华尔街大砍多邻国目标价：业绩指引不及预期、战略转向牺牲短期利润

Core Viewpoint - Following disappointing performance guidance, Wall Street analysts have lowered their target prices for Duolingo, indicating a strategic shift from short-term monetization to long-term user growth, which complicates the predictability of the company's growth model beyond 2026 [1][10]. Financial Performance - Duolingo reported third-quarter revenues of $272 million and adjusted EBITDA of $80 million, exceeding market expectations by 4% and 10% respectively. Both subscription and total bookings also surpassed expectations by 3% [3][6]. - The company’s net income for the quarter was approximately $292 million, with diluted earnings per share of $5.95 [5]. Future Guidance - Management has projected fourth-quarter bookings, revenues, and EBITDA medians of $333 million, $275 million, and $77 million, respectively, which are below market consensus by 3% and 4% [6][10]. - The focus will shift towards ensuring user growth, which may lead to a decline in short-term monetization priorities, raising concerns about the sustainability of current growth rates [7][10]. Analyst Reactions - Multiple investment banks have downgraded their ratings and target prices for Duolingo, with UBS reducing its target from $450 to $285 (a 37% decrease) and Bank of America lowering its target from $370 to $301 [10]. - Analysts believe that due to slowing growth and increased strategic uncertainty, Duolingo no longer deserves the previous valuation premium [10]. User Growth Indicators - Despite the target price reductions, Morgan Stanley maintains an overweight rating, suggesting that Duolingo needs to demonstrate stable user growth without a significant gap from booking growth to change market sentiment [11]. - Recent data indicates that daily active user growth has stabilized at approximately 30% year-over-year, with signs of recovery in the U.S. market and improved brand sentiment [14].