Q4 2024 Lionsgate Studios Corp Earnings Call

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Speaker Change: I would now like to turn the conference over to Neal Shah Executive Vice President and head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Nile Shah: I would now like to turn the conference over to Nile Shah, Executive Vice President and Head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Neal Shah: Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us for the Lionsgate Studios Corp, and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp fiscal 2020 for fourth quarter Conference call will begin with opening remarks from our CEO, Jon Feltheimer, followed by remarks from Vice Chairman, Michael Burns and remarks from CFO Jimmy barge. After their remarks, we'll open the call for questions also joined.

John Felthimer: Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us for the Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Lionsgate Entertainment Corp. Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter conference call.

John Felthimer: We'll begin with opening remarks from our CEO, John Felthimer, followed by remarks from Vice Chairman, Michael Burns, and remarks from CFO, Jimmy Barge. After their remarks, we'll open the call for questions.

Neal Shah: US on the call today, our COO, Brian Goldsmith Chairman of the television group, Kevin Beggs Chairman of the motion Picture Group, Adam Fogelson, and President of worldwide television distribution, Jim Packer and from Starz, We have president and CEO, Jeffrey Hirsch CFO, Scott Macdonald and president of domestic networks Allison Hoffman.

John Felthimer: Also joining us on the call today are COO Brian Goldsmith, Chairman of the TV Group Kevin Begs, Chairman of the Motion Picture Group Adam Fogelson, and President of World Wide TV and Distribution Jim Packer.

John Felthimer: And from stars we have President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch, CFO Scott McDonald, and President of Domestic Networks Allison Hoffman.

Speaker Change: Matters discussed on the call also include forward looking statements, including those regarding the performance of future fiscal years, such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties actual results could differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward looking statements as a result of various factors. This includes the risk factors set forth in our public filings.

John Felthimer: The matters discussed on the call also include four looking statements, including those regarding the performance of future fiscal years. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Axial results could differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

John Felthimer: This includes the risk factors set forth in our public filings for Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Lionsgate Entertainment Corp. The companies undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances.

Speaker Change: For Lionsgate Studios Corp, and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. The companies undertake 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 I will now turn the call over to John.

John Felthimer: I'll now turn the call over to John. Thank you, Nile. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us.

John: Les and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us I'm.

John: I'm speaking today as CEO of both the consolidated parent company Lionsgate Entertainment Corp, and Lions Gate Studios as we now have two public companies trading in the market.

John Felthimer: I'm speaking today as CEO of both the Consolidated Parent Company Lionsgate Entertainment Corp and Lionsgate Studios, as we now have two public companies trading in the market. When Jimmy presents the consolidated financial results of the parent company in a few minutes, he'll include the separate operating results of the Lionsgate studio segments. Turning to my remarks, we had a great year. We completed four major transactions, moved closer to a value-defining separation of our studio and stars, exceeded our numbers, strengthened our content pipelines, and grew our library to record levels. We accomplished all of this in the face of two strikes and unprecedented industry disruption.

When Jimmy presents our consolidated financial results of the parent company in a few minutes he'll include the separate operating result of the Lionsgate studio segments.

John: Turning to my remarks, we had a great year.

John: We completed four major transactions moved closer to a value defining separation of our studio and stars exceeded our numbers strengthened our content pipelines and grew our library to record levels.

John: We accomplished all of this in the face of two strikes and unprecedented industry disruption.

John: Let's look at the fiscal year highlights.

John Felthimer: Let's look at the fiscal year highlights. Last week, we launched Lionsgate Studios as a pure play publicly traded company, positioned right in the sweet spot of the entertainment business, creating, owning, and distributing great content. We believe that it has all of the ingredients to live up to its ticker symbol, Lion. In December, we closed the acquisition of E1, and it is already deepening our library, strengthening our Canadian production initiatives, diversifying our television group, and allowing us to efficiently scale Lionsgate alternative television into an unscripted powerhouse. Our motion picture group reported its best segment profit in ten years, driven by the latest installments of the Hunger Games, John Wick, and Saw franchises, a robust multi-platform release business, and a strong library performance.

John: Last week, we launched Lionsgate studios as a pure play publicly traded company positioned right in the sweet spot of the entertainment business, creating owning and distributing great content.

John: We believe that it has all of the ingredients to live up to its ticker symbol Lion.

John: In December we closed the acquisition of <unk> and it is already deepening our library strengthening our Canadian production initiatives, diversifying our television group and allowing us to efficiently scale Lionsgate alternative TV into an unscripted powerhouse our motion picture group reported its best segment.

John: <unk> in 10 years, driven by the latest installments of the hunger games, John Wick and solve franchises are robust multi platform release business and a strong library performance.

John: Our ability to convert films to profitability in all parts of the business continued last weekend with a strong opening of the strangers chapter one.

John Felthimer: Our ability to convert films to profitability in all parts of the business continued last weekend with a strong opening of the Strangers Chapter 1. Our television group has rebounded from the strike with seven series orders and renewals, and 27 new shows sold into development in recent months. Earlier this week, we partnered with Amazon MGM Studios to announce the development of Nurse Jackie sequel starring Edie Falco, an executive produced by Edie and Bob Greenblatt. The first of several franchise properties were bringing to the market this spring. Our film and television library reported a record $339 million revenue quarter, bringing traveling 12 month revenue to $886 million.

John: Our television group has rebounded from the strike with seven series orders and renewals and 27, New show sold into development in recent months.

John: Earlier this week, we partnered with Amazon MGM Studios to announced the development of a nurse Jackie sequel, starring Edie Falco and executive produced by EDI and Bob Greenblatt. The first of several franchise properties, we're bringing to the market. This spring.

John: Our film and TV Library reported a record $339 million revenue quarter, bringing trailing 12 month revenue to $886 million.

John: This performance was driven by strength across the board top properties from third party creators like the corners and the chosen the escalade syndication of our hit comedy ghosts on CBS and evergreen titles from our deep library.

John Felthimer: This performance was driven by strength across the board. Top properties from third-party creators like the Conners and The Chosen. The S-bots indication of our hit comedy Ghosts on CBS and Evergreen titles from our deep library. Stars continue to drive its successful transition to digital, ending the fiscal year with 64% of its revenue coming from streaming, with 70% anticipated by the end of the fiscal year. It remains one of the only profitable pure play premium networks in the business. And finally, we ended the fiscal year on a strong financial note, raising $350 million in gross proceeds from our Lionsgate Studios transaction and completing our bond exchange agreement to help prepare the studio and stars' balance sheets for full separation.

John: Starz continues to drive its successful transition to digital ending the fiscal year with 64% of its revenue coming from streaming with 70% anticipated by the end of the fiscal year.

John: It remains one of the only profitable pure play premium networks in the business and finally, we ended the fiscal year on a strong financial note raising $350 million in gross proceeds from our Lions Gate Studios transaction and completing our bond exchange agreement to help prepare the studio and Starz balance.

John: Seats for full separation.

John: Assuming we meet the financial targets to which we've previously guided we expect to end the fiscal year with our studio leverage in the low threes looking at our individual businesses coming out of a strike our motion picture group has been putting together one of our strongest production slates in years, driven by a roster of world class talent.

John Felthimer: Assuming we meet the financial targets to which we've previously guided, we expect to end the fiscal year with our studio leverage in the low threes. Looking at our individual businesses, coming out of the strike, our motion picture group has been putting together one of our strongest production slates in years, driven by a roster of world-class talent. Graham King producing an Antoine Fuqua directing Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic. Chad Stahelsky directing Highlander while continuing to grow the John Wick franchise in both film and television. Blumhouse following up its partnership with Lionsgate on Imaginary with a multi-picture deal reimagining several of our horror classics.

John: Graham King producing and Antoine Fuqua directing Michael the Michael Jackson biopic.

John: Chance to healthy directing Highlander, while continuing to grow the John Wick franchise in both film and television.

John: Bluhm House following up its partnership with Lionsgate on imaginary with a multi picture deals re imagining several of our horror classics.

Hunger games filmmaker Francis Lawrence following a ballot of songbirds and snakes by directing the film adaptation of Stephen King's The long walk.

John Felthimer: Hunger Games filmmaker Francis Lawrence, following up Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by directing the film adaptation of Stephen King's The Long Walk. Ruben Fleischer is in pre-production on Now You See Me 3. Destin Daniel Cretton prepping the adaptation of the blockbuster manga property Naruto and Margot Robbie and Lucky Chap Entertainment developing Monopoly.

John: Rubin Fleischer in preproduction on now you see me three Destin, Daniel Cretin prepping the adaptation of the blockbuster manga property, non auto and Margot Robbie and Lucky Chap entertainment developing monopoly.

John: Turning to television.

Speaker Change: Witnessing the most profound industry disruption in recent memory shows being canceled or <unk> changes in buying patterns and buyer mix. The AD market abruptly transitioning from linear to digital fewer network series pilots and the after effects of the strikes changing the calculus of our business in ways that are.

John Felthimer: Turning to television, we're witnessing the most profound industry disruption in recent memory. Shows being cancelled or unrenewed, changes in buying patterns and buyer mix, the ad market abruptly transitioning from linear to digital, pure network series pilots and the aftereffects of the strikes changing the calculus of our business in ways that are continuing to unfold. Here's why we're a little less concerned about this disruption. First, we're taking advantage of our diversification with growing contributions from E1, three arts, and our newly restructured, unscripted business, all helping us to weather pressure on any single part of the business.

<unk> to unfold.

Speaker Change: Here's why we're a little less concerned about this disruption.

Speaker Change: First we're taking advantage of our diversification with growing contributions from E. One three arts and our newly restructured unscripted business, all helping us to weather pressure on any single part of the business.

Speaker Change: We're cultivating new buyers like MGM, plus AMC, plus Disney plus FX and Amazon Prime alongside our long standing relationships with platforms like Apple TV, plus Netflix Hulu Peacock and the broadcasters.

John Felthimer: We're cultivating new buyers like MGM Plus, AMC Plus, Disney Plus, FX, and Amazon Prime alongside our long-standing relationships with platforms like Apple TV Plus, Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and the broadcasters. We're innovating new business models that draw upon our ability to create noisy brand-defining series like Seth Rogan's half-hour comedy, The Studio, for Apple TV Plus, as well as cost-effective international acquisitions and co-productions like Son of a Critch and Population 11. And we remain a prolific supplier of premium-scripted series to Stars, with the reimagining of their hit series Spartacus, House of Ash, going into production this week in New Zealand, and a sexy thriller, The Hunting Lives, currently shooting in North Carolina for a fiscal 26-network debut.

We're innovating new business models that draw upon our ability to create noisy brand defining series like Seth Rogen half hour comedy the studio for Apple TV, plus as well as cost effective international acquisitions and co productions like <unk> and population of 11.

Speaker Change: And we remain a prolific supplier of premium scripted series to stars with the re imagining of their hit series Spartacus House of Ash are going into production. This week in New Zealand and the sexy thriller the hunting lives currently shooting in North Carolina for a fiscal 'twenty six network debut.

Speaker Change: We believe that Lionsgate Television's history of working closely with stars provides our television group with a unique understanding of the platform specific programming needs and an unparalleled ability to collaborate with them in crafting efficient business models.

John Felthimer: We believe that Lionsgate Television's history of working closely with stars provides our television group with a unique understanding of the platform's specific programming needs and an unparalleled ability to collaborate with them in crafting efficient business models. This will continue to drive our relationship with stars after the separation. Turning to stars, we had a solid quarter with OTT subscribers holding steady, churned down, revenue up for the third consecutive quarter, and continued profitability. At a time when the streaming world has shifted its preferred metric from subscriber growth to profitability, I want to remind everyone that stars has always been profitable.

Speaker Change: This will continue to drive our relationship with stars after the separation.

Speaker Change: Turning to stars, we had a solid quarter with OTT subscribers holding steady churn down revenue up for the third consecutive quarter and continued profitability.

At a time when the streaming world has shifted its preferred metric from subscriber growth to profitability I want to remind everyone that starz has always been profitable and.

Speaker Change: Starz has executed a successful transformation to digital while holding overall revenue steady and remaining profitable. This in the face of a more than 60% decline in linear revenue over the past seven years.

John Felthimer: In fact, stars is executed a successful transformation to digital while holding overall revenue steady and remaining profitable. This in the face of a more than 60 percent decline in linear revenue over the past seven years. On the programming front, stars core group of premium series, Ghosts, Raising Canaan, Force, BMF, P Valley, and Outlander are performing at levels comparable to any group of shows on any network. Family crime drama, BMF, had a strong premiere in the quarter that drove a 15 percent increase in viewership and achieved its strongest subscriber growth of the series. Power Book 2: Ghosts will close out the fiscal first quarter on a strong note with its season 4 debut on June 7th.

On the programming front star's core group of premium series Ghost raising Kanan fours BMS P Valley and Outlander are performing at levels comparable to any group of shows on any network.

Speaker Change: Family crime drama <unk> had a strong premier in the quarter that drove a 15% increase in viewership and achieved its strongest subscriber growth of this series.

Speaker Change: Power book II Ghost will close out the fiscal first quarter on a strong note with its season for debut on June 7th.

Speaker Change: Franchise extensions like the prequel series power origins and Outlander blood of my blood or in the pipeline for next year and the network continues to ramp its offering of studio movies from its pay one and pay to output deals helping to drive stars subscriber acquisitions and retention.

John Felthimer: Franchise extensions like the prequel series Power Origins and Outlander, Blood of My Blood, are in the pipeline for next year, and the network continues to ramp its offering of studio movies from its pay one and pay two output deals, helping to drive star subscriber acquisitions and retention.

Speaker Change: In closing last week's launch of Lionsgate Studios is more than just an opportunity to shine a light on the tremendous value of the content, we're creating owning and delivering it.

John Felthimer: In closing, last week's launch of Lionsgate Studios is more than just an opportunity to shine a light on the tremendous value of the content we're creating, owning, and delivering. It's also an important step forward in fully separating our studio and stars by the end of the calendar year in order to simplify our structure, unlock opportunities to scale our respective businesses, and create incremental value for our shareholders.

Speaker Change: It's also an important step forward and fully separating our studio and stars by the end of the calendar year in order to simplify our structure unlock opportunities to scale, our respective businesses and create incremental value for our shareholders.

Now I'd like to turn things over to Michael to discuss our next steps in separating the two companies Michael. Thank you John it's been a very busy 2024 as you noted we recently announced the closing of a transaction, which established Lions Gate Studios Corp, now trading on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol Lion L. I O N as a pure play.

Michael Burns: Now, I'd like to turn things over to Michael to discuss our next steps in separating the two companies. Michael, thank you, John. It's been a very busy 2024. As you noted, we recently announced the closing of a transaction which established Lionsgate Studios Corp, now trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol Lion, L-I-O-N, as a pure play content company. We also closed the bond exchange, which provides us with greater flexibility in managing our corporate debt. These two transactions will help propel us towards a full separation of our studio and stars businesses, which, as we've noted previously, we anticipate will occur before the end of the current calendar year.

Speaker Change: Content company, we also closed a bond exchange, which provides us with greater flexibility in managing our corporate debt. These two transactions will help propel us towards a full separation of our studio and Starz businesses, which as we've noted previously we anticipate will occur before the end of the current calendar year.

Speaker Change: Relatedly management has been working with outside advisors and necessity to collapse of our a and b shares as well as the parameters for a premium in favor of the shareholders in connection with a collapse management believes that a vote to collapse the share should be undertaken in combination with an eventual vote the fully sept.

Michael Burns: Relatedly, management has been working with outside advisors and assessing the collapse of our A and B shares, as well as the parameters for a premium in favor of the A shareholders in connection with the collapse. Management believes that a vote to collapse the shares should be undertaken in combination with an eventual vote to fully separate the studio and stars businesses.

Speaker Change: The studio and Starz businesses earned.

Speaker Change: Earlier this week the board of directors authorized the formation of a special committee of the board to work with management to further consider the share collapse and otherwise work with management and the entire board towards the full separation I'd like to now turn things over to Jimmy Thanks.

Michael Burns: Earlier this week, the Board of Directors authorized the formation of a special committee of the board to work with management to further consider the share collapse and otherwise work with management and the entire board towards a full separation.

Jimmy Thanks: Thanks, Michael and good afternoon, everyone I'll briefly discuss our fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 financial results and provide an update on the balance sheet in particular as we've made significant strides towards execution of our strategic separation I'll provide additional color on our landscape studio.

Jimmy Barge: I'd like to now turn things over to Jimmy. Thanks, Michael, and good afternoon, everyone. I'll briefly discuss our fourth quarter in the school year, 2024 financial results, and provide an update on the balance sheet. In particular, as we've made significant strides toward execution of our strategic separation, I'll provide additional color on our Lionsgate studio and Stars businesses. For the quarter, Q4 adjusted a webinar was $140 million and total revenue was $1.1 billion. Consolidated revenues was up 2.9 percent and adjusted a webinar was up 1.7 percent year over year due to the strength and television. Reported fully diluted earnings per share was a loss of $0.22 per share, and fully diluted adjusted earnings per share was positive $0.27 per share.

Speaker Change: And storage businesses.

Speaker Change: For the quarter Q4, adjusted OIBDA was $140 million in total revenue was $1 1 billion consolidated revenues was up two 9% and adjusted OIBDA was up one 7% year over year due to the strength in television.

Speaker Change: Reported fully diluted earnings per share was a loss of 22 per share and fully diluted adjusted earnings per share was positive 27 per share.

Speaker Change: Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $3 million use of cash.

Jimmy Barge: Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was a $3 million use of cash. For the full fiscal year 2024, you will notice we exceeded the high end of our fiscal 24 consolidated adjusted a webinar outlook of $400 to $450 million, even after excluding the $30 million benefit from Stars' international territories. Adjusted, a webinar of $518 million was up 45 percent. Total revenue of $4 billion was up 4 percent, and adjusted free cash flow was up 4 fold to $230 million. As you can see, we also exceeded the studio and stars domestic adjusted a webinar figures shown in the road show deck associated with our recently completed equity rates.

Speaker Change: For the full fiscal year 2024.

Speaker Change: You'll notice we exceeded the high end of our fiscal 'twenty four consolidated adjusted OIBDA outlook of $400 million to $450 million, even after excluding the $30 million benefit from Starz International territories.

Speaker Change: Adjusted EBITDA of $518 million was up 45% total revenue of $4 billion was up 4% and adjusted free cash flow was up four fold to $230 million.

Speaker Change: As you can see we also exceeded the studio and Starz domestic adjusted OIBDA figures shown in the road show deck associated with our recently completed equity rates.

Speaker Change: We are reiterating our previously announced fiscal year 2025, adjusted OIBDA outlook for the studio business.

Jimmy Barge: We are reiterating our previously announced fiscal year 2025 adjusted webinar outlook for the studio business. Specifically, we continue to forecast fiscal year 25 adjusted a webinar for Lionsgate Studios to be $430 million.

Specifically, we continue to forecast fiscal year 'twenty five adjusted OIBDA for landscape Studios.

To be $430 million.

Speaker Change: Now, let me briefly discuss the fiscal fourth quarter and full year performance of our studio and media networks businesses as well as the underlying segments compared to the previous year quarter.

Jimmy Barge: Now let me briefly discuss the fiscal fourth quarter and full year performance of our studio and media networks businesses, as well as the underlying segments, compared to the previous year quarter. First, I would like to talk about our studio business. Quarterly revenue of $880 million increased 6.8 percent year over year, while segment profit of $135 million was up nearly 10 percent. Studio adjusted a webinar was $93 million, up 34 percent year over year. For the full year, studio revenue was approximately $3 billion, roughly flat year over year, while studio adjusted a webinar of $330 million is up 15 percent.

Speaker Change: First I'd like to talk about our studio business quarterly revenue of $880 million increased six 8% year over year, while segment profit of $135 million was up nearly 10%.

Speaker Change: Studio adjusted EBITDA was $93 million up 34% year over year.

For the full year studio revenue was approximately $3 billion roughly flat year over year, while studio adjusted OIBDA of $330 million was up 15%.

Speaker Change: Selling 12 months library revenue at the studio was $886 million up slightly compared with fiscal year 2023, trailing 12 months library revenue.

Jimmy Barge: Trilling 12 Months Library Revenue at the studio was $886 million, up slightly compared with this school year 2023's Trading 12 Months Library Revenue. Quarterly library revenue was $339 million, representing the highest quarterly result in the company's history. Library strength in the period was driven by strength in both TV and motion picture.

Speaker Change: Quarterly library revenue was $339 million.

Speaker Change: Representing the highest quarterly result in the company's history.

Speaker Change: Library strength in the period was driven by strength in both TV and motion picture.

Speaker Change: Breaking down the studio businesses, let's start with motion pictures.

Jimmy Barge: Breaking down the studio businesses, let's start with motion pictures. Motion picture revenue for the quarter was $411 million, while segment profit was $82 million. Revenue and segment profit expectedly declined due to difficult comparisons for last year's theatrical launches of John Wick, for Jesus Revolution, and Plane. For the year, motion picture revenue was up 25% to $1.7 billion, while segment profit was up 16% to $319 million. Segment profit for fiscal year 24 was the highest in a decade, driven by franchise films such as Hunger Games, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Sawton. Strength in slate carryover, growth in multi-platform business, and strong library sales.

Speaker Change: Motion picture revenue for the quarter was $411 million, while segment profit was $82 million.

Speaker Change: Revenue and segment profit expectedly declined due to difficult comparisons with last year's theatrical launches of John Wick, four Jesus Revolution and plane.

Speaker Change: For the year motion picture revenue was up 25% to $1 7 billion.

Speaker Change: While segment profit was up 16% to $319 million segment profit for fiscal year 'twenty four was the highest in a decade driven by franchise films such as hunger games, the ballad of songbirds, and snakes and saw 10 strengthen slight carryover growth in multi.

Speaker Change: Platform business and strong library sales moving to TV quarterly television revenue was $469 million and segment profit of $53 million were both up over 50% year over year due to strong library sales and an increase in post strike content deliveries.

Jimmy Barge: Moving to TV, quarterly television revenue was $469 million and segment profit of $53 million were both up over 50% year over year due to strong library sales and an increase in post-strike content deliveries. For the year, television revenue of $1.3 billion expectedly declined due to the impact of the strikes, while segment profit increased 10% to $147 million on performance of the continental. Media network quarterly revenue was $362 million and segment profit was $53 million. Revenue was up 7% from fiscal 2023 due to the exit from our international markets, which we largely completed over the course of the fiscal 2024.

Speaker Change: For the year television revenue of $1 $3 billion expectedly declined due to the impact of the strikes while segment profit increased 10% to $147 million on performance of the continental.

Speaker Change: Media Networks' quarterly revenue was $362 million and segment profit was $53 million.

Speaker Change: Revenue was up 7% from fiscal 2023 due to the exit from our international markets, which we largely completed over the course of the fiscal 2024.

Speaker Change: With the exit from the UK now complete Starz is exclusively focused on the strength of its north American business with that in mind I'll focus my comments today on Starz domestic financials as well as its north American subscriber trends.

Jimmy Barge: With the exit from the UK now complete, Stars is exclusively focused on the strength of his North American business.

Jimmy Barge: With that in mind, I will focus my comments today on Stars' domestic financials as well as its North American subscriber trends. Quarterly domestic revenue was down modestly year over year but was up sequentially as the impact of the June 2023 price increase continues to help Stars' top line. Stars domestic business has now grown revenues sequentially for three consecutive quarters. Quarterly domestic segment profit was down year over year due to higher content amortization resulting from the timing of original series premieres. For the year, stars' domestic revenue was down 2.2% as continued strong OTT revenue growth was more than offset by linear revenue declines.

Speaker Change: Quarterly domestic revenue was down modestly year over year, but was up sequentially as the impact of the June 2023 price increase continues to help storage topline star.

Speaker Change: Starz domestic business has now grown revenue sequentially for three consecutive quarters quarterly.

Speaker Change: Quarterly domestic segment profit was down year over year due to higher content amortization, resulting from the timing of original series premieres.

Speaker Change: For the year Starz domestic revenue was down two 2% as continued strong OTT revenue growth was more than offset by linear revenue declines.

Speaker Change: Domestic segment profit was down five 6% year over year due to the decline in revenue, partially offset by lower content amortization now.

Jimmy Barge: Domestic segment profit was down 5.6% year over year due to the decline in revenue, partially offset by lower content amortization.

Speaker Change: Now, let me discuss our subscriber trends in North America. We ended the quarter with 21 8 million subscribers, which represented a sequential decline of 480000 subscribers, primarily due to the decline in linear subs.

Jimmy Barge: Now let me discuss our subscriber trends in North America. We ended the quarter with 21.8 million subscribers, which represented a sequential decline of 480,000 subscribers, primarily due to the decline in linear sub. Focusing specifically on OTT subscribers, Stars ended the quarter with 13.4 million North American subscribers, which is flat quarter over quarter and up 3.3% year over year. OTT subscribers now represent 61% of the subbase, and exiting fiscal year 25, we continue to expect OTT revenue to account for 70% of stars revenue.

Speaker Change: Focusing specifically on OTT subscribers Starz ended the quarter with $13 4 million, North American subscribers, which is flat quarter over quarter and up three 3% year over year.

Speaker Change: OTT subscribers now represent 61% of the sub base and exiting fiscal year 'twenty five we continue to expect OTT revenue to account for 70% of Starz revenue.

Speaker Change: Now, let's move on to the balance sheet give.

Jimmy Barge: Now let's move on to the balance sheet. Given the number of moving parts that are in play as we approach full separation, I will provide some additional color to help you better understand what our Lionsgate Studios and stars businesses look like post-separation. We ended the quarter with net debt at the consolidated company of 2.2 billion. Proforma for the Lionsgate studio capital raise, consolidated net debt was 1.9 billion. Excluding the Adjusted OEVIDA from exited Lionsgate plus territories, and inclusive of both the capital raise and the $60 million projected run rate adjusted OEVIDA from E1, consolidated training 12 months proforma leverage was 3.6 times.

Speaker Change: Given the number of moving parts that are in play as we approach full separation I will provide some additional color to help you better understand what our landscape studios and Starz businesses look like post separation.

Speaker Change: We ended the quarter with net debt at the consolidated company of $2 2 billion.

Speaker Change: Pro forma for the Lionsgate studio capital raise consolidated net debt was $1 9 billion.

Excluding the adjusted OIBDA from exited landscape plus territories and inclusive of both the capital raise and the $60 million of projected run rate adjusted OIBDA for me one consolidated trailing 12 months pro forma leverage was three six times.

Speaker Change: Looking forward to fiscal 2025, both Lions Gate studios and star's net debt upon closing of the equity raise was in line with our previous projections specifically the studios net debt on May 13th was approximately one.

Jimmy Barge: Looking forward to fiscal 2025, both Lionsgate Studios and Stars net debt upon closing of the equity raise was in line with our previous projections. Specifically, the studio's net debt on May 13 was approximately 1.4 billion dollars, leaving a corresponding level of net debt attributable to stars of 700 million. This reflects going in leverage of less than 3.5 times using projected fiscal year 2025 adjusted OEVIDA of 430 million and over 200 million for Lionsgate Studios and Stars respectively.

Speaker Change: $4 billion, leaving a corresponding level of net debt attributable stars of $700 million.

Speaker Change: This reflects going in leverage of less than three and a half times using projected fiscal year 2025, adjusted OIBDA of $430 million and over 200 million for Lionsgate Studios and stars respectively.

Speaker Change: Along with the equity capital raise we recently announced another important step towards full separation when we completed our bond exchange, representing a majority of our $715 million of five 5% bonds.

Jimmy Barge: Along with the equity capital raise, we recently announced another important step toward full separation when we completed a bond exchange representing a majority of our $715 million of 5.5% bonds. Specifically, $390 million of newly established exchange bonds will travel with the studio, and at the time of full separation, will adjust to an annual coupon of 6% with a one-year extension of maturity to 2030. As we previously noted, the remaining 325 million of the bonds will remain at stars with an existing 5.5% coupon and 2029 maturity.

Speaker Change: Specifically $390 million of newly established exchange bonds will travel with the studio and at the time, a full separation will adjust to an annual coupon of 6% with a one year extension of maturity to 2030.

Speaker Change: As we've previously noted the remaining $325 million of the bonds will remain at Starz with an existing five 5% coupon and 2029 maturity.

Speaker Change: In this regard I'd also add that yesterday Fitch initiated ratings on the newly issued exchange bonds at B plus.

Jimmy Barge: In this regard, I'd also add that yesterday, Fitch initiated ratings on the newly issued exchange bonds at B+. With a stable outlook and superior recovery rating, additionally, Fitch similarly upgraded the rating on the remaining 325 million of bonds from B to B+. With a stable outlook and superior recovery rating, Fitch similarly, Fitch similarly, Fitch similarly, Fitch similarly, Fitch similarly. We believe these parallel ratings are indicative of the thoughtful and balanced capital structure we are establishing at both businesses, along with the operational success we are having as we approach full separation.

Speaker Change: With a stable outlook and superior recovery rating. Additionally.

Speaker Change: Additionally, Fitch similarly upgraded the rating on the remaining 325 million of bonds from B to B, plus with a stable outlook and superior recovery rating.

Speaker Change: We believe these parallel ratings are indicative of the thoughtful and balanced capital structure were establishing at both businesses along with the operational success, we're having as we approach full separation.

Speaker Change: Finally, I want to provide some color on how to think about the shape of content spend and quarterly adjusted OIBDA in fiscal 2025 as such we expect leverage at both landscape Studios and stars to rise in the near term, but ultimately leverage at.

Jimmy Barge: Finally, I want to provide some color on how to think about the shape of content spend and quarterly adjusted to webinar in fiscal 2025.

Jimmy Barge: As such, we expect leverage at both Lionsgate Studios and stores to rise in the near term, but ultimately leverage at both businesses should fall by the end of the fiscal year to levels closer to three times.

Both businesses should fall by the end of the fiscal year to levels closer to three times.

Speaker Change: Now I'd like to turn the call over to <unk> for Q&A.

Nile Shah: Now, I'd like to turn the call over to NELA for Q&A.

Jimmy Thanks: Thanks, Jami operator can you open the call up for Q&A.

Nile Shah: Thanks, Jimmy.

Operator: Operator, can you open the call up for Q&A? We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two.

Speaker Change: We will now begin the question and answer session to.

Speaker Change: To ask a question you May press Star then one on your telephone keypad, if youre using a speakerphone. Please pick up your handset before pressing the keys.

Speaker Change: To withdraw your question. Please press Star then two.

Speaker Change: The first question is from Steven Cahall with Wells Fargo. Please go ahead.

Stephen K. Hall: The first question is from Stephen K. Hall with Wells Fargo. Please go ahead.

Steven Cahall: Thank you, so John and Jeff you've highlighted the profitability at Starz, maybe the market hasn't necessarily shifted from subs to profitability. So much as to profitability. While also wanting to see subscriber growth we've seen that in a lot of peers, where there's punitive evaluations until we do see net sub growth.

Stephen K. Hall: Thank you. So, John and Jeff, you've highlighted the profitability of stars. Maybe the market hasn't necessarily shifted from sub to profitability so much as the profitability, while also wanting to see subscriber growth. We've seen that in a lot of peers where there's punitive valuations until we do see net sub growth.

Speaker Change: As you get to that 70% level of OTT. When do you think that subscribers can be positive on a net basis kind of on a go forward run rate basis, and and Jeff is do you have any expected shifts in how youre going to program. The service post separation to help achieve that aim.

Stephen K. Hall: So as you get to that 70% level of OTT, when do you think that subscribers can be positive on a net basis, on a go-forward run rate basis?

Jeffrey Hirsch: And Jeff, do you have any expected shifts and how you're going to program the service post-separation to help achieve that aim?

Speaker Change: And then Jimmy just wanted to dig into the studio EBITDA guidance, a little bit can you help us think about what's assumed in there in terms of library revenue and also how that breaks out between motion picture and television segments. Thank you.

Jimmy Barge: And then, Jimmy, just wanted to dig into the studio, EBITDA guidance a little bit. Can you help us think about what's assumed in there in terms of library revenue and also how that breaks out between motion picture and TV segments? Thank you.

Speaker Change: Steven It's Jeff Thanks for the question.

Jeffrey Hirsch: Stephen H. Jeff, thanks for the question. Look, I think the move away from, you know, for us about driving consistent revenue growth and profitability has really came on the heels of putting the first rate increase in the business this last year. And, you know, look, we saw great success in that rate increase. We've seen our peer group continue to raise their rates, which gives us a lot of headroom to continue to raise rate over the next couple of years. But when you put rate increases into the business, you have to be very disciplined about going after achieving great subscriber growth in the short term that are not as what I'd call stable customers long term.

Speaker Change: Look I think the move away from.

Speaker Change: For us it's about driving consistent revenue growth and profitability. It's really came on the heels of putting the first rate increase in the business. This last year and we saw great success in that rate increase we've seen our peer group continue to raise their rates, which gives us a lot of headroom to continue to raise rate over the next couple of years, but when you put rate.

Increases into the business you have to be very disciplined about going after and achieving great subscriber growth in the short term that are not what I would call stable customers long term because you want to make sure that you capture as much of that rate without giving it away in the retailing the business long term and so I do think based on what we've seen last quarter, we actually had net growth across both.

Jeffrey Hirsch: Because you want to make sure that you capture as much of that rate without giving it away and the retailing the business long term. And so I do think, you know, based on what we've seen last quarter, we actually had net growth across both OTT and linear. This was a little hangover quarter from that. We had one of our big partners change the way they do what they're onboarding process, the move credit scoring to the front end, the back end, that put a little pressure on there. But we still feel pretty good about this subscriber trajectory long term for the business.

Speaker Change: The OTT.

Speaker Change: And linear this was a little hangover quarter from that we had one of our big.

Speaker Change: Big partners changed the way they do what their onboarding process to move credit scoring to the front and the back end that put a little pressure on there, but we still feel pretty good about the subscriber trajectory long term for the business in terms of programming the network I think.

Jeffrey Hirsch: In terms of programming the network, I think, you know, we've always talked about programming for these two core demos and using content as a way to drive lifetime value and reduce churn. I think we'll continue to focus on that. We lugged the way that the temp holes are lined up for 25 and 26, and we think that will continue to help drive lifetime value for our subscriber base and ultimately profitability.

Speaker Change: We've always talked about programming for these two core demos and using content as a way to drive lifetime value and reduce churn I think we'll continue to focus on that we like the way that the tent poles are lined up for 25, and 26, and we think that will continue to help drive lifetime value for our subscriber base and ultimately profitability.

Speaker Change: Jody.

Speaker Change: And Stephen with respect to the guidance look the drivers coming across both motion picture and TV. So I would expect both both businesses to be growing.

Jimmy Barge: Steven, with respect to the guidance, look at the drivers coming across both motion picture and TV. So I would expect both businesses to be growing from 24 to 25 and contributing to that growth. We feel good about that. The motion picture slate, in particular, great carryover coming from the 24 slate a lot of mid releases, mid-sized releases, it's our bread and butter, really providing carryover and then we're off to a great start in 25 as well with Ministry, Unsung Heroes, Strangers that just hit and then we go to a solid release schedule in the summer and the fall, libraries obviously contributing to that as well, also across TV and a strong E1 integration, which is helping drive business in both motion picture and TV as we go to 25.

Speaker Change: From 24 to 25 and contributing to that growth we feel good about that the motion picture slate in particular great.

Great carryover coming from the.

Speaker Change: 24 slate a lot of mid mid releases mid size releases, it's our bread and butter really providing carryover and then we're off to a great start in 'twenty five as well with Ministry Unsung Heroes Strangers just hit and then we go to a solid.

Speaker Change: Solid release schedule in the summer and the fall libraries, obviously contributing to that as well also across TV and a strong pipeline in TV rookie season seven goes.

Speaker Change: Across all of that is E. One integration right, which is helping drive business in both motion picture and TV as we go to 25.

Speaker Change: Thank you.

Speaker Change: Thanks, Stephen operator can we get the next question. Please. The next question is from Barton Crockett with Rosenblatt. Please go ahead.

Stephen H.: Thank you.

Barton Crockett: Steven, I pretty could we get the next question, please? The next question is from Barton Crockett, with Rosenblatt. Please go ahead. Hi, thanks for taking the question.

Barton Crockett: Hi, Thanks for taking the question.

Let me say one of the things I was just wanted to understand a little better as you know.

Barton Crockett: Let me see, one of the things I was just wanting to understand a little bit better is the Eveda strength. Was any of that attributable to E1 because your guide had been for 400 to 450, excluding the international benefits and E1, and so I'm just wondering how much E1 there was in there?

Barton Crockett: The EBITA.

Barton Crockett: <unk>.

Barton Crockett: And with any of that attributable to <unk> because your guide had been for 400 to 450, excluding the international benefits and <unk>, one and so I'm just wondering how much <unk> there wasn't there.

Barton Crockett: And then just kind of stepping back on the full separation process.

Jimmy Barge: And then, just kind of stepping back on this whole separation process that you expected finished by the end of the calendar year, you talked about some board kind of processes, but can you walk us through step-by-step what needs to happen between here and there for this to actually be completed? So, in terms of the quarter E1, the revenue contributions of E1 and the Q4 was about $100 million, segment profit was less than 10, and I would say the mix on the revenue side is about 80% motion, sorry, 80% TV, 20% motion picture, and it's probably a good way to think about it going forward as well.

Barton Crockett: That you expect to finish by the end of the calendar year.

Speaker Change: You talked about some board kind of processes, but can you walk us through step by step what needs to happen between here and there for this to actually be completed.

Speaker Change: So in terms of the quarter a one.

Speaker Change: The revenue contribution from me, one and the Q4 was about $100 million.

Speaker Change: Segment profit was less than 10.

Speaker Change: And I would say the mix on the revenue side is about 80% motion sorry, 80% TV, 20% motion picture and that's probably a good way to think about it going forward as well.

Speaker Change: Michael do you want to answer the second question.

Michael Burns: Michael, do you want to answer the second question? Sure, I have it to do it. We're taking a thoughtful, methodical approach to this operation, as I outlined in my opening remarks. The board authorized the special committee; the special committee is discussing with a variety of experts what the ratio should be, the premium for the A's. And then, once that's established, and obviously you're going to have a board for the studio and a board for the holding company and then a board for stars on both separation, we're going to have a shareholder vote and both, under this extraordinary transaction, both the A shareholders and the B shareholders will vote and obviously a lot of that's going to be about the ratio between the A's and the B's and what percentage of the studio they own.

Michael Jackson: Sure happy to do it.

Michael Jackson: And we're taking a thoughtful methodical approach to this operation as I outlined in my opening remarks the board.

Michael Jackson: Authorized a special committee the special Committee is.

Michael Jackson: Discussing with a variety of experts.

Michael Jackson: Ratio should be the premium for the <unk> and then once that's accomplished and obviously youre going to have a board for the studio and our board for the holding company and our board for Starz on full separation, we're going to have a shareholder vote and both under the extraordinary transaction, both the shareholders and be sure shareholders will vote.

Michael Jackson: And obviously a lot of that is going to be about the ratio between the eyes in the base and what percentage of the studio rims.

Michael Jackson: Remember that we're doing this.

Michael Jackson: But when we spend the 87% out on a tax free.

Barton Crockett: Remember that we're doing this by when we spend the 87% out on a tax-free basis to the share. Okay, that's helpful.

Michael Jackson: Basis to the shareholders.

Speaker Change: Okay. That's helpful. And then just one other thing on the bond transaction.

Michael Burns: And then just one other thing on the bond transaction. Could you provide a little bit more clarity? There's been some discussion about, you know, the some of the bondholders end up with the studio, some stay with stars, and some discussion about how that happened and whether everyone's completely happy, you know, with where they sit on the bondholder side.

Could you provide a little bit more clarity there has been some discussion about.

Speaker Change: Some of the bondholders that up with the studio thumb stay with stars and some discussion about how that happened.

Speaker Change: And whether everyone's completely happy with where they said on the bondholder side.

Speaker Change: You can say about that to kind of.

Michael Burns: You know, is there anything you can say about that to kind of clarify what's happening there? Yeah, we're not going to, we're going to not go through how the sausage was made, but I would say very simply, I think the rating upgrade on the stars bond and Jimmy laid it out pretty clearly. We think we think overall all of the bondholders have been benefited by this transaction. And, you know, we're going to just move forward, assuming everyone will realize that once they really do the math. Okay, that's great.

Speaker Change: Clarify what's happening there.

Speaker Change: We're not going to we're going to not going to go through how the sausage was made that I would say very simply I think the rating upgrade on the Starz bond and Jimmy laid it out pretty clearly.

Speaker Change: Thank you.

We think overall all over to bondholders have been benefited by this transaction.

Speaker Change: And.

Speaker Change: We're going to just move forward, assuming everyone will realize that once they really do the math.

Speaker Change: Okay. That's great. Thank you.

Speaker Change: Okay.

Barton Crockett: Thank you.

Speaker Change: The next question is from David Joyce with Seaport Research partners. Please go ahead.

David Joyce: The next question is from David Joyce with Seaport Research Partners. Please go ahead.

Speaker Change: Thank you.

David Joyce: Couple of questions first on <unk> one.

David Joyce: Thank you.

David Joyce: A couple of questions. First on E1. What sort of seasonality should be expecting that to be contributing not given that you just, you know, let us know what it did in the March quarter.

David Joyce: What sort of seasonality should be expecting that to be contributing.

David Joyce: Given that you just let us know what it did in the March quarter.

David Joyce: And then also what are some.

Speaker Change: Michael could you kind of tighten up the timeframes on when we would expect.

Michael Burns: And also, what are some Michael, could you kind of tighten up the timeframes on when we would expect the voting to take place?

David Joyce: The voting to take place thanks.

David Joyce: Thanks.

David Joyce: Got it.

David Joyce: Second one, but how are they going to go John go ahead Michael.

Michael Burns: I'm happy to take the second one, but how are we going to do it, John? Second one. We've said that we expect the full separation by this calendar year, the end of this calendar year, which is obviously December 31st. We are going through the processes that we have to see. There are, you know, regulatory shareholder votes, notices, all of that. So we, I think we all believe that the sooner the better, but we're putting that outside target by the end of the year and have to follow all these different processes. And remember also, there's a Canadian aspect to us, and all those eyes and all those, all those keys have to be crossed.

Michael Jackson: The second one we've said that we expect the full separation by this calendar year. The end of this calendar year, which is obviously at December 31.

Michael Jackson: We are going through the processes that we have to date.

Michael Jackson: Regulatory.

Michael Jackson: Shareholder vote notice is all of that so we I think we all believe that.

Michael Jackson: The sooner the better, but we're putting that's outside target by the end of the year and have to follow all these different processes and I remember also there's a Canadian aspect to us and all that all those eyes and all those have to be crossed.

Speaker Change: Yes, and David with regards to your question about <unk>, one look I think the seasonality is pretty much very similar to our studio and our content business right in terms of Jessica can be based on deliveries and things like that obviously, we are integrating very strong library and we've just gotten started so clearly.

Jimmy Barge: Yeah, and David, with regards to your question about E1, look, I think the seasonality is pretty much very similar to our studio in our content business right in terms of just going to be based on deliveries and things like that.

Jimmy Barge: Obviously, we're integrating a very strong library, and we've just gotten started. So clearly, you know, we've talked about a 60 million contribution and 25 run rate. And so, from E1, and if there's less than 10 in the first in this, you know, fourth quarter, we'd expect that to be ramping up. So we feel good, but that's going to be integrated completely into both motion picture and TV business going forward. So that's all encompassed in the new guide that we gave, or the guide we gave with respect to 430 million.

Speaker Change: <unk>, we've talked about a 60 million contribution in 'twenty five run rate and so from each one and if there is less than 10 in the first in the fourth quarter, we would expect that to be ramping up. So we feel good but thats going to be integrated completely into both motion picture and TV business going forward. So thats.

Speaker Change: All encompassed in the New guide that we gave or the guide we gave with respect to $430 million.

Speaker Change: Thanks, and if I could extend the thoughts about the content production.

David Joyce: Thanks.

David Joyce: And if I could extend the thoughts about the content production, given that is a lot of your buyers also their own studios and they're ramping up production. How should we think about any year-over-year comparisons for orders and deliveries on the TV done on the episodic side? Great.

Speaker Change: Even that is.

Speaker Change: As a lot of your buyers also have their own studios and they're ramping up production.

Speaker Change: How should we.

Speaker Change: How should we think about on a year over year comparisons or orders and deliveries.

Speaker Change: On the TV episodic side.

I'll, let Kevin answer that question.

Kevin Begs: I'll let Kevin answer that question. Sure, thank you. Well, look, year over year compared to a strike environment, as Jimmy touched on, it's already bouncing back in a significant way. And, you know, with the renewal of something as big as the Rookie, which is, you know, a full season order along with other new shows going, I think it'll be significant growth on the revenue line. What we are finding in the market, you know, the buyers are back after the strike ended. In two months, we've sold two or three, maybe four projects into development. In the intervening time, let's say from March to now, we've sold another 23.

Kevin Beggs: Sure. Thank you well look year over year compared to it strike environment.

Kevin Beggs: As Jimmy touched on it's already bouncing back in a significant way.

Kevin Beggs: And with the renewal of something as big as the <unk>, which is a full season order along with other new shows going I think it will.

The significant growth.

The revenue line.

Kevin Beggs: What we are finding in the market the buyers are back.

Kevin Beggs: After the strike ended.

And so in two months, we sold two or three maybe four projects into development in the <unk>.

Kevin Beggs: <unk> time, let's say from March to now we've sold another 23. So people are getting back to business and the pipelines are filling up there is pressure to be financially disciplined to start shooting shows at different price points.

Kevin Begs: So, people are getting back to business, and the pipelines are filling up. There is pressure to be financially disciplined to start shooting shows at different price points. That sometimes take you to tax-friendly locations or out of the country. I think you're going to see that more and more. Obviously, it's in the feature business all the time. And we sell to everyone and can produce at multiple price points. So, I feel bullish.

Kevin Beggs: Sometimes take you to tax friendly locations or out of the country.

Kevin Beggs: Youre going to see that more and more obviously, it's in the future business all the time.

Kevin Beggs: We sell to everyone and can produce at multiple price points. So I feel bullish obviously converting development into production is the key.

Kevin Begs: Obviously, converting development into production is the key. We have a, you know, a huge book of business together with Jeff and the stars team. And we were excited about getting a Canaan renewal. We started shooting Spartacus in New Zealand this week to spin off. And hunting wives are shooting in Charlotte. Those are just three examples of things that we couldn't have done, you know, six months ago in this strike environment. So, feeling very good.

Speaker Change: We have a huge book of business together with Jeff and the <unk> team and we're excited about getting a <unk> renewal, we started shooting Spartacus and New Zealand this week the spinoff.

Speaker Change: And hunting lines of shooting in Charlotte those are just three examples of things that we couldnt have done six months ago on the strike environment. So we're feeling very good.

Speaker Change: Alright, thank you.

David Joyce: All right, thank you.

Speaker Change: Thanks, David operator, because we get the next question. Please and our next question is from Jason Bazinet with Citi. Please go ahead.

Jason Bazinette: David, I pretty could we get the next question, please? And the next question is from Jason Bazinette with City.

Speaker Change: Hi.

Jason Bazinette: Please go ahead. Thanks.

Jason Bazinet: Thanks, I just had two quick questions. I think you said on the separation Starz is going to have $700 million of debt and maybe erroneously I just always assumed that those five and a half.

Jimmy Barge: I just had two quick questions. I think you said on the separation stars is going to have 700 million at that and maybe erroneously. I just always assumed that those five and a half coupon senior notes would just move over. But post this bond exchange, or there's only 325 for that left. I just want to confirm there's still 700 million debt that is going to be attributed to stars. Is that right?

Jason Bazinet: <unk> senior notes would just move over.

Jason Bazinet: But post this bond exchange, where there is only $3 25 for that lift.

Speaker Change: Wanted to confirm there is still $700 million of debt that it's going to be attributed to starz is that right yes.

Speaker Change: Yes, Jason.

Jason Bazinet: Yes, that's correct, there's 700 million of net debt going in as of May 13th right, we'd expect that to de lever over the course of the year keep in mind full separation has not occurred yet okay.

Jimmy Barge: Yeah, Jason. Yeah, that's correct. There's 700 million of net debt going in as of May 13th, right? We'd expect that to deliver over the course of the year. Keep in mind, full separation has not occurred yet. Okay. So, the 715 of bonds effectively are attributable to stars at the moment, along with small revolver draw along with, you know, 50 million of cash so to speak. So you're 700 net debt. All right.

Jason Bazinet: 715 of bonds effectively are attributable to stock stars at the moment, along with a small revolver draw along with $50 million of cash so to speak so you're at 700 net debt alright, as that de levers and as we get the full separation is not until full separation that the exchanged bonds, which are still at five 5%.

Jimmy Barge: Is that the levers and as we get the full separation? It's not until full separation that the exchange bonds, which are still at 5.5% today in a 2,029 maturity. It's not until full separation that they travel with the studio. And in the 325, which is relative to stars, is going to be remaining with stars the way we've always said, but it's 325 instead of the 715.

29.

Jason Bazinet: Maturity.

Jason Bazinet: Not until full separation that they travel with the studio.

Jason Bazinet: And then the $3 25, which is relative to Starz is going to be remaining with stars. The way, we've always said, but its $3 25, instead of the 715 will backfill that with some term loan obviously very financeable stores has a very strong free cash flows. Let me remind you of 200 million plus of adjusted EBITDA.

Jimmy Barge: We'll backfill that with some Term Loan A. Obviously, very financial. Stars has a very strong pre cash flow. Let me remind you 200 million plus of adjusted evident. Okay. Very little capex. Okay. No appreciable cash taxes at all. They'll have carry over NOLs. Okay. And, you know, 5.5% coupons with some term loans, not a lot of interest relative size of that business. That's fantastic.

Jason Bazinet: Okay, very little Capex, Okay, no appreciable cash taxes at all they'll have carryover Nols okay.

Jason Bazinet: And five 5% coupons with some term loans not a lot of interest relative to the size of that business. So they're in a very good position to delever.

Speaker Change: Fantastic. Thank you for the answer.

Alan Coold: Thank you for the answer. The next question is from Alan Coold with Loop Capital. Please go ahead.

Speaker Change: The next question is from Alan Gould with loop capital. Please go ahead.

Alan Gould: Thanks for taking the question.

Alan Gould: Thanks for taking the question I've got a few first of all conceptually. This one for Adam the studio has had great margins since the pandemic as you Pat I haven't had a full slate didn't have all the PNA expense and library was a bigger percentage of the of the studio revenue.

Alan Coold: Thank you for taking the question. I've got a few.

Adam Fogelson: First of all, conceptually, this one's for Adam. The studio has had great margins since the pandemic as you've had. I haven't had a full slate, didn't have all the P&A expense, and Library was a bigger percentage of the studio revenue. Going forward, we have a full slate. Should we expect the margins to stay here as opposed to being at the long-term rate, which was about half of what it's been the last four years? I mean, all that Jimmy expand on a little bit if he needs or wants to, but I would just tell you that we're very confident that we're going to be able to maintain exceptional margins going forward.

Alan Gould: Going forward, we have a full slate.

Alan Gould: We expect the margin to stay here as opposed to being at the long term rate, which was about half of what it's been the last four years.

I mean, I'll, let Jimmy expand on it a little bit if he needs or wants to but I would just tell you that we're very confident.

Alan Gould: That we're going to be able to maintain exceptional margins going forward.

Alan Gould: The films that were mentioned before in Q1 of 'twenty five have collected in blended delivered a 40% return on invested capital we are running an incredibly efficient operation and even our smaller films that may not generate the sexiest headlines are delivering an incredible return for the company at that time.

Jimmy Barge: The films that were mentioned before in Q1 of 25 have collected and blended, delivered a 40% return on invested capital. We are running an incredibly efficient operation, and even our smaller films that may not generate the sexiest headlines are delivering an incredible return for the company. And that, coupled with an exceptional lineup of franchises both existing within the studio and new ones that we're building, give me incredible confidence in our ability to not only deliver growing returns, but to make those margins really solid. And Alan, I'd just add the 19% margin you're seeing here, rolling out of 24.

Alan Gould: Hold with an exceptional lineup of franchises both existing within the studio and new ones that we're building give me incredible confidence in our ability to not only deliver growing returns, but to make those margins really solid now and I'd just add the 19% margins you see in here are rolling off.

Alan Gould: 24, I would expect that to carry right on into 'twenty, five and Adam and his team are just.

Jimmy Barge: I'd expect that to carry right on into 25, and Adam and his team are just masters at P&A efficiency. Thanks, Jimmy.

Alan Gould: Masters at P&I efficiency.

Jimmy Thanks: Thanks, Jimmy and if I can follow up with one more just trying to figure out what your investment in content should be at fault stars in the studio business next year. I think you spent about $1 1 billion at the studio and about 850 it started last year.

Jimmy Barge: If I could pop with one more, just try to figure out what your investment and content should be at both stars and the studio business. Next year, I think you spent about 1.1 billion at the studio and about each 50 at stars last year. Yeah, those are the numbers for 24. I mean, look, it's increasing. We're coming off the off the strike, obviously. And you saw we popped a pretty big free cash flow number in the quarter and finished the year very well. And that's why my marks, you know, I talked about the cadence, is more back in loaded.

Speaker Change: Yes, those are the numbers for 'twenty four I mean look it's increasing we're coming off the off the strike, obviously and you saw we popped a pretty big free cash flow number.

Speaker Change: Quarter and finished the year very well.

Speaker Change: And that's why in my remarks, I talked about the cadence is more backend loaded so you're going to have some carryover spend look I would expect.

Jimmy Barge: So you're going to have some carry over spin. Look, I’d expect, you know, we, you know, if you go back to earlier years, you know, that was closer to a 2 billion combined company. And that goes where we back at those levels, maybe slightly more depending upon what the balance is coming back, but most of that I would add is in the studio, right? TV is it scales up and less so, but also a motion picture less so of a ramp in the star side. Keep in mind, we've effectively closed the international business; Canada's folded in with the North American focus.

Speaker Change: If you go back to earlier years that was closer to a 2 billion combined company.

Speaker Change: And that goes back at those levels, maybe slightly more dependent upon what the balance is coming back but.

Speaker Change: Most of that I would add is in the studio right.

Speaker Change: As it scales up and a little less so but also in motion picture less so of a ramp and the star side keep in mind, we've effectively closed the international business with Canada's folded in with a north American focus so youll see savings there and less of a modest increase in stores.

Jimmy Barge: So you'll see savings there and less of a modest increase at stores.

Speaker Change: Okay. Thanks, Jamie.

Speaker Change: Thanks, Alan operator could we get the next question. Please. The next question is from Jim Goss with Barrington Research. Please go ahead.

Alan Coold: Okay, thank you.

Alan Coold: Thanks, Alan.

Operator: I'm operated. Could we get the next question, please?

Jim Gauss: The next question is from Jim Gauss with Barrington Research.

Jim Goss: Alright, thank you.

Jim Gauss: Please go ahead. All right. Thank you.

Jim Goss: I was wondering if you feel that.

Adam Fogelson: I was wondering if you feel that the move to become a peer-play studio once again despite the existing and continuing relationship with the stars will influence either numbers of films, types of films, or anything else in terms of the monetization opportunities you might have. Does being a peer play make a difference in that regard? Yeah, no, not at all. And you'd be surprised at some of the movies that work really well for stars, and probably not the ones you think of, and other ones that you would say are right down the middle are not as good.

Jim Goss: The move to become a pure play a studio once again.

Jim Goss: The existing in continuing our relationship with Starz will influence.

Jim Goss: Either members of films types of films.

Jim Goss: Or anything else in terms of the monetization opportunities you might have.

Jim Goss: Does being a pure play.

Jim Goss: A difference in that regard.

Jim Goss: Yeah.

Speaker Change: Not at all and you'd be surprised at some of the movies that work really well for Starz and probably not the ones. You think of other ones that you would say are right down the middle there are not as good at the end of the day, we're a huge diversified entertainment company and whether it's TV and Kevin addressed already of this relationship we have and we will be producing.

Adam Fogelson: But at the end of the day, we're a huge diversified entertainment company, and whether it's television, and Kevin addressed already this relationship we have, and we'll be producing, you know, six, I think, shows, you know, franchise shows for Stars, and these are shows that have a lot of spin-offs and sequels and prequels. And so that relationship will remain the same, but Kevin has 30 other buyers between scripted and unscripted business, so we have to be diversified in that respect. And again, in terms of the movies, Adam has got to make a great movie that he and his team believe in and with a great profile.

Jim Goss: <unk>.

Speaker Change: Six I think shows Fran.

Speaker Change: Franchise shows four stars and these are shows that have a lot of spinoffs and <unk>.

Equals and prequels and so that relationship will remain the same but Kevin has 30 other buyers between a scripted and unscripted.

Speaker Change: Business, so we have to be diversified in that respect.

Speaker Change: Again in terms of the movies, Adam It's got to make a great movies movies that he and his team I believe in and with a great profile again.

Speaker Change: Really a great business for us.

Adam Fogelson: Again, that's really a great business for us, and the margins will remain very strong. Our international pre-sales, we're really the only ones who go to the market with big movies. The percentage of pre-sales that we're getting out of the international market is higher, not lower. The return, we're getting 90-something percent of our smaller movies are profitable and highly profitable. And so we're going to make a diversified slate that I think is going to work really well.

The margins will remain very strong our international pre sales, we're really the only ones who go to the market with a big movies the percentage of pre sale that we're getting out of the international market is higher not lower.

Speaker Change: The return, we're getting 90 something percent of our smaller movies are profit upon highly profitable.

Speaker Change: And so we're going to make a diversified slate that I think it's going to work really well I wouldn't be surprised if we also made some lower budget movies, specifically for Starz and we're talking about that and thinking about the calculus for for how that works and at the end of the day, we would take all of that product all of that product and all that huge investment and it goes.

Jim Packer: I wouldn't be surprised if we also made some lower budget movies specifically for stars, and we're talking about that and thinking about the calculus for how that works. And at the end of the day, we take all that product, all that product and all that user investment, and it goes all into the library, and the new stuff drives the old stuff as we've talked about before. So we've got, you know, really a great ecosystem; whether we're the same company or whether we're two companies, I think you can expect those mutual benefits to continue.

Speaker Change: All into the library and the new stuff drives the old stuff.

Speaker Change: As we've talked about before.

Speaker Change: So we've got really a great ecosystem, whether we're the same company or whether were two companies I think you can expect those mutual benefits to continue.

Speaker Change: Okay. Thanks, and my second question involves.

Jim Packer: Okay, thanks, and my second question involved just that: the library. Do you feel the process of building the library will primarily come from current production? Or do you think you'll consider allocating funds to separately build out the film and TV library as you've occasionally done in recent years?

Speaker Change: Just that the library or do you feel.

The process of building the library will primarily come from current production or do you think you'll consider allocating funds to separately build out the film and TV Library as you occasionally done.

Speaker Change: In recent years.

Speaker Change: Hi, Hi, Geoff it's Jeff how are you.

Jim Packer: Hi, hi, Janet. It's Jim. How are you? Yeah, I would say that, you know, if you look at our trailing 12 months for this fiscal, there's a record for us. Even the core was great, and you're starting to see the real engines of all these years of buying libraries and what it actually means for us. In addition, we are really a premier third party content distributor with the Conners, with the Chosen, with Kill Bill, and Jackie Browns. We have some of the best product in the marketplace. Comes to us for our distribution acumen, and I'd say overall I feel really good.

Jeff: I would say that.

Jeff: If you look at our trailing 12 months for this fiscal it was a record for us.

Jeff: Even the quarter was great and Youre starting to see the real engines of all these years of buying libraries and what it actually means for US. In addition, we are really a premier third party content distributor with the corners with the chosen with cable Bill and Jackie Brown, we have some of the best product in the marketplace comes to us for R. R.

Jeff: Distribution acumen, and I'd say overall I feel really good and we have 30 40 films that flowed through some multi platform. Some theatrical 400 episodic television and every time you see something like a spartacus reboot. We have four seasons of library to go along with it so I feel very good about it and overall I think it's going to continue.

Jim Packer: We have 30, 40 films that flow through some multi-platform, some theatrical, 400 episodes of TV. And every time you see something like a Spartacus reboot, you know, we have four seasons of library that go along with it. So I feel very good about it. And overall, I think it's going to continue.

Speaker Change: Let me answer it a little differently, whether it's a TV show or whether it's a movie.

Jim Packer: And let me answer a little differently, whether it's a TV show or whether it's a movie. When we do our analysis of greenlighting that, we basically do a 10-year ultimate. And basically, we don't consider the value after 10 years. Nor do we really consider the value of whether it's a prequel, sequel, and how much uplift it's going to give to the library. Even though any prequel sequel will actually create a tremendous amount. We need to live and die and make money on a 10-year ultimate. And we need to get a return of 15 to 20 percent IRR on each and every one of those.

Speaker Change: When we do our analysis of Green lighting that we basically do a 10 year ultimate and basically we don't consider the value. After 10 years, nor do we really considered the value of whether it's a prequel sequel, and how much uplift that's going to give to the library, even though any prequel sequel.

Speaker Change: We will actually create a tremendous we need to live and die and make money on 10 year ultimate and we need to get a return of 15% to 20% IRR on each and every one of those the great News is we've been able to put together. This incredible portfolio. This year and looking into next year, our slate for motion Pictures is incredible.

Jim Packer: The great news is we've been able to put together this incredible portfolio this year. And looking at the next year, our slate for motion pictures is incredible. We're able to do it, be profitable in the first 10 years cycle, and then build the library beyond it. So again, we like how that's all playing out.

Speaker Change: We're able to do it would be profitable in the first 10 year cycle and then build the library beyond it so.

Again, we like how that's all playing out.

Speaker Change: Okay. Thanks, so much.

Jim Packer: Okay, thanks much.

Speaker Change: Thanks, Jim operator can we take the last question. Please.

Jim Packer: Thanks, Jim.

Speaker Change: That question comes from Thomas <unk> with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Thomas Yay: Operator, could we take the last question, please? And that question comes from Thomas Yay with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Thomas: Thanks, So much I wanted to follow up on the leverage point, you mentioned Jimmy that both the <unk> and stars these leverage rising in the near term before falling I think closer to three <unk>. He said by year end should we think about that largely being driven by the cadence of EBITDA contribution over the course of the year. So any help on how to think about.

Jimmy Barge: Thanks so much. I wanted to follow up on the leverage point. You mentioned, Jimmy, that both the studio and stars see leverage rising in the near term before falling. I think closer to three X, you said, by the year end. Should we think about that largely being driven by the cadence that you did not contribution over the course of the year? Any help on how to think about studio on purpose? How that might be impacting that cadence would be helpful.

Speaker Change: Do you have lumpiness.

Speaker Change: That might be impacting that.

Speaker Change: Cadence would be helpful. And then I just wanted to get your sense also on just what you see is a comfortable range going past that for both of those assets.

Jimmy Barge: And then I just wanted to get your sense also on just what you see as a comfortable range going past that for both of those assets. Sure. Look at both trading 12 months and free cash flow. We plan on both businesses being positive after fully funding their content needs. As we have been always on a consolidated basis, so I see the net debt absolute balances going down and also see trading 12 months improving. I think it's really the midterm leverage before reducing, you know, to those three levels at the end of the year, is probably more trading 12 months than it is cash, but cash is a factor there.

Sure.

Look it's both trailing 12 months and free cash flow, we plan on both businesses being positive after fully funding their their content needs.

Speaker Change: We have been always on a consolidated basis, so I see the net debt absolute balances.

Speaker Change: Going down and also see trailing 12 months, improving I think its really the mid term.

Speaker Change: Leverage before reducing those three levels at the end of the year is probably more trailing 12 months and it is cash but cash is a factor there and I think youll see stars I say stores very much. After if you go into 2006. When you look ahead below below a three times leverage.

Jimmy Barge: And I think, you know, you see stars. I see stars very much after, you know, if you go into 26 and you look ahead below, you know, below a three times leverage. And I see the studio, you know, three times and moving below as well. So really strong profiles for both.

Speaker Change: And I'd say the studio.

Three times and moving below as well so.

Speaker Change: Strong profiles for both.

Speaker Change: Okay understood back on Starz, I mean last quarter cap I think he mentioned leaning more into paid to you as a content strategy as we think about how to get to that 20% margin you laid out what needs to happen on the cost side should we expect there to be greater content efficiencies or.

Jimmy Barge: Okay. Understood.

Jeffrey Hirsch: Back on stars. I mean, last quarter, Jeff, I think you mentioned leaning more into Pay Two as a content strategy. As we think about how to get to that 20% margin you laid out, what needs to happen on the side? Should we expect there to be greater content efficiencies, or how should we think about content spending overall on the stars side of things? And whether or not, you know, maybe on the non-content piece, there's no efficiencies to be had as well. Yeah. Thanks for the question. There's a couple components on the cause side. One, you know, if you look at our slate, we've got some shows that are coming up that are later in their arcs that are obviously more expensive, and so we've announced working closely with Kevin and team Power Origins, which is a new story, which will reset that economics to that showed was season one economics.

Speaker Change: How should we think about content spending overall.

Speaker Change: Far side of things and whether or not maybe on that non content piece that there's still efficiencies to be had as well.

Speaker Change: Yes. Thanks for the question, there's a couple of components on the cost side wondering if you look at our slate we've got.

Speaker Change: Some shows that are coming up that are later in their arcs that are obviously more expensive and so we've announced are working closely with Kevin and team.

Speaker Change: Our origins, which is a new story, which we'll reset that economics to that shoulder season, when economics that coupled with the fact that we're no longer in international we're focusing on domestic brings some of the costs down because we don't have to cover the international comp anymore and so as you look at turning over the slate over the next two to three years in terms of pressure content new seasons.

Jeffrey Hirsch: That couple with the fact that we're no longer in international, we're focusing on domestic, bring some of the costs down because we don't have to cover the international cost anymore. And so, as you look at turning over the slate over the next two to three years, in terms of pressure content, new seasons and season one economics or domestic, you can bring a lot of cost out of the business. I also think we will look at all of our other non-original costs as we go forward, whether it's library, you know, an extension of a pay-two or an extension of a pay-one.

Speaker Change: In season, one economics that are domestic you can bring a lot of cost out of the business. I also think we will look.

Speaker Change: At all of our other non original cost as we go forward whether its library.

Speaker Change: An extension of a paid two or an extension of the phase one we will look at that in the outer years as well based on the data that we have to make sure they're performing and that cost is actually.

Jeffrey Hirsch: We'll look at that in the out of years as well. Based on the data that we have to make sure they're performing and that cost is actually adding value to the business, just being cost on the book.

Speaker Change: Adding value to the business just being costs on the books.

Speaker Change: Thank you.

Speaker Change: This concludes our question and answer session I would like to turn the conference back over to Neal Shah for any closing remarks.

Jeffrey Hirsch: Thank you.

Nile Shah: This concludes our question and answer session.

Nile Shah: I would like to turn the conference back over to Nile Shaw for any closing remarks. Hey everyone, please refer to the press releases and events tab under the Investor Relations section of our company's websites for a discussion of certain non-GAAP forward-looking measures discussed on this call. Thank you.

Neal Shah: Hey, everyone. Please refer to the press releases and events tab under the Investor Relations section of each of our company's website for a discussion of certain non-GAAP forward looking measures discussed on this call. Thank you.

Speaker Change: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation you may now disconnect.

Operator: The conference is now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation.

Operator: You may now disconnect the conference.