Warner Music Group Corp. Reports Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended September 30, 2024
Rhea-AI Summary
Warner Music Group reported financial results for Q4 and full year 2024. Q4 total revenue increased 3% to $1.63B, while net income decreased 69% to $48M compared to $154M in the prior year. Full-year results showed 6% revenue growth to $6.43B, with net income increasing 9% to $478M. Digital revenue was flat in Q4 but grew 7% for the full year. The company demonstrated strong streaming performance with Music Publishing achieving its fourth consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth. Operating cash flow conversion reached 53%, aligning with guidance.
Positive
- Full-year revenue increased 6% to $6.43B
- Full-year net income grew 9% to $478M
- Digital revenue increased 7% for the full year
- Music Publishing achieved double-digit revenue growth
- Adjusted OIBDA increased 16% to $1.43B for the full year
- Free Cash Flow increased 14% to $638M
Negative
- Q4 net income decreased 69% to $48M from $154M
- Q4 operating income declined 33% to $143M
- Q4 cash from operations decreased 10% to $304M
- Digital revenue was flat in Q4
- Ad-supported revenue declined 5.2% in Q4
News Market Reaction 1 Alert
On the day this news was published, WMG declined 7.40%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Financial Highlights
- Full-Year Results Reflect Healthy Performance Across Recorded Music and Music Publishing
- Continued Strong Growth in Subscription Streaming Underpinned by Healthy Macro Trends
- Music Publishing Achieves its Fourth Consecutive Year of Double-Digit Revenue Growth
- Delivered Operating Cash Flow Conversion of 53% in line with Guidance
For the three months ended September 30, 2024
- Total revenue increased
3% (the same in constant currency) - Digital revenue was flat compared to prior-year quarter
- Net income was
$48 million versus$154 million in prior-year quarter - Adjusted OIBDA increased
11% to$353 million versus$317 million in prior-year quarter (the same in constant currency) - Cash provided by operating activities decreased
10% to$304 million from$338 million in prior-year quarter
For the twelve months ended September 30, 2024
- Total revenue increased
6% , or7% in constant currency - Digital revenue increased
7% , or8% in constant currency - Net income was
$478 million versus$439 million in prior year - Adjusted OIBDA increased
16% to$1,432 million versus$1,235 million in prior year (the same in constant currency) - Cash provided by operating activities increased
10% to$754 million from$687 million in prior year
NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for the periods ended September 30, 2024.
"Our performance this quarter and this year demonstrated our strength and adaptability in a thriving, fast-moving market," said Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group. "We continue to evolve WMG, based on the principle that simplicity and focus drive higher intensity and global impact. This is enhancing our ability to attract original artists and songwriters at all stages of their careers, helping them realize their musical visions, and grow passionate, loyal fanbases."
"Our results underscore the diversity and resilience of our business," said Bryan Castellani, CFO of Warner Music Group. "Our strong streaming performance, underpinned by positive industry trends, and combined with our cost discipline, resulted in robust cash flow generation. We are excited by the opportunities ahead, and look forward to delivering more culture-shaping music in 2025 and beyond."
Total WMG
| Total WMG Summary Results | |||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | (audited) | ||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1,630 | $ | 1,586 | 3 | % | $ | 6,426 | $ | 6,037 | 6 | % | |||||
| Recorded Music revenue | 1,338 | 1,291 | 4 | % | 5,223 | 4,955 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Music Publishing revenue | 295 | 298 | -1 | % | 1,210 | 1,088 | 11 | % | |||||||||
| Operating income | 143 | 212 | -33 | % | 823 | 790 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA(1) | 353 | 317 | 11 | % | 1,432 | 1,235 | 16 | % | |||||||||
| Net income | 48 | 154 | -69 | % | 478 | 439 | 9 | % | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 304 | 338 | -10 | % | 754 | 687 | 10 | % | |||||||||
| Free Cash Flow | 271 | 300 | -10 | % | 638 | 560 | 14 | % | |||||||||
| (1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding this measure. | |||||||||||||||||
Fourth-Quarter Results
Revenue was up
Digital revenue decreased
Operating income decreased to
Adjusted OIBDA increased
The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were driven primarily by strong operating performance and savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, of which a majority has been reinvested in the Company’s business.
Net income decreased by
Basic and Diluted earnings per share were
As of September 30, 2024, the Company reported a cash balance of
Cash provided by operating activities decreased
Last week, the Company’s board of directors authorized a new
Full-Year Results
Total revenue increased
Digital revenue increased
Operating income increased by
Adjusted OIBDA increased
Net income increased by
Basic and Diluted earnings per share were
Cash provided by operating activities increased
Recorded Music
| Recorded Music Summary Results | |||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1,338 | $ | 1,291 | 4 | % | $ | 5,223 | $ | 4,955 | 5 | % | |||||
| Digital revenue | 881 | 877 | — | % | 3,519 | 3,322 | 6 | % | |||||||||
| Operating income | 178 | 234 | -24 | % | 916 | 875 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA(1) | 317 | 281 | 13 | % | 1,282 | 1,094 | 17 | % | |||||||||
| (1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding this measure. | |||||||||||||||||
| Recorded Music Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| As reported | As reported | Constant | As reported | As reported | Constant | ||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| Digital | $ | 881 | $ | 877 | $ | 874 | $ | 3,519 | $ | 3,322 | $ | 3,308 | |||||
| Physical | 134 | 130 | 128 | 519 | 507 | 508 | |||||||||||
| Total Digital and Physical | 1,015 | 1,007 | 1,002 | 4,038 | 3,829 | 3,816 | |||||||||||
| Artist services and expanded-rights | 195 | 189 | 190 | 684 | 744 | 747 | |||||||||||
| Licensing | 128 | 95 | 96 | 501 | 382 | 385 | |||||||||||
| Total Recorded Music | $ | 1,338 | $ | 1,291 | $ | 1,288 | $ | 5,223 | $ | 4,955 | $ | 4,948 | |||||
Fourth-Quarter Results
Recorded Music revenue was up
Recorded Music operating income was
Adjusted OIBDA increased
Full-Year Results
Recorded Music revenue was up
Recorded Music operating income increased to
Adjusted OIBDA increased
Music Publishing
| Music Publishing Summary Results | |||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 295 | $ | 298 | -1 | % | $ | 1,210 | $ | 1,088 | 11 | % | |||||
| Operating income | 53 | 49 | 8 | % | 238 | 200 | 19 | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA(1) | 83 | 74 | 12 | % | 330 | 296 | 11 | % | |||||||||
| (1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding this measure. | |||||||||||||||||
| Music Publishing Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| As reported | As reported | Constant | As reported | As reported | Constant | ||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| Performance | $ | 43 | $ | 43 | $ | 44 | $ | 198 | $ | 173 | $ | 173 | |||||
| Digital | 186 | 192 | 192 | 763 | 669 | 671 | |||||||||||
| Mechanical | 15 | 17 | 17 | 58 | 63 | 64 | |||||||||||
| Synchronization | 46 | 41 | 40 | 175 | 167 | 167 | |||||||||||
| Other | 5 | 5 | 5 | 16 | 16 | 15 | |||||||||||
| Total Music Publishing | $ | 295 | $ | 298 | $ | 298 | $ | 1,210 | $ | 1,088 | $ | 1,090 | |||||
Fourth-Quarter Results
Music Publishing revenue decreased
Music Publishing operating income increased to
Adjusted OIBDA increased
Full-Year Results
Music Publishing revenue increased
Music Publishing operating income increased to
Adjusted OIBDA increased
This morning, management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 A.M. EST. The call will be webcast on www.wmg.com.
About Warner Music Group
With a legacy extending back over 200 years, Warner Music Group today is home to an unparalleled family of creative artists, songwriters, and companies that are moving culture across the globe. At the core of WMG’s Recorded Music division are four of the most iconic companies in history: Atlantic, Elektra, Parlophone and Warner Records. They are joined by renowned labels such as TenThousand Projects, 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’ Records, Warner Classics and Warner Music Nashville. Warner Chappell Music - which traces its origins back to the founding of Chappell & Company in 1811 - is one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights spanning every musical genre from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This communication includes forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of Warner Music Group about future events and financial performance. Words such as "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "forecasts" and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of today, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, we cannot assure you that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Please refer to our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements.
We maintain an Internet site at www.wmg.com. We use our website as a channel of distribution for material company information. Financial and other material information regarding Warner Music Group is routinely posted on and accessible at http://investors.wmg.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Warner Music Group by enrolling your email address through the “email alerts” section at http://investors.wmg.com. Our website and the information posted on it or connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this communication.
| Figure 1. Warner Music Group Corp. - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1,630 | $ | 1,586 | 3 | % | ||||
| Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | (854 | ) | (845 | ) | 1 | % | ||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (495 | ) | (473 | ) | 5 | % | ||||
| Restructuring and impairments | (81 | ) | 1 | — | % | |||||
| Amortization expense | (57 | ) | (57 | ) | — | % | ||||
| Total costs and expenses | $ | (1,487 | ) | $ | (1,374 | ) | 8 | % | ||
| Operating income | $ | 143 | $ | 212 | -33 | % | ||||
| Interest expense, net | (40 | ) | (36 | ) | 11 | % | ||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (52 | ) | 36 | — | % | |||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 51 | $ | 212 | -76 | % | ||||
| Income tax expense | (3 | ) | (58 | ) | -95 | % | ||||
| Net income | $ | 48 | $ | 154 | -69 | % | ||||
| Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | — | % | ||||
| Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. | $ | 41 | $ | 152 | -73 | % | ||||
| Net income per share attributable to common stockholders: | ||||||||||
| Class A – Basic and Diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.17 | ||||||
| Class B – Basic and Diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.17 | ||||||
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | (audited) | |||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 6,426 | $ | 6,037 | 6 | % | ||||
| Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | (3,355 | ) | (3,177 | ) | 6 | % | ||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (1,879 | ) | (1,826 | ) | 3 | % | ||||
| Restructuring and impairments | (177 | ) | (40 | ) | — | % | ||||
| Amortization expense | (224 | ) | (245 | ) | -9 | % | ||||
| Total costs and expenses | $ | (5,635 | ) | $ | (5,288 | ) | 7 | % | ||
| Net gain on divestitures | 32 | 41 | -22 | % | ||||||
| Operating income | $ | 823 | $ | 790 | 4 | % | ||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | (4 | ) | -100 | % | |||||
| Interest expense, net | (161 | ) | (141 | ) | 14 | % | ||||
| Other expense, net | (61 | ) | (36 | ) | 69 | % | ||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 601 | $ | 609 | -1 | % | ||||
| Income tax expense | (123 | ) | (170 | ) | -28 | % | ||||
| Net income | $ | 478 | $ | 439 | 9 | % | ||||
| Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (43 | ) | (9 | ) | — | % | ||||
| Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. | $ | 435 | $ | 430 | 1 | % | ||||
| Net income per share attributable to common stockholders: | ||||||||||
| Class A – Basic and Diluted | $ | 0.83 | $ | 0.82 | ||||||
| Class B – Basic and Diluted | $ | 0.83 | $ | 0.82 | ||||||
| Figure 2. Warner Music Group Corp. - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
| September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||
| Cash and equivalents | $ | 694 | $ | 641 | 8 | % | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 1,255 | 1,120 | 12 | % | ||||||
| Inventories | 99 | 126 | -21 | % | ||||||
| Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year | 470 | 413 | 14 | % | ||||||
| Prepaid and other current assets | 125 | 102 | 23 | % | ||||||
| Total current assets | $ | 2,643 | $ | 2,402 | 10 | % | ||||
| Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year | 874 | 688 | 27 | % | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 481 | 458 | 5 | % | ||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 225 | 245 | -8 | % | ||||||
| Goodwill | 2,021 | 1,993 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Intangible assets subject to amortization, net | 2,359 | 2,353 | — | % | ||||||
| Intangible assets not subject to amortization | 152 | 149 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Deferred tax assets, net | 52 | 32 | 63 | % | ||||||
| Other assets | 348 | 225 | 55 | % | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 9,155 | $ | 8,545 | 7 | % | ||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 289 | $ | 300 | -4 | % | ||||
| Accrued royalties | 2,549 | 2,219 | 15 | % | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 641 | 533 | 20 | % | ||||||
| Accrued interest | 17 | 18 | -6 | % | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | 45 | 41 | 10 | % | ||||||
| Deferred revenue | 246 | 371 | -34 | % | ||||||
| Other current liabilities | 110 | 57 | 93 | % | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | $ | 3,897 | $ | 3,539 | 10 | % | ||||
| Long-term debt | 4,014 | 3,964 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent | 228 | 255 | -11 | % | ||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 195 | 216 | -10 | % | ||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 146 | 141 | 4 | % | ||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | 8,480 | $ | 8,115 | 4 | % | ||||
| Equity: | ||||||||||
| Class A common stock | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | ||||
| Class B common stock | 1 | 1 | — | % | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 2,077 | 2,015 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (1,313 | ) | (1,387 | ) | -5 | % | ||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net | (247 | ) | (322 | ) | -23 | % | ||||
| Total Warner Music Group Corp. equity | $ | 518 | $ | 307 | 69 | % | ||||
| Noncontrolling interest | 157 | 123 | 28 | % | ||||||
| Total equity | 675 | 430 | 57 | % | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 9,155 | $ | 8,545 | 7 | % | ||||
| Figure 3. Warner Music Group Corp. - Summarized Statements of Cash Flows, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 | |||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 304 | $ | 338 | |||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (110 | ) | (196 | ) | |||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (116 | ) | (92 | ) | |||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents | 9 | (9 | ) | ||||
| Net increase in cash and equivalents | $ | 87 | $ | 41 | |||
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||
| (unaudited) | (audited) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 754 | $ | 687 | |||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (311 | ) | (300 | ) | |||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (396 | ) | (325 | ) | |||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents | 6 | (5 | ) | ||||
| Net increase in cash and equivalents | $ | 53 | $ | 57 | |||
| Figure 4. Warner Music Group Corp. - Digital Revenue Summary, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||
| Recorded Music | ||||||||||
| Subscription | $ | 645 | $ | 615 | 5 | % | ||||
| Ad-Supported | 221 | 233 | -5 | % | ||||||
| Streaming | $ | 866 | $ | 848 | 2 | % | ||||
| Downloads and Other Digital | 15 | 29 | -48 | % | ||||||
| Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue | $ | 881 | $ | 877 | — | % | ||||
| Music Publishing | ||||||||||
| Streaming | $ | 182 | $ | 190 | -4 | % | ||||
| Downloads and Other Digital | 4 | 2 | 100 | % | ||||||
| Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue | $ | 186 | $ | 192 | -3 | % | ||||
| Consolidated | ||||||||||
| Streaming | $ | 1,048 | $ | 1,038 | 1 | % | ||||
| Downloads and Other Digital | 19 | 31 | -39 | % | ||||||
| Intersegment Eliminations | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | — | % | ||||
| Total Digital Revenue | $ | 1,066 | $ | 1,068 | — | % | ||||
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||
| Recorded Music | ||||||||||
| Subscription | $ | 2,543 | $ | 2,349 | 8 | % | ||||
| Ad-Supported | 901 | 874 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Streaming | $ | 3,444 | $ | 3,223 | 7 | % | ||||
| Downloads and Other Digital | 75 | 99 | -24 | % | ||||||
| Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue | $ | 3,519 | $ | 3,322 | 6 | % | ||||
| Music Publishing | ||||||||||
| Streaming | $ | 752 | $ | 656 | 15 | % | ||||
| Downloads and Other Digital | 11 | 13 | -15 | % | ||||||
| Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue | $ | 763 | $ | 669 | 14 | % | ||||
| Consolidated | ||||||||||
| Streaming | $ | 4,196 | $ | 3,879 | 8 | % | ||||
| Downloads and Other Digital | 86 | 112 | -23 | % | ||||||
| Intersegment Eliminations | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | — | % | ||||
| Total Digital Revenue | $ | 4,280 | $ | 3,989 | 7 | % | ||||
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including the following non-GAAP financial measures:
Adjusted OIBDA
We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including our primary financial measure of operating income (loss) before non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and non-cash amortization of intangible assets adjusted to exclude the impact of non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses and certain items that affect comparability including but not limited to gains or losses on divestitures and expenses related to restructuring and transformation initiatives (“Adjusted OIBDA”). We consider Adjusted OIBDA to be an important indicator of the operational strengths and performance of our businesses. However, a limitation of the use of Adjusted OIBDA as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in our businesses. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In addition, our definition of Adjusted OIBDA may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.
| Figure 5. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted OIBDA, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | |||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. | $ | 41 | $ | 152 | -73 | % | |||||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 7 | 2 | — | % | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 48 | $ | 154 | -69 | % | |||||
| Income tax expense | 3 | 58 | -95 | % | |||||||
| Income including income taxes | $ | 51 | $ | 212 | -76 | % | |||||
| Other expense (income), net | 52 | (36 | ) | — | % | ||||||
| Interest expense, net | 40 | 36 | 11 | % | |||||||
| Operating income | $ | 143 | $ | 212 | -33 | % | |||||
| Amortization expense | 57 | 57 | — | % | |||||||
| Depreciation expense | 26 | 22 | 18 | % | |||||||
| OIBDA | $ | 226 | $ | 291 | -22 | % | |||||
| Restructuring and impairments | 81 | 1 | — | % | |||||||
| Transformation initiative costs | 20 | 14 | 43 | % | |||||||
| Executive transition costs | — | 3 | -100 | % | |||||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 26 | 8 | — | % | |||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 353 | $ | 317 | 11 | % | |||||
| Operating income margin | 8.8 | % | 13.4 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA margin | 21.7 | % | 19.0 | % | |||||||
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | |||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. | $ | 435 | $ | 430 | 1 | % | |||||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 43 | 9 | — | % | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 478 | $ | 439 | 9 | % | |||||
| Income tax expense | 123 | 170 | -28 | % | |||||||
| Income including income taxes | $ | 601 | $ | 609 | -1 | % | |||||
| Other expense, net | 61 | 36 | 69 | % | |||||||
| Interest expense, net | 161 | 141 | 14 | % | |||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | 4 | -100 | % | |||||||
| Operating income | $ | 823 | $ | 790 | 4 | % | |||||
| Amortization expense | 224 | 245 | -9 | % | |||||||
| Depreciation expense | 103 | 87 | 18 | % | |||||||
| OIBDA | $ | 1,150 | $ | 1,122 | 2 | % | |||||
| Restructuring and impairments | 177 | 42 | — | % | |||||||
| Transformation initiative costs | 76 | 53 | 43 | % | |||||||
| Executive transition costs | — | 7 | -100 | % | |||||||
| Net gain on divestitures | (32 | ) | (41 | ) | -22 | % | |||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 61 | 52 | 17 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 1,432 | $ | 1,235 | 16 | % | |||||
| Operating income margin | 12.8 | % | 13.1 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA margin | 22.3 | % | 20.5 | % | |||||||
| Figure 6. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||
| Total WMG operating income – GAAP | $ | 143 | $ | 212 | -33 | % | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | (83 | ) | (79 | ) | 5 | % | ||||
| Total WMG OIBDA | $ | 226 | $ | 291 | -22 | % | ||||
| Restructuring and impairments | 81 | 1 | — | % | ||||||
| Transformation initiative costs | 20 | 14 | 43 | % | ||||||
| Executive transition costs | — | 3 | -100 | % | ||||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 26 | 8 | — | % | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 353 | $ | 317 | 11 | % | ||||
| Operating income margin | 8.8 | % | 13.4 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA margin | 21.7 | % | 19.0 | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music operating income – GAAP | $ | 178 | $ | 234 | -24 | % | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | (43 | ) | (45 | ) | -4 | % | ||||
| Recorded Music OIBDA | $ | 221 | $ | 279 | -21 | % | ||||
| Restructuring and impairments | 77 | (1 | ) | — | % | |||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 19 | 3 | — | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 317 | $ | 281 | 13 | % | ||||
| Recorded Music operating income margin | 13.3 | % | 18.1 | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin | 23.7 | % | 21.8 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing operating income – GAAP | $ | 53 | $ | 49 | 8 | % | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | (29 | ) | (24 | ) | 21 | % | ||||
| Music Publishing OIBDA | $ | 82 | $ | 73 | 12 | % | ||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 1 | 1 | — | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 83 | $ | 74 | 12 | % | ||||
| Music Publishing operating income margin | 18.0 | % | 16.4 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin | 28.1 | % | 24.8 | % | ||||||
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||
| Total WMG operating income – GAAP | $ | 823 | $ | 790 | 4 | % | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | (327 | ) | (332 | ) | -2 | % | ||||
| Total WMG OIBDA | $ | 1,150 | $ | 1,122 | 2 | % | ||||
| Restructuring and impairments | 177 | 42 | — | % | ||||||
| Transformation initiative costs | 76 | 53 | 43 | % | ||||||
| Executive transition costs | — | 7 | -100 | % | ||||||
| Net gain on divestitures | (32 | ) | (41 | ) | -22 | % | ||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 61 | 52 | 17 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 1,432 | $ | 1,235 | 16 | % | ||||
| Operating income margin | 12.8 | % | 13.1 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA margin | 22.3 | % | 20.5 | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music operating income – GAAP | $ | 916 | $ | 875 | 5 | % | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | (179 | ) | (205 | ) | -13 | % | ||||
| Recorded Music OIBDA | $ | 1,095 | $ | 1,080 | 1 | % | ||||
| Restructuring and impairments | 166 | 40 | — | % | ||||||
| Net gain on divestitures | (17 | ) | (41 | ) | -59 | % | ||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 38 | 15 | — | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 1,282 | $ | 1,094 | 17 | % | ||||
| Recorded Music operating income margin | 17.5 | % | 17.7 | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin | 24.5 | % | 22.1 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing operating income – GAAP | $ | 238 | $ | 200 | 19 | % | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | (102 | ) | (93 | ) | 10 | % | ||||
| Music Publishing OIBDA | $ | 340 | $ | 293 | 16 | % | ||||
| Net gain on divestitures | (14 | ) | — | — | % | |||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs | 4 | 3 | 33 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 330 | $ | 296 | 11 | % | ||||
| Music Publishing operating income margin | 19.7 | % | 18.4 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin | 27.3 | % | 27.2 | % | ||||||
Constant Currency
Because exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of revenue on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported revenue helps improve the ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. Constant-currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period over period. We use results on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance. We calculate constant-currency results by applying current-year foreign currency exchange rates to prior-year results. However, a limitation of the use of the constant-currency results as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the impact of exchange rates on our revenue. These results should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Results on a constant-currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not a measure of performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
| Figure 7. Warner Music Group Corp. - Revenue by Geography and Segment, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 As Reported and Constant Currency | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||
| As reported | As reported | Constant | Constant | |||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| U.S. revenue | ||||||||||||||
| Recorded Music | $ | 558 | $ | 566 | $ | 566 | -1 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing | 157 | 167 | 167 | -6 | % | |||||||||
| International revenue | ||||||||||||||
| Recorded Music | 780 | 725 | 722 | 8 | % | |||||||||
| Music Publishing | 138 | 131 | 131 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | 50 | % | ||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 1,630 | $ | 1,586 | $ | 1,584 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Revenue by Segment: | ||||||||||||||
| Recorded Music | ||||||||||||||
| Digital | $ | 881 | $ | 877 | $ | 874 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Physical | 134 | 130 | 128 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Total Digital and Physical | 1,015 | 1,007 | 1,002 | 1 | % | |||||||||
| Artist services and expanded-rights | 195 | 189 | 190 | 3 | % | |||||||||
| Licensing | 128 | 95 | 96 | 33 | % | |||||||||
| Total Recorded Music | 1,338 | 1,291 | 1,288 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Music Publishing | ||||||||||||||
| Performance | 43 | 43 | 44 | -2 | % | |||||||||
| Digital | 186 | 192 | 192 | -3 | % | |||||||||
| Mechanical | 15 | 17 | 17 | -12 | % | |||||||||
| Synchronization | 46 | 41 | 40 | 15 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 5 | 5 | 5 | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Music Publishing | 295 | 298 | 298 | -1 | % | |||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | 50 | % | ||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 1,630 | $ | 1,586 | $ | 1,584 | 3 | % | ||||||
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||
| As reported | As reported | Constant | Constant | |||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| U.S. revenue | ||||||||||||||
| Recorded Music | $ | 2,210 | $ | 2,184 | $ | 2,184 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing | 660 | 582 | 582 | 13 | % | |||||||||
| International revenue | ||||||||||||||
| Recorded Music | 3,013 | 2,771 | 2,764 | 9 | % | |||||||||
| Music Publishing | 550 | 506 | 508 | 8 | % | |||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (7 | ) | (6 | ) | (5 | ) | 40 | % | ||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 6,426 | $ | 6,037 | $ | 6,033 | 7 | % | ||||||
| Revenue by Segment: | ||||||||||||||
| Recorded Music | ||||||||||||||
| Digital | $ | 3,519 | $ | 3,322 | $ | 3,308 | 6 | % | ||||||
| Physical | 519 | 507 | 508 | 2 | % | |||||||||
| Total Digital and Physical | 4,038 | 3,829 | 3,816 | 6 | % | |||||||||
| Artist services and expanded-rights | 684 | 744 | 747 | -8 | % | |||||||||
| Licensing | 501 | 382 | 385 | 30 | % | |||||||||
| Total Recorded Music | 5,223 | 4,955 | 4,948 | 6 | % | |||||||||
| Music Publishing | ||||||||||||||
| Performance | 198 | 173 | 173 | 14 | % | |||||||||
| Digital | 763 | 669 | 671 | 14 | % | |||||||||
| Mechanical | 58 | 63 | 64 | -9 | % | |||||||||
| Synchronization | 175 | 167 | 167 | 5 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 16 | 16 | 15 | 7 | % | |||||||||
| Total Music Publishing | 1,210 | 1,088 | 1,090 | 11 | % | |||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (7 | ) | (6 | ) | (5 | ) | 40 | % | ||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 6,426 | $ | 6,037 | $ | 6,033 | 7 | % | ||||||
| Figure 8. Warner Music Group Corp. - Adjusted OIBDA by Segment, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 As Reported and Constant Currency | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||
| As reported | As reported | Constant | Constant | |||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 353 | $ | 317 | $ | 317 | 11 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA margin | 21.7 | % | 20.0 | % | 20.0 | % | ||||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 317 | $ | 281 | $ | 280 | 13 | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin | 23.7 | % | 21.8 | % | 21.7 | % | ||||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 83 | $ | 74 | $ | 75 | 11 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin | 28.1 | % | 24.8 | % | 25.2 | % | ||||||||
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||
| As reported | As reported | Constant | Constant | |||||||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 1,432 | $ | 1,235 | $ | 1,235 | 16 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA margin | 22.3 | % | 20.5 | % | 20.5 | % | ||||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 1,282 | $ | 1,094 | $ | 1,093 | 17 | % | ||||||
| Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin | 24.5 | % | 22.1 | % | 22.1 | % | ||||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 330 | $ | 296 | $ | 297 | 11 | % | ||||||
| Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin | 27.3 | % | 27.2 | % | 27.2 | % | ||||||||
Free Cash Flow
Our definition of Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. We use Free Cash Flow, among other measures, to evaluate our operating performance. Management believes Free Cash Flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to fund our debt service requirements, ongoing working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, strategic acquisitions and investments, and any dividends, prepayments of debt or repurchases or retirement of our outstanding debt or notes in open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases, any repurchases of our common stock or otherwise. As a result, Free Cash Flow is a significant measure of our ability to generate long-term value. It is useful for investors to know whether this ability is being enhanced or degraded as a result of our operating performance. We believe the presentation of Free Cash Flow is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method management uses.
Free Cash Flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and therefore it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance or cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Free Cash Flow, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, Free Cash Flow does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because Free Cash Flow deducts capital expenditures from “net cash provided by operating activities” (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure), users of this information should consider the types of events and transactions that are not reflected. We provide below a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to the most directly comparable amount reported under U.S. GAAP, which is “net cash provided by operating activities.”
| Figure 9. Warner Music Group Corp. - Calculation of Free Cash Flow, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus September 30, 2023 | |||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 304 | $ | 338 | |
| Less: Capital expenditures | 33 | 38 | |||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 271 | $ | 300 | |
| For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 754 | $ | 687 | |
| Less: Capital expenditures | 116 | 127 | |||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 638 | $ | 560 | |
| Media Contact: | Investor Contact: |
| James Steven | Kareem Chin |
| (212) 275-2213 | |
| James.Steven@wmg.com | Investor.Relations@wmg.com |