S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.4% to 8,795.4 points on Thursday.
The benchmark ASX 200 has slipped 2.9% from its record high of 9,054.5 points last month.
With this in mind, experts have identified two ASX 200 shares that are worth holding if you already own them, but not worth buying afresh.
Here's why.
2 ASX 200 shares with hold ratings
Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)
Ansell was among the market's highest risers post-results during last month's earnings season.
Ansell reported a 23.7% lift in reported sales to $2 billion and a 44.3% increase in EBIT to $282 million for FY25.
It was also among a bunch of companies that announced share buyback programs.
The ASX 200 healthcare share lifted 10.5% over two days after the report, and has given back 3.5% since then.
On The Bull this week, John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities revealed his hold rating on Ansell shares.
He explains:
The company is building durability, supported by strategic acquisitions that strengthen its global footprint in personal protection equipment.
Management has positioned ANN for steady performance and long term resilience.
In our view, investors should hold and monitor execution on acquisitions and earnings growth rather than initiating new positions at this stage.
Athanasiou is among several other brokers with hold ratings on this ASX 200 healthcare share.
Macquarie has a neutral rating on Ansell with a share price target of $33.50.
In a recent note, the broker said:
While we see medium-term EPS growth outlook as positive, we see this as adequately captured in the current share price.
Morgans has a hold rating on Ansell with a raised share price target of $34.64, up from $33.38.
In other news, the personal protective equipment manufacturer is one of the few ASX 200 firms to reveal its plans to mitigate US tariffs.
Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)
Also on The Bull, Dylan Evans from Catapult Wealth revealed a hold rating on this ASX 200 financial share.
Evans says Challenger is the leading provider of annuities in Australia.
Up until April, Challenger shares had been largely trading sideways for several years.
But Evan says there's some positive tailwinds today.
Last month, Challenger reported a 9% year-over-year increase in normalised net profit after tax (NPAT) and a 48% jump in statutory NPAT.
Its normalised basic earnings per share (EPS) was above target at 11.8%.
The ASX 200 financial share will pay a final dividend of 15 cents on 18 September.
The full-year dividend was 29.5 cents per share, fully franked, up 11% on last year.
The analyst commented:
We see additional demand potential as superannuation contributors move into annuities to seek consistent income.
Also, the Federal Government is pushing to mandate and promote alternative retirement income products, such as annuities.
Evans is not alone in his optimism.
Macquarie is more bullish, with an outperform rating on Challenger shares.
After the company's FY25 report, the broker raised its 12-month share price target from $9.30 to $9.60.
