CBA shares returned just 4.9% last year. Should investors look elsewhere?

Shares in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) have disappointed investors recently.

At last week's market close, CBA shares finished trading at $161.12, delivering a total return of just 4.92% over the past 12 months. That result looks weak compared to Australia's other major banks, which posted much stronger gains over the same period.

For context, CBA shares are also trading well below their record high of $192, reached in late June 2025. Since then, the share price has fallen more than 16%.

So, what has gone wrong, and should investors be looking elsewhere?

Other banks have done much better

CBA has long been regarded as the highest quality bank on the ASX. Over the past year, however, its share price performance has fallen well short of that reputation.

Over the past year:

• Westpac shares are up 20.18%
• NAB shares have gained 13.86%
• ANZ shares have surged 27.39%

Against that backdrop, CBA's 4.92% return clearly lags its peers. A big part of the issue is that investor expectations for CBA are already very high.

The valuation is still too expensive

One of the key reasons CBA's share price has struggled is its valuation.

CBA is currently trading on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 26.68, which is expensive for a major bank.

By comparison, other major Australian banks trade on much lower P/E ratios:

• Westpac trades a P/E of about 19.64
• NAB is sitting on a P/E of 19.20
• ANZ has a P/E ratio of around 18.67

This means investors are paying a significantly higher multiple for CBA's earnings than they are for its peers.

That premium reflects CBA's strong market share, solid profits, and long track record of consistent performance. However, when earnings growth slows or investor confidence softens, high valuations can quickly work against the share price.

What the latest update showed

In its September quarter 2025 trading update, CBA reported steady lending growth and stable margins. However, there were no major surprises to excite the market.

With competition increasing across home loans and deposits, investors appear cautious about how much earnings can grow from here.

What are brokers saying

Broker views on CBA are mixed, and that really comes down to valuation.

Several brokers have price targets well below the current share price of $161.12, suggesting a possible pullback from here.

Recent broker updates include:

• Morgan Stanley has a price target of $144.80
• Jefferies has a target price of $143.87
• Morgans believes CBA shares are too expensive, with a target of $99.81

Those targets highlight a clear gap between where CBA shares are trading today and what analysts believe the stock is worth.

Brokers generally agree that CBA remains a high quality business with a strong balance sheet and reliable dividends. However, many believe the shares are fully priced at current levels.

Should investors look elsewhere?

CBA's recent share price performance highlights the risks of buying into a stock trading at a premium valuation.

Investors focused on dividends may still be comfortable holding CBA shares. However, those looking for stronger growth may find better opportunities elsewhere on the ASX.

The post CBA shares returned just 4.9% last year. Should investors look elsewhere? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

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