Lionsgate upgraded to Neutral from Underweight at JPMorgan

JPMorgan analyst David Karnovsky upgraded Lionsgate (LGF.B) (LGF.A) to Neutral from Underweight with a price target of $9, up from $8. With the filing of a definitive proxy, the separation of Starz and Lionsgate Studios looks set to shortly follow a shareholder vote on April 23, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm believes the split “opens room for value creation and at the very least eliminates an unfavorable structure for investors” that drove part of its prior negative view on the shares. In addition, Lionsgate’s Motion Pictures segment has lapped a difficult period and JPMorgan is optimistic on the upcoming slate which should drive better theatrical performance in fiscal 2026, the analyst notes.