2 top shares to buy amid the market sell-off

Here are two top shares to buy amid the market sell-off, including tech business Altium Limited (ASX:ALU).

| More on:
a woman

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

The ASX is down again today as investors fear about more coronavirus pain in the coming weeks and months.

Some shares have seen their share prices completely smashed. Just look at what's happened to shares like Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB). Brave investors may see a bargain in those shares.

Here are two ASX shares that could be top buys today:

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU

I believe that Altium is one of the highest-quality shares on the ASX. Its share price has dropped another 8% this morning and it's now down 30% since 21 February 2020, it's down 43% since reporting on 17 February 2020.

Before the coronavirus selloff, Altium ticked all the boxes. It has attractive accounting policies for its software (many tech shares don't, which perhaps wrongly boosts profit in the shorter-term), it has great management, it has great product offerings that are servicing many of the world's best businesses and its market share is growing.

Is it danger of suffering terrible financial consequences during this? I don't think so. It has a cloud offering called Altium 365, which means its clients could keep working from home. It has great cashflow, so it would have to suffer a lot of issues before its cashflow even went neutral. Finally, it has no debt and a large cash balance which means it should be able to easily get through this. The long-term goals are still the focus. 

It was rapidly growing its dividend before this current period too. It currently offers a trailing dividend yield of 1.6%.

Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME

Another of the best shares on the ASX in my opinion is Pro Medicus. Its share price is down 10.7% today and it's down 43% since 12 February 2020.

The medical technology company is still not cheap, but it's important to remember that interest rates are now extremely low, so the best businesses will still trade at a premium.

It's another company with great management, no debt on the balance sheet, a growing cash balance and a very high earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin.

Australia, the US and Europe are all being affected by the coronavirus outbreak but they will return to normality later this year at some stage. FY20 and FY21 will be disrupted, but I think Pro Medicus' long-term future still looks very compelling.

Management have actually been buying shares recently, which is a good sign. 

Its dividend was rapidly growing and its grossed-up yield is now around 1%.

Foolish takeaway

Both of these shares are very high-quality, I think I'd prefer Altium today because of its cheaper price and the fact that it can offer people the option of working on Altium 365 (and continue getting paid for it).

Tristan Harrison owns shares of Altium. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Pro Medicus Ltd. and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Altium. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Growth Shares

A couple and their baby sit together at their computer carrying out digital transactions and smiling happily.
Growth Shares

The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX growth shares to buy now to get ahead

When the bulls return, I think these shares could be in demand with investors.

Read more »

Man flies flat above city skyline with rocket strapped to back
Growth Shares

2 ASX growth stocks set to skyrocket in the next 12 months

Analysts are predicting returns of 80% to 130% from these stocks.

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Growth Shares

3 underappreciated ASX growth shares I would buy with $1,000

Not all growth opportunities are obvious at first glance. These three ASX shares have earnings potential that may be underappreciated.

Read more »

US navy ship at sea.
Growth Shares

Another record in sight? Why this ASX defence stock is back in rally mode

EOS shares surge toward fresh highs as defence spending accelerates and a key South Korean contract decision looms.

Read more »

A happy boy with his dad dabs like a hero while his father checks his phone.
Growth Shares

5 of the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold

Analysts are bullish on these growth shares. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A woman sends a paper plane soaring into the sky at dusk.
Growth Shares

2 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold for 10 years

Both stocks offer credible paths to wealth creation.

Read more »

Man on a ladder drawing an increasing line on a chalk board symbolising a rising share price.
Growth Shares

2 ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

These businesses have a lot of growth potential ahead…

Read more »

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Growth Shares

Why these ASX 200 shares could still have major upside in 2026

Brokers think these shares could rise 20% to 45% in 2026.

Read more »