There are a lot of options for investors to choose from on the ASX 200 index.
But two ASX 200 stocks that could be standout buys right now according to analysts are listed below.
Here's why they are bullish on them:
Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)
Coles could be an ASX 200 stock to buy now. It is of course the supermarket giant behind the eponymous Coles brand.
Citi is feeling very positive on the company's outlook. Especially after a recent tour of its new Automated Distribution Centre (ADC) in Queensland demonstrated how it could provide a cost advantage over competitors. The broker commented:
Coles hosted a site tour of its new Automated Distribution Centre (ADC) located in Redbank, Queensland. […] There should be a positive net EBIT impact in FY25, but the first full year of benefits is not expected to be achieved until FY26. Overall, the site tour reinforces our view that Coles is moving in the right direction and the ADCs have the potential to provide a cost advantage over competitors. We are Buy rated on Coles with a A$20.20 target price.
Citi has a buy rating and $20.20 price target on its shares.
Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)
Another ASX 200 stock that has been rated as a buy is job listings company Seek.
Morgans is a fan of the company. This is due to its belief that the company is well-placed to benefit from tailwinds which are expected to lead to increased reliance on its products and services. The broker 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.
