2 compelling ASX 200 shares this fund manager rates as buys

These stocks may be significantly underrated as potential buys.

| 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

Key points
  • The ASX share market offers volatile pricing, providing investors opportunities to buy growing, high-quality businesses like those in the S&P/ASX 200 Index.
  • Fund manager L1 highlights two ASX 200 shares: Viva Energy and Light & Wonder, both showing potential for substantial earnings growth.
  • Viva Energy benefits from rising refining margins, while Light & Wonder experiences a share price surge due to strong earnings reports and market repositioning.

One of the most appealing things about the ASX share market is that share prices are always changing, giving investors the opportunity to buy growing, high-quality businesses. Volatile share prices can offer a buy-the-dip opportunity for certain S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares.

There are 200 different businesses in the ASX 200, so there is an enormous opportunity to find something that has been mispriced. When aiming for attractive returns, investors should always consider the price.That doesn't necessarily mean finding the lowest price/earnings (P/E) ratio, of course.

Let's take a look at two ASX 200 shares that the fund manager L1 likes.

A company manager presents the ASX company earnings report to shareholders at an AGM.

Image source: Getty Images

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

Viva Energy describes itself as a leading convenience retailer, commercial services and energy infrastructure business. It operates a retail convenience and fuel network of around 900 locations across Australia. The ASX 200 share supplies fuels and lubricants to a network of almost 1,500 service stations.

The company also owns and operates the Geelong refinery in Victoria, as well as operating businesses across bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals, polymers and lubricants.

L1 notes that the Viva Energy share price rose 16% in November as global refining margins continued to rise due to Russian trade sanctions and refinery closures, following relatively weak margins in the previous 12 months.

The fund manager believes that if current conditions persist, the earnings upside for the refining business would be "substantial", offsetting acquisition integration and market challenges in its convenience business.

L1 said that while the performance of the convenience business has been "disappointing", it should start to benefit in the 2025 second half from material acquisition synergies, as well as new and converted stores. Both of these benefits should help contribute to further earnings growth in 2026.

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX 200 share that L1 highlighted is Light & Wonder, a cross-platform international gaming business that has a sizeable presence in the North American market. Light & Wonder also offers digital game content. It's a sizeable player in the gambling market.

The fund manager noted that the Light & Wonder share price soared 40% in November after reporting a strong set of third-quarter numbers, while also re-iterating its full-year earnings guidance.

The Light & Wonder share price also benefited from the completion of the NASDAQ delisting and shift to a sole priming listing on the ASX, which saw the end of significant forced selling by US passive share investors.

L1 believes that the ASX 200 share is "well placed to deliver solid earnings growth over the medium-term, driven by its strong land-based game performance."

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Cheap Shares

A stressed businessman sits next to his briefcase with his head in his hands, while the ASX boards behind him show shares crashing.
Cheap Shares

These ASX 50 shares have lost up to 60%. Is the sell-off overdone?

Battered ASX shares: bargain buys or value traps in disguise?

Read more »

Green arrow going up on stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.
Cheap Shares

2 ASX shares tipped to grow 40% or more in the next 12 months

These could be some of the best stocks for returns in the year ahead…

Read more »

Elderly couple using laptop at home while drinking a cup of coffee.
Cheap Shares

Down 28% to 46%: Are these beaten-down ASX shares cheap buys?

Does Bell Potter think these shares are in the bargain bin? Let's find out.

Read more »

Green arrow going up on a stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.
Cheap Shares

2 ASX shares tipped to grow 60% or more in the next 12 months

These stocks have significant return potential.

Read more »

Buy now written on a red key with a shopping trolley on an Apple keyboard.
Cheap Shares

2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

Experts are bullish about the prospects of these ASX shares, with numerous analyst buy ratings on each stock.

Read more »

Three people jumping cheerfully in clear sunny weather.
Cheap Shares

Warren Buffett's playbook: 3 cheap ASX shares that could soar up to 60%

These beaten-down stocks could deliver significant upside if growth continues.

Read more »

Two plants grow in jars filled with coins.
Cheap Shares

2 ASX shares tipped to grow 60% or more in the next 12 months

These stocks are projected to deliver impressive returns.

Read more »

A man reacts with surprise when her see a bargain price on his phone.
Cheap Shares

Why I'm planning to buy this cheap ASX stock next!

I think this business is heavily undervalued. I think it’s a buy!

Read more »