'High quality': Analyst names 2 ASX tech shares to buy right now

Growth shares have boomed since the latest interest rate hike, but investors still need to be very selective about which technology stocks they add.

| 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

ASX shares have enjoyed a nice revival since the Reserve Bank's latest interest rate increase on Tuesday afternoon.

The 25 basis point hike was smaller than many experts expected, so growth and technology stocks have made hay the last couple of days.

But it's still a volatile world. It's important to buy growth shares with suitable attributes.

To assist, one Wilson Asset Management expert recently named a pair of tech stocks he would pounce on right now:

A man sits in casual clothes in front of a computer amid graphic images of data superimposed on the image, as though he is engaged in IT or hacking activities.

Image source: Getty Images

'A much higher quality business' than we thought

Wilson equities dealer Will Thompson was "surprised" by ELMO Software Ltd (ASX: ELO) over reporting season.

"They're proving that they're able to increase that ARR [annual recurring revenue] over the past year," he said in a Wilson video.

"Costs [are] now at a level where they don't need to… raise money anymore. It's starting to look like a much higher quality business than we previously thought."

Elmo is a buy for Thompson.

According to CMC Markets, five out of seven analysts currently agree with him that it's a buy.

Despite a strong rally since Tuesday, the Elmo share price has nevertheless halved since the start of 2022.

Ready to pick up some bargains

Thompson is a fan of the people who run billing software maker Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN).

"It's got one of the best management teams — high quality. They've been there for 30 years," he said.

"Balance sheet's really strong. They've reported good earnings."

Despite this, the Hansen share price has plunged more than 23% since 5 August.

"It's been a frustrating period," said Thompson.

"They're looking to do a bit of M and A [mergers and acquisitions] but just the vendors [are keeping] valuations still probably at the end of 2020 and 2021 levels where they were eye-wateringly high."

But this stalemate seems to be resolving.

"Hopefully they'll be able to make… a few transactions in the second half of the year and into 2023."

Elvest Co portfolio manager Adrian Ezquerro told The Motley Fool last month that Hansen's a buy for an investor willing to be patient.

"We remain pretty optimistic on Hansen's prospects," he said.

"We think in this market maybe vendor expectations might be becoming a little more realistic and the business is on a circa 7% free cash flow."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in Elmo Software. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Elmo Software and Hansen Technologies. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Elmo Software. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

Two businessmen shake hands against a tech backdrop, indicating a company IPO or a merger between two technology stocks.
Technology Shares

2 ASX ETFs that could be a perfect for a tech rally

These two funds could harness a tech rally.

Read more »

An investor looks happy holding a finger to his computer screen while holding a coffee cup in a home office scenario.
Technology Shares

NextDC reports 60% increase in contracted utilisation growth and higher capex guidance

NextDC’s contracted utilisation and future pipeline surged with higher FY26 capex guidance, supported by strong new customer wins.

Read more »

woman sitting at desk holding hand up in stop motion
Technology Shares

NextDC enters trading halt ahead of entitlement offer announcement

NextDC shares enter trading halt as the company prepares to announce an equity raise via an entitlement offer.

Read more »

A man with a beard and wearing dark sunglasses and a beanie head covering raises a fist in happy celebration as he sits at is computer in a home environment.
Share Market News

ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates

A strong technology sector turnaround in the Australian and US markets began on 31 March.

Read more »

A surprised man sits at his desk in his study staring at his computer screen with his hands up.
Technology Shares

Which ASX 200 tech stock has Bell Potter just downgraded?

The broker thinks its shares are fairly valued now after rebounding strongly.

Read more »

Hologram of a man next to a human robot, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Technology Shares

The tech rally is back: here are 5 ASX shares leading the charge

The rally’s staying power hinges on earnings and market conditions.

Read more »

Woman on her phone with diagrams of tech sector related elements linking with each other.
Technology Shares

Why I think these ASX tech stocks are strong buys

As AI concerns ripple through the market, some ASX tech companies may be better positioned than they first appear.

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Technology Shares

Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says

Strong demand has the potential to boost these shares higher.

Read more »