The best Australian stocks to buy in 2026

There are a lot of Australian stocks out there for investors to choose from. So many, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy over others.

To narrow things down, let's take a look at three of the best according to brokers. Here's what they are recommending:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat Leisure is no longer just a traditional gaming machine manufacturer. Over recent years, the company has successfully transformed into a global gaming content and technology business, with exposure across regulated land-based gaming, online real money gaming, and social casino games.

Its Product Madness division has become a major growth engine, generating high-margin, recurring revenue from popular mobile titles enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. Meanwhile, Aristocrat's core gaming operations continue to benefit from scale, strong intellectual property, and deep relationships with casino operators.

Looking to 2026, Aristocrat's diversified revenue base and global footprint give it multiple levers for growth, while its balance sheet strength allows continued investment in content, technology, and strategic opportunities.

Bell Potter is bullish on Aristocrat. It has a buy rating and $80.00 price target on its shares.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group remains one of the ASX's most compelling long-term growth stories, even after years of strong performance. The industrial property specialist sits at the centre of several powerful structural trends, including e-commerce, logistics optimisation, data centre expansion, and artificial intelligence-driven demand for digital infrastructure.

Goodman's ability to develop high-quality assets for blue-chip customers, combined with its capital-light funds management model, provides a strong foundation for earnings growth. Its development pipeline and exposure to data centres are particularly attractive as global demand for computing power continues to rise.

For 2026, Goodman offers a combination of defensive characteristics, recurring income, and meaningful growth potential, which is why it continues to feature on many broker buy lists.

Morgan Stanley has it on its list. It has an overweight rating and $41.50 price target on its shares.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip is a higher-risk, higher-reward option, but one that could surprise to the upside if conditions fall into place. After a difficult period marked by rising interest rates and tighter credit conditions, this Australian stock has rapidly (and successfully) shifted its focus toward profitability, cost discipline, and its core markets.

The company has been simplifying its operations, exiting less attractive regions, and sharpening its product offering. As consumer sentiment improves, Zip's growth could go up another gear in 2026. Especially given the increasing popularity of buy now pay later in the United States.

Macquarie is feeling very bullish on the company's outlook. It recently put an outperform rating and $4.85 price target on its shares.

The post The best Australian stocks to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. 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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