Warning! Experts name 3 ASX 200 giants to sell today

Two leading experts are calling time on these three top ASX 200 stocks. But why?

| More on:
Time to sell ASX 200 shares written on a clock.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Experts suggest selling these ASX 200 blue chips despite their strong performance, as their valuations are seen as overextended.
  • Analysts cite concerns over fully valued share prices for one ASX 200 stock with a high price-earnings ratio and limited growth catalysts; the other is tipped as a sell due to its premium valuation against peers and expected moderation in earnings.
  • The third ASX 200 stock's rapid share price increase is seen as unsustainable amid expected pressures on discretionary spending, prompting recommendations to secure profits while risks outweigh rewards.

It may be time to take profits on three outperforming S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) giants.

That's according to Medallion Financial Group's Philippe Bui and Family Financial Solutions' Jabin Hallihan, who believe the year ahead won't be nearly as lucrative for shareholders as the year just past (courtesy of The Bull).

The ASX 200 giants in question are Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), which has a market cap of almost $102 billion; Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), the biggest company on the ASX with a market cap of almost $289 billion; and JB Hi Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH), with a market cap of almost $13 billion.

All three companies have enjoyed a year of strong outperformance.

Atop the dividends all three stocks pay, over the past 12 months, CBA shares are up 19.3%; Wesfarmers shares have gained 26.3%; and JB Hi-Fi shares have rocketed 41.7%.

Now, here's why these two investment pros think it's time to hit the sell button.

ASX 200 stocks on the chopping block

"Wesfarmers is a high-quality conglomerate with leading brands, including Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks, but its share price now looks fully valued after a strong multi-year run," said Medallion Financial Group's Bui, who has a sell recommendation on this ASX 200 giant.

According to Bui:

Recently trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio of about 34 times and a modest dividend yield below 3%, the stock commands a premium multiple that's difficult to justify given subdued retail sales, rising cost pressures and softer consumer sentiment.

While Bunnings continues to perform, discretionary divisions like Kmart and Target face tighter household budgets and margin headwinds. The balance sheet remains strong, but near-term growth catalysts are limited.

Bui also has a sell recommendation on CBA shares.

"CBA is Australia's strongest major bank, boasting market leadership, exceptional profitability and a rock solid balance sheet, but its valuation has run ahead of fundamentals," he said of the ASX 200 banking giant.

Bui noted:

Given a recent price/earnings ratio of about 27 times, the stock trades at a significant premium to peers, such as National Australia Bank and ANZ. We expect earnings momentum to subside as loan growth moderates and net interest margins peak.

Also tipped as a sell

Family Financial Solutions' Jabin Hallihan believes the JB Hi-Fi share price has run too hot too quickly.

"The share price of this consumer electronics giant has defied the expectations of many market watchers for the past two years," said Hallihan, who has a sell recommendation on the ASX 200 electronics retailer.

"The shares rose from $44.48 on October 16, 2023, to close at $121 on August 20, 2025. JBH was trading at $113.86 on October 16, 2025," he noted.

According to Hallihan:

The company posted a strong full year result in fiscal year 2025. Total group sales of $10.6 billion were up 10% on the prior corresponding period. Group earnings before interest and tax of $694.1 million were up 7.3%.

With discretionary spending under pressure, we believe it's prudent to lock in some gains. JB Hi-Fi's strong operational performance is priced in, so risks outweigh rewards at these levels.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

More on Broker Notes

Man presses green buy button and red sell button on a graph.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Broker Notes

Want silver exposure? Morgans says this ASX silver stock is a buy

The broker thinks this could be a high-risk, high-reward option for investors.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

What is Bell Potter saying about this high-flying ASX 200 share after its 140% rise?

Bell Potter has been looking at the metal detector manufacturer's performance this financial year.

Read more »

Arrows pointing upwards with a man pointing his finger at one.
Resources Shares

BHP share price tipped to rise to $56: expert

Amid rising commodity prices, 6 brokers have updated their ratings and 12-month share price targets for BHP.

Read more »

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter says this ASX 300 stock is dirt cheap with 30%+ upside

The broker thinks the market is under-appreciating this stock.

Read more »

A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the CSL balance sheet and the value of CSL shares today
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Monadelphous, and Northern Star shares

Do analysts think these shares are good picks right now?

Read more »

A man takes his dividend and leaps for joy.
Broker Notes

Broker tips another 114% upside for this surging ASX All Ords gold share

A leading broker forecasts another year of outsized gains from this surging ASX gold stock.

Read more »

A man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to buy these shares.

Read more »