Why it's time to sell IAG and 2 other ASX 200 financial shares: brokers

Tony Paterno from Ord Minnett and Toby Grimm from Baker Young have sell ratings on these stocks.

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Two experts say it's time to sell Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) and two other ASX 200 financial shares.

But it's for the best possible reason.

In terms of share price growth, they've shot the lights out, and these brokers say it's best to cash in some of those gains at this point.

Here are their views.

Why sell these 3 ASX 200 financial shares?

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The IAG share price is $8.52, up 0.12% on Tuesday.

The ASX 200 financial share hit a record high of $9.21 on 31 January.

IAG shares plunged in February because investors were dissatisfied with the 91% profit increase reported for the 1H FY25.

The insurance giant rebounded, though, and returned to near-record levels last month, touching $9.18 per share on 24 June.

Toby Grimm from Baker Young said IAG had a great run during the high inflation period when it put up its insurance premiums.

But he reckons change is afoot.

Grimm comments (courtesy of The Bull):

The insurance giant has recently enjoyed ideal operating conditions with relatively low competition, strong premium increases at a time of subdued claims and rising interest returns on reserves.

Undoubtedly, this mix is good for as long as it lasts, but we see far more scope for deterioration than improvement and would be looking to lock in the healthy profits made to date.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

HUB24 operates an investment and superannuation platform.

The Hub24 share price has risen from $46.98 on 4 July last year to hit an all-time high of $95.29 this morning.

Tony Paterno from Ord Minnett says the company has reported impressive growth in funds under management.

Paterno comments:

Platform funds under administration (FUA) rose to $102.5 billion at the end of third quarter of fiscal year 2025, up 29 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

FUA for portfolio, administration and reporting services rose 6 per cent to $21.6 billion.

Despite being a fan of the company, Paterno has a sell rating on this ASX 200 financial share.

He explains:

We remain strong supporters of the HUB business, but given the share price appreciation, we believe our positive investment thesis is factored into the current valuation.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth operates a wealth management business and also offers superannuation and investment administration platforms.

This ASX 200 financial share has also booked very strong gains over the past year.

The Netwealth share price also hit a record high in early trading on Tuesday, touching $34.97.

Paterno has a sell rating on Netwealth shares, warning that platform operators should be viewed as cyclicals.

He explains:

Netwealth will continue to benefit from changes in market structure that are driving an increasing uptake of specialist investment platforms over in-house administration systems.

However, platform operators should be viewed as market cyclicals, where fund flows and funds under administration metrics, including valuation multiples, are inextricably linked to broader market sentiment.

The analyst points to the ASX 200 financial share's recent price surge.

NWL shares have risen from $22.17 on April 7 to trade at $33.64 on July 3.

Given the rapid rise, investors may want to consider cashing in some gains at these levels.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Hub24 and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. 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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