2 no-brainer ASX buys during a stock market crash

These two ASX shares are first on my buy list for the next crash.

| 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

Few of us actually enjoy watching our ASX shares plunge in value whenever there is a stock market crash, or even a correction, underway. The feeling of fear over that loss of control and money is a natural one. However, these feelings are ones that all successful investors must learn to put aside.

At the end of the day, you never hear about anyone who has gotten rich by selling everything and going to cash in the middle of a major crash.

The richest investors in the world, including the legendary Warren Buffett, instead routinely make a habit of doing most of their buying during times of market panic. They call it buying shares when they're on sale.

It's often the case that the ASX's best shares only undergo serious falls in value during stock market crashes. The rest of the time, the markets are usually placing a premium on these shares, the price we normally have to pay for quality.

So today, let's discuss two such shares that I personally would regard as no-brainer buys during the next market crash, whenever it may come.

Two young boys sit at a desk wearing helmets with lightbulbs, indicating two ASX 200 shares that a broker has recommended as buys today

Image source: Getty Images

2 ASX no-brainer buys for the next stock market crash

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

ASX 200 tech share and enterprise software company TechnologyOne has been on my watchlist for a while. This stellar performer has been delivering breakneck growth for years. Just today, the company reported a 19% rise in revenues for its 2023 financial year to $41.4 million, as well as a 16% spike in profits before tax to $129.9 million.

Given this continuing growth, it's disappointing, but not too surprising, to see TechnologyOne shares at a lofty price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 54.35 today. At its current share price of $16.03, the tech stock is up a whopping 30% over the past 12 months alone, and up almost 200% over the past five years.

Yet we have often seen big pullbacks in the TechnologyOne share price. Between November 2021 and February 2022, the company lost more than a quarter of its value before recovering to push even higher. If there were a stock market crash tomorrow, I'd be looking very closely at this company indeed.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson And Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

As has been well documented here at the Fool, I'm a big fan of Washington H. Soul Pattinson, or Soul Patts, shares. This investment house is hands down my favourite share on the ASX. It offers a diversified portfolio of underlying investments, both listed and unlisted, for one.

But it has also delivered market-crushing returns over the past two decades. Not to mention an unrivalled dividend streak that now consists of 23 years of annual dividend pay rises.

In short, this company represents quality of the highest order in my view. But I haven't added to my Soul Patts positions for a while now. That's mainly due to the company's stellar run since mid-2022, which has seen the Soul Patts share price gain more than 40%.

I'll probably bite the bullet and buy some more Soul Patts soon. After all, it was Buffett who once said that it's better to own a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price. But if there was a stock market crash tomorrow, and the market is so shortsighted that it throws Soul Patts out with the bathwater, I will certainly be backing up the ruck with this one.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Opinions

One hundred dollar notes planted in the ground, representing ASX growth shares.
Best Shares

This 4% ASX stock is my top pick for growth and income in 2026

Stocks of this calibre are exceptionally rare...

Read more »

Increasing white bar graph with a rising arrow on an orange background.
Growth Shares

Here's what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April

This business looks heavily undervalued to me.

Read more »

A shadow bear faces a man against the backdrop of a falling share price.
Opinions

How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you're worried about prices falling more

Is this the time to be brave or cautious about investing?

Read more »

Ecstatic woman on her phone giving a fist pump after reading some good news.
Opinions

5 ASX shares I'd buy with $10,000 this week

I expect these shares to rebound over the next 12 months.

Read more »

A man wearing a red jacket and mountain hiking clothes stands at the top of a mountain peak and looks out over countless mountain ranges.
Opinions

2 incredible ASX shares to buy in April

I rate these potential investments as exciting buys…

Read more »

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Retirement

Why Soul Patts shares are a retiree's dream

This could be one of the best picks for retirees. Here’s why.

Read more »

Different Australian dollar notes in the palm of two hands, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

An ASX dividend stalwart every Australian should consider buying

This business has a great track dividend record. I think it’s a strong buy…

Read more »

Three business people stand on platforms in the desert and look out through telescopes.
Opinions

2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

I think these businesses have a great future…

Read more »