MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
−Removed: You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition with the unaudited interim financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022 (the “Quarterly Report”).
+Added: You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition with the unaudited interim financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2022 (the “Quarterly Report”).
“SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT UNDER PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
70 unchanged sentences
• Results of operations.
−Removed: This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
+Added: This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
This analysis is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis.
• Financial condition and liquidity.
−Removed: This section provides an analysis of our cash flows for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, as well as a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity as of March 31, 2022.
+Added: This section provides an analysis of our cash flows for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, as well as a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity as of June 30, 2022.
The discussion of our financial condition and liquidity includes recent debt financings and a summary of the key debt covenant compliance measures under our debt agreements.
8 unchanged sentences
Use of Constant Currency
−Removed: As 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 results helps improve the ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods.
−Removed: Constant-currency information compares revenue between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period over period.
+Added: As exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period to period comparisons, we believe the presentation of revenue and OIBDA on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported results helps improve the ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods.
+Added: Constant-currency information compares revenue and OIBDA between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period over period.
We use revenue on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance.
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In the United States, our Recorded Music business is conducted principally through our major record labels—Atlantic Records and Warner Records.
−Removed: In October 2018, we launched Elektra Music Group in the United States as a standalone label group, which comprises the Elektra, Fueled by Ramen and Roadrunner labels, and in December 2021, we acquired 300 Entertainment.
+Added: In October 2018, we launched Elektra Music Group in the United States as a standalone label group, which comprises the Elektra, Fueled by Ramen and Roadrunner labels, and in December 2021, we acquired 300 Entertainment and subsequently launched 300 Elektra Entertainment, or 3EE, a frontline label group that brings together the multi-genre power of 300 Entertainment and Elektra.
Our Recorded Music business also includes Rhino Entertainment, a division that specializes in marketing our recorded music catalog through compilations, reissuances of previously released music and video titles and releasing previously unreleased material from our vault.
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Under these agreements, we provide services to and participate in recording artists’ activities outside the traditional recorded music business such as touring, merchandising and sponsorships.
−Removed: We have built and acquired artist services capabilities and platforms for marketing and distributing this broader set of music-related rights and participating more widely in the monetization of the artist brands we help create.
−Removed: We believe that entering
−Removed: into expanded-rights deals and enhancing our artist services capabilities in areas such as merchandising, VIP ticketing, fan clubs, concert promotion and management has permitted us to diversify revenue streams and capitalize on other revenue opportunities.
+Added: We have built and acquired artist services capabilities and platforms for marketing and distributing this broader set of
+Added: music-related rights and participating more widely in the monetization of the artist brands we help create.
+Added: We believe that entering into expanded-rights deals and enhancing our artist services capabilities in areas such as merchandising, VIP ticketing, fan clubs, concert promotion and management has permitted us to diversify revenue streams and capitalize on other revenue opportunities.
This provides for improved long-term relationships with our recording artists and allows us to more effectively connect recording artists and fans.
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The additional week in fiscal year 2022 fell in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021.
−Removed: Accordingly, the results of operations for the six months ended March 31, 2022 reflect 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: For the six months ended March 31, 2022, the revenue benefit of the additional week was approximately $73 million, primarily reflected in Recorded Music streaming revenue.
+Added: Accordingly, the results of operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 reflect 40 weeks compared to 39 weeks for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: For the nine months ended June 30, 2022, the revenue benefit of the additional week was approximately $73 million, primarily reflected in Recorded Music streaming revenue.
+Added: Both the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021 include 13 weeks.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
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WMG operates both its Recorded Music and Music Publishing businesses within Russia and, on March 10, 2022, the Company announced a suspension of these operations in Russia.
−Removed: While our operations in Russia do not constitute a material portion of our business, a significant escalation or expansion of the conflict's current scope, increased or sustained economic disruption, sanctions or countersanctions, further devaluation of the local currency or increased cyber-related disruptions could make it difficult to deliver our content, broaden inflationary costs, and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
+Added: While our operations in Russia do not constitute a material portion of our business, a significant escalation or expansion of the conflict's current scope, increased or sustained economic disruption, sanctions or countersanctions, further devaluation of the local currency or increased cyber-related disruptions could make it difficult to deliver our content, broaden inflationary costs, and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
COVID-19 Pandemic
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However, the disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the disruption caused by the Omicron variant, accelerated growth of other revenue streams such as fitness and interactive gaming (including augmented reality and virtual reality), which may continue to grow.
−Removed: It is unclear how long the global pandemic will last due to the possibility of new variants, increases in infection rates and renewed government action to slow the spread of the virus, and as such, it cannot be predicted to what extent the global pandemic will continue to impact the demand for our music and related services.
−Removed: Our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition at and for both the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were adversely affected by the global pandemic despite a partial recovery starting in fiscal year 2021 as businesses began to reopen and concerts and other live music resumed.
−Removed: For both the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, costs recognized by the Company attributable to COVID were not significant.
+Added: It is unclear how long the global pandemic will last due to the possibility of new variants and sub-variants, increases in infection rates and renewed government action to slow the spread of the virus, and as such, it cannot be predicted to what extent the global pandemic will continue to impact the demand for our music and related services.
+Added: Our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition at and for both the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 were adversely affected by the global pandemic despite a partial recovery starting in fiscal year 2021 as businesses began to reopen and concerts and other live music resumed.
+Added: For both the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, costs recognized by the Company attributable to COVID were not significant.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
−Removed: Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
+Added: Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Consolidated Results
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For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
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Total Revenues
−Removed: Total revenues increased by $126 million, or 10%, to $1,376 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,250 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Consistent with the prior quarter, the quarter included the impact of a new deal with one of our digital partners affecting Recorded Music streaming revenue.
−Removed: Adjusting for this item, total revenue was up 13%.
+Added: Total revenues increased by $92 million, or 7%, to $1,432 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,340 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Consistent with the prior two quarters, the quarter included the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners affecting Recorded Music streaming revenue.
The increase includes $63 million of unfavorable currency exchange fluctuations.
−Removed: Prior to intersegment eliminations, Recorded Music and Music Publishing revenues represented 83% and 17% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, and 85% and 15% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Prior to intersegment eliminations, Recorded Music and Music Publishing revenues represented 83% and 17% of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, and 86% and 14% of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.
Prior to intersegment eliminations, U.S.
−Removed: and international revenues represented 46% and 54% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, and 45% and 55% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Total digital revenues after intersegment eliminations increased by $71 million, or 8%, to $931 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $860 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Total streaming revenue increased 9% driven by growth across Recorded Music and Music Publishing, including revenue from emerging streaming platforms.
−Removed: Total digital revenues represented 68% and 69% of consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: The decrease in digital revenues as a percentage of total revenue is due to the partial recovery of artist services and expanded-rights revenue, which was impacted by COVID in the prior-year quarter, as well as continued growth of licensing and synchronization revenue in the quarter.
−Removed: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were comprised of U.S.
−Removed: revenues of $457 million and international revenues of $474 million, respectively, or 49% and 51% of total digital revenues, respectively.
−Removed: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were comprised of U.S.
−Removed: revenues of $432 million and international revenues of $428 million, respectively, or 50% of total digital revenues for each of U.S.
−Removed: and international revenues.
−Removed: Recorded Music revenues increased by $88 million, or 8%, to $1,147 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,059 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Adjusted for the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, Recorded Music revenue was up 12%.
+Added: and international revenues represented 45% and 55% of total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, and 44% and 56% of total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Total digital revenues after intersegment eliminations increased by $16 million, or 2%, to $944 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $928 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Total streaming revenue increased 3% primarily driven by growth in Music Publishing of 30% which includes a benefit in the quarter of $17 million resulting from a July 1 remand ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board in Phonorecords III upholding higher percentage revenue of U.S.
+Added: mechanical royalty rates for 2018 to 2022 and reflects amounts expected to be paid (the “CRB Rate Benefit”).
+Added: Recorded Music streaming revenue decreased by 1% primarily due to an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchanges rates of $28 million, the impact of the new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners and an $11 million catch-up payment from one of the Company’s digital partners that benefited the prior-year quarter (the “Catch-Up Payment”).
+Added: Total digital revenues represented 66% and 69% of consolidated revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: The decrease in digital revenues as a percentage of total revenue is due to the continued recovery of artist services and expanded-rights revenue, which was impacted by COVID in the prior-year quarter, as well as continued growth of performance revenue in the quarter.
+Added: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2022 were composed of U.S.
+Added: revenues of $486 million and international revenues of $459 million, or 51% and 49% of total digital revenues, respectively.
+Added: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were composed of U.S.
+Added: revenues of $458 million and international revenues of $470 million, or 49% and 51% of total digital revenues, respectively.
+Added: Recorded Music revenues increased by $37 million, or 3%, to $1,189 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,152 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
The increase includes $56 million of unfavorable currency exchange fluctuations.
−Removed: Recorded Music revenues were $518 million and $469 million, or 45% and 44% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Recorded Music revenues were $629 million and $590 million, or 55% and 56% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was driven by increases across all revenue types, including digital, artist services and expanded-rights, licensing and physical revenues.
−Removed: Digital revenue increased by $48 million as a result of the continued growth in streaming services and strength of releases including current year release from Ed Sheeran and Silk Sonic as well as carryover success from Michael Bublé, Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran.
−Removed: Revenue from streaming services grew by $54 million, or 7%, to $776 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $722 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Adjusted for the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 12%.
−Removed: Streaming revenue growth was partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $16 million, or 2%, and a decline in download and other digital revenues of $6 million, or 18%, to $28 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $34 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to the continued shift to streaming services.
−Removed: Artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased by $23 million primarily due to higher merchandising revenue and touring activity, both of which were disrupted by COVID in the prior-year quarter, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $5 million.
−Removed: Licensing revenue increased by $13 million, mainly due to higher synchronization revenue.
−Removed: Physical revenue increased by $4 million, primarily from an increased demand for vinyl products, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $5 million.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues increased by $38 million, or 20%, to $230 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $192 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues were $117 million and $96 million, or 51% and 50% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Music Publishing revenues were $113 million and $96 million, or 49% and 50% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: The overall increase in Music Publishing revenue was mainly driven by increases across all revenue types, specifically growth in digital revenue of $23 million, or 22%, synchronization revenue of $12 million, performance revenue of $1 million and mechanical revenue of $1 million.
−Removed: The increase in digital revenue is primarily due to increases in streaming revenue driven by the continued growth in streaming services, including emerging streaming platforms, and timing of new digital deals, partially offset by a shift in the collection of certain writer’s share income from certain digital service providers.
−Removed: This change has no impact on Music Publishing OIBDA, but results in a slight improvement to OIBDA margin.
−Removed: Revenue from streaming services grew by $20 million, or 20%, to $122 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $102 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase in synchronization revenue is attributable to higher commercial income.
+Added: Recorded Music revenues were $515 million and $504 million, or 43% and 44% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Recorded Music revenues were $674 million and $648 million, or 57% and 56% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was driven by increases in artist services and expanded-rights and licensing revenue.
+Added: Artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased by $57 million primarily due to higher touring activity, which was disrupted by COVID in the prior-year quarter, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $11 million.
+Added: Licensing revenue increased by $1 million, mainly due to higher synchronization and other licensing revenue, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchanges rates of $5 million.
+Added: Digital revenue decreased by $14 million which includes an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchanges rates of $31 million.
+Added: Revenue from streaming services decreased by $8 million, or 1%, to $773 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $781 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and was impacted by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates of $28 million, or 4%.
+Added: Adjusted for the impact of the new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners and the Catch-Up Payment of $11 million, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 5%.
+Added: Streaming revenue reflects continued growth, which was affected by market-related slowdown in ad-supported revenue.
+Added: The quarter included current year releases from Ed Sheeran, Gunna and Jack Harlow as well as carryover success from Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran.
+Added: Download and other digital revenues decreased by $6 million, or 18%, to $28 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $34 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 due to the continued shift to streaming services.
+Added: Physical revenue decreased by $7 million, primarily driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $9 million, which offset higher sales due to the success of new releases in Asia.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues increased by $56 million, or 30%, to $245 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $189 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues were $137 million and $90 million, or 56% and 48% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Music Publishing revenues were $108 million and $99 million, or 44% and 52% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: The overall increase in Music Publishing revenue was mainly driven by increases in digital revenue of $31 million, or 27%, performance revenue of $18 million and synchronization revenue of $7 million, partially offset by a decrease in mechanical revenue of $3 million.
+Added: The increase in digital revenue is primarily due to increases in streaming revenue driven by the continued growth in streaming services, the CRB Rate Benefit and timing of new digital deals, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $4 million.
+Added: Revenue from streaming services grew by $32 million, or 30%, to $140 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $108 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Adjusted for the CRB Rate Benefit, streaming revenue increased by 14%.
Performance revenue increased as bars, restaurants, concerts and live events continued to recover from COVID disruption, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $2 million.
−Removed: Mechanical revenue increased driven by strong physical sales.
+Added: The increase in synchronization revenue is attributable to higher television and commercial income.
+Added: Mechanical revenue decreased primarily due to an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $2 million.
Revenue by Geographical Location
−Removed: revenue increased by $70 million, or 12%, to $635 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $565 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: revenue increased by $58 million, or 10%, to $652 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $594 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Recorded Music revenue increased by $11 million, or 2%.
The primary driver was the increase of U.S.
−Removed: Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue of $20 million, driven by higher merchandising revenues.
−Removed: Recorded Music digital revenue increased by $14 million, or 4%, driven by the continued growth in streaming services.
−Removed: Recorded Music streaming revenue increased by $18 million, or 5%, partially offset by $4 million of download and other digital declines.
−Removed: The increase in licensing revenue of $10 million is due to higher synchronization activity.
−Removed: Increases are also attributable to the increase in U.S.
−Removed: Recorded Music physical revenue of $5 million from an increased demand for vinyl products.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenue increased by $21 million, or 22%, to $117 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $96 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue of $13 million, driven by higher advertising and merchandising revenues.
+Added: The increase in licensing revenue of $4 million is due to higher synchronization and other licensing revenue.
+Added: Recorded Music digital revenue decreased by $5 million, or 1%, due to the impact of the new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners and the Catch-Up Payment, partially offset by the continued growth in streaming services.
+Added: Recorded Music streaming revenue decreased by $2 million, or 1%, and download and other digital decreased by $3 million.
+Added: Recorded Music physical revenue decreased by $1 million.
+Added: Music Publishing revenue increased by $47 million, or 52%, to $137 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $90 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
This was primarily driven by the increase in U.S.
−Removed: Music Publishing of $11 million in digital revenue due to the continued growth in streaming services, partially offset by a shift in the collection of writer’s share of U.S.
−Removed: digital performance income from certain digital service providers.
+Added: Music Publishing of $33 million in digital revenue due to the continued growth in streaming services, the CRB Rate Benefit and timing of new digital deals.
Music Publishing streaming revenue increased by $34 million, or 62%.
−Removed: The increase in synchronization revenue of $7 million is due to higher commercial income.
−Removed: Performance revenue increased by $2 million and mechanical revenue remained constant.
−Removed: International revenue increased by $56 million, or 8%, to $742 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $686 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, International revenue increased by $90 million, or 14%.
−Removed: International Recorded Music revenue increased by $39 million primarily due to increases in digital revenue of $34 million, artist services and expanded-rights revenue of $3 million and licensing revenue of $3 million, partially offset by the decrease in physical revenue of $1 million.
−Removed: International Recorded Music digital revenue increased due to a $36 million, or 10%, increase in streaming revenue, which was partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $16 million.
+Added: Performance revenue increased by $8 million driven by recovery from COVID disruption.
+Added: The increase in synchronization revenue of $5 million is due to higher television and commercial income.
+Added: Mechanical revenue remained constant.
+Added: International revenue increased by $35 million, or 5%, to $782 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $747 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $63 million, International revenue increased by $98 million, or 14%.
+Added: International Recorded Music revenue increased by $26 million primarily due to increases in artist services and expanded-rights revenue of $44 million, partially offset by decreases in digital revenue of $9 million, physical revenue of $6 million and licensing revenue of $3 million.
International Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased by $44 million reflecting an increase in concert promotion, which was disrupted by COVID in the prior-year quarter, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $11 million.
−Removed: International Recorded Music licensing revenue increased by $3 million primarily due to synchronization revenue.
−Removed: International Recorded Music physical revenue decreased by $1 million primarily driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
−Removed: International Music Publishing revenue increased from the prior-year quarter by $17 million, or 18%, to $113 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $96 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: This was primarily driven by the increase in digital revenue of $12 million, synchronization revenue of $5 million and mechanical revenue of $1 million, partially offset by the decrease in performance revenue of $1 million.
−Removed: International Music Publishing streaming revenue increased by $9 million, or 20%, and download and other digital increased by $3 million.
−Removed: Higher synchronization revenue is primarily driven by higher commercial income.
−Removed: Mechanical revenue increased driven by strong physical sales.
−Removed: Performance revenue decreased primarily driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, which offset continued recovery from COVID disruption.
+Added: International Recorded Music digital revenue decreased due to a $6 million, or 2%, decrease in streaming revenue which was primarily driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $28 million, the impact of the new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners and the Catch-Up Payment, which offset the continued growth in streaming services.
+Added: International Recorded Music physical revenue decreased by $6 million, primarily driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, which offset higher sales due to the success of new releases.
+Added: International Recorded Music licensing revenue decreased by $3 million primarily due to an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, which offset higher synchronization and other licensing revenue.
+Added: International Music Publishing revenue increased from the prior-year quarter by $9 million, or 9%, to $108 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $99 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: This was primarily driven by the increase in performance revenue of $10 million and synchronization revenue of $2 million, partially offset by the decrease in mechanical revenue of $3 million and digital revenue of $2 million.
+Added: Performance revenue increased driven by continued recovery from COVID disruption.
+Added: Higher synchronization revenue is primarily driven by higher commercial and television income.
+Added: Mechanical revenue decreased primarily due to an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
+Added: International Music Publishing streaming revenue decreased by $2 million, or 4%, driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $4 million while download and other digital remained constant.
Cost of revenues
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For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
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Total cost of revenues $ 766 $ 681 $ 85 12 %
−Removed: Artist and repertoire costs increased by $29 million, to $448 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $419 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Artist and repertoire costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 33% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 34% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to revenue mix.
−Removed: Product costs increased by $45 million, to $249 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $204 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Product costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 18% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 16% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Artist and repertoire costs increased by $42 million, to $486 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $444 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Artist and repertoire costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 34% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 33% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, primarily due to revenue mix and an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
+Added: Product costs increased by $43 million, to $280 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $237 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Product costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 20% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 18% for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
The overall increase as a percentage of revenue is due to revenue mix, primarily increases in artist services and expanded rights revenue.
2 unchanged sentences
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
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______________________________________
−Removed: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $20 million and $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Total selling, general and administrative expense increased by $26 million, or 6%, to $444 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $418 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 32% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 33% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: This is primarily due to lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $9 million, as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested.
−Removed: General and administrative expense increased by $12 million to $229 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $217 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase in general and administrative expense was mainly due to increased employee related costs and increased expenses related to transformation initiatives and acquisition transaction costs, partially offset by lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $9 million, as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense remained constant at 17% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Selling and marketing expense increased by $13 million, or 7%, to $189 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $176 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, selling and marketing expense remained constant at 14% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Distribution expense was $26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $25 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, distribution expense remained constant at 2% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
+Added: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $18 million and $19 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Total selling, general and administrative expense increased by $14 million, or 3%, to $451 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $437 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, total selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 31% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 33% for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: General and administrative expense increased by $2 million to $225 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $223 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The increase in general and administrative expense was mainly due to increased employee related costs, professional services, restructuring and the impact of acquisitions, partially offset by lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $8 million, as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested, and the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense decreased to 16% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 17% for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Selling and marketing expense increased by $8 million, or 4%, to $198 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $190 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, selling and marketing expense remained constant at 14% for each of the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
+Added: Distribution expense was $28 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and $24 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, distribution expense remained constant at 2% for each of the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
4 unchanged sentences
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
5 unchanged sentences
Income before income taxes 164 102 62 61 %
−Removed: Other expense (income) 8 (49) 57 — %
+Added: Other (income) expense (50) 18 (68) — %
Interest expense, net 32 30 2 7 %
+Added: Loss on extinguishment of debt — 12 (12) -100 %
Operating income 146 162 (16) -10 %
2 unchanged sentences
OIBDA $ 233 $ 241 $ (8) -3 %
−Removed: OIBDA increased by $27 million to $255 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 as compared to $228 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, partially offset by higher cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of total revenue, OIBDA margin increased to 19% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 18% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to strong operating performance and a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses as described above, which was partially offset by growth of lower-margin revenue streams.
+Added: OIBDA decreased by $8 million to $233 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $241 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, more than offset by higher cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of total revenue, OIBDA margin decreased to 16% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 18% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to growth of lower margin revenue streams and an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition.
Depreciation expense
−Removed: Our depreciation expense increased by $1 million, or 5%, to $20 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase is primarily due to an increase in IT capital spending and assets being placed into service.
+Added: Our depreciation expense decreased by $1 million, or 5%, to $18 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $19 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Amortization expense
−Removed: Our amortization expense increased by $11 million, or 19%, to $69 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $58 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Our amortization expense increased by $9 million, or 15%, to $69 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $60 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
The increase is primarily due to an increase in amortizable intangible assets primarily related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
Operating income
−Removed: Our operating income increased by $15 million to $166 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $151 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase in operating income was due to the factors that led to the increase in OIBDA, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization as noted above.
+Added: Our operating income decreased by $16 million to $146 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $162 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The decrease in operating income was due to the factors that led to the decrease in OIBDA and higher amortization as noted above.
+Added: Loss on extinguishment of debt
+Added: There was no loss on extinguishment of debt for the three months ended June 30, 2022.
+Added: We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt in the amount of $12 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs related to the redemption of the 5.500% Notes.
Interest expense, net
−Removed: Our interest expense, net, remained constant at $32 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 due to lower interest rates resulting from debt refinancing, which was offset by a higher principal balance due to the issuance of senior secured notes to partially fund the acquisition of a business and music-related assets.
−Removed: Other expense (income)
−Removed: Other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 primarily includes aggregate realized and unrealized losses of $39 million on the mark-to-market of equity investments, partially offset by foreign currency gains on our Euro-denominated debt of $19 million and currency exchange gains on our intercompany loans of $11 million.
−Removed: This compares to foreign currency gains on our Euro-
−Removed: denominated debt of $33 million and unrealized gains of $18 million on the mark-to-market of equity investments, partially offset by currency exchange losses on our intercompany loans of $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Our interest expense, net, increased to $32 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $30 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 due to higher principal balance due to the issuance of senior secured notes to partially fund the acquisition of a business and music-related assets.
+Added: Other (income) expense
+Added: Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2022 primarily includes foreign currency gains on our Euro-denominated debt of $46 million and currency exchange gains on our intercompany loans of $5 million.
+Added: This compares to foreign currency losses on our Euro-denominated debt of $12 million and unrealized losses of $5 million on the mark-to-market of equity investments for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Income tax expense
−Removed: Our income tax expense decreased by $17 million to $34 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The change of $17 million in income tax expense is primarily due to the impact of lower pre-tax income in the current-year quarter.
−Removed: Net income decreased by $25 million to $92 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $117 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as a result of the factors described above.
+Added: Our income tax expense decreased by $2 million to $39 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $41 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The decrease of $2 million in income tax expense is primarily due to the impact of the change in the U.K.
+Added: statutory tax rate recognized in the prior-year quarter which did not recur this quarter, partially offset by the impact of higher pre-tax income in the current-year quarter.
+Added: Net income increased by $64 million to $125 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $61 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as a result of the factors described above.
Noncontrolling interest
−Removed: There was no income attributable to noncontrolling interest for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
+Added: There was $1 million of income attributable to noncontrolling interest for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and no income attributable to noncontrolling interest for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Business Segment Results
1 unchanged sentence
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
15 unchanged sentences
Recorded Music
−Removed: Recorded Music revenue increased by $88 million, or 8%, to $1,147 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,059 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Adjusted for the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, Recorded Music revenue was up 12%.
−Removed: Recorded Music revenues were $518 million and $469 million, or 45% and 44% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Recorded Music revenues were $629 million and $590 million, or 55% and 56% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was mainly driven by increases in digital, artist services and expanded-rights, licensing and physical revenues as described in the “Total Revenues” and “Revenue by Geographical Location” sections above.
+Added: Recorded Music revenue increased by $37 million, or 3%, to $1,189 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,152 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Recorded Music revenues were $515 million and $504 million, or 43% and 44% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Recorded Music revenues were $674 million and $648 million, or 57% and 56% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was mainly driven by artist services and expanded-rights and licensing revenue growth, partially offset by decreases in digital and physical revenues as described in the “Total Revenues” and “Revenue by Geographical Location” sections above.
Cost of revenues
1 unchanged sentence
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
2 unchanged sentences
Total cost of revenues $ 606 $ 560 $ 46 8 %
−Removed: Recorded Music cost of revenues increased by $55 million, or 11%, to $554 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $499 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music artist and repertoire costs decreased to 27% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 28% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The decrease is primarily attributable to revenue mix and timing of artist and repertoire investments.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music product costs increased to 22% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 19% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Recorded Music cost of revenues increased by $46 million, or 8%, to $606 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $560 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music artist and repertoire costs decreased to 27% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 28% for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The decrease is primarily attributable to revenue mix.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music product costs increased to 24% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 21% for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
The overall increase as a percentage of revenue primarily relates to revenue mix due to an increase in lower-margin artist services and expanded-rights revenue.
2 unchanged sentences
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
4 unchanged sentences
______________________________________
−Removed: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $14 million and $13 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense increased by $19 million, or 6%, to $357 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $338 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to increased employee related costs, partially offset by lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $4 million, as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested.
−Removed: The increase in selling and marketing expense was primarily due to increased variable marketing spend on higher revenues and new releases, increased employee related costs and higher travel expenses as limited travel resumed.
+Added: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $12 million and $14 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense increased by $15 million, or 4%, to $371 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $356 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to increased employee related costs, professional services, restructuring and the impact of acquisitions, partially offset by lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $3 million, as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested, and the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition.
+Added: The increase in selling and marketing expense was primarily due to increased employee related costs and higher travel expenses as limited travel resumed.
The increase in distribution expense was primarily due to higher artist services and expanded-rights revenue.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 31% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 32% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense remained constant at 31% for each of the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
Operating Income and OIBDA
1 unchanged sentence
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
2 unchanged sentences
OIBDA $ 224 $ 250 $ (26) -10 %
−Removed: Recorded Music OIBDA increased by $15 million to $250 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $235 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, partially offset by higher costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music OIBDA margin remained constant at 22% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 due to strong operating
−Removed: performance and a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses as described above, which was offset by growth of lower-margin revenue streams.
−Removed: Recorded Music operating income increased by $5 million to $189 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $184 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to the factors that led to the increase in Recorded Music OIBDA noted above, partially offset by higher depreciation from new assets placed into service and an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
+Added: Recorded Music OIBDA decreased by $26 million to $224 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $250 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, more than offset by higher costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music OIBDA margin decreased to 19% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 22% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to revenue mix due to the growth of lower-margin artist services revenue and an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition.
+Added: Recorded Music operating income decreased by $31 million to $166 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $197 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 due to the factors that led to the decrease in Recorded Music OIBDA noted above and an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
Music Publishing
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues increased by $38 million, or 20%, to $230 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $192 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues were $117 million and $96 million, or 51% and 50% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Music Publishing revenues were $113 million and $96 million, or 49% and 50% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: The overall increase in Music Publishing revenue was driven by growth across all revenue types, including digital, synchronization, performance and mechanical revenue, as described in the “Total Revenues” and “Revenue by Geographical Location” sections above.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues increased by $56 million, or 30%, to $245 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $189 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues were $137 million and $90 million, or 56% and 48% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Music Publishing revenues were $108 million and $99 million, or 44% and 52% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: The overall increase in Music Publishing revenue was driven by growth in digital, performance and synchronization revenues, partially offset by lower mechanical revenue, as described in the “Total Revenues” and “Revenue by Geographical Location” sections above.
Cost of revenues
1 unchanged sentence
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
1 unchanged sentence
Total cost of revenues $ 162 $ 122 $ 40 33 %
−Removed: Music Publishing cost of revenues increased by $19 million, or 15%, to $144 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $125 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing cost of revenues decreased to 63% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 65% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily attributable to the impact from a recent acquisition and revenue mix .
+Added: Music Publishing cost of revenues increased by $40 million, or 33%, to $162 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $122 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing cost of revenues increased to 66% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 65% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 primarily attributable to revenue mix and an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
Selling, general and administrative expense
−Removed: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expenses were comprised of the following amounts (in millions):
+Added: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expenses were composed of the following amounts (in millions):
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
General and administrative expense (1) $ 27 $ 25 $ 2 8 %
−Removed: Selling and marketing expense — — — — %
Total selling, general and administrative expense $ 27 $ 25 $ 2 8 %
______________________________________
−Removed: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $1 million and $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense increased by $1 million, or 4%, to $26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $25 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 11% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 13% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $1 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
+Added: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense increased by $2 million, or 8%, to $27 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $25 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 11% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 13% for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Operating Income and OIBDA
1 unchanged sentence
For the Three Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
2 unchanged sentences
OIBDA $ 57 $ 43 $ 14 33 %
−Removed: Music Publishing OIBDA increased by $18 million, or 42%, to $61 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $43 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing OIBDA margin increased to 27% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from 22% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase was due to the impact from a recent acquisition, revenue mix and strong operating performance.
−Removed: Music Publishing operating income increased by $16 million to $38 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to the factors that led to the increase in Music Publishing OIBDA noted above, partially offset by an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
+Added: Music Publishing OIBDA increased by $14 million, or 33%, to $57 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $43 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing OIBDA margin remained constant at 23% for each of the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021 primarily due to strong operating performance, offset by revenue mix and an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
+Added: Music Publishing operating income increased by $12 million to $33 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $21 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 due to the factors that led to the increase in Music Publishing OIBDA noted above, partially offset by an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
Corporate Expenses and Eliminations
−Removed: Our operating loss from corporate expenses and eliminations increased by $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 to $61 million from $55 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, which primarily includes the increase in expenses related to transformation initiatives, employee related costs and professional services, partially offset by lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $4 million, as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested.
−Removed: Our OIBDA loss from corporate expenses and eliminations increased by $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 to $56 million from $50 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to the operating loss factors noted above.
+Added: Our operating loss from corporate expenses and eliminations decreased by $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $53 million from $56 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, which primarily includes lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $4 million as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested, partially offset by the increase in expenses related to transformation initiatives.
+Added: Our OIBDA loss from corporate expenses and eliminations decreased by $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $48 million from $52 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 due to the operating loss factors noted above.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
−Removed: Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 Compared with Six Months Ended March 31, 2021
+Added: Nine Months Ended June 30, 2022 Compared with Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021
Consolidated Results
Our revenues were composed of the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
24 unchanged sentences
Total Revenues
−Removed: Total revenues increased by $405 million, or 16%, to $2,990 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $2,585 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Consistent with the prior quarter, the current period included an additional week, primarily reflected in Recorded Music streaming revenue.
−Removed: Additionally, the current period included the impact of a new deal with one of our digital partners affecting Recorded Music streaming revenue.
−Removed: These items were partially offsetting and, adjusting for these items, total revenue was up 15%.
+Added: Total revenues increased by $497 million, or 13%, to $4,422 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $3,925 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Consistent with the prior two quarters, the current fiscal year included an additional week, primarily reflected in Recorded Music streaming revenue.
+Added: Additionally, the current period included the impact of a new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners affecting Recorded Music streaming revenue.
The increase includes $113 million of unfavorable currency exchange fluctuations.
−Removed: Prior to intersegment eliminations, Recorded Music and Music Publishing revenues represented 85% and 15% of total revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, and 86% and 14% of total revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Prior to intersegment eliminations, Recorded Music and Music Publishing revenues represented 84% and 16% of total revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, and 86% and 14% of total revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.
Prior to intersegment eliminations, U.S.
−Removed: and international revenues represented 45% and 55% for the six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, and 44% and 56% for the six months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Total digital revenues after intersegment eliminations increased by $248 million, or 15%, to $1,933 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,685 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: and international revenues represented 45% and 55% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, and 44% and 56% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Total digital revenues after intersegment eliminations increased by $264 million, or 10%, to $2,877 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $2,613 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Total streaming revenue increased 11% driven by growth across Recorded Music and Music Publishing, including revenue from emerging streaming platforms.
−Removed: Total digital revenues represented 65% of consolidated revenues for each of the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2022 were comprised of U.S.
−Removed: revenues of $971 million and international revenues of $963 million, or 50% of total digital revenues for each of U.S.
−Removed: and international revenues.
−Removed: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2021 were comprised of U.S.
−Removed: revenues of $850 million and international revenues of $836 million, or 50% of total digital revenues for each of U.S.
+Added: Total digital revenues represented 65% and 67% of consolidated revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 were composed of U.S.
+Added: revenues of $1,457 million and international revenues of $1,422 million, or 51% and 49% of total digital revenues, respectively.
+Added: Prior to intersegment eliminations, total digital revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 were composed of U.S.
+Added: $1,308 million and international revenues of $1,306 million, or 50% of total digital revenues for each of U.S.
and international revenues.
−Removed: Recorded Music revenues increased by $313 million, or 14%, to $2,533 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $2,220 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Adjusted for the benefit of the additional week and the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, Recorded Music revenue was up 14%.
+Added: Recorded Music revenues increased by $350 million, or 10%, to $3,722 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $3,372 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
The increase includes $100 million of unfavorable currency exchange fluctuations.
−Removed: Recorded Music revenues were $1,126 million and $950 million, or 44% and 43% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Recorded Music revenues were $1,407 million and $1,270 million, or 56% and 57% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was driven by increases in digital, artist services and expanded-rights, physical and licensing revenues.
−Removed: Digital revenue increased by $191 million as a result of the continued growth in streaming services, including growth in emerging streaming platforms, strength of releases including current year release from Ed Sheeran and Silk Sonic as well as carryover success from Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and Michael Bublé.
−Removed: Revenue from streaming services grew by $198 million, or 14%, to $1,612 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,414 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Adjusted for the benefit of the additional week and the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 15%.
−Removed: Streaming revenue growth was partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $22 million, or 2%, and a decline in download and other digital revenues of $7 million, or 10%, to $62 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $69 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 due to the continued shift to streaming services.
−Removed: Artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased by $75 million primarily due to higher merchandising revenue and touring activity, both of which were disrupted by COVID in the prior year, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $11 million.
−Removed: Physical revenue increased by $25 million, or 9%, primarily from higher sales due to the success of new releases, an increased demand for vinyl products and COVID disruption in the prior year, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $8 million.
−Removed: Licensing revenue increased by $22 million, mainly due to higher synchronization and other licensing revenue, as businesses began to recover from the COVID disruption.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues increased by $92 million, or 25%, to $459 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $367 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues were $232 million and $187 million, or 51% and 51% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Music Publishing revenues were $227 million and $180 million, or 49% and 49% of Music Publishing revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Recorded Music revenues were $1,641 million and $1,454 million, or 44% and 43% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Recorded Music revenues were $2,081 million and $1,918 million, or 56% and 57% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was driven by increases in digital, artist services and expanded-rights, licensing and physical revenues.
+Added: Digital revenue increased by $177 million as a result of the continued growth in streaming services, including growth in emerging streaming platforms, strength of releases including current year releases from Ed Sheeran and Silk Sonic as well as carryover success from Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars.
+Added: Revenue from streaming services grew by $190 million, or 9%, to $2,385 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $2,195 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Adjusted for the benefit of the additional week and the impact of the new deal with one of the Company’s digital partners, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 11%.
+Added: Streaming revenue growth was partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $50 million, or 3%, and a decline in download and other digital revenues of $13 million, or 13%, to $90 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $103 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 due to the continued shift to streaming services.
+Added: Artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased by $132 million primarily due to higher touring activity and merchandising revenue, both of which were disrupted by COVID in the prior year, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $22 million.
+Added: Licensing revenue increased by $23 million, mainly due to higher synchronization and other licensing revenue, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $8 million.
+Added: Physical revenue increased by $18 million, or 4%, primarily from higher sales due to the success of new releases and an increased demand for vinyl products, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $17 million.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues increased by $148 million, or 27%, to $704 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $556 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues were $369 million and $277 million, or 52% and 50% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Music Publishing revenues were $335 million and $279 million, or 48% and 50% of Music Publishing revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
The overall increase in Music Publishing revenue was mainly driven by increases in digital revenue of $88 million, or 28%, synchronization revenue of $28 million, performance revenue of $27 million and mechanical revenue of $1 million.
−Removed: The increase in digital revenue is primarily due to increases in streaming revenue driven by the continued growth in streaming services, including emerging streaming platforms, and timing of new digital deals, partially offset by a shift in the collection of certain writer’s share income from certain digital service providers.
+Added: The increase in digital revenue is primarily due to increases in streaming revenue driven by the continued growth in streaming services, including emerging streaming platforms, the CRB Rate Benefit and timing of new digital deals, partially offset by a shift in the collection of certain writer’s share income from certain digital service providers.
This change has no impact of Music Publishing OIBDA, but results in a slight improvement to OIBDA margin.
−Removed: Revenue from streaming services grew by $55 million, or 28%, to $251 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $196 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase in synchronization revenue is attributable to higher television, motion picture and commercial income and COVID disruption in the prior year.
+Added: Revenue from streaming services grew by $87 million, or 29%, to $391 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $304 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Adjusted for the CRB Rate Benefit of $17 million, streaming revenue increased by 23%.
+Added: The increase in synchronization revenue is attributable to higher television and commercial income.
Performance revenue increased as bars, restaurants, concerts and live events continued to recover from COVID disruption.
−Removed: Mechanical revenue increased as businesses continued to recover from COVID disruption and from strong physical sales.
+Added: Mechanical revenue increased from strong physical sales.
Revenue by Geographical Location
−Removed: revenue increased by $221 million, or 19%, to $1,358 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,137 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: revenue increased by $279 million, or 16%, to $2,010 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,731 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Recorded Music revenue increased by $187 million, or 13%.
4 unchanged sentences
Increases are also attributable to the increase in U.S.
−Removed: Recorded Music physical revenue of $28 million from higher sales due to the success of new releases, an increased demand for vinyl products and COVID disruption in the prior year.
+Added: Recorded Music physical revenue of $27 million from higher sales due to the success of new releases and an increased demand for vinyl products.
The increase in licensing revenue of $15 million is due to higher synchronization activity.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenue increased by $45 million, or 24%, to $232 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $187 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Music Publishing revenue increased by $92 million, or 33%, to $369 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $277 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
This was primarily driven by the increase in U.S.
−Removed: Music Publishing of $27 million in digital revenue due to the continued growth in streaming services, including emerging streaming platforms, and timing of new digital deals, partially offset by a shift in the collection of writer’s share of U.S.
+Added: Music Publishing of $60 million in digital revenue due to the continued growth in streaming services, including emerging streaming platforms, the CRB Rate Benefit and timing of new digital deals, partially offset by a shift in the collection of writer’s share of U.S.
digital performance income from certain digital service providers.
Music Publishing streaming revenue increased by $61 million, or 36%.
−Removed: The increase in synchronization revenue of $14 million is due to higher television, motion picture and commercial income and COVID disruption the in prior year.
−Removed: Performance revenue increased by $2 million and mechanical revenue increased by $1 million.
−Removed: International revenue increased by $184 million, or 13%, to $1,634 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,450 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: The increase in synchronization revenue of $19 million is due to higher commercial and television income.
+Added: Performance revenue increased by $10 million driven by recovery from COVID disruption and mechanical revenue increased by $1 million.
+Added: International revenue increased by $219 million, or 10%, to $2,416 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $2,197 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, International revenue increased by $332 million, or 16%.
1 unchanged sentence
International Recorded Music digital revenue increased due to a $93 million, or 8%, increase in streaming services, which was partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $50 million.
−Removed: International Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased by $32 million reflecting an increase in concert promotion and merchandise revenue, both of which were disrupted by COVID in the prior year, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $11 million.
−Removed: International Recorded Music licensing revenue increased by $11 million due to other licensing revenue as businesses began to recover from the COVID disruption and synchronization revenue.
−Removed: International Recorded Music physical revenue decreased by $3 million primarily driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
−Removed: International Music Publishing revenue increased by $47 million, or 26%, to $227 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $180 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: This was primarily driven by the increase in digital revenue of $30 million, performance revenue of $7 million, synchronization revenue of $7 million and mechanical revenue of $3 million.
+Added: International Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased by $76 million primarily due to an increase in concert promotion which was disrupted by COVID in the prior year, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $22 million.
+Added: International Recorded Music licensing revenue increased by $8 million due to other licensing revenue and synchronization revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.
+Added: International Recorded Music physical revenue decreased by $9 million, primarily driven by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates, which offset higher sales.
+Added: International Music Publishing revenue increased by $56 million, or 20%, to $335 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $279 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: This was primarily driven by the increase in digital revenue of $28 million, performance revenue of $17 million and synchronization revenue of $9 million.
International Music Publishing streaming revenue increased by $26 million, or 19%.
Performance revenue increased as businesses continued to recover from COVID disruption.
−Removed: Higher synchronization revenue is primarily driven by higher motion picture and commercial income and COVID disruption in the prior year.
−Removed: Mechanical revenue increased as businesses continued to recover from COVID disruption and from strong physical sales.
+Added: Higher synchronization revenue is primarily driven by higher television and commercial income.
+Added: Mechanical revenue remained constant due to higher sales, which was offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $2 million.
Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues was composed of the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
2 unchanged sentences
Total cost of revenues $ 2,281 $ 1,990 $ 291 15 %
−Removed: Artist and repertoire costs increased by $97 million, to $941 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $844 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Artist and repertoire costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 31% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 33% for the six months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to revenue mix and timing of artist and repertoire investments.
−Removed: Product costs increased by $109 million, to $574 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $465 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Product costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 19% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 18% for the six months ended March 31, 2021 due to revenue mix, primarily increases in artist services and expanded rights revenue.
+Added: Artist and repertoire costs increased by $139 million, to $1,427 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,288 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Artist and repertoire costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 32% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 33% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, primarily due to revenue mix and timing of artist and repertoire investments.
+Added: Product costs increased by $152 million, to $854 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $702 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Product costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 19% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 18% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 due to revenue mix, primarily increases in artist services and expanded rights revenue.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses were composed of the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
4 unchanged sentences
______________________________________
−Removed: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $41 million and $38 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Total selling, general and administrative expense increased by $122 million, or 15%, to $941 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $819 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 31% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 32% for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: General and administrative expense increased by $65 million to $471 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $406 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase in general and administrative expense was mainly due to increased employee related costs, including the impact of the additional week, higher non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $9 million from a one-time equity grant and the timing of expense recognition for new annual equity grants, unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates of $7 million and increased expenses related to transformation initiatives and acquisition transaction costs.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense remained constant at 16% for each of the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Selling and marketing expense increased by $49 million, or 14%, to $403 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $354 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, selling and marketing expense decreased to 13% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 14% for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Distribution expense was $67 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and $59 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, distribution expense remained constant at 2% for each of the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
+Added: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $59 million and $57 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Total selling, general and administrative expense increased by $136 million, or 11%, to $1,392 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,256 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, total selling, general and administrative expense decreased to at 31% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 32% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: General and administrative expense increased by $67 million to $696 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $629 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The increase in general and administrative expense was mainly due to increased employee related costs, including the impact of the additional week, the impact of acquisitions, increased expenses related to transformation initiatives and acquisition transaction costs and unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates of $7 million, partially offset by the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense remained constant at 16% for each of the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
+Added: Selling and marketing expense increased by $57 million, or 10%, to $601 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $544 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, selling and marketing expense remained constant at 14% for each of the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
+Added: Distribution expense was $95 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and $83 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of revenue, distribution expense remained constant at 2% for each of the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
3 unchanged sentences
to operating income for purposes of the discussion that follows (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
7 unchanged sentences
Interest expense, net 94 93 1 1 %
+Added: Loss on extinguishment of debt — 12 (12) -100 %
Operating income 551 509 42 8 %
2 unchanged sentences
OIBDA $ 808 $ 736 $ 72 10 %
−Removed: OIBDA increased by $80 million to $575 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 as compared to $495 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, partially offset by higher cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of total revenue, OIBDA margin remained constant at 19% for each of the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 due to strong operating performance, which was offset by growth of lower-margin revenue streams.
+Added: OIBDA increased by $72 million to $808 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $736 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, partially offset by higher cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of total revenue, OIBDA margin decreased to 18% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 19% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 due to strong operating performance and the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition, which was offset by growth of lower-margin revenue streams.
Depreciation expense
−Removed: Our depreciation expense increased by $3 million to $41 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $38 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Our depreciation expense increased by $2 million to $59 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $57 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
This increase is primarily due to an increase in IT capital spending and assets being placed into service.
Amortization expense
−Removed: Our amortization expense increased by $19 million, or 17%, to $129 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $110 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Our amortization expense increased by $28 million, or 16%, to $198 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $170 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
The increase is primarily due to an increase in amortizable intangible assets primarily related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
Operating income
−Removed: Our operating income increased by $58 million to $405 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $347 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Our operating income increased by $42 million to $551 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $509 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
The increase in operating income was due to the factors that led to the increase in OIBDA, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization as noted above.
+Added: Loss on extinguishment of debt
+Added: There was no loss on extinguishment of debt for the nine months ended June 30, 2022.
+Added: We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt in the amount of $12 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 which represents the premium paid on early redemption and unamortized deferred financing costs related to the redemption of the 5.500% Notes.
Interest expense, net
−Removed: Our interest expense, net, decreased to $62 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $63 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 due to lower interest rates resulting from debt refinancing, partially offset by a higher principal balance due to the issuance of senior secured notes to partially fund certain music asset acquisitions.
−Removed: Other income for the six months ended March 31, 2022 primarily includes foreign currency gains on our Euro-denominated debt of $50 million, currency exchange gains on our intercompany loans of $17 million and unrealized gains on hedging activity of $5 million, partially offset by aggregate realized and unrealized losses of $31 million on the mark-to-market of equity investments.
−Removed: This compares to unrealized gains of $32 million on the mark-to-market of equity investments, partially offset by foreign currency losses on our Euro-denominated debt of $8 million and currency exchange losses on our intercompany loans of $5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Our interest expense, net, increased to $94 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $93 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 due to a higher principal balance due to the issuance of senior secured notes to partially fund certain music asset acquisitions.
+Added: Other income for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 primarily includes foreign currency gains on our Euro-denominated debt of $96 million, currency exchange gains on our intercompany loans of $23 million and unrealized gains on hedging activity of $9 million, partially offset by aggregate realized and unrealized losses of $37 million on the mark-to-market of equity investments.
+Added: This compares to unrealized gains of $26 million on the mark-to-market of equity investments, offset by foreign currency losses on our Euro-denominated debt of $20 million and currency exchange losses on our intercompany loans of $7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Income tax expense
−Removed: Our income tax expense increased by $23 million to $109 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $86 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The change of $23 million in income tax expense is primarily due to the impact of higher pre-tax income in the current year.
−Removed: Net income increased by $64 million to $280 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $216 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 as a result of the factors described above.
+Added: Our income tax expense increased by $21 million to $148 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $127 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The increase of $21 million in income tax expense is primarily due to the impact of higher pre-tax income in the current year, partially offset by the impact of the change in the U.K.
+Added: statutory tax rate recognized in the prior year.
+Added: Net income increased by $128 million to $405 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $277 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as a result of the factors described above.
Noncontrolling interest
−Removed: There was $1 million of income attributable to noncontrolling interest for each of the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
+Added: There was $2 million of income attributable to noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and $1 million of income attributable to noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Business Segment Results
Revenues, operating income (loss) and OIBDA by business segment were as follows (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
15 unchanged sentences
Recorded Music
−Removed: Recorded Music revenue increased by $313 million, or 14%, to $2,533 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $2,220 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Adjusted for the benefit of the additional week and the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, Recorded Music revenue was up 14%.
−Removed: Recorded Music revenues were $1,126 million and $950 million, or 44% and 43% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Recorded Music revenues were $1,407 million and $1,270 million, or 56% and 57% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was driven by increases in digital, artist services and expanded-rights, physical and licensing revenues, as described in the “Total Revenues” and “Revenue by Geographical Location” sections above.
+Added: Recorded Music revenue increased by $350 million, or 10%, to $3,722 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $3,372 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Recorded Music revenues were $1,641 million and $1,454 million, or 44% and 43% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Recorded Music revenues were $2,081 million and $1,918 million, or 56% and 57% of consolidated Recorded Music revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: The overall increase in Recorded Music revenue was driven by increases in digital, artist services and expanded-rights, licensing and physical revenues, as described in the “Total Revenues” and “Revenue by Geographical Location” sections above.
Cost of revenues
Recorded Music cost of revenues was composed of the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
2 unchanged sentences
Total cost of revenues $ 1,828 $ 1,633 $ 195 12 %
−Removed: Recorded Music cost of revenues increased by $149 million, or 14%, to $1,222 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $1,073 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music artist and repertoire costs decreased to 26% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 27% for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The decrease is primarily attributable to revenue mix and timing of artist and repertoire investments.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music product costs increased to 23% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 21% for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: Recorded Music cost of revenues increased by $195 million, or 12%, to $1,828 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,633 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music artist and repertoire costs decreased to 26% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 28% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The decrease is primarily attributable to revenue mix.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music product costs increased to 23% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 21% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
The overall increase as a percentage of revenue primarily relates to revenue mix due to an increase in lower-margin artist services and expanded-rights revenue.
1 unchanged sentence
Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expenses were composed of the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
4 unchanged sentences
______________________________________
−Removed: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $28 million and $26 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense increased by $90 million, or 13%, to $759 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $669 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to increased employee related costs, the unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates of $7 million and increased expenses related to acquisition transaction costs.
+Added: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $40 million for both the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
+Added: Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense increased by $105 million, or 10%, to $1,130 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $1,025 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to increased employee related costs, the unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates of $10 million, restructuring and the impact of acquisitions, including increased expenses related to acquisition transaction costs, partially offset by lower non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $6 million, as a result of equity awards becoming fully vested, and the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition.
The increase in selling and marketing expense was primarily due to increased variable marketing spend on higher revenues and new releases, increased employee related costs and higher travel expenses as limited travel resumed.
The increase in distribution expense was primarily due to higher artist services and expanded-rights revenue.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense remained constant at 30% for each of the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music selling, general and administrative expense remained constant at 30% for each of the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
Operating Income and OIBDA
Recorded Music OIBDA included the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
2 unchanged sentences
OIBDA $ 804 $ 754 $ 50 7 %
−Removed: Recorded Music OIBDA increased by $76 million, to $580 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $504 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, partially offset by higher costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music OIBDA margin remained constant at 23% for each of the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 due to strong operating performance, which was offset by growth of lower-margin revenue streams.
−Removed: Recorded Music operating income increased by $58 million to $465 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $407 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 due to the factors that led to the increase in Recorded Music OIBDA noted above, partially offset by higher depreciation from new assets placed into service and an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
+Added: Recorded Music OIBDA increased by $50 million, to $804 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $754 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as a result of higher revenues, partially offset by higher costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Recorded Music revenue, Recorded Music OIBDA margin remained constant at 22% for each of the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021 due to strong operating performance and the impact of the mark-to-market adjustment of an earn-out liability related to an acquisition, which was offset by growth of lower-margin revenue streams.
+Added: Recorded Music operating income increased by $27 million to $631 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $604 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 due to the factors that led to the increase in Recorded Music OIBDA noted above, partially offset by an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
Music Publishing
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues increased by $92 million, or 25%, to $459 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $367 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Music Publishing revenues were $232 million and $187 million, or 51% and 51% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: International Music Publishing revenues were $227 million and $180 million, or 49% and 49% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues increased by $148 million, or 27%, to $704 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $556 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Music Publishing revenues were $369 million and $277 million, or 52% and 50% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: International Music Publishing revenues were $335 million and $279 million, or 48% and 50% of consolidated Music Publishing revenues, for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
The overall increase in Music Publishing revenue was driven by growth across all revenue types, including digital, synchronization, performance and mechanical revenue, as described in the “Total Revenues” and “Revenue by Geographical Location” sections above.
1 unchanged sentence
Music Publishing cost of revenues were composed of the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
1 unchanged sentence
Total cost of revenues $ 457 $ 360 $ 97 27 %
−Removed: Music Publishing cost of revenues increased by $57 million, or 24%, to $295 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $238 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing cost of revenues decreased to 64% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 65% for the six months ended March 31, 2021, primarily attributable to revenue mix and the impact from a recent acquisition.
+Added: Music Publishing cost of revenues increased by $97 million, or 27%, to $457 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $360 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing cost of revenues remained constant at 65% for each of the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
Selling, general and administrative expense
−Removed: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expenses were comprised of the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expenses were composed of the following amounts (in millions):
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
3 unchanged sentences
______________________________________
−Removed: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $3 million and $3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense increased to $52 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $50 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 11% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 14% for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
+Added: (1) Includes depreciation expense of $4 million for both the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
+Added: Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense increased to $79 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $75 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 11% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 13% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Operating Income and OIBDA
Music Publishing OIBDA included the following amounts (in millions):
−Removed: For the Six Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, 2022 vs.
+Added: For the Nine Months Ended
+Added: June 30, 2022 vs.
2022 2021 $ Change % Change
2 unchanged sentences
OIBDA $ 172 $ 125 $ 47 38 %
−Removed: Music Publishing OIBDA increased by $33 million, or 40%, to $115 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $82 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing OIBDA margin increased to 25% for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from 22% for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The increase was due to revenue mix, the impact from a recent acquisition and strong operating performance.
−Removed: Music Publishing operating income increased by $30 million to $70 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $40 million operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2021 largely due to the factors that led to the increase in Music Publishing OIBDA noted above, partially offset by an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
+Added: Music Publishing OIBDA increased by $47 million, or 38%, to $172 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $125 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: Expressed as a percentage of Music Publishing revenue, Music Publishing OIBDA margin increased to 24% for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from 22% for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The increase was due to strong operating performance.
+Added: Music Publishing operating income increased by $42 million to $103 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $61 million operating income for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 largely due to the factors that led to the increase in Music Publishing OIBDA noted above, partially offset by an increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of music-related assets.
Corporate Expenses and Eliminations
−Removed: Our operating loss from corporate expenses and eliminations increased by $30 million to $130 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $100 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 which primarily includes the increase in non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $12 million from a one-time equity grant and the timing of expense recognition for new annual equity grants, expenses related to transformation initiatives, employee related costs, including the impact of the additional week, and professional services.
−Removed: Our OIBDA loss from corporate expenses and eliminations increased by $29 million to $120 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $91 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 due to the operating loss factors noted above.
+Added: Our operating loss from corporate expenses and eliminations increased by $27 million to $183 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $156 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 which primarily includes expenses related to transformation initiatives, the increase in non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses of $8 million from a one-time equity grant and the timing of expense recognition for new annual equity grants, employee related costs, including the impact of the additional week, and professional services.
+Added: Our OIBDA loss from corporate expenses and eliminations increased by $25 million to $168 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 from $143 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 due to the operating loss factors noted above.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
−Removed: Financial Condition at March 31, 2022
−Removed: At March 31, 2022, we had $3.829 billion of debt (which is net of $44 million of premiums, discounts and deferred financing costs), $385 million of cash and equivalents (net debt of $3.444 billion, defined as total debt, less cash and equivalents and premiums, discounts and deferred financing costs) and $154 million of Warner Music Group Corp.
+Added: Financial Condition at June 30, 2022
+Added: At June 30, 2022, we had $3.785 billion of debt (which is net of $42 million of premiums, discounts and deferred financing costs), $345 million of cash and equivalents (net debt of $3.440 billion, defined as total debt, less cash and equivalents and premiums, discounts and deferred financing costs) and $156 million of Warner Music Group Corp.
This compares to $3.346 billion of debt (which is net of $37 million of premiums, discounts and deferred financing costs), $499 million of cash and equivalents (net debt of $2.847 billion) and $31 million of Warner Music Group Corp.
1 unchanged sentence
The following table summarizes our historical cash flows (in millions).
−Removed: The financial data for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 are unaudited and have been derived from our consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere herein.
−Removed: Six Months Ended
+Added: The financial data for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021 are unaudited and have been derived from our consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere herein.
+Added: Nine Months Ended
Cash provided by (used in):
3 unchanged sentences
Operating Activities
−Removed: Cash provided by operating activities was $173 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 as compared with cash provided by operating activities of $319 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The $146 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to continued A&R investment and the timing of working capital, driving a use of cash from working capital, partially offset by an increase in OIBDA.
+Added: Cash provided by operating activities was $336 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared with cash provided by operating activities of $410 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The $74 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the timing of working capital, driving a use of cash from working capital, partially offset by an increase in OIBDA.
Investing Activities
−Removed: Cash used in investing activities was $649 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 as compared with cash used in investing activities of $404 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The $649 million of cash used in investing activities in the six months ended March 31, 2022 consisted of $429 million relating to investments and acquisitions of businesses, a portion of which was debt-financed, $169 million to acquire music-related assets, a portion of which was debt-financed and $62 million relating to capital expenditures, partially offset by $11 million of proceeds from the sale of investments.
−Removed: The $404 million of cash used in investing activities in the six months ended March 31, 2021 consisted of $39 million relating to investments, $38 million relating to capital expenditures and $327 million to acquire music-related assets, a portion of which was debt-financed.
+Added: Cash used in investing activities was $763 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared with cash used in investing activities of $566 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The $763 million of cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended June 30, 2022 consisted of $499 million relating to investments and acquisitions of businesses, a portion of which was debt-financed, $178 million to acquire music-related assets, a portion of which was debt-financed, and $97 million relating to capital expenditures, partially offset by $11 million of proceeds from the sale of investments.
+Added: The $566 million of cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended June 30, 2021 consisted of $49 million relating to investments and acquisitions of businesses, $58 million relating to capital expenditures and $459 million to acquire music-related assets, a portion of which was debt-financed.
Financing Activities
−Removed: Cash provided by financing activities was $363 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 as compared with cash provided by financing activities of $114 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
−Removed: The $363 million of cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2022 consisted of proceeds from debt issuance of $535 million, which was used to fund the acquisition of a business and music-related assets, partially offset by dividends paid of $156 million, taxes paid related to net share settlement of restricted stock units of $6 million, deferred financing costs of $5 million, cash paid to settle contingent consideration of $4 million and distributions to noncontrolling interest holders of $1 million.
−Removed: The $114 million of cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2021 consisted of proceeds from debt issuance of $244 million which was used to fund investments, partially offset by dividends paid of $125 million, deferred financing costs of $4 million and distributions to noncontrolling interest holders of $1 million.
+Added: Cash provided by financing activities was $280 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 as compared with cash provided by financing activities of $35 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
+Added: The $280 million of cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2022 consisted of proceeds from debt issuance of $535 million, which was used to fund the acquisition of a business and music-related assets, partially offset by dividends paid of $235 million, taxes paid related to net share settlement of restricted stock units of $6 million, deferred financing costs of $5 million, cash paid to settle contingent consideration of $4 million and distributions to noncontrolling interest holders of $5 million.
+Added: The $35 million of cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 consisted of proceeds from debt issuance of $244 million which was used to fund the acquisition of music-related assets and proceeds from the increase supplement to the Senior Term Loan Facility of $325 million, partially offset by the redemption of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of $325 million of the 5.500% Senior Notes due 2026, dividends paid of $187 million, call premiums paid on early redemption of the 5.500% Senior Notes due 2026 of $8 million, deferred financing costs of $8 million and distributions to noncontrolling interest holders of $6 million.
Our primary sources of liquidity are the cash flows generated from our subsidiaries’ operations, available cash and equivalents and funds available for drawing under our Revolving Credit Facility.
−Removed: These sources of liquidity are needed to fund our debt service requirements, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, strategic acquisitions and investments, and dividends, prepayments of debt, repurchases or retirement of our outstanding debt or notes or repurchases of our outstanding equity securities in open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases or otherwise, we may elect to pay or make in the future.
+Added: These sources of liquidity are needed to fund our debt service requirements, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, strategic acquisitions and investments, and
+Added: dividends, prepayments of debt, repurchases or retirement of our outstanding debt or notes or repurchases of our outstanding equity securities in open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases or otherwise, we may elect to pay or make in the future.
We believe that our primary sources of liquidity will be sufficient to support our existing operations over the next twelve months.
We are continuing our financial transformation initiative, launched in August 2019, to upgrade our information technology and finance infrastructure, including related systems and processes, for which we currently expect upfront costs to be approximately $160 million, which includes capital expenditures of approximately $65 million.
−Removed: There has been a slight delay in the timing of the transformation initiative as a result of the ongoing effects of COVID-19, but it is still expected to be delivered by the end of fiscal year 2022.
−Removed: Annualized run-rate savings from the financial transformation initiative are expected to be between approximately $35 million and $40 million once fully implemented starting in fiscal year 2023.
+Added: There has been a slight delay in the timing of the transformation initiative as a result of the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
+Added: Annualized run-rate savings from the financial transformation initiative are expected to be between approximately $35 million and $40 million once fully implemented.
We expect that our primary sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund these expenditures.
2 unchanged sentences
For example, our S&P corporate credit rating improved from B in 2017 to BB+ in July 2021 with a stable outlook, and our Moody’s corporate family rating improved from B1 in 2016 to Ba3 in 2020.
−Removed: In addition, our weighted-average interest rate on our outstanding indebtedness has decreased from 10.5% in 2011 to 3.3% as of March 31, 2022.
+Added: In addition, our weighted-average interest rate on our outstanding indebtedness has decreased from 10.5% in 2011 to 3.4% as of June 30, 2022.
Our nearest-term maturity date is in 2028.
22 unchanged sentences
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at Acquisition Corp.’s election at a rate equal to (i) the rate for deposits in the borrowing currency in the London interbank market (adjusted for maximum reserves) for the applicable interest period (“Revolving LIBOR”) plus 1.875% per annum, or (ii) the base rate, which is the highest of (x) the corporate base rate established by the administrative agent from time to time, (y) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (z) the one-month Revolving LIBOR plus 1.00% per annum, plus, in each case, 0.875% per annum;
−Removed: provided that, for each of clauses (i) and (ii), the applicable margin with respect to such loans is subject to adjustment upon achievement of certain leverage ratios as set forth in a leverage-based pricing grid in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
−Removed: Based on the Senior Secured Indebtedness to EBITDA Ratio
−Removed: of 3.06x at March 31, 2022, the applicable margin for Eurodollar loans would be 1.625% instead of 1.875% and the applicable margin for ABR loans would be 0.625% instead of 0.875% in the case of 2020 Revolving Loans (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement).
−Removed: Existing Debt as of March 31, 2022
−Removed: As of March 31, 2022, our long-term debt, all of which was issued by Acquisition Corp., was as follows (in millions):
+Added: provided that, for each of clauses
+Added: (i) and (ii), the applicable margin with respect to such loans is subject to adjustment upon achievement of certain leverage ratios as set forth in a leverage-based pricing grid in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
+Added: Based on the Senior Secured Indebtedness to EBITDA Ratio of 3.09x at June 30, 2022, the applicable margin for Eurodollar loans would be 1.625% instead of 1.875% and the applicable margin for ABR loans would be 0.625% instead of 0.875% in the case of 2020 Revolving Loans (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement).
+Added: Existing Debt as of June 30, 2022
+Added: As of June 30, 2022, our long-term debt, all of which was issued by Acquisition Corp., was as follows (in millions):
Revolving Credit Facility (a) $ —
9 unchanged sentences
______________________________________
−Removed: (a) Reflects $300 million of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility available at March 31, 2022, less letters of credit outstanding of approximately $7 million at March 31, 2022.
−Removed: There were no loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at March 31, 2022.
+Added: (a) Reflects $300 million of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility available at June 30, 2022, less letters of credit outstanding of approximately $7 million at June 30, 2022.
+Added: There were no loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2022.
For further discussion of our debt agreements, see “Liquidity” in the “Financial Condition and Liquidity” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
3 unchanged sentences
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.
−Removed: On February 8, 2022, the Company’s board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.15 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, which was paid to stockholders on March 1, 2022.
−Removed: The Company paid an aggregate of approximately $78 million and $156 million, or $0.15 and $0.30 per share, in cash dividends to stockholders and participating security holders for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively.
+Added: On May 13, 2022, the Company’s board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.15 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, which was paid to stockholders on June 1, 2022.
+Added: The Company paid an aggregate of approximately $79 million and $235 million, or $0.15 and $0.45 per share, in cash dividends to stockholders and participating security holders for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.
Covenant Compliance
−Removed: The Company was in compliance with its covenants under its outstanding notes, the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Term Loan Facility as of March 31, 2022.
+Added: The Company was in compliance with its covenants under its outstanding notes, the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Term Loan Facility as of June 30, 2022.
On January 18, 2019, we delivered a notice to the trustee under the 2012 Secured Indenture and 2014 Unsecured Indenture changing the Fixed GAAP Date, as defined under the indentures, to October 1, 2018.
40 unchanged sentences
The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss), which is a U.S.
−Removed: GAAP measure of our operating results, to Adjusted EBITDA as defined, for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters, or the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2021 and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
−Removed: In addition, the reconciliation includes the calculation of the Senior Secured Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, which we refer to as the Leverage Ratio, under the Revolving Credit Agreement for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters, or the twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
+Added: GAAP measure of our operating results, to Adjusted EBITDA as defined, for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters, or the twelve months ended June 30, 2022, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2021 and for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
+Added: In addition, the reconciliation includes the calculation of the Senior Secured Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, which we refer to as the Leverage Ratio, under the Revolving Credit Agreement for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters, or the twelve months ended June 30, 2022.
The terms and related calculations are defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
2 unchanged sentences
Twelve Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, Three Months Ended
+Added: June 30, Three Months Ended
2022 2021 2022 2021
7 unchanged sentences
Net hedging and foreign exchange (gains) losses (d) (148) 82 (55) 15
−Removed: Management fees (e) — 14 — —
−Removed: Transaction costs (f) 9 75 (5) 3
−Removed: Business optimization expenses (g) 51 34 13 10
−Removed: Non-cash stock-based compensation expense (h) 53 469 6 15
−Removed: Other non-cash charges (i) 56 (48) 32 (16)
−Removed: Pro forma impact of cost savings initiatives and specified transactions (j) 70 48 11 9
+Added: Transaction costs (e) 8 4 1 2
+Added: Business optimization expenses (f) 55 36 16 12
+Added: Non-cash stock-based compensation expense (g) 46 41 5 12
+Added: Other non-cash charges (h) 47 (34) (4) 5
+Added: Pro forma impact of cost savings initiatives and specified transactions (i) 64 47 11 10
Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,184 $ 1,039 $ 263 $ 282
−Removed: Senior Secured Indebtedness (k) $ 3,704
−Removed: Leverage Ratio (l) 3.06x
+Added: Senior Secured Indebtedness (j) $ 3,660
+Added: Leverage Ratio (k) 3.09x
______________________________________
3 unchanged sentences
(d) Reflects unrealized losses (gains) due to foreign exchange on our Euro-denominated debt, losses (gains) from hedging activities and intercompany transactions.
−Removed: (e) Reflects management fees and related expenses paid to Access pursuant to the management agreement, which was terminated upon completion of the IPO in June 2020.
−Removed: (f) Reflects mainly transaction related costs and mark-to-market adjustments of an earn-out liability related to a transaction, in addition to qualifying IPO costs.
−Removed: (g) Reflects costs associated with our transformation initiatives and IT system updates, which includes costs of $10 million and $39 million related to our finance transformation for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, as well as $8 million and $25 million for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.
−Removed: (h) Reflects non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Warner Music Group Corp.
+Added: (e) Reflects mainly transaction related costs.
+Added: (f) Reflects costs associated with our transformation initiatives and IT system updates, which includes costs of $11 million and $41 million related to our finance transformation and other related costs for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, as well as $9 million and $28 million for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.
+Added: (g) Reflects non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Warner Music Group Corp.
Senior Management Free Cash Flow Plan.
−Removed: (i) Reflects non-cash activity, including the unrealized losses (gains) on the mark-to-market of equity investments, investment losses (gains) and other non-cash impairments.
−Removed: (j) Reflects expected savings resulting from transformation initiatives and the pro forma impact of certain specified transactions for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
+Added: (h) Reflects non-cash activity, including the unrealized losses (gains) on the mark-to-market of equity investments, investment losses (gains), mark-to-market adjustments of an earn-out liability and other non-cash impairments.
+Added: (i) Reflects expected savings resulting from transformation initiatives and the pro forma impact of certain specified transactions for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2022.
Certain of these cost savings initiatives and transactions impacted quarters prior to the quarter during which they were identified within the last twelve-month period.
−Removed: The pro forma impact of these specified transactions and initiatives resulted in a $20 million increase in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 Adjusted EBITDA.
−Removed: (k) Reflects the balance of senior secured debt at Acquisition Corp.
+Added: The pro forma impact of these specified transactions and initiatives resulted in a $13 million increase in the twelve months ended June 30, 2022 Adjusted EBITDA.
+Added: (j) Reflects the balance of senior secured debt at Acquisition Corp.
of approximately $3.785 billion and the balance of current notes payable of approximately $125 million less cash of $250 million.
−Removed: (l) Reflects the ratio of Senior Secured Indebtedness, including Revolving Credit Agreement Indebtedness, to Adjusted EBITDA.
−Removed: This is calculated net of cash and equivalents of the Company as of March 31, 2022 not exceeding $250 million.
−Removed: If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of borrowings and drawings under letters of credit which have not been reimbursed under our Revolving Credit Facility is greater than $105 million at the end of a fiscal quarter, the maximum
−Removed: leverage ratio permitted under the Revolving Credit Facility is 5.00:1.00.
+Added: (k) Reflects the ratio of Senior Secured Indebtedness, including Revolving Credit Agreement Indebtedness, to Adjusted EBITDA.
+Added: This is calculated net of cash and equivalents of the Company as of June 30, 2022 not exceeding $250 million.
+Added: If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of borrowings and drawings under letters of credit which have not been reimbursed under our Revolving Credit Facility is greater than $105 million at the end of a fiscal quarter, the maximum leverage ratio permitted under the Revolving Credit Facility is 5.00:1.00.
The Company’s Revolving Credit Facility does not impose any “leverage ratio” maintenance requirement on the Company when the aggregate principal amount of borrowings and drawings under letters of credit, which have not been reimbursed under the Revolving Credit Facility, is less than or equal to $105 million at the end of a fiscal quarter.
−Removed: On May 4, 2021, certain covenants set forth in our Revolving Credit Facility were suspended, including the restriction on incurring certain additional indebtedness, based on the determination that the total indebtedness to EBITDA ratio is below the required threshold specified therein.
+Added: On May 4, 2021, certain covenants set forth in our Revolving Credit
+Added: Facility were suspended, including the restriction on incurring certain additional indebtedness, based on the determination that the total indebtedness to EBITDA ratio is below the required threshold specified therein.
Management believes that funds generated from our operations and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and available cash and equivalents will be sufficient to fund our debt service requirements, working capital requirements and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future.
6 unchanged sentences
Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.