Food, money and travel: 3 ASX shares experts rate as buys right now

As Aussies rein in their spending, it's getting more difficult to pick winning businesses. Here's a trio of stocks analysts like at the moment.

| More on:

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 interest rates rise, it gets harder to find the right ASX shares to buy.

This is because Australians will lock away their wallets and spend more selectively in the coming months. Less money to go around means fewer businesses will be able to continue their path of growth.

To help investors figure out what to buy in such a discriminating environment, two experts have picked out three ASX shares that they think will prove resilient even as consumers retreat:

A group of stockbrokers sit in a room with several computer screens in front of them as they discuss the Zip share price and Zip's merger with Sezzle

Image source: Getty Images

'Top-flight performance' from flightless birds

Fat Prophets chief executive Angus Geddes likes the look of Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF) at the moment.

"The KFC operator delivered strong revenue and net profit growth in fiscal year 2022 after successfully navigating COVID-19 lockdowns and growing inflationary pressures," he told The Bull.

"Growth in new stores and increasing same store traffic delivered the top-flight performance." 

Spotee Connect executive chair Elio D'Amato also picked Collins Foods shares as a buy last week.

"It grew group revenue by 11.1% on last year's prior corresponding period. Earnings per share grew by 24.9% and its fully franked dividend was up by 17.4%."

For Geddes, it's not just the short-term prospect of Australians turning to fast food during an economic downturn.

"Collins Foods has the right ingredients to deliver strong performances over the longer term."

'A value buying opportunity'

The travel industry is dealing with such huge demand that airlines and airports are feeling the unreserved wrath of the public for lengthy queues and delays.

Considering this, Baker Young managed portfolio analyst Toby Grimm reckons the current share price for Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) presents a golden entry point.

It's fallen from $26.25 at the end of April to a Thursday closing price of $19.02.

"The business and leisure travel sector is expected to gradually recover to pre-pandemic levels," he told The Bull.

"We believe a value buying opportunity exists, as we expect the stock to outperform in the medium term. The company is well managed."

According to CMC Markets, seven out of 11 analysts recommend Corporate Travel shares as a buy.

A tech stock that's gained 43% in July

Technology stocks have been on the nose all year, but Geddes has faith in Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS).

"The board has resolved to return about $50 million to shareholders via a special dividend and on-market buyback."

Geddes also likes Praemium's renewed focus.

"This wealth management technology company sold its international operations for £35 million," he said.

"Praemium will scale up in Australia in a bid to capture a bigger share of the independent advisory services market."

It seems Geddes' peers agree with his conviction. All five analysts surveyed on CMC Markets are rating Praemium shares as a strong buy.

The Praemium share price has lost more than half its value year-to-date, although it has gained a stunning 43% this month.

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in Corporate Travel Management Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Collins Foods Limited and Praemium Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods Limited, Corporate Travel Management Limited, and Praemium Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Investing Strategies

Male hands holding Australian dollar banknotes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Check out the massive dividend this ASX financial company just announced

This company's shareholders are in the money.

Read more »

Happy investor on tablet with finance graphs rising in overlay.
Growth Shares

2 ASX shares I want to hold until 2030 and beyond

Both businesses have already achieved plenty. The amount of growth still available is why I would want to own them…

Read more »

A woman wearing glasses and a black top smiles broadly as she stares at a money yarn full of coins.
Dividend Investing

Why this ASX 200 share is a fantastic choice to build a second income

ASX shares can deliver great passive income. Here’s one of the best…

Read more »

Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.
Dividend Investing

$10,000 invested in these dividend ETFs will bring how much passive income?

These funds provide consistent income.

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX shares with dividend yields of 10%

These businesses have very attractive dividend yields…

Read more »

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Dividend Investing

How many Coles shares do I need to buy to generate $10,000 in passive income?

Coles is a resilient choice for dividends…

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Bell Potter names 3 ASX dividend shares to buy

Looking for an income boost? Bell Potter thinks these shares are buys.

Read more »

Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.
Dividend Investing

3 ASX shares to buy for $1000 in monthly passive income

Three ASX income shares, and the capital needed to reach $1,000 monthly.

Read more »