CSL and more blue-chip ASX 200 bargains I'd buy before 2026

Here's why I think these shares could be cheap buys before the end of the year.

| More on:
A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • CSL's recent share price dip, driven by factors like slower margin recovery and external uncertainties, presents a rare buying opportunity due to its enduring strengths in plasma, R&D, and specialty medicines that position it well for long-term growth.
  • Macquarie's diversified financial prowess across asset management, banking, and commodities makes its current lower valuation appealing, as its adaptable business model is geared for sustained growth amid economic fluctuations and strategic investments.
  • Despite current challenges, Woolworths stands as an attractive large-cap opportunity with its resilient business model in essentials spending, expanding digital initiatives, and potential margin recovery, making it a compelling buy at its current discounted share price.

The ASX has spent most of 2025 swinging between optimism and anxiety, with inflation scares, rate hike speculation, and an AI-driven tech wobble keeping investors on edge.

But beneath is a rare opportunity to buy several high-quality ASX 200 blue chip shares at meaningful discounts.

Here are three bargains I'd be buying today.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is rarely cheap. For most of the last decade, the biotech giant traded at a premium thanks to its global leadership in plasma therapies, vaccines, and emerging specialty medicines. But 2025 has been an unusually bumpy year. Slower margin recovery at CSL Behring, uncertainty around the Seqirus spin-off, falling influenza vaccine rates, and concerns about potential US tariff impacts have pushed its share price down by over a third.

What hasn't changed is the company's long-term earnings power. Plasma collection volumes are rising, CSL's R&D engine remains strong, and its therapy pipeline is expanding.

Trading on a valuation rarely seen for CSL, for long-term investors this could be a buying opportunity that doesn't come around very often.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie's reputation as Australia's financial powerhouse wasn't built on smooth economic cycles. It was built through the company's ability to generate growing profits whatever the market throws at it.

That's why the current weakness in its share price, is looking like an opportunity. Macquarie has four engines: asset management, banking, commodities, and investment banking. When one slows, another usually accelerates. The company has also positioned itself for the next decade through investments in renewables, digital infrastructure, and global energy transition assets.

For investors with patience, buying Macquarie during periods of temporary earnings softness has historically paid off handsomely. I believe the same could happen for investors buying at today's levels.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Finally, I think Woolworths has quietly become one of the more attractive large-cap opportunities on the ASX after a challenging 12 months. The retailer has been under pressure due to consumers trading down, competition from Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), and higher operating costs. But these headwinds are cyclical, not structural.

Woolworths still owns one of the most defensible business models in the country. Food and essentials spending remain remarkably resilient, and it continues to grow its digital footprint, loyalty program, and supply-chain efficiencies.

So, with the share price sitting well below its 52-week high and margins set to recover as cost pressures ease, Woolworths could be a top blue chip pick in the current market.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Blue Chip Shares

A happy couple drinking red wine in a vineyard.
Blue Chip Shares

What can investors expect from Treasury Wines' update tomorrow?

Tomorrow’s announcement is shaping up to be one of the most consequential updates in years for Treasury Wine Estates.

Read more »

man in old fashioned suit and hat looking through magnifying glass
Blue Chip Shares

Is the CSL share price a generational bargain at $180?

CSL shares are currently trading near a 7-year low.

Read more »

Machinery at a mine site.
Blue Chip Shares

BHP signs US$2 billion deal: Here's the key takeaway

Let’s take a look at what was announced.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Blue Chip Shares

Buy, hold, sell: Medibank, Qantas, and Xero shares

Let's see what analysts are saying about these popular blue chip shares.

Read more »

Man holding out $50 and $100 notes in his hands, symbolising ex dividend.
Blue Chip Shares

2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields

Defensive businesses with big yields could be strong choices today…

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Blue Chip Shares

2 big ASX 200 shares this fund manager rates as buys

These large businesses could be strong contenders for returns.

Read more »

A fit woman in workout gear flexes her muscles with two bigger people flexing behind her, indicating growth.
Blue Chip Shares

3 ASX blue-chip shares I'd buy with $3,000 right now

These big stocks have a strong market position. Here’s why they’re buys…

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Blue Chip Shares

3 high-quality ASX 200 shares now trading at multi-year discounts

These shares could be dirt cheap according to analysts.

Read more »