Starz Entertainment (NASDAQ:STRZ) Trading 4.9% Higher - Still a Buy?

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)'s stock price traded up 4.9% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $13.37 and last traded at $13.18. 78,953 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 66% from the average session volume of 233,608 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.57.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an "outperform" rating and issued a $22.00 price objective (up previously from $19.00) on shares of Starz Entertainment in a research report on Friday, May 30th. Benchmark assumed 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 for the company. TD Cowen raised shares of Starz Entertainment to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Seaport Res Ptn raised shares of Starz Entertainment to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Sunday, May 18th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Starz Entertainment from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Saturday, August 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $25.00.

Starz Entertainment Stock Performance

The company has a 50-day moving average of $15.37.

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

Insider Transactions at Starz Entertainment

In other news, Director Harry Sloan acquired 8,100 shares of Starz Entertainment stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 21st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $12.98 per share, for a total transaction of $105,138.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 42,260 shares of the company's stock, valued at $548,534.80. This trade represents a 23.71% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Joshua W. Sapan acquired 5,500 shares of Starz Entertainment stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 3rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of $17.98 per share, for a total transaction of $98,890.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 5,500 shares of the company's stock, valued at $98,890. The trade was a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have bought 374,630 shares of company stock valued at $5,300,462. Company insiders own 53.60% of the company's stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Starz Entertainment

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Russell Investments Group Ltd. bought a new stake in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at $28,000. CWM LLC bought a new stake in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at $33,000. Legal & General Group Plc bought a new stake in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at $41,000. New York State Common Retirement Fund bought a new stake in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at $48,000. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey bought a new stake in Starz Entertainment in the second quarter valued at $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."