$ZG

Zillow reports renting is cheaper than buying in all 50 major US metros, with a national monthly savings of $1,066. Buyer costs rose $140 in six months, while rents increased $32. Investing savings at a 4.68% yield could yield $322 in the first year. San Jose and San Francisco show the largest gaps, while Pittsburgh and Birmingham have smaller differences.

Zillow Group Inc. (Z) shares dropped 10% after a court denied its injunction request in a legal dispute with Compass, compounded by Fed rate hikes impacting the real estate sector. GF Value™ estimates Zillow as 62.3% undervalued at $29.82, with a GF Score™ of 64/100. Insider sales totaled $15.1M over the past year, while 7 premium gurus hold the stock with mixed activity.

Real estate stocks declined as the Fed raised interest rates, pushing mortgage rates to nearly 7%. The S&P 500 Real Estate Sector Index fell 2.3%, with residential REITs down 4.8%. Zillow (Z) dropped 10% after a court ruling, while Alexandria Real Estate Equities (ARE) gained 4.2%. Several joint ventures were announced, including one by Realty Income (O) in Europe and another by Digital Realty (DLR) in Türkiye.

A U.S. judge ruled against Zillow's request for an injunction in its lawsuit against MRED and Compass, requiring Zillow to comply with MRED's listing standards in Chicago. MRED and Compass celebrated the ruling, while Zillow noted it's not a final judgment. The decision impacts real estate professionals in Chicago, with some viewing it as a win for transparency and consumer choice. Compass and Coldwell Banker, both owned by Compass, praised the ruling, while independent brokers expressed mixed v

A federal judge denied Zillow's injunction against the Chicago MLS (MRED) and Compass, allowing private listing networks to operate. The ruling may enable MLSes to expand nationally with private networks, though Zillow argues these networks harm transparency and market access. The case is now in arbitration, with Congress also scrutinizing the practices.

Zillow Group's shares (Z, ZG) are near 52-week lows around $30, amid challenging housing conditions due to rising mortgage rates. Q2 revenue grew 18% to $772M, with strong performance in rentals and mortgage segments. Management forecasts 2026 revenue of $2.92B-$2.96B and adjusted EBITDA of $730M-$760M. Despite a more appealing valuation, near-term upside may be limited by elevated mortgage rates.

Zillow Group's VP and Principal Accounting Officer, Rikki Tremblay, reported initial ownership of 18,431 shares of Class C stock, including RSUs and stock options. The options cover 2,525 shares at $38.78 per share, fully vested, and 5,625 shares at $43.54 per share, vesting quarterly. Tremblay also holds RSUs granted on various dates with staggered vesting schedules.

The antitrust case between MRED and Zillow is paused and headed to arbitration, with Judge Tharp staying the case to avoid inconsistent rulings. Legal experts note that arbitration proceedings are private, and Zillow's preliminary injunction was denied due to insufficient evidence of a conspiracy. The ruling is seen as skeptical of Zillow's case, but a settlement is still possible.

Consumer groups sent a letter to state attorneys general, urging an investigation into Zillow, Compass, and other real estate platforms for practices they claim reduce housing affordability. The letter follows an FTC settlement with Zillow over a $100M deal with Redfin, which the groups argue favors Zillow. They also criticize Compass's private listing practices and referral fees.

ZILLOW GROUP, INC. (Z) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. Retirement of Chief Accounting Officer; Appointment of Principal Accounting Officer Jennifer Rock has notified Zillow Group