Baird starts coverage on Dolby, Duolingo, Lionsgate and Starz

Investing.com -- Baird initiated coverage on media and technology names, starting Dolby Laboratories and Duolingo at Neutral, Lionsgate Studios at Outperform, and Starz Entertainment at Neutral.

The firm said Dolby remains a durable business with long-term opportunities in its Atmos, Vision and Imaging products, but limited near-term catalysts and weak device markets led it to begin with a neutral rating and a $74 target.

Duolingo, also rated neutral with a $280 target, was cited for strong brand recognition, product innovation and growth potential, but Baird flagged competitive risks and high valuation as reasons for caution.

Baird was more upbeat on Lionsgate, assigning an outperform rating and an $8 target.

The brokerage said the standalone studio has a strong slate of films, including new “Hunger Games” and “Resurrection of the Christ” installments, and could attract takeover interest once a shareholder rights plan expires in 2026.

Starz, separated from Lionsgate earlier this year, was started at neutral with a $13 target.

Baird said its focus on women and underrepresented audiences and a shift to streaming could drive longer-term growth, but execution risks, limited liquidity and a lack of near-term catalysts tempered its stance.

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