Lionsgate Studios Earnings Call Transcripts
Fiscal Year 2026
-
Separation of Studio and Starz has positioned the business for strategic flexibility and high-value content monetization. Strong box office and TV performance, robust international presales, and new Pay-1 deals drive growth. AI integration and ancillary expansion further enhance revenue streams.
-
Q3 2026 results showed modest revenue growth and record library performance, with strong momentum in both film and TV segments. Fiscal 2027 is set for significant growth, supported by a robust slate, increased episodic deliveries, and improving leverage metrics.
-
Q2 results met expectations with $475M revenue and record $1B trailing 12-month library revenue. Strong growth is forecast for the second half and fiscal 2027, driven by tentpole films, TV renewals, and a $1.6B backlog, while operational efficiency and IP expansion continue.
-
Q1 2026 results met expectations, with revenue of $556M and a focus on franchise expansion and digital initiatives. Fiscal 2026 is back-end loaded, with major releases and TV growth expected to drive strong EBITDA and free cash flow in 2027.
Fiscal Year 2025
-
Separation from Starz completed, driving a simplified structure and record Q4 results with 22% revenue growth and strong library sales. Fiscal 2026 is expected to be back-end loaded, with major releases and positive free cash flow, while leverage is targeted to decline as content pipelines are refreshed.
-
Separation of Studios and Starz is set for April, aiming to unlock shareholder value and enable independent growth. Both businesses have secured financing, with Starz focusing on digital and targeted content, and the Studio leveraging its library and robust production slate. Ancillary licensing and bundling strategies are expected to drive incremental, high-margin revenue.
-
Separation from the studio is on track for mid to late April, enabling a focused, standalone streaming business targeting women. Starz plans to drive growth through content tailored to its core demos, margin expansion, and strategic bundling, while maintaining strong free cash flow and pursuing selective M&A.
-
Revised summary: Separation from the studio enables sharper digital growth, with 70% of revenue expected from digital and a targeted return to 20% margins by 2028. The strategy focuses on content exclusivity, targeted spending on women (especially Black women), and proprietary tech. M&A will target brands aligned with core demos, with domestic growth as the priority.
-
Q3 saw strong performance in motion pictures and TV, with record library revenue and Starz OTT growth. Fiscal 2025 guidance was reiterated, and new deals with Starz and Amazon are set to boost future profits. Studio and Starz leverage expected to decline post-separation.
-
Second quarter results were impacted by industry disruption and underperforming theatrical releases, but a strong library and diversified model provided stability. STARZ remains on track for $200 million segment profit, and significant progress was made toward the studio-STARZ separation and capital structure optimization.
-
Q1 saw solid performance in film and library, with Starz OTT growth offsetting TV softness. Fiscal 2025 guidance is reiterated, with a stronger second half expected as content deliveries and subscriber growth accelerate. Separation of studio and Starz remains on track.
Fiscal Year 2024
-
Starz is set to become a standalone public company, emphasizing its digital-first, data-driven model and focus on underserved demographics. Growth will be driven by price optimization, bundling, and targeted content, with margin expansion and M&A opportunities on the horizon.
-
Separation preparations are nearly complete, with a focus on digital transition, stable revenue, and high free cash flow. Content cadence, targeted programming, and bundling strategies are expected to drive subscriber growth and margin expansion, positioning the business for industry consolidation opportunities.
-
The company operates with a lean, efficient model, focusing on strong franchises and reliable returns from both blockbusters and mid-budget films. International licensing and disciplined marketing drive profitability, while the content pipeline and talent engagement remain robust.