Should you buy Woolworths and two other ASX 100 shares?

Should you buy Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX:WOW) shares and two other ASX 100 shares?

| 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

In 2018 the S&P/ASX 100 (Index: ^AXTO) (ASX: XTO) has fallen a sizeable 9% due to the recent market selloff and heavy declines from the big four banks.

Has this selloff left these popular ASX 100 shares in the buy zone?

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

I think this New Zealand-based infant formula and dairy company is one of the best growth shares on the ASX 100. Although its shares trade at a premium of 30x estimated forward earnings, I think the company's current growth profile justifies this. Especially given its impressive start to FY 2019 which has seen it deliver a 64.5% jump in net profit to NZ$86 million during the first four months of the financial year. This impressive growth was driven by the growing demand for its infant formula products in the China market and market share gains in the ANZ region for its dairy products.

Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is a hearing solutions company which has a long track record of providing above-average returns for its shareholders. Over the last decade the Cochlear share price has provided an average annual total return of 15%. I believe it is well positioned to continue providing market-beating returns over the next decade thanks to its industry-leading products, growing global distribution network, and the expected increase in demand for hearing assistance products due to ageing populations.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The Woolworths share price has defied the odds this year and pushed over 5% higher. This gain means that the retail conglomerate's shares are now changing hands at 22x estimated forward earnings. which I think is about fair value for Woolworths. One potential positive in 2019 that could add value is the prospect of a sizeable capital return in the form of a share buyback and special dividend. I'd suggest investors keep an eye out for this next year.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear Ltd. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on ⏸️ ASX Shares

a woman wearing a close-sitting hat featuring wires and thick computer screen glasses clutches her computer monitor and looks shocked and disturbed as she reads old-fashioned computer text from the screen.
Technology Shares

Here's why ASX 200 tech shares (ASX:XTX) outperformed today

ASX tech shares have taken a turn for the better today.

Read more »

Worker in hard hat looks puzzled with one hand on chin
Resources Shares

Why did the Rio Tinto share price (ASX:RIO) have such a lousy 2021?

We look at what happened to this ASX 200 mining giant's shares last year

Read more »

a miner wearing a hard hat smiles as he stands in front of heavy earth moving equipment on a barren mine site.
Share Gainers

Here's why the Rumble Resources (ASX:RTR) share price is climbing 5%

The mineral explorer's share price is on the rise amid promising drill results.

Read more »

share price high, all time record, record share price, highest, price rise, increase, up,
⏸️ ASX Shares

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares on Wednesday

Here are your top 10 biggest gainers in the ASX 200 on Wednesday.

Read more »

comical investor reading documents and surrounded by calculators
⏸️ ASX Shares

The ASX reporting wrap-up: WiseTech, Bravura, Seven Group

Just what the investor ordered. Here’s a recap of the companies that reported on Wednesday...

Read more »

Doctor performing an ultrasound on pregnant woman
⏸️ ASX Shares

The ASX reporting wrap-up: Ansell, Kogan, Nanosonics

Just what the investor ordered. Here’s a recap of the companies that reported on Tuesday...

Read more »

blue arrows representing a rising share price ASX 200
⏸️ ASX Shares

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares on Tuesday

Here are your top 10 biggest gainers in the ASX 200 on Tuesday.

Read more »

unhappy investor considering computer screen
Share Market News

The ASX reporting wrap-up: Charter Hall, Ampol, NIB Holdings

Just what the investor ordered. Here’s a recap of the companies that reported on Monday...

Read more »