The best ASX 200 stocks to own in 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, I'm less focused on predicting short-term market moves and more interested in owning businesses that can continue to compound value over time.

The ASX 200 is home to many of Australia's highest-quality companies, but only a subset combine scale, structural tailwinds, and clear strategic direction. With that in mind, here are the ASX 200 stocks I believe are well-positioned for the years ahead.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma Healthcare has quietly transformed into one of the most interesting defensive growth stories on the ASX, in my opinion.

The merger with Chemist Warehouse this year has brought together Sigma's national pharmaceutical distribution infrastructure with one of Australia's most powerful retail pharmacy brands. The result is a vertically integrated healthcare group with exposure across wholesale distribution, franchising, and retail.

With more than 880 franchised pharmacies under brands such as Chemist Warehouse, Amcal, and Discount Drug Stores, Sigma plays a critical role in ensuring Australians have access to medicines, regardless of where they live. Healthcare demand is structural rather than cyclical, which I think gives Sigma a level of resilience few sectors can match.

As integration benefits flow through and the group leverages its scale domestically and internationally, I think Sigma could deliver robust growth in 2026 and beyond.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

I think that Wesfarmers remains one of the ASX's most dependable blue chips.

Its diversified portfolio, spanning Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, industrial businesses, and health and wellness businesses, provides resilience across economic cycles. While its shares are not cheap, the company's disciplined capital allocation and long history of value creation make it a compelling long-term holding. I think this makes it deserving of its premium valuation.

For 2026, I see Wesfarmers as a steady compounder rather than a high-growth play.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA shares are rarely cheap, but high-quality banks seldom are.

Its scale, digital leadership, and dominant deposit base give it structural advantages over its peers. While its returns may be more modest from here, I think the nation's biggest bank remains attractive for investors seeking stability, reliable dividends, and exposure to Australia's financial system.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL offers global healthcare exposure that few ASX 200 stocks can match.

Operating in specialised areas of biotechnology with high barriers to entry, CSL benefits from long-term demand driven by ageing populations and ongoing medical innovation.

While its earnings can fluctuate, the company's pipeline and global scale make it a strong growth option for 2026.

In addition, as its shares have fallen heavily in 2025, investors are able to buy them on a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio that would be unfathomable 3 or 4 years ago.

The post The best ASX 200 stocks to own in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL, Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. 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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