Group 1 - Lionsgate will reduce its companywide staff by 5%, resulting in a total headcount reduction of 13% after previous layoffs of 8% [1][4] - The layoffs are part of a corporate belt-tightening strategy, aligning with industry trends as companies like Paramount Global also undergo staff reductions [2] - The company aims to enhance efficiency and position itself for future growth by separating Lionsgate and STARZ into independent entities and monetizing non-core assets [3][4] Group 2 - The headcount reduction is described as a difficult decision impacting long-term employees, with efforts to ensure smooth transitions for those affected [4] - Despite the layoffs, the company maintains its core strengths, including a valuable film and television library, premium franchises, and a talented workforce [5] - The leadership expresses confidence in the company's ability to achieve significant growth in the coming years [5]

Some degree of Takeout Fever was gripping Hollywood on the second-to-last trading day of the week.On news that an entertainment sector giant might be making an attempt to buy a large peer, investors took an interest in several industry stocks on Thursday. One of these was Lionsgate Studios (LION 15.88%), whose share price surged by almost 16%, surely on hopes that it too might be approached by suitors. The stock's advance was much more impressive than the S&P 500 index's 0.9% increase. Hollywood heatThe tal ...

Core Insights - Lionsgate Motion Picture Group marketing president JP Richards and co-president Keri Moore are leaving the company effective immediately [1] - Their roles will not be filled immediately, with interim leadership provided by EVPs Amanda Kozlowski, Jack Teed, and Nasim Cambron, while Adam Fogelson will take a more active role [2] - This leadership change follows the promotion of Erin Westerman to president of the Motion Picture Group, replacing Nathan Kahane [3] Group 1: Leadership Changes - The decision to re-approach the marketing group is aimed at adapting to a rapidly changing market, as stated by Adam Fogelson [4] - JP Richards and Keri Moore were hired in October 2022, replacing Marisa Liston and David Edwards [5] Group 2: Recent Performance and Future Outlook - The exits of Richards and Moore come after Lionsgate experienced challenges with major releases, including "Ballerina" which grossed $132 million and "Hurry Up Tomorrow" which grossed $7.8 million globally [6] - Upcoming titles include "Good Fortune" debuting at TIFF, "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" on November 14, and "The Housemaid" on December 25 [6] Group 3: Reflections from Departing Executives - JP Richards expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with a talented team and highlighted the innovative spirit of the group [7] - Keri Moore emphasized pride in the team and the projects they have developed, noting the challenges faced in the post-pandemic landscape [7] Group 4: Potential M&A Activity - Recent reports indicate that Legendary is exploring opportunities with Lionsgate Studios, which has recently been spun off from Starz, suggesting potential co-production deals [7]

Core Insights - Lionsgate has promoted Erin Westerman to president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group following Nathan Kahane's departure at the end of the year [1] - Westerman will oversee all aspects of the development and production of Lionsgate's theatrical slate, reporting to Adam Fogelson [1][2] Leadership and Impact - Adam Fogelson praised Westerman for her significant contributions to the studio, highlighting her intelligence, passion for theatrical moviegoing, and ability to attract filmmakers [2] - Westerman's leadership is expected to shape the future slate of Lionsgate films [2] Current Projects - Westerman is currently managing several upcoming films, including "The Long Walk" (September 12), "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" (November 14), "The Housemaid" (December 25), and a Michael Jackson biopic [3] - Other notable projects include "I Can Only Imagine 2" (February 20, 2026) and expansions of the John Wick Universe [3][4] Films in Development - Major films under Westerman's leadership include a re-imagining of "American Psycho," a "Monopoly" film, a "Naruto" adaptation, a new "Blair Witch Project," and various projects within the John Wick franchise [4] Previous Achievements - Westerman has been instrumental in the success of films like "John Wick: Parabellum," "John Wick: Chapter 4," and "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," which grossed nearly $350 million worldwide [6] - Before joining Lionsgate, she produced successful films at Good Universe and worked at Walt Disney Studios [7]

Core Viewpoint - Lionsgate is set to release its financial results for the fiscal 2026 first quarter on August 7, 2025, after market close [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the fiscal 2026 first quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be announced after market close on August 7, 2025 [1] - An analyst and investor conference call will be held on the same day at 5:00 P.M. ET/2:00 P.M. PT to discuss the results [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Lionsgate is recognized as one of the leading standalone, publicly-traded content companies globally [3] - The company encompasses diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a valuable portfolio of brands and franchises, and a significant film and television library exceeding 20,000 titles [3]

Group 1 - Legendary Entertainment is considering acquiring Lionsgate Studios, which has recently spun off its operations [1] - Moelis & Company investment bank is involved in early discussions between Lionsgate and Legendary regarding potential co-productions [2] - Lionsgate has a market capitalization of $2 billion, and its share prices increased by 20% following the initial report of acquisition talks [3] Group 2 - Lionsgate's business model involves offloading foreign films, which limits potential buyers from obtaining full ownership of its library [4] - The company has maintained success in the streaming market by acting as a content provider rather than launching its own OTT service [5] - Legendary's CEO indicated plans to utilize Apollo's funds for significant acquisitions in the entertainment sector [6]

Core Insights - Lionsgate Studios Corp. reported a strong fourth quarter with revenue of $1.1 billion, representing a 22% increase year-over-year [1][2] - The company achieved a net income attributable to shareholders of $21.9 million, or $0.10 diluted earnings per share [2][3] - Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was $60.9 million, or $0.21 adjusted diluted earnings per share [2][3] - Operating income rose significantly to $94.2 million, and adjusted OIBDA increased by 49% to $138.3 million [1][2] - The motion picture segment profit reached its highest quarterly level in 10 years, driven by successful mid-budget films and robust library demand [4][3] Financial Performance - Fourth quarter revenue was $1.1 billion, with operating income of $94.2 million and net income attributable to Lionsgate shareholders of $21.9 million [2][3] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $60.9 million, with adjusted OIBDA at $138.3 million, reflecting a 49% year-over-year increase [2][3] - Net cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was $255.9 million, while adjusted free cash flow was $395.3 million [2] Segment Performance - The motion picture segment revenue grew by 28% to $526.4 million, with segment profit increasing by 65% to $135.3 million [4][30] - The television production segment revenue increased by 16% to $543.3 million, although segment profit decreased to $40.6 million due to a tough comparison with the previous year [5][30] Library Revenue - Trailing 12-month library revenue grew by 8% to an all-time high of $956 million, driven by record fourth-quarter licensing sales [3][1] - The fourth quarter alone saw library revenue reach $340 million, boosted by licensing sales of popular shows to major streaming platforms [3] Corporate Developments - Following the quarter, Lionsgate fully separated its Lionsgate and STARZ businesses, marking a significant corporate restructuring [1][17] - The company is positioned as a standalone studio with a diversified business model, focusing on creating value for shareholders [3][1]

Core Insights - Gabelli Funds will host its 17th Annual Media & Entertainment Symposium on June 5, 2025, at the Harvard Club in New York City, focusing on industry dynamics, current trends, and business fundamentals [1] - The symposium will include discussions on Sports Investing, Media & Telecom Regulatory issues, and Advertising Panels, providing a platform for attendees to engage with leading companies in the media ecosystem [1][3] - A webcast option will be available for those unable to attend in person, ensuring broader access to the discussions and insights shared during the event [1] Presenting Companies - Notable companies participating in one-on-one meetings include Atlanta Braves Holdings, AMC Networks, Lionsgate Studios, Churchill Downs, Nexstar Media Group, Genius Sports, Reservoir Media, Gray Television, Rogers Communications, Live Nation Entertainment, Sinclair Inc., Sportradar Group, TEGNA Inc., TKO Group, and The E.W. Scripps Company [2] Panel Discussions - The symposium will feature several panel discussions, including "Sports Investing: Ways to Play," a TV Bureau of Advertising (TVB) Panel, and a Media & Telecom Regulatory Expert Session led by former FCC Commissioner Rob McDowell [3]

Core Viewpoint - Lionsgate has successfully separated its Studio and STARZ businesses into two independent, publicly-traded companies, with trading commencing under the ticker symbol LION on the NYSE [1][2]. Group 1: Separation Details - The separation was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders, with over 99% of both classes voting in favor [1]. - The previous dual share structure has been collapsed into a single class of stock [1]. Group 2: Strategic Objectives - The separation aims to unlock incremental value by allowing each company to pursue its own strategic, financial, and operational priorities [2]. - Lionsgate is positioned as one of the world's leading independent content companies, producing 30 to 40 films annually, including a dozen wide theatrical releases, and managing over 100 television shows [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Lionsgate boasts a portfolio of over 20,000 titles in its film and television library, alongside a talent management and production company, 3 Arts Entertainment [2][4]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to bold, original content and an entrepreneurial culture, aiming to create significant value for partners, audiences, and shareholders [3].

Group 1 - The Supreme Court of British Columbia has approved the full separation of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.'s Studio and STARZ businesses into two independent, publicly-traded companies, effective May 6, 2025 [1] - Lionsgate is expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol LION on May 7, 2025 [1] Group 2 - Lionsgate Studios (Nasdaq: LION) is recognized as one of the world's leading standalone, pure play, publicly-traded content companies, encompassing diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses [2] - The company boasts a portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse, and a library of over 20,000 titles in film and television [2] Group 3 - Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) owns approximately 87% of the outstanding shares of Lionsgate Studios Corp. (Nasdaq: LION) and the premium subscription platform STARZ [3]