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Investing.com - Wedbush initiated coverage on Marcus Corp (NYSE:MCS) with an Outperform rating and a $24.00 price target on Friday. The target aligns with the broader analyst consensus, as InvestingPro data shows analysts maintain a "Strong Buy" recommendation with price targets ranging from $24 to $25.
The research firm cited three key factors supporting its positive outlook: Marcus is positioned to benefit from a more consistent theatrical release slate in coming quarters, has potential to increase dividends or pursue M&A with no significant debt maturities until 2027, and owns most of its properties with opportunities to monetize surplus real estate.
Wedbush noted that Marcus shares currently trade at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 6.4x 2025 consensus estimates, below the 2015-2019 average of 8.4x, suggesting the current valuation doesn’t fully reflect the company’s potential. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock may be undervalued at current levels, with additional insights and detailed valuation metrics available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report, one of 1,400+ deep-dive analyses available to subscribers.
The firm projects the North American box office will return to a normalized growth rate of low to mid-single digits annually by 2027, after experiencing mid-to-high single-digit growth in 2025 and 2026.
Wedbush’s $24 price target is based on a 7.5x blended multiple on its 2027 consolidated EBITDA estimate, combining a 7-8x multiple for the theater segment and a 7x multiple for the hotels segment.
In other recent news, The Marcus Corporation reported its first-quarter performance, which exceeded expectations, particularly in its theatrical segment, despite facing higher film rental costs. Benchmark analysts maintained a Buy rating with a $25.00 price target, citing increased attendance and promising early second-quarter results. Additionally, the company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share for common stock and $0.064 for Class B stock, reflecting its commitment to shareholder value. Shareholders also approved the 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan, allowing for equity and cash incentive awards, and elected ten directors at the recent annual meeting. B.Riley analysts initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $24.00 price target, noting potential growth in both the hotel and theater segments. The company’s strategy to boost movie attendance through promotions and the nearing completion of renovations at key properties are expected to drive future growth. Marcus Corp’s ongoing investments, including a $7.1 million share repurchase, highlight its focus on asset value creation. Benchmark continues to view Marcus as a "Best Idea" investment, supported by strong box office performance and a favorable risk/reward profile.
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