For those wanting to start investing in 2018, I've compiled a list of ten ASX-listed companies to begin researching:
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a high-growth stock that has traditionally developed gaming machines. The company has recently made significant investments in acquiring two online social gaming firms, so it will be interesting to see how this new strategy plays out in 2018.
Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) believes it can comprehensively beat the broader travel booking industry in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer sales over the next three years. If Webjet can achieve its lofty targets, it should be a big outperformer.
Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) is an investment conglomerate with significant interests in ASX-listed companies, private equity and property. The firm takes a value-oriented, long-term approach to investing which has produced a 12.8% per annum return over the last 15 years. It boasts of being one of just two ASX-listed companies to have increased its dividend every year for the past 17 years.
MNF Group Ltd (ASX: MNF) and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) are two telecommunication companies, though that's about where the similarities end. MNF is a fast-growing, small-cap firm that provides VOIP solutions for households and businesses, while TPG is Australia's second-largest fixed-line broadband provider. TPG has historically been the lowest-cost operator in its industry, which could mean trouble for the competition when it becomes Australia's fourth mobile network operator in 2018.
Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) is an automotive parts and service provider that listed on the ASX on 2014. Since then, the company's share price has increased 175% and I believe further gains are on the way. 80% of Bapcor's revenue is derived from its trade and wholesale business segments, which consists of recurring sales and requires a high level of expertise and customer service.
Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) was an early mover in annuity sales in Australia, and is benefitting from rising demand for these guaranteed return investments. Assets under management (AUM) is a key earnings metric for investment firms, and Challenger has made a strong start to FY2018, increasing AUM by 5% in the first quarter.
Platinum Capital Limited (ASX: PMC), MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF) and WAM MICRO FPO (ASX: WMI) are all Listed Investment Companies but with different investment strategies. Platinum invests in overseas markets with a particular focus on Asia, MFF's largest holdings are in the United States and WAM Micro seeks undervalued Australian companies with a market capitalisation less than $300 million.
