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Warner Music Group Corp. Reports Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended September 30, 2022

Warner Music Group Corp.
Warner Music Group Corp.

Financial Highlights

  • Strong Quarterly Performance Highlighted by Growth across All Revenue Lines and Margin Expansion in Constant Currency

  • Solid Double-Digit Growth in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the Quarter and Full Year

  • Continued Momentum in Music Publishing with Double-Digit Revenue Growth

  • Robust Operating Cash Flow Growth Which Outperformed Full-Year Expectations

For the three months ended September 30, 2022

  • Total revenue grew 9% or 16% in constant currency

  • Digital revenue grew 7% or 12% in constant currency

  • Net income was $150 million versus $30 million in the prior-year quarter

  • OIBDA increased 37% to $245 million versus $179 million in the prior-year quarter or 52% in constant currency

  • Adjusted OIBDA increased 22% to $265 million versus $218 million in the prior-year quarter or 33% in constant currency

  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 16% to $276 million versus $237 million in the prior-year quarter

  • Cash provided by operating activities increased 78% to $406 million versus $228 million in the prior-year quarter

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For the twelve months ended September 30, 2022

  • Total revenue grew 12% or 16% in constant currency

  • Digital revenue grew 9% or 13% in constant currency

  • Net income was $555 million versus $307 million in the prior year

  • OIBDA increased 15% to $1,053 million versus $915 million in the prior year or 21% in constant currency

  • Adjusted OIBDA increased 13% to $1,149 million versus $1,018 million in the prior year or 18% in constant currency

  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 10% to $1,196 million versus $1,090 million in the prior year

  • Cash provided by operating activities increased 16% to $742 million versus $638 million in the prior year

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for the periods ended September 30, 2022.

Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group, said, “Our strong fourth quarter and full year results were driven by our talented artists, songwriters, and teams, across a wide range of genres, geographies, and generations. Against the backdrop of a challenging macro environment, we once again proved music's resilience, with new commercial opportunities emerging all the time. We're very well positioned for long-term creative success, and continued top and bottom line growth. We’re excited to have Robert Kyncl joining next year as WMG's new CEO, as we enter the next dynamic phase of our evolution.”

Eric Levin, CFO, Warner Music Group, said, “We've delivered double-digit revenue growth on a constant currency basis and robust cash flow, driven by excellent operating performance across the company. The momentum in our business is strong, underpinned by global subscriber growth, subscription price increases, and the expansion of emerging platforms. As we look ahead, we're excited to share amazing releases from the world’s hottest artists, as well as innovative tech collaborations that will strengthen our position at the intersection of music, film, TV, social media, fitness, and gaming.”

Total WMG

Total WMG Summary Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(audited)

 

(audited)

 

 

Revenue

$

1,497

 

$

1,376

 

9

%

 

$

5,919

 

$

5,301

 

12

%

Recorded Music revenue

 

1,244

 

 

1,172

 

6

%

 

 

4,966

 

 

4,544

 

9

%

Music Publishing revenue

 

254

 

 

205

 

24

%

 

 

958

 

 

761

 

26

%

Digital revenue

 

989

 

 

926

 

7

%

 

 

3,866

 

 

3,539

 

9

%

Operating income

 

163

 

 

100

 

63

%

 

 

714

 

 

609

 

17

%

Adjusted operating income(1)

 

183

 

 

139

 

32

%

 

 

810

 

 

712

 

14

%

OIBDA(1)

 

245

 

 

179

 

37

%

 

 

1,053

 

 

915

 

15

%

Adjusted OIBDA(1)

 

265

 

 

218

 

22

%

 

 

1,149

 

 

1,018

 

13

%

Net income

 

150

 

 

30

 

%

 

 

555

 

 

307

 

81

%

Adjusted net income(1)

 

170

 

 

69

 

%

 

 

651

 

 

410

 

59

%

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

406

 

 

228

 

78

%

 

 

742

 

 

638

 

16

%

Free Cash Flow

 

368

 

 

193

 

91

%

 

 

607

 

 

545

 

11

%

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

 

276

 

 

237

 

16

%

 

 

1,196

 

 

1,090

 

10

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.

 

Fourth-Quarter Results

Revenue was up 8.8% (or 16.0% in constant currency). Consistent with the prior quarter, growth in the quarter was unfavorably impacted by foreign currency exchange rates as the U.S. dollar strengthened. The revenue increase in the quarter was driven by digital revenue growth of 6.8% (or 12.3% in constant currency) across Recorded Music and Music Publishing, which includes $38 million in downloads and other digital revenue from the settlement of certain copyright infringement cases (the “Copyright Settlement”). Consistent with the prior three quarters, the quarter included the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners affecting Recorded Music streaming revenue. Total streaming revenue increased 3.5% (or 8.9% in constant currency) primarily driven by growth in Music Publishing streaming revenue of 29.8% (or 37.0% in constant currency). Recorded Music streaming revenue decreased by 0.4% (or increased by 4.7% in constant currency) as a result of the continued growth in subscription revenue, offset by a market-related slowdown in ad-supported revenue, the impact of exchange rates and the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners. Digital revenue represented 66.1% of total revenue in the quarter, compared to 67.3% in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in digital revenue as a percentage of total revenue is due to the double-digit growth of Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights and licensing revenue, as well as Music Publishing performance revenue. Music Publishing synchronization and mechanical revenue remained flat on an as-reported basis, but increased in constant currency. Recorded Music physical revenue decreased on an as-reported basis, but increased in constant currency. Excluding the Copyright Settlement and the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, revenue increased 9.0% (or 16.4% in constant currency).

Operating income was $163 million compared to $100 million in the prior-year quarter. OIBDA was $245 million, compared to $179 million in the prior-year quarter, an increase of 36.9% (or 52.2% in constant currency), and OIBDA margin increased 3.4 percentage points to 16.4% from 13.0% in the prior-year quarter (or increased 3.9 percentage points to 16.4% from 12.5% in constant currency). The increases in operating income, OIBDA and OIBDA margin were primarily due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below and a decrease in expenses related to restructuring and other transformation initiatives and non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses.

Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income exclude expenses related to restructuring and other transformation initiatives and non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses in both the quarter and the prior-year quarter. In the prior-year quarter, COVID-related expenses are also excluded. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items and includes expected savings resulting from transformation initiatives and the pro forma impact of certain specified transactions. See below for calculations and reconciliations of Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 21.6% from $218 million to $265 million (or 32.5% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.9 percentage points to 17.7% from 15.8% in the prior-year quarter (or increased 2.2 percentage points to 17.7% from 15.5% in constant currency). The increase in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily due to strong operating performance and $29 million from the Copyright Settlement, partially offset by revenue mix due to the growth of lower-margin artist services and expanded-rights revenue and the impact of exchange rates. Excluding the Copyright Settlement and the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, Adjusted OIBDA increased 20.4% (or 32.6% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.6 percentage points to 16.2% from 14.6% in the prior-year quarter (or increased 2.0 percentage points to 16.2% from 14.2% in constant currency). Adjusted operating income increased 31.7% from $139 million to $183 million due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA, partially offset by higher amortization expenses due to recent acquisitions and capital spending.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 16.5% from $237 million to $276 million with Adjusted EBITDA margins increasing 1.2 percentage points from 17.2% to 18.4% largely due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA, partially offset by reducing the pro forma impact of certain specified transactions, as the impact is realized, and lower pro forma savings from certain cost-savings initiatives, primarily driven by the shift in the timing of the financial transformation initiative.

Net income was $150 million compared to $30 million in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted net income was $170 million compared to $69 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase in net income and Adjusted net income was primarily due to higher operating income, the impact of exchange rates on the Company’s Euro-denominated debt and intercompany loans, lower loss on mark-to-market adjustment of equity investments and a loss on extinguishment of debt in the prior-year quarter, partially offset by an increase in income tax expense due to higher pre-tax income.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share was $0.28 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the quarter of $150 million.

As of September 30, 2022, the Company reported a cash balance of $584 million, total debt of $3.732 billion and net debt (defined as total debt, net of deferred financing costs, premiums and discounts, minus cash and equivalents) of $3.148 billion.

Cash provided by operating activities increased 78% to $406 million from $228 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase was largely a result of strong operating performance, timing of A&R investments, higher recoupments in the quarter and timing of digital deal renewals, partially offset by other movements within working capital. Capital expenditures increased 9% to $38 million from $35 million in the prior-year quarter, mainly due to investments in IT infrastructure, partially offset by lower facilities investments. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, increased 91% to $368 million from $193 million in the prior-year quarter.

Full-Year Results

Total revenue increased 11.7% (or 16.0% in constant currency) driven by digital revenue growth of 9.2% (or 12.6% in constant currency) across Recorded Music and Music Publishing, which includes $38 million in downloads and other digital revenue from the Copyright Settlement. The year included an additional week, primarily reflected in Recorded Music streaming revenue. Additionally, the year included the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners affecting Recorded Music streaming revenue. Total streaming revenue increased 9.1% (or 12.4% in constant currency) driven by growth across Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Recorded Music streaming revenue increased by 6.3% (or 9.5% in constant currency) due to continued growth in streaming services, which was affected by a market-related slowdown in ad-supported revenue and the benefit of an additional week, partially offset by the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, an $11 million catch-up payment from one of the Company’s digital partners (the “Catch-Up Payment”) and a $10 million true-up payment in ad-supported revenue, all of which benefited the prior year. Music Publishing streaming revenue increased by 28.9% (or 32.8% in constant currency), which includes a benefit of $20 million resulting from the July 1, 2022 remand ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board in Phonorecords III upholding higher percentage of revenue U.S. mechanical royalty rates for 2018 to 2022 and reflects amounts expected to be paid (the “CRB Rate Benefit”). Digital revenue represented 65.3% of total revenue, compared to 66.8% in the prior year. The decrease in digital revenue as a percentage of total revenue is primarily due to the growth of artist services and expanded-rights revenue. Revenue increases in the year were also driven by growth in Recorded Music licensing and physical revenue and Music Publishing performance, synchronization and mechanical revenue. Excluding the Copyright Settlement, the benefit of an additional week, the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, the Catch-Up Payment, the true-up payment in ad-supported revenue and the CRB Rate Benefit, revenue increased 12.4% (or 16.9% in constant currency).

Operating income was $714 million compared to $609 million in the prior year. OIBDA was $1,053 million, compared to $915 million in the prior year, an increase of 15.1% (or 20.9% in constant currency), and OIBDA margin increased 0.5 percentage points to 17.8% from 17.3% in the prior year (or increased 0.7 percentage points to 17.8% from 17.1% in constant currency). The increases in operating income, OIBDA and OIBDA margin were primarily due to strong operating performance, partially offset by the impact of exchange rates.

Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income exclude expenses related to restructuring and other transformation initiatives and non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses in both the year and the prior year. In the prior year, COVID-related expenses are also excluded. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items and includes expected savings resulting from transformation initiatives and the pro forma impact of certain specified transactions. See below for calculations and reconciliations of Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 12.9% from $1,018 million to $1,149 million (or 18.0% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.2 percentage points to 19.4% from 19.2% in the prior year (or increased 0.3 percentage points to 19.4% from 19.1% in constant currency). The increase in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily due to the same factors affecting OIBDA. Excluding the Copyright Settlement, the benefit of an additional week, the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, the Catch-Up Payment, the true-up payment in ad-supported revenue and the CRB Rate Benefit, Adjusted OIBDA increased 15.8% (or 21.6% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.6 percentage points to 18.6% from 18.0% in the prior year (or increased 0.7 percentage points to 18.6% from 17.9% in constant currency). Adjusted operating income increased 13.8% from $712 million to $810 million due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA, partially offset by higher amortization expenses due to recent acquisitions and capital spending.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9.7% from $1,090 million to $1,196 million with Adjusted EBITDA margins decreasing 0.4 percentage points from 20.6% to 20.2% largely due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA, offset by lower pro forma impact of certain specified transactions and lower pro forma savings from certain cost-savings initiatives, primarily driven by the shift in timing of the financial transformation initiative, and the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition, which is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

Net income was $555 million compared to $307 million in the prior year. Adjusted net income was $651 million compared to $410 million in the prior year. The increase in net income and Adjusted net income was primarily due to higher operating income, the impact of exchange rates on the Company’s Euro-denominated debt and intercompany loans and a loss on extinguishment of debt in the prior year, partially offset by aggregate realized and unrealized losses related to certain investments and an increase in income tax expense due to higher pre-tax income.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share was $1.06 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the year of $555 million.

Net debt (defined as total debt, net of deferred financing costs, premiums and discounts, minus cash and equivalents) at the end of the year was $3.148 billion compared to $2.847 billion at the end of the prior year.

Cash provided by operating activities increased 16% to $742 million from $638 million in the prior year. The change was largely a result of strong operating performance. Capital expenditures increased 45% to $135 million from $93 million in the prior year, mainly due to investments in IT infrastructure and facilities, including the EMP fulfillment center expansion. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, increased 11% to $607 million from $545 million in the prior year.

Recorded Music

Recorded Music Summary Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Revenue

$

1,244

 

$

1,172

 

6

%

 

$

4,966

 

$

4,544

 

9

%

Digital revenue

 

830

 

 

807

 

3

%

 

 

3,305

 

 

3,105

 

6

%

Operating income

 

165

 

 

129

 

28

%

 

 

796

 

 

733

 

9

%

Adjusted operating income(1)

 

172

 

 

151

 

14

%

 

 

819

 

 

772

 

6

%

OIBDA(1)

 

219

 

 

182

 

20

%

 

 

1,023

 

 

936

 

9

%

Adjusted OIBDA(1)

 

226

 

 

204

 

11

%

 

 

1,046

 

 

975

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.


Recorded Music Revenue

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

As reported

 

As reported

 

Constant

 

As reported

 

As reported

 

Constant

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

Digital

$

830

 

$

807

 

$

768

 

$

3,305

 

$

3,105

 

$

3,013

Physical

 

123

 

 

127

 

 

116

 

 

563

 

 

549

 

 

521

Total Digital and Physical

 

953

 

 

934

 

 

884

 

 

3,868

 

 

3,654

 

 

3,534

Artist services and expanded-rights

 

204

 

 

168

 

 

153

 

 

767

 

 

599

 

 

562

Licensing

 

87

 

 

70

 

 

63

 

 

331

 

 

291

 

 

276

Total Recorded Music

$

1,244

 

$

1,172

 

$

1,100

 

$

4,966

 

$

4,544

 

$

4,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth-Quarter Results

Recorded Music revenue was up 6.1% (or 13.1% in constant currency) due to artist services and expanded-rights revenue growth of 21.4% (or 33.3% in constant currency), reflecting an increase in merchandising and concert promotion revenue. Digital revenue was up 2.9% (or 8.1% in constant currency), which includes $31 million in downloads and other digital revenue from the Copyright Settlement. Streaming revenue was down 0.4% (or up 4.7% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 4.7% (or 10.4% in constant currency). Streaming revenue reflects continued growth in subscription revenue, which was affected by a market-related slowdown in ad-supported revenue. Digital revenue represented 66.7% of total Recorded Music revenue versus 68.9% in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in digital revenue as a percentage of total Recorded Music revenue is due to the growth of artist services and expanded-rights and licensing revenue. Licensing revenue increased 24.3% (or 38.1% in constant currency), mainly due to higher broadcast fees, synchronization and other activity, partially offset by the impact of exchange rates. Physical revenue was down 3.1% (or up 6.0% in constant currency) primarily due to the impact of exchange rates, which offset higher vinyl sales and strong performance in Japan. Excluding the Copyright Settlement and the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, revenue increased 7.0% (or 14.2% in constant currency). Major sellers included Ed Sheeran, Jack Harlow, Dua Lipa and Lizzo.

Recorded Music operating income was $165 million, up from $129 million in the prior-year quarter and operating margin was up 2.3 percentage points to 13.3% versus 11.0% in the prior-year quarter. OIBDA increased 20.3% to $219 million from $182 million (or 31.1% in constant currency) in the prior-year quarter and OIBDA margin increased 2.1 percentage points to 17.6% from 15.5% in the prior-year quarter (or increased 2.4 percentage points to 17.6% from 15.2% in constant currency). Adjusted OIBDA increased 10.8% from $204 million to $226 million (or 19.6% in constant currency) with Adjusted OIBDA margin up 0.8 percentage points to 18.2% from 17.4% in the prior-year quarter (or up 1.0 percentage points to 18.2% from 17.2% in constant currency). The increases in operating income, OIBDA, operating margin and OIBDA margin were primarily due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below and a decrease in expenses related to restructuring and other transformation initiatives and non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses. The increase in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily due to strong operating performance and $15 million from the Copyright Settlement, partially offset by revenue mix resulting from the growth of lower-margin artist services and expanded-rights revenue and the impact of exchange rates. Excluding the Copyright Settlement and the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, Adjusted OIBDA increased 15.9% (or 26.3% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.4 percentage points to 17.4% from 16.0% in the prior-year quarter (or increased 1.7 percentage points to 17.4% from 15.7% in constant currency).

Full-Year Results

Recorded Music revenue was up 9.3% (or 13.6% in constant currency) due to growth across all revenue lines, including increases in digital revenue, which reflect the continued growth in streaming, the Company’s largest source of revenue. Digital revenue was up 6.4% (or 9.7% in constant currency), which includes $31 million in downloads and other digital revenue from the Copyright Settlement. Streaming revenue was up 6.3% (or 9.5% in constant currency). Adjusted for the benefit of an additional week, the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, the Catch-Up Payment and the true-up payment in ad-supported revenue, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 9.9% (or 13.5% in constant currency). Streaming revenue reflects continued growth, which was affected by a market-related slowdown in ad-supported revenue and the strength of new and carryover releases. Digital revenue represented 66.6% of total Recorded Music revenue versus 68.3% in the prior year. The decrease in digital revenue as a percentage of total Recorded Music revenue is due to the continued growth of artist services and expanded-rights revenue. Artist services and expanded-rights revenue was up 28.0% (or 36.5% in constant currency), reflecting an increase in concert promotion, which was disrupted by COVID in the prior year, and merchandising revenue. Licensing revenue increased 13.7% (or 19.9% in constant currency), mainly due to higher synchronization and other activity. Physical revenue was up 2.6% (or 8.1% in constant currency) primarily from higher sales due to the success of new releases and an increased demand for vinyl products. Excluding the Copyright Settlement, the benefit of an additional week, the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, the Catch-Up Payment and the true-up payment in ad-supported revenue, revenue increased 10.7% (or 15.2% in constant currency). Major sellers included Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Silk Sonic and Coldplay.

Recorded Music operating income was $796 million, up from $733 million in the prior year and operating margin was down 0.1 percentage point to 16.0% versus 16.1% in the prior year. OIBDA increased 9.3% to $1,023 million from $936 million (or 14.0% in constant currency) in the prior year and OIBDA margin remained flat at 20.6% (or increased 0.1 percentage point to 20.6% from 20.5% in constant currency). Adjusted OIBDA increased 7.3% from $975 million to $1,046 million (or 11.8% in constant currency) with Adjusted OIBDA margin down 0.4 percentage points to 21.1% from 21.5% in the prior year (or down 0.3 percentage points to 21.1% from 21.4% in constant currency). The increases in operating income, OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA were primarily driven by increased revenue. The decreases in operating margin and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily due to strong operating performance, which was offset by revenue mix resulting from the growth of lower-margin artist services and expanded-rights revenue and the impact of exchange rates. Excluding the Copyright Settlement, the benefit of an additional week, the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, the Catch-Up Payment and the true-up payment in ad-supported revenue, Adjusted OIBDA increased 12.0% (or 17.1% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.2 percentage points to 20.4% from 20.2% in the prior year (or increased 0.3 percentage points to 20.4% from 20.1% in constant currency).

Music Publishing

Music Publishing Summary Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Revenue

$

254

 

$

205

 

24

%

 

$

958

 

$

761

 

26

%

Digital revenue

 

159

 

 

120

 

33

%

 

 

563

 

 

436

 

29

%

Operating income

 

36

 

 

28

 

29

%

 

 

139

 

 

89

 

56

%

Adjusted operating income(1)

 

37

 

 

28

 

32

%

 

 

141

 

 

94

 

50

%

OIBDA(1)

 

59

 

 

49

 

20

%

 

 

231

 

 

174

 

33

%

Adjusted OIBDA(1)

 

60

 

 

49

 

22

%

 

 

233

 

 

179

 

30

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.


Music Publishing Revenue

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

As reported

 

As reported

 

Constant

 

As reported

 

As reported

 

Constant

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

Performance

$

40

 

$

30

 

$

27

 

$

159

 

$

122

 

$

115

Digital

 

159

 

 

120

 

 

114

 

 

563

 

 

436

 

 

423

Mechanical

 

13

 

 

13

 

 

12

 

 

50

 

 

49

 

 

46

Synchronization

 

39

 

 

39

 

 

36

 

 

172

 

 

144

 

 

141

Other

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

14

 

 

10

 

 

10

Total Music Publishing

$

254

 

$

205

 

$

192

 

$

958

 

$

761

 

$

735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth-Quarter Results

Music Publishing revenue increased 23.9% (or 32.3% in constant currency). The revenue increase was driven by growth in digital and performance revenue. Digital revenue increased 32.5% (or 39.5% in constant currency), which includes $7 million in downloads and other digital revenue from the Copyright Settlement. Streaming revenue increased 29.8% (or 37.0% in constant currency), reflecting the continued growth in streaming services and timing of new digital deals. Digital revenue represented 62.6% of total Music Publishing revenue versus 58.5% in the prior-year quarter. Performance revenue increased due to continued growth from bars, restaurants, concerts and live events. Synchronization and mechanical revenue remained constant on an as-reported basis, but increased in constant currency. Excluding the Copyright Settlement, revenue increased 20.5% (or 28.6% in constant currency).

Music Publishing operating income was $36 million compared to $28 million in the prior-year quarter and operating margin increased 0.5 percentage points to 14.2%. Music Publishing OIBDA increased 20.4% to $59 million (or 31.1% in constant currency) and OIBDA margin decreased 0.7 percentage points to 23.2% from 23.9% in the prior-year quarter (or decreased 0.2 percentage points to 23.2% from 23.4% in constant currency). Adjusted OIBDA increased 22.4% to $60 million (or 33.3% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 0.3 percentage points to 23.6% from 23.9% in the prior-year quarter (or increased 0.2 percentage points to 23.6% from 23.4% in constant currency). The increase in operating income, OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA were primarily driven by increased revenue. The decrease in OIBDA margin and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily due to strong operating performance, which was offset by the impact of exchange rates. Excluding the Copyright Settlement, Adjusted OIBDA increased 20.4% (or 31.1% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin remained flat at 23.9% (or increased 0.5 percentage points to 23.9% from 23.4% in constant currency).

Full-Year Results

Music Publishing revenue increased 25.9% (or 30.3% in constant currency). The revenue increase was driven by growth in digital, performance, synchronization and mechanical revenue. Digital revenue increased 29.1% (or 33.1% in constant currency), which includes $7 million in downloads and other digital revenue from the Copyright Settlement. Streaming revenue increased 28.9% (or 32.8% in constant currency), reflecting the continued growth in streaming services, the CRB Rate Benefit and timing of new digital deals. Adjusted for the CRB Rate Benefit of $20 million, streaming revenue increased 24.2% (or 27.8% in constant currency). Digital revenue represented 58.8% of total Music Publishing revenue versus 57.3% in the prior year. Performance revenue increased as bars, restaurants, concerts and live events continued to recover from COVID disruption. Synchronization revenue increased due to higher television and commercial licensing activity. The increase in mechanical revenue was partially offset by the impact of exchange rates. Excluding the Copyright Settlement and the CRB Rate Benefit, revenue increased 22.3% (or 26.7% in constant currency).

Music Publishing operating income was $139 million compared to $89 million in the prior year and operating margin increased 2.8 percentage points to 14.5%. Music Publishing OIBDA increased 32.8% to $231 million (or 38.3% in constant currency) and OIBDA margin increased 1.2 percentage points to 24.1% from 22.9% in the prior year (or increased 1.4 percentage points to 24.1% from 22.7% in constant currency). Adjusted OIBDA increased 30.2% to $233 million (or 35.5% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.8 percentage points to 24.3% from 23.5% in the prior year (or increased 0.9 percentage points to 24.3% from 23.4% in constant currency). The increase in operating income, OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA were primarily due to strong operating performance, partially offset by the impact of exchange rates. Excluding the Copyright Settlement and the CRB Rate Benefit, Adjusted OIBDA increased 26.8% (or 32.0% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.9% percentage points to 24.4% from 23.5% in the prior year (or increased 1.0 percentage points to 24.4% from 23.4% in constant currency).

This morning, management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 A.M. ET. The call will be webcast on www.wmg.com.

About Warner Music Group

With a legacy extending back over 200 years, Warner Music Group today is home to an unparalleled family of creative artists, songwriters, and companies that are moving culture across the globe. At the core of WMG’s Recorded Music division are four of the most iconic companies in history: Atlantic, Elektra, Parlophone and Warner Records. They are joined by renowned labels such as 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’ Records, Warner Classics and Warner Music Nashville. Warner Chappell Music - which traces its origins back to the founding of Chappell & Company in 1811 - is one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights spanning every musical genre from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This communication includes forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of Warner Music Group about future events and financial performance. Words such as "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "forecasts" and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of today, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, we cannot assure you that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Please refer to our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements.

We maintain an Internet site at www.wmg.com. We use our website as a channel of distribution for material company information. Financial and other material information regarding Warner Music Group is routinely posted on and accessible at http://investors.wmg.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Warner Music Group by enrolling your email address through the “email alerts” section at http://investors.wmg.com. Our website and the information posted on it or connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this communication.

Basis of Presentation

For the periods presented in this release, the Company maintained a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in each reporting period. The fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 includes 53 weeks, and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 included 52 weeks. The additional week in fiscal year 2022 fell in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021. All references to September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 relate to the periods ended September 30, 2022 and September 24, 2021, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company dates its financial statements as of September 30 for these periods.

Figure 1. Warner Music Group Corp. - Consolidated Statements of Operations, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Revenue

$

1,497

 

 

$

1,376

 

 

9

%

Cost and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue

 

(799

)

 

 

(752

)

 

6

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(470

)

 

 

(465

)

 

1

%

Amortization expense

 

(65

)

 

 

(59

)

 

10

%

Total costs and expenses

$

(1,334

)

 

$

(1,276

)

 

5

%

Operating income

$

163

 

 

$

100

 

 

63

%

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

(10

)

 

-100

%

Interest expense, net

 

(31

)

 

 

(29

)

 

7

%

Other income (expense), net

 

55

 

 

 

(9

)

 

%

Income before income taxes

$

187

 

 

$

52

 

 

%

Income tax expense

 

(37

)

 

 

(22

)

 

68

%

Net income

$

150

 

 

$

30

 

 

%

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

 

%

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$

148

 

 

$

28

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A – Basic and Diluted

$

0.28

 

 

$

0.05

 

 

 

Class B – Basic and Diluted

$

0.28

 

 

$

0.05

 

 

 


 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(audited)

 

 

Revenue

$

5,919

 

 

$

5,301

 

 

12

%

Cost and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue

 

(3,080

)

 

 

(2,742

)

 

12

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(1,862

)

 

 

(1,721

)

 

8

%

Amortization expense

 

(263

)

 

 

(229

)

 

15

%

Total costs and expenses

$

(5,205

)

 

$

(4,692

)

 

11

%

Operating income

$

714

 

 

$

609

 

 

17

%

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

(22

)

 

-100

%

Interest expense, net

 

(125

)

 

 

(122

)

 

2

%

Other income (expense), net

 

151

 

 

 

(9

)

 

%

Income before income taxes

$

740

 

 

$

456

 

 

62

%

Income tax expense

 

(185

)

 

 

(149

)

 

24

%

Net income

$

555

 

 

$

307

 

 

81

%

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

(4

)

 

 

(3

)

 

33

%

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$

551

 

 

$

304

 

 

81

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A – Basic and Diluted

$

1.06

 

 

$

0.58

 

 

 

Class B – Basic and Diluted

$

1.06

 

 

$

0.58

 

 

 


Figure 2. Warner Music Group Corp. - Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

$

584

 

 

$

499

 

 

17

%

Accounts receivable, net

 

984

 

 

 

839

 

 

17

%

Inventories

 

108

 

 

 

99

 

 

9

%

Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year

 

372

 

 

 

373

 

 

%

Prepaid and other current assets

 

91

 

 

 

86

 

 

6

%

Total current assets

$

2,139

 

 

$

1,896

 

 

13

%

Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year

 

503

 

 

 

457

 

 

10

%

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

415

 

 

 

364

 

 

14

%

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

 

226

 

 

 

268

 

 

-16

%

Goodwill

 

1,920

 

 

 

1,830

 

 

5

%

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net

 

2,239

 

 

 

2,017

 

 

11

%

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

 

145

 

 

 

154

 

 

-6

%

Deferred tax assets, net

 

29

 

 

 

31

 

 

-6

%

Other assets

 

212

 

 

 

194

 

 

9

%

Total assets

$

7,828

 

 

$

7,211

 

 

9

%

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

268

 

 

$

302

 

 

-11

%

Accrued royalties

 

1,918

 

 

 

1,880

 

 

2

%

Accrued liabilities

 

457

 

 

 

461

 

 

-1

%

Accrued interest

 

17

 

 

 

14

 

 

21

%

Operating lease liabilities, current

 

40

 

 

 

43

 

 

-7

%

Deferred revenue

 

423

 

 

 

348

 

 

22

%

Other current liabilities

 

245

 

 

 

102

 

 

%

Total current liabilities

$

3,368

 

 

$

3,150

 

 

7

%

Long-term debt

 

3,732

 

 

 

3,346

 

 

12

%

Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent

 

241

 

 

 

287

 

 

-16

%

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

220

 

 

 

207

 

 

6

%

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

99

 

 

 

175

 

 

-43

%

Total liabilities

$

7,660

 

 

$

7,165

 

 

7

%

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock

$

 

 

$

 

 

%

Class B common stock

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

%

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,975

 

 

 

1,942

 

 

2

%

Accumulated deficit

 

(1,477

)

 

 

(1,710

)

 

-14

%

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

 

(347

)

 

 

(202

)

 

72

%

Total Warner Music Group Corp. equity

$

152

 

 

$

31

 

 

%

Noncontrolling interest

 

16

 

 

 

15

 

 

7

%

Total equity

 

168

 

 

 

46

 

 

%

Total liabilities and equity

$

7,828

 

 

$

7,211

 

 

9

%


Figure 3. Warner Music Group Corp. - Summarized Statements of Cash Flows, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

406

 

 

$

228

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(61

)

 

 

(72

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(92

)

 

 

(96

)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents

 

(14

)

 

 

(3

)

Net increase in cash and equivalents

$

239

 

 

$

57

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

(unaudited)

 

(audited)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

742

 

 

$

638

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(824

)

 

 

(638

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

188

 

 

 

(61

)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents

 

(21

)

 

 

7

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

$

85

 

 

$

(54

)


Figure 4. Warner Music Group Corp. - Digital Revenue Summary, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Recorded Music

 

 

 

 

 

Streaming

$

774

 

 

$

777

 

 

%

Downloads and Other Digital

 

56

 

 

 

30

 

 

87

%

Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue

$

830

 

 

$

807

 

 

3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

Streaming

$

148

 

 

$

114

 

 

30

%

Downloads and Other Digital

 

11

 

 

 

6

 

 

83

%

Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue

$

159

 

 

$

120

 

 

33

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

Streaming

$

922

 

 

$

891

 

 

3

%

Downloads and Other Digital

 

67

 

 

 

36

 

 

86

%

Intersegment Eliminations

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

-100

%

Total Digital Revenue

$

989

 

 

$

926

 

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Recorded Music

 

 

 

 

 

Streaming

$

3,159

 

 

$

2,972

 

 

6

%

Downloads and Other Digital

 

146

 

 

 

133

 

 

10

%

Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue

$

3,305

 

 

$

3,105

 

 

6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

Streaming

$

539

 

 

$

418

 

 

29

%

Downloads and Other Digital

 

24

 

 

 

18

 

 

33

%

Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue

$

563

 

 

$

436

 

 

29

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

Streaming

$

3,698

 

 

$

3,390

 

 

9

%

Downloads and Other Digital

 

170

 

 

 

151

 

 

13

%

Intersegment Eliminations

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

 

%

Total Digital Revenue

$

3,866

 

 

$

3,539

 

 

9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including the following non-GAAP financial measures:

OIBDA

OIBDA reflects our operating income before non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and non-cash amortization of intangible assets. We consider OIBDA to be an important indicator of the operational strengths and performance of our businesses, and believe the presentation of OIBDA helps improve the ability to understand our operating performance and evaluate our performance in comparison to comparable periods. However, a limitation of the use of OIBDA as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenue in our businesses. Accordingly, OIBDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss) and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, OIBDA, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Figure 5. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Net Income to OIBDA, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022 versus September 30, 2021

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$

148

 

 

$

28

 

 

%

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

2

 

 

 

2

 

 

%

Net income

$

150

 

 

$

30

 

 

%

Income tax expense

 

37

 

 

 

22

 

 

68

%

Income including income taxes

$

187

 

 

$

52

 

 

%

Other (income) expense, net

 

(55

)

 

 

9

 

 

%

Interest expense, net

 

31

 

 

 

29

 

 

7

%

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

-100

%

Operating income

$

163

 

 

$

100

 

 

63

%

Amortization expense

 

65

 

 

 

59

 

 

10

%

Depreciation expense

 

17

 

 

 

20

 

 

-15

%

OIBDA

$

245

 

 

$

179

 

 

37

%

Operating income margin

 

10.9

%

 

 

7.3

%

 

 

OIBDA margin

 

16.4

%

 

 

13.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

% Change

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$

551

 

 

$

304

 

 

81

%

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

4

 

 

 

3

 

 

33

%

Net income

$

555

 

 

$

307

 

 

81

%

Income tax expense

 

185

 

 

 

149

 

 

24

%

Income including income taxes

$

740

 

 

$

456

 

 

62

%

Other (income) expense, net

 

(151

)

 

 

9

 

 

%

Interest expense, net

 

125

 

 

 

122

 

 

2

%

Loss on extinguishment of debt