View Filing Data

$ 1,124

$ 1,058

$ 1,090

$ 1,203

$ 1,039

$ 958

$ 963

$ 1,045

$ 4,475

$ 4,005

$ 3,576

(639)

(577)

(559)

(626)

(583)

(531)

(488)

(569)

(2,401)

(2,171)

(1,931)

(408)

(372)

(354)

(376)

(398)

(343)

(337)

(333)

(1,510)

^[1]

(1,411)

^[1]

(1,222)

^[1]

(48)

(51)

(55)

(54)

(42)

(56)

(55)

(53)

(208)

(206)

(201)

(1,095)

(1,000)

(968)

(1,056)

(1,023)

(930)

(880)

(955)

(4,119)

(3,788)

(3,354)

122

147

356

217

222

(4)

(3)

(7)

(23)

(1)

(7)

(31)

(35)

(34)

(36)

(33)

(36)

(142)

(138)

(149)

(16)

394

(6)

394

(40)

115

136

(15)

382

267

442

(2)

(48)

(50)

(61)

(19)

(52)

(9)

(130)

151

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(13)

321

(1)

258

312

149

(1)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(5)

(6)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$ 90

$ 13

$ 67

$ 86

$ (14)

$ 320

$ (3)

$ 4

$ 256

$ 307

$ 143

[1]	(a) Includes depreciation expense of:$(61) $(55) $(50)

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ (18)	$ (15)	$ (14)	$ (14)	$ (14)	$ (15)	$ (14)	$ (12)	$ (61)	$ (55)	$ (50)

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 91	$ 14	$ 67	$ 86	$ (13)	$ 321	$ (1)	$ 5	$ 258	$ 312	$ 149
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Foreign currency adjustment									(34)	(13)	30
Deferred (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments									(11)	3	0
Minimum pension liability									(5)	1	7
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									(50)	(9)	37
Total comprehensive income									208	303	186
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(2)	(5)	(6)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.									$ 206	$ 298	$ 180

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 258,000	$ 312,000	$ 149,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	269,000	261,000	251,000
Unrealized (gains) losses and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans	(28,000)	(3,000)	24,000
Deferred income taxes	(68,000)	66,000	(192,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7,000	31,000	35,000
Net (gain) loss on divestitures and investments	(20,000)	(389,000)	17,000
Non-cash interest expense	6,000	6,000	8,000
Equity-based compensation expense	50,000	62,000	70,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(90,000)	(43,000)	(60,000)
Inventories	3,000	(3,000)	1,000
Royalty advances	(110,000)	31,000	17,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3,000	82,000	48,000
Royalty payables	130,000	22,000	136,000
Accrued interest	3,000	(10,000)	3,000
Deferred revenue	(4,000)	(4,000)	22,000
Other balance sheet changes	(9,000)	4,000	6,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	400,000	425,000	535,000
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights and music catalogs, net	(41,000)	(14,000)	(16,000)
Capital expenditures	(104,000)	(74,000)	(44,000)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net of cash received	(231,000)	(23,000)	(139,000)
Proceeds from the sale of investments	0	516,000	73,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(376,000)	405,000	(126,000)
Cash flows from financing activities
Call premiums paid and deposit on early redemption of debt	(5,000)	(23,000)	(27,000)
Deferred financing costs paid	(7,000)	(12,000)	(13,000)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	(3,000)	(5,000)	(5,000)
Dividends paid	(93,750)	(925,000)	(84,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	88,000	(955,000)	(128,000)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(7,000)	(8,000)	7,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	105,000	(133,000)	288,000
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	514,000	647,000	359,000
Cash and equivalents at end of period	619,000	514,000	647,000
4.125% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp	0	0	380,000
Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	(40,000)	0	0
4.875% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp	0	0	250,000
Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	(30,000)	0	0
5.500% Senior Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp	0	325,000	0
Senior Term Loan Facility
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. Senior Term Loan Facility	0	320,000	22,000
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp	514,000	0	0
5.625% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	(247,000)	0	(28,000)
6.000% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	0	0	(450,000)
6.250% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	0	0	(173,000)
6.750% Senior Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of Senior Notes	$ 0	$ (635,000)	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 14, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
4.125% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate	4.125%	4.125%		4.125%
4.875% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate	4.875%	4.875%		4.875%
5.500% Senior Notes
Interest rate	5.50%	5.50%		5.50%
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Interest rate	3.625%	3.625%		3.625%
6.000% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate	6.00%	6.00%		6.00%
6.250% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate	6.25%	6.25%		6.25%
5.625% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate	5.625%	5.625%		5.625%
6.750% Senior Notes
Interest rate	6.75%	6.75%	6.75%	6.75%

Consolidated Statements of (Deficit) Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total Warner Music Group Corp. Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		1,055
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 210	$ 0	$ 1,128	$ (715)	$ (218)	$ 195	$ 15
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	149			143		143	6
Dividends	(84)			(84)		(84)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	37				37	37
Disposal of noncontrolling interest related to divestiture	(3)						(3)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders	(5)						(5)
Other	4			2		2	2
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		1,055
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	308	$ 0	1,128	(654)	(181)	293	15
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	312			307		307	5
Dividends	(925)			(925)		(925)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(9)				(9)	(9)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders	(6)						(6)
Other (in shares)		(3)
Other	$ 0
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018	1,052	1,052
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ (320)	$ 0	1,128	(1,272)	(190)	(334)	14
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of ASC 606 adoption	150			139		139	11
Net income	258			256		256	2
Dividends	(300)			(300)		(300)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(50)				(50)	(50)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders	(3)						(3)
Other (in shares)		8
Other	$ (4)						(4)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019	1,060	1,060
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ (269)	$ 0	$ 1,128	$ (1,177)	$ (240)	$ (289)	$ 20

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
Description of Business	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Warner Music Group Corp. (the “Company”) was formed on November 21, 2003. The Company is the direct parent of WMG Holdings Corp. (“Holdings”), which is the direct parent of WMG Acquisition Corp. (“Acquisition Corp.”). Acquisition Corp. is one of the world’s major music entertainment companies. Acquisition of Warner Music Group by Access Industries Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 6, 2011 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, AI Entertainment Holdings LLC (formerly Airplanes Music LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”) and an affiliate of Access Industries, Inc. (“Access”), and Airplanes Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), on July 20, 2011 (the “Merger Closing Date”), Merger Sub merged with and into the Company with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”). In connection with the Merger, the Company delisted its common stock from the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The Company continues to voluntarily file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) current and periodic reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as provided for in certain covenants contained in the instruments covering its outstanding indebtedness. All of the Company’s common stock is owned by affiliates of Access. Recorded Music Operations Our Recorded Music business primarily consists of the discovery and development of recording artists and the related marketing, promotion, distribution, sale and licensing of music created by such recording artists. We play an integral role in virtually all aspects of the recorded music value chain from discovering and developing talent to producing, distributing and selling music to marketing and promoting recording artists and their music. In the United States, our Recorded Music business is conducted principally through our major record labels—Atlantic Records and Warner Records. In October 2018, we launched Elektra Music Group in the United States as a standalone label group, which comprises the Elektra, Fueled by Ramen and Roadrunner labels. Our Recorded Music business also includes Rhino Entertainment, a division that specializes in marketing our recorded music catalog through compilations, reissuances of previously released music and video titles and releasing previously unreleased material from our vault. We also conduct our Recorded Music business through a collection of additional record labels including Asylum, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Erato, FFRR, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Sire, Spinnin’, Warner Classics and Warner Music Nashville. Outside the United States, our Recorded Music business is conducted in more than 60 countries through various subsidiaries, affiliates and non-affiliated licensees. Internationally, we engage in the same activities as in the United States: discovering and signing artists and distributing, selling, marketing and promoting their music. In most cases, we also market, promote, distribute and sell the music of those recording artists for whom our domestic record labels have international rights. In certain smaller markets, we license the right to distribute and sell our music to non-affiliated third-party record labels. Our Recorded Music business’ distribution operations include Warner-Elektra-Atlantic Corporation (“WEA Corp.”), which markets, distributes and sells music and video products to retailers and wholesale distributors; Alternative Distribution Alliance (“ADA”), which markets, distributes and sells the products of independent labels to retail and wholesale distributors; and various distribution centers and ventures operated internationally. In addition to our music being sold in physical retail outlets, our music is also sold in physical form to online physical retailers, such as Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and bestbuy.com, and distributed in digital form to an expanded universe of digital partners, including streaming services such as those of Amazon, Apple, Deezer, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tencent Music Entertainment Group and YouTube, radio services such as iHeart Radio and SiriusXM and download services such as Apple’s iTunes and Google Play. We have integrated the marketing of digital content into all aspects of our business, including artists and repertoire (“A&R”) and distribution. Our business development executives work closely with A&R departments to ensure that while music is being produced, digital assets are also created with all distribution channels in mind, including streaming services, social networking sites, online portals and music-centered destinations. We also work side-by-side with our online and mobile partners to test new concepts. We believe existing and new digital businesses will be a significant source of growth and will provide new opportunities to successfully monetize our assets and create new revenue streams. The proportion of digital revenues attributable to each distribution channel varies by region and proportions may change as the introduction of new technologies continues. As one of the world’s largest music entertainment companies, we believe we are well positioned to take advantage of growth in digital distribution and emerging technologies to maximize the value of our assets. We have diversified our revenues beyond our traditional businesses by entering into expanded-rights deals with recording artists in order to partner with such artists in other aspects of their careers. Under these agreements, we provide services to and participate in recording artists’ activities outside the traditional recorded music business such as touring, merchandising and sponsorships. We have built and acquired artist services capabilities and platforms for marketing and distributing this broader set of music-related rights and participating more widely in the monetization of the artist brands we help create. We believe that entering into expanded-rights deals and enhancing our artist services capabilities in areas such as merchandising, VIP ticketing, fan clubs, concert promotion and management has permitted us to diversify revenue streams and capitalize on other revenue opportunities. This provides for improved long-term relationships with our recording artists and allows us to more effectively connect recording artists and fans. Music Publishing Operations While Recorded Music is focused on marketing, promoting, distributing and licensing a particular recording of a musical composition, Music Publishing is an intellectual property business focused on generating revenue from uses of the musical composition itself. In return for promoting, placing, marketing and administering the creative output of a songwriter, or engaging in those activities for other rightsholders, our Music Publishing business garners a share of the revenues generated from use of the musical compositions. The operations of our Music Publishing business are conducted principally through Warner Chappell Music, our global music publishing company headquartered in Los Angeles with operations in over 60 countries through various subsidiaries, affiliates and non-affiliated licensees. We own or control rights to more than 1.4 million musical compositions, including numerous pop hits, American standards, folk songs and motion picture and theatrical compositions. Assembled over decades, our award-winning catalog includes over 80,000 songwriters and composers and a diverse range of genres including pop, rock, jazz, classical, country, R&B, hip-hop, rap, reggae, Latin, folk, blues, symphonic, soul, Broadway, techno, alternative and gospel. Warner Chappell Music also administers the music and soundtracks of several third-party television and film producers and studios. We have an extensive production music catalog collectively branded as Warner Chappell Production Music.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in each reporting period. The fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 ended on September 27, 2019, the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 ended on September 28, 2018 and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 ended on September 29, 2017. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of September 30.

Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements present the consolidated accounts of all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest and/or variable interest required to be consolidated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”) requires the Company first evaluate its investments to determine if any investments qualify as a variable interest entity (“VIE”). A VIE is consolidated if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, which is the party involved with the VIE that has both (i) the power to control the most significant activities of the VIE and (ii) either the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company consolidates the entity if the Company has a controlling voting interest.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for its business acquisitions under the FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”) guidance for business combinations. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items.

Cash and Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company includes checks outstanding at year end as a component of accounts payable, instead of a reduction in its cash balance where there is not a right of offset in the related bank accounts.

Accounts Receivable

Credit is extended to customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value.

Refund Liabilities and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Management’s estimate of Recorded Music physical products that will be returned, and the amount of receivables that will ultimately be collected is an area of judgment affecting reported revenues and operating income. In determining the estimate of physical product sales that will be returned, management analyzes vendor sales of product, historical return trends, current economic conditions, changes in customer demand and commercial acceptance of the Company’s products. Based on this information, management reserves a percentage of each dollar of physical product sales that provide the customer with the right of return. The provision for such sales returns is reflected as a reduction in the revenues from the related sale.

Similarly, the Company monitors customer credit risk related to accounts receivable. Significant judgments and estimates are involved in evaluating if such amounts will ultimately be fully collected. On an ongoing basis, the Company tracks customer exposure based on news reports, ratings agency information, reviews of customer financial data and direct dialogue with customers. Counterparties that are determined to be of a higher risk are evaluated to assess whether the payment terms previously granted to them should be modified. The Company also monitors payment levels from customers, and a provision for estimated uncollectible amounts is maintained based on such payment levels, historical experience, management’s views on trends in the overall receivable agings and, for larger accounts, analyses of specific risks on a customer-specific basis.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Customer credit risk represents the potential for financial loss if a customer is unwilling or unable to meet its agreed upon contractual payment obligations. As of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, Spotify represented 13% and 18%, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable in either period. The Company, by policy, routinely assesses the financial strength of its customers. As such, the Company does not believe there is any significant collection risk.

In the Music Publishing business, the Company collects a significant portion of its royalties from copyright collecting societies around the world. Collecting societies and associations generally are not-for-profit organizations that represent composers, songwriters and music publishers. These organizations seek to protect the rights of their members by licensing, collecting license fees and distributing royalties for the use of the members’ works. Accordingly, the Company does not believe there is any significant collection risk from such societies.

Inventories

Inventories consist of merchandise, vinyl, CDs, DVDs and other related music products. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value. Cost is determined using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) and average cost methods, which approximate cost under the FIFO method. Returned goods included in inventory are valued at estimated realizable value, but not in excess of cost.

Derivative and Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for these investments as required by the FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. ASC 815 also provides that, for derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value are either (a) offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or (b) recognized in equity until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, depending on whether the derivative is being used to hedge changes in fair value or cash flows. In addition, the ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings.

The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates fair value, except for certain differences relating to long-term, fixed-rate debt (see Note 17) and other financial instruments that are not significant. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment existing at the date of the Merger or acquired in conjunction with subsequent business combinations are recorded at fair value. All other additions are recorded at historical cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets as follows: five to seven years for furniture and fixtures, periods of up to five years for computer equipment and periods of up to thirteen years for machinery and equipment. Buildings are depreciated over periods of up to forty years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever period is shorter.

Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), the Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entities are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets. Pursuant to this guidance, the Company does not amortize the goodwill balance and instead, performs an annual impairment test to assess the fair value of goodwill over its carrying value. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of July 1 and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, its goodwill is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with its carrying amount to measure the amount of impairment, if any. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

The Company performs an annual impairment test of its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of July 1 of each fiscal year, unless events occur which trigger the need for an earlier impairment test. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. In the qualitative assessment, the Company must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill has a carrying amount that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. The Company must proceed to conduct a quantitative analysis if the Company (i) determines that such an impairment is more likely than not to exist or (ii) forgoes the qualitative assessment entirely. Under the quantitative assessment, the impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company generally determines the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis, such as the relief from royalty method, which is used in estimating the fair value of the Company’s trademarks. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets. Also subject to judgment are assumptions about royalty rates, which are based on the estimated rates at which similar trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace.

The impairment tests require management to make assumptions about future conditions impacting the value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, including projected growth rates, cost of capital, effective tax rates, tax amortization periods, royalty rates, market share and others.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangibles, property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable or that the lives assigned may no longer be appropriate. To the extent the estimated future cash inflows attributable to the asset, less estimated future cash outflows, are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the difference between the carrying value of such asset and its fair value. Assets to be disposed of and for which there is a committed plan to dispose of the assets, whether through sale or abandonment, are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. If it is determined that events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization, an asset’s remaining useful life would be changed, and the remaining carrying amount of the asset would be amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial position and operating results of substantially all foreign operations are consolidated using the local currency as the functional currency. Local currency assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, and local currency revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Resulting translation gains or losses are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Revenues

Recorded Music

As required by FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), the Company recognizes revenue when, or as, control of the promised services or goods is transferred to our customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company is contractually due in exchange for those services or goods.

Revenues from the sale or license of Recorded Music products through digital distribution channels are typically recognized when sale or usage occurs based on usage reports received from the customer. These licenses typically contain a single performance obligation, which is ongoing access to all intellectual property in an evolving content library, predicated on: (1) the business practice and contractual ability to remove specific content without a requirement to replace the content and without impact to minimum royalty guarantees and (2) the contracts not containing a specific listing of content subject to the license. For certain licenses where the consideration is fixed and the intellectual property being licensed is static, revenue is recognized at the point in time when control of the licensed content is transferred to the customer.

Revenues from the sale of Recorded Music products through digital distribution channels are typically recognized when sale or usage occurs based on usage reports received from the customer. Revenues from the sale of physical Recorded Music products are recognized upon delivery, which occurs once the product has been shipped and control has been transferred. In accordance with industry practice and as is customary in many territories, certain products, such as CDs and DVDs, are sold to customers with the right to return unsold items. Revenues from such sales are generally recognized upon shipment based on gross sales less a provision for future estimated returns.

Music Publishing

Music Publishing revenues are earned from the receipt of royalties relating to the licensing of rights in musical compositions and the sale of published sheet music and songbooks. The receipt of royalties principally relates to amounts earned from the public performance of musical compositions, the mechanical reproduction of musical compositions on recorded media including digital formats and the use of musical compositions in synchronization with visual images. Music publishing royalties, except for synchronization royalties, generally are recognized when the sale or usage occurs. The most common form of consideration for publishing contracts is sales- and usage-based royalties. The collecting societies submit usage reports, typically with payment for royalties due, often on a quarterly or biannual reporting period, in arrears. Royalties are recognized as the sale or usage occurs based upon usage reports and, when these reports are not available, royalties are estimated based on historical data, such as recent royalties reported, company-specific information with respect to changes in repertoire, industry information and other relevant trends. Synchronization revenue is typically recognized as revenue when control of the license is transferred to the customer in accordance with ASC 606.

Royalty Advances and Royalty Costs

The Company regularly commits to and pays royalty advances to its recording artists and songwriters in respect of future sales. The Company accounts for these advances under the related guidance in FASB ASC Topic 928, Entertainment—Music (“ASC 928”). Under ASC 928, the Company capitalizes as assets certain advances that it believes are recoverable from future royalties to be earned by the recording artist or songwriter. Advances vary in both amount and expected life based on the underlying recording artist or songwriter.

The Company’s decision to capitalize an advance to a recording artist or songwriter as an asset requires significant judgment as to the recoverability of the advance. The recoverability is assessed upon initial commitment of the advance based upon the Company’s forecast of anticipated revenue from the sale of future and existing albums or musical compositions. In determining whether the advance is recoverable, the Company evaluates the current and past popularity of the recording artist or songwriter, the sales history of the recording artist or songwriter, the initial or expected commercial acceptability of the product, the current and past popularity of the genre of music that the product is designed to appeal to, and other relevant factors. Based upon this information, the Company expenses the portion of any advance that it believes is not recoverable. In most cases, advances to recording artists or songwriters without a history of success and evidence of current or past popularity will be expensed immediately. Significant advances are individually assessed for recoverability continuously and at minimum on a quarterly basis. As part of the ongoing assessment of recoverability, the Company monitors the projection of future sales based on the current environment, the recording artist’s or songwriter’s ability to meet their contractual obligations as well as the Company’s intent to support future album releases or musical compositions from the recording artist or songwriter. To the extent that a portion of an outstanding advance is no longer deemed recoverable, that amount will be expensed in the period the determination is made.

Advertising

As required by the FASB ASC Subtopic 720-35, Advertising Costs (“ASC 720-35”), advertising costs, including costs to produce music videos used for promotional purposes, are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $108 million, $104 million and $97 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Deferred advertising costs, which principally relate to advertisements that have been paid for but not been exhibited or services that have not been received, were not material for all periods presented.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based payments as required by FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized as compensation expense. Under the fair value recognition provision of ASC 718, equity classified share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period.

Under the recognition provision of ASC 718, liability classified share-based compensation costs are measured each reporting date until settlement. The Company’s policy is to measure share-based compensation costs using the intrinsic value method instead of fair value as it is not practical to estimate the volatility of its share price. During fiscal year 2013, the Company initiated a long-term incentive plan that has liability classification for share-based compensation awards and continues to be effective through September 30, 2019.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are provided using the asset and liability method presented by FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Under this method, income taxes (i.e., deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities, taxes currently payable/refunds receivable and tax expense) are recorded based on amounts refundable or payable in the current fiscal year and include the results of any differences between U.S. GAAP and tax reporting. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effect of net operating loss, capital loss and general business credit carryforwards and the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial statements and income tax purposes, as determined under enacted tax laws and rates. Valuation allowances are established when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The financial effect of changes in tax laws or rates is accounted for in the period of enactment. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recorded the impacts in the period of enactment.

From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. In determining the Company’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination based on their technical merits. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken on the Company’s tax returns are more likely than not of being sustained.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Revenue Recognition Standard

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 606 which replaces the guidance in former ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and ASC 928-605, Entertainment—Music. The amendment was the result of a joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP and international financial reporting standards (“IFRS”). The joint project clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS.

The Company adopted ASC 606 on October 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method to all contracts not completed as of the date of adoption. The reported results as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 reflect the application of the new standard, while the reported results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 have not been adjusted to reflect the new standard and were prepared under prior revenue recognition accounting guidance.

The adoption of ASC 606 resulted in a change in the timing of revenue recognition in the Company’s Music Publishing segment as well as international broadcast rights within the Company’s Recorded Music segment. Under the new revenue recognition rules, revenue is recorded based on best estimates available in the period of sale or usage whereas revenue was previously recorded when cash was received for both the licensing of publishing rights and international Recorded Music broadcast fees. Additionally, for certain licenses where the consideration is fixed and the intellectual property being licensed is static, revenue is recognized at the point in time when control of the licensed content is transferred to the customer. As a result of adopting ASC 606, the Company recorded a decrease to the opening accumulated deficit of approximately $139 million, net of tax, as of October 1, 2018. The Company also reclassified $28 million from accounts receivable to other current liabilities related to estimated refund liabilities for its physical sales.

The following table provides the cumulative effect of the changes made to the opening balance sheet, as of October 1, 2018, from the adoption of ASC 606 and which primarily relates to the accrual of licensing revenue in the period of sale or usage.



	September 30, 2018			Impact of Adoption			October 1, 2018
	(in millions)
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	447		$	257		$	704
Total current assets	1,176			257			1,433
Other assets	78			15			93
Total assets	$	5,344		$	272		$	5,616
Liabilities and Equity
Accrued royalties	$	1,396		$	79		$	1,475
Accrued liabilities	423			(1		)	422
Deferred revenue	208			(27		)	181
Other current liabilities	34			33			67
Total current liabilities	2,373			84			2,457
Deferred tax liabilities, net	165			37			202
Other noncurrent liabilities	307			1			308
Total liabilities	$	5,664		$	122		$	5,786
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,272		)	139			(1,133		)
Noncontrolling interest	14			11			25
Total equity	(320		)	150			(170		)
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,344		$	272		$	5,616

The disclosures of the impact of adoption on the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019, and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Revenue	$	4,475		$	4,447		$	28
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(2,401		)	(2,389		)	(12		)
Operating income	356			340			16
Income before income taxes	267			251			16
Income tax expense	(9		)	(5		)	(4		)
Net income	258			246			12
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2		)	(4		)	2
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	256		$	242		$	14



	September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	775		$	495		$	280
Total current assets	1,691			1,411			280
Other assets	145			135			10
Deferred tax assets, net	38			38			—
Total assets	$	6,017		$	5,727		$	290
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable	$	260		$	261		$	(1	)
Accrued royalties	1,567			1,474			93
Accrued liabilities	492			493			(1		)
Deferred revenue	180			216			(36		)
Other current liabilities	286			259			27
Total current liabilities	2,819			2,737			82
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172			131			41
Other noncurrent liabilities	321			317			4
Total liabilities	6,286			6,159			127
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,177		)	(1,331		)	154
Noncontrolling interest	20			11			9
Total equity	(269		)	(432		)	163
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,017		$	5,727		$	290



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	258		$	246		$	12
Deferred income taxes	(68		)	(72		)	4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(90		)	(67		)	(23		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3			1			2
Royalty advances	(110		)	(124		)	14
Deferred revenue	(4		)	5			(9		)
Other balance sheet changes	(9		)	(9		)	—
Net cash provided by operating activities	400			400			—
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(7		)	(7		)	—
Net increase in cash and equivalents	105			105			—
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	514			514			—
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	619		$	619		$	—

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). This ASU will require that equity investments, except those investments under the equity method of accounting, are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company may elect to measure equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable prices. The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 on October 1, 2018 and has elected to use the measurement alternative to measure its equity investments without readily determinable fair values. This guidance was applied prospectively and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, there were no observable price change events that were completed related to its equity investments without readily determinable fair values.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). This ASU provides specific guidance of how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and this adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”). This ASU requires the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers when the transaction occurs. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and this adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (“ASU 2017-01”), to clarify the definition of a business, which establishes a process to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities can be deemed a business combination. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and this adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2018-02”). This ASU allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to accumulated deficit for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. ASU 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and this adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), which established a new ASC Topic 842 (“ASC 842”). This ASU establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Earlier adoption is permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases – Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”), which allows for retrospective application with the recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Under this option, entities would not need to apply ASC 842 (along with its disclosure requirements) to the comparative prior periods presented.

The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 as of October 1, 2019, using the optional transition method provided by ASU 2018-11. The Company is finalizing the evaluation of the adoption impact, but estimates the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities of approximately $360 million upon adoption, primarily related to real estate leases. Additionally, the Company will include expanded disclosures related to the amount, timing and judgments of the Company’s accounting for leases.

Upon transition, the Company expects to elect the “package of three” practical expedient provided by ASC 842 and therefore will not (1) reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain a lease, (2) reassess the lease classification for expired or existing leases and (3) reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases. Rather, the Company will retain the conclusions reached for these items under ASC 840.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). This ASU improves certain aspects of the hedge accounting model including making more risk management strategies eligible for hedge accounting and simplifying the assessment of hedge effectiveness. ASU 2017-12 is effective for all annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted and requires a prospective adoption with a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption for existing hedging relationships. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

For our operating segments, Recorded Music and Music Publishing, the Company accounts for a contract when it has legally enforceable rights and obligations and collectability of consideration is probable. The Company identifies the performance obligations and determines the transaction price associated with the contract, which is then allocated to each performance obligation, using management’s best estimate of standalone selling price for arrangements with multiple performance obligations. Revenue is recognized when, or as, control of the promised services or goods is transferred to the Company’s customers, and in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company is contractually due in exchange for those services or goods. An estimate of variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Certain of the Company’s arrangements include licenses of intellectual property with consideration in the form of sales- and usage-based royalties. Royalty revenue is recognized when the subsequent sale or usage occurs using the best estimates available of the amounts that will be received by the Company.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company’s revenue consists of the following categories, which aggregate into the segments – Recorded Music and Music Publishing:



	For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(in millions)
Revenue by Type
Digital	$	2,343		$	2,019		$	1,692
Physical	559			630			667
Total Physical and Digital	2,902			2,649			2,359
Artist services and expanded-rights	629			389			385
Licensing	309			322			276
Total Recorded Music	3,840			3,360			3,020
Performance	183			212			197
Digital	271			237			187
Mechanical	55			72			65
Synchronization	120			119			112
Other	14			13			11
Total Music Publishing	643			653			572
Intersegment eliminations	(8		)	(8		)	(16		)
Total Revenues	$	4,475		$	4,005		$	3,576
Revenue by Geographical Location
U.S. Recorded Music	$	1,656		$	1,460		$	1,329
U.S. Music Publishing	300			294			258
Total U.S.	1,956			1,754			1,587
International Recorded Music	2,184			1,900			1,691
International Music Publishing	343			359			314
Total International	2,527			2,259			2,005
Intersegment eliminations	(8		)	(8		)	(16		)
Total Revenues	$	4,475		$	4,005		$	3,576

Recorded Music

Recorded Music mainly involves selling, marketing, distribution and licensing of recorded music produced by the Company’s recording artists. Recorded Music revenues are derived from four main sources, which include digital, physical, artist services and expanded-rights and licensing.

Digital revenues are generated from the expanded universe of digital partners, including digital streaming services and download services. These licenses typically contain a single performance obligation, which is ongoing access to all intellectual property in an evolving content library, predicated on: (1) the business practice and contractual ability to remove specific content without a requirement to replace the content and without impact to minimum royalty guarantees and (2) the contracts not containing a specific listing of content subject to the license. Digital licensing contracts are generally long-term with consideration in the form of sales- and usage-based royalties that are typically received monthly. Certain contracts contain non-recoupable fixed fees or minimum guarantees, which are recoupable against royalties. Upon contract inception, the Company will assess whether a shortfall or breakage is expected (i.e., where the minimum guarantee will not be recouped through royalties) in order to determine timing of revenue recognition for the fixed fee or minimum guarantee.

For fixed fee and minimum guarantee contracts where breakage is expected, the total transaction price (fixed fee or minimum guarantee) is typically recognized on a straight-line basis or by other appropriate measures of progress over the contractual term. The Company updates its assessment of the transaction price each reporting period to see if anticipated royalty earnings exceed the minimum guarantee. For contracts where breakage is not expected, royalties are recognized as revenue as sales or usage occurs based upon the licensee’s usage reports and, when these reports are not available, revenue is based on historical data, industry information and other relevant trends.

Additionally, for certain licenses where the consideration is fixed and the intellectual property being licensed is static, revenue is recognized at the point in time when control of the licensed content is transferred to the customer.

Physical revenues are generated from the sale of physical products such as vinyl, CDs and DVDs. Revenues from the sale of physical Recorded Music products are recognized upon transfer of control to the customer, which typically occurs once the product has been shipped and the ability to direct use and obtain substantially all of the benefit from the asset have been transferred. In accordance with industry practice and as is customary in many territories, certain products, such as CDs and DVDs, are sold to customers with the right to return unsold items. Revenues from such sales are generally recognized upon shipment based on gross sales less a provision for future estimated returns.

Artist services and expanded-rights revenues are generated from artist services businesses and participations in expanded-rights associated with artists, including sponsorship, fan clubs, artist websites, merchandising, touring, concert promotion, ticketing and artist and brand management. Artist services and expanded-rights contracts are generally short term. Revenue is recognized as or when services are provided (e.g., at time of an artist’s event) assuming collectability is probable. In some cases, the Company is reliant on the artist to report revenue generating activities. For certain artist services and expanded-rights contracts, collectability is not considered probable until notification is received from the artist’s management.

Licensing revenues represent royalties or fees for the right to use sound recordings in combination with visual images such as in films or television programs, television commercials and video games. In certain territories, the Company may also receive royalties when sound recordings are performed publicly through broadcast of music on television, radio and cable and in public spaces such as shops, workplaces, restaurants, bars and clubs. Licensing contracts are generally short term. For fixed-fee contracts, revenue is recognized at the point in time when control of the licensed content is transferred to the customer. Royalty based contracts are recognized as the underlying sales or usage occurs.

Music Publishing

Music Publishing acts as a copyright owner and/or administrator of the musical compositions and generates revenues related to the exploitation of musical compositions (as opposed to recorded music). Music publishers generally receive royalties from the use of the musical compositions in public performances, digital and physical recordings and in combination with visual images. Music publishing revenues are derived from five main sources: mechanical, performance, synchronization, digital and other.

Performance revenues are received when the musical composition is performed publicly through broadcast of music on television, radio and cable, live performance at a concert or other venue (e.g., arena concerts and nightclubs) and performance of musical compositions in staged theatrical productions. Digital revenues are generated with respect to the musical compositions being embodied in recordings licensed to digital streaming services and digital download services and for digital performance. Mechanical revenues are generated with respect to the musical compositions embodied in recordings sold in any physical format or configuration such as vinyl, CDs and DVDs. Synchronization revenues represent the right to use the composition in combination with visual images such as in films or television programs, television commercials and video games as well as from other uses such as in toys or novelty items and merchandise. Other revenues represent earnings for use in printed sheet music and other uses. Digital and synchronization revenue recognition is similar for both Recorded Music and Music Publishing, therefore refer to the discussion within Recorded Music.

Included in these revenue streams, excluding synchronization and other, are licenses with performing rights organizations or collecting societies (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GEMA), which are long-term contracts containing a single performance obligation, which is ongoing access to all intellectual property in an evolving content library. The most common form of consideration for these contracts is sales- and usage-based royalties. The collecting societies submit usage reports, typically with payment for royalties due, often on a quarterly or biannual reporting period, in arears. Royalties are recognized as the sale or usage occurs based upon usage reports and, when these reports are not available, royalties are estimated based on historical data, such as recent royalties reported, company-specific information with respect to changes in repertoire, industry information and other relevant trends. Also included in these revenue streams are smaller, short-term contracts for specified content, which generally involve a fixed fee. For fixed-fee contracts, revenue is recognized at the point in time when control of the license is transferred to the customer.

The Company excludes from the measurement of transaction price all taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are both (i) imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and (ii) collected from customers.

Sales Returns and Uncollectible Accounts

In accordance with practice in the recorded music industry and as customary in many territories, certain physical revenue products (such as CDs and DVDs) are sold to customers with the right to return unsold items. Revenues from such sales are recognized when the products are shipped based on gross sales less a provision for future estimated returns.

In determining the estimate of physical product sales that will be returned, management analyzes vendor sales of product, historical return trends, current economic conditions, changes in customer demand and commercial acceptance of the Company’s products. Based on this information, management reserves a percentage of each dollar of physical product sales that provide the customer with the right of return and records an asset for the value of the returned goods and liability for the amounts expected to be refunded.

Similarly, management evaluates accounts receivables to determine if they will ultimately be collected. In performing this evaluation, significant judgments and estimates are involved, including an analysis of specific risks on a customer-by-customer basis for larger accounts and customers and a receivables aging analysis that determines the percent that has historically been uncollected by aged category. The time between the Company’s issuance of an invoice and payment due date is not significant; customer payments that are not collected in advance of the transfer of promised services or goods are generally due no later than 30 days from invoice date. Based on this information, management provides a reserve for the estimated amounts believed to be uncollectible.

Based on management’s analysis of sales returns, refund liabilities of $23 million and $28 million were established at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

Based on management’s analysis of uncollectible accounts, reserves of $17 million and $17 million were established at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

Principal versus Agent Revenue Recognition

The Company reports revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether the Company acts as a principal or agent in the transaction. The determination of whether the Company acts as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether the Company controls the good or service before transfer to the customer. When the Company concludes that it controls the good or service before transfer to the customer, the Company is considered a principal in the transaction and records revenue on a gross basis. When the Company concludes that it does not control the good or service before transfer to the customer but arranges for another entity to provide the good or service, the Company acts as an agent and records revenue on a net basis in the amount it earns for its agency service.

In the normal course of business, the Company acts as an intermediary with respect to certain payments received from third parties. For example, the Company distributes music content on behalf of third-party record labels. Based on the above guidance, the Company records the distribution of content on behalf of third-party record labels on a gross basis, subject to the terms of the contract, as the Company controls the content before transfer to the customer. Conversely, recorded music compilations distributed by other record companies where the Company has a right to participate in the profits are recorded on a net basis.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue principally relates to fixed fees and minimum guarantees received in advance of the Company’s performance or usage by the licensee. Reductions in deferred revenue are a result of the Company’s performance under the contract or usage by the licensee.

Deferred revenue increased $402 million during the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 related to cash received from customers for fixed fees and minimum guarantees in advance of performance, including amounts recognized in the period. Revenues of $159 million were recognized during the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 related to the balance of deferred revenue at October 1, 2018. There were no other significant changes to deferred revenue during the reporting period.

Performance Obligations

The Company recognized revenue of $51 million from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2019.

Wholly and partially unsatisfied performance obligations represent future revenues not yet recorded under long-term intellectual property licensing contracts. Revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at September 30, 2019 are as follows (in millions):



	FY20		FY21		FY22		Thereafter		Total
	(in millions)
Remaining performance obligations	$	142	$	94	$	7	$	—	$	243
Total	$	142	$	94	$	7	$	—	$	243

Acquisition of EMP

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisition of EMP

On October 10, 2018, Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH (“WMG Germany”), a limited liability company under the laws of Germany and an indirect subsidiary of Warner Music Group Corp., closed its previously announced acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of certain shares of E.M.P. Merchandising Handelsgesellschaft mbH, a limited liability company under the laws of Germany, all of the share capital of MIG Merchandising Investment GmbH, a limited liability company under the laws of Germany (“MIG”), certain shares of Large Popmarchandising BVBA, a limited liability company under the laws of Belgium (“Large”) and each of EMP Merchandising Handelsgesellschaft mbH and MIG’s direct and indirect subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries” and, together with EMP Merchandising Handelsgesellschaft mbH, MIG and Large, “EMP”) from funds associated with Sycamore Partners, pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 11, 2018, by and between SP Merchandising Holding GmbH & Co. KG, a limited partnership under the laws of Germany, and WMG Germany (“Acquisition Agreement”). The cash consideration paid at closing of the Acquisition was approximately €166 million, which reflects an agreed enterprise value of EMP of approximately €155 million (equivalent to approximately $180 million), as adjusted for, among other items, net debt and estimates of working capital of EMP. The final purchase price paid was determined to be €165 million after finalization of purchase price adjustments, including working capital and other items.

The Acquisition was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, using the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities of EMP, including identifiable intangible assets, have been measured at their fair value primarily using Level 3 inputs (see Note 17 for additional information on fair value inputs). Determining the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires judgment and involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset useful lives and market multiples, among other items. The use of different estimates and judgments could yield materially different results.

The excess of the purchase price, over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets and deferred tax adjustments, has been recorded to goodwill. The resulting goodwill has been allocated to the Company’s Recorded Music reportable segment. The recognized goodwill will not be deductible for income tax purposes. Any impairment charges made in future periods associated with goodwill will not be tax deductible.

The table below presents (i) the Acquisition consideration as it relates to the acquisition of EMP by WMG Germany and (ii) the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of October 10, 2018 (in millions):



Purchase Price	€	155
Working Capital	10
Final Purchase Price	€	165
Foreign Currency Rate at October 10, 2018	1.15
Final Purchase Price in U.S. dollars	$	190
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Cash and equivalents	$	7
Accounts receivable, net	3
Inventories	37
Other current assets	5
Property plant and equipment	32
Intangible assets	81
Accounts payable	(18		)
Other current liabilities	(11		)
Deferred revenue	(7		)
Deferred tax liabilities	(25		)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(3		)
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	101
Goodwill recorded	89
Total purchase price allocated	$	190

During fiscal 2019, the Company performed a preliminary allocation in the first and third quarters, which was finalized as of September 30, 2019. The acquisition accounting was based on final determinations of fair value and allocations of purchase price to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, including determination of the final working capital adjustment made pursuant to the mechanism set forth in the Acquisition Agreement.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma information has been presented as if the Acquisition occurred on October 1, 2017. This information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are (i) directly attributable to the Acquisition; (ii) factually supportable; and (iii) expected to have a continuing impact on the Company’s combined results. The pro forma information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Acquisition had taken place at the beginning of fiscal 2018.



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019		Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Revenue	$	4,480	$	4,239
Operating income	356		215
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	256		304

Actual results related to EMP included in the consolidated statement of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 relate to the transition period from October 10, 2018 to September 30, 2019 and consist of revenues of $240 million and operating income of $8 million.

Comprehensive (Loss) Income

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Comprehensive (loss) income, which is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of (deficit) equity, consists of net (loss) income and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net (loss) income. For the Company, the components of other comprehensive loss primarily consist of foreign currency translation losses, minimum pension liabilities and deferred gains and losses on financial instruments designated as hedges under ASC 815, which include foreign exchange contracts. The following summary sets forth the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax benefit of $4 million:



	Foreign Currency Translation Loss			Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment			Deferred Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(201	)	$	(17	)	$	—		$	(218	)
Other comprehensive income (a)	30			8			—			38
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			(1		)	—			(1		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	(171	)	$	(10	)	$	—		$	(181	)
Other comprehensive loss (a)	(13		)	1			3			(9		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	(184	)	$	(9	)	$	3		$	(190	)
Other comprehensive loss (a)	(34		)	(5		)	(11		)	(50		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	(218	)	$	(14	)	$	(8	)	$	(240	)

______________________________________


(a)	Includes historical foreign currency translation related to certain intra-entity transactions that are no longer of a long-term investment nature of $0 million, $0 million and $(19) million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:



	September 30, 2019			September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Land	$	12		$	11
Buildings and improvements	186			109
Furniture and fixtures	25			11
Computer hardware and software	337			302
Construction in progress	20			42
Machinery and equipment	27			11
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$	607		$	486
Less accumulated depreciation	(307		)	(257		)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	$	300		$	229

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The following analysis details the changes in goodwill for each reportable segment:



	Recorded Music			Music Publishing		Total
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	1,221		$	464	$	1,685
Acquisitions	12			—		12
Other adjustments	(5		)	—		(5		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	1,228		$	464	$	1,692
Acquisitions	89			—		89
Other adjustments	(20		)	—		(20		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	1,297		$	464	$	1,761

The increase in goodwill during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 primarily relates to the EMP acquisition, which resulted in an increase in goodwill of $89 million. Please refer to Note 4 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. The increase in goodwill during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 primarily relates to finalizing the purchase accounting allocation for the Spinnin’ Records acquisition, which resulted in an increase in goodwill of $10 million. The other adjustments during both the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 primarily represent foreign currency movements.

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASC 350 during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year as of July 1. The Company may conduct an earlier review if events or circumstances occur that would suggest the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill may not be recoverable. The performance of the annual fiscal 2019 impairment analysis did not result in an impairment of the Company’s goodwill.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:



	Weighted-Average Useful Life	September 30, 2019			September 30, 2018
		(in millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Recorded music catalog	10 years	$	855		$	870
Music publishing copyrights	26 years	1,539			1,540
Artist and songwriter contracts	13 years	841			864
Trademarks	18 years	53			12
Other intangible assets	7 years	59			26
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization		3,347			3,312
Accumulated amortization		(1,624		)	(1,461		)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization		1,723			1,851
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks and tradenames	Indefinite	151			154
Total net other intangible assets		$	1,874		$	2,005

The Company performs its annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test in accordance with ASC 350 during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year as of July 1. The Company may conduct an earlier review if events or circumstances occur that would suggest the carrying value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable. The performance of the annual fiscal 2019 impairment analysis did not result in an impairment of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets.

The intangible balances presented include the final purchase accounting allocations resulting from the acquisitions of EMP and Spinnin’ Records for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

Amortization

Based on the amount of intangible assets subject to amortization at September 30, 2019, the expected amortization for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:



	Fiscal Years Ended September 30,
	(in millions)
2020	$	182
2021	181
2022	173
2023	138
2024	107
Thereafter	942
	$	1,723

The life of all acquired intangible assets is evaluated based on the expected future cash flows associated with the asset. The expected amortization expense above reflects estimated useful lives assigned to the Company’s identifiable, finite-lived intangible assets primarily established in the accounting for the Merger and the PLG Acquisition.

Debt

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Debt Capitalization

Long-term debt, all of which was issued by Acquisition Corp., consists of the following:



	September 30, 2019		September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Revolving Credit Facility (a)	$	—	$	—
Senior Term Loan Facility due 2023 (b)	1,313		1,310
5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (c)	—		246
5.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (d)	298		297
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (e)	336		399
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (f)	218		247
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (g)	488		—
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026 (h)	321		320
Total long-term debt, including the current portion (i)	$	2,974	$	2,819


(a)	Reflects $180 million of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, less letters of credit outstanding of approximately $13 million and $8 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. There were no loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2019 or September 30, 2018.


(b)	Principal amount of $1.326 billion less unamortized discount of $3 million and $4 million and unamortized deferred financing costs of $10 million and $12 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(c)	On May 16, 2019, Acquisition Corp. redeemed the remaining $221 million of its outstanding 5.625% Senior Notes due 2022. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million as a result of the debt redemption, which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs.


(d)	Principal amount of $300 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $2 million and $3 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(e)	Face amount of €311 million and €345 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. Above amounts represent the dollar equivalent of such note at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018. Principal amount of $340 million and $402 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $4 million and $3 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(f)	Principal amount of $220 million and $250 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $2 million and $3 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(g)	Face amount of €445 million at September 30, 2019. Above amounts represent the dollar equivalent of such note at September 30, 2019. Principal amount of $487 million, an additional issuance premium of $8 million, less unamortized deferred financing costs of $7 million at September 30, 2019.


(h)	Principal amount of $325 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $4 million and $5 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(i)	Principal amount of debt of $2.998 billion and $2.851 billion, an additional insurance premium of $8 million and nil, less unamortized discount of $3 million and $4 million and unamortized deferred financing costs of $29 million and $28 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

December 2017 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment

On December 6, 2017, Acquisition Corp. entered into an amendment (the “December 2017 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated November 1, 2012, among Acquisition Corp., the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, governing Acquisition Corp.’s senior secured term loan facility with Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions and lenders from time to time party thereto, to, among other things, reduce the pricing terms of its outstanding term loans, change certain incurrence thresholds governing the ability to incur debt and liens, change certain EBITDA add-backs and increase the thresholds above which the excess cash flow sweep is triggered. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1 million, which represented the discount and unamortized deferred financing costs related to the prior tranche of debt of the lenders that was replaced.

New Revolving Credit Agreement

On January 31, 2018, the Company entered into a new revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) for its Revolving Credit Facility, and terminated its existing revolving credit agreement (the “Old Revolving Credit Agreement”). The Revolving Credit Agreement differs from the Old Revolving Credit Agreement in that it, among other things, reduces the interest rate margin applicable to the loans, extends the maturity date thereunder, provides for the option to increase the commitments under the Company’s then existing revolving credit agreement, provides for greater flexibility to amend and extend the Company’s then existing revolving credit agreement and create additional tranches thereunder, provides for greater flexibility over future amendments, increases the springing financial maintenance covenant to 4.75:1.00 and provides that the covenant shall not be tested unless at the end of a fiscal quarter the outstanding amount of loans and drawings under letters of credit which have not been reimbursed exceeds $54 million and aligns the other negative covenants with those of the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement. References to “Revolving Credit Facility” below in this Note 8 are to our new revolving credit facility.

March 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment

On March 14, 2018, Acquisition Corp. incurred $320 million of supplemental term loans (the “Supplemental Term Loans”) pursuant to an increase supplement (the “March 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Supplement”) to the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated November 1, 2012, among Acquisition Corp., the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, governing Acquisition Corp.’s senior secured term loan facility with Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions and lenders from time to time party thereto (as amended, the “Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement”). The principal amount outstanding under the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement including the Supplemental Term Loans is $1.326 billion.

Notes Offering

On March 14, 2018, Acquisition Corp. issued $325 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.500% Senior Notes due 2026. Acquisition Corp. used the net proceeds to pay the consideration in the tender offer for its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “6.750% Senior Notes”) and to redeem the remaining 6.750% Senior Notes as described below.

Tender Offer and Notes Redemption

On March 14, 2018, Acquisition Corp. accepted for purchase in connection with the tender offer for the 6.750% Senior Notes that had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on March 13, 2018 thereby reducing the aggregate principal amount of the 6.750% Senior Notes by $523 million. Acquisition Corp. then issued a notice of redemption on March 14, 2018 with respect to the remaining $112 million of 6.750% Senior Notes outstanding that were not accepted for payment pursuant to the tender offer. Following payment of the 6.750% Senior Notes tendered at or prior to the expiration time, Acquisition Corp. deposited with the Trustee funds of $119 million to satisfy all obligations under the applicable indenture governing the 6.750% Senior Notes, including call premiums and interest through the date of redemption on April 15, 2018, for the remaining 6.750% Senior Notes not accepted for purchase in the tender offer. On April 15, 2018, Acquisition Corp. redeemed the remaining outstanding 6.750% Senior Notes. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt in connection with the tender offer of approximately $23 million as a result of the partial debt redemption, which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs in March 2018. The Company incurred an additional loss on extinguishment of approximately $5 million in April 2018 related to the redemption on the remaining 6.750% Senior Notes, which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs.

June 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment

On June 7, 2018, Acquisition Corp. entered into an amendment (the “June 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated November 1, 2012, among Acquisition Corp., the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, governing Acquisition Corp.’s senior secured term loan facility with Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions and lenders from time to time party thereto, to, among other things, reduce the pricing terms of its outstanding term loans, change certain incurrence thresholds governing the ability to incur debt and liens and exclude from the definition of “Senior Secured Indebtedness” certain liens that have junior lien priority on the collateral in relation to the outstanding term loans and the relevant guarantees, as applicable. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $2 million, which represented the discount and unamortized deferred financing costs related to the prior tranche of debt of the lenders that was replaced.

3.625% Senior Secured Notes Offerings

On October 9, 2018, Acquisition Corp. issued and sold €250 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “3.625% Secured Notes”). Net proceeds of the offering were used to pay the purchase price of the acquisition of EMP, to redeem €34.5 million of the 4.125% Secured Notes (as described below), purchase $30 million of the Company’s 4.875% Senior Secured Notes (as described above) on the open market and to redeem $26.55 million of the 5.625% Senior Secured Notes (as described below).

On April 30, 2019, Acquisition Corp. issued and sold €195 million in aggregate principal amount of additional 3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “Additional Notes”). The Additional Notes and the 3.625% Secured Notes were treated as the same series for all purposes under the indenture that governs the 3.625% Secured Notes and the Additional Notes. Net proceeds of the offering were used to redeem all of the 5.625% Secured Notes due 2022.

Partial Redemption of 4.125% Senior Secured Notes

On October 12, 2018, Acquisition Corp. redeemed €34.5 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the “4.125% Secured Notes”) using a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the 3.625% Secured Notes described above. The redemption price for the 4.125% Secured Notes was approximately €36.17 million, equivalent to 103% of the principal amount of the 4.125% Secured Notes, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date, which was October 12, 2018. Following the partial redemption of the 4.125% Secured Notes, €310.5 million of the 4.125% Secured Notes remain outstanding. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $2 million, which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs related to the partial redemption of this note.

Open Market Purchase

On October 9, 2018, Acquisition Corp. purchased, in the open market, $30 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the “4.875% Secured Notes”). The acquired notes were subsequently retired. Following retirement of the acquired notes, $220 million of the 4.875% Secured Notes remain outstanding. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of less than $1 million, which represents the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the open market purchase.

Redemption of 5.625% Senior Secured Notes

On November 5, 2018, Acquisition Corp. redeemed $26.55 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “5.625% Secured Notes”). The redemption price for the 5.625% Secured Notes was approximately $27.38 million, equivalent to 102.813% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Secured Notes, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date, which was November 5, 2018. Following the partial redemption of the 5.625% Secured Notes, $220.95 million of the 5.625% Secured Notes remain outstanding. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1 million, which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs related to the partial redemption of this note.

On April 16, 2019, the Company issued a conditional notice of redemption for all of its 5.625% Secured Notes due 2022 currently outstanding. Settlement of the called 5.625% Secured Notes occurred on May 16, 2019. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million, which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs.

Interest Rates

The loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the rate for deposits in the borrowing currency in the London interbank market (adjusted for maximum reserves) for the applicable interest period (“Revolving LIBOR”) subject to a zero floor, plus 1.75% per annum or (ii) the base rate, which is the highest of (x) the corporate base rate established by the administrative agent from time to time, (y) 0.50% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate and (z) the one-month Revolving LIBOR plus 1.0% per annum, plus, in each case, 0.75% per annum. If there is a payment default at any time, then the interest rate applicable to overdue principal will be the rate otherwise applicable to such loan plus 2.0% per annum. Default interest will also be payable on other overdue amounts at a rate of 2.0% per annum above the amount that would apply to an alternative base rate loan.

The loans under the Senior Term Loan Facility bear interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the rate for deposits in U.S. dollars in the London interbank market (adjusted for maximum reserves) for the applicable interest period (“Term Loan LIBOR”) subject to a zero floor, plus 2.125% per annum or (ii) the base rate, which is the highest of (x) the corporate base rate established by the administrative agent as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City from time to time, (y) 0.50% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate and (z) one-month Term Loan LIBOR, plus 1.00% per annum, plus, in each case, 1.125% per annum. If there is a payment default at any time, then the interest rate applicable to overdue principal and interest will be the rate otherwise applicable to such loan plus 2.0% per annum. Default interest will also be payable on other overdue amounts at a rate of 2.0% per annum above the amount that would apply to an alternative base rate loan.

The Company has entered into, and in the future may enter into, interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. Please refer to Note 14 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Maturity of Senior Term Loan Facility

The loans outstanding under the Senior Term Loan Facility mature on November 1, 2023.

Maturity of Revolving Credit Facility

The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is January 31, 2023.

Maturities of Senior Notes and Senior Secured Notes

As of September 30, 2019, there are no scheduled maturities of notes until 2023, when $300 million is scheduled to mature. Thereafter, $1.372 billion is scheduled to mature.

Interest Expense, net

Total interest expense, net, was $142 million, $138 million and $149 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate of the Company’s total debt was 4.3% at September 30, 2019, 4.7% at September 30, 2018 and 4.9% at September 30, 2017.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). The Tax Act contains significant revisions to U.S. federal corporate income tax provisions, including, but not limited to, a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%, a one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings, an income inclusion of global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”), a deduction against foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”) and a new minimum tax, the base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”). In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recorded the effects of the Tax Act during the three months ended December 31, 2017.

The reduction in U.S. federal corporate statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% was effective January 1, 2018. The Tax Act requires companies with a fiscal year that begins before and ends after the effective date of the rate change to calculate a blended tax rate based on the pro rata number of days in the fiscal year before and after the effective date. As a result, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the Company’s U.S. federal statutory income tax rate was 24.5%. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, the Company was subject to the U.S. federal corporate statutory tax rate of 21%.

The reduction in the U.S. federal corporate statutory tax rate required the Company to adjust its U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities using the newly enacted tax rate of 21%. As a result, the Company recorded a U.S. income tax expense of $23 million for the reduction of its net U.S. deferred tax assets for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

The Company has not recorded any income tax liability related to the one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings (“Transition Tax”) due to an overall deficit in accumulated foreign earnings. GILTI, FDII and BEAT are effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. The Company has elected to recognize the GILTI impact in the specific period in which it occurs.

The domestic and foreign pretax income (loss) from continuing operations is as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019		Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018		Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017
	(in millions)
Domestic	$	84	$	347	$	(37	)
Foreign	183		95		35
Total	$	267	$	442	$	(2	)

Current and deferred income tax expense (benefit) provided are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017
	(in millions)
Federal:
Deferred	(49		)	91			(169		)
Foreign:
Current (a)	74			58			41
Deferred	(18		)	(26		)	(12		)
U.S. State:
Current	3			6			2
Deferred	(1		)	1			(13		)
Total	$	9		$	130		$	(151	)

______________________________________


(a)	Includes withholding taxes of $17 million, $15 million and $13 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0%, 24.5% and 35.0% for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, and income taxes provided are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017
	(in millions)
Taxes on income at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$	56		$	108		$	(1	)
U.S. state and local taxes	2			7			3
Foreign income taxed at different rates, including withholding taxes	16			19			11
Increase in valuation allowance	1			4			18
Release of valuation allowance	(65		)	(14		)	(134		)
Change in tax rates	(4		)	23			(1		)
Impact of GILTI and FDII	(4		)	—			—
Intergroup transfer	—			(30		)	—
Foreign currency losses on intra-entity loans	—			—			(59		)
Non-deductible long term incentive plan	6			8			10
Other	1			5			2
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	9		$	130		$	(151	)

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized a U.S. tax benefit of $59 million related to the release of a U.S. deferred tax valuation allowance. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized a U.S. tax expense of $23 million related to the reduction of net U.S. deferred tax assets as a result of the Tax Act. In addition, the Company recognized a net tax benefit of $30 million related to a prior-year intergroup transfer. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Company released $125 million of the U.S. valuation allowance related to U.S. tax attributes and recognized a U.S. tax benefit of $59 million related to foreign currency losses on intra-entity loans. The foreign currency loss was previously reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss as the intra-entity loans were previously considered long-term in nature.

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, the Company incurred losses in certain foreign territories and has offset the tax benefit associated with these losses with a valuation allowance as the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that these losses will not be utilized. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Company released $59 million of the U.S. valuation allowance related to foreign tax credit carryforwards. Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities are summarized below:



	September 30, 2019			September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowances and reserves	$	27		$	26
Employee benefits and compensation	79			86
Other accruals	17			56
Tax attribute carryforwards	203			314
Other	3			4
Total deferred tax assets	329			486
Valuation allowance	(91		)	(206		)
Net deferred tax assets	238			280
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(372		)	(434		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(372		)	(434		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(134	)	$	(154	)

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company concluded that the positive evidence relating to the utilization of foreign tax credits outweighs the negative evidence with respect to a portion of the valuation allowance relating to its foreign tax credit carryovers. This positive evidence includes the utilization of the remaining net operating loss carryforward during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the utilization of current year and carryforward foreign tax credits for the first time during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, projections of sufficient future taxable income and foreign source income and the reversal of future taxable temporary differences. As a result, the Company concluded that it is more likely than not that a substantial portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets relating to foreign tax credit carryforwards will be realized. Consequently, the Company released $59 million of its $133 million valuation allowance at September 30, 2018 relating to such deferred tax assets and recognized a corresponding U.S. tax benefit of $59 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

Proposed regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service in November 2018 may result in an increase in the amount of foreign tax credit carryforwards that are more likely than not to be realized and thus result in a further release of the Company’s valuation allowance for foreign tax credit carryforwards and a corresponding U.S. tax benefit in the period in which such regulations are enacted.

Of the valuation allowance of $91 million at September 30, 2019, $49 million relates to U.S. tax attributes, of which $33 million relates to foreign tax credit carryforwards, $12 million relates to U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and $4 million relates to outside basis differences in investments.

At September 30, 2019, the Company has no remaining U.S. federal tax net operating loss carryforwards. The Company also has tax net operating loss carryforwards, with no expiration date, in the U.K., France and Spain of $11 million, $88 million and $32 million, respectively, and other tax net operating loss carryforwards in state, local and foreign jurisdictions that expire in various periods. In addition, the Company has foreign tax credit carryforwards for U.S. tax purposes of $120 million. The U.S. foreign tax credits will begin to expire in fiscal year 2020.

Deferred income taxes have not been recorded on indefinitely reinvested earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries of approximately $206 million at September 30, 2019. Distribution of these earnings may result in foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state taxes. However, variables existing if and when remittance occurs make it impracticable to estimate the amount of the ultimate tax liability, if any, on these accumulated foreign earnings.

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position as a component of income tax expense. As of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, the Company had accrued $3 million and $2 million of interest and penalties, respectively.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, are as follows (in millions):



Balance at September 30, 2016	$	30
Additions for current year tax positions	2
Additions for prior year tax positions	1
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(14		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	19
Additions for current year tax positions	3
Additions for prior year tax positions	3
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	18
Additions for prior year tax positions	1
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	12

Included in the total unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 are $12 million and $18 million, respectively, that if recognized, would reduce the effective income tax rate. The Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits decreased during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 by $7 million primarily due to a tax settlement in Germany and statute lapses. The Company has determined that is reasonably possible that its existing reserve for uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2019 could decrease by up to approximately $1 million related to various ongoing audits and settlement discussions in various foreign jurisdictions.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. The Company has completed tax audits in the U.S. for tax years ended through September 30, 2013, in the U.K. for the tax years ended through September 30, 2016, in Canada for tax years ended through September 30, 2013, in Germany for the tax years ended through September 30, 2009 and in Japan for the tax years ended through September 30, 2012. The Company is at various stages in the tax audit process in certain foreign and local jurisdictions.

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Certain international employees, such as those in Germany and Japan, participate in locally sponsored defined benefit plans, which are not considered to be material either individually or in the aggregate and have a combined projected benefit obligation of approximately $82 million and $73 million as of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. Pension benefits under the plans are based on formulas that reflect the employees’ years of service and compensation levels during their employment period. The Company had unfunded pension liabilities relating to these plans of approximately $56 million and $50 million recorded in its balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. The Company uses a September 30 measurement date for its plans. For each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, pension expense amounted to $4 million. Certain employees also participate in defined contribution plans. The Company’s contributions to the defined contribution plans are based upon a percentage of the employees’ elected contributions. The Company’s defined contribution plan expense amounted to approximately $6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, $5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 and $5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Effective January 1, 2013, eligible individuals were invited to participate in the Senior Management Free Cash Flow Plan (as amended, the “Plan”). Eligible individuals include any employee, consultant or officer of the Company or any of its affiliates, who is selected by the Company’s Compensation Committee to participate in the Plan. In 2017, the Company’s Compensation Committee invited two additional employees to participate in the Plan. Under the Plan, participants are allocated a specific portion of the Company’s free cash flow to use to purchase the equivalent of Company stock through the acquisition of deferred equity units. Participants also receive a grant of profit interests in a purposely established LLC holding company (the “LLC”) that represent an economic entitlement to future appreciation over an equivalent number of shares of Company stock (“matching units”). The Company’s board of directors authorized the issuance of up to 82.1918 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Plan, 41.0959 in respect of deferred equity units and 41.0959 in respect of matching units, as adjusted in accordance with the Plan. The LLC currently owns approximately 60 issued and outstanding shares. Each deferred equity unit is equivalent to 1/10,000 of a share of Company stock. The Company credits units to active participants each Plan year at the time that annual free cash flow bonuses for such Plan year are determined (although certain participants have already received their complete allocations) and may grant unallocated units under the Plan to certain members of current or future management. At the time that annual free cash flow bonuses for such Plan year are determined, a participant is credited a number of deferred equity units based on their respective allocation divided by the grant date intrinsic value and an equal number of the related matching units is vested. The redemption price of the deferred equity units equals the fair market value of a fractional share of the Company’s stock on the date of the settlement and the redemption price for the matching units equals the excess, if any, of the then fair market value of one Company fractional share over the grant date intrinsic value of one fractional share.

The Company accounts for share-based payments as required by ASC 718. ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees to be recognized as compensation expense. Under the recognition provision of ASC 718, liability classified share-based compensation costs are measured each reporting date until settlement. The Company’s policy is to measure share-based compensation costs to employees using the intrinsic value method instead of fair value as it is not practical to estimate the volatility of its share price on the grant date.

The intrinsic value method utilized by the Company is based on the estimated fair value of equity divided by the number of shares outstanding to determine a price per share. The Company’s estimated fair value of equity is derived from a discounted cash flow model with adjustments for non-operating assets, less the estimated fair value of debt.

For accounting purposes, the grant date was established at the point the Company and the participant reached a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions, in this case the date at which the participant accepted the invitation to participate in the Plan. For accounting purposes, deferred equity units are deemed to generally vest between one and seven years and matching equity units granted under the Plan are deemed to vest two years after the allocation to the participant’s account. The deferred and matching equity units have cash settlement dates that began in December 2018. Upon the scheduled settlement in December 2018, the Company settled 4,395.54 deferred equity units, including special deferred equity units, in cash totaling approximately $1 million, 86,496.04 in Company fractional shares (which were contributed to the LLC in exchange for Class A units of the LLC) with an estimated value of $26 million and 4,553.50 matching equity units in cash totaling approximately $1 million. The deferred units will be settled at the participant’s election for cash equal to the fair market value of one fractional company share or a fractional company share. The matching units will be settled for cash equal to the redemption price or fractional company shares of equivalent value. At the end of the applicable redemption period, all outstanding units become mandatorily redeemable at the then redemption price. Due to this mandatory redemption clause, the Company has classified the awards under the Plan as liability awards. As of September 30, 2019, total liabilities for the vested portion of the plan is $211 million, of which $108 million is eligible for redemption in fiscal 2020 and, therefore a current liability. Dividend distributions, if any, are also paid out on vested deferred equity units and are calculated on the same basis as the Company’s common shares. The Company has applied a graded (tranche-by-tranche) attribution method and expenses share-based compensation on an accelerated basis over the vesting period of the share award.

The following is a summary of the Company’s share awards:



	Deferred Equity Units		Matching Equity Units		Deferred Equity Units Weighted-Average Intrinsic Value		Matching Equity Units Weighted-Average Intrinsic Value		Deferred Equity Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Intrinsic Value		Matching Equity Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Intrinsic Value
Unvested units at September 30, 2017	13		36		$	241.75	$	111.23	$	140.04	$	—
Granted	—		—		—		—		—		—
Vested	(7	)	(9	)	304.22		193.83		133.05		—
Forfeited	—		—		—		—		—		—
Unvested units at September 30, 2018	6		27		$	304.22	$	167.15	$	148.69	$	—
Granted	—		—		—		—		—		—
Vested	(2	)	(13	)	367.96		243.41		147.26		—
Forfeited	—		—		—		—		—		—
Unvested units at September 30, 2019	4		14		$	367.96	$	219.73	$	149.45	$	—

The weighted-average grant date intrinsic value of deferred equity unit awards for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 was $149.45. The fair value of these deferred equity units at September 30, 2019 was $367.96. The weighted-average grant date intrinsic value of deferred equity unit awards for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 was $148.69. The fair value of these deferred equity units at September 30, 2018 was $304.22. The weighted-average grant date intrinsic value of deferred equity unit awards for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 was $140.04. The fair value of these deferred equity units at September 30, 2017 was $241.75.

Compensation Expense

The Company recognized non-cash share-based compensation expense of $50 million, free cash flow compensation expense of $15 million and dividend expense related to the equity units of $7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The Company recognized non-cash share-based compensation expense of $62 million, free cash flow compensation expense of $19 million and dividend expense related to the equity units of $27 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The Company recognized non-cash share-based compensation expense of $70 million, free cash flow compensation expense of $30 million and dividend expense related to the equity units of $2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

In addition, at September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $16 million, $18 million and $34 million, respectively, of unrecognized compensation costs related to its unvested share awards. As of September 30, 2019, the remaining weighted-average period over which total compensation related to unvested awards is expected to be recognized is 1 year.

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Sep. 30, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Management Agreement Upon completion of the Merger, the Company and Holdings entered into the Management Agreement, dated as of the Merger Closing Date, pursuant to which Access provides the Company and its subsidiaries with financial, investment banking, management, advisory and other services. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Company pays to Access an annual fee and reimburses Access for certain expenses incurred performing services under the agreement. The annual fee is payable quarterly. The Company and Holdings agreed to indemnify Access and certain of its affiliates against all liabilities arising out of performance of the Management Agreement. Such costs incurred by the Company were approximately $11 million, $16 million and $9 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Such amounts have been included as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Lease Arrangements with Related Parties On March 29, 2019, an affiliate of Access acquired the Ford Factory Building, located on 777 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Los Angeles, California from an unaffiliated third party. The building is the Company’s new Los Angeles, California headquarters and as such, the Company is the sole tenant of the building acquired by Access. The existing lease agreement was assumed by Access upon purchase of the building and was not modified as a result of the purchase. Rental payments by the Company under the existing lease total approximately $12 million per year, subject to annual fixed increases. The remaining lease term is approximately 11 years, after which the Company may exercise a single option to extend the term of the lease for 10 years thereafter. On July 15, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company, Warner Music Inc., entered into a license agreement with Cooper Investment Partners LLC, for the use of office space in the Company’s corporate headquarters at 1633 Broadway, New York, New York. The license fee of $16,967.21 per month, was based on the per foot lease costs to the Company of its headquarters space, which represented market terms. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, an immaterial amount was recorded as rental income. The space is occupied by Cooper Investment Partners LLC, which is a private equity fund that pursues a wide range of investment opportunities. Mr. Cooper, CEO and director of the Company, is the Managing Partner of Cooper Investment Partners LLC. On August 13, 2015, a subsidiary of the Company, Warner Music Inc., entered into a license agreement with Access for the use of office space in the Company’s corporate headquarters at 1633 Broadway, New York, New York. The license fee of $2,775 per month, plus an IT support fee of $1,000 per month, was based on the per foot lease costs to the Company of its headquarters space, which represented market terms. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, an immaterial amount was recorded as rental income. The space is occupied by The Blavatnik Archive, which is dedicated to the discovery and preservation of historically distinctive and visually compelling artifacts, images and stories that contribute to the study of 20th century Jewish, WWI and WWII history. On July 29, 2014, AI Wrights Holdings Limited, an affiliate of Access, entered into a lease and related agreements with Warner Chappell Music Limited and WMG Acquisition (UK) Limited, subsidiaries of the Company, for the lease of 27 Wrights Lane, Kensington, London. The Company had been the tenant of the building which Access acquired. Subsequent to the change in ownership, the parties entered into the lease and related agreements pursuant to which, on January 1, 2015, the rent was increased to £3,460,250 per year and the term was extended for an additional five years from December 24, 2020 to December 24, 2025, with a market rate rent review beginning December 25, 2020. License Agreements with Deezer Access owns a controlling equity interest in Deezer S.A., which was formerly known as Odyssey Music Group (“Odyssey”), a French company that controls and operates a music streaming service, formerly through Odyssey’s subsidiary, Blogmusik SAS (“Blogmusik”), under the name Deezer (“Deezer”), and is represented on Deezer S.A.’s Board of Directors. Subsidiaries of the Company have been a party to license arrangements with Deezer since 2008, which provide for the use of the Company’s sound recordings on Deezer’s ad-supported and subscription streaming services worldwide (excluding Japan) in exchange for fees paid by Deezer. The Company has also authorized Deezer to include the Company’s sound recordings in Deezer’s streaming services where such services are offered as a bundle with third-party services or products (e.g., telco services or hardware products), for which Deezer is also required to make payments to the Company. Deezer paid to the Company an aggregate amount of approximately $49 million in connection with the foregoing arrangements during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. In addition, in connection with these arrangements, (i) the Company was issued, and currently holds, warrants to purchase shares of Deezer S.A. and (ii) the Company purchased a small number of shares of Deezer S.A., which collectively represent a small minority interest in Deezer S.A. The Company also has various publishing agreements with Deezer. Warner Chappell has licenses with Deezer for use of repertoire on the service in Europe, which the Company refers to as a PEDL license (referencing the Company’s Pan European Digital Licensing initiative), and for territories in Latin America. For the PEDL and Latin American licenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, Deezer paid the Company an additional approximately $1 million. Deezer also licenses other publishing rights controlled by Warner Chappell through statutory licenses or through various collecting societies. Investment in Tencent Music Entertainment Group On October 1, 2018, WMG China LLC (“WMG China”), an affiliate of the Company, entered into a share subscription agreement with Tencent Music Entertainment Group pursuant to which WMG China agreed to purchase 37,162,288 ordinary shares of Tencent Music Entertainment Group for $100 million. WMG China is 80% owned by AI New Holdings 5 LLC, an affiliate of Access, and 20% owned by the Company. On October 3, 2018, WMG China acquired the shares pursuant to the share subscription agreement. Music Publishing Agreement Val Blavatnik (the son of our director and controlling shareholder, Len Blavatnik) entered into a music publishing contract with Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., dated September 7, 2018, pursuant to which, in fiscal 2019, he was paid $162,500 in advances recoupable from royalties otherwise payable to him from the licensing of musical compositions written or co-written by him. Loan Agreement with Max Lousada On April 16, 2018, the Company loaned $227,000 to Mr. Lousada in exchange for a promissory note. Mr. Lousada was obligated to repay this loan upon the earliest of specified events, including April 30, 2019, termination of his employment, the event of a default (as specified therein) or if the Company or one of its affiliates becomes an issuer of publicly traded stock. Mr. Lousada repaid this loan prior to April 30, 2019.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company occupies various facilities and uses certain equipment under operating leases. Net rent expense was approximately $84 million, $80 million and $62 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

At September 30, 2019, future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:



Years	Operating Leases
	(in millions)
2020	$	52
2021	49
2022	48
2023	47
2024	45
Thereafter	207
Total	$	448

The future minimum payments reflect the amounts owed under lease arrangements and do not include any fair market value adjustments that would have been recorded as a result of the Merger.

Talent Advances

The Company routinely enters into long-term commitments with recording artists, songwriters and publishers for the future delivery of music. Such commitments generally become due only upon delivery and Company acceptance of albums from the recording artists or future musical compositions from songwriters and publishers. Additionally, such commitments are typically cancelable at the Company’s discretion, generally without penalty. Based on contractual obligations and the Company’s expected release schedule, aggregate firm commitments to such talent approximated $428 million and $340 million as of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

Other

Other off-balance sheet, firm commitments, which primarily include minimum funding commitments to investees, amounted to approximately $10 million and $4 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

Litigation

SiriusXM

On September 11, 2013, the Company joined with Capitol Records, LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc. and ABKCO Music & Records, Inc. in a lawsuit brought in California Superior Court against SiriusXM Radio Inc., alleging copyright infringement for SiriusXM’s use of pre-1972 sound recordings under California law. A nation-wide settlement was reached on June 17, 2015 pursuant to which SiriusXM paid the plaintiffs, in the aggregate, $210 million on July 29, 2015 and the plaintiffs dismissed their lawsuit with prejudice. The settlement resolved all past claims as to SiriusXM’s use of pre-1972 recordings owned or controlled by the plaintiffs and enabled SiriusXM, without any additional payment, to reproduce, perform and broadcast such recordings in the United States through December 31, 2017. The allocation of the settlement proceeds among the plaintiffs was determined and the settlement proceeds were distributed accordingly. This resulted in a cash distribution to the Company of $33 million of which $28 million was recognized in revenue during the 2016 fiscal year and $4 million was recognized in revenue during the 2017 fiscal year. The balance of $1 million was recognized in the first quarter of the 2018 fiscal year. The Company is sharing its allocation of the settlement proceeds with its artists on the same basis as statutory revenue from SiriusXM is shared, i.e., the artist share of our allocation will be paid to artists by SoundExchange.

As part of the settlement, plaintiffs agreed to negotiate in good faith to grant SiriusXM a license to publicly perform the plaintiffs’ pre-1972 sound recordings for the five-year period running from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. Pursuant to the settlement, if the parties were unable to reach an agreement on license terms, the royalty rate for each license would be determined by binding arbitration on a willing buyer/willing seller standard. On December 21, 2017, SiriusXM commenced a single arbitration against all of the plaintiffs in California through JAMS to determine the rate for the five-year period. On May 1, 2018, the Company filed a lawsuit against SiriusXM in New York state court to stay the California arbitration and to compel a separate arbitration in New York solely between SiriusXM and the Company. On August 23, 2018, the Company filed a Stipulation of Discontinuance without Prejudice as to the New York state court action after SiriusXM agreed to participate in a separate arbitration with the Company in New York if the parties were unable to reach an agreement on pre-1972 license terms. On March 28, 2019, the Company and SiriusXM entered into an agreement granting SiriusXM a license to publicly perform the Company’s pre-1972 sound recordings for the five-year period running from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022.

Other Matters

In addition to the matter discussed above, the Company is involved in various litigation and regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Where it is determined, in consultation with counsel based on litigation and settlement risks, that a loss is probable and estimable in a given matter, the Company establishes an accrual. In the currently pending proceedings, the amount of accrual is not material. An estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of the amounts already accrued cannot be made at this time due to various factors typical in contested proceedings, including (1) the results of ongoing discovery; (2) uncertain damage theories and demands; (3) a less than complete factual record; (4) uncertainty concerning legal theories and their resolution by courts or regulators; and (5) the unpredictable nature of the opposing party and its demands. However, the Company cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any litigation or the potential for future litigation. As such, the Company continuously monitors these proceedings as they develop and adjusts any accrual or disclosure as needed. Regardless of the outcome, litigation could have an adverse impact on the Company, including the Company’s brand value, because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors and it could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for a given reporting period.

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps, for the purposes of managing foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk on expected future cash flows. However, the Company may choose not to hedge certain exposures for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, accounting considerations and the prohibitive economic cost of hedging particular exposures. There can be no assurance the hedges will offset more than a portion of the financial impact resulting from movements in foreign currency exchange or interest rates.

The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts primarily to hedge the risk that unremitted or future royalties and license fees owed to its U.S. companies for the sale or licensing of U.S.-based music and merchandise abroad may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company focuses on managing the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on its major currencies, which include the Euro, British pound sterling, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, Australian dollar, Brazilian real, Korean won and Norwegian krone. The foreign currency forward exchange contracts related to royalties are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in ASC 815. The Company records these contracts at fair value on its balance sheet and gains or losses on these contracts are deferred in equity (as a component of comprehensive loss). These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related royalties and license fees being hedged are received and recognized in income. However, to the extent that any of these contracts are not considered to be perfectly effective in offsetting the change in the value of the royalties and license fees being hedged, any changes in fair value relating to the ineffective portion of these contracts are immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Company may at times choose to hedge foreign currency risk associated with financing transactions such as third-party debt and other balance sheet items. The foreign currency forward exchange contracts related to balance sheet items denominated in foreign currency are reviewed on a contract-by-contract basis and are designated accordingly. If these foreign currency forward exchange contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, then the Company records these contracts at fair value on its balance sheet and the related gains and losses are immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of operations where there is an equal and offsetting entry related to the underlying exposure.

The Company has entered into, and in the future may enter into, interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. These instruments may offset a portion of changes in income or expense, or changes in fair value of the Company’s long-term debt. The interest rate swap instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in ASC 815. The Company records these contracts at fair value on its balance sheet and gains or losses on these contracts are deferred in equity (as a component of comprehensive loss).

The fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts is determined by using observable market transactions of spot and forward rates (i.e., Level 2 inputs) which is discussed further in Note 17. Additionally, netting provisions are provided for in existing International Swap and Derivative Association Inc. agreements in situations where the Company executes multiple contracts with the same counterparty. As a result, net assets or liabilities resulting from foreign exchange derivatives subject to these netting agreements are classified within other current assets or other current liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s hedged interest rate transactions as of September 30, 2019 are expected to be recognized within five years. The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on dealer quotes of market rates (i.e., Level 2 inputs) which is discussed further in Note 17. Interest income or expense related to interest rate swaps is recognized in interest income, net in the same period as the related expense is recognized. The ineffective portions of interest rate swaps are recognized in other income/(expense), net in the period measured.

The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are party to any of its financial transactions.

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had no outstanding hedge contracts and no deferred gains or losses in comprehensive loss related to foreign exchange hedging. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had no outstanding hedge contracts and no deferred gains or losses in comprehensive loss related to foreign exchange hedging.

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding $820 million in pay-fixed receive-variable interest rate swaps with $8 million of unrealized deferred losses in comprehensive income related to the interest rate swaps. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had outstanding $320 million in pay-fixed receive-variable interest rate swaps with $3 million of unrealized deferred gains in comprehensive income related to the interest rate swaps.

The pre-tax losses of the Company’s derivative interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive income and the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income during the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 was $11 million, net. The pre-tax gains of the Company’s derivative interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive income and the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income during the twelve months ended September 30, 2018 was $4 million.

The following is a summary of amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets pertaining to the Company’s designated cash flows hedges at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018:



	September 30, 2019 (a)			September 30, 2018 (b)
	(in millions)
Other noncurrent assets	$	2		$	4
Other noncurrent liabilities	(13		)	—

______________________________________


(a)	$2 million and $13 million of interest rate swaps in asset and liability positions, respectively.


(b)	$4 million of interest rate swap in an asset position.

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

As discussed more fully in Note 1, based on the nature of its products and services, the Company classifies its business interests into two fundamental operations: Recorded Music and Music Publishing, which also represent the reportable segments of the Company. Information as to each of these operations is set forth below. The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating income (loss) before non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and non-cash amortization of intangible assets (“OIBDA”). The Company has supplemented its analysis of OIBDA results by segment with an analysis of operating income (loss) by segment.

The accounting policies of the Company’s business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included elsewhere herein. The Company accounts for intersegment sales at fair value as if the sales were to third parties. While intercompany transactions are treated like third-party transactions to determine segment performance, the revenues (and corresponding expenses recognized by the segment that is counterparty to the transaction) are eliminated in consolidation, and therefore, do not themselves impact consolidated results.



	Recorded Music		Music Publishing		Corporate expenses and eliminations			Total
	(in millions)
2019
Revenues	$	3,840	$	643	$	(8	)	$	4,475
Operating income (loss)	439		92		(175		)	356
Amortization of intangible assets	139		69		—			208
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	45		5		11			61
OIBDA	623		166		(164		)	625
Total assets	2,217		2,581		1,219			6,017
Capital expenditures	29		3		72			104
2018
Revenues	$	3,360	$	653	$	(8	)	$	4,005
Operating income (loss)	307		84		(174		)	217
Amortization of intangible assets	138		68		—			206
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	35		7		13			55
OIBDA	480		159		(161		)	478
Total assets	1,999		2,423		922			5,344
Capital expenditures	20		3		51			74
2017
Revenues	$	3,020	$	572	$	(16	)	$	3,576
Operating income (loss)	283		81		(142		)	222
Amortization of intangible assets	136		65		—			201
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	32		6		12			50
OIBDA	451		152		(130		)	473
Capital expenditures	21		5		18			44

Revenues relating to operations in different geographical areas are set forth below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017. Total assets relating to operations in different geographical areas are set forth below as of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.



	2019				2018				2017
	Revenue		Long-lived Assets		Revenue		Long-lived Assets		Revenue
	(in millions)
United States	$	1,956	$	201	$	1,754	$	156	$	1,587
United Kingdom	596		20		593		23		522
All other territories	1,923		79		1,658		50		1,467
Total	$	4,475	$	300	$	4,005	$	229	$	3,576

Customer Concentration

In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Company had two customers, Spotify and Apple, that individually represented 10% or more of total revenues, whereby Spotify represented 14%, and Apple represented 13% of total revenues. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Company had two customers, Apple and Spotify, that individually represented 10% or more of total revenues, whereby Apple represented 15%, and Spotify represented 14% of total revenues. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Company had one customer, Apple, that individually represented 14% of total revenues. These customers’ revenues are included in both the Company’s Recorded Music and Music Publishing segments and the Company expects that the Company’s license agreements with these customers will be renewed in the normal course of business.

Additional Financial Information	12 Months Ended
Additional Financial Information	Sep. 30, 2019
Additional Financial Information [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	Additional Financial Information Cash Interest and Taxes The Company made interest payments of approximately $138 million, $148 million and $138 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company paid approximately $63 million, $49 million and $40 million of foreign income and withholding taxes, net of refunds, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Dividends The Company’s ability to pay dividends is restricted by covenants in the indentures governing its notes and in the credit agreements for the Senior Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility. On September 23, 2019, the Company’s board of directors declared a cash dividend of $206.25 million which was paid to stockholders on October 4, 2019 and recorded as an accrual as of September 30, 2019. For fiscal year 2019, the Company paid an aggregate of $93.75 million in cash dividends to stockholders. For fiscal year 2018, the Company paid an aggregate of $925 million in cash dividends to stockholders, which reflected proceeds from the sale of Spotify shares acquired in the ordinary course of business. For fiscal year 2017, the Company paid an aggregate of $84 million in cash dividends to stockholders. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company instituted a regular quarterly dividend policy whereby it intends to pay a modest regular quarterly dividend in each fiscal quarter and a variable dividend for the fourth fiscal quarter in an amount commensurate with cash expected to be generated from operations in such fiscal year, in each case, after taking into account other potential uses for cash, including acquisitions, investment in our business and repayment of indebtedness. The declaration of each dividend will continue to be at the discretion of the Board. Spotify Share Sale During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Company sold all of its shares of common stock in Spotify Technology S.A. (“Spotify”) for cash proceeds of $504 million. In February 2016, the Company publicly announced that it would pay royalties in connection with these proceeds. The sale of shares resulted in an estimated pre-tax gain, net of the estimated royalty expense and other related costs, of $382 million, which was recorded as other income (expense) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, the estimated royalty expense and other related costs had been accrued, and were subsequently paid. The processing of the royalty expense resulted in advance recoveries of previously expensed royalty advances. The Company calculated the advance recoveries to be $12 million, and recorded these advance recoveries as a credit within operating expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The Company also recorded estimated tax expense of $77 million associated with the net income on the sale of shares in fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. Additionally, the cash proceeds received in connection with the sale of shares have been reflected as an investing activity on the statement of cash flows within proceeds from the sale of investments for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”) defines fair value as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. The fair value should be calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity.

In addition to defining fair value, ASC 820 expands the disclosure requirements around fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of the three levels which is determined by the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are:


•	Level 1—inputs are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.


•	Level 2—inputs are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.


•	Level 3—inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

In accordance with the fair value hierarchy, described above, the following table shows the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are required to be measured at fair value as of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.



	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2019
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	$	—	$	—		$	9	$	9
Other Non-Current Assets:
Equity Method Investment (c)	—		40			—		40
Interest Rate Swap (b)	—		2			—		2
Other Non-Current Liabilities:
Interest Rate Swap (b)	—		(13		)	—		(13		)
Total	$	—	$	29		$	9	$	38



	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2018
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)			Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	$	—	$	—	$	(2	)	$	(2	)
Other Noncurrent Assets
Interest Rate Swaps	—		4		—			4
Other Non-Current Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	—		—		(6		)	(6		)
Total	$	—	$	4	$	(8	)	$	(4	)

(a)

This represents purchase obligations and contingent consideration related to the Company’s various acquisitions. This is based on a probability weighted performance approach and it is adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis and any adjustments are included as a component of operating income in the consolidated statements of operations. These amounts were mainly calculated using unobservable inputs such as future earnings performance of the Company’s various acquisitions and the expected timing of the payment.


(b)	The fair value of the interest rate swaps is based on dealer quotes of market forward rates and reflects the amount that the Company would receive or pay as of September 30, 2019 for contracts involving the same attributes and maturity dates.


(c)	The fair value of equity method investment represents an equity method investment acquired during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 whereby the Company has elected the fair value option under ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). The valuation is based upon quoted prices in active markets and model-based valuation techniques to determine fair value.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of net assets and liabilities classified as Level 3:



	Total
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	(8	)
Additions	(2		)
Payments	1
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	(9	)

The majority of the Company’s non-financial instruments, which include goodwill, intangible assets, inventories and property, plant and equipment, are not required to be re-measured to fair value on a recurring basis. These assets are evaluated for impairment if certain triggering events occur. If such evaluation indicates that impairment exists, the asset is written down to its fair value. In addition, an impairment analysis is performed at least annually for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Equity Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Value

The Company evaluates its equity investments without readily determinable fair values for impairment if factors indicate that a significant decrease in value has occurred. Beginning in October 2018, the Company prospectively adopted a new accounting standard on the accounting for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values. Refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” for further details. Under the new standard, the Company has elected to use the measurement alternative to fair value that will allow these investments to be recorded at cost, less impairment, and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes. The Company did not record any impairment charges on these investments during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. In addition, there were no observable price changes events that were completed during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

Fair Value of Debt

Based on the level of interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2019, the fair value of the Company’s debt was $3.080 billion. Based on the level of interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2018, the fair value of the Company’s debt was $2.862 billion. The fair value of the Company’s debt instruments are determined using quoted market prices from less active markets or by using quoted market prices for instruments with identical terms and maturities; both approaches are considered a Level 2 measurement.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Quarterly Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information

WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP.

2019 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(unaudited)

The following table sets forth the quarterly information for Warner Music Group Corp.



	Three months ended
	September 30, 2019			June 30, 2019			March 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	1,124		$	1,058		$	1,090		$	1,203
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(639		)	(577		)	(559		)	(626		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (a)	(408		)	(372		)	(354		)	(376		)
Amortization expense	(48		)	(51		)	(55		)	(54		)
Total costs and expenses	(1,095		)	(1,000		)	(968		)	(1,056		)
Operating income	29			58			122			147
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(4		)	—			(3		)
Interest expense, net	(34		)	(36		)	(36		)	(36		)
Other income (expense)	19			(16		)	29			28
Income before income taxes	14			2			115			136
Income tax benefit (expense)	77			12			(48		)	(50		)
Net income	91			14			67			86
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1		)	(1		)	—			—
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	90		$	13		$	67		$	86

(a) Includes depreciation expense of:	$	(18	)	$	(15	)	$	(14	)	$	(14	)

Quarterly operating results can be disproportionately affected by a particularly strong or weak quarter. Therefore, these quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP.

2018 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(unaudited)

The following table sets forth the quarterly information for Warner Music Group Corp.



	Three months ended
	September 30, 2018			June 30, 2018			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	1,039		$	958		$	963		$	1,045
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(583		)	(531		)	(488		)	(569		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (a)	(398		)	(343		)	(337		)	(333		)
Amortization expense	(42		)	(56		)	(55		)	(53		)
Total costs and expenses	(1,023		)	(930		)	(880		)	(955		)
Operating income	16			28			83			90
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(7		)	(23		)	(1		)
Interest expense, net	(33		)	(33		)	(36		)	(36		)
Other income (expense)	2			394			(6		)	4
(Loss) income before income taxes	(15		)	382			18			57
Income tax benefit (expense)	2			(61		)	(19		)	(52		)
Net (loss) income	(13		)	321			(1		)	5
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(1		)
Net (loss) income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	(14	)	$	320		$	(3	)	$	4

(a) Includes depreciation expense of:	$	(14	)	$	(15	)	$	(14	)	$	(12	)

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information

The Company is the direct parent of Holdings, which is the direct parent of Acquisition Corp. As of September 30, 2019 Acquisition Corp. had issued and outstanding the 5.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2023, the 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024, the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024, the 3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 and the 5.500% Senior Notes due 2026 (together, the “Acquisition Corp. Notes”).

The Acquisition Corp. Notes are guaranteed by the Company and, in addition, are guaranteed by all of Acquisition Corp.’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. The secured notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis and the unsecured notes are guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis. The Company’s guarantee of the Acquisition Corp. Notes is full and unconditional. The guarantee of the Acquisition Corp. Notes by Acquisition Corp.’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries is full, unconditional and joint and several. The following condensed consolidating financial statements are also presented for the information of the holders of the Acquisition Corp. Notes and present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of (i) Acquisition Corp., which is the issuer of the Acquisition Corp. Notes, (ii) the guarantor subsidiaries of Acquisition Corp., (iii) the non-guarantor subsidiaries of Acquisition Corp. and (iv) the eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for Acquisition Corp. on a consolidated basis. Investments in consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. There are no restrictions on Acquisition Corp.’s ability to obtain funds from any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries through dividends, loans or advances.

The Company and Holdings are holding companies that conduct substantially all of their business operations through Acquisition Corp. Accordingly, the ability of the Company and Holdings to obtain funds from their subsidiaries is restricted by the indentures for the Acquisition Corp. Notes and the credit agreements for the Acquisition Corp. Senior Credit Facilities, including the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Term Loan Facility.

Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	386		$	233	$	—		$	619		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	619
Accounts receivable, net	—			334			441		—			775			—		—		—			775
Inventories	—			11			63		—			74			—		—		—			74
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	—			112			58		—			170			—		—		—			170
Prepaid and other current assets	—			12			41		—			53			—		—		—			53
Total current assets	—			855			836		—			1,691			—		—		—			1,691
Due from (to) parent companies	458			(531		)	73		—			—			—		—		—			—
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	2,272			2,567			—		(4,839		)	—			878		878		(1,756		)	—
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	—			137			71		—			208			—		—		—			208
Property, plant and equipment, net	—			200			100		—			300			—		—		—			300
Goodwill	—			1,370			391		—			1,761			—		—		—			1,761
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	—			884			839		—			1,723			—		—		—			1,723
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	—			71			80		—			151			—		—		—			151
Deferred tax assets, net	—			30			8		—			38			—		—		—			38
Other assets	7			115			23		—			145			—		—		—			145
Total assets	$	2,737		$	5,698		$	2,421	$	(4,839	)	$	6,017		$	878	$	878	$	(1,756	)	$	6,017
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	160		$	100	$	—		$	260		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	260
Accrued royalties	4			813			750		—			1,567			—		—		—			1,567
Accrued liabilities	—			266			226		—			492			—		—		—			492
Accrued interest	34			—			—		—			34			—		—		—			34
Deferred revenue	—			42			138		—			180			—		—		—			180
Other current liabilities	—			221			65		—			286			—		—		—			286
Total current liabilities	38			1,502			1,279		—			2,819			—		—		—			2,819
Long-term debt	2,974			—			—		—			2,974			—		—		—			2,974
Deferred tax liabilities, net	—			—			172		—			172			—		—		—			172
Other noncurrent liabilities	14			200			107		—			321			—		—		—			321
Total liabilities	3,026			1,702			1,558		—			6,286			—		—		—			6,286
Total Warner Music Group Corp. (deficit) equity	(289		)	3,992			847		(4,839		)	(289		)	878		878		(1,756		)	(289		)
Noncontrolling interest	—			4			16		—			20			—		—		—			20
Total equity	(289		)	3,996			863		(4,839		)	(269		)	878		878		(1,756		)	(269		)
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,737		$	5,698		$	2,421	$	(4,839	)	$	6,017		$	878	$	878	$	(1,756	)	$	6,017

Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	169		$	345		$	—		$	514		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	514
Accounts receivable, net	—			262			185			—			447			—		—		—			447
Inventories	—			18			24			—			42			—		—		—			42
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	—			79			44			—			123			—		—		—			123
Prepaid and other current assets	—			15			35			—			50			—		—		—			50
Total current assets	—			543			633			—			1,176			—		—		—			1,176
Due from (to) parent companies	488			(214		)	(274		)	—			—			—		—		—			—
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	2,018			2,192			—			(4,210		)	—			675		675		(1,350		)	—
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	—			93			60			—			153			—		—		—			153
Property, plant and equipment, net	—			155			74			—			229			—		—		—			229
Goodwill	—			1,370			322			—			1,692			—		—		—			1,692
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	—			956			895			—			1,851			—		—		—			1,851
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	—			71			83			—			154			—		—		—			154
Deferred tax assets, net	—			—			11			—			11			—		—		—			11
Other assets	12			55			11			—			78			—		—		—			78
Total assets	$	2,518		$	5,221		$	1,815		$	(4,210	)	$	5,344		$	675	$	675	$	(1,350	)	$	5,344
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	200		$	81		$	—		$	281		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	281
Accrued royalties	—			869			527			—			1,396			—		—		—			1,396
Accrued liabilities	—			195			228			—			423			—		—		—			423
Accrued interest	31			—			—			—			31			—		—		—			31
Deferred revenue	—			94			114			—			208			—		—		—			208
Other current liabilities	—			2			32			—			34			—		—		—			34
Total current liabilities	31			1,360			982			—			2,373			—		—		—			2,373
Long-term debt	2,819			—			—			—			2,819			—		—		—			2,819
Deferred tax liabilities, net	—			3			162			—			165			—		—		—			165
Other noncurrent liabilities	2			197			108			—			307			—		—		—			307
Total liabilities	2,852			1,560			1,252			—			5,664			—		—		—			5,664
Total Warner Music Group Corp. (deficit) equity	(334		)	3,656			554			(4,210		)	(334		)	675		675		(1,350		)	(334		)
Noncontrolling interest	—			5			9			—			14			—		—		—			14
Total equity	(334		)	3,661			563			(4,210		)	(320		)	675		675		(1,350		)	(320		)
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,518		$	5,221		$	1,815		$	(4,210	)	$	5,344		$	675	$	675	$	(1,350	)	$	5,344

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	—		$	2,041		$	2,804		$	(370	)	$	4,475		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	4,475
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	—			(1,109		)	(1,603		)	311			(2,401		)	—		—		—			(2,401		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—			(765		)	(804		)	59			(1,510		)	—		—		—			(1,510		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(97		)	(111		)	—			(208		)	—		—		—			(208		)
Total costs and expenses	—			(1,971		)	(2,518		)	370			(4,119		)	—		—		—			(4,119		)
Operating income	—			70			286			—			356			—		—		—			356
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)	—		—		—			(7		)
Interest expense, net	(71		)	(50		)	(21		)	—			(142		)	—		—		—			(142		)
Equity gains from consolidated subsidiaries	311			185			—			(496		)	—			256		256		(512		)	—
Other income (expense), net	32			56			(28		)	—			60			—		—		—			60
Income before income taxes	265			261			237			(496		)	267			256		256		(512		)	267
Income tax (expense) benefit	(9		)	12			(51		)	39			(9		)	—		—		—			(9		)
Net income	256			273			186			(457		)	258			256		256		(512		)	258
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(2		)	—			(2		)	—		—		—			(2		)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	256		$	273		$	184		$	(457	)	$	256		$	256	$	256	$	(512	)	$	256

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	—		$	2,284		$	2,245		$	(524	)	$	4,005		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	4,005
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	—			(1,090		)	(1,442		)	361			(2,171		)	—		—		—			(2,171		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—			(1,040		)	(534		)	163			(1,411		)	—		—		—			(1,411		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(96		)	(110		)	—			(206		)	—		—		—			(206		)
Total costs and expenses	—			(2,226		)	(2,086		)	524			(3,788		)	—		—		—			(3,788		)
Operating income	—			58			159			—			217			—		—		—			217
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(31		)	—			—			—			(31		)	—		—		—			(31		)
Interest (expense) income, net	(116		)	4			(26		)	—			(138		)	—		—		—			(138		)
Equity gains from consolidated subsidiaries	207			122			—			(329		)	—			307		307		(614		)	—
Other income, net	377			7			10			—			394			—		—		—			394
Income before income taxes	437			191			143			(329		)	442			307		307		(614		)	442
Income tax expense	(130		)	(130		)	(39		)	169			(130		)	—		—		—			(130		)
Net income	307			61			104			(160		)	312			307		307		(614		)	312
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			(1		)	(4		)	—			(5		)	—		—		—			(5		)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	307		$	60		$	100		$	(160	)	$	307		$	307	$	307	$	(614	)	$	307

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	—		$	1,978		$	2,008		$	(410	)	$	3,576		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	3,576
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	—			(922		)	(1,275		)	266			(1,931		)	—		—		—			(1,931		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(1		)	(900		)	(464		)	143			(1,222		)	—		—		—			(1,222		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(100		)	(101		)	—			(201		)	—		—		—			(201		)
Total costs and expenses	(1		)	(1,922		)	(1,840		)	409			(3,354		)	—		—		—			(3,354		)
Operating income (loss)	(1		)	56			168			(1		)	222			—		—		—			222
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(35		)	—			—			—			(35		)	—		—		—			(35		)
Interest (expense) income, net	(95		)	2			(56		)	—			(149		)	—		—		—			(149		)
Equity gains from consolidated subsidiaries	124			87			—			(210		)	1			143		143		(286		)	1
Other expense, net	(1		)	(17		)	(23		)	—			(41		)	—		—		—			(41		)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(8		)	128			89			(211		)	(2		)	143		143		(286		)	(2		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	151			154			(30		)	(124		)	151			—		—		—			151
Net income	143			282			59			(335		)	149			143		143		(286		)	149
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			(1		)	(5		)	—			(6		)	—		—		—			(6		)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	143		$	281		$	54		$	(335	)	$	143		$	143	$	143	$	(286	)	$	143

Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Net income	$	256		$	273	$	186		$	(457	)	$	258		$	256		$	256		$	(512	)	$	258
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustment	(34		)	—		34			(34		)	(34		)	(36		)	(36		)	72			(34		)
Deferred loss on derivative financial instruments	(11		)	—		(11		)	11			(11		)	(11		)	(11		)	22			(11		)
Minimum pension liability	(5		)	—		—			—			(5		)	(5		)	(5		)	10			(5		)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(50		)	—		23			(23		)	(50		)	(52		)	(52		)	104			(50		)
Total comprehensive income	206			273		209			(480		)	208			204			204			(408		)	208
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—		(2		)	—			(2		)	—			—			—			(2		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	206		$	273	$	207		$	(480	)	$	206		$	204		$	204		$	(408	)	$	206

Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Net income	$	307		$	61		$	104		$	(160	)	$	312		$	307		$	307		$	(614	)	$	312
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustment	(13		)	—			13			(13		)	(13		)	(13		)	(13		)	26			(13		)
Deferred gain on derivative financial instruments	3			—			3			(3		)	3			3			3			(6		)	3
Minimum pension liability	1			—			1			(1		)	1			1			1			(2		)	1
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(9		)	—			17			(17		)	(9		)	(9		)	(9		)	18			(9		)
Total comprehensive income	298			61			121			(177		)	303			298			298			(596		)	303
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			(1		)	(4		)	—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	298		$	60		$	117		$	(177	)	$	298		$	298		$	298		$	(596	)	$	298

Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)		Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Net income	$	143	$	282		$	59		$	(335	)	$	149		$	143	$	143	$	(286	)	$	149
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustment	30		—			(30		)	30			30			32		32		(64		)	30
Deferred loss on derivative financial instruments	—		(1		)	—			1			—			—		—		—			—
Minimum pension liability	7		—			7			(7		)	7			7		7		(14		)	7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	37		(1		)	(23		)	24			37			39		39		(78		)	37
Total comprehensive income	180		281			36			(311		)	186			182		182		(364		)	186
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		(1		)	(5		)	—			(6		)	—		—		—			(6		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	180	$	280		$	31		$	(311	)	$	180		$	182	$	182	$	(364	)	$	180

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	256		$	273		$	186		$	(457	)	$	258		$	256		$	256		$	(512	)	$	258
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			138			131			—			269			—			—			—			269
Unrealized (gains) losses and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans	(43		)	—			15			—			(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)
Deferred income taxes	—			—			(68		)	—			(68		)	—			—			—			(68		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7			—			—			—			7			—			—			—			7
Net gain on divestitures and investments	—			(18		)	(2		)	—			(20		)	—			—			—			(20		)
Non-cash interest expense	6			—			—			—			6			—			—			—			6
Equity-based compensation expense	—			50			—			—			50			—			—			—			50
Equity gains, including distributions	(311		)	(185		)	—			496			—			(256		)	(256		)	512			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	—			10			(100		)	—			(90		)	—			—			—			(90		)
Inventories	—			7			(4		)	—			3			—			—			—			3
Royalty advances	—			(77		)	(33		)	—			(110		)	—			—			—			(110		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—			315			(273		)	(39		)	3			—			—			—			3
Royalty payables	—			(68		)	198			—			130			—			—			—			130
Accrued interest	3			—			—			—			3			—			—			—			3
Deferred revenue	—			(53		)	49			—			(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
Other balance sheet changes	8			(41		)	24			—			(9		)	—			—			—			(9		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(74		)	351			123			—			400			—			—			—			400
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights and music catalogs, net	—			(24		)	(17		)	—			(41		)	—			—			—			(41		)
Capital expenditures	—			(85		)	(19		)	—			(104		)	—			—			—			(104		)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net of cash received	—			(42		)	(189		)	—			(231		)	—			—			—			(231		)
Advance to Issuer	(111		)	—			—			111			—			—			—			—			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(111		)	(151		)	(225		)	111			(376		)	—			—			—			(376		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend by Acquisition Corp. to Holdings Corp.	—			(94		)	—			—			(94		)	—			—			—			(94		)
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 3.625% Senior Notes due 2026	514			—			—			—			514			—			—			—			514
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 4.125% Senior Secured Notes	(40		)	—			—			—			(40		)	—			—			—			(40		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 4.875% Senior Secured Notes	(30		)	—			—			—			(30		)	—			—			—			(30		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 5.625% Senior Secured Notes	(247		)	—			—			—			(247		)	—			—			—			(247		)
Call premiums paid on early redemption of debt	(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Deferred financing costs paid	(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Change in due to (from) issuer	—			111			—			(111		)	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	185			17			(3		)	(111		)	88			—			—			—			88
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	—			217			(112		)	—			105			—			—			—			105
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	—			169			345			—			514			—			—			—			514
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	386		$	233		$	—		$	619		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	619

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	307		$	61		$	104		$	(160	)	$	312		$	307		$	307		$	(614	)	$	312
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			136			125			—			261			—			—			—			261
Unrealized gains/losses and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans	(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Deferred income taxes	—			—			66			—			66			—			—			—			66
Loss on extinguishment of debt	31			—			—			—			31			—			—			—			31
Net loss (gain) on divestitures and investments	(504		)	78			37			—			(389		)	—			—			—			(389		)
Non-cash interest expense	6			—			—			—			6			—			—			—			6
Equity-based compensation expense	—			62			—			—			62			—			—			—			62
Equity losses (gains), including distributions	(207		)	(122		)	—			329			—			(307		)	(307		)	614			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	—			(48		)	5			—			(43		)	—			—			—			(43		)
Inventories	—			(5		)	2			—			(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Royalty advances	—			24			7			—			31			—			—			—			31
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—			449			(198		)	(169		)	82			—			—			—			82
Royalty payables	—			48			(26		)	—			22			—			—			—			22
Accrued interest	(10		)	—			—			—			(10		)	—			—			—			(10		)
Deferred revenue	—			(48		)	44			—			(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
Other balance sheet changes	—			89			(85		)	—			4			—			—			—			4
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(380		)	724			81			—			425			—			—			—			425
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights, net	—			(11		)	(3		)	—			(14		)	—			—			—			(14		)
Capital expenditures	—			(60		)	(14		)	—			(74		)	—			—			—			(74		)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net	—			(17		)	(6		)	—			(23		)	—			—			—			(23		)
Divestitures, net	504			12			—			—			516			—			—			—			516
Advance to Issuer	(99		)	—			—			99			—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	405			(76		)	(23		)	99			405			—			—			—			405
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend by Acquisition Corp. to Holdings Corp.	—			(925		)	—			—			(925		)	—			—			—			(925		)
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 5.500% Senior Notes	325			—			—			—			325			—			—			—			325
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. Senior Term Loan Facility	320			—			—			—			320			—			—			—			320
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 6.750% Senior Secured Notes	(635		)	—			—			—			(635		)	—			—			—			(635		)
Call premiums paid on early redemption of debt	(23		)	—			—			—			(23		)	—			—			—			(23		)
Deferred financing costs paid	(12		)	—			—			—			(12		)	—			—			—			(12		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	—			—			(5		)	—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Change in due (from) to issuer	—			99			—			(99		)	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash used in financing activities	(25		)	(826		)	(5		)	(99		)	(955		)	—			—			—			(955		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)	—			—			—			(8		)
Net increase in cash and equivalents	—			(178		)	45			—			(133		)	—			—			—			(133		)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	—			347			300			—			647			—			—			—			647
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	169		$	345		$	—		$	514		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	514

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	143		$	282		$	59		$	(335	)	$	149		$	143		$	143		$	(286	)	$	149
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			137			114			—			251			—			—			—			251
Unrealized gains/losses and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans	27			—			(3		)	—			24			—			—			—			24
Deferred income taxes	2			—			(194		)	—			(192		)	—			—			—			(192		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	35			—			—			—			35			—			—			—			35
Net loss (gain) on divestitures and investments	—			33			(16		)	—			17			—			—			—			17
Non-cash interest expense	8			—			—			—			8			—			—			—			8
Equity-based compensation expense	—			70			—			—			70			—			—			—			70
Equity losses (gains), including distributions	(124		)	(86		)	—			210			—			(143		)	(143		)	286			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	—			(37		)	(23		)	—			(60		)	—			—			—			(60		)
Inventories	—			2			(1		)	—			1			—			—			—			1
Royalty advances	—			2			15			—			17			—			—			—			17
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(120		)	(4		)	47			125			48			—			—			—			48
Royalty payables	—			126			10			—			136			—			—			—			136
Accrued interest	3			—			—			—			3			—			—			—			3
Deferred revenue	—			(6		)	28			—			22			—			—			—			22
Other balance sheet changes	5			(204		)	205			—			6			—			—			—			6
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(21		)	315			241			—			535			—			—			—			535
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights, net	—			(9		)	(7		)	—			(16		)	—			—			—			(16		)
Capital expenditures	—			(31		)	(13		)	—			(44		)	—			—			—			(44		)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net	—			(6		)	(133		)	—			(139		)	—			—			—			(139		)
Divestitures, net	—			42			31			—			73			—			—			—			73
Advance to Issuer	60			—			—			(60		)	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	60			(4		)	(122		)	(60		)	(126		)	—			—			—			(126		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend by Acquisition Corp. to Holdings Corp.	—			(84		)	—			—			(84		)	84			—			—			—
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 4.125% Senior Secured Notes	380			—			—			—			380			—			—			—			380
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 4.875% Senior Secured Notes	250			—			—			—			250			—			—			—			250
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. Senior Term Loan Facility	22			—			—			—			22			—			—			—			22
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 6.000% Senior Secured Notes	(450		)	—			—			—			(450		)	—			—			—			(450		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 6.250% Senior Secured Notes	(173		)	—			—			—			(173		)	—			—			—			(173		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 5.625% Senior Secured Notes	(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)
Call premiums paid on early redemption of debt	(27		)	—			—			—			(27		)	—			—			—			(27		)
Deferred financing costs paid	(13		)	—			—			—			(13		)	—			—			—			(13		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	—			—			(5		)	—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Dividends paid	—			—			—			—			—			(84		)	—			—			(84		)
Change in due (from) to issuer	—			(60		)	—			60			—			—			—			—			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(39		)	(144		)	(5		)	60			(128		)	—			—			—			(128		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			7			—			7			—			—			—			7
Net increase in cash and equivalents	—			167			121			—			288			—			—			—			288
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	—			180			179			—			359			—			—			—			359
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	347		$	300		$	—		$	647		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	647

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts



Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions Charged to Cost and Expenses		Deductions			Balance at End of Period
	(in millions)
Year Ended September 30, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	18	$	3	$	(4	)	$	17
Reserves for sales returns	28		88		(93		)	23
Allowance for deferred tax asset	206		4		(119		)	91
Year Ended September 30, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	18	$	4	$	(4	)	$	18
Reserves for sales returns	33		108		(113		)	28
Allowance for deferred tax asset	193		33		(20		)	206
Year Ended September 30, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	19	$	3	$	(4	)	$	18
Reserves for sales returns	33		119		(119		)	33
Allowance for deferred tax asset	310		23		(140		)	193

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Consolidation

Use of Estimates

Business Combinations

Cash and Equivalents

Accounts Receivable

Credit is extended to customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value.

Refund Liabilities and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Concentration of Credit Risk

Inventories

Derivative and Financial Instruments

Property, Plant and Equipment

Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

Foreign Currency Translation

Royalty Advances and Royalty Costs

Recorded Music

Music Publishing

Advertising

Share-Based Compensation

Income Taxes

New Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Revenue Recognition Standard



	September 30, 2018			Impact of Adoption			October 1, 2018
	(in millions)
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	447		$	257		$	704
Total current assets	1,176			257			1,433
Other assets	78			15			93
Total assets	$	5,344		$	272		$	5,616
Liabilities and Equity
Accrued royalties	$	1,396		$	79		$	1,475
Accrued liabilities	423			(1		)	422
Deferred revenue	208			(27		)	181
Other current liabilities	34			33			67
Total current liabilities	2,373			84			2,457
Deferred tax liabilities, net	165			37			202
Other noncurrent liabilities	307			1			308
Total liabilities	$	5,664		$	122		$	5,786
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,272		)	139			(1,133		)
Noncontrolling interest	14			11			25
Total equity	(320		)	150			(170		)
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,344		$	272		$	5,616



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Revenue	$	4,475		$	4,447		$	28
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(2,401		)	(2,389		)	(12		)
Operating income	356			340			16
Income before income taxes	267			251			16
Income tax expense	(9		)	(5		)	(4		)
Net income	258			246			12
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2		)	(4		)	2
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	256		$	242		$	14



	September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	775		$	495		$	280
Total current assets	1,691			1,411			280
Other assets	145			135			10
Deferred tax assets, net	38			38			—
Total assets	$	6,017		$	5,727		$	290
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable	$	260		$	261		$	(1	)
Accrued royalties	1,567			1,474			93
Accrued liabilities	492			493			(1		)
Deferred revenue	180			216			(36		)
Other current liabilities	286			259			27
Total current liabilities	2,819			2,737			82
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172			131			41
Other noncurrent liabilities	321			317			4
Total liabilities	6,286			6,159			127
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,177		)	(1,331		)	154
Noncontrolling interest	20			11			9
Total equity	(269		)	(432		)	163
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,017		$	5,727		$	290



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	258		$	246		$	12
Deferred income taxes	(68		)	(72		)	4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(90		)	(67		)	(23		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3			1			2
Royalty advances	(110		)	(124		)	14
Deferred revenue	(4		)	5			(9		)
Other balance sheet changes	(9		)	(9		)	—
Net cash provided by operating activities	400			400			—
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(7		)	(7		)	—
Net increase in cash and equivalents	105			105			—
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	514			514			—
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	619		$	619		$	—

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Impact of Adoption on Consolidated Statement of Operations, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows



	September 30, 2018			Impact of Adoption			October 1, 2018
	(in millions)
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	447		$	257		$	704
Total current assets	1,176			257			1,433
Other assets	78			15			93
Total assets	$	5,344		$	272		$	5,616
Liabilities and Equity
Accrued royalties	$	1,396		$	79		$	1,475
Accrued liabilities	423			(1		)	422
Deferred revenue	208			(27		)	181
Other current liabilities	34			33			67
Total current liabilities	2,373			84			2,457
Deferred tax liabilities, net	165			37			202
Other noncurrent liabilities	307			1			308
Total liabilities	$	5,664		$	122		$	5,786
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,272		)	139			(1,133		)
Noncontrolling interest	14			11			25
Total equity	(320		)	150			(170		)
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,344		$	272		$	5,616



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Revenue	$	4,475		$	4,447		$	28
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(2,401		)	(2,389		)	(12		)
Operating income	356			340			16
Income before income taxes	267			251			16
Income tax expense	(9		)	(5		)	(4		)
Net income	258			246			12
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2		)	(4		)	2
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	256		$	242		$	14



	September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	775		$	495		$	280
Total current assets	1,691			1,411			280
Other assets	145			135			10
Deferred tax assets, net	38			38			—
Total assets	$	6,017		$	5,727		$	290
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable	$	260		$	261		$	(1	)
Accrued royalties	1,567			1,474			93
Accrued liabilities	492			493			(1		)
Deferred revenue	180			216			(36		)
Other current liabilities	286			259			27
Total current liabilities	2,819			2,737			82
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172			131			41
Other noncurrent liabilities	321			317			4
Total liabilities	6,286			6,159			127
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,177		)	(1,331		)	154
Noncontrolling interest	20			11			9
Total equity	(269		)	(432		)	163
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,017		$	5,727		$	290



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019
	As Reported			Balances without adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	258		$	246		$	12
Deferred income taxes	(68		)	(72		)	4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(90		)	(67		)	(23		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3			1			2
Royalty advances	(110		)	(124		)	14
Deferred revenue	(4		)	5			(9		)
Other balance sheet changes	(9		)	(9		)	—
Net cash provided by operating activities	400			400			—
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(7		)	(7		)	—
Net increase in cash and equivalents	105			105			—
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	514			514			—
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	619		$	619		$	—

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Summary of Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company’s revenue consists of the following categories, which aggregate into the segments – Recorded Music and Music Publishing:



	For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(in millions)
Revenue by Type
Digital	$	2,343		$	2,019		$	1,692
Physical	559			630			667
Total Physical and Digital	2,902			2,649			2,359
Artist services and expanded-rights	629			389			385
Licensing	309			322			276
Total Recorded Music	3,840			3,360			3,020
Performance	183			212			197
Digital	271			237			187
Mechanical	55			72			65
Synchronization	120			119			112
Other	14			13			11
Total Music Publishing	643			653			572
Intersegment eliminations	(8		)	(8		)	(16		)
Total Revenues	$	4,475		$	4,005		$	3,576
Revenue by Geographical Location
U.S. Recorded Music	$	1,656		$	1,460		$	1,329
U.S. Music Publishing	300			294			258
Total U.S.	1,956			1,754			1,587
International Recorded Music	2,184			1,900			1,691
International Music Publishing	343			359			314
Total International	2,527			2,259			2,005
Intersegment eliminations	(8		)	(8		)	(16		)
Total Revenues	$	4,475		$	4,005		$	3,576

Summary of Revenues Expected to be Recognized in Future Related to Performance Obligations

Revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at September 30, 2019 are as follows (in millions):



	FY20		FY21		FY22		Thereafter		Total
	(in millions)
Remaining performance obligations	$	142	$	94	$	7	$	—	$	243
Total	$	142	$	94	$	7	$	—	$	243

Acquisition of EMP (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Estimated Fair Values of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed



Purchase Price	€	155
Working Capital	10
Final Purchase Price	€	165
Foreign Currency Rate at October 10, 2018	1.15
Final Purchase Price in U.S. dollars	$	190
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Cash and equivalents	$	7
Accounts receivable, net	3
Inventories	37
Other current assets	5
Property plant and equipment	32
Intangible assets	81
Accounts payable	(18		)
Other current liabilities	(11		)
Deferred revenue	(7		)
Deferred tax liabilities	(25		)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(3		)
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	101
Goodwill recorded	89
Total purchase price allocated	$	190

Schedule of Pro Forma Financial Information

The pro forma information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Acquisition had taken place at the beginning of fiscal 2018.



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019		Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Revenue	$	4,480	$	4,239
Operating income	356		215
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	256		304

Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following summary sets forth the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax benefit of $4 million:



	Foreign Currency Translation Loss			Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment			Deferred Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(201	)	$	(17	)	$	—		$	(218	)
Other comprehensive income (a)	30			8			—			38
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			(1		)	—			(1		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	(171	)	$	(10	)	$	—		$	(181	)
Other comprehensive loss (a)	(13		)	1			3			(9		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	(184	)	$	(9	)	$	3		$	(190	)
Other comprehensive loss (a)	(34		)	(5		)	(11		)	(50		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	(218	)	$	(14	)	$	(8	)	$	(240	)

______________________________________


(a)	Includes historical foreign currency translation related to certain intra-entity transactions that are no longer of a long-term investment nature of $0 million, $0 million and $(19) million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:



	September 30, 2019			September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Land	$	12		$	11
Buildings and improvements	186			109
Furniture and fixtures	25			11
Computer hardware and software	337			302
Construction in progress	20			42
Machinery and equipment	27			11
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$	607		$	486
Less accumulated depreciation	(307		)	(257		)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	$	300		$	229

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Goodwill for Each Reportable Segment

The following analysis details the changes in goodwill for each reportable segment:



	Recorded Music			Music Publishing		Total
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	1,221		$	464	$	1,685
Acquisitions	12			—		12
Other adjustments	(5		)	—		(5		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	1,228		$	464	$	1,692
Acquisitions	89			—		89
Other adjustments	(20		)	—		(20		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	1,297		$	464	$	1,761

Schedule of Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:



	Weighted-Average Useful Life	September 30, 2019			September 30, 2018
		(in millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Recorded music catalog	10 years	$	855		$	870
Music publishing copyrights	26 years	1,539			1,540
Artist and songwriter contracts	13 years	841			864
Trademarks	18 years	53			12
Other intangible assets	7 years	59			26
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization		3,347			3,312
Accumulated amortization		(1,624		)	(1,461		)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization		1,723			1,851
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks and tradenames	Indefinite	151			154
Total net other intangible assets		$	1,874		$	2,005

Expected Amortization of Intangible Assets

Based on the amount of intangible assets subject to amortization at September 30, 2019, the expected amortization for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:



	Fiscal Years Ended September 30,
	(in millions)
2020	$	182
2021	181
2022	173
2023	138
2024	107
Thereafter	942
	$	1,723

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt, all of which was issued by Acquisition Corp., consists of the following:



	September 30, 2019		September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Revolving Credit Facility (a)	$	—	$	—
Senior Term Loan Facility due 2023 (b)	1,313		1,310
5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (c)	—		246
5.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (d)	298		297
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (e)	336		399
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (f)	218		247
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (g)	488		—
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026 (h)	321		320
Total long-term debt, including the current portion (i)	$	2,974	$	2,819


(a)	Reflects $180 million of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, less letters of credit outstanding of approximately $13 million and $8 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. There were no loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2019 or September 30, 2018.


(b)	Principal amount of $1.326 billion less unamortized discount of $3 million and $4 million and unamortized deferred financing costs of $10 million and $12 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(c)	On May 16, 2019, Acquisition Corp. redeemed the remaining $221 million of its outstanding 5.625% Senior Notes due 2022. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million as a result of the debt redemption, which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs.


(d)	Principal amount of $300 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $2 million and $3 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(e)	Face amount of €311 million and €345 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. Above amounts represent the dollar equivalent of such note at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018. Principal amount of $340 million and $402 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $4 million and $3 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(f)	Principal amount of $220 million and $250 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $2 million and $3 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(g)	Face amount of €445 million at September 30, 2019. Above amounts represent the dollar equivalent of such note at September 30, 2019. Principal amount of $487 million, an additional issuance premium of $8 million, less unamortized deferred financing costs of $7 million at September 30, 2019.


(h)	Principal amount of $325 million less unamortized deferred financing costs of $4 million and $5 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.


(i)	Principal amount of debt of $2.998 billion and $2.851 billion, an additional insurance premium of $8 million and nil, less unamortized discount of $3 million and $4 million and unamortized deferred financing costs of $29 million and $28 million at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
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-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
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Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Pretax (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

The domestic and foreign pretax income (loss) from continuing operations is as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019		Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018		Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017
	(in millions)
Domestic	$	84	$	347	$	(37	)
Foreign	183		95		35
Total	$	267	$	442	$	(2	)

Current and Deferred Income Taxes

Current and deferred income tax expense (benefit) provided are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017
	(in millions)
Federal:
Deferred	(49		)	91			(169		)
Foreign:
Current (a)	74			58			41
Deferred	(18		)	(26		)	(12		)
U.S. State:
Current	3			6			2
Deferred	(1		)	1			(13		)
Total	$	9		$	130		$	(151	)

______________________________________


(a)	Includes withholding taxes of $17 million, $15 million and $13 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

Differences between U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate of 35% and Income Taxes Provided



	Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018			Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017
	(in millions)
Taxes on income at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$	56		$	108		$	(1	)
U.S. state and local taxes	2			7			3
Foreign income taxed at different rates, including withholding taxes	16			19			11
Increase in valuation allowance	1			4			18
Release of valuation allowance	(65		)	(14		)	(134		)
Change in tax rates	(4		)	23			(1		)
Impact of GILTI and FDII	(4		)	—			—
Intergroup transfer	—			(30		)	—
Foreign currency losses on intra-entity loans	—			—			(59		)
Non-deductible long term incentive plan	6			8			10
Other	1			5			2
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	9		$	130		$	(151	)

Significant Components of Company's Net Deferred Tax Assets/(Liabilities)

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities are summarized below:



	September 30, 2019			September 30, 2018
	(in millions)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowances and reserves	$	27		$	26
Employee benefits and compensation	79			86
Other accruals	17			56
Tax attribute carryforwards	203			314
Other	3			4
Total deferred tax assets	329			486
Valuation allowance	(91		)	(206		)
Net deferred tax assets	238			280
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(372		)	(434		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(372		)	(434		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(134	)	$	(154	)

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Interest and Penalties

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, are as follows (in millions):



Balance at September 30, 2016	$	30
Additions for current year tax positions	2
Additions for prior year tax positions	1
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(14		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	19
Additions for current year tax positions	3
Additions for prior year tax positions	3
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	18
Additions for prior year tax positions	1
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	12

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Summary of Company's Share Awards

The following is a summary of the Company’s share awards:



	Deferred Equity Units		Matching Equity Units		Deferred Equity Units Weighted-Average Intrinsic Value		Matching Equity Units Weighted-Average Intrinsic Value		Deferred Equity Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Intrinsic Value		Matching Equity Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Intrinsic Value
Unvested units at September 30, 2017	13		36		$	241.75	$	111.23	$	140.04	$	—
Granted	—		—		—		—		—		—
Vested	(7	)	(9	)	304.22		193.83		133.05		—
Forfeited	—		—		—		—		—		—
Unvested units at September 30, 2018	6		27		$	304.22	$	167.15	$	148.69	$	—
Granted	—		—		—		—		—		—
Vested	(2	)	(13	)	367.96		243.41		147.26		—
Forfeited	—		—		—		—		—		—
Unvested units at September 30, 2019	4		14		$	367.96	$	219.73	$	149.45	$	—

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases

At September 30, 2019, future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:



Years	Operating Leases
	(in millions)
2020	$	52
2021	49
2022	48
2023	47
2024	45
Thereafter	207
Total	$	448

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheet

The following is a summary of amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets pertaining to the Company’s designated cash flows hedges at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018:



	September 30, 2019 (a)			September 30, 2018 (b)
	(in millions)
Other noncurrent assets	$	2		$	4
Other noncurrent liabilities	(13		)	—

______________________________________


(a)	$2 million and $13 million of interest rate swaps in asset and liability positions, respectively.


(b)	$4 million of interest rate swap in an asset position.

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Information



	Recorded Music		Music Publishing		Corporate expenses and eliminations			Total
	(in millions)
2019
Revenues	$	3,840	$	643	$	(8	)	$	4,475
Operating income (loss)	439		92		(175		)	356
Amortization of intangible assets	139		69		—			208
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	45		5		11			61
OIBDA	623		166		(164		)	625
Total assets	2,217		2,581		1,219			6,017
Capital expenditures	29		3		72			104
2018
Revenues	$	3,360	$	653	$	(8	)	$	4,005
Operating income (loss)	307		84		(174		)	217
Amortization of intangible assets	138		68		—			206
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	35		7		13			55
OIBDA	480		159		(161		)	478
Total assets	1,999		2,423		922			5,344
Capital expenditures	20		3		51			74
2017
Revenues	$	3,020	$	572	$	(16	)	$	3,576
Operating income (loss)	283		81		(142		)	222
Amortization of intangible assets	136		65		—			201
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	32		6		12			50
OIBDA	451		152		(130		)	473
Capital expenditures	21		5		18			44

Long-Lived Assets and Revenue by Geographical Areas

Total assets relating to operations in different geographical areas are set forth below as of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.



	2019				2018				2017
	Revenue		Long-lived Assets		Revenue		Long-lived Assets		Revenue
	(in millions)
United States	$	1,956	$	201	$	1,754	$	156	$	1,587
United Kingdom	596		20		593		23		522
All other territories	1,923		79		1,658		50		1,467
Total	$	4,475	$	300	$	4,005	$	229	$	3,576

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments



	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2019
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	$	—	$	—		$	9	$	9
Other Non-Current Assets:
Equity Method Investment (c)	—		40			—		40
Interest Rate Swap (b)	—		2			—		2
Other Non-Current Liabilities:
Interest Rate Swap (b)	—		(13		)	—		(13		)
Total	$	—	$	29		$	9	$	38



	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2018
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)			Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	$	—	$	—	$	(2	)	$	(2	)
Other Noncurrent Assets
Interest Rate Swaps	—		4		—			4
Other Non-Current Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	—		—		(6		)	(6		)
Total	$	—	$	4	$	(8	)	$	(4	)

(a)


(b)	The fair value of the interest rate swaps is based on dealer quotes of market forward rates and reflects the amount that the Company would receive or pay as of September 30, 2019 for contracts involving the same attributes and maturity dates.


(c)	The fair value of equity method investment represents an equity method investment acquired during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 whereby the Company has elected the fair value option under ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). The valuation is based upon quoted prices in active markets and model-based valuation techniques to determine fair value.

Reconciliation of Net Liabilities Classified as Level 3

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of net assets and liabilities classified as Level 3:



	Total
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	(8	)
Additions	(2		)
Payments	1
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	(9	)

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

The following table sets forth the quarterly information for Warner Music Group Corp.



	Three months ended
	September 30, 2019			June 30, 2019			March 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	1,124		$	1,058		$	1,090		$	1,203
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(639		)	(577		)	(559		)	(626		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (a)	(408		)	(372		)	(354		)	(376		)
Amortization expense	(48		)	(51		)	(55		)	(54		)
Total costs and expenses	(1,095		)	(1,000		)	(968		)	(1,056		)
Operating income	29			58			122			147
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(4		)	—			(3		)
Interest expense, net	(34		)	(36		)	(36		)	(36		)
Other income (expense)	19			(16		)	29			28
Income before income taxes	14			2			115			136
Income tax benefit (expense)	77			12			(48		)	(50		)
Net income	91			14			67			86
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1		)	(1		)	—			—
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	90		$	13		$	67		$	86

(a) Includes depreciation expense of:	$	(18	)	$	(15	)	$	(14	)	$	(14	)

WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP.

2018 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(unaudited)

The following table sets forth the quarterly information for Warner Music Group Corp.



	Three months ended
	September 30, 2018			June 30, 2018			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	1,039		$	958		$	963		$	1,045
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(583		)	(531		)	(488		)	(569		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (a)	(398		)	(343		)	(337		)	(333		)
Amortization expense	(42		)	(56		)	(55		)	(53		)
Total costs and expenses	(1,023		)	(930		)	(880		)	(955		)
Operating income	16			28			83			90
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(7		)	(23		)	(1		)
Interest expense, net	(33		)	(33		)	(36		)	(36		)
Other income (expense)	2			394			(6		)	4
(Loss) income before income taxes	(15		)	382			18			57
Income tax benefit (expense)	2			(61		)	(19		)	(52		)
Net (loss) income	(13		)	321			(1		)	5
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(1		)
Net (loss) income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	(14	)	$	320		$	(3	)	$	4

(a) Includes depreciation expense of:	$	(14	)	$	(15	)	$	(14	)	$	(12	)

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Consolidating Balance Sheet

Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	386		$	233	$	—		$	619		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	619
Accounts receivable, net	—			334			441		—			775			—		—		—			775
Inventories	—			11			63		—			74			—		—		—			74
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	—			112			58		—			170			—		—		—			170
Prepaid and other current assets	—			12			41		—			53			—		—		—			53
Total current assets	—			855			836		—			1,691			—		—		—			1,691
Due from (to) parent companies	458			(531		)	73		—			—			—		—		—			—
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	2,272			2,567			—		(4,839		)	—			878		878		(1,756		)	—
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	—			137			71		—			208			—		—		—			208
Property, plant and equipment, net	—			200			100		—			300			—		—		—			300
Goodwill	—			1,370			391		—			1,761			—		—		—			1,761
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	—			884			839		—			1,723			—		—		—			1,723
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	—			71			80		—			151			—		—		—			151
Deferred tax assets, net	—			30			8		—			38			—		—		—			38
Other assets	7			115			23		—			145			—		—		—			145
Total assets	$	2,737		$	5,698		$	2,421	$	(4,839	)	$	6,017		$	878	$	878	$	(1,756	)	$	6,017
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	160		$	100	$	—		$	260		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	260
Accrued royalties	4			813			750		—			1,567			—		—		—			1,567
Accrued liabilities	—			266			226		—			492			—		—		—			492
Accrued interest	34			—			—		—			34			—		—		—			34
Deferred revenue	—			42			138		—			180			—		—		—			180
Other current liabilities	—			221			65		—			286			—		—		—			286
Total current liabilities	38			1,502			1,279		—			2,819			—		—		—			2,819
Long-term debt	2,974			—			—		—			2,974			—		—		—			2,974
Deferred tax liabilities, net	—			—			172		—			172			—		—		—			172
Other noncurrent liabilities	14			200			107		—			321			—		—		—			321
Total liabilities	3,026			1,702			1,558		—			6,286			—		—		—			6,286
Total Warner Music Group Corp. (deficit) equity	(289		)	3,992			847		(4,839		)	(289		)	878		878		(1,756		)	(289		)
Noncontrolling interest	—			4			16		—			20			—		—		—			20
Total equity	(289		)	3,996			863		(4,839		)	(269		)	878		878		(1,756		)	(269		)
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,737		$	5,698		$	2,421	$	(4,839	)	$	6,017		$	878	$	878	$	(1,756	)	$	6,017

Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	169		$	345		$	—		$	514		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	514
Accounts receivable, net	—			262			185			—			447			—		—		—			447
Inventories	—			18			24			—			42			—		—		—			42
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	—			79			44			—			123			—		—		—			123
Prepaid and other current assets	—			15			35			—			50			—		—		—			50
Total current assets	—			543			633			—			1,176			—		—		—			1,176
Due from (to) parent companies	488			(214		)	(274		)	—			—			—		—		—			—
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	2,018			2,192			—			(4,210		)	—			675		675		(1,350		)	—
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	—			93			60			—			153			—		—		—			153
Property, plant and equipment, net	—			155			74			—			229			—		—		—			229
Goodwill	—			1,370			322			—			1,692			—		—		—			1,692
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	—			956			895			—			1,851			—		—		—			1,851
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	—			71			83			—			154			—		—		—			154
Deferred tax assets, net	—			—			11			—			11			—		—		—			11
Other assets	12			55			11			—			78			—		—		—			78
Total assets	$	2,518		$	5,221		$	1,815		$	(4,210	)	$	5,344		$	675	$	675	$	(1,350	)	$	5,344
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	200		$	81		$	—		$	281		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	281
Accrued royalties	—			869			527			—			1,396			—		—		—			1,396
Accrued liabilities	—			195			228			—			423			—		—		—			423
Accrued interest	31			—			—			—			31			—		—		—			31
Deferred revenue	—			94			114			—			208			—		—		—			208
Other current liabilities	—			2			32			—			34			—		—		—			34
Total current liabilities	31			1,360			982			—			2,373			—		—		—			2,373
Long-term debt	2,819			—			—			—			2,819			—		—		—			2,819
Deferred tax liabilities, net	—			3			162			—			165			—		—		—			165
Other noncurrent liabilities	2			197			108			—			307			—		—		—			307
Total liabilities	2,852			1,560			1,252			—			5,664			—		—		—			5,664
Total Warner Music Group Corp. (deficit) equity	(334		)	3,656			554			(4,210		)	(334		)	675		675		(1,350		)	(334		)
Noncontrolling interest	—			5			9			—			14			—		—		—			14
Total equity	(334		)	3,661			563			(4,210		)	(320		)	675		675		(1,350		)	(320		)
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,518		$	5,221		$	1,815		$	(4,210	)	$	5,344		$	675	$	675	$	(1,350	)	$	5,344

Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Operations

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	—		$	2,041		$	2,804		$	(370	)	$	4,475		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	4,475
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	—			(1,109		)	(1,603		)	311			(2,401		)	—		—		—			(2,401		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—			(765		)	(804		)	59			(1,510		)	—		—		—			(1,510		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(97		)	(111		)	—			(208		)	—		—		—			(208		)
Total costs and expenses	—			(1,971		)	(2,518		)	370			(4,119		)	—		—		—			(4,119		)
Operating income	—			70			286			—			356			—		—		—			356
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)	—		—		—			(7		)
Interest expense, net	(71		)	(50		)	(21		)	—			(142		)	—		—		—			(142		)
Equity gains from consolidated subsidiaries	311			185			—			(496		)	—			256		256		(512		)	—
Other income (expense), net	32			56			(28		)	—			60			—		—		—			60
Income before income taxes	265			261			237			(496		)	267			256		256		(512		)	267
Income tax (expense) benefit	(9		)	12			(51		)	39			(9		)	—		—		—			(9		)
Net income	256			273			186			(457		)	258			256		256		(512		)	258
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(2		)	—			(2		)	—		—		—			(2		)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	256		$	273		$	184		$	(457	)	$	256		$	256	$	256	$	(512	)	$	256

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	—		$	2,284		$	2,245		$	(524	)	$	4,005		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	4,005
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	—			(1,090		)	(1,442		)	361			(2,171		)	—		—		—			(2,171		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—			(1,040		)	(534		)	163			(1,411		)	—		—		—			(1,411		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(96		)	(110		)	—			(206		)	—		—		—			(206		)
Total costs and expenses	—			(2,226		)	(2,086		)	524			(3,788		)	—		—		—			(3,788		)
Operating income	—			58			159			—			217			—		—		—			217
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(31		)	—			—			—			(31		)	—		—		—			(31		)
Interest (expense) income, net	(116		)	4			(26		)	—			(138		)	—		—		—			(138		)
Equity gains from consolidated subsidiaries	207			122			—			(329		)	—			307		307		(614		)	—
Other income, net	377			7			10			—			394			—		—		—			394
Income before income taxes	437			191			143			(329		)	442			307		307		(614		)	442
Income tax expense	(130		)	(130		)	(39		)	169			(130		)	—		—		—			(130		)
Net income	307			61			104			(160		)	312			307		307		(614		)	312
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			(1		)	(4		)	—			(5		)	—		—		—			(5		)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	307		$	60		$	100		$	(160	)	$	307		$	307	$	307	$	(614	)	$	307

Consolidating Statement of Operations

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Revenues	$	—		$	1,978		$	2,008		$	(410	)	$	3,576		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	3,576
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	—			(922		)	(1,275		)	266			(1,931		)	—		—		—			(1,931		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(1		)	(900		)	(464		)	143			(1,222		)	—		—		—			(1,222		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(100		)	(101		)	—			(201		)	—		—		—			(201		)
Total costs and expenses	(1		)	(1,922		)	(1,840		)	409			(3,354		)	—		—		—			(3,354		)
Operating income (loss)	(1		)	56			168			(1		)	222			—		—		—			222
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(35		)	—			—			—			(35		)	—		—		—			(35		)
Interest (expense) income, net	(95		)	2			(56		)	—			(149		)	—		—		—			(149		)
Equity gains from consolidated subsidiaries	124			87			—			(210		)	1			143		143		(286		)	1
Other expense, net	(1		)	(17		)	(23		)	—			(41		)	—		—		—			(41		)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(8		)	128			89			(211		)	(2		)	143		143		(286		)	(2		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	151			154			(30		)	(124		)	151			—		—		—			151
Net income	143			282			59			(335		)	149			143		143		(286		)	149
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			(1		)	(5		)	—			(6		)	—		—		—			(6		)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	143		$	281		$	54		$	(335	)	$	143		$	143	$	143	$	(286	)	$	143

Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Net income	$	256		$	273	$	186		$	(457	)	$	258		$	256		$	256		$	(512	)	$	258
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustment	(34		)	—		34			(34		)	(34		)	(36		)	(36		)	72			(34		)
Deferred loss on derivative financial instruments	(11		)	—		(11		)	11			(11		)	(11		)	(11		)	22			(11		)
Minimum pension liability	(5		)	—		—			—			(5		)	(5		)	(5		)	10			(5		)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(50		)	—		23			(23		)	(50		)	(52		)	(52		)	104			(50		)
Total comprehensive income	206			273		209			(480		)	208			204			204			(408		)	208
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—		(2		)	—			(2		)	—			—			—			(2		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	206		$	273	$	207		$	(480	)	$	206		$	204		$	204		$	(408	)	$	206

Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Net income	$	307		$	61		$	104		$	(160	)	$	312		$	307		$	307		$	(614	)	$	312
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustment	(13		)	—			13			(13		)	(13		)	(13		)	(13		)	26			(13		)
Deferred gain on derivative financial instruments	3			—			3			(3		)	3			3			3			(6		)	3
Minimum pension liability	1			—			1			(1		)	1			1			1			(2		)	1
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(9		)	—			17			(17		)	(9		)	(9		)	(9		)	18			(9		)
Total comprehensive income	298			61			121			(177		)	303			298			298			(596		)	303
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			(1		)	(4		)	—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	298		$	60		$	117		$	(177	)	$	298		$	298		$	298		$	(596	)	$	298

Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)		Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.		Warner Music Group Corp.		Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Net income	$	143	$	282		$	59		$	(335	)	$	149		$	143	$	143	$	(286	)	$	149
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustment	30		—			(30		)	30			30			32		32		(64		)	30
Deferred loss on derivative financial instruments	—		(1		)	—			1			—			—		—		—			—
Minimum pension liability	7		—			7			(7		)	7			7		7		(14		)	7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	37		(1		)	(23		)	24			37			39		39		(78		)	37
Total comprehensive income	180		281			36			(311		)	186			182		182		(364		)	186
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		(1		)	(5		)	—			(6		)	—		—		—			(6		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	180	$	280		$	31		$	(311	)	$	180		$	182	$	182	$	(364	)	$	180

Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2019



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	256		$	273		$	186		$	(457	)	$	258		$	256		$	256		$	(512	)	$	258
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			138			131			—			269			—			—			—			269
Unrealized (gains) losses and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans	(43		)	—			15			—			(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)
Deferred income taxes	—			—			(68		)	—			(68		)	—			—			—			(68		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7			—			—			—			7			—			—			—			7
Net gain on divestitures and investments	—			(18		)	(2		)	—			(20		)	—			—			—			(20		)
Non-cash interest expense	6			—			—			—			6			—			—			—			6
Equity-based compensation expense	—			50			—			—			50			—			—			—			50
Equity gains, including distributions	(311		)	(185		)	—			496			—			(256		)	(256		)	512			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	—			10			(100		)	—			(90		)	—			—			—			(90		)
Inventories	—			7			(4		)	—			3			—			—			—			3
Royalty advances	—			(77		)	(33		)	—			(110		)	—			—			—			(110		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—			315			(273		)	(39		)	3			—			—			—			3
Royalty payables	—			(68		)	198			—			130			—			—			—			130
Accrued interest	3			—			—			—			3			—			—			—			3
Deferred revenue	—			(53		)	49			—			(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
Other balance sheet changes	8			(41		)	24			—			(9		)	—			—			—			(9		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(74		)	351			123			—			400			—			—			—			400
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights and music catalogs, net	—			(24		)	(17		)	—			(41		)	—			—			—			(41		)
Capital expenditures	—			(85		)	(19		)	—			(104		)	—			—			—			(104		)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net of cash received	—			(42		)	(189		)	—			(231		)	—			—			—			(231		)
Advance to Issuer	(111		)	—			—			111			—			—			—			—			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(111		)	(151		)	(225		)	111			(376		)	—			—			—			(376		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend by Acquisition Corp. to Holdings Corp.	—			(94		)	—			—			(94		)	—			—			—			(94		)
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 3.625% Senior Notes due 2026	514			—			—			—			514			—			—			—			514
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 4.125% Senior Secured Notes	(40		)	—			—			—			(40		)	—			—			—			(40		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 4.875% Senior Secured Notes	(30		)	—			—			—			(30		)	—			—			—			(30		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 5.625% Senior Secured Notes	(247		)	—			—			—			(247		)	—			—			—			(247		)
Call premiums paid on early redemption of debt	(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Deferred financing costs paid	(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Change in due to (from) issuer	—			111			—			(111		)	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	185			17			(3		)	(111		)	88			—			—			—			88
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)	—			—			—			(7		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	—			217			(112		)	—			105			—			—			—			105
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	—			169			345			—			514			—			—			—			514
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	386		$	233		$	—		$	619		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	619

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	307		$	61		$	104		$	(160	)	$	312		$	307		$	307		$	(614	)	$	312
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			136			125			—			261			—			—			—			261
Unrealized gains/losses and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans	(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Deferred income taxes	—			—			66			—			66			—			—			—			66
Loss on extinguishment of debt	31			—			—			—			31			—			—			—			31
Net loss (gain) on divestitures and investments	(504		)	78			37			—			(389		)	—			—			—			(389		)
Non-cash interest expense	6			—			—			—			6			—			—			—			6
Equity-based compensation expense	—			62			—			—			62			—			—			—			62
Equity losses (gains), including distributions	(207		)	(122		)	—			329			—			(307		)	(307		)	614			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	—			(48		)	5			—			(43		)	—			—			—			(43		)
Inventories	—			(5		)	2			—			(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Royalty advances	—			24			7			—			31			—			—			—			31
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—			449			(198		)	(169		)	82			—			—			—			82
Royalty payables	—			48			(26		)	—			22			—			—			—			22
Accrued interest	(10		)	—			—			—			(10		)	—			—			—			(10		)
Deferred revenue	—			(48		)	44			—			(4		)	—			—			—			(4		)
Other balance sheet changes	—			89			(85		)	—			4			—			—			—			4
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(380		)	724			81			—			425			—			—			—			425
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights, net	—			(11		)	(3		)	—			(14		)	—			—			—			(14		)
Capital expenditures	—			(60		)	(14		)	—			(74		)	—			—			—			(74		)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net	—			(17		)	(6		)	—			(23		)	—			—			—			(23		)
Divestitures, net	504			12			—			—			516			—			—			—			516
Advance to Issuer	(99		)	—			—			99			—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	405			(76		)	(23		)	99			405			—			—			—			405
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend by Acquisition Corp. to Holdings Corp.	—			(925		)	—			—			(925		)	—			—			—			(925		)
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 5.500% Senior Notes	325			—			—			—			325			—			—			—			325
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. Senior Term Loan Facility	320			—			—			—			320			—			—			—			320
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 6.750% Senior Secured Notes	(635		)	—			—			—			(635		)	—			—			—			(635		)
Call premiums paid on early redemption of debt	(23		)	—			—			—			(23		)	—			—			—			(23		)
Deferred financing costs paid	(12		)	—			—			—			(12		)	—			—			—			(12		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	—			—			(5		)	—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Change in due (from) to issuer	—			99			—			(99		)	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash used in financing activities	(25		)	(826		)	(5		)	(99		)	(955		)	—			—			—			(955		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)	—			—			—			(8		)
Net increase in cash and equivalents	—			(178		)	45			—			(133		)	—			—			—			(133		)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	—			347			300			—			647			—			—			—			647
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	169		$	345		$	—		$	514		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	514

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017



	WMG Acquisition Corp. (issuer)			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated			WMG Holdings Corp.			Warner Music Group Corp.			Eliminations			Warner Music Group Corp. Consolidated
	(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	143		$	282		$	59		$	(335	)	$	149		$	143		$	143		$	(286	)	$	149
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			137			114			—			251			—			—			—			251
Unrealized gains/losses and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans	27			—			(3		)	—			24			—			—			—			24
Deferred income taxes	2			—			(194		)	—			(192		)	—			—			—			(192		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	35			—			—			—			35			—			—			—			35
Net loss (gain) on divestitures and investments	—			33			(16		)	—			17			—			—			—			17
Non-cash interest expense	8			—			—			—			8			—			—			—			8
Equity-based compensation expense	—			70			—			—			70			—			—			—			70
Equity losses (gains), including distributions	(124		)	(86		)	—			210			—			(143		)	(143		)	286			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	—			(37		)	(23		)	—			(60		)	—			—			—			(60		)
Inventories	—			2			(1		)	—			1			—			—			—			1
Royalty advances	—			2			15			—			17			—			—			—			17
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(120		)	(4		)	47			125			48			—			—			—			48
Royalty payables	—			126			10			—			136			—			—			—			136
Accrued interest	3			—			—			—			3			—			—			—			3
Deferred revenue	—			(6		)	28			—			22			—			—			—			22
Other balance sheet changes	5			(204		)	205			—			6			—			—			—			6
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(21		)	315			241			—			535			—			—			—			535
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights, net	—			(9		)	(7		)	—			(16		)	—			—			—			(16		)
Capital expenditures	—			(31		)	(13		)	—			(44		)	—			—			—			(44		)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net	—			(6		)	(133		)	—			(139		)	—			—			—			(139		)
Divestitures, net	—			42			31			—			73			—			—			—			73
Advance to Issuer	60			—			—			(60		)	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	60			(4		)	(122		)	(60		)	(126		)	—			—			—			(126		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend by Acquisition Corp. to Holdings Corp.	—			(84		)	—			—			(84		)	84			—			—			—
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 4.125% Senior Secured Notes	380			—			—			—			380			—			—			—			380
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. 4.875% Senior Secured Notes	250			—			—			—			250			—			—			—			250
Proceeds from issuance of Acquisition Corp. Senior Term Loan Facility	22			—			—			—			22			—			—			—			22
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 6.000% Senior Secured Notes	(450		)	—			—			—			(450		)	—			—			—			(450		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 6.250% Senior Secured Notes	(173		)	—			—			—			(173		)	—			—			—			(173		)
Repayment of Acquisition Corp. 5.625% Senior Secured Notes	(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)
Call premiums paid on early redemption of debt	(27		)	—			—			—			(27		)	—			—			—			(27		)
Deferred financing costs paid	(13		)	—			—			—			(13		)	—			—			—			(13		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	—			—			(5		)	—			(5		)	—			—			—			(5		)
Dividends paid	—			—			—			—			—			(84		)	—			—			(84		)
Change in due (from) to issuer	—			(60		)	—			60			—			—			—			—			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(39		)	(144		)	(5		)	60			(128		)	—			—			—			(128		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			7			—			7			—			—			—			7
Net increase in cash and equivalents	—			167			121			—			288			—			—			—			288
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	—			180			179			—			359			—			—			—			359
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	347		$	300		$	—		$	647		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	647

Description of Business - Additional Information (Detail) musical_composition in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 musical_composition country songwriter
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of countries in which operations are conducted \| country	60
Minimum number of musical compositions on which Company owns or controls rights \| musical_composition	1.4
Number of songwriters and composers \| songwriter	80,000

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2019	Oct. 01, 2018
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising expense	$ 108	$ 104	$ 97
Accumulated deficit	(1,177)	$ (1,272)			$ (1,133)
Topic 606
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated refund liabilities reclassified from accounts receivable to other current liabilities					28
Topic 606 \| Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accumulated deficit	$ 154				$ 139
Furniture and fixtures \| Minimum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Furniture and fixtures \| Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	7 years
Computer Equipment \| Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Machinery and equipment \| Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	13 years
Building \| Maximum
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	40 years
Credit Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable \| Spotify
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Customer concentration percentage	13.00%	18.00%
Forecast \| Subsequent Event \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Right-of-use assets				$ 360
Lease liabilities				$ 360

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Cumulative Effect of Changes to Opening Balance Sheet from Adoption of ASC 606 (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$ 775	$ 704	$ 447
Total current assets	1,691	1,433	1,176
Other assets	145	93	78
Total assets	6,017	5,616	5,344
Liabilities and Equity
Accrued royalties	1,567	1,475	1,396
Accrued liabilities	492	422	423
Deferred revenue	180	181	208
Other current liabilities	286	67	34
Total current liabilities	2,819	2,457	2,373
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172	202	165
Other noncurrent liabilities	321	308	307
Total liabilities	6,286	5,786	5,664
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,177)	(1,133)	(1,272)
Noncontrolling interest	20	25	14
Total equity	(269)	(170)	(320)	$ 308	$ 210
Total liabilities and equity	6,017	5,616	5,344
Balances Without Adoption Of ASC 606
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	495		447
Total current assets	1,411		1,176
Other assets	135		78
Total assets	5,727		5,344
Liabilities and Equity
Accrued royalties	1,474		1,396
Accrued liabilities	493		423
Deferred revenue	216		208
Other current liabilities	259		34
Total current liabilities	2,737		2,373
Deferred tax liabilities, net	131		165
Other noncurrent liabilities	317		307
Total liabilities	6,159		5,664
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,331)		(1,272)
Noncontrolling interest	11		14
Total equity	(432)		(320)
Total liabilities and equity	5,727		$ 5,344
Impact of Adoption \| Topic 606
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	280	257
Total current assets	280	257
Other assets	10	15
Total assets	290	272
Liabilities and Equity
Accrued royalties	93	79
Accrued liabilities	(1)	(1)
Deferred revenue	(36)	(27)
Other current liabilities	27	33
Total current liabilities	82	84
Deferred tax liabilities, net	41	37
Other noncurrent liabilities	4	1
Total liabilities	127	122
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	154	139
Noncontrolling interest	9	11
Total equity	163	150
Total liabilities and equity	$ 290	$ 272

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Impact of Adoption on Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,124	$ 1,058	$ 1,090	$ 1,203	$ 1,039	$ 958	$ 963	$ 1,045	$ 4,475	$ 4,005	$ 3,576
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	(639)	(577)	(559)	(626)	(583)	(531)	(488)	(569)	(2,401)	(2,171)	(1,931)
Operating income	29	58	122	147	16	28	83	90	356	217	222
Income before income taxes	14	2	115	136	(15)	382	18	57	267	442	(2)
Income tax expense	(77)	(12)	48	50	(2)	61	19	52	9	130	(151)
Net income	91	14	67	86	(13)	321	(1)	5	258	312	149
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1)	(1)	0	0	(1)	(1)	(2)	(1)	(2)	(5)	(6)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$ 90	$ 13	$ 67	$ 86	$ (14)	$ 320	$ (3)	$ 4	256	$ 307	$ 143
Balances Without Adoption Of ASC 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues									4,447
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue									(2,389)
Operating income									340
Income before income taxes									251
Income tax expense									5
Net income									246
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(4)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.									242
Impact of Adoption \| Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues									28
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue									(12)
Operating income									16
Income before income taxes									16
Income tax expense									4
Net income									12
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest									2
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.									$ 14

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Impact of Adoption on Consolidated Statement of Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$ 775	$ 704	$ 447
Total current assets	1,691	1,433	1,176
Other assets	145	93	78
Deferred tax assets, net	38		11
Total assets	6,017	5,616	5,344
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable	260		281
Accrued royalties	1,567	1,475	1,396
Accrued liabilities	492	422	423
Deferred revenue	180	181	208
Other current liabilities	286	67	34
Total current liabilities	2,819	2,457	2,373
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172	202	165
Other noncurrent liabilities	321	308	307
Total liabilities	6,286	5,786	5,664
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,177)	(1,133)	(1,272)
Noncontrolling interest	20	25	14
Total equity	(269)	(170)	(320)	$ 308	$ 210
Total liabilities and equity	6,017	5,616	5,344
Balances Without Adoption Of ASC 606
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	495		447
Total current assets	1,411		1,176
Other assets	135		78
Deferred tax assets, net	38
Total assets	5,727		5,344
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable	261
Accrued royalties	1,474		1,396
Accrued liabilities	493		423
Deferred revenue	216		208
Other current liabilities	259		34
Total current liabilities	2,737		2,373
Deferred tax liabilities, net	131		165
Other noncurrent liabilities	317		307
Total liabilities	6,159		5,664
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(1,331)		(1,272)
Noncontrolling interest	11		14
Total equity	(432)		(320)
Total liabilities and equity	5,727		$ 5,344
Impact of Adoption \| Topic 606
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	280	257
Total current assets	280	257
Other assets	10	15
Deferred tax assets, net	0
Total assets	290	272
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable	(1)
Accrued royalties	93	79
Accrued liabilities	(1)	(1)
Deferred revenue	(36)	(27)
Other current liabilities	27	33
Total current liabilities	82	84
Deferred tax liabilities, net	41	37
Other noncurrent liabilities	4	1
Total liabilities	127	122
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	154	139
Noncontrolling interest	9	11
Total equity	163	150
Total liabilities and equity	$ 290	$ 272

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Impact of Adoption on Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 91	$ 14	$ 67	$ 86	$ (13)	$ 321	$ (1)	$ 5	$ 258	$ 312	$ 149
Deferred income taxes									(68)	66	(192)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net									(90)	(43)	(60)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities									3	82	48
Royalty advances									(110)	31	17
Deferred revenue									(4)	(4)	22
Other balance sheet changes									(9)	4	6
Net cash provided by operating activities									400	425	535
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents									(7)	(8)	7
Net increase in cash and equivalents									105	(133)	288
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period				514				$ 647	514	647	359
Cash and equivalents at end of period	619				514				619	514	$ 647
Balances Without Adoption Of ASC 606
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income									246
Deferred income taxes									(72)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net									(67)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities									1
Royalty advances									(124)
Deferred revenue									5
Other balance sheet changes									(9)
Net cash provided by operating activities									400
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents									(7)
Net increase in cash and equivalents									105
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period				514					514
Cash and equivalents at end of period	619				514				619	514
Impact of Adoption \| Topic 606
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income									12
Deferred income taxes									4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net									(23)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities									2
Royalty advances									14
Deferred revenue									(9)
Other balance sheet changes									0
Net cash provided by operating activities									0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents									0
Net increase in cash and equivalents									0
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period				$ 0					0
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Disaggregation of Revenue (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 1,124	$ 1,058	$ 1,090	$ 1,203	$ 1,039	$ 958	$ 963	$ 1,045	$ 4,475	$ 4,005	$ 3,576
Operating Segments \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									1,956	1,754	1,587
Operating Segments \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									2,527	2,259	2,005
Intersegment eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									(8)	(8)	(16)
Recorded Music \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									3,840	3,360	3,020
Recorded Music \| Operating Segments \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									1,656	1,460	1,329
Recorded Music \| Operating Segments \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									2,184	1,900	1,691
Recorded Music \| Digital \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									2,343	2,019	1,692
Recorded Music \| Physical \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									559	630	667
Recorded Music \| Total Physical and Digital \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									2,902	2,649	2,359
Recorded Music \| Artist services and expanded-rights \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									629	389	385
Recorded Music \| Licensing \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									309	322	276
Music Publishing \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									643	653	572
Music Publishing \| Operating Segments \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									300	294	258
Music Publishing \| Operating Segments \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									343	359	314
Music Publishing \| Performance \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									183	212	197
Music Publishing \| Digital \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									271	237	187
Music Publishing \| Mechanical \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									55	72	65
Music Publishing \| Synchronization \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									120	119	112
Music Publishing \| Other \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues									$ 14	$ 13	$ 11

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Refund liabilities	$ 23	$ 28
Uncollectible accounts, reserves	17	$ 17
Deferred revenue increased related to cash received from customers	402
Revenue recognized related to deferred revenue	159
Revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods	$ 51

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Revenues Expected to be Recognized in Future Related to Performance Obligations (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 243
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2019-10-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 142
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2020-10-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 94
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2021-10-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 7
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2022-10-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 0
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period

Acquisition of EMP - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Millions			3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 10, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 10, 2018 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues			$ 1,124	$ 1,058	$ 1,090	$ 1,203	$ 1,039	$ 958	$ 963	$ 1,045	$ 4,475	$ 4,005	$ 3,576
Operating income			$ 29	$ 58	$ 122	$ 147	$ 16	$ 28	$ 83	$ 90	356	$ 217	$ 222
EMP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues											240
Operating income											$ 8
EMP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase and Sale Agreement Date	Sep. 11, 2018	Sep. 11, 2018
Purchase price of selected assets \| €		€ 166
Agreed enterprise value for certain shares acquired	$ 180	155
Final purchase price	$ 190	€ 165

Acquisition of EMP - Schedule of Estimated Fair Values of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 10, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 10, 2018 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Goodwill recorded			$ 1,761	$ 1,692	$ 1,685
EMP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price	$ 180	€ 155
Working Capital \| €		10
Final Purchase Price	$ 190	€ 165
Foreign Currency Rate at October 10, 2018	1.15
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Cash and equivalents	$ 7
Accounts receivable, net	3
Inventories	37
Other current assets	5
Property plant and equipment	32
Intangible assets	81
Accounts payable	(18)
Other current liabilities	(11)
Deferred revenue	(7)
Deferred tax liabilities	(25)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(3)
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	101
Goodwill recorded	89
Total purchase price allocated	$ 190

Acquisition of EMP - Schedule of Pro Forma Financial Information (Detail) - EMP - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 4,480	$ 4,239
Operating income	356	215
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$ 256	$ 304

Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related taxes	$ 4

Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (320)	$ 308	$ 210
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(50)	(9)	38
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(1)
Ending balance	(269)	(320)	308
Historical foreign currency translation related to intra-entity transactions	0	0	(19)
Foreign Currency Translation Loss
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(184)	(171)	(201)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(34)	(13)	30
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			0
Ending balance	(218)	(184)	(171)
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(9)	(10)	(17)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(5)	1	8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(1)
Ending balance	(14)	(9)	(10)
Deferred Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(11)	3	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			0
Ending balance	(8)	3	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(190)	(181)	(218)
Ending balance	$ (240)	$ (190)	$ (181)

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 607	$ 486
Less accumulated depreciation	(307)	(257)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	300	229
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	12	11
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	186	109
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	25	11
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	337	302
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	20	42
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 27	$ 11

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill for Each Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,692	$ 1,685
Acquisitions	89	12
Other adjustments	(20)	(5)
Ending balance	1,761	1,692
Recorded Music
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,228	1,221
Acquisitions	89	12
Other adjustments	(20)	(5)
Ending balance	1,297	1,228
Music Publishing
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	464	464
Acquisitions	0	0
Other adjustments	0	0
Ending balance	$ 464	$ 464

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
EMP
Goodwill [Line Items]
Increase in goodwill	$ 89
Spinnin Records
Goodwill [Line Items]
Increase in goodwill		$ 10

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross intangible asset subject to amortization	$ 3,347	$ 3,312
Accumulated amortization	(1,624)	(1,461)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization	1,723	1,851
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	151	154
Total net other intangible assets	1,874	2,005
Trademarks and tradenames
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	$ 151	154
Recorded music catalog
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	10 years
Total gross intangible asset subject to amortization	$ 855	870
Music publishing copyrights
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	26 years
Total gross intangible asset subject to amortization	$ 1,539	1,540
Artist and songwriter contracts
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	13 years
Total gross intangible asset subject to amortization	$ 841	864
Trademarks
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	18 years
Total gross intangible asset subject to amortization	$ 53	12
Other intangible assets
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	7 years
Total gross intangible asset subject to amortization	$ 59	$ 26

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Expected Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Expected Intangible Amortization
2020	$ 182
2021	181
2022	173
2023	138
2024	107
Thereafter	942
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 1,723	$ 1,851

Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions					12 Months Ended
Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 05, 2018	Oct. 12, 2018	Oct. 09, 2018	Mar. 14, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	May 16, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 2,974			$ 2,819
Senior Term Loan Facility due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Due date of senior secured notes					2023
5.625% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					5.625%			5.625%	5.625%
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					4.125%			4.125%	4.125%
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					4.875%			4.875%	4.875%
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					3.625%			3.625%	3.625%
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					5.50%			5.50%	5.50%
Acquisition Corp. \| Senior Term Loan Facility due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 1,313			$ 1,310
Acquisition Corp. \| 5.625% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 0	$ 221		246
Interest rate	5.625%		5.625%		5.625%		5.625%
Due date of senior secured notes	2022				2022
Acquisition Corp. \| 5.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 298			297
Interest rate					5.00%
Due date of senior secured notes					2023
Acquisition Corp. \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 336			399
Interest rate		4.125%	4.125%		4.125%
Due date of senior secured notes		2024			2024
Acquisition Corp. \| 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 218			247
Interest rate			4.875%		4.875%
Due date of senior secured notes			2024		2024
Acquisition Corp. \| 3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 488			0
Interest rate			3.625%		3.625%		3.625%
Due date of senior secured notes			2026		2026
Acquisition Corp. \| 5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 321			320
Interest rate				5.50%	5.50%
Due date of senior secured notes				2026	2026
Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion					$ 0			$ 0

Debt - Long-term Debt Footnote (Detail)				3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Debt - Long-term Debt Footnote (Detail)	Nov. 05, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 12, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 09, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 EUR (€)	May 16, 2019 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019 EUR (€)	Oct. 09, 2018 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018 EUR (€)	Mar. 14, 2018 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding senior notes				$ 2,974,000,000				$ 2,819,000,000				$ 2,974,000,000	$ 2,819,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt				$ 0	$ 4,000,000	$ 0	$ 3,000,000	$ 0	$ 7,000,000	$ 23,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 7,000,000	$ 31,000,000	$ 35,000,000
5.625% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.625%				5.625%				5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%				5.625%
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.125%				4.125%				4.125%	4.125%	4.125%	4.125%				4.125%
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.875%				4.875%				4.875%	4.875%	4.875%	4.875%				4.875%
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				3.625%				3.625%				3.625%	3.625%	3.625%	3.625%				3.625%
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.50%				5.50%				5.50%	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%				5.50%
Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument				$ 2,998,000,000				$ 2,851,000,000				$ 2,998,000,000	$ 2,851,000,000
Unamortized discount				3,000,000				4,000,000				3,000,000	4,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs				29,000,000				28,000,000				29,000,000	28,000,000
Issuance premium				8,000,000				0				8,000,000	0
Acquisition Corp. \| Senior Term Loan Facility due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument				1,326,000,000.000								1,326,000,000.000
Unamortized discount				3,000,000				4,000,000				3,000,000	4,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs				10,000,000				12,000,000				10,000,000	12,000,000
Outstanding senior notes				1,313,000,000				1,310,000,000				1,313,000,000	1,310,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 5.625% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding senior notes				$ 0				246,000,000				$ 0	246,000,000			$ 221,000,000
Interest rate	5.625%		5.625%	5.625%								5.625%			5.625%		5.625%	5.625%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 1,000,000											$ 4,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 5.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument				$ 300,000,000								300,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs				2,000,000				3,000,000				2,000,000	3,000,000
Outstanding senior notes				$ 298,000,000				297,000,000				$ 298,000,000	297,000,000
Interest rate				5.00%								5.00%			5.00%
Acquisition Corp. \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument				$ 340,000,000				402,000,000				$ 340,000,000	402,000,000		€ 311,000,000				€ 345,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs				4,000,000				3,000,000				4,000,000	3,000,000
Outstanding senior notes				$ 336,000,000				399,000,000				$ 336,000,000	399,000,000
Interest rate		4.125%	4.125%	4.125%								4.125%			4.125%			4.125%
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 2,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument			$ 30,000,000	$ 220,000,000				250,000,000				$ 220,000,000	250,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs				2,000,000				3,000,000				2,000,000	3,000,000
Outstanding senior notes				$ 218,000,000				247,000,000				$ 218,000,000	247,000,000
Interest rate			4.875%	4.875%								4.875%			4.875%			4.875%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 1,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument				$ 487,000,000								$ 487,000,000			€ 445,000,000		€ 195,000,000	€ 250,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs				7,000,000								7,000,000
Outstanding senior notes				$ 488,000,000				0				$ 488,000,000	0
Interest rate			3.625%	3.625%								3.625%			3.625%		3.625%	3.625%
Issuance premium				$ 8,000,000								$ 8,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument				325,000,000				325,000,000				325,000,000	325,000,000							$ 325,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs				4,000,000				5,000,000				4,000,000	5,000,000
Outstanding senior notes				$ 321,000,000				320,000,000				$ 321,000,000	320,000,000
Interest rate				5.50%								5.50%			5.50%					5.50%
Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitments under revolving credit facility				$ 180,000,000				180,000,000				$ 180,000,000	180,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding				13,000,000				8,000,000				13,000,000	8,000,000
Revolving credit facility outstanding				0				0				0	0
Outstanding senior notes				$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0

Debt - December 2017 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 0	$ 4	$ 0	$ 3	$ 0	$ 7	$ 23	$ 1	$ 7	$ 31	$ 35
December 2017 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt									$ 1

Debt - New Revolving Credit Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) - New Revolving Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, agreement date	Jan. 31, 2018
Credit agreement covenant terms	The Revolving Credit Agreement differs from the Old Revolving Credit Agreement in that it, among other things, reduces the interest rate margin applicable to the loans, extends the maturity date thereunder, provides for the option to increase the commitments under the Company’s then existing revolving credit agreement, provides for greater flexibility to amend and extend the Company’s then existing revolving credit agreement and create additional tranches thereunder, provides for greater flexibility over future amendments, increases the springing financial maintenance covenant to 4.75:1.00 and provides that the covenant shall not be tested unless at the end of a fiscal quarter the outstanding amount of loans and drawings under letters of credit which have not been reimbursed exceeds $54 million and aligns the other negative covenants with those of the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement.
Debt instrument, springing financial maintenance covenant	4.75
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, reimbursed amount	$ 54

Debt - March 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment - Additional Information (Detail) - Acquisition Corp. - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 14, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument	$ 2,998,000,000	$ 2,851,000,000
March 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument			$ 320,000,000
Senior Term Loan Facility due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument	$ 1,326,000,000.000

Debt - Notes Offering - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 14, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument		$ 2,998,000,000	$ 2,851,000,000
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument	$ 325,000,000	$ 325,000,000	$ 325,000,000
Interest rate	5.50%	5.50%
Due date of Senior Secured Notes	2026	2026
6.750% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument	$ 523,000,000
Interest rate	6.75%	6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
6.750% Senior Notes \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument	$ 112,000,000

Debt - Tender Offer and Notes Redemption - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 14, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 0	$ 4	$ 0	$ 3	$ 0	$ 7	$ 23	$ 1	$ 7	$ 31	$ 35
Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument			$ 2,998				$ 2,851				$ 2,998	$ 2,851
6.750% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			6.75%				6.75%				6.75%	6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
Face or principal amount of debt instrument														$ 523
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 5	$ 23
6.750% Senior Notes due 2022 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument														112
Redemption deposit														$ 119

Debt - June 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jun. 07, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 0	$ 4	$ 0	$ 3	$ 0	$ 7	$ 23	$ 1	$ 7	$ 31	$ 35
June 2018 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 2

Debt Debt - 3.625% Senior Secured Notes Offering - Additional Information (Details)					12 Months Ended
	Nov. 05, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 12, 2018 EUR (€)	Oct. 09, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 09, 2018 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2019 EUR (€)	Oct. 09, 2018 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt instrument					$ 2,998,000,000				$ 2,851,000,000
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					3.625%	3.625%			3.625%	3.625%	3.625%
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt instrument					$ 487,000,000	€ 445,000,000	€ 195,000,000	€ 250,000,000
Interest rate			3.625%		3.625%	3.625%	3.625%	3.625%
Due date of senior secured notes			2026	2026	2026
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					4.125%	4.125%			4.125%	4.125%	4.125%
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt instrument					$ 340,000,000	€ 311,000,000			$ 402,000,000	€ 345,000,000
Interest rate		4.125%	4.125%		4.125%	4.125%		4.125%
Due date of senior secured notes		2024			2024
Redemptions of senior notes \| €		€ 34,500,000		€ 34,500,000
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					4.875%	4.875%			4.875%	4.875%	4.875%
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt instrument			$ 30,000,000		$ 220,000,000				$ 250,000,000
Interest rate			4.875%		4.875%	4.875%		4.875%
Due date of senior secured notes			2024	2024	2024
5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate					5.625%	5.625%			5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.625%		5.625%		5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
Due date of senior secured notes	2022				2022
Redemptions of senior notes	$ 26,550,000		$ 26,550,000

Debt Debt - Partial Redemption of 4.125% Senior Secured Notes - Additional Information (Detail) € in Thousands, $ in Millions				3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 12, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 12, 2018 EUR (€)	Oct. 09, 2018 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt \| $				$ 0	$ 4	$ 0	$ 3	$ 0	$ 7	$ 23	$ 1	$ 7	$ 31	$ 35
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.125%				4.125%				4.125%	4.125%	4.125%
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				3.625%				3.625%				3.625%	3.625%	3.625%
Acquisition Corp. \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemptions of senior notes		€ 34,500	€ 34,500
Interest rate		4.125%	4.125%	4.125%								4.125%
Due date of senior secured notes	2024	2024										2024
Senior notes redemption price		€ 36,170
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed	103.00%	103.00%
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount		€ 310,500
Loss on extinguishment of debt \| $	$ 2
Acquisition Corp. \| 3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			3.625%	3.625%								3.625%			3.625%
Due date of senior secured notes			2026									2026

Debt - Open Market Purchases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 09, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 0	$ 4,000,000	$ 0	$ 3,000,000	$ 0	$ 7,000,000	$ 23,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 7,000,000	$ 31,000,000	$ 35,000,000
Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt instrument		$ 2,998,000,000				$ 2,851,000,000				$ 2,998,000,000	$ 2,851,000,000
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		4.875%				4.875%				4.875%	4.875%	4.875%
4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt instrument	$ 30,000,000	$ 220,000,000				$ 250,000,000				$ 220,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Due date of senior secured notes	2024									2024
Interest rate	4.875%	4.875%								4.875%
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount	$ 220,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 1,000,000

Debt Debt - Redemption of 5.625% Senior Secured Notes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Nov. 05, 2018	Oct. 09, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 0	$ 4,000	$ 0	$ 3,000	$ 0	$ 7,000	$ 23,000	$ 1,000	$ 7,000	$ 31,000	$ 35,000
5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.625%				5.625%				5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemptions of senior notes	$ 26,550	$ 26,550
Interest rate	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%								5.625%			5.625%
Due date of senior secured notes	2022										2022
Senior notes redemption price	$ 27,380
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed	102.813%
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount	$ 220,950
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 1,000										$ 4,000

Debt - Interest Rates - Additional Information (Detail) - Acquisition Corp.	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Senior Term Loan Facility due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis	The loans under the Senior Term Loan Facility bear interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the rate for deposits in U.S. dollars in the London interbank market (adjusted for maximum reserves) for the applicable interest period (“Term Loan LIBOR”) subject to a zero floor, plus 2.125% per annum, or (ii) the base rate, which is the highest of (x) the corporate base rate established by the administrative agent as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City from time to time, (y) 0.50% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate and (z) one-month Term Loan LIBOR, plus 1.00% per annum, plus, in each case, 1.125% per annum.
Term loan Base rate plus Election Rate	1.00%
Interest rate applicable to overdue principal	2.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Senior Term Loan Facility due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, marginal interest rate	2.125%
Base Rate \| Senior Term Loan Facility due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, marginal interest rate	1.125%
Additional Interest rate on other overdue amounts	2.00%
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate \| Senior Term Loan Facility due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, marginal interest rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis	The loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the rate for deposits in the borrowing currency in the London interbank market (adjusted for maximum reserves) for the applicable interest period (“Revolving LIBOR”) subject to a zero floor, plus 1.75% per annum, or (ii) the base rate, which is the highest of (x) the corporate base rate established by the administrative agent from time to time, (y) 0.50% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate and (z) the one-month Revolving LIBOR plus 1.0% per annum, plus, in each case, 0.75% per annum. If there is a payment default at any time, then the interest rate applicable to overdue principal will be the rate otherwise applicable to such loan plus 2.0% per annum. .
Debt instrument, marginal interest rate	0.75%
Interest rate applicable to overdue principal	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, marginal interest rate	1.75%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, marginal interest rate	1.00%
Additional Interest rate on other overdue amounts	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, marginal interest rate	0.50%

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	$ 34	$ 36	$ 36	$ 36	$ 33	$ 33	$ 36	$ 36	$ 142	$ 138	$ 149
Weighted-average interest rate of total debt	4.30%				4.70%				4.30%	4.70%	4.90%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt in 2020	$ 0								$ 0
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt in 2021	0								0
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt in 2022	0								0
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt in 2023	300								300
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt, thereafter	$ 1,372								$ 1,372
Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extended maturity date of credit facility									Jan. 31, 2023
Acquisition Corp. \| Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility maturity date									Nov. 01, 2023

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
U.S. federal corporate statutory tax rate	35.00%	21.00%	24.50%	35.00%
Income tax benefit related to release of valuation allowance		$ 59
Tax expense related to the reduction of deferred tax assests			$ 23
Income tax benefit related to prior year intergroup transfer			30
Release of valuation allowance		65	14	$ 134
Tax benefit related to foreign currency losses on intra-entity loans		0	0	59
Valuation allowances relates to foreign tax credit carryforwards			133
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance		91	206
Valuation allowance relates to outside basis differences in investments		4
Reinvested Earnings at foreign subsidiaries		206
Accrued interest and penalties		3	2
Uncertain income tax position not recognized		12	$ 18
Decrease in uncertain tax positions resulting from ongoing audits and settlements		1
United Kingdom Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward		11
France Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward		88
Spain Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward		32
Domestic Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Release of valuation allowance				$ 125
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance		49
Net operating loss carryforward		0
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Release of valuation allowance		59
Valuation allowances relates to foreign tax credit carryforwards		33
Foreign tax credit carryforward		120
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits		7
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowance relates to NOL carryforwards		$ 12

Income Taxes - Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Pretax (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic									$ 84	$ 347	$ (37)
Foreign									183	95	35
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 14	$ 2	$ 115	$ 136	$ (15)	$ 382	$ 18	$ 57	$ 267	$ 442	$ (2)

Income Taxes - Current and Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Federal:
Deferred									$ (49)	$ 91	$ (169)
Foreign:
Current									74	58	41
Deferred									(18)	(26)	(12)
U.S. State:
Current									3	6	2
Deferred									(1)	1	(13)
Total	$ (77)	$ (12)	$ 48	$ 50	$ (2)	$ 61	$ 19	$ 52	$ 9	$ 130	$ (151)

Income Taxes - Current and Deferred Income Taxes Footnote (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Cash withholding taxes	$ 17	$ 15	$ 13

Income Taxes - Differences between U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Income Taxes Provided (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes on income at the U.S. federal statutory rate									$ 56	$ 108	$ (1)
U.S. state and local taxes									2	7	3
Foreign income taxed at different rates, including withholding taxes									16	19	11
Increase in valuation allowance									1	4	18
Release of valuation allowance									(65)	(14)	(134)
Change in tax rates									(4)	23	(1)
Impact of GILTI and FDII									(4)	0	0
Intergroup transfer									0	(30)	0
Foreign currency losses on intra-entity loans									0	0	(59)
Non-deductible long term incentive plan									6	8	10
Other									1	5	2
Total	$ (77)	$ (12)	$ 48	$ 50	$ (2)	$ 61	$ 19	$ 52	$ 9	$ 130	$ (151)

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Company's Net Deferred Tax Assets/(Liabilities) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Allowances and reserves	$ 27	$ 26
Employee benefits and compensation	79	86
Other accruals	17	56
Tax attribute carryforwards	203	314
Other	3	4
Total deferred tax assets	329	486
Valuation allowance	(91)	(206)
Net deferred tax assets	238	280
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(372)	(434)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(372)	(434)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (134)	$ (154)

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Interest and Penalties (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 18	$ 19	$ 30
Additions for current year tax positions		3	2
Additions for prior year tax positions	1	3	1
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7)	(7)	(14)
Ending Balance	$ 12	$ 18	$ 19

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee benefit plan obligation	$ 82	$ 73
Aggregate pension liability recorded in balance sheet	56	50
Pension expense	4	4	$ 4
Employers contribution plan expense	$ 6	$ 5	$ 5

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) Employee $ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of additional employees to participate in plan \| Employee				2
Shares held in employee stock option plan, allocated (in shares) \| shares		82.1918
Shares issued and outstanding to LLC (in shares) \| shares		60
Deferred equity unit share (in shares) \| shares		0.0001
Weighted-average grant date intrinsic value of share awards (in usd per share) \| $ / shares		$ 149.45	$ 148.69	$ 140.04
Non-cash compensation expense		$ 50	$ 62	$ 70
Free cash flow compensation expense		15	19	30
Dividend expense related to equity units		7	27	2
Unrecognized compensation costs		$ 16	$ 18	$ 34
Total compensation of unvested awards expected to be recognized, weighted average period		1 year
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent		$ 211
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current		$ 108
Matching Equity Units Vesting Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share awards vesting period		2 years
Deferred Equity Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares held in employee stock option plan, allocated (in shares) \| shares		41.0959
Awards settled (in shares) \| shares	4,395.54
Cash paid to settle awards	$ 1
Weighted-average grant date intrinsic value of share awards (in usd per share) \| $ / shares		$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Fair value of deferred equity units (in usd per share) \| $ / shares		$ 367.96	304.22	$ 241.75
Deferred Equity Units \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share awards vesting period		1 year
Deferred Equity Units \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share awards vesting period		7 years
Fractional Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards settled (in shares) \| shares	86,496.04
Cash paid to settle awards	$ 26
Matching Equity Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares held in employee stock option plan, allocated (in shares) \| shares		41.0959
Awards settled (in shares) \| shares	4,553.50
Cash paid to settle awards	$ 1
Weighted-average grant date intrinsic value of share awards (in usd per share) \| $ / shares		$ 0.00	$ 0.00

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Company's Share Awards (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Units Weighted-Average Intrinsic Value
Granted (in usd per share)	$ 149.45	$ 148.69	$ 140.04
Deferred Equity Units
Equity Units
Unvested units beginning balance (in shares)	6	13
Granted (in shares)	0	0
Vested (in shares)	(2)	(7)
Forfeited (in shares)	0	0
Unvested units ending balance (in shares)	4	6	13
Equity Units Weighted-Average Intrinsic Value
Unvested units beginning balance (in usd per share)	$ 304.22	$ 241.75
Granted (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Vested (in usd per share)	367.96	304.22
Forfeited (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Unvested units ending balance (in usd per share)	367.96	304.22	$ 241.75
Equity Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Intrinsic Value
Unvested units beginning balance (in usd per share)	148.69	140.04
Granted (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Vested (in usd per share)	147.26	133.05
Forfeited (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Unvested units ending balance (in usd per share)	$ 149.45	$ 148.69	$ 140.04
Matching Equity Units
Equity Units
Unvested units beginning balance (in shares)	27	36
Granted (in shares)	0	0
Vested (in shares)	(13)	(9)
Forfeited (in shares)	0	0
Unvested units ending balance (in shares)	14	27	36
Equity Units Weighted-Average Intrinsic Value
Unvested units beginning balance (in usd per share)	$ 167.15	$ 111.23
Granted (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Vested (in usd per share)	243.41	193.83
Forfeited (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Unvested units ending balance (in usd per share)	219.73	167.15	$ 111.23
Equity Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Intrinsic Value
Unvested units beginning balance (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Granted (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Vested (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Forfeited (in usd per share)	0.00	0.00
Unvested units ending balance (in usd per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)				12 Months Ended
	Jul. 15, 2016 USD ($)	Aug. 13, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2015 GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2018 USD ($) shares	Apr. 16, 2018 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease arrangement with Related Party				$ 84,000,000		$ 80,000,000	$ 62,000,000
Val Blavatnik
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Advance royalties				162,500
Max Lousada
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties									$ 227,000
Loan repayment date					Apr. 30, 2019
Access Industries
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees and reimbursed expenses				$ 11,000,000		$ 16,000,000	$ 9,000,000
Warner Music Inc
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
IT support fee		$ 1,000
Warner Music Inc \| License fee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from license fees	$ 16,967.21
License fee		$ 2,775
Warner and Chappell Music Limited and WMG Acquisition Limited
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease arrangement with Related Party \| £			£ 3,460,250
Extended lease term			5 years
Extended lease term beginning date			Dec. 24, 2020
Extended lease term ending date			Dec. 24, 2025
WMG China
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage								20.00%
WMG China \| Tencent Music Entertainment Group
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of ordinary shares (in shares) \| shares								37,162,288
Purchase of ordinary shares, value								$ 100,000,000
WMG China \| AI New Holdings 5 LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of interest in subsidiary								80.00%
Building
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Remaining lease term				11 years
Lease option to extend				Company may exercise a single option to extend the term of the lease for 10 years thereafter
Lease existence of option to extend				true
Lease arrangement with Related Party				$ 12,000,000
Streaming Service License \| Deezer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party revenue				49,000,000
PEDL And Latin America Licenses \| Deezer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party revenue				$ 1,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions			3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended				27 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2015	Jun. 17, 2015	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Net lease and rental expense											$ 84	$ 80	$ 62
Firm's expected commitments											428	340
Other off-balance sheet commitments to investees			$ 10				$ 4				10	4
Revenues			$ 1,124	$ 1,058	$ 1,090	$ 1,203	$ 1,039	$ 958	$ 963	$ 1,045	$ 4,475	$ 4,005	3,576
Sirius XM \| Settled Litigation
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Receipts from plaintiff	$ 210
Cash distribution															$ 33
Revenues										$ 1			$ 4	$ 28
Length of sound recordings settlement		5 years

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 52
2021	49
2022	48
2023	47
2024	45
Thereafter	207
Total	$ 448

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Companys hedged interest rate transactions	5 years
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred gains (losses) in comprehensive loss related to foreign exchange hedging	0	0
Deferred (losses) gains on derivative financial instruments	(11,000,000)	3,000,000	$ 0
Pre-tax gains (losses) of the company derivative interest rate swaps	(11,000,000)	4,000,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	820,000,000	320,000,000
Deferred (losses) gains on derivative financial instruments	$ (8,000,000)	$ 3,000,000

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 2	$ 4
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other liabilities	$ (13)	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheet Footnote (Detail) - Interest Rate Swap - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign exchange derivative contracts in asset	$ 2	$ 4
Foreign exchange derivative contracts in liability	$ 13

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2019 segment Customer	Sep. 30, 2018 Customer	Sep. 30, 2017 Customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of fundamental operations \| segment	2
Recorded Music And Music Publishing Segments \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Customer Concentration
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers \| Customer	2	2	1
Recorded Music And Music Publishing Segments \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Customer Concentration \| Spotify
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration percentage	14.00%	14.00%
Recorded Music And Music Publishing Segments \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Customer Concentration \| Apple
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration percentage	13.00%	15.00%	14.00%

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 4,475	$ 4,005	$ 3,576
Operating income (loss)	$ 29	$ 58	$ 122	$ 147	$ 16	$ 28	$ 83	$ 90	356	217	222
Amortization of intangible assets	48	51	55	54	42	56	55	53	208	206	201
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	18	$ 15	$ 14	$ 14	14	$ 15	$ 14	$ 12	61	55	50
OIBDA									625	478	473
Total assets	6,017				5,344				6,017	5,344		$ 5,616
Capital expenditures									104	74	44
Operating Segments \| Recorded Music
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									3,840	3,360	3,020
Operating income (loss)									439	307	283
Amortization of intangible assets									139	138	136
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									45	35	32
OIBDA									623	480	451
Total assets	2,217				1,999				2,217	1,999
Capital expenditures									29	20	21
Operating Segments \| Music Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									643	653	572
Operating income (loss)									92	84	81
Amortization of intangible assets									69	68	65
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									5	7	6
OIBDA									166	159	152
Total assets	2,581				2,423				2,581	2,423
Capital expenditures									3	3	5
Corporate Expenses and Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									(8)	(8)	(16)
Operating income (loss)									(175)	(174)	(142)
Amortization of intangible assets									0	0	0
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									11	13	12
OIBDA									(164)	(161)	(130)
Total assets	$ 1,219				$ 922				1,219	922
Capital expenditures									$ 72	$ 51	$ 18

Segment Information - Long-Lived Assets and Revenue by Geographical Areas (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 4,475	$ 4,005	$ 3,576
Long-lived Assets	300	229
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,956	1,754	1,587
Long-lived Assets	201	156
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	596	593	522
Long-lived Assets	20	23
All other territories
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,923	1,658	$ 1,467
Long-lived Assets	$ 79	$ 50

Additional Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 23, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Interest payments		$ 138,000	$ 148,000	$ 138,000
Foreign income and withholding taxes		63,000	49,000	40,000
Cash dividends declared	$ 206,250
Dividends paid		$ 93,750	925,000	$ 84,000
Spotify Technology S.A.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Sale of common shares, consideration received			504,000
Estimated pre-tax gain, net of estimated royalty expense and other related costs			382,000
Estimated advance royalty recoveries			12,000
Estimated tax expense associated with net income on sale of shares			$ 77,000

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 38	$ (4)
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	29	4
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	9	(8)
Other Current Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	9	(2)
Other Current Liabilities \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	0	0
Other Current Liabilities \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	0	0
Other Current Liabilities \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	9	(2)
Other Noncurrent Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	40
Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	0
Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	40
Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	0
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations		(6)
Other Non-Current Liabilities \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations		0
Other Non-Current Liabilities \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations		0
Other Non-Current Liabilities \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations		(6)
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	2	4
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	2	4
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	$ 0
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Non-Current Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	(13)
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Non-Current Liabilities \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	0
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Non-Current Liabilities \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	(13)
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Non-Current Liabilities \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Net Liabilities Classified as Level 3 (Detail) - Level 3 $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (8)
Additions	(2)
Payments	1
Ending balance	$ 9

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Level 2 measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fair value disclosure	$ 3,080	$ 2,862

Quarterly Financial Information - Quarterly Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

$ 1,124

$ 1,058

$ 1,090

$ 1,203

$ 1,039

$ 958

$ 963

$ 1,045

$ 4,475

$ 4,005

$ 3,576

(639)

(577)

(559)

(626)

(583)

(531)

(488)

(569)

(2,401)

(2,171)

(1,931)

(408)

(372)

(354)

(376)

(398)

(343)

(337)

(333)

(1,510)

^[1]

(1,411)

^[1]

(1,222)

^[1]

(48)

(51)

(55)

(54)

(42)

(56)

(55)

(53)

(208)

(206)

(201)

(1,095)

(1,000)

(968)

(1,056)

(1,023)

(930)

(880)

(955)

(4,119)

(3,788)

(3,354)

122

147

356

217

222

(4)

(3)

(7)

(23)

(1)

(7)

(31)

(35)

(34)

(36)

(33)

(36)

(142)

(138)

(149)

Other (expense) income

(16)

394

(6)

394

(40)

115

136

(15)

382

267

442

(2)

(48)

(50)

(61)

(19)

(52)

(9)

(130)

151

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(13)

321

(1)

258

312

149

(1)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(5)

(6)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

(14)

320

(3)

256

307

143

Depreciation expense

$ (18)

$ (15)

$ (14)

$ (15)

$ (14)

$ (12)

$ (61)

$ (55)

$ (50)

[1]	(a) Includes depreciation expense of:$(61) $(55) $(50)

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)				12 Months Ended
	Oct. 12, 2018	Oct. 09, 2018	Mar. 14, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
5.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 \| Acquisition Corp.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.00%
Due date of Senior Secured Notes				2023
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.125%		4.125%	4.125%
4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 \| Acquisition Corp.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.125%	4.125%		4.125%
Due date of Senior Secured Notes	2024			2024
4.875% Senior Secured Notes
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.875%		4.875%	4.875%
4.875% Senior Secured Notes \| Acquisition Corp.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate		4.875%		4.875%
Due date of Senior Secured Notes		2024		2024
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate				3.625%		3.625%	3.625%
3.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Acquisition Corp.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate		3.625%		3.625%	3.625%
Due date of Senior Secured Notes		2026		2026
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.50%		5.50%	5.50%
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026 \| Acquisition Corp.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.50%	5.50%
Due date of Senior Secured Notes			2026	2026

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information - Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$ 619		$ 514
Accounts receivable, net	775	$ 704	447
Inventories	74		42
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	170		123
Prepaid and other current assets	53		50
Total current assets	1,691	1,433	1,176
Due from (to) parent companies	0		0
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	208		153
Property, plant and equipment, net	300		229
Goodwill	1,761		1,692	$ 1,685
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	1,723		1,851
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	151		154
Deferred tax assets, net	38		11
Other assets	145	93	78
Total assets	6,017	5,616	5,344
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	260		281
Accrued royalties	1,567	1,475	1,396
Accrued liabilities	492	422	423
Accrued interest	34		31
Deferred revenue	180	181	208
Other current liabilities	286	67	34
Total current liabilities	2,819	2,457	2,373
Long-term debt	2,974		2,819
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172	202	165
Other noncurrent liabilities	321	308	307
Total liabilities	6,286	5,786	5,664
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	(289)		(334)
Noncontrolling interest	20	25	14
Total equity	(269)	(170)	(320)	$ 308	$ 210
Total liabilities and equity	6,017	$ 5,616	5,344
Reportable Legal Entities \| Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	386		169
Accounts receivable, net	334		262
Inventories	11		18
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	112		79
Prepaid and other current assets	12		15
Total current assets	855		543
Due from (to) parent companies	(531)		(214)
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	2,567		2,192
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	137		93
Property, plant and equipment, net	200		155
Goodwill	1,370		1,370
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	884		956
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	71		71
Deferred tax assets, net	30		0
Other assets	115		55
Total assets	5,698		5,221
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	160		200
Accrued royalties	813		869
Accrued liabilities	266		195
Accrued interest	0		0
Deferred revenue	42		94
Other current liabilities	221		2
Total current liabilities	1,502		1,360
Long-term debt	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities, net	0		3
Other noncurrent liabilities	200		197
Total liabilities	1,702		1,560
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	3,992		3,656
Noncontrolling interest	4		5
Total equity	3,996		3,661
Total liabilities and equity	5,698		5,221
Reportable Legal Entities \| Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	233		345
Accounts receivable, net	441		185
Inventories	63		24
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	58		44
Prepaid and other current assets	41		35
Total current assets	836		633
Due from (to) parent companies	73		(274)
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	71		60
Property, plant and equipment, net	100		74
Goodwill	391		322
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	839		895
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	80		83
Deferred tax assets, net	8		11
Other assets	23		11
Total assets	2,421		1,815
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	100		81
Accrued royalties	750		527
Accrued liabilities	226		228
Accrued interest	0		0
Deferred revenue	138		114
Other current liabilities	65		32
Total current liabilities	1,279		982
Long-term debt	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172		162
Other noncurrent liabilities	107		108
Total liabilities	1,558		1,252
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	847		554
Noncontrolling interest	16		9
Total equity	863		563
Total liabilities and equity	2,421		1,815
Reportable Legal Entities \| Warner Music Group Corp.
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	0		0
Prepaid and other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	0		0
Due from (to) parent companies	0		0
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	878		675
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	0		0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	0		0
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other assets	0		0
Total assets	878		675
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued royalties	0		0
Accrued liabilities	0		0
Accrued interest	0		0
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Long-term debt	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities, net	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	878		675
Noncontrolling interest	0		0
Total equity	878		675
Total liabilities and equity	878		675
Reportable Legal Entities \| WMG Acquisition Corp.
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	0		0
Prepaid and other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	0		0
Due from (to) parent companies	458		488
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	2,272		2,018
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	0		0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	0		0
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other assets	7		12
Total assets	2,737		2,518
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued royalties	4		0
Accrued liabilities	0		0
Accrued interest	34		31
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	38		31
Long-term debt	2,974		2,819
Deferred tax liabilities, net	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	14		2
Total liabilities	3,026		2,852
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	(289)		(334)
Noncontrolling interest	0		0
Total equity	(289)		(334)
Total liabilities and equity	2,737		2,518
Reportable Legal Entities \| WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	619		514
Accounts receivable, net	775		447
Inventories	74		42
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	170		123
Prepaid and other current assets	53		50
Total current assets	1,691		1,176
Due from (to) parent companies	0		0
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	208		153
Property, plant and equipment, net	300		229
Goodwill	1,761		1,692
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	1,723		1,851
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	151		154
Deferred tax assets, net	38		11
Other assets	145		78
Total assets	6,017		5,344
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	260		281
Accrued royalties	1,567		1,396
Accrued liabilities	492		423
Accrued interest	34		31
Deferred revenue	180		208
Other current liabilities	286		34
Total current liabilities	2,819		2,373
Long-term debt	2,974		2,819
Deferred tax liabilities, net	172		165
Other noncurrent liabilities	321		307
Total liabilities	6,286		5,664
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	(289)		(334)
Noncontrolling interest	20		14
Total equity	(269)		(320)
Total liabilities and equity	6,017		5,344
Reportable Legal Entities \| WMG Holdings Corp.
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	0		0
Prepaid and other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	0		0
Due from (to) parent companies	0		0
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	878		675
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	0		0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	0		0
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other assets	0		0
Total assets	878		675
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued royalties	0		0
Accrued liabilities	0		0
Accrued interest	0		0
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Long-term debt	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities, net	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	878		675
Noncontrolling interest	0		0
Total equity	878		675
Total liabilities and equity	878		675
Eliminations
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	0		0
Prepaid and other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	0		0
Due from (to) parent companies	0		0
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	(1,756)		(1,350)
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	0		0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	0		0
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other assets	0		0
Total assets	(1,756)		(1,350)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued royalties	0		0
Accrued liabilities	0		0
Accrued interest	0		0
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Long-term debt	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities, net	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	(1,756)		(1,350)
Noncontrolling interest	0		0
Total equity	(1,756)		(1,350)
Total liabilities and equity	(1,756)		(1,350)
Eliminations \| WMG Acquisition Corp.
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	0		0
Prepaid and other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	0		0
Due from (to) parent companies	0		0
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	(4,839)		(4,210)
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	0		0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	0		0
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other assets	0		0
Total assets	(4,839)		(4,210)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued royalties	0		0
Accrued liabilities	0		0
Accrued interest	0		0
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Long-term debt	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities, net	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Total Warner Music Group Corp. deficit	(4,839)		(4,210)
Noncontrolling interest	0		0
Total equity	(4,839)		(4,210)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (4,839)		$ (4,210)

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information - Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

$ 1,124

$ 1,058

$ 1,090

$ 1,203

$ 1,039

$ 958

$ 963

$ 1,045

$ 4,475

$ 4,005

$ 3,576

(639)

(577)

(559)

(626)

(583)

(531)

(488)

(569)

(2,401)

(2,171)

(1,931)

(408)

(372)

(354)

(376)

(398)

(343)

(337)

(333)

(1,510)

^[1]

(1,411)

^[1]

(1,222)

^[1]

(48)

(51)

(55)

(54)

(42)

(56)

(55)

(53)

(208)

(206)

(201)

(1,095)

(1,000)

(968)

(1,056)

(1,023)

(930)

(880)

(955)

(4,119)

(3,788)

(3,354)

122

147

356

217

222

(4)

(3)

(7)

(23)

(1)

(7)

(31)

(35)

(34)

(36)

(33)

(36)

(142)

(138)

(149)

394

(41)

115

136

(15)

382

267

442

(2)

(48)

(50)

(61)

(19)

(52)

(9)

(130)

151

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(13)

321

(1)

258

312

149

(1)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(5)

(6)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$ 90

$ 13

$ 67

$ 86

$ (14)

$ 320

$ (3)

$ 4

256

307

143

Reportable Legal Entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

2,041

2,284

1,978

(1,109)

(1,090)

(922)

(765)

(1,040)

(900)

(97)

(96)

(100)

(1,971)

(2,226)

(1,922)

(50)

185

122

(17)

261

191

128

(130)

154

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

273

282

(1)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

273

281

Reportable Legal Entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

2,804

2,245

2,008

(1,603)

(1,442)

(1,275)

(804)

(534)

(464)

(111)

(110)

(101)

(2,518)

(2,086)

(1,840)

286

159

168

(21)

(26)

(56)

(28)

(23)

237

143

(51)

(39)

(30)

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

186

104

(2)

(4)

(5)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

184

100

Reportable Legal Entities | Warner Music Group Corp.

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

256

307

143

256

307

143

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

256

307

143

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

256

307

143

Reportable Legal Entities | WMG Acquisition Corp.

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

(1)

(1)

(1)

(7)

(31)

(35)

(71)

(116)

(95)

311

207

124

377

(1)

265

437

(8)

(9)

(130)

151

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

256

307

143

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

256

307

143

Reportable Legal Entities | WMG Acquisition Corp. Consolidated

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

4,475

4,005

3,576

(2,401)

(2,171)

(1,931)

(1,510)

(1,411)

(1,222)

(208)

(206)

(201)

(4,119)

(3,788)

(3,354)

356

217

222

(7)

(31)

(35)

(142)

(138)

(149)

394

(41)

267

442

(2)

(9)

(130)

151

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

258

312

149

(2)

(5)

(6)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

256

307

143

Reportable Legal Entities | WMG Holdings Corp.

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

256

307

143

256

307

143

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

256

307

143

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

256

307

143

Eliminations

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

(512)

(614)

(286)

(512)

(614)

(286)

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(512)

(614)

(286)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

(512)

(614)

(286)

Eliminations | WMG Acquisition Corp.

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

(370)

(524)

(410)

311

361

266

163

143

370

524

409

(1)

(496)

(329)

(210)

(496)

(329)

(211)

169

(124)