STARZ announced today that it has finalized its separation from Lionsgate, reestablishing itself as an independent, publicly traded company. Trading commenced this morning on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “STRZ.” The move marks a significant milestone for the premium entertainment network, positioning it to pursue new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
STARZ has successfully transitioned from a linear television model to a predominantly digital operation, with approximately 70% of its revenue now derived from its robust digital footprint. The company’s targeted content strategy, which complements a wide range of platforms and services, has made STARZ a preferred partner for bundling and distribution deals. Industry analysts note that STARZ’s agility and scalable offerings position it well to capitalize on emerging partnership opportunities, further strengthening its market presence.
The company’s programming portfolio remains a cornerstone of its success, featuring some of television’s most popular series. STARZ has cultivated a loyal audience by focusing on women and underrepresented demographics, boasting five series that average nine to 12 million multiplatform viewers per episode. Its flagship franchises, “Outlander” and “Power,” have sustained cultural relevance for over a decade. The “Power” Universe has expanded with multiple spinoff series, while the upcoming “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” prequel is generating significant anticipation among fans. As of December 31, 2024, STARZ reported a subscriber base of 20 million across the United States and Canada.
“Today marks an important milestone in our history as we unlock significant value as a standalone business and advance our position as the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of STARZ. “This separation comes at a pivotal time for the industry. Our strong balance sheet, compelling programming lineup and industry-leading tech stack will enable us to be nimble and capitalize on growth opportunities, while driving long-term success for our partners, audiences, employees and shareholders. We are thankful to Jon (Feltheimer) and the entire Lionsgate team for the past eight years of collaboration as well as for the ongoing partnership we’ll maintain, and I look forward to beginning this new chapter for STARZ.”
The separation, approved by over 99% of both Class A and Class B shareholders at a meeting on April 23, consolidates STARZ’s former dual share structure into a single class of stock, effective today. The streamlined structure is expected to enhance operational efficiency and investor clarity.
STARZ’s leadership emphasized its commitment to delivering value for shareholders, partners, employees, and audiences. With its proven track record and strategic focus, the company is poised to drive long-term success in the competitive streaming and entertainment industry.
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