Take your profits now! Brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell

Experts have put sell ratings on 3 stocks with limited upside left after recent price runs.

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Key points

  • Despite strong recent performance, experts have issued sell ratings on three ASX 200 shares, citing limited short-term upside.
  • NextDC is considered overpriced, vulnerable to correction if AI demand slows, while Austal's high valuation amidst sector volatility suggests profit-taking might be wise.
  • Transurban Group, largely range-bound, presents downside risk, according to experts.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.34% to 8,833 points on Tuesday.

On The Bull this week, two experts put sell ratings on three shares that have had strong price runs in recent times.

They see little upside left in the short term and say it may be time for investors to take profits if that suits their personal objectives.

Let's take a look.

3 ASX 200 shares with limited upside left

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC shares are currently 0.7% higher at $17.38 apiece.

The NextDC share price has risen 36% over six months, and went close to its 52-week high of $18.10 last month.

Mark Gardner from MPC Markets has a sell rating on this ASX 200 tech share.

Gardner said:

In our view, the company is priced beyond perfection, with its valuation hinging on relentless artificial intelligence-driven demand.

Any slowing in AI demand, possibly in response to companies deferring investments due to global economic uncertainty, leaves NXT exposed to a correction.

We would be inclined to cash in some gains at these levels.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

Stock in this defence shipbuilder is currently 1.7% lower at $7.89 apiece.

The Austal share price has risen 192% over the past 12 months.

Austal shares reached a new record high of $8.57 earlier this month.

Gardner also has a sell rating on this ASX 200 defence share.

The company generated revenue of $1.823 billion in fiscal year 2025, up 24.1 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Earnings before interest and tax of $113.4 million were up 100.8 per cent.

The company has benefited from increasing global tensions and increased military spending.

Its shipbuilding expertise positions it as a key player, but the defence sector's cyclical nature and reliance on government contracts adds volatility.

It operates in a fiercely competitive industry, so investors may want to consider taking some profits at these levels.

We believe the stock's premium valuation will be challenging to sustain.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban shares are currently $14.47, down 0.31% today.

The Transurban share price has risen 12% over the past six months. It reached a 52-week high of $14.94 last month.

Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities says it's time to sell this ASX 200 industrial share.

The share price has been largely range bound for several years and, in my view, was recently at the top of its trading range.

In my view, the shares are vulnerable to downside towards the lower end of its trading range near $12.

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 Austal and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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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