BUZZ-Truist lowers Expedia's target price, expresses concerns about Meta's Muse AI assistant

September 30 - ** Truist has lowered its price target for online travel company Expedia (EXPE.O) from $309 to $288; the new target is still about 8% above the stock’s latest closing price

** The brokerage stated that, due to EXPE’s higher reliance on North American consumers, it is more susceptible to investor concerns about potential disruption from Meta Platforms’ (META.O) Muse (link) smart travel assistant

** The brokerage pointed out that, at this stage, downside risks remain “driven by market sentiment”; the impact of AI assistants on travel company profits is still unclear and mostly speculative

** Out of 39 brokerages, 16 have given the stock a “buy” or higher rating, 22 have issued a “hold,” and 2 have a “sell”; the median price target is $335—data compiled by LSEG

** As of the prior trading day’s close, the stock had fallen about 6% year-to-date

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