Category: Stock Market

There are a few names in my portfolio I’ve significantly invested in for passive income and long-term growth. One of those is L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF), a listed investment company (LIC) that offers numerous positives as a reliable ASX dividend stock.

It’s operated by investment manager L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G), with the team investing in a quite different style to the local or global share markets.

The LIC is already more than $2.5 billion in size, and I believe it has a very positive future ahead for multiple reasons.

Diversification

The ASX dividend stock’s investment strategy is to invest in both ASX-listed and global shares, providing the business with significant diversification. It’s great to look across numerous companies that could be the best investment opportunities.

Additionally, I like that the business can short-sell overvalued shares, if it wants to. That way, it can generate returns in a variety of ways, including when markets are falling.

Typically, L1 Long Short Fund likes to invest in businesses with growing earnings and a low price-earnings (P/E) ratio. That’s why the investment team regularly look at cyclical sectors when there is pessimism in the air, which can be a particularly effective time to invest.

The L1 Long Short Fund has delivered an average return per year of 17.6% over the three years to 30 April 2026. That’s enough for the ASX dividend stock to deliver capital growth and good long-term dividends.

Reliable ASX dividend stock

The business has increased its dividend in every period since the company declared its first dividend of 1.5 cents per share in February 2021.

In FY26, the current financial year, the ASX dividend stock began paying quarterly dividends and recently announced its latest quarterly dividend of 3.7 cents per share. Each FY26 quarter has seen another increase. It expects the dividend to continue increasing.

I expect the next four quarterly dividends to be paid could come to approximately 15.4 cents per share, which would translate into a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.25%, including franking credits.

Given how effectively the investment portfolio has performed, the LIC has grown its dividend per share at a double-digit percentage rate, which is a pleasing compounding rate. I expect the business will continue to increase its dividend in the coming years.

How much could $1,000 buy?

If an investor were to put $1,000 into L1 Long Short Fund shares, they’d be able to buy 238 shares at the time of writing.

I’d be very happy to invest in the ASX dividend stock for the long term.

The post $1,000 buys 238 shares in an incredibly reliable ASX dividend stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 unstoppable ASX shares to buy with $3,000
• Why this ASX fund has risen 50% in the last year and just lifted its dividend
• L1 Long Short Fund boosts dividend as returns eclipse market
• Why this ASX dividend share is a retiree’s dream
• Create a river of dividends for passive income alongside work earnings with ASX stocks

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in L1 Long Short Fund. 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.

Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) shares are catching the eye on Monday.

In morning trade, the ASX 200 share is up over 5% to $20.37.

Why is this ASX 200 share roaring higher?

Investors have been scrambling to buy the integrated diversified property investment and funds management company’s shares following the release of a guidance update.

According to the release, the company has experienced continued momentum across its Property Funds Management (PFM) platform since its last update.

As a result, it has increased its guidance for FY 2026 operating earnings per share by a further 3% from $1.00 to $1.03. This assumes no material adverse change in market conditions.

Impressively, this represents a 26.5% increase on FY 2025’s operating earnings per share of 81.4 cents.

What is driving this growth?

The ASX 200 share revealed that its institutional PFM platform continues to grow, underpinned by increased allocations from existing clients and new investor gross equity inflows across institutional pooled funds, partnerships, and mandates.

It notes that financial year-to-date gross equity inflows total $6.5 billion, which represents an increase of $1.7 billion since the first half.

This growth has been driven by investor customers increasing allocations within existing investments, as well as diversification into additional Charter Hall managed strategies and sectors.

Recent client activity has resulted in the addition of 25 new institutional investors to the platform over the last 18 months. This includes several institutions making initial allocations to the Australian property sector, which it believes supports long term growth potential.

In addition, following recent investment activity, PFM has increased to $74.7 billion. This is up from $71.7 billion at the end of December.

Management notes that this is supporting further growth in recurring base funds management and property services earnings.

It also advised that capital deployment remains disciplined, targeting high quality assets with long WALEs, strong tenant covenants, and attractive risk adjusted returns.

Commenting on the company’s performance, the ASX 200 share’s managing director and CEO, David Harrison, said:

Australia continues to attract institutional capital as a stable and highly dependable real asset market. We are seeing increased allocations from existing institutional investors alongside new domestic and offshore inflows seeking diversified exposures.

The resilience of unlisted property returns, and inflation hedge characteristics continue to support strong investor demand, with Australia remaining a preferred destination for global capital. Our platform scale, disciplined capital deployment and co-investment alignment continues to drive equity flows and sustained earnings growth.

The post Guess which ASX 200 share is racing 5% higher after upgrading its earnings guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Charter Hall lifts FY26 guidance as capital inflows surge
• 7 ASX shares with strengthened buy ratings this week
• This ASX property stock is rising after takeover speculation heats up

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.

S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) energy stock Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL) is slipping today.

Amplitude Energy shares closed on Friday trading for $1.675. In early morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $1.66 apiece, down 0.90%.

For some context, the ASX 300 is up 0.1% at this same time, while the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is down 2.1% following a retrace in oil prices over the weekend.

Amplitude Energy shares are outpacing the broader energy sector stocks today following news of a major gas field acquisition from Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT).

Here’s what’s happening.

ASX 300 energy stock growing its offshore gas footprint

Amplitude Energy shares are getting plenty of attention today after the company announced that has has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 50% interest in Beach Energy’s VIC/L35 permit.

The permit area contains the Artisan gas field in the Offshore Otway Basin, situated off Australia’s southern coast.

As part of the agreement, O.G. Energy will purchase a 10% interest in Artisan on the same terms. That will see O.G Energy and Amplitude Energy each holding a 50% interest in the gas field.

The ASX 300 energy stock noted that the field is located just 17 kilometres from the existing Offshore Otway Basin pipeline.

Amplitude Energy will pay $58.3 million cash for the asset, which it said will be fully funded through existing sources.

The agreement will also see Beach Energy receive a future production royalty of $3.75 per gigajoule (GJ) for 60% of all gas produced before 30 June 2036, up to 62 petajoules (PJ).

The total implied transaction value of the agreement was reported to be approximately $130 million after tax.

Amplitude said it expects the acquisition to be net asset value (NAV) accretive and earnings accretive from the commencement of production from Artisan. The ASX 300 energy stock is accelerating targeted gas production to 2028.

The agreement remains subject to certain conditions precedent.

What did Amplitude and Beach Energy management say?

Commenting on the acquisition that’s yet to lift the ASX 300 energy stock today, Amplitude CEO Jane Norman said, “Producing Artisan through Amplitude Energy’s existing infrastructure allows faster and lower-cost development of this gas for the east coast domestic market.”

Norman continued:

Artisan development costs will significantly benefit from leveraging the existing ECSP program and our readily-available infrastructure. This is a win-win for Amplitude, O.G. Energy and Beach with respect to optimising our respective Otway Basin positions.

Beach Energy CEO Brett Woods added:

This transaction demonstrates Beach’s capital discipline, monetising Artisan while preserving exposure to future development through the production royalty.

It is also a positive outcome for Otway participants and domestic customers, with the gas still expected to be developed into the East Coast market through the Athena Gas Plant.

The post Guess which ASX 300 energy stock just announced a major Beach Energy gas acquisition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This beaten-down ASX 200 energy share is slipping despite a major update
• Beach Energy sells Otway Basin stake, redeploys $500 million capital
• 3 ASX stocks that could benefit from oil prices hitting US$105 a barrel
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are lower on Monday after the oil and gas producer announced a new deal in the Otway Basin.

At the time of writing, the Beach Energy share price is down 2.04% to $1.107.

The move adds to a weaker stretch for shareholders. Beach Energy shares are down around 7% over the past month and 14% over the past year.

Let’s dive right in.

Beach sells part of its Otway position

According to the release, Beach Energy has agreed to sell its 60% operated interest in licence VIC/P35, which includes the Artisan gas discovery.

The buyer is Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL), which will pay $70 million in cash when the transaction completes.

Beach will also receive a production royalty of $3.75 per gigajoule on all gas produced from the licence before 30 June 2036.

Based on the current 2C resource booking, Beach said the royalty payments are expected to total about $140 million over the life of the field.

The company said the transaction has an implied value of about $130 million after tax, or roughly $3.50 per gigajoule of 2C contingent resource.

The deal remains subject to several conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Where the capital is going instead

Beach is also changing how it wants to spend capital in the Otway Basin.

The company said it will no longer drill and complete the La Bella 2 development well, or pursue the development of Artisan through the Otway Gas Plant.

That decision frees up more than $500 million of capital that had previously been expected across Artisan and La Bella.

Management said the money can now be directed towards opportunities with stronger returns and lower development costs.

Beach is effectively cashing in part of its Otway portfolio instead of spending heavily to develop every asset itself.

It still keeps exposure through the royalty, while Amplitude takes on the development pathway.

Beach said Amplitude intends to develop Artisan through the Athena Gas Plant.

What comes next

The company said the Otway Gas Plant still has backfill options through lower-cost nearshore prospects and longer-dated offshore opportunities.

Managing Director and CEO Brett Woods said the deal reflects Beach’s focus on capital discipline. He said it turns development value into cash while leaving the company with royalty exposure.

After a difficult year for the share price, investors now have something practical to weigh up.

Beach gets cash from the sale, avoids more than $500 million in expected capital spending, and still has a way to benefit if Artisan is developed.

The next question is where that money goes.

The post This beaten-down ASX 200 energy share is slipping despite a major update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guess which ASX 300 energy stock just announced a major Beach Energy gas acquisition
• Beach Energy sells Otway Basin stake, redeploys $500 million capital
• 3 ASX stocks that could benefit from oil prices hitting US$105 a barrel
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

The ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price is trading close to where it was six months ago. This is a good time to consider whether the ANZ bank share is undervalued or overvalued.

As we can see on the chart below, the ANZ share price has decreased in the last few months. It can be a good idea to look at names like ANZ when they go through a decline.

Let’s see what the latest forecasts are for the ANZ share price and what this could mean for shareholders.

Price target

A price target is where analysts think the share price will be in within 12 months of the investment call. Sometimes the price target suggests there will be a decline and other times it suggests there could be an impressive rise.

According to CMC Invest, there have been 10 recent ratings on the ASX bank share. Of those ten, four were buys, five were holds and one was a sell.

The average price target from these 10 analysts was $35.60. That’s very close to what it’s actually trading at, meaning investors shouldn’t look forward to any strong gains.

The most optimistic price target is $40, implying a possible rise of 12% from where it is at the time of writing.

However, the lowest price target is $30.72, which implies a possible decline of 13%.

So, the valuation looks finely balanced at the moment.

What’s driving the ANZ share price?

You’d have to ask each buyer and seller of ANZ shares why they transacted at the price they did.

But, it’s clear that the market still has its eyes on the ASX bank share’s recent FY26 first-half performance.

ANZ reported that, excluding significant items, operating income was flat and operating expenses declined 9%, helping profit before provisions rise 12%. Underlying cash profit increased by 14%.

As you can tell from the numbers it reported, the ASX bank share has been working hard at reducing costs by reducing duplication and simplifying the organisation. ANZ said 78% of 3,500 announced roles exited the bank by the end of April 2026.

Profit growth is a key driver of the ANZ share price, so it’s good to see that profit grew by double-digits in the most recent result.

However, with how its net loans and advances only grew by 1% over the six months between September 2025 and March, it’s not exactly shooting the lights out.

I can see why analysts aren’t excited about the valuation at the moment, so there could be better opportunities out there.

The post How much could the ANZ share price rise in the next year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Thinking about dividend yields? Here’s how much the top 10 ASX 200 shares pay
• Here’s a 9% ASX dividend stock to consider for a monthly passive income
• ANZ, Westpac, NAB and CBA shares: Analysts rate 2 a hold, and 2 a sell
• Are CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ shares heading for more pain?
• Which big four ASX bank stock is the best buy right now?

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is a great place to find great opportunities. In this article, we’re going to look at two ASX 200 shares with a strong track record of success overseas, and they’re planning further growth.

Some Australian businesses have attempted to expand overseas, but it simply hasn’t worked, such as Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)’s Bunnings UK effort.

But the two ideas I’m about to outline show how successful businesses can be when global growth is done well.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is one of the leading coffee machine and small appliance businesses in the world. It has a number of brands, including Breville, Sage, Lelit, Baratza, and Beanz.

It’s truly a global business when you look at where its revenue and growth are coming from.

In the FY26 half-year results, the business reported solid, across-the-board growth in global product segment revenue (which accounts for most of its revenue). Americas revenue grew 11.6% to $549.5 million, Asia Pacific revenue increased 5.9% to $190.3 million, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) revenue rose 13.7% to $233.8 million.

Overall, HY26 revenue rose by 10.9% to $973.6 million, despite the impacts of US tariffs during the period.

There are two growth areas I’m particularly excited about. First, it’s expanding geographically, and I think this bodes well for future revenue growth and scale benefits. China, South Korea, and the Middle East could all be growth drivers for the foreseeable future.

Secondly, the company’s coffee bean segment is growing rapidly. In the 2025 calendar year, kilos shipped grew by 75% year over year, new customers rose by 89%, and subscriptions soared by 97%.

I think this high-quality ASX 200 share is on track for a very good future.

According to CommSec’s collation of analyst opinions, there are currently 13 buy ratings on the ASX 200 share.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman is one of the world’s leading owners and developers of industrial properties. It says its real estate comprises high-quality, sustainable logistics properties and data centres in major global cities.

The ASX 200 share has a presence in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, the UK, and the Americas. In other words, most of the economically developed world.

The steady drum of project completions regularly adds to its portfolio value and operating earnings. In the FY26 half-year result, it reported work in progress (WIP) of $14.4 billion across 51 projects, with a forecast yield on cost of 8.1%. Data centres currently account for 73% of the development WIP – a major growth area.

Its operating earnings are growing at a good pace. For HY26, it reported like-for-like net property income (NPI) growth of 4.2%, and it expects FY26 operating earnings per security (EPS) growth of 9%.

According to the CommSec collation of analyst opinions, there are currently 11 buy ratings on the ASX 200 share.

The post 2 high-quality ASX 200 shares experts rate as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d buy these 3 ASX shares before the next market rally
• 10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week
• How to turn $500 a month into $500,000 with ASX shares
• Thinking about dividend yields? Here’s how much the top 10 ASX 200 shares pay
• 2 ASX 200 shares I’d buy for the AI infrastructure boom

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have pulled back almost 14% from their 52-week and record high.

A good portion of that weakness has come since the bank released its latest quarterly update earlier this month.

I think that pullback has created a more interesting buying opportunity for patient investors as June approaches. 

CBA is still trading at a premium valuation, so I would not call it a bargain. But I think it remains one of the highest-quality blue-chip shares on the ASX.

A stronger entry point

CBA shares have had an incredible run over the past few years.

That has been great for existing shareholders, but it has also made the stock harder to buy for new investors. The valuation has often looked stretched compared with the other major banks, and many investors have understandably questioned whether too much good news was already priced in.

That is why the recent pullback looks useful to me.

A 14% fall does not suddenly make CBA cheap. But it does improve the risk/reward for investors who like the business and have been waiting for a better entry point.

I think this is important because CBA is the kind of business that rarely looks obviously cheap. The market usually gives it a premium because of its scale, customer base, deposit strength, and track record.

For me, the recent weakness makes the price a little more reasonable without changing the core investment case.

Why I rate CBA highly

CBA is Australia’s largest bank and, in my view, the highest-quality of the major banks.

Its advantages are not complicated. It has a huge customer base, a powerful deposit franchise, leading digital capabilities, and deep relationships across households and businesses.

Those strengths can be especially valuable in a more uncertain environment.

Many households are still dealing with cost-of-living pressure, higher energy prices, and elevated interest rates. Businesses are also navigating a more complicated backdrop, including global uncertainty and supply chain disruption.

CBA is not immune to those pressures. No bank is. Bad debts can rise, competition can squeeze margins, and credit growth can slow.

But I think CBA is better placed than most to manage those risks. Its latest quarterly update showed a resilient balance sheet, strong deposit funding, sound portfolio credit quality, and capital above regulatory minimums.

That does not mean investors should ignore the risks. But it does support the view that CBA remains a very strong bank.

Income and quality

Another reason I like CBA is its dividend profile.

The bank has long been popular with income investors because of its fully-franked dividends. That income stream can be particularly useful for Australian investors who value reliable passive income and franking credits.

I also like that CBA is not just an income story.

The bank continues to invest in digital banking, productivity, AI capabilities, customer relationships, and business banking. These areas may not produce dramatic growth overnight, but they can help CBA defend its position and improve efficiency over time.

That is what I want from a blue-chip bank holding. I do not need CBA to reinvent itself. I want it to keep executing well, protect its balance sheet, grow carefully, and return capital to shareholders through dividends.

Foolish Takeaway

CBA shares have pulled back meaningfully from their record high, and I think that has made them more attractive heading into June.

The stock is still not cheap. Investors need to be comfortable paying a premium valuation for what I see as the best major bank on the ASX.

But I think the recent weakness is a buying opportunity rather than a reason to walk away. For investors looking for a blue-chip share with quality, resilience, fully-franked dividends, and long-term staying power, CBA remains one I would be happy to buy and hold.

The post Why I think CBA shares are a blue-chip buy in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How big will the CBA dividend be in 2027?
• Where I’d invest $5,000 in ASX shares this week
• How many CBA shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?
• Thinking about dividend yields? Here’s how much the top 10 ASX 200 shares pay
• How to build a $20,000 ASX share portfolio with $100 a month

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

Smart Parking Ltd (ASX: SPZ) is not the kind of technology company that usually dominates market chatter.

It does not have the sparkle of artificial intelligence. It is not selling futuristic consumer hardware. And its core business — parking management — is hardly glamorous.

But that was part of the appeal when Smart Parking was described as one of the ASX’s unflashy success stories powering life behind the scenes. The company had built a simple, scalable model helping property owners monitor, manage, and monetise car parks using sensors, cameras, and software.

Six months later, the story looks different.

Not because the business has gone backwards. Far from it. Smart Parking has since delivered a strong 1H FY26 result. But the share price has now fallen around 42% from recent all-time highs reached near the beginning of 2026.

For investors willing to look at smaller companies, that kind of pullback can be uncomfortable. It can also be where opportunity starts to reappear.

A strong result, with one important caveat

Smart Parking’s 1H FY26 numbers were impressive on the surface.

Revenue increased 96% to $62.6 million. Operating earnings (adjusted EBITDA) rose 85% to $15.6 million. Operating profits (underlying NPATA) jumped 163% to $6.5 million, while statutory net profit after tax rose 10% to $4.3 million.

Adjusted free cash flow also increased 89% to $10.4 million, and the company finished the half with $15.3 million of cash, excluding client funds.

That matters. Many small-cap growth companies can talk about revenue expansion. Fewer can translate growth into meaningful cash generation while still investing for the future.

Operationally, Smart Parking had close to 2000 sites under management, including US-managed sites, and 1,852 global automatic number plate recognition sites, up 19% on the prior corresponding period.

However, investors need to be careful with the headline growth rate.

Smart Parking acquired US-based Peak Parking in February 2025, meaning the latest half included a full six-month contribution from that business. Peak Parking contributed $13.5 million of revenue and $4 million of earnings (adjusted EBITDA).

So, this was not a pure organic doubling story.

That said, Peak Parking appears to be performing well. Its earn-out target was achieved, with the maximum payable in shares, and the acquisition was reported as 30% earnings per share accretive, ahead of the 25% investment case.

Why the US could matter

The US opportunity is arguably the most exciting part of the Smart Parking story.

Broker Shaw and Partners recently highlighted Smart Parking as an ASX small-cap technology company that could have meaningful upside. The broker noted that the company’s share price had fallen more than 40% since February despite what it viewed as a solid trading performance.

The broker’s positive view appears to centre on Smart Parking’s ability to roll out its low-cost parking technology into a large and relatively untapped segment of unmanaged small surface lots attached to retailers, hotels, fast-food chains, and transport hubs.

Smart Parking now has a US platform through Peak Parking. If it can successfully expand its technology-led model across that market, the company could have a much larger runway than its current size suggests.

The risks investors should watch

This is still a small-cap company, and the risks are real.

The UK remains a key profit engine, but parking breach notice volumes were flat in the half. Revenue per parking breach notice rose materially, helped by yield optimisation and improved debt recovery, but margins came under pressure.

Denmark is also a drag, with regulatory changes requiring notices to be physically placed on vehicles, forcing a shift toward manual enforcement. Germany remains in investment mode, and Switzerland is still at a very early stage.

The US opportunity is exciting, but execution is not guaranteed. Scaling in a new market takes time, people, capital, and discipline.

Foolish Takeaway

Smart Parking looks like a better business than its recent share price performance suggests.

The company is growing, generating cash, expanding internationally, and now has a potential platform for US growth. But expectations need to be grounded. The latest result was boosted by Peak Parking, and regulatory and execution risks remain.

Still, after a fall of around 42% from recent highs, Smart Parking looks worth a closer look as a small-cap opportunity for investors comfortable with volatility and patient enough to let the growth story play out.

The post Is this beaten-down ASX small cap a smart opportunity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Shaw and Partners says these two ASX small-cap companies could have some serious upside

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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.

If you are looking for outsized returns and have a high tolerance for risk, then it could be worth turning your attention to the ASX 300 share in this article.

That’s because if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation, this share could be destined to rise over 80% from current levels.

Which ASX 300 share?

The share that has been given the thumbs up by Bell Potter is Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV).

In case you’re not familiar with the company, it is the pharmaceutical company behind the Scenesse (afamelanotide) treatment for patients with the rare disease erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

In addition, the ASX 300 share is undertaking clinical trials to expand the approved use of Scenesse to more indications such as vitiligo.

It is the proposed expansion into vitiligo that Bell Potter has been looking at, with phase three data due to be released soon. The broker said:

CUV’s first vitiligo Phase 3 trial readout (expected 2H CY26) is one of 2026’s most keenly awaited ASX biotech readouts. Success would dramatically de-risk the expansion of Scenesse’s approved label from the rare disease EPP (~5k Americans) to also include the far larger vitiligo indication (>2m Americans). In the event of a positive readout, we anticipate a second Phase 3 will be required (commencing in 2H CY26), hence vitiligo approval and subsequent sales would commence from ~2030.

The CUV105 trial randomised 210 patients to either Scenesse plus NB-UVB or NBUVB alone for ~5 months. A successful outcome will heavily depend on achieving a statistically significant outcome on the primary endpoint, at least in the eyes of the FDA for serving as a confirmatory study.

Big potential returns

According to the note, Bell Potter has reaffirmed its speculative buy rating on the ASX 300 share with a trimmed price target of $17.00 (from $19.00).

Based on its current share price of $9.10, this implies potential upside of 87% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter highlights that the market is attributing little value to the company’s vitiligo opportunity. It said:

At an EV of $226m, there is little credit currently attributed to CUV for the vitiligo opportunity. A positive Phase 3 readout would likely see a dramatic resurgence toward our valuation as investors de-risk the path to vitiligo, while a negative readout would likely see the stock trade modestly above cash levels (~$5/sh) given recent sentiment.

Considering the relatively even chance we ascribe to positive/negative outcomes on the primary endpoint, the ~90% upside potential in the positive scenario comfortably exceeds the ~30% downside potential in the event of a failure. Hence we maintain our BUY recommendation but now include a speculative risk warning, not due to any financial instability for CUV (which is very robust), but purely due to the clinical risk profile that is fast approaching.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX 300 share could rise 80%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX biotech is pushing for a Nasdaq listing. Could it reignite investor interest?
• Guess which ASX 300 stock was given a big boost from the US FDA

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.

Macquarie has run the ruler over the ASX-listed uranium companies, and the analyst team believes there’s plenty of value to be had.

Four of the five companies they’ve assessed are trading at share prices that equate to a spot price lower than Macquarie’s assumptions, meaning there’s likely share price upside based on their modelling.

Let’s have a look at what they’re saying.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Macquarie said Paladin had successfully ramped up production at its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia and was also making “real progress” on its Patterson Lake South approvals in Canada.

Paladin recently reported that for the March quarter it had produced 1.29 million pounds of uranium at Langer Heinrich, up 5% from the previous quarter, “driven by strong processing plant performance”.

The Patterson Lake South Project had also had its environmental impact statement approved.

Macquarie said Paladin’s share price underperformance against NexGen Energy (ASX: NXG), Cameco, and ASX-listed Namibian project developers “seems unwarranted”.

Macquarie added:

We now see value in the shares, which imply a US$77/lb uranium price. We recognise downside risk to FY27 consensus production forecasts still exists into guidance, but investors are now being rewarded for taking this risk on, in our view.

Macquarie upgraded Paladin to outperform with a price target of $13.25.

Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN)

Macquarie said that, with Bannerman’s Etango project approaching a final investment decision and a partnership with China’s CNNC substantially reducing funding needs, Bannerman shares were looking interesting.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on Bannerman shares with a price target of $5.55.

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

Macquarie notes that Deep Yellow’s Tumas project has completed earthworks and is entering the civil works phase, which could last 10 to 12 months.

Macquarie added:

Given its strong cash balance, DYL has at this stage preserved full flexibility on final investment decision timing. It is selecting a construction contractor, and is engaging with potential strategic partners on the project (including from the US).

Macquarie has an outperform rating on Deep Yellow shares with a price target of $2.25 per share.

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

Lotus, Macquarie said, at its recent quarterly retracted some past production results and announced a series of management changes, with the shares subsequently falling more than 50%.

Macquarie said Lotus, which is already mining but not yet selling uranium, could need to raise capital if it faces delays getting export approvals.

Macquarie has a price target of $1.30 per share for Lotus, reduced from $1.90, which is still well above the current share price of 67.5 cents.

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

Macquarie said they still held concerns about Boss’ downgrades to resources at the Honeymoon mine in South Australia and the new feasibility study.

Macquarie said:

It appears to be a smaller and more marginal asset than was widely believed under the prior management. However, we believe this is now more adequately reflected in the share price.

Macquarie upgraded its recommendation on Boss Energy to neutral from underperform and set a $2.25 share price target.

The post Which ASX uranium shares has Macquarie upgraded? 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 positions in and has recommended Cameco and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.