In a series of recent assessments, financial analysts from Wedbush and UBS have recalibrated their outlook on Tripadvisor, Inc. (TRIP), citing the company's evolving strategic direction. Both firms have chosen to maintain a 'Neutral' rating on the stock, while modestly lowering their price targets. This development underscores a cautious yet observant stance from Wall Street as the travel guidance giant navigates a period of significant internal transformation and seeks to re-energize its growth prospects.
Wedbush and UBS Analysts Adjust Tripadvisor's Price Target Amidst Strategic Shifts
On February 6, 2026, Wedbush's analyst Scott Devitt lowered the price target for Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP) from $18 to $15. This adjustment was made in response to Tripadvisor's newly announced strategic shift. The company intends to sharpen the focus of its flagship 'Brand Tripadvisor' while meticulously managing its enduring business operations to secure margin stability. Furthermore, Tripadvisor is aligning its workforce more closely with Viator and leveraging its extensive data assets to enhance AI-driven offerings, aiming to enrich the overall traveler experience. Wedbush highlighted that future investor focus would largely be directed towards the company's margin trajectory and Viator's capacity to rekindle revenue growth acceleration. Consequently, the firm slightly reduced its short-term forecasts, signaling a need for more definitive commentary from management to gain a clearer perspective on the forthcoming quarters.
Two days prior, on February 4, 2026, UBS analyst Stephen Ju also revised his price target for Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP), reducing it from $19 to $16, while upholding a 'Neutral' rating. This reflected a more guarded viewpoint on the stock. A month earlier, Cantor Fitzgerald's analyst Deepak Mathivanan had already brought down his price target from $15 to $14, keeping an 'Underweight' rating. Despite acknowledging persistent macroeconomic concerns, Cantor expressed optimism regarding the outlook for Global Internet stocks into 2026. This positive sentiment is driven by the anticipation that artificial intelligence will transition into a 'Synergy' phase, potentially fostering accelerated revenue growth, improved value capture, and clearer long-term returns on capital expenditure. The firm also observed that current valuations remain approximately 20% below their medium-term averages, despite a strong performance in 2025, which could position the sector for potential outperformance in 2026 as estimates and market sentiment improve.
Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP) operates globally, delivering travel guidance products and services across its Brand Tripadvisor, Viator, and TheFork segments. This structure allows it to maintain a diverse portfolio in the travel industry.
This concerted re-evaluation by leading financial analysts provides a critical lens through which to view Tripadvisor's ongoing evolution. The emphasis on strategic realignment, particularly the integration of AI and a renewed focus on core operations, suggests a company determined to adapt to a dynamic market. For investors, the takeaway is clear: while Tripadvisor possesses inherent value, its path to sustained growth will be closely scrutinized, especially concerning its ability to enhance margins and accelerate revenue through its key segments. The collective caution from these analysts highlights the importance of transparent management communication and concrete results as Tripadvisor embarks on this new chapter.