Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Westpac, and Woolworths shares

If you are looking for some portfolio additions, then it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the ASX 200 shares in this article, courtesy of The Bull.

Do they rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Shaw and Partners is positive on this conglomerate and has named it as a buy this week.

The broker believes that the Bunnings and Kmart owner is one of Australia’s best managed companies and positioned to continue delivering long term value. It said:

This industrial conglomerate remains one of the best managed companies in Australia. Its management team consistently demonstrates smart capital allocation and a disciplined acquisition strategy amid maintaining a strong oversight on operations across its diverse group of businesses. This quality of leadership gives me confidence that Wesfarmers can continue delivering long term value, even through changing economic conditions.

Its diversified revenue streams across retail, chemicals and industrial operations also provide resilience that few companies can match. The company posted its first half results for fiscal year 2026 on February 19. Revenue of $24.212 billion was up 3.1 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Statutory net profit after tax of $1.603 billion increased 9.3 per cent.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Over at Catapult Wealth, its analysts were pleased with the banking giant’s quarterly update.

However, due to bank stock valuations looking stretched, it has put a hold rating on Westpac’s shares. It said:

The bank’s first quarter update in fiscal year 2026 was positive, with profit growth of 6 per cent, excluding notable items, tracking ahead of consensus. The bank’s cost cutting program has the potential to boost earnings. Upside potential is backed by one of the best balance sheets in the sector, and a strong retail banking franchise. Despite the positives, Westpac and the broader banking sector remain relatively expensive given modest growth expectations, so it’s difficult to make a case for an overweight allocation.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The team at Shaw and Partners is also positive on supermarket giant Woolworths. The broker has named it as a buy this week.

Its analysts like Woolworths due to its defensive earnings and investments in digital shopping, supply chain improvements, and customer experience. It said:

The supermarket giant’s revenue base is remarkably consistent, supported by everyday essential spending. Even during softer economic periods, consumers continue to prioritise groceries and household staples, which helps stabilise WOW’s earnings. The company’s ongoing investment in digital shopping, supply chain improvements and customer experience initiatives should continue to support dependable, long term performance.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Westpac, and Woolworths shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 reasons to buy Wesfarmers shares today
• 3 of the best Aussie stocks I would buy
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 blue chip shares today
• Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Wesfarmers shares
• 2 more ASX 200 blue chip stocks that increased dividends this week

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. 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.