6 ASX 200 shares that experts say it's time to sell

Brokers say it's time to bail out of these ASX 200 stocks.

Time to sell 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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.91% on Tuesday as the market continues its slow but volatile recovery.

As the chart below shows, the ASX 200 had a topsy-turvy first quarter, resulting in a net 3.87% fall in value year to date.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3S&P/ASX 200 Price Return (AUD) PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

The benchmark index rose 4.57% in January, dropped 4.22% in February, and fell another 4.03% in March.

The ASX 200 experienced a near-official market correction when it fell by 9.43% between 14 February and 13 March.

Much of this fall was due to concerns relating to US trade tariffs.

The ASX 200 has recovered by 2.14% since 13 March.

The market received a late afternoon bump today following the Reserve Bank's decision to keep interest rates on hold, as expected.

Last month, several ASX 200 shares were downgraded to moderate or strong sell ratings by analysts on CommSec.

6 ASX 200 shares downgraded to consensus sell ratings

A strong sell rating implies investors should sell their holdings now.

A moderate sell rating suggests investors should consider trimming their positions.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA shares are currently trading for $152.19, up 0.83% on Tuesday.

The consensus recommendation from analysts on CommSec is a 'strong sell'.

Morgans analyst Damien Nguyen explains their sell rating on CBA shares:

While CBA remains a solid long-term business, its stretched valuation and limited near term upside make it a sell for investors seeking better risk reward opportunities in the sector.

As we reported earlier, Macquarie has an underperform rating on CBA shares with a 12-month price target of $105.

Australia's biggest ASX 200 bank share has ripped 26.8% higher over the past 12 months.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is $2.83, down 1.74% at the time of writing.

The consensus rating from analysts is a 'moderate sell'.

The ASX 200 healthcare share has rocketed 116% over the past year due to excitement over its merger with Chemist Warehouse.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $31.37, down 0.63% today.

Analysts have a consensus 'moderate sell' rating on the bank stock.

Macquarie has an underperform rating on Westpac shares with a price target of $28.

The broker said Westpac "remains expensive", trading at approximately 17x FY26's estimated price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio.

The ASX 200 bank share has lifted 20.1% over the past 12 months.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is $73.02, up 1.4% at the time of writing.

The consensus recommendation from analysts is a 'moderate sell'.

On The Bull, Philippe Bui of Medallion Financial Group explained their sell rating:

The industrial conglomerate has come off its highs, but was recently trading on an elevated price/earnings ratio of about 31 times that's above long term averages.

The stock seems priced for strong growth figures.

Recent half year results in fiscal year 2025 were solid, but most metrics came in at low single digits.

Although it's a defensive position, with a recent dividend yield below 3 per cent, we see much more attractive options elsewhere.

The ASX 200 consumer discretionary share is up 7.9% over the past year.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

The Reece share price is $15.46, down 1.4% on Tuesday.

Analysts on CommSec have a consensus 'moderate sell' rating on the ASX 200 industrial share.

Goldman Sachs has a sell rating on Reece with a 12-month share price target of $16.80.

In a note last month, Goldman noted that Reece stock had fallen "substantially" but "continues to trade at a premium to its peer set".

The ASX 200 industrial share has fallen 44.8% over the past 12 months.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is steady at $7.66 at the time of writing.

The consensus rating from analysts is a 'moderate sell'.

The ASX 200 financial share has fallen 20.4% over the past 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Magellan Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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

Happy business woman with her co-workers.
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to 'strong buy' ratings

Brokers say these 5 stocks will rise in value over the next 12 months.

Read more »

a woman holds a facebook like thumbs up sign high above her head. She has a very happy smile on her face.
Broker Notes

Macquarie says these top ASX 200 shares could rise 10% to 30%

Here's why the broker is urging investors to buy these shares.

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Broker Notes

Should I buy or sell Westpac shares in April?

A leading broker has given its verdict on Australia's oldest bank. Here's what it is saying.

Read more »

Two brokers analysing stocks.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

A pilot stands in an empty passenger cabin smiling with his arms crossed looking excited
Broker Notes

Why Qantas shares could be a top buy in April

What are analysts saying about the Flying Kangaroo?

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face due to his ASX shares going up and in particular the Computershare share price
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

a man sits at his desk wearing a business shirt and tie and has a hearty laugh at something on his mobile phone.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A smiling woman at a hardware shop selects paint colours from a wall display.
Broker Notes

Wesfarmers shares in focus: 3 key takeaways from Bunnings investor day

Here's what you need to know about the main event this week.

Read more »