Top Stocks to Buy in 2026: Vikas Sethi's Picks Across Diverse Sectors
Market expert Vikas Sethi has shared a curated list of buy and hold stock ideas for investors, covering sectors such as shipping, engineering and construction, renewable energy, telecom, railways, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, real estate, food processing, electrical equipment, and banking. The recommendations are based on current market prices (CMPs), stock-specific fundamentals, and the broader medium- to long-term outlook for these sectors. While a few stocks are positioned as buys with defined upside potential, several others are marked as holds, suggesting investors stay invested amid stable business prospects and evolving sector trends.
Shipping Corporation of India is one of the standout picks in the shipping sector. With a strong fleet and a strategic focus on international trade, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the recovery in global shipping demand. The stock is currently trading at a reasonable valuation, making it an attractive buy for long-term investors.
In the engineering and construction sector, Engineers India Limited stands out. Known for its robust project execution capabilities and a diverse portfolio of ongoing and upcoming projects, the company is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. The stock is currently a buy, with a potential upside driven by new project wins and improved operational efficiency.
Renewable energy is another key area of focus, with companies like ReNew Power and Greenko Energy leading the charge. Both companies have a strong presence in the renewable energy market and are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy solutions. ReNew Power, in particular, is a strong buy, with a solid project pipeline and a commitment to sustainable growth.
In the telecom sector, Bharti Airtel is a top pick. Despite intense competition and regulatory challenges, the company has shown resilience and continues to invest in its network and digital services. The stock is a buy, with a strong potential for long-term value creation driven by subscriber growth and new revenue streams.
The railways sector is also seeing significant investment, with companies like RITES Limited and IRCON International leading the way. Both companies are involved in major infrastructure projects and are expected to benefit from the government's push for modernizing the railway network. RITES Limited, in particular, is a strong hold, with stable business prospects and a steady stream of new projects.
In the chemicals sector, companies like Gujarat Fluorochemicals and Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals are worth considering. Both companies have a strong market presence and are well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for specialty chemicals and fertilizers. Gujarat Fluorochemicals is a buy, with a strong product portfolio and a focus on innovation.
The pharmaceuticals sector is another area of interest, with companies like Divi's Laboratories and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories leading the pack. Both companies have a strong presence in the global pharmaceutical market and are expected to see significant growth in the coming years. Divi's Laboratories is a buy, with a robust pipeline of new products and a focus on research and development.
Real estate is a sector that requires careful consideration, given the cyclical nature of the market. Companies like Sri Lotus Developers and Realty are currently a hold, with the real estate cycle expected to improve in the medium term. Investors should stay invested in these stocks for the long term, as the sector is likely to see a recovery driven by improving economic conditions and government support.
Food processing is another sector with significant growth potential, with companies like Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable and Britannia Industries leading the way. Both companies have a strong market presence and are well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for processed foods. Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable is a buy, with a strong product portfolio and a focus on quality.
Electrical equipment is a sector that is seeing significant investment, with companies like BHEL and Crompton Greaves leading the way. Both companies have a strong market presence and are expected to see significant growth in the coming years. BHEL is a buy, with a strong order book and a focus on renewable energy solutions.
Banking is a sector that requires careful consideration, given the regulatory challenges and economic uncertainty. Companies like HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are strong holds, with stable business models and a focus on digital transformation. Investors should stay invested in these stocks for the long term, as the sector is likely to see a recovery driven by improving economic conditions and regulatory support.
In conclusion, Vikas Sethi's curated list of stocks to buy and hold offers a diverse range of opportunities across various sectors. While some stocks are positioned as buys with defined upside potential, others are marked as holds, suggesting investors stay invested amid stable business prospects and evolving sector trends. Investors should carefully consider the recommendations and conduct their own research before making investment decisions.
