Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares

Are analysts bullish, bearish, or something in the middle with these ASX shares?

| More on:

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

There are countless ASX shares out there to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let's see what analysts are saying about three big names, courtesy of The Bull.

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

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.

Image source: Getty Images

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

The team at Shaw and Partners is bullish on this investment management company and has named it as a buy this week.

The broker likes the L1 Long Short Fund due to its highly regarded investment team and strong track record. It also highlights that it could be a good option for investors looking for a combination of growth and income. The broker explains:

LSF offers exposure to global growth opportunities through a highly regarded investment team with a strong long term track record. Management has meaningful personal investment in the fund, aligning interests with investors. The portfolio blends long and short positions, aiming to generate returns across all market cycles. Recent performance has been supported by global equity exposure. The fund also offers a solid income stream, making it an attractive option for growth and income in a diversified portfolio.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

Shaw and Partners is sitting on the fence when it comes to this wholesale distributor. It has named Metcash shares as a hold this week.

While the broker acknowledges that Metcash is a quality defensive business, it isn't enough for a more positive rating right now. It said:

Metcash remains a quality defensive business with diverse earnings across food, liquor and hardware. Its strong customer network provides consistent cash flow and resilience during economic uncertainty. Recent updates show stable margins despite increasing cost pressures, and the company continues to generate an attractive dividend yield. While growth is modest, its defensive characteristics and reliable income stream support a hold position. It remains well positioned to benefit from steady consumer demand.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Over at Investor Pulse, its team has named Wesfarmers shares as a hold this week.

It thinks that it is worth holding onto the Bunnings owner even in the current economic environment. This is due to the resilient earnings that its market-leading businesses generate. Investor Pulse explains:

Wesfarmers is a diversified industrial conglomerate. It owns market leading businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks, generating resilient earnings, even in softer economic conditions. We believe it makes sense to hold Wesfarmers given it generated net profit after tax of $1.603 billion in the first half of 2026, up 9.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Revenue of $24.2 billion was up 3.1 per cent. Bunnings and Kmart continued delivering strong sales growth. The group also lifted its fully franked interim dividend by 7.4 per cent to $1.02 a share, highlighting confidence in cash generation and balance sheet strength.

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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Broker Notes

Macquarie says this Gina Rinehart-backed miner could pile on more than 150% in value

A big jump in rare earths resources has the analysts interested.

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Broker Notes

Data centre work could help drive this ASX industrial stock to a record high

This company has a track record of strong growth.

Read more »

A view of competitors in a running event, some wearing number bibs, line up together on a starting line looking ahead as if to start a race.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Sonic Healthcare, AMP, CBA shares

Let's start the week with some fresh ratings from the experts. 

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Group of people toasting with wine
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Transurban, Orora, Treasury Wine Estates shares

Here's what top broker Morgans thinks of these 3 ASX 200 shares following their FY26 reports.

Read more »

Businessman studying a high technology holographic stock market chart.
Broker Notes

8 ASX 200 shares with fresh buy ratings this week

Brokers retained a positive view on Westpac, Sonic Healthcare, Minerals 260, and other shares.

Read more »

Woman working on her laptop at a café.
Broker Notes

7 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week

Brokers reduced their ratings on IAG, Seek, Woolworths, and other ASX 200 stocks.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Broker Notes

Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy

The broker has good things to say about these shares. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »