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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Starz Acquisition LLCstarz_exhibit321x09302016.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Starz Acquisition LLCstarz_exhibit312x09302016.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Starz Acquisition LLCstarz_exhibit311x09302016.htm
EX-10.2 - EXHIBIT 10.2 - Starz Acquisition LLCstarz_exhibit102x09302016.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - Starz Acquisition LLCstarz_exhibit101x09302016.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q

_X_ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

OR
___ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 001-35294
 
Starz
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization)
 
20-8988475 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.)
8900 Liberty Circle
Englewood, Colorado
(Address of principal executive offices)

 
80112 
(Zip Code) 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (720) 852-7700

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 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__X__ No___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes __X__ No____
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer __X__
Accelerated filer ____
Non-accelerated filer ___
Smaller reporting company ____
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ____ No _X__
The number of outstanding shares of Starz’s common stock as of October 31, 2016 was:
 
Series A
Series B
 
 
87,562,102
9,858,316
 





STARZ
FORM 10-Q

Table of Contents

 
Part I
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
2
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)
 
3
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)
 
4
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)
 
5
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Unaudited)
 
6
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
7
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
19
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
31
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
32
 
 
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
33
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
34
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
34
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


1


PART I
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Starz and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in millions, except share and per share amounts)
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Assets
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
14.0

 
$
10.7

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $20.6 and $35.2
271.9

 
252.9

Program rights, net
353.8

 
316.1

Other current assets
66.5

 
90.1

Total current assets
706.2

 
669.8

Program rights
316.2

 
335.9

Investment in films and television programs, net
206.6

 
215.6

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $143.8 and $134.5
88.5

 
89.2

Deferred income taxes
22.5

 
21.2

Goodwill
131.8

 
131.8

Other assets, net
103.8

 
100.7

Total assets
$
1,575.6

 
$
1,564.2

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion of debt (Note 2)
$
5.9

 
$
5.6

Trade accounts payable
5.9

 
8.0

Accrued liabilities (Notes 6 and 7)
251.1

 
267.7

Deferred revenue
9.9

 
10.3

Total current liabilities
272.8

 
291.6

Debt (Note 2)
989.7

 
1,032.2

Other liabilities (Note 6)
34.6

 
22.7

Total liabilities
1,297.1

 
1,346.5

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity (Note 3):
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued

 

Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 2,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 87,557,505 and 91,468,763 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
0.9

 
0.9

Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,858,316 and 9,861,294 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
0.1

 
0.1

Additional paid-in capital
8.9

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
(2.8
)
 
(1.5
)
Retained earnings
271.4

 
218.2

Total equity
278.5

 
217.7

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)


 


Total liabilities and equity
$
1,575.6

 
$
1,564.2


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


Starz and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Programming networks and other services
$
381.6

 
$
369.8

 
$
1,165.6

 
$
1,165.9

Home video net sales
26.2

 
34.3

 
76.7

 
106.6

Total revenue
407.8

 
404.1

 
1,242.3

 
1,272.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Programming (including amortization) (Notes 4 and 6)
181.9

 
159.0

 
480.7

 
459.5

Production and acquisition (including amortization)
43.0

 
39.7

 
144.3

 
146.3

Home video cost of sales
7.6

 
9.2

 
20.1

 
29.6

Operating (Note 4)
7.6

 
15.2

 
20.7

 
40.9

Selling, general and administrative (Note 4)
85.9

 
74.4

 
255.8

 
227.1

Merger related
2.1

 

 
11.6

 

Depreciation and amortization
5.7

 
4.8

 
15.6

 
14.3

Total costs and expenses
333.8

 
302.3

 
948.8

 
917.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
74.0

 
101.8

 
293.5

 
354.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (Note 2)
(11.7
)
 
(11.5
)
 
(35.1
)
 
(34.0
)
Other expense, net
(3.7
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(10.0
)
 
(8.8
)
Income before income taxes
58.6

 
85.8

 
248.4

 
312.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (Note 5)
(24.3
)
 
(26.3
)
 
(92.7
)
 
(103.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
34.3

 
59.5

 
155.7

 
208.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 
0.7

 

 
(0.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to stockholders
$
34.3

 
$
60.2

 
$
155.7

 
$
208.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per common share (Note 7)
$
0.36

 
$
0.59

 
$
1.60

 
$
2.06

Diluted net income per common share (Note 7)
$
0.34

 
$
0.57

 
$
1.54

 
$
1.96

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (Note 7):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
96.5

 
101.3

 
97.4

 
101.3

Diluted
100.0

 
106.5

 
100.9

 
106.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Starz and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
34.3

 
$
59.5

 
$
155.7

 
$
208.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments from operations
(0.3
)
 
0.1

 
(1.3
)
 
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
34.0

 
59.6

 
154.4

 
209.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 
0.6

 

 
(0.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to stockholders
$
34.0

 
$
60.2

 
$
154.4

 
$
208.7


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Starz and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
155.7

 
$
208.6

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
15.6

 
14.3

Amortization of program rights
438.4

 
426.8

Program rights payments
(271.5
)
 
(350.2
)
Amortization of investment in films and television programs
104.1

 
107.0

Investment in films and television programs
(263.0
)
 
(285.0
)
Stock compensation
23.7

 
24.5

Deferred income taxes
(1.3
)
 
(15.3
)
Other non-operating and non-cash items

 
(2.1
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Current and other assets
16.1

 
(1.1
)
Payables and other liabilities
(21.1
)
 
(39.0
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
196.7

 
88.5

 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(13.9
)
 
(9.4
)
Investment in and advances to equity investee
(16.0
)
 
(3.8
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(29.9
)
 
(13.2
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Borrowings of debt
384.0

 
769.0

Payments of debt
(428.2
)
 
(779.9
)
Debt issuance costs

 
(5.0
)
Repurchases of common stock
(121.6
)
 
(64.7
)
Exercise of stock options
3.4

 
11.8

Minimum withholding of taxes related to stock compensation
(5.0
)
 
(18.5
)
Excess tax benefit from stock compensation
3.7

 
15.6

Net cash used in financing activities
(163.7
)
 
(71.7
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
0.2

 

 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
3.3

 
3.6

Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
10.7

 
13.4

End of period
$
14.0

 
$
17.0


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Starz and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
Preferred Stock
 
Series A
 
Series B
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained Earnings
 
Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2015
$

 
$
0.9

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
218.2

 
$
217.7

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
155.7

 
155.7

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(1.3
)
 

 
(1.3
)
Stock compensation

 

 

 
25.9

 

 

 
25.9

Stock issued upon exercise of stock options

 

 

 
3.4

 

 

 
3.4

Minimum withholding of taxes related to stock compensation

 

 

 
(5.0
)
 

 

 
(5.0
)
Excess tax benefit from stock compensation

 

 

 
3.7

 

 

 
3.7

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 
(19.1
)
 

 
(102.5
)
 
(121.6
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
$

 
$
0.9

 
$
0.1

 
$
8.9

 
$
(2.8
)
 
$
271.4

 
$
278.5


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

Note 1 -
Basis of Presentation and Description of Business

Lions Gate Merger

On June 30, 2016, Starz entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., a corporation organized and existing under the corporate laws of British Columbia (“Lions Gate”), and Orion Arm Acquisition Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lions Gate (“Merger Sub”). The Merger Agreement provides that Merger Sub will merge with and into Starz, with Starz continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lions Gate (the “Merger”).

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, immediately prior to consummation of the Merger, Lions Gate will effect a reorganization of its outstanding share capital (the “Reclassification”), pursuant to which each existing Lions Gate common share, without par value (“Lions Gate Common Shares”) will be converted into 0.5 shares of newly issued Class A voting shares, without par value, of Lions Gate (the “Lions Gate Voting Shares”) and 0.5 shares of newly issued Class B non-voting shares, without par value, of Lions Gate (“Lions Gate Non-Voting Shares”). Lions Gate intends not to effect the Reclassification unless the Merger will be consummated.

Following the Reclassification, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (1) each share of Starz Series A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Starz Series A Common Stock”), will be converted into the right to receive $18.00 in cash and 0.6784 Lions Gate Non-Voting Shares, and (2) each share of Starz Series B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Starz Series B Common Stock”), will be converted into the right to receive $7.26 in cash, 0.6321 Lions Gate Non-Voting Shares and 0.6321 Lions Gate Voting Shares. These exchange ratios are fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect stock price changes prior to the closing of the Merger, except in certain limited circumstances reflecting changes to the stock of Lions Gate or Starz.

As a result of the Merger, the outstanding equity awards relating to Starz Series A Common Stock will be converted into corresponding awards relating to shares of Lions Gate Non-Voting Shares, after giving effect to appropriate adjustments to reflect the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The converted equity awards will remain subject to the same terms and conditions (including time- and performance-based vesting terms) as in effect prior to the closing of the Merger.

The closing of the Merger is contingent on (1) approval of the Merger Agreement by a majority of the voting power of the Starz Series A Common Stock stockholders and Starz Series B Common Stock stockholders, voting together as a single class, (2) approval of the Reclassification by a two-thirds majority of the shares of Lions Gate Common Shares voting on the Reclassification, (3) approval of the issuance of Lions Gate Non-Voting Shares and Lions Gate Voting Shares in the Merger by a majority of the shares of Lions Gate Common Shares voting on such issuance, (4) completion of the Reclassification, (5) expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, an early termination of which was granted on August 1, 2016 by the Federal Trade Commission, although it may still be challenged at any time before or after completion of the Merger, (6) receipt of German antitrust approval, which was received on August 26, 2016, (7) receipt of FCC approval, which was received on August 31, 2016, (8) the registration of the shares of the Lions Gate Non-Voting Shares and Lions Gate Voting Shares being issued to holders of Starz Series A Common Stock and Starz Series B Common Stock in the Merger, (9) authorization of the Lions Gate Voting Shares and the Lions Gate Non-Voting Shares for listing on the New York Stock Exchange and (10) other customary closing conditions.

The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by each party. Lions Gate and Starz have also agreed to various customary covenants and agreements, including, among others, to conduct their business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the closing of the Merger.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Starz and Lions Gate may not solicit alternative transaction proposals or negotiate with third parties in connection with alternative transaction proposals, unless their respective board of directors receives a bona fide alternative transaction proposal that did not result from a material breach of such party’s non-solicitation

7

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

obligations and which such party’s board of directors determines to be, or to be reasonably likely to lead to, a superior proposal, and failure to take such action would reasonably be expected to constitute a breach of the directors’ fiduciary duties.

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for Lions Gate and Starz. The Merger Agreement can be terminated by either party (1) by mutual written consent; (2) if the Merger has not been consummated by an outside date of December 31, 2016 (which either party may generally extend to March 31, 2017 if the only closing condition that has not been met is the condition related to the expiration or early termination of antitrust waiting periods); (3) if there is a permanent, non-appealable injunction or law restraining or prohibiting the consummation of the Merger; (4) if either party’s stockholders fail to approve the transactions; (5) if the other party’s board of directors changes its recommendation in favor of the transactions; (6) if the other party materially breaches its non-solicitation covenant; or (7) if the other party has breached its representations or covenants in a way that prevents satisfaction of a closing condition, subject to a cure period. The Merger Agreement can also be terminated by Starz (x) in order to enter into a superior transaction (subject to compliance with certain terms and conditions included in the Merger Agreement) or (y) if Lions Gate fails to consummate the Merger when otherwise required because of a failure to receive its debt financing.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Starz will pay Lions Gate a termination fee of $150.0 million if (1) Starz terminates the Merger Agreement in order to enter into a superior transaction (subject to compliance with certain terms and conditions included in the Merger Agreement), (2) Lions Gate terminates the Merger Agreement because Starz’s board of directors changes its recommendation regarding approval of the transactions, (3) Lions Gate terminates the Merger Agreement because Starz materially breaches its non-solicitation covenant or (4) (a) an alternative transaction proposal is made to Starz, (b) thereafter the Merger Agreement is terminated (i) by either party for failure to consummate the Merger by the outside date (if at the time of such termination, the Starz’s stockholders have failed to approve the transactions and such termination does not result in the payment of a termination fee by Lions Gate), (ii) by either party because Starz’s stockholders fail to approve the transactions or (iii) by Lions Gate because Starz has breached its representations or covenants in a way that prevents satisfaction of a closing condition, subject to a cure period, and (c) within 18 months of such termination, Starz enters into or consummates an alternative transaction, as defined.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Lions Gate will pay Starz (1) a termination fee of $150.0 million if either party terminates the Merger Agreement because Lions Gate’s stockholders fail to approve the transactions, (2) a termination fee of $175.0 million if Starz terminates the Merger Agreement because Lions Gate’s board of directors changes its recommendation regarding approval of the transactions or because Lions Gate materially breaches its non-solicitation covenant, (3) a termination fee of $250.0 million if Starz terminates the Merger Agreement because Lions Gate fails to consummate the Merger when it would otherwise be required due to a failure to receive the debt financing and (4) a termination fee of $175.0 million if (a) an alternative transaction proposal is made to Lions Gate, (b) thereafter the Merger Agreement is terminated (i) by either party for failure to consummate the Merger by the outside date (if at the time of such termination, the Lions Gate’s stockholders have failed to approve the transactions and such termination does not result in the payment of a termination fee by Starz), (ii) by either party because Lions Gate’s stockholders fail to approve the transactions or (iii) by Starz because Lions Gate has breached its representations or covenants in a way that prevents satisfaction of a closing condition, subject to a cure period, and (c) within 18 months of such termination, Lions Gate enters into or consummates an alternative transaction, as defined.

On August 1, 2016, Lions Gate filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement (“Form S-4”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which includes detailed information regarding the Merger. The Form S-4, as amended, was declared effective by the SEC on November 7, 2016.

Presentation

Starz, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Starz, LLC, provides premium subscription video programming to United States (“U.S.”) multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), including cable operators, satellite television providers and telecommunications companies, and online video providers (collectively, “Distributors”), and to over-the-top (“OTT”) subscribers via the Starz app. Starz also develops, produces and acquires entertainment content and distributes this content to consumers in the U.S. and throughout the world. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Starz and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form

8

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Starz’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Business

Starz’s business operations are conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiaries Starz, LLC, Starz Entertainment, LLC (“Starz Entertainment”), Starz Media Group, LLC (“Starz Media”) and certain other immaterial subsidiaries. In October 2015, Starz, LLC acquired the 25% interest in Starz Media formerly owned by The Weinstein Company LLC (“Weinstein”). In October 2015, Starz, LLC sold 100% of its wholly-owned subsidiary Film Roman, LLC (“Film Roman”), which made up 100% of the Starz Animation operating segment. Following the sale of Film Roman, Starz manages its operations through its Starz Networks and Starz Distribution operating segments:

Starz Networks

Starz Networks’ flagship premium networks are STARZ and STARZ ENCORE. STARZ exhibits first-run hit movies and original series. STARZ ENCORE airs first-run movies, classic contemporary movies and original series. Starz Networks’ third network, MOVIEPLEX, offers a variety of art house, independent films and classic movie library content. STARZ and STARZ ENCORE, along with MOVIEPLEX, air across 17 linear networks complemented by on-demand and online services. Starz Networks’ premium networks are offered by Distributors to their subscribers either on a fixed monthly price as part of a programming tier or package or on an a la carte basis.

Starz Distribution

Starz Distribution includes the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital and Starz Worldwide Distribution businesses.

Anchor Bay Entertainment

Anchor Bay Entertainment is the global home video sales arm of Starz and distributes DVDs (standard definition and Blu-ray™) in the U.S., Canada and other international territories to the extent it has home entertainment rights to such content in international territories. Anchor Bay Entertainment acquires and licenses various titles from third parties and also develops and produces certain of its content. Certain of the titles acquired by Anchor Bay Entertainment air on Starz Networks’ STARZ, STARZ ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX networks. Anchor Bay Entertainment also distributes Starz Networks’ original series and Weinstein’s titles. Each of these titles are sold to and distributed by regional and national retailers and other companies, including Amazon, Best Buy, Ingram Entertainment, Redbox, Target and Wal-Mart.

Starz Digital

Starz Digital is the global digital and on-demand licensing arm of Starz and distributes content on pay-per-view (“PPV”), video-on-demand (“VOD”), subscription video-on-demand (“SVOD”), ad-supported video-on-demand (“AVOD”), electronic sell-through and other digital formats for Starz’s owned content, including Starz Networks’ original series, Weinstein’s titles and content licensed from third-parties in the U.S. and throughout the world to the extent it has rights to such content in international territories. Certain of the titles acquired by Starz Digital air on Starz Networks’ STARZ, STARZ ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX networks. Starz Digital receives fees for its content from a wide array of partners ranging from traditional MVPDs to online and mobile distributors.


9

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

Starz Worldwide Distribution

Starz Worldwide Distribution is the global television licensing arm of Starz and distributes movies, television series, documentaries, children’s programming and other video content. Starz Worldwide Distribution exploits Starz’s owned content, including Starz Networks’ original series, and content for which it has licensed rights on free or pay television in the U.S. and throughout the world to the extent it has rights to such content in international territories. Starz Worldwide Distribution receives fees for its content primarily from various U.S. and international programming networks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Starz considers amortization of program rights, the development of the remaining unrecognized revenue estimates (also known as “Ultimate Revenue”) associated with released films and television programs, assessment of investment in films and television programs for impairment, valuation allowances associated with deferred income taxes and allowances for sales returns to be its most significant estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Note 2 - Debt

Debt consisted of the following (in millions):
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Credit Agreement (a)
$
268.0

 
$
308.0

Senior Notes, including premium of $1.6 and $1.9 (b)
676.6

 
676.9

Capital leases (c)
60.6

 
64.8

Debt issuance costs, net
(9.6
)
 
(11.9
)
Total debt
995.6

 
1,037.8

Less: current portion
(5.9
)
 
(5.6
)
 
$
989.7

 
$
1,032.2


(a)
On April 20, 2015, Starz, LLC entered into a credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) that provides for $1,000.0 million in revolving loans with a $50.0 million sub-limit for stand-by letters of credit. Borrowings may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. Any amounts prepaid may be reborrowed. The Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on April 20, 2020. As of September 30, 2016, $732.0 million of borrowing capacity was available under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement will be repaid and terminated in connection with the closing of the Merger.

Interest on each loan under the Credit Agreement is payable at either an alternate base rate or LIBOR at Starz, LLC’s election. Borrowings that are alternate base rate loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the alternate base rate plus a margin that varies between 0.50% and 1.25% depending on the consolidated leverage ratio of Starz, LLC, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The alternate base rate is the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus ½ of 1% or (c) LIBOR for a one-month interest period plus 1%. Borrowings that are LIBOR loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable LIBOR plus a margin that varies between 1.50% and 2.25% depending on the consolidated leverage ratio of Starz, LLC. The Credit Agreement requires Starz, LLC to pay a commitment fee on any unused portion. The commitment fee varies between 0.25% and 0.40%, depending on the consolidated leverage ratio of Starz, LLC.

As of September 30, 2016, the following borrowings and related LIBOR interest rates were outstanding (dollars in millions):

LIBOR period:
Interest Rate
 
Loan Amount
September 2016 to October 2016
2.2682%
 
$
30.0

September 2016 to October 2016
2.2682%
 
73.0

September 2016 to October 2016
2.2753%
 
165.0

 
 
 
$
268.0


10

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016


The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that include restrictions on, among others, incurring additional debt, paying dividends, or making certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments, liens or guarantees. In addition, Starz, LLC must comply with certain financial covenants, including a consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2016, Starz, LLC was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.

(b)
Starz, LLC and Starz Finance Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary, co-issued $675.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior notes due September 15, 2019 (“Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.0% payable semi-annually on September 15 and March 15 of each year and are guaranteed by Starz Entertainment. The Senior Notes will be repaid in connection with the closing of the Merger.

The Senior Notes contain certain covenants that include restrictions on, among others, incurring additional debt, paying dividends, entering into liens and guarantees, or making certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments. As of September 30, 2016, Starz, LLC was in compliance with all covenants under the Senior Notes.

(c)
On January 11, 2013, Starz, LLC entered into a commercial lease with a subsidiary of Starz’s related party, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”), for its headquarters building. The term of the lease is ten years, with four successive five-year renewal periods at the option of Starz, LLC. Starz, LLC recorded a capital lease in connection with this lease agreement with an imputed annual interest rate of 6.4%.

Starz Entertainment has entered into capital lease agreements for its transponder capacity. The agreements expire during 2018 to 2021 and have imputed annual interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 7.0%.

At September 30, 2016, the fair value of the Senior Notes was $685.0 million and was based upon quoted prices in active markets. Starz believes the fair value of borrowings under the Credit Agreement approximate their carrying value as of September 30, 2016 due to their variable rate nature and Starz’s stable credit spread.

Interest costs of $1.1 million, $1.6 million, $3.5 million and $4.9 million have been capitalized as investment in films and television programs during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock

Preferred stock is issuable, from time to time, with such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in a resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred stock adopted by Starz’s board of directors. As of September 30, 2016, no shares of preferred stock were issued.

Common Stock

Series A common stock has one vote per share and Series B common stock has ten votes per share. Each share of Series B common stock is exchangeable at the option of the holder for one share of Series A common stock. Series A and Series B common stock participate on an equal basis with respect to dividends and distributions.

As of September 30, 2016, there were 11.4 million shares of Series A common stock reserved for issuance under the exercise privileges of outstanding stock options. In addition to Series A and Series B common stock, there are 2.0 billion shares of Series C common stock authorized for issuance.

Purchases of Common Stock

The Starz board of directors has authorized a total of $1,200.0 million since January 2013 to repurchase Starz common stock. Starz repurchased 4.6 million shares of Series A common stock for aggregate consideration, including fees, of $121.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Starz had $356.7 million available under its share repurchase program as of September 30, 2016. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Starz is prohibited from

11

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

repurchasing its common stock. Accordingly, there will be no repurchases of common stock through the closing of the Merger.

Note 4 – Stock Compensation
        
Pursuant to the Starz 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the compensation committee of the board of directors may grant eligible employees stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares and restricted stock units.

Stock compensation expense, by expense category, consisted of the following (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Programming
$
0.4

 
$
0.6

 
$
1.7

 
$
1.9

Operating
0.2

 

 
0.4

 
0.2

Selling, general and administrative
7.5

 
7.5

 
21.6

 
22.4

 
$
8.1

 
$
8.1

 
$
23.7

 
$
24.5


As of September 30, 2016, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units was approximately $40.9 million. Such amount will be recognized in Starz’s condensed consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.13 years.

The number and weighted average exercise price (“WAEP”) of stock options to purchase Starz common stock were as follows:
 
Options
 
WAEP
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
13,187,542

 
$
18.97

Granted
138,298

 
$
30.98

Exercised
(1,385,008
)
 
$
15.05

Forfeited
(483,923
)
 
$
29.63

Expired/canceled
(56,451
)
 
$
32.87

Outstanding at September 30, 2016
11,400,458

 
$
19.07

 
 
 
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2016
7,727,463

 
$
16.29


At September 30, 2016, the weighted-average remaining contractual term of outstanding options was 4.46 years and exercisable options was 3.78 years. At September 30, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options and exercisable options was $141.4 million and $115.7 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $21.7 million and $70.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The number and weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted share grants were as follows:
 
Restricted Shares
 
Weighted
Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
769,947

 
$
29.22

Granted
199,155

 
$
28.77

Vested
(59,420
)
 
$
21.28

Forfeited
(128,705
)
 
$
28.25

Outstanding at September 30, 2016
780,977

 
$
29.87


The grant-date fair value was based on the market value of the shares on the date of grant. The aggregate fair value of all restricted shares that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1.7 million, and $2.5 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2016, the outstanding number of three-year performance based restricted stock units representing the threshold, target and maximum payout levels were 48,197 units, 96,394 units and 192,788 units, respectively

12

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

(which are not reflected in the table above). During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 5,338 units, 10,676 units and 21,352 units, at the threshold, target and maximum payout levels, respectively, were forfeited.

During the second and third quarters of 2016, Starz granted restricted stock units to certain employees. Subject to certain conditions specified in the award agreements, restricted stock units will vest based upon the actual, cumulative Starz Networks’ revenue achieved during the two-year performance period beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2017 (“Two Year Performance Period”), exceeding a target cumulative Starz Networks’ revenue during the Two Year Performance Period specified by the Starz compensation committee. Potential vesting of the restricted stock units ranges from no units at the target level to 80,235 maximum units if 105%, or higher, of the target two-year performance of Starz Networks’ revenue is achieved (which are not reflected in the table above). During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 8,548 units at the maximum payout levels were forfeited.

At September 30, 2016, 1.6 million outstanding stock options were held by employees of Starz’s related party Liberty Media.

Note 5 - Income Taxes

The income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was calculated by estimating Starz’s annual effective tax rate and then applying the effective tax rate to income before income taxes for the period, plus or minus the tax effects of items that relate discretely to the period, if any.
Income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to Internal Revenue Code Section 199, which allows U.S. taxpayers a deduction for qualified domestic production activities, the non-deductible portion of merger related costs and state and local taxes. The deduction for qualified production activity is based on our level of domestic productions and other criteria and must be evaluated each year. Changes in our domestic production activities could impact our qualification for a deduction under Section 199 in the future.
Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies

Programming Rights

Starz has an exclusive multi-year output licensing agreement for qualifying films that are released theatrically in the U.S. by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (“Sony”) through 2021. The agreement provides Starz with exclusive pay television rights to exhibit qualifying theatrically released films under the Sony, Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Classics and TriStar labels. Theatrically released films produced by Sony Pictures Animation are not licensed to Starz under the Sony agreement. In addition, Starz had an exclusive licensing agreement for qualifying films that were released theatrically in the U.S. by The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) through 2015, with initial license periods for those films extending into 2017. The agreement provided Starz with exclusive pay television rights to exhibit qualifying theatrically released films under the Disney, Touchstone, Pixar and Marvel labels. Theatrically released films produced by DreamWorks and released by Disney were not licensed to Starz under the Disney agreement. The programming fees to be paid to Sony and Disney are based on the quantity and domestic theatrical exhibition receipts of qualifying films. Starz has also entered into agreements with a number of other motion picture producers and is obligated to pay fees for the rights to exhibit certain films licensed from these producers.
The unpaid balance for program rights related to films that were available for exhibition at September 30, 2016 is reflected in accrued liabilities and in other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2016, such liabilities aggregated approximately $92.1 million. The estimated amounts payable under programming license agreements related to films that are not available for exhibition until some future date, including the rights to exhibit films that have been released theatrically under the Sony agreement, totaled $562.4 million and had not been accrued as of September 30, 2016. Total estimated payments under programing license agreements, accrued and not accrued, as of September 30, 2016 were as follows: $70.1 million in 2016; $179.3 million in 2017; $108.3 million in 2018; $99.3 million in 2019; $71.6 million in 2020 and $125.9 million thereafter.

Starz is also obligated to pay fees for films that have not yet been released in theaters by Sony. Starz is unable to estimate the amounts to be paid under the Sony agreement for films that have not yet been released, however, such amounts are expected to be significant.


13

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

Total amortization of program rights was $163.0 million, $145.7 million, $438.4 million and $426.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts are included in programming costs in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Legal Proceedings

On October 29, 2015, Keno Thomas, a former Starz Entertainment employee, filed a complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Starz, Starz, LLC, Starz Entertainment (collectively, “Starz Parties”) and Liberty Media, and certain individual defendants. The plaintiff alleges that the Starz Parties and certain of the other defendants engaged in retaliation, wrongful termination of employment, failure to prevent retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, all in connection with the plaintiff’s employment with Starz Entertainment. The plaintiff seeks compensatory, emotional distress and punitive damages, interest and an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees. On November 30, 2015, defendants removed this case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In February 2016, the parties stipulated to dismiss Starz and Starz, LLC without prejudice and to dismiss Liberty Media with prejudice. On February 29, 2016, the District Court dismissed one of the individual defendants without prejudice, dismissed certain claims for retaliation and for intentional infliction of emotional distress without prejudice and struck certain other allegations in the complaint, permitting the plaintiff to file an amended complaint with respect to the claims dismissed without prejudice. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on March 30, 2016 with modified allegations of retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. On April 13, 2016, the defendants moved to dismiss various causes of action in the amended complaint. On July 11, 2016, the District Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress without leave to amend, and to dismiss one claim for retaliation with leave to amend. On September 26, 2016, the District Court denied Starz’s motion to dismiss one of the plaintiff’s claims for retaliation under California Labor Code Section 1102.5(c), but agreed that plaintiff could not pursue one theory of his claim for retaliation within that claim. Starz believes that it has substantial defenses to the claims asserted in the foregoing action, is defending the action vigorously, and does not believe that the resolution of the action will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

Between July 19, 2016 and July 29, 2016, six putative class action complaints were filed by purported Starz stockholders in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware: Freedman v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12571-VCG; Oklahoma Police Pension & Retirement System v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12584-VCG; The Firemen’s Retirement System of St. Louis v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12596-VCG; City of Cambridge Retirement System v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12598-VCG; Norfolk County Retirement System v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12599-VCG; and City of Providence v. Starz, et al., C.A. No. 12604-VCG. On August 16, 2016, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered an order consolidating these six putative class actions into one consolidated action, In re Starz Stockholder Litigation, Consolidated C.A. No. 12584-VCG. On August 30, 2016, a seventh putative class action was filed by purported Starz stockholders in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, Teamsters Local 170 Pension Fund v. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., et al., C.A. No. 12705, which was later added to the consolidated action. The verified consolidated class action complaint names as defendants Starz; Dr. John C. Malone; Mark H. Rachesky; Greg Maffei; Robert R. Bennett; Deborah J. Bennett; Irving L. Azoff; Susan M. Lyne; Christopher P. Albrecht; Daniel E. Sanchez; Robert S. Wiesenthal; Andrew T. Heller; Jeffrey F. Sagansky; Charles Y. Tanabe; Hilltop Investments, LLC; Leslie Malone; The Tracey L. Neal Trust A; The Evan D. Malone Trust A; Lions Gate; and Merger Sub. The consolidated complaint alleges that the Starz Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to obtain adequate consideration for the Merger and that other defendants breached their fiduciary duties and/or aided and abetted the board in breaching their fiduciary duties. In two counts, the consolidated complaint asserts a claim for breaches of fiduciary duty against Dr. Malone and the Starz Board of Directors, as well as a claim for aiding and abetting the breaches of fiduciary duty against Dr. Malone, Robert Bennett, Deborah Bennett, Hilltop Investments LLC, Leslie Malone, The Tracey L. Neal Trust A, The Evan D. Malone Trust A, Mark H. Rachesky, Lions Gate, and Orion Arm. The consolidated class action complaint seeks damages, rescission of the merger, costs, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, and other equitable relief. On August 18, 2016, plaintiffs in the consolidated action filed a motion for expedited proceedings; on September 22, 2016, the court denied the motion.

On August 9, 2016, an eighth putative class action complaint was filed by a purported Starz stockholder in the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado: Gross v. John C. Malone, et al., 2016-CV-32873. The complaint names as defendants the members of the board of directors of Starz, Dr. Malone and Mr. Bennett, as well as Lions Gate and Merger Sub. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the members of the Starz board of directors breached fiduciary duties owed to Starz and the holders of Starz Series A common stock in connection with the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and that Dr. Malone, Mr. Bennett, Lions Gate, and Merger Sub aided and abetted

14

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

such breaches of fiduciary duty. On October 7, 2016, the Colorado court entered an order granting a joint motion for extension of time to respond to the complaint by and including November 9, 2016.

Defendants believe that the complaints are without merit and intend to defend the actions vigorously.

In the normal course of business, Starz is subject to other lawsuits and other claims, including claims of alleged infringement of the trademarks, patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights of third parties. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these other matters, it is the opinion of management, based upon consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate disposition of known proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on Starz’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Note 7 – Other Information

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Royalties, residuals and participations
$
79.1

 
$
82.4

Program rights payable
66.7

 
67.8

Advertising and marketing
44.2

 
48.1

Payroll and related costs
25.4

 
29.2

Other
35.7

 
40.2

 
$
251.1

 
$
267.7


Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information was as follows (in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
41.8

 
$
40.6

Cash paid for income taxes
$
62.4

 
$
92.6


Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders

Basic net income per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income attributable to stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented. The reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding was as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
96.5

 
101.3

 
97.4

 
101.3

Effect of dilution:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
3.2

 
4.9

 
3.3

 
4.8

Restricted shares
0.3

 
0.3

 
0.2

 
0.3

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
100.0

 
106.5

 
100.9

 
106.4

For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, approximately 1.9 million, 0.1 million, 2.5 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding since the shares would have been anti-dilutive.

15

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 replaces the majority of all U.S. GAAP guidance that currently exists on revenue recognition with a single model to be applied to all contracts with customers. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” For a public entity, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period (i.e., January 1, 2018 for Starz). Early application is permitted, but not before annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (i.e., January 1, 2017 for Starz). An entity must apply ASU 2014-09 using either the full retrospective approach, by restating all years presented, or the cumulative effect at the date of adoption approach. Starz is currently assessing the impact that these changes will have on its consolidated financial statements, and therefore, is unable to quantify such impact or determine the method of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842): New Guidance on Accounting for Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. A lease liability is defined as a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. A right-of-use asset is defined as an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. For a public entity, ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years (i.e., January 1, 2019 for Starz). Early adoption is permitted. Starz is currently assessing the impact that these changes will have on its consolidated financial statements, and therefore, is unable to quantify such impact.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for income taxes associated with share-based compensation by eliminating the requirement to classify the excess tax benefit as additional paid-in capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Starz recognized $3.7 million of excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital. Under this new guidance, all tax effects (excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies) related to exercised or vested awards shall be recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the statement of operations in the reporting period as they occur, regardless of whether the tax effects reduce taxes payable in the reporting period. ASU 2016-09 also requires a reclassification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows from a financing activity to an operating activity. The new guidance also establishes the requirement to classify cash paid by an entity to the taxing authorities when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes as a financing activity, which is consistent with Starz’s current and historical presentation. For a public entity, ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years (i.e., January 1, 2017 for Starz). Early adoption is permitted for any interim or annual period. Starz is currently assessing the transition method and date of adoption, and therefore, is unable to quantify such impact.

16

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016

Note 8 – Information about Operating Segments

Starz evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as Adjusted OIBDA. Adjusted OIBDA is defined as revenue less programming costs, production and acquisition costs, home video cost of sales, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, but excluding all stock compensation expense. Starz’s chief operating decision maker uses this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate its operating segments’ performance and make decisions about allocating resources among its operating segments. Starz believes that Adjusted OIBDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its operating segments, including each operating segment’s ability to assist Starz in servicing its debt and to fund investments in films and television programs. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between operating segments and identify strategies to improve performance.

This measure of performance excludes stock compensation, merger related costs and depreciation and amortization that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. The primary material limitations associated with the use of Adjusted OIBDA as compared to GAAP results are (i) it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in Starz’s industry, and (ii) it excludes financial information that some may consider important in evaluating Starz’s performance. Starz compensates for these limitations by providing a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to GAAP results to enable investors to perform their own analysis of Starz’s operating results. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, income before income taxes, net income, net cash provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes was as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA
$
89.9

 
$
114.7

 
$
344.4

 
$
393.6

Stock compensation
(8.1
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(23.7
)
 
(24.5
)
Merger related
(2.1
)
 

 
(11.6
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
(5.7
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(15.6
)
 
(14.3
)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
(11.7
)
 
(11.5
)
 
(35.1
)
 
(34.0
)
Other expense, net
(3.7
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(10.0
)
 
(8.8
)
Income before income taxes
$
58.6

 
$
85.8

 
$
248.4

 
$
312.0


Starz’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, content delivery methods and marketing strategies. Starz identifies its reportable segments as those operating segments that represent 10% or more of its consolidated annual revenue, annual Adjusted OIBDA or total assets. Starz Networks and Starz Distribution have been identified as reportable segments, however, as Starz had three operating segments, Starz Animation was also reported. As mentioned in Note 1, Starz, LLC sold 100% of its wholly-owned subsidiary Film Roman, which made up 100% of the Starz Animation operating segment, in October 2015. Starz generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.

17

Starz and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2016


Performance Measures (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
348.6

 
$
329.3

 
$
1,031.6

 
$
996.6

Starz Distribution
60.9

 
65.6

 
213.6

 
253.7

Starz Animation

 
9.3

 

 
23.1

Inter-segment eliminations
(1.7
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(0.9
)
 
$
407.8

 
$
404.1

 
$
1,242.3

 
$
1,272.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted OIBDA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
92.9

 
$
113.1

 
$
341.8

 
$
365.0

Starz Distribution
(1.7
)
 
1.8

 
4.3

 
30.2

Starz Animation

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(1.4
)
Inter-segment eliminations
(1.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(0.2
)
 
$
89.9

 
$
114.7

 
$
344.4

 
$
393.6


Other Information (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Cash paid for investment in films and television programs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
76.3

 
$
48.6

 
$
218.9

 
$
188.9

Starz Distribution
26.2

 
2.8

 
44.1

 
96.1

Starz Animation

 

 

 

Inter-segment eliminations

 

 

 

 
$
102.5

 
$
51.4

 
$
263.0

 
$
285.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Total assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
 
 
 
 
$
1,437.0

 
$
1,365.9

Starz Distribution
 
 
 
 
155.4

 
166.8

Starz Animation
 
 
 
 

 

Other unallocated assets (primarily cash, deferred taxes and other assets, including income taxes receivable and the commercial lease for Starz’s corporate headquarters facility)
 
84.2

 
109.7

Inter-segment eliminations
 
 
 
 
(101.0
)
 
(78.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,575.6

 
$
1,564.2




18


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q other than statements of historical fact or current fact are forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future. These statements represent our reasonable judgment on the future based on various factors and using numerous assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and could cause our actual results and financial position to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” or the negative thereof, or other words of similar meaning. In particular, these include, but are not limited to, statements of our current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions in domestic and international markets, our future performance and financial results and the proposed Merger. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements.
Among the factors that may cause actual results and experiences to differ from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are the following:
the proposed Merger;
the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation;
the amendment of the affiliation agreements with DIRECTV, LLC (“DIRECTV”) and AT&T Services, Inc. (“AT&T”), the anticipated impact of the amendments on Starz’s financial performance following the first year of the renewal period and other revenue sources including OTT revenue trends;
changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with Distributors and content providers and our ability to enter into, maintain and renew affiliation agreements with Distributors and programming output and library agreements with content providers on terms acceptable to us;
business combinations involving Distributors or content providers;
Distributor demand for our products and services, including the impact of higher rates paid by our Distributors to other programmers, and our ability to adapt to changes in demand;
consumer demand for our products and services, including changes in demand resulting from participation in and effectiveness of cooperative marketing campaigns with our Distributors, and our ability to adapt to changes in demand;
competitor responses to our products and services;
the continued investment in, the cost of and our ability to acquire or produce desirable original programming;
the cost of and our ability to acquire desirable theatrical movie content;
disruption in the production of theatrical films or television programs due to catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, fire or weather, or work stoppages or strikes by unions representing writers, directors or actors;
changes in distribution and viewing of television programming, including the expanded deployment of DVRs, video-on-demand, online based content delivery, Blu-rayTM players, game consoles and mobile devices, and their impact on media content consumption;
uncertainties inherent in the development and deployment of new business strategies;

19


uncertainties associated with the development of products and services and market acceptance, including the development and provision of programming for new television and telecommunications technologies;
our future financial performance, including availability, terms and deployment of capital;
the ability of our suppliers and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services;
availability of qualified personnel and artistic talent;
the regulatory and competitive environment of the industry in which we operate;
changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, and/or adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;
changes in tax requirements, including tax rate changes, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations;
general economic and business conditions and industry trends;
consumer spending levels;
rapid technological changes;
failure to protect digital information, including confidential and proprietary information about our distribution partners, viewers and employees, and copies of films, television programs and other content, subjecting us to potentially costly government enforcement actions, private litigation and reputational risks;
market demand for our products and services internationally;
fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates; and
threatened terrorist attacks or political unrest in domestic and international markets.
For a description of our risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as well as “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in Part II of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.
In addition, there may be other factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from the results referenced in the forward-looking statements. Many of these factors will be important in determining our actual future results. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Our actual future results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
OVERVIEW
Starz is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company. We provide premium subscription video programming in the U.S. to cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies and online video providers, and to OTT subscribers via the Starz app. We also develop, produce and acquire entertainment content and distribute this content to consumers in the U.S. and throughout the world. Our business operations are conducted by our wholly-owned subsidiaries Starz, LLC, Starz Entertainment, Starz Media and certain other immaterial subsidiaries. In

20


October 2015, Starz, LLC acquired the 25% interest in Starz Media formerly owned by Weinstein. In October 2015, Starz, LLC sold 100% of its wholly-owned subsidiary Film Roman, which made up 100% of our Starz Animation operating segment.
Our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, content delivery methods and marketing strategies. We identify our reportable segments as those operating segments that represent 10% or more of our consolidated annual revenue, annual Adjusted OIBDA or total assets. Following the sale of Film Roman, we manage our operations through our Starz Networks and Starz Distribution operating segments. Our integrated operating segments enable us to maintain control, and maximize the profitability of our original programming content and its marketing and distribution in the home entertainment and television ancillary markets. Our expanding original programming line-up also provides downstream revenue opportunities for the Starz Distribution operating segment to the extent we retain rights to exploit such programming in these ancillary markets both in the U.S. and around the world.
Lions Gate Merger

On June 30, 2016, Starz entered into the Merger Agreement with Lions Gate and Merger Sub. The Merger Agreement provides that Merger Sub will merge with and into Starz, with Starz continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lions Gate. See Note 1 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of the proposed Merger.

Revenue
The STARZ and STARZ ENCORE networks are the primary drivers of Starz Networks’ revenue. Our networks are distributed pursuant to affiliation agreements with Distributors. Programming revenue is recognized in the period during which programming is provided, either:
based solely on the total number of subscribers who receive our networks multiplied by rates specified in the agreements (i.e., consignment), or
based on amounts or rates which are not tied solely to the total number of subscribers who receive our networks (i.e., non-consignment). Examples of non-consignment agreements include fixed payment arrangements whereby a Distributor pays a fixed monthly payment (with annual escalators) regardless of the total number of subscribers who receive our networks. Additionally, Distributor payments may be calculated using the number of households subscribing to the Distributor’s basic service multiplied by rates specified in the agreement.
The agreements generally provide for annual contractual rate increases of a fixed percentage or a fixed amount, or rate increases tied to annual increases in the Consumer Price Index.
Starz Distribution earns revenue from its Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital and Starz Worldwide Distribution businesses through the sale of its content in the U.S. and throughout the world on DVDs, PPV, VOD, SVOD, AVOD, electronic sell-through, other digital formats and free and pay television. Revenue generated from the sale of DVDs is recognized, net of an allowance for estimated sales returns, on the later of the estimated receipt of the product by the customer or after any restrictions on sale lapse. At the time of the initial sale, we also record a provision, based on historical trends and practices, to reduce revenue for discounts and rebates provided to customers related to the sale of DVDs. Revenue from digital and television licensing is recognized when the film or program is complete in accordance with the terms of the arrangement and is available for exploitation by the licensee. The film or program is available for exploitation when it has been delivered or is available to the licensee and the license period has commenced. Starz Distribution’s content includes content we own and license, including Starz Networks’ original series, and for Anchor Bay Entertainment and Starz Digital, it also includes the Weinstein’s titles.
Starz Animation recognized revenue related to animation services provided to customers under contract generally based on the percentage that costs incurred-to-date bore to estimated total costs to complete utilizing the most recent information. Revenue recognized was proportional to the work performed-to-date under the contracts.


21


Costs and Expenses
Programming costs are Starz Networks’ largest expense. The cost of program rights for films and television programs (including original series) exhibited by Starz Networks is generally amortized on a title-by-title or episode-by-episode basis over the anticipated number of exhibitions. Starz Networks estimates the number of exhibitions based on the number of exhibitions allowed in the agreement and the expected usage of the content. Certain other program rights are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the respective lives of the agreements. Starz Networks generally has rights to two or three separate windows under its output agreements. For films with multiple windows, the license fee is allocated between the windows based upon the proportionate estimated fair value of each window with the majority of the cost allocated to the first window. Programming costs vary due to the number of airings and cost of our original series, the number of films licensed and the cost per film paid under our output and library programming agreements.
Production and acquisition costs are Starz Distribution’s largest expense and include amortization of our investment in films and television programs, participation and royalty costs and residuals. The portion of costs attributed to the pay television window for our original series is included in programming costs. All remaining production and acquisition costs for original series as well as our other films and television programs that we own or license (not including films licensed under our output and library programming agreements which are included in programming costs) are amortized to production and acquisition costs based on the proportion that current revenue bears to an estimate of Ultimate Revenue for each film or television program. The amount of production and acquisition costs that we will incur for original programming is impacted by both the number of and cost of the productions and the various distribution rights that we acquire or retain for these productions. Participation costs represent amounts paid or due to participants under agreements we have whereby Starz Distribution distributes content in which a participant (e.g., Weinstein, producers or writers of our original programming, etc.) has an ownership interest or shares in the profits from the distribution of the film or television program.
Home video cost of sales represents the direct costs related to the production and distribution of DVDs in our Starz Distribution segment. These costs include costs such as manufacturing, mastering, freight and distribution fees.
Operating expenses primarily includes Starz Networks’ operating costs (e.g., salaries, transponder expenses and maintenance and repairs) and non-DVD distribution expenses related to Starz Distribution. Prior to the sale of Film Roman, it included production costs related to animation services provided to customers under contract, which represented Starz Animation’s largest expense.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include our advertising and marketing costs and our general and administrative expenses. Advertising and marketing costs primarily include consumer marketing, distributor marketing support and other marketing costs. General and administrative expenses include salaries, stock compensation and other overhead costs.

22


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
Our operating results were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
Programming networks and other services
$
381.6

$
369.8

$
11.8

3
 %
Home video net sales
26.2

34.3

(8.1
)
(24
)%
Total revenue
407.8

404.1

3.7

1
 %
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
Programming (including amortization)
181.9

159.0

22.9

14
 %
Production and acquisition (including amortization)
43.0

39.7

3.3

8
 %
Home video cost of sales
7.6

9.2

(1.6
)
(17
)%
Operating
7.6

15.2

(7.6
)
(50
)%
Selling, general and administrative
85.9

74.4

11.5

15
 %
Merger related
2.1


2.1

100
 %
Depreciation and amortization
5.7

4.8

0.9

19
 %
Total costs and expenses
333.8

302.3

31.5

10
 %
Operating income
74.0

101.8

(27.8
)
(27
)%
Other expense:
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
(11.7
)
(11.5
)
(0.2
)
(2
)%
Other expense, net
(3.7
)
(4.5
)
0.8

18
 %
Income before income taxes
58.6

85.8

(27.2
)
(32
)%
Income tax expense
(24.3
)
(26.3
)
2.0

8
 %
Net income
$
34.3

$
59.5

$
(25.2
)
(42
)%

COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
Revenue
Revenue by segment was as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Revenue
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
348.6

$
329.3

$
19.3

6
 %
Starz Distribution
60.9

65.6

(4.7
)
(7
)%
Starz Animation

9.3

(9.3
)
(100
)%
Inter-segment eliminations
(1.7
)
(0.1
)
(1.6
)
(1,600
)%
Total revenue
$
407.8

$
404.1

$
3.7

1
 %
Starz Networks’ revenue represented 85% and 81% of our total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
On October 21, 2016, Starz amended its affiliation agreements with both DIRECTV and AT&T, extending the term of both agreements for multiple years. Solely for purposes of presentation, had we been operating under the financial terms of the amendments beginning January 1, 2015 and during the three months ended September 30, 2015, we estimate Starz Networks’ revenue and Starz’s consolidated revenue for such period would have been $318.1 million and $392.9 million, respectively. Similarly, had we been operating under the financial terms of the amendments beginning January 1, 2016 and during the three months ended September 30, 2016, we estimate Starz Networks’ revenue and Starz’s consolidated revenue for such period would have been $340.5 million and $399.7 million, respectively. The amendments provide for annual rate increases. Accordingly, following the first year of the renewal period, the impact on Starz’s earnings under these amendments would decrease annually.  Further, Starz expects other revenue sources, including OTT revenue trends, to offset the financial impact of the amendments.

23


In addition, in connection with and as a condition to these amendments, Lions Gate has entered into an agreement to issue to AT&T three $16.67 million annual installments of equity (or cash at Lions Gate’s election) following the completion of the Merger.  Starz has been advised that Lions Gate is expected to treat the annual issuance or payment as a reduction of Starz Networks’ revenue.  Starz has further been advised that Lions Gate signed a new multi-year agreement covering transactional video-on-demand, pay-per-view and electronic-sell-through with DIRECTV and AT&T simultaneously with the entrance into the agreement described above.

If, for any reason, the proposed Merger is not completed, the Lions Gate installment payments would terminate and DIRECTV and AT&T would have the option to terminate and renegotiate the multi-year amendments with Starz.

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, subscriptions to our STARZ and STARZ ENCORE networks (subscriptions in millions):
 
As of September 30,
# Change
% Change
Period End Subscriptions:
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
STARZ
24.5
23.3
1.2

5
 %
STARZ ENCORE
31.5
32.5
(1.0
)
(3
)%
Total
56.0
55.8
0.2

 %
Revenue from Starz Networks increased $19.3 million or 6% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in revenue was a result of a $20.8 million increase due to higher effective rates driven by growth in our OTT subscribers and annual rate increases from various distributors, offset by a $1.5 million decrease due to lower average subscriptions.
Revenue from Starz Distribution decreased $4.7 million or 7% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to fewer significant new titles distributed for Weinstein and lower sales of other acquired content, partially offset by an increase in revenue from our original series.
Programming
Programming costs increased $22.9 million or 14% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in programming costs was primarily due to a $24.4 million increase in original series amortization expense and a $5.6 million increase in other programming related costs, including increased development costs, offset by a $7.1 million decrease in output and library film amortization expense.
We expect programming costs related to original programming to increase in the future. We are currently benefiting from a lower cost per film that we pay under our output agreements with Sony and Disney. This lower cost per film was the result of favorable negotiations during the most recent output agreement renewals. We expect to see continued savings in the remaining 2016 and the 2017 timeframe at which time the first window license period under our Disney output agreement ends. We plan to utilize these savings to fund a portion of the increase in our original programming to 80-90 episodes per year.
Production and Acquisition
Production and acquisition costs increased $3.3 million or 8% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase was primarily due to an increase in revenue from our original series, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from films distributed for Weinstein.
Home Video Cost of Sales
Home video cost of sales decreased $1.6 million or 17% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Home video cost of sales represented 29% and 27% of home video net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in costs as a percentage of sales was due to lower revenue from Weinstein titles. Under our agreement with Weinstein, DVD replication and packaging costs are paid for by Weinstein.

24


Operating
Operating expense decreased $7.6 million or 50% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of Film Roman in October 2015.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Advertising and marketing
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
42.9

$
29.6

$
13.3

45
 %
Starz Distribution
3.7

5.9

(2.2
)
(37
)%
Starz Animation



 %
Inter-segment eliminations



 %
Total advertising and marketing
46.6

35.5

11.1

31
 %
General and administrative, excluding stock compensation
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
24.2

22.9

1.3

6
 %
Starz Distribution
7.6

8.4

(0.8
)
(10
)%
Starz Animation

0.1

(0.1
)
(100
)%
Inter-segment eliminations



 %
General and administrative, excluding stock compensation
31.8

31.4

0.4

1
 %
Stock compensation
7.5

7.5


 %
Total general and administrative
39.3

38.9

0.4

1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
Total selling, general and administrative
$
85.9

$
74.4

$
11.5

15
 %
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue
10
%
10
%
 
 
Starz Networks’ advertising and marketing costs increased $13.3 million primarily due to increased spend related to the timing of the airing of our original programming line-up and spend associated with the launch of our new Starz app. Starz Distribution’s advertising and marketing costs decreased $2.2 million due to fewer significant Weinstein releases in the current period.
Merger Related
We incurred $2.1 million of merger related costs, primarily legal fees, for the three months ended September 30, 2016. We expect to incur additional merger related costs through the closing of the Merger, and such amounts will be significant.

25


Operating Income and Adjusted OIBDA
Operating income decreased $27.8 million or 27% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. In addition to the impacts discussed below under Adjusted OIBDA, operating income was negatively impacted by $2.1 million of merger related costs.
See Note 8 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of Adjusted OIBDA, which also includes a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to the GAAP measure income before income taxes. Adjusted OIBDA by segment was as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Adjusted OIBDA
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
92.9

$
113.1

$
(20.2
)
(18
)%
Starz Distribution
(1.7
)
1.8

(3.5
)
(194
)%
Starz Animation

(0.1
)
0.1

100
 %
Inter-segment eliminations
(1.3
)
(0.1
)
(1.2
)
(1,200
)%
Total Adjusted OIBDA
$
89.9

$
114.7

$
(24.8
)
(22
)%

Adjusted OIBDA for Starz Networks decreased $20.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Such decrease was a result of the increase in programming costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the increase in revenue. Adjusted OIBDA for Starz Distribution decreased $3.5 million primarily due to the decrease in revenue.
Other Expense, Net
We recorded other expense, net of $3.7 million and $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was primarily comprised of our share of losses from our investment in Playco Holdings Limited (“Playco”), an equity investee in which we hold an approximate 40% ownership interest, of $3.1 million and $2.2 million respectively, and the impact of foreign currency hedging and exchange fluctuations.
Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Income before income taxes
$
58.6

 
$
85.8

Income tax expense
$
24.3

 
$
26.3

Effective tax rate
41
%
 
31
%
The 10% increase in our effective tax rate was comprised of the following:
Effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015
31
%
Changes in uncertain tax positions during the three months ended September 30, 2015
4
%
State tax return to provision true-ups during the three months ended September 30, 2016
3
%
Non-deductible portion of merger related costs during the three months ended September 30, 2016
3
%
Effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016
41
%


26


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
Our operating results were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
Programming networks and other services
$
1,165.6

$
1,165.9

$
(0.3
)
 %
Home video net sales
76.7

106.6

(29.9
)
(28
)%
Total revenue
1,242.3

1,272.5

(30.2
)
(2
)%
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
Programming (including amortization)
480.7

459.5

21.2

5
 %
Production and acquisition (including amortization)
144.3

146.3

(2.0
)
(1
)%
Home video cost of sales
20.1

29.6

(9.5
)
(32
)%
Operating
20.7

40.9

(20.2
)
(49
)%
Selling, general and administrative
255.8

227.1

28.7

13
 %
Merger related
11.6


11.6

100
 %
Depreciation and amortization
15.6

14.3

1.3

9
 %
Total costs and expenses
948.8

917.7

31.1

3
 %
Operating income
293.5

354.8

(61.3
)
(17
)%
Other expense:
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
(35.1
)
(34.0
)
(1.1
)
(3
)%
Other expense, net
(10.0
)
(8.8
)
(1.2
)
(14
)%
Income before income taxes
248.4

312.0

(63.6
)
(20
)%
Income tax expense
(92.7
)
(103.4
)
10.7

10
 %
Net income
$
155.7

$
208.6

$
(52.9
)
(25
)%


COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
Revenue
Revenue by segment was as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Revenue
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
1,031.6

$
996.6

$
35.0

4
 %
Starz Distribution
213.6

253.7

(40.1
)
(16
)%
Starz Animation

23.1

(23.1
)
(100
)%
Inter-segment eliminations
(2.9
)
(0.9
)
(2.0
)
(222
)%
 
$
1,242.3

$
1,272.5

$
(30.2
)
(2
)%
Starz Networks’ revenue represented 83% and 78% of our total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
On October 21, 2016, Starz amended its affiliation agreements with both DIRECTV and AT&T, extending the term of both agreements for multiple years. Solely for purposes of presentation, had we been operating under the financial terms of the amendments beginning January 1, 2015 and during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we estimate Starz Networks’ revenue and Starz’s consolidated revenue for such period would have been $961.9 million and $1,237.8 million, respectively. Similarly, had we been operating under the financial terms of the amendments beginning January 1, 2016 and during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we estimate Starz Networks’ revenue and Starz’s consolidated revenue for such period would have been $1,003.2 million and $1,213.9 million, respectively. The amendments provide for annual rate increases. Accordingly, following the first year of the renewal period, the impact on Starz’s earnings under these

27


amendments would decrease annually.  Further, Starz expects other revenue sources, including OTT revenue trends, to offset the financial impact of the amendments.
In addition, in connection with and as a condition to these amendments, Lions Gate has entered into an agreement to issue to AT&T three $16.67 million annual installments of equity (or cash at Lions Gate’s election) following the completion of the Merger.  Starz has been advised that Lions Gate is expected to treat the annual issuance or payment as a reduction of Starz Networks’ revenue.  Starz has further been advised that Lions Gate signed a new multi-year agreement covering transactional video-on-demand, pay-per-view and electronic-sell-through with DIRECTV and AT&T simultaneously with the entrance into the agreement described above.

If, for any reason, the proposed Merger is not completed, the Lions Gate installment payments would terminate and DIRECTV and AT&T would have the option to terminate and renegotiate the multi-year amendments with Starz.

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, subscriptions to our STARZ and STARZ ENCORE networks (subscriptions in millions):
 
As of September 30,
# Change
% Change
Period End Subscriptions:
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
STARZ
24.5
23.3
1.2

5
 %
STARZ ENCORE
31.5
32.5
(1.0
)
(3
)%
 
56.0
55.8
0.2

 %

Revenue from Starz Networks increased $35.0 million or 4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in revenue was a result of a $44.8 million increase due to higher effective rates driven by growth in our OTT subscribers and annual rate increases from various distributors, partially offset by a $9.8 million decrease due to lower average subscriptions resulting primarily from video household losses at certain distributors.

Revenue from Starz Distribution decreased $40.1 million or 16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in revenue from our original series and fewer significant new titles distributed for Weinstein. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we licensed certain of our original series in the U.S., including “Spartacus” and “Magic City” to Netflix and “The White Queen” to Amazon.
Programming
Programming costs increased $21.2 million or 5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in programming costs was primarily due to a $30.7 million increase in original series amortization expense and a $9.6 million increase in other programming related costs, including increased development costs, offset by a $19.1 million decrease in output and library film amortization expense.
We expect programming costs related to original programming to increase in the future. We are currently benefiting from a lower cost per film that we pay under our output agreements with Sony and Disney. This lower cost per film was the result of favorable negotiations during the most recent output agreement renewals. We expect to see continued savings in the remaining 2016 and the 2017 timeframe at which time the first window license period under our Disney output agreement ends. We plan to utilize these savings to fund a portion of the increase in our original programming to 80-90 episodes per year.
Production and Acquisition
Production and acquisition costs decreased $2.0 million or 1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in revenue from films distributed for Weinstein, partially offset by an increase in amortization expense due to higher cost original series.

28


Home Video Cost of Sales
Home video cost of sales decreased $9.5 million or 32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Home video cost of sales represented 26% and 28% of home video net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in costs as a percentage of sales was due to a higher percentage of revenue from Weinstein titles as compared to our other home video releases. Under our agreement with Weinstein, DVD replication and packaging costs are paid for by Weinstein.
Operating
Operating expense decreased $20.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of Film Roman in October 2015.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Advertising and marketing:
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
114.3

$
93.1

$
21.2

23
 %
Starz Distribution
14.8

21.2

(6.4
)
(30
)%
Starz Animation



 %
Inter-segment eliminations



 %
Total advertising and marketing
129.1

114.3

14.8

13
 %
General and administrative, excluding stock compensation:
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
77.6

66.0

11.6

18
 %
Starz Distribution
27.5

24.0

3.5

15
 %
Starz Animation

0.4

(0.4
)
(100
)%
Inter-segment eliminations



 %
General and administrative, excluding stock compensation
105.1

90.4

14.7

16
 %
Stock compensation
21.6

22.4

(0.8
)
(4
)%
Total general and administrative
126.7

112.8

13.9

12
 %
 
$
255.8

$
227.1

$
28.7

13
 %
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue
10
%
9
%
 
 
Starz Networks’ advertising and marketing costs increased $21.2 million primarily due to increased spend related to our original programming line-up and spend associated with the launch of our new Starz app. Starz Distribution’s advertising and marketing costs decreased $6.4 million due to fewer significant new Weinstein releases in the current period. Starz Networks’ general and administrative expense increased $11.6 million, primarily due to litigation related costs and payroll costs. Starz Distributions general and administrative expense increased $3.5 million, primarily due to higher bad debt expense.
Merger Related
We incurred $11.6 million of merger related costs, primarily advisory and legal fees, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We expect to incur additional merger related costs through the closing of the Merger, and such amounts will be significant.

29


Operating Income and Adjusted OIBDA
Operating income decreased $61.3 million or 17% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. In addition to the impacts discussed below under Adjusted OIBDA, operating income was negatively impacted by $11.6 million of merger related costs.
See Note 8 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of Adjusted OIBDA, which also includes a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to the GAAP measure income before income taxes. Adjusted OIBDA by segment was as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
 
2016
2015
‘16 vs ‘15
‘16 vs ‘15
Adjusted OIBDA
 
 
 
 
Starz Networks
$
341.8

$
365.0

$
(23.2
)
(6
)%
Starz Distribution
4.3

30.2

(25.9
)
(86
)%
Starz Animation

(1.4
)
1.4

100
 %
Inter-segment eliminations
(1.7
)
(0.2
)
(1.5
)
(750
)%
 
$
344.4

$
393.6

$
(49.2
)
(13
)%

Adjusted OIBDA for Starz Networks decreased $23.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Such decrease was a result of the increase in programming costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the increase in revenue. Adjusted OIBDA for Starz Distribution decreased $25.9 million primarily due to the decrease in revenue.
Other Expense, Net
We recorded other expense, net of $10.0 million and $8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively. The expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was primarily comprised of our share of losses from our investment in Playco of $11.6 million and $8.0 million respectively, and the impact of foreign currency hedging and exchange fluctuations.
Income Taxes
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Income before income taxes
$
248.4

 
$
312.0

Income tax expense
$
92.7

 
$
103.4

Effective tax rate
37
%
 
33
%
The 4% increase in our effective tax rate was comprised of the following:
Effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015
33
%
Changes in uncertain tax positions during the nine months ended September 30, 2015
1
%
Non-deductible portion of merger related costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2016
2
%
State tax return to provision true-ups during the nine months ended September 30, 2016
1
%
Effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016
37
%

MATERIAL CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION
As of September 30, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $14.0 million. Our cash and cash equivalents are, from time to time, invested in U.S. Treasury securities, other government securities or government guaranteed funds, AAA rated money market funds and other highly rated commercial paper.

30


Operating Activities
We generated $196.7 million and $88.5 million of net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our primary uses of cash are payments under our programming output and library agreements and production and acquisition costs for our original programming, home video and other content (i.e., investment in films and television programs), which are included as a reduction of net cash provided by operating activities. Cash paid under our programming output and library agreements totaled $271.5 million and $350.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cash paid for original programming, home video and other content totaled $263.0 million and $285.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and decreased primarily due to a decrease in payments to Weinstein, partially offset by an increase related to production of our original series. We plan to continue to increase our investments in original programming in future periods. A $30.2 million decrease in taxes paid positively impacted our net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. A $17.3 million and a $30.5 million increase in our long term receivables from the licensing of certain of our original series to Netflix and Amazon negatively impacted our net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Investing Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we made advances to Playco totaling $16.0 million and $3.8 million, respectively.
Financing Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we had net payments of debt of $44.2 million. We repurchased 4.6 million shares of common stock for $121.6 million, including fees, under our share repurchase program during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $64.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. We had $356.7 million available under our share repurchase program as of September 30, 2016. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we are prohibited from repurchasing our common stock. Accordingly, there will be no repurchases of our common stock through the closing of the Merger.
We are continually projecting anticipated cash requirements for our operating, investing and financing needs. Potential sources of liquidity include net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our Credit Agreement. Our expected uses of cash for investing and financing activities include capital expenditures, funding of Playco and debt repayments. The Credit Agreement and Senior Notes will be repaid and terminated in connection with the closing of the Merger. However, if the Merger is not consummated, we believe that based on our current operating plans, net cash provided by operating activities, available borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement, through its expiration on April 20, 2020, and access to debt and equity markets will be sufficient to fund our expected uses of cash for the foreseeable future. Net cash provided by operating activities and access to the capital markets can be impacted by factors outside of our control. Our Senior Notes are due on September 15, 2019. If the Merger is not consummated, we plan to refinance these notes on terms acceptable to us prior to their due date. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance them on acceptable terms, if at all. As of September 30, 2016, $732.0 million of borrowing capacity was available under our Credit Agreement.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) in May 2014, issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842): New Guidance on Accounting for Leases in February 2016 and issued ASU 2016-09 Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in March 2016. See Note 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of the new accounting standards and the assessments of the potential impacts on Starz.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to our ongoing financial and operating activities. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices and interest rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings.

31


We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of borrowings used to fund our investing and financing activities. The nature and amount of our long-term and short-term debt are expected to vary as a result of future requirements, market conditions and other factors. We manage our exposure to interest rates by maintaining what we believe is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt and by entering into interest rate swap and collar arrangements when we deem appropriate.
As of September 30, 2016, our debt was comprised of the following amounts (in millions):
Variable rate debt
 
Fixed rate debt
Principal
amount
Weighted avg.
interest rate
 
Principal
amount
Weighted avg.
interest rate
$268.0
2.27%
 
$737.2
5.12%
A hypothetical 50 basis point change in interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2016 would either increase or decrease our annual interest expense on our variable rate debt by approximately $1.3 million. As shown above, the majority of our outstanding debt at September 30, 2016 was fixed rate debt. However, at September 30, 2016, $732.0 million of borrowing capacity was available under our Credit Agreement, which is at variable rates.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer (“Executives”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we implemented a new integrated programming management system for Starz Networks. The new system and related changes to processes have changed our internal control over financial reporting. We have taken the necessary steps to test the operating effectiveness of all key controls in the new system and maintained appropriate internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2016. Other than the system implementation discussed above, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

32


PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On October 29, 2015, Keno Thomas, a former Starz Entertainment employee, filed a complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Starz, Starz, LLC, Starz Entertainment (collectively, “Starz Parties”) and Liberty Media, and certain individual defendants. The plaintiff alleges that the Starz Parties and certain of the other defendants engaged in retaliation, wrongful termination of employment, failure to prevent retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, all in connection with the plaintiff’s employment with Starz Entertainment. The plaintiff seeks compensatory, emotional distress and punitive damages, interest and an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees. On November 30, 2015, defendants removed this case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In February 2016, the parties stipulated to dismiss Starz and Starz, LLC without prejudice and to dismiss Liberty Media with prejudice. On February 29, 2016, the District Court dismissed one of the individual defendants without prejudice, dismissed certain claims for retaliation and for intentional infliction of emotional distress without prejudice and struck certain other allegations in the complaint, permitting the plaintiff to file an amended complaint with respect to the claims dismissed without prejudice. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on March 30, 2016 with modified allegations of retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. On April 13, 2016, the defendants moved to dismiss various causes of action in the amended complaint. On July 11, 2016, the District Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress without leave to amend, and to dismiss one claim for retaliation with leave to amend. On September 26, 2016, the District Court denied Starz’s motion to dismiss one of the plaintiff’s claims for retaliation under California Labor Code Section 1102.5(c), but agreed that plaintiff could not pursue one theory of his claim for retaliation within that claim. Starz believes that it has substantial defenses to the claims asserted in the foregoing action, is defending the action vigorously, and does not believe that the resolution of the action will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

Between July 19, 2016 and July 29, 2016, six putative class action complaints were filed by purported Starz stockholders in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware: Freedman v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12571-VCG; Oklahoma Police Pension & Retirement System v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12584-VCG; The Firemen’s Retirement System of St. Louis v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12596-VCG; City of Cambridge Retirement System v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12598-VCG; Norfolk County Retirement System v. Malone, et al., C.A. No. 12599-VCG; and City of Providence v. Starz, et al., C.A. No. 12604-VCG. On August 16, 2016, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered an order consolidating these six putative class actions into one consolidated action, In re Starz Stockholder Litigation, Consolidated C.A. No. 12584-VCG. On August 30, 2016, a seventh putative class action was filed by purported Starz stockholders in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, Teamsters Local 170 Pension Fund v. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., et al., C.A. No. 12705, which was later added to the consolidated action. The verified consolidated class action complaint names as defendants Starz; Dr. John C. Malone; Mark H. Rachesky; Greg Maffei; Robert R. Bennett; Deborah J. Bennett; Irving L. Azoff; Susan M. Lyne; Christopher P. Albrecht; Daniel E. Sanchez; Robert S. Wiesenthal; Andrew T. Heller; Jeffrey F. Sagansky; Charles Y. Tanabe; Hilltop Investments, LLC; Leslie Malone; The Tracey L. Neal Trust A; The Evan D. Malone Trust A; Lions Gate; and Merger Sub. The consolidated complaint alleges that the Starz Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to obtain adequate consideration for the Merger and that other defendants breached their fiduciary duties and/or aided and abetted the board in breaching their fiduciary duties. In two counts, the consolidated complaint asserts a claim for breaches of fiduciary duty against Dr. Malone and the Starz Board of Directors, as well as a claim for aiding and abetting the breaches of fiduciary duty against Dr. Malone, Robert Bennett, Deborah Bennett, Hilltop Investments LLC, Leslie Malone, The Tracey L. Neal Trust A, The Evan D. Malone Trust A, Mark H. Rachesky, Lions Gate, and Orion Arm. The consolidated class action complaint seeks damages, rescission of the merger, costs, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, and other equitable relief. On August 18, 2016, plaintiffs in the consolidated action filed a motion for expedited proceedings; on September 22, 2016, the court denied the motion.

On August 9, 2016, an eighth putative class action complaint was filed by a purported Starz stockholder in the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado: Gross v. John C. Malone, et al., 2016-CV-32873. The complaint names as defendants the members of the board of directors of Starz, Dr. Malone and Mr. Bennett, as well as Lions Gate and Merger Sub. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the members of the Starz board of directors breached fiduciary duties owed to Starz and the holders of Starz Series A common stock in connection with the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and that Dr. Malone, Mr. Bennett, Lions Gate, and Merger Sub aided and abetted such breaches of fiduciary duty. On October 7, 2016, the Colorado court entered an order granting a joint motion for extension of time to respond to the complaint by and including November 9, 2016.

Defendants believe that the complaints are without merit and intend to defend the actions vigorously.


33


In the normal course of business, Starz is subject to other lawsuits and other claims, including claims of alleged infringement of the trademarks, patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights of third parties. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these other matters, it is the opinion of management, based upon consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate disposition of known proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on Starz’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Share Repurchase Program
The Starz board of directors has authorized a total of $1,200.0 million since January 2013 to repurchase Starz common stock. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we did not repurchase any of our common stock. Starz had $356.7 million available under its share repurchase program as of September 30, 2016. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we are prohibited from repurchasing our common stock. Accordingly, there will be no repurchases of our common stock through the closing of the Merger.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, 3,167 shares of Series A common stock were surrendered by employees to pay withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of the employees’ restricted stock.
Item 6. Exhibits
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K).
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
10.1
Carmi D. Zlotnik Retention Bonus Agreement, dated September 6, 2016, between Starz Entertainment, LLC and Carmi D. Zlotnik.*
10.2
First Amendment to Starz Severance Agreement with Carmi Zlotnik, dated September 6, 2016, between Starz Entertainment, LLC and Carmi D. Zlotnik.*
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification*
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification*
32.1
Section 1350 Certifications**
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document*
______________________
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.

34


Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Starz
 
By:
/s/ Christopher P. Albrecht
Date: November 8, 2016
 
Name:
Christopher P. Albrecht
 
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Scott D. Macdonald
Date: November 8, 2016
 
Name:
Scott D. Macdonald
 
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)


35


Exhibit List
Exhibits. Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
10.1
Carmi D. Zlotnik Retention Bonus Agreement, dated September 6, 2016, between Starz Entertainment, LLC and Carmi D. Zlotnik.*
10.2
First Amendment to Starz Severance Agreement with Carmi Zlotnik, dated September 6, 2016, between Starz Entertainment, LLC and Carmi D. Zlotnik.*
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification*
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification*
32.1
Section 1350 Certifications**
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document*
_____________________
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.


36