Top stock picks for March

Greencross Limited (ASX:GXL), Bapcor Ltd (ASX:BAP) and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX:TPM) are among March's top picks.

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We asked our writers to name some of their favourite stocks to buy this month. Here's what they came up with.

Tom Richardson: TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM)

On current valuations it's hard to go past this tech business that has a long-term focus with heavy insider ownership of its shares. At $6.16 it trades on just 13.7x trailing earnings per share with forecasts for mid-to-high single digit earnings growth in FY 2017.

It has multiple growth prospects ahead including its fibre-to-the-basement residential broadband business, its corporate dark fibre business, a potential move into mobile with Vodafone, margin uplifts at iiNet, and a move into telco services in Singapore. Over time I expect its acquisitive streak will continue with the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong-focused dark-fibre business Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) a potential takeover target.

Motley Fool contributor Tom Richardson owns shares in TPG Telecom Ltd.

Christopher Georges: Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB)

Webjet's first-half result was spectacular with revenue growth of 48% and normalised earnings per share (EPS) growth of 56%. The online travel agent continues to enjoy strong organic growth and is also benefiting from better-than-expected performances from recently acquired businesses.

Importantly, the impressive operating performance has been maintained since the start of the second half and this has allowed Webjet to upgrade its FY17 earnings guidance. Although Webjet's shares appear expensive on face value, I think it remains one of the best growth stocks on the ASX and is likely to be an outperformer.

Motley Fool contributor Christopher Georges has no financial interest in Webjet.

Ian Crane: Greencross Limited (ASX: GXL)

Greencross is the largest integrated pet care company in Australia, offering veterinary and retail services through its Greencross Vets, City Farmers and Pet Barn brands. The company has plans for substantial growth in particular through new retail outlets with in-store vet clinics. Having vet clinics under the same roof as its retail stores reduces initial and ongoing costs when compared with an acquisition. It has also been shown to increase customer spend and visit rates.

For the first half of FY2017, Greencross continued its expansion program whilst increasing like-for-like sales, revenue and earnings as well as reducing net debt.

Motley Fool contributor Ian Crane owns shares in Greencross Limited

Matt Brazier: Mitula Group Ltd (ASX: MUA)

Vertical search company Mitula reported a 32.9% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $12.7 million for the 2016 financial year. It has $20.5 million in cash, no debt and minimal capital requirements as an internet business, so most EBITDA converts to profit before tax. The company has guided for EBITDA of between $17 million and $19 million for 2016 and trades on a forward enterprise value (EV) to EBITDA ratio of about 10. Visits to its websites were up 30.8% in January compared to last year and so the company looks on track to meet forecasts.

Motley Fool contributor Matt Brazier owns shares in Mitula Group Ltd.

Rachit Dudhwala: Ardent Leisure Group (ASX:AAD)

The Ardent Leisure share price slumped over 20% in February after Australia's leading entertainment and theme park operator reported a statutory loss of $49.4 million for the first half of 2017. Results were tempered by a one-off $45 million gain on the sale of Ardent's Goodlife health clubs division, however this was not enough to offset a non-cash impairment of $95.2 million to the carrying value of Dreamworld in the wake of last October's tragedy.

Nevertheless, given Ardent's Main Event expansion remains on track, it earns my top pick for March at current prices.

Motley Fool contributor Rachit Dudhwala owns shares in Ardent Leisure Group.

Tristan Harrison: Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

Bapcor is the owner of automotive businesses such as Burson Auto Parts and Midas. It has defensive qualities because parts are always breaking and need replacing even if the car is automated or electric. The share price has dropped 16% from an all-time high of $6.48 to today's $5.44, which makes it more appealing in my eyes.

Its recent purchase of Hellaby Holdings should boost profit over the next 12 months too. It's currently trading at 30x FY16's earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.02%.

Motley Fool Contributor Tristan Harrison has no financial interest in Bapcor Ltd.

Motley Fool contributor Motley Fool Staff has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Bapcor. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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