Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Macquarie, and REA Group shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these popular shares this week.

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If you are on the hunt for some ASX shares to buy, then it could be worth hearing what Morgans is saying about the popular shares in this article.

Does the broker rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let's find out.

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CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Morgans is sticking with CSL shares after the company downgraded its guidance for FY 2026.

In response to the trading update, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $147.59.

It believes that CSL's issues are executional rather than structural. It explains:

FY26 guidance was downgraded on China Albumin price pressure, US Ig channel inventory normalisation and other impacts (paused Iran sales, lower Hemgenix and and Iron sales), combined with a further cUS$5bn in flagged impairments. Importantly, issues are framed as primarily executional rather than structural, with infrastructure overbuild, organisational complexity, and weak commercial execution cited, while underlying demand and industry structure remain healthy.

Encouragingly, Seqirus is performing better than expected, Ig demand remains mid-to-high single digit, and there are early signs of plasma share stabilisation. While forward earnings visibility remains limited, we believe the current valuation increasingly discounts a structurally impaired plasma franchise, which we do not believe the current industry dynamics support. We reduce FY26-28 forecasts and lower our blended DCF, PE and EV/EBITDA-based target price to A$147.59. Given CSL's global leadership positions, structurally growing end markets and operational initiatives, we retain a BUY rating.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Morgans was impressed with Macquarie's performance in FY 2026. It highlights that its profit was up strongly on the prior corresponding period and ahead of consensus estimates.

However, due to share price strength, the broker thinks that Macquarie shares are close to being fully valued. As a result, it has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $248.00. It said:

MQG delivered a very strong FY26 result with NPAT (A$4.8bn) up +30% on the pcp and +8% above company-compiled consensus. Whilst acknowledging this result was aided by significant volatility in commodity markets that assisted CGM, MQG's performance was generally strong across the board.

Our price target rises to A$248 (previously A$223) on our earnings changes and a valuation roll-forward. MQG is a quality franchise, and a proven performer, but with <10% upside to our PT, we maintain our Hold call. We increase our MQG FY27F/FY28F EPS by +9%/+2%. Our price target rises to A$248 (previously A$223) on our earnings changes and a valuation roll-forward.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

This property listings company also delivered a strong result this month according to Morgans.

It was impressed with its strong yield outcome and operating cost guidance. In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target of $219.00. Morgans commented:

REA's 3Q26 result was driven by a strong yield outcome (+14%) in the resilient domestic residential business, and new listings also returning to growth (+1% on the pcp). FY26 Operating cost guidance being lowered was a key takeaway. We make minor revisions to our FY26-FY28F EPS forecasts (-0.5%) reflecting the lowered cost guidance, offset by a more conservative FY27 yield assumption. Our DCF-derived price target is lowered slightly to A$219 (from A$220). BUY.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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