One of the simplest and arguably most effective investment strategies is buy and hold investing.
This strategy sees investors buy the shares of quality companies with positive long term outlooks and hold onto them for as long as the investment thesis remains intact.
This is a strategy that has been used by legendary investor Warren Buffett. And you can't argue with his track record, can you?
With that in mind, here are two top S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that I think would be quality buy and hold options:
Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN)
The first buy and hold option to consider is Nanosonics. It is best-known for its trophon EPR disinfection system for ultrasound probes. It has been growing its installed base at a rapid rate over the last few years and has continued this trend in FY 2020. During the first half it increased 17% on the prior corresponding period to 22,500 units. This is still well short of its addressable market of 120,000 units.
Which is positive for two reasons. As well as benefiting from unit sales, Nanosonics earnings lucrative recurring revenues from the consumable products the system requires. Consumable and service sales were up 40% to $34.1 million in the first half. This represents 70% of its total sales during the period. As its market share grows, so too will these sales. Combined with the impending launch of several new products, I believe the future is bright for Nanosonics.
REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)
I think REA Group would be a great buy and hold option. I've been very impressed with the way the realestate.com.au operator can still deliver earnings growth in the toughest of trading conditions. This was evident in its third quarter update which revealed a 1% increase in revenue to $199.8 million and an 8% lift in EBITDA to $119.6 million. This was despite a 7% decline in listings during the quarter.
While listings volumes are likely to remain subdued for the immediate term, when conditions do improve I expect REA Group's earnings growth to accelerate. So with its shares down 23% from their 52-week high, now could be an opportune time to snap them up.
