2 shares to own for a merry Christmas

Christmas is meant to be the most wonderful time of year.

| More on:
a woman

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

Christmas is meant to be a happy, merry time of the year. It's a great time to spend with your loved ones and not worry about the share market.

If you own a bunch of risky, speculative shares that you need to check every ASX trading day then Christmas won't be a relaxing time for you.

I much prefer the idea of owning shares that I can buy and not have to check in on them every day, every week or even every month.

Here are two shares to own for a relaxing and merry Christmas:

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts is one of the oldest shares on the ASX having been around for a century.

It's quite easy for a business to be disrupted in this modern world, which is why I think Soul Patts is a good buy-and-hold option. It is an investment conglomerate that buys stakes in other businesses.

Some of Soul Patts' largest investments are in businesses like TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM), Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API), Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) and Pitt Capital Partners. This is a diverse and growing bunch of investments, which is a very positive factor for Soul Patts.

It has been steadily growing its statutory profit, cash profit and dividend for shareholders over the decades. In-fact, it has grown its annual ordinary dividend every year since 2000.

I think Soul Patts is one of the safest businesses on the ASX. It's currently trading at 16x FY18's estimated earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.51%.

Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)

Ramsay is another long-term growth stalwart on the ASX. It's one of the world's largest private hospital operators.

I believe that private hospitals are going to become utilised more and more over the coming years as the growing number of retirees will require more trips to the hospital. A lot of those retirees will want to stay in nicer facilities than what may be available at their local public hospital.

Healthcare is a growing industry and Ramsay is one of the ones most likely to benefit.

Ramsay has grown its dividend every year since 2000 and I expect it's one of the shares most likely to be able to grow the dividend for another decade.

Ramsay is currently trading at 24x FY18's estimated earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 2.79%.

Foolish takeaway

Ramsay and Soul Patts have both traded at a cheaper price than today over the last year, but I think they would both be excellent long-term buys at today's prices. If I had to pick one I would lean towards Ramsay.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of Ramsay Health Care Limited and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of TPG Telecom Limited and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »