If you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of Warren Buffett and make some buy and hold investments, then you might want to take a look at the ASX shares listed below.

Both of these shares appear fairly priced to analysts, have strong business models, and, importantly, have large market opportunities to grow into in the future.

Here’s why they could be long term market beaters:

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

Altium is an electronic design software company which has exposure to the growing Internet of Things and artificial intelligence (AI) markets. With these markets underpinning the explosion of electronic devices globally, demand for software subscriptions has been growing strongly. At the end of FY 2020, Altium had a total 51,006 subscriptions and was generating revenue of US$189.1 million.

And while the pandemic has weighed on its first half performance, management appears confident that its growth will resume in the second half. After which, the company is aiming to double its subscriptions to 100,000 and grow its revenue by 164% to US$500 million by FY 2025/26.

If it achieves its goals, management believes it will have market domination and be in a position to compel key industry stakeholders to support its agenda to transform electronic design and its realisation.

Credit Suisse is a fan of the company and this week put an outperform rating and $35.00 price target on its shares.

Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH)

Another company targeting huge growth in the future is Pushpay. It is a donor management and community engagement provider with a focus on the church market. Thanks to the quality of its offering, its strong market position, and the shift to a cashless society, Pushpay has been growing at a rapid rate in recent years.

Pleasingly, this has continued in FY 2021, with the company upgrading its earnings guidance this week for a second time due to a stronger than expected finish to the calendar year. Management is now forecasting FY 2021 operating earnings of between US$56 million and US$60 million, which will be up a massive 123% to 139% year on year. 

Looking further ahead, management is aiming to win a 50% share of the US medium to large church market in the future. It estimates this to be worth US$1 billion in revenue, which is almost 8 times greater than FY 2020’s revenue of US$129.8 million.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs are bullish on its prospects. They have a conviction buy rating and $2.59 price target on its shares.

More reading

• These ASX shares are growing at a rapid rate in FY 2021
• Are these 2 beaten-up ASX shares turnaround ideas?
• What’s next for WAAAX shares in 2021? 
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy right now
• Here’s what this leading broker thinks about the Altium (ASX:ALU) share price

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The mega merger between gold miners Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) took a step closer today.

This afternoon Saracen provided the market with an update on a shareholder vote at its virtual scheme meeting today.

What was announced?

According to the release, Saracen shareholders have voted overwhelmingly for the deal that will create a top 10 global gold miner and unlock material synergies.

The release advises that 99.95% of Saracen shares and 98.18% of Saracen shareholders that voted at the scheme meeting were cast in favour of the deal.

Saracen’s Managing Director, Raleigh Finlayson, was pleased to see the merger win exceptionally strong support from shareholders.

He commented: “Our shareholders have been virtually unanimous in their support for our merger with Northern Star. I would like to thank them for their huge vote of confidence in our plan to create a world-scale gold miner which will benefit from extensive synergies, economies of scale, outstanding free cash flow and one of the strongest growth profiles in the global gold mining industry.”

“We are looking forward to implementing our strategy, which will see us target annual production of two million ounces a year exclusively in tier-1 locations,” he added.

What’s next?

With the vote a success, Saracen will now seek the Supreme Court of Western Australia’s approval of the scheme at a hearing scheduled for 2 February.

If the Supreme Court of Western Australia approves the scheme, Saracen intends to lodge the orders with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on 3 February, so that the scheme will become effective on that date.

If this occurs, Saracen shares will be suspended from trading on ASX with effect from the close of trading on 3 February. After which, implementation of the scheme is expected to occur on 12 February, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to the scheme.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• The Saracen (ASX:SAR) share price dips on dividend update
• ASX 200 down 0.4%: Afterpay tumbles, bank shares lower, gold miners crash
• Why Newcrest (ASX:NCM) and Northern Star (ASX:NST) shares could crash lower today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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US president-elect Joe Biden has just outlined the details of a major new coronavirus stimulus package in a move likely to comfort investors.

The announcement comes just 5 days before the former vice president is set to take the oath of office and be officially sworn in as president.

Mr Biden made the announcement today. In this, he detailed how the package, reportedly dubbed the ‘American Rescue Plan’ and estimated to cost approximately US$1.9 trillion ($2.45 trillion), will be deployed.

According to reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) today, the package will primarily consist of a new fresh round of stimulus cheques of US$1,400 each. These will supplement the US$600 round of cheques that were sent out just after Christmas.

Those came after President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan relief bill. These new cheques will go to most American families earning under an income threshold.

A new stimulus package for the US economy

The package will also include the following provisions:

• An unemployment insurance boost of US$400 each
• A $20 billion boost to the national vaccine program
• A rise in the federal minimum wage to US$15 per hour, up from the current US$7.25 per hour level
• Grants and loans for small businesses, estimated to cost US$440 billion
• Emergency funding for state, local and territorial governments, estimated to cost US$350 billion
• 14 paid weeks of sick and family leave for caregivers
• Tax credits for families – reportedly consisting of “up to” US$4,000 for one child, or US$8,000 for 2 or more children

President-elect Biden’s Democratic Party won an unexpected majority in the US Senate earlier this month. It did so by sweeping the 2 US Senate seats of the conservative Southern state of Georgia. It already held control of the House of Representatives under Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

As such, there is more likelihood of most, if not all, of the provisions of this package becoming law than if the Republican Party had maintained its previously-held majority. It was the Republican Senate that denied consideration of the US$2,000 cheques over Christmas to begin with. That was despite the objections of Democrats, as well as President Trump.

The Senate will be equally divided between the 2 parties once the new senators are sworn in. However, under the US constitution, the vice president breaks all senate ties, meaning that the Democrats will be in effective control until at least 2022. It will be interesting to see how the US markets react to this new round of stimulus spending overnight.

More reading

• What’s in store for the ASX tech sector in 2021?
• 2 super ASX tech shares to buy
• 4 ASX shares that helped this fund outperform in December
• Top fundie Hamish Douglass warns of ASX share market FOMO
• Douugh (ASX:DOU) share price still in limbo. Here’s why.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The global tech sector had a bumper year in 2020 with the NASDAQ gaining 40% over the year as technology companies rode a wave of COVID-19 disruption.

Australia’s All Technology Index (ASX: XTX), which launched in February 2020, finished the year up 42.5%. 2021 is also shaping up to be a promising year for technology shares with government stimulus potentially providing tailwinds to the sector.

The Biden administration is expected to splash cash to get the US economy restarted, with sectors such as biotechnology and artificial intelligence prime candidates for investment. Increased investment in digital infrastructure in the US will have impacts globally, as technology becomes increasingly important in driving our lifestyles and consumption patterns. 

The coronavirus pandemic disrupted traditional ways of working, living, and shopping which largely benefitted tech shares. In 2020 we spent more time than ever online, accelerating trends such as working from home and ecommerce which have been gaining momentum in recent years.

The pandemic increased the importance of the technology sector significantly, as people turned online to manage their work and home lives. Adoption of technology accelerated sharply as the result of lockdowns, boosting tech company returns.

Many of the habits formed in 2020 will carry forward into 2021, driving long-term revenue growth for companies in the tech sector. So which areas of the tech sector should we be watching in 2021?

Digital shopping accelerates

Online shopping, which had been steadily gaining in popularity prior to 2020, received a shot in the arm last year as physical stores shuttered in the face of the pandemic.

Online retailers such as Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) were the beneficiaries. The Kogan share price gained an impressive 155% over 2020 as sales accelerated.

Online furniture and homewares retailer Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) saw its share price gain 300% as revenue growth climbed through the year.

Brick-and-mortar retailers with a strong online presence such as JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) and Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) also shared in the spoils. JB Hi Fi’s online sales grew by nearly 50% in FY20. Online sales accounted for 39% of total Adairs sales in the first 23 weeks of FY21, versus 20% over the same period the previous year. 

Customers introduced to the convenience and comfort of online shopping during the pandemic are expected to continue to buy online even as physical stores reopen. This means COVID-19 will not only provide a one time boost to ecommerce, but a permanent behavioural shift towards online shopping.

Statista estimates global retail ecommerce sales will grow from US$3.53 trillion in 2019 to US$6.54 trillion in 2022. That’s a massive increase and will provide strong tailwinds to ASX shares in the ecommerce game. 

Buy now, pay later goes mainstream 

There is no doubt 2020 was the year that buy now, pay later (BNPL) solutions went mainstream. Australia’s largest BNPL provider, Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), saw customer numbers increase exponentially as the share price rocketed to all time highs.

The rise in digital shopping combined with an increased focus on budgeting in the face of the pandemic, helped drive customers to BNPL providers. Afterpay reported more than 11 million customers in Q1 FY21, nearly double the number just a year earlier.

Competitors such as Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) and Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) saw similar increases. Zip’s customer numbers skyrocketed from 1.8 million at the end of 2019 to 5.3 million in November 2020. Sezzle more than tripled customer numbers between the first quarter of FY20 and the first quarter of FY21. 

BNPL shares are still in growth mode, with many raising capital in 2020 to fund expansion. Analysts are expecting BNPL shares to continue their accelerated growth trajectory in 2021, especially in the North American and European markets.

Demographic trends also support continued growth, with millennials shunning credit cards in favour of BNPL solutions. More merchants across industries are seeking to offer BNPL solutions to attract customers, while geographic expansion is also on the cards.

BNPL solutions are disrupting the traditional credit card industry and are expected to continue to gain market share in 2021. 

Remote working solutions come to the fore 

Much of the world’s workforce was sent home to work in 2020, and many found they enjoyed the flexibility it provided. Forbes has reported that an estimated 70% of the workforce will be working remotely at least 5 days a month by 2025.

Tech sector companies such as Livetiles Ltd (ASX: LVT) that facilitate remote working are set to benefit. Livetiles is an intranet and digital workplace software company. It provides tools that allow dashboards, employee portals, and corporate intranets to be created with artificial intelligence and analytics enhancements available.

ELMO Software Ltd (ASX: ELO) is another ASX tech share that facilitates remote working with its cloud-based HR software. ELMO’s platform allows organisations to manage the employee lifecycle through data analysis to provide meaningful insights. With an addressable market valued around $10 billion, ELMO is looking to capture additional market share in 2021.

ASX tech sector in 2021  

The technology sector has entered 2021 in a strong position. Many of the advantageous social shifts that took place in 2020 look set to continue into 2021 providing the sector with tailwinds.

Online shopping, remote working, and BNPL gained many fans last year and are expected to continue to gain popularity in 2021.

As we become ever more reliant on technology, the future looks bright for tech investors.

More reading

• ASX 200 up 0.4%: Afterpay hits record high, bank shares rise, Resolute disappoints
• Why Afterpay, BHP, Objective, & Pro Medicus shares are charging higher
• The Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price just set a new all-time record high
• ASX 200 rises 0.4%
• What’s next for WAAAX shares in 2021? 

Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Elmo Software. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Kogan.com ltd, LIVETILES FPO, Temple & Webster Group Ltd, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends ADAIRS FPO and Sezzle Inc. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ADAIRS FPO, Elmo Software, Kogan.com ltd, LIVETILES FPO, Sezzle Inc, and Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Although the tech sector has started the year in a subdued manner, it still remains a favourite of investors. And given the quality on offer in the sector, this isn’t overly surprising.

So, if you’re looking to invest in the sector, then you might want to take a closer look at these tech shares:

NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The first tech share to look at is NEXTDC. It is a leading data centre-as-a-service provider with a growing network of centres in key locations across Australia.

While the shift to the cloud has been happening over the last decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this shift significantly and underpinned insatiable demand for capacity in data centres. This led to NEXTDC reporting strong revenue and operating earnings growth in FY 2020, with more of the same being guided to in FY 2021. 

The good news is that the company still has a long runway for growth both at home and internationally. In respect to the latter, NEXTDC recently opened up offices in Tokyo and Singapore with a view of expanding into these markets in the future.

Morgan Stanley is a big fan of the company and recently put an overweight rating and $14.60 price target on its shares. This compares to the latest NEXTDC share price of $11.56.

Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

Another tech share to look at is Xero. This New Zealand-based cloud-based business and accounting software provider is quickly becoming an invaluable resource for small businesses across the world.

At the last count, Xero had 2.45 million subscribers and was generating half year operating revenue of NZ$409.8 million. However, this is still only a very small portion of a total addressable market (TAM) estimated by Goldman Sachs to be worth NZ$14 billion per annum at present across its key markets.

But perhaps best of all, is that Goldman believes its TAM can grow by a further NZ$62 billion in the future if it successfully broadens and monetises its app ecosystem and expands into new geographies.

In light of this, it believes Xero has a multi-decade runway for strong revenue growth and has put a buy rating and $157.00 price target on its shares.

More reading

• What’s next for WAAAX shares in 2021? 
• 2 stellar ASX growth shares to buy this week
• ASX 200 rises 0.1%
• The Xero (ASX:XRO) share price is down 10% in 2021: Is this a buying opportunity?
• ASX 200 down 0.4%: Afterpay tumbles, bank shares lower, gold miners crash

James Mickleboro owns shares of NEXTDC Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Wilson Asset Management has released its December 2020 investment update for its 7 listed investment companies including WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) and WAM Capital Limited (ASX: WAM).

Here’s how the fund performed last month, and the ASX shares it has been buying to deliver a strong investment portfolio performance. 

WAM Capital

The WAM Capital investment portfolio focuses on undervalued growth opportunities in the ASX. The portfolio has increased 22.8% in the financial year to date, outperforming the index by 7.1%. 

In December, WAM Capital investment portfolio outperformed the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO). The ASX shares that led to its outperformance included affordable accommodation and services provider Ingenia Communities Group (ASX: INA) and mortgage broker and financial solutions provider Australian Financial Group Ltd (ASX: AFG). 

WAM Capital is focused on translating portfolio returns into a market leading, sustainable source of income for its shareholders. The company has more than a decade of increasing or steady dividends, and currently has a fully franked dividend yield of approximately 7%. 

WAM Leaders 

The WAM Leaders portfolio takes a much more active approach to investing in the highest quality Australian companies. The portfolio has increased 17.1% in the financial year to date, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by 3.9%. 

The portfolio’s outperformance in December was driven by ASX shares in the materials and mining sector.

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) is an exploration and mining company producing nickel, copper and gold. Its share price ripped 45% in December following stronger nickel and copper prices, as well as the company’s acquisition into the lithium sector. WAM sees the entry into lithium as one that aligns with its long term strategic plan to support the structural shift into battery storage. IGO noted that electric vehicle sales are expected to grow approximately 18% per annum through to 2030. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) was also another significant contributor, driven by higher iron ore, oil, nickel and copper prices. WAM expects oil prices to be supported by a continued recovery in COVID-related demand such as travel and industrial production in the near term. WAM is also constructive on nickel and copper for the same reasons relating to electric vehicle sales that were noted in IGO. 

More reading

• Why Afterpay, BHP, Objective, & Pro Medicus shares are charging higher
• 3 blue chip ASX dividend shares with big yields
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 2 ASX 50 shares to buy
• BHP, Rio Tinto’s new copper mine under threat

Motley Fool contributor Lina Lim has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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It’s fairly safe to say that investors all over the world have been enjoying some pretty healthy gains from the sharemarket over the past 10 or so months. Since bottoming out in late March, both the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the American S&P 500 Index (INDEXSP: .INX) have rallied convincingly. The US markets are even currently above the level they were sitting at before the coronavirus pandemic become obvious.

With such a surprisingly good year for investors, many are now turning to 2021 and hoping for at least ‘more of the same’.

However, one ASX fund manager isn’t too excited that those investors will get what they wish for.

Top ASX fundie weighs in

Hamish Douglass is the co-founder and chief investment officer of Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG). He is regarded as one of the best fund managers in the country. This is evidenced by Magellan’s current market capitalisation of $8.8 billion, with more than $100 billion in assets under management. Mr Douglass’ significant stake in Magellan makes him a billionaire. The size of Magellan is largely built on its consistent track record of performance. The company’s flagship Magellan Global Fund (ASX: MGF) has returned an average of 15.56% per annum over the past 10 years.

So Mr Douglass is evidently someone who many ASX investors pay attention to.

According to a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Mr Douglass is a little worried about the current state of global markets. He suggests to the AFR that the gains that markets have experienced in the past few months are motivated by a dangerous “fear of missing out [FOMO]”, and that he feels that the majority of investor sentiment right now “remains worryingly bullish… which is out of step with the economic and scientific reality of the pandemic”.

He notes the “positive developments” and “‘best possible scenario’ outcome” of the recent success of several COVID-19 vaccination candidates. Together with the results of the recent US elections, this has been a “nirvana outcome” for investors. Even so, Douglass is still recommending caution:

This pandemic, which I would argue is still going on, is an issue of scientific complexity that the market seems to be somewhat oblivious of in terms of the risks still in front of us… We’ve been much more worried about downside protection than upside.

“We don’t bet big on vaccine trials”

The report notes that many of Magellan’s funds have not outperformed their benchmark indices over the past few months. Over the period, Magellan’s Global Equity Strategy held roughly 50% of its assets in cash at times. Also augmented by “very high-quality defensive equities”. That was deliberately opposed to holding “growth stocks”. However, Mr Douglass remains unapologetic, stating:

We’re never going to bet big on [vaccine trials]. When you have a bias built in to protect capital, you’re not going to participate in a very discretionary-led rally like this. You would expect us to lag a one in 50-year rally like this.

More reading

• Which ASX 200 shares have been slapped with price downgrades this week?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today
• ASX 200 drops 0.9%
• What’s been happening with the Magellan (ASX:MFG) share price?
• 4 ASX shares with sturdy balance sheets

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Magellan High Conviction Trust. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Douugh Limited (ASX: DOU) share price remains suspended today as the company released a response to an ASX query regarding potential breaches of its recent acquisition of Goodments.

This is now the fourth week that shares in the tech minnow have been suspended. As such, the Douugh share price remains static at 17 cents.

Douugh offers response

Today is the second time this week that the fintech has responded to the ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) query.

Douugh was asked for particular dates regarding the deal to acquire Goodments, and responded as follows:

On Wednesday, 21 October 2020, CEO Andy Taylor started discussions about a potential opportunity with Goodments. Discussions between the company and Goodments progressed over the course of November 2020 however negotiations remained incomplete during this period – terms of the transaction had not been put to the company’s board and not every aspect of the transaction had been confirmed.

With no final deal being reached, negotiations continued until 9 December when an agreement was reached between the companies. They signed a non-binding term sheet which included the indicative terms and provisions regarding the acquisition of Goodments business.

Following this, the Douugh claimed it complied by confirming the acquisition of Goodments with the ASX. This confirmation was received on 18 December.

Douugh maintains innocence

The company also said it has complied with the listing rules of the ASX, and in particular rule 3.1. This rule being that, “Once an entity is or becomes aware of any information concerning it that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of the entity’s securities, the entity must immediately tell ASX that information.”

Douugh will now await the ASX’s response.

About the Douugh share price

Douugh describes itself as a ‘capital lite’ fintech, taking an articial intelligence (AI) first approach to disrupting banking. Through its app, the company aims to help users grow and manage their money to live a financially better life.

Listing in 2020, the company generated huge initial interest from investors, becoming one of the most traded stocks on the ASX at the time.

However, despite an early surge in the Douugh share price up to highs of 49 cents in October, shares in the troubled company currently sit at 17 cents.

More reading

• Does Xinja’s downfall mean neobanks are dead?
• Which ASX 200 shares have been slapped with price downgrades this week?
• Douugh (ASX:DOU) share price remains suspended after listing rule breaches were found
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell next week
• ASX 200 up 1.55%: ANZ & Westpac surge higher, Afterpay & Xero tumble

Motley Fool contributor Daniel Ewing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH) share price is edging higher today following the software company announcing its acquisition of US-based artificial intelligence company VoiceVibes .

In the opening minutes of trade, the Bigtincan share price reached an intraday high of $1.08. However, its shares have slightly retraced to $1.03, up 1.4% at the time of writing.

What was announced?

According to Bigtincan’s release, the company’s United States subsidiary, BTC Mobility, completed a stock purchase agreement with shareholders of VoiceVibes. The fulfilled arrangement saw BTC Mobility acquire 100% of the issued capital of VoiceVibes for US$2 million.

The purchase was made possible through Bigtincan tapping into its existing cash reserves. An institutional placement conducted in December set the company up to fund the acquisition.

Bigtincan advised it does not expect the recent takeover to have a material impact on its earnings for FY21.

Who is VoiceVibes?

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the company specialises in voice analytics through use of artificial intelligence. The company’s automated coaching platform lets users make the best impression of themselves when speaking by receiving feedback called “vibes”.

Known to have one of the world’s largest data sets, VoiceVibes can measure human perception of voice. The proprietary technology is designed to understand how humans perceive emotion and intention from voice.

The technology is used by an array of organisations seeking to develop communications coaching, sales readiness, presentation skills practice, and interviewing.

When Bigtincan adds the VoiceVibes technology to its core sales enablement automation system, the company says it will be able to offer automated coaching and sales guidance to its customers.

What did management say?

Bigtincan co-founder and CEO Mr David Keane touched on the acquisition, saying:

VoiceVibes’ AI-powered coaching platform helps professionals make the best impression, every time they speak. By adding the patented VoiceVibes technology, Bigtincan expands our lead in AI for sales enablement and helps our customers train their sellers faster.

Adding to Mr Keane’s comments, VoiceVibes CEO Debra Cancro went on to say:

This is an exciting time for VoiceVibes. Joining forces with Bigtincan at this stage enables us to accelerate the application of our patented AI technology and provide cutting-edge insights into sales coaching and training.

Bigtincan share price snapshot

The Bigtincan share price is up almost 40% since this time last year, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s operations.

In March, its shares reached a low of 26.5 cents following COVID-19, before storming to a high of $1.60 in October.

More reading

• These ASX shares are growing at a rapid rate in FY 2021
• 2 small cap ASX shares growing at a rapid rate
• 2 explosive ASX tech shares to buy in January
• 2 growing mid cap ASX shares to buy
• 5 exciting small cap ASX shares to watch in 2021

Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends BIGTINCAN FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Earlier today I looked at a few blue chip shares that offer generous dividend yields. You can read about those here.

Now, I thought I would turn my attention to blue chip shares which have strong growth potential. With that in mind, here are three blue chip growth shares to look at:

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

CSL is a leading biotechnology company which is home to the CSL Behring business and the Seqirus business. Combined, these two businesses have a portfolio of life-saving and lucrative therapies and vaccines which are generating billions of dollars in sales each year. From this, the company invests in the region of 10% to 11% of its sales back into research and development activities every year. This means it is on course to invest around US$1 billion into these activities this year.

Analysts at UBS are big fans of the company and note that its research and development pipeline is rich with potentially lucrative products that could drive strong growth in the future. The broker has a buy rating and $346.00 price target on its shares.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Another blue chip growth share to look at is ResMed. It is a medical device company with a focus on the sleep treatment market. Thanks to its industry-leading products, wide distribution, and successful acquisitions, ResMed has been growing at a very strong rate over the last few years. Pleasingly, thanks to its significant market opportunity and the growing prevalence of sleep disorders, it has been tipped to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.

Credit Suisse believes the company is well-placed for strong earnings growth over the medium term and has a buy rating and $31.00 price target on its shares.

SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK)

A final blue chip growth share to look at is SEEK. It is the dominant force in job listings in the ANZ market and has a number of international operations. This includes its Zhaopin business, which is one of the leaders in the massive China market. While FY 2020 was a difficult year because of the pandemic, SEEK is bouncing back strongly now the worst is over and hiring is ramping up.

Credit Suisse is also a fan of SEEK and has been impressed with its recovery from the pandemic. The broker has an outperform rating and $28.50 price target on its shares.

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James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ResMed Inc. and SEEK Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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