I think these 2 ASX 200 shares will beat the market

I think these 2 ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) shares will beat the market this year and in the long-term. One pick is A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX:A2M).

| More on:

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

I think that the two S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares I'm going to name in this article will be able to beat the market this year and over the long-term. Of course, that's just my opinion and there's no guarantee at all.

The ASX is home to some quality growth shares. But it's also home to plenty of mature businesses with little growth prospects. You just need to find quality growth businesses at the right price.

Here are my two ASX 200 picks:

Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW

Brickworks has been one of the most reliable businesses on the ASX over the past few decades. It hasn't cut its dividend over the past 40 years and it's steadily expanding its Australian building products offering with organic growth and acquisitions.

It also recently went into the US with three targeted acquisitions which have quickly made it the market leader in the north east of the US.

The defensive nature of Brickworks' industrial property trust and holding of ASX 200 investment conglomerate Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares are very attractive assets.

We're now learning that cash grants of between $20,000 to $40,000 may be given to buyers of newly-constructed homes. The government is also apparently considering giving people cash for home renovations to help local tradies according to reporting by the Australian Financial Review. This would likely indirectly benefit Brickworks.

The diversified ASX 200 property business currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.3%.

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

There are few ASX 200 companies that can say they are growing strongly in both the US and China. Those two markets alone could support a much larger A2 Milk business.

A2 Milk has expertly created a brand known for quality and trustworthiness. It's an offering that resonates with consumers who want a safe (and good-tasting) product.

The current coronavirus pandemic is causing consumers to load up on product, which is helping A2 Milk's profit margins.

A2 Milk has pretty high profit margins so a healthy amount of the revenue goes straight to the bottom line. The ASX 200 business will soon be generating earnings from Canada with a licensing agreement. There are plenty of other countries for A2 Milk to expand into over time.

I believe there's plenty more growth to come because A2 Milk is only just getting started in North America. Its huge cash balance could soon start to be used for shareholder returns or even fund an acquisition.

Foolish takeaway

I really like both Brickworks and A2 Milk as ASX 200 share picks. At the current prices I believe Brickworks is cheaper, but A2 Milk is likely to produce stronger returns over the next decade as the global expansion continues.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk. 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 Growth Shares

A happy boy with his dad dabs like a hero while his father checks his phone.
Growth Shares

5 of the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold

Analysts are bullish on these growth shares. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A woman sends a paper plane soaring into the sky at dusk.
Growth Shares

2 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold for 10 years

Both stocks offer credible paths to wealth creation.

Read more »

Man on a ladder drawing an increasing line on a chalk board symbolising a rising share price.
Growth Shares

2 ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

These businesses have a lot of growth potential ahead…

Read more »

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Growth Shares

Why these ASX 200 shares could still have major upside in 2026

Brokers think these shares could rise 20% to 45% in 2026.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Growth Shares

How I'd look for ASX growth shares today that could double my money

It might not be as hard as you think to achieve this.

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
Growth Shares

3 unstoppable ASX growth stocks to buy even if there's a stock market sell-off in 2026

Market volatility is uncomfortable, but some businesses are built to keep growing regardless of sentiment.

Read more »

A woman rides through an office on a scooter with a rocket strapped to her back as colleagues cheer.
Growth Shares

2 ASX growth shares set to skyrocket in 2026 and beyond

When sentiment turns, quality growth stocks often get dragged down.

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Growth Shares

5 top ASX growth shares to buy now with $5,000

These shares are rated as buys by brokers. Here's what they are recommending.

Read more »