On Friday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Lionsgate Studios Corp (NASDAQ:LION) with an Overweight rating and set a price target of $9.50. The investment firm forecasts a 30% upside potential for the stock, citing the company's positioning as a pure-play content supplier in a competitive video marketplace.
Lionsgate Studios is expected to achieve a high-single digit adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (OIBDA) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through the fiscal year ending in 2028. The analyst from Morgan Stanley highlighted the studio's upcoming slate of wide-release films, which includes titles such as "Michael," "Ballerina," "Now You See Me 3," and "Saw XI," as key drivers for revenue and OIBDA growth.
The optimistic outlook is partly based on strong demand for Lionsgate's content in post-theatrical "downstream" windows. This includes lucrative licensing deals for films with streaming services and networks worldwide. The studio's growth trajectory is anticipated to extend beyond the fiscal year 2026 (calendar year 2025), leveraging the increasing volume of film releases.
The analyst's commentary underscores the potential for Lionsgate Studios to capitalize on the competitive video market with its premium film and television offerings. The studio's strategic positioning and content pipeline are seen as significant factors contributing to its projected financial growth.
In other recent news, Lionsgate Studios Corp has been making significant moves. The company announced a plan to simplify its share structure by consolidating its dual-class shares into a single class, a decision backed by the Board of Directors. This restructuring is part of a larger strategy involving the separation of its Studio Business and Starz, aiming to benefit all shareholders.
Simultaneously, Lionsgate Studios Corp has been the subject of attention from financial analysts. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on the company with an Overweight rating, forecasting a 30% upside potential for the stock. The firm cited Lionsgate's positioning as a pure-play content supplier in a competitive video marketplace and its upcoming slate of wide-release films as key drivers for revenue and OIBDA growth.
Furthermore, Citi also initiated coverage on Lionsgate Studios Corp, giving it a Buy rating and a price target of $14.00. The firm noted Lionsgate's consistent performance as a standalone content creator and anticipates that the company's decision to spin off Starz could enhance its market valuation.
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