lgfa-20240331
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024
OR
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission File No.: 1-14880
LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
British Columbia, Canada N/A
250 Howe Street, 20th Floor 2700 Colorado Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3R8 Santa Monica, California 90404
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(877) 848-3866
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
___________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐No☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☑ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of September 30, 2023 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $1,465,466,184, based on the closing sale price of such shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
As of May 24, 2024, 83,567,087 shares of the registrant’s no par value Class A voting common shares were outstanding, and 152,241,163 shares of the registrant's no par value Class B non-voting common shares were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2024 annual meeting of shareholders (the “ 2024 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated. The 2024 Proxy Statement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates. Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2023, filed with the SEC on May 25, 2023, are incorporated by reference into Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Table of Contents
Page
PART I
Item 1. Business 6
Item 1A. Risk Factors 23
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 42
Item 1C. Cybersecurity 42
Item 2. Properties 43
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 44
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 44
PART II
Item 6. [Reserved] 48
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 80
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 82
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 82
Item 9B. Other Information 86
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 86
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 86
Item 11. Executive Compensation 86
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 86
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 86
2
Table of Contents
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which we operate.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We believe that these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors. These risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read with the other cautionary statements and information in this report.
We caution you that forward-looking statements made in this report or anywhere else are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate may differ materially and adversely from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this report as a result of various important factors, including, but not limited to: the benefits of the business combination consummated on May 13, 2024; the outcome of any legal, regulatory or governmental proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or any investigation or inquiry in connection with the business combination; unexpected costs related to the business combination; changes in our business strategy, plans for growth or restructuring; the substantial investment of capital required to produce and market films and television series; budget overruns; limitations imposed by our credit facilities and notes; unpredictability of the commercial success of our motion pictures and television programming; risks related to acquisition and integration of acquired businesses; the effects of dispositions of businesses or assets, including individual films or libraries; the cost of defending our intellectual property; technological changes and other trends affecting the entertainment industry; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships; the impact of global pandemics on the Company’s business; weakness in the global economy and financial markets, including a recession and bank failures; wars, terrorism and multiple international conflicts that could cause significant economic disruption and political and social instability; labor disruption or strikes; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors herein.
Any forward-looking statements which we make in this report speak only as of the date of such statement, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.
This report contains references to our trademarks and to trademarks belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this report, including logos, artwork and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other company.
Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires, all references to the “Company,” “Lionsgate,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the province of British Columbia, Canada, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
3
Table of Contents
SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS
An investment in Lionsgate involves a high degree of risk because our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, as more fully described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Below are some of these risks, any one of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects:
Risks Related to Our Business
•We face substantial capital requirements and financial risks.
•We may incur significant write-offs if our projects do not perform well enough to recoup costs.
•Changes in our business strategy including consummation of the separation of the Studio Business and the STARZ Business of Lionsgate, plans for growth or restructuring may increase our costs or otherwise affect our profitability.
•Our revenues and results of operations may fluctuate significantly.
•Our content licensing arrangements, primarily those relating to the distribution of films in foreign territories, may include minimum guarantee arrangements which, absent such arrangements, could adversely affect our results of operations.
•We do not have long-term arrangements with many of our production or co-financing partners.
•We rely on a few major retailers and distributors and the loss of any of those could reduce our revenues and operating results.
•A significant portion of our library revenues comes from a small number of titles.
•Changes in consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models, may negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
•Our business depends on the appeal and availability of desired programming.
•Our network’s success depends upon the availability of quality programming in a highly competitive marketplace, and we may be unable to secure or maintain such programming.
•We depend on distributors that carry our STARZ programming, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain and renew these affiliation agreements on as favorable terms or at all.
•We depend in part on our distributors to market and present our services, the lack of which may result in reduced customer demand.
•Our efforts to attract and retain subscribers for STARZ services may not be successful, which may adversely affect our business.
•STARZ relies, in part, on third party sales platforms as well as third-party internet-connected devices for distribution of our direct-to-consumer service.
•We are subject to payment processing risk.
•We face substantial competition in all aspects of our business, including competition for marketing and carriage of our services.
•We face economic, political, regulatory, and other risks from doing business internationally.
•Our business involves risks of claims for content of material, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
•We are subject to risks associated with possible acquisitions, dispositions, business combinations, or joint ventures.
•If Entertainment One Canada Ltd. loses Canadian status, it could lose licenses, incentives and tax credits. We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of eOne.
•Our success depends on attracting and retaining key personnel and artistic talent.
•Global economic turmoil and economic instability could adversely affect our business.
•We could be adversely affected by labor disputes, strikes or other union job actions.
•Business interruptions from circumstances or events out of our control could adversely affect our operations.
•Our business is dependent on the maintenance and protection of our intellectual property and pursuing and defending against intellectual property claims may have a material adverse effect on our business.
•We are, and may in the future become, subject to litigation and other legal proceedings, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
•Piracy of films and television programs could adversely affect our business over time.
•Failure of, or disruptions to, our technology facilities could adversely affect our business.
•We rely upon “cloud” computing services to operate certain aspects of our service and any disruption of or interference with our use of our “cloud” computing servicer could impact our operations and our business could be adversely impacted.
•Our activities are subject to stringent and evolving obligations which may adversely impact our operations. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could lead to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse business consequences.
•Service disruptions or failures of the Company’s or our third-party service providers’ information systems, data and networks may disrupt our businesses, damage our reputation, expose us to regulatory investigations, actions, litigation,
4
Table of Contents
fines and penalties or have a negative impact on our results of operations including but not limited to loss of revenue or profit, loss of customers or sales and other adverse consequences.
Risks Related To Our Indebtedness
•We have incurred significant indebtedness that could adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
•We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
•Despite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.
•The terms of the Senior Credit Facilities and the indenture that governs the New Notes restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes or to take certain actions.
•Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
•An increase in the ownership of our Class A voting common shares by certain shareholders could trigger a change in control under the agreements governing our indebtedness.
Risk Related to Tax Rules and Regulations
•The Internal Revenue Service may not agree that we should be treated as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes and may not agree that our U.S. affiliates should not be subject to certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules.
•Recent and proposed changes to the tax laws could result in Lions Gate being treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes or in STARZ and its U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by us) being subject to certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules on financing and other activities.
•Future changes to U.S. and non-U.S. tax laws could adversely affect us.
•Changes in foreign, state and local tax incentives may increase the cost of original programming content to such an extent that they are no longer feasible.
•Our tax rate is uncertain and may vary from expectations.
•Legislative or other governmental action in the U.S. could adversely affect our business.
•Changes in, or interpretations of, tax rules and regulations, and changes in geographic operating results, may adversely affect our effective tax rates.
5
Table of Contents
PART I
ITEM 1.BUSINESS.
Overview
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform designed to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world.Our film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a more than 20,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises.
We manage and report our operating results through three reportable business segments: Motion Picture, Television Production and Media Networks. We refer to our Motion Picture and Television Production segments collectively as our Studio Business and our Media Networks segment as our Media Networks Business. Financial information for our segments is set forth in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in this Annual Report.
On May 13, 2024, we consummated the business combination which resulted in the launch of Lionsgate Studios. As of May 14, 2024, the common shares of our Studio Business trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “LION.” See Business Combination below for additional information.
Studio Business
Motion Picture: Our Motion Picture segment includes revenues derived from the following:
•Theatrical. The domestic theatrical release of motion pictures licensed to theatrical exhibitors on a picture-by-picture basis (distributed by us directly in the U.S. and through a sub-distributor in Canada). The revenues from Canada are reported net of distribution fees and release expenses of the Canadian sub-distributor. The financial terms that we negotiate with our theatrical exhibitors in the U.S. generally provide that we receive a percentage of the box office results.
•Home Entertainment. The sale or rental of our film productions and acquired or licensed films and certain television programs (including theatrical and direct-to-video releases) on packaged media and through digital media platforms (including pay-per-view and video-on-demand platforms, electronic sell through, and digital rental). In addition, we have revenue sharing arrangements with certain digital media platforms which generally provide that, in exchange for a nominal or no upfront sales price, we share in the rental or sales revenues generated by the platform on a title-by-title basis.
•Television. The licensing of our theatrical productions and acquired films to the linear pay, basic cable and free television markets. In addition, when a license in our traditional pay television window is made to a subscription video-on-demand ("SVOD") or other digital platform, the revenues are included here.
•International. The (i) licensing of our productions, acquired films, our catalog product and libraries of acquired titles to international distributors, on a territory-by-territory basis, and (ii) the direct distribution of our productions, acquired films, and our catalog product and libraries of acquired titles in the United Kingdom.
•Other. Among others, the licensing of our film and television and related content (e.g., games, music, location-based entertainment royalties, etc.) to other ancillary markets.
Television Production: Our Television Production segment includes revenues derived from the following:
•Television. The licensing to domestic markets (linear pay, basic cable, free television and syndication) of scripted and unscripted series, television movies, mini-series and non-fiction programming. Television revenues include fixed fee arrangements as well as arrangements in which we earn advertising revenue from the exploitation of certain content on television networks. Television revenues also include revenue from licenses to SVOD platforms in which the initial license of a television series is to an SVOD platform.
•International. The licensing and syndication to international markets of scripted and unscripted series, television movies, mini-series and non-fiction programming.
6
Table of Contents
•Home Entertainment. The sale or rental of television production movies or series on packaged media and through digital media platforms.
•Other. Among others, the licensing of our television programs to other ancillary markets, the sales and licensing of music from the television broadcasts of our productions, and from commissions and executive producer fees earned related to talent management.
Media Networks
Our Media Networks segment includes revenues derived from the following:
•Starz Networks. The domestic distribution of our STARZ branded premium subscription video services through over-the top ("OTT") streaming platforms and distributors, on a direct-to-consumer basis through the Starz app, and through U.S. multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) including cable operators, satellite television providers and telecommunications companies (collectively, “Distributors”) (and in the aggregate, the “Starz Domestic Platform”).
•LIONSGATE+. The OTT distribution of the Company's STARZ branded premium subscription video services outside of the U.S.
The Starz Domestic Platform together with the LIONSGATE+ platforms are referred to as the “Starz Platforms.”
Segment Revenue
For the year ended March 31, 2024, contributions to the Company’s consolidated revenues from its reporting segments included Motion Picture 41.2%, Television Production 33.1% and Media Networks 39.2%, and intersegment revenue eliminations represented (13.6)% of consolidated revenues.
Within the Motion Picture segment, revenues were generated from the following:
•Theatrical, 13.7%;
•Home Entertainment, 44.4%;
•Television, 16.6%;
•International, 23.6%; and
•Motion Picture-Other, 1.7%.
Within the Television Production segment, revenues were generated from the following:
•Television, 59.3%;
•International,17.2%;
•Home Entertainment, 18.2%; and
•Television Production-Other, 5.3%.
Within the Media Networks segment, revenues were generated from the following:
•Starz Networks, 86.6%;
•LIONSGATE+, 13.4%
Corporate Strategy
We manage a large and diversified portfolio of film and television content that we license to theatrical exhibitors, streaming, broadcast, pay cable and other platform partners worldwide. We maintain a disciplined, targeted and cost-effective approach to the acquisition, production, marketing and distribution of that content. Our strategic focus on content makes us a preferred supplier to third-party buyers as well as our own STARZ platform. The extension of our portfolio of brands and franchises, creation of new intellectual properties and rigorous focus on retaining key rights to our content is designed to create incremental long-term value for our shareholders through a combination of current releases and one of the most valuable film and television libraries in the world.
7
Table of Contents
STUDIO BUSINESS: MOTION PICTURE
Motion Picture - Theatrical
Production and Acquisition
We take a disciplined approach to theatrical production, with the goal of producing content that can be distributed through various domestic and international platforms. In doing so, we may mitigate the financial risk associated with production by:
•Negotiating co-financing development and co-production agreements which may provide for cost-sharing with one or more third-parties;
•Pre-licensing international distribution rights on a selective basis, including through international output agreements (which license rights to distribute a film in one or more media generally for a limited term, and in one or more specific territories prior to completion of the film);
•Structuring agreements that provide for talent participation in the financial success of the film in exchange for reduced guaranteed “up-front payments” that would be paid regardless of the film's success; and
•Utilizing governmental incentives, programs and other structures from state and foreign countries (e.g., sales tax refunds, transferable tax credits, refundable tax credits, low interest loans, direct subsidies or cash rebates, calculated based on the amount of money spent in the particular jurisdiction in connection with the production).
Our approach to acquiring films complements our theatrical production strategy - we typically seek to limit our financial exposure while adding films with high potential for commercial box office success, critical recognition and successful monetization across a broad array of platforms.
Distribution
The economic life of a motion picture may consist of its exploitation in theaters, on packaged media and on various digital and television platforms in territories around the world. We generally distribute motion pictures directly to movie theaters in the U.S. whereby the exhibitor retains a portion of the gross box office receipts and the balance is remitted to the distributor. Concurrent with their release in the U.S., films are generally released in Canada and in one or more foreign countries. We construct release schedules taking into account moviegoer attendance patterns and competition from other studios' scheduled theatrical releases. After initial theatrical release, distributors seek to maximize revenues by releasing films in sequential release date windows, which may be exclusive against other non-theatrical distribution platforms. In certain circumstances, our distribution strategy has and may continue to change, and certain films intended for theatrical release may be licensed to other platforms.
Producing, marketing and distributing films can involve significant risks and costs, and can cause our financial results to vary depending on the timing of a film’s release. For instance, marketing costs are generally incurred before and throughout the theatrical release of a film and are expensed as incurred. Therefore, we typically incur losses with respect to a particular film prior to and during the film’s theatrical exhibition, and profitability for the film may not be realized until after its theatrical release window. Further, we may revise the release date of a film as the production schedule changes or in such a manner as we believe is likely to maximize revenues or for other business reasons. Additionally, there can be no assurance that any of the films scheduled for release will be completed and/or in accordance with the anticipated schedule or budget, or that the film will ever be released.
Theatrical Releases
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we released twenty-six (26) films theatrically in the U.S. across our labels (including our partnership with Roadside Attractions). Such titles and their release patterns included the following:
Theatrical Releases
Title Theatrical Release Date Release Pattern Label
Sisu April 28, 2023 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
8
Table of Contents
About My Father May 26, 2023 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
The Blackening June 16, 2023 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
Joy Ride July 7, 2023 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
Expend4bles September 22, 2023 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
Saw X September 29, 2023 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
Silent Night December 1, 2023 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
Imaginary March 8, 2024 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
Arthur the King March 15, 2024 Theatrical and Premium Video-on-Demand Lionsgate
9
Table of Contents
Theatrical Releases
Title Theatrical Release Date Release Pattern Label
We continue to evaluate release strategies of our films by releasing solely and/or earlier on streaming platforms, initially releasing on premium video-on-demand, premium electronic sell-through, or by licensing directly to streaming platforms. In doing so, we capitalize on increased optionality in distribution and maintain a platform agnostic approach to distribution to take full advantage of new windowing opportunities and alternative distribution strategies (while also continuing to work closely with our theatrical exhibition partners).
Nominations and Awards
Lionsgate and affiliated companies (including its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Artisan Pictures, Mandate Pictures and Summit Entertainment, and Roadside Attractions, of which Lionsgate owns a 43% equity interest) have distributed films that have earned numerous Academy Award®, Golden Globe Awards®, Producers Guild Awards®, Screen Actors Guild Awards®, Directors Guild Awards®, BAFTA Awards and Independent Spirit Awards nominations and wins.
Motion Picture - Home Entertainment
Our U.S. home entertainment distribution operation exploits our extensive film and television content library of more than 20,000 motion picture titles and television episodes and programs, consisting of titles from, among others, Lionsgate, our subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures (such as Anchor Bay Entertainment, Artisan Entertainment, eOne, Grindstone Entertainment Group, Roadside Attractions, STARZ, Summit Entertainment, Trimark and Vestron), as well as titles from third parties such as A24, A&E, AMC, Entertainment Studios, Gravitas, Saban Entertainment, StudioCanal, STX Entertainment, Tyler Perry Studios Visiona Romantica and Zoetrope. Home entertainment revenue consists of packaged media and digital revenue.
10
Table of Contents
Packaged Media
Packaged media distribution involves the marketing, promotion and/or sale of DVDs/Blu-ray/4K Ultra HD discs to wholesalers and retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Fulfillment of physical distribution services are substantially licensed to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. We distribute or sell content directly to retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon and others who buy large volumes of our discs to sell directly to consumers.
Digital Media
We consider alternative distribution strategies for our films and releases several titles solely and/ or in an accelerated post-theatrical window on various digital platforms (including multi-platform distribution). We directly distribute this and other content (including certain titles not distributed theatrically or on physical media) across a wide range of global distribution platforms and networks on an on-demand basis (whereby the viewer controls the timing of playback) through dozens of transactional (transactional video-on-demand and electronic-sell-through), subscription, ad-supported and free video-on-demand platforms. We also directly distribute content on a linear distribution basis (i.e., whereby the programmer controls the timing of playback) through various linear pay, basic cable, and free, over-the-air television platforms worldwide. Transactional video-on-demand services to which we license our content include, among others, Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, YouTube, Google TV, Comcast Xfinity and Microsoft Movies & TV; SVOD services to which we license our content include, among others, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon’s Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+ and Max; ad-supported video-on-demand services to which we license our content include, among others, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, YouTube, Samsung and Pluto; and linear networks to which we distribute our content include, among others, pay television networks such as STARZ, EPIX, HBO and Showtime, and basic cable network groups such as NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, Paramount Global Domestic Media Networks, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution Networks, Warner Media Entertainment Networks and AMC Networks, as well as Bounce, Telemundo and UniMás. Additionally, we own and operate a suite of 13 multi-content and single series FAST channels carried by various platforms including, among others, Samsung, The Roku Channel and Pluto.
Motion Picture - Television
We license our theatrical productions and acquired films to the domestic linear pay, basic cable and free television markets. For additional information regarding such distribution, see Motion Picture-Home Entertainment - Digital Media above.
Motion Picture - International
Our international sales operations are headquartered at our offices in London, England. The primary components of our international business are, on a territory-by-territory basis through third parties or directly through our international divisions:
•The licensing of rights in all media of our in-house feature film product and third-party acquisitions on an output basis;
•The licensing of rights in all media of our in-house product and third-party acquisitions on a sales basis for non-output territories;
•The licensing of third-party feature films on an agency basis; and
•Direct distribution of theatrical and/or ancillary rights licensing.
We license rights in all media on a territory-by-territory basis (other than the territories where we self-distribute) of (i) our in-house feature film product, and (ii) films produced by third parties such as Ace Entertainment, Buzzfeed, Fifth Season, Asbury Park Pictures and Endurance Media. Films licensed and/or released by us internationally in fiscal 2024, included such in-house productions as The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, About My Father, Joy Ride, Saw X, Highlander, Now You See Me 3, Michael, Imaginary, Never Let Go (f/k/a Motherland) and Miller’s Girl, as well as films produced by third parties such as Flight Risk, Anniversary, Ordinary Angels, Unsung Hero, The Blackening, The Strangers Trilogy, One Ranger, Float, Puppy Love, Love in Taipei and Love at First Sight. Third-party films for which we were engaged as exclusive sales agent and/or released by us internationally in fiscal 2024 included Bone Yard and The Fabulous Four.
Through our territory-by-territory sales and an output arrangement in France (for all rights for all media, including home entertainment and television rights), we generally cover a substantial portion of the production budget or acquisition cost of new theatrical releases which we license and distribute internationally. We also distribute theatrical titles in Latin America through International Distribution Company, and theatrical rights in Canada through Cineplex Pictures.
11
Table of Contents
We also self-distribute motion pictures in the United Kingdom and Ireland through our subsidiary, Lions Gate International (UK) Limited (“Lionsgate UK”). For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, Lionsgate UK released the following theatrical titles:
Lionsgate UK
Title Release Date
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret May 19, 2023
The Miracle Club October 13, 2023
Anatomy of a Fall November 10, 2023
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes November 17, 2023
The Iron Claw February 9, 2024
Additionally, our office in India manages operations and growth opportunities in the South Asian/Indian sub-continent. Through our local office in Mumbai, we manage the following activities:
•Appoint and work closely with theatrical distribution partners to maximize box office for our films;
•Partner with local production companies, as well as develop in-house, Indian local language television series and feature films for distribution across other media platforms;
•Offer STARZ in the region and across emerging Asian markets, through our direct-to-consumer product and in collaboration with telco and broadband partners, Amazon and Apple TV; and
•Explore investment opportunities throughout the South Asian and South East Asian media market.
Motion Picture - Other
Global Products and Experiences
Our Global Products and Experiences division drives incremental revenue and builds consumer engagement across our entire portfolio of properties via live shows and experiences, location-based entertainment destinations, games, physical and digital merchandise, and select strategic partnerships and investments.
Within the division, our Global Live Entertainment business focuses on licensing, developing, and producing live stage shows, concerts, and live immersive experiences and events based on our theatrical and television content. We have announced multiple live entertainment projects, including Wonder, Nashville and La La Land for Broadway, The Hunger Games for London, as well as a live dance show inspired by our Step-Up film franchise. Live to film concerts currently touring globally include La La Land, Dirty Dancing and Twilight.
Our Interactive Entertainment business focuses on growing a slate that includes games across PC/console, mobile, virtual reality and more, both through stand-alone games based solely on our content and the integration of our properties with marquee games such as Call of Duty, Dead By Daylight, Roblox, and Fortnite, as well as Web3 projects, including the SANDBOX.
Our Location Based Entertainment business licenses and produces our Lionsgate, theatrical, and television brands for theme parks, destinations, and stand-alone attractions and experiences. Attractions based on The Hunger Games, John Wick, Now You See Me, SAW and other of our intellectual property can be found at theme parks and destinations in the United States, United Kingdom, and the Middle East, including the John Wick Experience opening in Las Vegas later in 2024. We have also partnered with Six Flags to open SAW themed haunted houses across multiple Six Flags theme parks during the Halloween season.
Our Consumer Products business licenses and develops products around our leading film and television properties, including John Wick, The Hunger Games, Twilight, Dirty Dancing, Saw and Ghosts. Our merchandise is available in the
12
Table of Contents
Lionsgate Shop, our official e-commerce shop, and at many well- known retail outlets such as Hot Topic, Walmart and Target. We are developing new offerings across a broad range of categories with best-in-class licensees, including LEGO, American Classics, Ripple Junction, Goodie Two-Sleeves, Hot Toys, Funko and more.
Music
We manage music for our theatrical and television slates, including overseeing songs, scores and soundtracks for all of our theatrical productions, co-productions and acquisitions, as well as music staffing, scores and soundtracks for all of our television productions. Music revenues are derived from the sales and licensing of music from our films, television, and other productions, and the theatrical exhibition of our films and the broadcast and webcast of our productions.
Ancillary Revenues
Ancillary revenues are derived from the licensing of films and television content at non-theatrical venues including educational and institutional facilities, U.S. military bases, oil rigs, hospitals, hotels, prisons, and on all forms of common carrier transportation, including airlines and ships.
STUDIO BUSINESS: TELEVISION PRODUCTION
Our television business consists of the development, production, syndication and distribution of television programming. We principally generate revenue from the licensing and distribution of such programming to broadcast television networks, pay and basic cable networks, digital platforms and syndicators of first-run programming, which license programs on a station-by-station basis and pay in cash or via barter (i.e., trade of programming for airtime). Each of these platforms may acquire a mix of original and library programming.
After initial exhibition, we distribute programming to subsequent buyers, both domestically and internationally, including basic cable network, premium subscription services or digital platforms (known as “off-network syndicated programming”). Off-network syndicated programming can be sold in successive cycles of sales which may occur on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis. In addition, television programming is sold on home entertainment (packaged media and via digital delivery) and across all other applicable ancillary revenue streams including music publishing, touring and integration.
Similar to our film production practices, we leverage tax credits, subsidies, and other incentive programs to optimize our returns and maintain financially prudent production models for television content.
Television Production - Television
Lionsgate Television
We currently produce, syndicate and distribute 100 television shows on more than 50 networks. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, scripted and unscripted programming produced, co-produced or distributed by us and our affiliated entities (not including executive produced series by 3 Arts Entertainment, of which we own a majority interest), as well as programming syndicated by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Debmar-Mercury, included the following:
Fiscal 2024Scripted – Lionsgate
Title Network
Acapulco Apple
Black Mafia Family Starz
The Continental Peacock / Amazon
Extended Family NBC
Ghosts CBS
Julia Max
Manhunt: Lincoln Apple
Mere Mortals Apple
Power Book II: Ghost Starz
Power Book III: Raising Kanan Starz
13
Table of Contents
Serpent Queen Starz
The Venery of Samantha Bird Starz
Fiscal 2024Scripted – eOne
Title Network
A Gentleman in Moscow Paramount+
Moonshine CBC
The Rookie ABC
The Rookie: Feds ABC
The Spencer Sisters CTV
Yellowjackets Showtime
Fiscal 2024Unscripted – Lionsgate Alternative Television*
Title Network
About Face TLC
Adam Richman Eats Britain Food Network
All Creatures Great and Small Meets The Yorkshire Vet Channel 5
Animal Care Club Channel 5
At Home with the Greens Channel 5
Bail Jumpers Investigation Discovery
Behind the Music Paramount+
Bob Menendez Documentary Fox Nation
Brat Loves Judy WEtv
Brat Loves Judy: The Baby Special WEtv
Britain's Islands: Isle of Wight Channel 5
Buried in the Backyard Oxygen
Celebrity Ex On The Beach MTV
Cruising with Susan Calman Channel 5
Derbez Family Vacation Vix
Disappeared Investigation Discovery
Disappeared - Bradley Sisters Podcast Investigation Discovery
Disappeared Special - Bradley Sisters Investigation Discovery
Fletcher's Family Farm ITV
Fletcher's Family Farm at Christmas ITV
Good Cop, Bad Cop Investigation Discovery
Harvest on the Farm Channel 5
Hoffman Family Gold Discovery
How to Not Get Rid of a Body Investigation Discovery
Icons that Changed America History
Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder. Peacock
Ladies First Netflix
Lincoln Log Masters Roku
Lost U-Boats of WWII History
Married to the Game Amazon
My Big Fat Fab Life TLC
14
Table of Contents
Naked and Afraid Discovery
Naked and Afraid XL Discovery
Naked and Afraid: Castaways Discovery
Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing Discovery
Power Slap: Road to the Title Rumble
Royal Rules of Ohio Freeform
Secrets of the Christmas Factory Channel 5
Seduced to Slay Investigation Discovery
Selling Sunset Netflix
Selling the OC Netflix
Shetland: The Viking Isles Channel 5
Steve Austin A&E
Street Outlaws Australia Discovery
Street Outlaws Mega Cash Days Discovery
Street Outlaws New Orleans Discovery
Susan Calman: Tales of the City Channel 5
The Barnes Bunch WETV
The Canary Islands with Jane McDonald Channel 5
The Impact: Atlanta BET
The Impact: NYC VH1
The Love Experiment MTV
The Murder Tapes Investigation Discovery
The Ultimate Fighter ESPN+
The Yorkshire Vet Channel 5
Toya & Reginae WE tv
Where is Wendy Williams? Lifetime
Wicked Tuna National Geographic
Zombie House Flippers Discovery
Fiscal 2024Syndication – Debmar-Mercury
Title
Family Feud
People Puzzler
Sherri Shepherd
* Lionsgate Alternative Television includes programming produced by Pilgrim Media Group (of which we own a majority interest), as well as by our wholly-owned subsidiaries, eOne’s U.S. and U.K. non-scripted group, Blackfin, Renegade and Daisybeck Studios (acquired in December 2023).
Starz Original Programming
For information regarding production of Starz original programming, see Media Networks - Starz Networks - Starz Original Programming.
Television Production- International
We license, sale and distribute original Lionsgate television series (including Lionsgate UK television programming), Starz original programming, third party television programming and format acquisitions to international markets via packaged media
15
Table of Contents
and various digital platforms. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, Lionsgate UK television programming that was acquired, began production, was produced or was broadcast, included the following:
Television - Lionsgate UK
Title Network Partner(s)
Northern Lights TG4 Deadpan Pictures
Son of Critch 3 CBC & CW Project 10
Borderline ZDF & Roku Further South Productions and ShinAwil
The Burnings Girls Paramount+ and Roku Buccaneer Media
The Final Score Netflix Dynamo
Dark City: The Cleaner Sky NZ Endevour Ventures
Prosper Stan Lingo Pictures
Population 11 Stan Jungle Entertainment
Pistol FX/Hulu and Disney+ Wiip
Endangered M-Net MOTD Entertainment
Television Production-Home Entertainment
For information regarding television production home entertainment revenue, see Motion Picture - Home Entertainment above.
Television Production-Other
Other revenues are derived from, among others, the licensing of our television programs to other ancillary distributors, the sales and licensing of music from the television broadcasts of our productions, and from our interest in 3 Arts Entertainment, a talent management company. 3 Arts Entertainment receives commission revenue from talent representation and are producers on a number of television shows and films where they receive an executive producer fee and back-end participations.
MEDIA NETWORKS
Media Networks - Starz Networks - United States
Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming to consumers in the U.S. We sell our services on a direct-to-consumer basis and through various distributors, including OTT providers (such as Amazon, Apple, Google and Hulu) and MVPDs (such as Comcast, Charter, DIRECTV and DISH Network).
Our flagship premium service STARZ had 21.8 million subscribers as of March 31, 2024 (total North America not including subscribers who receive programming free as part of a promotional offer). STARZ offers premium original series and recently released library movies without advertisements. Our other services, STARZ ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX, offer theatrical and independent library movies as well as original and classic television series also without advertisements. Our services include a stand-alone, direct-to-consumer app, 17 linear networks, and on-demand and online viewing platforms. Our app and online viewing platforms offer thousands of monthly movies and series episodes from studio partners, including first-run content, along with a growing line-up of successful original programming. Our services are offered directly to consumers via the STARZ app and via our website at www.starz.com as well as through our retail partners (such as Apple and Google) for a recurring fee, or by our distributors to their subscribers either at a recurring price as part of a programming tier, package or bundle with other products or services, or on an a la carte basis.
The table below depicts the STARZ app and our 17 existing linear services, their respective on-demand services, and highlights some of their key attributes.
16
Table of Contents
Demographics and Strategy
Designed to complement any television offering for general audiences across both wholesale and retail OTT, as well as traditional MVPD distribution platforms, STARZ is a best-in-class subscription service delivering premium original series and hit movies with appeal to women and diverse audiences worldwide.
We are focused on developing and distributing authentic and engaging original programming that resonates with audiences that have been traditionally underrepresented in the premium television space.
Across our digital platforms, the STARZ app provides an alternative for subscribers looking for a competitively priced option. Subscribers have access to a vast library of quality content and a top-rated user experience, along with the ability to download and watch STARZ original series, blockbuster theatricals and favorite classic TV series and movies.
We believe this strategy, combined with a proven management team, will ensure Starz Networks’ services remain a “must have” for subscribers and a meaningful profit center for our distributors.
Affiliation Agreements
Our services are distributed pursuant to affiliation agreements with our distributors. We earn revenue under these agreements either (i) based on amounts or rates tied to the total number of subscribers who receive our services or (ii) based on amounts or rates which are not tied solely to the total number of subscribers who receive our services. Our affiliation agreements expire at various dates through 2027.
17
Table of Contents
We work with our distributors to increase the number of subscribers to our services. To accomplish this, we may help fund the distributors’ efforts to market our services or may permit distributors to offer limited promotional periods with discounted or no payment of subscriber fees. We believe these efforts enhance our relationship with distributors, improve the awareness of our services and maximize subscribers and revenue over the term of these affiliation agreements.
Distributors report the number of subscribers to our services and pay for services, generally, on a monthly basis. The agreements are generally structured to be multi-year agreements with staggered expiration dates and certain of the agreements provide for annual contractual rate increases.
STARZ App
The STARZ app is the single destination for both direct OTT subscribers and distributor authenticated subscribers to stream or download our original series and movie content. The STARZ app:
•Is available for purchase as a standalone OTT service for a recurring monthly fee;
•Is available on a wide array of platforms and devices including Amazon Fire, iOS, Android and Roku, among others;
•Includes on-demand streaming and downloadable access for internet-free viewing;
•Offers instant access to thousands of selections each month (including STARZ original series and commercial free movies); and
•Is available as an additional benefit to paying MVPD subscribers of the Starz Networks’ linear premium services.
Starz Original Programming
STARZ is a leader in high-quality, bold premium programming developed for women and underrepresented audiences. Its slate is driven by critically-acclaimed and award-winning scripted original series with highly-engaged audiences.
STARZ Original Series like “Outlander” and “Power” have become tentpole franchises with multiple spinoff and derivative series to meet audience demand. STARZ also has brought audiences groundbreaking new series including “P-Valley,” “BMF,” and “The Serpent Queen,” among many others.
Starz Networks contracts with Lionsgate’s Television Production segment and other independent studios and production companies to produce original programming that appears on our Starz services.
In fiscal 2024, STARZ premiered a strong lineup of original programming for women and underrepresented audiences including the highly-anticipated return of the time travel, fantasy series “Outlander” (Season 7), a new season of the gripping crime drama “BMF” (Season 3) and installments of the juggernaut “Power” cinematic universe, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” (Season 3) and “Power Book IV: Force” (Season 2), among several other series and season premieres. These original programming premieres, coupled with an increased volume of theatrical output titles drove subscription and engagement with key cohorts.
Output and Content License Agreements
The majority of acquired content on our services consists of movies that have been released theatrically. Starz has an exclusive multiyear output licensing agreement with Lionsgate for Lionsgate label titles theatrically released in the U.S. starting January 1, 2022, and for Summit label titles theatrically released in the U.S. starting January 1, 2023.Starz also has an exclusive multiyear post pay-one output licensing agreement with Universal for live-action films theatrically released in the U.S. starting January 1, 2022.The Universal agreement provides Starz with rights to exhibit these films immediately following their pay-one windows.
Under these agreements, Starz has valuable exclusive rights to air these new movies on linear television services, on-demand or online during specific windows. Generally, except on a transactional on-demand or pay-per-view basis, no other linear service, online streaming or other video service may air or stream these recent releases during Starz’s windows.
Starz also licenses first-run independent feature films acquired through U.S. and international film festivals and other sources as well as library content comprised of older, previously released theatrical movies from many of Hollywood’s major studios. In addition to theatrical movies, Starz licenses television series and other content from studios, production companies or other rights holders. The rights agreements for library content are of varying duration and generally permit Starz’s services to exhibit these movies, series and other programming during certain window periods.
18
Table of Contents
A summary of significant output and library programming agreements (including a library agreement with Lionsgate) are as follows:
Studio Studio
Lionsgate Lionsgate
Universal Universal
Sony Sony
Twentieth Century Fox
Warner Bros.
Our output agreements generally require us to pay for movies at rates calculated on a pricing grid that is based on each film’s domestic box office performance (subject to maximum amounts payable per movie and a cap on the number of movies that can be put to Starz each year). The amounts Starz pays for library content vary based on each specific agreement, but generally reflect an amount per movie, series or other programming commensurate with the quality (e.g., utility and perceived popularity) of the content being licensed.
Transmission
We currently uplink our programming for our linear services to non-pre-emptible, protected transponders on two satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit. These satellites feed our signals to various swaths of the Americas. We lease these transponders under multi-year agreements. We currently transmit to these satellites from our primary uplink facilities, which are provided by a third-party vendor. We have made arrangements at a vendor’s facility to uplink our linear channels to these satellites in the event we are unable to do so from our primary uplink facilities.
Regulatory Matters
In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) regulates several aspects of our and our distribution ecosystem’s operations and programming. This includes FCC oversight in connection with communications satellites and related uplink/downlink equipment and transmissions, content-specific requirements such as closed captioning, loudness of commercials, and program access requirements in connection with certain distributors and programmer services with shared attributable interests.
Regulation
The regulation of programming services, cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite providers, broadcast television licensees and online services is subject to the political process and has been in constant flux historically. To the extent that our programming services are distributed through online platforms, we must comply with various federal and state laws and regulations applicable to online communications and commerce. Further material changes in the law and regulatory requirements that affect our business must be anticipated and there can be no assurance that we will not be materially adversely affected by future legislation, new regulation or deregulation.
Media Networks - International
Starz is available outside the U.S. throughSTARZ in Canada; LIONSGATE PLAY in India; and through our STARZPLAY Arabia joint venture in the Middle East and North Africa.
Beginning in fiscal 2023, during the second quarter ended September 30, 2022, due to adverse macro and microeconomic conditions, including the competitive environment, continued inflationary trends and recessionary economies worldwide and its impact on the Company’s profitability, we made the strategic decision to wind down our international LIONSGATE+ branded service. We expect the wind down to be completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
19
Table of Contents
Business Combination
On May 13, 2024, SEAC II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“New SEAC”), consummated a business combination among New SEAC, Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company and then parent of New SEAC (“SEAC”), and LG Orion Holdings ULC, a British Columbia unlimited liability company (“StudioCo”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2023, by and among New SEAC, SEAC, the Company, LG Sirius Holdings ULC, a British Columbia unlimited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Studio HoldCo”), StudioCo, SEAC MergerCo, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of New SEAC (“MergerCo”), and 1455941 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, a British Columbia unlimited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEAC (“New BC Sub”). In connection with the closing of the business combination, SEAC II Corp. changed its name to “Lionsgate Studios Corp.” (referred to as “Lionsgate Studios”). Lionsgate Studios has continued the existing business operations of StudioCo, which consists of the Studio Business of Lionsgate. Lionsgate Studios became a separate publicly traded company and its common shares commenced trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “LION” on May 14, 2024. The "Studio Business" consists of the businesses of Lionsgate's Motion Picture and Television Production segments, together with substantially all of Lionsgate's corporate general and administrative functions and costs.
In connection with the business combination, the Company and StudioCo entered into a separation agreement pursuant to which (i) the assets and liabilities of the Company’s Studio Business (including certain subsidiaries of the Company engaged in the Studio Business) were separated from the assets and liabilities of the Company’s Starz Business (meaning substantially all of the assets and liabilities constituting the Media Networks segment, and including certain subsidiaries of the Company engaged in the Company’s Starz Business) and transferred to StudioCo such that StudioCo holds, directly or indirectly, all of the assets and liabilities of the Studio Business, and (ii) all of the Company’s equity interests in StudioCo were transferred to Studio HoldCo.
As a result, approximately 87.2% of the total shares of Lionsgate Studios continue to be held by the Company, while former SEAC public shareholders and founders and common equity financing investors own approximately 12.8% of Lionsgate Studios. In addition to establishing Lionsgate Studios as a standalone publicly-traded entity, the transaction resulted in approximately $350.0 million of gross proceeds to the Company, including $274.3 million in PIPE financing. Of the total gross proceeds, approximately $330.0 million was received at or shortly after the closing of the Business Combination, with the remaining $20.0 million expected to be received shortly.
The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Screaming Eagle will be treated as the acquired company and the Studio Business will be treated as the acquirer for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of New SEAC will represent a continuation of the financial statements of the Studio Business, with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of the Studio Business issuing stock for the historical net assets of Screaming Eagle, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of Screaming Eagle will be stated at fair value, which approximates historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of the Studio Business. The Studio Business will continue to be a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.
JOINT VENTURES, PARTNERSHIPS AND OWNERSHIP INTERESTS
Our joint ventures, partnerships and ownership interests support our strategy of being a multiplatform global industry leader in entertainment. We actively assess our portfolio of properties, libraries, and assets to ensure they continue to enhance our competitive position in the industry, offer potential for significant long-term returns, optimize the use of our capital, and are aligned with our goals. When appropriate, we discuss potential strategic transactions with third parties for purchase of our properties, libraries or other assets or businesses that factor into these evaluations. As a result, we may, from time to time, determine to sell individual properties, libraries or other assets or businesses or enter into additional joint ventures, strategic transactions and similar arrangements for individual properties, libraries or other assets or businesses. For specific details regarding our equity method investees and redeemable noncontrolling interests, please refer to Note 5 and Note 11 in our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
20
Table of Contents
Intellectual Property
We currently use and own or license a number of trademarks, service marks, copyrights, domain names and similar intellectual property in connection with our businesses and own registrations and applications to register them both domestically and internationally. We believe that ownership of, and/or the right to use, such trademarks, service marks, copyrights, domain names and similar intellectual property is an important factor in our businesses and that our success depends, in part, on such ownership.
The prevalence of motion picture and television piracy is widespread across various regions globally, notably in South America, Asia, and specific Eastern European countries. This is exacerbated by technological advancements and the digital transformation of content, facilitating the unauthorized creation, distribution, and sharing of high-quality copies through physical media and digital platforms. The proliferation of these unauthorized copies has had and will likely continue to have an adverse effect on our business, because these products may reduce the revenue we receive from our products. Our ability to safeguard and enforce our intellectual property rights is subject to inherent risks, and we occasionally face disputes concerning rights and obligations related to intellectual property. We cannot guarantee success in all intellectual property disputes that may arise.
Competitive Conditions
Our businesses operate in highly competitive markets. We compete with companies within the entertainment and media business and from alternative forms of leisure entertainment, such as travel, sporting events, outdoor recreation and various cultural activities. We compete with the major studios, numerous independent film and television production companies, television networks, pay television services and digital media platforms for the acquisition of literary, film and television properties, the services of performing artists, directors, producers and other creative and technical personnel and production financing, all of which are essential to the success of our businesses. In addition, our motion pictures compete for audience acceptance and exhibition outlets with motion pictures produced and distributed by other companies. Similarly, our television product faces significant competition from independent distributors as well as major studios. Moreover, our networks compete with other programming networks for viewing and subscribership among each distributor’s customer base, as well as for carriage by such distributors. As a result, the success of any of our motion picture, television or media networks business is dependent not only on the quality and acceptance of a particular film or program, but also on the quality and acceptance of other competing content released into the marketplace at or near the same time as well as on the ability to license and produce content for the networks that is adequate in quantity and quality and will generate satisfactory subscriber levels.
Human Capital Management
Employees
As of May 24, 2024, we had approximately 1,717 full-time employees in our worldwide operations. We also utilize many consultants in the ordinary courseof our business and hire additional employees on a project-by-project basis in connection with the production of our motion pictures and television programming.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to embracing diversity, fostering an inclusive culture, and advancing the representation of women and historically marginalized groups within our workforce. Our Chief Diversity Officer collaborates closely with our leadership team across all sectors of our organization to drive meaningful change in recruitment, hiring practices, promotions, policies, and overall corporate culture. Together, we strive to address issues of inequality and workforce disparity on a company-wide scale.
We maintain the following recruitment and hiring initiatives:
•Internship Programs designed to increase inclusion across the entertainment industry. All internship positions are posted publicly for equal access/opportunity and are filled on a rolling basis.
•Targeted Recruitment efforts involving partnerships with diverse organizations, engagement with college campus diversity groups representing underrepresented demographics, and collaboration with historically black colleges to attract new employees and interns.
•Hiring Practices ensuring that we attract top-tier talent through fair and accessible methods. Key elements of this approach include bias free job descriptions, inclusive hiring training, external diversity partners, diverse candidate slates, and diverse, cross-functional interview panels. The core principle of our hiring process is to seek out the
21
Table of Contents
strongest candidate for every role, while also emphasizing diversity, equal access to roles, objective and unbiased hiring and a rigorous, competitive, and consistent hiring process.
•Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program actively fostering relationships with diverse businesses and continually striving to increase spend with diverse suppliers, while prioritizing more competitive pricing, quality, service, innovation and creativity in procurement of services. Qualifying suppliers must be at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by member(s) from one of the following enterprises or other businesses recognized by the Small Business Administration: minority-owned business enterprise (Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native America); women-owned business enterprise; Veteran-owned business enterprise; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender business enterprise; and disability-owned business enterprise. We believe that this initiative increases the breadth of our vendor pool, while creating greater economic opportunity for diverse suppliers. Where applicable, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, governs conduct with, and applies to, our suppliers, vendors, contractors and agents.
Employee Resource Groups
We provide our employees with an array of Employee Resource Groups (“ERGs”) which offer them the chance to establish a greater presence at Lionsgate and an opportunity to enhance cross-cultural awareness, develop leadership skills and network across the Company’s various business units and levels. The ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, engaging, and inclusive workplace.
•Lionsgate Early Career Group aims to inspire curiosity and networking to foster growth for professionals in early stages of their careers.
•Lionsgate Multicultural Employee Resource Group advocates for a more inclusive workplace and entertainment landscape through programs that educate, activate and celebrate multicultural diversity and its global impact; consists of resource groups for the Asian American Pacific Islander community, the Black community and the Latine community.
•Lionsgate Parents Group aims to bring together parents, expecting parents, caregivers, and allies to ensure our community fosters an environment that supports all families.
•Lionsgate Pride supports, develops and inspires future LGBTQIA+ leaders within the Company and the industry.
•Lionsgate Vets creates a community of veterans and their supporters working together to enhance veteran presence and engage the industry from the unique perspective of a military background.
•Lionsgate Women’s Empowerment Group creates a community that improves the prominence of female leaders and empowers women at all levels within the Company and the industry. The group amplifies opportunities for women and strengthens their ability to succeed in their roles and workforce by providing relevant resources, tools, and programming while developing leadership skills through mentorship, networking, and professional development.
Community Involvement
We are committed to acting responsibly and making a positive difference in the local and global community through Lionshares, our volunteer program that seeks to provide opportunities for employees to partner with a diverse range of charitable organizations. We maintain a Corporate Sponsorship Committee that prioritizes corporate philanthropic initiatives throughout Lionsgate, focusing particularly on organizations and activities related to diversity and poverty in order to increase our impact and to develop meaningful relationships with a core group of organizations and events.
Other Employee Benefits and Programs
We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental and vision insurance, family forming benefits, mental health support, resources for caregiving (children and adult family), online fitness and meditation classes, and new parent coaching. We offer programs to develop and enrich the employee experience with offerings such as tuition reimbursement, leadership development programs, mentorship, and additional programs to help support specific populations (e.g., minorities, women and LGBTQ). We conduct annual employee training on anti-harassment, information technology security, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, as well as manager, diversity, equity and inclusion trainings. We also provide training and development to all employees, focusing on career development, professional development and industry knowledge.
Corporate, Environmental and Social Responsibility
We protect our social, financial, informational, environmental, and reputational assets and make it a priority to operate our business in a responsible and sustainable manner. Engaging in such responsibility not only helps us manage risks and maximize
22
Table of Contents
opportunities, but also helps us understand and manage our social, environmental, and economic impact that enables us to contribute to society’s wider goal of sustainable development. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting business in a socially responsible and ethical manner, supporting human rights, and committing to environmental sustainability.
In all our offices, we prioritize efforts to prevent pollution, and to conserve, recover, and recycle materials, water and energy wherever possible. Our productions distribute documents electronically to minimize paper consumption and waste and limit the use of single-use plastics. Our productions follow best practices featured in the Producers Guild of America and Sustainable Production Alliance’s Green Production Guide, which are designed to reduce the film, television, and streaming industry’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. Our U.S. productions encourage the employment of green vendors that provide sustainable goods and services for film, television and streaming productions. We also prioritize vendors whose dedication to operating business in a responsible and sustainable manner directly aligns with those of Lionsgate.
Management Succession Planning
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, with the assistance of an independent outside consultant, has established short-term and long-term management succession plans, which it reviews and updates periodically. The plans identify critical positions and potential replacements for the Company’s senior executives (including the Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chair), should one of these critical positions become vacant. The plans are designed to anticipate both expected successions, such as those arising from anticipated retirements, as well as unexpected transitions (i.e., “black swan events”), such as those occurring when executives leave for positions at other companies, or due to death, disability or other unforeseen events.
Corporate History
We are a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, resulting from the merger of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. and Beringer Gold Corp. on November 13, 1997. Beringer Gold Corp. was incorporated under the Business Corporation Act (British Columbia) on May 26, 1986 as IMI Computer Corp. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act using the name 3369382 Canada Limited on April 28, 1997, amended its articles on July 3, 1997 to change its name to Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., and on September 24, 1997, continued under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
Available Information
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are available, free of charge, on our website at investors.lionsgate.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company's Disclosure Policy, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Standards for Director Independence, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees, Policy on Shareholder Communications, Related Person Transaction Policy, Charter of the Audit & Risk Committee, Charter of the Compensation Committee and Charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and any amendments thereto are also available on the Company's website, as well as in print to any shareholder who requests them. The information posted on our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We will disclose on our website waivers of, or amendments to, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer or persons performing similar functions.
The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS.
You should carefully consider the following risks as well as other information included in, or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. The risk and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Company; additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business. If any of these risks and uncertainties occur, they could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
23
Table of Contents
Risks Related to Our Business
We face substantial capital requirements and financial risks.
The production, acquisition and distribution of motion picture and television content requires substantial capital. A significant amount of time may elapse between expenditure of funds and the receipt of revenues after release or distribution of such content. We cannot assure you that we are able to successfully implement arrangements to reduce the risks of production exposure such as tax credit, government or industry programs. Moreover, we may experience delays and increased costs due to disruptions or events beyond our control and if a production incurs substantial budget overruns, we may have to seek additional financing or fund the overrun itself. We cannot make assurances regarding the availability of such additional financing on terms acceptable to us, or that we will recoup these costs. Increased costs or budget overruns incurred with respect to a particular film may prevent its completion or release, or may result in a delayed release and the postponement to a potentially less favorable date. This could adversely affect box office performance and the overall financial success of such film. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
We may incur significant write-offs if our projects do not perform well enough to recoup costs.
We are required to amortize capitalized production costs over the expected revenue streams as we recognize revenue from films or other projects. The amount of production costs that will be amortized each quarter depends on, among other things, how much future revenue we expect to receive from each project. Unamortized production costs are evaluated for impairment each reporting period on a project-by-project basis when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized cost. These events and changes in circumstances include, among others, an adverse change in the expected performance of a film prior to its release, actual costs substantially in excess of budgeted cost for the film, delays or changes in release plans and actual performance subsequent to the film’s release being less than previously expected performance estimates. In any given quarter, if we lower our previous forecast with respect to total anticipated revenue from any film or other project or increase our previous forecast of cost of making or distribution of the film, we may be required to accelerate amortization or record impairment charges with respect to the unamortized costs, even if we previously recorded impairment charges for such film or other project. Such impairment charges could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.
Changes in our business strategy including consummation of the separation of the Studio Business and the STARZ business of Lionsgate, plans for growth or restructuring may increase our costs or otherwise affect our profitability.
As changes in our business environment occur, we may adjust our business strategies to meet these changes, which may include growing a particular area of business or restructuring a particular business or asset. In addition, external events including changing technology, changing consumer patterns, acceptance of our theatrical and television offerings and changes in macroeconomic conditions may impair the value of our assets. When these occur, we may incur costs to adjust our business strategy and may need to write down the value of assets. We may also invest in existing or new businesses. Some of these investments may have negative or low short-term returns and the ultimate prospects of the businesses may be uncertain or may not develop at a rate that supports our level of investment. In any of these events, our costs may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets, or returns on new investments may be lower than prior to the change in strategy, plans for growth or restructuring. In addition, on May 13, 2024, we consummated the business combination which resulted in the launch of Lionsgate Studios.
Our revenues and results of operations may fluctuate significantly.
Our results of operations depend significantly upon the commercial success of the motion picture, television and other content that we sell, license or distribute, which cannot be predicted with certainty. In particular, if one or more motion pictures underperform at the box office in any given period, our revenue and earnings results for that period (and potentially, subsequent periods) may be less than anticipated. Our results of operations also fluctuate due to the timing, mix, number and availability of our theatrical motion picture and home entertainment releases, as well as license periods for content. Moreover, low ratings for television programming produced by us may lead to the cancellation of a program which may result in significant programming impairments in a given period, and can negatively affect license fees for the cancelled program in future periods. Other than non-renewals or cancellation of television programs or series that may occur from time to time, we are not aware of any current material cancellation of television programming releases or of content that we sell, license or distribute. In addition, the comparability of our results may be affected by changes in accounting guidance or changes in our ownership of certain assets
24
Table of Contents
and businesses. As a result of the factors above, our results of operations may fluctuate and differ from period to period, and therefore, may not be indicative of the results for any future periods or directly comparable to prior reporting periods.
Our content licensing arrangements, primarily those relating to the distribution of films in foreign territories, may include minimum guarantee arrangements which, absent such arrangements, could adversely affect our results of operations.
We generate revenue principally from the licensing of content in domestic theatrical exhibition, home entertainment (e.g., digital media and packaged media), television, and international market places. Certain of such content licensing arrangements, primarily those relating to the distribution of films by third parties in foreign territories, may include a minimum guarantee. Revenue from these minimum guarantee arrangements amounted to approximately $151.0 million, $101.3 million and $51.1 million for the years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively. To the extent that receipts generated by such foreign distributor from distribution of the film in the territory exceeds a formula-based threshold, the distributor pays us an amount in addition to the minimum guarantee (the “overage”). Absent these arrangements, the revenues derived by us may be determined as a function of a revenue-sharing formulation that calculates the licensee fee payable to us solely based on the actual performance of the film in the territory. In these situations, content that is not favorably received or underperforms may not achieve the level of revenues that we would have received from a minimum guarantee arrangement, which could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.
We do not have long-term arrangements with many of our production or co-financing partners.
We typically do not enter into long-term production contracts with the creative producers of motion picture and television content that we produce, acquire or distribute. Moreover, we generally have certain derivative rights that provide us with distribution rights to, for example, prequels, sequels and remakes of certain content we produce, acquire or distribute. There is no guarantee that we will produce, acquire or distribute future content by any creative producer or co-financing partner, and a failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
We rely on a few major retailers and distributors and the loss of any of those could reduce our revenues and operating results.
A small number of retailers and distributors account for a material percentage of the revenues in home entertainment for our Motion Picture segment. We do not have long-term agreements with retailers. In addition, in fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, we generated approximately 21%, 20% and 18%, respectively, of our revenue from Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries. We cannot assure you that we will maintain favorable relationships with our retailers and distributors or that they will not be adversely affected by economic conditions, including as a result of global pandemics, wars, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (including sanctions therefrom, though we and, to our knowledge, our directors and executive officers have not been, and are not expected to be, subject to any sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine), the Israel-Hamas war, rising interest rates, inflation or a recession.
A significant portion of our library revenues comes from a small number of titles.
We depend on a limited number of titles in any given fiscal quarter for the majority of the revenues generated by our library. In addition, many of the titles in our library are not presently distributed and generate substantially no revenue. Moreover, our rights to the titles in our library vary; in some cases, we only hold the right to distribute titles in certain media and territories for a limited term; in other cases, certain rights may be reserved and/or granted to third parties or otherwise only granted to us for a limited period. If we cannot acquire new product and the rights to popular titles through production, distribution agreements, acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures or other strategic alliances, or renew expiring rights to titles generating a significant portion of our revenue on acceptable terms, any such failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects. Other than our recent acquisition of eOne, we have not entered into any agreements regarding material acquisitions of titles, renewals, business combinations, joint ventures or sales that are pending. Completed material acquisitions have been previously disclosed in our reports that have been filed under the Exchange Act.
Changes in consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models, may negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our success depends on our ability to anticipate and adapt to shifting content consumption patterns. The ways in which viewers consume content, and technology and business models in our industry, continue to evolve, and new distribution platforms, as well as increased competition from new entrants and emerging technologies, have added to the complexity of maintaining
25
Table of Contents
predictable revenues. This trend has impacted certain traditional television distribution models, as demonstrated by industrywide declines in broadcast and cable ratings and declines in cable, direct broadcasting satellite and telco television subscribers (“cord cutting”).
Developments in technology and new content delivery products and services have also led to an increased amount of video content, as well as changes in consumers’ expectations regarding the availability of video content and their willingness to pay for access to such content. These changes include the increase in the number of advertising-based video on demand services or free, ad-supported streaming linear channels (also known as FAST channels) or increased cord-cutting. In addition, rules governing new technological developments, such as developments in generative artificial intelligence, remain unsettled, and these developments may affect aspects of our business model, including revenue streams for the use of its intellectual property and how we create and distribute our content. If we fail to successfully exploit emerging technologies and effectively anticipate or adapt to emerging competitors, content distribution platforms, changes in consumer behavior and shifting business models, this could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business depends on the appeal of our programming, which is difficult to predict.
Our success depends, in part, upon popularity, viewer preferences and audience acceptance of our content. These preferences are difficult to predict and some of which are subject to influences beyond our control, such as the critical acclaim of our content, the format in which content is released, the talent involved, the genre and specific subject matter of our content, audience reaction to our content, the quality and acceptance of content that our competitors release into the marketplace, and the availability of alternative forms of entertainment (including user-generated content) and leisure activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible factors. We may not be able to anticipate and react effectively to shifts in tastes and interests. A change in viewer preferences could cause STARZ’s programming to decline in popularity, which could adversely impact the terms of our affiliation agreements with distributors or jeopardize their renewal. Reduced popularity of our programs or negative publicity associated with our content or brands may decrease our audience share and viewer reach and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our competitors may have more flexible programming arrangements, as well as greater amounts of available content, distribution and capital resources and may be able to copy our successful programming strategies to our detriment or react more quickly than we can to shifts in tastes and interests.
To an increasing extent, the success of STARZ depends on exclusive original programming and our ability to accurately predict how audiences will respond to our original programming. We must invest substantial amounts in the production and marketing of our original programming before we learn whether such content will reach anticipated audience acceptance levels. Because original programming often involves a greater degree of financial commitment, as compared to acquired programming that we license from third parties, and because our branding strategies depend significantly on a relatively small number of original series, a failure to anticipate viewer preferences for such series could be especially detrimental to our business.
Our network’s success depends upon the availability of quality programming in a highly competitive marketplace, and we may be unable to secure or maintain such programming.
STARZ’s success depends upon the availability of quality programming, particularly original programming and films, that is suitable for our target markets. We obtain most of our programming through agreements with third parties that have produced or control the rights to such programming. These agreements expire at varying times and require us to be in compliance with certain terms. The market for video programming is intensely competitive and subject to rapid change; we also face increased costs for programming as the result of recent renegotiations of major collective bargaining agreements. We compete with other programming services, including cable television, national broadcast television, local broadcast television stations and digital streaming services to secure desired programming. Some content providers resist licensing their content to third parties, such as STARZ, which may impede our ability to secure desired programming.
Increased competition may drive up talent and production costs and has required us to increasingly commit to straight-to-series orders for programming instead of pilot orders. If a straight-to-series order does not meet anticipated production or quality standards or is otherwise not accepted by audiences, revisions to the programming may be necessary, which could increase production costs. The increased financial commitment for a straight-to-series order also could increase the risks associated with such an order. We cannot assure you that we will ultimately be successful in negotiating renewals of our programming rights agreements or in negotiating adequate substitute agreements. In the event that these agreements expire or are terminated and are not replaced by programming content, including additional original programming, acceptable to our distributors and subscribers, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
26
Table of Contents
We depend on distributors that carry our STARZ programming, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain and renew these affiliation agreements on as favorable terms or at all.
STARZ currently distributes programming through affiliation agreements with many distributors, including Altice, Amazon, Charter, Comcast, Cox, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Hulu and Verizon. These agreements are scheduled to expire at various dates through 2027. The largest distributors can have significant leverage in their relationships with certain programmers, including us. Moreover, subscription streaming services and other technological innovations have changed when, where and how audiences consume video content. These changes pose risks to the traditional U.S. television industry, including the disruption of the traditional television content distribution model. In part as a result of these changes, over the past few years, the number of subscribers to traditional MVPDs in the United States has declined, placing additional cost pressure on the traditional MVPDs relationships with their programmers, including us. These changes and consolidations in the industry may provide distributors additional leverage in negotiating their affiliation agreements with us, which may result in less favorable terms to us, including fee reductions.
The renewal negotiation process for affiliation agreements is typically lengthy. In certain cases, renewals are not agreed upon prior to the expiration of a given agreement, and therefore the distributor could suspend carriage of our programming or the programming could continue to be carried by the relevant distributor pursuant to the terms and conditions in the expired affiliation agreement. It is possible that we may be unable to obtain renewals with our current distributors on as favorable terms, if at all. It is also possible that we may be unable to successfully negotiate affiliation agreements with new distributors to carry our programming. It is also possible that some distributors may even decide to exit the video delivery sector entirely. The failure to renew affiliation agreements on as favorable terms, or the failure to negotiate new affiliation agreements at all, in each case covering a significant portion of households, could result in a discontinuation of carriage, or could otherwise impair our subscriber growth, revenue and earnings which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, affiliation agreements are complex and individually negotiated. If we were to disagree with a distributor on the interpretation of its affiliation agreement, it could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well damage our relationship with that distributor.
We depend in part on our distributors to market and present our services, the lack of which may result in reduced customer demand.
At times, certain of our distributors do not allow us to participate in marketing campaigns or other promotional activities to market our services or may not surface or position us favorably on their platforms. Our inability to participate in the marketing of our services or limited discoverability on distributor platforms may put us at a competitive disadvantage. If our distributors do not sign-up new subscribers to our services, we may lose subscribers, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our efforts to attract and retain subscribers for STARZ services may not be successful, which may adversely affect our business.
Our ability to continue to attract subscribers will depend in part on our ability to consistently provide compelling content choices, effectively market our services, as well as provide a quality user experience for our subscribers. Furthermore, our competitors’ relative service levels, content offerings, pricing and related features may adversely impact our ability to attract and retain subscribers. For example, in the future, it is possible that prices for our services may increase, which could result in subscribers cancelling their subscriptions or potential subscribers not choosing to sign up for our services. We incur significant marketing expenditures to attract subscribers, therefore retention of those subscribers is important to our business model. We continually seek to add new subscriptions both to replace canceled subscriptions and to grow beyond our current subscription base. If excessive numbers of subscribers cancel our services, we may be required to incur significantly higher marketing expenditures than we currently anticipate to replace these subscribers with new subscribers. While we permit multiple users within the same household to share a single account for noncommercial purposes, if account sharing is abused, our ability to add new subscribers may be hindered and our results of operations may be adversely impacted. If we are unable to successfully compete with current and new competitors in both retaining our existing subscriptions and attracting new subscriptions, it could pose a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
27
Table of Contents
STARZ relies, in part, on third party sales platforms as well as third-party internet-connected devices for distribution of our direct-to-consumer service.
Our direct-to-consumer service relies, in part, on sales platforms owned by third parties, some of which are affiliated with or have investments in competing streaming products, to make our service available to our subscribers and viewers. If these third parties do not continue to provide access to our direct-to-consumer service on their platforms or are unwilling to do so on terms acceptable to us, our business could be materially adversely affected. If we are not successful in maintaining existing or creating new relationships with these third parties, our ability to retain subscribers and grow our direct-to-consumer business could be materially adversely impacted. We also currently offer the ability to stream our STARZ direct-to-consumer service through a host of internet-connected devices, including TVs, computers, and mobile devices. If we encounter licensing, technological, regulatory, business or other impediments to delivering our streaming content to our subscribers via these devices, our ability to retain subscribers and grow our direct-to-consumer business could be materially adversely impacted.
We are subject to payment processing risk.
Subscribers to our STARZ direct-to-consumer service pay for our service using a variety of different payment methods, including credit and debit cards. We rely on internal systems and those of third parties to process payment. Acceptance and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain rules, regulations, and industry standards, including data storage requirements, additional authentication requirements for certain payment methods, and require payment of interchange and other fees. To the extent there are increases in payment processing fees, material changes in the payment ecosystem, such as large re-issuances of payment cards, delays in receiving payments from payment processors, changes to rules, regulations or industry standards concerning payments, loss of payment partners and/or disruptions or failures in our payment processing systems, partner systems or payment products, including products we use to update payment information, our revenue, operating expenses and results of operations could be adversely impacted. In addition, from time to time, we encounter fraudulent use of payment methods, which could impact our results of operations and if not adequately controlled and managed could create negative consumer perceptions of our service. If we are unable to maintain our fraud and chargeback rate at acceptable levels, card networks may impose fines, our card approval rate may be impacted and we may be subject to additional card authentication requirements.
We face substantial competition in all aspects of our business, including competition for marketing and carriage of our services.
We are an independent distributor and producer. Most of the major U.S. studios are part of large diversified corporate groups with a variety of other operations that can provide both the means of distributing their products and stable sources of earnings that may allow them to better offset fluctuations in the financial performance of their motion picture and television operations. Moreover, our services compete with other video programming services for marketing and distribution. We face intense competition from other providers of programming services for the right to be carried by a particular distributor, for the right to be carried by such distributor on a particular tier, in a particular package of service or in bundles with other services, and for prominent placement and effective merchandising on distributor and advertising platforms. To the extent distributors remove us from tiers or packages in which we are currently carried, or we are limited in our ability to be merchandised or marketed effectively, it could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, certain of our competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, stronger brand recognition, larger content libraries, and exclusive rights to certain content, significant financial, marketing and other resources.
Certain of our distributors have affiliated video programming services that they may choose to favor in terms of carriage, marketing and/or placement over STARZ. Certain of our distributors also own or control marketing channels, app stores and/or distribution platforms that are important to STARZ. In addition, certain programming networks affiliated with broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, Fox or NBC or other programming networks affiliated with sports and certain general entertainment networks with strong viewer ratings, have a competitive advantage over our services in obtaining distribution through the “bundling” of carriage agreements for such programming networks with a distributor’s right to carry the affiliated broadcasting network. If distributors refuse to carry our services, choose to offer, market, promote and/or position affiliated services more favorably than our services or take actions that are detrimental to STARZ in terms of owned or controlled marketing channels, app stores or distribution platforms, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Through new and existing distribution channels, consumers also have increasing options to access entertainment video. Traditional providers of entertainment video, including broadcasters and cable network operators, as well as internet-based e-
28
Table of Contents
commerce or entertainment video providers are increasing their streaming video offerings. Such providers may offer more compelling content or secure better terms from suppliers, adopt more aggressive pricing and devote more resources to product development, technology, infrastructure, content acquisitions and marketing. If we are unable to successfully or profitably compete with current and new competitors, our business will be adversely affected.
We face economic, political, regulatory, and other risks from doing business internationally.
We have operations and distribute content outside the U.S. and derive revenues from international sources. As a result, our business is subject to certain risks inherent in international business, many of which are beyond our control. These risks may include:
•difficulties in understanding and complying with local laws, regulations and customs in foreign jurisdictions;
•the loss of one or more of the major global partners that we rely upon to distribute our programming internationally;
•laws and policies adversely affecting trade, investment and taxes, including laws and policies relating to the repatriation of funds and withholding taxes, and changes in these laws;
•sanctions imposed on countries, entities and individuals with whom we conduct business (such as those imposed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine);
•the impact of trade disputes;
•anti-corruption laws and regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act that impose strict requirements on how we conduct our foreign operations and changes in these laws and regulations;
•changes in local regulatory requirements including regulations designed to stimulate local productions, promote and preserve local culture and economic activity (including local content quotas, investment obligations, local ownership requirements, and levies to support local film funds);
•differing degrees of consumer protection laws, data privacy and cybersecurity laws and changes in these laws;
•differing degrees of employee or labor laws and changes in these laws that may impact our ability to hire and retain foreign employees;
•strikes or other employment actions that may make it difficult to produce and/or localize content;
•censorship requirements that may cause us to remove or edit popular content, leading to consumer disappointment, brand tarnishment or consumer dissatisfaction;
•regulatory requirements or government action against our service, whether in response to enforcement of actual or purported legal and regulatory requirements or otherwise, that results in disruption or non-availability of our service or particular content in the applicable jurisdiction;
•inability to adapt our offerings successfully to differing languages, cultural tastes, and preferences in international markets;
•international jurisdictions where laws are less protective of intellectual property and varying attitudes towards the piracy of intellectual property;
•establishing and protecting a new brand identity in competitive markets;
•the instability of foreign economies and governments;
•currency exchange restrictions, export controls and currency devaluation risks in some foreign countries;
•war and acts of terrorism; and
•the spread of communicable diseases, which may impact business in such jurisdictions.
Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could lead to regulatory investigations or actions, litigation, fines and penalties, disruptions of our business operations, reputational harm, loss of revenue or profits, loss of customers or sales, and other adverse business consequences.
Our business involves risks of claims for content of material, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As a distributor of media content, in the ordinary course of business we may face potential claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, claims related to the mature nature of some of our content, and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials distributed or statements made by personnel or talent regarding or
29
Table of Contents
promoting those materials or attributable to our business. These types of claims have historically been brought, sometimes successfully, against producers and distributors of media content. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to risks associated with possible acquisitions, dispositions, business combinations, or joint ventures.
From time to time, we engage in discussions and activities with respect to possible acquisitions, sale of assets, business combinations, joint ventures intended to complement or expand our business, or other transactions, such as our acquisition of eOne in December 2023 or our business combination resulting in the launching of Lionsgate Studios Corp. consummated in May 2024. However, we may not realize the anticipated benefit from the transactions we pursue; there may be liabilities assumed that we did not discover or that we underestimated in the course of performing our due diligence; the negotiation of the transaction and the integration of the acquired business could require us to incur significant costs and cause diversion of management's time and resources; the transaction could result in impairment of goodwill and other intangibles, development write-offs and other related expenses; the transaction may pose challenges in the consolidation and integration of information technology, accounting systems, personnel and operations; and we may have difficulty managing the combined entity in the short term if we experience a significant loss of management personnel during the transition period after a significant acquisition. No assurance can be given that expansion, acquisition or other opportunities will be successful, completed on time, or that we will realize expected operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, synergies or other benefits. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.If we determine to sell individual properties, libraries or other assets or businesses, we will benefit from the net proceeds realized from such sales. However, long-term revenue may be affected due to the loss of revenue-generating assets, and poor timing of disposals may result in unrealized asset value, all of which may diminish our ability to service our indebtedness and repay our notes and our other indebtedness at maturity. Furthermore, our future growth may be inhibited if the disposed asset contributed in a significant way to the diversification of our business platform.
If Entertainment One Canada Ltd. loses Canadian status, it could lose licenses, incentives and tax credits.
Through the acquisition of eOne, we acquired the economic interests in Entertainment One Canada Ltd., a Canadian corporation (“EOCL”). EOCL is able to benefit from a number of licenses, incentive programs and Canadian government tax credits as a result of it being “Canadian controlled” as defined in the Investment Canada Act. We have taken measures to ensure that EOCL’s Canadian status is maintained. There can be no assurance, however, that EOCL will be able to continue to maintain its Canadian status. The loss of EOCL’s Canadian status could harm our business, including the possible loss of future incentive programs and clawback of funding previously provided to EOCL.
We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of eOne.
We may not be able to successfully integrate acquired personnel, operations, and technologies, or effectively manage the combined business following the eOne acquisition. We also may not achieve the anticipated benefits from the eOne acquisition due to a number of factors, including: (a) an inability to integrate or benefit from the acquisition in a profitable manner; (b) unanticipated costs or liabilities associated with the acquisition; (c) the incurrence of acquisition-related costs; (d) the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; and (e) the loss of our or the acquired business’ key employees.
Our success depends on attracting and retaining key personnel and artistic talent.
Our success depends upon the continued efforts, abilities and expertise of our executive teams and other key employees, including production, creative and technical personnel, including, in turn, on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train and retain such personnel. We have entered into employment agreements with top executive officers and production executives but do not currently have significant “key person” life insurance policies for any employee. Although it is standard in the industry to rely on employment agreements as a method of retaining the services of key employees, these agreements cannot assure us of the continued services of such employees. In addition, we depend on the availability of a number of actors, writers, directors, producers and others, who are employees of third-party production companies that create our original programming. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in identifying, attracting, hiring, training and retaining such personnel in the future, and our inability to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
Global economic turmoil and economic instability could adversely affect our business.
30
Table of Contents
Global economic turmoil or economic instability resulting from, such events as, global pandemics, wars, inflation, rising interest rates, bank failures or a recession, may cause a general tightening in the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of default and bankruptcy, levels of intervention from the U.S. federal government and other foreign governments, decreased consumer confidence and spending, overall slower economic activity and extreme volatility in credit, equity and fixed income markets. A decrease in economic activity in the U.S. or in other regions of the world in which we do business could adversely affect demand for our content, thus reducing our revenues and earnings. A decline in economic conditions could reduce performance of our theatrical, television and home entertainment releases. In addition, an increase in price levels generally could result in a shift in consumer demand away from the entertainment we offer, which could also adversely affect our revenues and, at the same time, increase our costs. For instance, lower household income and decreases in U.S. consumer discretionary spending, which is sensitive to general economic conditions, may affect consumer demand for video service subscriptions, in particular with respect to premium video service subscriptions such as STARZ. Economic conditions also could adversely impact our distributors, resulting in larger than anticipated subscriber declines or distributors exiting the market entirely. A reduction in consumer spending or distributor financial difficulties or failures could lead to a decrease in the number of subscribers, which could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, financial institution failures may make it more difficult to finance any future acquisitions, or engage in other financing activities.
We could be adversely affected by labor disputes, strikes or other union job actions.
We are directly or indirectly dependent upon highly specialized union members who are essential to the production of motion pictures and television content, including writers, directors, actors and other talent as well as trade employees and others who are subject to collective bargaining agreements. In general, a labor dispute, work stoppage, work slowdown, strike by, or a lockout of, one or more of the unions that provide personnel essential to the production of motion pictures or television content, including a potential strike from The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, could delay or halt our ongoing production activities, or could cause a delay or interruption in our release of new motion pictures and television content. Labor disputes have in the past, such as the industry-wide strike by the Writers Guild of America in May 2023 and the Screen Actors Guild in July 2023, and may in the future restrict our access to content, result in work stoppages, and may result in increased costs and decreased revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
Business interruptions from circumstances or events out of our control could adversely affect our operations.
Our operations are vulnerable to outages and interruptions due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, software or hardware failures, loss of data, security breaches, cyberattacks, personnel misconduct or error, war or acts of terrorism, global pandemics, work stoppages and strikes, and similar events beyond our control. We have offices located in Southern California, New York and Colorado, which are subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires and flooding. Although we have developed certain plans to respond in the event of a disaster, there can be no assurance that they will be effective in the event of a specific disaster. In the event of a short-term power outage, we have installed uninterrupted power source equipment designed to protect our equipment. A long-term power outage, however, could disrupt our operations. Although we currently carry business interruption insurance for potential losses (including earthquake-related losses), there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur or that such insurance may continue to be available on affordable terms. Any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
Our business is dependent on the maintenance and protection of our intellectual property and pursuing and defending against intellectual property claims may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to compete depends, in part, upon successful protection of our intellectual property. We attempt to maintain and protect our proprietary and intellectual property rights to our productions through available copyright and trademark laws, contractual provisions in our agreements with our employees, contractors and production partners that develop intellectual property on our behalf, and licensing and distribution arrangements with reputable international companies in specific territories and media for limited durations. Despite these precautions, existing copyright and trademark laws afford only limited practical protection in certain countries where we distribute our products. As a result, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy and distribute our productions or certain portions or applications of our intended productions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects. Moreover, there can be no assurance that our content producers or other third parties from whom we have licensed or acquired content, have, in every
31
Table of Contents
instance, entered into agreements that contain appropriate protections regarding intellectual property, including nondisclosure, “work made for hire” or valid assignment provisions, with each party who has developed intellectual property on their respective behalf. Litigation may also be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Any such litigation, infringement or invalidity claims could result in substantial costs and the diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects. Our more successful and popular film or television products or franchises may experience higher levels of infringing activity, particularly around key release dates. Alleged infringers have claimed and may claim that their products are permitted under fair use or similar doctrines, that they are entitled to compensatory or punitive damages because our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights are illegal or improper, and that our key trademarks or other significant intellectual property are invalid. Such claims, even if meritless, may result in adverse publicity or costly litigation. We vigorously defend our copyrights and trademarks from infringing products and activity, which can result in litigation. We may receive unfavorable preliminary or interim rulings in the course of litigation, and there can be no assurance that a favorable final outcome will be obtained in all cases. Additionally, one of the risks of the film and television production business is the possibility that others may claim that our productions and production techniques misappropriate or infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties. Notwithstanding our efforts to obtain all permissions and clearances we deem necessary in relation to the content we create or distribute, from time to time, we may be subject to claims and legal proceedings regarding alleged infringement by us of the intellectual property rights (including patents) of third parties. Additionally, our direct-to-consumer service has historically been and continues to be a target for patent infringement allegations from non-practicing patent holders, and new allegations may arise in the future due to technological changes in our service or the streaming industry generally and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents. Technology or non-practicing entities may assert their patents, seek royalties, or even enter into litigation seeking substantial damages based on allegations of patent infringement regardless of merit. We have and continue to defend vigorously against such allegations. Such claims, whether or not meritorious, may result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources, require the development of alternative technology or business practices, injunctions against us, or payments for licenses or damages. We may also enter into licenses or other arrangements to settle and resolve such allegations on commercially reasonable terms where available, though there can be no assurance such agreements can be obtained on acceptable terms. These risks have been amplified by the increase in third parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims. Regardless of the validity or the success of the assertion of any such claims, we could incur significant costs and diversion of resources in enforcing our intellectual property rights or in defending against such claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.
In addition, we may, from time to time, lose or cease to control certain of our rights in the intellectual property on which we rely. Pursuant to applicable intellectual property laws, such rights may expire or be transferred to third parties as a result of the operation of copyright reversion and/or termination of transfer rights under applicable laws. Additionally, where we acquire rights in certain properties or content, we may only acquire such rights for a limited period or subject to other restrictions. Where we lose intellectual property rights, we may not be able to re-acquire such rights on reasonable terms or at all, including due to material entering the public domain. The loss of (or of control of) such intellectual property rights may adversely impact our ability to prevent others from exploiting content based on such rights.
We are, and may in the future become, subject to litigation and other legal proceedings, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time, we are subject to various legal proceedings (including class action lawsuits), claims, regulatory investigations and arbitration proceedings, including claims relating to intellectual property, employment, wage and hour, consumer privacy, contractual and commercial disputes, and the production, distribution, and licensing of our content. The outcome of legal proceedings are inherently uncertain. Any proceedings, actions, claims or inquiries initiated by or against us, whether successful or not, may be time consuming, result in costly litigation, damage awards, consent decrees, injunctive relief or increased costs of business, require us to change our business practices or products, result in negative publicity, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources or otherwise harm our business and financial results. In addition, our insurance may not be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to pending and future claims. Any of these factors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Piracy of films and television programs could adversely affect our business over time.
Piracy is extensive in many parts of the world and is made easier by the availability of digital copies of content and technological advances allowing conversion of films and television content into digital formats. This trend facilitates the creation, transmission and sharing of high-quality unauthorized copies of motion pictures and television content. The
32
Table of Contents
proliferation of unauthorized copies of these products has had and will likely continue to have an adverse effect on our business, because these products may reduce the revenue we receive from distribution. In order to contain this problem, we may have to implement elaborate and costly security and anti-piracy measures, which could result in significant expenses and losses of revenue. We cannot assure you that even the highest levels of security and anti-piracy measures will prevent piracy.
Failure of, or disruptions to, our technology facilities could adversely affect our business.