Fund managers are always on the hunt for ASX blue-chip shares or smaller stocks that could produce good returns. Sometimes, those experts pick out a very compelling idea.
We’re going to look at two picks from the portfolio of WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) that look like strong ideas today.
WAM Leaders is a listed investment company (LIC) that actively invests in Australian stocks at the larger end of the ASX’s market capitalisation list.
Let’s look at the two ASX blue-chip shares that WAM Leaders recently highlighted.
Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)
The fund manager highlighted that last month, the Ramsay Health Care share price rose by 8.6% as investors responded positively to improving momentum in its Australian hospitals business and the progress on the proposed separation of Ramsay Sante, its European operations.
WAM Leaders said that the proposed separation of Ramsay Sante is expected to simplify the group and increase management’s focus on the core Australian business.
The investment team said Ramsay’s operational improvement initiatives continue to gain traction, supported by growth in activity, improved operating theatre utilisation, and ongoing cost efficiencies.
In September 2026, Ramsay Health Care also completed the acquisition of National Capital Private Hospital and submitted proposals to the Federal Government advocating for broader reform of the private hospital sector.
The investment team maintains a constructive outlook towards Ramsay Health Care as improving operating performance supports further margin recovery and earnings growth.
Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)
Ansell is the other ASX blue-chip share that WAM Leaders highlighted from the LIC portfolio.
The investment team said that Ansell continued to “re-rate” – the price-earnings (P/E) ratio rose – last month. In September, the Ansell share price rose 11%.
The company has risen significantly since its August FY26 results, which revealed earnings and FY27 guidance ahead of market expectations.
WAM said healthcare was the key driver of this result, underpinned by strong growth in the Cleanroom business, although performance benefited in part from customer stocking and the timing of price increases.
The investment team believe Ansell has managed cost headwinds effectively, including the impact of US tariffs and the Middle East conflict, through disciplined pricing and flexible commercial arrangements.
In terms of the outlook, management remains focused on its core markets, customers, and brands, particularly in the US. WAM thinks this supports the potential for stronger organic growth and further margin improvement.
The ASX blue-chip share’s balance sheet also remains in a strong position, according to WAM, providing flexibility for capital management and further investment.
WAM concluded:
Ansell remains a core holding in the investment portfolio, with its improving business mix, robust cost management and balance sheet capacity expected to support the company’s earnings outlook.
The post 2 top ASX blue-chip shares to buy according to experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.