Plenty of S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares are compelling ideas in this period of higher volatility and lower share prices. In this article, we're going to look at two stocks that may be on course to generate solid returns, according to experts.
The fund manager Wilson Asset Management is in charge of the listed investment company (LIC) WAM Active Ltd (ASX: WAA). The analysts of this LIC are looking for mispriced opportunities on the ASX share market.
Let's get into the two stocks highlighted in the recent monthly update.
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Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)
WAM describes Austal as Australia's global shipbuilder, specialising in the design, construction, and sustainment of defence vessels.
The fund manager pointed out that in March, the ASX 300 share announced a $200 million institutional placement and $20 million share purchase plan (SPP), priced at $3.80 per share, to expand its shipbuilding capacity in the US.
The funds will be used to contribute to the infrastructure expansion project at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. That site is "highly strategic" for the US Navy, according to WAM.
During the capital raising, Austal also reconfirmed its FY25 operating profit (EBIT) guidance of a minimum of $80 million.
After the capital raising, South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group decided to acquire a substantial interest in the company at a share price of $4.45. Hanwha is reportedly looking to become a long-term partner with the Australian shipbuilder – WAM also noted that the South Korean business is looking for board representation.
Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)
The other ASX 300 share that WAM pointed out was Hub24, an integrated platform, technology, and data centre solutions business that services the Australian wealth industry.
The fund manager said that as a platform provider, Hub24's earnings profile is "inextricably linked to the broader capital market confidence". Due to that, the Hub24 share price declined amid "broader market weakness" in the last few weeks. It's down 20% since 19 February 2025.
WAM points out that Hub24 continues to strengthen its position as Australia's best platform in the industry, delivering "impactful new enhancements to advisers, as evidenced by surpassing AustralianSuper as the leading fund for competitive superannuation flow."
In the longer term, the fund manager remains confident about the ASX 300 share's outlook, underpinned by the strength of its relative position in the platform market.
