3 ASX shares I think are primed to break out in 2023

A strong year could be in store for these three names.

| More on:
A couple smile as they look at a pregnancy test.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • Healthia is a quickly-growing allied health business that is using acquisitions to expand
  • Monash IVF is a leading fertility business that has significant growth plans in Asia
  • Volpara is an advanced breast screening software business, which has a market share of around 40% in the US

There has been a lot of damage done to a wide range of ASX shares. But, 2023 could be the year that some names surge higher if things go well.

ASX shares that are hoping to grow substantially in the coming years could get some traction next year.

Of course, just because a business is growing doesn't necessarily mean that investors are going to recognise that potential within a 12-month time period, but I think underlying growth of the ASX share can indicate good things for the potential shareholder returns. That's why I've got my eyes on these three ideas:

Healthia Ltd (ASX: HLA)

Healthia is a small-cap ASX share with over 300 clinics. This healthcare share has three segments that are aimed at helping people across 'bodies and minds', 'feet and ankles' and 'eyes and ears'.

I think that, over time, scale can greatly add to this business' profitability as it grows the number of clinics through acquisitions and organic growth.

If the business can execute a steady pipeline of bolt-on acquisitions, it will naturally become a larger business over time.

The business already has a small presence in markets outside of Australia, in New Zealand and the USA, which gives it a longer growth runway.

According to Commsec, the business is valued at just 10 times FY23's estimated earnings with a potential grossed-up dividend yield of 5.7%.

Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF)

This ASX share is about providing IVF services to help families have children. The company says that the maternal birth age has increased by two years over the last 20 years and is expected to further increase.

The IVF industry saw a 5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of volume between FY17 to FY22. After a disrupted period of COVID, 2023 could be a good year. It managed to slightly increase its market share in FY22.

It's gaining "momentum" in south east Asia with five IVF clinics across the region. It is planning to open two or three new clinics each year. By FY26, Asia could be contributing 25% of the group's stimulated cycles.

FY23 has started strongly – market share was up another 1.4% to 23.8%. According to Commsec numbers, it's priced at under 16 times FY23's estimated earnings.

Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)

Volpara is a leading provider of software relating to screening for breast cancer and lung cancer.

It has built an impressive market share in the US. Of the women that are screened for breast cancer, at least one of Volpara's products is used on 40.5% of women's images.

The ASX share has an impressive gross profit of more than 90%, so extra revenue can help it power towards profitability. Its FY23 first-half result showed total revenue growth of 22% in constant currency terms.

I think a big step towards breakeven in 2023 will go some distance to quell investor concerns about potentially needing to do a capital raising.

Growth of average revenue per user (ARPU), geographic expansion and large client wins could be good tailwinds for the Volpara share price next year.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to release breast density legislation, which could also be a boost for Volpara if it means more dialogue with patients about cancer risk.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Healthia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Healthia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Small Cap Shares

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face. as he raises his hands up to his face in response to the high fluctuations in the Galileo share price today
Small Cap Shares

Bell Potter says this small cap ASX stock can rocket 40%+

Let's see what Bell Potter is saying about this small cap.

Read more »

A person sitting at a desk smiling and looking at a computer.
Share Market News

2 ASX small caps with serious market-beating potential

Here's two compelling ideas to add to your watchlist.

Read more »

Woman in business suit holds both hands out with a question mark above each hand.
Small Cap Shares

Building a market beating portfolio: ASX 200 stocks vs small caps

From blue-chip shares to small-caps what’s best for your portfolio?

Read more »

Two kids in superhero capes.
Small Cap Shares

2 small ASX shares to buy that have big potential

A fund manager is optimistic about these stocks.

Read more »

A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.
Small Cap Shares

3 of the best small cap ASX stocks to buy now

Bell Potter thinks these shares are among the best to buy at the small end of town.

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Small Cap Shares

Is this the best small cap stock on the ASX right now?

Bell Potter is very bullish on this small cap. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Small Cap Shares

3 top small cap ASX shares that brokers are tipping for big things

Let's see which small caps are being tipped as buys by brokers.

Read more »

A little girl wearing wonky glasses checks out what's happening in the world on a mobile phone.
ETFs

Why ASX ETFs are a threat to small-cap funds

Experts are concerned about investment capital inflows.

Read more »