Buy, hold or sell, PEXA, ASX and Qantas shares

Which stock is Morgans most optimistic on?

| 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

The team at Morgans have updated their outlook on three well known ASX listed companies this week. 

Two have received hold recommendations while one has drawn a clear positive outlook. 

Here is the latest from the broker. 

A man and a woman sit in front of a laptop looking fascinated and captivated.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

Morgans said that ASX has recently released its monthly trading activity report for June 2026. 

It was a mixed trading month overall for ASX, in our view, with higher cash markets activity (+54% volume on pcp), a downturn in raisings and stronger average daily futures/options contracts in June. Our FY27-FY28 EPS forecasts increased by ~+2% factoring in the recent trading activity. Our price target is increased to A$53.90 (from A$51.50). HOLD maintained.

ASX shares closed trading at $53.49 yesterday. 

PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA)

PEXA Group has been drawing positive ratings from experts recently. 

However Morgans appears less optimistic. 

PEXA recently responded to a draft decision by the NSW pricing regulator (The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) that would cut the fees it can charge for its dominant electronic property settlement platform by about 20% from July 2027. 

This would potentially reduce annual revenue by around $70 million.

Commenting on the release, Morgans said: 

The headline read-through from IPART's draft report on proposed pricing changes for PXA is an anticipated reduction in revenue of A$70m (~20%) in year 1. We think a 20% hit to exchange revenue was much more punitive than consensus market expectations. Applying the cut in one year, rather than phasing it in over multiple years, adds to the disappointment. Our price target is reduced to A$9.35 (from A$14.23).

We Move PXA to HOLD. Proposed outcomes here are worse than expected, and this creates significant uncertainty around PXA's future profit profile and its overall operating environment.

PEXA shares closed trading yesterday at $8.44 per share. 

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

After struggling earlier this year due to global conflict and soaring oil prices, Morgans now sees a rebound in store for Qantas shares. 

The broker said Qantas's post-COVID balance sheet strengthening and cost discipline have positioned it to absorb the current fuel cost shock and consumer softness with genuine resilience. 

We forecast 2H26 PBT to be down on pcp as fuel and economic conditions bite, with FY27 forecast to deliver a moderate uplift. We view FY27 as a transition year for Qantas with higher growth expected from FY28 onwards as oil prices, refining margins and demand normalise. Structural growth drivers (fleet renewal, Project Sunrise, Loyalty scaling toward FY30 target) remain intact.

Morgans has initiated coverage on Qantas shares with an accumulate rating and $11.50 price target. 

Qantas shares closed at $10.60 yesterday. 

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 PEXA Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PEXA Group. 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

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: CAR Group, Judo Capital, and Worley shares

Ord Minnett has given its verdict on these shares. Is it bullish or bearish? Let's find out.

Read more »

Broker looking at the share price on her laptop with green and red points in the background.
Broker Notes

Why I want to own these ASX shares brokers rate as buys

Short-term concerns have weighed on these businesses, but brokers see reasons for investors to remain optimistic.

Read more »

Happy female farmer holding fresh produce.
Broker Notes

Is this ASX 300 stock a buy-low candidate after crashing 20% this year?

This consumer staples stock could be a buy-low candidate.

Read more »

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

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Brokers believe that now could be the time to buy these shares.

Read more »

An analyst wearing a dark blue shirt and glasses sits at his computer with his chin resting on his hands.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Life360, South32, Wesfarmers shares

Let's take a look at three fresh buy, hold, and sell calls from the experts. 

Read more »

Time to sell written on a clock.
Broker Notes

Sell alert! Why these experts are calling time on Endeavour and PLS shares

Two leading analysts expect mounting headwinds for Endeavour and PLS shares. But why?

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in a nest, symbolising a nest egg.
Broker Notes

Up 33%, are Woolworths shares still a good buy for passive income?

A leading analyst delivers his outlook for Woolworths surging shares.

Read more »

A woman looks shocked as she drinks a coffee while reading the paper.
Broker Notes

2 ASX 200 stocks that could rise 31% and 121%

Investors after big returns should be watching these two beaten-down stocks.

Read more »