This ASX 200 stock has fallen 32% from its high. Is it finally cheap?

This former market darling is trading well below its peak.

| 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

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) shares have had a rough 12 months, with the stock now trading well below the levels seen late last year.

The REA share price is down another 3.06% to $164.59 today, extending its 2026 decline to around 10%.

It's also a long way from the 52-week high of $242.81. From that level, the stock has fallen around 32%, despite bouncing strongly from its June low of $131.07.

That recovery carried REA shares back above $180 in August, but some of those gains have since been given back.

With the valuation lower and brokers still seeing upside, investors may be wondering whether REA shares now look attractive again.

Red arrow on a stand going down with wooden houses next to it.

Image source: Getty Images

Citi becomes more cautious

One broker that isn't getting too excited about the lower share price is Citi.

According to The Australian, analyst Siraj Ahmed has downgraded REA shares to 'neutral' after their recent rebound, although he lifted his price target by 4% to $191.30.

That still sits around 16% above the current share price.

Citi's concern is that some of the value that appeared after the June sell-off has already disappeared. REA shares rallied more than 30% from their low, pushing the valuation higher again.

The broker is also worried about property listings, particularly with interest rates still a risk.

REA expects national buy listings to be flat to down by a low single-digit percentage in FY27. Citi is more bearish and is forecasting a decline of around 5%.

And with the stock trading at 30 times forecast earnings, Citi thinks there's less room for things to go wrong if listings keep falling.

What are other brokers saying?

The wider broker view on REA shares is still fairly mixed.

According to TipRanks, 10 recent analyst ratings give the stock an average 12-month price target of $191.32.

That suggests potential upside of around 16% from the current share price.

The consensus includes 4 buy ratings, 5 holds and 1 sell.

Morgan Stanley is the most bullish with a $230 target, while Ord Minnett is close behind at $225.

Morgans has a $203 target, RBC Capital sits at $197 and Jefferies is at $195.

UBS is more reserved with a $177 target, while Macquarie is only slightly above the current share price at $170.

However, Bell Potter is the most bearish of the group, with a sell rating and $147 price target.

Are REA shares cheap yet?

REA shares are certainly a lot cheaper than they were, but that doesn't automatically make them a bargain.

The business is still growing. FY26 core net profit rose 15% to $650.5 million, while the full-year dividend increased 20% to $2.97 per share.

But the broker targets show there is still plenty of debate over what investors should be willing to pay.

A lot will depend on whether REA can keep lifting revenue and margins if property listings weaken further.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Jefferies Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Fallers

Stressed businessman sits in panic amid digital stock market financial background.
Share Fallers

The five worst-performing ASX 200 shares in August unmasked

Investors sent these five ASX shares crashing 17% to 23% in August. But why?

Read more »

Stressed businessman sits in panic amid digital stock market financial background.
Share Fallers

Why Megaport, Lendlease and JB Hi-Fi shares all crashed 14% to 15% this week

ASX investors punished Lendlease, Megaport, and JB Hi-Fi this week. But why?

Read more »

Woman checking out new laptops.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Down 14% today: Are JB Hi-Fi shares now a bargain-bin buy?

Could JB's plunge mean a bargain buy?

Read more »

A man sitting at his desktop computer leans forward onto his elbows and yawns while he rubs his eyes as though he is very tired.
Share Fallers

Why did DroneShield shares crash 30% in July to new one-year lows?

DroneShield shares got smashed in July. But why.

Read more »

Man with his head on his head with a red declining arrow and A worried man holds his head and look at his computer as the Megaport share price crashes today
Share Fallers

Down 43%! What on earth happened with Liontown shares in July?

Investors pummelled Liontown shares in July. Time to buy?

Read more »

A bored woman looking at her computer, it's bad news.
Share Fallers

These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in July

These shares had a tough time in July. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A man dressed in a business suit freefalls from a rocky cliff with a grey sky background.
Share Fallers

Why these 3 ASX 200 stocks are crashing in this week's surging market

Investors sent these three ASX 200 shares tumbling 15% to 18% in this week’s rising market. But why?

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands after seeing bad news on his laptop screen.
Share Fallers

3 ASX shares down at least 50% in FY26

Let's see why these shares were sold off during the last financial year.

Read more »