The Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) share price is in focus today after the company reported record Corporate Trust FUA of A$1.4 trillion and stable Wealth Management funds, despite continued outflows in Asset Management for the first quarter of FY27.

What did Perpetual report?

• Corporate Trust Funds Under Administration (FUA) reached a record A$1.4 trillion, up 2.8% for the quarter
• Debt Market Services FUA grew to A$773.5 billion (+2.6%), driven by new issuance and client wins
• Asset Management AUM fell 5.5% to A$212.0 billion, mainly due to net outflows of A$9.6 billion
• Wealth Management FUA held steady at A$22.1 billion
• Digital and Markets Assets Under Administration rose 9.5% to A$699.2 billion, boosted by the Interfi Systems acquisition

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual’s diversified business model showed its value this quarter, as growth in Corporate Trust and Digital offset Asset Management outflows. Debt Market Services was particularly strong, helped by higher market activity and onboarding a major global bank.

In Asset Management, most outflows were centred on US and global equity funds, particularly Barrow Hanley, though some strategies saw momentum with inflows, including emerging markets and global fixed income products. The group continued developing new ETF offerings for the US expected to launch after regulatory approval.

The sale of the Wealth Management unit to Bain Capital progressed, with completion targeted for the final quarter of 2026, subject to outstanding approvals.

What did Perpetual management say?

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bernard Reilly commented:

The first quarter of FY27 highlighted the importance of the complementary structure of our business, with growth in Corporate Trust offset by outflows in Asset Management, while Wealth Management remained stable as the sale process to Bain Capital progressed… As we mark the anniversary, our focus remains on our clients and the work ahead across our business.

What’s next for Perpetual?

Perpetual expects to finalise the sale of its Wealth Management business to Bain Capital by the end of 2026, which should further sharpen its focus on Asset Management and Corporate Trust activities. The company plans to continue growing its Corporate Trust client base and expand its digital and fixed income offerings, while stabilising Asset Management flows through new products and initiatives like the upcoming US ETFs.

Management remains focused on delivering for clients as the group enters its 140th year, aiming to leverage its diversified platform to navigate changing market conditions.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 14%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 3% over the same period.

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The post Perpetual posts record Corporate Trust FUA and navigates Asset Management outflows in Q1 FY27 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Experts are always on the lookout for ASX share opportunities that could be undervalued. Some stocks could generate strong returns, according to analysts.

The ASX share market has returned an average of around 9% to 10% per year over the ultra-long-term, depending on the time period.

There are a few ideas that could deliver significantly stronger returns than 10% in the next year. Let’s take a look at two of the most exciting ASX share opportunities.

Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ)

Macquarie Technology describes itself as Australia’s data centre, cloud, cybersecurity and telecom company for mid to large business and government customers. It aims to provide the best customer service in Australia.

According to CMC Invest, there have been six analyst ratings on the business within the last three months. Four of those analyst ratings were buys and two of them were holds. Of those six analyst ratings, the average price target was $79.03, suggesting a potential rise of 75% within the next 12 months.

The company is investing significantly into data centres and customer solutions, while deploying AI across the group to enhance productivity and operational performance.

In August, the company said the construction of IC8 SuperWest phase 1 (6MW) would be delivered on time and on budget by September 2026. Phase 2 of 13MW is expected to be delivered by June 2027. IC3 SuperWest has attracted significant demand by multiple customers.

The company expects to report modest growth of operating profit (EBITDA) in FY27, assuming IC3 SuperWest phase 1 revenue starts in the second half of FY27.

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

Another ASX share that could be one to watch is Aeris Resources, which describes itself as a mid-tier copper and gold producer. Not only does it have operating assets, but it also has a pipeline of growth projects and a prospective exploration portfolio.

According to CMC Invest, there have been five broker ratings on the ASX mining share within the last three months, all of those ratings were a buy. The average price target from those five analysts is 74 cents, implying a potential rise of 61% over the next year.

The company worked on a number of goals through FY26, including repaying debt, selling its North Queensland exploration assets for up to $15.5 million, improving its operational performance, consider acquisitions and reduce costs.

FY26’s financials improved strongly – revenue grew 22% to $702.8 million, adjusted operating profit (EBITDA) grew 77% to $318.2 million, net profit before tax increased 181% to $127 million, net profit after tax (NPAT)grew 295% to $178.5 million and operating cash flow grew 111% to $275.6.

With a good outlook for copper, amid electrification of vehicles and expanding electricity grids, I think this ASX share. I can see why experts like this ASX share right now.

The post 2 ASX shares tipped to grow up to 75% or more in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When scouting for companies that might deliver outsized gains, it’s often useful to look at the smaller end of the market.

The analyst team at Bell Potter has done just this and released two research reports on ASX small caps that they think will almost double in value.

Let’s see who they like.

Austco Healthcare Ltd (ASX: AHC)

This company announced two acquisitions last week, buying RTM Solutions for $15.3 million and CareTech for $4 million.

RTM is a Brisbane-based provider of real-time monitoring, reporting, and systems-integration software for healthcare and aged care facilities, while CareTech makes nurse call products and systems for aged care and smaller hospital customers.

Austco said regarding the RTM deal:

Austco sees strong demand across its global customer base for proactive system monitoring and intends to take the platform to its international customers. The acquisition is expected to grow Austco’s software and recurring service revenue, strengthen its proactive monitoring and maintenance capabilities, and broaden the integration functionality available across Austco’s global customer and installed base.

Austco said it would fund both acquisitions from existing cash reserves, and would have $7.7 million of cash on hand following the closure of the deals.

Bell Potter said between CareTech and RTM, “AHC delivers customers a single, cost-effective provider for care communications at the bedside, and real-time monitoring of every connected system on site”.

The broker increased its price target for Austco from 45 cents to 50 cents, compared to the current share price of 26.5 cents.

If achieved, this would be an 88.7% return.

Omega Oil & Gas Ltd (ASX: OMA)

Bell Potter analysts recently attended a site visit hosted by Omega at its Taroom Trough acreage, which included the Canyon North-1 wellsite where a drilling rig was recently mobilised.

The visit included investors, including Omega’s 20% shareholder TriStar.

Bell Potter said:

What was clear is OMA’s deep technical expertise, meticulous approach to building a high-quality Taroom Trough subsurface dataset and success working alongside land-owners to facilitate access.

Bell Potter said the current appraisal program was fully funded, with costs estimated at $55 million to $60 million, and that the company had $102 million in cash and no debt.

They said the current appraisal program “has the potential to materially expand the demonstrated extent and resource potential of the basin-centred Permian oil and gas system”.

Bell Potter added:

OMA is de-risking a new unconventional oil and gas play close to Australia’s east coast energy markets. Over 2026-27, OMA’s appraisal program will produce ongoing news flow and is designed to add significant scale to its current resource. Australia’s east coast gas market is attractive with established basins in decline, limited sources of new supply and secure demand from domestic and export customers.

The broker has a price target of $1.40 for Omega shares, compared with 76 cents currently.

If achieved, this would be an 84.2% return.

The post Bell Potter has tipped these ASX small caps to almost double in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Austco Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.