Reporting season has been a mixed bag, but there are some promising green shoots as interest rate hikes come to an end.
Here are two S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares in that situation that Red Leaf Securities chief John Athanasiou is rating as buys:
Doing the corporate dance with dominant market position
The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price has risen 5.9% since a 10 July trough.
Athanasiou reckons now is the time to buy, to ride further gains.
"The energy company supplies about 25% of Australia's liquid fuel requirements," Athanasiou told The Bull.
"The company lifted fuel sales by 11% in the half year ending June 30, 2023."
The petrol company is working through some blockbuster corporate manoeuvres as well, which Athanasiou expects to be beneficial in the long run.
"The company is working towards completing the acquisition of the OTR Group by the end of 2023. Viva also owns the Coles Express network.
"The OTR Group generates much more revenue than Coles Express. Viva offers impressive management."
Viva Energy is paying out a handsome 8.8% dividend yield as well, which sure makes it attractive.
Cashing in on energy security
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year triggered energy insecurity around the world, nuclear power has been placed back on the agenda for many nations.
As such, Athanasiou is keen on uranium producer Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN).
"Uranium is starting to become a politically acceptable part of the global energy mix," he said.
"Federal opposition calls to include nuclear power in Australia's future energy mix have again put uranium on the national agenda."
Already the Paladin share price has rocketed more than 27% since the start of this year.
But there are further catalysts to come, according to Athanasiou.
"Paladin holds a 75% interest in the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia," he said.
"First volumes are targeted to resume in the first quarter of calendar 2024. The share price has been trending up since May. Paladin offers a brighter outlook."
Athanasiou's peers seem to be completely in agreement with him.
According to CMC Markets, all six analysts that currently cover the ASX mining stock reckon it's a strong buy.
