Buy, hold, sell: Bapcor, Challenger, and DroneShield shares

Analysts have given their verdict on these shares this week. Are they bullish, bearish, or something in between?

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Are you looking for ASX shares to buy after this month's market weakness?

Well, if you are, let's see what analysts are saying about the popular shares in this article, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells? Let's find out:

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Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

The team Medallion Financial Group isn't a buyer of this auto parts retailer's shares despite an 80%+ decline over the past 12 months.

It highlights that the Autobarn and Burson owner's earnings momentum has deteriorated and its competitive position has weakened. As a result, it doesn't believe an earnings recovery will be swift and has named Bapcor shares as a sell. It said:

Bapcor is an aftermarket automotive parts provider. It operates the Autobarn, Burson and Autopro brands. Earnings momentum has deteriorated. While the automotive aftermarket is generally defensive, Bapcor's competitive position appears to have weakened and an earnings recovery may take time. The shares have fallen from $5.22 on July 14, 2025 to trade at 62.5 cents on March 19, 2026. Investors may be better served redeploying capital into stronger businesses with clearer growth momentum.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The team at DP Wealth Advisory thinks this annuities company's shares are a hold at current levels.

Commenting on its recommendation, it said:

Challenger is an annuity provider, operating in an appealing space given the Federal Government's focus on meeting the challenges of an ageing population. CGF posted record annuity sales of $3.8 billion in the first half of fiscal 2026, up 32 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Normalised net profit after tax of $229 million was up 2 per cent. Japanese life insurer TAL Dai-ichi holds a 19.9 per cent interest in CGF, which is positive for CGF. But the interest rate sensitive nature of the TAL business leaves me with a hold on CGF.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

Over at Alto Capital, it has named this strong-performing counter-drone technology company's shares as a sell this week.

Although positive the long-term outlook for counter-drone solutions, Alto Capital highlights that DroneShield shares have rallied very strongly over the past 12 months. It believes this means the risk/reward is now unfavourable for buyers. It explains:

DroneShield operates in the counter-drone defence technology sector, providing detection and mitigation systems used to protect military, government and critical infrastructure assets. The company has benefited from strong investor interest in defence and security technologies, with the share price rallying sharply over the past year in response to geopolitical tensions and intensifying defence spending narratives.

While the long term outlook for counter-drone solutions remains compelling, DroneShield's valuation increasingly reflects significant future growth expectations. Revenue remains contract-driven and can be uneven, with earnings visibility still developing as the company scales up globally. Following recent share price strength and a re-rating, the current risk-reward balance favours taking profits at present levels.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger. 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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