Buy, hold, sell: Medibank, PLS, and Woolworths shares

Analysts have given their verdicts on these shares. Are they bullish or bearish?

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Key points
  • Medibank gets a cautious "hold" from Shaw and Partners as they assess its leap into health services with Better Medical, all while posting a decent 8.5% rise in net profit.
  • Bell Potter casts a wary eye on PLS Group, cautioning against potential overvaluation amidst lithium price uncertainties, calling for a "sell" on the back of its recent rally.
  • With a "buy" tag, Woolworths finds itself in Bell Potter's favour as it hints at recovery with improving business momentum and solid cash flow after a tough patch.

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the Australian share market.

To narrow things down, let's look at what analysts are saying about a few popular options, courtesy of The Bull. Here's what you need to know:

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Image source: Getty Images

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)

Shaw and Partners isn't recommending investors buy health insurance giant Medicare just yet.

In response to its acquisition of Better Medical, the broker has put a hold rating on Medibank's shares. It said:

MPL is a private health insurer. Medibank Private has entered into an agreement to acquire Better Medical, for about $159 million, highlighting its pivot into health services. The acquisition brings a network of 61 GP and medical clinics to MPL from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. The company has  also strengthened governance and leadership after appointing new non-executive directors.

MPL generated group revenue from external customers of $8.604 billion in fiscal year 2025, an increase of 5.2 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax of $618.7 million was up 8.5 per cent. The fully franked dividend of 18 cents in fiscal year 2025 was up 8.4 per cent.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Over at Bell Potter, its analysts think that this lithium miner's strong gains means that its shares are overvalued at current levels.

Especially given the risk of lithium prices staying lower for longer. It has put a sell rating on its shares. Commenting on PLS Group, which was previously known as Pilbara Minerals, the broker said:

Formerly Pilbara Minerals, this lithium miner's operational performance remains sound. Despite a strong balance sheet and long term tailwinds from electric vehicles and energy storage, lithium supplies exceed demand in the short term and overshadow any catalysts. The recent share price rally has run stronger than most share market experts expected, with the stock still pricing in a cyclical rebound. Downside risk remains if lithium prices stay lower for longer.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

One ASX share that Bell Potter is recommending as a buy is supermarket giant Woolworths.

It is feeling positive about the company after its recent update showed signs of stabilisation. It said:

After a challenging period marked by margin pressure and earnings downgrades, Woolworths is showing early signs of stabilisation. Recent trading updates indicate improving momentum in core divisions, particularly Australian Food and B2B (Business-to-Business), suggesting the worst may be behind WOW. Given the supermarket giant generates solid cash flow, WOW stands out among consumer staples. As market sentiment improves, so too should investor confidence in the group's earnings outlook.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. 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 positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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