Buy, hold, sell: CBA, REA Group, and Xero shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these popular stocks. Let's see if it is bullish on them.

| 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

Key points
  • Commonwealth Bank's shares took a hit after a mild earnings miss proved too much for a stock that's been priced for perfection, with Morgans slashing its target price and warning investors about poor future returns from the overvalued bank.
  • REA Group delivered another impressive yield result with a 13% increase that managed to offset an 8% decline in property listings, though the realestate.com.au operator's shares are only seen as a hold rather than a strong buy at current levels.
  • Xero's acquisition of Melio has prompted analysts to reduce their forecasts and slash the price target by around 30%, with concerns it could take time for management to convince investors about the value of the deal and return the accounting platform to strong growth.

If you are wondering which ASX shares to buy, hold, or sell, then read on!

That's because Morgans has given its verdict on the three popular shares named below.

Here's what it is saying about them:

A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements

Image source: Getty Images

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Morgans thinks that banking giant Commonwealth Bank of Australia is overvalued at current levels. It has put a sell rating on CBA shares with a $96.07 price target.

The broker feels that there a risk of poor future investment returns due to its current valuation. In response to its recent quarterly update, Morgans said:

The market's response to a mild earnings miss for a stock priced for perpetual perfection was today's sharp share price decline. WBC seemed to be a beneficiary. We've downgraded FY26-28F EPS and DPS by c.3%. Lower earnings also reduces terminal ROTE and sustainable growth in our DCF valuation. DCF-based target price declines to $96.07/sh. We remain SELL rated on CBA, recommending clients aggressively reduce overweight positions given the risk of poor future investment returns arising from the even-now overvalued share price and low-to-mid single digit EPS/DPS growth outlook.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX 200 share that Morgans has been running the rule over is realestate.com.au operator REA Group.

It was pleased with its solid performance during the first quarter of FY 2026, highlighting yet another strong yield outcome.

However, it isn't enough for a buy rating. Morgans has put an accumulate rating and $247.00 price target on its shares. It said:

REA's 1Q26 trading update benefited from a strong yield outcome (+13%), which helped to offset a softer new listings environment in the period (volumes down -8% vs the pcp). Group revenue was A$429m (+4% on pcp), with EBITDA (ex assoc.) up 5% on pcp to A$254m. We make minor changes (-1%) to our FY26-FY28 EPS estimates. Our DCF-derived price target is lowered to A$247 (from A$254). Given REA is trading on ~42x FY26F PE (MorgansE), broadly in line with its 10-year historical average, and now with >10% TSR upside to our valuation we upgrade REA to ACCUMULATE.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Finally, this cloud accounting platform provider has also been given an accumulate rating by Morgans with a $141.00 price target.

While its first half performance was in line with expectations, it has trimmed its estimates to reflect the acquisition of Melio. Morgans said:

XRO's 1H26 result was largely in line with expectations but higher investment expenses in the 2H and the inclusion of Melio into our forecasts lowers our EBITDA and FCF forecasts. Our prior XRO research presented our first take on XRO including Melio numbers and now, following its 1H26 result and greater clarity on costs, we reduce our short-term forecasts and formally publish our combined XRO and Melio forecasts. Our target price reduces ~30% to $141 on lower peer multiples and lower FCF per share. We retain our Accumulate recommendation, noting it may take some time for management to build investor confidence in the value add of Melio and return XRO back to rule of 40 growth.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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

Broker Notes

Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy now

The broker has named these shares as buys following their results.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city.
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 broker buy ratings

One of these buy-rated stocks could potentially rise as much as 55%.

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Broker Notes

Why this broker thinks REA Group shares are a sell right now

There could be more downside for this ASX 200 stock.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Broker Notes

2 ASX travel stocks to buy and one to sell

These airline stocks are defying fuel price impacts and are set to lift off.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Orora, Virgin Australia, and ResMed shares

Ord Minnett has given its verdict on these shares.

Read more »

Group of friends toasting with drinks.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Light & Wonder, Transurban, Endeavour shares

Morgans has issued new notes on these stocks as the market reaches a new record high.

Read more »

A group of hands up in the air as if signifying a hearty vote in favour of a motion.
Broker Notes

8 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

Brokers retained a positive view on BHP, NAB, South32, and other ASX 200 shares.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Broker Notes

5 ASX shares downgraded by brokers this week

Brokers reduced their ratings on Endeavour, APA Group, Guzman y Gomez, and other shares. 

Read more »