Why this broker sees 23% upside in the REA (ASX:REA) share price

REA shares could be good value according to a leading broker…

| More on:
Happy couple holding red sold sticker inside their new apartment

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

The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price has come under pressure on Tuesday morning.

At the time of writing, the property listings company's shares are down 1.5% to $153.65.

This means the REA's shares are now trading flat in 2021.

Is the REA share price good value?

While 2021 has been underwhelming for the REA share price, one leading broker appears to believe this could be a buying opportunity for investors.

According to a recent note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have a buy rating and $190.00 price target on the company's shares.

Based on the current REA share price, this implies potential upside of over 23%.

What did the broker say?

Goldman is expecting REA's listings to fall in FY 2022 because of lockdowns and the Federal Election.

Nevertheless, the broker remains very positive on the REA share price due the prospect of positive jaws (when income grows quicker than sales) and margin expansion.

It explained: "We now forecast FY22E listings to decline -3% (from -1%) given: (1) SYD/MEL lock-downs in 1H22 – although these listings will likely just be deferred to 2H22; (2) Federal Election in 2H22, albeit this will be a less significant impact than prior Elections given no proposed changes to Negative Gearing; (3) Strong 2H21 comps, with REA believing listings volumes were above average in this period. They also acknowledged cost inflation (but still guided to positive jaws in FY22) given the ongoing war for talent. We outline staff cost (as share of total costs) and forecast margin expansion across our classifieds coverage – with consensus forecasting > 100bps expansion for SEK/DHG in FY22E."

All in all, Goldman believes the company is well-placed to deliver solid earnings growth in the coming years. It expects REA's net profit to grow 13.7% in FY 2022 to $373 million and then 18.2% to $441 million in FY 2023.

Based on this, the broker feels the REA share price is trading at an attractive level for investors.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended REA Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

A group of people push and shove through the doors of a store, trying to beat the crowd.
Broker Notes

2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

Are these two stocks the best buys on the ASX?

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 55%

Brokers have good things to say about these shares.

Read more »

A little girl is about to launch down the slide with a blue sky and white clouds in the sky behind her.
Broker Notes

BHP vs. Fortescue shares: Goldman Sachs says 1 will rip and 1 will dip

Top broker Goldman Sachs upgraded its 12-month share price forecasts for BHP and Fortescue shares this week.

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Broker Notes

Brokers rate these 3 ASX shares as buys in January

These ASX shares have an exciting outlook according to experts.

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face.
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 »

busy trader on the phone in front of board depicting asx share price risers and fallers
Resources Shares

Brokers issue new price targets on soaring ASX 200 mining shares

ASX 200 mining shares BHP, PLS Group, South32, and many others hit multi-year highs this week.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Why Bell Potter just upgraded this smashing ASX 200 stock

After rising over 100% in 12 months, Bell Potter believes there is more to come.

Read more »

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Catalyst Metals, NRW, and Paladin Energy shares

Let's see what analysts are saying about these ASX 200 shares.

Read more »