STOCK TITAN

Starz Entertainment Corp. Reports Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2026

(Moderate)
(Neutral)
Tags

STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, with revenue $306.9 million, operating loss $(152.8) million, and Adjusted OIBDA $58.0 million for the quarter. OTT revenue grew sequentially to $211.1 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $73.2 million, unlevered free cash flow was $80.7 million, and equity free cash flow was $68.7 million. Total debt was $625.1 million and net debt $523.0 million. Management accelerated its 20% adjusted OIBDA margin target to H2 2027 and reiterated 2026 outlooks.

Loading...
Loading translation...

Positive

  • OTT revenue sequentially grew to $211.1 million
  • Net cash from operations of $73.2 million
  • Unlevered free cash flow of $80.7 million
  • Adjusted OIBDA of $58.0 million (quarterly)
  • Accelerated 20% Adjusted OIBDA margin target to H2 2027

Negative

  • Operating loss of $152.8 million
  • Total debt of $625.1 million
  • Net debt of $523.0 million
  • Trailing Adjusted OIBDA leverage ratio of 3.1x
  • Low-single-digit year-over-year Adjusted OIBDA growth guidance

News Market Reaction – STRZ

-1.54%
1 alert
-1.54% Session close to close
$382.97M Market Cap
0.1x Rel. Volume

In the May 8 session, STRZ declined 1.54%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement underscores STARZ’s focus on cash generation and margin improvement, with Q1 2026 ...
Analysis

This announcement underscores STARZ’s focus on cash generation and margin improvement, with Q1 2026 Adjusted OIBDA at $58.0M, operating cash flow of $73.2M, and unlevered free cash flow of $80.7M. Management reiterated its 2026 outlook and pulled forward its 20% Adjusted OIBDA margin target to the second half of 2027. Against leverage of 3.1x and net debt of $523.0M, investors may watch future earnings, OTT revenue trends, and free cash flow delivery closely.

Key Figures

Revenue: $306.9M Operating loss: $(152.8)M Adjusted OIBDA: $58.0M +5 more
8 metrics
Revenue $306.9M Q1 2026 consolidated revenue
Operating loss $(152.8)M Q1 2026 operating loss
Adjusted OIBDA $58.0M Q1 2026, sequentially higher
OTT revenue $211.1M Q1 2026 OTT revenue, sequential growth
Operating cash flow $73.2M Net cash from operating activities, Q1 2026
Unlevered free cash flow $80.7M Q1 2026 unlevered FCF
Net debt $523.0M As of March 31, 2026
Adj. OIBDA leverage 3.1x Trailing twelve months to March 31, 2026

Previous Earnings Reports

3 past events · Latest: Feb 26 (Positive)
Same Type Pattern 3 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
Feb 26 Q4 2025 earnings Positive +14.8% Q4 2025 beat guidance, grew Adjusted OIBDA and OTT subscribers, reduced leverage.
Nov 13 Q3 2025 earnings Positive -6.3% Q3 2025 showed revenue growth and reiterated outlook but market sold off.
May 29 FY2025 results Positive +26.9% FY2025 update delivered Adjusted OIBDA goal and strong OTT subscriber growth.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Earnings updates have often driven sizable moves, usually positive, though one strong report saw a negative reaction.

Recent Company History

Over the past year, STARZ has used earnings and business updates to highlight OTT growth, leverage reduction, and improving profitability. The Q4 2025 report on Feb 26, 2026 showed $322.8M revenue and $55.5M Adjusted OIBDA, with leverage at 2.9x. Earlier, Q3 2025 results detailed leverage of 3.4x, while the FY2025 update on May 29, 2025 reported $201.5M Adjusted OIBDA and leverage of 3.1x. The current Q1 2026 earnings continue this focus on margins, cash flow, and OTT revenue.

Key Terms

adjusted oibda, unlevered free cash flow, equity free cash flow, term loan a, +4 more
8 terms
adjusted oibda financial
"Adjusted OIBDA1 Grew Sequentially to $58.0 Million"
Adjusted OIBDA is a company’s core operating profit before subtracting depreciation and amortization, further cleaned up by removing one-time or unusual items so it shows recurring cash-earning power. Think of it like measuring a car’s steady fuel efficiency after ignoring a flat tire or a rare detour—investors use it to compare underlying operational performance across periods and companies without distortion from non-recurring events or accounting timing.
unlevered free cash flow financial
"Unlevered Free Cash Flow and Equity Free Cash Flow were $80.7 Million and $68.7 Million"
Unlevered free cash flow is the cash a company generates from its core business after paying operating costs and reinvesting in the business, but before any interest or debt repayments. It shows how much cash would be available to all providers of capital—owners and lenders alike—and helps investors compare underlying business performance and value companies without the distortion of different debt levels, like judging a car’s fuel efficiency before adding cargo weight.
equity free cash flow financial
"Unlevered Free Cash Flow and Equity Free Cash Flow were $80.7 Million and $68.7 Million"
Equity free cash flow is the amount of cash a company generates that is available to pay shareholders after it pays operating costs, reinvests in the business, and handles debt-related payments and borrowings. Think of it as the household money left over after paying bills, fixing the house, and settling loans—funds that could be used for dividends, share buybacks, or retained for future needs. Investors use it to judge how much real cash a company can return to owners and to value a stock.
term loan a financial
"including a $300.0 million Term Loan A credit facility and $325.1 million in senior unsecured notes"
Term Loan A is a portion of a company’s syndicated bank loan that is paid down with regular principal installments over a set period, usually carries lower interest and a shorter maturity than other loan tranches. It matters to investors because its scheduled repayments and interest cost affect a company’s cash flow and borrowing needs; heavy near‑term payments can reduce cash available for dividends, investment or increase refinancing risk, much like a mortgage with larger monthly payments limits household flexibility.
senior unsecured notes financial
"including a $300.0 million Term Loan A credit facility and $325.1 million in senior unsecured notes"
Senior unsecured notes are a type of loan a company borrows from investors, promising to pay back with interest. They are called "unsecured" because they aren’t backed by specific assets like buildings or equipment, but "senior" because they are paid back before other debts if the company gets into trouble. Investors see them as a relatively safer way for companies to raise money.
revolving credit facility financial
"The Company's $150.0 million revolving credit facility remained fully undrawn"
A revolving credit facility is a type of loan that a business can borrow from whenever it needs money, up to a set limit. It’s like having a credit card for companies—allowing them to borrow, pay back, and borrow again as needed, providing flexibility for managing cash flow or funding short-term expenses.
adjusted oibda leverage financial
"Adjusted OIBDA leverage3 ratio: 3.1x (trailing twelve months)"
A leverage ratio that compares a company’s net debt (total debt minus cash) to its adjusted OIBDA, where adjusted OIBDA is the company’s operating income before depreciation and amortization after removing one‑time or non‑core items. It tells investors how many years of the company’s recurring, cash‑like operating earnings would be needed to pay off its debt — like measuring how many months of salary it would take to clear a mortgage — and helps assess financial risk and borrowing capacity.
trailing twelve months financial
"Adjusted OIBDA leverage3 ratio: 3.1x (trailing twelve months)"
Trailing twelve months is a rolling measure of a company’s financial performance that adds together the most recent four quarters of results to show how the business has done over the last 12 months, rather than a fixed fiscal year. Investors use it like checking a car’s last 12 months of fuel use to see current efficiency — it highlights recent trends, evens out seasonal swings, and provides an up-to-date basis for comparing and valuing companies.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google
Add on Google

STARZ Delivers Positive Operating Cash Flow and Accelerates Margin Expansion Timeline

  • OTT Revenue Grew Sequentially to $211.1 Million
  • Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $73.2 Million, a Year-over-Year Improvement of $136.7 Million
  • Unlevered Free Cash Flow and Equity Free Cash Flow were $80.7 Million and $68.7 Million, Respectively
  • Operating Loss was $(152.8) Million
  • Adjusted OIBDA1 Grew Sequentially to $58.0 Million
  • Management Accelerates 20% Adjusted OIBDA Margin Outlook to the Second Half of 2027, One Year Ahead of Prior Guidance2
  • Management Reiterates All Previously Provided 2026 Outlook Targets

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and VANCOUVER, B.C., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. This press release includes consolidated financial results for STARZ Entertainment Corp.

"As we mark the one-year anniversary of our separation today, I'm proud to report that STARZ is a structurally stronger company than when we separated," said STARZ President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch. "Over the past year, we have executed with discipline against our strategic and financial priorities to position the company for long-term value creation, and we delivered a strong start to the year, meeting or exceeding all of our key financial targets. Given our progress and one of our strongest content lineups we've had in years, we are increasingly confident in our ability to drive OTT revenue growth, reduce leverage, expand margins, and generate sustainable free cash flow in the years ahead."

Summary of First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, STARZ reported:

  • Revenue: $306.9 million
  • Operating loss: $(152.8) million
  • Adjusted OIBDA1: $58.0 million
  • Net cash provided by operating activities: $73.2 million
  • Unlevered free cash flow: $80.7 million
  • Equity free cash flow: $68.7 million

As of March 31, 2026, key balance sheet metrics included:

  • Cash and cash equivalents: $102.1 million
  • Total debt: $625.1 million, including a $300.0 million Term Loan A credit facility and $325.1 million in senior unsecured notes
  • Net debt: $523.0 million
  • Adjusted OIBDA leverage3 ratio: 3.1x (trailing twelve months)
  • The Company's $150.0 million revolving credit facility remained fully undrawn

2026 outlook reiterated:

  • Positive year-over-year OTT revenue growth
  • Low-single-digit year-over-year Adjusted OIBDA growth
  • Unlevered free cash flow of between $80.0 million to $120.0 million
  • Adjusted OIBDA leverage ratio exiting 2026 at approximately 2.7x

Conference Call

  • STARZ senior management will hold its analyst and investor conference call to discuss results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, today, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT. Interested parties may listen to the live webcast by visiting the events page on the STARZ Investor Relations website. A full replay will become available this evening at the same link.

1

See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a definition of Adjusted OIBDA.

2

The forecasted Operating Income (Loss) is not reasonably estimable due to the nature of certain individual items: restructuring and other, and adjusted share-based compensation expense. The variability of these items could have a significant impact on our future GAAP financial results.

3

Total Adjusted OIBDA Leverage Ratio of 3.1x is calculated based on total Adjusted OIBDA of $168.7 million for the trailing twelve-month period ended March 31, 2026. Refer to "Reconciliation of Operating Loss to Adjusted OIBDA" section for further detail.

About STARZ
STARZ is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning "We're All Adults Here." Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.

Investor Inquiries - Contact:
Nilay Shah
nilay.shah@starz.com

Press Inquiries - Contact:
Jennifer Minezaki
jennifer.minezaki@starz.com

The matters discussed in this press release include forward-looking statements, including those regarding expected future performance. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results in the future could differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, but not limited to: the benefits of the separation of Lionsgate's Studios Business and Lionsgate's STARZ Business (the "Separation"); unexpected costs related to the Separation; the substantial investment of capital required to produce and market films and television series; budget overruns; limitations imposed by our credit facilities and notes; unpredictability of the commercial success of our programming; risks related to acquisition and integration of acquired businesses; the effects of dispositions of businesses or assets, including individual films or libraries; the cost of defending our intellectual property; technological changes and other trends affecting the entertainment industry; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships; the impact of global pandemics on our business; weakness in the global economy and financial markets, including a recession and past and future bank failures; wars, terrorism and multiple international conflicts that could cause significant economic disruption and political and social instability; labor disruptions and strikes; and the other risk factors set forth in STARZ's Annual Report on Form 10-KT filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances.

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT CORP.



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS






March 31,
2026


December 31,
2025


(Amounts in millions)

ASSETS




Cash and cash equivalents

$          102.1


$           35.7

Accounts receivable, net, including other receivables of $10.7 million and $9.9 million as of March
31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.

81.7


84.4

Prepaid expenses and other

10.8


12.1

Total current assets

194.6


132.2

Programming content, net

874.0


993.8

Property and equipment, net

48.0


49.1

Intangible assets, net

627.9


690.9

Other assets

44.2


47.2

Total assets

$       1,788.7


$      1,913.2

LIABILITIES




Current portion of debt

$            11.3


$             7.5

Accounts payable

68.3


60.0

Programming related payables

287.7


255.2

Other accrued liabilities

57.4


49.1

Residuals

22.2


27.1

Programming related obligations

127.3


87.7

Deferred revenue

54.1


52.8

Total current liabilities

628.3


539.4

Debt

603.0


605.8

Production loan


41.4

Other liabilities

74.4


72.7

Deferred tax liabilities

4.3


7.9

Total liabilities

1,310.0


1,267.2





Contingencies








EQUITY




Common stock, no par value, unlimited authorized, 16.8 million and 16.7 million shares issued and
outstanding as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.

731.6


735.1

Accumulated other comprehensive income

20.5


19.4

Accumulated deficit

(273.4)


(108.5)

Total equity

478.7


646.0

Total liabilities and equity

$        1,788.7


$        1,913.2

 

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT CORP.



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS




Three Months Ended


March 31,


2026


2025


(Amounts in millions)

Revenue




OTT revenue

$          211.1


$          225.5

Linear and other revenue

95.8


105.1

Total revenue

306.9


330.6

Operating expenses:




Programming amortization

138.3


118.4

Other operating

34.3


38.7

Advertising and marketing

50.4


58.9

General and administrative

29.1


25.4

Depreciation and amortization

68.5


48.1

Restructuring and other

139.1


183.4

Total expenses

459.7


472.9

Operating loss

(152.8)


(142.3)

Interest expense

(13.9)


(10.9)

Interest and other income

0.4


1.7

Other expense

(1.8)


(1.8)

Loss on extinguishment of debt


(0.7)

Loss from continuing operations

(168.1)


(154.0)

Income tax benefit

3.2


Net loss from continuing operations

(164.9)


(154.0)

Net income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes


1.0

Net loss

$         (164.9)


$         (153.0)





Per share information attributable to Starz Entertainment Corp. shareholders:








Basic and diluted net loss per common share - continuing operations

$          (9.83)


$          (9.21)

Basic and diluted net income per common share - discontinued operations


0.06

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

$          (9.83)


$          (9.15)





Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:




Basic

16.8


16.7

Diluted

16.8


16.7

 

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT CORP.



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS




Three Months Ended


March 31,


2026


2025


(Amounts in millions)

Operating Activities:




Net loss

$          (164.9)


$          (153.0)

Less: net income from discontinued operations, net of tax


1.0

Net loss from continuing operations, net of tax

(164.9)


(154.0)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:




Depreciation and amortization

68.5


48.1

Programming amortization

138.3


118.4

Amortization of debt financing costs and other non-cash interest

1.1


1.1

Non-cash share-based compensation

3.2


4.3

Other amortization

2.1


1.8

Net content impairment

128.1


167.6

Loss on extinguishment of debt


0.7

Deferred income taxes


0.2

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:




Accounts receivable, net

1.8


32.7

Cash paid for programming content(1)

(113.3)


(246.0)

Other assets

2.5


(6.2)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

5.7


(1.6)

Residuals

(1.2)


(0.1)

Deferred revenue

1.3


5.0

Due to LG Studios Business


(35.5)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

73.2


(63.5)

Investing activities:




Capital expenditures

(4.5)


(3.9)

Deferred purchase price of receivables sold

0.6


New Lionsgate revolving credit facility – increases


303.7

New Lionsgate revolving credit facility – decreases


(251.3)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(3.9)


48.5

Financing activities:




Debt – borrowings, net of debt issuance and redemption costs


96.5

Debt repayments


(96.5)

Programming related obligations – borrowings

104.1


113.3

Programming related obligations – repayments

(107.0)


(98.3)

Parent net investment


3.6

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(2.9)


18.6

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

66.4


3.6

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

35.7


14.2

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

$           102.1


$            17.8














(1)

 Cash paid for programming content for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes $157.1 million from the licensing of program rights from the LG Studios Business.

 

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT CORP.



RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING LOSS TO ADJUSTED OIBDA






Three Months Ended


Trailing
Twelve
Months


March 31,


June 30,


September 30,


December 31,


March 31,


March 31,


2025


2025


2025


2025


2026


2026


(Amounts in millions)



Operating loss

$      (142.3)


$       (26.9)


$       (34.8)


$        (4.7)


$      (152.8)


$      (219.2)

Depreciation and amortization

48.1


48.7


47.9


47.3


68.5


212.4

Restructuring and other(1)

183.4


6.4


5.0


9.4


139.1


159.9

Adjusted share-based compensation expense(2)

4.1


5.2


3.7


3.5


3.2


15.6

Adjusted OIBDA(3)

$        93.3


$        33.4


$        21.8


$        55.5


$        58.0


$       168.7













Starz Networks (U.S. and Canada)

$        92.0


$        33.4


$        21.8


$        55.5


$        58.0


$       168.7

International

1.3






Adjusted OIBDA

$        93.3


$        33.4


$        21.8


$        55.5


$        58.0


$       168.7












(1)

Restructuring and other includes restructuring costs, certain transaction-related and other expenses, and unusual items, when applicable, as shown in the table below:

 


Three Months Ended


Trailing
Twelve
Months


March 31,


June 30,


September 30,


December 31,


March 31,


March 31,


2025


2025


2025


2025


2026


2026


(Amounts in millions)



Restructuring and other:












Content impairments(a)

$      167.7


$        (0.3)


$         —


$         7.1


$      128.1


$      134.9

Transaction and other costs(b)

14.0


4.5


4.8


2.1


5.1


16.5

Severance(c)

1.5




0.2


5.9


6.1

Share-based compensation(d)

0.2


2.2


0.2




2.4

Total restructuring and other

$      183.4


$         6.4


$         5.0


$         9.4


$      139.1


$      159.9














(a)

During 2025 and 2026, Starz undertook actions to rationalize its content portfolio as part of its ongoing efforts to right‑size its content cost structure in response to the evolving macroeconomic and industry environment, including continued declines in traditional linear services, impairments associated with changes in the Canadian operating model and in connection with becoming and operating as a standalone company following the Separation. These actions included evaluating programming on the Starz Platform, cancelling certain previously ordered programming, and removing and abandoning content determined to have limited strategic value.






In April 2026, the Company entered into an agreement to terminate certain live‑action films under a post pay-one output licensing agreement.  Such termination will impact Restructuring and Other costs in the three months ended June 30, 2026.





(b)

Transaction and other costs reflect costs associated with certain potential strategic transactions, costs associated with certain legal matters, and transaction, integration and legal costs associated with the separation from Lionsgate.





(c)

Severance costs represent a reduction in our work force due to cost-saving initiatives and the continued decline in traditional linear services.





(d)

This balance includes a modification of equity awards in connection with the separation from Lionsgate. In June 2025, the compensation committee of the Company approved a cash payment in lieu of share issuance for the restricted share units that vested in July and August 2025.




(2)

The following table reconciles total share-based compensation expense to adjusted share-based compensation expense:

 

 


Three Months Ended


Trailing
Twelve
Months


March 31,


June 30,


September 30,


December 31,


March 31,


March 31,


2025


2025


2025


2025


2026


2026


(Amounts in millions)



Total share-based compensation expense

$         4.3


$         7.4


$         3.9


$         3.5


$         3.2


$       18.0

Less: Amount included in restructuring and other(a)

(0.2)


(2.2)


(0.2)




(2.4)

Adjusted share-based compensation expense

$        4.1


$        5.2


$        3.7


$        3.5


$        3.2


$       15.6














(a)

Includes a modification of equity awards in connection with the Separation included in restructuring and other expenses. Refer to note (1)(d).




(3)

See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the definition of Adjusted OIBDA which is reconciled to operating loss in the table above, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

 

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT CORP.



KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)




Three Months Ended


March 31,


June 30,


September 30,


December 31,


March 31,


2025


2025


2025


2025


2026


(Amounts in millions)

Equity free cash flow










Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

$       (63.5)


$         65.4


$       (26.0)


$        (21.4)


$        73.2

Less: capital expenditures

(3.9)


(6.9)


(5.2)


(4.5)


(4.5)

Total equity free cash flow

(67.4)


58.5


(31.2)


(25.9)


68.7

Plus: cash paid for interest

0.9


26.9


9.2


19.1


11.6

Plus: cash paid for income taxes

0.3


0.2


0.4


0.2


0.4

Total unlevered free cash flow

$       (66.2)


$         85.6


$       (21.6)


$         (6.6)


$        80.7











Cash paid for programming content










Starz Networks

$      (238.6)


$      (143.5)


$      (157.0)


$      (158.6)


$      (111.0)

International

(1.8)





Remaining shutdown operations(1)

(5.6)


(4.8)


(2.7)


(4.0)


(2.3)

Total cash paid for programming content

$      (246.0)


$      (148.3)


$      (159.7)


$      (162.6)


$      (113.3)











Net corporate debt










Debt

$       715.0


$       625.1


$       625.1


$       625.1


$       625.1

Less: cash and cash equivalents

17.8


51.6


37.0


35.7


102.1

Less: Intercompany receivable from Lionsgate(2)

81.6





Net corporate debt

$       615.6


$       573.5


$       588.1


$       589.4


$       523.0











Adjusted OIBDA - trailing twelve months

$       201.5


$       178.6


$       173.2


$       204.0


$       168.7











Adjusted OIBDA leverage ratio(3)

3.1x


3.2x


3.4x


2.9x


3.1x












(1)

Represents cash used in operating activities for programming content paid subsequent to the final shut down of the LIONSGATE+ business in May 2024, which is included in continuing operations within the consolidated statements of cash flow.



(2)

In connection with the Studio Separation, on May 13, 2024, LGAC International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of Lionsgate Studios ("LGAC International"), and LGCH1 (which was renamed Starz Capital Holdings 1, Inc. at Separation), entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "Intercompany Revolver"), pursuant to which LGAC International and LGCH1 agreed to make revolving loans to each other from time to time provided that the net amount owing by one party to the other at any particular time may not exceed $150.0 million. All outstanding obligations in respect of principal, interest and fees under the Intercompany Revolver were repaid in full and all commitments thereunder were terminated.



(3)

Adjusted OIBDA leverage ratio is defined as Net Corporate Debt (represents total corporate debt, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, minus cash and cash equivalents), divided by adjusted OIBDA for the trailing twelve-months.

 

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This earnings release presents the following important financial measures utilized by Starz Entertainment Corp. (the "Company," "Starz," "we," "us" or "our") that are not financial measures defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, among other measures, to evaluate the operating performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures are in addition to, not a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with United States GAAP.

Adjusted OIBDA: Adjusted OIBDA is defined as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA"), adjusted for adjusted share-based compensation expense ("adjusted SBC"), restructuring and other costs, and unusual gains or losses, when applicable.

  • Depreciation and amortization as presented on our combined statement of operations.
  • Adjusted share-based compensation expense represents share-based compensation excluding the impact of the acceleration of certain vesting schedules for equity awards pursuant to certain severance arrangements, which are included in restructuring and other expenses, when applicable.
  • Restructuring and other includes restructuring costs, certain transaction-related and other expenses, and unusual items, when applicable.

Adjusted OIBDA Leverage Ratio: Adjusted OIBDA Leverage Ratio is defined as Net Corporate Debt (represents total Corporate Debt, excluding Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs, minus Cash and Cash Equivalents), divided by Adjusted OIBDA for the trailing twelve-months.

Unlevered Free Cash Flow: Unlevered Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus cash paid for interest and taxes.

Equity Free Cash Flow: Equity Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less capital expenditures.

Net Corporate Debt: Net Corporate Debt is defined as total Corporate Debt, excluding Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs, minus Cash and Cash Equivalents.

Overall: These measures are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G promulgated by the SEC and are in addition to, not a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

We use these non-GAAP measures, among other measures, to evaluate the operating performance of our business. We believe these measures provide useful information to investors regarding our results of operations before non-operating items and cash flows. Adjusted OIBDA is considered an important measure of the Company's performance because this measure eliminates amounts that, in management's opinion, do not necessarily reflect the fundamental performance of the Company's businesses, are infrequent in occurrence, and in some cases are non-cash expenses. In addition, the Adjusted OIBDA Leverage Ratio is an important metric as it provides insight into the Company's capital structure and financial risk, helping assess the Company's ability to meet its debt obligations and maintain financial flexibility. Unlevered Free Cash Flow and Equity Free Cash Flow are considered important measures of the Company's liquidity because they provide information about the ability of the Company to reduce net corporate debt and make strategic investments. Net Corporate Debt is used by management to evaluate the Company's overall indebtedness and capital structure by reflecting debt levels net of available liquidity, and is an important measure in assessing leverage, financial risk, and the Company's capacity to service and reduce debt over time. The Company utilizes these measures, among others, to evaluate the performance of its business relative to its peers and the broader market.

These non-GAAP measures are commonly used in the entertainment industry and by financial analysts and others who follow the industry to measure operating performance. However, not all companies calculate these measures in the same manner and the measures as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies due to differences in the methods of calculation and excluded items.

A general limitation of these non-GAAP financial measures is that they are not prepared in accordance with GAAP. These measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as an alternative measure of operating income, cash flow, net income (loss), or earnings (loss) per share as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starz-entertainment-corp-reports-results-for-the-first-quarter-ended-march-31-2026-302766090.html

SOURCE Starz Entertainment LLC

FAQ

What were STARZ (STRZ) key Q1 2026 financial results?

STARZ reported Q1 2026 revenue of $306.9 million and an operating loss of $(152.8) million. According to the company, Adjusted OIBDA for the quarter was $58.0 million, with net cash from operations of $73.2 million.

How much OTT revenue did STRZ generate in Q1 2026?

OTT revenue was $211.1 million for the quarter. According to the company, this figure represents sequential growth and is highlighted as a contributor to improved cash flow and margin expansion plans.

What is STARZ's debt and leverage position as of March 31, 2026?

Total debt was $625.1 million and net debt $523.0 million as of March 31, 2026. According to the company, trailing Adjusted OIBDA leverage was 3.1x for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026.

What cash flow did STRZ report and what is 2026 free cash flow outlook?

Net cash provided by operations was $73.2 million; unlevered free cash flow was $80.7 million. According to the company, 2026 unlevered free cash flow guidance is between $80.0 million and $120.0 million.

What change did STARZ make to its Adjusted OIBDA margin timing?

Management accelerated the target, moving a 20% Adjusted OIBDA margin goal to the second half of 2027. According to the company, this is one year ahead of prior guidance and reflects updated timing for margin expansion.