2 stocks I'd invest £1,000 in for retirement

Finding shares with bright, long-term futures can be tough. After all, it's difficult to accurately predict which sectors and industries will offer strong growth in future years. However, by focusing on a company's track record of growth and its strategy, it may be possible to unearth stocks that have a good chance of posting high returns for many years.

With that in mind, here are two companies which could be worth buying today, providing high returns in the coming years.

Impressive outlook

Reporting on Friday was integrated veterinary services CVS Group(LSE: CVSG). The company's first half results saw a rise in sales of 21.9%, with like-for-like (LFL) sales up 5.6%. This helped to boost profitability, with adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) moving 15.5% higher versus the previous year.

It was a busy period for the company, acquiring 30 surgeries during the period at a total cost of £30.2m. The related cost contributed to a fall in adjusted earnings of 6.5% and its net debt levels increased by 16.9% during the period. In response to this (and to allow it to pursue further acquisitions), the company announced a placing of up to 6.391m shares at not less than 1050p per share. As a result, its share price fell by 9% following the news.

Looking ahead, CVS Group is expected to deliver earnings growth of 15% this year, followed by 8% next year. The company's business model of growth via acquisitions has a solid track record, with it having delivered double digit earnings growth in each of the last four years. As such, it appears to be a stock ready to generate further share price growth after its 500% gain in the last five years.

Resilient growth

Also offering high total return potential in the long run is Reckitt Benckiser(LSE: RB). The consumer goods specialist has been able to develop a strong presence in various product categories and geographies, but its growth engine could prove to be the emerging world. The growth in wages and consumerism in countries such as China is expected to continue for many years, and the company has a strong foothold in such areas.

Reckitt Benckiser is forecast to grow its bottom line by 8% both in the current year and next year. While not a particularly high rate of growth, the company has a diversity and resilience that means it could prove to be highly consistent. This could mean it has a relatively impressive risk/reward ratio that could tempt investors to buy it - especially with stock markets set for turbulence following the recent correction.

As such, the company seems to be a solid growth opportunity for the long run. It may not be the fastest-growing stock in the FTSE 100, but it may be one of the most consistent.

Making a million

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Peter Stephens owns shares in CVS Group and Reckitt Benckiser. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Reckitt Benckiser. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

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