Starz Q1 Profit Rises, Tops Estimates

(RTTNews) - Starz (STRZA, STRZB), a media and entertainment company, Thursday posted first quarter earnings of $64.9 million or $0.56 per share, an increase from $57.9 million or $0.47 per share in the prior-year quarter.

On average, 10 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings per share of $0.53 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-time items.

The company's operating income for the period was $113.5 million compared with $104.8 million in the same period last year.

The total revenues for the quarter rose to $420.0 million from $399.3 million last year, reflecting rate increase from distributors. Analysts estimated revenues of $421.24 million for the quarter.