2 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: Experts

Do you have these two ASX 200 stocks in your portfolio?

| More on:

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) financial shares are 1.85% higher as the market recovers from yesterday's $90 billion rout.

Meanwhile, experts have recommended that investors sell two popular ASX 200 financial shares.

Here's why.

A young man wearing a bright yellow jumper and glasses purses his lips together and moves them to the side of his face as he wonders about something.

Image source: Getty Images

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

The Soul Pattinson share price is 1.5% higher at $38.35 on Tuesday, and up 16% over the past 12 months.

Soul Patts is a diversified investment house that invests across a range of industries and asset classes, including ASX shares.

On The Bull this week, Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse revealed a sell rating on this ASX 200 financial share.

Elzayed explains his sell rating:

SOL has long earned its place in Australian portfolios because of its enviable dividend record and conservative stewardship.

Even so, we see grounds for a tactical exit.

The valuation has moved to a premium relative to underlying asset momentum, with the price-to-earnings ratio sitting well above its longer term average.

Elzayed also spoke of moderation across Soul Patts' core holdings of New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) shares and the Brickworks business.

(New Hope shares are among the biggest fallers of the ASX 200 on Tuesday — here's why.)

Elzayed concluded:

Softer global coal prices are tempering the exceptional cash generation previously delivered by New Hope, while TPG continues to navigate an intensely competitive telecommunications landscape.

Absent a meaningful acquisition to reignite growth, the fading post-merger enthusiasm around the Brickworks restructuring could leave the shares marking time.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

The Suncorp share price is $14.42, up 2.3% on Tuesday and down 25% over 12 months.

Also on The Bull this week, John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities gave the insurance giant a sell rating.

Athanasiou explained:

While premium rate increases have helped, we believe margin expansion is peaking. Earnings are exposed to claims inflation, natural catastrophe volatility and regulatory scrutiny.

Half year results to December 31, 2025 highlighted these risks. Profit after tax of $263 million was down from $1.1 billion in the prior corresponding period. Cash earnings were hit by higher natural hazard costs and the interim dividend was reduced.

Suncorp declared a fully franked interim dividend of 17 cents per share for 1H FY26, down from 41 cents per share in 1H FY25.

The Suncorp interim dividend represents a payout ratio of 68% of cash earnings, and will be paid on 31 March.

Athanasiou added:

Much of the recent improvement reflects cyclical conditions rather than structural change.

In our view, the valuation is vulnerable given competitive pricing pressure and rising affordability concerns. 




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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Financial Shares

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Financial Shares

Macquarie says this major fintech stock can rocket almost 100%

The signs are looking good for future growth.

Read more »

A man sits wide-eyed at a desk with a laptop open and holds one hand to his forehead with an extremely worried look on his face as he reads news of the Bitcoin price falling today on his mobile phone
Financial Shares

Why this ASX 200 financials stock is crashing 7.6% today

The shares are now 16.35% below the trading level this time last year.

Read more »

A group of people gather around a computer screen in rapt attention, one man holds his hands to cover his mouth as if in nervous anticipation of what news may come.
Financial Shares

AMP share price crashes 35% in 2026. What's next?

Here's what to expect over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

Up more than 80% in 12 months, there's still upside for this ASX finance company: broker

Two profit upgrades in under a month is good news in anyone's book.

Read more »

A close-up of a handshake depicting a business deal with one of the people in the background of the shot alongside a colleague looking pleased at the deal.
Financial Shares

Lowy family buys into Magellan after merger news pushes share price 25% higher

Steven Lowy said the merger with Barrenjoey would create 'a sound long-term investment' for the family.

Read more »

Flying Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

Why investors are piling into this ASX stock today

FleetPartners shares jump after announcing a new $20 million on market share buyback.

Read more »

A young woman with long brown hair opens her green eyes and mouth widely, expressing surprise.
Financial Shares

Why did the Helia share price just crash 19%?

The ASX 200 is in recovery mode today, so why are Helia shares tanking?

Read more »

A smug investment manager in a suit and tie points to himself with both hands, feeling proud.
Financial Shares

Why is the Magellan share price up 10% today?

The funds manager has enjoyed a significant share price spike since Monday's big news.

Read more »