National CineMedia shares upgraded to buy, target raised to $6.75

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On Tuesday, National CineMedia (NASDAQ:NCMI) received an upgrade from a B.Riley analyst from Neutral to Buy, with a new price target set at $6.75, up from the previous $4.50. This change in stock rating follows the company’s fourth-quarter earnings report for 2023, which surpassed both the firm’s and the consensus estimates in terms of revenue and Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (AOIBDA).

The analyst noted that the company’s financial performance was bolstered by demand from Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour,” which helped target a key demographic. Additionally, National CineMedia achieved a record revenue per patron and benefited from a more efficient cost structure. These factors contributed to the positive revision of the stock’s outlook.

The upgrade comes after a previous assessment on December 18, 2023, where the analyst suggested that a change in investment opinion could result from multiple factors. These included a justified valuation multiple expansion, evidence of operating leverage, and the initiation of a dividend or share repurchase program. According to the analyst, National CineMedia’s recent results and first-quarter outlook for 2024 have met these criteria.

The analyst also expressed optimism about the future, anticipating that the upward trend in advertising demand and improved operating margins are likely to strengthen. This is expected to coincide with a broader recovery in the industry box office, which is projected to gain momentum in 2025.

National CineMedia’s stock adjustment reflects the company’s current performance and future prospects as outlined in the recent earnings report and market analysis. The upgraded rating and increased price target suggest a positive outlook for the company’s shares in the market.

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