Lionsgate may be upgraded by S&P

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1'Standard & Poors is considering an upgrade of Lionsgate's corporate credit rating, saying the purchase of Summit could put the studio on a sounder financial footing.The big ratings agency placed its "B-" corporate credit rating on what's called "CreditWatch with positive implications" and predicted the deal could end up reducing Lionsgate's debt "meaningfully." Wall Streeters expect Summit's "Twilight" franchise to inject half a billion dollars of fresh cash into Lionsgate over the next five years. The new listing reflects the possibility of an upgrade, which, S&P said, will depend on the combined company's new cash position, strategy and "acquisition orientation." The agency estimated Lionsgate's pro forma debt at roughly $1.1 billion -- or $1.5 billion including film financing obligations -- as of Sept. 30, 2011.It also said the acquisition modestly improves Lionsgate's business risk profile on account of increased leverage over exhibitors, and creative capabilities. The $412 million deal, a combination of cash, stock and bonds sale, was announced Friday. Lionsgate shares bounced higher late in the trading day Wednesday, closing up 2.24% at $9.14, a new 52-week high.Corporate credit ratings determine how much risk an investor is taking on. The idea is that the lower the rating the more likely a company is to default so it has to pay higher interest rates in order to attract investors. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com