The Australian share market is home to a number of high-quality stocks that could be great buy and hold picks for investors.
To narrow things down, let's take a look at three that analysts rate very highly. They are as follows:
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)
Few companies on the ASX have the pedigree of CSL. This biotechnology giant has built a formidable global business around life-saving therapies, including plasma-derived products, flu vaccines, and iron deficiency treatments.
CSL's global distribution network, world-class R&D capabilities, and consistent reinvestment into innovation give it a sustainable edge. It has also expanded meaningfully in recent years through acquisitions like Vifor Pharma, positioning itself to tap into multiple major healthcare markets.
Overall, CSL's long-term story is compelling. It is a global leader in a mission-critical industry, with strong pricing power and demand tailwinds that could support decades of compounding returns.
Macquarie is bullish on CSL and has an outperform rating and $360.30 price target on its shares.
NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)
Data is the new oil — and this Australian stock is building the infrastructure to store, secure, and move it. As a leading operator of carrier-neutral data centres across Australia, NextDC plays a critical role in enabling cloud computing, AI development, and digital services.
Demand for high-performance data storage and compute power continues to rise exponentially. NextDC is well-positioned to capture this tailwind, with new facilities being developed in Sydney, Melbourne and beyond.
Backed by strong customer demand from hyperscalers, enterprise clients, and government agencies, NextDC's recurring revenue model and operating leverage give it substantial growth potential over the next decade.
Morgans is very positive on its outlook. So much so, it has put a buy rating and $18.80 price target on its shares.
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
A final Australian stock to buy and hold could be WiseTech. It has emerged as a global leader in logistics software, with its flagship CargoWise platform used by many of the world's biggest freight forwarders and logistics providers.
The company's software simplifies and automates complex global supply chain operations. It integrates everything from customs compliance to warehouse management into a single platform, helping customers operate more efficiently across borders.
WiseTech enjoys strong network effects — the more customers it adds, the more valuable the platform becomes. With a capital-light model, high margins, and long-term contracts, the company has plenty of room to grow globally while maintaining healthy returns.
Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating and $140.00 price target on its shares.
