If you think back to 2019, life was much simpler.
It was only three years ago, but no one outside of the medical profession had heard of the abbreviation COVID and inflation was non-existent.
And if you look over investment articles such as this published back in 2019, there are some names often repeated.
But many of those former darlings have since endured a brutal period after the pandemic arrived, and have not really recovered since.
One expert, though, reckons it's time to revisit two of those fallen stars:
Image source: Getty Images
Forget China, there is growth elsewhere
Investors in Kiwi company A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) have long been waiting for a turnaround.
After gaining a stunning 3,400% in the first five years after its 2015 listing, the shares have lost a sorry 77% since July 2020.
"This infant formula company has been facing supply chain issues and margin pressure from increasing competition, resulting in a major valuation decline in recent years," Catapult Wealth financial adviser Tim Haselum told The Bull.
But he reckons it's now time to buy the dairy producer.
"Even without strong growth in China, A2 Milk is expanding in New Zealand and the US," said Haselum.
"Also, new markets in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam could lead to a recovery in 2023 and beyond."
It could also have some unexpected tricks up its sleeve.
"With a strong net cash position, A2 Milk has plenty of firepower for mergers and acquisitions."
The wider finance community is torn on the stock. According to CMC Markets, four of 15 analysts rate it as a buy while three are advising clients to sell, with the rest neutral.
50% profit growth? Yes, please
Technology shares have suffered both in Australia and the US, and Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) is no exception.
The share price for the medical software maker has dipped more than 23% for the year so far.
Despite this, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio remains at an astronomical 133, according to Google Finance.
This would not stop Haselum from buying it right now.
"This medical imaging software provider is aggressively expanding overseas, particularly in the US, which accounts for about 70% of revenue."
He especially loved the latest results, which were up significantly from the previous year.
"The company announced a first-half 2022 net profit of $20.68 million, up 52.7% on the prior corresponding period," said Haselum.
"Given new contract wins and renewals, we believe Pro Medicus can justify its relatively high price/earnings ratio."
The analyst community has more conviction on Pro Medicus compared to A2 Milk. Six out of eight analysts surveyed by CMC Markets currently rate the tech company as a "strong buy".
