$1,000 to invest? DroneShield and this top Australian stock could rise 50% to 80%

Are you sitting on $1,000 and aren't sure what to do with it?

Well, you could look at turning it into something more substantial by investing it into a top Australian stock.

But which ASX stocks could be good options for a $1,000 investment in December?

Two that analysts believe could generate big returns for investors over the next 12 months are listed below. Here's what they are saying about these buy-rated stocks:

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The team at Bell Potter believes that this counterdrone technology company could be a great option for your money right now.

Especially given recent share price weakness which has dragged the Australian stock down materially from its highs. It feels this has created an attractive entry point for investors in a company expected to grow strongly in 2025. The broker said:

Whilst DroneShield's revenue YTD has been disappointing, we view this as an opportunity to reset market expectations, which were overly optimistic for CY24. However, DRO remains a high-quality technology company, operating in a rapidly growing market and is well capitalised to maintain its market leading position. We believe the current SP provides an attractive entry point considering DRO's strong runway into CY25 ($18m contracted rev.), robust market demand and appealing long-term growth outlook.

The broker has a buy rating and $1.20 price target on this its shares. This implies a potential upside of 54% for investors.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Another Australian stock that has been dragged notably lower from its highs is mining and mining services company Mineral Resources.

Bell Potter also believes that this has created a compelling buying opportunity for investors. It commented:

MIN continues to make good progress on its critical tasks of commissioning the Onslow Iron Project and deleveraging its balance sheet. We forecast that Onslow will become a foundational earnings driver for MIN from FY26. MIN still has numerous options to enhance its balance sheet, and we think more transactions are likely, going forward, eliminating market leverage concerns. […] Looking forward 12-months, we think that process will be complete, MIN will continue to be a sector leader in agile operations and business development, and accordingly we maintain our buy recommendation.

The broker has a buy rating and $61.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $33.63, this implies potential upside of just over 80% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post $1,000 to invest? DroneShield and this top Australian stock could rise 50% to 80% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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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