While the ASX 100 index may not be as well-known or widely followed as the benchmark ASX 200 index, what it lacks in attention it makes up for in quality.
Among the 100 companies included in the index are some of the biggest and brightest that Australia has to offer. But which ASX 100 shares are buys?
Two that could be worth considering according to analysts are listed below. Here's why they rate these ASX 100 shares as buys:
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Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)
The first ASX 100 share that could be a buy is Cochlear.
It is a leading manufacturer and distributor of cochlear implantable devices for hearing impaired globally. It offers three main products: Cochlear implants, Baha bone conduction implants, and Cochlear Wireless Accessories.
Goldman Sachs believes Cochlear would be a top option for investors right now. Particularly given that trading conditions have improved materially now COVID headwinds are easing. It said:
Looking forward, we continue to express a general preference for the device/drug names over the service providers in the current environment, on the basis of: i) stronger pricing power; ii) more assured volume profiles; iii) more resilient/expanding market shares; and iv) stronger balance sheets.
We believe Cochlear screens well on these fundamental factors, and largely avoids the margin uncertainties prevalent across other verticals. We expect a sequential improvement in momentum through 2H23 (further elective volume improvement and new processor launch momentum, potentially tempered by some moderation in Acoustics). We forecast above guidance in FY23E (GSe: $306m vs. $290-305m) and believe shares will now be further supported by a newly announced multi-year buyback program (GSe: $75m/year).
Its analysts currently have a buy rating and $265.00 price target on its shares.
Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)
Another ASX 100 share that could be a buy is Seek.
It operates an online employment classifieds platform across 12 countries. It has three main business segments: SEEK Employment, SEEK Learning, and SEEK International.
Morgans is positive on the company. Its analysts believe Seek will benefit from a number of tailwinds that lead to increased reliance on the company's products and services. It explains:
Of the classifieds players, we continue to see SEEK as the one with the most relative upside, a view that's based on the sustained listings growth we've seen over the period. The tailwinds that have driven elevated job ads (~210k currently, broadly flat on the robust pcp) and strong FY22 result appear to still remain in place, i.e. subdued migration, candidate scarcity and the drive for greater employee flexibility. With businesses looking to grow headcount in the coming months and job mobility at historically high levels according to the RBA, we see these favourable operating conditions driving increased reliance on SEEK's products.
Morgans has an add and $28.40 price target on Seek's shares.
