I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $1.43

This small stock could make a big splash.

| More on:
a water tap is turned on and showering out banknotes into the open hand of a woman below it.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The ASX small-cap stock Duxton Water Ltd (ASX: D2O) could be one of the most appealing investments in the current economic environment, in my view.

It provides investors with exposure to water entitlement rights in Australia. Duxton Water provides water to farmers with a range of offerings including long-term entitlement leases, forward allocation contracts and spot allocation supply.

As at March 2025, it had a water portfolio value of $290 million and a post-tax net asset value (NAV) of $1.71 per share following the sale of $121.3 million of water entitlements to the Australian government.

There are at least three good reasons to like this ASX small-cap stock right now, in my opinion.

Valuation discount

The latest NAV declaration means the current Duxton Water share price is trading at a discount of more than 16% to its underlying value. The pre-tax NAV is even higher, at $1.87, though I'm paying closer attention to the after-tax value.

Duxton Water said the sale proceeds from the government transaction are expected to be used to settle recent entitlement acquisitions, as well as to reduce the ASX small cap stock's debt levels.

Defensive earnings

Agriculture can be quite a cyclical industry, so farming businesses can be volatile over the years. But, water rights could be an appealing way to indirectly play that sector while also finding stability in a world rocked by a growing trade war between the US and various countries.

Duxton Water generates reasonably consistent lease income from its water rights portfolio, which would be appealing at this time.

Improving outlook

The ASX small-cap stock recently gave an update that weather conditions have remained dry in some areas of South Australia and Victoria. Despite some rainfall in NSW, there have been "no significant changes in the water storage levels in southern basin dams, which are still at their lowest for this time of year since 2021."

According to the company, water prices remain "firm across key catchments due to ongoing dry conditions and below-average storage levels".

Duxton Water said the demand for leases, forward contracts and carry-over space is reportedly increasing.

I think the above commentary bodes well for the company in the foreseeable future.

Passive dividend income

The ASX small-cap stock has been steadily growing its dividend for investors every six months since December 2017.

It's expects to pay a dividend per share of 3.71 cents in a few months. Added to the last paid dividend, the current grossed-up dividend yield is 7.4%, including franking credits.

Considering the defensive earnings and growing payout, I think the expected payout makes Duxton Water an appealing option.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Duxton Water. 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.

More on Opinions

A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.
Opinions

Could Soul Patts shares hit $50 in 2025?

This company jumped more than 16% yesterday.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Opinions

3 great lessons I learned being an owner of Brickworks shares

I’m going to take these lessons with me.

Read more »

A bricklayer peers over the top of a brick wall he is laying with a level measuring tool on top and looks critically at the work he is carrying out.
Opinions

The pros and cons of the Soul Patts and Brickworks merger

This is a big deal. What are the positives and negatives of the merger?

Read more »

Piggy bank at the end of a winding road.
Opinions

My top 3 picks in the ASX 20 in June

I think these stocks stand out from the rest of the ASX 20 pack.

Read more »

A woman is very excited about something she's just seen on her computer, clenching her fists and smiling broadly.
Opinions

Potential buys: 2 compelling ASX shares I like

I think both of these investments are appealing.

Read more »

An ASX 200 market analyst holds his hand to his chin and looks closely at his computer screens watching share price movements
Opinions

Forget term deposits! I'd buy these two ASX 200 stocks instead

I think ASX stocks could make a much better investment than term deposits.

Read more »

share buyers, investors, happy investors
ETFs

How I would build a $100,000 portfolio with ASX ETFs today

You don't need more than three ETFs to build a diversified portfolio...

Read more »

iPhone with the logo and the word Google spelt multiple times in the background.
Opinions

I've been buying these 2 US stocks in 2025. Here's why

Sometimes the US markets are a better place to go shopping for stocks.

Read more »