COVER PAGE
COVER PAGE - USD ($) $ in Billions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Feb. 08, 2024 | Jun. 30, 2023 | |
Cover [Abstract] | |||
Document Type | 10-K | ||
Document Annual Report | true | ||
Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2023 | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
Document Transition Report | false | ||
Entity File Number | 001-34177 | ||
Entity Registrant Name | Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | ||
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | ||
Entity Tax Identification Number | 35-2333914 | ||
Entity Address, Address Line One | 230 Park Avenue South | ||
Entity Address, City or Town | New York | ||
Entity Address, State or Province | NY | ||
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10003 | ||
City Area Code | 212 | ||
Local Phone Number | 548-5555 | ||
Title of 12(b) Security | Series A Common Stock | ||
Trading Symbol | WBD | ||
Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | ||
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | ||
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
Entity Small Business | false | ||
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | ||
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag | true | ||
Document Financial Statement Error Correction Flag | false | ||
Entity Shell Company | false | ||
Entity Public Float | $ 30 | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 2,439,687,237 | ||
Documents Incorporated by Reference | DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Certain information required in Item 10 through Item 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 0001437107 | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2023 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
Amendment Flag | false |
AUDIT INFORMATION
AUDIT INFORMATION | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Auditor Information [Abstract] | |
Auditor Firm ID | 238 |
Auditor Name | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Auditor Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Revenues: | |||
Revenues | $ 41,321 | $ 33,817 | $ 12,191 |
Costs and expenses: | |||
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | 24,526 | 20,442 | 4,620 |
Selling, general and administrative | 9,696 | 9,678 | 4,016 |
Depreciation and amortization | 7,985 | 7,193 | 1,582 |
Restructuring and other charges | 585 | 3,757 | 32 |
Impairments and loss (gain) on dispositions | 77 | 117 | (71) |
Total costs and expenses | 42,869 | 41,187 | 10,179 |
Operating (loss) income | (1,548) | (7,370) | 2,012 |
Interest expense, net | (2,221) | (1,777) | (633) |
Loss from equity investees, net | (82) | (160) | (18) |
Other (expense) income, net | (12) | 347 | 72 |
(Loss) income before income taxes | (3,863) | (8,960) | 1,433 |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 784 | 1,663 | (236) |
Net (loss) income | (3,079) | (7,297) | 1,197 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (38) | (68) | (138) |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (9) | (6) | (53) |
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | $ (3,126) | $ (7,371) | $ 1,006 |
Net (loss) income per share available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders: | |||
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ (1.28) | $ (3.82) | $ 1.55 |
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ (1.28) | $ (3.82) | $ 1.54 |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||
Basic (in shares) | 2,436 | 1,940 | 588 |
Diluted (in shares) | 2,436 | 1,940 | 664 |
Distribution | |||
Revenues: | |||
Revenues | $ 20,237 | $ 16,142 | $ 5,202 |
Advertising | |||
Revenues: | |||
Revenues | 8,700 | 8,524 | 6,194 |
Content | |||
Revenues: | |||
Revenues | 11,203 | 8,360 | 737 |
Other | |||
Revenues: | |||
Revenues | $ 1,181 | $ 791 | $ 58 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | |||
Net (loss) income | $ (3,079) | $ (7,297) | $ 1,197 |
Currency translation | |||
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) | 799 | (651) | (290) |
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income | 0 | (2) | 0 |
Net change, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $30, $(53) and $9 | 799 | (653) | (290) |
Pension plans, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $(3), $21 and $(1) | (21) | (26) | 2 |
Derivatives | |||
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) | 16 | 4 | 134 |
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income | (12) | (18) | (25) |
Net change, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $(2), $2 and $(27) | 4 | (14) | 109 |
Comprehensive (loss) income | (2,297) | (7,990) | 1,018 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (38) | (68) | (138) |
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (9) | (6) | (53) |
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | $ (2,344) | $ (8,064) | $ 827 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | |||
Income tax benefit (expense), currency translation | $ 30 | $ (53) | $ 9 |
Income tax benefit (expense) on defined benefit plans | (3) | 21 | (1) |
Income tax benefit (expense) | $ (2) | $ 2 | $ (27) |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Current assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 3,780 | $ 3,731 |
Receivables, net | 6,047 | 6,380 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4,391 | 3,888 |
Total current assets | 14,218 | 13,999 |
Film and television content rights and games | 21,229 | 26,652 |
Property and equipment, net | 5,957 | 5,301 |
Goodwill | 34,969 | 34,438 |
Intangible assets, net | 38,285 | 44,982 |
Other noncurrent assets | 8,099 | 8,629 |
Total assets | 122,757 | 134,001 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 1,260 | 1,454 |
Accrued liabilities | 10,368 | 11,504 |
Deferred revenues | 1,924 | 1,694 |
Current portion of debt | 1,780 | 365 |
Total current liabilities | 15,332 | 15,017 |
Noncurrent portion of debt | 41,889 | 48,634 |
Deferred income taxes | 8,736 | 11,014 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 10,328 | 10,669 |
Total liabilities | 76,285 | 85,334 |
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 22) | ||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 165 | 318 |
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity: | ||
Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 10,800 and 10,800 shares authorized; 2,669 and 2,660 shares issued; and 2,439 and 2,430 shares outstanding | 27 | 27 |
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 1,200 and 1,200 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding | 0 | 0 |
Additional paid-in capital | 55,112 | 54,630 |
Treasury stock, at cost: 230 and 230 shares | (8,244) | (8,244) |
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings | (928) | 2,205 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (741) | (1,523) |
Total Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity | 45,226 | 47,095 |
Noncontrolling interests | 1,081 | 1,254 |
Total equity | 46,307 | 48,349 |
Total liabilities and equity | $ 122,757 | $ 134,001 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity: | ||
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock authorized (in shares) | 10,800 | 10,800 |
Common stock issued (in shares) | 2,669 | 2,660 |
Common stock outstanding (in shares) | 2,439 | 2,430 |
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Preferred stock authorized (in shares) | 1,200 | 1,200 |
Preferred stock issued (in shares) | 0 | 0 |
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 0 |
Treasury stock (in shares) | 230 | 230 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Operating Activities | |||
Net (loss) income | $ (3,079) | $ (7,297) | $ 1,197 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | |||
Content rights amortization and impairment | 16,024 | 14,161 | 3,501 |
Content restructuring impairments and write-offs | 115 | 2,808 | 0 |
Depreciation and amortization | 7,985 | 7,193 | 1,582 |
Deferred income taxes | (2,344) | (2,842) | (511) |
Preferred stock conversion premium | 0 | 789 | 0 |
Equity in losses of equity method investee companies and cash distributions | 157 | 211 | 63 |
Share-based compensation expense | 500 | 412 | 178 |
Impairments and loss (gain) on dispositions | 0 | 116 | (71) |
(Gain) loss from derivative instruments, net | (151) | (501) | 49 |
Gain on sale of investments | 0 | (199) | (19) |
Other, net | 259 | 435 | 66 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions: | |||
Receivables, net | 312 | 181 | 47 |
Film and television content rights, games and payables, net | (12,305) | (12,562) | (3,381) |
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred revenues and other noncurrent liabilities | (820) | 1,529 | 185 |
Foreign currency, prepaid expenses and other assets, net | 824 | (130) | (88) |
Cash provided by operating activities | 7,477 | 4,304 | 2,798 |
Investing Activities | |||
Purchases of property and equipment | (1,316) | (987) | (373) |
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (50) | 3,612 | (2) |
Purchases of investments | 0 | 0 | (103) |
Investments in and advances to equity investments | (112) | (168) | (184) |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments | 0 | 306 | 599 |
Proceeds from (payments for) derivative instruments, net | 121 | 752 | (86) |
Other investing activities, net | 98 | 9 | 93 |
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (1,259) | 3,524 | (56) |
Financing Activities | |||
Principal repayments of term loans | (4,000) | (6,000) | 0 |
Principal repayments of debt, including premiums to par value and discount payment | (2,860) | (1,315) | (574) |
Borrowings from debt, net of discount and issuance costs | 1,496 | 0 | 0 |
Repayments under revolving credit facility | (1,350) | (125) | 0 |
Borrowings under revolving credit facility | 1,350 | 125 | 0 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | (301) | (300) | (251) |
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest | (49) | 0 | 0 |
Borrowings under commercial paper program | 3,857 | 2,268 | 0 |
Repayments under commercial paper program | (3,864) | (2,270) | 0 |
Other financing activities, net | (116) | (125) | (28) |
Cash used in financing activities | (5,837) | (7,742) | (853) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | 8 | (61) | (106) |
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | 389 | 25 | 1,783 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period | 3,930 | 3,905 | 2,122 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period | $ 4,319 | $ 3,930 | $ 3,905 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | Total | Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | Discovery, Inc. Preferred Stock | Discovery, Inc. Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Treasury Stock | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Noncontrolling Interests |
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 | 13 | ||||||||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020 | $ 12,000 | $ 10,464 | $ 7 | $ 10,809 | $ (8,244) | $ 8,543 | $ (651) | $ 1,536 | |
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 | 717 | ||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1,144 | 1,006 | 1,006 | 138 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (179) | (179) | (179) | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 158 | 158 | 158 | ||||||
Preferred stock conversion (in shares) | (1) | 11 | |||||||
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans | (71) | (71) | (71) | ||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (240) | (240) | |||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares) | 8 | ||||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans | 198 | 198 | 198 | ||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value | 23 | 23 | (8) | 31 | |||||
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021 | 12 | ||||||||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021 | 13,033 | 11,599 | $ 7 | 11,086 | (8,244) | 9,580 | (830) | 1,434 | |
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021 | 736 | ||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests | (7,303) | (7,371) | (7,371) | 68 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (693) | (693) | (693) | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 399 | 399 | 399 | ||||||
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans | (54) | (54) | (54) | ||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (250) | (250) | |||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares) | 3 | ||||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares) | 2 | ||||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans | 26 | 26 | 26 | ||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value | (4) | (4) | (4) | ||||||
Conversion and issuance of common stock and noncontrolling interest in connection with the acquisition of the WarnerMedia Business (in shares) | (12) | (739) | |||||||
Conversion and issuance of common stock and noncontrolling interest in connection with the acquisition of the WarnerMedia Business | $ 43,195 | 43,193 | $ (7) | 43,173 | 2 | ||||
Conversion and issuance of common stock and noncontrolling interest in connection with the acquisition of the WarnerMedia Business (in shares) | 2,658 | ||||||||
Conversion and issuance of common stock and noncontrolling interest in connection with the acquisition of the WarnerMedia Business | $ 27 | ||||||||
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2022 | $ 48,349 | 47,095 | $ 27 | 54,630 | (8,244) | 2,205 | (1,523) | 1,254 | |
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 | 2,430 | 2,660 | |||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ (3,088) | (3,126) | (3,126) | 38 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 782 | 782 | 782 | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 452 | 452 | 452 | ||||||
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans | (70) | (70) | (70) | ||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (271) | (271) | |||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares) | 9 | ||||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans | 26 | 26 | 26 | ||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value | (4) | (4) | 1 | (5) | |||||
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest and change in noncontrolling interest ownership (See Note 19) | 62 | 2 | 2 | 60 | |||||
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest | 73 | 73 | 73 | ||||||
Other adjustments to stockholders' equity | $ (4) | (4) | (2) | (2) | |||||
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 | 0 | ||||||||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2023 | $ 46,307 | $ 45,226 | $ 27 | $ 55,112 | $ (8,244) | $ (928) | $ (741) | $ 1,081 | |
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 | 2,439 | 2,669 |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION | DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business Warner Bros. Discovery is a premier global media and entertainment company that provides audiences with a differentiated portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming, and gaming. Some of our iconic brands and franchises include Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, DC, HBO, HBO Max, Max, discovery+, CNN, Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TNT Sports, TBS, TLC, OWN, Warner Bros. Games, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings. As of December 31, 2023, we classified our operations in three reportable segments: • Studios - Our Studios segment primarily consists of the production and release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, production and initial licensing of television programs to our networks/DTC services as well as third parties, distribution of our films and television programs to various third party and internal television and streaming services, distribution through the home entertainment market (physical and digital), related consumer products and themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming. • Networks - Our Networks segment primarily consists of our domestic and international television networks. • DTC - Our DTC segment primarily consists of our premium pay-TV and streaming services. Merger with the WarnerMedia Business of AT&T On April 8, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), Discovery, Inc. (“Discovery”) completed its merger (the “Merger”) with the WarnerMedia business (the “WarnerMedia Business”, “WM Business” or “WM”) of AT&T, Inc. (“AT&T”) and changed its name to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. On April 11, 2022, the Company’s shares started trading on Nasdaq under the trading symbol WBD. The Merger was executed through a Reverse Morris Trust type transaction, under which WM was distributed to AT&T’s shareholders via a pro rata distribution, and immediately thereafter, combined with Discovery. (See Note 3 and Note 4). Prior to the Merger, WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. (“WMH”) distributed $40.5 billion to AT&T (subject to working capital and other adjustments) in a combination of cash, debt securities, and WM’s retention of certain debt. Discovery transferred purchase consideration of $42.4 billion in equity to AT&T shareholders in the Merger. In August 2022, the Company and AT&T finalized the post-closing working capital settlement process, which resulted in the Company receiving a $1.2 billion payment from AT&T in the third quarter of 2022 in lieu of adjusting the equity issued as purchase consideration in the Merger. AT&T shareholders received shares of WBD Series A common stock (“WBD common stock”) in the Merger representing 71% of the combined Company and the Company’s pre-Merger shareholders continued to own 29% of the combined Company, in each case on a fully diluted basis. Discovery was deemed to be the accounting acquirer of the WM Business for accounting purposes under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”); therefore, Discovery is considered the Company’s predecessor and the historical financial statements of Discovery prior to April 8, 2022, are reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the Company’s historical financial statements. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company as of and for any periods prior to April 8, 2022 do not include the financial results of the WM Business and current and future results will not be comparable to results prior to the Merger. Labor Disruption The Writers Guild of America (“WGA”) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”) went on strike in May and July 2023, respectively, following the expiration of their respective collective bargaining agreements with the AMPTP. The WGA strike ended on September 27, 2023, and a new collective bargaining agreement was ratified on October 9, 2023. The SAG-AFTRA strike ended on November 9, 2023, and a new collective bargaining agreement was ratified on December 5, 2023. As a result of the strikes, we paused certain theatrical and television productions, which resulted in delayed production spending amongst other impacts. The strikes had a material impact on the operations and results of the Company. This included a positive impact on cash flow from operations attributed to delayed production spend, and a negative impact on the results of operations attributed to timing and performance of the 2023 film slate, as well as the Company’s ability to produce, license, and deliver content. Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained, including variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. For each non-wholly owned subsidiary, the Company evaluates its ownership and other interests to determine whether it should consolidate the entity or account for its ownership interest as an unconsolidated investment. As part of its evaluation, the Company makes judgments in determining whether the entity is a VIE and, if so, whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and is thus required to consolidate the entity. (See Note 10.) If it is concluded that an entity is not a VIE, then the Company considers its proportional voting interests in the entity. The Company consolidates majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. A controlling financial interest is determined by majority ownership and the absence of significant third-party participating rights. Ownership interests in entities for which the Company has significant influence that are not consolidated are accounted for as equity method investments. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include accounting for asset impairments, revenue recognition, estimated credit losses, content rights, leases, depreciation and amortization, the determination of ultimate revenues as they relate to amortization of capitalized content rights and accruals of participations and residuals, business combinations, share-based compensation, income taxes, other financial instruments, contingencies, estimated defined benefit plan liabilities, and the determination of whether the Company should consolidate certain entities. |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Foreign Currency The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and at average exchange rates for revenues and expenses for the respective periods. Translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Cash flows from the Company’s operations in foreign countries are generally translated at the weighted average rate for the respective periods. The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that it enters into transactions denominated in currencies other than its subsidiaries’ respective functional currencies. Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries’ functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Such transactions include affiliate and ad sales arrangements, content licensing arrangements, equipment and other vendor purchases and intercompany transactions. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses resulting from the conversion of the transaction currency to functional currency are included in other (expense) income, net. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Receivables The Company’s accounts receivable balances and the related credit losses arise primarily from distribution, advertising and content revenue. Receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers and are presented net of an estimate for credit losses. To assess collectability, the Company analyzes market trends, economic conditions, the aging of receivables and customer specific risks, and records a provision for estimated credit losses expected over the lifetime of receivables. The corresponding expense for the expected credit losses is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company does not require collateral with respect to trade receivables. Revolving Receivables Program The Company has a revolving agreement to transfer up to $5,500 million of certain receivables through its bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, Warner Bros. Discovery Receivables Funding, LLC, to various financial institutions on a recurring basis in exchange for cash equal to the gross receivables transferred. The Company services the sold receivables for the financial institution for a fee and pays fees to the financial institution in connection with this revolving agreement. The agreement is a continuation of the agreement the WarnerMedia Business had in place prior to the Merger. This agreement is subject to renewal on an annual basis and the transfer limit may be expanded or reduced from time to time. As customers pay their balances, the Company’s available capacity under this revolving agreement increases and typically the Company transfers additional receivables into the program. The gross value of the proceeds received results in derecognition of receivables and the obligations assumed are recorded at fair value. Cash received is reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The obligations assumed when proceeds are received relate to expected credit losses on sold receivables and estimated fee payments made on outstanding sold receivables already transferred. The obligations are subsequently adjusted for changes in estimated expected credit losses and interest rates, which are considered Level 3 fair value measurements since the inputs are unobservable (See Note 8). In some cases, the Company may have collections that have not yet been remitted to the bank, resulting in a liability. Increases to accounts payable and subsequent payments are reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Accounts Receivable Factoring The Company has a factoring agreement to sell certain of its non-U.S. trade accounts receivable on a limited recourse basis to a third-party financial institution. The Company accounts for these transactions as sales in accordance with ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing”, as its continuing involvement subsequent to the transfer is limited to providing certain servicing and collection actions on behalf of the purchaser of the designated trade accounts receivable. Proceeds from amounts factored are recorded as an increase to cash and cash equivalents and a reduction to receivables, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Cash received is also reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The accounts receivable factoring program is separate and distinct from the revolving receivables program. Film and Television Content Rights The Company capitalizes costs to produce television programs and feature films, including direct production costs, production overhead, interest, acquisition costs and development costs, as well as advances for live programming rights, such as sports. Costs to acquire licensed television series and feature film programming rights are capitalized when the license period has begun and the program is accepted and available for airing. Production incentives received from various jurisdictions where the Company produces content are recorded as a reduction to capitalized production costs. All capitalized content and prepaid license fees are classified as noncurrent assets, with the exception of content acquired with an initial license period of 12 months or less and prepaid sports rights expected to air within 12 months. The Company groups its film and television content rights by monetization strategy: content that is predominantly monetized individually, and content that is predominantly monetized as a group. Content Monetized Individually For films and television programs predominantly monetized individually, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs (net of incentives) amortized and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as expense in a particular period are determined using the individual film forecast method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals are based on the proportion of the film’s or television program’s revenues recognized for such period to the film’s or television program’s estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s or television program’s remaining life cycle). The process of estimating ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of judgments related to future revenue-generating activities associated with a particular film. Prior to the theatrical release of a film, the Company’s estimates are based 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), international distribution plans and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. Subsequent to release, ultimate revenues are updated to reflect initial performance, which is often predictive of future performance. For a film or television program that is predominantly monetized on its own but also monetized with other films and/or programs (such as on the Company’s DTC or linear services), the Company makes a reasonable estimate of the value attributable to the film or program’s exploitation while monetized with other films/programs and expenses such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. For theatrical films, the period over which ultimate revenues from all applicable sources and exhibition windows are estimated does not exceed 10 years from the date of the film’s initial release. For television programs, the ultimate period does not exceed 10 years from delivery of the first episode, or, if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later. For games, the ultimate period does not exceed two years from the date of the game’s initial release. Ultimates for produced content monetized on an individual basis are reviewed and updated (as applicable) on a quarterly basis; any adjustments are applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year of the change. Content Monetized as a Group For programs monetized as a group, including licensed programming, the Company’s film groups are generally aligned along the Company’s networks and digital content offerings, except for certain international territories wherein content assets are grouped by genre or territory. Adjustments for projected usage are applied prospectively in the period of the change. Participations and residuals are generally expensed in line with the pattern of usage. Streaming content and premium pay-TV amortization for each period is recognized based on estimated viewing patterns as there are generally little to no direct revenues to associate to the individual content assets. As such, number of views is most representative of the use of the title. Licensed rights to film and television programming are typically amortized over the useful life of the program’s license period on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater, for certain programming on the Company’s ad-supported networks), or accelerated basis for licensed original programs. The Company allocates the cost of multi-year sports programming arrangements over the contract period to each event or season based on its projected advertising revenue and an allocation of distribution revenue (estimated relative value). If annual contractual payments related to each season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, the Company expenses the related contractual payments during the applicable season. Amortization of sports rights takes place when the content airs. Quarterly, the Company prepares analyses to support its content amortization expense. Critical assumptions used in determining content amortization for programming predominantly monetized as a group include: (i) the grouping of content with similar characteristics, (ii) the application of a quantitative revenue forecast model or historical viewership model based on the adequacy of historical data, and (iii) determining the appropriate historical periods to utilize and the relative weighting of those historical periods in the forecast model. The Company then considers the appropriate application of the quantitative assessment given forecasted content use, expected content investment and market trends. Content use and future revenues may differ from estimates based on changes in expectations related to market acceptance, network affiliate fee rates, advertising demand, the number of cable and satellite television subscribers receiving the Company’s networks, the number of subscribers to its streaming services, and program usage. Accordingly, the Company reviews its estimates and planned usage at least quarterly and revises its assumptions if necessary. Any material adjustments from the Company’s review of the amortization rates for assets in film groups are applied prospectively in the period of the change. Unamortized Film Costs Impairment Assessment Unamortized film costs are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a film (or television program) predominantly monetized on its own, or a film group, may be less than its unamortized costs. In addition, a change in the predominant monetization strategy is considered a triggering event for impairment testing before a title is accounted for as part of a film group. If the carrying value of an individual feature film or television program, or film group, exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded in the amount of the difference. For content that is predominantly monetized individually, the Company utilizes estimates including ultimate revenues and additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the carrying value of a film or television program is impaired. Game Development Costs Game development costs are expensed as incurred before the applicable game reaches technological feasibility, or for online hosted arrangements, before the preliminary project phase is complete and it is probable the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Commencing upon a title’s release, the capitalized game development costs are amortized based on the proportion of the game’s revenues recognized for such period to the game’s total current and anticipated revenues, or, if greater, for non-hosted games, on a straight-line basis over the title’s estimated economic life. Unamortized capitalized game production and development costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or net realizable value and reported in “Film and television content rights and games” on the consolidated balance sheets. Investments The Company holds investments in equity method investees and equity investments with and without readily determinable fair values. (See Note 10.) Equity Method Investments Investments in equity method investees are those for which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary or the entity is not a VIE and the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. Under this method of accounting, the Company typically records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees in loss from equity investees, net and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. (See “Asset Impairment Analysis” below.) Equity Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Values Investments in entities or other securities in which the Company has no control or significant influence and is not the primary beneficiary, and have a readily determinable fair value are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are classified as equity securities or equity investments with readily determinable fair value. The investments are measured at fair value based on a quoted market price per unit in active markets multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs (Level 1). Gains and losses are recorded in other (expense) income, net on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 10 and Note 18.) Equity Investments without Readily Determinable Fair Values Equity investments without readily determinable fair values include ownership rights that either (i) do not meet the definition of in-substance common stock or (ii) do not provide the Company with control or significant influence and these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes as of the date that an observable transaction takes place. Adjustments for observable price changes are recorded in other (expense) income, net. (See Note 10 and Note 18.) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairments. Internal use software costs are capitalized during the application development stage; software costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Repairs and maintenance expenditures that do not enhance the use or extend the life of property and equipment are expensed as incurred. Depreciation for most property and equipment is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. (See Note 18.) Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are included in other noncurrent assets. Finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net. Operating and finance lease liabilities are included in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption and leases with initial terms of one year or less are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. A rate implicit in the lease when readily determinable is used in arriving at the present value of lease payments. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at lease commencement date for most of its leases. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the Company's U.S. dollar denominated senior unsecured borrowing curves using public credit ratings adjusted down to a collateralized basis using a combination of recovery rate and credit notching approaches and translated into major contract currencies as applicable. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. The Company does not separate lease components from non-lease components across all lease categories. Instead, each separate lease component and non-lease component are accounted for as a single lease component. In addition, variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate are included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities at lease inception. All other variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are not included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for operating leases and short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis. For finance leases, the Company recognizes interest expense on lease liabilities using the effective interest method and amortization of ROU assets on a straight-line basis. Defined Benefit Plans The Company maintains defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. employees and several non-U.S. pension plans. Defined benefit plan obligations are based on various assumptions used by the Company’s actuaries in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, compensation rate increases, expected return on plan assets, retirement rates and mortality rates. Actual results that differ from the assumptions and changes in assumptions could affect future expenses and obligations. Asset Impairment Analysis Goodwill Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s reporting units, which are its operating segments or one level below its operating segments. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, or earlier if an event or other circumstance indicates that it may not recover the carrying value of the asset. If the Company believes that, as a result of its qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is not required. If a qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit goodwill exceeds its fair value, a quantitative impairment test is performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded for that reporting unit. The Company typically performs a quantitative impairment test every three years, irrespective of the outcome of the Company’s qualitative assessment. Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets such as amortizing trademarks and trade names; affiliate, advertising, and subscriber relationships; franchises and other intangible assets; and property and equipment are not required to be tested for impairment annually, but rather whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If an impairment analysis is required, the impairment test employed is based on whether the Company’s intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. • If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test requires a comparison of undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the excess of the asset group’s carrying value over its fair value, which is typically determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with that asset group. • If the intent is to hold the asset for sale and certain other criteria are met, the impairment test involves comparing the asset’s carrying value to its estimated fair value less costs to sell. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the difference. Significant judgments used for long-lived asset impairment assessments include identifying the appropriate asset groupings that represent the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent and primary assets within those groupings, determining whether events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, determining the future cash flows for the assets involved and assumptions applied in determining fair value, which include reasonable discount rates, growth rates, market risk premiums and other assumptions about the economic environment. Equity Method Investments and Equity Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Value Equity method investments are reviewed for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Equity method investments are written down to fair value if there is evidence of a loss in value that is other-than-temporary. The Company may estimate the fair value of its equity method investments by considering recent investee equity transactions, DCF analysis, recent operating results, comparable public company operating cash flow multiples and, in certain situations, balance sheet liquidation values. If the fair value of the investment has dropped below its carrying amount, management considers several factors when determining whether an other-than-temporary decline has occurred, such as the length of the time and the extent to which the estimated fair value or market value has been below the carrying value, the financial condition and the near-term prospects of the investee, the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the investee for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, and general market conditions. The estimation of fair value and whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred requires the application of significant judgment and future results may vary from current assumptions. If declines in the value of the equity method investments are determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period as a component of loss from equity investees, net on the consolidated statements of operations. For equity investments without readily determinable fair value, investments are recorded at cost and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes as of the date that an observable transaction takes place. The Company performs a qualitative assessment on a quarterly basis to determine if any observable price changes have occurred. If the qualitative assessment indicates that an observable price change has occurred, a gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value in the current period as a component of other (expense) income, net. (See Note 10.) Derivative Instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments to modify its exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and from market volatility related to certain investments measured at fair value. At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative based on the Company’s intentions and expectations as to the likely effectiveness as a hedge (see Note 13), as follows: • a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”); • a hedge of net investments in foreign operations (“net investment hedge”); • a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”); or • an instrument with no hedging designation. Cash Flow Hedges The Company may designate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges to mitigate foreign currency risk arising from third-party revenue agreements, intercompany licensing agreements, production expenses and rebates, or to hedge the interest rate risk for certain senior notes and forecasted debt issuances. For instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, the change in the fair value of the forward contract is recorded in other comprehensive loss and reclassified into the statements of operations in the same line item in which the hedged item is recorded and in the same period as the hedged item affects earnings. Net Investment Hedges The Company may designate derivative instruments as hedges of net investments in foreign operations. The Company assesses the effectiveness of net investment hedges utilizing the spot-method. The entire change in the fair value of derivatives that qualify as net investment hedges is initially recorded in the currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive loss. While the change in fair value attributable to hedge effectiveness remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the net investment is sold or liquidated, the change in fair value attributable to components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (e.g., forward points, cross currency basis, etc.) is reflected as a component of interest expense, net in the current period. Fair Value Hedges The Company may designate derivative instruments as fair value hedges to mitigate the variability in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment. For those derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments, including offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged items are recorded in the statements of operations in the same line item where the hedged risk occurs. No Hedging Designation The Company may also enter into derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges. These instruments are intended to mitigate economic exposures due to exogenous events and changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and from market volatility related to certain investments measured at fair value. The changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in the statements of operations in the same line item where the hedged risk occurs. Financial Statement Presentation Unsettled derivative contracts are recorded at their gross fair values on the consolidated balance sheets. The portion of the fair value that represents cash flows occurring within one year is classified as current, and the portion related to cash flows occurring beyond one year is classified as noncurrent. Cash flows from designated derivative instruments used as hedges are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same section as the cash flows of the hedged item. Cash flows from periodic settlement of interest on cross currency swaps and derivative contracts not designated as hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Treasury Stock When stock is acquired for purposes other than formal or constructive retirement, the purchase price of the acquired stock is recorded in a separate treasury stock account, which is separately reported as a reduction of equity. Treasury stock held by Discovery prior to the Merger was not retired. When stock is retired or purchased for formal or constructive retirement, the purchase price is initially recorded as a reduction to the par value of the shares repurchased, with any excess purchase price over par value recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital related to the series of shares repurchased and any remaining excess purchase price recorded as a reduction to retained earnings. If the purchase price exceeds the amounts allocated to par value and additional paid-in capital related to the series of shares repurchased and retained earnings, the remainder is allocated to additional paid-in capital related to other series of shares. To determine the cost of treasury stock that is either sold or reissued, the Company uses the last in, first out method. If the proceeds from the re-issuance of treasury stock are greater than the cost, the excess is recorded as additional paid-in capital. If the proceeds from re-issuance of treasury stock are less than the cost, the excess cost first reduces any additional paid-in capital arising from previous treasury stock transactions for that class of stock, and any additional excess is recorded as a reduction of retained earnings. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised services or goods to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services or goods. Revenues do not include taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities such as sales tax and value-added tax. However, certain revenues include taxes that customers pay to taxing authorities on the Company’s behalf, such as foreign withholding tax. Revenue recognition for each source of revenue is also based on the following policies. Advertising Advertising revenues are principally generated from the sale of commercial time on linear (television networks and authenticated TVE applications) and digital platforms (DTC subscription services and websites). A substantial portion of the linear and digital advertising contracts in the U.S. and certain international markets guarantee the advertiser a minimum audience level that either the program in which their advertisements are aired or the advertisement will reach. On the linear platform, the Company provides a service to deliver an advertising campaign which is satisfied by the provision of a minimum number of advertising spots in exchange for a fixed fee over a contract period of one year or less. The Company delivers spots in accordance with these contracts during a variety of day parts and programs. In the agreements governing these advertising campaigns, the Company has also promised to deliver to its customers a guaranteed minimum number of viewers (“impressions”) on a specific television network within a particular demographic (e.g. men aged 18-35). These advertising campaigns are considered to represent a single, distinct performance obligation. Revenues are recognized based on the guaranteed audience level multiplied by the average price per impression. The Company provides the advertiser with advertising until the guaranteed audience level is delivered, and invoiced advertising revenue receivables may exceed the value of the audience delivery. As such, revenues are deferred until the guaranteed audience level is delivered or the rights associated with the guarantee lapse, which is typically less than one year. Audience guarantees are initially developed internally, based on planned programming, historical audience levels, the success of pilot programs, and market trends. Actual audience and delivery in |
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Equity And Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE | EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE Common Stock Issued in Connection with the WarnerMedia Merger In connection with the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B convertible common stock, and Discovery Series C common stock, was reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, and each issued and outstanding share of Discovery Series A-1 convertible preferred stock (“Series A-1 Preferred Stock”) and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock was reclassified and automatically converted into 13.1135 and 19.3648 shares of WBD common stock, respectively. The Merger required the consent of Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership under Discovery’s certificate of incorporation as the sole holder of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock. In connection with Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership’s entry into the consent agreement and related forfeiture of the significant rights attached to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock in the reclassification of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into common stock, it received an increase to the number of shares of common stock of the Company into which the Series A-1 Preferred Stock converted. The impact of the issuance of such additional shares of common stock was $789 million and was recorded as a transaction expense in selling, general and administrative expense upon the closing of the Merger in the year ended December 31, 2022. On April 8, 2022, the Company issued 1.7 billion shares of WBD common stock as consideration paid for the acquisition of WM. (See Note 4). Repurchase Programs Common Stock Under the Company’s stock repurchase program, management is authorized to purchase shares of WBD common stock from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices, pursuant to one or more accelerated stock repurchase agreements, or other derivative arrangements as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to stock price, business and market conditions and other factors. In February 2020, the Company’s board of directors authorized additional stock repurchases of up to $2 billion upon completion of its existing $1 billion repurchase authorization announced in May 2019. All common stock repurchases, including prepaid common stock repurchase contracts, have been made through open market transactions and have been recorded as treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not repurchase any of its common stock. Over the life of the Company’s repurchase programs and prior to the Merger and conversion of Discovery common stock to WBD common stock, the Company had repurchased 3 million and 229 million shares of Discovery Series A and Discovery Series C common stock, respectively, for the aggregate purchase price of $171 million and $8.2 billion, respectively. Earnings Per Share All share and per share amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the reclassification and automatic conversion into WBD common stock, except for Series A-1 Preferred Stock, which has not been recast because the conversion of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into WBD common stock in connection with the Merger was considered a discrete event and treated prospectively. The table below sets forth the Company’s calculated earnings per share (in millions). Earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Numerator: Net (loss) income $ (3,079) $ (7,297) $ 1,197 Less: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock — (49) (110) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (38) (68) (138) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (9) (6) (53) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) — — 16 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 912 Add: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders — — 110 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 1,022 Denominator — weighted average: Common shares outstanding — basic 2,436 1,940 588 Impact of assumed preferred stock conversion — — 71 Dilutive effect of share-based awards — — 5 Common shares outstanding — diluted 2,436 1,940 664 Basic net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.55 Diluted net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.54 The table below presents the details of share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Anti-dilutive share-based awards 69 49 17 |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract] | |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS | ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS Acquisitions WarnerMedia On April 8, 2022, the Company completed its Merger with the WarnerMedia Business of AT&T. The Merger was executed through a Reverse Morris Trust type transaction, under which WM was distributed to AT&T’s shareholders via a pro-rata distribution, and immediately thereafter, combined with Discovery. Discovery was deemed to be the accounting acquirer of WM. The Merger combined WM’s content library and valuable intellectual property with Discovery’s global footprint, collection of local-language content and deep regional expertise across more than 220 countries and territories. The Company expects this broad, worldwide portfolio of brands, coupled with its DTC potential and the attractiveness of the combined assets, to result in increased market penetration globally. The Merger is also expected to create significant cost synergies for the Company. Purchase Price The following table summarizes the components of the aggregate purchase consideration paid to acquire WM (in millions). Fair value of WBD common stock issued to AT&T shareholders (1) $ 42,309 Estimated fair value of share-based compensation awards attributable to pre-combination services (2) 94 Settlement of preexisting relationships (3) (27) Purchase consideration $ 42,376 (1) The fair value of WBD common stock issued to AT&T shareholders represents approximately 1,732 million shares of WBD common stock multiplied by the closing share price for Discovery Series A common stock of $24.43 on Nasdaq on the Closing Date. The number of shares of WBD common stock issued in the Merger was determined based on the number of fully diluted shares of Discovery, Inc. common stock immediately prior to the closing of the Merger, multiplied by the quotient of 71%/29%. (2) This amount represents the value of AT&T restricted stock unit awards that were not vested and were replaced by WBD restricted stock unit awards with similar terms and conditions as the original AT&T awards. The conversion was based on the ratio of the volume-weighted average per share closing price of AT&T common stock on the ten trading days prior to the Closing Date and the volume-weighted average per share closing price of WBD common stock on the ten trading days following the Closing Date. The fair value of replacement equity-based awards attributable to pre-Merger service was recorded as part of the consideration transferred in the Merger. See Note 15 for additional information. (3) The amount represents the effective settlement of outstanding payables and receivables between the Company and WM. No gain or loss was recognized upon settlement as amounts were determined to be reflective of fair market value. Balances reflect rounding of dollar and share amounts to millions, which may result in differences for recalculated standalone amounts compared with the amounts presented above. In August 2022, the Company and AT&T finalized the post-closing working capital settlement process, which resulted in the Company receiving a $1.2 billion payment from AT&T in the third quarter of 2022. AT&T has raised certain claims associated with the merger that the Company believes are without merit. Purchase Price Allocation The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to WM, whereby the excess of the fair value of the purchase price paid over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill reflects the assembled workforce of WM as well as revenue enhancements, cost savings and operating synergies that are expected to result from the Merger. The goodwill recorded as part of the Merger has been allocated to the Studios, Networks and DTC reportable segments in the amounts of $9,308 million, $7,074 million and $5,727 million, respectively, and is not deductible for tax purposes. During 2023, the Company finalized the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Measurement period adjustments were reflected in the period in which the adjustments occurred. Adjustments recorded in 2023 were $368 million, primarily related to taxes, and were recorded in other noncurrent assets, deferred income taxes, and other noncurrent liabilities, with an offset to goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, measurement period adjustments, and a reconciliation to total consideration transferred is presented in the table below (in millions). Preliminary Measurement Period Final Cash $ 2,419 $ (10) $ 2,409 Accounts receivable 4,224 (60) 4,164 Other current assets 4,619 (133) 4,486 Film and television content rights and games 28,729 (344) 28,385 Property and equipment 4,260 13 4,273 Goodwill 21,513 596 22,109 Intangible assets 44,889 100 44,989 Other noncurrent assets 5,206 283 5,489 Current liabilities (10,544) 12 (10,532) Debt assumed (41,671) (9) (41,680) Deferred income taxes (13,264) 492 (12,772) Other noncurrent liabilities (8,004) (940) (8,944) Total consideration paid $ 42,376 $ — $ 42,376 The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using several valuation approaches including, but not limited to, various cost approaches and income approaches, such as relief from royalty, multi-period excess earnings, and with-or-without methods. The table below presents a summary of intangible assets acquired, exclusive of content assets, and the weighted average useful life of these assets. Fair Value Weighted Average Useful Life in Years Trade names $ 21,084 34 Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships 14,800 6 Franchises 7,900 35 Other intangible assets 1,205 Total intangible assets acquired $ 44,989 The Company incurred acquisition-related costs of $162 million and $406 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These costs were associated with legal and professional services and integration activities and were recognized as operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the expense related to the issuance of additional shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of Advance/Newhouse Programming’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock was $789 million and was recorded as a transaction expense in selling, general and administrative expense upon the closing of the Merger. (See Note 3.) As a result of the Merger, WM’s assets, liabilities, and operations were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the Closing Date. The following table presents WM revenue and earnings as reported within the consolidated financial statements (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2022 Revenues: Advertising $ 2,849 Distribution 10,980 Content 10,001 Other 720 Total revenues 24,550 Inter-segment eliminations (2,225) Net revenues $ 22,325 Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (7,202) Pro Forma Combined Financial Information The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents the combined results of the Company and WM as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is presented for informational purposes and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2021, nor is it indicative of future results. The following table presents the Company’s pro forma combined revenues and net loss (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2022 Revenues $ 43,095 Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (5,359) The unaudited pro forma combined financial information includes, where applicable, adjustments for (i) additional costs of revenues from the fair value step-up of film and television library, (ii) additional amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, (iii) additional depreciation expense from the fair value of property and equipment, (iv) transaction costs and other one-time non-recurring costs, (v) additional interest expense for borrowings related to the Merger and amortization associated with fair value adjustments of debt assumed, (vi) changes to align accounting policies, (vii) elimination of intercompany activity, and (viii) associated tax-related impacts of adjustments. These pro forma adjustments are based on available information as of the date hereof and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable to reflect the impact of the Merger with WM on the Company’s historical financial information on a supplemental pro forma basis. Adjustments do not include costs related to integration activities, cost savings or synergies that have been or may be achieved by the combined business. BluTV The Company previously held a 35% interest in BluTV, a SVOD platform entity and content distributor in Turkey that was accounted for as an equity method investment. In December 2023, the Company acquired the remaining 65% of BluTV for $50 million. Dispositions During 2023, the Company sold or exited all of the AT&T SportsNets. In October 2022, the Company sold its 49% stake in Golden Maple Limited (known as Tencent Video VIP) for proceeds of $143 million and recorded a gain of $55 million, and in April 2022 completed the sale of its minority interest in Discovery Education for proceeds of $138 million and recorded a gain of $133 million. Also, in September 2022, the Company sold 75% of its interest in The CW Network to Nexstar Media Inc. (“Nexstar”), in exchange for Nexstar agreeing to fund a majority of The CW Network’s expenses and the retention of the Company’s share of certain receivables that existed prior to the transaction. There was no cash consideration exchanged in the transaction. The Company recorded an immaterial gain and retained a 12.5% ownership interest in The CW Network, which is accounted for as an equity method investment. In June 2021, the Company completed the sale of its Great American Country network to Hicks Equity Partners for a sale price of $90 million and recorded a gain of $76 million. |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS | GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill Changes in the carrying value of goodwill attributable to each business unit were as follows (in millions). U.S. International Studios Networks DTC Total December 31, 2021 $ 10,813 $ 2,099 $ — $ — $ — $ 12,912 Segment recast (10,813) (2,059) — 10,555 2,317 — Acquisitions (See Note 4) — — 9,047 7,081 5,618 21,746 Foreign currency translation and other adjustments — (40) (84) (79) (17) (220) December 31, 2022 $ — $ — $ 8,963 $ 17,557 $ 7,918 $ 34,438 Acquisitions (See Note 4) — — 245 (24) 127 348 Foreign currency translation and other adjustments — — 64 97 22 183 December 31, 2023 $ — $ — $ 9,272 $ 17,630 $ 8,067 $ 34,969 The carrying amount of goodwill at the Networks segment included accumulated impairments of $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Studios and DTC segments did not include any accumulated impairments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Intangible Assets Finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in millions, except years). Weighted December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Trademarks and trade names 32 $ 22,935 $ (2,688) $ 20,247 $ 22,876 $ (1,494) $ 21,382 Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships 8 24,335 (14,730) 9,605 24,136 (9,458) 14,678 Franchises 35 7,900 (426) 7,474 7,900 (164) 7,736 Character rights 14 995 (125) 870 995 (53) 942 Other 6 591 (502) 89 568 (324) 244 Total $ 56,756 $ (18,471) $ 38,285 $ 56,475 $ (11,493) $ 44,982 Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets reflects the pattern in which the assets’ economic benefits are consumed over their estimated useful lives. For assets whose economic benefits are anticipated to be consumed evenly, a straight-line method is utilized. For assets in which the economic benefits are expected to be recognized unevenly over the useful life of the asset, an accelerated method such as the sum-of-the-months’ digits method is utilized. Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $6.9 billion, $6.2 billion and $1.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During 2023, the Company reassessed the useful lives and amortization methods for its linear networks and HBO trademarks and trade names, and its DC franchise, and concluded the pattern of amortization should be accelerated. Accordingly, the Company has changed the amortization method for these assets from the straight-line method to the sum-of-the-months’ digits method. This change was considered a change in estimate, was accounted for prospectively, and resulted in incremental amortization expense of $368 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Amortization expense relating to intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the next five years and thereafter is estimated to be as follows (in millions). 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter Amortization expense $ 5,757 $ 4,245 $ 3,122 $ 2,369 $ 1,782 $ 21,010 Impairment Analysis Significant judgments and assumptions for all quantitative goodwill tests performed include discount rates, control premiums, terminal growth rates, relevant comparable company earnings multiples and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, including revenue growth rates and profit margins. 2023 Impairment Analysis As of October 1, 2023, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, no impairment was recorded. The Studios reporting unit, which had headroom of 15%, and the Networks reporting unit, which had headroom of 5%, both had fair value in excess of carrying value of less than 20%. The fair values of the reporting units were determined using a combination of DCF and market valuation methodologies. Due to declining levels of global GDP growth, soft advertising markets in the U.S. associated with the Company’s Networks reporting unit, content licensing trends in our Studios reporting unit, and execution risk associated with anticipated growth in the Company’s DTC reporting unit, the Company will continue to monitor its reporting units for changes that could impact recoverability. 2022 Impairment Analysis For the 2022 annual impairment test, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units consistent with the Company’s accounting policy. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, no impairment was recorded. 2021 Impairment Analysis For the 2021 annual impairment test, the Company performed a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of those reporting units exceeded their carrying values, therefore, no quantitative goodwill impairment analysis was performed. |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES | RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES In connection with the Merger, the Company has announced and has taken actions to implement projects to achieve cost synergies for the Company. The Company finalized the framework supporting its ongoing restructuring and transformation initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2022, which include, among other things, strategic content programming assessments, organization restructuring, facility consolidation activities, and other contract termination costs. While the Company’s restructuring efforts are ongoing, the restructuring program is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2024. The Company also initiated a strategic realignment plan associated with its Warner Bros. Pictures Animation group during the year ended December 31, 2023. Restructuring and other charges by reportable segment and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 225 $ 1,050 $ — Networks 201 1,003 30 DTC 66 1,551 2 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations 93 153 — Total restructuring and other charges $ 585 $ 3,757 $ 32 During the year ended December 31, 2023, restructuring and other charges primarily included content impairments and other content development costs and write-offs of $115 million, contract terminations and facility consolidation activities of $111 million, and organization restructuring costs of $359 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, restructuring and other charges primarily included charges related to strategic content programming initiatives, inclusive of content impairments, content development costs and write-offs, content contract terminations, and other content related charges of $3,133 million . In addition, there were restructuring charges related to organization restructuring of $607 million and facility consolidation activities and other contract terminations of $17 million. Changes in restructuring liabilities recorded in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities by major category and by reportable segment and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions). Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations Total December 31, 2021 (a) $ — $ 15 $ — $ 4 $ 19 Acquisitions (See Note 4 ) 40 — 14 55 109 Contract termination accruals, net 36 168 121 — 325 Employee termination accruals, net 114 213 87 184 598 Cash paid (34) (35) (34) (84) (187) December 31, 2022 156 361 188 159 864 Contract termination accruals, net 48 16 8 15 87 Employee termination accruals, net 47 175 60 78 360 Other accruals — 2 — — 2 Cash paid (153) (352) (176) (172) (853) December 31, 2023 $ 98 $ 202 $ 80 $ 80 $ 460 (a) Prior period balances have been recast to conform to the current period presentation as a result of the Merger and segment recast. |
REVENUES
REVENUES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
REVENUES | REVENUES Disaggregated Revenue The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 17 $ 11,521 $ 8,703 $ (4) $ 20,237 Advertising 15 8,342 548 (205) 8,700 Content 11,358 1,005 886 (2,046) 11,203 Other 802 376 17 (14) 1,181 Totals $ 12,192 $ 21,244 $ 10,154 $ (2,269) $ 41,321 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 12 $ 9,759 $ 6,371 $ — $ 16,142 Advertising 15 8,224 371 (86) 8,524 Content 9,156 1,120 522 (2,438) 8,360 Other 548 245 10 (12) 791 Totals $ 9,731 $ 19,348 $ 7,274 $ (2,536) $ 33,817 Year Ended December 31, 2021 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ — $ 4,486 $ 716 $ — $ 5,202 Advertising — 6,063 131 — 6,194 Content 20 706 11 — 737 Other — 56 2 — 58 Totals $ 20 $ 11,311 $ 860 $ — $ 12,191 Accounts Receivable and Credit Losses The allowance for credit losses was not material at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Contract Assets and Liabilities The following table presents contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Contract liabilities Deferred revenues $ 1,924 $ 1,694 Contract liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities 160 361 The change in deferred revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily reflects cash payments received or contracted billings recorded for which the performance obligations were not satisfied prior to the end of the period, partially offset by $1,354 million of revenues recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2022. Revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2022 related to the deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2021 was $411 million. Contract assets were not material as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations Most of the Company’s distribution contracts are licenses of functional intellectual property where revenue is derived from royalty-based arrangements, for which revenues are recorded as a function of royalties earned to date instead of estimating incremental royalty contract revenue. However, there are certain other distribution arrangements that are fixed price or contain minimum guarantees that extend beyond one year. The Company recognizes revenue for fixed fee distribution contracts on a monthly basis based on minimum monthly fees by calculating one twelfth of annual license fees specified in its distribution contracts, or based on the pro-rata fees earned calculated on the license fees specified in the distribution contract. The Company’s content licensing contracts and sports sublicensing deals are licenses of functional intellectual property. The Company’s brand licensing contracts are licenses of symbolic intellectual property. The Company’s advertising contracts are principally generated from the sale of advertising campaigns comprised of multiple commercial units. In contracts with guaranteed impressions, we have identified the overall advertising campaign as the performance obligation to be satisfied over time, and impressions delivered against the satisfaction of our guarantee as the measure of progress. Certain of these arrangements extend beyond one year. The following table presents a summary of remaining performance obligations by contract type (in millions). Contract Type December 31, 2023 Duration Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee $ 3,513 Through 2031 Content licensing and sports sublicensing 5,361 Through 2030 Brand licensing 2,264 Through 2043 Advertising 892 Through 2027 Total $ 12,030 The value of unsatisfied performance obligations disclosed above does not include: (i) contracts involving variable consideration for which revenues are recognized in accordance with the sales or usage-based royalty exception, and (ii) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, such as most advertising contracts; however for content licensing revenues, including revenues associated with the licensing of theatrical and television product for television and streaming services, the Company has included all contracts regardless of duration. |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES
SALES OF RECEIVABLES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES | SALES OF RECEIVABLES Revolving Receivables Program During 2023, the Company amended its revolving receivables program to reduce the facility limit to $5,500 million and extend the program to August 2024. The Company’s bankruptcy-remote consolidated subsidiary held $3,088 million of pledged receivables as of December 31, 2023 in connection with the Company’s revolving receivables program. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $79 million and $256 million, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses from the revolving receivables program in the consolidated statements of operations (net of non-designated derivatives in 2023). (See Note 13.) The outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets was $5,200 million and $5,366 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following table presents a summary of receivables sold (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received $ 13,340 $ 9,857 Collections reinvested under revolving agreement (13,506) (10,491) Net cash proceeds remitted $ (166) $ (634) Net receivables sold $ 13,178 $ 9,797 Obligations recorded $ 405 $ 377 The following table presents a summary of the amounts transferred or pledged (in millions). December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Gross receivables pledged as collateral $ 3,088 $ 3,468 Restricted cash pledged as collateral $ 500 $ 150 Balance sheet classification: Receivables, net $ 2,780 $ 3,015 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 500 $ 150 Other noncurrent assets $ 308 $ 453 Accounts Receivable Factoring Total trade accounts receivable sold under the Company’s factoring arrangement was $383 million and $477 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The impact to the consolidated statements of operations was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. This accounts receivable factoring agreement is separate and distinct from the revolving receivables program. |
CONTENT RIGHTS
CONTENT RIGHTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] | |
CONTENT RIGHTS | CONTENT RIGHTS For purposes of amortization and impairment, capitalized content costs are grouped based on their predominant monetization strategy: individually or as a group. Programming rights are presented as two separate captions: licensed content and advances and live programming and advances. Live programming includes licensed sports rights and related advances. The prior year presentation has been recast to conform to the current period’s presentation. The table below presents the components of content rights (in millions). December 31, 2023 Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Theatrical film production costs: Released, less amortization $ 2,823 $ — $ 2,823 Completed and not released 107 — 107 In production and other 1,300 — 1,300 Television production costs: Released, less amortization 1,471 5,317 6,788 Completed and not released 380 606 986 In production and other 417 2,624 3,041 Total theatrical film and television production costs $ 6,498 $ 8,547 $ 15,045 Licensed content and advances, net 4,519 Live programming and advances, net 1,943 Game development costs, less amortization 565 Total film and television content rights and games 22,072 Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net (843) Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games $ 21,229 December 31, 2022 Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Theatrical film production costs: Released, less amortization $ 3,544 $ — $ 3,544 Completed and not released 507 — 507 In production and other 1,795 — 1,795 Television production costs: Released, less amortization 2,200 6,143 8,343 Completed and not released 939 401 1,340 In production and other 457 3,386 3,843 Total theatrical film and television production costs $ 9,442 $ 9,930 $ 19,372 Licensed content and advances, net 4,961 Live programming and advances, net 2,214 Game development costs, less amortization 650 Total film and television content rights and games 27,197 Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net (545) Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games $ 26,652 Content amortization consisted of the following (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Predominantly monetized individually $ 5,165 $ 5,175 $ 541 Predominantly monetized as a group 10,648 8,935 2,955 Total content amortization $ 15,813 $ 14,110 $ 3,496 Content expense includes amortization, impairments, and development expense and is generally a component of costs of revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023, total content impairments were $326 million, of which content impairments and other content development costs and write-offs of $115 million were primarily due to the abandonment of certain films in connection with the third quarter 2023 strategic realignment plan associated with the Warner Bros. Pictures Animation group and are reflected in restructuring and other charges in the Studios segment. For the year ended December 31, 2022, total content impairments were $2,807 million. Content impairments of $2,756 million and content development write-offs of $377 million were due to the abandonment of certain content categories in connection with the strategic realignment of content following the Merger and are reflected in restructuring and other charges in the Studios, Networks and DTC segments. (See Note 6.) No content impairments were recorded as a component of restructuring for the year ended December 31, 2021. The table below presents the expected future amortization expense of the Company’s film and television content rights, licensed content and advances, live programming rights and advances, and games as of December 31, 2023 (in millions). Year Ending December 31, 2024 2025 2026 Released investment in films and television content: Monetized individually $ 1,712 $ 868 $ 600 Monetized as a group 2,483 1,242 774 Licensed content and advances 1,751 813 524 Live programming and advances 1,258 471 34 Games 87 16 — Completed and not released investment in films and television content: Monetized individually $ 411 Monetized as a group 238 At December 31, 2023, acquired film and television libraries are being amortized using straight-line or other accelerated amortization methods through 2033. |
INVESTMENTS
INVESTMENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Investments [Abstract] | |
INVESTMENTS | INVESTMENTS The Company’s equity investments consisted of the following, net of investments recorded in other noncurrent liabilities (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location Ownership December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Equity method investments: The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LP Other noncurrent assets 44% $ 249 $ 313 nC+ Other noncurrent assets 32% 142 135 TNT Sports Other noncurrent assets 50% 102 96 Other Other noncurrent assets 503 518 Total equity method investments 996 1,062 Investments with readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets 53 28 Investments without readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets (a) 438 498 Total investments $ 1,487 $ 1,588 (a) Investments without readily determinable fair values included $17 million as of December 31, 2023 and $10 million as of December 31, 2022 that were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Equity Method Investments During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with British Telecommunications Plc (“BT”) to form a 50:50 joint venture to create a new premium sports offering for the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Company has determined the joint venture is a VIE and accounts for its investment in the joint venture as an equity method investment. Additionally, the Company has a call option to obtain the remaining 50% equity interest in September 2024 and September 2026, at the then fair market value plus the expected earnings that BT would have received in the two years following the call option. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying value of the joint venture was $102 million. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s maximum exposure for all its unconsolidated VIEs, including the investment carrying values and unfunded contractual commitments made on behalf of VIEs, was approximately $734 million. The Company’s maximum estimated exposure excludes the non-contractual future funding of VIEs. The aggregate carrying values of these VIE investments were $697 million and $720 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company recognized its portion of VIE operating results with losses of $75 million, $87 million, and $35 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in loss from equity investees, net, on the consolidated statements of operations. Equity Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Values Assessed Under the Measurement Alternative During 2023, the Company concluded that its other equity method investments without readily determinable fair values had decreased $73 million in fair value as a result of observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The decrease in fair value as a result of observable price change is recorded in other (expense) income, net on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 18.) As of December 31, 2023, the Company had recorded cumulative impairments of $238 million for its equity method investments without readily determinable fair values. |
DEBT
DEBT | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
DEBT | DEBT The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions). December 31, Weighted-Average 2023 2022 Term loans with maturities of 3 years or less — % $ — $ 4,000 Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less 7.13 % 40 500 Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less 4.00 % 13,664 12,759 Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years 4.28 % 8,607 10,373 Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years 5.11 % 21,644 21,644 Total debt 43,955 49,276 Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net (286) (277) Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting 43,669 48,999 Current portion of debt (1,780) (365) Noncurrent portion of debt $ 41,889 $ 48,634 During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Warner Media, LLC (“WML”), Historic TW Inc. (“TWI”), Discovery Communications, LLC (“DCL”) and WMH, commenced cash tender offers to purchase for cash any and all of (i) WML’s outstanding 4.050% Senior Notes due 2023 and 3.550% Senior Notes due 2024, (ii) TWI’s outstanding 7.570% Senior Notes due 2024, (iii) DCL’s outstanding 3.800% Senior Notes due 2024, and (iv) WMH’s outstanding 3.528% Senior Notes due 2024 and 3.428% Senior Notes due 2024. The Company completed the tender offers in August 2023 by purchasing senior notes in the amount of $1.9 billion validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the offers. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company also commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding Floating Rate Notes due in 2024. The Company completed the tender offer in June 2023, by purchasing Floating Rate Notes in the amount of $460 million validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the offer. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company also repaid $4.0 billion of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its term loan prior to the due date of April 2025; repaid in full at maturity $42 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes due December 2023, $178 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes due September 2023, and $106 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes due February 2023; and completed open market purchases for $183 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company issued $1.5 billion of 6.412% fixed rate senior notes due March 2026. After March 2024, the senior notes are redeemable at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $6.0 billion of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its term loans prior to the due dates of October 2023 and April 2025 and repaid in full at maturity $327 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 2.375% Euro Denominated Senior Notes due March 2022. In addition, the Company redeemed in full and prior to maturity all $192 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 3.250% senior notes due in 2023 and all $796 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 2.950% senior notes due 2023 (collectively the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes were redeemed in December 2022 for an aggregate redemption price of $988 million, plus accrued interest. The redemptions during 2023 and 2022 resulted in an immaterial gain on extinguishment of debt. (See Note 18.) As of December 31, 2023, all senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“Scripps Networks”), DCL (to the extent it is not the primary obligor on such senior notes), and WMH (to the extent it is not the primary obligor on such senior notes), except for $1.1 billion of senior notes of the legacy WarnerMedia Business assumed by the Company in connection with the Merger and $23 million of un-exchanged senior notes issued by Scripps Networks. Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Programs The Company has a multicurrency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) and has the capacity to borrow up to $6.0 billion under the Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Agreement includes a $150 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. The Company may also request additional commitments up to $1.0 billion from the lenders upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, Scripps Networks, and WMH. The Credit Facility will be available on a revolving basis until June 2026, with an option for up to two additional 364-day renewal periods subject to the lenders’ consent. Additionally, the Company's commercial paper program is supported by the Credit Facility. Under the commercial paper program, the Company may issue up to $1.5 billion, including up to $500 million of euro-denominated borrowings. Borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility is effectively reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility or the commercial paper program. Credit Agreement Financial Covenants The Revolving Credit Agreement includes financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum adjusted consolidated leverage ratio of 5.75 to 1.00 following the closing of the Merger, with step-downs to 5.00 to 1.00 and 4.50 to 1.00 upon completion of the first full quarter following the first and second anniversaries of the closing, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, DCL and WMH were in compliance with all covenants and there were no events of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Long-term Debt Repayment Schedule The following table presents a summary of scheduled debt and estimated interest payments, excluding the revolving credit facility and commercial paper borrowings, for the next five years based on the amount of the Company’s debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023 (in millions). 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter Long-term debt repayments $ 1,781 $ 3,147 $ 2,289 $ 4,719 $ 1,767 $ 30,250 Interest payments $ 2,007 $ 1,904 $ 1,778 $ 1,634 $ 1,510 $ 24,344 |
LEASES
LEASES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
LEASES | LEASES The Company has operating and finance leases for transponders, office space, studio facilities, software, and other equipment. The Company’s leases were reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Operating Leases Location on Balance Sheet Operating lease right-of-use assets Other noncurrent assets $ 3,074 $ 3,189 Operating lease liabilities (current) Accrued liabilities $ 332 $ 345 Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities 3,019 2,990 Total operating lease liabilities $ 3,351 $ 3,335 Finance Leases Finance lease right-of-use assets Property and equipment, net $ 249 $ 244 Finance lease liabilities (current) Accrued liabilities $ 74 $ 82 Finance lease liabilities (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities 191 186 Total finance lease liabilities $ 265 $ 268 Supplemental information related to leases was as follows. December 31, 2023 2022 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 11 12 Finance leases 5 5 Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 4.42 % 4.13 % Finance leases 4.17 % 3.23 % The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of up to 29 years, some of which include multiple options to extend the leases for up to a total of 20 years. Most leases are not cancellable prior to their expiration. The components of lease cost were as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Operating lease cost $ 540 $ 372 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 85 $ 78 Interest on lease liabilities 8 8 Total finance lease cost $ 93 $ 86 Variable fees and other (a) $ 74 $ 66 Total lease cost $ 707 $ 524 (a) Includes variable lease payments related to our operating and finance leases and costs of leases with initial terms of less than one year. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ (501) $ (360) Operating cash flows from finance leases $ (19) $ (15) Financing cash flows from finance leases $ (74) $ (70) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 364 $ 490 Finance leases $ 95 $ 39 Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases 2024 $ 462 $ 85 2025 404 70 2026 377 56 2027 358 35 2028 344 15 Thereafter 2,415 35 Total lease payments 4,360 296 Less: Imputed interest (1,009) (31) Total $ 3,351 $ 265 As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s total minimum lease payments for additional leases that have not yet commenced were not material. |
LEASES | LEASES The Company has operating and finance leases for transponders, office space, studio facilities, software, and other equipment. The Company’s leases were reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Operating Leases Location on Balance Sheet Operating lease right-of-use assets Other noncurrent assets $ 3,074 $ 3,189 Operating lease liabilities (current) Accrued liabilities $ 332 $ 345 Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities 3,019 2,990 Total operating lease liabilities $ 3,351 $ 3,335 Finance Leases Finance lease right-of-use assets Property and equipment, net $ 249 $ 244 Finance lease liabilities (current) Accrued liabilities $ 74 $ 82 Finance lease liabilities (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities 191 186 Total finance lease liabilities $ 265 $ 268 Supplemental information related to leases was as follows. December 31, 2023 2022 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 11 12 Finance leases 5 5 Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 4.42 % 4.13 % Finance leases 4.17 % 3.23 % The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of up to 29 years, some of which include multiple options to extend the leases for up to a total of 20 years. Most leases are not cancellable prior to their expiration. The components of lease cost were as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Operating lease cost $ 540 $ 372 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 85 $ 78 Interest on lease liabilities 8 8 Total finance lease cost $ 93 $ 86 Variable fees and other (a) $ 74 $ 66 Total lease cost $ 707 $ 524 (a) Includes variable lease payments related to our operating and finance leases and costs of leases with initial terms of less than one year. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ (501) $ (360) Operating cash flows from finance leases $ (19) $ (15) Financing cash flows from finance leases $ (74) $ (70) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 364 $ 490 Finance leases $ 95 $ 39 Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases 2024 $ 462 $ 85 2025 404 70 2026 377 56 2027 358 35 2028 344 15 Thereafter 2,415 35 Total lease payments 4,360 296 Less: Imputed interest (1,009) (31) Total $ 3,351 $ 265 As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s total minimum lease payments for additional leases that have not yet commenced were not material. |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate market risk and interest rate fluctuations. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign currency forward contracts, fixed-to-fixed currency swaps, total return swaps and interest rate swaps, to hedge certain foreign currency, market value and interest rate exposures. The Company’s objective is to reduce earnings volatility by offsetting gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. There were no amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was determined using a market-based approach (Level 2). The Company’s derivative financial instruments were reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fair Value Fair Value Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accrued liabilities Other non- Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accrued liabilities Other non- Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange $ 1,484 $ 40 $ 8 $ 37 $ 8 $ 1,382 $ 49 $ 35 $ 42 $ 25 Cross-currency swaps — — — — — 482 3 58 — — Net investment hedges: (a) Cross-currency swaps 1,779 23 12 7 42 1,778 20 12 — 73 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps 1,500 7 — — 5 — — — — — No hedging designation: Foreign exchange 1,058 1 1 1 83 976 5 1 3 96 Cross-currency swaps — — — — — 139 3 — — 3 Total return swaps 395 19 — — — 291 — — 13 — Total $ 90 $ 21 $ 45 $ 138 $ 80 $ 106 $ 58 $ 197 (a) Excludes €164 million of euro-denominated notes ($174 million equivalent at December 31, 2022) designated as a net investment hedge and £402 million of sterling notes re-designated as a net investment hedge in 2023 ($513 million equivalent at December 31, 2023. (See Note 11.) Derivatives Designated for Hedge Accounting Cash Flow Hedges The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk related to revenues, production rebates and production expenses. As such, we have entered into foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate this risk. These cash flow hedges are carried at fair market value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Hedge effectiveness is assessed using the spot method, with fair market value changes recorded in other comprehensive loss until the hedged item affects earnings. Excluded components, including forward points, are included in current earnings. The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk associated with its British Pound Sterling denominated debt and executed a fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swap in 2022 to mitigate this risk. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company unwound the cross-currency swaps related to its Sterling debt and recognized a gain of $76 million as an adjustment to other comprehensive income. The Sterling debt was subsequently re-designated as a net investment hedge effective May 2023. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk associated with future issuances of debt and unwound the forward starting swap derivatives designated as hedging instruments to mitigate this risk in 2022. The realized gain from these derivatives will remain in other comprehensive loss until the debt is issued during the hedging window, which extends through 2025, and interest payments are made. The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive loss (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments $ 23 $ 7 $ 57 Interest rate - derivative adjustments — — 112 Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - distribution revenue (5) (1) 4 Foreign exchange - advertising revenue 1 1 1 Foreign exchange - costs of revenues 3 25 — Foreign exchange - other (expense) income, net 18 — 30 Interest rate - interest expense, net (1) (2) (2) Interest rate - other (expense) income, net 1 — — If current fair values of designated cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2023 remained static over the next twelve months, the amount the Company would reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income in the next twelve months would not be material for the current fiscal year. The maximum length of time the Company is hedging exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 32 years. Net Investment Hedges The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk associated with the net assets of non-USD functional entities and uses fixed-to-fixed cross currency swaps to mitigate this risk. During the year ended December 31, 2023, to mitigate the risk associated with the net assets of non-USD functional entities, the Company re-designated its Sterling denominated debt due in 2024 as a net investment hedge after the unwind of the cash flow hedge previously noted. The Company is also exposed to foreign currency risk stemming from foreign denominated debt. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company settled its Euro denominated debt that was acquired in connection with the Merger and was designated as the hedging instrument in a net investment hedge. The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as net investment hedges on other comprehensive loss (in millions). Other than amounts excluded from effectiveness testing, there were no other material gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Year Ended December 31, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 Cross currency swaps $ 43 $ 46 $ 114 Interest expense, net $ 24 $ 33 $ 42 Foreign exchange contracts — — 5 Other (expense) income, net — — — Euro denominated notes (foreign denominated debt) 3 4 — N/A — — — Sterling denominated notes (foreign denominated debt) (11) 112 6 N/A — — — Total $ 35 $ 162 $ 125 $ 24 $ 33 $ 42 Fair Value Hedges During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company issued $1.5 billion of 6.412% fixed rate senior notes due March 2026. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge to allow the Company to mitigate the variability in the fair value of its senior notes due to fluctuations in the benchmark interest rate. Changes in the fair value of the senior note and the interest rate swap are recorded in interest expense, net. The following table presents fair value hedge adjustments to hedged borrowings (in millions). Carrying Amount of Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Hedged Borrowings Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Noncurrent portion of debt $ 1,502 $ — $ 2 $ — The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as fair value hedges on income, including offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged items (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (Loss) gain on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt (1) $ (2) $ — Gain (loss) on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts (1) 2 — Total in interest expense, net $ — $ — (1) Accrued interest expense related to the hedged debt and derivative contracts is excluded from the amounts above and was $27 million as of December 31, 2023. Derivatives Not Designated for Hedge Accounting The Company has deferred compensation plans that have risk related to the fair market value gains and losses on investments and has entered into total return swaps to mitigate this risk. The gains and losses associated with these swaps are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the deferred compensation investment gains and losses. The Company is exposed to risk of secured overnight financing rate changes in connection with securitization interest paid on the receivables securitization program. To mitigate this risk, the Company entered into and unwound and settled $6.0 billion notional of non-designated interest rate swaps for a total realized gain of $63 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The gains and losses on these derivatives are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting securitization interest expense. Forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are de-designated as production spend occurs or when rebate receivables are recognized. After de-designation, gains and losses on these derivatives directly impact earnings in the same line as the hedged risk. The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in selling, general and administrative expense and other (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Interest rate swaps $ 63 $ — $ — Total return swaps 46 5 — Total in selling, general and administrative expense 109 5 — Interest rate swaps 20 512 (2) Cross-currency swaps 1 — 8 Foreign exchange derivatives 7 (37) (39) Total in other (expense) income, net 28 475 (33) Total $ 137 $ 480 $ (33) |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in the following three categories: Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 3 - Valuations derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable. The table below presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions). December 31, 2023 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents: Time deposits Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 105 $ — $ 105 Equity securities: Money market fund Cash and cash equivalents 1 — — 1 Mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets 42 — — 42 Company-owned life insurance contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1 — 1 Mutual funds Other noncurrent assets 233 — — 233 Company-owned life insurance contracts Other noncurrent assets — 97 — 97 Total $ 276 $ 203 $ — $ 479 Liabilities Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 67 $ — $ — $ 67 Deferred compensation plan Other noncurrent liabilities 614 — — 614 Total $ 681 $ — $ — $ 681 December 31, 2022 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents: Time deposits Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 50 $ — $ 50 Equity securities: Money market funds Cash and cash equivalents 20 — — 20 Mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14 — — 14 Company-owned life insurance contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1 — 1 Mutual funds Other noncurrent assets 243 — — 243 Company-owned life insurance contracts Other noncurrent assets — 94 — 94 Time deposits Other noncurrent assets — 8 — 8 Total $ 277 $ 153 $ — $ 430 Liabilities Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 73 $ — $ — $ 73 Deferred compensation plan Other noncurrent liabilities 590 — — 590 Total $ 663 $ — $ — $ 663 Equity securities include money market funds, time deposits, investments in mutual funds held in separate trusts, which are owned as part of the Company’s supplemental retirement plans, and company-owned life insurance contracts. (See Note 17.) The fair value of the deferred compensation plan liability was determined based on the fair value of the related investments elected by employees. Company-owned life insurance contracts are recorded at their cash surrender value, which approximates fair value (Level 2). In addition to the financial instruments listed in the tables above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, term loans, and senior notes. The carrying values for such financial instruments, other than the senior notes, each approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The estimated fair value of the Company’s outstanding senior notes, including accrued interest, using quoted prices from over-the-counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $40.5 billion and $38.0 billion as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 13, its investments with readily determinable fair value are discussed in Note 10, and the obligation for its revolving receivable program is discussed in Note 8. |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] | |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION | SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION The Company has various incentive plans under which PRSUs, RSUs, and stock options have been issued. Upon exercise or vesting of stock awards, the Company issues new shares from its existing authorized but unissued shares. As of December 31, 2023, there were 138 million shares of common stock in reserves that were available for future issuance under the incentive plans. Share-Based Compensation Expense The table below presents the components of share-based compensation expense (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 PRSUs $ 65 $ 2 $ 10 RSUs 375 337 110 Stock options 60 71 58 SARs — 2 — Total share-based compensation expense $ 500 $ 412 $ 178 Tax benefit recognized $ 97 $ 79 $ 29 Liability-classified share-based compensation awards include certain PRSUs. The Company recorded total liabilities for cash-settled and other liability-classified share-based compensation awards of $36 million and $6 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The current portion of the liability for cash-settled and other liability-classified awards was $10 million and $4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Share-Based Award Activity PRSUs The table below presents PRSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price). PRSUs Weighted- Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 0.7 $ 32.80 0.0 $ 6 Granted 4.0 $ 15.41 Converted (0.5) $ 31.09 $ 7 Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 4.2 $ 16.36 1.4 $ 48 Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2023 4.2 $ 16.36 1.4 $ 48 Convertible as of December 31, 2023 0.2 $ 37.41 0.0 $ 2 As of December 31, 2023, there was $53 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to PRSUs. RSUs The table below presents RSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price). RSUs Weighted- Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 31.2 $ 25.14 2.3 $ 296 Granted 29.3 $ 14.79 Vested (12.8) $ 25.51 $ 183 Forfeited (3.7) $ 19.40 Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 44.0 $ 18.52 1.3 $ 501 Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2023 44.0 $ 18.52 1.3 $ 501 As of December 31, 2023, there was $489 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, of which $29 million is related to cash settled RSUs. Stock settled RSUs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years, and cash settled RSUs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years. Stock Options The table below presents stock option activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average exercise price). Stock Options Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 30.5 $ 34.95 4.0 $ — Granted 2.2 $ 15.02 Forfeited (0.6) $ 28.22 Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 32.1 $ 33.73 3.3 $ — Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2023 32.1 $ 33.73 3.3 $ — Exercisable as of December 31, 2023 15.8 $ 30.89 2.0 $ — The Company received cash payments from the exercise of stock options totaling $0 million, $1 million, and $159 million during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, there was $114 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant during 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Risk-free interest rate 4.35 % 1.46 % 1.03 % Expected term (years) 4.5 5.0 5.9 Expected volatility 54.80 % 42.15 % 42.45 % The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $7.43, $9.60 and $14.08, respectively, per option. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $0 million, $0 million and $145 million, respectively. |
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
INCOME TAXES | INCOME TAXES The domestic and foreign components of (loss) income before income taxes were as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Domestic $ (4,702) $ (8,747) $ 1,598 Foreign 839 (213) (165) (Loss) income before income taxes $ (3,863) $ (8,960) $ 1,433 The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Current: Federal $ 753 $ 629 $ 451 State and local 57 143 130 Foreign 750 407 166 1,560 1,179 747 Deferred: Federal (1,845) (2,367) (250) State and local (548) (418) 6 Foreign 49 (57) (267) (2,344) (2,842) (511) Income tax (benefit) expense $ (784) $ (1,663) $ 236 The following table reconciles the Company’s effective income tax rates to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rates. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate $ (811) 21 % $ (1,881) 21 % $ 301 21 % State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (388) 10 % (218) 3 % 108 7 % Effect of foreign operations 342 (9) % 246 (3) % 25 2 % Preferred stock conversion premium charge — — % 166 (2) % — — % UK Finance Act legislative change — — % — — % (155) (11) % Noncontrolling interest adjustment (9) — % (17) — % (40) (3) % Other, net 82 (2) % 41 — % (3) — % Income tax (benefit) expense $ (784) 20 % $ (1,663) 19 % $ 236 16 % Income tax benefit was $(784) million and $(1,663) million, and the Company’s effective tax rate was 20% and 19% for 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to a decrease in pre-tax book loss and the effect of foreign operations, including taxation and allocation of income and losses across various foreign jurisdictions. These decreases were partially offset by a state uncertain tax benefit remeasurement following a multi-year tax audit agreement and a favorable state deferred tax adjustment recorded in the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2023 was further offset by a one-time expense incurred in 2022 related to a preferred stock conversion transaction expense that was not deductible for tax purposes. (See Note 3.) Income tax (benefit) expense was $(1,663) million and $236 million, and the Company’s effective tax rate was 19% and 16% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in the tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily attributable to a decrease in pre-tax book income, partially offset by a one-time expense incurred in 2022 related to a preferred stock conversion transaction expense that was not deductible for tax purposes (see Note 3), as well as the effect of foreign operations, including taxation and allocation of income and losses across multiple foreign jurisdictions. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2022 was further offset by a deferred tax benefit of $155 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021 resulting from the UK Finance Act 2021 enacted in June 2021. Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Deferred income tax assets: Accounts receivable $ (86) $ (78) Tax attribute carry-forward 2,908 2,557 Accrued liabilities and other 1,770 1,274 Total deferred income tax assets 4,592 3,753 Valuation allowance (2,191) (1,849) Net deferred income tax assets 2,401 1,904 Deferred income tax liabilities: Intangible assets (7,988) (9,509) Content rights (685) (1,389) Equity method and other investments in partnerships (411) (522) Other (1,356) (809) Total deferred income tax liabilities (10,440) (12,229) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (8,039) $ (10,325) As of December 31, 2023, the company maintains a valuation allowance of $2,191 million to offset deferred tax assets attributable to certain foreign net operating losses, and to a lesser extent U.S. federal and state tax attribute carryforwards. The Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (included within other noncurrent assets) $ 697 $ 689 Deferred income tax liabilities (8,736) (11,014) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (8,039) $ (10,325) The Company’s loss carry-forwards were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). Federal State Foreign Loss carry-forwards $ 53 $ 1,640 $ 8,636 Deferred tax asset related to loss carry-forwards 11 93 2,131 Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards (6) (64) (1,652) Earliest expiration date of loss carry-forwards 2028 2024 2024 A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (without related interest and penalty amounts) is as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Beginning balance $ 1,929 $ 420 $ 348 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 147 302 68 Additions for tax positions of prior years 195 35 64 Additions for tax positions acquired in business combinations 247 1,353 — Reductions for tax positions of prior years (275) (114) (27) Settlements (46) (20) (5) Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations (62) (34) (25) Changes due to foreign currency exchange rates 12 (13) (3) Ending balance $ 2,147 $ 1,929 $ 420 The balances as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 included $2,147 million, $1,929 million, and $420 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate after giving effect to interest deductions and offsetting benefits from other tax jurisdictions. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for its 2012 to 2019 consolidated federal income tax returns. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or timing of resolution of any particular tax matter. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to audit by any jurisdiction for years prior to 2008. Adjustments that arose from the completion of audits for certain tax years have been included in the change in uncertain tax positions in the table above. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain of the Company’s uncertain tax positions could decrease by as much as $84 million within the next twelve months as a result of ongoing audits, foreign judicial proceedings, lapses of statutes of limitations, or regulatory developments. As of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company had accrued approximately $571 million, $413 million, and $60 million, respectively, of total interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits. The increase in the accrual for interest and penalties payable at December 31, 2023 includes interest and penalty accruals recorded in 2023 through purchase price accounting related to the Merger. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The 2017 Tax Act features a participation exemption regime with current taxation of certain foreign income and imposes a mandatory repatriation toll tax on unremitted foreign earnings. Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, we intend to continue to reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. Our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to the U.S. However, if these funds were to be needed in the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay non-U.S. taxes to repatriate them. The determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability with respect to these undistributed foreign earnings is not practicable. |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Retirement Benefits [Abstract] | |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS | RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS The Company has defined contribution, defined benefit, and other savings plans for the benefit of its employees that meet eligibility requirements. Defined Contribution Plans Eligible employees may contribute a portion of their compensation to the plans, which may be subject to certain statutory limitations. For these plans, the Company also makes contributions, including discretionary contributions, subject to plan provisions, which vest immediately. The Company made total contributions of $210 million, $188 million, and $50 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s contributions were recorded in cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Executive Deferred Compensation Plans The Company has deferred compensation plans through which certain senior-level employees may elect to defer a portion of their eligible compensation. Distributions from the deferred compensation plans are generally made following separation from service or other events as specified in the plan. In certain plans, the Company may make discretionary contributions to employee accounts. While these plans are unfunded, the Company has established separate rabbi trusts used to provide for certain of these benefits. The accounts of the separate rabbi trusts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The investments are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred compensation obligation is included in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The values of the investments and deferred compensation obligation are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the investments are included as a component of other (expense) income, net, on the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 14 and Note 18.) Multiemployer Benefit Plans The Company contributes to various multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain of our union-represented employees. The risks of participating in multiemployer pension plans are different from single-employer pension plans in that (i) contributions made by the Company to the multiemployer pension plans may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (ii) if the Company chooses to stop participating in the multiemployer pension plans, it may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, which is referred to as a withdrawal liability; and (iii) actions taken by a participating employer that lead to a deterioration of the financial health of a multiemployer pension plan may result in the unfunded obligations of the multiemployer pension plan being borne by its remaining participating employers. The Company also contributes to various other multiemployer benefit plans that provide health and welfare benefits to both active and retired participants. The Company does not participate in any multiemployer benefit plans that are individually significant to the Company. The following table summarizes the Company’s contributions to multiemployer pension and health and welfare benefit plans (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Pension benefits $ 128 $ 112 Health and welfare benefits 153 182 Total contributions $ 281 $ 294 Since these plans were acquired as part of the Merger, there were no contributions for the year ended December 31, 2021. Defined Benefit Plans The Company participates in and/or sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan that covers certain U.S. based employees and several U.S. and non-U.S. nonqualified defined benefit pension plans that are noncontributory. The Company’s pension plans consist of both funded and unfunded plans. The Company also holds net assets and net liabilities on behalf of other U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans. The plan provisions vary by plan and by country. Some of these plans are unfunded and all are noncontributory. Assets are recorded in other noncurrent assets, and liabilities are recorded in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Discount rates, long-term rate of return on plan assets, increases in compensation levels, and mortality rates are key assumptions used in determining the benefit obligation. The table below describes how the assumptions are determined. Assumption Description Discount rate Based on a bond portfolio approach that includes high-quality debt instruments with maturities matching the Company’s expected benefit payments from the plans. Long-term rate of return on plan assets Based on the weighted-average expected rate of return and capital market forecasts for each asset class employed and also considers the Company’s historical compounded return on plan assets for 10 and 15-year periods. Increase in compensation levels Based on past experience and the near-term outlook. Mortality Various mortality tables adjusted and projected using mortality improvement rates. Net Periodic Pension Cost Expense recognized for the pension plans is based upon actuarial valuations. Inherent in those valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and, where applicable, expected returns on assets. The service cost component of net periodic pension cost is recorded in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, while the remaining components are recorded in other (expense) income, net. Net periodic pension cost was not material for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Obligations and Funded Status The following tables present information about plan assets and obligations of the pension plans based upon a valuation as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (in millions). December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Pension Plans Pension Plans Accumulated benefit obligation $ 753 $ 762 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 762 $ 104 Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4) — 908 Service cost 3 2 Interest cost 35 21 Benefits paid (40) (36) Actuarial gains — (231) Settlement charges (11) (6) Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes and other 4 — Projected benefit obligation at end of year 753 762 Plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 533 63 Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4) — 756 Actual return on plan assets 9 (268) Company contributions 33 24 Benefits paid (40) (36) Settlement charges (11) (6) Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes and other 16 — Fair value at end of year 540 533 Under funded status $ (213) $ (229) Amounts recognized as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets: Other noncurrent assets $ 82 $ 92 Accrued liabilities (31) (29) Other noncurrent liabilities (264) (292) Total $ (213) $ (229) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: Net loss $ 79 $ 94 The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows. December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Pension Plans Pension Plans Discount rate 4.62 % 4.70 % Rate of compensation increases 3.18 % 3.05 % Plan Assets The Company’s investment policy is to maximize the total rate of return on plan assets to meet the long-term funding obligations of the pension plans. There are no restrictions on the types of investments held in the pension plans, which are invested using a combination of active management and passive investment strategies. Risk is controlled through diversification among multiple asset classes, managers, styles, and securities. Risk is further controlled both at the manager and asset class levels by assigning return targets and evaluating performance against these targets. The following table presents the weighted average pension plans asset allocations by asset category (in millions). December 31, 2023 Investment Type Target Actual Equity securities 12 % 12 % Fixed income securities 75 % 75 % Multi-asset credit fund 5 % 4 % Real assets 4 % 3 % Hedge funds 2 % 4 % Cash 2 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % Fair Value Measurements Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 14 for a discussion of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value (in millions). December 31, 2023 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities $ 64 $ 36 $ 28 $ — Fixed income securities 541 12 453 76 Multi-asset credit fund 24 — 24 — Cash 9 9 — — Total plan assets measured at fair value $ 638 $ 57 $ 505 $ 76 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Real assets $ 18 Hedge funds 22 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient $ 40 Liabilities: Derivatives (138) Total plan assets $ 540 The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension assets for the year ended December 31, 2023 (in millions). Fixed Income Funds Fair value at beginning of year $ 72 Unrealized gains 9 Transfers out (5) Balance at end of year $ 76 December 31, 2022 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity Securities $ 69 $ 34 $ 35 $ — Fixed income securities 532 14 446 72 Multi-asset credit fund 21 — 21 — Cash 5 5 — — Total plan assets measured at fair value $ 627 $ 53 $ 502 $ 72 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Real assets $ 22 Hedge funds 20 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient $ 42 Liabilities: Derivatives (136) Total plan assets $ 533 The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension assets for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in millions). Fixed Income Funds Fair value at beginning of year $ 98 Unrealized losses (26) Balance at end of year $ 72 Estimated Benefit Payments The following table presents the estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid out for the defined benefits plans over the next ten years (in millions). Pension Plans 2024 $ 50 2025 46 2026 46 2027 46 2028 49 Thereafter 234 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES | SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES Property and equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions). December 31, Useful Lives 2023 2022 Equipment, furniture, fixtures and other (a) 3 - 7 years $ 2,056 $ 1,682 Capitalized software costs 1 - 5 years 2,629 1,855 Land, buildings and leasehold improvements (b) 15- 30 years 4,013 3,251 Property and equipment, at cost 8,698 6,788 Accumulated depreciation (3,085) (2,055) 5,613 4,733 Assets under construction 344 568 Property and equipment, net $ 5,957 $ 5,301 (a) Property and equipment includes assets acquired under finance lease arrangements. Assets acquired under finance lease arrangements are generally amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases. (See Note 12.) (b) Land has an indefinite life and is not depreciated. Leasehold improvements generally have an estimated useful life equal to the lease term. Capitalized software costs are for internal use. The net book value of capitalized software costs was $1,301 million and $949 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Depreciation expense for property and equipment totaled $1,097 million, $957 million and $311 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Production receivables $ 1,265 $ 1,231 Prepaid content rights 843 545 Other current assets 2,283 2,112 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 4,391 $ 3,888 Accrued liabilities Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Accrued participation and residuals $ 3,071 $ 2,986 Accrued production and content rights payable 2,118 3,153 Accrued payroll and related benefits 1,541 2,292 Other accrued liabilities 3,638 3,073 Total accrued liabilities $ 10,368 $ 11,504 Other (Expense) Income, net Other (expense) income, net, consisted of the following (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Foreign currency (losses) gains, net $ (173) $ (150) $ 93 Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net 28 475 (33) Gain on sale of investment with readily determinable fair value — — 15 Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value 37 (105) (6) Change in the value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value (73) (142) (13) Gain on sale of equity method investments — 195 4 Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt 17 — (10) Interest income 179 67 18 Other (expense) income, net (27) 7 4 Total other (expense) income, net $ (12) $ 347 $ 72 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Cash paid for taxes, net $ 1,440 $ 1,027 $ 643 Cash paid for interest 2,237 1,539 664 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Non-cash consideration related to the sale of the Ranch Lot 175 — — Non-cash consideration related to the purchase of the Burbank Studios Lot 175 — — Non-cash consideration transferred related to the transaction agreements with JCOM 68 — — Non-cash consideration paid related to the transaction agreements with JCOM 2 — — Non-cash consideration related to MegaMedia put exercise 36 — — Non-cash settlement of PRSU awards 35 — — Equity issued for the acquisition of WarnerMedia — 42,309 — Non-cash consideration related to the sale of The CW Network — 126 — Accrued consideration for the joint venture with BT — 90 — Accrued purchases of property and equipment 41 66 34 Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements 235 53 134 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,780 $ 3,731 Restricted cash - other current assets (a) 539 199 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 4,319 $ 3,930 (a) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 8 and Note 13.) Assets Held for Sale In 2022, the Company classified its Ranch Lot and Knoxville office building and land as assets held for sale. The Company reclassified $209 million to prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet during 2022 and stopped recording depreciation on the assets. The Knoxville office building and land and the Ranch Lot were sold during 2023. The Burbank Studios Lot was purchased during 2023 in exchange for the Ranch Lot and cash. Supplier Finance Programs Consistent with customary industry practice, the Company generally pays certain content producers at or near the completion of the production cycle. In these arrangements, content producers may earn fees upon contractual milestones to be invoiced at or near completion of production. In these instances, the Company accrues the content in progress in accordance with the contractual milestones. Certain of the Company’s content producers sell their related receivables to a bank intermediary who provides payments that coincide with these contractual production milestones upon confirmation with the Company of our obligation to the content producer. This confirmation does not involve a security interest in the underlying content or otherwise result in the payable receiving seniority with respect to other payables of the Company. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company has confirmed $338 million and $273 million, respectively, of accrued content producer liabilities. These amounts were outstanding and unpaid by the Company and were recorded in accrued liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (in millions). Currency Translation Derivative Adjustments Pension Plans Accumulated December 31, 2020 $ (555) $ (81) $ (15) $ (651) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (290) 134 2 (154) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (25) — (25) Other comprehensive income (loss) (290) 109 2 (179) December 31, 2021 (845) 28 (13) (830) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (651) 4 (26) (673) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (2) (18) — (20) Other comprehensive income (loss) (653) (14) (26) (693) December 31, 2022 (1,498) 14 (39) (1,523) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 799 16 (21) 794 Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (12) — (12) Other comprehensive income (loss) 799 4 (21) 782 December 31, 2023 $ (699) $ 18 $ (60) $ (741) |
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTER
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] | |
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented outside of permanent equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets when the put right is outside of the Company’s control. Redeemable noncontrolling interests reflected as of the balance sheet date are the greater of the noncontrolling interest balances adjusted for comprehensive income items and distributions or the redemption values remeasured at the period end foreign exchange rates. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value as a result of changes in exchange rates are reflected in currency translation adjustments, a component of other comprehensive loss. Such currency translation adjustments to redemption value are allocated to the Company’s stockholders only. Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value are reflected in retained earnings, unless there is an accumulated deficit, in which case the adjustments are reflected in additional paid-in capital. The adjustment of carrying value to the redemption value that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value is included as an adjustment to income from continuing operations available to the Company’s stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. (See Note 3.) The table below summarizes the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests balances (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Discovery Family $ 156 $ 173 MotorTrend Group LLC (“MTG”) — 112 Other 9 33 Total $ 165 $ 318 The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Beginning balance $ 318 $ 363 $ 383 Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests (30) (50) (11) Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest (22) — — Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest (111) — (26) Comprehensive income adjustments: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 9 6 53 Currency translation on redemption values (3) (5) (5) Retained earnings adjustments: Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) 2 — (16) Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value equals fair value) 2 4 (15) Ending balance $ 165 $ 318 $ 363 The Company’s significant redeemable noncontrolling interests are described below. Discovery Family Hasbro Inc. (“Hasbro”) had the right to put the entirety of its remaining 40% interest in Discovery Family to the Company at any time during the one-year period beginning December 31, 2021, or in the event the Company’s performance obligation related to Discovery Family is not met. Embedded in the redeemable noncontrolling interest is also a Warner Bros. Discovery call right that is exercisable for one year after December 31, 2021. Neither the put nor call was exercised in 2022. In December 2022, Hasbro and WBD signed an amendment to the previous agreement extending the put-call election to the period January 31, 2025 to March 31, 2025. Upon the exercise of the put or call options, the price to be paid for the redeemable noncontrolling interest is a function of the then-current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, to which certain discounts and redemption floor values may apply in specified situations depending upon the party exercising the put or call and the basis for the exercise of the put or call. MTG GoldenTree acquired a put right exercisable during 30-day windows beginning on each of March 25, 2021, September 25, 2022 and March 25, 2024, that requires the Company to either purchase all of GoldenTree’s noncontrolling 32.5% interest in the joint venture at fair value or participate in an initial public offering for the joint venture. In 2022, GoldenTree exercised its irrevocable put right and in 2023, the Company finalized its purchase of GoldenTree’s 32.5% noncontrolling interest for $49 million. Other In August 2023, the Company and JCOM Co., Ltd. (“JCOM”) executed a series of transaction agreements to which the Company and JCOM each contributed to Discovery Japan, Inc. (“JVCo”), an existing 80/20 joint venture between the Company and JCOM, certain rights, liabilities, or rights via license agreements in exchange for new common shares of JVCo, resulting in the Company and JCOM owning 51% and 49% of JVCo, respectively. Retaining controlling financial interest subsequent to the transaction, the Company continues to consolidate the joint venture. As the terms of the agreement no longer incorporate JCOM’s option to put its noncontrolling interest to the Company, JCOM’s noncontrolling interest was reclassified from redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest outside of stockholders’ equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company has a controlling interest in the TV Food Network Partnership (the “Partnership”), which includes the Food Network and Cooking Channel. Food Network and Cooking Channel are operated and organized under the terms of the Partnership. The Company holds 80% of the voting interest and 68.7% of the economic interest in the Partnership. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Partnership agreement was extended and specifies a dissolution date of December 31, 2024. If the term of the Partnership is not extended prior to the dissolution date of December 31, 2024, the Partnership agreement permits the Company, as holder of 80% of the applicable votes, to reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business. If for some reason the Partnership is not continued, it will be required to limit its activities to winding up, settling debts, liquidating assets and distributing proceeds to the partners in proportion to their partnership interests. Ownership interests attributable to the noncontrolling owner are presented as noncontrolling interests on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under the terms of the Partnership agreement, the noncontrolling owner cannot force a redemption outside of the Company’s control. As such, the noncontrolling interests in the Partnership are reflected as a component of permanent equity in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] | |
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST | REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented outside of permanent equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets when the put right is outside of the Company’s control. Redeemable noncontrolling interests reflected as of the balance sheet date are the greater of the noncontrolling interest balances adjusted for comprehensive income items and distributions or the redemption values remeasured at the period end foreign exchange rates. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value as a result of changes in exchange rates are reflected in currency translation adjustments, a component of other comprehensive loss. Such currency translation adjustments to redemption value are allocated to the Company’s stockholders only. Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value are reflected in retained earnings, unless there is an accumulated deficit, in which case the adjustments are reflected in additional paid-in capital. The adjustment of carrying value to the redemption value that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value is included as an adjustment to income from continuing operations available to the Company’s stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. (See Note 3.) The table below summarizes the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests balances (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Discovery Family $ 156 $ 173 MotorTrend Group LLC (“MTG”) — 112 Other 9 33 Total $ 165 $ 318 The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Beginning balance $ 318 $ 363 $ 383 Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests (30) (50) (11) Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest (22) — — Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest (111) — (26) Comprehensive income adjustments: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 9 6 53 Currency translation on redemption values (3) (5) (5) Retained earnings adjustments: Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) 2 — (16) Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value equals fair value) 2 4 (15) Ending balance $ 165 $ 318 $ 363 The Company’s significant redeemable noncontrolling interests are described below. Discovery Family Hasbro Inc. (“Hasbro”) had the right to put the entirety of its remaining 40% interest in Discovery Family to the Company at any time during the one-year period beginning December 31, 2021, or in the event the Company’s performance obligation related to Discovery Family is not met. Embedded in the redeemable noncontrolling interest is also a Warner Bros. Discovery call right that is exercisable for one year after December 31, 2021. Neither the put nor call was exercised in 2022. In December 2022, Hasbro and WBD signed an amendment to the previous agreement extending the put-call election to the period January 31, 2025 to March 31, 2025. Upon the exercise of the put or call options, the price to be paid for the redeemable noncontrolling interest is a function of the then-current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, to which certain discounts and redemption floor values may apply in specified situations depending upon the party exercising the put or call and the basis for the exercise of the put or call. MTG GoldenTree acquired a put right exercisable during 30-day windows beginning on each of March 25, 2021, September 25, 2022 and March 25, 2024, that requires the Company to either purchase all of GoldenTree’s noncontrolling 32.5% interest in the joint venture at fair value or participate in an initial public offering for the joint venture. In 2022, GoldenTree exercised its irrevocable put right and in 2023, the Company finalized its purchase of GoldenTree’s 32.5% noncontrolling interest for $49 million. Other In August 2023, the Company and JCOM Co., Ltd. (“JCOM”) executed a series of transaction agreements to which the Company and JCOM each contributed to Discovery Japan, Inc. (“JVCo”), an existing 80/20 joint venture between the Company and JCOM, certain rights, liabilities, or rights via license agreements in exchange for new common shares of JVCo, resulting in the Company and JCOM owning 51% and 49% of JVCo, respectively. Retaining controlling financial interest subsequent to the transaction, the Company continues to consolidate the joint venture. As the terms of the agreement no longer incorporate JCOM’s option to put its noncontrolling interest to the Company, JCOM’s noncontrolling interest was reclassified from redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest outside of stockholders’ equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company has a controlling interest in the TV Food Network Partnership (the “Partnership”), which includes the Food Network and Cooking Channel. Food Network and Cooking Channel are operated and organized under the terms of the Partnership. The Company holds 80% of the voting interest and 68.7% of the economic interest in the Partnership. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Partnership agreement was extended and specifies a dissolution date of December 31, 2024. If the term of the Partnership is not extended prior to the dissolution date of December 31, 2024, the Partnership agreement permits the Company, as holder of 80% of the applicable votes, to reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business. If for some reason the Partnership is not continued, it will be required to limit its activities to winding up, settling debts, liquidating assets and distributing proceeds to the partners in proportion to their partnership interests. Ownership interests attributable to the noncontrolling owner are presented as noncontrolling interests on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under the terms of the Partnership agreement, the noncontrolling owner cannot force a redemption outside of the Company’s control. As such, the noncontrolling interests in the Partnership are reflected as a component of permanent equity in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties. Related parties include entities that share common directorship, such as Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”), Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) and their subsidiaries (collectively the “Liberty Group”). The Company’s board of directors includes Dr. John Malone, who is Chairman of the Board of Liberty Global and Liberty Broadband and beneficially owns approximately 30% and 48% of the aggregate voting power with respect to the election of directors of Liberty Global and Liberty Broadband, respectively. The majority of the revenue earned from the Liberty Group relates to multi-year network distribution arrangements. Related party transactions also include revenues and expenses for content and services provided to or acquired from equity method investees, or minority partners of consolidated subsidiaries. The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Revenues and service charges: Liberty Group $ 1,887 $ 1,758 $ 671 Equity method investees 687 464 253 Other 216 311 169 Total revenues and service charges $ 2,790 $ 2,533 $ 1,093 Expenses $ 357 $ 406 $ 238 Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests $ 301 $ 300 $ 251 The table below presents receivables due from and payables due to related parties (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Receivables $ 363 $ 338 Payables $ 18 $ 38 In September 2022, the Company sold 75% of its interest in The CW Network to Nexstar, a related party, and recorded an immaterial gain not included in the table above. (See Note 4.) |
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES | COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES Commitments In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various commitments, which primarily include programming and talent arrangements, operating and finance leases (see Note 12), arrangements to purchase various goods and services, long-term debt (see Note 11), pension funding and payments (see Note 17), and future funding commitments to equity method investees (see Note 10) (in millions). Year Ending December 31, Content Other Purchase Obligations Other Employee Obligations Total 2024 $ 7,077 $ 1,386 $ 481 $ 8,944 2025 4,270 666 272 5,208 2026 2,726 446 135 3,307 2027 2,460 626 51 3,137 2028 2,130 55 30 2,215 Thereafter 5,409 63 86 5,558 Total $ 24,072 $ 3,242 $ 1,055 $ 28,369 The commitments disclosed above exclude liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. Content purchase obligations include commitments associated with third-party producers and sports associations for content that airs on our television networks and DTC services. Production and licensing contracts generally require the purchase of a specified number of episodes and payments during production or over the term of a license, and include both programs that have been delivered and are available for airing and programs that have not yet been produced or sporting events that have not yet taken place. If the content is ultimately never produced, our commitments expire without obligation. Other purchase obligations include agreements with certain vendors and suppliers for the purchase of goods and services whereby the underlying agreements are enforceable, legally binding and specify all significant terms. Significant purchase obligations include transmission services, television rating services, marketing commitments and research, equipment purchases, and information technology and other services. Some of these contracts do not require the purchase of fixed or minimum quantities and generally may be terminated with a 30-day to 60-day advance notice without penalty, and are not included in the table above past the 30-day to 60-day advance notice period. Other purchase obligations also include future funding commitments to equity method investees. Although the Company had funding commitments to equity method investees as of December 31, 2023, the Company may also provide uncommitted additional funding to its equity method investments in the future. (See Note 10.) Other employee obligations are primarily related to employment agreements with creative talent for certain broadcast networks. Six Flags Guarantee In connection with WM’s former investment in the Six Flags (as defined below) theme parks located in Georgia and Texas (collectively, the “Parks”), in 1997, certain subsidiaries of the Company agreed to guarantee (the “Six Flags Guarantee”) certain obligations of the partnerships that hold the Parks (the “Partnerships”) for the benefit of the limited partners in such Partnerships, including annual payments made to the Parks or to the limited partners and additional obligations at the end of the respective terms for the Partnerships in 2027 and 2028 (the “Guaranteed Obligations”). The aggregate gross undiscounted estimated future cash flow requirements covered by the Six Flags Guarantee over the remaining term (through 2028) are $521 million. To date, no payments have been made by the Company pursuant to the Six Flags Guarantee. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (formerly known as Six Flags, Inc. and Premier Parks Inc.) (“Six Flags”), which has the controlling interest in the Parks, has agreed, pursuant to a subordinated indemnity agreement (the “Subordinated Indemnity Agreement”), to guarantee the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations when due and to indemnify the Company, among others, if the Six Flags Guarantee is called upon. If Six Flags defaults on its indemnification obligations, the Company has the right to acquire control of the managing partner of the Parks. Six Flags’ obligations to the Company are further secured by its interest in all limited partnership units held by Six Flags. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the current facts and circumstances surrounding the Guaranteed Obligations and the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement, it is unable to predict the loss, if any, that may be incurred under the Guaranteed Obligations, and no liability for the arrangements has been recognized as of December 31, 2023. Because of the specific circumstances surrounding the arrangements and the fact that no active or observable market exists for this type of financial guarantee, the Company is unable to determine a current fair value for the Guaranteed Obligations and related Subordinated Indemnity Agreement. Contingencies Other Contingent Commitments Other contingent commitments primarily include contingent payments for post-production term advance obligations on a certain co-financing arrangement, as well as operating lease commitment guarantees, letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety bonds, which generally support performance and payments for a wide range of global contingent and firm obligations, including insurance, litigation appeals, real estate leases, and other operational needs. The Company’s other contingent commitments at December 31, 2023 were $395 million, with $367 million estimated to be due in 2024. For other contingent commitments where payment obligations are outside of our control, the timing of amounts represents the earliest period in which the payment could be requested. For the remaining other contingent commitments, the timing of the amounts presented represents when the maximum contingent commitment will expire but does not mean that we expect to incur an obligation to make any payments within that time period. In addition, these amounts do not reflect the effects of any indemnification rights we might possess. Put Rights The Company has granted put rights to non-controlling interest holders in certain consolidated subsidiaries, but the Company is unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of any payment. (See Note 19.) Legal Matters From time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is subject to various litigation matters and claims, including claims related to employees, stockholders, vendors, other business partners, government regulations, or intellectual property, as well as disputes and matters involving counterparties to contractual agreements, such as disputes arising out of definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Merger. However, a determination as to the amount of the accrual required for such contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgment about future events. The Company may not currently be able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for such matters until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of such loss. In the absence of sufficient information to support an assessment of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, no accrual for such contingencies is made and no loss or range of loss is disclosed. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company’s results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not currently believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future consolidated financial position, future results of operations, or cash flows. Guarantees There were no guarantees recorded under ASC 460 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. In the normal course of business, the Company may provide or receive indemnities that are intended to allocate certain risks associated with business transactions. Similarly, the Company may remain contingently liable for certain obligations of a divested business in the event that a third party does not fulfill its obligations under an indemnification obligation. The Company records a liability for its indemnification obligations and other contingent liabilities when probable and estimable. There were no material amounts for indemnifications or other contingencies recorded as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS | REPORTABLE SEGMENTS The Company’s operating segments are determined based on: (i) financial information reviewed by its chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), (ii) internal management and related reporting structure, and (iii) the basis upon which the CEO makes resource allocation decisions. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company updated its DTC subscriber definition to include Premium Sports Products, which were previously included in the Networks segment. Prior period segment results were not recast to reflect this change because the impact was not material. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Company’s, except that certain inter-segment transactions that are eliminated for consolidation are not eliminated at the segment level. Inter-segment transactions primarily include advertising and content licenses. The Company records inter-segment transactions of content licenses at the gross amount. The Company does not report assets by segment because it is not used to allocate resources or evaluate segment performance. The Company evaluates the operating performance of its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income excluding: • employee share-based compensation; • depreciation and amortization; • restructuring and facility consolidation; • certain impairment charges; • gains and losses on business and asset dispositions; • certain inter-segment eliminations; • third-party transaction and integration costs; • amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content; • amortization of capitalized interest for content; and • other items impacting comparability. The Company uses this measure to assess the operating results and performance of its segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify strategies to improve performance, and allocate resources to each segment. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. The Company excludes employee share-based compensation, restructuring, certain impairment charges, gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, and transaction and integration costs from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA due to their impact on comparability between periods. Integration costs include transformative system implementations and integrations, such as Enterprise Resource Planning systems, and may take several years to complete. The Company also excludes the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets, amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content, and amortization of capitalized interest for content, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the current reporting period. Certain corporate expenses and inter-segment eliminations related to production studios are excluded from segment results to enable executive management to evaluate segment performance based upon the decisions of segment executives. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, operating income, net income, and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments, corporate, and inter-segment eliminations, and other (in millions). Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 12,192 $ 9,731 $ 20 Networks 21,244 19,348 11,311 DTC 10,154 7,274 860 Corporate — 30 — Inter-segment eliminations (2,269) (2,566) — Total revenues $ 41,321 $ 33,817 $ 12,191 Adjusted EBITDA Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 2,183 $ 1,772 $ 14 Networks 9,063 8,725 5,533 DTC 103 (1,596) (1,345) Corporate (1,242) (1,200) (385) Inter-segment eliminations 93 17 — Adjusted EBITDA $ 10,200 $ 7,718 $ 3,817 Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc, to Adjusted EBITDA Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (3,126) $ (7,371) $ 1,006 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 9 6 53 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 38 68 138 Income tax (benefit) expense (784) (1,663) 236 (Loss) income before income taxes (3,863) (8,960) 1,433 Other expense (income), net 12 (347) (72) Loss from equity investees, net 82 160 18 Interest expense, net 2,221 1,777 633 Operating (loss) income (1,548) (7,370) 2,012 Impairments and loss (gain) on dispositions 77 117 (71) Restructuring and other charges 585 3,757 32 Depreciation and amortization 7,985 7,193 1,582 Employee share-based compensation 488 410 167 Transaction and integration costs 162 1,195 95 Facility consolidation costs 32 — — Amortization of fair value step-up for content 2,373 2,416 — Amortization of capitalized interest for content 46 — — Adjusted EBITDA $ 10,200 $ 7,718 $ 3,817 Content Amortization and Impairment Expense Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 5,074 $ 5,950 $ — Networks 6,630 6,171 2,991 DTC 6,138 6,800 510 Corporate (6) (1) — Inter-segment eliminations (1,697) (1,951) — Total content amortization and impairment expense $ 16,139 $ 16,969 $ 3,501 Content expense is generally a component of costs of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 9.) Revenues by Geography Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 U.S. $ 28,004 $ 22,697 $ 7,728 Non-U.S. 13,317 11,120 4,463 Total revenues $ 41,321 $ 33,817 $ 12,191 Revenues are attributed to each country based on the customer or viewer location. Property and Equipment by Geography December 31, 2023 2022 U.S. $ 4,295 $ 3,785 U.K. 980 1,002 Other non-U.S. 682 514 Total property and equipment, net $ 5,957 $ 5,301 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In February 2024, the Company finalized an agreement to sell its 50% stake in All3Media. |
Schedule II_ Valuation and Qual
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] | |
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts consisted of the following (in millions): Beginning Additions Deductions End 2023 Allowance for credit losses $ 123 152 (114) $ 161 Deferred tax valuation allowance $ 1,849 429 (87) $ 2,191 2022 Allowance for credit losses (a) $ 54 165 (96) $ 123 Deferred tax valuation allowance (b) $ 305 1,617 (73) $ 1,849 2021 Allowance for credit losses $ 59 21 (26) $ 54 Deferred tax valuation allowance $ 257 80 (32) $ 305 (a) Increase in the allowance for credit losses is related to the acquisition of WM in the prior year. (b) Additions to the deferred tax valuation allowance include $343 million related to the acquisition of WM in the prior year. |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Basis of Consolidation | Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained, including variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. For each non-wholly owned subsidiary, the Company evaluates its ownership and other interests to determine whether it should consolidate the entity or account for its ownership interest as an unconsolidated investment. As part of its evaluation, the Company makes judgments in determining whether the entity is a VIE and, if so, whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and is thus required to consolidate the entity. (See Note 10.) If it is concluded that an entity is not a VIE, then the Company considers its proportional voting interests in the entity. The Company consolidates majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. A controlling financial interest is determined by majority ownership and the absence of significant third-party participating rights. Ownership interests in entities for which the Company has significant influence that are not consolidated are accounted for as equity method investments. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated. |
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include accounting for asset impairments, revenue recognition, estimated credit losses, content rights, leases, depreciation and amortization, the determination of ultimate revenues as they relate to amortization of capitalized content rights and accruals of participations and residuals, business combinations, share-based compensation, income taxes, other financial instruments, contingencies, estimated defined benefit plan liabilities, and the determination of whether the Company should consolidate certain entities. |
Foreign Currency | Foreign Currency The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and at average exchange rates for revenues and expenses for the respective periods. Translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Cash flows from the Company’s operations in foreign countries are generally translated at the weighted average rate for the respective periods. The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that it enters into transactions denominated in currencies other than its subsidiaries’ respective functional currencies. Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries’ functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Such transactions include affiliate and ad sales arrangements, content licensing arrangements, equipment and other vendor purchases and intercompany transactions. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses resulting from the conversion of the transaction currency to functional currency are included in other (expense) income, net. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. |
Receivables | Receivables The Company’s accounts receivable balances and the related credit losses arise primarily from distribution, advertising and content revenue. Receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers and are presented net of an estimate for credit losses. To assess collectability, the Company analyzes market trends, economic conditions, the aging of receivables and customer specific risks, and records a provision for estimated credit losses expected over the lifetime of receivables. The corresponding expense for the expected credit losses is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company does not require collateral with respect to trade receivables. Revolving Receivables Program The Company has a revolving agreement to transfer up to $5,500 million of certain receivables through its bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, Warner Bros. Discovery Receivables Funding, LLC, to various financial institutions on a recurring basis in exchange for cash equal to the gross receivables transferred. The Company services the sold receivables for the financial institution for a fee and pays fees to the financial institution in connection with this revolving agreement. The agreement is a continuation of the agreement the WarnerMedia Business had in place prior to the Merger. This agreement is subject to renewal on an annual basis and the transfer limit may be expanded or reduced from time to time. As customers pay their balances, the Company’s available capacity under this revolving agreement increases and typically the Company transfers additional receivables into the program. The gross value of the proceeds received results in derecognition of receivables and the obligations assumed are recorded at fair value. Cash received is reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The obligations assumed when proceeds are received relate to expected credit losses on sold receivables and estimated fee payments made on outstanding sold receivables already transferred. The obligations are subsequently adjusted for changes in estimated expected credit losses and interest rates, which are considered Level 3 fair value measurements since the inputs are unobservable (See Note 8). In some cases, the Company may have collections that have not yet been remitted to the bank, resulting in a liability. Increases to accounts payable and subsequent payments are reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Accounts Receivable Factoring The Company has a factoring agreement to sell certain of its non-U.S. trade accounts receivable on a limited recourse basis to a third-party financial institution. The Company accounts for these transactions as sales in accordance with ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing”, as its continuing involvement subsequent to the transfer is limited to providing certain servicing and collection actions on behalf of the purchaser of the designated trade accounts receivable. Proceeds from amounts factored are recorded as an increase to cash and cash equivalents and a reduction to receivables, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Cash received is also reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The accounts receivable factoring program is separate and distinct from the revolving receivables program. |
Film and Television Content Rights | Film and Television Content Rights The Company capitalizes costs to produce television programs and feature films, including direct production costs, production overhead, interest, acquisition costs and development costs, as well as advances for live programming rights, such as sports. Costs to acquire licensed television series and feature film programming rights are capitalized when the license period has begun and the program is accepted and available for airing. Production incentives received from various jurisdictions where the Company produces content are recorded as a reduction to capitalized production costs. All capitalized content and prepaid license fees are classified as noncurrent assets, with the exception of content acquired with an initial license period of 12 months or less and prepaid sports rights expected to air within 12 months. The Company groups its film and television content rights by monetization strategy: content that is predominantly monetized individually, and content that is predominantly monetized as a group. Content Monetized Individually For films and television programs predominantly monetized individually, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs (net of incentives) amortized and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as expense in a particular period are determined using the individual film forecast method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals are based on the proportion of the film’s or television program’s revenues recognized for such period to the film’s or television program’s estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s or television program’s remaining life cycle). The process of estimating ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of judgments related to future revenue-generating activities associated with a particular film. Prior to the theatrical release of a film, the Company’s estimates are based 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), international distribution plans and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. Subsequent to release, ultimate revenues are updated to reflect initial performance, which is often predictive of future performance. For a film or television program that is predominantly monetized on its own but also monetized with other films and/or programs (such as on the Company’s DTC or linear services), the Company makes a reasonable estimate of the value attributable to the film or program’s exploitation while monetized with other films/programs and expenses such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. For theatrical films, the period over which ultimate revenues from all applicable sources and exhibition windows are estimated does not exceed 10 years from the date of the film’s initial release. For television programs, the ultimate period does not exceed 10 years from delivery of the first episode, or, if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later. For games, the ultimate period does not exceed two years from the date of the game’s initial release. Ultimates for produced content monetized on an individual basis are reviewed and updated (as applicable) on a quarterly basis; any adjustments are applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year of the change. Content Monetized as a Group For programs monetized as a group, including licensed programming, the Company’s film groups are generally aligned along the Company’s networks and digital content offerings, except for certain international territories wherein content assets are grouped by genre or territory. Adjustments for projected usage are applied prospectively in the period of the change. Participations and residuals are generally expensed in line with the pattern of usage. Streaming content and premium pay-TV amortization for each period is recognized based on estimated viewing patterns as there are generally little to no direct revenues to associate to the individual content assets. As such, number of views is most representative of the use of the title. Licensed rights to film and television programming are typically amortized over the useful life of the program’s license period on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater, for certain programming on the Company’s ad-supported networks), or accelerated basis for licensed original programs. The Company allocates the cost of multi-year sports programming arrangements over the contract period to each event or season based on its projected advertising revenue and an allocation of distribution revenue (estimated relative value). If annual contractual payments related to each season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, the Company expenses the related contractual payments during the applicable season. Amortization of sports rights takes place when the content airs. Quarterly, the Company prepares analyses to support its content amortization expense. Critical assumptions used in determining content amortization for programming predominantly monetized as a group include: (i) the grouping of content with similar characteristics, (ii) the application of a quantitative revenue forecast model or historical viewership model based on the adequacy of historical data, and (iii) determining the appropriate historical periods to utilize and the relative weighting of those historical periods in the forecast model. The Company then considers the appropriate application of the quantitative assessment given forecasted content use, expected content investment and market trends. Content use and future revenues may differ from estimates based on changes in expectations related to market acceptance, network affiliate fee rates, advertising demand, the number of cable and satellite television subscribers receiving the Company’s networks, the number of subscribers to its streaming services, and program usage. Accordingly, the Company reviews its estimates and planned usage at least quarterly and revises its assumptions if necessary. Any material adjustments from the Company’s review of the amortization rates for assets in film groups are applied prospectively in the period of the change. Unamortized Film Costs Impairment Assessment Unamortized film costs are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a film (or television program) predominantly monetized on its own, or a film group, may be less than its unamortized costs. In addition, a change in the predominant monetization strategy is considered a triggering event for impairment testing before a title is accounted for as part of a film group. If the carrying value of an individual feature film or television program, or film group, exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded in the amount of the difference. For content that is predominantly monetized individually, the Company utilizes estimates including ultimate revenues and additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the carrying value of a film or television program is impaired. Game Development Costs Game development costs are expensed as incurred before the applicable game reaches technological feasibility, or for online hosted arrangements, before the preliminary project phase is complete and it is probable the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Commencing upon a title’s release, the capitalized game development costs are amortized based on the proportion of the game’s revenues recognized for such period to the game’s total current and anticipated revenues, or, if greater, for non-hosted games, on a straight-line basis over the title’s estimated economic life. Unamortized capitalized game production and development costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or net realizable value and reported in “Film and television content rights and games” on the consolidated balance sheets. |
Investments | Investments The Company holds investments in equity method investees and equity investments with and without readily determinable fair values. (See Note 10.) |
Equity Method Investments | Equity Method Investments Investments in equity method investees are those for which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary or the entity is not a VIE and the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. Under this method of accounting, the Company typically records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees in loss from equity investees, net and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. (See “Asset Impairment Analysis” below.) Equity Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Values Investments in entities or other securities in which the Company has no control or significant influence and is not the primary beneficiary, and have a readily determinable fair value are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are classified as equity securities or equity investments with readily determinable fair value. The investments are measured at fair value based on a quoted market price per unit in active markets multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs (Level 1). Gains and losses are recorded in other (expense) income, net on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 10 and Note 18.) Equity Investments without Readily Determinable Fair Values Equity investments without readily determinable fair values include ownership rights that either (i) do not meet the definition of in-substance common stock or (ii) do not provide the Company with control or significant influence and these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes as of the date that an observable transaction takes place. Adjustments for observable price changes are recorded in other (expense) income, net. (See Note 10 and Note 18.) Equity Method Investments and Equity Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Value Equity method investments are reviewed for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Equity method investments are written down to fair value if there is evidence of a loss in value that is other-than-temporary. The Company may estimate the fair value of its equity method investments by considering recent investee equity transactions, DCF analysis, recent operating results, comparable public company operating cash flow multiples and, in certain situations, balance sheet liquidation values. If the fair value of the investment has dropped below its carrying amount, management considers several factors when determining whether an other-than-temporary decline has occurred, such as the length of the time and the extent to which the estimated fair value or market value has been below the carrying value, the financial condition and the near-term prospects of the investee, the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the investee for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, and general market conditions. The estimation of fair value and whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred requires the application of significant judgment and future results may vary from current assumptions. If declines in the value of the equity method investments are determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period as a component of loss from equity investees, net on the consolidated statements of operations. For equity investments without readily determinable fair value, investments are recorded at cost and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes as of the date that an observable transaction takes place. The Company performs a qualitative assessment on a quarterly basis to determine if any observable price changes have occurred. If the qualitative assessment indicates that an observable price change has occurred, a gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value in the current period as a component of other (expense) income, net. (See Note 10.) |
Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairments. Internal use software costs are capitalized during the application development stage; software costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Repairs and maintenance expenditures that do not enhance the use or extend the life of property and equipment are expensed as incurred. Depreciation for most property and equipment is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. (See Note 18.) |
Leases | Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are included in other noncurrent assets. Finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net. Operating and finance lease liabilities are included in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption and leases with initial terms of one year or less are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. A rate implicit in the lease when readily determinable is used in arriving at the present value of lease payments. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at lease commencement date for most of its leases. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the Company's U.S. dollar denominated senior unsecured borrowing curves using public credit ratings adjusted down to a collateralized basis using a combination of recovery rate and credit notching approaches and translated into major contract currencies as applicable. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. The Company does not separate lease components from non-lease components across all lease categories. Instead, each separate lease component and non-lease component are accounted for as a single lease component. In addition, variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate are included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities at lease inception. All other variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are not included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for operating leases and short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis. For finance leases, the Company recognizes interest expense on lease liabilities using the effective interest method and amortization of ROU assets on a straight-line basis. |
Defined Benefit Plans | Defined Benefit Plans The Company maintains defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. employees and several non-U.S. pension plans. Defined benefit plan obligations are based on various assumptions used by the Company’s actuaries in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, compensation rate increases, expected return on plan assets, retirement rates and mortality rates. Actual results that differ from the assumptions and changes in assumptions could affect future expenses and obligations. |
Asset Impairment Analysis, Goodwill | Goodwill Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s reporting units, which are its operating segments or one level below its operating segments. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, or earlier if an event or other circumstance indicates that it may not recover the carrying value of the asset. If the Company believes that, as a result of its qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is not required. If a qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit goodwill exceeds its fair value, a quantitative impairment test is performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded for that reporting unit. The Company typically performs a quantitative impairment test every three years, irrespective of the outcome of the Company’s qualitative assessment. |
Asset Impairment Analysis, Long-lived Assets | Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets such as amortizing trademarks and trade names; affiliate, advertising, and subscriber relationships; franchises and other intangible assets; and property and equipment are not required to be tested for impairment annually, but rather whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If an impairment analysis is required, the impairment test employed is based on whether the Company’s intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. • If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test requires a comparison of undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the excess of the asset group’s carrying value over its fair value, which is typically determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with that asset group. • If the intent is to hold the asset for sale and certain other criteria are met, the impairment test involves comparing the asset’s carrying value to its estimated fair value less costs to sell. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the difference. Significant judgments used for long-lived asset impairment assessments include identifying the appropriate asset groupings that represent the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent and primary assets within those groupings, determining whether events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, determining the future cash flows for the assets involved and assumptions applied in determining fair value, which include reasonable discount rates, growth rates, market risk premiums and other assumptions about the economic environment. |
Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments to modify its exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and from market volatility related to certain investments measured at fair value. At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative based on the Company’s intentions and expectations as to the likely effectiveness as a hedge (see Note 13), as follows: • a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”); • a hedge of net investments in foreign operations (“net investment hedge”); • a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”); or • an instrument with no hedging designation. Cash Flow Hedges The Company may designate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges to mitigate foreign currency risk arising from third-party revenue agreements, intercompany licensing agreements, production expenses and rebates, or to hedge the interest rate risk for certain senior notes and forecasted debt issuances. For instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, the change in the fair value of the forward contract is recorded in other comprehensive loss and reclassified into the statements of operations in the same line item in which the hedged item is recorded and in the same period as the hedged item affects earnings. Net Investment Hedges The Company may designate derivative instruments as hedges of net investments in foreign operations. The Company assesses the effectiveness of net investment hedges utilizing the spot-method. The entire change in the fair value of derivatives that qualify as net investment hedges is initially recorded in the currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive loss. While the change in fair value attributable to hedge effectiveness remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the net investment is sold or liquidated, the change in fair value attributable to components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (e.g., forward points, cross currency basis, etc.) is reflected as a component of interest expense, net in the current period. Fair Value Hedges The Company may designate derivative instruments as fair value hedges to mitigate the variability in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment. For those derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments, including offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged items are recorded in the statements of operations in the same line item where the hedged risk occurs. No Hedging Designation The Company may also enter into derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges. These instruments are intended to mitigate economic exposures due to exogenous events and changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and from market volatility related to certain investments measured at fair value. The changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in the statements of operations in the same line item where the hedged risk occurs. Financial Statement Presentation Unsettled derivative contracts are recorded at their gross fair values on the consolidated balance sheets. The portion of the fair value that represents cash flows occurring within one year is classified as current, and the portion related to cash flows occurring beyond one year is classified as noncurrent. Cash flows from designated derivative instruments used as hedges are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same section as the cash flows of the hedged item. Cash flows from periodic settlement of interest on cross currency swaps and derivative contracts not designated as hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. |
Treasury Stock | Treasury Stock When stock is acquired for purposes other than formal or constructive retirement, the purchase price of the acquired stock is recorded in a separate treasury stock account, which is separately reported as a reduction of equity. Treasury stock held by Discovery prior to the Merger was not retired. When stock is retired or purchased for formal or constructive retirement, the purchase price is initially recorded as a reduction to the par value of the shares repurchased, with any excess purchase price over par value recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital related to the series of shares repurchased and any remaining excess purchase price recorded as a reduction to retained earnings. If the purchase price exceeds the amounts allocated to par value and additional paid-in capital related to the series of shares repurchased and retained earnings, the remainder is allocated to additional paid-in capital related to other series of shares. To determine the cost of treasury stock that is either sold or reissued, the Company uses the last in, first out method. If the proceeds from the re-issuance of treasury stock are greater than the cost, the excess is recorded as additional paid-in capital. If the proceeds from re-issuance of treasury stock are less than the cost, the excess cost first reduces any additional paid-in capital arising from previous treasury stock transactions for that class of stock, and any additional excess is recorded as a reduction of retained earnings. |
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised services or goods to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services or goods. Revenues do not include taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities such as sales tax and value-added tax. However, certain revenues include taxes that customers pay to taxing authorities on the Company’s behalf, such as foreign withholding tax. Revenue recognition for each source of revenue is also based on the following policies. Advertising Advertising revenues are principally generated from the sale of commercial time on linear (television networks and authenticated TVE applications) and digital platforms (DTC subscription services and websites). A substantial portion of the linear and digital advertising contracts in the U.S. and certain international markets guarantee the advertiser a minimum audience level that either the program in which their advertisements are aired or the advertisement will reach. On the linear platform, the Company provides a service to deliver an advertising campaign which is satisfied by the provision of a minimum number of advertising spots in exchange for a fixed fee over a contract period of one year or less. The Company delivers spots in accordance with these contracts during a variety of day parts and programs. In the agreements governing these advertising campaigns, the Company has also promised to deliver to its customers a guaranteed minimum number of viewers (“impressions”) on a specific television network within a particular demographic (e.g. men aged 18-35). These advertising campaigns are considered to represent a single, distinct performance obligation. Revenues are recognized based on the guaranteed audience level multiplied by the average price per impression. The Company provides the advertiser with advertising until the guaranteed audience level is delivered, and invoiced advertising revenue receivables may exceed the value of the audience delivery. As such, revenues are deferred until the guaranteed audience level is delivered or the rights associated with the guarantee lapse, which is typically less than one year. Audience guarantees are initially developed internally, based on planned programming, historical audience levels, the success of pilot programs, and market trends. Actual audience and delivery information is published by independent ratings services. Digital advertising contracts typically contain promises to deliver guaranteed impressions in specific markets against a targeted demographic during a stipulated period of time. If the specified number of impressions is not delivered, the transaction price is reduced by the number of impressions not delivered multiplied by the contractually stated price per impression. Each promise is considered a separate performance obligation. For digital contracts with an audience guarantee, advertising revenues are recognized as impressions are delivered. Actual audience delivery is typically reported by independent third parties. For contracts without an audience guarantee, advertising revenues are recognized as each spot airs. The airing of individual spots without a guaranteed audience level are each distinct, individual performance obligations. The Company allocates the consideration to each spot based on its relative standalone selling price. Distribution Distribution revenues are generated from fees charged to network distributors, which include cable, direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite, telecommunications and digital service providers, and DTC subscribers. Cable operators, DTH satellite operators and telecommunications service providers typically pay royalties via a per-subscriber fee for the right to distribute the Company’s programming under the terms of distribution contracts. The majority of the Company’s distribution fees are collected monthly throughout the year and distribution revenue is recognized over the term of the contracts based on contracted programming rates and reported subscriber levels. The amount of distribution fees due to the Company is reported by distributors based on actual subscriber levels. Such information is generally not received until after the close of the reporting period. In these cases, the Company estimates the number of subscribers receiving the Company’s programming to estimate royalty revenue. Historical adjustments to recorded estimates have not been material. Distribution revenue from fixed-fee contracts is recognized over the contract term based on the continuous delivery of the content to the affiliate. Any monetary incentives provided to distributors other than for distinct goods or services acquired at fair value are recognized as a reduction of revenue over the term. Although the delivery of linear feeds and digital products, such as video-on-demand (“VOD”) and authenticated TVE applications, are considered distinct performance obligations within a distribution arrangement, on-demand offerings generally match the programs that are airing on the linear network. Therefore, the Company recognizes revenue for licensing arrangements as the license fee is earned and based on continuous delivery for fixed fee contracts. Revenues associated with digital distribution arrangements are recognized when the Company transfers control of the programming and the rights to distribute the programming to the customer. For DTC subscription services, the Company recognizes revenue as the service fee is earned over the subscription period. Content Content revenues are generated from the release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, the licensing of feature films and television programs to various television, SVOD and other digital markets, distribution of feature films and television programs in the physical and digital home entertainment market, sales of console games and mobile in-game content, sublicensing of sports rights, and licensing of intellectual property such as characters and brands. In general, fixed payments for the licensing of intellectual property are recognized as revenue at either the inception of the license term or as sales-based royalties as underlying sales occur if the intellectual property has significant standalone functionality (“functional IP,” such as a produced film or television series), or over the corresponding license term if the licensee’s ability to derive utility is dependent upon our continued support of the intellectual property throughout the license term (“symbolic IP,” such as a character or a brand). Feature films may be produced or acquired for initial exhibition in theaters or direct release on our streaming service. Arrangements with theaters for exhibiting a film over a certain period are generally sales-based royalties and recorded as revenue as the underlying sales of the exhibitors occur. Television programs are initially produced for broadcast networks, cable networks, premium pay services, first-run syndication or streaming services; revenues are recognized when the programs are available for use by the licensee. Fixed license fee revenues from the subsequent licensing of feature films and television programs in the off-network cable, premium pay, syndication, streaming and international television and streaming markets are also recognized upon availability of the content for use by the licensee. For television/streaming service licenses that include multiple titles with a fixed license fee across all titles, the availability of each title is considered a separate performance obligation, and the fixed fee is allocated to each title and recognized as revenue when the title is available for use by the licensee. When the term of an existing agreement is renewed or extended, revenues are recognized when the licensed content becomes available under the renewal or extension. Certain arrangements (e.g., certain pay-TV/SVOD licenses) may include variable license fees that are based on sales of the licensee; these are recognized as revenue as the applicable underlying sales occur. Revenues from home entertainment sales of feature films and television programs in physical format are generally recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date when made widely available for sale or rental by retailers (“street date”) based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. The provision is based on management’s estimates by analyzing vendor sales of our product, historical return trends, current economic conditions and changes in customer demand. Revenues from the licensing of television programs and 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 sales of console games generally follow the same recognition methods as film and television programs in the home entertainment market. Revenues from digital sales of in-game purchases are assessed for deferral based on type of digital item purchased (e.g., consumable vs. durable) and estimated life of consumer game play and recognized upon purchase or over time as applicable. Revenues from the licensing of intellectual property such as characters or brands (e.g., for merchandising or theme parks) are recognized either straight-line over the license term or as the licensee’s underlying product sales occur (sales-based royalty) depending on which method is most reflective of the earnings process. Contract Assets and Liabilities A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Company’s right to bill and receive consideration and that right is conditioned upon something other than the passage of time. A contract liability, such as deferred revenue, is recorded when the Company has recorded billings in conjunction with its contractual right or when cash is received in advance of the Company’s performance. Deferred revenue primarily consists of TV/SVOD content licensing arrangements where the content has not yet been made available to the customer, consumer products and themed experience licensing arrangements with fixed payments, advance payment for DTC subscriptions, cash billed/received for television advertising in advance or for which the guaranteed viewership has not been provided, and advance fees related to the sublicensing of Olympic rights. The amounts classified as current are expected to be earned within the next year. Payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or services and customer types, the Company requires payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer. |
Share-Based Compensation Expense | Share-Based Compensation Expense The Company has incentive plans under which performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), service-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and stock options may be issued. In addition, the Company offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Share-based compensation expense for all awards is recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Forfeitures for all awards are recognized as incurred. Excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options and vested RSUs, PRSUs and the ESPP are reported as cash inflows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. PRSUs PRSUs represent the contingent right to receive shares of WBD common stock, and vest over one year based on continuous service and the attainment of qualitative and quantitative performance targets. The number of PRSUs that vest typically ranges from 0% to 100% based on a sliding scale where achieving or exceeding the performance target will result in 100% of the PRSUs vesting and achieving 70% or less of the target will result in no portion of the PRSUs vesting. Additionally, for certain PRSUs, the Company’s Compensation Committee has discretion in determining the final number of units that vest, but may not increase the amount of any PRSU award above 100%. Upon vesting, each PRSU becomes convertible into one share of WBD common stock. Holders of PRSUs do not receive payments of dividends in the event the Company pays a cash dividend until such PRSUs are converted into shares of WBD common stock. Compensation expense for PRSUs is based on the fair value of WBD common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for PRSUs that vest based on achieving subjective operating performance conditions or in situations where the executive may withhold taxes in excess of the maximum statutory requirement, is remeasured at fair value each reporting period until the award is settled. Compensation expense for all PRSUs is recognized ratably over the vesting period only when it is probable that the operating performance conditions will be achieved. The Company records a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense for PRSUs if there is a change in the determination of the probability that the operating performance conditions will be achieved. RSUs RSUs represent the contingent right to receive shares of WBD common stock, substantially all of which vest ratably each year over periods of three Stock Options Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to or in excess of the closing market price of WBD common stock on the date of grant. Stock options vest ratably over four years from the grant date based on continuous service and expire seven years from the date of grant. Stock option awards generally provide for accelerated vesting upon retirement or after reaching a specified age and years of service. Compensation expense for stock options is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant and is recognized ratably during the vesting period. The fair values of stock options are 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 awards. For stock options the simplified method is utilized to calculate the expected term, since the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term. The simplified method considers the period from the date of grant through the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term of the award. Expected volatility is based on a combination of implied volatilities from traded options on WBD common stock and historical realized volatility of WBD and peer group common stock. The dividend yield is assumed to be zero because the Company has no history of paying cash dividends and no present intention to pay dividends. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the award. ESPP The ESPP enables eligible employees to purchase shares of WBD common stock through payroll deductions or other permitted means. The Company recognizes the fair value of the discount associated with shares purchased under the ESPP as share-based compensation expense. |
Advertising Costs | Advertising Costs |
Collaborative Arrangements | Collaborative Arrangements The Company’s collaborative arrangements primarily relate to arrangements entered into with third parties to jointly finance and distribute certain theatrical and television productions and an arrangement entered into with CBS Broadcasting, Inc. (“CBS”) surrounding The National Collegiate Athletic Association (the “NCAA”). Co-financing arrangements generally represent the assignment of an economic interest in a film or television series to a producing partner. The Company generally records the amounts received for the assignment of an interest as a reduction of production cost, as the partner assumes the risk for their share of the film or series asset. The substance of these arrangements is that the third-party partner owns an interest in the film or series; therefore, in each period, the Company reflects in the consolidated statements of operations either a charge or benefit to cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization to reflect the estimate of the third-party partner’s interest in the profits or losses incurred on the film or series using the individual film forecast method, based on the terms of the arrangement. On occasion, the Company acquires the economic interest in a film from a producing partner; in this case, the Company capitalizes the acquisition cost as a content asset in film and television content rights and games and accounts for the third-party partner’s share in applicable distribution results as described above. The arrangement among Turner, CBS and the NCAA provides Turner and CBS with rights to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament (the “NCAA Tournament”) in the U.S. and its territories and possessions through 2032. The aggregate programming rights fee, production costs, advertising revenues and sponsorship revenues related to the NCAA Tournament and related programming are shared equally by the Company 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 caps. The amounts recorded pursuant to the loss cap were not material during the year ended December 31, 2023. No amounts were recorded pursuant to the loss cap during the year ended December 31, 2022 since the 2022 cap was finalized prior to the Merger. In accounting for this arrangement, the Company records advertising revenue for the advertisements aired on its networks and amortizes its share of the programming rights fee based on the estimated relative value of each season over the term of the arrangement. |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes are measured using rates the Company expects to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not such assets will be unrealized. From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be uncertain. 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 the Company determines that such positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. The Company includes interest and where appropriate, penalties, as a component of income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations. There is significant judgment involved in determining the amount of reserve and whether positions taken on the Company’s tax returns are more likely than not to be sustained, which involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the potential outcome of positions taken on tax returns that may be reviewed by tax authorities. The Company adjusts its tax reserve estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations. In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into a tax matters agreement (“TMA”) with AT&T. Pursuant to the TMA, the Company is responsible for tax liabilities of the WM Business related to the periods prior to AT&T’s ownership of the WM Business (June 14, 2018), and AT&T is responsible for tax liabilities of the WM Business related to the period for which they owned the WM Business (June 15, 2018 through April 8, 2022). With respect to uncertain tax positions related to jurisdictions that have joint and several liability among members of the AT&T tax filing group during the AT&T ownership period, the Company has not recorded any liabilities for uncertain tax positions or indemnification receivables related to matters that were attributable to jurisdictions that have joint and several liability among members of the AT&T filing group since AT&T was determined to be the primary obligor. |
Concentrations Risk | Concentrations Risk Customers No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated revenues for 2023, 2022 or 2021. The Company had two customers that represented more than 10% of distribution revenue in 2023, which in aggregate totaled 24%. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s trade receivables do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk as the customers and markets in which the Company operates are varied and dispersed across many geographic areas. Financial Institutions Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk. Counterparty Credit Risk |
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Adopted and Not Yet Adopted | Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Adopted Supplier Finance Programs In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for supplier finance program obligations. This guidance provides specific authoritative guidance for disclosure of supplier finance programs, including key terms of such programs, amounts outstanding, and where the obligations are presented in the statement of financial position. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2023 and has provided the required disclosures in Note 18. Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Segment Reporting In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures. Income Taxes In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for income taxes, primarily through standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures. |
Fair Value Measurements | Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in the following three categories: Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 3 - Valuations derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable. |
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest | Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented outside of permanent equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets when the put right is outside of the Company’s control. Redeemable noncontrolling interests reflected as of the balance sheet date are the greater of the noncontrolling interest balances adjusted for comprehensive income items and distributions or the redemption values remeasured at the period end foreign exchange rates. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value as a result of changes in exchange rates are reflected in currency translation adjustments, a component of other comprehensive loss. Such currency translation adjustments to redemption value are allocated to the Company’s stockholders only. Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value are reflected in retained earnings, unless there is an accumulated deficit, in which case the adjustments are reflected in additional paid-in capital. The adjustment of carrying value to the redemption value that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value is included as an adjustment to income from continuing operations available to the Company’s stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. |
Reportable Segments | The Company’s operating segments are determined based on: (i) financial information reviewed by its chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), (ii) internal management and related reporting structure, and (iii) the basis upon which the CEO makes resource allocation decisions. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company updated its DTC subscriber definition to include Premium Sports Products, which were previously included in the Networks segment. Prior period segment results were not recast to reflect this change because the impact was not material. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Company’s, except that certain inter-segment transactions that are eliminated for consolidation are not eliminated at the segment level. Inter-segment transactions primarily include advertising and content licenses. The Company records inter-segment transactions of content licenses at the gross amount. The Company does not report assets by segment because it is not used to allocate resources or evaluate segment performance. The Company evaluates the operating performance of its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income excluding: • employee share-based compensation; • depreciation and amortization; • restructuring and facility consolidation; • certain impairment charges; • gains and losses on business and asset dispositions; • certain inter-segment eliminations; • third-party transaction and integration costs; • amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content; • amortization of capitalized interest for content; and • other items impacting comparability. |
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Equity And Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share | The table below sets forth the Company’s calculated earnings per share (in millions). Earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Numerator: Net (loss) income $ (3,079) $ (7,297) $ 1,197 Less: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock — (49) (110) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (38) (68) (138) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (9) (6) (53) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) — — 16 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 912 Add: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders — — 110 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 1,022 Denominator — weighted average: Common shares outstanding — basic 2,436 1,940 588 Impact of assumed preferred stock conversion — — 71 Dilutive effect of share-based awards — — 5 Common shares outstanding — diluted 2,436 1,940 664 Basic net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.55 Diluted net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.54 |
Schedule of Weighted Average Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding | The table below sets forth the Company’s calculated earnings per share (in millions). Earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Numerator: Net (loss) income $ (3,079) $ (7,297) $ 1,197 Less: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock — (49) (110) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (38) (68) (138) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (9) (6) (53) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) — — 16 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 912 Add: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders — — 110 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 1,022 Denominator — weighted average: Common shares outstanding — basic 2,436 1,940 588 Impact of assumed preferred stock conversion — — 71 Dilutive effect of share-based awards — — 5 Common shares outstanding — diluted 2,436 1,940 664 Basic net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.55 Diluted net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.54 |
Schedule of Income Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Stockholders | The table below sets forth the Company’s calculated earnings per share (in millions). Earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Numerator: Net (loss) income $ (3,079) $ (7,297) $ 1,197 Less: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock — (49) (110) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (38) (68) (138) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (9) (6) (53) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) — — 16 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 912 Add: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders — — 110 Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted net (loss) income per share $ (3,126) $ (7,420) $ 1,022 Denominator — weighted average: Common shares outstanding — basic 2,436 1,940 588 Impact of assumed preferred stock conversion — — 71 Dilutive effect of share-based awards — — 5 Common shares outstanding — diluted 2,436 1,940 664 Basic net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.55 Diluted net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders $ (1.28) $ (3.82) $ 1.54 |
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share | The table below presents the details of share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Anti-dilutive share-based awards 69 49 17 |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Components of Aggregate Purchase Consideration | The following table summarizes the components of the aggregate purchase consideration paid to acquire WM (in millions). Fair value of WBD common stock issued to AT&T shareholders (1) $ 42,309 Estimated fair value of share-based compensation awards attributable to pre-combination services (2) 94 Settlement of preexisting relationships (3) (27) Purchase consideration $ 42,376 (1) The fair value of WBD common stock issued to AT&T shareholders represents approximately 1,732 million shares of WBD common stock multiplied by the closing share price for Discovery Series A common stock of $24.43 on Nasdaq on the Closing Date. The number of shares of WBD common stock issued in the Merger was determined based on the number of fully diluted shares of Discovery, Inc. common stock immediately prior to the closing of the Merger, multiplied by the quotient of 71%/29%. (2) This amount represents the value of AT&T restricted stock unit awards that were not vested and were replaced by WBD restricted stock unit awards with similar terms and conditions as the original AT&T awards. The conversion was based on the ratio of the volume-weighted average per share closing price of AT&T common stock on the ten trading days prior to the Closing Date and the volume-weighted average per share closing price of WBD common stock on the ten trading days following the Closing Date. The fair value of replacement equity-based awards attributable to pre-Merger service was recorded as part of the consideration transferred in the Merger. See Note 15 for additional information. (3) The amount represents the effective settlement of outstanding payables and receivables between the Company and WM. No gain or loss was recognized upon settlement as amounts were determined to be reflective of fair market value. |
Schedule of Allocation of the Purchase Price to the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Measurement Period Adjustments, and a Reconciliation to Total Consideration Transferred | The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, measurement period adjustments, and a reconciliation to total consideration transferred is presented in the table below (in millions). Preliminary Measurement Period Final Cash $ 2,419 $ (10) $ 2,409 Accounts receivable 4,224 (60) 4,164 Other current assets 4,619 (133) 4,486 Film and television content rights and games 28,729 (344) 28,385 Property and equipment 4,260 13 4,273 Goodwill 21,513 596 22,109 Intangible assets 44,889 100 44,989 Other noncurrent assets 5,206 283 5,489 Current liabilities (10,544) 12 (10,532) Debt assumed (41,671) (9) (41,680) Deferred income taxes (13,264) 492 (12,772) Other noncurrent liabilities (8,004) (940) (8,944) Total consideration paid $ 42,376 $ — $ 42,376 |
Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired, Exclusive of Content Assets, and Weighted Average Useful Life of Assets | The table below presents a summary of intangible assets acquired, exclusive of content assets, and the weighted average useful life of these assets. Fair Value Weighted Average Useful Life in Years Trade names $ 21,084 34 Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships 14,800 6 Franchises 7,900 35 Other intangible assets 1,205 Total intangible assets acquired $ 44,989 |
Schedule of WM Revenue and Earnings as Reported and Pro Forma Combined Revenues and Net Loss | The following table presents WM revenue and earnings as reported within the consolidated financial statements (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2022 Revenues: Advertising $ 2,849 Distribution 10,980 Content 10,001 Other 720 Total revenues 24,550 Inter-segment eliminations (2,225) Net revenues $ 22,325 Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (7,202) Year Ended December 31, 2022 Revenues $ 43,095 Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (5,359) |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Value of Goodwill | Changes in the carrying value of goodwill attributable to each business unit were as follows (in millions). U.S. International Studios Networks DTC Total December 31, 2021 $ 10,813 $ 2,099 $ — $ — $ — $ 12,912 Segment recast (10,813) (2,059) — 10,555 2,317 — Acquisitions (See Note 4) — — 9,047 7,081 5,618 21,746 Foreign currency translation and other adjustments — (40) (84) (79) (17) (220) December 31, 2022 $ — $ — $ 8,963 $ 17,557 $ 7,918 $ 34,438 Acquisitions (See Note 4) — — 245 (24) 127 348 Foreign currency translation and other adjustments — — 64 97 22 183 December 31, 2023 $ — $ — $ 9,272 $ 17,630 $ 8,067 $ 34,969 |
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization | Finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in millions, except years). Weighted December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Trademarks and trade names 32 $ 22,935 $ (2,688) $ 20,247 $ 22,876 $ (1,494) $ 21,382 Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships 8 24,335 (14,730) 9,605 24,136 (9,458) 14,678 Franchises 35 7,900 (426) 7,474 7,900 (164) 7,736 Character rights 14 995 (125) 870 995 (53) 942 Other 6 591 (502) 89 568 (324) 244 Total $ 56,756 $ (18,471) $ 38,285 $ 56,475 $ (11,493) $ 44,982 |
Schedule of Amortization Expense Relating to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization | Amortization expense relating to intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the next five years and thereafter is estimated to be as follows (in millions). 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter Amortization expense $ 5,757 $ 4,245 $ 3,122 $ 2,369 $ 1,782 $ 21,010 |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_2
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges by Segment | Restructuring and other charges by reportable segment and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 225 $ 1,050 $ — Networks 201 1,003 30 DTC 66 1,551 2 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations 93 153 — Total restructuring and other charges $ 585 $ 3,757 $ 32 |
Schedule of Changes in Restructuring Liabilities Recorded in Accrued Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities by Category | Changes in restructuring liabilities recorded in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities by major category and by reportable segment and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions). Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations Total December 31, 2021 (a) $ — $ 15 $ — $ 4 $ 19 Acquisitions (See Note 4 ) 40 — 14 55 109 Contract termination accruals, net 36 168 121 — 325 Employee termination accruals, net 114 213 87 184 598 Cash paid (34) (35) (34) (84) (187) December 31, 2022 156 361 188 159 864 Contract termination accruals, net 48 16 8 15 87 Employee termination accruals, net 47 175 60 78 360 Other accruals — 2 — — 2 Cash paid (153) (352) (176) (172) (853) December 31, 2023 $ 98 $ 202 $ 80 $ 80 $ 460 (a) Prior period balances have been recast to conform to the current period presentation as a result of the Merger and segment recast. |
REVENUES (Tables)
REVENUES (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue | The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 17 $ 11,521 $ 8,703 $ (4) $ 20,237 Advertising 15 8,342 548 (205) 8,700 Content 11,358 1,005 886 (2,046) 11,203 Other 802 376 17 (14) 1,181 Totals $ 12,192 $ 21,244 $ 10,154 $ (2,269) $ 41,321 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 12 $ 9,759 $ 6,371 $ — $ 16,142 Advertising 15 8,224 371 (86) 8,524 Content 9,156 1,120 522 (2,438) 8,360 Other 548 245 10 (12) 791 Totals $ 9,731 $ 19,348 $ 7,274 $ (2,536) $ 33,817 Year Ended December 31, 2021 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ — $ 4,486 $ 716 $ — $ 5,202 Advertising — 6,063 131 — 6,194 Content 20 706 11 — 737 Other — 56 2 — 58 Totals $ 20 $ 11,311 $ 860 $ — $ 12,191 |
Schedule of Contract Liabilities | The following table presents contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Contract liabilities Deferred revenues $ 1,924 $ 1,694 Contract liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities 160 361 |
Schedule of Remaining Performance Obligations by Contract Type | The following table presents a summary of remaining performance obligations by contract type (in millions). Contract Type December 31, 2023 Duration Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee $ 3,513 Through 2031 Content licensing and sports sublicensing 5,361 Through 2030 Brand licensing 2,264 Through 2043 Advertising 892 Through 2027 Total $ 12,030 |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES (Tables)
SALES OF RECEIVABLES (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Receivables Sold | The following table presents a summary of receivables sold (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received $ 13,340 $ 9,857 Collections reinvested under revolving agreement (13,506) (10,491) Net cash proceeds remitted $ (166) $ (634) Net receivables sold $ 13,178 $ 9,797 Obligations recorded $ 405 $ 377 |
Schedule of Amounts Transferred or Pledged | The following table presents a summary of the amounts transferred or pledged (in millions). December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Gross receivables pledged as collateral $ 3,088 $ 3,468 Restricted cash pledged as collateral $ 500 $ 150 Balance sheet classification: Receivables, net $ 2,780 $ 3,015 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 500 $ 150 Other noncurrent assets $ 308 $ 453 |
CONTENT RIGHTS (Tables)
CONTENT RIGHTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Components of Content Rights | The table below presents the components of content rights (in millions). December 31, 2023 Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Theatrical film production costs: Released, less amortization $ 2,823 $ — $ 2,823 Completed and not released 107 — 107 In production and other 1,300 — 1,300 Television production costs: Released, less amortization 1,471 5,317 6,788 Completed and not released 380 606 986 In production and other 417 2,624 3,041 Total theatrical film and television production costs $ 6,498 $ 8,547 $ 15,045 Licensed content and advances, net 4,519 Live programming and advances, net 1,943 Game development costs, less amortization 565 Total film and television content rights and games 22,072 Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net (843) Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games $ 21,229 December 31, 2022 Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Theatrical film production costs: Released, less amortization $ 3,544 $ — $ 3,544 Completed and not released 507 — 507 In production and other 1,795 — 1,795 Television production costs: Released, less amortization 2,200 6,143 8,343 Completed and not released 939 401 1,340 In production and other 457 3,386 3,843 Total theatrical film and television production costs $ 9,442 $ 9,930 $ 19,372 Licensed content and advances, net 4,961 Live programming and advances, net 2,214 Game development costs, less amortization 650 Total film and television content rights and games 27,197 Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net (545) Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games $ 26,652 |
Schedule of Content Amortization | Content amortization consisted of the following (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Predominantly monetized individually $ 5,165 $ 5,175 $ 541 Predominantly monetized as a group 10,648 8,935 2,955 Total content amortization $ 15,813 $ 14,110 $ 3,496 |
Schedule of Expected Future Amortization Expense | The table below presents the expected future amortization expense of the Company’s film and television content rights, licensed content and advances, live programming rights and advances, and games as of December 31, 2023 (in millions). Year Ending December 31, 2024 2025 2026 Released investment in films and television content: Monetized individually $ 1,712 $ 868 $ 600 Monetized as a group 2,483 1,242 774 Licensed content and advances 1,751 813 524 Live programming and advances 1,258 471 34 Games 87 16 — Completed and not released investment in films and television content: Monetized individually $ 411 Monetized as a group 238 |
INVESTMENTS (Tables)
INVESTMENTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Investments [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Equity Investments | The Company’s equity investments consisted of the following, net of investments recorded in other noncurrent liabilities (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location Ownership December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Equity method investments: The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LP Other noncurrent assets 44% $ 249 $ 313 nC+ Other noncurrent assets 32% 142 135 TNT Sports Other noncurrent assets 50% 102 96 Other Other noncurrent assets 503 518 Total equity method investments 996 1,062 Investments with readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets 53 28 Investments without readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets (a) 438 498 Total investments $ 1,487 $ 1,588 (a) Investments without readily determinable fair values included $17 million as of December 31, 2023 and $10 million as of December 31, 2022 that were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. |
DEBT (Tables)
DEBT (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Components of Outstanding Debt | The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions). December 31, Weighted-Average 2023 2022 Term loans with maturities of 3 years or less — % $ — $ 4,000 Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less 7.13 % 40 500 Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less 4.00 % 13,664 12,759 Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years 4.28 % 8,607 10,373 Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years 5.11 % 21,644 21,644 Total debt 43,955 49,276 Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net (286) (277) Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting 43,669 48,999 Current portion of debt (1,780) (365) Noncurrent portion of debt $ 41,889 $ 48,634 |
Schedule of Estimated Debt Payments | The following table presents a summary of scheduled debt and estimated interest payments, excluding the revolving credit facility and commercial paper borrowings, for the next five years based on the amount of the Company’s debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023 (in millions). 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter Long-term debt repayments $ 1,781 $ 3,147 $ 2,289 $ 4,719 $ 1,767 $ 30,250 Interest payments $ 2,007 $ 1,904 $ 1,778 $ 1,634 $ 1,510 $ 24,344 |
LEASES (Tables)
LEASES (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Components of Lease Expense and Supplemental Information | The Company’s leases were reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Operating Leases Location on Balance Sheet Operating lease right-of-use assets Other noncurrent assets $ 3,074 $ 3,189 Operating lease liabilities (current) Accrued liabilities $ 332 $ 345 Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities 3,019 2,990 Total operating lease liabilities $ 3,351 $ 3,335 Finance Leases Finance lease right-of-use assets Property and equipment, net $ 249 $ 244 Finance lease liabilities (current) Accrued liabilities $ 74 $ 82 Finance lease liabilities (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities 191 186 Total finance lease liabilities $ 265 $ 268 Supplemental information related to leases was as follows. December 31, 2023 2022 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 11 12 Finance leases 5 5 Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 4.42 % 4.13 % Finance leases 4.17 % 3.23 % The components of lease cost were as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Operating lease cost $ 540 $ 372 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 85 $ 78 Interest on lease liabilities 8 8 Total finance lease cost $ 93 $ 86 Variable fees and other (a) $ 74 $ 66 Total lease cost $ 707 $ 524 (a) Includes variable lease payments related to our operating and finance leases and costs of leases with initial terms of less than one year. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ (501) $ (360) Operating cash flows from finance leases $ (19) $ (15) Financing cash flows from finance leases $ (74) $ (70) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 364 $ 490 Finance leases $ 95 $ 39 |
Schedule of Maturities of Finance Lease Liabilities | Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases 2024 $ 462 $ 85 2025 404 70 2026 377 56 2027 358 35 2028 344 15 Thereafter 2,415 35 Total lease payments 4,360 296 Less: Imputed interest (1,009) (31) Total $ 3,351 $ 265 |
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities | Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases 2024 $ 462 $ 85 2025 404 70 2026 377 56 2027 358 35 2028 344 15 Thereafter 2,415 35 Total lease payments 4,360 296 Less: Imputed interest (1,009) (31) Total $ 3,351 $ 265 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments | The Company’s derivative financial instruments were reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fair Value Fair Value Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accrued liabilities Other non- Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accrued liabilities Other non- Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange $ 1,484 $ 40 $ 8 $ 37 $ 8 $ 1,382 $ 49 $ 35 $ 42 $ 25 Cross-currency swaps — — — — — 482 3 58 — — Net investment hedges: (a) Cross-currency swaps 1,779 23 12 7 42 1,778 20 12 — 73 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps 1,500 7 — — 5 — — — — — No hedging designation: Foreign exchange 1,058 1 1 1 83 976 5 1 3 96 Cross-currency swaps — — — — — 139 3 — — 3 Total return swaps 395 19 — — — 291 — — 13 — Total $ 90 $ 21 $ 45 $ 138 $ 80 $ 106 $ 58 $ 197 (a) Excludes €164 million of euro-denominated notes ($174 million equivalent at December 31, 2022) designated as a net investment hedge and £402 million of sterling notes re-designated as a net investment hedge in 2023 ($513 million equivalent at December 31, 2023. (See Note 11.) |
Schedule of Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive loss (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments $ 23 $ 7 $ 57 Interest rate - derivative adjustments — — 112 Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - distribution revenue (5) (1) 4 Foreign exchange - advertising revenue 1 1 1 Foreign exchange - costs of revenues 3 25 — Foreign exchange - other (expense) income, net 18 — 30 Interest rate - interest expense, net (1) (2) (2) Interest rate - other (expense) income, net 1 — — |
Schedule of Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges | The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as net investment hedges on other comprehensive loss (in millions). Other than amounts excluded from effectiveness testing, there were no other material gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Year Ended December 31, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 Cross currency swaps $ 43 $ 46 $ 114 Interest expense, net $ 24 $ 33 $ 42 Foreign exchange contracts — — 5 Other (expense) income, net — — — Euro denominated notes (foreign denominated debt) 3 4 — N/A — — — Sterling denominated notes (foreign denominated debt) (11) 112 6 N/A — — — Total $ 35 $ 162 $ 125 $ 24 $ 33 $ 42 |
Schedule of Fair Value Hedge Adjustments to Hedged Borrowings and Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges | The following table presents fair value hedge adjustments to hedged borrowings (in millions). Carrying Amount of Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Hedged Borrowings Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Noncurrent portion of debt $ 1,502 $ — $ 2 $ — The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as fair value hedges on income, including offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged items (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (Loss) gain on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt (1) $ (2) $ — Gain (loss) on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts (1) 2 — Total in interest expense, net $ — $ — (1) Accrued interest expense related to the hedged debt and derivative contracts is excluded from the amounts above and was $27 million as of December 31, 2023. |
Schedule of Pretax Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Recognized | The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in selling, general and administrative expense and other (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Interest rate swaps $ 63 $ — $ — Total return swaps 46 5 — Total in selling, general and administrative expense 109 5 — Interest rate swaps 20 512 (2) Cross-currency swaps 1 — 8 Foreign exchange derivatives 7 (37) (39) Total in other (expense) income, net 28 475 (33) Total $ 137 $ 480 $ (33) |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis | The table below presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions). December 31, 2023 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents: Time deposits Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 105 $ — $ 105 Equity securities: Money market fund Cash and cash equivalents 1 — — 1 Mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets 42 — — 42 Company-owned life insurance contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1 — 1 Mutual funds Other noncurrent assets 233 — — 233 Company-owned life insurance contracts Other noncurrent assets — 97 — 97 Total $ 276 $ 203 $ — $ 479 Liabilities Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 67 $ — $ — $ 67 Deferred compensation plan Other noncurrent liabilities 614 — — 614 Total $ 681 $ — $ — $ 681 December 31, 2022 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents: Time deposits Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 50 $ — $ 50 Equity securities: Money market funds Cash and cash equivalents 20 — — 20 Mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14 — — 14 Company-owned life insurance contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1 — 1 Mutual funds Other noncurrent assets 243 — — 243 Company-owned life insurance contracts Other noncurrent assets — 94 — 94 Time deposits Other noncurrent assets — 8 — 8 Total $ 277 $ 153 $ — $ 430 Liabilities Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 73 $ — $ — $ 73 Deferred compensation plan Other noncurrent liabilities 590 — — 590 Total $ 663 $ — $ — $ 663 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Components of Share-Based Compensation Expense | The table below presents the components of share-based compensation expense (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 PRSUs $ 65 $ 2 $ 10 RSUs 375 337 110 Stock options 60 71 58 SARs — 2 — Total share-based compensation expense $ 500 $ 412 $ 178 Tax benefit recognized $ 97 $ 79 $ 29 |
Schedule of PRSU Activity, RSU Activity and Stock Option Activity | The table below presents PRSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price). PRSUs Weighted- Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 0.7 $ 32.80 0.0 $ 6 Granted 4.0 $ 15.41 Converted (0.5) $ 31.09 $ 7 Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 4.2 $ 16.36 1.4 $ 48 Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2023 4.2 $ 16.36 1.4 $ 48 Convertible as of December 31, 2023 0.2 $ 37.41 0.0 $ 2 The table below presents RSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price). RSUs Weighted- Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 31.2 $ 25.14 2.3 $ 296 Granted 29.3 $ 14.79 Vested (12.8) $ 25.51 $ 183 Forfeited (3.7) $ 19.40 Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 44.0 $ 18.52 1.3 $ 501 Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2023 44.0 $ 18.52 1.3 $ 501 The table below presents stock option activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average exercise price). Stock Options Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 30.5 $ 34.95 4.0 $ — Granted 2.2 $ 15.02 Forfeited (0.6) $ 28.22 Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 32.1 $ 33.73 3.3 $ — Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2023 32.1 $ 33.73 3.3 $ — Exercisable as of December 31, 2023 15.8 $ 30.89 2.0 $ — |
Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options Estimated Using the Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model | The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant during 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Risk-free interest rate 4.35 % 1.46 % 1.03 % Expected term (years) 4.5 5.0 5.9 Expected volatility 54.80 % 42.15 % 42.45 % |
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
INCOME TAXES (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Components of (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes | The domestic and foreign components of (loss) income before income taxes were as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Domestic $ (4,702) $ (8,747) $ 1,598 Foreign 839 (213) (165) (Loss) income before income taxes $ (3,863) $ (8,960) $ 1,433 |
Schedule of Components of Provision for Income Taxes | The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Current: Federal $ 753 $ 629 $ 451 State and local 57 143 130 Foreign 750 407 166 1,560 1,179 747 Deferred: Federal (1,845) (2,367) (250) State and local (548) (418) 6 Foreign 49 (57) (267) (2,344) (2,842) (511) Income tax (benefit) expense $ (784) $ (1,663) $ 236 |
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation | The following table reconciles the Company’s effective income tax rates to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rates. Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate $ (811) 21 % $ (1,881) 21 % $ 301 21 % State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (388) 10 % (218) 3 % 108 7 % Effect of foreign operations 342 (9) % 246 (3) % 25 2 % Preferred stock conversion premium charge — — % 166 (2) % — — % UK Finance Act legislative change — — % — — % (155) (11) % Noncontrolling interest adjustment (9) — % (17) — % (40) (3) % Other, net 82 (2) % 41 — % (3) — % Income tax (benefit) expense $ (784) 20 % $ (1,663) 19 % $ 236 16 % |
Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities | Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Deferred income tax assets: Accounts receivable $ (86) $ (78) Tax attribute carry-forward 2,908 2,557 Accrued liabilities and other 1,770 1,274 Total deferred income tax assets 4,592 3,753 Valuation allowance (2,191) (1,849) Net deferred income tax assets 2,401 1,904 Deferred income tax liabilities: Intangible assets (7,988) (9,509) Content rights (685) (1,389) Equity method and other investments in partnerships (411) (522) Other (1,356) (809) Total deferred income tax liabilities (10,440) (12,229) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (8,039) $ (10,325) The Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (included within other noncurrent assets) $ 697 $ 689 Deferred income tax liabilities (8,736) (11,014) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (8,039) $ (10,325) |
Schedule of Loss Carry-Forwards | The Company’s loss carry-forwards were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions). Federal State Foreign Loss carry-forwards $ 53 $ 1,640 $ 8,636 Deferred tax asset related to loss carry-forwards 11 93 2,131 Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards (6) (64) (1,652) Earliest expiration date of loss carry-forwards 2028 2024 2024 |
Schedule of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits | A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (without related interest and penalty amounts) is as follows (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Beginning balance $ 1,929 $ 420 $ 348 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 147 302 68 Additions for tax positions of prior years 195 35 64 Additions for tax positions acquired in business combinations 247 1,353 — Reductions for tax positions of prior years (275) (114) (27) Settlements (46) (20) (5) Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations (62) (34) (25) Changes due to foreign currency exchange rates 12 (13) (3) Ending balance $ 2,147 $ 1,929 $ 420 |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS (Table
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Retirement Benefits [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Contributions to Multiemployer Pension and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans | The following table summarizes the Company’s contributions to multiemployer pension and health and welfare benefit plans (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Pension benefits $ 128 $ 112 Health and welfare benefits 153 182 Total contributions $ 281 $ 294 |
Schedule of Assumptions Determined | The table below describes how the assumptions are determined. Assumption Description Discount rate Based on a bond portfolio approach that includes high-quality debt instruments with maturities matching the Company’s expected benefit payments from the plans. Long-term rate of return on plan assets Based on the weighted-average expected rate of return and capital market forecasts for each asset class employed and also considers the Company’s historical compounded return on plan assets for 10 and 15-year periods. Increase in compensation levels Based on past experience and the near-term outlook. Mortality Various mortality tables adjusted and projected using mortality improvement rates. |
Schedule of Plan Assets and Obligations of the Pension Plans Based Upon a Valuation and Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations | The following tables present information about plan assets and obligations of the pension plans based upon a valuation as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (in millions). December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Pension Plans Pension Plans Accumulated benefit obligation $ 753 $ 762 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 762 $ 104 Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4) — 908 Service cost 3 2 Interest cost 35 21 Benefits paid (40) (36) Actuarial gains — (231) Settlement charges (11) (6) Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes and other 4 — Projected benefit obligation at end of year 753 762 Plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 533 63 Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4) — 756 Actual return on plan assets 9 (268) Company contributions 33 24 Benefits paid (40) (36) Settlement charges (11) (6) Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes and other 16 — Fair value at end of year 540 533 Under funded status $ (213) $ (229) Amounts recognized as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets: Other noncurrent assets $ 82 $ 92 Accrued liabilities (31) (29) Other noncurrent liabilities (264) (292) Total $ (213) $ (229) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: Net loss $ 79 $ 94 The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows. December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Pension Plans Pension Plans Discount rate 4.62 % 4.70 % Rate of compensation increases 3.18 % 3.05 % |
Schedule of Weighted Average Pension Plans Asset Allocations by Asset Category | The following table presents the weighted average pension plans asset allocations by asset category (in millions). December 31, 2023 Investment Type Target Actual Equity securities 12 % 12 % Fixed income securities 75 % 75 % Multi-asset credit fund 5 % 4 % Real assets 4 % 3 % Hedge funds 2 % 4 % Cash 2 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % |
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets | December 31, 2023 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity securities $ 64 $ 36 $ 28 $ — Fixed income securities 541 12 453 76 Multi-asset credit fund 24 — 24 — Cash 9 9 — — Total plan assets measured at fair value $ 638 $ 57 $ 505 $ 76 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Real assets $ 18 Hedge funds 22 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient $ 40 Liabilities: Derivatives (138) Total plan assets $ 540 December 31, 2022 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity Securities $ 69 $ 34 $ 35 $ — Fixed income securities 532 14 446 72 Multi-asset credit fund 21 — 21 — Cash 5 5 — — Total plan assets measured at fair value $ 627 $ 53 $ 502 $ 72 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Real assets $ 22 Hedge funds 20 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient $ 42 Liabilities: Derivatives (136) Total plan assets $ 533 |
Schedule of Changes in the Fair Value of the Level 3 Pension Assets | The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension assets for the year ended December 31, 2023 (in millions). Fixed Income Funds Fair value at beginning of year $ 72 Unrealized gains 9 Transfers out (5) Balance at end of year $ 76 The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension assets for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in millions). Fixed Income Funds Fair value at beginning of year $ 98 Unrealized losses (26) Balance at end of year $ 72 |
Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments | The following table presents the estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid out for the defined benefits plans over the next ten years (in millions). Pension Plans 2024 $ 50 2025 46 2026 46 2027 46 2028 49 Thereafter 234 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Table
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Property and Equipment | Property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions). December 31, Useful Lives 2023 2022 Equipment, furniture, fixtures and other (a) 3 - 7 years $ 2,056 $ 1,682 Capitalized software costs 1 - 5 years 2,629 1,855 Land, buildings and leasehold improvements (b) 15- 30 years 4,013 3,251 Property and equipment, at cost 8,698 6,788 Accumulated depreciation (3,085) (2,055) 5,613 4,733 Assets under construction 344 568 Property and equipment, net $ 5,957 $ 5,301 (a) Property and equipment includes assets acquired under finance lease arrangements. Assets acquired under finance lease arrangements are generally amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases. (See Note 12.) (b) Land has an indefinite life and is not depreciated. Leasehold improvements generally have an estimated useful life equal to the lease term. |
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Production receivables $ 1,265 $ 1,231 Prepaid content rights 843 545 Other current assets 2,283 2,112 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 4,391 $ 3,888 |
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities | Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Accrued participation and residuals $ 3,071 $ 2,986 Accrued production and content rights payable 2,118 3,153 Accrued payroll and related benefits 1,541 2,292 Other accrued liabilities 3,638 3,073 Total accrued liabilities $ 10,368 $ 11,504 |
Schedule of Other (Expense) Income, Net | Other (expense) income, net, consisted of the following (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Foreign currency (losses) gains, net $ (173) $ (150) $ 93 Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net 28 475 (33) Gain on sale of investment with readily determinable fair value — — 15 Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value 37 (105) (6) Change in the value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value (73) (142) (13) Gain on sale of equity method investments — 195 4 Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt 17 — (10) Interest income 179 67 18 Other (expense) income, net (27) 7 4 Total other (expense) income, net $ (12) $ 347 $ 72 |
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information | Supplemental Cash Flow Information Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Cash paid for taxes, net $ 1,440 $ 1,027 $ 643 Cash paid for interest 2,237 1,539 664 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Non-cash consideration related to the sale of the Ranch Lot 175 — — Non-cash consideration related to the purchase of the Burbank Studios Lot 175 — — Non-cash consideration transferred related to the transaction agreements with JCOM 68 — — Non-cash consideration paid related to the transaction agreements with JCOM 2 — — Non-cash consideration related to MegaMedia put exercise 36 — — Non-cash settlement of PRSU awards 35 — — Equity issued for the acquisition of WarnerMedia — 42,309 — Non-cash consideration related to the sale of The CW Network — 126 — Accrued consideration for the joint venture with BT — 90 — Accrued purchases of property and equipment 41 66 34 Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements 235 53 134 |
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,780 $ 3,731 Restricted cash - other current assets (a) 539 199 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 4,319 $ 3,930 (a) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 8 and Note 13.) |
Schedule of Restricted Cash | Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,780 $ 3,731 Restricted cash - other current assets (a) 539 199 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 4,319 $ 3,930 (a) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 8 and Note 13.) |
Schedule of Changes in the Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes | The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (in millions). Currency Translation Derivative Adjustments Pension Plans Accumulated December 31, 2020 $ (555) $ (81) $ (15) $ (651) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (290) 134 2 (154) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (25) — (25) Other comprehensive income (loss) (290) 109 2 (179) December 31, 2021 (845) 28 (13) (830) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (651) 4 (26) (673) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (2) (18) — (20) Other comprehensive income (loss) (653) (14) (26) (693) December 31, 2022 (1,498) 14 (39) (1,523) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 799 16 (21) 794 Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (12) — (12) Other comprehensive income (loss) 799 4 (21) 782 December 31, 2023 $ (699) $ 18 $ (60) $ (741) |
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_2
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with its Changes | The table below summarizes the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests balances (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Discovery Family $ 156 $ 173 MotorTrend Group LLC (“MTG”) — 112 Other 9 33 Total $ 165 $ 318 The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Beginning balance $ 318 $ 363 $ 383 Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests (30) (50) (11) Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest (22) — — Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest (111) — (26) Comprehensive income adjustments: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 9 6 53 Currency translation on redemption values (3) (5) (5) Retained earnings adjustments: Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) 2 — (16) Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value equals fair value) 2 4 (15) Ending balance $ 165 $ 318 $ 363 |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Transactions with Related Parties and Receivables and Payables | The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions). Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Revenues and service charges: Liberty Group $ 1,887 $ 1,758 $ 671 Equity method investees 687 464 253 Other 216 311 169 Total revenues and service charges $ 2,790 $ 2,533 $ 1,093 Expenses $ 357 $ 406 $ 238 Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests $ 301 $ 300 $ 251 The table below presents receivables due from and payables due to related parties (in millions). December 31, 2023 2022 Receivables $ 363 $ 338 Payables $ 18 $ 38 |
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, A_2
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Significant Contractual Commitments | In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various commitments, which primarily include programming and talent arrangements, operating and finance leases (see Note 12), arrangements to purchase various goods and services, long-term debt (see Note 11), pension funding and payments (see Note 17), and future funding commitments to equity method investees (see Note 10) (in millions). Year Ending December 31, Content Other Purchase Obligations Other Employee Obligations Total 2024 $ 7,077 $ 1,386 $ 481 $ 8,944 2025 4,270 666 272 5,208 2026 2,726 446 135 3,307 2027 2,460 626 51 3,137 2028 2,130 55 30 2,215 Thereafter 5,409 63 86 5,558 Total $ 24,072 $ 3,242 $ 1,055 $ 28,369 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Tables)
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Revenues by Segment | The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments, corporate, and inter-segment eliminations, and other (in millions). Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 12,192 $ 9,731 $ 20 Networks 21,244 19,348 11,311 DTC 10,154 7,274 860 Corporate — 30 — Inter-segment eliminations (2,269) (2,566) — Total revenues $ 41,321 $ 33,817 $ 12,191 |
Schedule of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment | Adjusted EBITDA Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 2,183 $ 1,772 $ 14 Networks 9,063 8,725 5,533 DTC 103 (1,596) (1,345) Corporate (1,242) (1,200) (385) Inter-segment eliminations 93 17 — Adjusted EBITDA $ 10,200 $ 7,718 $ 3,817 |
Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc, to Adjusted EBITDA | Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc, to Adjusted EBITDA Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (3,126) $ (7,371) $ 1,006 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 9 6 53 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 38 68 138 Income tax (benefit) expense (784) (1,663) 236 (Loss) income before income taxes (3,863) (8,960) 1,433 Other expense (income), net 12 (347) (72) Loss from equity investees, net 82 160 18 Interest expense, net 2,221 1,777 633 Operating (loss) income (1,548) (7,370) 2,012 Impairments and loss (gain) on dispositions 77 117 (71) Restructuring and other charges 585 3,757 32 Depreciation and amortization 7,985 7,193 1,582 Employee share-based compensation 488 410 167 Transaction and integration costs 162 1,195 95 Facility consolidation costs 32 — — Amortization of fair value step-up for content 2,373 2,416 — Amortization of capitalized interest for content 46 — — Adjusted EBITDA $ 10,200 $ 7,718 $ 3,817 |
Schedule of Content Amortization and Impairment Expense | Content Amortization and Impairment Expense Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Studios $ 5,074 $ 5,950 $ — Networks 6,630 6,171 2,991 DTC 6,138 6,800 510 Corporate (6) (1) — Inter-segment eliminations (1,697) (1,951) — Total content amortization and impairment expense $ 16,139 $ 16,969 $ 3,501 |
Schedule of Revenues by Geography | Revenues by Geography Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 U.S. $ 28,004 $ 22,697 $ 7,728 Non-U.S. 13,317 11,120 4,463 Total revenues $ 41,321 $ 33,817 $ 12,191 |
Schedule of Property and Equipment by Geography | Property and Equipment by Geography December 31, 2023 2022 U.S. $ 4,295 $ 3,785 U.K. 980 1,002 Other non-U.S. 682 514 Total property and equipment, net $ 5,957 $ 5,301 |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B_2
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
Apr. 08, 2022 USD ($) | Apr. 07, 2022 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2023 segment | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Number of reportable segments | segment | 3 | |||
WarnerMedia | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Total consideration paid | $ 42,376 | |||
Cash (used for) acquired from business acquisitions and working capital settlement | $ 1,200 | |||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 29% | |||
WarnerMedia | WarnerMedia | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Total consideration paid | $ 42,400 | |||
WarnerMedia | AT&T | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 71% | |||
WarnerMedia | AT&T | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Total consideration paid | $ 40,500 |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Receivables (Narrative) (Details) | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Revolving receivables agreement, maximum transfer amount | $ 5,500,000,000 |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Film and Television Content Rights (Narrative) (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Theatrical Film Production Costs | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Revenue estimation period | 10 years |
Television, Delivery of First Episode | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Revenue estimation period | 10 years |
Television, Delivery of Most Recent Episode | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Revenue estimation period | 5 years |
Games | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Revenue estimation period | 2 years |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_5
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Narrative) (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Dividend yield | 0% |
PRSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting period | 1 year |
Percentage of target met | 70% |
PRSUs | Tranche One | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting rights (as a percent) | 100% |
PRSUs | Tranche Two | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting rights (as a percent) | 0% |
Minimum | PRSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting rights (as a percent) | 0% |
Minimum | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting period | 3 years |
Minimum | Stock options | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Expiration period | 7 years |
Maximum | PRSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting rights (as a percent) | 100% |
Maximum | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting period | 5 years |
Maximum | Stock options | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Award vesting period | 4 years |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_6
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Advertising Costs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||
Advertising expense | $ 2,428 | $ 2,519 | $ 1,247 |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_7
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Collaborative Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] | |||
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | $ 24,526 | $ 20,442 | $ 4,620 |
Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement and Third Party | |||
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] | |||
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | $ 393 | $ 276 |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_8
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Concentrations Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) | |
Concentration Risk [Line Items] | |
Restricted cash - other current assets | $ 539 |
Two Customers | Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk | |
Concentration Risk [Line Items] | |
Concentration risk, percentage | 24% |
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE -
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE - Common Stock Issued in Connection with the WarnerMedia Merger (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Apr. 08, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Selling, general and administrative | $ 9,696 | $ 9,678 | $ 4,016 | |
WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Equity interest issued or issuable (in shares) | 1,732,000,000 | |||
Series A Common Stock | WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Equity interest issued or issuable (in shares) | 1,700,000,000 | |||
Series A Common Stock | AT&T | WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Entity shares issued per acquiree share | 1 | |||
Series B Common Stock | AT&T | WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Entity shares issued per acquiree share | 1 | |||
Series C Common Stock | AT&T | WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Entity shares issued per acquiree share | 1 | |||
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock | WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Selling, general and administrative | $ 789 | |||
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock | AT&T | WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Entity shares issued per acquiree share | 13.1135 | |||
Series C-1 Convertible Preferred Stock | AT&T | WarnerMedia | ||||
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] | ||||
Entity shares issued per acquiree share | 19.3648 |
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE_2
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE - Repurchase Programs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Feb. 29, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Treasury stock repurchased to date (in shares) | 230,000,000 | 230,000,000 | |||
Treasury stock repurchased to date | $ 8,244,000,000 | $ 8,244,000,000 | |||
Series A Common Stock | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Treasury stock repurchased to date (in shares) | 3,000,000 | ||||
Treasury stock repurchased to date | $ 171,000,000 | ||||
Series C Common Stock | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Treasury stock repurchased to date (in shares) | 229,000,000 | ||||
Treasury stock repurchased to date | $ 8,200,000,000 | ||||
Discovery, Inc. Common Stock | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Stock repurchased (in shares) | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
February 2020 Repurchase Program | Discovery, Inc. Common Stock | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Stock repurchase contract, prepaid notional contract value | $ 2,000,000,000 | ||||
May 2019 Repurchase Program | Discovery, Inc. Common Stock | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Stock repurchase contract, prepaid notional contract value | $ 1,000,000,000 |
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE_3
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE - Schedule of Computation of Earnings Per Share, Weighted Average and Income Available to Stockholders (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Numerator: | |||
Net (loss) income | $ (3,079) | $ (7,297) | $ 1,197 |
Less: | |||
Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock | 0 | (49) | (110) |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (38) | (68) | (138) |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (9) | (6) | (53) |
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) | 0 | 0 | 16 |
Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share | (3,126) | (7,420) | 912 |
Add: | |||
Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders | 0 | 0 | 110 |
Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted net (loss) income per share | $ (3,126) | $ (7,420) | $ 1,022 |
Denominator — weighted average: | |||
Common shares outstanding — basic (in shares) | 2,436 | 1,940 | 588 |
Impact of assumed preferred stock conversion (in shares) | 0 | 0 | 71 |
Dilutive effect of share-based awards (in shares) | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Common shares outstanding — diluted (in shares) | 2,436 | 1,940 | 664 |
Basic net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders (in dollars per share) | $ (1.28) | $ (3.82) | $ 1.55 |
Diluted net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders (in dollars per share) | $ (1.28) | $ (3.82) | $ 1.54 |
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE_4
EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Anti-dilutive share-based awards | |||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
Securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) | 69 | 49 | 17 |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS -
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||
Apr. 08, 2022 USD ($) countryAndTerritory | Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Number of countries and territories available | countryAndTerritory | 220 | ||||
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | $ 348 | $ 21,746 | |||
Transaction-related costs incurred | 162 | 1,195 | $ 95 | ||
Selling, general and administrative | 9,696 | 9,678 | $ 4,016 | ||
Studios | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 245 | 9,047 | |||
Networks | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | (24) | 7,081 | |||
DTC | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 127 | 5,618 | |||
WarnerMedia | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Cash (used for) acquired from business acquisitions and working capital settlement | $ 1,200 | ||||
Impact of measurement period adjustments | 368 | ||||
Transaction-related costs incurred | $ 162 | $ 406 | |||
WarnerMedia | Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Selling, general and administrative | $ 789 | ||||
WarnerMedia | Studios | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 9,308 | ||||
WarnerMedia | Networks | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 7,074 | ||||
WarnerMedia | DTC | |||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||||
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | $ 5,727 |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_2
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - Schedule of Components of Aggregate Purchase Consideration (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions | Apr. 08, 2022 USD ($) d $ / shares shares | Dec. 31, 2023 |
WarnerMedia | ||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||
Fair value of WBD common stock issued to AT&T shareholders | $ 42,309,000,000 | |
Estimated fair value of share-based compensation awards attributable to pre-combination services | 94,000,000 | |
Settlement of preexisting relationships | (27,000,000) | |
Purchase consideration | $ 42,376,000,000 | |
Equity interest issued or issuable (in shares) | shares | 1,732 | |
Business acquisition, share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 24.43 | |
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 29% | |
Number of trading days | d | 10 | |
Gain (loss) recognized upon settlement | $ 0 | |
WarnerMedia | AT&T | ||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 71% | |
BluTV | ||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 65% |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_3
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - Schedule of Allocation of the Purchase Price to the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Measurement Period Adjustments, and a Reconciliation to Total Consideration Transferred (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Apr. 08, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] | ||||
Goodwill | $ 34,969 | $ 34,438 | $ 12,912 | |
Intangible assets | $ 44,989 | |||
WarnerMedia | ||||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] | ||||
Cash | 2,409 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Cash | (10) | |||
Accounts receivable | 4,164 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Accounts receivable | (60) | |||
Other current assets | 4,486 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Other current assets | (133) | |||
Film and television content rights and games | 28,385 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Film and television content rights and games | (344) | |||
Property and equipment | 4,273 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Property and equipment | 13 | |||
Goodwill | 22,109 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Goodwill | 596 | |||
Intangible assets | 44,989 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Intangible assets | 100 | |||
Other noncurrent assets | 5,489 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Other noncurrent assets | 283 | |||
Current liabilities | (10,532) | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Current liabilities | 12 | |||
Debt assumed | (41,680) | $ (1,100) | ||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Debt assumed | (9) | |||
Deferred income taxes | (12,772) | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Deferred income taxes | 492 | |||
Other noncurrent liabilities | (8,944) | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Other noncurrent liabilities | (940) | |||
Total consideration paid | 42,376 | |||
Measurement Period Adjustments, Total consideration paid | 0 | |||
WarnerMedia | Previously Reported | ||||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] | ||||
Cash | 2,419 | |||
Accounts receivable | 4,224 | |||
Other current assets | 4,619 | |||
Film and television content rights and games | 28,729 | |||
Property and equipment | 4,260 | |||
Goodwill | 21,513 | |||
Intangible assets | 44,889 | |||
Other noncurrent assets | 5,206 | |||
Current liabilities | (10,544) | |||
Debt assumed | (41,671) | |||
Deferred income taxes | (13,264) | |||
Other noncurrent liabilities | (8,004) | |||
Total consideration paid | $ 42,376 |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_4
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired, Exclusive of Content Assets, and Weighted Average Useful Life of Assets (Details) $ in Millions | Apr. 08, 2022 USD ($) |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Fair Value | $ 44,989 |
Trade names | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Fair Value | $ 21,084 |
Weighted Average Useful Life in Years | 34 years |
Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Fair Value | $ 14,800 |
Weighted Average Useful Life in Years | 6 years |
Franchises | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Fair Value | $ 7,900 |
Weighted Average Useful Life in Years | 35 years |
Other intangible assets | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Fair Value | $ 1,205 |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_5
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - Schedule of WM Revenue and Earnings as Reported (Details) - WarnerMedia $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Net revenues | $ 22,325 |
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | (7,202) |
Operating Segments | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Net revenues | 24,550 |
Inter-segment eliminations | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Net revenues | (2,225) |
Advertising | Operating Segments | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Net revenues | 2,849 |
Distribution | Operating Segments | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Net revenues | 10,980 |
Content | Operating Segments | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Net revenues | 10,001 |
Other | Operating Segments | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Net revenues | $ 720 |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_6
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - Schedule of Pro Forma Combined Revenues and Net Loss (Details) - WarnerMedia $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Revenues | $ 43,095 |
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | $ (5,359) |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_7
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - BluTV (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Cash (used for) acquired from business acquisitions and working capital settlement | $ 50 | $ (3,612) | $ 2 | |
BluTV | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Ownership | 35% | |||
BluTV | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 65% |
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_8
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS - Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Oct. 31, 2022 | Sep. 30, 2022 | Apr. 30, 2022 | Jun. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||||||
Gain on sale of equity method investments | $ 0 | $ 195,000,000 | $ 4,000,000 | ||||
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Disposal, Statement Of Income Extensible List Not Disclosed Flag | gain | ||||||
Golden Maple Limited (Known as Tencent Video VIP) | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | |||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||||||
Equity method investment, ownership percentage sold | 49% | ||||||
Consideration received on sale | $ 143,000,000 | ||||||
Impairments and loss (gain) on dispositions | $ 55,000,000 | ||||||
Discovery Education | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | |||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||||||
Minority interest sale price | $ 138,000,000 | ||||||
Gain on sale of equity method investments | $ 133,000,000 | ||||||
The CW Network, LLC | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | |||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||||||
Minority interest sale price | $ 0 | ||||||
The CW Network, LLC | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | The CW Network, LLC | |||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||||||
Ownership | 75% | ||||||
Ownership interest retained | 12.50% | ||||||
Hicks Equity Partners | Great American Country Network | |||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |||||||
Impairments and loss (gain) on dispositions | $ 76,000,000 | ||||||
Sale price | $ 90,000,000 |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | $ 34,438 | $ 12,912 |
Segment recast | 0 | |
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 348 | 21,746 |
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 183 | (220) |
Ending balance | 34,969 | 34,438 |
U.S. Networks | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 0 | 10,813 |
Segment recast | (10,813) | |
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 0 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 0 | 0 |
Ending balance | 0 | 0 |
International Networks | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 0 | 2,099 |
Segment recast | (2,059) | |
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 0 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 0 | (40) |
Ending balance | 0 | 0 |
Studios | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 8,963 | 0 |
Segment recast | 0 | |
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 245 | 9,047 |
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 64 | (84) |
Ending balance | 9,272 | 8,963 |
Networks | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 17,557 | 0 |
Segment recast | 10,555 | |
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | (24) | 7,081 |
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 97 | (79) |
Ending balance | 17,630 | 17,557 |
DTC | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 7,918 | 0 |
Segment recast | 2,317 | |
Acquisitions (See Note 4) | 127 | 5,618 |
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 22 | (17) |
Ending balance | $ 8,067 | $ 7,918 |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_4
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Oct. 01, 2023 | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | ||||
Amortization of intangible assets | $ 6,900,000,000 | $ 6,200,000,000 | $ 1,300,000,000 | |
Goodwill, impairment loss | 0 | |||
Trademarks, Tradenames, And Franchise Rights | ||||
Goodwill [Line Items] | ||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 368,000,000 | |||
Networks | ||||
Goodwill [Line Items] | ||||
Goodwill, accumulated impairments | 1,600,000,000 | 1,600,000,000 | ||
Goodwill, headroom threshold, percent | 5% | |||
Studios | ||||
Goodwill [Line Items] | ||||
Goodwill, accumulated impairments | 0 | 0 | ||
Goodwill, headroom threshold, percent | 15% | |||
DTC | ||||
Goodwill [Line Items] | ||||
Goodwill, accumulated impairments | $ 0 | $ 0 |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_5
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross | $ 56,756 | $ 56,475 |
Accumulated Amortization | (18,471) | (11,493) |
Net | $ 38,285 | 44,982 |
Trademarks and trade names | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) | 32 years | |
Gross | $ 22,935 | 22,876 |
Accumulated Amortization | (2,688) | (1,494) |
Net | $ 20,247 | 21,382 |
Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) | 8 years | |
Gross | $ 24,335 | 24,136 |
Accumulated Amortization | (14,730) | (9,458) |
Net | $ 9,605 | 14,678 |
Franchises | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) | 35 years | |
Gross | $ 7,900 | 7,900 |
Accumulated Amortization | (426) | (164) |
Net | $ 7,474 | 7,736 |
Character rights | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) | 14 years | |
Gross | $ 995 | 995 |
Accumulated Amortization | (125) | (53) |
Net | $ 870 | 942 |
Other | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) | 6 years | |
Gross | $ 591 | 568 |
Accumulated Amortization | (502) | (324) |
Net | $ 89 | $ 244 |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_6
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Amortization Expense Relating to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
Amortization expense | |
2024 | $ 5,757 |
2025 | 4,245 |
2026 | 3,122 |
2027 | 2,369 |
2028 | 1,782 |
Thereafter | $ 21,010 |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_3
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 585 | $ 3,757 | $ 32 |
Operating Segments | Studios | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | 225 | 1,050 | 0 |
Operating Segments | Networks | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | 201 | 1,003 | 30 |
Operating Segments | DTC | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | 66 | 1,551 | 2 |
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 93 | $ 153 | $ 0 |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_4
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 585 | $ 3,757 | $ 32 |
Content Impairment, Content Development Costs and Write Offs | |||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | 115 | ||
Contract Termination and Facility Consolidation Activities | |||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | 111 | 17 | |
Organization Restructuring Costs | |||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 359 | 607 | |
Content Impairments, Content Development Costs and Write-offs, Content Contract Terminations, and Other Content Related Charges | |||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 3,133 |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_5
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Schedule of Changes in Restructuring Liabilities Recorded in Accrued Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities by Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Restructuring Reserve | ||
Beginning balance | $ 864 | $ 19 |
Acquisitions (See Note 4 ) | 109 | |
Contract termination accruals, net | 87 | 325 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 360 | 598 |
Cash paid | (853) | (187) |
Other accruals | 2 | |
Ending balance | 460 | 864 |
Operating Segments | Studios | ||
Restructuring Reserve | ||
Beginning balance | 156 | 0 |
Acquisitions (See Note 4 ) | 40 | |
Contract termination accruals, net | 48 | 36 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 47 | 114 |
Cash paid | (153) | (34) |
Other accruals | 0 | |
Ending balance | 98 | 156 |
Operating Segments | Networks | ||
Restructuring Reserve | ||
Beginning balance | 361 | 15 |
Acquisitions (See Note 4 ) | 0 | |
Contract termination accruals, net | 16 | 168 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 175 | 213 |
Cash paid | (352) | (35) |
Other accruals | 2 | |
Ending balance | 202 | 361 |
Operating Segments | DTC | ||
Restructuring Reserve | ||
Beginning balance | 188 | 0 |
Acquisitions (See Note 4 ) | 14 | |
Contract termination accruals, net | 8 | 121 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 60 | 87 |
Cash paid | (176) | (34) |
Other accruals | 0 | |
Ending balance | 80 | 188 |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | ||
Restructuring Reserve | ||
Beginning balance | 159 | 4 |
Acquisitions (See Note 4 ) | 55 | |
Contract termination accruals, net | 15 | 0 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 78 | 184 |
Cash paid | (172) | (84) |
Other accruals | 0 | |
Ending balance | $ 80 | $ 159 |
REVENUES - Schedule of Disaggre
REVENUES - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | $ 41,321 | $ 33,817 | $ 12,191 |
Advertising | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 8,700 | 8,524 | 6,194 |
Distribution | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 20,237 | 16,142 | 5,202 |
Content | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 11,203 | 8,360 | 737 |
Other | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 1,181 | 791 | 58 |
Operating Segments | Studios | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 12,192 | 9,731 | 20 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Advertising | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 15 | 15 | 0 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Distribution | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 17 | 12 | 0 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Content | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 11,358 | 9,156 | 20 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Other | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 802 | 548 | 0 |
Operating Segments | Networks | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 21,244 | 19,348 | 11,311 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Advertising | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 8,342 | 8,224 | 6,063 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Distribution | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 11,521 | 9,759 | 4,486 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Content | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 1,005 | 1,120 | 706 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Other | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 376 | 245 | 56 |
Operating Segments | DTC | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 10,154 | 7,274 | 860 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Advertising | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 548 | 371 | 131 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Distribution | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 8,703 | 6,371 | 716 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Content | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 886 | 522 | 11 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Other | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | 17 | 10 | 2 |
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | (2,269) | (2,536) | 0 |
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations | Advertising | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | (205) | (86) | 0 |
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations | Distribution | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | (4) | 0 | 0 |
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations | Content | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | (2,046) | (2,438) | 0 |
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations | Other | |||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||
Revenues | $ (14) | $ (12) | $ 0 |
REVENUES - Schedule of Contract
REVENUES - Schedule of Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | ||
Contract liabilities - deferred revenues | $ 1,924 | $ 1,694 |
Contract liabilities - other noncurrent liabilities | $ 160 | $ 361 |
REVENUES - Narrative (Details)
REVENUES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | ||
Revenue recognized related to the contract liability (deferred revenues) | $ 1,354 | $ 411 |
REVENUES - Schedule of Remainin
REVENUES - Schedule of Remaining Performance Obligations by Contract Type (Details) - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01 $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 12,030 |
Distribution | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 3,513 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 8 years |
Content Licensing Contracts | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 5,361 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 7 years |
Brand Licensing Contracts | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 2,264 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 20 years |
Advertising | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 892 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 4 years |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Narrativ
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Revolving receivables agreement, maximum transfer amount | $ 5,500,000,000 | |
Loss on revolving receivables program | 79,000,000 | $ 256,000,000 |
Outstanding receivables derecognized | 5,200,000,000 | 5,366,000,000 |
Accounts receivable sold under factoring arrangements | 383,000,000 | $ 477,000,000 |
Asset Pledged as Collateral | ||
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Cash | $ 3,088,000,000 |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule of Receivables Sold (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | ||
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received | $ 13,340 | $ 9,857 |
Collections reinvested under revolving agreement | (13,506) | (10,491) |
Net cash proceeds remitted | (166) | (634) |
Net receivables sold | 13,178 | 9,797 |
Obligations recorded | $ 405 | $ 377 |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedu_2
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule of Amounts Transferred or Pledged (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Restricted cash pledged as collateral | $ 539 | $ 199 |
Asset Pledged as Collateral | ||
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Gross receivables pledged as collateral | 3,088 | 3,468 |
Restricted cash pledged as collateral | 500 | 150 |
Asset Pledged as Collateral | Receivables, net | ||
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Receivables, net | 2,780 | 3,015 |
Asset Pledged as Collateral | Other non- current assets | ||
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Other noncurrent assets | $ 308 | $ 453 |
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Co
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Components of Content Rights (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Content Rights [Line Items] | ||
Predominantly Monetized Individually | $ 6,498 | $ 9,442 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group | 8,547 | 9,930 |
Total | 15,045 | 19,372 |
Licensed content and advances, net | 4,519 | 4,961 |
Live programming and advances, net | 1,943 | 2,214 |
Game development costs, less amortization | 565 | 650 |
Total film and television content rights and games | 22,072 | 27,197 |
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net | (843) | (545) |
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games | 21,229 | 26,652 |
Theatrical Film Production Costs | ||
Content Rights [Line Items] | ||
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Released, less amortization | 2,823 | 3,544 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Completed and not released | 107 | 507 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, In production and other | 1,300 | 1,795 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Released, less amortization | 0 | 0 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Completed and not released | 0 | 0 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, In production and other | 0 | 0 |
Total, Released, less amortization | 2,823 | 3,544 |
Total, Completed and not released | 107 | 507 |
Total, In production and other | 1,300 | 1,795 |
Television Production Costs | ||
Content Rights [Line Items] | ||
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Released, less amortization | 1,471 | 2,200 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Completed and not released | 380 | 939 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, In production and other | 417 | 457 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Released, less amortization | 5,317 | 6,143 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Completed and not released | 606 | 401 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, In production and other | 2,624 | 3,386 |
Total, Released, less amortization | 6,788 | 8,343 |
Total, Completed and not released | 986 | 1,340 |
Total, In production and other | $ 3,041 | $ 3,843 |
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of _2
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Content Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] | |||
Film, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] | Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization |
Predominantly monetized individually | $ 5,165 | $ 5,175 | $ 541 |
Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] | Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization |
Predominantly monetized as a group | $ 10,648 | $ 8,935 | $ 2,955 |
Total content amortization | $ 15,813 | $ 14,110 | $ 3,496 |
CONTENT RIGHTS - Narrative (Det
CONTENT RIGHTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Content Expense [Line Items] | |||
Content impairments | $ 326,000,000 | $ 2,807,000,000 | $ 0 |
Restructuring and other charges | 585,000,000 | 3,757,000,000 | $ 32,000,000 |
Content Impairment, Content Development Costs and Write Offs | |||
Content Expense [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 115,000,000 | ||
Content Impairment | WarnerMedia | |||
Content Expense [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | 2,756,000,000 | ||
Other Content Development Costs and Write-offs | WarnerMedia | |||
Content Expense [Line Items] | |||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 377,000,000 |
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Ex
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Expected Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
Monetized individually | |
Monetized individually, year one | $ 1,712 |
Monetized individually, year two | 868 |
Monetized individually, year three | 600 |
Monetized as a group | |
Monetized as a group, year one | 2,483 |
Monetized as a group, year two | 1,242 |
Monetized as a group, year three | 774 |
Licensed content and live programming, year one | 1,751 |
Licensed content and live programming, year two | 813 |
Licensed content and live programming, year three | 524 |
Live programming and advances, year one | 1,258 |
Live programming and advances, year two | 471 |
Live programming and advances, year three | 34 |
Games, year one | 87 |
Games, year two | 16 |
Games, year three | 0 |
Completed and not released investment in films and television content: | |
Monetized individually | 411 |
Monetized as a group | $ 238 |
INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Equit
INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Equity Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investments: | $ 996 | $ 1,062 |
Investments with readily determinable fair values | 53 | 28 |
Investments without readily determinable fair values | 438 | 498 |
Total investments | 1,487 | 1,588 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments without readily determinable fair values | $ 17 | 10 |
The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LP | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Ownership | 44% | |
Equity method investments: | $ 249 | 313 |
nC+ | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Ownership | 32% | |
Equity method investments: | $ 142 | 135 |
TNT Sports | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Ownership | 50% | |
Equity method investments: | $ 102 | 96 |
Other | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investments: | $ 503 | $ 518 |
INVESTMENTS - Narrative (Detail
INVESTMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Sep. 24, 2026 | Sep. 24, 2024 | Apr. 08, 2022 | |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
Expected earnings period | 2 years | |||||
Equity method investments | $ 996 | $ 1,062 | ||||
Loss from equity investees, net | (82) | (160) | $ (18) | |||
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value | 73 | 142 | 13 | |||
Equity securities without readily determinable fair value, cumulative impairments | 238 | |||||
WarnerMedia | ||||||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 29% | |||||
Joint Venture With British Telecommunication Plc | ||||||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
Equity method investments | 102 | |||||
Joint Venture With British Telecommunication Plc | Forecast | ||||||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 50% | 50% | ||||
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | ||||||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
Equity method investments | 697 | 720 | ||||
Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss | 734 | |||||
Loss from equity investees, net | $ 75 | $ 87 | $ 35 |
DEBT - Schedule of Components o
DEBT - Schedule of Components of Outstanding Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Total debt | $ 43,955 | $ 49,276 |
Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net | (286) | (277) |
Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting | 43,669 | 48,999 |
Current portion of debt | (1,780) | (365) |
Noncurrent portion of debt | $ 41,889 | 48,634 |
Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Weighted-average interest rate | 6.412% | |
Weighted Average | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Weighted-average interest rate | ||
Term loans with maturities of 3 years or less | Term Loan | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Total debt | $ 0 | 4,000 |
Term loans with maturities of 3 years or less | Weighted Average | Term Loan | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Weighted-average interest rate | 0% | |
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Total debt | $ 40 | 500 |
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Weighted Average | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Weighted-average interest rate | 7.13% | |
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Total debt | $ 13,664 | 12,759 |
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Weighted Average | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Weighted-average interest rate | 4% | |
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Total debt | $ 8,607 | 10,373 |
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Weighted Average | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Weighted-average interest rate | 4.28% | |
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Total debt | $ 21,644 | $ 21,644 |
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years | Weighted Average | Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Weighted-average interest rate | 5.11% |
DEBT - Narrative (Details)
DEBT - Narrative (Details) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) segment | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Jul. 01, 2024 | Aug. 31, 2023 USD ($) | Jul. 01, 2023 | Jun. 30, 2023 USD ($) | Apr. 09, 2022 | Apr. 08, 2022 USD ($) | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Outstanding borrowings | $ 43,955,000,000 | $ 49,276,000,000 | ||||||
Senior Notes, 2023 | Debt Instrument, Redemption Period One | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | 988,000,000 | |||||||
Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 6.412% | |||||||
Debt instrument, repurchase amount | $ 183,000,000 | $ 1,900,000,000 | ||||||
Face amount | $ 1,500,000,000 | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2023, 4.050% | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4.05% | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2024, 3.550% | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 3.55% | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2024, 7.570% | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 7.57% | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2024, 3.800% | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 3.80% | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2024, 3.528% | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 3.528% | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2024, 3.428% | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 3.428% | |||||||
Senior Notes | Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument, repurchase amount | $ 460,000,000 | |||||||
Outstanding borrowings | $ 40,000,000 | $ 500,000,000 | ||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due December 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | 42,000,000 | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due September 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | 178,000,000 | |||||||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due February 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | 106,000,000 | |||||||
Senior Notes | 3.325% Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 3.25% | |||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | $ 192,000,000 | |||||||
Senior Notes | 2.950% Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 2.95% | |||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | $ 796,000,000 | |||||||
Senior Notes | 2.375% Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 2.375% | |||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | $ 327,000,000 | |||||||
Term Loan | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal repayments of term loans | 4,000,000,000 | 6,000,000,000 | ||||||
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | $ 6,000,000,000 | |||||||
Number of renewal periods | segment | 2 | |||||||
Term of renewal period | 364 days | |||||||
Debt instrument, covenant, consolidated interest coverage ratio, minimum | 3 | |||||||
Debt instrument, covenant, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, maximum | 5 | 5.75 | ||||||
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Forecast | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt instrument, covenant, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, maximum | 4.50 | |||||||
Line of Credit | Revolver Sublimit for Standby Letters of Credit | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | $ 150,000,000 | |||||||
Line of Credit | Additional Commitments Upon Satisfaction of Certain Conditions | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 1,000,000,000 | |||||||
Commercial Paper | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 1,500,000,000 | |||||||
Outstanding borrowings | 0 | $ 0 | ||||||
Commercial Paper | Euro Denominated Borrowings | Revolving Credit Facility | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 500,000,000 | |||||||
WarnerMedia | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Debt assumed | 1,100,000,000 | $ 41,680,000,000 | ||||||
Scripps Networks | Senior Notes | Un-exchanged Scripps Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal amount of liabilities assumed | $ 23,000,000 |
DEBT - Schedule of Estimated De
DEBT - Schedule of Estimated Debt Payments (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
Long-term debt repayments | |
2024 | $ 1,781 |
2025 | 3,147 |
2026 | 2,289 |
2027 | 4,719 |
2028 | 1,767 |
Thereafter | 30,250 |
Interest payments | |
2024 | 2,007 |
2025 | 1,904 |
2026 | 1,778 |
2027 | 1,634 |
2028 | 1,510 |
Thereafter | $ 24,344 |
LEASES - Schedule of Leases Ref
LEASES - Schedule of Leases Reflected in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Operating Leases | ||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ 3,074 | $ 3,189 |
Operating lease liabilities (current) | 332 | 345 |
Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent) | 3,019 | 2,990 |
Total operating lease liabilities | 3,351 | 3,335 |
Finance Leases | ||
Finance lease right-of-use assets | 249 | 244 |
Finance lease liabilities (current) | 74 | 82 |
Finance lease liabilities (noncurrent) | 191 | 186 |
Total | $ 265 | $ 268 |
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Other noncurrent assets | Other noncurrent assets |
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Accrued liabilities | Accrued liabilities |
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Other noncurrent liabilities | Other noncurrent liabilities |
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Property and equipment, net | Property and equipment, net |
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Accrued liabilities | Accrued liabilities |
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Other noncurrent liabilities | Other noncurrent liabilities |
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): | ||
Operating leases | 11 years | 12 years |
Finance leases | 5 years | 5 years |
Weighted average discount rate | ||
Operating leases | 4.42% | 4.13% |
Finance leases | 4.17% | 3.23% |
LEASES - Narrative (Details)
LEASES - Narrative (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] | |
Lessee, operating lease, renewal term | 20 years |
Maximum | |
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] | |
Lessee, lease, remaining term of contract | 29 years |
LEASES - Schedule of Components
LEASES - Schedule of Components of Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Leases [Abstract] | ||
Operating lease cost | $ 540 | $ 372 |
Finance lease cost: | ||
Amortization of right-of-use assets | 85 | 78 |
Interest on lease liabilities | 8 | 8 |
Total finance lease cost | 93 | 86 |
Variable fees and other | 74 | 66 |
Total lease cost | $ 707 | $ 524 |
LEASES - Schedule of Supplement
LEASES - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | ||
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ (501) | $ (360) |
Operating cash flows from finance leases | (19) | (15) |
Financing cash flows from finance leases | (74) | (70) |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | ||
Operating leases | 364 | 490 |
Finance leases | $ 95 | $ 39 |
LEASES - Schedule of Maturities
LEASES - Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Operating Leases | ||
2024 | $ 462 | |
2025 | 404 | |
2026 | 377 | |
2027 | 358 | |
2028 | 344 | |
Thereafter | 2,415 | |
Total lease payments | 4,360 | |
Less: Imputed interest | (1,009) | |
Total operating lease liabilities | 3,351 | $ 3,335 |
Finance Leases | ||
2024 | 85 | |
2025 | 70 | |
2026 | 56 | |
2027 | 35 | |
2028 | 15 | |
Thereafter | 35 | |
Total lease payments | 296 | |
Less: Imputed interest | (31) | |
Total | $ 265 | $ 268 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_3
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Senior Notes | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Face amount | $ 1,500,000,000 | |
Weighted-average interest rate | 6.412% | |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Notional | $ 6,000,000,000 | |
Realized gain on derivatives | 63,000,000 | |
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Adjustment to other comprehensive income | $ 76,000,000 | |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Maximum length of time hedged in cash flow hedge | 32 years |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_4
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2023 GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 EUR (€) |
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Long-term debt, gross | $ 43,955 | $ 49,276 | ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets | $ 90 | $ 80 | ||
Derivative Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets | $ 21 | $ 106 | ||
Derivative Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Other noncurrent assets | Other noncurrent assets | Other noncurrent assets | Other noncurrent assets |
Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability | $ 45 | $ 58 | ||
Derivative Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Accrued liabilities | Accrued liabilities | Accrued liabilities | Accrued liabilities |
Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability | $ 138 | $ 197 | ||
Derivative Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Other noncurrent liabilities | Other noncurrent liabilities | Other noncurrent liabilities | Other noncurrent liabilities |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | $ 395 | $ 291 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 19 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 13 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,058 | 976 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 1 | 5 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 1 | 1 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 1 | 3 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 83 | 96 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 0 | 139 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 3 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 3 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,484 | 1,382 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 40 | 49 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 8 | 35 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 37 | 42 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 8 | 25 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 0 | 482 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 3 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 58 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Sterling Notes | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Long-term debt, gross | 513 | £ 402 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 174 | € 164 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,779 | 1,778 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 23 | 20 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 12 | 12 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 7 | 0 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 42 | 73 | ||
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,500 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 7 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | $ 5 | $ 0 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_5
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ 16 | $ 4 | $ 134 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 23 | 7 | 57 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Distribution | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss | (5) | (1) | 4 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Advertising | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Cost of Revenues | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 3 | 25 | 0 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other (expense) income, net | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 18 | 0 | 30 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 112 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other (expense) income, net | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ (1) | $ (2) | $ (2) |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_6
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Cross-currency swaps | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Derivative, Excluded Component, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] | Interest expense, net | Interest expense, net | Interest expense, net |
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedges | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | $ 35 | $ 162 | $ 125 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | 24 | 33 | 42 |
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedges | Euro Denominated Borrowings | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | 3 | 4 | 0 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedges | Sterling Notes | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | (11) | 112 | 6 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedges | Cross-currency swaps | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | 43 | 46 | 114 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | 24 | 33 | 42 |
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedges | Foreign exchange derivatives | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_7
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Fair Value Hedge Adjustments to Hedged Borrowings (Details) - Noncurrent portion of debt - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Carrying Amount of Hedged Borrowings | $ 1,502 | $ 0 |
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Hedged Borrowings | $ 2 | $ 0 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_8
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
(Loss) gain on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt | $ (2) | $ 0 |
Gain (loss) on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts | 2 | 0 |
Total in interest expense, net | 0 | $ 0 |
Accrued interest expense related to the hedged debt and derivative contracts | $ 27 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_9
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pretax Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | $ 28 | $ 475 | $ (33) |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | 137 | 480 | (33) |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | 109 | 5 | 0 |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other (expense) income, net | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | 28 | 475 | (33) |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | 63 | 0 | 0 |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other (expense) income, net | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | 20 | 512 | (2) |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | 46 | 5 | 0 |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other (expense) income, net | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | 1 | 0 | 8 |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other (expense) income, net | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Total | $ 7 | $ (37) | $ (39) |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Sched
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets | $ 479 | $ 430 |
Liabilities | 681 | 663 |
Cash and cash equivalents | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 105 | 50 |
Equity securities | 1 | 20 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 42 | 14 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 1 | 1 |
Other non- current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 8 | |
Equity securities | 233 | 243 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 97 | 94 |
Accrued liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 67 | 73 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 614 | 590 |
Level 1 | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets | 276 | 277 |
Liabilities | 681 | 663 |
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 0 | 0 |
Equity securities | 1 | 20 |
Level 1 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 42 | 14 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 0 | 0 |
Level 1 | Other non- current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 0 | |
Equity securities | 233 | 243 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 0 | 0 |
Level 1 | Accrued liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 67 | 73 |
Level 1 | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 614 | 590 |
Level 2 | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets | 203 | 153 |
Liabilities | 0 | 0 |
Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 105 | 50 |
Equity securities | 0 | 0 |
Level 2 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 0 | 0 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 1 | 1 |
Level 2 | Other non- current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 8 | |
Equity securities | 0 | 0 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 97 | 94 |
Level 2 | Accrued liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 0 | 0 |
Level 2 | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 0 | 0 |
Level 3 | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities | 0 | 0 |
Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 0 | 0 |
Equity securities | 0 | 0 |
Level 3 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 0 | 0 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 0 | 0 |
Level 3 | Other non- current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 0 | |
Equity securities | 0 | 0 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 0 | 0 |
Level 3 | Accrued liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 0 | 0 |
Level 3 | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | $ 0 | $ 0 |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narra
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Level 2 | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Senior notes, fair value | $ 40.5 | $ 38 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Ince
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details) shares in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 shares |
Series A and Series C common stock | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Shares available for grant (in shares) | 138 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Sche
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Components of Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Total share-based compensation expense | $ 500 | $ 412 | $ 178 |
Tax benefit recognized | 97 | 79 | 29 |
PRSUs | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Total share-based compensation expense | 65 | 2 | 10 |
RSUs | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Total share-based compensation expense | 375 | 337 | 110 |
Stock options | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Total share-based compensation expense | 60 | 71 | 58 |
SARs | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Total share-based compensation expense | $ 0 | $ 2 | $ 0 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Shar
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] | ||
Liability-classified share-based compensation award liability | $ 36 | $ 6 |
Deferred compensation share-based arrangements, liability, current | $ 10 | $ 4 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Sc_2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of PRSU Activity, RSU Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
PRSUs | ||
Awards | ||
Beginning balance (in shares) | 0.7 | |
Granted (in shares) | 4 | |
Converted (in shares) | (0.5) | |
Ending balance (in shares) | 4.2 | 0.7 |
Vested and expected to vest (in shares) | 4.2 | |
Convertible (in shares) | 0.2 | |
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||
Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ 32.80 | |
Granted (in dollars per share) | 15.41 | |
Converted (in dollars per share) | 31.09 | |
Ending balance (in dollars per share) | 16.36 | $ 32.80 |
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) | 16.36 | |
Convertible (in dollars per share) | $ 37.41 | |
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | ||
Outstanding balances | 1 year 4 months 24 days | 0 years |
Vested and expected to vest in ending balance | 1 year 4 months 24 days | |
Convertible in ending balance | 0 years | |
Aggregate Fair Value | ||
Outstanding balances | $ 48 | $ 6 |
Converted | 7 | |
Vested and expected to vest in ending balance | 48 | |
Convertible in ending balance | $ 2 | |
RSUs | ||
Awards | ||
Beginning balance (in shares) | 31.2 | |
Granted (in shares) | 29.3 | |
Vested (in shares) | (12.8) | |
Forfeited (in shares) | (3.7) | |
Ending balance (in shares) | 44 | 31.2 |
Vested and expected to vest (in shares) | 44 | |
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||
Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ 25.14 | |
Granted (in dollars per share) | 14.79 | |
Vested (in dollars per share) | 25.51 | |
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | 19.40 | |
Ending balance (in dollars per share) | 18.52 | $ 25.14 |
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ 18.52 | |
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | ||
Outstanding balances | 1 year 3 months 18 days | 2 years 3 months 18 days |
Vested and expected to vest in ending balance | 1 year 3 months 18 days | |
Aggregate Fair Value | ||
Outstanding balances | $ 501 | $ 296 |
Vested | 183 | |
Vested and expected to vest in ending balance | $ 501 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - PRSU
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - PRSUs (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
PRSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Unrecognized compensation cost | $ 53 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - RSUs
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - RSUs (Narrative) (Details) - RSUs $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Unrecognized compensation cost | $ 489 |
Cash Settlement | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Unrecognized compensation cost | $ 29 |
Weighted-average amortization period | 2 years |
Stock Settlement | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Weighted-average amortization period | 1 year 9 months 18 days |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Sc_3
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details) - Stock options - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Stock Options | ||
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) | 30.5 | |
Granted (in shares) | 2.2 | |
Forfeited (in shares) | (0.6) | |
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) | 32.1 | 30.5 |
Vested and expected to vest (in shares) | 32.1 | |
Exercisable (in shares) | 15.8 | |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price | ||
Outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ 34.95 | |
Granted (in dollars per share) | 15.02 | |
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | 28.22 | |
Outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share) | 33.73 | $ 34.95 |
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) | 33.73 | |
Exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ 30.89 | |
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, outstanding | 3 years 3 months 18 days | 4 years |
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest | 3 years 3 months 18 days | |
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable | 2 years | |
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding balance | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest | 0 | |
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable | $ 0 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Stoc
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Options (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Proceeds from stock options exercised | $ 0 | $ 1 | $ 159 |
Grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 7.43 | $ 9.60 | $ 14.08 |
Stock options | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Unrecognized compensation cost | $ 114 | ||
Weighted-average amortization period | 2 years 8 months 12 days | ||
Exercises in period, intrinsic value | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 145 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Sc_4
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options Estimated Using the Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Details) - Stock options | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 4.35% | 1.46% | 1.03% |
Expected term (years) | 4 years 6 months | 5 years | 5 years 10 months 24 days |
Expected volatility | 54.80% | 42.15% | 42.45% |
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Dome
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Components of (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Domestic | $ (4,702) | $ (8,747) | $ 1,598 |
Foreign | 839 | (213) | (165) |
(Loss) income before income taxes | $ (3,863) | $ (8,960) | $ 1,433 |
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Comp
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Components of Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Current: | |||
Federal | $ 753 | $ 629 | $ 451 |
State and local | 57 | 143 | 130 |
Foreign | 750 | 407 | 166 |
Current income tax expense | 1,560 | 1,179 | 747 |
Deferred: | |||
Federal | (1,845) | (2,367) | (250) |
State and local | (548) | (418) | 6 |
Foreign | 49 | (57) | (267) |
Deferred income tax benefit | (2,344) | (2,842) | (511) |
Income tax (benefit) expense | $ (784) | $ (1,663) | $ 236 |
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Effe
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] | |||
Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | $ (811) | $ (1,881) | $ 301 |
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit | (388) | (218) | 108 |
Effect of foreign operations | 342 | 246 | 25 |
Preferred stock conversion premium charge | 0 | 166 | 0 |
UK Finance Act legislative change | 0 | 0 | (155) |
Noncontrolling interest adjustment | (9) | (17) | (40) |
Other, net | 82 | 41 | (3) |
Income tax (benefit) expense | $ (784) | $ (1,663) | $ 236 |
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] | |||
Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 21% | 21% | 21% |
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit | 10% | 3% | 7% |
Effect of foreign operations | (9.00%) | (3.00%) | 2% |
Preferred stock conversion premium charge | 0% | (2.00%) | 0% |
UK Finance Act legislative change | 0% | 0% | (11.00%) |
Noncontrolling interest adjustment | 0% | 0% | (3.00%) |
Other, net | (2.00%) | 0% | 0% |
Income tax (benefit) expense | 20% | 19% | 16% |
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Detai
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Income tax (benefit) expense | $ (784) | $ (1,663) | $ 236 |
Effective income tax rate | 20% | 19% | 16% |
UK Finance Act legislative change | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 155 |
Valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets | 2,191 | 1,849 | |
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate | 2,147 | 1,929 | 420 |
Unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions could decrease in next twelve months | 84 | ||
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits | $ 571 | $ 413 | $ 60 |
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Co_2
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Deferred income tax assets: | ||
Accounts receivable | $ (86) | $ (78) |
Tax attribute carry-forward | 2,908 | 2,557 |
Accrued liabilities and other | 1,770 | 1,274 |
Total deferred income tax assets | 4,592 | 3,753 |
Valuation allowance | (2,191) | (1,849) |
Net deferred income tax assets | 2,401 | 1,904 |
Deferred income tax liabilities: | ||
Intangible assets | (7,988) | (9,509) |
Content rights | (685) | (1,389) |
Equity method and other investments in partnerships | (411) | (522) |
Other | (1,356) | (809) |
Total deferred income tax liabilities | (10,440) | (12,229) |
Net deferred income tax liabilities | $ (8,039) | $ (10,325) |
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Net
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (included within other noncurrent assets) | $ 697 | $ 689 |
Deferred income tax liabilities | (8,736) | (11,014) |
Net deferred income tax liabilities | $ (8,039) | $ (10,325) |
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Loss
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Loss Carry-Forwards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards | $ (2,191) | $ (1,849) |
Federal | ||
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
Loss carry-forwards | 53 | |
Deferred tax asset related to loss carry-forwards | 11 | |
Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards | (6) | |
State | ||
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
Loss carry-forwards | 1,640 | |
Deferred tax asset related to loss carry-forwards | 93 | |
Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards | (64) | |
Foreign | ||
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
Loss carry-forwards | 8,636 | |
Deferred tax asset related to loss carry-forwards | 2,131 | |
Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards | $ (1,652) |
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Reco
INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning balance | $ 1,929 | $ 420 | $ 348 |
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year | 147 | 302 | 68 |
Additions for tax positions of prior years | 195 | 35 | 64 |
Additions for tax positions acquired in business combinations | 247 | 1,353 | 0 |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years | (275) | (114) | (27) |
Settlements | (46) | (20) | (5) |
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations | (62) | (34) | (25) |
Increase due to foreign currency exchange rates | 12 | ||
Decrease due to foreign currency exchange rates | (13) | (3) | |
Ending balance | $ 2,147 | $ 1,929 | $ 420 |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Narr
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Retirement Benefits [Abstract] | |||
Company contributions | $ 210,000,000 | $ 188,000,000 | $ 50,000,000 |
Total contributions | $ 281,000,000 | $ 294,000,000 | $ 0 |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Sche
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Schedule of Contributions to Multiemployer Pension and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Total contributions | $ 281,000,000 | $ 294,000,000 | $ 0 |
Pension benefits | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Total contributions | 128,000,000 | 112,000,000 | |
Health and welfare benefits | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Total contributions | $ 153,000,000 | $ 182,000,000 |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Sc_2
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Schedule of Assumptions Determined (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Minimum | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Line Items] | |
Long-term rate of return on plan assets, term | 10 years |
Maximum | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Line Items] | |
Long-term rate of return on plan assets, term | 15 years |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Sc_3
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Schedule of Plan Assets and Obligations of the Pension Plans Based Upon a Valuation and Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Plan assets: | ||
Fair value at beginning of year | $ 533 | |
Fair value at end of year | 540 | $ 533 |
Pension Plans | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Accumulated benefit obligation | 753 | 762 |
Change in projected benefit obligation: | ||
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year | 762 | 104 |
Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4) | 0 | 908 |
Service cost | 3 | 2 |
Interest cost | 35 | 21 |
Benefits paid | (40) | (36) |
Actuarial gains | 0 | (231) |
Settlement charges | (11) | (6) |
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes and other | 4 | 0 |
Projected benefit obligation at end of year | 753 | 762 |
Plan assets: | ||
Fair value at beginning of year | 533 | 63 |
Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4) | 0 | 756 |
Actual return on plan assets | 9 | (268) |
Company contributions | 33 | 24 |
Benefits paid | (40) | (36) |
Settlement charges | (11) | (6) |
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes and other | 16 | 0 |
Fair value at end of year | 540 | 533 |
Under funded status | (213) | (229) |
Amounts recognized as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets: | ||
Other noncurrent assets | 82 | 92 |
Accrued liabilities | (31) | (29) |
Other noncurrent liabilities | (264) | (292) |
Total | (213) | (229) |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: | ||
Net loss | $ 79 | $ 94 |
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] | ||
Discount rate | 4.62% | 4.70% |
Rate of compensation increases | 3.18% | 3.05% |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Sc_4
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Schedule of Weighted Average Pension Plans Asset Allocations by Asset Category (Details) | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
Target | 100% |
Actual | 100% |
Equity securities | |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
Target | 12% |
Actual | 12% |
Fixed income securities | |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
Target | 75% |
Actual | 75% |
Multi-asset credit fund | |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
Target | 5% |
Actual | 4% |
Real assets | |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
Target | 4% |
Actual | 3% |
Hedge funds | |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
Target | 2% |
Actual | 4% |
Cash | |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
Target | 2% |
Actual | 2% |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Sc_5
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | $ 540 | $ 533 |
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 40 | 42 |
Total plan assets measured at fair value | Level 1, 2, and 3 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 638 | 627 |
Total plan assets measured at fair value | Level 1 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 57 | 53 |
Total plan assets measured at fair value | Level 2 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 505 | 502 |
Total plan assets measured at fair value | Level 3 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 76 | 72 |
Equity securities | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 64 | 69 |
Equity securities | Level 1 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 36 | 34 |
Equity securities | Level 2 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 28 | 35 |
Equity securities | Level 3 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 0 | 0 |
Fixed income securities | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 541 | 532 |
Fixed income securities | Level 1 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 12 | 14 |
Fixed income securities | Level 2 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 453 | 446 |
Fixed income securities | Level 3 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 76 | 72 |
Multi-asset credit fund | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 24 | 21 |
Multi-asset credit fund | Level 1 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 0 | 0 |
Multi-asset credit fund | Level 2 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 24 | 21 |
Multi-asset credit fund | Level 3 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 0 | 0 |
Cash | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 9 | 5 |
Cash | Level 1 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 9 | 5 |
Cash | Level 2 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | 0 | 0 |
Cash | Level 3 | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Real assets | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible Enumeration] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share |
Total plan assets | $ 18 | $ 22 |
Hedge funds | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible Enumeration] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share |
Total plan assets | $ 22 | $ 20 |
Derivatives | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Total plan assets | $ (138) | $ (136) |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Sc_6
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Schedule of Changes in the Fair Value of the Level 3 Pension Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward] | ||
Fair value at beginning of year | $ 533 | |
Fair value at end of year | 540 | $ 533 |
Fixed Income Funds | Level 3 | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward] | ||
Fair value at beginning of year | 72 | 98 |
Unrealized gains (losses) | 9 | (26) |
Transfers out | (5) | |
Fair value at end of year | $ 76 | $ 72 |
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Sc_7
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS - Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Details) - Pension Plans $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | |
2024 | $ 50 |
2025 | 46 |
2026 | 46 |
2027 | 46 |
2028 | 49 |
Thereafter | $ 234 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sche
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, at cost | $ 8,698 | $ 6,788 |
Accumulated depreciation | (3,085) | (2,055) |
Property and equipment, after accumulated depreciation | 5,613 | 4,733 |
Assets under construction | 344 | 568 |
Property and equipment, net | 5,957 | 5,301 |
Equipment, furniture, fixtures and other | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, at cost | 2,056 | 1,682 |
Capitalized software costs | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, at cost | 2,629 | 1,855 |
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, at cost | $ 4,013 | $ 3,251 |
Minimum | Equipment, furniture, fixtures and other | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Useful Lives | 3 years | |
Minimum | Capitalized software costs | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Useful Lives | 1 year | |
Minimum | Land, buildings and leasehold improvements | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Useful Lives | 15 years | |
Maximum | Equipment, furniture, fixtures and other | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Useful Lives | 7 years | |
Maximum | Capitalized software costs | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Useful Lives | 5 years | |
Maximum | Land, buildings and leasehold improvements | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Useful Lives | 30 years |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Narr
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
Depreciation | $ 1,097 | $ 957 | $ 311 |
Supplier finance program, obligation, current | $ 338 | $ 273 | |
Supplier Finance Program, Obligation, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] | Accrued liabilities | ||
Supplier finance program, termination timing, period | 30 days | ||
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Ranch Lot and Knoxville Office Building | |||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
Assets held for sale | $ 209 | ||
Capitalized software costs | |||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
Capitalized software costs, net | $ 1,301 | $ 949 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_2
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Production receivables | $ 1,265 | $ 1,231 |
Prepaid content rights | 843 | 545 |
Other current assets | 2,283 | 2,112 |
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ 4,391 | $ 3,888 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_3
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Accrued participation and residuals | $ 3,071 | $ 2,986 |
Accrued production and content rights payable | 2,118 | 3,153 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | 1,541 | 2,292 |
Other accrued liabilities | 3,638 | 3,073 |
Total accrued liabilities | $ 10,368 | $ 11,504 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_4
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Other (Expense) Income, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |||
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net | $ (173) | $ (150) | $ 93 |
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net | 28 | 475 | (33) |
Gain on sale of investment with readily determinable fair value | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value | 37 | (105) | (6) |
Change in the value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value | (73) | (142) | (13) |
Gain on sale of equity method investments | 0 | 195 | 4 |
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt | 17 | 0 | (10) |
Interest income | 179 | 67 | 18 |
Other (expense) income, net | (27) | 7 | 4 |
Total other (expense) income, net | $ (12) | $ 347 | $ 72 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_5
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestitures [Line Items] | |||
Cash paid for taxes, net | $ 1,440 | $ 1,027 | $ 643 |
Cash paid for interest | 2,237 | 1,539 | 664 |
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||
Non-cash consideration related to the purchase of the Burbank Studios Lot | 175 | 0 | 0 |
Non-cash consideration related to MegaMedia put exercise | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Non-cash settlement of PRSU awards | 35 | 0 | 0 |
Equity issued for the acquisition of WarnerMedia | 0 | 42,309 | 0 |
Accrued consideration for the joint venture with BT | 0 | 90 | 0 |
Accrued purchases of property and equipment | 41 | 66 | 34 |
Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements | 235 | 53 | 134 |
Ranch Lot | |||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||
Non-cash consideration related to the sale | 175 | 0 | 0 |
JCOM Co., Ltd. ("JCOM") | |||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||
Non-cash consideration related to the sale | 68 | 0 | 0 |
Non-cash consideration paid related to the transaction agreements with JCOM | 2 | 0 | 0 |
The CW Network | |||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||
Non-cash consideration related to the sale | $ 0 | $ 126 | $ 0 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_6
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 3,780 | $ 3,731 | ||
Restricted cash - other current assets | 539 | 199 | ||
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ 4,319 | $ 3,930 | $ 3,905 | $ 2,122 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_7
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Changes in the Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | |||
Beginning balance | $ 48,349 | $ 13,033 | $ 12,000 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 782 | (693) | (179) |
Ending balance | 46,307 | 48,349 | 13,033 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | |||
Beginning balance | (1,523) | (830) | (651) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 794 | (673) | (154) |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | (12) | (20) | (25) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 782 | (693) | (179) |
Ending balance | (741) | (1,523) | (830) |
Currency Translation | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | |||
Beginning balance | (1,498) | (845) | (555) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 799 | (651) | (290) |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | 0 | (2) | 0 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 799 | (653) | (290) |
Ending balance | (699) | (1,498) | (845) |
Derivative Adjustments | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | |||
Beginning balance | 14 | 28 | (81) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 16 | 4 | 134 |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | (12) | (18) | (25) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 4 | (14) | 109 |
Ending balance | 18 | 14 | 28 |
Pension Plans | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | |||
Beginning balance | (39) | (13) | (15) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (21) | (26) | 2 |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (21) | (26) | 2 |
Ending balance | $ (60) | $ (39) | $ (13) |
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_3
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | $ 165 | $ 318 | $ 363 | $ 383 |
Discovery Family | ||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 156 | 173 | ||
MotorTrend Group LLC (“MTG”) | ||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 0 | 112 | ||
Other | ||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | $ 9 | $ 33 |
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_4
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Schedule of Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity | |||
Beginning balance | $ 318 | $ 363 | $ 383 |
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (30) | (50) | (11) |
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest | (22) | 0 | 0 |
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest | (111) | 0 | (26) |
Comprehensive income adjustments: | |||
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 9 | 6 | 53 |
Currency translation on redemption values | (3) | (5) | (5) |
Retained earnings adjustments: | |||
Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) | 2 | 0 | (16) |
Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value equals fair value) | 2 | 4 | (15) |
Ending balance | $ 165 | $ 318 | $ 363 |
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_5
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 25, 2024 | Sep. 25, 2022 | Mar. 25, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 | Jul. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Discovery Japan, Inc. ("JVCo") | ||||||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||||||
Equity method investment, ownership percentage | 51% | 80% | ||||||
GoldenTree Asset Management, L.P. | MotorTrend Group, LLC Joint Venture | ||||||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||||||
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners | 32.50% | |||||||
JCOM Co., Ltd. ("JCOM") | Discovery Japan, Inc. ("JVCo") | ||||||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||||||
Equity method investment, ownership percentage | 49% | 20% | ||||||
Discovery Family | Hasbro Inc. | ||||||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||||||
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners | 40% | |||||||
MotorTrend Group, LLC Joint Venture | ||||||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||||||
Terms of put arrangement | 30 days | 30 days | ||||||
Percentage of voting interests acquired | 32.50% | |||||||
Total consideration paid | $ 49 | |||||||
MotorTrend Group, LLC Joint Venture | Forecast | ||||||||
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | ||||||||
Terms of put arrangement | 30 days |
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Detail
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Details) - The Tribune Company - The Food Network and Cooking Channel | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] | |
Voting interests percentage by parent | 80% |
Ownership percentage by parent | 68.70% |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Na
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Narrative (Details) | Dec. 31, 2023 | Sep. 30, 2022 |
The CW Network, LLC | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | The CW Network, LLC | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Ownership | 75% | |
Liberty Global | Board of Directors Chairman | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Aggregate voting power percentage of a related party | 30% | |
Liberty Broadband | Board of Directors Chairman | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Aggregate voting power percentage of a related party | 48% |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Sc
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Schedule of Transactions with Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | $ 41,321 | $ 33,817 | $ 12,191 |
Expenses | 42,869 | 41,187 | 10,179 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | 301 | 300 | 251 |
Liberty Group | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | 1,887 | 1,758 | 671 |
Equity method investees | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | 687 | 464 | 253 |
Other | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | 216 | 311 | 169 |
Related Party | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | 2,790 | 2,533 | 1,093 |
Expenses | 357 | 406 | 238 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | $ 301 | $ 300 | $ 251 |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - _2
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Schedule of Receivables and Payables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Receivables | $ 6,047 | $ 6,380 |
Payables | 1,260 | 1,454 |
Liberty Group | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Receivables | 363 | 338 |
Payables | $ 18 | $ 38 |
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, A_3
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES - Schedule of Significant Contractual Commitments (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) |
Total | |
2024 | $ 8,944 |
2025 | 5,208 |
2026 | 3,307 |
2027 | 3,137 |
2028 | 2,215 |
Thereafter | 5,558 |
Total | 28,369 |
Content | |
Content | |
2024 | 7,077 |
2025 | 4,270 |
2026 | 2,726 |
2027 | 2,460 |
2028 | 2,130 |
Thereafter | 5,409 |
Total | 24,072 |
Other Purchase Obligations | |
Other Obligations | |
2024 | 1,386 |
2025 | 666 |
2026 | 446 |
2027 | 626 |
2028 | 55 |
Thereafter | 63 |
Total | 3,242 |
Other Employee Obligations | |
Other Obligations | |
2024 | 481 |
2025 | 272 |
2026 | 135 |
2027 | 51 |
2028 | 30 |
Thereafter | 86 |
Total | $ 1,055 |
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, A_4
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | |
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Other contingent commitment | $ 395,000,000 | |
Other contingent commitment to be paid in next year | 367,000,000 | |
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value | 0 | $ 0 |
Material amounts for indemnifications or other contingencies | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Other Purchase Obligations | Minimum | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Contract termination notice, period without penalty | 30 days | |
Other Purchase Obligations | Maximum | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Contract termination notice, period without penalty | 60 days | |
Six Flags Guarantee | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Gross aggregate undiscounted future cash flow requirements cover by guarantee | $ 521,000,000 | |
Payments for guarantee obligations | $ 0 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Revenues by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues | $ 41,321 | $ 33,817 | $ 12,191 |
Operating Segments | Studios | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues | 12,192 | 9,731 | 20 |
Operating Segments | Networks | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues | 21,244 | 19,348 | 11,311 |
Operating Segments | DTC | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues | 10,154 | 7,274 | 860 |
Corporate | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues | 0 | 30 | 0 |
Inter-segment eliminations | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues | $ (2,269) | $ (2,566) | $ 0 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedul_2
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 10,200 | $ 7,718 | $ 3,817 |
Operating Segments | Studios | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 2,183 | 1,772 | 14 |
Operating Segments | Networks | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 9,063 | 8,725 | 5,533 |
Operating Segments | DTC | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 103 | (1,596) | (1,345) |
Corporate | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | (1,242) | (1,200) | (385) |
Inter-segment eliminations | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 93 | $ 17 | $ 0 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedul_3
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc, to Adjusted EBITDA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |||
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | $ (3,126) | $ (7,371) | $ 1,006 |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 9 | 6 | 53 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 38 | 68 | 138 |
Income tax (benefit) expense | (784) | (1,663) | 236 |
(Loss) income before income taxes | (3,863) | (8,960) | 1,433 |
Other expense (income), net | 12 | (347) | (72) |
Loss from equity investees, net | 82 | 160 | 18 |
Interest expense, net | 2,221 | 1,777 | 633 |
Operating (loss) income | (1,548) | (7,370) | 2,012 |
Impairments and loss (gain) on dispositions | 77 | 117 | (71) |
Restructuring and other charges | 585 | 3,757 | 32 |
Depreciation and amortization | 7,985 | 7,193 | 1,582 |
Employee share-based compensation | 488 | 410 | 167 |
Transaction and integration costs | 162 | 1,195 | 95 |
Facility consolidation costs | 32 | 0 | 0 |
Amortization of fair value step-up for content | 2,373 | 2,416 | 0 |
Amortization of capitalized interest for content | 46 | 0 | 0 |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 10,200 | $ 7,718 | $ 3,817 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedul_4
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Content Amortization and Impairment Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total content amortization and impairment expense | $ 16,139 | $ 16,969 | $ 3,501 |
Corporate | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total content amortization and impairment expense | (6) | (1) | 0 |
Inter-segment eliminations | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total content amortization and impairment expense | (1,697) | (1,951) | 0 |
Studios | Operating Segments | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total content amortization and impairment expense | 5,074 | 5,950 | 0 |
Networks | Operating Segments | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total content amortization and impairment expense | 6,630 | 6,171 | 2,991 |
DTC | Operating Segments | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total content amortization and impairment expense | $ 6,138 | $ 6,800 | $ 510 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedul_5
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Revenues by Geography (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | $ 41,321 | $ 33,817 | $ 12,191 |
U.S. | |||
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | 28,004 | 22,697 | 7,728 |
Non-U.S. | |||
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] | |||
Total revenues and service charges | $ 13,317 | $ 11,120 | $ 4,463 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedul_6
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Property and Equipment by Geography (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||
Total property and equipment, net | $ 5,957 | $ 5,301 |
U.S. | ||
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||
Total property and equipment, net | 4,295 | 3,785 |
U.K. | ||
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||
Total property and equipment, net | 980 | 1,002 |
Other non-U.S. | ||
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||
Total property and equipment, net | $ 682 | $ 514 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) | Feb. 23, 2024 |
Subsequent Event | All3Media | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |
Equity method investment, ownership percentage sold | 50% |
Schedule II_ Valuation and Qu_2
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
Valuation allowance | $ 2,191 | $ 1,849 | |
WarnerMedia | |||
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
Valuation allowance | 343 | ||
Allowance for credit losses (a) | |||
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning of Year | 123 | 54 | $ 59 |
Additions | 152 | 165 | 21 |
Deductions | (114) | (96) | (26) |
End of Year | 161 | 123 | 54 |
Deferred tax valuation allowance (b) | |||
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning of Year | 1,849 | 305 | 257 |
Additions | 429 | 1,617 | 80 |
Deductions | (87) | (73) | (32) |
End of Year | $ 2,191 | $ 1,849 | $ 305 |