If you're looking for some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share selections, I believe the following two ASX 200 shares: Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) and Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) are worthy candidates. Here's why they are both in my buy zone right now:
Bapcor
Bapcor is the leading aftermarket auto parts distributor in both Australia and New Zealand. An expansion into Thailand will also hopefully provide it with a launching pad to expand further into the Asian market.
The Bapcor share price was hit hard during the early phase of the coronavirus pandemic, dropping as low as $3.15. Since then, it has made a partial recovery but has failed to regain its February highs of over $7.
In a recent market update, Bapcor revealed that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been less severe than it had originally predicted. Bapcor's retail and Burson Trade operating segments in Australia, in particular, have experienced higher than anticipated demand. Same store sales for Autobarn increased over 45% during May and June, compared with the same period in 2019. However, the company's New Zealand, Thailand, and specialist wholesale divisions have been more negatively impacted by the pandemic.
With its current share price of $5.68 still well down on pre-COVID-19 levels, I believe that Bapcor offers a reasonable ASX share buying opportunity right now for patient, long-term investors. I still remain confident about the company's long-term growth prospects. However, further COVID-19 lockdown restrictions could lead to share price volatility over the short term.
Ansell
Ansell develops, manufactures and sells a range of gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE) for both the industrial and medical markets.
Ansell has been one of the star performers on the S&P/ASX 200 Index with regards to share price growth during the coronavirus pandemic. After initial share prices losses in the early phase of the pandemic, falling to $21.43 on 23 March, the Ansell share price is now trading well above its pre-COVID-19 levels at $38.40. Ansell has been experiencing strong recent demand for its hand and body protection products. Both product ranges are industry certified for protection against infections and viruses such as coronavirus.
Despite its recent strong share price increase, I'm confident that Ansell remains well-positioned to grow further over the next five years due to rising demand for PPE in the healthcare segment.
Foolish takeaway
Both Bapcor and Ansell are on my buy list due to their entrenched market positions, growing overseas presence and proven business models. I believe that both have long runways for growth, however I'm leaning more towards Ansell right now as my top pick of the two. This is largely due to what I believe will be continued strong demand for its products during the pandemic.
