2 under-the-radar ASX shares to pounce on right now: expert

You can't just buy the stocks that everyone else has if you want to beat the market. Here's a couple of businesses growing under the radar.

| More on:

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

If you're trying to do better than the market, then inevitably you have to pick some ASX shares that other people aren't thinking of.

After all, if you just buy the stocks that everyone else has, you won't be beating the average.

Despite all the turmoil this year, or perhaps because of it, there are many ASX shares out there that have been oversold and unloved.

Here's a couple of examples that Morgans investment advisor Jabin Hallihan reckons are buys right now:

Quality with 'limited competition'

PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) is not a household name, by any means. 

But the company has been around for four decades, making high-end cooling solutions for the car industry.

PWR's products are of such high quality that they are used by professional motor racing teams, such as in Formula 1 and NASCAR.

Morgans analysts love how this gives it excellent growth prospects and resilience to any economic downturns.

"With limited competition, customers are more focused on performance rather than price," Hallihan told The Bull.

"The company's results demonstrated competitive edge and dominant market positions. PWR Holdings has been successful at offsetting margin pressure."

Morgans has a $10.05 share price target, which is a 28% premium to where it closed on Tuesday.

While analyst coverage is sparse, at least Bell Potter and Evans & Partners agree with Hallihan's team. According to CMC Markets, both rate PWR shares as a strong buy.

Great growth prospects plus shareholder buyback

ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) is an even more obscure brand than PWR. But it provides services essential to the running of other companies: testing, inspection, and certification.

Hallihan was a fan of ALS' "strong" full-year result.

"Underlying net profit after tax of $264.2 million was up 42.1% on the prior corresponding period and at the top end of guidance," he said.

"Sample volumes are improving year-on-year, while inflationary pressures are passed onto customers via price rises."

With many of its clients in the resources industry, Hallihan likes ALS' exposure to long-term demand for commodities.

His team has a price target of $14.14, which is a 29% rise from the closing price on Tuesday.

On Monday, after Hallihan made his recommendation, ALS announced it would conduct a $100 million on-market share buyback.

"The buy-back program reflects our disciplined and efficient capital management program, the strong balance sheet and focus on returning excess capital to our shareholders," said chief executive Raj Naran.

"Our balance sheet retains significant capacity for organic growth, including existing capacity expansions previously announced for FY23, future acquisitions including a solid pipeline of opportunities, and capital management."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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 PWR Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PWR Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Industrials Shares

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Industrials Shares

Macquarie names top 2 ASX industrials defensive stocks

These defensive shares present a good potential upside.

Read more »

A young woman lifts her red glasses with one hand as she takes a closer look at news about interest rates rising and one expert's surprising recommendation as to which ASX shares to buy
Industrials Shares

5 ASX industrials stocks to buy today: expert

The broker emphasises defensive positioning, favouring quality growth stocks.

Read more »

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today
Industrials Shares

3 reasons to buy this surging ASX 200 stock today

A leading expert forecasts more outperformance from this fast-rising ASX 200 dividend stock.

Read more »

Delighted adult man, working on a company slogan, on his laptop.
Industrials Shares

Broker says this ASX All Ords industrials stock could rise 14%

Investor confidence in the telco continues to climb.

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Growth Shares

Two ASX industrials shares with buy recommendations

One broker believes these growth shares are set to rise.

Read more »

a man in hard hat and high visibility vest talks into a walky-talky device in the foreground of a freight train at a railway yard.
Industrials Shares

Are industrials shares overpriced? Here's what Bell Potter thinks

Here’s what the broker is projecting for the largest industrials companies. 

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Industrials Shares

Up 20% this year, does Macquarie rate Downer shares a buy, hold or sell?

Here’s the broker’s latest stance on the stock.

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Industrials Shares

How much upside does Macquarie expect for Auckland International Airport shares?

The airport recently lowered its fees for airlines.

Read more »