Fundies reveal their 2 top ASX shares for 2022

Fundies pick these two companies as their number one picks for 2022…

| More on:
Bluescope share price Man jumping from 2021 cliff to 2022 cliff

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

As the end of 2021 draws closer, fund managers are already sharpening their pencils and running the numbers on which ASX shares could make a bucketload for investors in the year ahead.

Two small-cap companies have made their way into the top picks of two distinguished brokers. Here's a look at why these shares are a buy in 2022 according to the experts.

These ASX shares make fundies' 2022 wishlist

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

According to Arden Jennings of Ausbil Investment Management, shares in ASX-listed Jumbo make for an attractive proposition. The online lottery business has been humming along this year, producing record numbers. In its FY21 full-year results, Jumbo reported a 17% increase in revenue to $83.3 million. Meanwhile, underlying net profit after tax climbed 7% higher to $28.3 million.

Jennings, a portfolio manager of a small and micro-cap fund, highlighted an expected increase in the chance of jackpots next year following a change to the Oz Lottery. Bigger jackpots tend to correlate with larger ticket sales, which would benefit the company.

In addition, Jennings shared an appreciation for Jumbo's approach to international expansion. In November 2019, it acquired UK digital lottery solution provider Gatherwell. More recently, Jumbo announced the acquisition of Stride, opening the gates to the Canadian lottery market.

A big positive, in Jennings' opinion, would be if the company could get ahold of a US state lottery business in the next 12 to 24 months.

Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE)

The other number one ASX share for 2022 is from Tobias Yao of Wilson Asset Management. In Yao's opinion, the ASX-listed residential aged care provider could be set for a big year in 2022. Despite the lingering concerns of COVID-19, Estia has returned ~24% to shareholders this year, but there could be more to come from Yao's view.

Importantly, an end to the regulatory uncertainty is anticipated by the fund manager. This would remove a layer of skepticism towards the sector. Additionally, the government spending outlined in the federal budget could give companies like Estia a boost.

Finally, Yao mentioned the heightened merger and acquisition activity within the sector. At a market capitalisation of ~$570 million, the ASX share might find itself a suitor in 2022.

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Jumbo Interactive Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Jumbo Interactive Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Jumbo Interactive Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Best Shares

A smiling young surf life saver at the beach shouts out on a megaphone.
Best Shares

Top ASX shares to buy in March 2024

Shout out for the first day of autumn! Are you letting 2024's ASX gains flow your way?

Read more »

A businessman hugs his computer and smiles.
Best Shares

5 ASX shares to buy and hold forever in your investment portfolio

Here are my five picks for a future-proof ASX share portfolio.

Read more »

Three hikers lift their arms in jubilation as they reach a rocky peak overlooking a sensational view of water and mountains with a blue sky surrounding them.
Best Shares

Top ASX shares to buy in February 2024

The Aussie stock market is scaling new heights. Are you getting in on the action?

Read more »

A girl is handed an oversized ice cream cone with lots of different flavours.
Best Shares

Top 5 most profitable ASX large-cap shares of 2023

These big and bustling companies were the King Kongs of profitability last year.

Read more »

A woman looks internationally at a digital interface of the world.
Best Shares

In a record year for ETFs growth, this ASX crypto fund returned 215%

Crypto and technology ETFs delivered the highest returns for ASX and Cboe Australia investors in 2023.

Read more »

a man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
Best Shares

3 no-brainer ASX 300 shares I'd buy right now without hesitation

I don't like buying shares near record highs, but I'd make an exception for these three...

Read more »

An older woman clasps her hands with joy, smiling at the news on her computer as she sits at her kitchen bench..
Best Shares

Which had the better year in 2023: Telstra, Woodside or Wesfarmers shares?

We review the share price growth and dividends paid by these popular ASX 200 shares last year.

Read more »

Three miners wearing hard hats and high vis vests take a break on site at a mine as the Fortescue share price drops in FY22
Best Shares

Which had the better year in 2023: Core Lithium, Liontown or Pilbara Minerals shares?

We assess the performance of these ASX 200 lithium shares.

Read more »