Stock: D.E. Shaw Advocates for Board Changes at CoStar, Targeting Homes.com Investment - CSG, +20260204

[Para 1: The Lead] D.E. Shaw is advocating for a board shake-up at CoStar Group (CSG), focusing on reevaluating the company’s underperforming investment in Homes.com. The hedge fund believes CSG’s shares have lagged due to this high-risk venture, demanding leadership changes and strategic realignment. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] D.E. Shaw’s letter to CoStar’s board, to be made public on Wednesday, February 8, 2026, criticizes Andrew Florance for being overly committed to the Homes.com strategy. The firm is urging CoStar to monetize Homes.com, refocus on core operations, repurchase shares, and restructure executive compensation. CSG’s market value stands at approximately $22 billion, with its shares down over 23% year-to-date. CoStar maintains alignment with its board’s strategy, emphasizing long-term value creation through Homes.com.