0001319161-23-000036 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer

Print Document View Excel Document

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 4,839	$ 4,411
Accumulated amortization	(2,486)	(2,172)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization	2,353	2,239
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	149	145
Total net intangible assets	2,502	2,384
Trademarks and tradenames
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	$ 149	145
Recorded music catalog
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	12 years
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 1,507	1,316
Music publishing copyrights
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	25 years
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 2,026	1,889
Artist and songwriter contracts
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	13 years
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 1,091	1,014
Trademarks
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	14 years
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 111	103
Other intangible assets
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	6 years
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 104	$ 89

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

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 Company also may at times choose to hedge foreign currency risk associated with financing transactions such as third-party debt and other balance sheet items. The Company’s foreign currency forward exchange contracts have not been designated as hedges under the criteria prescribed in ASC 815. 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 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 were designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in ASC 815 until the discontinuation of LIBOR. The Company recorded 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 income). Subsequent to the discontinuation of LIBOR, the Company dedesignated the remaining interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge given the SOFR benchmark rates for the interest rate swap and the Senior Term Loan Facility no longer perfectly match and the expiration of the swap in the first quarter of 2024. Upon dedesignation, the unrealized gains recognized in equity were fixed and reclassified into the consolidated statement of operations over the remaining term and changes in fair value of the swap from the dedesignation date being recognized within the consolidated statement of operations.

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 20. 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 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 20. Interest income or expense related to interest rate swaps is recognized in interest income (expense), net in the same period as the related expense is recognized. The ineffective portions of interest rate swaps are recognized in other income (expense) 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, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company had no outstanding hedge contracts and no deferred gains or losses in comprehensive income related to foreign exchange hedging.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company had outstanding $500 million in a pay-fixed receive-variable interest rate swap with $1 million unrealized deferred gains in comprehensive income related to the interest rate swaps. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had outstanding $820 million in pay-fixed receive-variable interest rate swaps with $13 million of unrealized deferred gains in comprehensive income related to the interest rate swaps.

The Company recorded realized pre-tax losses of $6 million related to its foreign currency forward exchange contracts in the consolidated statement of operations as other expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The Company recorded realized pre-tax gains of $10 million related to its foreign currency forward exchange contracts in the consolidated statement of operations as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

The unrealized pre-tax losses of the Company’s derivative interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive income during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 were $16 million. The unrealized pre-tax gains of the Company’s derivative interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive income during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 were $40 million.

The following is a summary of amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets pertaining to the Company’s derivative instruments at September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022:


	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Other Current Assets:

Interest Rate Swap	$	2	$	2


Other Noncurrent Assets:
Interest Rate Swap	—		16

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.61	$ 0.51

Leases - Schedule of Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 52	$ 53
Short-term lease cost	0	2
Variable lease cost	13	11
Total lease cost	$ 65	$ 66

Cover - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Cover - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2023	Nov. 15, 2023	Mar. 31, 2023
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2023
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-32502
Entity Registrant Name	Warner Music Group Corp.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-4271875
Entity Address, Address Line One	1633 Broadway
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10019
City Area Code	(212)
Local Phone Number	275-2000
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
Trading Symbol	WMG
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 4.4
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant's fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001319161
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Class A Common Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		138,345,391
Common Class B
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		377,650,449

Segment Information - Schedule of Long-Lived Assets and Revenue by Geographical Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 6,037	$ 5,919	$ 5,301
Long-lived Assets	703	641
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,766	2,744	2,363
Long-lived Assets	473	468
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	726	734	620
Long-lived Assets	39	30
Germany
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	535	613	662
Long-lived Assets	98	68
All other territories
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,010	1,828	$ 1,656
Long-lived Assets	$ 93	$ 75

- Definition

Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 924
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 11.L)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479941/924-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-42

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-40

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-41

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-4

+ Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Pretax Income from Continuing Operations

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


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Domestic	$	218	$	385	$	182
Foreign	391		355		274
Income before income taxes	$	609	$	740	$	456

Schedule of Current and Deferred Income Taxes

Current and deferred income tax expense provided are as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Federal:
Current	$	36	$	23	$	6
Deferred	(5)		44		31
Foreign:
Current (a)	128		128		107
Deferred	(3)		(30)		(5)
U.S. State:
Current	19		21		9
Deferred	(5)		(1)		1
Income tax expense	$	170	$	185	$	149

______________________________________

(a)Includes withholding taxes of $38 million, $27 million and $26 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0% for each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and income taxes provided are as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Taxes on income at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$	128	$	155	$	96
U.S. state and local taxes	12		15		10
Foreign income taxed at different rates, including withholding taxes	34		28		34
Valuation allowance	(5)		(6)		(4)
Change in tax rates	—		1		10
GILTI and FDII	(4)		(6)		(4)
Federal research and development credits	(8)		—		—
Uncertain tax positions	7		(3)		—
Non-deductible compensation	7		6		5
Other	(1)		(5)		2
Total income tax expense	$	170	$	185	$	149

Schedule of 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, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance and reserves	$	25	$	27
Employee benefits and compensation	71		75
Other accruals	30		27
Property, plant and equipment	40		30
Operating lease liabilities	73		66
Tax attribute carryforwards	59		65
Deferred revenue and debt	17		17
Total deferred tax assets	315		307
Less: Valuation allowance	(25)		(29)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	290		278

Deferred tax liabilities:
Royalty advances	(27)		(24)
Operating lease right-of-use assets	(60)		(52)
Accrued royalties	(45)		(37)
Intangible assets	(318)		(333)
Debt and other	(24)		(23)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(474)		(469)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(184)	$	(191)

Schedule of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Interest and Penalties

The following table reflects changes in the gross unrecognized tax benefits:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of period	$	8	$	12	$	12
Additions for current year tax positions	3		—		—
Additions for prior year tax positions	9		1		3
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7)		(5)		(3)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - end of period	$	13	$	8	$	12

Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Extended lease term	10 years
Lessee, operating lease, termination period	1 year
Operating lease liabilities	$ 296	$ 281
Operating lease expense	25	$ 23
Lease obligation for operating leases not yet commenced	$ 1
Term of contract for leases not yet commenced	7 years
Affiliated entity
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease liabilities	$ 110
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, operating lease, term of contract	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, operating lease, term of contract	20 years

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Firm's expected commitments	$ 383	$ 469
Other off-balance sheet commitments to investees	$ 46	$ 48

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Expected Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Expected Intangible Amortization
2024	$ 232
2025	223
2026	206
2027	179
2028	158
Thereafter	1,355
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 2,353	$ 2,239

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt

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


	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Revolving Credit Facility (a)	$	—	$	—
Senior Term Loan Facility due 2028	1,295		1,145
2.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (€325 face amount)	343		318
3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2029	540		540
3.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2030	535		535
2.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (€445 face amount)	471		435
3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031	800		800
Term Loan Mortgage	$	18	$	—
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$	4,002	$	3,773
Issuance premium less unamortized discount and unamortized deferred financing costs	$	(38)	$	(41)
Total long-term debt, including the current portion, net	$	3,964	$	3,732

______________________________________

(a)Reflects $300 million of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, less letters of credit outstanding of approximately $2 million and $4 million at September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. There were no loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2023 or September 30, 2022.

- 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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69B

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69E
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69E

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04(a))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-3

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-2

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-1A

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-3

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482949/835-30-55-8

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480848/942-470-50-3

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-8

Reference 11: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-6

Reference 12: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-7

+ Details

Debt - Debt Capitalization Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Nov. 24, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of Credit
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, total indebtedness to EBITDA ratio	3.50
2.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 \| Acquisition Corp.
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.75%
3.750% Senior Secured Notes
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%	3.75%		3.75%
3.750% Senior Secured Notes \| Acquisition Corp.
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%		3.75%
3.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Acquisition Corp.
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.875%
2.250% Senior Secured Notes
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.25%	2.25%		2.25%
2.250% Senior Secured Notes \| Acquisition Corp.
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.25%
3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%		3.00%
3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 \| Acquisition Corp.
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Prior to the start of the 2023 fiscal year, the Company maintained a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in each reporting period. The 2022 fiscal year ended on September 30, 2022 and the 2021 fiscal year ended on September 24, 2021. For convenience purposes, the Company dates its financial statements as of September 30 for these periods. The 2022 fiscal year included 53 weeks, and the 2021 fiscal year included 52 weeks. The additional week in fiscal year 2022 fell in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021. Accordingly, the results of operations for the 2022 fiscal year reflect 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks for the 2021 fiscal year. Starting with the 2023 fiscal year, the Company transitioned to a reporting calendar in which the reporting periods end on the last day of the calendar quarter. The Company’s fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 of each year. The Company is not required to file a transition report because this change is not deemed to be a change in fiscal year for purposes of reporting under the Exchange Act pursuant to relevant Securities and Exchange Commission guidance. 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. The Company has performed a review of all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that no additional disclosures are necessary. Earnings per Share The consolidated statements of operations present basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company utilizes the two-class method to report earnings per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities are subtracted from net income in determining net income attributable to common stockholders. See also Note 3, Earnings Per Share. 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 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. The Company maintains certain cash deposits in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Accounts Receivable Credit is extended to customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are recorded net of an allowance for current expected credit losses. Refund Liabilities and Allowance for Credit Losses 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 losses related to accounts receivable. Judgments and estimates are involved in evaluating if accounts receivable 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 an allowance for estimated credit losses is maintained based on such payment levels, historical experience, management’s views on trends in the overall receivable aging, for larger accounts, analyses of specific risks per customer, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of the economic and geopolitical conditions that may exist through the contractual life of the receivable. The Company will write off receivables only when they are deemed no longer collectible. 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, 2023 and September 30, 2022, Spotify AB represented 18% and 17%, 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 20) 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 acquired in conjunction with 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 commencing at the date assets are placed in service as follows: five to seven years for furniture and fixtures, periods of up to five years for computer equipment and software 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. Construction in progress assets are not depreciated until placed in service and available for their intended use, at which time they are assigned a useful life consistent with the nature of the asset. The Company accounts for costs incurred to develop or purchase computer software for internal use in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic 350-40, Internal-Use Software (“ASC 350-40”). As required by ASC 350-40, the Company capitalizes the costs incurred during the application development stage, which include costs to design the software configuration and interfaces, coding, installation, and testing. 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 synergies and economies of scale expected from the combination of services and is determined based on 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 on July 1 and at any time upon occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances. ASC 350 gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then the quantitative impairment test shall be used to identify the impairment and measure the amount of an impairment loss to be recognized (if applicable). 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. The impairment tests may 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 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. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a foreign currency other than the functional currency. The Company recorded foreign currency transaction gains of $4 million, losses of $11 million and losses of $0 million within operating income on the consolidated statement of operations during the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company recorded foreign currency transaction losses of $37 million, gains of $185 million and losses of $8 million within other (expense) income, net on the consolidated statement of operations during the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 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. The Company’s revenue recognition process involves several applications that are responsible for the initiation and processing of transactions in order to recognize revenue in accordance with the Company’s policy and ASC 606. 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. Certain contracts contain 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 minimum guarantee. For fixed fee contracts and minimum guarantee contracts where breakage is expected, the total transaction price (fixed fee or minimum guarantee) is recognized using an appropriate measure 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. 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. See also Note 4, Revenue Recognition. Royalty Costs and Royalty Advances The Company incurs royalty costs that are payable to our recording artists and songwriters generated from the sale or license of our Recorded Music catalog and Music Publishing copyrights. Royalties are calculated using negotiated rates in accordance with recording artist and songwriter contracts and are based on revenue earned. There are instances where such data is not available to be processed and royalty cost calculations may involve judgments about significant volumes of data to be processed. In many instances, the Company commits to pay our recording artists and songwriters royalties in advance 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. 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. Advances vary in both amount and expected life based on the underlying 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 are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $136 million, $155 million and $149 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, 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. Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based payments in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Stock-based compensation consists primarily of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted to eligible employees and executives under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. The Company measures compensation expense for RSUs based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. The grant date fair value is based on the closing market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally four years. The Company also grants restricted stock to the Company’s directors. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value of the restricted stock, based on the closing stock price on grant date, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is generally one year. The Company also grants market-based performance share units (“PSUs”) to our Chief Executive Officer whereby the PSU award payout is determined based on the Company’s total shareholder return compared to a designated peer group. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the PSUs using a Monte Carlo simulation model analysis, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is approximately three years. 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. Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) imposes U.S. taxes on the excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of certain foreign subsidiaries. The Company made an election to recognize GILTI tax in the specific period in which it occurs. From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Judgment may be 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 judgment involved in determining whether positions taken on the Company’s tax returns are more likely than not of being sustained. New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). The amendment provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope, which clarified that certain optional expedients and exceptions in ASC Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform (“ASC 848”) apply to derivative instruments that are affected by the discounting transition due to reference rate reform. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date, which extended the period in which ASC 848 may be applied until December 31, 2024. These ASUs were effective upon issuance and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated through December 31, 2024. The Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Term Loan Facility were amended during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 as further described in Note 10. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements (“ASU 2023-01”). The amendment clarifies the accounting for leasehold improvements for leases between entities under common control. Specifically, the ASU 2023-01 requires that leasehold improvements associated with common control leases be both: (1) amortized by the lessee over the useful life of the leasehold improvement to the common control group, regardless of the lease term, and (2) accounted for as an adjustment to equity when leasehold improvements are transferred between entities under common control when the lessee no longer controls the leasehold improvements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect that the adoption of these standards will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes - Schedule of Current and Deferred Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Federal:
Current	$ 36	$ 23	$ 6
Deferred	(5)	44	31
Foreign:
Current	128	128	107
Deferred	(3)	(30)	(5)
U.S. State:
Current	19	21	9
Deferred	(5)	(1)	1
Income tax expense	170	185	149
Cash withholding taxes	$ 38	$ 27	$ 26

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

Acquisitions

TenThousand Projects

On August 25, 2023, the Company purchased 51% of the issued and outstanding equity securities of TenThousand Projects Holdings LLC (“TenThousand Projects”), an independent U.S. record label, pursuant to the terms of the unit purchase agreement of the same date among Warner Music Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, TenThousand Projects LLC, and Ten Thousand Projects Holdings LLC (the “Unit Purchase Agreement”). The consideration transferred on the acquisition date was approximately $98 million which was comprised of the base purchase price of $102 million and the preliminary working capital adjustments, primarily comprised of cash acquired, net of a deferred purchase price of $12 million which is payable on or prior to one year from the acquisition date.

The acquisition of TenThousand Projects was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting, as the Company had acquired a controlling financial interest in TenThousand Projects. The results of operations of TenThousand Projects have been included in the Company’s results of operations from the date of the acquisition.

The preliminary estimate of the fair value of the net assets acquired was approximately $21 million and primarily consisted of royalty advances. The preliminary estimate of the fair value of identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization was approximately $153 million and consists of a recorded music catalog, artist and songwriting contracts, and trademarks which have a preliminary fair value of $99 million, $49 million, and $5 million, respectively. The weighted-average useful lives of these intangible assets identified are consistent with the average remaining useful lives of such intangible assets previously acquired by the Company as disclosed in Note 9. The preliminary estimate of the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree was approximately $106 million and was determined using the implied enterprise value of the business based on the purchase price. The excess of the purchase price over the preliminary estimate of the fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangibles assets, was approximately $43 million and has been recorded as goodwill. The resulting goodwill has been included in our Recorded Music reportable segment and the Company’s 51% share will be deductible for income tax purposes.

The acquisition accounting is subject to revision based on final determinations of fair value and allocations of purchase price to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, in addition to the determination of the final consideration, including the determination of the final working capital adjustment pursuant to the mechanism set forth in the Unit Purchase Agreement.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred costs related to this acquisition of approximately $3 million, which were expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The unaudited pro forma revenue and operating income as if the acquisition occurred on October 1, 2021 was not material to the Company’s reported results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

300 Entertainment

On December 16, 2021, the Company purchased all outstanding shares of Theory Entertainment LLC d/b/a 300 Entertainment (“300 Entertainment”), an independent U.S. record label, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement of the same date among Warner Music Inc. and MM Investment LLC, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, the Buyer Representative, Trifecta Merger Subsidiary LLC, Theory Entertainment LLC d/b/a 300 Entertainment and the Seller Representative (the “Merger Agreement”). Cash consideration paid was $394 million, which reflects the base purchase price of $400 million, adjusted for, among other items, working capital.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets, has been recorded as goodwill. The resulting goodwill has been included in our Recorded Music reportable segment. The recognized goodwill will be deductible for income tax purposes. Any impairment charges made in future periods associated with goodwill, if any, will not be tax-deductible.

The table below presents (i) the acquisition consideration as it relates to the acquisition of 300 Entertainment 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 December 16, 2021 (in millions):


	Purchase Price Allocation
Cash and equivalents	$	2
Accounts receivable	5
Royalty advances	13
Property, plant and equipment, net	1
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	3
Goodwill	138
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (a)	259
Other assets	1
Accounts payable	(5)
Accrued royalties	(19)
Accrued liabilities	(1)
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent	(3)
Total purchase price allocated	$	394

______________________________________

(a)Identifiable intangible assets are composed of the following (in millions):


	Total
Recorded music catalog	$	154
Artist and songwriter contracts	90
Trademarks	12
Music publishing copyrights	3
Total intangible assets acquired	$	259

At December 31, 2022, the Company updated and finalized the purchase price allocation recorded at September 30, 2022, which resulted in a decrease to intangible assets of approximately $1 million and a net decrease to other acquired assets and liabilities of approximately $2 million, with a corresponding net increase to goodwill of approximately $3 million.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Company incurred costs related to this acquisition of approximately $3 million, which were expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had a distribution arrangement with 300 Entertainment. The unaudited pro forma revenue and operating income as if the acquisition occurred on October 1, 2020 was not material to the Company’s reported results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021.

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Total Warner Music Group Corp. Equity (Deficit)	Common Stock Class A Common Stock	Common Stock Class B Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020					88,578,000	421,450,000
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ (45)			$ (63)	$ 0	$ 1	$ 1,907	$ (1,749)	$ (222)	$ 18
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	307			304				304		3
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	20			20					20
Dividends	(265)			(265)				(265)
Stock-based compensation expense	35			35			35
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders	(7)									(7)
Exchange of Class B shares for Class A shares (in shares)					19,234,000	19,234,000
Shares issued under the Plan (in shares)					4,321,000
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)					10,245,000	10,245,000
Shares issued under Omnibus Incentive Plan (in shares)		36,206			36,000
Other	1									1
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021					122,414,000	391,971,000
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2021	46			31	$ 0	$ 1	1,942	(1,710)	(202)	15
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	555			551				551		4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(145)			(145)					(145)
Dividends	(318)			(318)				(318)
Stock-based compensation expense	43			43			43
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders	(6)									(6)
Exchange of Class B shares for Class A shares (in shares)					14,320,547
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)					277,000
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(6)			(6)			(6)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)			13,810,382		14,321,000	14,321,000
Shares issued under Omnibus Incentive Plan (in shares)		463,826			187,000
Other	(1)			(4)			(4)			3
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2022		137,199,000	377,650,000		137,199,000	377,650,000
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2022	168			152	$ 0	$ 1	1,975	(1,477)	(347)	16
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	439			430				430		9
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	25			25					25
Dividends	(340)			(340)				(340)
Stock-based compensation expense	39			39			39
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders	(12)									(12)
Shares issued under the Plan (in shares)					869,008
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)					276,565
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	112									112
Shares issued under Omnibus Incentive Plan (in shares)		276,516			277,000
Other	(1)			1			1			(2)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023		138,345,000	377,650,000		138,345,000	377,650,000
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2023	$ 430			$ 307	$ 0	$ 1	$ 2,015	$ (1,387)	$ (322)	$ 123

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Sep. 30, 2023
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 $52 million and $51 million as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, 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 $35 million and $35 million recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. The Company uses a September 30 measurement date for its plans. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, pension expense amounted to $3 million, $3 million and $4 million, respectively. 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 $14 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, $12 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 and $9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for retirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 70
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480794/715-70-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 17
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480482/715-20-55-17

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)(iv)(03)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)(i)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (q)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (l)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//715/tableOfContent

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)(iii)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (o)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (p)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (r)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (r)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-1

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480126/715-20-S99-2

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480266/715-60-50-3

+ Details

Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - Interest Rate Swap - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Other Current Assets:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 2	$ 2
Other Noncurrent Assets:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 0	$ 16

Acquisitions - Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 16, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,993	$ 1,920		$ 1,830
300 Entertainment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents			$ 2
Accounts receivable			5
Royalty advances			13
Property, plant and equipment, net			1
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net			3
Goodwill			138
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net			259
Other assets			1
Accounts payable			(5)
Accrued royalties			(19)
Accrued liabilities			(1)
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent			(3)
Total purchase price allocated			394
300 Entertainment \| Recorded music catalog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net			154
300 Entertainment \| Artist and songwriter contracts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net			90
300 Entertainment \| Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net			12
300 Entertainment \| Music publishing copyrights
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net			$ 3

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Lease Expenses

The components of lease expense were as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
	(in millions)
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost	$	52	$	53
Short-term lease cost	—		2
Variable lease cost	13		11

Total lease cost	$	65	$	66

Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures Related to Leases

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
	(in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	56	$	58
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations	77		7

Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:


	September 30, 2023			September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	245		$	226

Operating lease liabilities, current	$	41		$	40
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent	255			241
Total operating lease liabilities	$	296		$	281

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	7 years			7 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	5.55		%	4.75		%

Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:


Fiscal Year Ended September 30,	Operating Leases
	(in millions)
2024	$	56
2025	55
2026	49
2027	49
2028	49
Thereafter	104
Total lease payments	362
Less: Imputed interest	(66)
Total	$	296

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in Goodwill for Each Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,920	$ 1,830
Acquisitions	51	160
Other adjustments	22	(70)
Ending balance	1,993	1,920
Recorded Music
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,456	1,366
Acquisitions	51	160
Other adjustments	22	(70)
Ending balance	1,529	1,456
Music Publishing
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	464	464
Acquisitions	0	0
Other adjustments	0	0
Ending balance	$ 464	$ 464

- Definition

Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
$ in Millions

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Sep. 30, 2022

Sep. 30, 2021

Revenue

$ 6,037

$ 5,919

$ 5,301

Costs and expenses:

Cost of revenue

(3,177)

(3,080)

(2,742)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

^[1]

(1,826)

(1,862)

(1,721)

Restructuring

(40)

Amortization expense

(245)

(263)

(229)

Total costs and expenses

(5,288)

(5,205)

(4,692)

Net gain on divestiture

Operating income

790

714

609

Loss on extinguishment of debt

(4)

(22)

Interest expense, net

(141)

(125)

(122)

Other (expense) income, net

(36)

151

(9)

Income before income taxes

609

740

456

Income tax expense

(170)

(185)

(149)

Net income

439

555

307

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(9)

(4)

(3)

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

430

551

304

Class A Common Stock

Costs and expenses:

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$ 119

$ 149

$ 68

Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:

Basic (in dollars per share)

$ 0.82

$ 1.06

$ 0.58

Diluted (in dollars per share)

$ 0.82

$ 1.06

$ 0.58

Weighted average common shares:

Basic (in shares)

138,070,000

133,662,000

110,561,000

Diluted (in shares)

138,070,000

133,662,000

110,561,000

Common Class B

Costs and expenses:

Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.

$ 311

$ 402

$ 236

Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:

Basic (in dollars per share)

$ 0.82

$ 1.06

$ 0.58

Diluted (in dollars per share)

$ 0.82

$ 1.06

$ 0.58

Weighted average common shares:

Basic (in shares)

377,650,000

381,046,000

402,912,000

Diluted (in shares)

377,650,000

381,046,000

402,912,000

[1]	Includes depreciation expense of $(87), $(76), and $(77) for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 respectively.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Allowance for credit losses
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 19	$ 20	$ 23
Additions Charged to Cost and Expenses	5	5	1
Deductions	(5)	(6)	(4)
Balance at End of period	19	19	20
Reserves for sales returns
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	19	23	24
Additions Charged to Cost and Expenses	39	52	53
Deductions	(39)	(56)	(54)
Balance at End of period	19	19	23
Allowance for deferred tax asset
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	29	38	45
Additions Charged to Cost and Expenses	1	2	2
Deductions	(5)	(11)	(9)
Balance at End of period	$ 25	$ 29	$ 38

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

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

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

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)
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2023
Allowance for credit losses	$	19	$	5	$	(5)	$	19
Reserves for sales returns	19		39		(39)		19
Allowance for deferred tax asset	29		1		(5)		25
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2022
Allowance for credit losses	$	20	$	5	$	(6)	$	19
Reserves for sales returns	23		52		(56)		19
Allowance for deferred tax asset	38		2		(11)		29
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2021
Allowance for credit losses	$	23	$	1	$	(4)	$	20
Reserves for sales returns	24		53		(54)		23
Allowance for deferred tax asset	45		2		(9)		38

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of 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)
Balances at September 30, 2021	$	1,366	$	464	$	1,830
Acquisitions	160		—		160
Other adjustments	(70)		—		(70)
Balances at September 30, 2022	$	1,456	$	464	$	1,920
Acquisitions	51		—		51
Other adjustments	22		—		22
Balances at September 30, 2023	$	1,529	$	464	$	1,993

Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:


	Weighted-Average Useful Life	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
		(in millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Recorded music catalog	12 years	$	1,507	$	1,316
Music publishing copyrights	25 years	2,026		1,889
Artist and songwriter contracts	13 years	1,091		1,014
Trademarks	14 years	111		103
Other intangible assets	6 years	104		89
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization		4,839		4,411
Accumulated amortization		(2,486)		(2,172)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization		2,353		2,239
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks and tradenames	Indefinite	149		145
Total net intangible assets		$	2,502	$	2,384

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:


	Weighted-Average Useful Life	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
		(in millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Recorded music catalog	12 years	$	1,507	$	1,316
Music publishing copyrights	25 years	2,026		1,889
Artist and songwriter contracts	13 years	1,091		1,014
Trademarks	14 years	111		103
Other intangible assets	6 years	104		89
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization		4,839		4,411
Accumulated amortization		(2,486)		(2,172)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization		2,353		2,239
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks and tradenames	Indefinite	149		145
Total net intangible assets		$	2,502	$	2,384

Schedule of Expected Amortization of Intangible Assets

Based on the amount of intangible assets subject to amortization at September 30, 2023, the expected amortization for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:


Fiscal Year Ended September 30,	Amortization Expense
	(in millions)
2024	$	232
2025	223
2026	206
2027	179
2028	158
Thereafter	1,355
Total	$	2,353

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 24
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482548/350-20-55-24

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (g)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-2

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	$ (1)	$ (1)
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	0	0
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contractual Obligations	(1)	(1)
Interest Rate Swap
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	2
Interest Rate Swap \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0
Interest Rate Swap \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	2
Interest Rate Swap \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Current Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		2
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Current Assets \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		0
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Current Assets \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		2
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Current Assets \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		0
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		16
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		0
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		$ 16
Derivative asset, statement of financial position [extensible enumeration]		Other assets
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Assets \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		$ 0
Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	15	36
Equity Securities \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	15	36
Equity Securities \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Equity Securities \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Interest and Penalties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 8	$ 12	$ 12
Additions for current year tax positions	3	0	0
Additions for prior year tax positions	9	1	3
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7)	(5)	(3)
Ending Balance	$ 13	$ 8	$ 12

Description of Business - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Jun. 05, 2020
Access Industries
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, percentage of ownership after transaction (as a percent)	98.00%
Sale of stock, percentage of economic interest (as a percent)	73.00%
Class A Common Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Class A Common Stock \| IPO
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.001
Common Class B
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	0.001	$ 0.001
Common Class B \| Access Industries
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001

Income Taxes - Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Pretax (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 218	$ 385	$ 182
Foreign	391	355	274
Income before income taxes	$ 609	$ 740	$ 456

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(11))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483586/944-220-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-31

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 235
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479557/942-235-S99-1

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-SubTopic 20
-Topic 940
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481913/940-20-25-1

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(10))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(15))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483589/942-220-S99-1

+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 439	$ 555	$ 307
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	332	339	306
Unrealized losses (gains) and remeasurement of foreign-denominated loans and foreign currency forward exchange contracts	38	(169)	3
Deferred income taxes	(13)	13	27
Loss on extinguishment of debt	4	0	22
Net loss (gain) on divestitures and investments	(45)	46	4
Non-cash interest expense	2	6	5
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	49	39	45
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(113)	(195)	(58)
Inventories	(12)	(22)	(19)
Royalty advances	(191)	(94)	(332)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	77	(21)	91
Royalty payables	256	158	217
Accrued interest	1	3	(16)
Operating lease liabilities	(4)	(6)	(3)
Deferred revenue	(58)	86	47
Other balance sheet changes	(75)	4	(8)
Net cash provided by operating activities	687	742	638
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of music publishing rights and music catalogs, net	(114)	(191)	(481)
Capital expenditures	(127)	(135)	(93)
Investments and acquisitions of businesses, net of cash received	(126)	(509)	(64)
Proceeds from the sale of investments	22	11	0
Proceeds from divestitures, net	45	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(300)	(824)	(638)
Cash flows from financing activities
Deferred financing costs paid	(3)	(5)	(12)
Call premiums paid on early redemption of debt	0	0	(21)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders	(12)	(6)	(7)
Dividends paid	(340)	(318)	(265)
Payment of deferred and contingent consideration	(133)	(7)	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of restricted stock units	0	(6)	0
Other	(1)	(5)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(325)	188	(61)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(5)	(21)	7
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	57	85	(54)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	584	499	553
Cash and equivalents at end of period	641	584	499
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche G
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of secured note	149	0	0
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche H
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of secured note	147	0	325
Repayment of senior secured notes	(150)	0	0
Term Loan Mortgage
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of secured note	19	0	0
Repayment of senior secured notes	(1)	0	0
3.750% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of secured note	0	535	0
3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of secured note	0	0	244
2.250% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of secured note	0	0	524
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of senior secured notes	0	0	(325)
3.625% Senior Secured Notes
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of senior secured notes	$ 0	$ 0	$ (524)

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 25, 2023	Dec. 16, 2021	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 1,993	$ 1,920	$ 1,830
TenThousand Projects
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired (as a percent)	51.00%
Purchase price of selected assets	$ 98
Final purchase price	102
Base price payable	12
Fair value of net assets acquired	21
Intangible assets	153
Noncontrolling interest, fair value	106
Goodwill	43
Business acquisition, transaction costs			3
TenThousand Projects \| Recorded music catalog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	99
TenThousand Projects \| Artist and songwriter contracts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	49
TenThousand Projects \| Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 5
300 Entertainment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of selected assets		$ 394
Final purchase price		400
Goodwill		$ 138
Decrease to intangible assets			1
Decrease in other liabilities			2
Decrease in other assets			2
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustments			$ 3
300 Entertainment \| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, transaction costs				$ 3

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:


	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Land	$	11	$	11
Buildings and improvements	194		188
Furniture and fixtures	37		35
Computer hardware and software	592		464
Construction in progress	107		159
Machinery and equipment	40		19
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$	981	$	876
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(523)		(461)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	$	458	$	415

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 19	$ 19
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	138,345,000	137,199,000
Common stock outstanding (in shares)	138,345,000	137,199,000
Common Class B
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	377,650,000	377,650,000
Common stock outstanding (in shares)	377,650,000	377,650,000

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue

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


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Revenue by Type
Digital	$	3,322	$	3,305	$	3,105
Physical	507		563		549
Total Digital and Physical	3,829		3,868		3,654
Artist services and expanded-rights	744		767		599
Licensing	382		331		291
Total Recorded Music	4,955		4,966		4,544
Performance	173		159		122
Digital	669		563		436
Mechanical	63		50		49
Synchronization	167		172		144
Other	16		14		10
Total Music Publishing	1,088		958		761
Intersegment eliminations	(6)		(5)		(4)
Total Revenues	$	6,037	$	5,919	$	5,301
Revenue by Geographical Location
U.S. Recorded Music	$	2,184	$	2,231	$	1,985
U.S. Music Publishing	582		513		378
Total U.S.	2,766		2,744		2,363
International Recorded Music	2,771		2,735		2,559
International Music Publishing	506		445		383
Total International	3,277		3,180		2,942
Intersegment eliminations	(6)		(5)		(4)
Total Revenues	$	6,037	$	5,919	$	5,301

Schedule 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, 2023 are as follows:


	FY24		FY25		FY26		Thereafter		Total
	(in millions)
Remaining performance obligations	$	637	$	128	$	7	$	6	$	778
Total	$	637	$	128	$	7	$	6	$	778

Earnings per Share

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Share

The Company utilizes the two-class method to report earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to each class of stock by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for each class of stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to each class of stock by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares, plus dilutive potential common shares, which is calculated using the treasury-stock method. Under the treasury-stock method, potential common shares are excluded from the computation of EPS in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. The potentially dilutive common shares did not have a dilutive effect on the Company’s EPS calculation for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021.

The Company allocates dividends declared to Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock based on timing and amounts actually declared for each class of stock and the undistributed earnings are allocated to Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock pro rata on a basic weighted average shares outstanding basis since the two classes of stock participate equally on a per share basis upon liquidation.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per common share under the two-class method (in millions, except share amounts, which are reflected in thousands, and per share data):


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023				2022				2021
	Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B
Basic and Diluted EPS:
Numerator
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	119	$	311	$	149	$	402	$	68	$	236
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	(6)		—		(7)		—		(4)		—
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	113	$	311	$	142	$	402	$	64	$	236
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding	138,070		377,650		133,662		381,046		110,561		402,912
Basic and Diluted EPS	$	0.82	$	0.82	$	1.06	$	1.06	$	0.58	$	0.58

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Equity [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income, which is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of equity, consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income. For the Company, the components of other comprehensive income primarily consist of foreign currency translation gains and losses, minimum pension liabilities, and deferred gains and losses on financial instruments designated as hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The following summary sets forth the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax benefit of $5 million:


	Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) (a)		Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment		Deferred Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net
	(in millions)
Balances at September 30, 2020	$	(181)	$	(12)	$	(29)	$	(222)
Other comprehensive income	7		1		12		20
Balances at September 30, 2021	$	(174)	$	(11)	$	(17)	$	(202)
Other comprehensive loss	(184)		9		30		(145)
Balances at September 30, 2022	$	(358)	$	(2)	$	13	$	(347)
Other comprehensive income	36		1		(12)		25
Balances at September 30, 2023	$	(322)	$	(1)	$	1	$	(322)

______________________________________

(a)Includes historical foreign currency translation related to certain intra-entity transactions.

Additional Financial Information	12 Months Ended
Additional Financial Information	Sep. 30, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	Additional Financial Information Cash Interest and Taxes The Company made interest payments of approximately $157 million, $122 million and $137 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. The Company paid approximately $219 million, $141 million and $124 million of income and withholding taxes, net of refunds, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Gain on Divestiture During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold its interest in certain sound recording rights and recorded a pre-tax gain of $41 million which was recorded as a net gain on divestiture in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Dividends The Company’s ability to pay dividends may be restricted by covenants in the credit agreement for the Revolving Credit Facility which are currently suspended but which will be reinstated if Acquisition Corp.’s Total Indebtedness to EBITDA Ratio increases above 3.50:1.00 and the term loans do not achieve an investment grade rating. The Company intends to pay quarterly cash dividends to holders of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The declaration of each dividend will continue to be at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, earnings, liquidity and capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, restrictions imposed by Delaware law, general business conditions and any other factors that the Company’s board of directors deems relevant in making such a determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the Company will pay any dividends to holders of the Company’s common stock, or as to the amount of any such dividends. The Company paid cash dividends to stockholders and participating security holders of $340 million, $318 million and $265 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. On November 9, 2023, the Company’s board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per share on the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as well as related payments under certain stock-based compensation plans, payable on December 1, 2023 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 21, 2023. Noncash Investment Activity Noncash investing activities was approximately $125 million related to the acquisition of music publishing rights and music catalogs, net during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

Restructuring - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Restructuring - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($) employee	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 40	$ 40	$ 0	$ 0
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected number of positions to eliminated \| employee	270
Expected number of positions to eliminated as a percentage (as a percent)	4.00%
Restructuring charges		$ 40

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References + Details

Equity

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Equity

Warner Music Group Corp. 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan

In connection with the IPO, the Company’s board of directors and stockholders approved the Warner Music Group Corp. 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, or the “Omnibus Incentive Plan.” The Omnibus Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive common stock, stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards and stock appreciation rights to employees, consultants and directors. The aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Omnibus Incentive Plan is 31,169,099 shares of Class A Common Stock over the 10-year period from the date of adoption, including up to 1,000,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock in connection with the IPO.

To date, the Company has issued common stock, RSUs restricted stock, and performance awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. The RSUs were granted to eligible employees and executives, common stock and restricted stock was granted to members of the Company’s Board of Directors, and a performance share award was granted to our CEO. Except in the case of certain awards issued in connection with the IPO, holders of RSUs and restricted stock are entitled to dividends during the vesting period.

During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, shares of Class A Common Stock issued under the Omnibus Incentive Plan were 276,516, 463,826, and 36,206, respectively. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Company satisfied the vesting of RSUs issued to employees for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 in connection with the IPO by issuing 276,565 shares of Class A Common Stock under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is net of shares used to settle employee income tax obligations.

As of September 30, 2023, a total of 805,035 shares of Class A Common Stock were issued under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. As of September 30, 2023, there were 30,364,190 shares of Class A Common Stock available to be issued.

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the activity for the Company’s unvested RSUs:


	Number of Share Units	Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested and outstanding balance as of September 30, 2022	1,891,275	$	38.50
Granted	1,321,862	39.81
Vested	(46,019)	36.43
Forfeited/canceled	(36,303)	31.21
Unvested and outstanding balance as of September 30, 2023	3,130,815	$	39.17

The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $39.81, $44.38 and $32.23, respectively. The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $1 million, $18 million and $0 million, respectively, computed as of the date of vesting.

As of September 30, 2023, total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs was approximately $50 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years. The Company satisfies the vesting of RSUs by issuing new shares of its Class A Common Stock.

Common Stock

Prior to the IPO, certain eligible employees elected to participate in our Senior Management Free Cash Flow Plan (the “Plan”) which offered them the opportunity to share in the appreciation of the value of our common stock. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, in connection with the Plan, the Company issued a total of 869,008 shares of Class A Common Stock to settle a portion of a participant’s deferred equity units previously issued under the Plan.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, an aggregate of 14,320,547 shares of Class B Common Stock were converted to Class A Common Stock. In connection with the Plan, a remaining Plan participant redeemed a portion of vested Class B equity units of the LLC holding company, WMG Management Holdings, LLC (“Management LLC”). These Class B equity units were redeemed in exchange for a total of 510,165 shares of Class B Common Stock, which shares of Class B Common Stock converted to shares of Class A Common Stock upon the exchange.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, Access converted 13,810,382 shares of Class B Common Stock to the same number of shares of Class A Common Stock, which is reflected as a conversion of Class B Common Stock in the consolidated statements of equity.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expense is included in the consolidated statements of operations as selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $49 million, $39 million and $45 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

In connection with the departure of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company recognized approximately $13 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense associated with RSUs and common stock as there is no remaining service required for vesting. This amount is reflected as a share-based compensation liability as of September 30, 2023.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued market-based performance share units to our newly appointed Chief Executive Officer whereby the award payout is determined based on the Company’s total shareholder return compared to a designated peer group. Non-cash stock-based compensation associated with this award was approximately $4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, in connection with the Restructuring Plan, the Company recognized $2 million of non-cash stock-based compensation related to the accelerated vesting of certain RSUs. Refer to Note 13 for further discussion.

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2023 segment customer	Sep. 30, 2022 customer	Sep. 30, 2021 customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of fundamental operations	2
Number of reportable segments	2
Recorded Music And Music Publishing Segments \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Credit Concentration Risk
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers \| customer	3	3	3
Recorded Music And Music Publishing Segments \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Credit Concentration Risk \| Spotify
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration percentage (as a percent)	18.00%	17.00%	18.00%
Recorded Music And Music Publishing Segments \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Credit Concentration Risk \| YouTube
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration percentage (as a percent)	12.00%	12.00%	11.00%
Recorded Music And Music Publishing Segments \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Credit Concentration Risk \| Apple
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Customer concentration percentage (as a percent)	11.00%	11.00%	13.00%

Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($) source	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Refund liabilities	$ 19	$ 19
Uncollectible accounts, reserves	19	19
Deferred revenue increased related to cash received from customers	724	666
Revenue recognized related to deferred revenue	393	274
Revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods	$ 91	$ 59	$ 64
Recorded Music
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of revenue sources \| source	4
Music Publishing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of revenue sources \| source	5

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References + Details

Restructuring (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of Restructuring Accrual Activity

The following table sets forth the activity in the restructuring accrual included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:


	Severance Costs
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2022	$	—
Restructuring charges	40
Cash payments	(21)
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	19

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

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 $5 million:


	Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) (a)		Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment		Deferred Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net
	(in millions)
Balances at September 30, 2020	$	(181)	$	(12)	$	(29)	$	(222)
Other comprehensive income	7		1		12		20
Balances at September 30, 2021	$	(174)	$	(11)	$	(17)	$	(202)
Other comprehensive loss	(184)		9		30		(145)
Balances at September 30, 2022	$	(358)	$	(2)	$	13	$	(347)
Other comprehensive income	36		1		(12)		25
Balances at September 30, 2023	$	(322)	$	(1)	$	1	$	(322)

______________________________________

(a)Includes historical foreign currency translation related to certain intra-entity transactions.

Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 6,037	$ 5,919	$ 5,301
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	2,766	2,744	2,363
Operating Segments \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	2,766	2,744	2,363
Operating Segments \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	3,277	3,180	2,942
Intersegment eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	(6)	(5)	(4)
Recorded Music \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	4,955	4,966	4,544
Recorded Music \| Operating Segments \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	2,184	2,231	1,985
Recorded Music \| Operating Segments \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	2,771	2,735	2,559
Recorded Music \| Total Digital and Physical \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	3,829	3,868	3,654
Recorded Music \| Digital \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	3,322	3,305	3,105
Recorded Music \| Physical \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	507	563	549
Recorded Music \| Artist services and expanded-rights \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	744	767	599
Recorded Music \| Licensing \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	382	331	291
Music Publishing \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	1,088	958	761
Music Publishing \| Operating Segments \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	582	513	378
Music Publishing \| Operating Segments \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	506	445	383
Music Publishing \| Digital \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	669	563	436
Music Publishing \| Performance \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	173	159	122
Music Publishing \| Mechanical \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	63	50	49
Music Publishing \| Synchronization \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	167	172	144
Music Publishing \| Other \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 16	$ 14	$ 10

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Sep. 30, 2023
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions 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 Los Angeles, California headquarters and 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 for the 2023 fiscal year were approximately $14 million and are subject to annual fixed increases throughout the remainder of the lease term. The remaining lease term is approximately 7 years, after which the Company may exercise a single option to extend the term of the lease for 10 years thereafter. 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, United Kingdom. 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 which began on December 25, 2020. On June 26, 2023, the parties entered into an extension on substantially the same terms as the current lease for an additional five years with the lease now expiring on December 24, 2030. License Agreements with Deezer Access owns an 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 China, North Korea, and Japan (included for subscription services only)) 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 $40 million, $36 million and $42 million in connection with the foregoing arrangements during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In addition, in connection with these arrangements, (i) the Company was issued warrants to purchase shares of Deezer S.A. and (ii) the Company purchased a small number of shares of 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 years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Deezer paid the Company an additional approximately $2 million, $2 million and $2 million, respectively. Deezer also licenses other publishing rights controlled by Warner Chappell through statutory licenses or through various collecting societies. On April 13, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase 900,000 ordinary shares for €9 million of I2PO, a French Société Anonyme and special purpose acquisition company listed on the Paris Euronext Exchange. I2PO merged with Deezer S.A., which was consummated on July 5, 2022. In connection with the merger, preferred shares in Deezer S.A. previously held by the Company were converted into ordinary shares of the combined publicly traded entity. Following the consummation of the merger, I2PO was renamed Deezer. The Company’s equity interests in Deezer S.A. are recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC 321, Investments—Equity Securities based on quoted prices in active markets. As of September 30, 2023, the fair value of these equity interests was approximately $14 million. 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 purchased 37,162,288 ordinary shares of Tencent Music Entertainment Group for $100 million. WMG China was 80% owned by AI New Holdings 5 LLC, an affiliate of Access, and 20% owned by the Company. On November 4, 2021, WMG China distributed to the Company, the Company’s pro-rata share of the Tencent Music Entertainment Group equity held by WMG China. WMG China was dissolved on May 9, 2022.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480990/946-20-50-2

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480990/946-20-50-5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480990/946-20-50-6

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 235
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481062/946-235-50-2

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 235
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481062/946-235-50-2

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483326/850-10-50-1

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07(2)(g)(3))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483575/946-220-S99-1

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07(2)(c))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483575/946-220-S99-1

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07(2)(e))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483575/946-220-S99-1

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 850
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//850/tableOfContent

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483326/850-10-50-6

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483326/850-10-50-1

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483326/850-10-50-1

+ Details

Restructuring - Schedule of Restructuring Accrual Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring	$ 40	$ 40	$ 0	$ 0
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0
Restructuring		40
Cash payments		(21)
Ending Balance		$ 19	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) recognized	$ 4	$ (11)	$ 0
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense)	(37)	185	(8)
Advertising expense	$ 136	$ 155	$ 149
Award requisite service period	4 years
Performance Share Units PSU
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Award requisite service period	3 years
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
Spotify \| Accounts Receivable \| Credit Concentration Risk
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Customer concentration percentage (as a percent)	18.00%	17.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee benefit plan obligation	$ 52	$ 51
Aggregate pension liability recorded in balance sheet	35	35
Pension expense	3	3	$ 4
Employers contribution plan expense	$ 14	$ 12	$ 9

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

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)
2023
Revenues	$	4,955	$	1,088	$	(6)	$	6,037
Operating income (loss)	875		200		(285)		790
Amortization of intangible assets	155		90		—		245
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	50		3		34		87
OIBDA	1,080		293		(251)		1,122
Total assets	4,677		2,781		1,087		8,545
Capital expenditures	39		1		87		127
2022
Revenues	$	4,966	$	958	$	(5)	$	5,919
Operating income (loss)	796		139		(221)		714
Amortization of intangible assets	176		87		—		263
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	51		5		20		76
OIBDA	1,023		231		(201)		1,053
Total assets	3,515		2,954		1,359		7,828
Capital expenditures	52		1		82		135
2021
Revenues	$	4,544	$	761	$	(4)	$	5,301
Operating income (loss)	733		89		(213)		609
Amortization of intangible assets	150		79		—		229
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	53		6		18		77
OIBDA	936		174		(195)		915
Capital expenditures	33		1		59		93

Revenues relating to operations in different geographical areas are set forth below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021. Total long-lived assets relating to operations in different geographical areas, which consist of property, plant and equipment, net and operating lease right-of-use assets, net, are set forth below as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.


	2023				2022				2021
	Revenues		Long-lived Assets		Revenues		Long-lived Assets		Revenues
	(in millions)
United States	$	2,766	$	473	$	2,744	$	468	$	2,363
United Kingdom	726		39		734		30		620
Germany	535		98		613		68		662
All other territories	2,010		93		1,828		75		1,656
Total	$	6,037	$	703	$	5,919	$	641	$	5,301

Customer Concentration

In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company had three customers, Spotify, YouTube and Apple, that individually represented 10% or more of total revenues, whereby Spotify AB represented 18%, YouTube represented 12% and Apple represented 11% of total revenues. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Company had three customers, Spotify, Apple and YouTube, that individually represented 10% or more of total revenues, whereby Spotify represented 17%, YouTube represented 12% and Apple represented 11% of total revenues. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the Company had three customers, Spotify, Apple and YouTube that individually represented 10% or more of total revenues, whereby Spotify represented 18%, Apple represented 13% and YouTube represented 11% 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-15

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-31

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-42

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-40

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//280/tableOfContent

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-26

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-34

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-41

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-21

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-21

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

+ Details

Leases - Schedule of Operating Lease Liability Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
2024	$ 56
2025	55
2026	49
2027	49
2028	49
Thereafter	104
Total lease payments	362
Less: Imputed interest	(66)
Operating lease liabilities	$ 296	$ 281

Derivative Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred gains (losses) in comprehensive loss related to foreign exchange hedging	0	0
Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	500,000,000	820,000,000
Other comprehensive gain (loss), cash flow hedge, loss, after reclassification and tax	1,000,000	13,000,000
Pre-tax gains (losses) of the company derivative interest rate swaps	(16,000,000)	40,000,000
Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, losses on derivative, net	$ (6,000,000)
Pre-tax gains (losses) of the company derivative interest rate swaps		$ 10,000,000

Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2022 EUR (€) shares	Jan. 01, 2015 GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2018 USD ($) shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Remaining lease term			7 years	7 years
Extended lease term			10 years
Revenue			$ 6,037	$ 5,919	$ 5,301
I2PO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business acquisition, number of shares acquired (in shares) \| shares	900,000
Final purchase price \| €	€ 9
Fair value of equity interests			14
WMG China \| Tencent Music Entertainment Group
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (as a percent)						20.00%
WMG China \| AI New Holdings 5 LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent (as a percent)						80.00%
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
Warner and Chappell Music Limited and WMG Acquisition Limited
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Extended lease term		5 years
Payments for rent \| £		£ 3,460,250
Deezer \| Streaming Service License
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue			40	36	42
Deezer \| PEDL And Latin America Licenses
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue			2	$ 2	$ 2
Building
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transactions, annual rent payments			$ 14
Remaining lease term			7 years
Extended lease term			10 years

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 6,037	$ 5,919	$ 5,301
Operating income (loss)	790	714	609
Amortization of intangible assets	245	263	229
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	87	76	77
OIBDA	1,122	1,053	915
Total assets	8,545	7,828
Capital expenditures	127	135	93
Operating Segments \| Recorded Music
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,955	4,966	4,544
Operating income (loss)	875	796	733
Amortization of intangible assets	155	176	150
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	50	51	53
OIBDA	1,080	1,023	936
Total assets	4,677	3,515
Capital expenditures	39	52	33
Operating Segments \| Music Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,088	958	761
Operating income (loss)	200	139	89
Amortization of intangible assets	90	87	79
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	3	5	6
OIBDA	293	231	174
Total assets	2,781	2,954
Capital expenditures	1	1	1
Corporate Expenses and Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(6)	(5)	(4)
Operating income (loss)	(285)	(221)	(213)
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0	0
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	34	20	18
OIBDA	(251)	(201)	(195)
Total assets	1,087	1,359
Capital expenditures	$ 87	$ 82	$ 59

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Prior to the start of the 2023 fiscal year, the Company maintained a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in each reporting period. The 2022 fiscal year ended on September 30, 2022 and the 2021 fiscal year ended on September 24, 2021. For convenience purposes, the Company dates its financial statements as of September 30 for these periods. The 2022 fiscal year included 53 weeks, and the 2021 fiscal year included 52 weeks. The additional week in fiscal year 2022 fell in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021. Accordingly, the results of operations for the 2022 fiscal year reflect 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks for the 2021 fiscal year. Starting with the 2023 fiscal year, the Company transitioned to a reporting calendar in which the reporting periods end on the last day of the calendar quarter. The Company’s fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 of each year. The Company is not required to file a transition report because this change is not deemed to be a change in fiscal year for purposes of reporting under the Exchange Act pursuant to relevant Securities and Exchange Commission guidance.
Basis of Consolidation	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. The Company has performed a review of all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that no additional disclosures are necessary.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share The consolidated statements of operations present basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company utilizes the two-class method to report earnings per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities are subtracted from net income in determining net income attributable to common stockholders. See also Note 3, Earnings Per Share.
Use of Estimates	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	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 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	Cash and EquivalentsThe 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. The Company maintains certain cash deposits in excess of FDIC insurance limits.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Credit is extended to customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are recorded net of an allowance for current expected credit losses.
Refund Liabilities and Allowance for Credit Losses	Refund Liabilities and Allowance for Credit Losses 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 losses related to accounts receivable. Judgments and estimates are involved in evaluating if accounts receivable 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 an allowance for estimated credit losses is maintained based on such payment levels, historical experience, management’s views on trends in the overall receivable aging, for larger accounts, analyses of specific risks per customer, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of the economic and geopolitical conditions that may exist through the contractual life of the receivable. The Company will write off receivables only when they are deemed no longer collectible.
Concentration of Credit Risk	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, 2023 and September 30, 2022, Spotify AB represented 18% and 17%, 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 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	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 20) 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 Property, plant and equipment acquired in conjunction with 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 commencing at the date assets are placed in service as follows: five to seven years for furniture and fixtures, periods of up to five years for computer equipment and software 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. Construction in progress assets are not depreciated until placed in service and available for their intended use, at which time they are assigned a useful life consistent with the nature of the asset. The Company accounts for costs incurred to develop or purchase computer software for internal use in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic 350-40, Internal-Use Software (“ASC 350-40”). As required by ASC 350-40, the Company capitalizes the costs incurred during the application development stage, which include costs to design the software configuration and interfaces, coding, installation, and testing.
Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	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 synergies and economies of scale expected from the combination of services and is determined based on 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 on July 1 and at any time upon occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances. ASC 350 gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then the quantitative impairment test shall be used to identify the impairment and measure the amount of an impairment loss to be recognized (if applicable). 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. The impairment tests may 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	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	Foreign Currency 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. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a foreign currency other than the functional currency.
Revenues	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. The Company’s revenue recognition process involves several applications that are responsible for the initiation and processing of transactions in order to recognize revenue in accordance with the Company’s policy and ASC 606. 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. Certain contracts contain 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 minimum guarantee. For fixed fee contracts and minimum guarantee contracts where breakage is expected, the total transaction price (fixed fee or minimum guarantee) is recognized using an appropriate measure 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. 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. See also Note 4, Revenue Recognition.
Royalty Costs and Royalty Advances	Royalty Costs and Royalty Advances The Company incurs royalty costs that are payable to our recording artists and songwriters generated from the sale or license of our Recorded Music catalog and Music Publishing copyrights. Royalties are calculated using negotiated rates in accordance with recording artist and songwriter contracts and are based on revenue earned. There are instances where such data is not available to be processed and royalty cost calculations may involve judgments about significant volumes of data to be processed. In many instances, the Company commits to pay our recording artists and songwriters royalties in advance 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. 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. Advances vary in both amount and expected life based on the underlying 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	Advertising As required by the FASB ASC Subtopic 720-35, Advertising Costs (“ASC 720-35”), advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $136 million, $155 million and $149 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, 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	Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based payments in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Stock-based compensation consists primarily of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted to eligible employees and executives under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. The Company measures compensation expense for RSUs based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. The grant date fair value is based on the closing market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally four years. The Company also grants restricted stock to the Company’s directors. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value of the restricted stock, based on the closing stock price on grant date, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is generally one year. The Company also grants market-based performance share units (“PSUs”) to our Chief Executive Officer whereby the PSU award payout is determined based on the Company’s total shareholder return compared to a designated peer group. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the PSUs using a Monte Carlo simulation model analysis, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is approximately three years.
Income Taxes	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. Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) imposes U.S. taxes on the excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of certain foreign subsidiaries. The Company made an election to recognize GILTI tax in the specific period in which it occurs. From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Judgment may be 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 judgment involved in determining whether positions taken on the Company’s tax returns are more likely than not of being sustained.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). The amendment provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope, which clarified that certain optional expedients and exceptions in ASC Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform (“ASC 848”) apply to derivative instruments that are affected by the discounting transition due to reference rate reform. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date, which extended the period in which ASC 848 may be applied until December 31, 2024. These ASUs were effective upon issuance and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated through December 31, 2024. The Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Term Loan Facility were amended during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 as further described in Note 10. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements (“ASU 2023-01”). The amendment clarifies the accounting for leasehold improvements for leases between entities under common control. Specifically, the ASU 2023-01 requires that leasehold improvements associated with common control leases be both: (1) amortized by the lessee over the useful life of the leasehold improvement to the common control group, regardless of the lease term, and (2) accounted for as an adjustment to equity when leasehold improvements are transferred between entities under common control when the lessee no longer controls the leasehold improvements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect that the adoption of these standards will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Leases	The Company’s lease portfolio consists of operating real estate leases for its corporate offices and, to a lesser extent, storage and other equipment. The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), on October 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. Under ASC 842, a contract is or contains a lease when (1) an explicitly or implicitly identified asset has been deployed in the contract and (2) the customer obtains substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset and directs how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract. The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. For all leases (finance and operating), other than those that qualify for the short-term recognition exemption, the Company will recognize on the balance sheet a lease liability for its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease and a corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”) asset representing its right to use the underlying asset over the period of use based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term as of the lease commencement date. ROU assets are adjusted for initial direct costs, lease payments made and incentives. As the rates implicit in our leases are not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. This rate is based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments. The lease term used to calculate the lease liability will include options to extend or terminate the lease when the option to extend or terminate is at the Company’s discretion and it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. Fixed payments are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For leases with a term of one year or less, the lease payments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ASC 842 requires that only limited types of variable payments be included in the determination of lease payments, which affects lease classification and measurement. Variable lease costs, if any, are recognized as incurred and such costs are excluded from lease balances recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. The initial measurement of the lease liability and ROU asset are determined based on fixed lease payments. Lease payments that depend on an index or a rate (such as the Consumer Price Index or a market interest rate) are variable and are recognized in the period in which the payments are incurred. The Company’s operating ROU assets are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and the Company’s current and non-current operating lease liabilities are included in operating lease liabilities, current and operating lease liabilities, noncurrent, respectively, in the Company’s balance sheet. Operating lease liabilities are amortized using the effective interest method. That is, in each period, the liability will be increased to reflect the interest that is accrued on the related liability by using the appropriate discount rate and decreased by the lease payments made during the period. The subsequent measurement of the ROU asset is linked to the amount recognized as the lease liability. Accordingly, the ROU asset is measured as the lease liability adjusted by (1) accrued or prepaid rents (i.e., the aggregate difference between the cash payment and straight-line lease cost), (2) remaining unamortized initial direct costs and lease incentives, and (3) impairments of the ROU asset. Operating lease costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. For lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components, the Company has elected the practical expedient provided by ASC 842 that permits the accounting for these components as a single lease component (rather than separating the lease from the non-lease components and accounting for the components individually).

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Talent Advances The Company routinely enters into long-term commitments with recording artists, songwriters, publishers and third-party labels 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 cancellable at the Company’s discretion, generally without penalty. Based on contractual obligations and the Company’s expected release schedule, off-balance sheet aggregate firm commitments to such talent approximated $383 million and $469 million as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. Other Other off-balance sheet firm commitments, which primarily include minimum funding commitments to investees, amounted to approximately $46 million and $48 million at September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. Litigation 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.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

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


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Domestic	$	218	$	385	$	182
Foreign	391		355		274
Income before income taxes	$	609	$	740	$	456

Current and deferred income tax expense provided are as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Federal:
Current	$	36	$	23	$	6
Deferred	(5)		44		31
Foreign:
Current (a)	128		128		107
Deferred	(3)		(30)		(5)
U.S. State:
Current	19		21		9
Deferred	(5)		(1)		1
Income tax expense	$	170	$	185	$	149

______________________________________

(a)Includes withholding taxes of $38 million, $27 million and $26 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0% for each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and income taxes provided are as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Taxes on income at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$	128	$	155	$	96
U.S. state and local taxes	12		15		10
Foreign income taxed at different rates, including withholding taxes	34		28		34
Valuation allowance	(5)		(6)		(4)
Change in tax rates	—		1		10
GILTI and FDII	(4)		(6)		(4)
Federal research and development credits	(8)		—		—
Uncertain tax positions	7		(3)		—
Non-deductible compensation	7		6		5
Other	(1)		(5)		2
Total income tax expense	$	170	$	185	$	149

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $8 million related to Federal research and development credits, which was partially offset by $7 million of income tax expense arising from an increase in uncertain

tax positions in various jurisdictions. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $8 million for the release of valuation allowances in various foreign jurisdictions. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized $10 million of income tax expense arising from an increase in our net UK deferred tax liability due to the change in the UK future statutory tax rate, which was offset by $4 million of excess tax benefits from long term incentive plan, and $6 million for the release of valuation allowances in Mexico and various foreign jurisdictions.

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, 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. Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities are summarized below:


	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance and reserves	$	25	$	27
Employee benefits and compensation	71		75
Other accruals	30		27
Property, plant and equipment	40		30
Operating lease liabilities	73		66
Tax attribute carryforwards	59		65
Deferred revenue and debt	17		17
Total deferred tax assets	315		307
Less: Valuation allowance	(25)		(29)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	290		278

Deferred tax liabilities:
Royalty advances	(27)		(24)
Operating lease right-of-use assets	(60)		(52)
Accrued royalties	(45)		(37)
Intangible assets	(318)		(333)
Debt and other	(24)		(23)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(474)		(469)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(184)	$	(191)

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company utilized the remaining foreign tax credit carryforwards in the U.S.

At September 30, 2023, the Company has no remaining U.S. federal tax net operating loss carryforwards and $23 million tax net operating loss carryforwards in U.S. state and local jurisdictions that expire in various periods. The Company also has tax net operating loss carryforwards, with no expiration date, in France and Spain of $30 million and $18 million, respectively, and other tax net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions that expire in various periods.

Deferred income taxes have not been recorded on indefinitely reinvested earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries of approximately $386 million at September 30, 2023. 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, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company had accrued $2 million and $4 million of interest and penalties, respectively.

The following table reflects changes in the gross unrecognized tax benefits:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of period	$	8	$	12	$	12
Additions for current year tax positions	3		—		—
Additions for prior year tax positions	9		1		3
Subtractions for prior year tax positions	(7)		(5)		(3)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - end of period	$	13	$	8	$	12

Included in the total unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 are $14 million and $7 million, respectively, that if recognized, would reduce the effective income tax rate. The Company has determined that it is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2023 could decrease by up to approximately $4 million related to various ongoing audits and settlement discussions in various foreign jurisdictions during the next twelve months.

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 UK for the tax years ended through September 30, 2016, in Germany for the tax years ended through September 30, 2014 and in France for the tax years ended through September 30, 2018. The Company is at various stages in the tax audit process in certain foreign and local jurisdictions.

The Organization Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) introduced Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) Pillar 2 rules that impose a global minimum tax rate of 15%. Numerous countries, including European Union member states, have enacted or are expected to enact legislation to be effective as early as January 1, 2024, with general implementation of a global minimum tax by January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the potential impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480990/946-20-50-13

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)(2))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//740/tableOfContent

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 14
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-14

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-21

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 270
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482526/740-270-50-1

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-17

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.5.Q1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479360/740-10-S99-1

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 11.C)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479360/740-10-S99-2

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482603/740-30-50-2

+ Details

Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash compensation expense	$ 49	$ 39	$ 45
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 39.81	$ 44.38	$ 32.23
Awards vested in period, intrinsic value	$ 1	$ 18	$ 0
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 50
Total compensation of unvested awards expected to be recognized, weighted average period	2 years 4 months 24 days
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$ 13
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) \| Restructuring Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	2
Market Based Performance Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$ 4
Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued under Omnibus Incentive Plan (in shares)	276,516	463,826	36,206
Class A Common Stock \| Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued under Omnibus Incentive Plan (in shares)	277,000	187,000	36,000
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	276,565	277,000
Shares issued under the Plan (in shares)	869,008		4,321,000
Exchange of Class B shares for Class A shares (in shares)		14,320,547	19,234,000
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)		14,321,000	10,245,000
Common Class B
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock redeemed during period (in shares)		510,165
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)		13,810,382
Common Class B \| Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exchange of Class B shares for Class A shares (in shares)			19,234,000
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)		14,321,000	10,245,000
Omnibus Incentive Plan \| Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares available for grant (in shares)	31,169,099
Share awards vesting period	10 years
Shares held in employee stock option plan, allocated (in shares)	805,035
Common stock available for issuance (in shares)	30,364,190
Omnibus Incentive Plan \| Class A Common Stock \| IPO
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Liabilities Classified as Level 3 (Details) - Level 3 $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (1)
Additions	0
Reductions	0
Payments	0
Ending balance	$ (1)

Equity - Schedule of Unvested RSUs (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Number of Share Units
Unvested units beginning balance (in shares)	1,891,275
Granted (in shares)	1,321,862
Vested (in shares)	(46,019)
Forfeited/canceled (in shares)	(36,303)
Unvested units ending balance (in shares)	3,130,815	1,891,275
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested and outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 38.50
Granted (in dollars per share)	39.81	$ 44.38	$ 32.23
Vested (in dollars per share)	36.43
Forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share)	31.21
Unvested and outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 39.17	$ 38.50

Restructuring

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring

RestructuringIn March 2023, the Company announced a restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) intended to drive the evolution of the Company and position the Company for long-term growth, primarily through headcount reductions. Under the Restructuring Plan, the Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 270 people, or approximately 4% of the Company’s overall headcount. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized restructuring charges of approximately $40 million for severance costs, all of which will be paid in cash. All restructuring expenses were recorded in the Recorded Music segment. The Restructuring Plan is substantially complete as of September 30, 2023, with related cash expenditures expected to be made by the end of fiscal 2024.

The following table sets forth the activity in the restructuring accrual included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:


	Severance Costs
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2022	$	—
Restructuring charges	40
Cash payments	(21)
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	19

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ (87)	$ (76)	$ (77)

Debt - Fiscal 2023 Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2023	Jan. 27, 2023	Nov. 01, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt				$ 4	$ 0	$ 22
Senior Term Loan Facility \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, increase (decrease), net			$ 150
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,295		$ 1,295
Repayments of secured debt	$ 150
Loss on extinguishment of debt				4
Term Loan Mortgage
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of secured debt				$ 1	$ 0	$ 0
Term Loan Mortgage \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument		$ 19
Term Loan Mortgage \| Acquisition Corp. \| Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)		1.40%

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$ 641	$ 584
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $19 million and $19 million	1,120	984
Inventories	126	108
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year	413	372
Prepaid and other current assets	102	91
Total current assets	2,402	2,139
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year	688	503
Property, plant and equipment, net	458	415
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	245	226
Goodwill	1,993	1,920
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	2,353	2,239
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	149	145
Deferred tax assets, net	32	29
Other assets	225	212
Total assets	8,545	7,828
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	300	268
Accrued royalties	2,219	1,918
Accrued liabilities	533	457
Accrued interest	18	17
Operating lease liabilities, current	41	40
Deferred revenue	371	423
Other current liabilities	57	245
Total current liabilities	3,539	3,368
Long-term debt	3,964	3,732
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent	255	241
Deferred tax liabilities, net	216	220
Other noncurrent liabilities	141	99
Total liabilities	8,115	7,660
Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	2,015	1,975
Accumulated deficit	(1,387)	(1,477)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(322)	(347)
Total Warner Music Group Corp. equity	307	152
Noncontrolling interest	123	16
Total equity	430	168
Total liabilities and equity	8,545	7,828
Class A Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock, value, issued	0	0
Common Class B
Equity:
Common stock, value, issued	$ 1	$ 1

Leases

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

LeasesThe Company’s lease portfolio consists of operating real estate leases for its corporate offices and, to a lesser extent, storage and other equipment. The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), on October 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. Under ASC 842, a contract is or contains a lease when (1) an explicitly or implicitly identified asset has been deployed in the contract and (2) the customer obtains substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset and directs how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract. The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. For all leases (finance and operating), other than those that qualify for the short-term recognition exemption, the Company will recognize on the balance sheet a lease liability for its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease and a corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”) asset representing its right to use the underlying asset over the period of use based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term as of the lease commencement date. ROU assets are adjusted for initial direct costs, lease payments made and incentives. As the rates implicit in our leases are not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. This rate is based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments. The lease term used to calculate the lease liability will include options to extend or terminate the lease when the option to extend or terminate is at the Company’s discretion and it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. Fixed payments are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For leases with a term of one year or less, the lease payments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

ASC 842 requires that only limited types of variable payments be included in the determination of lease payments, which affects lease classification and measurement. Variable lease costs, if any, are recognized as incurred and such costs are excluded from lease balances recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. The initial measurement of the lease liability and ROU asset are determined based on fixed lease payments. Lease payments that depend on an index or a rate (such as the Consumer Price Index or a market interest rate) are variable and are recognized in the period in which the payments are incurred.

The Company’s operating ROU assets are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and the Company’s current and non-current operating lease liabilities are included in operating lease liabilities, current and operating lease liabilities, noncurrent, respectively, in the Company’s balance sheet.

Operating lease liabilities are amortized using the effective interest method. That is, in each period, the liability will be increased to reflect the interest that is accrued on the related liability by using the appropriate discount rate and decreased by the lease payments made during the period. The subsequent measurement of the ROU asset is linked to the amount recognized as the lease liability. Accordingly, the ROU asset is measured as the lease liability adjusted by (1) accrued or prepaid rents (i.e., the aggregate difference between the cash payment and straight-line lease cost), (2) remaining unamortized initial direct costs and lease incentives, and (3) impairments of the ROU asset. Operating lease costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.

For lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components, the Company has elected the practical expedient provided by ASC 842 that permits the accounting for these components as a single lease component (rather than separating the lease from the non-lease components and accounting for the components individually).

The Company enters into operating leases for buildings, office equipment, production equipment, warehouses, and other types of equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year.

Among the Company’s operating leases are its leases for the Ford Factory Building, located at 777 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Los Angeles, California, and for 27 Wrights Lane, Kensington, London, United Kingdom. The landlord for both leases is an affiliate of Access. As of September 30, 2023, the aggregate lease liability related to these leases was $110 million. See also Note 15, Related Party Transactions.

There are no restrictions or covenants, such as those relating to dividends or incurring additional financial obligations, relating to our lease portfolio, and residual value guarantees are not significant.

The components of lease expense were as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
	(in millions)
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost	$	52	$	53
Short-term lease cost	—		2
Variable lease cost	13		11

Total lease cost	$	65	$	66

The Company incurred and recorded other occupancy expenses of $25 million and $23 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
	(in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	56	$	58
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations	77		7

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:


	September 30, 2023			September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	245		$	226

Operating lease liabilities, current	$	41		$	40
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent	255			241
Total operating lease liabilities	$	296		$	281

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	7 years			7 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	5.55		%	4.75		%

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:


Fiscal Year Ended September 30,	Operating Leases
	(in millions)
2024	$	56
2025	55
2026	49
2027	49
2028	49
Thereafter	104
Total lease payments	362
Less: Imputed interest	(66)
Total	$	296

As of September 30, 2023, we have an additional operating lease for facilities that has not yet commenced with a lease obligation of $1 million and a lease term of 7 years

Additional Financial Information - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Nov. 09, 2023 $ / shares
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Interest payments	$ 157	$ 122	$ 137
Foreign income and withholding taxes	219	141	124
Net gain on divestiture	41	0	0
Dividends paid	$ 340	318	$ 265
Noncash investing activities related to acquisition of music publishing rights and music catalogs		$ 125
Class A Common Stock \| Subsequent Event
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Dividends payable, amount per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares				$ 0.17
Common Class B \| Subsequent Event
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Dividends payable, amount per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares				$ 0.17
Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of Credit
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, total indebtedness to EBITDA ratio	3.50

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue RecognitionFor 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. Within revenues, there may be settlements related to past infringements of our intellectual property.

Disaggregation of Revenue

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


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2021
	(in millions)
Revenue by Type
Digital	$	3,322	$	3,305	$	3,105
Physical	507		563		549
Total Digital and Physical	3,829		3,868		3,654
Artist services and expanded-rights	744		767		599
Licensing	382		331		291
Total Recorded Music	4,955		4,966		4,544
Performance	173		159		122
Digital	669		563		436
Mechanical	63		50		49
Synchronization	167		172		144
Other	16		14		10
Total Music Publishing	1,088		958		761
Intersegment eliminations	(6)		(5)		(4)
Total Revenues	$	6,037	$	5,919	$	5,301
Revenue by Geographical Location
U.S. Recorded Music	$	2,184	$	2,231	$	1,985
U.S. Music Publishing	582		513		378
Total U.S.	2,766		2,744		2,363
International Recorded Music	2,771		2,735		2,559
International Music Publishing	506		445		383
Total International	3,277		3,180		2,942
Intersegment eliminations	(6)		(5)		(4)
Total Revenues	$	6,037	$	5,919	$	5,301

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 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 minimum guarantee.

For fixed fee contracts and minimum guarantee contracts where breakage is expected, the total transaction price (fixed fee or minimum guarantee) is recognized proportionately over the contract term using an appropriate measure of progress which is based on the Company’s digital partner’s subscribers or streaming activity as these are measures of access to an evolving catalog, or on a straight-line basis. 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 vinyl, 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 participation in expanded-rights associated with artists, including advertising, merchandising including direct-to-consumer sales, touring, concert promotion, ticketing, sponsorship, fan clubs, artist websites, social publishing, 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. Revenues from the sale of products sold through our e-commerce websites are recognized when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which is upon receipt of finished goods by the customer.

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.

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. Performance revenues are received when the musical composition is performed publicly through broadcast of music on television, radio and cable and in retail locations (e.g., bars and restaurants), live performance at a concert or other venue (e.g., arena concerts and nightclubs) and performance of musical compositions in staged theatrical productions. 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 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. 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 vinyl, 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, in addition to other factors to estimate an allowance for credit losses. 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 estimated credit losses.

Based on management’s analysis of sales returns, refund liabilities of $19 million and $19 million were established at September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

Based on management’s analysis of estimated credit losses, reserves of $19 million and $19 million were established at September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, 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 distributes music content on behalf of third-party record labels. Based on the above guidance, the Company records the distribution of content 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 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 by $724 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 and $666 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 related to cash received from customers for fixed fees and minimum guarantees in advance of performance, including amounts recognized in the period. Revenue recognized during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 which was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of each respective period was $393 million and $274 million. There were no other significant changes to deferred revenue during the reporting period.

Performance Obligations

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $91 million, $59 million and $64 million, respectively, from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.

Wholly and partially unsatisfied performance obligations represent future revenues not yet recorded under long-term intellectual property licensing contracts containing fixed fees, advances and minimum guarantees. Revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at September 30, 2023 are as follows:


	FY24		FY25		FY26		Thereafter		Total
	(in millions)
Remaining performance obligations	$	637	$	128	$	7	$	6	$	778
Total	$	637	$	128	$	7	$	6	$	778

- Definition

The entire disclosure of revenue from contract with customer to transfer good or service and to transfer nonfinancial asset. Includes, but is not limited to, disaggregation of revenue, credit loss recognized from contract with customer, judgment and change in judgment related to contract with customer, and asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. Excludes insurance and lease contracts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-9

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-15

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-12

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-12

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-12

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-12

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-12

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-13

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//606/tableOfContent

+ Details

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
Audit Information	Sep. 30, 2023
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Firm ID	185
Auditor Name	KPMG LLP
Auditor Location	New York, New York

Debt - Maturities of Senior Notes and Senior Secured Notes (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in next rolling twelve months	$ 0
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in rolling year five	343,000,000
Long term debt maturities repayments of principal in rolling after year five	$ 2,346,000,000

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482900/835-30-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(f))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04(a))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-3

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69B

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69C
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69C

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69E
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69E

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69F
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69F

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (h)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1E

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1E

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1E

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1I
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1I

+ Details

Earnings per Share - Schedule of Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$ 430	$ 551	$ 304
Class A Common Stock
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	119	149	68
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities - Basic	(6)	(7)	(4)
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities - Diluted	(6)	(7)	(4)
Net income attributable to common stockholders - Basic	113	142	64
Net income attributable to common stockholders - Diluted	$ 113	$ 142	$ 64
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)	138,070,000	133,662,000	110,561,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	138,070,000	133,662,000	110,561,000
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 1.06	$ 0.58
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 1.06	$ 0.58
Common Class B
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$ 311	$ 402	$ 236
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities - Basic	0	0	0
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities - Diluted	0	0	0
Net income attributable to common stockholders - Basic	311	402	236
Net income attributable to common stockholders - Diluted	$ 311	$ 402	$ 236
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)	377,650,000	381,046,000	402,912,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	377,650,000	381,046,000	402,912,000
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 1.06	$ 0.58
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 1.06	$ 0.58

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related taxes	$ 5

Income Taxes - Schedule of Significant Components of Company's Net Deferred Tax Assets/(Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance and reserves	$ 25	$ 27
Employee benefits and compensation	71	75
Other accruals	30	27
Property, plant and equipment	40	30
Operating lease liabilities	73	66
Tax attribute carryforwards	59	65
Deferred revenue and debt	17	17
Total deferred tax assets	315	307
Less: Valuation allowance	(25)	(29)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	290	278
Deferred tax liabilities:
Royalty advances	(27)	(24)
Operating lease right-of-use assets	(60)	(52)
Accrued royalties	(45)	(37)
Intangible assets	(318)	(333)
Debt and other	(24)	(23)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(474)	(469)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (184)	$ (191)

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Information


	Recorded Music		Music Publishing		Corporate expenses and eliminations		Total
	(in millions)
2023
Revenues	$	4,955	$	1,088	$	(6)	$	6,037
Operating income (loss)	875		200		(285)		790
Amortization of intangible assets	155		90		—		245
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	50		3		34		87
OIBDA	1,080		293		(251)		1,122
Total assets	4,677		2,781		1,087		8,545
Capital expenditures	39		1		87		127
2022
Revenues	$	4,966	$	958	$	(5)	$	5,919
Operating income (loss)	796		139		(221)		714
Amortization of intangible assets	176		87		—		263
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	51		5		20		76
OIBDA	1,023		231		(201)		1,053
Total assets	3,515		2,954		1,359		7,828
Capital expenditures	52		1		82		135
2021
Revenues	$	4,544	$	761	$	(4)	$	5,301
Operating income (loss)	733		89		(213)		609
Amortization of intangible assets	150		79		—		229
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	53		6		18		77
OIBDA	936		174		(195)		915
Capital expenditures	33		1		59		93

Schedule of Long-Lived Assets and Revenue by Geographical Areas

Total long-lived assets relating to operations in different geographical areas, which consist of property, plant and equipment, net and operating lease right-of-use assets, net, are set forth below as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.


	2023				2022				2021
	Revenues		Long-lived Assets		Revenues		Long-lived Assets		Revenues
	(in millions)
United States	$	2,766	$	473	$	2,744	$	468	$	2,363
United Kingdom	726		39		734		30		620
Germany	535		98		613		68		662
All other territories	2,010		93		1,828		75		1,656
Total	$	6,037	$	703	$	5,919	$	641	$	5,301

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
Description of Business	Sep. 30, 2023
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. Initial Public Offering On June 5, 2020, the Company completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of Class A common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”). The Company listed its shares on the NASDAQ stock market under the ticker symbol “WMG.” The offering consisted entirely of secondary shares sold by Access Industries, LLC (collectively with its affiliates, “Access”) and certain related selling stockholders. Access continues to hold all of the Class B common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (“Class B Common Stock”), representing approximately 98% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding common stock and approximately 73% of the economic interest as of September 30, 2023. As a result, the Company is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of NASDAQ. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Controlling Stockholder. 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. 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 shares the revenues generated from use of the musical compositions with the songwriter or other rightsholders.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
3.750% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
2.250% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%
5.500% Senior Notes due 2026
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
3.625% Senior Secured Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.625%	3.625%	3.625%

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax benefit related to federal research and development credits	$ 8	$ 0	$ 0
Uncertain tax positions	7	(3)	0
Change in tax rates	0	1	10
Impact of GILTI and FDII	4	6	4
Reinvested earnings at foreign subsidiaries	386
Accrued interest and penalties	2	4
Uncertain income tax position not recognized	14	7
Decrease in uncertain tax positions resulting from ongoing audits and settlements	4
France Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	30
Spain Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	18
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Release of valuation allowance		$ 8	6
Change in tax rates			$ 10
Domestic Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	0
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	$ 23

Debt

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Debt Capitalization

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


	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Revolving Credit Facility (a)	$	—	$	—
Senior Term Loan Facility due 2028	1,295		1,145
2.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (€325 face amount)	343		318
3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2029	540		540
3.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2030	535		535
2.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (€445 face amount)	471		435
3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031	800		800
Term Loan Mortgage	$	18	$	—
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$	4,002	$	3,773
Issuance premium less unamortized discount and unamortized deferred financing costs	$	(38)	$	(41)
Total long-term debt, including the current portion, net	$	3,964	$	3,732

______________________________________

The Company is the direct parent of Holdings, which is the direct parent of Acquisition Corp. As of September 30, 2023 Acquisition Corp. had issued and outstanding the 2.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, the 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due

2029, the 3.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2030, the 2.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 and the 3.000% Senior Secured

Notes due 2031 (together, the “Acquisition Corp. Notes”).

All of the Acquisition Corp. Notes are guaranteed by all of Acquisition Corp.’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. The guarantee of the Acquisition Corp. Notes by Acquisition Corp.’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries is full, unconditional and joint and several. The secured notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis.

The Company and Holdings are holding companies that conduct substantially all of their business operations through Acquisition Corp. Accordingly, while Acquisition Corp. and its subsidiaries are not currently restricted from distributing funds to the Company and Holdings under the indentures for the Acquisition Corp. Notes or the credit agreements for the Acquisition Corp. Senior Credit Facilities, including the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Term Loan Facility, should Acquisition Corp.’s Total Indebtedness to EBITDA Ratio increase above 3.50:1.00 and the term loans not achieve an investment grade rating, certain covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility, which are currently suspended, will be reinstated and the ability of the Company and Holdings to obtain funds from their subsidiaries will be restricted by the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with its all of its covenants that are not currently suspended under its outstanding notes, the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Term Loan Facility as of September 30, 2023.

Fiscal 2023 Transactions

Senior Term Loan Facility Amendment

On November 1, 2022, Acquisition Corp. entered into a Seventh Incremental Commitment Amendment (the “Seventh Incremental Commitment Amendment”), with Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch, as Tranche H term lender, and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, and acknowledged by the guarantors party thereto and WMG Holdings Corp., to the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement, pursuant to which Acquisition Corp. borrowed additional term loans in the amount of $150 million for an aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement of $1,295 million. The Seventh Incremental Commitment Amendment was entered into to fund certain deferred payment obligations owing in respect of certain prior acquisitions, to pay fees and expenses relating thereto and for general corporate purposes.

Term Loan Mortgage Agreement

On January 27, 2023, Acquisition Corp., along with Warner Records Inc. and Warner Music Inc., entered into an agreement with Truist Bank, which provides for a term loan of $19 million (“Term Loan Mortgage”) secured by the Company’s real estate properties in Nashville, Tennessee. Interest on the Term Loan Mortgage will accrue at a rate of 30-day SOFR plus the applicable margin of 1.40% subject to a zero floor. Equal principal installments and interest are due monthly.

Revolving Credit Agreement Amendment

On March 23, 2023, Acquisition Corp. entered into an amendment (the “Fourth Revolving Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Revolving Credit Agreement among Acquisition Corp. and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, governing Acquisition Corp.’s revolving credit facility with Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions and lenders from time to time party thereto. The Fourth Revolving Credit Agreement Amendment provides for the replacement of LIBOR-based rates with a SOFR-based rate and other rates for alternate currencies, such as EURIBOR and SONIA. We utilized the expedients set forth in ASC Topic 848, including those relating to derivative instruments used in hedging relationships. This transition does not result in a financial impact to our consolidated financial statements.

May 2023 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment

On May 10, 2023, Acquisition Corp. entered into an amendment (the “Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement among Acquisition Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent. The Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment provides for the replacement of LIBOR-based rates with a SOFR-based rate. We utilized the expedients set forth in ASC 848, including those relating to derivative instruments used in hedging relationships. This transition does not result in a financial impact to our consolidated financial statements.

June 2023 Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment

On June 30, 2023, Acquisition Corp. entered into an increase supplement (the “Third Increase Supplement”) to the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement among Acquisition Corp., the guarantors party thereto, the lender party thereto and Credit Suisse AG, as administrative agent, pursuant to which Acquisition Corp. has borrowed additional Tranche G term loans in an amount equal to $150 million, the proceeds of which have been used to prepay the Tranche H term loans in full (see “Senior Term Loan Facility Amendment”), for an aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Senior Term Loan Credit Agreement of $1,295 million. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, which represents the remaining unamortized discount and deferred financing costs of the Tranche H term loan.

Historical Transactions

3.750% Senior Secured Notes Offering

On November 24, 2021, Acquisition Corp. issued and sold $540 million of its 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the “3.750% Senior Secured Notes”). Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of 3.750% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1, commencing on June 1, 2022.

The 3.750% Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of Acquisition Corp.’s existing direct or indirect wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries and by any such subsidiaries that guarantee obligations of Acquisition Corp. under its existing credit facilities, subject to customary exceptions. The indenture governing the 3.750% Senior Secured Notes contains covenants limiting, among other things, Acquisition Corp.’s ability and the ability of most of its subsidiaries to create liens and consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets.

Interest Rates

The loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the applicable interest period (“Revolving Term SOFR”), and other rates for alternate currencies, such as EURIBOR and SONIA, as provided in the Revolving Credit Agreement, subject to a zero floor, plus 1.75% per annum in the case of Initial Revolving Loans (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement), or 1.875% per annum in the case of 2020 Revolving Loans (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement), 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 Term SOFR plus 1.0% per annum, plus, in each case, 0.75% per annum in the case of Initial Revolving Loans, or 0.875% per annum in the case of 2020 Revolving Loans; provided that, in respect of 2020 Revolving Loans, the applicable margin with respect to such loans is subject to adjustment as set forth in the pricing grid in the Revolving Credit Agreement. Based on the Senior Secured Indebtedness to EBITDA Ratio of 2.84x at September 30, 2023, the applicable margin for SOFR loans and RFR loans would be 1.375% instead of 1.875% and the applicable margin for ABR loans would be 0.375% instead of 0.875% in the case of 2020 Revolving Loans. 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 Tranche G loans under the Senior Term Loan Facility bear interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the forward-looking term rate based on the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the applicable interest period (“Term SOFR”) plus an adjustment based on the applicable interest period 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 SOFR, plus 1.00% per annum, subject to a 1.00% floor, 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 Tranche H loans under the Senior Term Loan Facility, which were repaid in full on June 30, 2023, bore interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the forward-looking term rate based on the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the applicable interest period (“Term SOFR”) subject to a 0.50% floor, plus 3.00% 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 SOFR, plus 1.00% per annum, subject to a 1.50% floor, plus, in each case, 2.00% per annum. If there was a payment default at any time, then the interest rate applicable to overdue principal and interest would have been the rate otherwise applicable to such loan plus 2.0% per annum. Default interest was also 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 Term Loan Mortgage bears interest at a rate of 30-day SOFR plus the applicable margin of 1.40%, subject to a zero floor.

The Company has entered into, and in the future may enter into, interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. Please refer to Note 17 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 January 20, 2028.

Maturity of Revolving Credit Facility

The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is April 3, 2025.

Maturities of Senior Secured Notes

As of September 30, 2023, there are no scheduled maturities of notes until 2028, when $343 million is scheduled to mature. Thereafter, $2.346 billion is scheduled to mature.

Maturity of Term Loan Mortgage

The maturity date of the Term Loan Mortgage is January 27, 2033, subject to a call option exercisable by Truist Bank at any time after January 27, 2028 if certain criteria relating to the Company’s creditworthiness are met.

Interest Expense, netTotal interest expense, net was $141 million, $125 million and $122 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest expense, net includes interest expense related to our outstanding indebtedness of $157 million, $125 million, $119 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate of the Company’s total debt was 4.1% at September 30, 2023, 3.5% at September 30, 2022 and 3.2% at September 30, 2021.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (h)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(c))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 470
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//470/tableOfContent

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (g)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (i)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1C
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1C

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1C
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1C

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1C
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1C

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1E

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1I
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1I

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1I
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1I

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1I
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1I

+ Details

Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Roll Forward

The following table summarizes the activity for the Company’s unvested RSUs:


	Number of Share Units	Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested and outstanding balance as of September 30, 2022	1,891,275	$	38.50
Granted	1,321,862	39.81
Vested	(46,019)	36.43
Forfeited/canceled	(36,303)	31.21
Unvested and outstanding balance as of September 30, 2023	3,130,815	$	39.17

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In accordance with the fair value hierarchy, described above, the following tables show the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are required to be measured at fair value as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.


	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2023
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Assets:
Interest Rate Swap (c)	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	2
Other Noncurrent Assets:

Equity Investment with Readily Determinable Fair Value (b)	15		—		—		15
Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	—		—		(1)		(1)


	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2022
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Assets:
Interest Rate Swap (c)	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	2
Other Noncurrent Assets:
Interest Rate Swap (c)	—		16		—		16
Equity Investment with Readily Determinable Fair Value (b)	36		—		—		36
Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	—		—		(1)		(1)

______________________________________

(a)This represents contingent consideration related to 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 typically included as a component of operating income in the consolidated statements of operations. This amount was primarily calculated using unobservable inputs such as future earnings performance of the acquiree and the expected timing of payments.

(b)These represent equity investments with a readily determinable fair value. The Company has measured its investments to fair value in accordance with ASC 321, Investments—Equity Securities, based on quoted prices in active markets.

(c)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, 2023 for contracts involving the same attributes and maturity dates.

Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Liabilities Classified as Level 3

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


	Total
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2022	$	(1)
Additions	—
Reductions	—
Payments	—
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	(1)

Debt - Interest Expense, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense, net	$ 141	$ 125	$ 122
Interest expense, debt	$ 157	$ 125	$ 119
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate, at point in time	4.10%	3.50%	3.20%

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investment,impairment charges	$ 1
Unrealized gain	2
Level 2 measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fair value disclosure	$ 3,525	$ 3,181

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 439	$ 555	$ 307
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustment, net	36	(184)	7
Deferred (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments	(12)	30	12
Minimum pension liability	1	9	1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	25	(145)	20
Total comprehensive income	464	410	327
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9)	(4)	(3)
Comprehensive income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$ 455	$ 406	$ 324

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

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.


	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2023
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Assets:
Interest Rate Swap (c)	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	2
Other Noncurrent Assets:

Equity Investment with Readily Determinable Fair Value (b)	15		—		—		15
Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	—		—		(1)		(1)


	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2022
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	(in millions)
Other Current Assets:
Interest Rate Swap (c)	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	2
Other Noncurrent Assets:
Interest Rate Swap (c)	—		16		—		16
Equity Investment with Readily Determinable Fair Value (b)	36		—		—		36
Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Contractual Obligations (a)	—		—		(1)		(1)

______________________________________

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


	Total
	(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2022	$	(1)
Additions	—
Reductions	—
Payments	—
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	(1)

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. 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 recorded approximately $1 million of impairment charges on these investments during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. In

addition, observable price changes events that were completed during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 resulted in a unrealized gain of $2 million.

Fair Value of Debt

Based on the level of interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2023, the fair value of the Company’s debt was $3.525 billion. Based on the level of interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2022, the fair value of the Company’s debt was $3.181 billion. The fair value of the Company’s debt instruments is 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

Leases - Schedule of Supplemental Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$ 56	$ 58
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations	$ 77	$ 7

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 981	$ 876
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(523)	(461)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	458	415
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	11	11
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	194	188
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	37	35
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	592	464
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	107	159
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$ 40	$ 19

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

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)
Balances at September 30, 2021	$	1,366	$	464	$	1,830
Acquisitions	160		—		160
Other adjustments	(70)		—		(70)
Balances at September 30, 2022	$	1,456	$	464	$	1,920
Acquisitions	51		—		51
Other adjustments	22		—		22
Balances at September 30, 2023	$	1,529	$	464	$	1,993

The increase in goodwill during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 primarily relates to the acquisition of TenThousand Projects as described in Note 5. The increase in goodwill during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 primarily relates to the acquisition of 300 Entertainment as described in Note 5. The other adjustments during both the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 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 2023 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, 2023		September 30, 2022
		(in millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Recorded music catalog	12 years	$	1,507	$	1,316
Music publishing copyrights	25 years	2,026		1,889
Artist and songwriter contracts	13 years	1,091		1,014
Trademarks	14 years	111		103
Other intangible assets	6 years	104		89
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization		4,839		4,411
Accumulated amortization		(2,486)		(2,172)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization		2,353		2,239
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks and tradenames	Indefinite	149		145
Total net intangible assets		$	2,502	$	2,384

The increase in intangible assets during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 primarily relates to the acquisition of TenThousand Projects, which resulted in an increase in intangible assets as described in Note 5, as well as foreign currency movements.

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 2023 impairment analysis did not result in an impairment of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Amortization

Based on the amount of intangible assets subject to amortization at September 30, 2023, the expected amortization for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:


Fiscal Year Ended September 30,	Amortization Expense
	(in millions)
2024	$	232
2025	223
2026	206
2027	179
2028	158
Thereafter	1,355
Total	$	2,353

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 168	$ 46	$ (45)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25	(145)	20
Ending balance	430	168	46
Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(358)	(174)	(181)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36	(184)	7
Ending balance	(322)	(358)	(174)
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2)	(11)	(12)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1	9	1
Ending balance	(1)	(2)	(11)
Deferred Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	13	(17)	(29)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(12)	30	12
Ending balance	1	13	(17)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(347)	(202)	(222)
Ending balance	$ (322)	$ (347)	$ (202)

- Definition

Amount of equity (deficit) attributable to parent and noncontrolling interest. Excludes temporary equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 24
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483421/250-10-45-24

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 23
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483421/250-10-45-23

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483421/250-10-45-5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479654/326-10-65-5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480528/815-20-65-6

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480528/815-20-65-6

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (h)(1)(i)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480528/815-20-65-6

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (h)(1)(iii)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480528/815-20-65-6

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (h)(1)(iv)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480528/815-20-65-6

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (i)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480528/815-20-65-6

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 848
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(3)(iii)(03)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483550/848-10-65-2

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 105
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479343/105-10-65-6

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 105
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479343/105-10-65-6

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 40
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (f)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480016/944-40-65-2

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 40
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (f)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480016/944-40-65-2

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph (d)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482615/740-10-65-8

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph (d)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482615/740-10-65-8

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479654/326-10-65-4

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480336/718-10-65-15

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (f)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480336/718-10-65-15

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (f)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480336/718-10-65-15

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-1

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 40
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 65
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480175/815-40-65-1

Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-7

Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482765/220-10-50-5

Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481674/830-30-50-1

Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481694/830-30-45-17

Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481694/830-30-45-20

Reference 29: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 830
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 11
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480167/946-830-55-11

Reference 30: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 205
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480767/946-205-45-3

Reference 31: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 505
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481004/946-505-50-3

Reference 32: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(19))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479617/946-210-S99-1

Reference 33: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-05(4))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479617/946-210-S99-2

Reference 34: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-09(4)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483575/946-220-S99-3

Reference 35: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-09(6))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483575/946-220-S99-3

Reference 36: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-09(7))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483575/946-220-S99-3

Reference 37: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480008/505-10-S99-1

Reference 38: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1

Reference 39: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3

Reference 40: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28

Reference 41: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-15

Reference 42: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-16

Reference 43: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4I
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481175/810-10-55-4I

+ Details

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:


	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Land	$	11	$	11
Buildings and improvements	194		188
Furniture and fixtures	37		35
Computer hardware and software	592		464
Construction in progress	107		159
Machinery and equipment	40		19
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$	981	$	876
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(523)		(461)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	$	458	$	415

Leases - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Lease (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 245	$ 226
Operating lease liabilities, current	41	40
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent	255	241
Operating lease liabilities	$ 296	$ 281
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term	7 years	7 years
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate, percent	5.55%	4.75%

Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) € in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023 EUR (€)	Jan. 27, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Nov. 24, 2021 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$ 4,002,000,000			$ 3,773,000,000
Issuance premium less unamortized discount and unamortized deferred financing costs	(38,000,000)			(41,000,000)
Total long-term debt, including the current portion, net	$ 3,964,000,000			$ 3,732,000,000
3.750% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%	3.75%		3.75%		3.75%
2.250% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.25%	2.25%		2.25%		2.25%
3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%		3.00%		3.00%
Acquisition Corp. \| Senior Term Loan Facility due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$ 1,295,000,000			$ 1,145,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 2.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.75%	2.75%
Face or principal amount of debt instrument \| €		€ 325
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$ 343,000,000			318,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 3.750% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%	3.75%			3.75%
Face or principal amount of debt instrument \| €					€ 540
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$ 540,000,000			540,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 3.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.875%	3.875%
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$ 535,000,000			535,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 2.250% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.25%	2.25%
Face or principal amount of debt instrument \| €		€ 445
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$ 471,000,000			435,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| 3.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	$ 800,000,000			800,000,000
Acquisition Corp. \| Term Loan Mortgage
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument			$ 19,000,000
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	18,000,000			0
Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, including the current portion	0			0
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	300,000,000			300,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding	2,000,000			4,000,000
Revolving credit facility outstanding	$ 0			$ 0

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed


	Purchase Price Allocation
Cash and equivalents	$	2
Accounts receivable	5
Royalty advances	13
Property, plant and equipment, net	1
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	3
Goodwill	138
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (a)	259
Other assets	1
Accounts payable	(5)
Accrued royalties	(19)
Accrued liabilities	(1)
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent	(3)
Total purchase price allocated	$	394

______________________________________

(a)Identifiable intangible assets are composed of the following (in millions):


	Total
Recorded music catalog	$	154
Artist and songwriter contracts	90
Trademarks	12
Music publishing copyrights	3
Total intangible assets acquired	$	259

Debt - Historical Transactions (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 29, 2023	Jan. 27, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Nov. 24, 2021 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021
Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan borrower alternate base rate election rate	1.00%			1.00%
Additional interest on overdue principal				2.00%
Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				0.50%
3.750% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%			3.75%	3.75%		3.75%
3.750% Senior Secured Notes \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%			3.75%		3.75%
Face or principal amount of debt instrument \| €						€ 540
Initial Revolving Loans \| Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				0.75%
Initial Revolving Loans \| Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				1.75%
2020 Revolving Loans \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Eurodollar Applicable Margin Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.375%	1.875%
2020 Revolving Loans \| Revolving Credit Facility \| ABR Applicable Margin Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.375%	0.875%
2020 Revolving Loans \| Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				0.875%
Debt instrument, covenant, senior secured indebtedness to EBITDA ratio	2.84			2.84
2020 Revolving Loans \| Acquisition Corp. \| Revolving Credit Facility \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				1.875%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche G \| Acquisition Corp. \| Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				0.50%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche G \| Acquisition Corp. \| Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				2.125%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche G \| Acquisition Corp. \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				1.125%
Term loan borrower alternate base rate election rate	1.00%			1.00%
Additional interest rate on other overdue amounts				2.00%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche H \| Acquisition Corp. \| Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				0.50%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche H \| Acquisition Corp. \| Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				3.00%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche H \| Acquisition Corp. \| Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				0.50%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche H \| Acquisition Corp. \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				2.00%
Term loan borrower alternate base rate election rate	1.00%			1.00%
Additional interest rate on other overdue amounts				2.00%
Senior Term Loan Facility -Tranche H \| Acquisition Corp. \| Base Rate \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				1.50%
Term Loan Mortgage \| Acquisition Corp.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face or principal amount of debt instrument \| $			$ 19
Term Loan Mortgage \| Acquisition Corp. \| Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			1.40%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Differences between U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Income Taxes Provided (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal corporate statutory tax rate	21.00%
Taxes on income at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$ 128	$ 155	$ 96
U.S. state and local taxes	12	15	10
Foreign income taxed at different rates, including withholding taxes	34	28	34
Valuation allowance	(5)	(6)	(4)
Change in tax rates	0	1	10
GILTI and FDII	(4)	(6)	(4)
Federal research and development credits	(8)	0	0
Uncertain tax positions	7	(3)	0
Non-deductible compensation	7	6	5
Other	(1)	(5)	2
Income tax expense	$ 170	$ 185	$ 149

Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Revenues Expected to be Recognized in Future Related to Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 778
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2023-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 637
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2024-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 128
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2025-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 7
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2026-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 6
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period

Earnings per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted


	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
	2023				2022				2021
	Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B
Basic and Diluted EPS:
Numerator
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	119	$	311	$	149	$	402	$	68	$	236
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	(6)		—		(7)		—		(4)		—
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	113	$	311	$	142	$	402	$	64	$	236
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding	138,070		377,650		133,662		381,046		110,561		402,912
Basic and Diluted EPS	$	0.82	$	0.82	$	1.06	$	1.06	$	0.58	$	0.58

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule 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 derivative instruments at September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022:


	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022
	(in millions)
Other Current Assets:

Interest Rate Swap	$	2	$	2


Other Noncurrent Assets:
Interest Rate Swap	—		16