Document



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 6, 2019
Warner Music Group Corp.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
001-32502
 
13-4271875
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
10019
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 275-2000
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class (a)
 
Trading
Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
None
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
There is no public market for the Registrant’s common stock. As of August 6, 2019, the number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding was 1,060. All of the Registrant’s common stock is owned by affiliates of Access Industries, Inc. The Registrant has filed all Exchange Act reports for the preceding 12 months. 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
 





ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
On August 6, 2019, Warner Music Group Corp. issued an earnings release announcing its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
This information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference to such filing.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(d)
Exhibits. The following Exhibit is furnished as part of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
99.1

  






SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Warner Music Group Corp.
 
 
 
 
Date: August 6, 2019
By:
  
/s/ Eric Levin
 
 
 
Eric Levin
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



Exhibit
https://cdn.kscope.io/fd1f86da4335ea22ef320727ed1061e3-wmlogo.gif

WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP. REPORTS RESULTS FOR FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2019
 
Total revenue grew 10.4% or was up 13.4% in constant currency
Digital revenue grew 12.5% or was up 15.5% in constant currency
Net income was $14 million versus $321 million in the prior-year quarter
OIBDA was $124 million, up 25.3% from $99 million in the prior-year quarter

NEW YORK, New York, August 6, 2019—Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its third-quarter financial results for the period ended June 30, 2019.  
 
“Our third-quarter results are proof of our continued momentum,” said Steve Cooper, Warner Music Group’s CEO. “To say that streaming is responsible for the recovery of our business is an oversimplification. Without the talent and creativity of our artists and songwriters, and all of the investment and expertise that we put behind them, there would be no growth."
 
“We had strong growth in revenue, OIBDA and cash flow,” added Eric Levin, Warner Music Group’s Executive Vice President and CFO.  “We expect fiscal 2019 to be another great year.”

Total WMG
Total WMG Summary Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Revenue
$
1,058

 
$
958

 
10
 %
 
$
3,351

 
$
2,966

 
13
 %
Digital revenue
648

 
576

 
13
 %
 
1,936

 
1,656

 
17
 %
Operating income
58

 
28

 
 %
 
327

 
201

 
63
 %
Adjusted operating income(1)
68

 
39

 
74
 %
 
354

 
254

 
39
 %
OIBDA(1)
124

 
99

 
25
 %
 
530

 
406

 
31
 %
Adjusted OIBDA(1)
134

 
110

 
22
 %
 
557

 
459

 
21
 %
Net income
14

 
321

 
-96
 %
 
167

 
325

 
-49
 %
Adjusted net income(1)
24

 
332

 
-93
 %
 
194

 
378

 
-49
 %
Net cash provided by operating activities
150

 
129

 
16
 %
 
249

 
265

 
-6
 %
 
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.

Revenue grew 10.4% (or 13.4% in constant currency).  Growth in Recorded Music digital, licensing and artist services and expanded-rights revenue and growth in Music Publishing digital and synchronization revenue were partially offset by a decline in Recorded Music physical revenue and Music Publishing performance and mechanical revenue.  Revenue growth included a net 4 percentage point benefit from M&A, primarily related to the acquisition of EMP.  Revenue grew in all regions.  Digital revenue grew 12.5% (or 15.5% in constant currency), and represented 61.2% of total revenue, compared to 60.1% in the prior-year quarter. 
 
Operating income was $58 million compared to $28 million in the prior-year quarter.  OIBDA was $124 million, up 25.3% from $99 million in the prior-year quarter and OIBDA margin increased 1.4 percentage points to 11.7% from 10.3% in the prior-year quarter. OIBDA included $18 million from the adoption of ASC 606.  The increase in operating income, OIBDA and OIBDA margin was also the result of revenue growth and lower variable compensation expense, which was partially offset by the impact of a $16 million advance recovery in the prior-year quarter.  Adjusted OIBDA rose 21.8% to $134 million and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.2 percentage points to 12.7% from 11.5% due to revenue mix.
 

1


Net income was $14 million compared to $321 million in the prior-year quarter and Adjusted net income was $24 million compared to $332 million in the prior-year quarter.  The decline was due to a gain on the sale of Spotify shares in the prior-year quarter and net losses related to changes in exchange rates on the Company’s Euro-denominated debt and losses on the value of investments in the quarter.
 
Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income exclude restructuring and related costs and certain costs related to the Company’s Los Angeles office consolidation in the quarter, and restructuring and related costs and certain costs related to the Company’s Los Angeles office consolidation and the relocation of the Company’s U.S. shared service center to Nashville in the prior-year quarter.  See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for calculations and reconciliations of OIBDA, Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income. 
 
As of June 30, 2019, the Company reported a cash balance of $541 million, total debt of $3.006 billion and net debt (defined as total long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs, minus cash and equivalents) of $2.465 billion
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $150 million compared to $129 million in the prior-year quarter.  The change was largely due to working capital management.  Free Cash Flow, defined below, was $103 million compared to $608 million in the prior-year quarter, reflecting proceeds from the sale of Spotify shares in the prior-year quarter which was partially offset by higher capital expenditures related to the Company’s Los Angeles office consolidation.

Recorded Music
Recorded Music Summary Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Revenue
$
913

 
$
802

 
14
%
 
$
2,887

 
$
2,497

 
16
%
Digital revenue
584

 
519

 
13
%
 
1,744

 
1,491

 
17
%
Operating income
85

 
67

 
27
%
 
382

 
276

 
38
%
Adjusted operating income(1)
91

 
76

 
20
%
 
397

 
320

 
24
%
OIBDA(1)
131

 
115

 
14
%
 
522

 
415

 
26
%
Adjusted OIBDA(1)
137

 
124

 
10
%
 
537

 
459

 
17
%
 
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.

Recorded Music revenue grew $111 million or 13.8% (or 16.9% in constant currency).  This included a $59 million increase related to the acquisition of EMP and a $7 million increase due to the adoption of ASC 606, which were partially offset by a $21 million decrease related to concert promotion divestitures.  Growth in digital, licensing and artist services and expanded-rights revenue was partially offset by a decline in physical revenue.  Digital growth reflects a continuing shift to streaming.  The increase in licensing was due to the impact of ASC 606 as well as higher activity. The increase in artist services and expanded-rights revenue was largely attributable to the acquisition of EMP and higher international touring, domestic merchandising and advertising revenue.  The decline in physical revenue reflects industry trends and timing of releases.   Recorded Music revenue grew in all regions.  Major sellers included Ed Sheeran, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, The Yellow Monkey, Nipsey Hussle and Cardi B.
 
Recorded Music operating income was $85 million, up 26.9% from $67 million in the prior-year quarter, and operating margin was up 0.9 percentage points to 9.3% versus 8.4% in the prior-year quarter.  OIBDA increased 13.9% to $131 million from $115 million in the prior-year quarter and OIBDA margin was constant at 14.3%.  Adjusted OIBDA was $137 million versus $124 million in the prior-year quarter with Adjusted OIBDA margin down 0.5 percentage points to 15.0%. Operating income, OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA included $6 million related to the adoption of ASC 606.  The increase in operating income, OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA was also driven by revenue growth, lower variable compensation expense and timing of A&R spending, which were partially offset by the impact of a $16 million advance recovery in the prior-year quarter.  Adjusted OIBDA margin declined due to revenue mix.


2


Music Publishing
Music Publishing Summary Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Revenue
$
147

 
$
159

 
-8
 %
 
$
470

 
$
476

 
-1
 %
Digital revenue
65

 
59

 
10
 %
 
195

 
169

 
15
 %
Operating income
18

 
5

 
 %
 
67

 
45

 
49
 %
OIBDA(1)
36

 
24

 
50
 %
 
122

 
101

 
21
 %
 
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.

Music Publishing revenue declined $12 million or 7.5% (or 4.5% in constant currency).  The adoption of ASC 606 had an $8 million negative impact.  Revenue grew in digital due to the ongoing shift to streaming and in synchronization due to higher activity. Revenue declined in performance and mechanical driven by lower market share and loss of administration rights in certain catalogs.   
 
Music Publishing operating income was $18 million compared with $5 million in the prior-year quarter.  Operating margin improved to 12.2% from 3.1%.  Music Publishing OIBDA increased by $12 million to $36 million and OIBDA margin increased by 9.4 percentage points to 24.5% from 15.1%, due largely to a $12 million benefit from the adoption of ASC 606.  
 
Financial details for the quarter can be found in the Company’s current Form 10-Q, for the period ended June 30, 2019, filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
This morning, management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 A.M. EST.  The call will be webcast on www.wmg.com.


3



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 Asylum, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on 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

The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in each reporting period.  As such, all references to June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 relate to the periods ended June 28, 2019 and June 29, 2018, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of June 30.  The fiscal year ended on September 30, 2018 ended on September 28, 2018.


4


Figure 1. Warner Music Group Corp. - Consolidated Statements of Operations, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Revenue
$
1,058

 
$
958

 
10
 %
Cost and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenue
(577
)
 
(531
)
 
-9
 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(372
)
 
(343
)
 
-8
 %
Amortization expense
(51
)
 
(56
)
 
9
 %
Total costs and expenses
$
(1,000
)
 
$
(930
)
 
-8
 %
Operating income
$
58

 
$
28

 
 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(4
)
 
(7
)
 
43
 %
Interest expense, net
(36
)
 
(33
)
 
-9
 %
Other (expense) income, net
(16
)
 
394

 
 %
Income before income taxes
$
2

 
$
382

 
-99
 %
Income tax benefit (expense)
12

 
(61
)
 
 %
Net income
$
14

 
$
321

 
-96
 %
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
 %
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$
13

 
$
320

 
-96
 %

 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Revenue
$
3,351

 
$
2,966

 
13
 %
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenue
(1,762
)
 
(1,588
)
 
-11
 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,102
)
 
(1,013
)
 
-9
 %
Amortization expense
(160
)
 
(164
)
 
2
 %
Total costs and expenses
$
(3,024
)
 
$
(2,765
)
 
-9
 %
Operating income
$
327

 
$
201

 
63
 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(7
)
 
(31
)
 
77
 %
Interest expense, net
(108
)
 
(105
)
 
-3
 %
Other income, net
41

 
392

 
-90
 %
Income before income taxes
$
253

 
$
457

 
-45
 %
Income tax expense
(86
)
 
(132
)
 
35
 %
Net income
$
167

 
$
325

 
-49
 %
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
75
 %
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$
166

 
$
321

 
-48
 %


5


Figure 2. Warner Music Group Corp. - Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2019 versus September 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 

 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
$
541

 
$
514

 
5
 %
Accounts receivable, net
744

 
447

 
66
 %
Inventories
67

 
42

 
60
 %
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year
171

 
123

 
39
 %
Prepaid and other current assets
57

 
50

 
14
 %
Total current assets
$
1,580

 
$
1,176

 
34
 %
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year
209

 
153

 
37
 %
Property, plant and equipment, net
296

 
229

 
29
 %
Goodwill
1,772

 
1,692

 
5
 %
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net
1,780

 
1,851

 
-4
 %
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
153

 
154

 
-1
 %
Deferred tax assets, net
7

 
11

 
-36
 %
Other assets
158

 
78

 
 %
Total assets
$
5,955

 
$
5,344

 
11
 %
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
208

 
$
281

 
-26
 %
Accrued royalties
1,577

 
1,396

 
13
 %
Accrued liabilities
448

 
423

 
6
 %
Accrued interest
18

 
31

 
-42
 %
Deferred revenue
170

 
208

 
-18
 %
Other current liabilities
123

 
34

 
 %
Total current liabilities
$
2,544

 
$
2,373

 
7
 %
Long-term debt
3,006

 
2,819

 
7
 %
Deferred tax liabilities, net
236

 
165

 
43
 %
Other noncurrent liabilities
302

 
307

 
-2
 %
Total liabilities
$
6,088

 
$
5,664

 
7
 %
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock

 

 
 %
Additional paid-in capital
1,128

 
1,128

 
 %
Accumulated deficit
(1,061
)
 
(1,272
)
 
-17
 %
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(219
)
 
(190
)
 
15
 %
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit
$
(152
)
 
$
(334
)
 
-54
 %
Noncontrolling interest
19

 
14

 
36
 %
Total equity
(133
)
 
(320
)
 
-58
 %
Total liabilities and equity
$
5,955

 
$
5,344

 
11
 %


6


Figure 3. Warner Music Group Corp. - Summarized Statements of Cash Flows, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
150

 
$
129

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(47
)
 
479

Net cash used in financing activities
(32
)
 
(304
)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents

 
(11
)
Net increase in cash and equivalents
$
71

 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
249

 
$
265

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(340
)
 
451

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
119

 
(453
)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents
(1
)
 
(5
)
Net increase in cash and equivalents
$
27

 
$
258

 
Figure 4. Warner Music Group Corp. - Recorded Music Digital Revenue Summary, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Streaming
$
540

 
$
448

Downloads and Other Digital
44

 
71

Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue
$
584

 
$
519

 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Streaming
$
1,579

 
$
1,267

Downloads and Other Digital
165

 
224

Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue
$
1,744

 
$
1,491


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.  


7


Figure 5. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Net Income to OIBDA, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$
13

 
$
320

 
-96
 %
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
1

 
1

 
 %
Net income
$
14

 
$
321

 
-96
 %
Income tax (benefit) expense
(12
)
 
61

 
 %
Income including income taxes
$
2

 
$
382

 
-99
 %
Other expense (income), net
16

 
(394
)
 
 %
Interest expense, net
36

 
33

 
-9
 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt
4

 
7

 
43
 %
Operating income
$
58

 
$
28

 
 %
Amortization expense
51

 
56

 
9
 %
Depreciation expense
15

 
15

 
 %
OIBDA
$
124

 
$
99

 
25
 %
Operating income margin
5.5
%
 
2.9
%
 
 

OIBDA margin
11.7
%
 
10.3
%
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$
166

 
$
321

 
-48
 %
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
1

 
4

 
75
 %
Net income
$
167

 
$
325

 
-49
 %
Income tax expense
86

 
132

 
35
 %
Income including income taxes
$
253

 
$
457

 
-45
 %
Other income, net
(41
)
 
(392
)
 
-90
 %
Interest expense, net
108

 
105

 
-3
 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt
7

 
31

 
77
 %
Operating income
$
327

 
$
201

 
63
 %
Amortization expense
160

 
164

 
2
 %
Depreciation expense
43

 
41

 
-5
 %
OIBDA
$
530

 
$
406

 
31
 %
Operating income margin
9.8
%
 
6.8
%
 
 

OIBDA margin
15.8
%
 
13.7
%
 
 



8


Figure 6. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to OIBDA, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Total WMG operating income – GAAP
$
58

 
$
28

 
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
(66
)
 
(71
)
 
7
 %
Total WMG OIBDA
$
124

 
$
99

 
25
 %
Operating income margin
5.5
%
 
2.9
%
 
 
OIBDA margin
11.7
%
 
10.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Music operating income - GAAP
$
85

 
$
67

 
27
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
(46
)
 
(48
)
 
4
 %
Recorded Music OIBDA
$
131

 
$
115

 
14
 %
Recorded Music operating income margin
9.3
%
 
8.4
%
 
 
Recorded Music OIBDA margin
14.3
%
 
14.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Music Publishing operating income - GAAP
$
18

 
$
5

 
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
(18
)
 
(19
)
 
5
 %
Music Publishing OIBDA
$
36

 
$
24

 
50
 %
Music Publishing operating income margin
12.2
%
 
3.1
%
 
 
Music Publishing OIBDA margin
24.5
%
 
15.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
% Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Total WMG operating income - GAAP
$
327

 
$
201

 
63
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
(203
)
 
(205
)
 
1
 %
Total WMG OIBDA
$
530

 
$
406

 
31
 %
Operating income margin
9.8
%
 
6.8
%
 
 
OIBDA margin
15.8
%
 
13.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Music operating income - GAAP
$
382

 
$
276

 
38
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
(140
)
 
(139
)
 
-1
 %
Recorded Music OIBDA
$
522

 
$
415

 
26
 %
Recorded Music operating income margin
13.2
%
 
11.1
%
 
 
Recorded Music OIBDA margin
18.1
%
 
16.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Music Publishing operating income - GAAP
$
67

 
$
45

 
49
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
(55
)
 
(56
)
 
2
 %
Music Publishing OIBDA
$
122

 
$
101

 
21
 %
Music Publishing operating income margin
14.3
%
 
9.5
%
 
 

Music Publishing OIBDA margin
26.0
%
 
21.2
%
 
 



9


Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
Adjusted operating income (loss), Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income (loss) is operating income (loss), OIBDA and net income (loss), respectively, adjusted to exclude the impact of certain items that affect comparability.  Factors affecting period-to-period comparability of the unadjusted measures in the quarter included the items listed in Figure 7 below.  We use Adjusted operating income (loss), Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income (loss) to evaluate our actual operating performance.  We believe that the adjusted results provide relevant and useful information for investors because they clarify our actual operating performance, make it easier to compare our results with those of other companies in our industry and allow investors to review performance in the same way as our management.  Since these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating income (loss), OIBDA and net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. as indicators of operating performance, and they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Figure 7. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total WMG Operating Income
 
Recorded
Music
Operating Income
 
Music
Publishing Operating Income
 
Total WMG
OIBDA
 
Recorded
Music OIBDA
 
Music
Publishing
OIBDA
 
Net income
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Reported Results
$
58

 
$
85

 
$
18

 
$
124

 
$
131

 
$
36

 
$
14

Factors Affecting Comparability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and Other Related Costs
7

 
3

 

 
7

 
3

 

 
7

L.A. Office Consolidation
3

 
3

 

 
3

 
3

 

 
3

Adjusted Results
$
68

 
$
91

 
$
18

 
$
134

 
$
137

 
$
36

 
$
24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Margin
6.4
%
 
10.0
%
 
12.2
%
 
12.7
%
 
15.0
%
 
24.5
%
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total WMG Operating Income
 
Recorded
Music
Operating Income
 
Music Publishing Operating Income
 
Total WMG
OIBDA
 
Recorded
Music OIBDA
 
Music
Publishing
OIBDA
 
Net income
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Reported Results
$
28

 
$
67

 
$
5

 
$
99

 
$
115

 
$
24

 
$
321

Factors Affecting Comparability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and Other Related Costs
5

 
5

 

 
5

 
5

 

 
5

L.A. Office Consolidation
3

 
3

 

 
3

 
3

 

 
3

Nashville Shared Service Costs
3

 
1

 

 
3

 
1

 

 
3

Adjusted Results
$
39

 
$
76

 
$
5

 
$
110

 
$
124

 
$
24

 
$
332

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Margin
4.1
%
 
9.5
%
 
3.1
%
 
11.5
%
 
15.5
%
 
15.1
%
 
 


10


For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total WMG Operating Income
 
Recorded
Music
Operating Income
 
Music
Publishing Operating Income
 
Total WMG
OIBDA
 
Recorded
Music OIBDA
 
Music
Publishing
OIBDA
 
Net income
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Reported Results
$
327

 
$
382

 
$
67

 
$
530

 
$
522

 
$
122

 
$
167

Factors Affecting Comparability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and Other Related Costs
17

 
6

 

 
17

 
6

 

 
17

L.A. Office Consolidation
9

 
9

 

 
9

 
9

 

 
9

Nashville Shared Service Costs
1

 

 

 
1

 

 

 
1

Adjusted Results
$
354

 
$
397

 
$
67

 
$
557

 
$
537

 
$
122

 
$
194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Margin
10.6
%
 
13.8
%
 
14.3
%
 
16.6
%
 
18.6
%
 
26.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total WMG Operating Income
 
Recorded
Music
Operating Income
 
Music
Publishing Operating Income
 
Total WMG
OIBDA
 
Recorded
Music OIBDA
 
Music
Publishing
OIBDA
 
Net income
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Reported Results
$
201

 
$
276

 
$
45

 
$
406

 
$
415

 
$
101

 
$
325

Factors Affecting Comparability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and Other Related Costs
30

 
28

 

 
30

 
28

 

 
30

One-Time Compensation Payment
4

 
4

 

 
4

 
4

 

 
4

L.A. Office Consolidation
10

 
10

 

 
10

 
10

 

 
10

Nashville Shared Service Costs
9

 
2

 

 
9

 
2

 

 
9

Adjusted Results
$
254

 
$
320

 
$
45

 
$
459

 
$
459

 
$
101

 
$
378

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Margin
8.6
%
 
12.8
%
 
9.5
%
 
15.5
%
 
18.4
%
 
21.2
%
 
 

Constant Currency
Because exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of revenue on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported revenue helps improve the ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods.  Constant-currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period over period.  We use results on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance.  We calculate constant-currency results by applying current-year foreign currency exchange rates to prior-year results.  However, a limitation of the use of the constant-currency results as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the impact of exchange rates on our revenue.  These results should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Results on a constant-currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not a measure of performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.


11


Figure 8. Warner Music Group Corp. - Revenue by Geography and Segment, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018 As Reported and Constant Currency
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
As reported
 
As reported
 
Constant
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
U.S. revenue
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Music
$
395

 
$
356

 
$
356

Music Publishing
71

 
69

 
69

International revenue
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Music
518

 
446

 
425

Music Publishing
76

 
90

 
85

Intersegment eliminations
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Total Revenue
$
1,058

 
$
958

 
$
933

 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Music
 
 
 
 
 
Digital
$
584

 
$
519

 
$
506

Physical
95

 
130

 
126

Total Digital and Physical
679

 
649

 
632

Artist services and expanded-rights
158

 
85

 
83

Licensing
76

 
68

 
66

Total Recorded Music
913

 
802

 
781

Music Publishing
 
 
 
 
 
Performance
36

 
51

 
49

Digital
65

 
59

 
57

Mechanical
13

 
17

 
18

Synchronization
29

 
28

 
26

Other
4

 
4

 
4

Total Music Publishing
147

 
159

 
154

Intersegment eliminations
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Total Revenue
$
1,058

 
$
958

 
$
933

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total Digital Revenue
$
648

 
$
576

 
$
561



12


 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
As reported
 
As reported
 
Constant
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
U.S. revenue
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Music
$
1,236

 
$
1,061

 
$
1,061

Music Publishing
219

 
220

 
220

International revenue
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Music
1,651

 
1,436

 
1,367

Music Publishing
251

 
256

 
241

Intersegment eliminations
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Total Revenue
$
3,351

 
$
2,966

 
$
2,882

 
 

 
 

 
 

Revenue by Segment:
 

 
 

 
 

Recorded Music
 

 
 

 
 

Digital
$
1,744

 
$
1,491

 
$
1,453

Physical
456

 
500

 
485

Total Digital and Physical
2,200

 
1,991

 
1,938

Artist services and expanded-rights
458

 
264

 
256

Licensing
229

 
242

 
234

Total Recorded Music
2,887

 
2,497

 
2,428

Music Publishing
 
 
 
 
 
Performance
135

 
153

 
146

Digital
195

 
169

 
164

Mechanical
41

 
55

 
55

Synchronization
89

 
90

 
87

Other
10

 
9

 
9

Total Music Publishing
470

 
476

 
461

Intersegment eliminations
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Total Revenue
$
3,351

 
$
2,966

 
$
2,882

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Digital Revenue
$
1,936

 
$
1,656

 
$
1,613


Free Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow reflects our cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures and cash paid or received for investments.  We use Free Cash Flow, among other measures, to evaluate our operating performance.  Management believes Free Cash Flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to fund our debt service requirements, ongoing working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, strategic acquisitions and investments, and any dividends, prepayments of debt or repurchases or retirement of our outstanding debt or notes in open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases or otherwise.  As a result, Free Cash Flow is a significant measure of our ability to generate long-term value.  It is useful for investors to know whether this ability is being enhanced or degraded as a result of our operating performance.  We believe the presentation of Free Cash Flow is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method management uses.  

Because Free Cash Flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Free Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance or cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  Free Cash Flow, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.  In addition, Free Cash Flow does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs.  Because Free Cash Flow deducts capital expenditures and cash paid or received for investments from “net cash provided by operating activities” (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure), users of this information should consider the types of events and transactions that are not reflected.  We provide below a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to the most directly comparable amount reported under U.S. GAAP, which is “net cash provided by operating activities.”  


13


Figure 9. Warner Music Group Corp. - Calculation of Free Cash Flow, Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019 versus June 30, 2018
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
150

 
$
129

Less: Capital expenditures
23

 
11

Less: Net cash paid (received) for investments
24

 
(490
)
 
 
 
 
Free Cash Flow
$
103

 
$
608

 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
249

 
$
265

Less: Capital expenditures
82

 
40

Less: Net cash paid (received) for investments
258

 
(491
)
 
 
 
 
Free Cash Flow
$
(91
)
 
$
716


###

Media Contact:
Investor Contact:
James Steven
Lori Scherwin
(212) 275-2213
(212) 275-4850
James.Steven@wmg.com
Investor.Relations@wmg.com
 


14