Starz Entertainment Corp (STRZ)
NASDAQ:STRZ
Earnings Data
Report Date
May 21, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q4)Consensus EPS Forecast
-1.13Last Year’s EPS
-3.95Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 3 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call emphasized strong operating momentum (record OTT subscribers, quarter and full-year adjusted OIBDA beat, sequential revenue improvement), a compelling 2026 content slate, improved unit economics through ownership and co-commission partnerships, and a clear path to meaningful free cash flow and delevering. Notable challenges include ongoing linear declines, prior cash-flow timing volatility, modest near-term OIBDA growth guidance, and the decision to stop disclosing subscriber counts which reduces transparency. On balance, the positive operational and financial indicators and clear multi-year margin/cash-flow targets outweigh the negatives.Company Guidance
OTT Subscriber Growth to Record High
OTT subscribers reached an all-time high of 12.7 million, up 7.6% year-over-year. Starz added 370,000 domestic OTT subscribers in Q4 and total U.S. subscribers grew 170,000 in the quarter to 17.6 million (OTT growth partly offset by linear declines).
Exceeded Adjusted OIBDA Guidance
Starz delivered $204 million of adjusted OIBDA for the calendar year, exceeding the $200 million outlook by 2%. Adjusted OIBDA for the quarter was $56 million, up over 100% sequentially (driven by lower programming amortization, lower advertising/marketing and higher revenue).
Revenue and Sequential Growth
Total revenue in the quarter was $323 million, up 60 basis points sequentially; sequential revenue growth was driven primarily by an increase in distribution revenue tied to the transition of Canadian operations to a content licensing relationship.
Improving Leverage and Balance Sheet Progress
Leverage exited 2025 at 2.9x (better than prior guidance of 3.1x). Net debt was $589 million, gross debt $625 million, cash $36 million and the $150 million revolver was undrawn. Management expects to exit 2026 around ~2.7x, heading toward the 2.5x target.
Positive Free Cash Flow Outlook for 2026
Management expects unlevered free cash flow of $80 million to $120 million in 2026 and to generate positive equity free cash flow for the year — an anticipated improvement of approximately $80 million to $120 million year-over-year in both measures.
Content Strategy and Franchise Strength
Strong programming drove the quarter: Spartacus revival received critical acclaim and Power Book IV: Force Season 3 delivered in‑season viewership growth of 57%. Management highlighted a deep 2026 slate (Outlander conclusion, Power Book III, Fightland, Blood of My Blood, P-Valley return, Power Origins 18-episode series) and plans to increase slate ownership toward 60%+, de-age the library and monetize internationally.
Ownership and Partnership Wins
Starz greenlit and completed production on its first wholly owned series (Fightland) and announced Sky as a co-commission partner (improving unit economics). Lionsgate remains international sales partner and management engaged Plan B for production support on multiple originals.
Distribution and Bundling Momentum
Management emphasized bundling and expanded distribution partnerships as growth levers. Company data shows bundles expand TAM, drive net-new additions, are revenue-accretive and improve retention.
STRZ Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
STRZ Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb 26, 2026 | $9.58 | $11.00 | +14.82% |
Feb 26, 2026 | $9.58 | $11.00 | +14.82% |
Feb 05, 2026 | $9.01 | $8.65 | -4.00% |
Nov 13, 2025 | $10.79 | $10.11 | -6.30% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Starz Entertainment Corp (STRZ) report earnings?
Starz Entertainment Corp (STRZ) is schdueled to report earning on May 21, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is Starz Entertainment Corp (STRZ) earnings time?
Starz Entertainment Corp (STRZ) earnings time is at May 21, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
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What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is STRZ EPS forecast?
STRZ EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q4) is -1.13.