That's because the team at Bell Potter has just recommended them to clients and is predicting returns of 16% to 38% over the next 12 months.

GenusPlus Group Ltd (ASX: GNP)

Bell Potter sees a lot of value in this Australian infrastructure services provider's shares.

The broker was pleased with news that GenusPlus is acquiring Universal Communications Group Holdings. It highlights that the deal adds scale and capability to its telecommunication services offering, including network maintenance.

It also expects it to be immediately earnings accretive and provide a platform to drive further growth in New Zealand across telecommunications and other critical infrastructure markets.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating and $12.80 price target on the ASX 300 share.

Based on its current share price and including dividends, this represents a total potential return of 38% for investors.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

We view the UCG deal as strategic. The UCG acquisition will fast-track GNP's multimarket growth strategy across the Communications, Transmission, Wind, Rail and Gas sectors. The UCG acquisition also provides a platform to extend GNP's existing construction and maintenance capabilities in New Zealand.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Ltd (ASX: SXE)

Another ASX 300 share that has been given the thumbs up is Southern Cross Electrical Engineering.

It is a leading Australian national provider of specialised electrical, instrumentation, communications, security, fire, and maintenance services.

Bell Potter notes that it has also announced an acquisition this month. Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has agreed to buy Entire Operations, which is a Melbourne-based provider of integrated fire protection and mechanical (HVAC) services.

The broker has boosted its earnings estimates for FY 2027-2029 to reflect the deal and has lifted its valuation accordingly.

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 300 share with an improved price target of $5.70.

Based on its current share price and including dividends, this would mean a total return of around 16% for investors over the next 12 months.

Speaking about the acquisition, Bell Potter said:

The acquisition of Entire ticks a lot of boxes and mirrors SXE's prior acquisition playbook. Firstly, Entire expands SXE's existing fire suppression market exposure and extends skillsets into a new market, HVAC, which is underpinned by structural tailwinds already benefiting the Group. 

Secondly, the deal valuation and EPS accretion is attractive and underpins the FY27 guidance upgrade. Lastly, fire suppression and HVAC are complementary adjacent service offerings to SXE's core electrical capabilities.

The post 2 ASX 300 shares tipped by brokers to return 16% to 38% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

We're helping you keep track of ex-dividend dates with an article every Friday.

Here are some of the ASX shares due to go ex-dividend next week.

To receive the next dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates coming up 

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

This ASX healthcare share will pay an 85% franked dividend of $1.30 per share on 14 October.

The ex-dividend date is Monday, 21 September.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

This ASX coal share will pay a fully franked dividend of 30 cents per share on 15 October.

The ex-dividend date is 21 September.

Southern Cross Engineering Ltd (ASX: SXE)

This ASX industrials share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 7.5 cents per share on 7 October.

The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, 22 September.

Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS)

This ASX financial share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 5.5 cents per share on 22 October.

The ex-dividend date is 22 September.

Fleetwood Ltd (ASX: FWD)

This ASX industrials share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 9.5 cents per share on 9 October.

The ex-dividend date is 22 September.

St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM)

This ASX materials share will pay a fully franked dividend of 5 cents per share on 16 October.

The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, 23 September.

IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG)

This ASX industrials share will pay a fully franked dividend of 7.9 cents per share on 8 October.

The ex-dividend date is 23 September.

Genesis Energy Ltd (ASX: GNE)

This ASX utilities share will pay an unfranked dividend of 6.3 cents per share on 9 October.

The ex-dividend date is 23 September.

Bisalloy Steel Group Ltd (ASX: BIS)

This ASX materials share will pay a fully franked dividend of 13 cents per share on 9 October.

The ex-dividend date is Thursday, 24 September.

Salter Brothers Emerging Companies Ltd (ASX: SB2)

This ASX financial share will pay a 50% franked dividend of 2 cents per share on 22 October.

The ex-dividend date is 24 September.

Wiseway Group Ltd (ASX: WWG)

Wiseway Group shares will pay a 100% franked dividend of 0.006 cents per share on 9 October.

The ex-dividend date is 24 September.

PRL Global Ltd (ASX: PRG)

PRL Global shares will pay a 100% franked dividend of 3 cents per share on 23 October.

The ex-dividend date is 24 September.

Teaminvest Private Group Ltd (ASX: TIP)

This ASX financial share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 1.5 cents per share on 5 October.

The ex-dividend date is Friday, 25 September.

The post 13 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Southern Cross Electrical Engineering report?

• Underlying EBITDA: $77.0 million, up 40.5% on last year's record result
• Underlying NPAT: $39.4 million, up 24.3% year-on-year
• Revenue: $718.7 million, down 10.3% after finishing two major projects
• Final dividend: 7.5 cents per share, fully franked, with total FY26 dividends up 33.3%
• Record cash balance: $261.5 million
• Order book: $810 million, up 18.2% on last year

What else do investors need to know?

SCEE's sector mix is evolving, with over 40% of this year's revenue coming from adjacent non-electrical fields such as fire safety, security, and communications. The Force Fire business, acquired last year, contributed strongly and exceeded expectations.

The statutory result was affected by a $46.1 million settlement related to the WestConnex M5 tunnel project dispute, reducing statutory NPAT to $7.1 million. However, these costs were excluded from the underlying performance metrics.

The company raised $144.7 million through a major equity raising and remains debt-free, which together with expanded finance facilities, give it significant firepower for future acquisitions and growth.

What did Southern Cross Electrical Engineering management say?

Commenting on the results, SCEE Group Managing Director Graeme Dunn said:

The 2026 financial year has seen the group deliver record profitability and returns to shareholders while setting the platform on which we will deliver our significant forecast growth in FY27 and beyond. We have a record order book and cash balance, an unprecedented pipeline of data centre opportunities and significant exposure to Australia's energy transition and infrastructure spend. We remain committed to delivering further acquisitions and maximising the benefits of our diversified multi-disciplinary offering.

What's next for Southern Cross Electrical Engineering?

SCEE has provided EBITDA guidance of at least $100 million for FY27—a 30% increase—supported by a strong project pipeline in data centres, infrastructure, and renewable energy developments. The company is actively exploring acquisition opportunities to diversify further, with new financing facilities ready to fund expansion.

Management expects to capture growth through both organic projects and acquisitions, with no current material constraints flagged. SCEE's strategic focus on Australia's electrification and decarbonisation trends continues to shape its work and expansion plans.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, SCEE Group shares have risen 133%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Southern Cross Electrical Engineering: Record FY26 profit, cash, and dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's quite easy to underestimate how much of a difference compounding can make to a company's financial progress and what that can do for shareholders.

Fund managers from the listed investment company (LIC) WAM Active Ltd (ASX: WAA) have revealed two compelling ideas. WAM Active looks for mispriced opportunities in the Australian market.

Impressively, the WAM Active portfolio has returned an average of 14.4% per year since inception in January 2008, before fees, expenses and taxes. That shows the investment team are adept at picking ideas. Let's look at the two names that WAM highlighted.

Solstice Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLS)

WAM described Solstice Minerals as a copper-gold exploration company advancing its Nanadie Project in Western Australia.

Last month, the company released updated drilling results from its first diamond drilling program. This confirmed the mineralised system extends to a depth of more than 600 metres and remains open at depth.

The fund manager also noted the ASX share's drilling showed mineralisation continues well below the existing resource, which highlights the potential for the deposit to grow.

WAM said these results build on earlier drilling and continue to demonstrate the scale and continuity of the system.

The investment team concluded that the project currently hosts a 40.4 million tonnes mineral resource estimate and WAM believes the latest results highlight the potential for the resource to grow as drilling continues.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The other ASX share that WAM highlighted in the WAM Active portfolio was Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, a national provider of electrical, instrumentation and communications services. It also has growing exposure to data centres, infrastructure and electrification projects.

The fund manager noted that, last month, the company upgraded its earnings guidance and strengthened its balance sheet with a capital raising to support further growth.

WAM also said that the ASX share secured more than $150 million of new projects, including work linked to data centre construction.

With that update, Southern Cross Electrical Engineering upgraded its guidance for FY26 underlying operating profit (EBITDA) to at least $75 million, while introducing FY27 EBITDA guidance of at least $100 million.

WAM concluded:               

We believe the company is well positioned to continue growing earnings, supported by demand for data centre capacity and broader electrification trends, with the strengthened balance sheet providing flexibility to pursue further growth opportunities.

The post Leading fund manager reveals 2 exciting ASX shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The outperforming stock in question is Southern Cross Electrical Engineering (ASX: SXE)

Shares in the specialised electrical provider closed on Friday trading for $4.02. The ASX All Ords share entered a trading halt on Monday pending the announcement of the results of a proposed equity raising.

With those results announced this morning, investors sent Southern Cross shares leaping to $4.705 apiece, up 17%. After some likely profit taking, at the time of writing on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $4.61 each, up 14.7%.

That sees the company commanding a market cap of around $1.2 billion. And it puts the Southern Cross share price up 179.4% over the past year.

Here's what's happening today.

ASX All Ords share leaps on $150 million raising

Southern Cross shares are storming higher after the company announced the successful completion of its fully underwritten institutional placement of new shares.

The placement raised $150 million, with new shares issued for $4 each. That represents a 0.5% discount to the last traded price of $4.02 on Friday. And it's well below the current price.

That should come as welcome news to eligible stockholders of the ASX All Ords share.

Stockholders with a registered address in Australia or New Zealand as at Friday's SPP record date can subscribe for up to $30,000 of new Southern Cross shares for $4.00 apiece.

The company is aiming to raise up to another $15 million with the retail offer.

What did Southern Cross Management say?

Commenting on the successful capital raising helping lift the ASX All Ords share today, Southern Cross managing director Graeme Dunn said, "We are very pleased with the outcome of the placement."

Dunn thanked the company's shareholders for their strong support and welcomed a number of new high-quality investors to its register.

Dunn added:

This funding will provide us with significant flexibility to accelerate our growth strategy as we continue to see strong momentum across our business being driven by attractive long-term growth drivers across multiple sectors.

What else is boosting the ASX All Ords share?

Southern Cross shares are also likely catching tailwinds today from a trading update released during Monday's trading halt.

Among the highlights, the company announced that it had secured new works awards valued at more than $150 million. Southern Cross said it had already commenced the initial electrical and communications works for Multiplex at the NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) S4 Data Centre.

Southern Cross also raised its underlying FY 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance to at least $75 million.

And management is forecasting significant earnings growth, with FY 2027 EBITDA guidance of at least $100 million.

The post How is this $1.2 billion ASX All Ords share rocketing 17% in Tuesday's sinking market? 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 2% to $9.42. This morning, this biotherapeutics company announced that it has publicly filed its Form 20-F Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Once reviewed and approved, Clinuvel intends to list an American Depository Share (ADS) on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The company's legal counsel, Benson Chao, said: "Having worked closely with our auditors and counsel, CLINUVEL has addressed all questions posed by the SEC in previous rounds of confidential review and – we believe – can demonstrate compliance with the rigorous U.S. requirements. In the coming weeks we will learn the SEC's feedback and continue our liaison with the Nasdaq team as we move towards a listing of our ADS."

Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)

The Elevra Lithium share price is up 3% to $12.65. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the lithium miner's shares to an outperform rating (from neutral) with an improved price target of $14.50 (from $13.50). This implies potential upside of almost 15% for investors from current levels. Macquarie has boosted its lithium price forecasts, which has led to upgrades to its earnings estimates.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The Regis Resources share price is up 2% to $6.77. Investors have been buying this gold miner's shares following a jump in the gold price. Traders were bidding the precious metal higher after a US-Iran peace deal sparked hopes that oil prices will fall and inflation and interest rates won't rise as much as feared. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index is up 1.5% at the time of writing.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The SCEE share price is up 15% to $4.62. Investors have been buying the specialised electrical provider's shares after a guidance upgrade sparked a bullish broker note out of Bell Potter. Bell Potter responded to the update by retaining its buy rating with an improved price target of $5.40 (from $3.70). It commented: "Our Target Price lifts to $5.40/sh (up from $3.70/sh), given a more optimistic mediumterm revenue growth outlook, underpinned by rising investment momentum in the Data Centre and BESS construction markets. Our upgraded Target Price implies a NTM PE of 27.9x (41% premium to the peer group). This premium is justified given the company's strong prospects of delivering acquisition accretion in the near-term."

The post Why Clinuvel, Elevra Lithium, Regis Resources, and SCEE shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

During this time, the ASX stock has risen approximately 140%.

The good news is that the team at Bell Potter believes there are more gains to come from the specialised electrical provider's shares.

What is the broker saying about this ASX stock?

Bell Potter notes that Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has announced a number of major contract wins along with a trading update and equity raising.

The former includes contracts with NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO). It said:

Three major contracts were awarded across the Data Centre and Resources sectors valued at over $150.0m. These include: 1) a Limited Letter of Authorisation by Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd to immediately commence initial electrical and communications works on the first stage of NEXTDC's S4 Data Centre in Horsley Park, NSW; 2) a contract by a major data centre operator to supply LV switchroom skids for a facility in Western Sydney; and 3) a Master Construction Agreement for Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls works from Rio Tinto.

The broker was also pleased to see the company upgrade its earnings guidance for FY 2026. It adds:

Strong contract delivery in 2H FY26-to-date has prompted the company to upgrade FY26 EBITDA guidance from >$72.0m to >$75.0m (BPe $72.5m; VA $72.5m). In addition, SXE has issued initial FY27 EBITDA guidance of >$100.0m (BPe $79.1m; VA $80.4m), representing a 33% uplift on the upgraded FY26 EBITDA estimate driven by the contract awards mentioned above and expected near-term award opportunities in the data centre sector and other industries.

Valuation boosted

According to the note, Bell Potter has responded to the update by retaining its buy rating on the ASX stock with an improved price target of $5.40 (from $3.70).

Based on its current share price of $4.02, this implies potential upside of almost 35% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, a fully franked 2.1% dividend yield is expected over the period.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

Our Target Price lifts to $5.40/sh (up from $3.70/sh), given a more optimistic mediumterm revenue growth outlook, underpinned by rising investment momentum in the Data Centre and BESS construction markets. Our upgraded Target Price implies a NTM PE of 27.9x (41% premium to the peer group). This premium is justified given the company's strong prospects of delivering acquisition accretion in the near-term.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX stock could rise 35% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Each state has a different school holiday period, with NSW, Queensland, and Victoria among the states commencing holidays today.

Tasmania has the latest school holiday schedule this Easter season. The school break in our smallest state runs from 18 April to 3 May.

So, here's a list of all the ASX shares due to go ex-dividend over the coming weeks through to 3 May.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share prior to its ex-dividend date.

Ex-dividend dates give ASX investors two opportunities.

Either buy before the date to receive the dividend, or wait until ex-dividend day, when the share price will likely drop, to buy then.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates this month

The post 21 ASX shares going ex-dividend over the school holidays appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As hyperscalers expand data centres and governments invest in electrification and transport upgrades, billions of dollars are flowing into the physical backbone that powers AI. For investors, that opens the door to companies that build and wire the infrastructure rather than design the software.

Here are three ASX-listed ideas exposed to that trend.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering 

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Ltd (ASX: SXE) is an electrical, instrumentation, and communications services provider with exposure to infrastructure, resources, energy, and increasingly, data centres.

In December, the company announced it had secured approximately $90 million in new contracts across data centres and rail. That included works at DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT)'s SYD1 data centre project in Sydney's inner west, where the facility is being expanded with additional levels and increased power capacity.

The company's subsidiary, Heyday, was awarded design and construct works for low-voltage switchboards, busways, generators, UPS systems, and general power systems. On the rail side, Southern Cross secured electrical and communications works linked to Sydney Metro's St Marys Station Project.

As data centres scale up to handle AI workloads and transport infrastructure modernises, companies like Southern Cross are directly involved in delivering the power and systems that make it all work.

SKS Technologies 

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) is another contractor positioned at the heart of the digital infrastructure buildout.

The company provides structured cabling, audiovisual, electrical, and communication solutions, with a growing footprint in data centres. While it is smaller than some industrial peers, its exposure to mission-critical infrastructure projects makes it a leveraged play on data centre expansion.

As AI models become more complex, demand for high-performance computing infrastructure continues to rise. That means more server rooms, more connectivity, and more integrated systems. Contractors like SKS sit at the implementation layer, helping deliver the physical networks and environments that support these facilities.

Rather than betting on which AI platform dominates, SKS offers exposure to the broader theme: more data, more processing power, and more infrastructure to house it.

Global AI Infrastructure ETF 

For investors seeking diversified exposure, the Global X AI Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF) provides a different angle.

The ETF is designed to track companies globally that build and enable AI infrastructure. That can include data centre operators, semiconductor manufacturers, networking hardware providers, and power and cooling specialists.

Instead of selecting individual stocks, AINF spreads exposure across the ecosystem supporting AI's growth. That may help reduce single-company risk while still capturing the broader structural theme.

As global investment in AI infrastructure accelerates, including new data centres and upgrades to energy and grid capacity, the ETF offers a way to participate in that buildout through a single ASX-listed vehicle.

The Foolish big picture

AI and electrification are not overnight stories. They are multi-year, potentially multi-decade shifts that require vast physical infrastructure.

While software companies may capture much of the attention, the engineering firms installing switchboards and cabling, and the global suppliers of servers and semiconductors, are integral to the process.

Of course, project-based businesses can face margin pressure and cyclical swings, and thematic ETFs can be volatile. Still, as capital continues flowing into data centres and grid upgrades, investors may keep a close eye on who is being paid to build the backbone of the AI age.

The post 3 ASX shares riding the AI infrastructure buildout appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It is made up of a group of companies that provides electrical, instrumentation, communications, security and maintenance services to a diverse mix of customers.

Investors were gobbling up this ASX industrials stock after its H1 FY26 results yesterday. 

What did the company report?

Included in yesterday's results was: 

• Underlying EBITDA of $35.4m up 30.8% and Underlying EBIT of $29.1m up 25.5% respectively on then record prior corresponding period
• Gross profit for the period of $65.9m was a record half-year result and was up 30.3% on the prior corresponding period
• WestConnex arbitration settled resulting in legal dispute costs of $46.1m
• NPAT loss of $12.8m
• Revenue for the half-year was $349.1m, down 12.2% on the prior corresponding period revenue of $397.4m
• Fully franked 2.5 cps interim dividend declared. 

The company also released updated FY26 guidance. 

The board increased Underlying FY26 EBITDA guidance to at least $72m, up 31% on FY25 EBITDA, and expects further growth in future years.

Commenting on the half year results, SCEE Group Managing Director Graeme Dunn said:

I am pleased we have been able to raise our guidance for FY26 as we enter the second half of this financial year with a near-record order book. We are facing an unprecedented pipeline of data centre projects that we are tendering for now which anchors our expectations of further growth beyond FY26.

What did Bell Potter say?

Following the result, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on this ASX industrials stock. 

The broker said the increasingly integrated business across services and product offerings is enabling the Group to capture a greater share of contract awards, sub-contracting fewer scopes.

SXE highlighted an unprecedented acceleration in Data Centre infrastructure investment, which has enhanced tendering opportunities. 

The Data Centre project pipeline now stands at >$1,000m across the Group (up from $500m at the FY25 result). Increased momentum across other end-markets have given the company confidence in its expectation of further growth beyond FY26.

Price target upgrade

Included in the report was a buy recommendation (upgraded from hold). 

Additionally, Bell Potter raised its price target to $3.70 for this ASX industrials stock (previously $2.35). 

From yesterday's closing price of $3.28, that indicates an upside of 12.8%. 

Increasing momentum in SXE's secular drivers including data centre construction and renewable energy development has enhanced the company's short-to-medium outlook. Strategic acquisitions completed over the past 5 years have broadened the Group's capabilities and enhanced its leverage to these increasingly bullish drivers.

The post This ASX industrials stock just jumped 15% higher and is expected to keep rising appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company said in a statement to the ASX that it had been awarded a range of works on DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT)'s SYD1 project located in Sydney's inner-west, where the existing data centre is being expanded with additional levels and increased power capacity.

Package of work won

Southern Cross subsidiary Heyday has been awarded the design and construct scope "for the installation of low-voltage switchboards, busways, generators, and UPS systems, along with the supply and installation of cable containment, LV reticulation, lighting, and general power systems''.

Fellow subsidiary Force Fire has been awarded the fire services and design and construct works for the project, in addition to demolition works it had already completed.

In addition to this, Trivantage Manufacturing had received an order for the supply of electrical switchboards, and would work closely with Heyday on the design.

The company said further re the switchboards:

They are being manufactured locally at our Sydney facilities and are expected to reach completion in accordance with the approved project schedule.

In rail, Southern Cross said it had been awarded a package of work relating to Sydney Metro's St Marys Station Project, with that work relating to the electrical and communications systems.

Experience a key differentiator

Southern Cross Managing Director Graeme Dunn said it was pleasing to win new contracts in both sectors, which the company had deep experience in.

He went on to say:

I am pleased to be announcing further awards in the data centre and rail transport sectors which have been strong and growing sources of activity for us. I note that in both this particular data centre facility and on the Sydney Metro infrastructure development generally, we have done significant volumes of work previously and so to secure these new works is a testament to the quality of our past delivery. I also observe that on both of these developments we are drawing on multiple disciplines from across the group, which not all of our competitors are able to match. This of course benefits us as we are able to get more out of each project, but I believe also benefits our clients as we are able to deepen our relationships with them and better co-ordinate delivery across disciplines to them.

Southern cross shares were 2.5% higher on Tuesday morning at $2.46. The company was valued at $638.3 million at the close of trade on Monday.

The post Data centre and rail contract wins have boosted this engineering firm's shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These two companies have risen by more than 40% year to date. 

However, Bell Potter has a hold recommendation on both, and has just reduced its target price following key announcements from both companies.

Here's what the broker had to say. 

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering is an electrical, instrumentation, communication and maintenance services company.

The ASX All Ords stock is up more than 55% in 2025. 

However yesterday, the company announced it was unsuccessful in its arbitration proceedings claiming against the CPB Dragados Samsung Joint Venture ("CDSJV"). 

What was the arbitration?

The company's subsidiary Heyday lost its arbitration against the CPB Dragados Samsung Joint Venture relating to claims for additional costs on the WestConnex M5 tunnel project in Sydney. 

The case hinged on strict time-bar clauses, which required claims to be lodged within specific deadlines. Despite substantial scope and schedule changes on the project, Heyday's remaining claims for about $22m were rejected.

In a report out of Bell Potter yesterday, the broker downgraded this ASX All Ords stock to a hold (previously buy). 

Although the broker did note it does not view the unfavourable arbitration update as a reflection of the company's current approach to project execution, given an outstanding track-record of project delivery since the dispute occurred and the likely internal response to improve risk management.

We caveat the Hold thesis with our ongoing positive view of the underlying business given the company's strong orderbook and tender pipeline and favourable structural drivers.

The broker also downgraded its target price to $2.35. 

It appears Bell Potter now sees the stock as fairly valued, as it closed yesterday at $2.39 each. 

Imdex

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

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

Its share price has risen more than 40% since the start of the year.

The company recently announced its acquisition of Advanced Logic Technology S.A. and its subsidiary Mount Sopris Instruments Inc. 

These companies specialise in borehole geophysical imaging solutions, imaging probes and accompanying visualisation and data processing software.

Bell Potter believes the acquisitions strengthen IMD's earth science and digital analytics capabilities, but value creation depends heavily on achieving meaningful revenue growth from the acquired assets.

Value accretion from the ALT and MSI acquisitions is dependent on meaningful incremental revenue generation over the three year period post deal completion.

The broker has lowered its price target to $3.60 (previously $3.90) and maintained its hold recommendation on this ASX All Ords stock. 

From yesterday's closing price of $3.40, this indicates an upside of 5.88%. 

The post Why did Bell Potter just lower its view on these two ASX All Ords stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That makes electrical contractors one of the more quietly enduring industries on the ASX. It isn't glamorous, but it is essential. 

And as infrastructure demand evolves, some lesser-known players are starting to look like genuine growth stories. Two such "hidden gems" are Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Ltd (ASX: SXE) and SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS).

From mining to megawatts

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, or SCEE, has transformed itself in recent years. Once seen largely as a mining services contractor, the company has steadily diversified into renewables, commercial fit-outs, and — most notably — data centres and battery storage projects.

The growth is showing up in the numbers. In FY25, SCEE delivered record revenue of $801.5 million, up 45.2% on the prior year, and record operating earnings (EBITDA) of $54.8 million, up 36.6%. Looking ahead, management has guided to FY26 EBITDA of $65 to $68 million — implying growth of 18% to 24% on FY25 — and is actively exploring multiple acquisition opportunities to keep the momentum going.

The opportunity set is vast. SCEE's infrastructure markets encompass federal, state, and private investments in areas such as transportation, healthcare, aged care, defence, education, agriculture, water, renewables, and utilities. But perhaps the standout driver is data centres.

These facilities are experiencing exponential growth thanks to cloud computing and AI. They are also incredibly power-hungry, with electrical work representing the single largest component of construction cost. With over two decades of experience in data centre projects, SCEE is well-positioned to benefit from this surge in demand.

Small cap, big ambitions

If SCEE represents scale and stability, SKS Technologies brings fast growth and entrepreneurial energy.

Headquartered in Melbourne, SKS specialises in integrated technology and electrical solutions, from audiovisual and IT systems through to large-scale electrical works. Recently, its biggest growth driver has been data centres, which accounted for more than half of revenue in the first half of FY25.

The numbers from FY25 tell the story. Sales revenue surged 92% to $261.7 million, while operating earnings (EBITDA) leapt 161% to over $23 million. Profit before tax climbed 220% to $20.8 million.

Importantly, SKS is winning repeat business at scale. In FY25, repeat work rose to 94% of activity, up from 75% the year before. Its order book doubled to $200 million, providing visibility well into FY27. Management has also forecast FY26 revenue of $300 million, suggesting the growth story is far from over.

The company also has a broad customer base, from defence to aged care, with repeat business estimated at nearly 80%. Its tender pipeline sits at $570 million, with data centres, defence, and healthcare offering long-term opportunities.

Foolish Takeaway

Electrical infrastructure may not grab headlines like game-changing AI stories. But without it, none of those megatrends work.

Both Southern Cross Electrical Engineering and SKS Technologies highlight the importance of this sector and how investors can find growth opportunities in previously overlooked areas of the ASX. 

They're not without risks — contractors can face thin margins and cyclical challenges — but as Australia transitions to a more electrified future, these hidden gems could have a bright future ahead.

The post 2 hidden ASX gems powering Australia's electrification boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With reporting season over, ASX companies are slowly winding their way through the ex-dividend process.

After a company announces its financial results and dividend, ASX investors have a short window to buy the share with the payment attached.

On the ex-dividend date, the stock begins trading without the next dividend payment attached.

We typically see share prices fall on ex-div dates because the shares are inherently less valuable without the dividend included.

Ex-dividend dates provide two opportunities for investors.

You can buy an ASX share before its ex-dividend date, which gives you immediate entitlement to the next dividend payment.

Or, you can buy an ASX share on its ex-div date, when the share price typically falls, and take advantage of that dip.

As usual, we've seen plenty of examples of ASX shares falling on their ex-dividend dates this year.

Yesterday, South 32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares closed 1.5% down after going ex-dividend.

The Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) share price fell 4.2% on its ex-div date this month.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares dropped 2.15% on their ex-dividend date.

The Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) share price fell 1.3% on its ex-dividend date.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) shares provide an extraordinary example, plummeting 36% on ex-div day.

However, this was more a reflection of the special dividend paid to Nine shareholders this time around after the sale of Domain.

Nine Entertainment is one of several companies that announced special dividends during the August earnings season.

9 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

Here is a sample of the ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

Further reading

If you own ASX shares and would like to review the earnings reports of your companies, please see our comprehensive calendar page.

The post 9 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has risen 4% in the YTD and is also 10% higher over the past year.

The interest rate-cutting cycle that has begun in the US, Australia, and many other nations is a tailwind for ASX small-cap shares.

This is because small-caps are typically young companies carrying more debt than larger companies to fund their early growth.

In this article, we reveal 3 ASX small-cap shares that have caught the eye of analysts.

Experts give buy ratings to 3 ASX small-cap shares

Arthur Garipoli of Seneca Financial Solutions has a buy rating on the following two ASX small-cap shares.

MTM Critical Metals (ASX: MTM)

MTM Critical Minerals is an e-scrap recycling company that extracts metal, such as gold, copper and tin, from discarded electronics.

Garipoli says this ASX small-cap share is more suited to higher-risk investors.

He explains this buy rating (courtesy The Bull):

MTM's flash joule heating technology is proven, with commercial production targeted for 2026.

The company has locked in two supply agreements totalling 1100 tonnes per annum of e-scrap.

MTM recently secured firm commitments to raise $50 million from institutional investors.

The company may re-rate on potential catalysts that include offtake agreements and completing the demonstration plant.

The MTM Critical Metals share price is up 175% in the YTD and up an astounding 1,687% over the past 12 months.

XRF Scientific (ASX: XRF)

XRF Scientific is a service provider in the mining industry. It makes equipment and chemicals used in preparing samples for analysis.

Garipoli says this ASX small-cap share remains "under the radar" due to its market capitalisation (which is $258 million).

He comments:

XRF holds a strong competitive position and operates a recurring revenue business model.

The company has generated profit growth in the past five years.

A weaker share price followed a 9 per cent fall in revenue in the March quarter of fiscal year 2025 when compared to the prior corresponding period.

However, profit before tax rose 5 per cent, creating a buying opportunity, in our view.

The XRF Scientific share price is down 8% in the YTD and up 31% over the past 12 months.

But wait, there's more…

Stuart Bromley of Medallion Financial Group has been watching another ASX small-cap share that he considers promising.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering (ASX: SXE)

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering provides electrical, instrumentation, security, fire, communications, and maintenance services.

The company recently bought Force Fire Holdings for an initial payment of $36.3 million and a total consideration of $53.5 million.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering funded the purchase with its cash reserves.

Bromley told The Bull:

The acquisition will enhance the company's service offerings in the fire safety space.

The project pipeline remains strong after recently announcing it had been awarded projects of $70 million, including the Western Sydney Airport stand-alone facilities project and a hyperscale data centre, also in Western Sydney.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering shares are up 16% in the YTD and up 6% over the past 12 months.

The post Hidden gems: Experts name 3 ASX small-cap shares 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:

Avjennings Ltd (ASX: AVJ)

The Avjennings share price is up 7% to 65 cents. This morning, the residential land and housing developer revealed that it has accepted a takeover offer from an investment vehicle of Proprium Capital Partners Australia and Property Group. The parties have agreed on a deal that will see shareholders receive $0.655 cash consideration per share. The company stated: "AVJennings' Board of Directors unanimously recommend that AVJ shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding (and continuing to conclude) that the Scheme is in the best interests of the AV shareholders."

Black Cat Syndicate Ltd (ASX: BC8)

The Black Cat Syndicate share price is up 6% to $1.02. This morning, the gold miner announced the completion of the 1.2Mtpa Lakewood processing facility acquisition. It is now part of the 100% owned Kal East Gold Operation. This deal is inline with the company's more gold, sooner strategy. Black Cat's Managing Director, Gareth Solly, said: "Black Cat has taken a transformational step forward now that Lakewood is under the Company's ownership. With processing starting immediately, the more gold sooner strategy is underway."

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution share price is up 2.5% to $7.28. This follows another strong rise for the gold price overnight. Traders were bidding the precious metal higher ahead of the start of US trade tariffs. It isn't just Evolution Mining that is pushing higher today. There are gains across the industry, which has led to the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold (XGD) index rising 0.7% today.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The Southern Cross Electrical Engineer share price is up a further 11% to $1.84. Investors have been buying SCEE shares this week after it announced the acquisition of Force Fire Holdings. It is a leading New South Wales and Queensland-based provider of fire safety solutions to the commercial and industrial sectors. SCEE is paying an initial upfront consideration of $36.3 million. This could increase to a total consideration of up to $53.5 million if the business delivers on its EBIT growth targets in FY 2026 and FY 2027.

The post Why Avjennings, Black Cat, Evolution Mining, and SCEE shares are racing higher 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:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Catalyst Metals share price is up 5.5% to $5.82. Investors have been buying this gold miner's shares this month thanks to a number of reasons. One is the release of a drilling update, which went down well with investors. Another is the sale of a non-core asset and the third was a broker note out of Bell Potter. In respect to the latter, last week the broker upgraded Catalyst Metals' shares to a buy rating from hold. It said: "The transaction makes sense as it simplifies the business, and enables greater focus on the expansion and exploration of the flag ship Plutonic Gold Operation, while adding a low cost and rapid option to unlock value at the Bendigo Project."

KMD Brands Ltd (ASX: KMD)

The KMD Brands share price is down 1.5% to 33 cents. This retailer's shares are rebounding after falling at the end of last week following the release of its half year results. The Rip Curl, Kathmandu, and Oboz owner reported a 0.5% increase in sales to NZ$470.9 million but a 74.3% decline in underlying EBITDA to NZ$3.9 million. This ultimately led to the company recording an underlying loss after tax of NZ$16.1 million for the first half.

Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)

The Orora share price is up 4% to $1.87. This morning, this packaging company released a further update on its French regulatory investigation. The company advised that the investigation relates to a period prior to Orora's ownership of Saverglass. Complaints have been made about price increases. However, it notes that this period was marked by major events including the Covid pandemic and the start of the war in Ukraine, which led to input costs for glass container production including energy, key raw materials and gas increasing significantly, as well as increased freight costs in an environment of very high inflation.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The Southern Cross Electrical Engineer share price is up 5% to $1.64. This follows news that SCEE is acquiring Force Fire Holdings, a leading New South Wales and Queensland-based provider of fire safety solutions to the commercial and industrial sectors. An initial upfront consideration of $36.3 million has been agreed. This could increase to a total consideration of up to $53.5 million for delivering EBIT growth targets in FY 2026 and FY 2027.

The post Why Catalyst Metals, KMD, Orora, and SCEE shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Among those is the ASX All Ords share in this article, which is up an impressive 68% since the start of the year.

But if you thought that this share was close to peaking, you would be wrong according to analysts at Bell Potter.

In fact, the broker believes this stock is dirt cheap and destined to deliver huge returns over the next 12 months.

Which ASX All Ords share is dirt cheap?

The share in question is Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE).

It is a leading provider of electrical, instrumentation, communications, security and maintenance services to a diverse mix of customers. This includes a large number of blue chip customers such as Woolworths Group (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), BHP Group (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Multiplex, and CPB Contractors.

According to the note, the broker has been impressed with the company's performance this year and believes it is destined to deliver strong revenue growth in the first half. It said:

Excluding the ~$50m Collie BESS Project Switchyard construction package awarded on 5 July 2024, SXE has announced >$225m of new contract awards in FY25-to-date, including purchase orders at Trivantage Manufacturing. These orders compare with >$140m of contracts awarded in the PcP and ~$470m in FY24 (including $210m of work packages for the Collie BESS project and switchyard). We expect SXE to deliver a 1H FY25 orderbook that is consistent with the record $720m reported at FY24, accounting for increased project delivery in 1H FY25, with revenue to lift 23% YoY to $314m.

In light of this, the broker has reiterated its buy rating and $2.25 price target on the ASX All Ords share this morning.

Based on its current share price of $1.43, this implies potential upside of 57% for investors over the next 12 months. In addition, a 4.9% dividend yield is expected in FY 2025. This boosts the total potential return to approximately 62%.

Commenting on its bullish view of the stock, Bell Potter said:

SXE brings key small cap exposure to several emerging and structural themes, including the proliferation of data centre construction across Australia, decarbonisation of the Australian economy, electrification of industries and the build-out of large-scale critical infrastructure. SXE's blue-chip clientele and high proportion of recurring work (33% of FY24 Group revenue) provides some stability to operations and financials and reduced counterparty risk.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords share is up 68% but still dirt cheap 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:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up over 3% to 48 cents. This morning, this respiratory imaging technology company announced a new partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine. The agreement allows the University's clinicians to utilise 4DMedical's comprehensive portfolio of structural and functional lung imaging products, including CT LVAS. Management notes that by signing this contract, it is accelerating the roll-out of its technology at important academic medical centres and with key opinion leaders. It also feels that it highlights the value of 4DMedical's comprehensive suite of imaging solutions that enhance clinical decision-making. However, the contract value is commercial-in-confidence.

Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

The Brainchip share price is up 12.5% to 27 cents. Investors have been buying this semiconductor company's shares after it announced a licence agreement. The release reveals that Frontgrade Gaisler has licensed the company's Akida 1.0 Neuromorphic AI IP for incorporation into its space-grade, fault-tolerant, system-on-chip solutions for hardware AI acceleration across multiple product generations. Brainchip CEO, Sean Hehir, said: "This collaboration with Frontgrade Gaisler to licence Akida IP for implementation into space SoCs represents an important step in space-based AI deployments, turning into reality what once was considered unattainable. We are pleased to expand on our trusted relationship with Frontgrade as they push the boundaries of space computing."

Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ)

The Meridian Energy share price is up 4% to $5.19. This follows the release of the energy company's monthly operating report for November. Meridian revealed that compared to November 2023, segment sales increased in residential +0.6%, agricultural +11.4%, and large business +7.8%. This offset decreases in small medium business by 1.1% and corporate by 1.8%. Meridian's retail sales volumes in November were +1.8% higher than November 2023.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The SCEE share price is up 2.5% to $1.45. This morning, this engineering company revealed that its Heyday and Trivantage Manufacturing subsidiaries have been awarded a range of projects totalling over $100 million. The company's managing director, Graeme Dunn, said: "I am pleased to be announcing our largest ever hospital contract award which builds on Heyday's longstanding record of successful delivery of projects in the healthcare sector. I also note the range of orders Trivantage Manufacturing has received which, together with its two awards that we announced to the ASX on 11 December 2024, means its order book is now at a record level."

The post Why 4DMedical, Brainchip, Meridian, and SCEE shares are rising 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:

Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

The Silex Systems share price is up 10% to $6.15. This morning, the company announced that GLE, its exclusive licensee of the third-generation laser-based SILEX uranium enrichment technology, has been selected by the US Department of Energy (DOE) as an awardee under the its LEU Enrichment Acquisition request for proposals. The award provides a minimum contract value of US$2 million and a maximum aggregate value for all awardees totalling US$3.4 billion. The final award value will depend on agreed task orders to be subsequently issued by the DOE.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The SCEE share price is up 13% to $1.57. This morning, this engineering company announced that it has been awarded a range of projects in the data centre, commercial, manufacturing, resources and water sectors. Management advised that the contracts total $125 million. Commenting on the news, SCEE Group Managing Director Graeme Dunn said: "This announcement, with works on a new desalination plant in WA, and major transport projects in Victoria and NSW, clearly demonstrates SCEE's broad exposure to Australian infrastructure expenditure."

Titomic Ltd (ASX: TTT)

The Titomic share price is up 8% to 19.5 cents. This morning, this cold spray solutions provider announced that it has successfully co-developed and sponsored a new cold spray standard for aerospace with SAE International. Titomic USA president, Jim Simpson, said: "SAE AMS7057 compliance validates Titomic's cold spray technology and strategically positions the Company to capitalise on a range of U.S. Government opportunities and initiatives aimed at fostering domestic innovation and manufacturing, such as Department of Defense contracts for military asset repairs, NASA programs for lightweight aerospace components, and Office of Strategic Capital efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains through advanced manufacturing technologies."

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 11% to $16.18. This is despite there being no news out of the niobium explorer today. However, it is worth noting that the company did recently report excellent beneficiation results from initial variability testing on a composite sample comprising three drillholes covering over 400m east-west extent in the northeast zone of the Luni deposit.

The post Why Silex Systems, SCEE, Titomic, and WA1 shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.