Buy, hold, sell: Mesoblast, Mineral Resources, and Woolworths shares

Brokers have been busy running the rule over a number of updates in recent days.

After reviewing the updates, let’s see if they are bullish, bearish, or something in between on the ASX shares listed below.

Here’s what you need to know:

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Bell Potter is becoming increasingly positive on this biotech company. Last week, it reaffirmed its speculative buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

The broker highlights that Mesoblast’s future is looking brighter than ever. It said:

We maintain our Buy rating and PT of $4.50. At the very least, today’s cash flow result should provide shareholders with confidence that MSB can generate earnings and cash flow positive operations from sales of Ryoncil alone.

The company’s future is looking brighter than ever with revenues expanding and new product approvals now well advanced for heart failure and chronic lower back pain. FY26 revenues and earnings are largely unchanged. FY27 revenues are downgraded by 16% following adjustments for Ryoncil revenues and recognition of milestone income related to CLBP. Valuation is maintained at $4.45 and we retain our Buy (Speculative) rating.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Over at Morgans, its analysts are positive on this mining and mining services company. However, not quite enough to recommend its shares as a buy. The broker has an accumulate rating and $71.00 price target on them.

In response to its strong quarterly update, the broker said:

Strong 3Q26 beat against expectations led by Onslow and lithium. FY26 guidance upgraded marginally across Mining Services, Onslow, Wodgina and Mt Marion. Diesel headwinds are emerging but remain contained. No supply risk currently but cost inflation is apparent. Compelling outlook supported by continued deleveraging and commodity prices. Maintain ACCUMULATE with a A$71ps target price (previously A$67ps).

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Morgans has become more optimistic on this supermarket giant. Last week, the broker upgraded Woolworths shares to an accumulate rating with a $37.30 price target.

While higher costs are weighing on profitability, Morgans thinks that absorbing higher costs is the right move to win market share in a value-conscious market. It said:

WOW’s 3Q26 sales trading update was mixed. Strong sales growth was offset by softer FY26 earnings guidance for Australian Food and NZ Food, as management chose to absorb higher fuel costs and invest in pricing. Management noted that value is becoming increasingly important, as customers become more cautious amid rising cost-of-living pressures. We reduce group FY26-28F underlying EBIT marginally by 1%. Our target price remains unchanged at $37.30. With a 12-month forecast TSR of 12%, we upgrade our rating to ACCUMULATE (from HOLD).

While absorbing higher costs and investing in pricing will weigh on margins in the near term, we believe this is the right strategy in the long-term as WOW works to improve its value perception with customers. These are levers within management’s control, and improving sales and volume momentum indicates the strategy is resonating. In an uncertain macro environment with soft consumer sentiment, WOW’s dominant market position and relatively defensive characteristics should support steady and resilient earnings growth.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Mesoblast, Mineral Resources, and Woolworths shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.