CoStar Group Responds to D.E. Shaw Group Letter
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3d ago
0mins
Should l Buy CSGP?
CoStar Group issued the following statement in response to the letter issued by D. E. Shaw Group. "On top of Board change already obtained last year, D.E. Shaw is seeking majority change of CoStar Group's Board of Directors based on arguments that demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of our business and push a false narrative that we have not substantially engaged with D.E. Shaw or considered their feedback. The truth is, the Board and management team listened to and responded to D.E. Shaw's requests, including: Refreshing the Board with three new independent directors, two of which were recommended by D.E. Shaw and Third Point, and announcing a new independent Board Chair. Forming a Capital Allocation Committee to support the Board's and management's comprehensive review of the Company's capital structure, capital allocation priorities, and financial targets. Moderating net investment in Homes.com by $300 million in 2026 and $100+ million annually thereafter to achieve break even exiting 2029 while at the same time increasing investment in our commercial product offerings. Accelerating the completion of our $500 million share repurchase program initiated in 2025 and authorizing a new $1.5 billion repurchase program in January 2026. After engaging the top 50 stockholders representing 77% of shares outstanding, implementing a redesigned executive compensation program for 2026, with more rigorous and quantitative goals, enhanced transparency, and a simplified structure..."
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Analyst Views on CSGP
Wall Street analysts forecast CSGP stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for CSGP is 78.60 USD with a low forecast of 55.00 USD and a high forecast of 100.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
13 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 50.990
Low
55.00
Averages
78.60
High
100.00
Current: 50.990
Low
55.00
Averages
78.60
High
100.00
About CSGP
CoStar Group, Inc. is a provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. It manages its business in two segments: North America, which includes the United States and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Its major brands include CoStar, a global provider of commercial real estate data, analytics, and news; LoopNet, a commercial real estate marketplace; Apartments.com, a platform for apartment rentals; and Homes.com, a residential real estate marketplace. Its other brands include STR, which is engaged in hospitality data and benchmarking, Ten-X, an online platform for commercial real estate auctions and negotiated bids and OnTheMarket, a residential property portal in the United Kingdom. The Company, through Matterport, Inc., is advancing property insights and driving the growth of AI-driven digital twin technology across the global commercial and residential real estate sector.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
U.S. Office Vacancy Rate Forecast Remains Stable
- Vacancy Rate Forecast: CoStar's revised forecast indicates that the U.S. office vacancy rate will remain stable at 14.1% through 2026, with a gradual decline to near 13% by 2030, reflecting a recovery in tenant demand.
- Rent Growth Trends: Although rent growth is expected to remain below 1% throughout 2026, an acceleration is anticipated in early 2027, coinciding with a rebound in job growth, indicating potential market recovery.
- Construction Supply Situation: Approximately two-thirds of the under-construction projects are expected to deliver this year, suggesting that market supply remains ample, which may exert some downward pressure on vacancy rates.
- Economic Risk Assessment: While the short- and long-term vacancy rate forecasts remain stable, the productivity divergence between economic growth and job growth may persist, potentially impacting demand for office space.
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CoStar Group Responds to D.E. Shaw's Board Change Demands
- Board Change Controversy: CoStar Group responded to D.E. Shaw's letter, emphasizing that a board change was already achieved last year, arguing that D.E. Shaw fundamentally misunderstands the business and has not adequately considered their feedback, indicating an intent to interfere with corporate governance.
- Homes.com Value Argument: CoStar warns that abandoning Homes.com would lead to 'value destruction,' stating that the suggestions from D.E. Shaw and Third Point would cause irreparable harm to the entire business, underscoring the importance of retaining this asset to maintain overall company value.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following this news, CoStar's shares edged down by 0.9% on Thursday, reflecting market concerns over the governance dispute, which could impact investor confidence and future stock performance.
- Advisory Team Support: CoStar has engaged Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP as legal counsel, demonstrating the company's professional preparedness in addressing shareholder activism and governance challenges, aiming to uphold its strategic direction and market position.
See More
CoStar Group to Announce Q4 and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: CoStar Group is set to release its financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2025 after market close on February 24, 2026, with management conducting a conference call at 5 PM EDT to discuss results and outlook, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Live Webcast Availability: The conference call will be available via live audio webcast on CoStar Group's investor website, with a replay accessible afterward, ensuring that investors can obtain key information at their convenience, thereby enhancing interaction between the company and its investors.
- User Traffic Growth: As of Q3 2025, CoStar Group's websites attracted over 143 million average monthly unique visitors, indicating strong appeal and market penetration in the commercial real estate sector, further solidifying its industry leadership position.
- Brand Diversity: CoStar Group boasts several well-known brands, including LoopNet and Apartments.com, showcasing its extensive influence across various real estate segments and enhancing its competitive edge in the global real estate information and analytics landscape.
See More
CoStar Group to Announce Q4 and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: CoStar Group is set to release its Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results after market close on February 24, 2026, with management hosting a conference call at 5:00 PM to discuss results and outlook, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Live Webcast Availability: The conference call will be available via live audio webcast on CoStar Group's investor website, with a replay accessible afterward, ensuring that investors can obtain key information at their convenience, thereby enhancing engagement between the company and its investors.
- User Traffic Growth: CoStar Group's websites attracted over 143 million average monthly unique visitors in Q3 2025, indicating strong demand and influence in the global real estate market, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Brand Diversity: CoStar Group boasts several well-known brands, including LoopNet and Apartments.com, showcasing its extensive coverage in both commercial and residential real estate markets, which enhances its competitive edge and customer base.
See More
D.E. Shaw Advocates for Board Changes at CoStar Group
- Shareholder Pressure: Hedge fund D.E. Shaw is advocating for board changes at real estate information provider CoStar Group (CSGP), citing the company's high-risk investment in Homes.com as a reason for its stock underperformance, with plans to send a letter to the board expressing these concerns.
- Stock Price Surge: In the wake of D.E. Shaw's pressure, CoStar's shares rose 2.3% in premarket trading, indicating market optimism regarding potential strategic adjustments that could attract further investor interest.
- Need for Strategic Overhaul: D.E. Shaw believes that a leadership change is necessary to address CoStar's underperformance and has suggested that the company refocus on its core business, repurchase shares, and restructure executive compensation to enhance shareholder value.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: In addition to D.E. Shaw, activist hedge fund Third Point is also pushing for a board restructuring at CoStar, highlighting strong market interest in the company's future direction and potentially accelerating strategic adjustments.
See More
CoStar Group Board Approves New Strategic Initiatives
- Board Restructuring: CoStar Group has added three new independent directors, including two nominated by Third Point, resulting in 50% of the board being appointed in the last three years, aimed at enhancing corporate governance and shareholder value.
- Capital Allocation Committee Formation: The newly formed Capital Allocation Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the company's capital structure and investment priorities, supporting significant investments in major brands, which is expected to enhance the company's competitive position in the market.
- Accelerated Buyback Program: CoStar Group has initiated a new $1.5 billion stock repurchase program in 2026 and is accelerating the completion of a $500 million buyback, reflecting the company's confidence in future profitability.
- Revenue Growth Outlook: The company expects revenue to reach $3.8 billion in 2026, an 18% increase over 2025, with adjusted EBITDA projected to grow by 83% to $770 million, marking the beginning of a new phase of profitable growth.
See More
U.S. Office Vacancy Rate Forecast Remains Stable
- Vacancy Rate Forecast: CoStar's revised forecast indicates that the U.S. office vacancy rate will remain stable at 14.1% through 2026, with a gradual decline to near 13% by 2030, reflecting a recovery in tenant demand.
- Rent Growth Trends: Although rent growth is expected to remain below 1% throughout 2026, an acceleration is anticipated in early 2027, coinciding with a rebound in job growth, indicating potential market recovery.
- Construction Supply Situation: Approximately two-thirds of the under-construction projects are expected to deliver this year, suggesting that market supply remains ample, which may exert some downward pressure on vacancy rates.
- Economic Risk Assessment: While the short- and long-term vacancy rate forecasts remain stable, the productivity divergence between economic growth and job growth may persist, potentially impacting demand for office space.
See More
CoStar Group Responds to D.E. Shaw's Board Change Demands
- Board Change Controversy: CoStar Group responded to D.E. Shaw's letter, emphasizing that a board change was already achieved last year, arguing that D.E. Shaw fundamentally misunderstands the business and has not adequately considered their feedback, indicating an intent to interfere with corporate governance.
- Homes.com Value Argument: CoStar warns that abandoning Homes.com would lead to 'value destruction,' stating that the suggestions from D.E. Shaw and Third Point would cause irreparable harm to the entire business, underscoring the importance of retaining this asset to maintain overall company value.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following this news, CoStar's shares edged down by 0.9% on Thursday, reflecting market concerns over the governance dispute, which could impact investor confidence and future stock performance.
- Advisory Team Support: CoStar has engaged Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP as legal counsel, demonstrating the company's professional preparedness in addressing shareholder activism and governance challenges, aiming to uphold its strategic direction and market position.
See More
CoStar Group to Announce Q4 and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: CoStar Group is set to release its financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2025 after market close on February 24, 2026, with management conducting a conference call at 5 PM EDT to discuss results and outlook, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Live Webcast Availability: The conference call will be available via live audio webcast on CoStar Group's investor website, with a replay accessible afterward, ensuring that investors can obtain key information at their convenience, thereby enhancing interaction between the company and its investors.
- User Traffic Growth: As of Q3 2025, CoStar Group's websites attracted over 143 million average monthly unique visitors, indicating strong appeal and market penetration in the commercial real estate sector, further solidifying its industry leadership position.
- Brand Diversity: CoStar Group boasts several well-known brands, including LoopNet and Apartments.com, showcasing its extensive influence across various real estate segments and enhancing its competitive edge in the global real estate information and analytics landscape.
See More
CoStar Group to Announce Q4 and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: CoStar Group is set to release its Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results after market close on February 24, 2026, with management hosting a conference call at 5:00 PM to discuss results and outlook, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Live Webcast Availability: The conference call will be available via live audio webcast on CoStar Group's investor website, with a replay accessible afterward, ensuring that investors can obtain key information at their convenience, thereby enhancing engagement between the company and its investors.
- User Traffic Growth: CoStar Group's websites attracted over 143 million average monthly unique visitors in Q3 2025, indicating strong demand and influence in the global real estate market, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Brand Diversity: CoStar Group boasts several well-known brands, including LoopNet and Apartments.com, showcasing its extensive coverage in both commercial and residential real estate markets, which enhances its competitive edge and customer base.
See More
D.E. Shaw Advocates for Board Changes at CoStar Group
- Shareholder Pressure: Hedge fund D.E. Shaw is advocating for board changes at real estate information provider CoStar Group (CSGP), citing the company's high-risk investment in Homes.com as a reason for its stock underperformance, with plans to send a letter to the board expressing these concerns.
- Stock Price Surge: In the wake of D.E. Shaw's pressure, CoStar's shares rose 2.3% in premarket trading, indicating market optimism regarding potential strategic adjustments that could attract further investor interest.
- Need for Strategic Overhaul: D.E. Shaw believes that a leadership change is necessary to address CoStar's underperformance and has suggested that the company refocus on its core business, repurchase shares, and restructure executive compensation to enhance shareholder value.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: In addition to D.E. Shaw, activist hedge fund Third Point is also pushing for a board restructuring at CoStar, highlighting strong market interest in the company's future direction and potentially accelerating strategic adjustments.
See More
CoStar Group Board Approves New Strategic Initiatives
- Board Restructuring: CoStar Group has added three new independent directors, including two nominated by Third Point, resulting in 50% of the board being appointed in the last three years, aimed at enhancing corporate governance and shareholder value.
- Capital Allocation Committee Formation: The newly formed Capital Allocation Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the company's capital structure and investment priorities, supporting significant investments in major brands, which is expected to enhance the company's competitive position in the market.
- Accelerated Buyback Program: CoStar Group has initiated a new $1.5 billion stock repurchase program in 2026 and is accelerating the completion of a $500 million buyback, reflecting the company's confidence in future profitability.
- Revenue Growth Outlook: The company expects revenue to reach $3.8 billion in 2026, an 18% increase over 2025, with adjusted EBITDA projected to grow by 83% to $770 million, marking the beginning of a new phase of profitable growth.
See More
