex regulatory and manufacturing environment.

Analyst outlook: Brokers remain firmly bullish. The average price target sits at $23.97, suggesting 88% upside. Even more striking, the most bullish target is $31.59 — a potential 148% gain. That's serious conviction.

Zip: Cutting costs, improving margins

Zip has had the toughest run of the three. The buy now, pay later ASX share is down around 55% this year. Investor sentiment has been fragile.

Strengths? The company has been aggressively cutting costs and focusing on profitability. Its US business is showing resilience, and margins are improving.

Weaknesses? It's still exposed to consumer spending cycles and credit risk. Competition in the BNPL space remains fierce. Market trust also needs rebuilding.

Analyst outlook: Despite all that, brokers are highly optimistic. The average price target is $4.21. That's about 191% upside — nearly triple its current share price. Few ASX shares carry that kind of implied return.

Foolish Takeaway

These three ASX shares aren't for the faint-hearted. Each carries risk. Each has burned investors recently.

But here's the bottom line: brokers see significant mispricing. If even part of the bullish thesis plays out, the upside could be substantial.

For investors willing to stomach volatility, the ASX growth stocks could be worth a closer look.

The post 3 top ASX shares that could double in value from here appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Two names that stand out are Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP). At the time of writing, Mesoblast shares are down 23% year to date to $2.08, while Zip has plunged 52% to $1.48.

By comparison the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has shed 2.5% of its value so far this year.

But after such steep declines for both ASX growth shares, could this be a classic buy the dip opportunity?

Mesoblast: High risk, high reward

This ASX growth share is no stranger to volatility, with its share price often swinging sharply on clinical updates and regulatory news.

The recent pullback reflects ongoing uncertainty around approvals and commercialisation timelines. They tend to weigh heavily on sentiment in the biotech sector.

That said, the company has a late-stage pipeline targeting inflammatory diseases, offering significant upside if key treatments are approved. Success could unlock major revenue opportunities and transform the business.

The biotech company has the potential for strong growth this year. Product adoption is increasing and the business is well funded to support its next phase of expansion.

Commercial momentum is also improving. The latest quarterly update showed US$30 million in net revenue, supported by rising demand for its therapy Ryoncil in the United States.

Of course, the risks are substantial — delays, setbacks, or funding pressures could hit the share price hard.

Even so, analysts remain optimistic on the ASX growth share, with an average 12-month price target of $4.23. This implies upside of around 104% from current levels.

Zip: Turnaround story gaining traction?

Zip, on the other hand, has been caught in a broader sell-off across the buy now, pay later space.

Rising interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and concerns about consumer spending have all contributed to the sharp decline of the ASX growth share.

However, the company has been working to reposition itself, focusing on cost discipline and profitability, particularly in its core US market. If it can sustain margins while stabilising growth, the business could re-rate meaningfully.

The key risks remain tied to economic conditions and credit quality, as any deterioration could impact performance.

Still, analysts are strikingly bullish, with an average price target of $4.21, suggesting potential upside of around 183%.

Foolish Takeaway

Both Mesoblast and Zip highlight the trade-off at the heart of growth investing: elevated risk in exchange for potentially outsized returns.

After significant share price declines, they may be worth a closer look for investors willing to ride the volatility.

The post 2 battered ASX growth shares that could double in value or more appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ASX growth stocks NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) and Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) lost big on Monday, falling 6.8% and 8% respectively. By comparison the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a descend of nearly 3%.  

But short-term weakness doesn't necessarily change the long-term opportunity. In fact, market uncertainty can create attractive entry points for investors willing to take a longer-term view.

With that in mind, let's have a closer look at these 2 exciting ASX growth stocks.

NextDC: riding the AI-trend

The $9 billion ASX share is riding one of the market's most powerful structural trends – artificial intelligence. Businesses are rapidly shifting to cloud platforms, deploying AI workloads, and demanding secure, scalable digital infrastructure.

NextDC sits right at the centre of that shift. The ASX growth stock is a leading data centre-as-a-service provider in the Asia-Pacific, supplying critical infrastructure to global cloud platforms, large enterprises, and government clients.

Demand for capacity is accelerating as the cloud transition and the AI boom gather pace. That trend underpins a long runway for earnings growth.

In its first half-year results for 2026, NextDC reported total revenue of $232 million, up 13% year-over-year. Customer demand for data centre capacity also continued to rise, 137% to almost 417 megawatts.

Heavy investment remains a core part of the strategy. The ASX growth stock is directing significant capital toward new facilities to expand its footprint and support growing customer demand.

Broker sentiment remains positive. Some analysts have set a maximum 12-month price target of $31.02, implying potential upside of about 142% from current levels.

The team at Morgans is more conservative but still bullish. The broker recently retained its buy rating on the ASX growth stock and a price target of $20.50, a potential plus of roughly 60% over 12 months.

Mesoblast: high-risk, high-reward biotech

This ASX growth stock offers a very different investment story. Mesoblast is a much higher-risk, potentially higher-reward biotech play.

Mesoblast is an Australian clinical-stage biotech developing and commercialising allogeneic cell therapies for complex diseases. Some treatments are already in use, while others are advancing through late-stage clinical trials.

The company has the potential for strong growth this year. Product adoption is increasing and the business is well funded to support its next phase of expansion.

Commercial momentum is also improving. The latest quarterly update showed US$30 million in net revenue, supported by rising demand for its therapy Ryoncil in the United States.

Even so, risks for the ASX growth stock remain substantial. Mesoblast has spent years funding clinical trials and has consumed significant capital along the way. The cell-therapy market is highly competitive, regulatory setbacks have previously delayed progress, and successful commercial execution is still crucial.

Despite those risks, brokers remain optimistic. According to TradingView data, all covering analysts currently rate the share a strong buy, with targets ranging from $3.21 to $4.92.

The average 12-month price target for the ASX growth stock sits around $4.05, implying potential upside of about 92%.

Analysts at Bell Potter Securities are also constructive. The broker believes the company is well positioned thanks to fresh debt funding and rising demand for Ryoncil, and it has placed a $4.45 price target on the stock. That suggests a possible gain of roughly 110%.

The post 2 exciting ASX growth stocks tipped to storm higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This tentatively positive session for the local markets comes after a bullish morning on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) recovered well, despite an initial dip, gaining 0.49%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, enjoying a 1.29% rise.

But let's get back to ASX shares now and dig a little deeper into what was going on amongst the various ASX sectors this session.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three that I have my eye on. And they're all tipped to rise at least 130% over the next 12 months.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) 

Catapult is a global sports data and analytics company that provides real-time data to optimise athletes' performance. The tech company reported a 16% revenue uplift in the first half of FY26 and a 19% hike in its annualised contract value (ACV). Catapult expects to maintain strong ACV growth through the second half of FY26, driven by low customer churn and ongoing improvements in margins and cash flow. 

Catapult is quickly gaining traction, and its recurring subscriptions means it benefits from customer retention. That translates to a higher and more stable margin. 

The ASX 200 company's shares were caught up in broad market sell-off on Tuesday, closing 7% lower for the day at $3.29 a piece. The drop means the shares are now 8% lower for the year. But analysts predict the shares could climb as high as 138% to $7.83 over the next 12 months.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Mesoblast is an Australian clinical-stage biotech stock that develops and commercialises allogeneic cellular medicines to treat complex diseases. Some products are already in use, and other cell therapies are in the late stages of clinical trials. 

The business has great potential for robust growth this year. Its products are gaining traction and the business is well-funded. The stock has tumbled over the past week but I think this looks like a buying opportunity rather than a reason to panic. If momentum starts to pick up pace the share price can recover its losses quickly. 

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, the ASX 200 biotech shares were down 3% at $2.01. But analysts are bullish that there is good upside ahead. There is a strong buy consensus and a maximum target price of $4.92. That implies a potential 145% upside at the time of writing. 

Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)

Block, formerly Square, is a global company best known for providing payment-acquiring and related services to businesses. The company posted some strong profit results late last year but has been caught in a perfect storm of headwinds. These include rising interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and concerns about buy now, pay later models. The combination slashed investor sentiment towards the end of 2025. 

The sell-off has continued into 2026. However, an uptick in investor interest late last week, following the company's results, resulted in a 26% increase in the share price in the past 5 days alone. Analysts think the share price could jump another 186% to $256 over the next 12 months.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb 130% (or more) in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's why analysts think these ASX growth shares are gearing up to outperform.

Mesoblast: high-risk, high-reward biotech

This ASX 200 share is not for the faint-hearted. It's a classic high-risk, high-reward biotech play, that has lost 25% in value so far this year.

However, momentum seems to be finally swinging its way. Mesoblast released its half-year result and an operational update on Friday.

For the six months to 31 December 2025, the ASX 200 share delivered total revenue of US$51.3 million. That's a massive jump from just US$3.2 million a year earlier. While the company still reported a net loss of US$40.2 million, this was an improvement on last year's US$47.9 million loss.

Operationally, the rollout of Mesoblast's leading product Ryoncil continues to build momentum. So far, 49 transplant centres are up and running, with a target of 64 centres covering 94% of US transplants. Ryoncil generated gross sales of US$57 million and net revenue of US$48.7 million after adjustments. The product also delivered gross profit (excluding amortisation) of US$44.2 million during the half.

Mesoblast finished the period with US$130 million in cash and locked in a US$125 million five-year non-dilutive credit facility, giving its balance sheet a serious boost.

But let's be clear — this story still carries real risk. Mesoblast has burned significant capital over years of development. The cell therapy space is competitive. Regulatory delays have tested investor patience before. And even with approvals in hand, commercial execution must deliver.

If momentum continues, the upside could be meaningful. If it stumbles, another nosedive of the ASX 200 share will follow just as quickly.

Bell Potter is bullish on the $3 billion biotech stock. The broker just retained its speculative buy rating and $4.45 price target. Based on its current share price, this points to potential upside of roughly 116% over the next 12 months.

Zip: sharp selloffs, punchy rebounds

The ASX 200 share has been a rollercoaster in recent weeks. A sharp sell-off after its full-year result was followed by punchy a rebound as bargain hunters stepped in. Still, the damage for this year stands at a 45% decline to $1.75 at the time of writing.

On the surface, the numbers of the ASX 200 share weren't bad. Earnings jumped. Guidance ticked higher. Momentum looked solid. But investors zoomed in on the details.

Margins slipped to 7.9% as the faster-growing, lower-margin US business drove more volume. Net bad debts edged up to 1.73% of TTV — still within board targets, but high enough to keep nerves on edge.

Management also flagged that second-half cash EBITDA will mirror the first. In other words, profit growth may stall before it accelerates again.

The deeper issue is confidence. The buy now, pay later space still faces regulatory pressure, rising competition, and the threat of higher credit losses if consumers tighten spending. Those risks haven't gone away. And for an ASX 200 share that's already been heavily sold, every hint of weakness gets punished.

What happens next?

Execution is everything. Zip needs to turn new products into reliable, repeat revenue and prove margins can stabilise.

Not everyone is bearish. UBS remains positive, keeping its buy rating on the ASX 200 shares and a $4.50 price target. That suggests potential upside of 157% over the next 12 months.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares tipped to more than double in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who are tipping this stock as a buy to investors with a high tolerance for risk.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock that Bell Potter believes could rocket higher is Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB).

It is a biotechnology company whose lead product is Ryoncil for the treatment of paediatric steroid refractory acute graft versus host disease (SR-aGvHD), which was approved by the FDA in December 2024.

Additional products in development include Revascor, for the treatment of late stage heart failure, and remestemcel-L for chronic lower back pain.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter notes that the ASX 200 stock updated the market on its plans for the Revascor product when releasing its half-year results. It said:

MSB updated the market on plans for submission of the biological license application (BLA) for Revascor. The initial BLA will include treatment of Right Side Heart Failure associated with ischemic LVAD patients. The company has pivoted to a full application for this orphan indication rather than an accelerated approval. We view this as a cunning plan to a) capitalise on the earnings potential of Ryoncil and b) entice a partner for Revascor. A single approval will massively de-risk this asset for a partner, who could then pursue a label expansion in the much larger class II/III heart failure indication with a single Phase 3 confirmatory study.

It was also pleased with its guidance for FY 2026 and its expectation for its cash burn to reduce. The broker explains:

Guidance is for FY26 net revenue from Ryoncil sales of $110m-$120m implying 2H26 revenues of $61m – $71m. We expect the 2H26 run rate on opex (excluding non-cash items) will remain at ~$70m – $75m. Accordingly, it is reasonable to expect 2H26 EBITDA at close to breakeven.

The major driver for the 2H26 revenue guidance is the now mature reimbursement coverage for Ryoncil. MSB expects to achieve 20% market penetration in paediatric SR aGvHD by 4Q26 with a longer term goal of 40%. In the absence of any other effective treatment we believe this is a low bar. 1H26 cash burn $30.3m with closing cash $130m. Cash burn is expected to reduce by virtue of the expanding revenue base.

Shares tipped to double

According to the note, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating and $4.45 price target on Mesoblast's shares.

Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of approximately 100% over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter concludes:

The launch of Ryoncil has been a stunning success. Next major catalysts include 3Q26 revenues (mid March), completion of enrolment for the chronic lower back pain trial by April and submission of the BLA for Revascor in the June quarter. FY26 NPAT amended to -$62m from -$24m. Valuation is unchanged at $4.45. Retain Buy (Speculative).

The post Why this ASX 200 stock is being tipped to rocket 100% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At one stage, the biotech stock was up almost 9% to $2.63.

But those gains didn't last and its shares are now down 3% to $2.33.

What's going on with Mesoblast shares?

Investors have been buying (and then selling) the biotech stock following the release of its half-year results and an operational update.

According to the release, for the six months ended 31 December 2025, Mesoblast reported total revenue of US$51.3 million. This is up sharply from US$3.2 million in the prior corresponding period.

The company's Ryoncil product generated gross sales of US$57 million and net revenue of US$48.7 million after adjustments. The product also delivered gross profit (excluding amortisation) of US$44.2 million during the half.

While the company still reported a net loss of US$40.2 million, this was an improvement on last year's US$47.9 million loss.

Mesoblast also ended the period with US$130 million in cash and entered into a US$125 million five-year non-dilutive credit facility, strengthening its balance sheet.

Commercial rollout gathering pace

Operationally, the rollout of Ryoncil continues to build momentum.

To date, 49 transplant centres have been onboarded, with a target of 64 centres representing 94% of US transplants. Coverage now extends to 280 million US lives, supported by federal Medicaid and commercial payers.

Importantly, 84% of patients in real-world settings have been able to complete the initial 28-day treatment regimen and remain alive, consistent with prior clinical experience.

Growth pipeline progressing

Beyond Ryoncil, the company continues advancing its second-generation product, rexlemestrocel-L.

A confirmatory Phase 3 trial in chronic low back pain is nearing completion of its 300-patient enrolment target, while the company plans to move toward full FDA approval for its chronic heart failure program next quarter.

Outlook

Mesoblast advised that it believes it is well-placed to continue growing revenue over the remainder of the financial year. It has guided to full-year FY 2026 Ryoncil net revenue of between US$110 million and US$120 million.

It is possible the market was expecting stronger growth in the second half and have been selling Mesoblast shares today to reflect this.

Commenting on its performance and outlook, Mesoblast's chief executive, Dr Silviu Itescu, said:

Today we report strong operational and financial performance for the first half of FY2026, a period that marks an important inflection point in Mesoblast's evolution from clinical development to sustainable commercial execution. Sales momentum for Ryoncil continued to build, driving meaningful revenue and reinforcing the product's value in addressing significant unmet medical need and the strength of our commercial strategy.

Importantly, we have improved the Company's financial position with positive cash flow generated from Ryoncil sales, disciplined cost management, and a strategic refinancing, providing greater flexibility to support expansion and late-stage clinical programs. As we enter the second half of FY2026, we remain focused on accelerating commercial uptake, advancing regulatory and label expansion opportunities, and maintaining financial discipline to deliver sustainable long-term shareholder value.

The post What's going on with Mesoblast shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Mesoblast report?

• Total revenue jumped to US$51.3 million (A$78.3 million), up from US$3.2 million in the previous period.
• Ryoncil® gross profit (excluding amortisation) was US$44.2 million versus nil a year ago.
• Net loss narrowed to US$40.2 million from US$47.9 million, an improvement of US$7.8 million.
• Net operating cash spend was US$30.3 million, with expectations for further reduction in the second half.
• cash and cash equivalents stood at US$130 million at period end.
• Mesoblast provided net revenue guidance for FY2026 of US$110 million to US$120 million.

What else do investors need to know?

Mesoblast's growth is being driven by its flagship product Ryoncil®, which launched commercially in the US and is now covered by government and commercial payers representing around 280 million Americans. Forty-nine transplant centres have been onboarded, with the aim to reach sixty-four centres covering 94% of US transplants.

The company is also progressing its clinical pipeline. It finalised the Phase 3 protocol for expanding Ryoncil® into adult treatment for steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease and is scaling up manufacturing for its next-generation therapy, rexlemestrocel-L.

What did Mesoblast management say?

Mesoblast Chief Executive Dr Silviu Itescu said:

Today we report strong operational and financial performance for the first half of FY2026, a period that marks an important inflection point in Mesoblast's evolution from clinical development to sustainable commercial execution. Sales momentum for Ryoncil® continued to build, driving meaningful revenue and reinforcing the product's value in addressing significant unmet medical need and the strength of our commercial strategy. Importantly, we have improved the Company's financial position with positive cash flow generated from Ryoncil® sales, disciplined cost management, and a strategic refinancing, providing greater flexibility to support expansion and late-stage clinical programs. As we enter the second half of FY2026, we remain focused on accelerating commercial uptake, advancing regulatory and label expansion opportunities, and maintaining financial discipline to deliver sustainable long-term shareholder value.

What's next for Mesoblast?

Looking ahead, Mesoblast expects continued revenue momentum as Ryoncil® gains traction in the US market. The company remains focussed on onboarding additional transplant centres, increasing patient access, and expanding the approved uses for Ryoncil® into broader inflammatory conditions.

Beyond Ryoncil®, work continues on rexlemestrocel-L for chronic low back pain and advanced heart failure, with pivotal US trials nearing completion and regulatory filings expected in the coming months. Management is aiming for sustainable growth through product lifecycle extensions and new approvals.

Mesoblast share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Mesoblast shares have declined 2%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Mesoblast shares: Revenue surges on Ryoncil® US launch in H1 FY2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

2 ASX 200 shares look primed to leave the benchmark behind in 2026: NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) and Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB).

Let's go and see what brokers like about these ASX growth shares.

NextDC

The $9 billion ASX share rides one of the market's most powerful structural waves. Businesses are shifting to cloud platforms, rolling out artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, and demanding secure, scalable infrastructure.

As it happens, NextDC is a top data centre-as-a-service provider in the Asia-Pacific, powering critical infrastructure for global cloud platforms, enterprises, and governments.

Demand for its capacity is surging, driven by the cloud shift and the AI boom. That combination fuels long-term earnings growth. Recent share price dips have reset expectations. This has created what many analysts view as a clear valuation gap compared with NextDC's growth pipeline.

At the start of the week, the company received development approval for its M4 Melbourne data centre project. This supports its expansion pipeline and reflects continued demand for high-quality data centre capacity in major metropolitan markets.

The ASX share continues to invest heavily in new facilities, with capital expenditure directed toward expanding its national footprint and supporting customer growth. NextDC's outperformance relative to the broader tech sector suggests investors view it more as infrastructure than as a high-growth software stock.

Broker coverage still leans constructive, with several price targets sitting very comfortably above current levels. Some analysts have set the maximum 12-month price target at a whopping $29.36. This points to a 111% upside at the time of writing.

The team at Morgans is less bullish but does see potential for the ASX share to rise strongly from current levels. The broker has a buy rating with a $19 price target. Based on its current share price, this implies a potential gain of 36%.

Mesoblast

This ASX share tells a different story. Mesoblast is a real higher-risk, potentially higher-reward play.

Confidence is rebuilding around its lead therapy, remestemcel-L. In January, the FDA acknowledged positive results for the treatment in patients with chronic lower back pain linked to degenerative disc disease.

Crucially, the agency noted that reductions in opioid use could potentially appear on the product label. In a post-opioid-crisis world, that's a major endorsement. The healthcare company reports that many patients cut back or even stopped opioids for extended periods.

Sales momentum is also building. The latest quarterly update showed US$30 million in net revenue, driven by growing uptake of Ryoncil in the US. Gross sales hit US$35 million, as more treatment centres came online and real-world outcomes aligned with clinical trials.

However, risks remain. Mesoblast has burned through capital over years of trials, and the cell-therapy market is crowded. FDA setbacks have tested patience, and even with approvals, execution is key.

Still, brokers are bullish. The average 12-month price target for the ASX share is $4.16, suggesting around 73% upside. TradingView shows all covering analysts rate Mesoblast a strong buy, with targets ranging from $3.33 to $5.05.

Bell Potter sees the stock well-positioned, supported by fresh debt funding and rising Ryoncil demand. It's assigning a $4.45 target, roughly an 84% potential upside.

Foolish Takeaway

These ASX shares won't behave like the index. NextDC and Mesoblast carry more volatility and more uncertainty.

But they also offer something the broader market can't: focused exposure to structural growth themes with real catalysts ahead. The ASX 200 may edge forward. NextDC and Mesoblast aim to sprint.

The post 2 ASX shares tipped to storm higher this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Over the past year, Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) shares have swung wildly between $1.52 and $3.35, testing the nerves of even the most seasoned investor.

On Wednesday, the ASX healthcare share was back in the winner's circle, jumping 2.8% to $2.57.

Want to know the even better news? Brokers tip Mesoblast shares to surge over the next 12 months.

Closing in on a breakthrough?

After years in the wilderness, Mesoblast roared back in 2025 as confidence rebuilt around its lead therapy, remestemcel-L. Now investors are asking: Is this the real turning point?

In January, Mesoblast revealed in a release that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had acknowledged positive results for its lead treatment. The therapy reduced pain in patients suffering from chronic lower back pain linked to degenerative disc disease.

Importantly, the FDA flagged that meaningful reductions in opioid use — seen in at least one major trial — could potentially be included on the product label. That's a big deal in a post-opioid-crisis world.

Mesoblast said many patients cut back or even stopped opioid use for extended periods after treatment.

Sales momentum builds

Momentum had already been building around the ASX healthcare share. In its latest quarterly update, Mesoblast reported net revenue of US$30 million for the quarter, fuelled by rising uptake of Ryoncil in the US.

Gross sales came in at US$35 million, with demand building steadily since the FDA approved the therapy for children with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

More treatment centres are now coming online, expanding access. Early real-world data also point to survival outcomes broadly in line with clinical trial results. That's an encouraging sign post-approval for the ASX healthcare share.

The risks haven't disappeared

The ASX 200 healthcare stock remains high risk. The company has burned through significant capital during its long development journey, repeatedly tapping shareholders to fund extended clinical trials and regulatory hurdles.

Past FDA setbacks have tested patience. Even if approvals land, the ASX healthcare share still needs to execute. It has to scale sales and compete in a crowded and fast-evolving cell-therapy market.

Brokers are backing it

Despite the risks, analysts are leaning bullish. The average 12-month price target sits at $4.16, implying roughly 62% upside from current levels.

According to TradingView data, all covering brokers rate Mesoblast a strong buy. Targets range from $3.33 (30% upside) to a blue-sky $5.05, which would represent a potential 97% gain.

Bell Potter believes the ASX healthcare share is in a strong position, backed by fresh debt funding and rising demand for its Ryoncil therapy.

The broker has a buy rating and $4.45 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 80% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post Why this ASX healthcare share could double its value in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that some ASX 200 shares are tipped to scream higher over the next 12 months. Here are five of them, and they're all forecast to gain 100% or more in 2026.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Mesoblast is an Australian clinical-stage biotech company that develops and commercialises allogeneic cellular medicines to treat complex diseases. It has a couple of products already in use, and other cell therapy candidates are in the late stages of clinical trials. The business has exceptional potential for strong growth this year, it's well-funded, and it won't be subject to the US 100% pharmaceutical tariff. Analysts think the shares could climb another 109.52% from the share price at the time of writing, to $5.04 a piece.

Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)

The US-founded company, best known for providing payment-acquiring and related services to businesses, posted some impressive profit results late last year. But the ASX 200 company has been caught in a perfect storm of rising interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and concerns around buy now, pay later models, which slashed investor sentiment towards the end of 2025. It looks like the sell-off has continued into 2026, but analysts are bullish that there will be a huge upside ahead. Block shares are tipped to climb as high as $245 each, which implies a 199.64% upside at the time of writing. 

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

I'm a big fan of this ASX 200 stock, and I think the business has a lot more to bring to the table amid the AI boom. NextDC operates a rapidly expanding network of data centres focused on cloud computing and telecommunications, and supports AI workloads. It has physical centres, cooling, power, security services, and project support. As data usage continues growing, demand for this type of secure, high-quality infrastructure is very likely to grow alongside it. The company is heavily investing in expanding its business, too, with new partnerships and contracts. Some analysts think the share price will climb to $29.36 a piece this year, which implies a 124.04% upside at the time of writing. 

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Western Australian gold producer announced a significant new high-grade discovery at its Plutonic Gold Belt. The ASX 200 gold miner also delivered impressive FY25 financial results last year. This represents a long period of operational consistency and organic growth. It looks like there will be plenty more upside ahead for its shares this year. Analysts tip a maximum target price of $18.90, which implies a potential 149.01% upside at the time of writing.

Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)

Nickel Industries owns a portfolio of mining and downstream nickel processing assets in Indonesia. It has a controlling interest in the Hengjaya nickel mine and four rotary kiln electric furnace projects. These produce nickel pig iron (NPI) for the stainless-steel industry and materials for EV batteries. The company has had a very strong start to 2026. It has posted news of a new acquisition and strong financial results, pushing its share price higher this year. The ASX 200 Nickel business is planning to expand further this year, too. Analysts are tipping the shares to climb another 131.26% to $2.10 a piece over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

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