Forget CBA shares — here are 2 ASX bank shares I'd rather own right now

CBA shares are trading in the green again today, but I'd still pick these two ASX bank shares instead.

| 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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have enjoyed a great rally so far this year. At the time of writing, the shares are up 0.4% to $178.91 a piece.

Today's uptick means CBA shares are now up 11% for the year to date and 6.5% higher than this time last year.

CBA shares spiked over 12% in 48 hours in mid-February after it posted an unexpectedly positive half-year FY26 result. Since then, the bank shares have remained in the spotlight but have been relatively stable.

But CBA shares are widely considered overvalued relative to its peers, and its bumper price tag isn't supported well by its business fundamentals. 

CBA's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, at the time of writing, is 28.69. This is much higher (and therefore more expensive) than the other major big four Australian banks.

At the same time, the bank is facing ongoing net interest margin pressure from intense market competition and regulatory changes. 

I think CBA shares are well overdue for a correction. And when that happens, we could even see the value crash below $100.

Here are two other ASX bank shares I'd rather own instead.

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.

Image source: Getty Images

Forget CBA shares, these are my ASX bank stock picks

Analysts are mostly bearish about ASX bank stocks, with some tipping significant downsides and value corrections ahead.

But there are two exceptions: Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO).

Macquarie is the fifth-largest ASX 200 bank by market capitalisation, and it is incredibly diversified. The bank does more than just banking; it also provides financial, advisory, investment, and fund management services across 34 markets globally. 

That means it has exposure to commodities trading, infrastructure deals, asset management, and capital markets across multiple regions.

Unlike CBA, it isn't reliant on lending margins, and its diversity means that it can remain stable, or even benefit, when markets are going through periods of volatility.

The business is growing too. In February, the investment bank posted its third-quarter trading update for FY26, where it revealed the business has benefited from strong quarterly growth. 

Then there is Australian-based Judo Bank, which provides financial services and lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with annual turnovers of up to $100 million. 

The bank was founded in 2016, received its banking license in 2019, and was listed on the ASX in 2021. So it's relatively new in comparison to majors like CBA. 

Judo Bank has also had a strong start to FY26. At its latest AGM, it said lending momentum was strong over the first quarter and that it's confident it can achieve FY26 guidance of $180-$190 million. Guidance was confirmed again when it posted its first-half FY26 results in mid-February.

What do analysts expect for these ASX bank stocks?

Analysts are very bullish on both Macquarie and Judo shares over the next 12 months.

TradingView data shows most analysts (10 out of 15) have a buy or strong buy rating on Macquarie shares, with a maximum target price of $270. At the time of writing, Macquarie shares are trading at $138.60, implying a 13.2% upside.

Analysts are even more positive about Judo Bank shares. Out of 13, 12 have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock, and they forecast a maximum target price of $250. At the time of writing, Judo shares are trading at $1.49 each, which implies a huge 67% upside over the next 12 months. 

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Bank Shares

A man looks down with fright as he falls towards the ground.
Broker Notes

Down 9% this week, are CBA shares entering 'a major correction cycle'?

After this week's historic share price crash, what’s next for CBA shares?

Read more »

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Bank Shares

What are the pros and cons of buying CBA shares in May?

Is Commonwealth Bank an attractive buy right now?

Read more »

a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall
Bank Shares

Should you buy the dip on CBA shares? Here's what the experts say

CBA shares had their biggest 1-day fall since listing in 1991 this week.

Read more »

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

Why is everyone selling CBA shares?

Broker sentiment remains bearish, with analysts warning the sell-off may not be over yet.

Read more »

A man thinks very carefully about his money and investments.
Bank Shares

The CBA share price crash was an accident waiting to happen. Here's why

CBA shares still aren't anywhere near cheap.

Read more »

A businesswoman faces headwinds, walking in the rain and wind shielding herself with a briefcase.
Bank Shares

NAB shares slump 26% from their peak: Buy, sell or hold?

The bank continues to face strong headwinds.

Read more »

A woman wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks to the sky with her hand to her chin, contemplating buying ASX shares.
Bank Shares

Are CBA shares a buy after the latest sell-off?

Is the latest crash a new opportunity to get into the bank stock for cheap?

Read more »

A young woman holds her hand to her mouth in surprise as she reads something on her laptop.
Bank Shares

Down 10%: 3 key takeaways from CBA results

The result was steady rather than exciting, and that may not have been enough after such a strong run in…

Read more »