Updates

** Shares of REA Group REA.AX rise as much as 3.8% to A$181.1, highest level since February 5

** Stock set for its best session since April 16, if gains hold

** Stock among top movers in benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO, which is down 1.7%

** The property listing firm reports 16% rise in Q3 operating EBITDA to A$220 million ($158.55 million)

** Logs 11% rise in annual revenue to A$398 million, lowers FY26 cost forecast

** Citi says update and outlook highlights co's cost base flexibility, despite having higher operating costs than peers

** Citi sees potential for higher cost growth in FY27 if top-line trends are stronger

** Jefferies says REA reported 'good' result, with residential growth doing the heavy lifting despite subdued volume environment

** YTD, stock down 2.6%

($1 = 1.3875 Australian dollars)