Sphere Entertainment downgraded to Sell from Hold at Benchmark
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 03 2024
0mins
Should l Buy SPHR?
- Downgrade Announcement: Benchmark has downgraded Sphere Entertainment's rating from Hold to Sell.
- Market Implications: This change suggests a negative outlook on the company's performance moving forward.
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Analyst Views on SPHR
Wall Street analysts forecast SPHR stock price to fall
12 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 115.240
Low
45.00
Averages
91.80
High
106.00
Current: 115.240
Low
45.00
Averages
91.80
High
106.00
About SPHR
Sphere Entertainment Co. is a live entertainment and media company. The Company's segments include Sphere and MSG Networks. Its Sphere segment is an entertainment medium powered by technologies to create multi-sensory experiences. Its venue can host a variety of events year-round, including The Sphere Experience, which features original immersive productions, as well as concerts and residencies from artists, and marquee sports and corporate events. Production efforts are supported by Sphere Studios. Its MSG Networks segment operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a range of live sports content and other programming. The MSG Networks segment features a range of sports content, including exclusive live local games and other programming of the New York Knicks of the NBA and the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Sphere Entertainment Co. Gains Favor Among Wall Street Analysts
- Wall Street Ratings Upgrade: Morgan Stanley raised Sphere Entertainment Co.'s price target from $105 to $135 while maintaining an Overweight rating, indicating that the strong performance of The Wizard of Oz exceeded expectations, thereby enhancing forecasts for the Las Vegas Sphere and confidence in future venue expansions.
- Positive Outlook from Multiple Firms: Goldman Sachs increased its price target from $108 to $126, keeping a Buy rating, emphasizing sustained demand for live entertainment and growing interest in new venues, with several catalysts expected to drive growth in 2026 and beyond.
- Financial Performance Exceeds Expectations: Sphere reported fourth-quarter revenue of $394.28 million for 2026, surpassing the consensus estimate of $377.6 million, with Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan stating that these results validate the business model and highlight plans for global expansion, including projects in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor.
- Strategic Future Development: BTIG raised its price target from $110 to $127 while maintaining a Buy rating, calling the quarter excellent as The Wizard of Oz exceeded pricing assumptions and supported higher financial contribution expectations, showcasing the company's potential for diversification and brand expansion in the future.
See More
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO: BENCHMARK UPGRADES RATING TO HOLD FROM SELL
Company Overview: Ben & Jerry's has raised its stake in the company to hold a more significant position after previously selling shares.
Market Strategy: The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its market presence and ensure long-term sustainability.
Financial Implications: This decision reflects confidence in the brand's growth potential and aims to enhance shareholder value.
Future Plans: Ben & Jerry's is expected to focus on expanding its product offerings and increasing its market share in the competitive ice cream industry.
See More
Sphere Arena's Triumph Brings Joy to CEO James Dolan
Success of The Sphere: The Sphere arena in Las Vegas has proven to be a successful venture, benefiting investors significantly.
CEO's Vision: CEO James Dolan played a crucial role in the arena's conception, design, and construction, demonstrating his commitment by monitoring the project remotely.
See More
Market Dynamics of Heavily Shorted Stocks
- Attraction of Shorted Stocks: LCID stock has become a target for heavy shorting as many experienced traders and institutional investors believe the company's fundamentals are overvalued, reflecting a pessimistic outlook on its future performance.
- Short Selling Mechanics: Short sellers bet on significant risks facing the company, such as poor earnings or industry headwinds, which may lead to a decline in stock price, thus garnering attention for short-selling strategies in the market.
- Short Squeeze Dynamics: When a stock's price unexpectedly rises, short sellers are forced to buy back shares to cover their positions, creating a surge in demand that further drives up the price, resulting in a feedback loop that can lead to explosive gains in a short time frame.
- Most Shorted Stocks List: As of February 13, the most heavily shorted stocks include companies with market caps above $2 billion and free floats exceeding 5 million shares, with short interest serving as a barometer of market sentiment.
See More
Sphere Entertainment Co. Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings and Expansion Plans
- Significant Revenue Growth: Sphere Entertainment Co. reported total revenues of $394.3 million for Q4 2025, with the Sphere segment contributing $274.2 million, reflecting strong performance from the Wizard of Oz show and concert residencies, thereby enhancing the company's competitive position in the entertainment market.
- New Venue Plans: The company announced plans to open a second Sphere venue at National Harbor in Maryland, targeting a four-year operational timeline supported by $200 million in state and local incentives, which will further expand the company's market reach and revenue streams.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: The Sphere segment achieved an adjusted operating income of $89.4 million, a significant turnaround from an adjusted operating loss of $800,000 in the prior year, demonstrating effective strategies in cost management and revenue growth, thereby boosting confidence in future profitability.
- Global Expansion Strategy: Management indicated plans to pursue 5 to 6 projects simultaneously over the next few years, emphasizing the use of various funding sources to support expansion efforts, showcasing the company's ambition in global markets and focus on emerging opportunities.
See More
HubSpot Reports Strong Q3 Earnings, Shares Surge 9.4%
- Earnings Beat: HubSpot reported quarterly earnings of $3.09 per share, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.99, indicating robust profitability and boosting market confidence in the company's future performance.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The quarterly revenue reached $846.75 million, exceeding the Street estimate of $830.54 million and marking a 20.4% increase from $703.17 million in the same period last year, showcasing HubSpot's competitive strength in the market.
- Stock Price Surge: Following the positive earnings report, HubSpot's shares jumped 9.4% to $228.93 on Thursday, reflecting investor optimism about the company's growth potential and likely attracting more investor interest.
- Mixed Market Performance: While U.S. stocks showed mixed results overall, HubSpot's strong performance distinguished it among many stocks, demonstrating relative resilience and appeal in a fluctuating market.
See More
Sphere Entertainment Co. Gains Favor Among Wall Street Analysts
- Wall Street Ratings Upgrade: Morgan Stanley raised Sphere Entertainment Co.'s price target from $105 to $135 while maintaining an Overweight rating, indicating that the strong performance of The Wizard of Oz exceeded expectations, thereby enhancing forecasts for the Las Vegas Sphere and confidence in future venue expansions.
- Positive Outlook from Multiple Firms: Goldman Sachs increased its price target from $108 to $126, keeping a Buy rating, emphasizing sustained demand for live entertainment and growing interest in new venues, with several catalysts expected to drive growth in 2026 and beyond.
- Financial Performance Exceeds Expectations: Sphere reported fourth-quarter revenue of $394.28 million for 2026, surpassing the consensus estimate of $377.6 million, with Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan stating that these results validate the business model and highlight plans for global expansion, including projects in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor.
- Strategic Future Development: BTIG raised its price target from $110 to $127 while maintaining a Buy rating, calling the quarter excellent as The Wizard of Oz exceeded pricing assumptions and supported higher financial contribution expectations, showcasing the company's potential for diversification and brand expansion in the future.
See More
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO: BENCHMARK UPGRADES RATING TO HOLD FROM SELL
Company Overview: Ben & Jerry's has raised its stake in the company to hold a more significant position after previously selling shares.
Market Strategy: The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its market presence and ensure long-term sustainability.
Financial Implications: This decision reflects confidence in the brand's growth potential and aims to enhance shareholder value.
Future Plans: Ben & Jerry's is expected to focus on expanding its product offerings and increasing its market share in the competitive ice cream industry.
See More
Sphere Arena's Triumph Brings Joy to CEO James Dolan
Success of The Sphere: The Sphere arena in Las Vegas has proven to be a successful venture, benefiting investors significantly.
CEO's Vision: CEO James Dolan played a crucial role in the arena's conception, design, and construction, demonstrating his commitment by monitoring the project remotely.
See More
Market Dynamics of Heavily Shorted Stocks
- Attraction of Shorted Stocks: LCID stock has become a target for heavy shorting as many experienced traders and institutional investors believe the company's fundamentals are overvalued, reflecting a pessimistic outlook on its future performance.
- Short Selling Mechanics: Short sellers bet on significant risks facing the company, such as poor earnings or industry headwinds, which may lead to a decline in stock price, thus garnering attention for short-selling strategies in the market.
- Short Squeeze Dynamics: When a stock's price unexpectedly rises, short sellers are forced to buy back shares to cover their positions, creating a surge in demand that further drives up the price, resulting in a feedback loop that can lead to explosive gains in a short time frame.
- Most Shorted Stocks List: As of February 13, the most heavily shorted stocks include companies with market caps above $2 billion and free floats exceeding 5 million shares, with short interest serving as a barometer of market sentiment.
See More
Sphere Entertainment Co. Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings and Expansion Plans
- Significant Revenue Growth: Sphere Entertainment Co. reported total revenues of $394.3 million for Q4 2025, with the Sphere segment contributing $274.2 million, reflecting strong performance from the Wizard of Oz show and concert residencies, thereby enhancing the company's competitive position in the entertainment market.
- New Venue Plans: The company announced plans to open a second Sphere venue at National Harbor in Maryland, targeting a four-year operational timeline supported by $200 million in state and local incentives, which will further expand the company's market reach and revenue streams.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: The Sphere segment achieved an adjusted operating income of $89.4 million, a significant turnaround from an adjusted operating loss of $800,000 in the prior year, demonstrating effective strategies in cost management and revenue growth, thereby boosting confidence in future profitability.
- Global Expansion Strategy: Management indicated plans to pursue 5 to 6 projects simultaneously over the next few years, emphasizing the use of various funding sources to support expansion efforts, showcasing the company's ambition in global markets and focus on emerging opportunities.
See More
HubSpot Reports Strong Q3 Earnings, Shares Surge 9.4%
- Earnings Beat: HubSpot reported quarterly earnings of $3.09 per share, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.99, indicating robust profitability and boosting market confidence in the company's future performance.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The quarterly revenue reached $846.75 million, exceeding the Street estimate of $830.54 million and marking a 20.4% increase from $703.17 million in the same period last year, showcasing HubSpot's competitive strength in the market.
- Stock Price Surge: Following the positive earnings report, HubSpot's shares jumped 9.4% to $228.93 on Thursday, reflecting investor optimism about the company's growth potential and likely attracting more investor interest.
- Mixed Market Performance: While U.S. stocks showed mixed results overall, HubSpot's strong performance distinguished it among many stocks, demonstrating relative resilience and appeal in a fluctuating market.
See More
