2 excellent ASX 200 blue chip shares rated highly

Woolworths Limited (ASX:WOW) and this ASX 200 blue chip share could be great options for investors this week. Here's what you need to know…

| 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

Are you wanting to add some blue chip ASX 200 shares to your portfolio? If you are, then you might want to check out the two listed below.

These quality companies have been tipped as ones that could grow at a solid rate over the next decade, potentially generating strong returns for investors. Here's why they are highly rated:

A compass with the word opportunities is shown in black and blue representing a broker upgrade on the EML share price

Image source: Getty Images

Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL)

The first blue chip ASX 200 share to look at is Sonic Healthcare. It is a leading medical diagnostics company with operations across the world.

Partly due to COVID-19 testing, Sonic has been a very strong performer so far in FY 2021. During the first half, the company reported a 33% increase in revenue to $4.4 billion and a 166% jump in first half net profit to $678 million.

The good news is that COVID testing looks set to continue for some time to come, which bodes well for the company's growth in the second half and FY 2022. After which, the rest of its business looks well-placed to benefit from a backlog in healthcare work.

In addition to this, due to its strong balance sheet, Sonic has the opportunity to accelerate its growth through acquisitions.

One broker that is particularly positive on the company is Credit Suisse. It currently has an outperform rating and $40.00 price target on the company's shares.

Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)

Another blue chip ASX 200 share to consider is Woolworths. Like Sonic, this retail giant has also been performing strongly in FY 2021.

Thanks to positive performances by its BIG W, BWS, Dan Murphy's, Woolworths supermarkets businesses, the company reported a 10.5% increase in revenue to $35.8 billion and a 15.9% increase in net profit after tax to $1,135 million.

And while its growth will moderate in the second half when it cycles the panic buying at the height of the pandemic, Woolworths remains well-placed for growth in a post-pandemic world according to Goldman Sachs.

The broker is positive on the company and retained its buy rating and $43.60 price target on its shares this morning.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Woolworths Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Blue Chip Shares

A group of people in suits watch as a man puts his hand up to take the opportunity.
Blue Chip Shares

3 blue chip ASX 200 shares I'd happily buy and hold through the next decade

Looking for blue-chip buys? Here are three that could be destined for big things.

Read more »

A young man wearing glasses and a denim shirt sits at his desk and raises his fists and screams with delight.
Blue Chip Shares

2 ASX 200 blue chip shares that could rise 50%

Analysts believe these shares could be undervalued.

Read more »

A person holds strong behind their umbrella as they weather the oncoming storm.
Blue Chip Shares

Experts rate these 2 ASX blue-chip shares as strong buys this month

These ASX blue-chip shares could be compelling picks amid the volatility.

Read more »

A graphic of a pink rocket taking off above an increasing chart.
Opinions

2 great ASX 200 blue-chip shares I'd buy right now

I think these stocks are undervalued after the results.

Read more »

A man and woman sit next to each other looking at each other and feeling excited and surprised after reading good news about their shares on a laptop.
Blue Chip Shares

3 of the best blue chip ASX shares I'd buy in March

These three ASX leaders have survived cycles and kept delivering.

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
Blue Chip Shares

If I could only buy and hold a single ASX stock, this would be it

I want scale, innovation, and long-term demand. This company delivers all three.

Read more »

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
Blue Chip Shares

Why I'd buy CBA and these ASX 200 shares in March

After reviewing half-year results, these three ASX 200 shares strengthened my conviction.

Read more »

A woman looks nonplussed as she holds up a handful of Australian $50 notes.
Blue Chip Shares

5 ASX 200 blue chip stocks I would buy with $50,000

Market cycles come and go. I want businesses I can hold through all of them.

Read more »