JPMorgan downgrades REA Group stock to Neutral on competition concerns

Published 07/08/2025, 09:14
JPMorgan downgrades REA Group stock to Neutral on competition concerns

Investing.com - JPMorgan downgraded REA Group Ltd. (ASX:REA) stock rating from Overweight to Neutral on Thursday, while lowering its price target to AUD240.00 from AUD250.00.

The downgrade comes despite REA Group delivering what JPMorgan described as a "robust FY25 result" that aligned with consensus estimates. The company’s shares rose approximately 7% following the earnings announcement, outperforming the ASX200’s 1% gain.

JPMorgan noted that management had addressed investor concerns about pricing power erosion and elevated cost growth, with REA Group maintaining its target for double-digit yield growth into FY26 and beyond. The company also reaffirmed its goal to deliver positive operating leverage into FY26, with core operating cost growth in the high single-digits.

The bank characterized the positive share price reaction as a "relief rally" that reflected reduced risk in the company’s near-term yield and margin trajectory. However, JPMorgan expressed ongoing concerns about competition in the sector.

The downgrade primarily stems from what JPMorgan called "overhang risk from a reinvigorated and better capitalised competitor," which it believes "remains real, and was always going to take time to play out." The firm’s revised valuation is based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

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