Analysts reveal 3 ASX healthcare shares to sell

In FY26 so far, ASX 200 healthcare shares have fallen 4.1% while the benchmark index has lifted 4.6%.

| More on:
A male doctor wearing a white lab coat shrugs his shoulders and holds his hands up in the air looking confused

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

ASX 200 healthcare shares have endured a tough start to FY26.

Since 30 June, the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) has lost 4.1% of its value while the ASX 200 has lifted 4.6%.

FY25 was no party either, with ASX 200 healthcare shares falling 5.99% in value while delivering just a 1.38% dividend.

By contrast, the ASX 200 lifted 9.97% and delivered a 3.84% dividend on top.

In this article, we reveal three ASX healthcare shares with sell ratings, and explain why the experts are calling time on these stocks.

Analysts call time on 3 ASX healthcare shares

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and healthcare organisations around the world.

The ASX 200 healthcare darling closed the session yesterday at $302.38 per share, down 0.35%.

Peter Day of Sequoia Wealth Management has a sell rating on Pro Medicus shares.

Day said the company delivered FY25 results that were broadly in line with expectations.

On The Bull this week, Day summarised the key data:

Revenue from ordinary activities of $213 million was up 31.9 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Net profit of $115.2 million was up 39.2 per cent.

During the year, Pro Medicus announced $520 million in new contracts.

The Pro Medicus share price has risen from $176.88 on 7 April to $302.38 now.

Day said:

We retain our sell rating as we believe the company's valuation is stretched.

Our target price is $220, up from $165.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear develops, manufactures, and supplies hearing implants.

Morgans recommends that investors trim their position in this ASX 200 healthcare share after reviewing the company's FY25 report.

The broker said the FY25 result was "below expectations" and at the low end of guidance.

It said net profit was impacted by compressing margins and modest sales growth.

The broker raised its 12-month share price target to $299.54.

The Cochlear share price closed at $301.01 yesterday, down 0.41%.

Looking ahead to FY26, Morgans commented:

While Nexa's US launch should support CI demand through FY26, we caution against assuming uplift similar to prior product transitions, as Nexa is aimed at workflow efficiency and patient convenience rather than a step-change in hearing performance, so more of an evolutionary not revolutionary refinement that may take time to translate into material volume or margin gains.

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

Healius is a diagnostic pathology company.

The Healius share price leapt 12% to 94 cents per share yesterday.

Investors may be buying the dip on this ASX healthcare share, with no fresh price-sensitive news to explain the rise.

Healius shares took a 14% beating after the company released its FY25 results last Thursday.

Since then, the stock has roared back, rising 33.5% over the past three trading days.

Tony Paterno of Ord Minnett has a sell rating on this ASX healthcare share.

Paterno summarised the FY25 results (courtesy The Bull):

The company generated revenue of $1.34 billion in fiscal year 2025, up 5.7 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

However, underlying earnings before interest and tax of $17.1 million were down 27.2 per cent.

The company reported a net loss after tax of $151.2 million.

Paterno points out that Healius shares closed at $1.60 on 7 May, so there's been a 41% decline since then.

He concluded:

In our view, other companies offer better returns and brighter prospects.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Healthcare Shares

Up 680% since July, here's why 2025 was a breakout year for this hot ASX stock

With consistent contract wins, FDA clearance, and backing from Pro Medicus, 4D Medical is showing that there is a commercial…

Read more »

Shot of a senior scientist looking stressed out while working in a lab.
Healthcare Shares

After soaring 40% in 2 weeks, this ASX All Ords healthcare stock has been downgraded

Here’s what analysts at Macquarie rate the stock as now.

Read more »

A little boy, soon to be a brother, kisses and holds his mum's pregnant tummy.
Healthcare Shares

Own NIB shares? Here are the key dates for 2026

NIB has released its corporate calendar, including dividend dates, for 2026.

Read more »

A male doctor wearing a white lab coat shrugs his shoulders and holds his hands up in the air looking confused
Healthcare Shares

ASX healthcare stock debuts at a massive discount to its initial public offer price

Saluda Medical shares have had a difficult start to public life, trading well below the initial public offer price.

Read more »

Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it representing asx tech shares to buy today
Healthcare Shares

Why CSL shares now look 'massively oversold'

A leading investment expert says ASX investors have a rare chance to buy CSL shares at a discount.

Read more »

Scientists working in the laboratory and examining results.
Healthcare Shares

Which junior biotech's shares are flying on positive trial news?

This company's shares have surged higher after positive clinical trial results for its stroke treatment drug.

Read more »

Excited elderly woman on a swing.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX 300 healthcare share is lifting off on $25 million news

The ASX 300 healthcare share is grabbing investor interest on Thursday. Let’s see why.

Read more »

Female scientist working in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Doomed takeover bid for Mayne Pharma to come to an end

The Mayne Pharma takeover saga appears to be finally drawing to an end, with shareholders bearing the pain of the…

Read more »