Evercore Maintains Outperform on ZD (Ziff Davis, Inc.) Feb 24, 2026
Evercore ISI on February 24, 2026 maintained an Outperform on Ziff Davis, Inc. (ZD). The firm cut its price target to $46 from $62. This change is the core ZD analyst rating update investors should note. Evercore kept a positive stance despite reducing projected upside. We examine what the maintained Outperform and lower price target mean for holders and traders.
ZD analyst rating: Evercore maintains Outperform
On February 24, 2026 Evercore ISI maintained Outperform on Ziff Davis, Inc. (ZD) while lowering the price target to $46 from $62. The note frames the move as a recalibration of near-term multiples amid evolving digital ad and SEO dynamics. Read Evercore’s change summary and rationale source.
ZD analyst rating and immediate stock response
The communication coincided with a 2.99% price move, or $0.77, on the update. Market cap stands at $1,086,986,985. Investors reacted to the smaller upside implied by the new target, not to a change in conviction. The update followed ZD’s Q4 2025 call and buyback disclosure, which also shaped sentiment source.
What the ZD analyst rating change means for investors
A maintained Outperform with a lower target signals continued confidence with tempered upside. Investors should note this reduces implied return from earlier targets. For income or value investors, Ziff Davis’s buybacks and FCF remain key drivers of total return. For momentum traders, expect higher volatility after price target revisions.
Historical context for ZD analyst rating moves
Analyst coverage of Ziff Davis has tracked buybacks, SEO headwinds, and ad market shifts. Price targets have swung after major earnings and capital allocation updates. Evercore’s move fits a pattern of keeping recommendations steady while adjusting valuation assumptions. That pattern helps explain why the firm did not lower its rating.
Meyka grade and practical investor takeaways
Meyka AI rates ZD with a grade of B. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. The grade is a snapshot and not investment advice. We recommend investors weigh the lowered ZD price target against buyback activity and free cash flow trends.
Final Thoughts
Evercore ISI’s February 24, 2026 note kept an Outperform on Ziff Davis, Inc. (ZD) while cutting the price target to $46. The retained rating signals ongoing confidence in the business model. The lower target narrows projected upside, so upside expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
Investors should combine this ZD analyst rating with company fundamentals. Ziff Davis’s buybacks, free cash flow deployment, and Q4 2025 results matter most for returns. Short-term traders may see volatility after target revisions. Long-term holders should monitor execution on growth and capital allocation. Meyka AI’s market analysis flags both opportunity and risk in this updated view.
FAQs
What did Evercore change in its ZD analyst rating on Feb 24, 2026?
Evercore ISI maintained an Outperform for ZD on February 24, 2026 and cut the price target to $46 from $62. The ZD analyst rating kept a positive view while lowering near-term valuation assumptions.
How should investors interpret the lowered ZD price target?
A lower price target narrows implied upside but does not remove conviction. The ZD analyst rating suggests continued confidence, so investors should weigh the new target against buybacks and free cash flow trends.
Does the ZD analyst rating affect short-term trading strategy?
Yes. A maintained Outperform with a reduced target can increase volatility. Traders should watch earnings, buyback cadence, and SEO headwinds that the ZD analyst rating highlights before taking positions.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Analyst ratings are opinions and not guarantees of future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.