STARZ Files Definitive Proxy, Reveals CEO's $9.5M Compensation and $9M Annual Equity Target Amid Strong Operational Performance

summarizeSummary

STARZ filed its definitive proxy statement, outlining proposals for its May 15, 2026, shareholder meeting, including the election of directors and advisory votes on executive compensation, while revealing CEO Jeffrey A. Hirsch's $9.5 million compensation for 2025 and a new $9 million annual equity target.

check_boxKey Events

• Shareholder Meeting Scheduled

  The Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders is set for May 15, 2026, to vote on the election of 11 directors, re-appointment of auditors, and advisory proposals on executive compensation and say-on-pay frequency.

• CEO Compensation Package Detailed

  CEO Jeffrey A. Hirsch's "Compensation Actually Paid" for the transitional fiscal year 2025 was $9.5 million. His new 3-year employment agreement includes a target annual long-term incentive award of $9 million and potential for an additional $6 million in stock out-performance bonuses.

• Board Composition Update

  Ramin Arani has been nominated as a new independent director, replacing Harry E. Sloan who will not stand for re-election. The board will consist of 11 directors, with 9 being independent.

• Positive Operational Highlights

  The company reported strong performance post-separation, including sequential revenue growth in Q3/Q4 2025, record domestic OTT subscribers (up 7.6% year-over-year), improved leverage to 2.9x, and projected positive unlevered free cash flow of $80-$120 million for 2026.

auto_awesomeAnalysis

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT CORP. has filed its definitive proxy statement for its first annual shareholder meeting as a standalone public company. The filing highlights a very substantial compensation package for CEO Jeffrey A. Hirsch, whose "Compensation Actually Paid" for the transitional fiscal year 2025 was $9.5 million. His new 3-year employment agreement includes a target annual long-term incentive award of $9 million, with potential for an additional $6 million in stock out-performance bonuses. This level of executive compensation represents a significant commitment for a company with a market capitalization of approximately $203 million. The proxy also details positive operational performance post-separation from Lionsgate, including sequential revenue growth, record domestic OTT subscribers, and an improved leverage ratio, with positive free cash flow projected for 2026. Investors will vote on the election of 11 directors, including new nominee Ramin Arani, and advisory proposals on executive compensation and say-on-pay frequency. The substantial executive compensation, while aimed at retention and performance, will be a key focus for shareholders given its scale relative to the company's size.