Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
Q4 Financial Summary & Operational Highlights
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Reports
Fourth-Quarter 2022 Earnings Results
1
2022 2021 % Change
$ in millions
Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Combined
(Actual)
Combined
(ex-FX)
(*)
Total revenues $ 11,008 $ $ 11,008 $ 3,187 $ 9,226 $ 12,413 NM (11) % (9) %
Net (loss) income available to
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
(2,101) 693 (1,408) 38 (795) (757) NM NM NM
Adjusted EBITDA
(*)
2,603 2,603 1,137 1,604 2,741 NM (5) % (2) %
Cash provided by operating
activities
2,846 884 NM
Reported free cash flow
(*)
2,482 784 NM
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Pro forma combined results represent the combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the transaction whereby the Company acquired the WarnerMedia
business (the "Merger") had been completed on January 1, 2021. Pro forma adjustments for Q4 2021 represent the WarnerMedia business's results for Q4 2021. Refer to page 13
for more information.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
Q4 total revenues were $11,008 million. Revenues decreased 9% ex-FX
(1)(*)
compared to the prior year quarter, on a
combined basis
(2)
.
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. was $(2,101) million, and included $1,850 million of pre-tax amortization
from acquisition-related intangible assets and $1,198 million of pre-tax restructuring expenses.
Q4 total Adjusted EBITDA
(3)(*)
was $2,603 million. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2% ex-FX compared to the prior year
quarter, on a combined basis.
Q4 cash provided by operating activities increased to $2,846 million and reported free cash flow
(4)(*)
increased to $2,482
million.
Ended Q4 with $3.9 billion of cash on hand, $49.5 billion of gross debt
(5)(*)
, and 5.0x net leverage
(6)(*)
.
Global DTC subscribers
(7)
increased 1.1 million to 96.1 million at the end of Q4 versus 95.0 million subscribers at the end
of Q3, helped in part by the re-launch of HBO Max on Amazon Channels in December 2022.
In Q4, TBS, TLC, and TNT were among the top-5 cable networks in Primetime for adults 25-54
(8)
.
Continued strength in storytelling as highlighted by our 22 nominations
(9)
and 8 wins
(10)
at the 80th Golden Globe
®
Awards,
and our 14 Academy Award
©
nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role nods for Warner Bros.
Pictures’ Elvis
(11)
.
With the major restructuring decisions behind us, this year we are focused on building and
growing our businesses for the future, and we're off to a great start. We're seeing strong
momentum across the enterprise, including our exciting long-term plans for DC Studios,
the historic success of our latest HBO series The Last of Us, the significant financial and
operating gains in DTC, and the record sales of our newest game Hogwarts Legacy. And
with our unparalleled portfolio of assets and IP, a growing roster of exceptional creative
talent, and some of the buzziest storytelling in the industry, we believe we have re-
positioned our businesses to take full advantage of the many opportunities ahead.
– David Zaslav, President & CEO
Studios revenues were $3,842 million. Revenues decreased 23% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro forma combined
basis.
Content revenue decreased 24% ex-FX, primarily driven by lower TV licensing, and to a lesser extent, lower games and home
entertainment revenues.
TV licensing revenue declined mainly due to TV licensing deals in the prior year quarter.
Games and home entertainment revenues were lower due to COVID-induced demand in the prior year. Home entertainment
revenue was further impacted by fewer new theatrical releases in the current year.
Studios operating expenses were $3,074 million. Operating expenses decreased 20% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro
forma combined basis.
Costs of revenues decreased 19% ex-FX, primarily driven by lower content expense and distribution fees related to the TV licensing
deals in the prior year quarter.
SG&A expenses decreased 24% ex-FX, primarily driven by lower marketing expenses due to fewer theatrical new releases. Black
Adam was released in Q4 2022 compared to Dune, The Matrix Resurrections, King Richard, and The Many Saints of Newark in the
prior year quarter.
Studios Adjusted EBITDA was $768 million. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 34% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro forma
combined basis.
2
2022 2021 % Change
$ in millions
Actual Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
(*)
Advertising $ (3) $ $ 40 $ 40 NM NM NM
Distribution 4 4 4 NM % %
Content 3,631 7 4,910 4,917 NM (26) % (24) %
Other 210 188 188 NM 12 % 11 %
Total revenues 3,842 7 5,142 5,149 NM (25) % (23) %
Costs of revenues (excluding depreciation &
amortization)
2,547 1 3,205 3,206 NM (21) % (19) %
Selling, general and administrative 527 723 723 NM (27) % (24) %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 768 $ 6 $ 1,214 $ 1,220 NM (37) % (34) %
Studios Segment
Pro forma combined results represent the combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. Pro forma
adjustments for Q4 2021 represent the WarnerMedia business's results for full Q4 2021. Refer to page 13 for more information.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
Q4 2022 Highlights
Manifest
Warner Bros. Television Group
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
Abbott Elementary
Warner Bros. Television Group
Networks Segment
2022 2021 % Change
$ in millions
Actual Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
(*)
Advertising $ 2,226 $ 1,654 $ 1,029 $ 2,683 35 % (17) % (14) %
Distribution 2,874 1,087 1,928 3,015 NM (5) % (2) %
Content 307 165 127 292 86 % 5 % 7 %
Other 112 12 33 45 NM NM NM
Total revenues 5,519 2,918 3,117 6,035 89 % (9) % (6) %
Costs of revenues (excluding depreciation &
amortization)
2,278 886 1,539 2,425 NM (6) % (3) %
Selling, general and administrative 763 539 353 892 42 % (14) % (11) %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,478 $ 1,493 $ 1,225 $ 2,718 66 % (9) % (7) %
3
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Networks revenues were $5,519 million. Revenues decreased 6% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro forma combined basis.
Advertising revenue decreased 14% ex-FX, primarily driven by audience declines in domestic general entertainment networks and soft
advertising markets mainly in the U.S., and to a lesser extent, certain international markets.
Distribution revenue decreased 2% ex-FX, as increases in contractual affiliate rates in the U.S. and premium sports packages in Latin
America were more than offset by a decline in pay-TV subscribers in the U.S. and lower contractual affiliate rates in some European
markets.
Content revenue increased 7%, primarily driven by third-party content licensing deals globally.
Other revenue increased to $112 million, primarily due to services provided to the unconsolidated BT Sport joint venture.
Networks operating expenses were $3,041 million. Operating expenses decreased 5% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro
forma combined basis.
Costs of revenues decreased 3% ex-FX, primarily driven by lower content expense, partially offset by costs associated with the
unconsolidated BT Sport joint venture.
SG&A expenses decreased 11% ex-FX, primarily due to lower personnel and marketing expenses.
Networks Adjusted EBITDA was $2,478 million. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 7% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro forma
combined basis.
Fixer Upper: The Castle
Magnolia Network
Election Night in America
CNN
Inside The NBA
TNT
Steel Buddies Stahlharte
Geschäfte
DMAX
Q4 2022 Highlights
Pro forma combined results represent the combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. Pro forma
adjustments for Q4 2021 represent the WarnerMedia business's results for full Q4 2021. Refer to page 13 for more information.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
Total DTC subscribers
(7)
were 96.1 million, an increase of 1.1 million global subscribers since the end of Q3. Global DTC ARPU
(12)
was $7.58.
DTC revenues were $2,451 million. Revenues increased 6% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro forma combined basis.
Advertising revenue increased 75% ex-FX, primarily driven by subscriber growth on our DTC ad-supported tiers.
Distribution revenue increased 2% ex-FX, as global retail subscriber gains were partially offset by a decline in wholesale revenues.
Content revenue increased 28% ex-FX, primarily driven by higher third party licensing of HBO content.
DTC operating expenses were $2,668 million. Operating expenses decreased 12% ex-FX compared to the prior year quarter, on a pro forma
combined basis.
Costs of revenues increased 6% ex-FX, primarily driven by increased content expense.
SG&A decreased 42% ex-FX, primarily driven by lower marketing spend.
DTC Adjusted EBITDA was $(217) million, a $511 million year-over-year improvement in losses on a pro forma combined basis.
4
2022 2021 % Change
$ in millions
Actual Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
(*)
Advertising $ 123 $ 44 $ 26 $ 70 NM 76 % 75 %
Distribution 2,084 217 1,880 2,097 NM (1) % 2 %
Content 243 1 190 191 NM 27 % 28 %
Other 1 2 2 NM (50) % %
Total revenues 2,451 262 2,098 2,360 NM 4 % 6 %
Costs of revenues (excluding depreciation &
amortization)
2,011 178 1,760 1,938 NM 4 % 6 %
Selling, general and administrative 657 334 816 1,150 97 % (43) % (42) %
Adjusted EBITDA $ (217) $ (250) $ (478) $ (728) 13 % 70 % 70 %
Three Months Ended
December 31,
In millions, except ARPU
Q4 2022 Q3 2022 Q4 2021
Total subscribers
(7)
54.6 53.6 51.2
ARPU
(12)
$ 10.83 $ 10.66
Total subscribers
(7)
41.5 41.4 34.9
ARPU
(12)
$ 3.71 $ 3.68
Total DTC subscribers
(7)
96.1 95.0 86.2
Global ARPU
(12)
$ 7.58 $ 7.52
DTC Subscribers
Direct-to-Consumer Segment
The White Lotus
HBO
International
Domestic
Note: Domestic includes the U.S. and Canada. Prior year
subscribers have been recast to reflect the Company's
harmonized definition. Refer to page 14 for more information.
Q4 2022 Highlights
Pro forma combined results represent the combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. Pro forma
adjustments for Q4 2021 represent the WarnerMedia business's results for full Q4 2021. Refer to page 13 for more information.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
House of the Dragon
HBO
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
2022 2021 % Change
$ in millions
Actual Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
(*)
Adjusted EBITDA $ (451) $ (112) $ (294) $ (406) NM (11) % (14) %
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Corporate
5
Inter-segment Eliminations
2022 2021 % Change
$ in millions
Actual Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
(*)
Inter-segment revenue eliminations $ (832) $ $ (1,145) $ (1,145) NM 27 % 27 %
Inter-segment expense eliminations (857) (1,082) (1,082) NM 21 % 21 %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 25 $ $ (63) $ (63) NM NM NM
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Pro forma combined results represent the combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. Pro forma
adjustments for Q4 2021 represent the WarnerMedia business's results for full Q4 2021. Refer to page 13 for more information.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
Pro forma combined results represent the combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. Pro forma
adjustments for Q4 2021 represent the WarnerMedia business's results for full Q4 2021. Refer to page 13 for more information.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
Fees related to the Company's securitization facility, which are captured in SG&A, increased $119 million year over year as a result of higher
interest rates, which more than offset lower overhead costs.
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
6
2022 2021 % Change
$ in millions
Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined Actual
Pro Forma
Combined
(Actual)
Combined
(ex-FX)
(*)
Studios $ 9,731 $ 4,067 $ 13,798 $ 20 $ 14,989 $ 15,009 NM (8) % (6) %
Networks 19,348 3,838 23,186 11,311 12,919 24,230 71 % (4) % (2) %
DTC 7,274 2,419 9,693 860 8,405 9,265 NM 5 % 6 %
Corporate & Eliminations (2,536) (1,046) (3,582) (3,178) (3,178) NM (13) % (13) %
Total revenues 33,817 9,278 43,095 12,191 33,135 45,326 NM (5) % (3) %
Net (loss) income available to
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
(7,371) 2,012 (5,359) 1,006 (4,756) (3,750) NM NM NM
Studios 1,772 977 2,749 14 2,631 2,645 NM 4 % 8 %
Networks 8,725 1,326 10,051 5,533 5,454 10,987 58 % (9) % (7) %
DTC (1,596) (467) (2,063) (1,345) (520) (1,865) (19) % (11) % (11) %
Corporate & Eliminations (1,183) (380) (1,563) (385) (956) (1,341) NM (17) % (19) %
Adjusted EBITDA
(*)
$ 7,718 $ 1,456 $ 9,174 $ 3,817 $ 6,609 $ 10,426 NM (12) % (10) %
Elvis
Warner Bros.
Full-year 2022 Consolidated Results
DC League of Super-Pets
Warner Bros.
Pro forma combined results represent the combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. Pro forma
adjustments for 2022 represent the WarnerMedia business's results for January 1, 2022 through April 8, 2022. Pro forma adjustments for 2021 represent the WarnerMedia
business's results for the entirety of 2021. Refer to page 13 for more information.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
The Sandman
Warner Bros. Television Group
Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
Full-year total revenues were $33.8 billion. Total revenues decreased 3% ex-FX
compared to the prior year, on a combined basis.
Studios revenues were $9.7 billion. Pro forma revenues decreased 6% ex-FX as higher theatrical film rental revenues and a
record year for our Global Brands & Experiences business were more than offset by lower TV licensing and home
entertainment revenues.
Networks revenues were $19.3 billion. Pro forma revenues decreased 2% ex-FX as both advertising and distribution revenues
declined. Advertising was impacted by audience declines in domestic general entertainment and news networks, partially offset
by the carriage of the NCAA Final Four and the first year of the NHL contract. Distribution was impacted by continued
subscriber declines in the U.S. and lower affiliate rates in some European markets, partially offset by contractual affiliate rate
increases in the U.S.
DTC revenues were $7.3 billion. Revenues increased 6% ex-FX as subscriber growth from our ad-lite products, higher third-
party licensing of HBO content, and global retail subscriber gains were partially offset by lower wholesale revenues mainly due
to the expiration of HBO Max on Amazon Channels in September 2021. HBO Max re-launched on Amazon Channels in
December 2022.
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. was $(7.4) billion, and included $6.2 billion of pre-tax amortization from acquisition-
related intangible assets and $3.8 billion of pre-tax restructuring expenses.
Full-year total Adjusted EBITDA was $7.7 billion. Total Adjusted EBITDA decreased 10% ex-FX compared to the prior year, on a
combined basis.
Studios Adjusted EBITDA was $1.8 billion. Adjusted EBITDA increased 8% ex-FX as revenue declines were more than offset by
lower television product content expense and distribution fees due to TV licensing deals in the prior year and lower marketing
due to fewer theatrical new releases in 2022.
Networks Adjusted EBITDA was $8.7 billion. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 7% ex-FX as revenue declines, coupled with higher
sports and news costs, were partially offset by lower personnel and marketing expenses.
DTC Adjusted EBITDA was $(1.6) billion. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $198 million year-over-year on a pro forma combined
basis as revenue growth and more efficient marketing spend were more than offset by increased content expense.
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
Leverage & Liquidity
Ended 2022 with $3.9 billion of cash on hand, $49.5 billion of gross debt
(*)
, and 5.0x net leverage
(*)
.
In aggregate, the Company has voluntarily repaid $7.0 billion of debt since April 9, 2022, including $1.0 billion of senior notes during the
fourth quarter.
As of December 31, 2022, the average duration of the Company's outstanding debt was 14 years, with an average cost of debt of 4.3%.
The Company maintains an undrawn $6.0 billion revolving credit facility.
7
Reported Free Cash Flow
Cash provided by operating activities increased to $4,304 million from $2,798 million in the prior year, primarily driven by an increase in
operating profits and working capital initiatives, partially offset by interest payments on incremental debt acquired as part of the Merger, as
well as merger and integration-related costs.
Reported free cash flow increased to $3,317 million, primarily driven by higher cash from operations, partially offset by higher capital
expenditures from consolidating the WarnerMedia business following the closing of the Merger.
Full-year 2022 free cash flow was adversely impacted by a net $343 million reduction in the Company's securitization facility and factoring
program since the closing of the Merger.
Full-year 2022 Free Cash Flow Highlights
Full-year 2022 Leverage Highlights
Reported Financial Results
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
$ in millions
2022 2021 % Change 2022 2021 % Change
Cash provided by operating activities $ 2,846 $ 884 NM $ 4,304 $ 2,798 54 %
Purchases of property and equipment (364) (100) NM (987) (373) NM
Reported free cash flow
(*)
$ 2,482 $ 784 NM $ 3,317 $ 2,425 37 %
The above free cash flow reconciliation shows "as reported" financials, which represent the Company's financial results since the closing of the Merger with the WarnerMedia
business on April 8, 2022. Financials for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 include Discovery, Inc. standalone results only, and do not include the
WarnerMedia business. Financials for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 include Discovery, Inc. results for January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022 and WarnerMedia
business results for April 9, 2022 - December 31,2022.
NM - Not meaningful
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this communication contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current
expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties and on information available to Warner Bros.
Discovery as of the date hereof. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied due to risks
and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in the Company's filings with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K
and reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company’s expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies
regarding the future, and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,”
“estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. Forward-looking statements include, without
limitation, statements regarding future financial and operating results, the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and
intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Warner Bros. Discovery expressly disclaims any obligation or
undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change
in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such
statement is based.
8
2023 Outlook
(13)
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("Warner Bros. Discovery", the "Company", "we", "us", or "our" ) may provide forward-looking
commentary in connection with this earnings announcement on its quarterly earnings conference call. Details on how to
access the audio webcast are included below.
Q4 2022 Earnings Conference Call Information
Warner Bros. Discovery will host a conference call today, February 23, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. ET, to discuss its fourth quarter 2022
financial results. To access the webcast of the earnings call, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's
website at www.wbd.com.
About Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes
the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in
more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences
worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO
Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel,
MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Games, New Line
Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more
information, please visit www.wbd.com.
Contacts
Media Investor Relations
Nathaniel Brown Andrew Slabin Peter Lee
(212) 548-5959 (212) 548-5544 (212) 548-5907
nathaniel_brown@discovery.com andrew_slabin@discovery.com peter_lee@discovery.com
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this
communication may also contain certain non-GAAP financial measures, identified with an "(*)". Reconciliations between the
non-GAAP financial measures and the closest GAAP financial measures are available in the financial schedules in this release
and in the "Quarterly Results" section of the Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. investor relations website at: https://ir.wbd.com.
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
Actual Financial Results
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts
2022 2021 2022 2021
Advertising $ 2,285 $ 1,698 $ 8,524 $ 6,194
Distribution 4,962 1,304 16,142 5,202
Content 3,442 173 8,360 737
Other 319 12 791 58
Total revenues 11,008 3,187 33,817 12,191
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization 6,954 1,067 20,442 4,620
Selling, general and administrative 2,511 1,069 9,678 4,016
Depreciation and amortization 2,169 539 7,193 1,582
Restructuring 1,198 3 3,757 32
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups 70 1 117 (71)
Total costs and expenses 12,902 2,679 41,187 10,179
Operating (loss) income (1,894) 508 (7,370) 2,012
Interest expense, net (558) (154) (1,777) (633)
Loss from equity investees, net (25) 2 (160) (18)
Other (expense) income, net (64) (173) 347 72
(Loss) income before income taxes (2,541) 183 (8,960) 1,433
Income tax benefit (expense) 462 (92) 1,663 (236)
Net (loss) income (2,079) 91 (7,297) 1,197
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (24) (22) (68) (138)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 2 (31) (6) (53)
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (2,101) $ 38 $ (7,371) $ 1,006
Net (loss) income per share allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders:
Basic $ (0.86) $ 0.08 $ (3.82) $ 1.55
Diluted $ (0.86) $ 0.08 $ (3.82) $ 1.54
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 2,429 589 1,940 588
Diluted 2,429 663 1,940 664
9
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
The above income statement shows "actual" financials, which represent the Company's financial results since the closing of the Merger with the WarnerMedia business on
April 8, 2022. Financials for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 include Discovery, Inc. results from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and the
WarnerMedia business's results from April 9, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Financials for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 include Discovery, Inc.
standalone results only, and do not include the WarnerMedia business.
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
10
Actual Financial Results
Unaudited; in millions, except par value December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 3,731 3,905
Receivables, net 6,380 2,446
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,888 913
Total current assets 13,999 7,264
Film and television content rights and games 26,652 3,832
Property and equipment, net 5,301 1,336
Goodwill 34,438 12,912
Intangible assets, net 44,982 6,317
Other noncurrent assets 8,629 2,766
Total assets $ 134,001 $ 34,427
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 1,454 $ 412
Accrued liabilities 11,504 2,230
Deferred revenues 1,694 478
Current portion of debt 365 339
Total current liabilities 15,017 3,459
Noncurrent portion of debt 48,634 14,420
Deferred income taxes 11,014 1,225
Other noncurrent liabilities 10,669 1,927
Total liabilities 85,334 21,031
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 318 363
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 10,800 and 0 shares authorized; 2,660
and 0 shares issued; and 2,430 and 0 shares outstanding
27
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 1,200 and 0 shares authorized, 0 shares issued
and outstanding
Discovery Series A-1 convertible preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 8 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding
Discovery Series C-1 convertible preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 6 shares
authorized; 0 and 4 shares issued and outstanding
Discovery Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 1,700 shares authorized;
0 and 170 shares issued; and 0 and 169 shares outstanding
2
Discovery Series B convertible common stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 100 shares
authorized; 0 and 7 shares issued and outstanding
Discovery Series C common stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 2,000 shares
authorized; 0 and 559 shares issued; and 0 and 330 shares outstanding
5
Additional paid-in capital 54,630 11,086
Treasury stock, at cost: 230 and 230 shares (8,244) (8,244)
Retained earnings 2,205 9,580
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,523) (830)
Total Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity 47,095 11,599
Noncontrolling interests 1,254 1,434
Total equity 48,349 13,033
Total liabilities and equity $ 134,001 $ 34,427
10
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
The above balance sheet shows "actual" financials, which represent the Company's financial results since the closing of the Merger with the WarnerMedia business on April
8, 2022. Financials for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 include Discovery, Inc. results from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and the WarnerMedia
business's results from April 9, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Financials for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 include Discovery, Inc. standalone
results only, and do not include the WarnerMedia business.
11
Actual Financial Results
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Unaudited; in millions
2022 2021
Operating Activities
Net (loss) income $ (7,297) $ 1,197
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Content rights amortization and impairment 14,161 3,501
Content restructuring impairments and write-offs 2,889
Depreciation and amortization 7,193 1,582
Deferred income taxes (2,842) (511)
Preferred stock conversion premium 789
Share-based compensation expense 412 178
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups 116 (71)
Equity in losses of equity method investee companies and cash distributions 211 63
Gain on sale of investments (199) (19)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 10
(Gain) loss from derivative instruments, net (501) 49
Other, net 435 56
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables, net 181 47
Film and television content rights, games and payables, net (12,643) (3,381)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred revenues and other noncurrent liabilities 1,529 185
Foreign currency, prepaid expenses and other assets, net (130) (88)
Cash provided by operating activities 4,304 2,798
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment (987) (373)
Cash acquired from business acquisition and working capital settlement 3,612 (2)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments 306 599
Investments in and advances to equity investments (168) (184)
Proceeds from (payments for) derivative instruments, net 752 (86)
Purchases of investments (103)
Other investing activities, net 9 93
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities 3,524 (56)
Financing Activities
Principal repayments of term loans (6,000)
Principal repayments of debt, including premiums to par value and discount payment (1,315) (574)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests (300) (251)
Borrowings under commercial paper program 2,268
Repayments under commercial paper program (2,270)
Repayments under revolving credit facility (125)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility 125
Other financing activities, net (125) (28)
Cash used in financing activities (7,742) (853)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (61) (106)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 25 1,783
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 3,905 2,122
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 3,930 $ 3,905
11
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
The above statement of cash flows shows "actual" financials, which represent the Company's financial results since the closing of the Merger with the WarnerMedia business
on April 8, 2022. Financials for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 include Discovery, Inc. results from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and the
WarnerMedia business's results from April 9, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Financials for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 include Discovery, Inc.
standalone results only, and do not include the WarnerMedia business.
12
Actual Financial Results
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Unaudited; in millions
2022 2021 2022 2021
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (2,101) $ 38 $ (7,371) $ 1,006
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (2) 31 6 53
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 24 22 68 138
Income tax (benefit) expense (462) 92 (1,663) 236
(Loss) income before income taxes (2,541) 183 (8,960) 1,433
Other expense (income), net 64 173 (347) (72)
Loss from equity investees, net 25 (2) 160 18
Interest expense, net 558 154 1,777 633
Operating (loss) income (1,894) 508 (7,370) 2,012
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups 70 1 117 (71)
Restructuring 1,198 3 3,757 32
Depreciation and amortization 2,169 539 7,193 1,582
Employee share-based compensation 93 43 410 167
Transaction and integration costs 66 43 1,195 95
Amortization of fair value step-up for content 901 2,416
Adjusted EBITDA
(*)
$ 2,603 $ 1,137 $ 7,718 $ 3,817
Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income to
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest,
Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization
The above reconciliation shows "actual" financials, which represent the Company's financial results since the closing of the Merger with the WarnerMedia business on April 8,
2022. Financials for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 include Discovery, Inc. results from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and the WarnerMedia
business's results from April 9, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Financials for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 include Discovery, Inc. standalone
results only, and do not include the WarnerMedia business.
(*) A non-GAAP financial measure; see the section starting on page 13 titled Definitions & Sources for additional details
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
13
Definitions and Sources for
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
(1) Foreign Exchange Impacting Comparability: In addition to the Merger (as defined below), the impact of exchange rates on our
business is an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons of our results. For example, our international revenues are
favorably impacted as the U.S. dollar weakens relative to other foreign currencies, and unfavorably impacted as the U.S. dollar strengthens
relative to other foreign currencies. We believe the presentation of results on a constant currency basis ("ex-FX"), in addition to results
reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP provides useful information about our operating performance because the presentation ex-FX
excludes the effects of foreign currency volatility and highlights our core operating results. The presentation of results on a constant currency
basis should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The ex-FX change represents the percentage change on a period-over-period basis adjusted for foreign currency impacts. The ex-FX change
is calculated as the difference between the current year amounts translated at a baseline rate, which is a spot rate for each of our currencies
determined early in the fiscal year as part of our forecasting process (the “2022 Baseline Rate”), and the prior year amounts translated at the
same 2022 Baseline Rate. In addition, consistent with the assumption of a constant currency environment, our ex-FX results exclude the
impact of our foreign currency hedging activities, as well as realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Results on
a constant currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
(2) Pro Forma Combined Financial Information: The unaudited pro forma combined financial information in this press release presents the
combined results of the Company and the WarnerMedia business as if the transaction whereby the Company acquired the WarnerMedia
business (the "Merger") had been completed on January 1, 2021. Management believes reviewing our actual operating results in addition to
pro forma combined results is useful in identifying trends in, or reaching conclusions regarding, the overall operating performance of our
businesses. Our combined Networks, DTC, Studios, Corporate, and inter-segment eliminations pro forma combined financial information is
based on the historical operating results of the respective segments and includes adjustments in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X
to illustrate the effects of the Merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 2021. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for
informational purposes and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Merger had occurred on January
1, 2021, nor is it indicative of future results. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information includes, where applicable, adjustments
for (i) additional costs of revenues from the fair value step-up of film and television library, (ii) additional amortization expense related to
acquired intangible assets, (iii) additional depreciation expense from the fair value of property and equipment, (iv) transaction costs and other
one-time non-recurring costs, (v) additional interest expense for borrowings related to the Merger and amortization associated with fair value
adjustments of debt assumed, (vi) changes to align accounting policies, (vii) elimination of intercompany activity, and (viii) associated tax-
related impacts of adjustments. These pro forma adjustments are based on available information as of the date hereof and upon assumptions
that the Company believes are reasonable to reflect the impact of the Merger with the WarnerMedia business on the Company's historical
financial information on a supplemental pro forma basis.
Adjustments do not include costs related to integration activities, cost savings or synergies that have been or may be achieved by the
combined business.
We may refer to total company results (ex. Revenues, Adj. EBITDA) as "combined basis."
For historical pro forma financial information including segment level detail and reconciliations of non-GAAP metrics to their GAAP equivalent,
please refer to the Trending Schedules and Non-GAAP Reconciliations posted in the "Quarterly Results" section of the Company's investor
relations website (https://ir.wbd.com).
(3) Adjusted EBITDA: The Company evaluates the operating performance of its operating segments based on financial measures such as
revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income excluding: (i) employee share-based compensation,
(ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) restructuring and facility consolidation, (iv) certain impairment charges, (v) gains and losses on
business and asset dispositions, (vi) certain inter-segment eliminations, (vii) third-party transaction and integration costs, (viii) amortization of
purchase accounting fair value step-up for content, (ix) amortization of capitalized interest for content, and (x) other items impacting
comparability.
The Company uses this measure to assess the operating results and performance of its segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify
strategies to improve performance, and allocate resources to each segment. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is relevant to investors
because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. The Company
excludes employee share-based compensation, restructuring, certain impairment charges, gains and losses on business and asset
dispositions, and transaction and integration costs from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA due to their impact on comparability between
periods.
The Company also excludes the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets, amortization of purchase accounting fair
value step-up for content, and amortization of capitalized interest for content, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the
current reporting period. Certain corporate expenses and inter-segment eliminations related to production studios are excluded from segment
results to enable executive management to evaluate segment performance based upon the decisions of segment executives. Adjusted
EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, operating income, net income, and other measures of financial
performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023
(4) Free cash flow: The Company defines free cash flow as cash flow from operations less acquisitions of property and equipment. The
Company believes free cash flow is an important indicator for management and investors of the Company’s liquidity, including its ability to reduce
debt, make strategic investments, and return capital to stockholders.
(5) Gross debt: The Company defines gross debt of $49.5 billion as total debt of $49.3 billion, plus finance leases of $268 million. The Company
believes this measure is relevant to investors as it is a financial measure frequently used in evaluating a company's financial condition.
(6) Net leverage: The Company defines net leverage as the calculation where net debt (gross debt of $49.5 billion, less cash, cash equivalents,
and restricted cash of $1.0 billion) is divided by the sum of the most recent four quarters Adjusted EBITDA of $9,174 million. The Company
believes this measure is relevant to investors as it is a financial measure frequently used in evaluating a company's financial condition.
Please refer to the Trending Schedules and Non-GAAP Reconciliations posted in the "Quarterly Results" section of the Company's investor
relations website (https://ir.wbd.com) for the full reconciliation of net leverage.
(7) Direct-to-Consumer ("DTC") Subscriber: The Company defines a “DTC Subscription” as: (i) a retail subscription to discovery+, HBO or
HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue, whether directly or through a third party, from a direct-to-consumer platform;(ii) a
wholesale subscription to discovery+, HBO, or HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue from a fixed-fee arrangement with a
third party and where the individual user has activated their subscription; (iii) a wholesale subscription to discovery+, HBO or HBO Max for which
we have recognized subscription revenue on a per subscriber basis; and (iv) users on free trials who convert to a subscription for which we have
recognized subscription revenue within the first seven days of the calendar month immediately following the month in which their free trial
expires.
We may refer to the aggregate number of DTC Subscriptions as “subscribers."
We define a Domestic subscriber as a subscription based either in the United States of America or Canada. We define an International
subscriber as a subscription based outside of the United States of America or Canada.
The reported number of “subscribers” included herein and the definition of “DTC Subscription” as used herein excludes: (i) individuals who
subscribe to DTC products, other than discovery+, HBO and HBO Max, that may be offered by us or by certain joint venture partners or affiliated
parties from time to time; (ii) a limited number of international discovery+ subscribers that are part of non-strategic partnerships or short-term
arrangements as may be identified by the Company from time to time; (iii) domestic and international Cinemax subscribers, and international
basic HBO subscribers; and (iv) users on free trials except for those users on free trial that convert to a DTC Subscription within the first seven
days of the next month as noted above.
(8) Source: Nielsen, 4Q22 (9/26/22-12/25/22), Live+3 program-based data (000)s, Primetime, Ad-supported cable, excl. breakouts and nets with
less than 50% duration per day. Actual rankings were: #2 TBS, #4 TLC, and #5 TNT.
(9) Source: Golden Globe
®
Awards press release dated December 12, 2022 (https://www.goldenglobes.com/articles/golden-globes-2023-
nominations-80th-golden-globes-have-been-announced).
(10) Source: Golden Globe
®
Awards press release dated January 10, 2023 (https://www.goldenglobes.com/articles/golden-globes-2023-
winners-80-golden-years).
(11) Source: Academy Award
©
press release dated January 24, 2023 (https://press.oscars.org/news/95th-oscarsr-nominations-announced).
(12) ARPU: The Company defines DTC Average Revenue Per User ("ARPU") as total subscription revenue plus net advertising revenue for the
period divided by the daily-average number of paying subscribers for the period. Where daily values are not available, the sum of beginning of
period and end of period divided by two is used.
Excluded from the ARPU calculation are: (i) HBO Max/HBO Hotel and Bulk Institution subscription revenue and subscribers (i.e., subscribers
billed on a bulk basis); (ii) Cinemax subscription revenue and subscribers; (iii) HBO Basic subscription revenue and subscribers (International-
only); (iv) Non-discovery+ DTC revenue and subscribers; and (v) Non-Core discovery+ revenue and subscribers, and (vi) users on free trials who
convert to a subscription for which we have recognized subscription revenue within the first seven days of the calendar month.
(13) 2023 outlook: Warner Bros. Discovery is not able to provide a reconciliation of the non-GAAP forward-looking commentary to comparable
GAAP measures as, at this time, the Company cannot determine the occurrence or impact of the adjustments, such as the effect of future
changes in foreign currency exchange rates or future acquisitions or divestitures that would be excluded from such GAAP measures. Accordingly,
the Company is relying on the exception provided by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K to exclude these reconciliations.
Source: Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
14
Definitions and Sources for
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Continued
Q4 and Full-Year 2022 Earnings Press Release | February 23, 2023