3 ASX shares I think are primed to break out in 2023

A strong year could be in store for these three names.

| 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

Key points
  • Healthia is a quickly-growing allied health business that is using acquisitions to expand
  • Monash IVF is a leading fertility business that has significant growth plans in Asia
  • Volpara is an advanced breast screening software business, which has a market share of around 40% in the US

There has been a lot of damage done to a wide range of ASX shares. But, 2023 could be the year that some names surge higher if things go well.

ASX shares that are hoping to grow substantially in the coming years could get some traction next year.

Of course, just because a business is growing doesn't necessarily mean that investors are going to recognise that potential within a 12-month time period, but I think underlying growth of the ASX share can indicate good things for the potential shareholder returns. That's why I've got my eyes on these three ideas:

A couple smile as they look at a pregnancy test.

Image source: Getty Images

Healthia Ltd (ASX: HLA)

Healthia is a small-cap ASX share with over 300 clinics. This healthcare share has three segments that are aimed at helping people across 'bodies and minds', 'feet and ankles' and 'eyes and ears'.

I think that, over time, scale can greatly add to this business' profitability as it grows the number of clinics through acquisitions and organic growth.

If the business can execute a steady pipeline of bolt-on acquisitions, it will naturally become a larger business over time.

The business already has a small presence in markets outside of Australia, in New Zealand and the USA, which gives it a longer growth runway.

According to Commsec, the business is valued at just 10 times FY23's estimated earnings with a potential grossed-up dividend yield of 5.7%.

Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF)

This ASX share is about providing IVF services to help families have children. The company says that the maternal birth age has increased by two years over the last 20 years and is expected to further increase.

The IVF industry saw a 5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of volume between FY17 to FY22. After a disrupted period of COVID, 2023 could be a good year. It managed to slightly increase its market share in FY22.

It's gaining "momentum" in south east Asia with five IVF clinics across the region. It is planning to open two or three new clinics each year. By FY26, Asia could be contributing 25% of the group's stimulated cycles.

FY23 has started strongly – market share was up another 1.4% to 23.8%. According to Commsec numbers, it's priced at under 16 times FY23's estimated earnings.

Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)

Volpara is a leading provider of software relating to screening for breast cancer and lung cancer.

It has built an impressive market share in the US. Of the women that are screened for breast cancer, at least one of Volpara's products is used on 40.5% of women's images.

The ASX share has an impressive gross profit of more than 90%, so extra revenue can help it power towards profitability. Its FY23 first-half result showed total revenue growth of 22% in constant currency terms.

I think a big step towards breakeven in 2023 will go some distance to quell investor concerns about potentially needing to do a capital raising.

Growth of average revenue per user (ARPU), geographic expansion and large client wins could be good tailwinds for the Volpara share price next year.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to release breast density legislation, which could also be a boost for Volpara if it means more dialogue with patients about cancer risk.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Healthia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Healthia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Small Cap Shares

A cute little boy, short in height, wearing glasses, old-fashioned bow tie and cardigan stands against a wall near a tape measure with his hand at the top of his head as though to measure his height.
Small Cap Shares

Buy, hold, sell: 3 small cap ASX shares

Let's see if one expert thinks you should be buying these shares this week.

Read more »

A cute little boy with curly hair wearing a business suit with a tie and big glasses looks intently at an old fashioned business calculator with a scroll of paper spilling onto his desktop.
Small Cap Shares

Why investors should be rotating into global small caps: Expert

VanEck is predicting outperformance for global small caps.

Read more »

A health worker wearing disposable gloves holds a vial, treating a patient.
Small Cap Shares

What is Bell Potter's view on this ASX small-cap following a clinical trial update?

This small-cap has big potential upside.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Small Cap Shares

Which 2 ASX tech companies could more than double according to Shaw and Partners?

These small-cap companies might be worth a look.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Small Cap Shares

Which small-cap ASX share could beat the market over the next 12 months?

Bell Potter has good things to say about this small cap.

Read more »

Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.
Small Cap Shares

The ASX small-cap every investor should be paying attention to

This exciting stock is one to watch.

Read more »

Boys making faces and flexing.
Small Cap Shares

Are these ASX small caps too cheap to ignore?

These small caps could be bargain buys.

Read more »

Two boys looking at each other while standing by the start line with two schoolgirls.
Small Cap Shares

Two ASX small caps to add to your watch list this week

These small caps are expected to rocket in the next 12 months.

Read more »