Starz reported subscriber growth during the second quarter, an unusual trend occurring alongside a recent price hike. CEO Jeff Hirsch confirmed the increase during the company's latest earnings call, though he opted not to release specific headcounts. The monthly rate for subscribers rose to $11.99 in June.
Financial results for the period showed $307.9 million in revenue, which met analyst expectations but represented a 4% decline compared to the previous year. The company posted a net loss of $189.4 million, largely impacted by a $147.2 million charge linked to the conclusion of an output agreement with Universal. Despite these figures, share prices for the business have doubled throughout 2026.
Management emphasized the success of recent content strategies. The company licensed the first four seasons of the Power franchise to Netflix to reach new viewers, while retaining rights to all future sequels and spinoffs. Executives noted this move acts as a syndication model, providing fresh discovery for the brand without losing long-term control.
Operational shifts are also underway regarding original programming costs. The company ended its post-pay-1 arrangement with Universal, citing a lack of engagement with those titles. Leadership stated that funds previously directed toward high-cost licensed content are now diverted to internal productions like the boxing series Fightland. According to Hirsch, this show maintains high engagement levels at a lower production cost per episode than previous arrangements under their former parent company, Lionsgate.