Top broker just initiated coverage on two ASX small-cap stocks with a buy recommendation

Broker Bell Potter released new reports yesterday initiating coverage on two ASX small-cap stocks. 

Small-cap stocks may appeal to investors as they can have significant growth potential compared to more established, blue-chip shares.

However it's important to understand they can have significant volatility, as many of these small companies can be pre-profit, relying on funding, clinical trials etc. 

With that being said, here are two that have buy recommendations from the team at Bell Potter. 

Saluda Medical (ASX: SLD)

Saluda Medical is a commercial-stage medical device company commercialising spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy globally.

According to yesterday's report, Saluda Medical is currently a single-product company, centred around its differentiated SCS product called the 'Evoke System'. 

The company has been commercialising the Evoke System for ~3 years in the US, and ~5 years in Europe and Australia, for the treatment of patients with chronic pain of the trunk and/or limbs.

Bell Potter has initiated coverage on this small-cap stock with a buy recommendation (speculative) for several key reasons: 

• Saluda's patented closed-loop system delivers more consistent and durable pain relief than conventional devices. In its Phase 3 trial, no patients had devices removed due to lack of efficacy over three years.
• IPO funds will expand the US sales force to >150 reps by FY26, supporting broader geographic coverage, deeper physician adoption, and a paddle lead launch in FY27 targeting neurosurgeons.
• US revenue exceeded US$50m in under three years (~2% of the US$2.2b SCS market). Bell Potter forecasts revenue approaching US$290m by FY29, with US market share rising to ~9%.
• It has an attractive valuation trading at ~1.7x FY26 EV/Revenue (3.0x P/S), a discount to peers (~5x). Successful execution and EBITDA breakeven by FY29 could support meaningful re-rating.

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has a price target of $2.80 on this ASX small-cap stock. 

That indicates an upside of more than 88% from yesterday's closing price of $1.485. 

American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARR)

American Rare Earths is an Australian exploration company targeting the discovery and development of strategic technology mineral resources in the USA and Australia.

The team at Bell Potter have initiated a buy recommendation (speculative) on this ASX small-cap stock. 

In yesterday's report, the broker said the company is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the US' Strategic focus to reduce reliance on a China dominated rare earth supply chain. 

The Cowboy State Mine offers a long-term solution within the US to decouple from external sources of rare earths, particularly heavy rare earths DyTb.

Essentially, Cowboy State Mine could help the US secure domestic supply of dysprosium and terbium, reducing reliance on China for these critical minerals.

Bell Potter initiated its coverage with a price target of $0.65. 

This indicates an upside of more than 94% from yesterday's closing price of $0.335.

The post Top broker just initiated coverage on two ASX small-cap stocks with a buy recommendation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

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