Ansell vs Ampol: Which outperforming ASX 200 stock can keep climbing in 2026?

Ansell vs Ampol shares: Which outperforming ASX 200 stock can keep rallying?

When two ASX 200 heavyweights like Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) put in big runs, it’s natural for investors to weigh up which performer could shine brightest from here. Both companies have delivered strong gains in 2026 to date, stand head and shoulders in their respective sectors, and offer solid fundamentals—yet they’re very different beasts. Here’s my take on how these two stocks stack up right now.

The case for Ansell

Ansell is a global provider of protective gloves and bodywear, primarily serving healthcare and industrial sectors. With extensive patents and a broad suite of established brands, it sells products in over 100 countries. Most of Ansell’s revenue, as highlighted in its company profile, comes from its healthcare division, while its industrial segment rounds out the rest. Its footprint is truly international, with a strong focus on North America.

A couple of key fundamentals stand out:

• Market cap: $6.41 billion
• P/E ratio: 21.73
• Year to date return: 31.7% (rounded)
• Ansell pays a dividend, though at 2.12% yield and with no franking, it’s on the modest side by ASX standards. The current dividend per share is $1.16. EPS sits at 1.451.

Interestingly, Ansell’s dividend history shows a long-term commitment to distributions, but none have been franked in recent years. Its share price has enjoyed a robust surge so far this year, reflecting upbeat sentiment.

The case for Ampol

Ampol is Australia’s largest petroleum refiner and distributor, running around 2,000 branded service stations nationwide. Previously known as Caltex, it’s now standalone after Chevron’s exit. Ampol’s business covers the refining, distribution, and retailing of fuel and lubricants. It also operates in New Zealand and owns a stake in a leading Philippines fuel company.

Notable highlights from its latest fundamentals:

• Market cap: $10.37 billion (considerably bigger than Ansell)
• P/E ratio: 7.05
• Year to date return: 43.4% (rounded)
• Ampol pays a substantially higher dividend—with a yield of 5.65% (fully franked, which matters to many local investors). The reported dividend per share is $3.70, while EPS is a solid 6.148.

Ampol’s fully franked dividends and sector-leading yield make it a drawcard for income investors, while its massive YTD return shows it’s not just a yield play—momentum is strong.

Valuation comparison

There are several stark differences to weigh up. Here’s a head-to-head of the main numbers:

It’s worth noting the sector context here. Ansell, in healthcare/industrial supplies, tends to have higher valuation multiples than the capital-intensive energy sector Ampol occupies. Still, the P/E gap is gaping.

Ampol’s fully franked, high-yield dividends may appeal strongly to investors relying on tax-effective income. In contrast, Ansell’s dividends are not franked, which may be less attractive for some.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to 14 October 2026:

• As of 14 Oct 2026, Ansell closed at $45.56. Its share price climbed from $42.16 (17 Sep 2026) to $45.56 (14 Oct 2026) — a gain of roughly 8.1% across this period, contributing to a strong year-to-date return of 31.7%.
• As of 14 Oct 2026, Ampol closed at $43.51. It rose from $43.13 (17 Sep 2026) to $43.51 (14 Oct 2026), a far more modest uptick of around 0.9% over the same stretch, but its year-to-date return is an impressive 43.4% — easily outpacing Ansell for 2026 overall.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m picking which outperforming ASX 200 stock looks set to keep on rallying, I’d lean toward Ampol. The numbers really pop: a P/E far below Ansell’s, robust EPS, and a hefty, fully franked yield of 5.65%. Its share price has already leapt 43.4% this year—and it’s kicking out reliable, tax-effective income at the same time.

Ansell’s strong global business and defensive healthcare exposure are commendable and its shares have performed well, but it trades at a much higher multiple, offers a lower yield, and its dividends aren’t franked. For investors seeking growth plus income, Ampol’s combination of momentum, value, and yield stands out even more.

Of course, sector differences matter—resource-based earnings can be volatile—but right now, based on fundamentals and price action in the data supplied, my pick would be Ampol.

The post Ansell vs Ampol: Which outperforming ASX 200 stock can keep climbing in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in Ansell. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.