With share markets becoming volatile and investors facing uncertain returns, I think it's important to consider your investments carefully this year.
A recession is not certain, but it looks like businesses will have to work hard to produce a stronger profit result in FY19 compared to FY18.
I believe the best type of ASX share to own through any economic cycle are ones that produce non-cyclical growth. That's why I'm tipping the below ASX 200 shares to beat the index this year:
Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)
Bapcor is Australia's leading auto parts business. It is best known for its national network of Burson and Autobarn stores.
A lot of Australia's population need their car for work or their personal life. Many Australian households aren't currently in a position to buy a new car, they're far more likely to repair their current car if something goes wrong with a car part. That's why Bapcor's earnings are potentially very defensive, people need to keep their car on the road.
Bapcor is generating impressive organic growth with same store sales growth above 4% and an expanding store network.
I believe that if Bapcor reports its Burson Asia stores are going well the market may realise Bapcor could drive profit higher at a good rate over the next five years.
Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC)
Agricultural businesses are great examples of companies that can experience non-cyclical growth, we have to keep eating whether economic conditions are good or bad.
Costa grows a variety of fresh food including tomatoes, mushrooms, berries, avocados and citrus fruit. Demand for healthy produce continues to increase from Australians and international markets.
I'm comfortable tipping Costa because management has said the horticultural business' profit can grow by low double digits for the next few years. Costa has been conservative with its estimates before, I think it could impress again – particularly if it expands into another food category like it did recently with avocados.
Foolish takeaway
Both of these businesses have a number of different ways to grow profit including organic revenue growth, economies of scale and acquisitions. I believe that they are quite likely to outperform the ASX index in 2019 from the current share prices.
Of course, Costa and Bapcor aren't the only two shares out there with good growth potential for 2019.
