The fact is that you buy individual ASX shares to beat the market.
Otherwise you would just buy shares in an index ETF and sit back.
But if you want to achieve better performance than the average investors, you can't just pick the same old stocks that everyone else has.
Here is a pair of lesser-known names that one expert is recommending as a buy right now:
A 63-year-old company handing out 6% yield
When was the last time you read about Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT)?
Yet it's a $2.1 billion company paying out a 6% dividend yield that's 80% franked.
Marcus Today market analyst Matthew Lattin doesn't think there's anything suspicious going on here — he would buy it.
"Ventia is an essential infrastructure services provider in Australia and New Zealand," Lattin told The Bull.
"It reported strong fiscal year 2022 results, surpassing $5 billion in revenue for the first time."
The business is profitable and growing.
"Net profit after tax and amortisation of $179.6 million was up 22.4% on the prior corresponding period," said Lattin.
"Company growth guidance of between 7% and 10% has been reaffirmed, instilling confidence about its ability to meet expectations."
Ventia was founded in 1956 but listed on the ASX in November 2021. The share price is up 22.1% since the close of its first day.
Lattin reckons the business has a history of delivering.
"Ventia Services Group has a solid track record of delivering results, so it's worth considering adding to portfolios."
The stock is popular with other professional investors too. According to CMC Markets, six out of seven analysts currently rate Ventia as a buy.
This stock has tripled in 18 months
Lattin also recommends buying IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG).
"IPD Group is an Australian electrical equipment distributor and service provider," he said.
"It has a growing cash balance. It achieved strong 2023 first half revenue of $110.9 million, up 35.7% on the prior corresponding period."
Similar to Ventia Services, IPD Group listed in late 2021.
Remarkably, over 18 months when most other ASX shares have struggled, the IPD Group stock price has more than tripled since the close of its first day.
Lattin attributes its success to its pricing power.
"It maintained robust margins by passing on supplier price increases," he said.
"The growth outlook is favourable and a solid balance sheet enables potential acquisitions."
Although sparsely covered, both analysts currently surveyed on CMC Markets rate IPD Group shares as a strong buy.
