| Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2014 |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
|
| Description of Business |
|
| Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner” or the “Company”) is a leading media and entertainment company, whose businesses include television networks, and film and TV entertainment. Time Warner classifies its operations into three reportable segments: Turner: consisting principally of cable networks and digital media properties; Home Box Office: consisting principally of premium pay television services domestically and premium pay and basic tier television services internationally; and Warner Bros.: consisting principally of television, feature film, home video and videogame production and distribution. |
|
| Separation of Time Inc. |
|
| On June 6, 2014 (the “Distribution Date”), the Company completed the legal and structural separation of the Company's Time Inc. segment from the Company (the “Time Separation”). The Time Separation was effected as a pro rata dividend of all shares of Time Inc. common stock held by Time Warner in a spin-off to Time Warner stockholders. With the completion of the Time Separation, the Company disposed of the Time Inc. segment in its entirety and ceased to consolidate its assets, liabilities and results of operations in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the Company has recast its financial information to present the financial position and results of operations of its former Time Inc. segment as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. For a summary of discontinued operations, see Note 3. |
|
| In connection with the Time Separation, the Company received $1.4 billion from Time Inc., consisting of proceeds relating to Time Inc.'s acquisition of the IPC publishing business in the U.K. from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Time Warner and a special dividend. |
|
| Basis of Presentation |
| Basis of Consolidation |
|
| The consolidated financial statements include all of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of entities in which Time Warner has a controlling interest (“subsidiaries”). Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation. |
|
| Changes in Basis of Presentation |
|
| The 2013 and 2012 financial information has been recast so that the basis of presentation is consistent with that of the 2014 financial information. This recast reflects the financial position and results of operations of the Company's former Time Inc. segment as discontinued operations for all periods presented. |
|
| Use of Estimates |
|
| The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
|
| Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include accounting for asset impairments, multiple-element transactions, allowances for doubtful accounts, depreciation and amortization, the determination of ultimate revenues as it relates to amortization of capitalized film and programming costs and participations and residuals, home video and videogames product returns, business combinations, pension and other postretirement benefits, equity-based compensation, income taxes, contingencies, litigation matters, reporting revenue for certain transactions on a gross versus net basis, and the determination of whether the Company should consolidate certain entities. |
| Venezuela Currency |
|
| Certain of the Company's divisions conduct business with third parties located in Venezuela and, as a result, the Company holds net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes (“VEF”) that primarily consist of cash and accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2014, there were three legal foreign currency exchange systems administered by the Venezuelan government, each with a different exchange rate: (i) the fixed official government rate as published by the Central Bank of Venezuela, which as of December 31, 2014 was 6.3 VEF to each U.S. Dollar, (ii) the variable, auction-based SICAD 1 rate, which as of December 31, 2014 was 12 VEF to each U.S. Dollar and (iii) the variable, transaction-based SICAD 2 rate, which as of December 31, 2014 was approximately 50 VEF to each U.S. Dollar. Because of Venezuelan government-imposed restrictions on the exchange of VEF into foreign currency in Venezuela, the Company has not been able to convert VEF earned in Venezuela into U.S. Dollars through the official government rate. Further, the Company has not been able to access the SICAD 1 and SICAD 2 exchanges due to government requirements and restrictions on participation in the exchanges, including a requirement that an entity be domiciled in Venezuela to participate. |
|
| Prior to December 31, 2014, the Company used the official government exchange rate to remeasure its VEF-denominated transactions and balances. This was principally due to the Company's inability to access the SICAD 1 and SICAD 2 exchange systems, as noted above, as well as a lack of clarity about those exchange systems' stability and transaction volume. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company considered information about the companies that were able to access the three exchange systems during 2014 and the fact that the SICAD 1 and SICAD 2 exchanges continued to operate, as well as the state of the Venezuelan economy, which has been negatively impacted by significantly lower oil prices and which the Venezuela Central Bank confirmed in late December 2014 had entered a recession. Based on these factors, as of December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that the SICAD 2 exchange rate was the most appropriate legal exchange rate for the Company's business activities conducted in VEF. Accordingly, beginning on December 31, 2014, the Company began using the SICAD 2 rate to remeasure its VEF-denominated transactions and balances and, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2014, recognized a pretax foreign exchange loss of $173 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations |
| Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2014 |
|
| Share-Based Payment Awards with Performance Targets Attainable After the Requisite Service Period |
|
| On July 1, 2014, the Company early adopted guidance that clarifies that a performance target that affects the vesting of an award payable in shares and that can be met after the requisite service period is a performance condition. Therefore, compensation expense related to such awards should only be recognized when it becomes probable that the performance target will be met, which could occur after the requisite service period has been satisfied. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
|
| Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits |
|
| On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted on a prospective basis guidance requiring a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit to be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations in which a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of a jurisdiction or the tax law of a jurisdiction does not require it, and the Company does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit would be presented in the financial statements as a liability and will not be combined with deferred tax assets. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
|
| Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted |
|
| Revenue Recognition |
|
| In May 2014, guidance was issued that establishes a new revenue recognition framework in U.S. GAAP for all companies and industries. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue from the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive for those goods or services. The guidance includes a five-step framework to determine the timing and amount of revenue to recognize related to contracts with customers. In addition, this guidance requires new or expanded disclosures related to the judgments made by companies when following this framework. The guidance will become effective on either a full or modified retrospective basis for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. |
|
| Discontinued Operations |
|
| In April 2014, guidance was issued that changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under this new guidance, a discontinued operation is (i) a component of an entity or group of components that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has had or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results or (ii) an acquired business that is classified as held for sale on the acquisition date. This guidance also requires expanded or new disclosures for discontinued operations, individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation, an entity's continuing involvement with a discontinued operation following disposal and retained equity method investments in a discontinued operation. This guidance became effective on a prospective basis for the Company on January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
|
| Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies |
|
| The following is a discussion of each of the Company's critical accounting policies, including information and analysis of estimates and assumptions involved in their application, and other significant accounting policies. |
|
| The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) considers an accounting policy to be critical if it is important to the Company's financial condition and results of operations and if it requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. The development and selection of these critical accounting policies have been determined by Time Warner's management and the related disclosures have been reviewed with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. Due to the significant judgment involved in selecting certain of the assumptions used in these areas, it is possible that different parties could choose different assumptions and reach different conclusions. The Company considers the policies relating to the following matters to be critical accounting policies: |
|
|
| Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (see pages 76 to 77); |
|
|
|
| Film and Television Production Cost Recognition, Participations and Residuals and Impairments (see pages 81 to 82); |
|
|
|
| Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition (see pages 80 to 81); |
|
|
|
| Sales Returns and Pricing Rebates (see page 80); and |
|
|
|
| Income Taxes (see page 84). |
|
|
|
| Cash and Equivalents |
|
| Cash equivalents consist of investments that are readily convertible into cash and have original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company monitors concentrations of credit risk with respect to Cash and equivalents by placing such balances with higher quality financial institutions or investing such amounts in liquid, short-term, highly-rated instruments or investment funds holding similar instruments. As of December 31, 2014, the majority of the Company's Cash and equivalents were invested with banks with a credit rating of at least A and in Rule 2a-7 money market mutual funds. At December 31, 2014, the Company did not have more than $500 million invested in any single bank or money market mutual fund. |
|
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
|
| The Company monitors customer credit risk related to accounts receivable, including unbilled trade receivables primarily related to the distribution of television product. Significant judgments and estimates are involved in evaluating if such amounts will ultimately be fully collected. Each of the Company's businesses maintains a comprehensive approval process prior to issuing credit to third-party customers. Counterparties that are determined to be of a higher risk are evaluated to assess whether the credit terms previously granted to them should be modified. The Company monitors customers' accounts receivable aging, and a provision for estimated uncollectible amounts is maintained based on customer payment levels, historical experience and management's views on trends in the overall receivable agings at the Company's businesses. In addition, for larger accounts, the Company performs analyses of risks on a customer-specific basis. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, total reserves for doubtful accounts were approximately $152 million and $191 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $20 million of income related to bad debt primarily due to the reversal of a reserve related to a Warner Bros. receivable. Bad debt expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $28 million and $37 million, respectively. |
|
| Consolidation |
|
| Time Warner consolidates all entities in which it has a controlling voting interest and all variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Entities determined to be VIEs primarily consist of HBO Latin America Group (“HBO LAG”) because the Company's ownership and voting rights in this entity are disproportionate. HBO LAG operates multi-channel premium pay and basic tier television services in Latin America and is accounted for using the equity method. See Note 4 for additional information. |
|
| Investments |
|
| Investments in companies in which Time Warner has significant influence, but less than a controlling voting interest, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally presumed to exist when Time Warner owns between 20% and 50% of the voting interests in the investee, holds substantial management rights or holds an interest of less than 20% in an investee that is a limited liability partnership or limited liability corporation that is treated as a flow-through entity. |
|
| Under the equity method of accounting, only Time Warner's investment in and amounts due to and from the equity investee are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet; only Time Warner's share of the investee's earnings (losses) is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations; and only the dividends, cash distributions, loans or other cash received from the investee, additional cash investments, loan repayments or other cash paid to the investee are included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. |
|
| Investments in companies in which Time Warner does not have a controlling voting interest or over which it is unable to exert significant influence are generally accounted for at fair value if the investments are publicly traded. If the investment or security is not publicly traded, the investment is accounted for at cost. Unrealized gains and losses on investments accounted for at fair value are reported, net of tax, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net. Dividends and other distributions of earnings from investments in companies in which Time Warner does not have a controlling voting interest or over which it is unable to exert significant influence are included in Other loss, net, when declared. For more information, see Notes 3 and 4. |
|
| The company regularly reviews its investments for impairment. See “Asset Impairments” below for additional information. |
|
| Foreign Currency Translation |
|
| Financial statements of subsidiaries operating outside the United States whose functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and at average rates of exchange for revenues and expenses during the period. Translation gains or losses on assets and liabilities are included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net. |
|
| Derivative Instruments |
|
| The Company uses derivative instruments principally to manage the risk associated with movements in foreign currency exchange rates, and recognizes all derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets or liabilities through earnings or recognized in shareholders' equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net, until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, depending on whether the derivative instrument is being used to hedge changes in fair value or cash flows. For qualifying hedge relationships, the Company excludes the impact of forward points or option premiums from its assessment of hedge effectiveness and recognizes changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument due to forward points or option premiums in Other income (loss), net each quarter. The ineffective portion of a derivative instrument's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings. See Note 7 for additional information regarding derivative instruments held by the Company and risk management strategies. |
|
| Property, Plant and Equipment |
|
| Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Additions to property, plant and equipment generally include material, labor and overhead. Time Warner also capitalizes certain costs associated with coding, software configuration, upgrades and enhancements incurred for the development of internal use software. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the term of the applicable lease. Time Warner periodically evaluates the depreciation periods of property, plant and equipment to determine whether a revision to its estimates of useful lives is warranted. Property, plant and equipment, including capital leases, consist of (millions): |
| | | December 31, | | Estimated |
| | | 2014 | | 2013 | | Useful Lives |
| | | | | | (recast) | | | |
| Land(a) | | $ | 274 | | $ | 431 | | n/a |
| Buildings and improvements | | | 1,549 | | | 2,287 | | 7 to 30 years |
| Capitalized software costs | | | 1,868 | | | 1,636 | | 3 to 7 years |
| Furniture, fixtures and other equipment(b) | | | 3,102 | | | 3,236 | | 3 to 10 years |
| | | | 6,793 | | | 7,590 | | | |
| Accumulated depreciation | | | -4,138 | | | -4,299 | | | |
| Total | | $ | 2,655 | | $ | 3,291 | | | |
| ____________ | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| (a) | Land is not depreciated. | | | | | | | | | |
| (b) | Includes $223 million and $327 million of construction in progress as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. |
| Intangible Assets |
|
| Time Warner has a significant number of intangible assets, including acquired film and television libraries and other copyrighted products and tradenames. Time Warner does not recognize the fair value of internally generated intangible assets. Intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded at the acquisition date fair value in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Acquired film libraries are amortized using the film forecast computation model. For more information, see “Film and Television Production Cost Recognition, Participations and Residuals and Impairments” and Note 2. |
|
| Asset Impairments |
|
| Investments |
|
| The Company's investments consist of (i) investments carried at fair value, including available-for-sale securities and certain deferred compensation-related investments, (ii) investments accounted for using the cost method of accounting, (iii) investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting and (iv) held-to-maturity debt securities. The Company regularly reviews its investments for impairment, including when the carrying value of an investment exceeds its related market value. If the Company determines that an investment has sustained an other-than-temporary decline in its value, the investment is written down to its fair value by a charge to earnings that is included in Other loss, net. Factors that are considered by the Company in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include (i) the market value of the security in relation to its cost basis, (ii) the financial condition of the investee and (iii) the Company's intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery in the market value of the investment. |
|
| In evaluating the factors described above for available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity debt securities, the Company presumes a decline in value to be other-than-temporary if the quoted market price of the security is 20% or more below the investment's cost basis for a period of six months or more (the “20% criterion”) or the quoted market price of the security is 50% or more below the security's cost basis at any quarter end (the “50% criterion”). However, the presumption of an other-than-temporary decline in these instances may be overcome if there is persuasive evidence indicating that the decline is temporary in nature (e.g., the investee's operating performance is strong, the market price of the investee's security is historically volatile, etc.). Additionally, there may be instances in which impairment losses are recognized even if the 20% and 50% criteria are not satisfied (e.g., if there is a plan to sell the security in the near term and the fair value is below the Company's cost basis). |
|
| For investments accounted for using the cost or equity method of accounting, the Company evaluates information available (e.g., budgets, business plans, financial statements, etc.) in addition to quoted market prices, if any, in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value exists. Factors indicative of an other-than-temporary decline include recurring operating losses, credit defaults and subsequent rounds of financing at an amount below the cost basis of the Company's investment. For more information, see Note 4. |
|
| Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets |
|
| Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily tradenames, are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is either the “operating segment level,” such as Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (“Warner Bros.”), Home Box Office, Inc. (“Home Box Office”) and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (“Turner”), or one level below, which is referred to as a “component” (e.g., Warner Bros. Theatrical, Warner Bros. Television). The level at which the impairment test is performed requires judgment as to whether the operations below the operating segment constitute a self-sustaining business or whether the operations are similar such that they should be aggregated for purposes of the impairment test. For purposes of the goodwill impairment test, management has concluded that the operations below the operating segment level are not self-sustaining businesses or the operations are similar and therefore has determined that its reporting units are the same as its operating segments. |
|
| In assessing Goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company is not required to perform any additional tests in assessing Goodwill for impairment. However, if the Company concludes otherwise or elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, then it is required to perform the first step of a two-step impairment review process. The first step of the two-step process involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. In performing the first step, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis and, in certain cases, a combination of a DCF analysis and a market-based approach. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, as well as relevant comparable public company earnings multiples. The cash flows employed in the DCF analyses are based on the Company's most recent budgets and long range plans and perpetual growth rates are assumed for years beyond the current long range plan period. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of market rates, capital structures and the risk inherent in the future cash flows included in the budgets and long range plans. |
|
| In 2014, the Company did not elect to perform a qualitative assessment of Goodwill and instead performed a quantitative impairment test. The results of the quantitative test did not result in any impairments of Goodwill because the fair values of each of the Company's reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. None of the carrying values of the Company's reporting units were within 30% of their respective fair values as of December 31, 2014. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeded its fair value, the second step of the impairment review process would need to be performed to determine the ultimate amount of impairment loss to record. Significant assumptions utilized in the DCF analysis included discount rates that ranged from 9.0% to 9.5% and a terminal revenue growth rate of 3.25%. Significant assumptions utilized in the market-based approach were market multiples ranging from 9.5x to 12.0x for the Company's reporting units where a market-based approach was performed. |
|
| In assessing other intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment, the Company also has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of such an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of such an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then the Company is not required to perform any additional tests for assessing those intangible assets for impairment. However, if the Company concludes otherwise or elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, then it is required to perform a quantitative impairment test that involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. |
|
| In 2014, the Company did not elect to perform a qualitative assessment for intangible assets not subject to amortization. The estimates of fair value of intangible assets not subject to amortization are determined using a DCF valuation analysis, which is based on the “relief from royalty” methodology. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets. Also subject to judgment are assumptions about royalty rates, which are based on the estimated rates at which similar tradenames are being licensed in the marketplace. |
|
| The performance of the Company's 2014 annual impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization did not result in any impairments since the fair value of each of the Company's intangible assets not subject to amortization exceeded its respective carrying value. No intangible asset not subject to amortization's fair value was within 30% of its carrying value. The significant assumptions utilized in the 2014 DCF analysis of other intangible assets not subject to amortization were discount rates that ranged from 9.5% to 10.0% and a terminal revenue growth rate of 3.25%. |
|
| Long-Lived Assets |
|
| Long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets (e.g., tradenames, customer lists, film libraries and property, plant and equipment), do not require that an annual impairment test be performed; instead, long-lived assets are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Triggering events include the more likely than not disposal of a portion of such assets or the occurrence of an adverse change in the market involving the business employing the related assets. Once a triggering event has occurred, the impairment test is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. The impairment test for assets held for continued use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the useful life of an asset or group of assets (“asset group”) against the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by the asset or group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. If the intent is to hold the asset group for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated by the asset group against its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset group and its carrying value. Fair value is generally determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with that asset group. If the intent is to hold the asset group for sale and certain other criteria are met (e.g., the asset can be disposed of currently, appropriate levels of authority have approved the sale, and there is an active program to locate a buyer), the impairment test involves comparing the asset group's carrying value to its estimated fair value. To the extent the carrying value is greater than the estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Significant judgments in this area involve determining the appropriate asset group level at which to test, determining whether a triggering event has occurred, determining the future cash flows for the assets involved and selecting the appropriate discount rate to be applied in determining estimated fair value. For more information, see Note 2. |
|
| Accounting for Pension Plans |
|
| The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans, the substantial majority of which are noncontributory, covering a majority of domestic employees and, to a lesser extent, have various defined benefit plans, primarily noncontributory, covering certain international employees. Pension benefits are based on formulas that reflect the participating employees' years of service and compensation. Time Warner's largest defined benefit pension plan is closed for new employees and frozen to future benefit accruals. Time Warner uses a December 31st measurement date for its plans. The pension expense recognized by the Company is determined using certain assumptions, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the interest factor implied by the discount rate and the rate of compensation increases. For more information, see Note 13. |
|
| Equity-Based Compensation |
|
| The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized in Costs of revenues or Selling, general and administrative expenses depending on the job function of the grantee on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) from the date of grant over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. The total grant-date fair value of an equity award granted to an employee who has reached a specified age and years of service as of the grant date is recognized as compensation expense immediately upon grant as there is no required service period. |
|
| The grant-date fair value of a restricted stock unit (“RSU”) is determined based on the closing sale price of the Company's common stock on the NYSE Composite Tape on the date of grant. |
|
| Performance stock units (“PSUs”) are subject to a performance condition such that the number of PSUs that ultimately vest generally depends on the adjusted earnings per share (“Adjusted EPS”) achieved by the Company during a three-year performance period compared to targets established at the beginning of the period. The PSUs are also subject to a market condition and the number of PSUs that vest can be increased or decreased based on the Company's cumulative total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to the TSR of the other companies in the S&P 500 Index for the performance period. Because the terms of the PSUs provide discretion to make certain adjustments to the performance calculation, the service inception date of these awards precedes the grant date. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation expense beginning on the service inception date and remeasures the fair value of the PSU until a grant date occurs, which is typically after the completion of the required service period. PSUs, as well as RSUs granted to certain senior executives beginning in 2012, also are subject to a performance condition based on an adjusted net income target for a one-year period that, if not achieved, will result in the forfeiture of the awards. |
|
| The grant-date fair value of a stock option is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Because the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the use of subjective assumptions, changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value of the stock options. The Company determines the volatility assumption for these stock options using implied volatilities data from its traded options. The expected term, which represents the period of time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding, is estimated based on the historical exercise behavior of Time Warner employees. Groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The risk-free rate assumed in valuing the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option. The Company determines the expected dividend yield percentage by dividing the expected annual dividend by the market price of Time Warner common stock at the date of grant. For more information, see Note 12. |
|
| Revenue |
|
| The Company generates revenue primarily from content production and distribution (i.e., Content Revenue), providing programming to cable system operators, satellite distribution services, telephone companies and other distributors (collectively, “affiliates”) that have contracted to receive and distribute this programming to their subscribers (i.e., Subscription Revenue) and the sale of advertising on the Company's television networks and websites and the websites it manages and/or operates for others (i.e., Advertising Revenue). |
|
| Content Revenue |
|
| Feature films typically are produced or acquired for initial exhibition in theaters, followed by distribution, generally commencing within three years of such initial exhibition, through home video, electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, subscription video-on-demand services, premium cable, basic cable and broadcast networks. Revenues from film rentals by theaters are recognized as the films are exhibited. Revenues from home video sales are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that the DVDs or Blu-ray Discs are made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns. Revenues from the licensing of feature films for electronic sell-through or video-on-demand are recognized when the product has been purchased by and made available to the consumer to either download or stream. Revenues from the distribution of theatrical product through subscription video-on-demand services, premium cable, basic cable and broadcast networks are recognized when the films are available to the licensee. |
|
| Television programs and series are initially produced for broadcast networks, cable networks or first-run television syndication and may be subsequently licensed for international or domestic cable, syndicated television and subscription video-on-demand services, as well as sold on home video and via electronic delivery. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through broadcast networks, cable networks, first-run syndication and subscription video-on-demand services are recognized when the programs or series are available to the licensee, except for advertising barter agreements, where the revenue is valued and recognized when the related advertisements are exhibited. In certain circumstances, pursuant to the terms of the applicable contractual arrangements, the availability dates granted to customers may precede the date the Company may bill the customers for these sales. Unbilled accounts receivable, which primarily relate to the distribution of television product at Warner Bros., totaled $3.780 billion and $3.418 billion at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Included in the unbilled accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 was $2.462 billion that is to be billed in the next twelve months. Similar to theatrical home video sales, revenues from home video sales of television programming are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that the DVDs or Blu-ray Discs are made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns. Revenues from the licensing of television programs and series for electronic sell-through or video-on-demand are recognized when the product has been purchased by and made available to the consumer to either download or stream. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through subscription video-on-demand services are recognized when the television programs or series are available to the licensee. |
|
| Upfront or guaranteed payments for the licensing of intellectual property are recognized as revenue when (i) an arrangement has been signed with a customer, (ii) the customer's right to use or otherwise exploit the intellectual property has commenced and there is no requirement for significant continued performance by the Company, (iii) licensing fees are either fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability of the fees is reasonably assured. In the event any significant continued performance is required in these arrangements, revenue is allocated to each applicable element and recognized when the related services are performed. |
|
| Revenues from the sales of videogames are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that the product is made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns. |
|
| Subscription Revenue |
|
| Subscription revenues are recognized as programming services are provided to affiliates based on negotiated contractual programming rates. When a distribution contract with an affiliate has expired and a new distribution contract has not been executed, revenues are based on estimated rates, giving consideration to factors including the previous contractual rates, inflation, current payments by the affiliate and the status of the negotiations on a new contract. When the new distribution contract terms are finalized, an adjustment to Subscription revenues is recorded, if necessary, to reflect the new terms. Such adjustments historically have not been significant. |
|
| Advertising Revenue |
|
| Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period that the advertisements are aired. If there is a targeted audience guarantee, revenues are recognized for the actual audience delivery and revenues are deferred for any shortfall until the guaranteed audience delivery is met, typically by providing additional advertisements. Advertising revenues from websites are recognized as impressions are delivered or the services are performed. |
|
| Sales Returns and Pricing Rebates |
|
| Management's estimate of product sales that will be returned and pricing rebates to grant is an area of judgment affecting Revenues and Net income. In estimating product sales that will be returned, management analyzes vendor sales of the Company's product, historical return trends, current economic conditions, and changes in customer demand. Based on this information, management reserves a percentage of any product sales that provide the customer with the right of return. The provision for such sales returns is reflected as a reduction in the revenues from the related sale. In estimating the reserve for pricing rebates, management considers the terms of the Company's agreements with its customers that contain targets which, if met, would entitle the customer to a rebate. In those instances, management evaluates the customer's actual and forecasted purchases to determine the appropriate reserve. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, total reserves for sales returns (which also reflects reserves for certain pricing allowances provided to customers) primarily related to home entertainment products (e.g., DVDs, Blu-ray Discs and videogames) were $1.000 billion and $1.192 billion, respectively. An incremental change of 1% in the Company's estimated sales returns rate (i.e., provisions for returns divided by gross sales of related product) would have resulted in an approximate $44 million impact on the Company's total Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014. This revenue impact would have been partially offset by a corresponding impact on related expenses depending on the margin associated with a specific film or videogame and other factors. |
|
| Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition |
|
| In the normal course of business, the Company acts as or uses an intermediary in executing transactions with third parties. In connection with these arrangements, the Company must determine whether to report revenue based on the gross amount billed to the ultimate customer or on the net amount received from the customer after commissions and other payments to third parties. To the extent revenues are recorded on a gross basis, any commissions or other payments to third parties are recorded as expense so that the net amount (gross revenues less expense) is reflected in Operating Income. Accordingly, the impact on Operating Income is the same whether the Company records revenue on a gross or net basis. |
|
| The determination of whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis is based on an assessment of whether the Company is acting as the principal or an agent in the transaction. If the Company is acting as a principal in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a gross basis. If the Company is acting as an agent in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a net basis. The determination of whether the Company is acting as a principal or an agent in a transaction involves judgment and is based on an evaluation of the terms of an arrangement. The Company serves as the principal in transactions in which it has substantial risks and rewards of ownership. |
|
| The following are examples of arrangements where the Company is an intermediary or uses an intermediary: |
|
|
| Warner Bros. provides distribution services to third-party companies. Warner Bros. may provide distribution services for an independent third-party company for the worldwide distribution of theatrical films, home video, television programs and/or videogames. The independent third-party company may retain final approval over the distribution, marketing, advertising and publicity for each film or videogame in all media, including the timing and extent of the releases, the pricing and packaging of packaged goods units and approval of all television licenses. Warner Bros. records revenue generated in these distribution arrangements on a gross basis when it (i) is the merchant of record for the licensing arrangements, (ii) is the licensor/contracting party, (iii) provides the materials to licensees, (iv) handles the billing and collection of all amounts due under such arrangements and (v) bears the risk of loss related to distribution advances and/or the packaged goods inventory. If Warner Bros. does not bear the risk of loss as described in the previous sentence, the arrangements are accounted for on a net basis. |
|
|
|
| Turner provides advertising sales services to third-party companies. From time to time, Turner contracts with third parties, or in certain instances a related party such as a joint venture, to perform television or website advertising sales services. While terms of these agreements can vary, Turner generally records advertising revenue on a gross basis when it acts as the primary obligor (i.e., Turner is the contracting party) in the arrangement because in those cases it is the face to the advertiser and is responsible for fulfillment of the advertising sold. |
|
|
| Film and Television Production Cost Recognition, Participations and Residuals and Impairments |
|
| Film and television production costs include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. The amount of capitalized film and television production costs recognized as Costs of revenues for a given period is determined using the film forecast computation method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals is based on the proportion of the film's revenues recognized for such period to the film's estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film's life cycle). |
|
| The process of estimating a film's ultimate revenues requires the Company to make a series of significant judgments relating to future revenue generating activities associated with a particular film and is important for two reasons. First, while a film or television series is being produced and the related costs are being capitalized, as well as at the time the film or television series is released, it is necessary for management to estimate the ultimate revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the value of a film or television series is impaired and requires an immediate write-off of unrecoverable film and television production costs down to fair value. Second, it is necessary for management to determine, using the film forecast computation method, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as Costs of revenues for a given film or television series in a particular period. To the extent that the ultimate revenues are adjusted, the resulting gross margin reported on the exploitation of that film or television series in a period is also adjusted. |
|
| Prior to the theatrical release of a film, management bases its estimates of ultimate revenues for each film on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings) and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. In the absence of revenues directly related to the exhibition of a film or television program that is owned by the Company on the Company's television networks or premium pay television services, management estimates a portion of the unamortized costs that are representative of the utilization of that film or television program in that exhibition and expenses such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. The period over which ultimate revenues are estimated is generally not to exceed ten years from the initial release of a motion picture or from the date of delivery of the first episode of an episodic television series. For an episodic television series still in production, the period over which ultimate revenues are estimated cannot exceed five years from the date of delivery of the most recent episode. Management updates such estimates based on information available during the film's production and, upon release, the actual results of each film. Changes in estimates of ultimate revenues from period to period affect the amount of production costs amortized in a given period and, therefore, could have an impact on the segment's financial results for that period. For example, prior to a film's release, the Company often will test market the film to the film's targeted demographic. If the film is not received favorably, the Company may (i) reduce the film's estimated ultimate revenues, (ii) revise the film, which could cause the production costs to increase, or (iii) perform a combination of both. Similarly, a film that generates lower-than-expected theatrical revenues in its initial weeks of release would have its theatrical, home video and television distribution ultimate revenues adjusted downward. A failure to adjust for a downward change in estimates of ultimate revenues would result in the understatement of production costs amortization for the period. The Company recorded production cost amortization of $4.229 billion, $3.873 billion and $4.092 billion in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in production cost amortization are film impairments primarily related to pre-release theatrical films of $86 million, $51 million and $92 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
|
| Licensed Programming Inventory |
|
| In the normal course of business, the Company's Turner and Home Box Office segments enter into agreements to license programming exhibition rights from licensors. A programming inventory asset related to these rights and a corresponding liability to the licensor are recorded (on a discounted basis if the license agreements are long-term) when (i) the cost of the programming is reasonably determined, (ii) the programming material has been accepted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, (iii) the programming is available for its first showing or telecast, and (iv) the license period has commenced. There are variations in the amortization methods of these rights, depending on whether the network is advertising-supported (e.g., TNT and TBS) or not advertising-supported (e.g., HBO and Turner Classic Movies). |
|
| For the Company's advertising-supported networks, the Company's general policy is to amortize each program's costs on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater) over its license period. However, for certain types of programming, the initial airing has more value than subsequent airings. In these circumstances, the Company will use an accelerated method of amortization. For example, if the Company is licensing the right to air a movie multiple times over a certain period, the movie is being shown for the first time on a Company network (a “Network Movie Premiere”) and the Network Movie Premiere advertising is sold at a premium rate, a larger portion of the movie's programming inventory cost is amortized upon the initial airing of the movie, with the remaining cost amortized on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater) over the remaining license period. The accelerated amortization upon the first airing versus subsequent airings is determined based on a study of historical and estimated future advertising sales for similar programming. For rights fees paid for sports programming arrangements (e.g., National Basketball Association, The National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”) Men's Division I Basketball championship events (the “NCAA Tournament”) and Major League Baseball), such rights fees are amortized using a revenue-forecast model, in which the rights fees are amortized using the ratio of current period advertising revenue to total estimated remaining advertising revenue over the term of the arrangement. |
|
| For premium pay television services that are not advertising-supported, each licensed program's costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over its license period or estimated period of use, beginning with the month of initial exhibition. When the Company has the right to exhibit feature theatrical programming in multiple windows over a number of years, the Company uses historical audience viewership as its basis for determining the amount of programming amortization attributable to each window. |
|
| The Company carries its licensed programming inventory at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. For networks that generate both Advertising and Subscription revenues (e.g., TBS and TNT), the Company generally evaluates the net realizable value of unamortized programming costs based on the network's programming taken as a whole. In assessing whether the programming inventory for a particular advertising-supported network is impaired, the Company determines the net realizable value for all of the network's programming inventory based on a projection of the network's estimated combined Subscription revenues and Advertising revenues less certain direct costs of delivering the programming. Similarly, for premium pay television services that are not advertising-supported, the Company performs its evaluation of the net realizable value of unamortized programming costs based on the premium pay television services' licensed programming taken as a whole. Specifically, the Company determines the net realizable value for all of its premium pay television service licensed programming based on projections of estimated Subscription revenues less certain costs of delivering and distributing the licensed programming. However, changes in management's intended usage of a specific program, such as a decision to no longer exhibit that program and forego the use of the rights associated with the program license, would result in a reassessment of that program's net realizable value, which could result in an impairment. |
|
| Other Inventory |
|
| Inventories other than film and television production costs and licensed programming inventory consist primarily of DVDs, Blu-ray Discs and videogame development costs and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the average cost method. Returned goods included in Inventory are valued at estimated realizable value, but not in excess of cost. For more information, see Note 6. |
|
| Videogame development costs are expensed as incurred before the applicable videogames reach technological feasibility. Unamortized capitalized videogame production and development costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or net realizable value and reported in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were $277 million and $243 million, respectively, of unamortized computer software costs related to videogames. Amortization of such costs was $115 million, $180 million and $182 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in such amortization are writedowns to net realizable value of certain videogame production costs of $51 million, $53 million and $7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
|
| Barter Transactions |
|
| Time Warner enters into transactions that involve the exchange of advertising, in part, for other products and services, such as a license for programming. Such transactions are recognized by the programming licensee (e.g., a television network) as programming inventory and deferred advertising revenue at the estimated fair value when the product is available for telecast. Barter programming inventory is amortized in the same manner as the non-barter component of the licensed programming, and Advertising revenue is recognized when advertising spots are delivered. From the perspective of the programming licensor (e.g., a film studio), incremental licensing revenue is recognized when the barter advertising spots received are either used or sold to third parties. |
|
| Multiple-Element Transactions |
|
| In the normal course of business, the Company enters into multiple-element transactions that involve making judgments about allocating the consideration to the various elements of the transactions. While the more common type of multiple-element transactions encountered by the Company involve the sale or purchase of multiple products or services (e.g., licensing multiple film titles in a single arrangement), multiple-element transactions can also involve contemporaneous purchase and sales transactions, the settlement of an outstanding dispute contemporaneous with the purchase of a product or service, as well as investing in an investee while at the same time entering into an operating agreement. In accounting for multiple-element transactions, judgment must be exercised in identifying the separate elements in a bundled transaction as well as determining the values of these elements. These judgments can impact the amount of revenues, expenses and net income recognized over the term of the contract, as well as the period in which they are recognized. |
|
| In determining the value of the respective elements, the Company refers to quoted market prices (where available), independent appraisals (where available), historical and comparable cash transactions or its best estimate of selling price. Other indicators of value include the existence of price protection in the form of “most-favored-nation” clauses or similar contractual provisions and individual elements whose values are dependent on future performance (and based on independent factors). Further, in such transactions, evidence of value for one element of a transaction may provide support that value was not transferred from one element in a transaction to another element in a transaction. |
|
| Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements |
|
| The Company's collaborative arrangements primarily relate to co-financing arrangements to jointly finance and distribute theatrical productions and an arrangement entered into with CBS Broadcasting, Inc. (“CBS”) and the NCAA that provides Turner and CBS with exclusive television, Internet and wireless rights to the NCAA Tournament in the U.S. and its territories and possessions from 2011 through 2024. |
|
| In most cases, the form of the co-financing arrangement is the sale of an interest in a film to an investor. Warner Bros. generally records the amounts received for the sale of an interest as a reduction of the costs of the film, as the investor assumes full risk for that share of the film asset acquired in these transactions. The substance of these arrangements is that the third-party investors own an interest in the film and, therefore, in each period the Company reflects in the Consolidated Statement of Operations either a charge or benefit to Costs of revenues to reflect the estimate of the third-party investor's interest in the profits or losses incurred on the film. The estimate of the third-party investor's interest in profits or losses incurred on the film is determined using the film forecast computation method. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, net participation costs related to third party investors of $580 million, $522 million and $444 million, respectively, were recorded in Costs of revenues. |
|
| The aggregate programming rights fee, production costs, advertising revenues and sponsorship revenues related to the NCAA Tournament and related programming are equally shared by Turner and CBS. However, if the amount paid for the programming rights fee and production costs in any given year exceeds advertising and sponsorship revenues for that year, CBS' share of such shortfall is limited to specified annual amounts (the “loss cap”), ranging from approximately $90 million to $30 million. The amounts incurred by the Company pursuant to the loss cap during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were not significant. In accounting for this arrangement, the Company records Advertising revenues for the advertisements aired on Turner's networks and amortizes Turner's share of the programming rights fee based on the ratio of current period advertising revenues to its estimate of total advertising revenues over the term of the arrangement. |
|
| Advertising Costs |
|
| Time Warner expenses advertising costs as they are incurred, which generally is when the advertising is exhibited or aired. Advertising expense to third parties was $2.430 billion in 2014, $2.447 billion in 2013 and $2.314 billion in 2012. |
|
| Income Taxes |
|
| Income taxes are provided using the asset and liability method, such that income taxes (i.e., deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities, taxes currently payable/refunds receivable and tax expense) are recorded based on amounts refundable or payable in the current year and include the results of any difference between GAAP and tax reporting. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effect of net operating losses, capital losses and tax credit carryforwards and the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes, as determined under tax laws and rates. Valuation allowances are established when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The financial effect of changes in tax laws or rates is accounted for in the period of enactment. The subsequent realization of net operating loss and general business credit carryforwards acquired in acquisitions accounted for using the purchase method of accounting is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Tax credits received for the production of a film or program are offset against the cost of inventory capitalized. |
|
| From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Examples of such transactions include business acquisitions and dispositions, including dispositions designed to be tax free, and certain financing transactions. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, the Company's tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. In determining the Company's tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination based on their technical merits. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken on the Company's tax returns are more likely than not of being sustained. |
|
| The Company adjusts its tax reserve estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations. The Company's policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense. For further information, see Note 9. |
|
| Discontinued Operations |
|
| In determining whether a group of assets disposed (or to be disposed) of should be presented as a discontinued operation, for periods prior to January 1, 2015 the Company made a determination of whether the group of assets being disposed of comprised a component of the entity; that is, whether it had historic operations and cash flows that were clearly distinguished (both operationally and for financial reporting purposes). The Company also determined whether the cash flows associated with the group of assets had been significantly (or will be significantly) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the disposal transaction and whether the Company had no significant continuing involvement in the operations of the group of assets after the disposal transaction. If so, the results of operations of the group of assets disposed of (as well as any gain or loss on the disposal transaction) were aggregated for separate presentation, if material, apart from continuing operating results of the Company in the consolidated financial statements. |
|
| In connection with the Time Separation, the Company has recast its financial information to present the financial position and results of operations of its former Time Inc. segment as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. For more information on the Time Separation, see Note 3. |
