Are you on the lookout for big returns for your investment portfolio? (Who isn't?)

If you are, then it could pay to listen to what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the two ASX stocks listed below.

Especially with the broker rating them as buys and tipping them to rise 35%+ over the next 12 months.

Here's why the top broker is feeling bullish about these stocks right now:

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The first ASX stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is Paladin Energy. It is one of Australia's top uranium miners.

The broker's positive view on the stock is partly driven by a proposed acquisition that has the potential to significantly impact the company's future. It also believes that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. Bell Potter's recently said:

PDN has announced its intention to acquire Athabasca developer, Fission Uranium in an all-scrip deal. We see this transaction as transformative for PDN, with the potential to make the business a leader in uranium production across two sites and thus alleviating our concerns around future growth.

With the recent pull-back in the stock we see this as an opportunity to gain exposure to a high-quality uranium producer.

The broker has a buy rating and $14.40 price target on its shares. Based on its latest share price of $10.16, this implies potential upside of 42% for investors between now and this time next year.

Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL)

Another ASX stock that the broker recommends as a buy is Regal Partners. It is a leading alternative investment company.

Bell Potter has been impressed with the company's performance and views a recent acquisition as a significant positive development. It recently said:

Regal Partners has continued to show value creation in CY24 with further inflows, new fund launches, and strong performance which is expected to translate into high performance fees, and recently another acquisition.

This latest acquisition further highlights the entrepreneurial culture, illustrated by the expansion through M&A (Attunga, Kilter, VGI Partners, Taurus, PM Capital and now Merricks) and is growing through the launch of new strategies. It is also highly profitable with earning high management and performance fees.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $4.85 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $3.56, this implies potential upside of 36% for investors over the next 12 months.