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Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies | Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Prior to the Separation, as further discussed below, the Starz Business substantially consisted of Old Lionsgate’s Media Networks segment consisting of (i) Starz Networks, which includes the domestic distribution of 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 wholesale U.S. and Canada OTT and multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), including cable operators, satellite television providers and telecommunications companies (in the aggregate the “Starz Platform”), and (ii) International, which consists of the OTT distribution of subscription video services outside the U.S. and Canada. On May 6, 2025, Old Lionsgate, through a series of transactions contemplated by the arrangement agreement dated as of January 29, 2025, as amended by an agreement, dated as of March 12, 2025 (as amended, the "Arrangement Agreement"), completed the separation of the businesses (the “LG Studios Business”) of Lionsgate Studios Corp. (“Legacy Lionsgate Studios”), from the Starz Business (the “Separation”). As a result of the Arrangement Agreement, the pre-transaction shareholders of Old Lionsgate own shares in two separately traded public companies: (1) Old Lionsgate, which was renamed “Starz Entertainment Corp.” and holds, directly and through subsidiaries, the Starz Business previously held by Old Lionsgate, and (2) Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp. (“New Lionsgate”), which was renamed “Lionsgate Studios Corp.” and holds, directly and through subsidiaries, the LG Studios Business previously held by Old Lionsgate, and is owned by Old Lionsgate shareholders and Legacy Lionsgate Studios shareholders. See Note 18, Subsequent Events, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Notwithstanding the legal form of the Separation, for accounting and financial reporting purposes, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, due to the relative significance of the Studios Business as compared to the Starz Business and the continued involvement of Old Lionsgate’s senior management with New Lionsgate following the completion of the Starz Separation, New Lionsgate (which holds the LG Studios Business) is considered the accounting spinnor or divesting entity and Starz (which holds the Starz Business) is considered the accounting spinnee or divested entity. As a result, Old Lionsgate will be the accounting predecessor to New Lionsgate and the Starz Business's historical financial information has been prepared on a carve-out basis and are derived from Old Lionsgate’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. These combined financial statements reflect the Company's combined historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows as they were historically managed in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The combined financial statements may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the financial position, results of operations and cash flows would have been had the Company operated as an independent, publicly traded company during the periods presented. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, Old Lionsgate began a plan to restructure its international LIONSGATE+ business, which included the OTT distribution of the LIONSGATE+ branded premium subscription video services outside the U.S. and Canada. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, , Old Lionsgate continued executing the restructuring plan, which included exiting all international territories except Canada (included in the Starz Networks segment) and India (included in the International segment), which was completed in May 2024. The historical results of operations of international territories shut down are presented as discontinued operations in the combined financial statements for all periods presented. See Note 2, Discontinued Operations, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Segments: As of March 31, 2025, Starz manages and reports its operating results through one reportable segment, Starz Networks, which includes its Canadian operations. The continuing operations outside the U.S. and Canada, which primarily consists of our operations in India, is reported as International. Basis of Presentation Prior to the Separation, the Starz Business historically operated as part of Old Lionsgate and not as a standalone company. The Company’s combined financial statements, representing the historical assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows of the Starz Business, have been derived from the separate historical accounting records maintained by Old Lionsgate, and are presented on a carve-out basis as historically managed within Old Lionsgate through the use of a management approach in identifying the Starz Business's operations. In using the management approach, considerations over how the business operates were utilized to identify historical operations that should be presented within the carve-out financial statements. All revenue and costs, as well as assets and liabilities directly associated with the business activity of the Company are included in the accompanying combined financial statements. Revenue and costs associated with the Starz Business are specifically identifiable in the accounting records maintained by Old Lionsgate and primarily represent the revenue and costs used for the determination of segment profit of the Media Networks segment of Old Lionsgate. In addition, these costs include an allocation of corporate general and administrative expense (inclusive of share-based compensation) which has been allocated to the Company as further discussed below. The costs relating to the Company are generally specifically identifiable as costs of the Starz Business in the accounting records of Old Lionsgate and are included in the accompanying combined financial statements. In May 2024, the Starz Business entered into an intercompany revolving credit facility with Lionsgate Studios Corp. which was used to settle intercompany transactions prior to Separation. See Note 18, Subsequent Events, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. In May 2024, Old Lionsgate consummated a series of transactions, by which the LG Studios Business became a separate publicly traded company, Legacy Lionsgate Studios (the “Studio Separation”). The LG Studios Business is substantially reflective of Old Lionsgate's Motion Pictures and Television Production segments together with a substantial portion of Old Lionsgate’s corporate general and administrative costs. Prior to the Studio Separation, Old Lionsgate utilized a centralized approach to cash management. Cash generated by the Starz Business was managed by Old Lionsgate’s centralized treasury function and cash was routinely transferred to the Starz Business or to the LG Studios Business to fund operating activities when needed. Cash and cash equivalents of the Company are reflected in the combined balance sheets. Payables to and receivables from Old Lionsgate, primarily related to the Starz Business, were often settled through movement to the intercompany accounts between Old Lionsgate, the Starz Business and the LG Studios Business. Other than certain specific balances related to unsettled payables or receivables, the intercompany balances between the Starz Business and the remainder of Old Lionsgate were accounted for as parent net investment. See Note 17, Related Party Transactions, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Management believes the assumptions underlying our combined financial statements, including the assumptions regarding the allocation of general and administrative expenses from Old Lionsgate to us are reasonable. However, the allocations may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by us and may not reflect its combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows had we been a standalone company during the periods presented. It is not practicable to estimate actual costs that would have been incurred had we been a standalone company and operated as an unaffiliated entity during the periods presented. Actual costs that might have been incurred had we been a standalone company would depend on a number of factors, including the organizational structure, what corporate functions we might have performed directly or outsourced and strategic decisions we might have made in areas such as executive management, legal and other professional services, and certain corporate overhead functions. See Note 17, Related Party Transactions, to the audited combined financial statements for further details of the allocations included in our audited combined financial statements. The issuer of the Old Lionsgate's 5.5% senior notes due April 15, 2029 (the “5.5% Senior Notes”) was Starz Capital Holdings, LLC (previously known as Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC), a Starz entity. The 5.5% Senior Notes were generally used as a method of financing Old Lionsgate's operations in totality and were not specifically identifiable to the LG Studios Business or the Starz Business. It is not practical to determine what the capital structure would have been historically for the Starz Business or the LG Studios Business prior to the Studio Separation as standalone companies; however, the 5.5% Senior Notes were issued by a subsidiary of Starz and are representative of the overall debt levels, that were expected for the Company following the completion of the Separation. In May 2024, the Starz Business issued $389.9 million aggregate principal amount of new 5.5% exchange notes due 2029 (the “Exchange Notes”) in exchange for $389.9 million of the existing 5.5% Senior Notes (the "Exchange Transaction"). As a result of the Exchange Transaction, the principal amount of the 5.5% Senior Notes outstanding was reduced to $325.1 million and total aggregate debt outstanding was $715.0 million. See Note 6, Debt, and Note 7, Programming Relation Obligations, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Upon completion of the Separation, the Exchange Notes became obligations solely of New Lionsgate and are reflected in New Lionsgate’s financial statements. The remaining 5.5% Senior Notes remained with the Company upon completion of the Separation. A portion of Old Lionsgate's corporate debt, (the revolving credit facility, term loan A and term loan B, together referred to as the “Old Lionsgate Senior Credit Facilities”) has been assumed by the LG Studios Business under an intercompany note and accordingly, the Old Lionsgate Senior Credit Facilities and related interest expense are not reflected in the Company’s combined financial statements. See Note 6, Debt, and Note 7, Programming Relation Obligations, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") which provides for a $300.0 million senior secured term loan credit facility and a $150.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” for discussion of Separation-related financing transactions. See Note 6, Debt, and Note 18, Subsequent Events, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Additional indebtedness directly related to the Starz Business, including programming notes, are reflected in the Starz Business combined financial statements. See Note 6, Debt, and Note 18, Subsequent Events, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Old Lionsgate’s corporate general and administrative functions and costs, which were retained within the New Lionsgate, have historically been provided to both the Starz Business and the LG Studios Business. These functions and costs include, but are not limited to, salaries and wages for certain executives and other corporate officers related to executive oversight, investor relations costs, costs for the maintenance of corporate facilities, and other common administrative support functions, including corporate accounting, finance and financial reporting, audit and tax costs, corporate and other legal support functions, and certain information technology and human resources expense. Accordingly, the combined financial statements of the Starz Business, include allocations of certain general and administrative expenses (inclusive of share-based compensation) from Old Lionsgate related to these corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Old Lionsgate. In connection with the Studio Separation, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Old Lionsgate and Legacy Lionsgate Studios entered into a shared services and overhead sharing agreement (the “Shared Services Agreement”). The Shared Services Agreement facilitates the allocation to the LG Studios Business of all corporate general and administrative expenses of Old Lionsgate, except for an amount of $10.0 million charged annually to the Starz Business. The $10.0 million charge of Old Lionsgate’s corporate general and administrative expenses to the Starz Business pursuant to the Shared Services Agreement is designed to reflect the portion of corporate expenses expended and reflective of the level of effort and costs incurred related to management oversight and services provided for the Company following the Separation. Prior to the Separation, these expenses were allocated to the Starz Business on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of consolidated Old Lionsgate revenue, payroll expense or other measures considered to be a reasonable reflection of the historical utilization levels of these services. Old Lionsgate also paid certain expenses on behalf of the Starz Business prior to the Separation such as certain rent expense, employee benefits, insurance and other administrative operating costs which are reflected in the accompanying combined financial statements. The Starz Business also paid certain expenses on behalf of Old Lionsgate such as legal expenses, software development costs and severance. The settlement of reimbursable expenses between the Starz Business and the LG Studios Business have been accounted for as parent net investment. See Note 17, Related Party Transactions, of our audited combined financial statements for further detail of parent net investment included in these combined financial statements. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles These combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying combined financial statements of the Starz Business have been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Old Lionsgate and reflect certain allocations from Old Lionsgate as further discussed above. All significant intercompany balances and transactions within the Starz Business have been eliminated in these combined financial statements. Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided in these notes to the combined financial statements pertain to continuing operations only. See Note 2, Discontinued Operations, to our audited combined financial statements for information on discontinued operations). Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates made by management in the preparation of the combined financial statements relate to the Starz Traditional Affiliate customer relationship intangible asset which is amortized in the proportion that current period revenue bears to management’s estimate of future revenue over the remaining estimated useful life of the asset; estimates of future viewership used for the amortization of licensed program rights; the allocation of costs to the Starz Business for certain corporate and shared service functions in preparing the combined financial statements on a carve-out basis; income taxes including the assessment of valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; impairment assessments for licensed program rights, goodwill and intangible assets. Actual results could differ from such estimates. Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition The Starz Business generates revenue from the distribution of branded premium subscription video services through OTT streaming platforms and distributors, on a direct-to-consumer basis through the Starz App and through MVPDs, including cable operators, satellite television providers and telecommunications companies. Revenue does not include taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities such as sales tax and value-added tax. The Starz Business is the principal in its relationships with subscribers through its Starz App and certain retail distributors of the Starz App as the Starz Business retains control over providing the service to the subscriber. The Starz Business is the principal within its relationship with its OTT streaming platforms and other distribution partners where the distributors provide the service to the subscribers. Pursuant to the Starz Business’s distribution agreements, revenue is primarily generated from fees from subscribers who receive the Starz Business's services or based on other factors (variable fee arrangements), or to a lesser extent, may be based on a monthly fixed fee or minimum guarantee, subject to nominal annual escalations. The variable distribution fee arrangements represent sales or usage-based royalties, which are recognized over the period of such sales or usage by the Starz Business's distributor, which is the same period that the content is provided to the distributor. Estimates of revenue generated, but not yet reported to the Starz Business by its distribution partners, are made based on an estimated number of subscribers using historical trends and recent reporting. The estimate of revenue generated but not yet reported to us by distribution partners requires judgement and is sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions. The Company regularly evaluates such assumptions and historically, such estimates have been materially in line with revenue amounts when reported. Other fixed fee or minimum guarantee programming revenue is recognized over the contract term based on the continuous delivery of the content to the distributor. Subscribers through the Starz App are billed in advance of the start of their monthly or multi-month membership period and revenue is recognized ratably over each applicable membership period. Payments to distributors for marketing support costs for which the Company receives a discrete benefit are recorded as distribution and marketing costs, and payments to distributors for which the Company receives no discrete benefit are recorded as a reduction of revenue . In connection with the distribution rights obtained outside of the Starz Platform, we license rights to other parties who distribute our content for a fee. New Lionsgate acts as distributor in these arrangements. License fees associated with these agreements have not been material to date. Accounts Receivable. Payment terms are generally due within 30 days to 60 days after revenue is recognized. Deferred Revenue. Deferred revenue relates primarily to subscribers through the Starz App, who are billed in advance of the start of their monthly or multi-month membership. Revenue is recognized ratably over each applicable membership period, when the Starz Business satisfies the corresponding performance obligation. See Note 10, Revenue, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash deposits at financial institutions. Programming Content Programming content represents content exploited on the Starz Platform. Programming content is typically licensed content (which we refer to as “licensed program rights”), however, in some cases, programming content may be produced or acquired (which we refer to as “owned and produced films and television programs”). Licensed program rights include content licensed from third parties, including New Lionsgate, for specified airing rights and windows over a contractual term. Program licenses typically have fixed terms and require payments during the production of the content by the licensor, at or near delivery of the content or over the term of the license. Payments for content and additions to content assets and the changes in related liabilities, are classified within operating activities on the combined statements of cash flows. Amortization of programming content, which is discussed further below, is included in direct operating expense on the combined statement of operations. Programming content is predominantly monetized as part of a film group and therefore is reviewed for impairment in aggregate at a film group level when an event or change in circumstances indicates a change in the expected use of the content or that the fair value may be less than unamortized cost. Development. Films and television programs in development include costs of acquiring film rights to books, stage plays or original screenplays and costs to adapt such projects. Such costs are capitalized as part of the cost of programming content. Projects in development are written off at the earlier of the date they are determined not to be recoverable or when abandoned, or three years from the date of the initial investment unless the fair value of the project exceeds its carrying cost. Capitalized Costs. The cost of licensed content is capitalized when the cost is known or reasonably determinable, the license period for programs has commenced, the program materials have been accepted by the Starz Business in accordance with the license agreements, and the programs are available for the first showing. Licensed programming rights may include rights to more than one exploitation window under the Starz Business's output and library agreements. For films with multiple windows, the license fee is allocated between the windows based upon the proportionate estimated fair value of each window which generally results in the majority of the cost allocated to the first window on newer releases. Costs of acquiring and producing films and television programs are capitalized when incurred. For films and television programs produced by the Starz Business, capitalized costs include all direct production and financing costs, capitalized interest and production overhead. Amortization. The cost of licensed program rights for films and television programs (including original series) are generally amortized on a title-by-title or episode-by-episode basis using an accelerated or straight-line method based on the expected and historical viewership patterns or the current and anticipated number of exhibitions over the license period or estimated life for owned or produced programs. The number of exhibitions is estimated based on the number of exhibitions allowed in the agreement (if specified) and the expected usage of the content. Residuals are expensed in line with the amortization of production costs. The Starz Business reviews factors impacting the amortization of the content assets on an ongoing basis. The Starz Business's estimates related to these factors requires considerable management judgement. Film Groups and Impairment Assessment for Programming Content For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, substantially all programming content is monetized as part of a film group. A film group (as defined below) is evaluated for impairment when an event or change in circumstances indicates that the fair value of a film group is less than its unamortized cost. A film group represents the unit of account for impairment testing for a film or license agreement for program material when the film or license agreement is expected to be predominantly monetized with other films and/or license agreements instead of being predominantly monetized on its own. If the result of the impairment test indicates that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge will then be recorded for the amount of the difference. A film group is defined as the lowest level at which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other films and/or license agreements. The Starz Business's film groups are generally aligned with the Company’s networks and digital content offerings domestically (i.e. Starz Networks) and internationally by territory or groups of territories, wherein content assets are shared across the various territories. Content removed from the service and abandoned is written down to its fair value, if any, determined using a discounted cash flow approach. Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of the film group may be less than its unamortized costs, the aggregate unamortized costs of the group are compared to the present value of the discounted cash flows of the group using the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are independent of other produced and licensed content. If the unamortized costs of the film group exceed the present value of discounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess and allocated to individual titles based on the relative carrying value of each title in the group. As a result of the strategic review of content performance across Starz's platform and as part of our expanded restructuring across our domestic operations, we recorded content impairment charges in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 of $156.4 million and $213.0 million, respectively, which are included in continuing operations, restructuring and other in the combined statement of operations. See Note 3, Programming Content, and Note 13, Restructuring and Other, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, includes impairment charges of $2.5 million and $160.8 million, respectively, related to the restructuring of LIONSGATE+ discussed above. See Note 2, Discontinued Operations, to our audited combined financial statements for further details. Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided for on a straight line basis over the following useful lives:
Distribution equipment |  | 3 — 7 years
Computer equipment and software |  | 3 years
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment |  | 5 — 7 years
Leasehold improvements |  | Remaining lease term or the useful life, whichever is shorter
Property and equipment assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Where applicable, estimates of net future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, are calculated based on future revenue estimates. If appropriate and where deemed necessary, a reduction in the carrying amount is recorded based on the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value based on discounted cash flows. Leases The Starz Business determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. The expected term of the lease used for computing the lease liability and right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and determining the classification of the lease as operating or financing may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Starz Business will exercise that option. The Starz Business also elected to not separate lease components from non-lease components across all lease categories. Instead, each separate lease component and non-lease component are accounted for as a single lease component. Operating Leases. Operating lease ROU assets, representing the Starz Business's right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, are included in other assets - non-current in the Starz Business's combined balance sheets. Operating lease liabilities, representing the present value of the Starz Business's obligation to make payments over the lease term, are included in the other accrued liabilities and other liabilities - non-current in the Starz Business's combined balance sheets. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments is calculated using a rate implicit in the lease, when readily determinable. However, as most of the Starz Business's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Starz Business uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments for the majority of its leases. Variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate are included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities at lease inception. All other variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are not included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets At March 31, 2025, the carrying value of the Starz Business's finite-lived intangible assets was $816.0 million. The Starz Business's finite-lived intangible assets primarily relate to customer relationships associated with U.S. MVPDs, including cable operators, satellite television providers and telecommunications companies (each a “Traditional Affiliate”), and amounted to $748.0 million at March 31, 2025. The amount of the Starz Business's customer relationship asset related to these Traditional Affiliate relationships reflects the estimated fair value of these customer relationships determined in connection with Old Lionsgate's acquisition of the Starz Business on December 8, 2016, net of amortization recorded since the date of the Starz Business acquisition. Beginning October 1, 2023, the Starz Business's finite-lived intangible assets also include trademarks and tradenames previously accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets as discussed below. At March 31, 2025, the carrying value of trademarks and tradenames was $68.0 million. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized to depreciation and amortization expense over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 10 to 14 years. The Starz Traditional Affiliate customer relationship intangible asset is amortized in the proportion that current period revenue bears to management’s estimate of future revenue over the remaining estimated useful life of the asset, which results in greater amortization in the earlier years of the estimated useful life of the asset than the latter years. Amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If a triggering event has occurred, an impairment analysis is required. The impairment test first requires a comparison of undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated over the remaining useful life of an asset to the carrying value of the asset. The impairment test is performed at the lowest level of cash flows associated with the asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, the asset would not be deemed to be recoverable. Impairment would then be measured as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. The Starz Business monitors its finite-lived intangible assets and changes in the underlying circumstances each reporting period for indicators of possible impairments or a change in the useful life or method of amortization of the finite-lived intangible assets. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, no indicators of impairment were identified. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, due to changes in the industry related to the migration from linear to OTT and direct-to-consumer consumption, we performed an impairment analysis of the amortizable intangible assets d ue to changes in the industry related to the migration from linear to OTT and direct-to-consumer consumption. Based on the Starz Business's impairment analysis, the estimated undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying amount of the assets and therefore no impairment charge was required. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess acquisition cost over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in business combination. At March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, the carrying value of goodwill was nil, due to impairment charges recorded. The Starz Business also did not have any indefinite-lived intangibles assets at March 31, 2025, reflecting the reassessment of the estimated useful life of the Starz Business's indefinite-lived intangible assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, as further discussed below. Through September 30, 2023, the Starz Business's indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names representing the estimated fair value of the Starz brand name determined in connection with Old Lionsgate's acquisition of the Starz Business as of December 8, 2016 (see further discussion under Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Other Than Goodwill Impairment Assessment below). Goodwill was allocated to the Starz Business's reporting units, which are its operating segments or one level below its operating segments (component level). Reporting units are determined by the discrete financial information available for the component and whether that information is regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit if they share similar economic characteristics. The Starz Business's reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing are Starz Networks and LIONSGATE+. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment each fiscal year or between the annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. The Starz Business performs its annual impairment test as of January 1 in each fiscal year. A goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment loss would be recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill or an indefinite-lived intangible asset, exceeds its fair value. An entity may perform a qualitative assessment of the likelihood of the existence of a goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment. The qualitative assessment is an evaluation, based on all identified events and circumstances which impact the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset, of whether or not it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the Starz Business believes that as a result of its qualitative assessment it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is not required but may be performed at the option of the Starz Business. A quantitative assessment requires determining the fair value of the Starz Business's reporting units or indefinite-lived intangible assets. The determination of the fair value of each reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset utilizes discounted cash flows (“DCF”) analyses and market-based valuation methodologies, which represent Level 3 fair value measurements. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and requires assumptions and estimates of many factors, including revenue and market growth, operating margins and cash flows, market multiples and discount rates, and are sensitive to changes in these underlying assumptions and factors. Goodwill Impairment Assessment: In fiscal 2023, d uring the second quarter ended September 30, 2022, due to continued adverse macro and microeconomic conditions, including the competitive environment, continued inflationary trends and recessionary economies worldwide and its impact on the Starz Business's growth in subscribers worldwide, the Starz Business began implementing a plan to restructure its LIONSGATE+ business. This restructuring included exiting the business in seven international territories (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Benelux, the Nordics and Japan). The Starz Business's domestic operations have also been impacted by these market conditions and the Starz Business revised its subscriber growth and forecasted cash flow assumptions and implemented certain cost-saving measures. Additionally, companies in the media and entertainment industry, and particularly those with significant streaming platforms, had experienced a decline in market valuations. Accordingly, for the second quarter ended September 30, 2022, the Starz Business updated its quantitative impairment assessment for all of its reporting units based on the most recent data and expected growth trends. The DCF analysis components of the fair value estimates were determined primarily by discounting estimated future cash flows, which included weighted average perpetual nominal growth rates ranging from 2.0% to 3.0%, at a weighted average cost of capital (discount rate) ranging from 10.0% to 14.0%, which considered the risk of achieving the projected cash flows, including the risk applicable to the reporting unit, industry and market as a whole. Based on its quantitative impairment assessment, the Starz Business determined that the fair value of its reporting units were less than the respective carrying values for its reporting units. The analysis resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $1,475.0 million in fiscal 2023, of which $1,261.7 million related to the Starz Networks reporting unit, which is presented as goodwill and intangible asset impairment in the combined statement of operations (see Note 5 to the combined financial statements) and $213.3 million related to the LIONSGATE+ reporting unit, which is presented within discontinued operations in the combined statement of operations (see Note 2 to the combined financial statements). The impairment charges reduced the carrying value of the LIONSGATE + reporting unit goodwill to zero, and the Starz Networks reporting unit to its respective fair value, therefore at September 30, 2022 the fair value and carrying value of the Starz Network reporting unit were equal and thus it continued to be considered “at risk” of impairment. For the Starz Business's annual goodwill impairment test for fiscal 2024, the Starz Business performed a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment for its Starz Network reporting unit. The Starz Business's qualitative assessment considered the performance of the Starz Business’s reporting units from September 30, 2022, and updated forecasts of performance and cash flows, as well as the continuing micro and macroeconomic environment, and industry considerations, and determined that since the quantitative assessment performed in the quarter ended September 30, 2022, there were no events or circumstances that rise to a level that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of this reporting unit below its carrying values; therefore, a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis was not required. In the second quarter of fiscal 2023, due to the continuing difficult macro and microeconomic conditions, industry trends, and their impact on the performance and projected cash flows of the Starz Networks reporting unit, including its growth in subscribers and revenue, and the expanded restructuring activities discussed in Note 2 and Note 13 to the combined financial statements, along with r ecent market valuation multiples, the Starz Business updated its quantitative impairment assessment for its Starz Networks reporting unit goodwill based on the most recent data and expected growth trends. In performing its quantitative impairment assessment, the fair value of the Starz Business's re porting unit was estimated by using a combination of discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analyses and market-based valuation methodologies. The DCF analysis components were determined primarily by discounting estimated future cash flows, which included a weighted average perpetual nominal growth rate of 1.5%, at a weighted average cost of capital (discount rate) of 10.5%, which considered the risk of achieving the projected cash flows, including the risk applicable to the reporting unit, industry and market as a whole. Based on our quantitative impairment assessment, we determined that the fair value of the Starz Business's Starz Networks reporting unit which was previously disclosed as a reporting unit “at risk” of impairment, was less than its carrying value (after the impairment write-down of its indefinite-lived intangible assets discussed below). The analysis resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $494.0 million in fiscal 2024, representing all of the remaining Starz Networks reporting unit goodwill, which is recorded in goodwill and intangible asset impairment in the combined statement of operations. Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Other Than Goodwill Impairment Assessment: Through September 30, 2023, the Starz Business's indefinite-lived intangible assets consisted of trade names representing the estimated fair value of the Starz brand name determined in connection with the acquisition of the Starz Business as of December 8, 2016, amounting to $250.0 million related to the Starz Networks reporting unit before the impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 discussed below. For fiscal 2023, based on a quantitative impairment assessment during the second quarter ended September 30, 2022 and based on a qualitative impairment assessment during the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Starz Business concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value of its trade names was more than its carrying amount, and therefore its trade names were not considered at risk of impairment at such time. During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, due to the events and their impact discussed above, the Starz Business performed a quantitative impairment assessment of its indefinite-lived trade names. The fair value of the Starz Business's indefinite-lived trade names was estimated based on the present value of the hypothetical cost savings that could be realized by the owner of the trade names as a result of not having to pay a stream of royalty payments to another party. These cost savings were calculated based on a DCF analysis of the hypothetical royalty payment that a licensee would be required to pay in exchange for use of the trade names, reduced by the tax effect realized by the licensee on the royalty payments. Based on the quantitative impairment assessment of our trade names, we recorded an impairment charge of $170.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, which was presented in goodwill and intangible asset impairment on the combined statement of operations. After the Starz Business performed its quantitative impairment assessment, during the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Starz Business then reassessed the estimated useful life of the trade names with a remaining carrying value of $80.0 million, net of the impairment charge discussed above. The Starz Business concluded that based upon the most recent factors, including current macro and microeconomic conditions, market competition and historical Starz Business and industry trends, the trade names now have a finite estimated remaining useful life of 10 years. Accordingly, beginning October 1, 2023, the trade names are being accounted for as finite-lived intangible assets and amortized over their estimated remaining useful life. As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Starz Business did not have any indefinite-lived intangible assets. Advertising and Marketing Expenses The costs of advertising and marketing expenses are expensed as incurred. Certain of the Starz Business's affiliation agreements require it to provide marketing support to the distributor based upon certain criteria as stipulated in the agreements. Marketing support includes cooperative advertising and marketing efforts between the Starz Business and its distributors such as cross channel, direct mail and point of sale incentives. Marketing support is recorded as an expense and not a reduction of revenue when the Starz Business has received a direct benefit and the fair value of such benefit is determinable. Advertising expenses for the year ended March 31, 2025 were $289.3 million (2024 — $322.9 million, 2023 — $339.0 million) which were recorded as distribution and marketing expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations. Income Taxes The Starz Business's results have historically been included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and U.S. state income tax filings of Old Lionsgate. The Starz Business has computed its provision for income taxes on a separate return basis in these combined financial statements. The separate return method applies the accounting guidance for income taxes to the stand-alone financial statements as if the Starz Business was a separate taxpayer and a stand-alone enterprise for the periods presented. The calculation of income taxes for the Starz Business on a separate return basis requires significant judgment and use of both estimates and allocations. However, as discussed above in Note 1, the combined historical results of the Starz Business are presented on a managed basis rather than a legal entity basis, with certain deductions and other items that are included in the consolidated financial statements of Old Lionsgate, but not included in the combined financial statements of the Starz Business. Accordingly, the income tax provision and deferred taxes, including tax attributes are expected to differ following the completion of the Separation. Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes and recognition and measurement of deferred assets are based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under this method, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax return purposes. Valuation allowances are established when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset, on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, will not be realized. The financial effect of changes in tax laws or rates is accounted for in the period of enactment. From time to time, the Starz Business engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. In determining the Starz Business’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Starz Business establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on their technical merits. The Starz Business’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Foreign Currency Translation Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Resulting unrealized and realized gains and losses are included in the combined statements of operations. The functional currency of all entities in these combined financial statements is the U.S. dollar. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income reflect the net gains arising on the translation of the accounts of foreign companies prior to their change to a U.S. dollar functional currency. Parent Net Investment Parent net investment in the combined balance sheets is presented in lieu of shareholders’ equity and represents Old Lionsgate's historical investment in the Starz Business the accumulated net earnings (losses) after taxes and the net effect of settled transactions with and allocations from Old Lionsgate prior to the Separation. All cash transactions reflected in parent net investment by Old Lionsgate in the accompanying combined balance sheets have been considered as financing activities for purposes of the combined statements of cash flows. Share-Based Compensation Prior to the Separation, certain Starz Business employees participate in the share-based compensation plans sponsored by Old Lionsgate. Old Lionsgate share-based compensation awards granted to employees of the Starz Business consist of stock options, restricted share units and share appreciation rights. As such, the awards to the Starz Business employees are reflect ed in parent net investment within the combined statements of equity (deficit) at the time they are expensed. The combined statements of operations also include an allocation of Old Lionsgate corporate and shared employee share-based compensation expenses. The Starz Business measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. The fair value is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service. See Note 11 for further discussion of the Starz Business’s share-based compensation. Transfers of Financial Assets The Starz Business enters into arrangements to sell certain financial assets (i.e., monetize its trade accounts receivables). For a transfer of financial assets to be considered a "true sale", the asset must be legally isolated from the Starz Business and the purchaser must have control of the asset. Determining whether all the requirements have been met includes an evaluation of legal considerations, the extent of the Starz Business’s continuing involvement with the assets transferred and any other relevant considerations. When the true sales criteria are met, the Starz Business derecognizes the carrying value of the financial asset transferred and recognizes a net gain or loss on the sale. The proceeds from these arrangements with third party purchasers are reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the combined statements of cash flows. If the sales criteria are not met, the transfer is considered a secured borrowing and the financial asset remains on the combined balance sheets with proceeds from the sale recognized as debt and recorded as cash flows from financing activities in the combined statements of cash flows. See Note 16 for discussion of the Starz Business’s accounts receivable monetization. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Segment Reporting: In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that expanded disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and required more enhanced information about a reportable segment’s expenses, interim segment profit or loss, and how a public entity’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) uses reported segment profit or loss information in assessing segment performance and allocating resources. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning with these financial statements issued for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, and the Company has applied this guidance to all periods presented (see Note 14). Recent Accounting Pronouncements Income Taxes: In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance which expanded income tax disclosures by requiring public business entities, on an annual basis, to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. Additionally, this guidance required all public business entities to disaggregate disclosures by jurisdiction on the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received), income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and therefore will be effective beginning with the Starz Business’s financial statements issued for the calendar year ending December 31, 2025 with early adoption permitted. The Starz Business is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its combined financial statements and disclosures. Income Statement: In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance requiring public business entities to disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements for interim and annual reporting periods. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and therefore will be effective beginning with the Starz Business’s financial statements issued for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027 and interim reporting periods beginning in fiscal 2029, with early adoption permitted. The disclosures required under the guidance can be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to any or all periods presented in the financial statements. The Starz Business is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its combined financial statements and disclosures.

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