Starz Entertainment (NASDAQ:STRZ) Shares Up 4.9% - Here's What Happened

Key Points

• Starz Entertainment's stock price rose by 4.9% to close at $13.18, although trading volume decreased significantly to 78,953 shares compared to the average of 233,608 shares.
• Analysts have given the company a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" with an average price target of $25.00, while some brokerages have raised their ratings to "hold" or "strong-buy."
• Starz reported a quarterly earnings miss, with an EPS of ($2.54), falling short of analysts' expectations that predicted ($1.39), and revenue of $319.70 million compared to the expected $328.70 million.

Starz Entertainment Corp. (NASDAQ:STRZ - Get Free Report) shot up 4.9% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $13.37 and last traded at $13.18. 78,953 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 66% from the average session volume of 233,608 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.57.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. TD Cowen raised Starz Entertainment to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Starz Entertainment from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Saturday, August 16th. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded shares of Starz Entertainment to a "strong-buy" rating in a research note on Sunday, May 18th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Starz Entertainment from $15.00 to $14.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Benchmark initiated coverage on shares of Starz Entertainment in a research report on Wednesday, July 9th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $39.00 price objective on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $25.00.

Starz Entertainment Trading Up 2.7%

The firm's fifty day simple moving average is $15.37.

Starz Entertainment (NASDAQ:STRZ - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 14th. The company reported ($2.54) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($1.39) by ($1.15). The business had revenue of $319.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $328.70 million.

Insider Activity at Starz Entertainment

In related news, Director Joshua W. Sapan bought 5,500 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 3rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $17.98 per share, with a total value of $98,890.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 5,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $98,890. This represents a ∞ increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Mark H. Md Rachesky purchased 353,334 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $14.15 per share, with a total value of $4,999,676.10. Following the transaction, the director owned 471,153 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $6,666,814.95. This represents a 299.90% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have purchased 374,630 shares of company stock valued at $5,300,462. 53.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Starz Entertainment

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Starz Entertainment during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. CWM LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Starz Entertainment in the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. Legal & General Group Plc purchased a new position in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at approximately $41,000. New York State Common Retirement Fund purchased a new position in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at approximately $48,000. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey purchased a new position in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at approximately $49,000.

Starz Entertainment Company Profile

Starz is a premium cable and streaming network owned by Starz Entertainment, which was formerly a part of Lionsgate. Starz had about 20 million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada as of Dec. 31, 2024. The company's franchises include “Outlander” and “Power."