Observed Signal · Jun 27, 2026 · Analyst Coverage · Source: CNBC Investing · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
TD Cowen Names Pinterest Top Smidcap Buy
TD Cowen analyst John Blackledge called Pinterest his “best Smidcap Idea for 2026,” assigning a $38 price target that implies roughly 83% upside. Blackledge cited four drivers: adoption of Performance+ (Pinterest’s AI-driven ad suite), strong user growth (631 million MAUs, +11% YoY in Q1), improved ad measurement and optimization, and diversification via the acquisition of tvScientific to reach connected TV audiences. The article notes Pinterest’s long-term decline from its 2021 peak (about 75%) and mixed analyst views: 19 analysts (per LSEG) rate it a buy while about 20 rate it a hold. Critics point to competitive pressure from larger platforms and Pinterest’s reliance on ad revenue.
Analyst coverage and price-target updates can influence investor sentiment and advertiser attention; the piece highlights product-led ad monetization (Performance+) and a CTV-focused acquisition, which are relevant to ad buyers and platform competition but are not industry‑shifting platform or policy changes.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- TD Cowen called Pinterest its “best Smidcap Idea for 2026” and assigned a $38 price target, implying an ~83% upside.
- Pinterest’s Performance+ — described as an AI-driven ad suite — is reported by management to route 30% of lower-funnel revenue.
- Pinterest reported 631 million monthly active users in Q1, up 11% year-over-year.
- Pinterest acquired tvScientific to give advertisers access to connected TV streaming audiences.
- Per LSEG, 19 analysts recommend buying Pinterest while about 20 analysts rate the stock a hold.
Connected Companies & Entities
10 Entities mapped“Pinterest has taken a fall over the past few years, one analyst thinks shares are due for a major move higher....”
“Pinterest has taken a fall over the past few years, one analyst thinks shares are due for a major move higher....”
“Analyst John Blackledge gave the social media platform a price target of $38, implying a massive 83% upside, and the highest price target co...”
“Per LSEG, a total of 19 analysts recommend buying the stock. Among them are Guggenheim and Mizuho as well....”
“Per LSEG, a total of 19 analysts recommend buying the stock. Among them are Guggenheim and Mizuho as well....”
“Rothschild analyst Joseph Barker has a neutral rating on the stock, citing a shift in the digital advertising landscape....”
“Barker noted that while other social media companies like Reddit and Snapchat are also facing similar issues, Pinterest stands out as the mo...”
“Barker noted that while other social media companies like Reddit and Snapchat are also facing similar issues, Pinterest stands out as the mo...”
“Barker noted that while other social media companies like Reddit and Snapchat are also facing similar issues, Pinterest stands out as the mo...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Pinterest jumps 15% after Q1 earnings beat
Pinterest reported stronger-than-expected results for Q1 2026, beating consensus on revenue and adjusted EPS, and issued upbeat guidance for Q2. Q1 revenue was $1.01 billion and adjusted EPS was $0.27, topping LSEG estimates; the company expects Q2 revenue of $1.13–$1.15 billion. Pinterest disclosed a Q1 adjusted EBITDA of $207 million and said it paid about $465.1 million (mostly cash) to acquire tvScientific, a connected-TV advertising analytics firm, to expand CTV campaign capabilities. The platform reported 631 million global monthly active users (up 11% YoY) and ARPU of $1.61. Pinterest previously announced ~15% workforce cuts and a shift of resources toward AI. Shares rose roughly 15% after the report.
Elliott's $1 Billion Boost Sends Pinterest Shares Soaring
Activist investor Elliott Investment Management bought a $1 billion stake in Pinterest, triggering a roughly 9% one-day jump in the social platform’s shares. Pinterest said it will use the capital to repurchase stock as part of a newly approved $3.5 billion buyback program. Elliott will purchase $1 billion of convertible senior notes with an initial conversion price of $22.72 per share, roughly a 30% premium to the prior close. Marc Steinberg, a partner at Elliott who will join Pinterest’s board, said the firm sees substantial opportunity ahead. The article notes Pinterest has faced slowing growth, a near one-third decline in its stock year-to-date, tariff-related advertising pullbacks among large retailers, and January cost cuts including <15% workforce reductions as it prioritizes AI.
Elliott Invests $1B in Pinterest, Eyes AI Growth Potential
Elliott Investment Management has taken a $1 billion stake in Pinterest, increasing its position after first investing in the company in 2022. Pinterest said the capital will fund a $1 billion accelerated repurchase of Class A shares and support a newly authorized $3.5 billion broader share buyback program. CEO Bill Ready framed the move as a vote of confidence in Pinterest’s AI initiatives, citing record 2025 revenue, growth in users, and more than 80 billion monthly searches. The company has faced recent headwinds — including a 15% workforce reduction, a weakened ad business and rising competition from AI chatbots — but its AI-powered visual search and recommendation tools are central to its turnaround strategy. Pinterest stock rose about 6% in premarket trading after the announcement. Elliott’s activist history suggests its involvement may lead to closer strategic and cost scrutiny.
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