Analyst Ratings February 19, 2026

DA Davidson trims AvePoint price target to $18 but keeps Buy rating amid mixed margin outlook

Analyst expects strong Q4 ARR yet flags modest downward revision to 2026 EBIT margin estimate and possible guidance risk

By Priya Menon AVPT
DA Davidson trims AvePoint price target to $18 but keeps Buy rating amid mixed margin outlook
AVPT

DA Davidson reduced its price target on AvePoint Inc. (AVPT) to $18 from $20 while retaining a Buy recommendation. The firm anticipates fourth-quarter annual recurring revenue (ARR) at or above the midpoint of guidance when AvePoint reports on Thursday, February 26 before the market opens, but modestly lowered its calendar year 2026 EBIT margin estimate and warned of potential downside in initial 2026 margin guidance that could offset positive results.

Key Points

  • DA Davidson cut AvePoints price target to $18 from $20 but maintained a Buy rating.
  • The analyst expects Q4 annual recurring revenue at or above the midpoint of guidance and sees the report as a potential catalyst.
  • DA Davidson modestly lowered its calendar year 2026 EBIT margin estimate and warned that initial 2026 margin guidance could be slightly below consensus, which might offset positive ARR results.

DA Davidson has adjusted its valuation of AvePoint Inc. (NASDAQ: AVPT), cutting the firm's price target to $18 from $20 while leaving its rating on the shares at Buy. The move comes as AvePoint shares trade well below analyst targets and near a one-year low.

At the time of the note, AvePoint was trading at $10.62 - well under the analyst target range of $15 to $26. InvestingPro data show the stock close to its 52-week low of $10.12 and down about 45% over the last 12 months.

The research team at DA Davidson expects a robust fourth-quarter print when AvePoint reports, forecasting annual recurring revenue at or above the midpoint of company guidance. AvePoint is scheduled to announce results on Thursday, February 26 before the market opens. DA Davidson said it believes such results could act as a catalyst, particularly given mixed ARR outcomes versus consensus in recent quarters and some investor skepticism regarding fourth-quarter ARR.

At the same time, DA Davidson modestly reduced its calendar year 2026 EBIT margin estimate. The firm noted a risk that AvePoints initial calendar year 2026 EBIT margin guidance could come in slightly below consensus, a development that the analyst team said could offset the upside from a better-than-expected ARR print.

Despite the margin caveat, DA Davidson characterized the current risk/reward profile on the shares as very attractive at prevailing price levels.


Recent engagement and reaffirmation

In related activity, DA Davidson reiterated its Buy rating on AvePoint and maintained a $20.00 price target following meetings with the company's management team. Those discussions included the CEO, CFO, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, and the Head of Investor Relations. The firm cited strong growth as a central reason for preserving a positive stance, and said the meetings provided insight into AvePoint's strategic direction and leadership confidence.

DA Davidson indicated the reaffirmation underscores optimism about AvePoint's future performance, and suggested investors may find the additional managerial engagement relevant when evaluating their positions.


What to watch

  • The companys fourth-quarter ARR relative to the midpoint of guidance and consensus expectations.
  • Managements initial calendar year 2026 EBIT margin guidance and how it compares with DA Davidsons modestly reduced estimate and broader consensus.
  • Market reaction to the combination of ARR results and margin commentary, given the stocks proximity to its 52-week low.

Risks

  • Initial calendar year 2026 EBIT margin guidance may come in slightly below consensus, potentially offsetting favorable ARR results - this impacts corporate earnings expectations and investor sentiment in the software and technology sectors.
  • Investor skepticism about fourth-quarter ARR could blunt the markets response even if ARR meets or exceeds the midpoint of guidance - this affects market reaction in the equity markets for AvePoint and comparable subscription-based software companies.

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