2 highly rated ASX 200 shares to buy for market-beating returns

Let's see why analysts are bullish on these names.

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Are you wanting to strengthen your investment portfolio with some quality ASX 200 shares?

If you have answered yes to this, then read on! That's because analysts have just put buy ratings on the two ASX shares named below. Here's why they are bullish on them:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The team at Bell Potter remains very positive on this industrial property giant following the release of its full year results.

It is particularly bullish due to its growing exposure to the booming data centre (DC) market. And while it thinks there could be some share price volatility in the near term, Bell Potter sees this as a buying opportunity. It said:

No change to our Buy recommendation post recent initiation. GMG is into it and on with it as its investment phase for its DC build-out program gathers pace, with early phase of recognition starting to work through, evidenced in YoC which climbed to 7.5% (was 6.7%) weighted up by return size and dollar quantum of fully fitted DCs which was a notable step change intra-period. We expect to see some volatility in the SP next 6-12mths with milestones on foot more important for longer-term gains.

Bell Potter has put a buy rating and $40.75 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 20% for investors over the next 12 months.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Analysts at Morgans think that Sonic Healthcare could be an ASX 200 share to buy right now.

This is based on its solid fundamentals and positive growth outlook after a tricky period. It recently said:

FY25 underlying profit was soft, but tracked guidance, with NPAT impacted by higher D&A, net interest and tax, but normalised OPM improved on good cost control. Pathology growth slowed across most regions, but appears country specific not structural, while Radiology showed strength on the trend towards higher value modalities and Clinical Services remains soft, but should improve on fee changes. We continue to view fundamentals as sound, with acquisitions (+5%) and FX (+4%) augmenting not masking underlying earnings growth (+6%). We adjust FY26-27 underlying estimates, with our target price decreasing to A$29.33. We maintain our BUY rating.

Morgans has a buy rating and $29.33 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of almost 20% is possible between now and this time next year. It also expects a ~4.5% dividend yield in FY 2026.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group and Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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