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

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:

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.

The post Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.