Cover
Cover - shares | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Apr. 25, 2024 | |
Cover [Abstract] | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Document Quarterly Report | true | |
Document Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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 Current Reporting Status | Yes | |
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Entity Small Business | false | |
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
Entity Shell Company | false | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 2,450,313,398 | |
Entity Central Index Key | 0001437107 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2024 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 | |
Amendment Flag | false |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Revenues: | ||
Revenues | $ 9,958 | $ 10,700 |
Costs and expenses: | ||
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization | 6,058 | 6,685 |
Selling, general and administrative | 2,232 | 2,388 |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,888 | 2,058 |
Restructuring and other charges | 35 | 95 |
Impairment and loss on dispositions | 12 | 31 |
Total costs and expenses | 10,225 | 11,257 |
Operating loss | (267) | (557) |
Interest expense, net | (515) | (571) |
Loss from equity investees, net | (48) | (37) |
Other income (expense), net | 11 | (73) |
Loss before income taxes | (819) | (1,238) |
Income tax (expense) benefit | (136) | 178 |
Net loss | (955) | (1,060) |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (7) | (8) |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (4) | (1) |
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | $ (966) | $ (1,069) |
Net loss per share available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders: | ||
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ (0.40) | $ (0.44) |
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ (0.40) | $ (0.44) |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | ||
Basic (in shares) | 2,443 | 2,432 |
Diluted (in shares) | 2,443 | 2,432 |
Distribution | ||
Revenues: | ||
Revenues | $ 4,985 | $ 5,163 |
Advertising | ||
Revenues: | ||
Revenues | 2,148 | 2,298 |
Content | ||
Revenues: | ||
Revenues | 2,558 | 2,954 |
Other | ||
Revenues: | ||
Revenues | $ 267 | $ 285 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||
Net loss | $ (955) | $ (1,060) |
Other comprehensive loss: | ||
Currency translation, net of income tax benefit of $7 and $(5) | (176) | 426 |
Pension plan and SERP liability, net of income tax benefit of $— and $(3) | 0 | (9) |
Derivatives | ||
Change in net unrealized gains | 13 | 3 |
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income | (9) | (2) |
Net change, net of income tax benefit of $— and $2 | 4 | 1 |
Comprehensive loss | (1,127) | (642) |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (7) | (8) |
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (4) | (1) |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | $ (1,138) | $ (651) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Currency translation | ||
Income tax benefit (expense), currency translation | $ 7 | $ (5) |
Income tax benefit (expense) on defined benefit plans | 0 | (3) |
Derivatives | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | $ 0 | $ 2 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Current assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 2,976 | $ 3,780 |
Receivables, net | 6,303 | 6,047 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4,623 | 4,391 |
Total current assets | 13,902 | 14,218 |
Film and television content rights and games | 20,439 | 21,229 |
Property and equipment, net | 5,937 | 5,957 |
Goodwill | 34,891 | 34,969 |
Intangible assets, net | 36,648 | 38,285 |
Other noncurrent assets | 8,002 | 8,099 |
Total assets | 119,819 | 122,757 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 1,245 | 1,260 |
Accrued liabilities | 10,288 | 10,368 |
Deferred revenues | 1,993 | 1,924 |
Current portion of debt | 3,430 | 1,780 |
Total current liabilities | 16,956 | 15,332 |
Noncurrent portion of debt | 39,148 | 41,889 |
Deferred income taxes | 8,303 | 8,736 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 10,118 | 10,328 |
Total liabilities | 74,525 | 76,285 |
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 15) | ||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 179 | 165 |
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity: | ||
Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 10,800 and 10,800 shares authorized; 2,679 and 2,669 shares issued; and 2,449 and 2,439 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 | 55,175 | 55,112 |
Treasury stock, at cost: 230 and 230 shares | (8,244) | (8,244) |
Accumulated deficit | (1,894) | (928) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (913) | (741) |
Total Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity | 44,151 | 45,226 |
Noncontrolling interests | 964 | 1,081 |
Total equity | 45,115 | 46,307 |
Total liabilities and equity | $ 119,819 | $ 122,757 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
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) | 2,679 | 2,669 |
Common stock outstanding (in shares) | 2,449 | 2,439 |
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 STATEMENT OF CASH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Operating Activities | ||
Net loss | $ (955) | $ (1,060) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||
Content rights amortization and impairment | 3,827 | 4,723 |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,888 | 2,058 |
Deferred income taxes | (399) | (669) |
Share-based compensation expense | 101 | 111 |
Equity in losses of equity method investee companies and cash distributions | 58 | 62 |
Gain from derivative instruments, net | (43) | (23) |
Other, net | 7 | 97 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions: | ||
Receivables, net | (304) | (486) |
Film and television content rights, games, and production payables, net | (2,778) | (4,051) |
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred revenues and other noncurrent liabilities | (753) | (1,652) |
Foreign currency, prepaid expenses and other assets, net | (64) | 259 |
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 585 | (631) |
Investing Activities | ||
Purchases of property and equipment | (195) | (299) |
Investments in and advances to equity investments | (53) | (13) |
Other investing activities, net | 41 | 55 |
Cash used in investing activities | (207) | (257) |
Financing Activities | ||
Principal repayments of term loans | 0 | (1,500) |
Principal repayments of debt, including premiums and discounts to par value | (1,047) | (106) |
Borrowings from debt, net of discount and issuance costs | 0 | 1,500 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | (130) | (237) |
Borrowings under commercial paper program and revolving credit facility | 2,200 | 932 |
Repayments under commercial paper program and revolving credit facility | (2,200) | (933) |
Other financing activities, net | (60) | (88) |
Cash used in financing activities | (1,237) | (432) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (74) | 29 |
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (933) | (1,291) |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period | 4,319 | 3,930 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period | $ 3,386 | $ 2,639 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | Total | Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Noncontrolling Interests |
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 | 2,660 | |||||||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022 | $ 48,349 | $ 47,095 | $ 27 | $ 54,630 | $ (8,244) | $ 2,205 | $ (1,523) | $ 1,254 |
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests | (1,061) | (1,069) | (1,069) | 8 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 418 | 418 | 418 | |||||
Share-based compensation | 101 | 101 | 101 | |||||
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans | (53) | (53) | (53) | |||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (225) | (225) | ||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares) | 6 | |||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans | 9 | 9 | 9 | |||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value | (3) | (3) | (3) | |||||
Other adjustments to stockholders' equity | (2) | (2) | (2) | |||||
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2023 | 2,666 | |||||||
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2023 | $ 47,533 | 46,496 | $ 27 | 54,685 | (8,244) | 1,133 | (1,105) | 1,037 |
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 | 2,439 | 2,669 | ||||||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2023 | $ 46,307 | 45,226 | $ 27 | 55,112 | (8,244) | (928) | (741) | 1,081 |
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests | (959) | (966) | (966) | 7 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (173) | (172) | (172) | (1) | ||||
Share-based compensation | 108 | 108 | 108 | |||||
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans | (53) | (53) | (53) | |||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (123) | (123) | ||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares) | 10 | |||||||
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans | 30 | 30 | 30 | |||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value | $ (22) | (22) | (22) | |||||
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2024 | 2,449 | 2,679 | ||||||
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2024 | $ 45,115 | $ 44,151 | $ 27 | $ 55,175 | $ (8,244) | $ (1,894) | $ (913) | $ 964 |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION | DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (“Warner Bros. Discovery”, “WBD”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes a differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. Principles 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. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated. Unaudited Interim Financial Statements These consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they reflect all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP applicable to interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or future periods. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”). 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. Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Segment Reporting In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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. |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company performed goodwill and intangible assets impairment monitoring procedures for all of its reporting units and identified no indicators of impairment or triggering events. As of October 1, 2023, 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 Company will continue to monitor its reporting units for triggers that could impact recoverability of goodwill. These triggers include, but are not limited to, continued decline in the Company’s market capitalization; affiliate and sports rights renewals, including the NBA, associated with the Company’s Networks and DTC reporting units; declining levels of global GDP growth and 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. |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES | RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES In connection with the completion of its merger (the “Merger”) with the WarnerMedia business (the “WarnerMedia Business”) of AT&T Inc. on April 8, 2022, the Company has announced and has taken actions to implement projects to achieve cost synergies for the Company, which includes, 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. Restructuring and other charges by reportable segments and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Studios $ 11 $ 76 Networks 11 3 DTC 2 9 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations 11 7 Total restructuring and other charges $ 35 $ 95 During the three months ended March 31, 2024, restructuring and other charges were primarily related to organization restructuring costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, restructuring and other charges primarily included contract terminations and facility consolidation activities of $56 million, organization restructuring costs of $35 million, and other charges of $4 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, 2023 $ 98 $ 202 $ 80 $ 80 $ 460 Employee termination accruals, net 10 11 6 10 37 Other accruals — — (3) — (3) Cash paid (47) (51) (27) (50) (175) March 31, 2024 $ 61 $ 162 $ 56 $ 40 $ 319 |
REVENUES
REVENUES | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
REVENUES | REVENUES The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 5 $ 2,797 $ 2,185 $ (2) $ 4,985 Advertising 4 1,987 175 (18) 2,148 Content 2,623 264 99 (428) 2,558 Other 189 77 1 — 267 Total $ 2,821 $ 5,125 $ 2,460 $ (448) $ 9,958 Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 3 $ 2,995 $ 2,165 $ — $ 5,163 Advertising 3 2,237 103 (45) 2,298 Content 3,027 245 185 (503) 2,954 Other 179 104 2 — 285 Total $ 3,212 $ 5,581 $ 2,455 $ (548) $ 10,700 Contract Liabilities and Contract Assets The following table presents contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Contract liabilities Deferred revenues $ 1,993 $ 1,924 Contract liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities 219 160 For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, revenues of $772 million and $856 million were recognized that were included in deferred revenues as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Contract assets were not material as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Remaining Performance Obligations As of March 31, 2024, $11,180 million of revenue is expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations under our long-term contracts. The following table presents a summary of remaining performance obligations by contract type (in millions). Contract Type March 31, 2024 Duration Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee $ 3,260 Through 2031 Content licensing and sports sublicensing 4,918 Through 2030 Brand licensing 2,215 Through 2043 Advertising 787 Through 2027 Total $ 11,180 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 | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES | SALES OF RECEIVABLES Revolving Receivables Program During the second half of 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 outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets was $5,170 million as of March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $51 million and $33 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 2024). (See Note 9.) The following table presents a summary of receivables sold (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received $ 3,956 $ 2,779 Collections reinvested under revolving agreement (3,987) (2,845) Net cash proceeds remitted (a) $ (31) $ (66) Net receivables sold $ 3,914 $ 2,698 Obligations recorded (Level 3) $ 153 $ 148 (a) Includes the collection on receivables sold but not remitted of $30 million as of March 31, 2024. The following table presents a summary of the amounts transferred or pledged, which were held at the Company’s bankruptcy-remote consolidated subsidiary (in millions). March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Gross receivables pledged as collateral $ 2,900 $ 3,088 Restricted cash pledged as collateral $ 406 $ 500 Balance sheet classification: Receivables, net $ 2,660 $ 2,780 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 406 $ 500 Other noncurrent assets $ 240 $ 308 Accounts Receivable Factoring No amounts were sold under the Company’s factoring arrangement for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Total trade accounts receivable sold under the Company’s factoring arrangement was $72 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The impact to the consolidated statements of operations was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. This accounts receivable factoring agreement is separate and distinct from the revolving receivables program. |
CONTENT RIGHTS
CONTENT RIGHTS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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 tables below present the components of content rights (in millions). March 31, 2024 Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Theatrical film production costs: Released, less amortization $ 2,605 $ — $ 2,605 Completed and not released 554 — 554 In production and other 976 — 976 Television production costs: Released, less amortization 1,380 4,833 6,213 Completed and not released 615 621 1,236 In production and other 348 2,472 2,820 Total theatrical film and television production costs $ 6,478 $ 7,926 $ 14,404 Licensed content and advances, net 4,631 Live programming and advances, net 2,050 Game development costs, less amortization 497 Total film and television content rights and games 21,582 Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net (1,143) Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games $ 20,439 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 Content amortization consisted of the following (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Predominantly monetized individually $ 922 $ 1,531 Predominantly monetized as a group 2,779 3,096 Total content amortization $ 3,701 $ 4,627 Content expense includes amortization, impairments, and development expense and is generally a component of costs of revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. Content and game impairments were $126 million and $96 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. |
INVESTMENTS
INVESTMENTS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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 March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Equity method investments: The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LP Other noncurrent assets 44% $ 226 $ 249 nC+ Other noncurrent assets 32% 141 142 TNT Sports Other noncurrent assets 50% 101 102 Other Other noncurrent assets 499 503 Total equity method investments 967 996 Investments with readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets 49 53 Investments without readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets (a) 428 438 Total investments $ 1,444 $ 1,487 (a) Investments without readily determinable fair values included $17 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively that were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Equity Method Investments Certain of the Company’s other equity method investments are VIEs, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s maximum exposure for all of its unconsolidated VIEs, including the investment carrying values and unfunded contractual commitments made on behalf of VIEs, was approximately $689 million. The Company’s maximum estimated exposure excludes the non-contractual future funding of VIEs. The aggregate carrying values of these VIE investments were $669 million as of March 31, 2024 and $697 million as of December 31, 2023. VIE gains and losses are recorded in loss from equity investees, net on the consolidated statements of operations, and were not material for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. |
DEBT
DEBT | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
DEBT | DEBT The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions). Weighted-Average March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less — % $ — $ 40 Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less 4.02 % 14,225 13,664 Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years 4.33 % 7,107 8,607 Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years 5.11 % 21,513 21,644 Total debt 42,845 43,955 Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net (267) (286) Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting 42,578 43,669 Current portion of debt (3,430) (1,780) Noncurrent portion of debt $ 39,148 $ 41,889 During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company repaid in full at maturity $726 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes due February and March 2024 and completed open market repurchases for $364 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes. During the three months ended March 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. The proceeds were used to pay $1.5 billion of aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Company’s term loan prior to the due date of April 2025. The Company also repaid $106 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes due February 2023. As of March 31, 2024, all senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“Scripps Networks”), Discovery Communications, LLC (“DCL”) (to the extent it is not the primary obligor on such senior notes), and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. (“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 Company may also request additional commitments up to $1.0 billion from the lenders upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Company’s commercial paper program is supported by the Credit Facility. Borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility is effectively reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its Credit Facility or its commercial paper program. Credit Agreement Financial Covenants |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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 March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments was determined using a market-based approach (Level 2). The following table summarizes the impact of derivative financial instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (in millions). March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Fair Value Fair Value Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other non- Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other non- Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange $ 1,249 $ 24 $ 7 $ 34 $ 4 $ 1,484 $ 40 $ 8 $ 37 $ 8 Net investment hedges: (a) Cross-currency swaps 1,361 22 13 7 24 1,779 23 12 7 42 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps 1,500 9 — — 7 1,500 7 — — 5 No hedging designation: Foreign exchange 1,089 25 4 4 96 1,058 1 1 1 83 Interest rate swaps 3,250 23 — — — — — — — — Total return swaps 420 10 — — — 395 19 — — — Total $ 113 $ 24 $ 45 $ 131 $ 90 $ 21 $ 45 $ 138 (a) Excludes £400 million and £402 million of sterling notes ($506 million and $513 million equivalent at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively ) designated as a net investment hedge. (See Note 8.) Derivatives Designated for Hedge Accounting Cash Flow Hedges The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate the foreign currency risk related to revenues, production rebates and production expenses and fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps to mitigate foreign currency risk associated with its British Pound Sterling denominated debt. As production spend occurs or when rebate receivables are recognized, foreign forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges are de-designated. Upon de-designation, gains and losses on these derivatives directly impact earnings in the same line as the hedged risk. In April 2023, the Company unwound 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 following table presents the pre-tax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive loss (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments $ 16 $ 1 Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - distribution revenue 2 (1) Foreign exchange - costs of revenues 11 2 Interest rate - interest expense, net (1) 1 If current fair valu es of designated cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2024 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 31 years. Net Investment Hedges The Company uses fixed-to-fixed cross currency swaps to mitigate foreign currency risk associated with the net assets of non-USD functional entities. The following table presents the pre-tax 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 three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Three Months Ended March 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) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cross currency swaps $ 25 $ 22 Interest expense, net $ 6 $ 5 Euro-denominated notes (foreign denominated debt) — 5 N/A — — Sterling notes (foreign denominated debt) 4 — N/A — — Total $ 29 $ 27 $ 6 $ 5 Fair Value Hedges During the three months ended March 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 March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Noncurrent portion of debt $ 1,502 $ 1,502 $ 2 $ 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). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt (1) $ — $ (12) (Loss) gain on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts (1) — 12 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 not material as of March 31, 2024. Derivatives Not Designated for Hedge Accounting The Company has deferred compensation plans that have risk related to the fair value gains and losses on these investments and 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 $3.0 billion notional of non-designated interest rate swaps. The gains and losses on these derivatives are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting securitization interest expense. The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in selling, general and administrative expense and other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Interest rate swaps $ 21 $ — Total return swaps 19 18 Total in selling, general and administrative expense 40 18 Interest rate swaps 2 — Foreign exchange derivatives (8) 3 Total in other income (expense), net (6) 3 Total $ 34 $ 21 |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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 tables below present assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions). March 31, 2024 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents: Time deposits Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 102 $ — $ 102 Equity securities: Money market fund Cash and cash equivalents 1 — — 1 Mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets 44 — — 44 Company-owned life insurance contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1 — 1 Mutual funds Other noncurrent assets 234 — — 234 Company-owned life insurance contracts Other noncurrent assets — 100 — 100 Total $ 279 $ 203 $ — $ 482 Liabilities Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 67 $ — $ — $ 67 Deferred compensation plan Other noncurrent liabilities 652 — — 652 Total $ 719 $ — $ — $ 719 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 funds 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 In addition to the financial instruments listed in the tables above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and senior notes. The carrying values for such financial instruments, other than the senior notes, each approximated their fair values as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. 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 $38.3 billion and $40.5 billion as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] | |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION | SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION The Company has various incentive plans under which performance based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), service based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and stock options have been issued. The table below presents awards granted (in millions, except weighted-average grant price). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Awards Weighted-Average Grant Price Awards granted: PRSUs 6.1 $ 8.66 RSUs 51.9 $ 8.70 Stock options 4.1 $ 8.67 The table below presents unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards and the weighted-average amortization period over which these expenses will be recognized as of March 31, 2024 (in millions, except years). Unrecognized Compensation Cost Weighted-Average Amortization Period PRSUs $ 101 2.0 RSUs 834 2.1 Stock options 120 2.5 Total unrecognized compensation cost $ 1,055 |
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
INCOME TAXES | INCOME TAXES Income tax (expense) benefit was $(136) million and $178 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in pre-tax book income and the tax attribute carryforwards in jurisdictions for which no tax benefit can be recognized. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 reflects an effective income tax rate that differs from the federal statutory tax rate primarily attributable to the effect of foreign operations, changes in uncertain tax positions, and state and local income taxes. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company’s reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $2,150 million and $2,147 million, respectively. 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 $88 million within the next twelve months as a result of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations or regulatory developments. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had accrued $616 million and $571 million, respectively, of total interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) Pillar Two Global Anti-Base Erosion (“GloBE”) model rules, issued under the OECD Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, introduce a global minimum tax of 15% applicable to multinational enterprise groups with consolidated financial statement revenue in excess of €750 million. Numerous foreign jurisdictions have already enacted tax legislation based on the GloBE rules, with some effective as early as January 1, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, we recognized a nominal income tax expense for Pillar Two GloBE minimum tax. The Company is continuously monitoring the evolving application of this legislation and assessing its potential impact on our future tax liability. |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES | SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES The following tables present supplemental information related to the consolidated financial statements (in millions). Other Income (Expense), net Other income (expense), net, consisted of the following (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Foreign currency losses, net $ (137) $ (93) (Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net (6) 3 Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value (1) 29 Change in fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value (14) (68) Gain on extinguishment of debt 25 — Interest income 60 45 Indemnification receivable accrual 90 5 Other (loss) income, net (6) 6 Total other income (expense), net $ 11 $ (73) Supplemental Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Cash paid for taxes, net $ 118 $ 312 Cash paid for interest, net 867 920 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Accrued purchases of property and equipment 28 33 Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements 111 29 Settlement of PRSU awards 31 8 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,976 $ 3,780 Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets (1) 410 539 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 3,386 $ 4,319 (1) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 5 and Note 9.) Earnings Per Share The table below presents a reconciliation of net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Numerator: Net loss $ (955) $ (1,060) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (7) (8) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (4) (1) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) (4) — Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (970) $ (1,069) The table below presents the details of share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Anti-dilutive share-based awards 74 62 Supplier Finance Programs As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has confirmed $337 million and $338 million, respectively, of accrued content producer liabilities. These amounts were outstanding and unpaid by the Company and were recorded in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Currency Translation Derivatives Pension Plan and SERP Liability Accumulated Beginning balance $ (699) $ 18 $ (60) $ (741) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (176) 13 — (163) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (9) — (9) Other comprehensive income (loss) (176) 4 — (172) Ending balance $ (875) $ 22 $ (60) $ (913) Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Currency Translation Derivatives Pension Plan and SERP Liability Accumulated Beginning balance $ (1,498) $ 14 $ (39) $ (1,523) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 426 3 (9) 420 Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (2) — (2) Other comprehensive income (loss) 426 1 (9) 418 Ending balance $ (1,072) $ 15 $ (48) $ (1,105) |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Revenues and service charges: Liberty Group $ 445 $ 518 Equity method investees 146 175 Other 62 47 Total revenues and service charges $ 653 $ 740 Expenses $ 77 $ 99 Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests $ 130 $ 237 The table below presents receivables due from and payables due to related parties (in millions). March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Receivables $ 513 $ 363 Payables $ 14 $ 18 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 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. 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. A determination as to the amount of the accrual required for such contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgment about future events. In connection with a contract dispute arising out of definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Merger, the Company established an immaterial accrual in the first quarter of 2024. At this time, the Company is not able to estimate the reasonably possible range of loss or any loss in excess of the accrual associated with such matter. There can be no assurance that any settlement of such dispute will be reached and, if a settlement is reached, what the total dollar amount will be of any such settlement. The Company may not currently be able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for certain 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. |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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. 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; • 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. 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. We prospectively updated certain corporate allocations at the beginning of 2024. The impact to prior periods was immaterial. The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments, corporate, and inter-segment eliminations (in millions). Revenues Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Studios $ 2,821 $ 3,212 Networks 5,125 5,581 DTC 2,460 2,455 Corporate 1 — Inter-segment eliminations (449) (548) Total revenues $ 9,958 $ 10,700 Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Studios $ 184 $ 607 Networks 2,119 2,293 DTC 86 50 Corporate (346) (355) Inter-segment eliminations 59 16 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,102 $ 2,611 Reconciliation of Net Loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (966) $ (1,069) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 4 1 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 7 8 Income tax expense (benefit) 136 (178) Loss before income taxes (819) (1,238) Other (income) expense, net (11) 73 Loss from equity investees, net 48 37 Interest expense, net 515 571 Operating loss (267) (557) Depreciation and amortization 1,888 2,058 Employee share-based compensation 99 106 Restructuring and other charges 35 95 Transaction and integration costs 81 47 Facility consolidation costs 2 — Impairment and amortization of fair value step-up for content 235 831 Amortization of capitalized interest for content 17 — Impairments and loss on dispositions 12 31 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,102 $ 2,611 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On May 9, 2024, the Company announced a cash tender offer to purchase for cash up to $1.75 billion aggregate purchase price (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) of (i) DCL’s outstanding 3.900% Senior Notes due 2024, 4.000% Senior Notes due 2055, 4.650% Senior Notes due 2050, 4.950% Senior Notes due 2042, 4.875% Senior Notes due 2043, 5.200% Senior Notes due 2047, and 5.300% Senior Notes due 2049, (ii) Scripps Networks’ outstanding 3.900% Senior Notes due 2024, (iii) the legacy WarnerMedia Business’s outstanding 4.650% Senior Notes due 2044, 4.850% Senior Notes due 2045, 4.900% Senior Notes due 2042, and 5.350% Senior Notes due 2043, and (iv) WMH’s outstanding 5.050% Senior Notes due 2042, which it expects to fund using the aggregate net proceeds from one or more debt financing transactions together with available cash on hand and other available sources of liquidity. Consistent with past practice, the Company used its commercial paper program and credit facility to manage working capital. As of May 9, 2024, the Company had approximately $850 million outstanding of commercial paper, which is expected to be repaid within the current quarter. |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B_2
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Principles of Consolidation | Principles 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. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated. |
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements | Unaudited Interim Financial Statements These consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they reflect all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP applicable to interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or future periods. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”). |
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. |
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted | Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Segment Reporting In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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. |
Derivatives | The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. |
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. |
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. 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; • 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. |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_2
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges by Reportable Segment | Restructuring and other charges by reportable segments and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Studios $ 11 $ 76 Networks 11 3 DTC 2 9 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations 11 7 Total restructuring and other charges $ 35 $ 95 |
Schedule of Changes in Restructuring Liabilities Recorded in Accrued Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | 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, 2023 $ 98 $ 202 $ 80 $ 80 $ 460 Employee termination accruals, net 10 11 6 10 37 Other accruals — — (3) — (3) Cash paid (47) (51) (27) (50) (175) March 31, 2024 $ 61 $ 162 $ 56 $ 40 $ 319 |
REVENUES (Tables)
REVENUES (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
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). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 5 $ 2,797 $ 2,185 $ (2) $ 4,985 Advertising 4 1,987 175 (18) 2,148 Content 2,623 264 99 (428) 2,558 Other 189 77 1 — 267 Total $ 2,821 $ 5,125 $ 2,460 $ (448) $ 9,958 Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Studios Networks DTC Corporate and Inter-segment Eliminations Total Revenues: Distribution $ 3 $ 2,995 $ 2,165 $ — $ 5,163 Advertising 3 2,237 103 (45) 2,298 Content 3,027 245 185 (503) 2,954 Other 179 104 2 — 285 Total $ 3,212 $ 5,581 $ 2,455 $ (548) $ 10,700 |
Schedule of Contract Liabilities | The following table presents contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Contract liabilities Deferred revenues $ 1,993 $ 1,924 Contract liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities 219 160 |
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 March 31, 2024 Duration Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee $ 3,260 Through 2031 Content licensing and sports sublicensing 4,918 Through 2030 Brand licensing 2,215 Through 2043 Advertising 787 Through 2027 Total $ 11,180 |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES (Tables)
SALES OF RECEIVABLES (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Receivables Sold | The following table presents a summary of receivables sold (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received $ 3,956 $ 2,779 Collections reinvested under revolving agreement (3,987) (2,845) Net cash proceeds remitted (a) $ (31) $ (66) Net receivables sold $ 3,914 $ 2,698 Obligations recorded (Level 3) $ 153 $ 148 (a) Includes the collection on receivables sold but not remitted of $30 million as of March 31, 2024. |
Schedule of Amounts Transferred or Pledged | The following table presents a summary of the amounts transferred or pledged, which were held at the Company’s bankruptcy-remote consolidated subsidiary (in millions). March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Gross receivables pledged as collateral $ 2,900 $ 3,088 Restricted cash pledged as collateral $ 406 $ 500 Balance sheet classification: Receivables, net $ 2,660 $ 2,780 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 406 $ 500 Other noncurrent assets $ 240 $ 308 |
CONTENT RIGHTS (Tables)
CONTENT RIGHTS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Components of Content Rights | The tables below present the components of content rights (in millions). March 31, 2024 Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Theatrical film production costs: Released, less amortization $ 2,605 $ — $ 2,605 Completed and not released 554 — 554 In production and other 976 — 976 Television production costs: Released, less amortization 1,380 4,833 6,213 Completed and not released 615 621 1,236 In production and other 348 2,472 2,820 Total theatrical film and television production costs $ 6,478 $ 7,926 $ 14,404 Licensed content and advances, net 4,631 Live programming and advances, net 2,050 Game development costs, less amortization 497 Total film and television content rights and games 21,582 Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net (1,143) Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games $ 20,439 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 |
Schedule of Content Amortization | Content amortization consisted of the following (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Predominantly monetized individually $ 922 $ 1,531 Predominantly monetized as a group 2,779 3,096 Total content amortization $ 3,701 $ 4,627 |
INVESTMENTS (Tables)
INVESTMENTS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Investments [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Investments Recorded in Other Noncurrent Liabilities | The Company’s equity investments consisted of the following, net of investments recorded in other noncurrent liabilities (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location Ownership March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Equity method investments: The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LP Other noncurrent assets 44% $ 226 $ 249 nC+ Other noncurrent assets 32% 141 142 TNT Sports Other noncurrent assets 50% 101 102 Other Other noncurrent assets 499 503 Total equity method investments 967 996 Investments with readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets 49 53 Investments without readily determinable fair values Other noncurrent assets (a) 428 438 Total investments $ 1,444 $ 1,487 (a) Investments without readily determinable fair values included $17 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively that were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. |
DEBT (Tables)
DEBT (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Components of Outstanding Debt | The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions). Weighted-Average March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less — % $ — $ 40 Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less 4.02 % 14,225 13,664 Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years 4.33 % 7,107 8,607 Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years 5.11 % 21,513 21,644 Total debt 42,845 43,955 Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net (267) (286) Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting 42,578 43,669 Current portion of debt (3,430) (1,780) Noncurrent portion of debt $ 39,148 $ 41,889 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments | The following table summarizes the impact of derivative financial instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (in millions). March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Fair Value Fair Value Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other non- Notional Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other non- Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other non- Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange $ 1,249 $ 24 $ 7 $ 34 $ 4 $ 1,484 $ 40 $ 8 $ 37 $ 8 Net investment hedges: (a) Cross-currency swaps 1,361 22 13 7 24 1,779 23 12 7 42 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps 1,500 9 — — 7 1,500 7 — — 5 No hedging designation: Foreign exchange 1,089 25 4 4 96 1,058 1 1 1 83 Interest rate swaps 3,250 23 — — — — — — — — Total return swaps 420 10 — — — 395 19 — — — Total $ 113 $ 24 $ 45 $ 131 $ 90 $ 21 $ 45 $ 138 (a) Excludes £400 million and £402 million of sterling notes ($506 million and $513 million equivalent at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively ) designated as a net investment hedge. (See Note 8.) |
Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | The following table presents the pre-tax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive loss (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments $ 16 $ 1 Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange - distribution revenue 2 (1) Foreign exchange - costs of revenues 11 2 Interest rate - interest expense, net (1) 1 |
Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges on Other Comprehensive Loss | The following table presents the pre-tax 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 three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Three Months Ended March 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) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cross currency swaps $ 25 $ 22 Interest expense, net $ 6 $ 5 Euro-denominated notes (foreign denominated debt) — 5 N/A — — Sterling notes (foreign denominated debt) 4 — N/A — — Total $ 29 $ 27 $ 6 $ 5 |
Schedule of Fair Value Hedge Adjustments to Hedged Borrowings | 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 March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Noncurrent portion of debt $ 1,502 $ 1,502 $ 2 $ 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). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt (1) $ — $ (12) (Loss) gain on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts (1) — 12 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 not material as of March 31, 2024. |
Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges on Statements of Operations | The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in selling, general and administrative expense and other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Interest rate swaps $ 21 $ — Total return swaps 19 18 Total in selling, general and administrative expense 40 18 Interest rate swaps 2 — Foreign exchange derivatives (8) 3 Total in other income (expense), net (6) 3 Total $ 34 $ 21 |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis | The tables below present assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions). March 31, 2024 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents: Time deposits Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 102 $ — $ 102 Equity securities: Money market fund Cash and cash equivalents 1 — — 1 Mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets 44 — — 44 Company-owned life insurance contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1 — 1 Mutual funds Other noncurrent assets 234 — — 234 Company-owned life insurance contracts Other noncurrent assets — 100 — 100 Total $ 279 $ 203 $ — $ 482 Liabilities Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 67 $ — $ — $ 67 Deferred compensation plan Other noncurrent liabilities 652 — — 652 Total $ 719 $ — $ — $ 719 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 funds 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 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Awards Granted | The table below presents awards granted (in millions, except weighted-average grant price). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Awards Weighted-Average Grant Price Awards granted: PRSUs 6.1 $ 8.66 RSUs 51.9 $ 8.70 Stock options 4.1 $ 8.67 |
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost Related to Non-Vested Share-Based Awards and Weighted-Average Amortization Period | The table below presents unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards and the weighted-average amortization period over which these expenses will be recognized as of March 31, 2024 (in millions, except years). Unrecognized Compensation Cost Weighted-Average Amortization Period PRSUs $ 101 2.0 RSUs 834 2.1 Stock options 120 2.5 Total unrecognized compensation cost $ 1,055 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Table
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net | Other income (expense), net, consisted of the following (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Foreign currency losses, net $ (137) $ (93) (Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net (6) 3 Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value (1) 29 Change in fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value (14) (68) Gain on extinguishment of debt 25 — Interest income 60 45 Indemnification receivable accrual 90 5 Other (loss) income, net (6) 6 Total other income (expense), net $ 11 $ (73) |
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information | Supplemental Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Cash paid for taxes, net $ 118 $ 312 Cash paid for interest, net 867 920 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Accrued purchases of property and equipment 28 33 Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements 111 29 Settlement of PRSU awards 31 8 |
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,976 $ 3,780 Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets (1) 410 539 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 3,386 $ 4,319 (1) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 5 and Note 9.) |
Schedule of Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,976 $ 3,780 Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets (1) 410 539 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 3,386 $ 4,319 (1) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 5 and Note 9.) |
Schedule of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A Common Stockholders for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share | The table below presents a reconciliation of net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Numerator: Net loss $ (955) $ (1,060) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (7) (8) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (4) (1) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) (4) — Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (970) $ (1,069) |
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). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Anti-dilutive share-based awards 74 62 |
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Currency Translation Derivatives Pension Plan and SERP Liability Accumulated Beginning balance $ (699) $ 18 $ (60) $ (741) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (176) 13 — (163) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (9) — (9) Other comprehensive income (loss) (176) 4 — (172) Ending balance $ (875) $ 22 $ (60) $ (913) Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Currency Translation Derivatives Pension Plan and SERP Liability Accumulated Beginning balance $ (1,498) $ 14 $ (39) $ (1,523) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 426 3 (9) 420 Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (2) — (2) Other comprehensive income (loss) 426 1 (9) 418 Ending balance $ (1,072) $ 15 $ (48) $ (1,105) |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Transactions with Related Parties and Amount Due from/to Related Parties | The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Revenues and service charges: Liberty Group $ 445 $ 518 Equity method investees 146 175 Other 62 47 Total revenues and service charges $ 653 $ 740 Expenses $ 77 $ 99 Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests $ 130 $ 237 The table below presents receivables due from and payables due to related parties (in millions). March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Receivables $ 513 $ 363 Payables $ 14 $ 18 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Tables)
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Reportable Segments, Corporate, and Inter-Segment Eliminations | The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments, corporate, and inter-segment eliminations (in millions). Revenues Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Studios $ 2,821 $ 3,212 Networks 5,125 5,581 DTC 2,460 2,455 Corporate 1 — Inter-segment eliminations (449) (548) Total revenues $ 9,958 $ 10,700 |
Schedule of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment | Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Studios $ 184 $ 607 Networks 2,119 2,293 DTC 86 50 Corporate (346) (355) Inter-segment eliminations 59 16 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,102 $ 2,611 |
Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA | Reconciliation of Net Loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 2023 Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (966) $ (1,069) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 4 1 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 7 8 Income tax expense (benefit) 136 (178) Loss before income taxes (819) (1,238) Other (income) expense, net (11) 73 Loss from equity investees, net 48 37 Interest expense, net 515 571 Operating loss (267) (557) Depreciation and amortization 1,888 2,058 Employee share-based compensation 99 106 Restructuring and other charges 35 95 Transaction and integration costs 81 47 Facility consolidation costs 2 — Impairment and amortization of fair value step-up for content 235 831 Amortization of capitalized interest for content 17 — Impairments and loss on dispositions 12 31 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,102 $ 2,611 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) | Oct. 01, 2023 |
Studios | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill excess of fair value over carrying value | 15% |
Networks | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill excess of fair value over carrying value | 5% |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_3
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 35 | $ 95 |
Operating Segments | Studios | ||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | 11 | 76 |
Operating Segments | Networks | ||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | 11 | 3 |
Operating Segments | DTC | ||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | 2 | 9 |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | ||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 11 | $ 7 |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_4
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 35 | $ 95 |
Contract Terminations and Facility Consolidation Activities | ||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | 56 | |
Organization Restructuring Costs | ||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | 35 | |
Other Charges | ||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||
Restructuring and other charges | $ 4 |
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARG_5
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Schedule of Changes in Restructuring Liabilities Recorded in Accrued Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($) | |
Restructuring Reserve | |
Beginning balance | $ 460 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 37 |
Other accruals | (3) |
Cash paid | (175) |
Ending balance | 319 |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | |
Restructuring Reserve | |
Beginning balance | 80 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 10 |
Other accruals | 0 |
Cash paid | (50) |
Ending balance | 40 |
Studios | Operating Segments | |
Restructuring Reserve | |
Beginning balance | 98 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 10 |
Other accruals | 0 |
Cash paid | (47) |
Ending balance | 61 |
Networks | Operating Segments | |
Restructuring Reserve | |
Beginning balance | 202 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 11 |
Other accruals | 0 |
Cash paid | (51) |
Ending balance | 162 |
DTC | Operating Segments | |
Restructuring Reserve | |
Beginning balance | 80 |
Employee termination accruals, net | 6 |
Other accruals | (3) |
Cash paid | (27) |
Ending balance | $ 56 |
REVENUES - Schedule of Disaggre
REVENUES - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | $ 9,958 | $ 10,700 |
Distribution | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 4,985 | 5,163 |
Advertising | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,148 | 2,298 |
Content | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,558 | 2,954 |
Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 267 | 285 |
Operating Segments | Studios | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,821 | 3,212 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Distribution | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 5 | 3 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Advertising | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 4 | 3 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Content | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,623 | 3,027 |
Operating Segments | Studios | Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 189 | 179 |
Operating Segments | Networks | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 5,125 | 5,581 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Distribution | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,797 | 2,995 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Advertising | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 1,987 | 2,237 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Content | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 264 | 245 |
Operating Segments | Networks | Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 77 | 104 |
Operating Segments | DTC | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,460 | 2,455 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Distribution | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,185 | 2,165 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Advertising | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 175 | 103 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Content | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 99 | 185 |
Operating Segments | DTC | Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 1 | 2 |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | (448) | (548) |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Distribution | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | (2) | 0 |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Advertising | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | (18) | (45) |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Content | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | (428) | (503) |
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | $ 0 | $ 0 |
REVENUES - Schedule of Contract
REVENUES - Schedule of Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | ||
Contract liabilities - deferred revenues | $ 1,993 | $ 1,924 |
Contract liabilities - other noncurrent liabilities | $ 219 | $ 160 |
REVENUES - Narrative (Details)
REVENUES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | ||
Revenue recognized related to the contract liability (deferred revenues) | $ 772 | $ 856 |
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]: 2024-04-01 $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($) |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 11,180 |
Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 3,260 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 7 years 9 months |
Content licensing and sports sublicensing | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 4,918 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 6 years 9 months |
Brand licensing | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 2,215 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 19 years 9 months 3 days |
Advertising | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |
Remaining performance obligations | $ 787 |
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period | 3 years 9 months |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Narrativ
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |||
Face amount | $ 5,500,000,000 | ||
Outstanding receivables derecognized | $ 5,170,000,000 | ||
Loss on revolving receivables program | 51,000,000 | $ 33,000,000 | |
Accounts receivable sold under factoring arrangements | $ 0 | $ 72,000,000 |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule of Receivables Sold (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | ||
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received | $ 3,956 | $ 2,779 |
Collections reinvested under revolving agreement | (3,987) | (2,845) |
Net cash proceeds remitted (a) | (31) | (66) |
Net receivables sold | 3,914 | 2,698 |
Obligations recorded (Level 3) | 153 | $ 148 |
Collection on receivables sold but not remitted | $ 30 |
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedu_2
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule of Amounts Transferred or Pledged (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Restricted cash pledged as collateral | $ 410 | $ 539 |
Asset Pledged as Collateral | ||
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Gross receivables pledged as collateral | 2,900 | 3,088 |
Restricted cash pledged as collateral | 406 | 500 |
Asset Pledged as Collateral | Receivables, net | ||
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Receivables, net | 2,660 | 2,780 |
Asset Pledged as Collateral | Other noncurrent assets | ||
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] | ||
Other noncurrent assets | $ 240 | $ 308 |
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Co
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Components of Content Rights (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Content Rights [Line Items] | ||
Predominantly Monetized Individually | $ 6,478 | $ 6,498 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group | 7,926 | 8,547 |
Total | 14,404 | 15,045 |
Licensed content and advances, net | 4,631 | 4,519 |
Live programming and advances, net | 2,050 | 1,943 |
Game development costs, less amortization | 497 | 565 |
Total film and television content rights and games | 21,582 | 22,072 |
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net | (1,143) | (843) |
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games | 20,439 | 21,229 |
Theatrical film production costs | ||
Content Rights [Line Items] | ||
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Released, less amortization | 2,605 | 2,823 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Completed and not released | 554 | 107 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, In production and other | 976 | 1,300 |
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 | 2,605 | 2,823 |
Total, Completed and not released | 554 | 107 |
Total, In production and other | 976 | 1,300 |
Television production costs | ||
Content Rights [Line Items] | ||
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Released, less amortization | 1,380 | 1,471 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Completed and not released | 615 | 380 |
Predominantly Monetized Individually, In production and other | 348 | 417 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Released, less amortization | 4,833 | 5,317 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Completed and not released | 621 | 606 |
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, In production and other | 2,472 | 2,624 |
Total, Released, less amortization | 6,213 | 6,788 |
Total, Completed and not released | 1,236 | 986 |
Total, In production and other | $ 2,820 | $ 3,041 |
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of _2
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Content Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] | ||
Predominantly monetized individually | $ 922 | $ 1,531 |
Predominantly monetized as a group | 2,779 | 3,096 |
Total content amortization | $ 3,701 | $ 4,627 |
CONTENT RIGHTS - Narrative (Det
CONTENT RIGHTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] | ||
Content impairments | $ 126 | $ 96 |
INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Inves
INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Investments Recorded in Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investments | $ 967 | $ 996 |
Investments with readily determinable fair values | 49 | 53 |
Investments without readily determinable fair values | 428 | 438 |
Total investments | $ 1,444 | 1,487 |
The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LP | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investment, ownership percentage | 44% | |
Equity method investments | $ 226 | 249 |
nC+ | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investment, ownership percentage | 32% | |
Equity method investments | $ 141 | 142 |
TNT Sports | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investment, ownership percentage | 50% | |
Equity method investments | $ 101 | 102 |
Other | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investments | 499 | 503 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments without readily determinable fair values | $ 17 | $ 17 |
INVESTMENTS - Equity Method Inv
INVESTMENTS - Equity Method Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Equity method investments | $ 967 | $ 996 |
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss | 689 | |
Equity method investments | $ 669 | $ 697 |
DEBT - Schedule of Components o
DEBT - Schedule of Components of Outstanding Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Total debt | $ 42,845 | $ 43,955 | |
Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net | (267) | (286) | |
Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting | 42,578 | 43,669 | |
Current portion of debt | (3,430) | (1,780) | |
Noncurrent portion of debt | $ 39,148 | 41,889 | |
Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.412% | ||
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt instrument, maturity term | 5 years | ||
Total debt | $ 0 | 40 | |
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Weighted Average | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Weighted average interest rate | 0% | ||
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt instrument, maturity term | 5 years | ||
Total debt | $ 14,225 | 13,664 | |
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Weighted Average | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.02% | ||
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Total debt | $ 7,107 | 8,607 | |
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Minimum | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt instrument, maturity term | 5 years | ||
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Maximum | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt instrument, maturity term | 10 years | ||
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Weighted Average | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.33% | ||
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years | Senior Notes | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt instrument, maturity term | 10 years | ||
Total debt | $ 21,513 | $ 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 - Debt (Narrative) (Detail
DEBT - Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
WarnerMedia | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Debt assumed | $ 1,100,000,000 | |
Senior Notes | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal repayments of term loans | $ 106,000,000 | |
Senior note, amount repurchased | 364,000,000 | |
Face amount | $ 1,500,000,000 | |
Debt instrument interest rate | 6.412% | |
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due February And March 2024 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal repayments of term loans | 726,000,000 | |
Senior Notes | Un-exchanged Scripps Senior Notes | Scripps Networks | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal amount of liabilities assumed | $ 23,000,000 | |
Term Loan | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal repayments of term loans | $ 1,500,000,000 |
DEBT - Revolving Credit Facilit
DEBT - Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Programs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt, gross | $ 42,845,000,000 | $ 43,955,000,000 |
Commercial Paper | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt, gross | 0 | $ 0 |
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 6,000,000,000 | |
Additional Commitments Upon Satisfaction of Certain Conditions | Line of Credit | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | $ 1,000,000,000 |
DEBT - Credit Agreement Financi
DEBT - Credit Agreement Financial Covenants (Narrative) (Details) - Line of Credit - Revolving Credit Facility | Apr. 08, 2024 | Apr. 08, 2023 | Apr. 09, 2022 |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt instrument, covenant, consolidated interest coverage ratio, minimum | 3 | ||
Debt instrument, covenant, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, maximum | 5 | 5.75 | |
Subsequent Event | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt instrument, covenant, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, maximum | 4.50 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_3
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) £ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2024 GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2023 GBP (£) |
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets | 113,000,000 | 90,000,000 | ||
Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets | 24,000,000 | 21,000,000 | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability | 45,000,000 | 45,000,000 | ||
Other non- current liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability | 131,000,000 | 138,000,000 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,089,000,000 | 1,058,000,000 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 25,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 4,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 4,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 96,000,000 | 83,000,000 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 3,250,000,000 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 23,000,000 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 420,000,000 | 395,000,000 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 10,000,000 | 19,000,000 | ||
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 | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Other non- current liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,249,000,000 | 1,484,000,000 | ||
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 | 24,000,000 | 40,000,000 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 7,000,000 | 8,000,000 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 34,000,000 | 37,000,000 | ||
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 4,000,000 | 8,000,000 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,361,000,000 | 1,779,000,000 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Sterling Notes | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 506,000,000 | £ 400 | 513,000,000 | £ 402 |
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 | 22,000,000 | 23,000,000 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 13,000,000 | 12,000,000 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | ||
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other non- current liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 24,000,000 | 42,000,000 | ||
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Notional | 1,500,000,000 | 1,500,000,000 | ||
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 9,000,000 | 7,000,000 | ||
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative assets, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative liability, fair value | $ 7,000,000 | $ 5,000,000 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_4
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | |
Apr. 30, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Senior Notes | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Face amount | $ 1,500,000,000 | ||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.412% | ||
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedges | Cross-currency swaps | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain on derivative | $ 76,000,000 | ||
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Maximum length of time hedged in cash flow hedge | 31 years | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Notional | $ 3,000,000,000 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_5
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ 13 | $ 3 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 16 | 1 |
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 | 2 | (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 | 11 | 2 |
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) | $ 1 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_6
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges on Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - Net Investment Hedges - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | $ 29 | $ 27 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | 6 | 5 |
Euro-Denominated Notes | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | 0 | 5 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | 0 | 0 |
Sterling Notes | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | 4 | 0 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | 0 | 0 |
Cross-currency swaps | ||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | 25 | 22 |
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) | $ 6 | $ 5 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_7
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Fair Value Hedge Adjustments to Hedged Borrowings (Details) - Long-Term Debt - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] | ||
Carrying Amount of Hedged Borrowings | $ 1,502 | $ 1,502 |
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Hedged Borrowings | $ 2 | $ 2 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_8
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges on Income, Including Offsetting Changes in Fair Value of the Hedged Items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt | $ 0 | $ (12) |
(Loss) gain on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts | 0 | 12 |
Total in interest expense, net | $ 0 | $ 0 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_9
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges on Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | $ (6) | $ 3 |
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | 34 | 21 |
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | 40 | 18 |
Other income (expense), net | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | (6) | 3 |
Interest rate swaps | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | 21 | 0 |
Interest rate swaps | Other income (expense), net | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | 2 | 0 |
Total return swaps | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | 19 | 18 |
Foreign exchange derivatives | Other income (expense), net | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Total in other income (expense), net | $ (8) | $ 3 |
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 | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets | $ 482 | $ 479 |
Liabilities | 719 | 681 |
Cash and cash equivalents | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 102 | 105 |
Equity securities | 1 | 1 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 44 | 42 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 1 | 1 |
Other noncurrent assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 234 | 233 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 100 | 97 |
Accrued liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 67 | 67 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 652 | 614 |
Level 1 | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets | 279 | 276 |
Liabilities | 719 | 681 |
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 0 | 0 |
Equity securities | 1 | 1 |
Level 1 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 44 | 42 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 0 | 0 |
Level 1 | Other noncurrent assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 234 | 233 |
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 | 67 |
Level 1 | Other noncurrent liabilities | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Deferred compensation plan | 652 | 614 |
Level 2 | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets | 203 | 203 |
Liabilities | 0 | 0 |
Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Time deposits | 102 | 105 |
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 noncurrent assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Equity securities | 0 | 0 |
Company-owned life insurance contracts | 100 | 97 |
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 noncurrent assets | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
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 | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Level 2 | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Senior notes, fair value | $ 38.3 | $ 40.5 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Sche
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Awards Granted (Details) shares in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 $ / shares shares | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options, granted (in shares) | shares | 4.1 |
Stock options, weighted-average grant price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 8.67 |
PRSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Awards granted, awards (in shares) | shares | 6.1 |
Awards granted, weighted-average grant price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 8.66 |
RSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Awards granted, awards (in shares) | shares | 51.9 |
Awards granted, weighted-average grant price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 8.70 |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Sc_2
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost Related to Non-Vested Share-Based Awards and Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($) | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Unrecognized Compensation Cost | $ 1,055 |
PRSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Unrecognized Compensation Cost | $ 101 |
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (years) | 2 years |
RSUs | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Unrecognized Compensation Cost | $ 834 |
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (years) | 2 years 1 month 6 days |
Stock options | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Unrecognized Compensation Cost | $ 120 |
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (years) | 2 years 6 months |
INCOME TAXES (Details)
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2023 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Income tax expense (benefit) | $ (136) | $ 178 | |
Unrecognized tax benefits | 2,150 | $ 2,147 | |
Unrecognized tax benefits, decreases resulting from current period tax positions | 88 | ||
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued | $ 616 | $ 571 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sche
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Foreign currency losses, net | $ (137) | $ (93) |
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net | (6) | 3 |
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value | (1) | 29 |
Change in fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value | (14) | (68) |
Gain on extinguishment of debt | 25 | 0 |
Interest income | 60 | 45 |
Indemnification receivable accrual | 90 | 5 |
Other (loss) income, net | (6) | 6 |
Total other income (expense), net | $ 11 | $ (73) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_2
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Cash paid for taxes, net | $ 118 | $ 312 |
Cash paid for interest, net | 867 | 920 |
Accrued purchases of property and equipment | 28 | 33 |
Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements | 111 | 29 |
Settlement of PRSU awards | $ 31 | $ 8 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_3
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 |
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 2,976 | $ 3,780 | ||
Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets | 410 | 539 | ||
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ 3,386 | $ 4,319 | $ 2,639 | $ 3,930 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_4
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A Common Stockholders for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Numerator: | ||
Net loss | $ (955) | $ (1,060) |
Less: | ||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (7) | (8) |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (4) | (1) |
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) | (4) | 0 |
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic earnings per share | (970) | (1,069) |
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted earnings per share | $ (970) | $ (1,069) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_5
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Stock Options and RSU | ||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Anti-dilutive share-based awards (in shares) | 74 | 62 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Supp
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Supplier Finance Programs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Supplier finance program, obligation, current | $ 337 | $ 338 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Sc_6
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | ||
Beginning balance | $ 46,307 | $ 48,349 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 420 | |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | (2) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (173) | 418 |
Ending balance | 45,115 | 47,533 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | ||
Beginning balance | (741) | (1,523) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (163) | |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | (9) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (172) | 418 |
Ending balance | (913) | (1,105) |
Currency Translation | ||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | ||
Beginning balance | (699) | (1,498) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (176) | 426 |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | 0 | 0 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (176) | 426 |
Ending balance | (875) | (1,072) |
Derivatives | ||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | ||
Beginning balance | 18 | 14 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 13 | 3 |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | (9) | (2) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 4 | 1 |
Ending balance | 22 | 15 |
Pension Plan and SERP Liability | ||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | ||
Beginning balance | (60) | (39) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 0 | (9) |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | 0 | 0 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 0 | (9) |
Ending balance | $ (60) | $ (48) |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Na
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Narrative (Details) - Board of Directors Chairman | Mar. 31, 2024 |
Liberty Global | |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |
Aggregate voting power percentage of a related party | 30% |
Liberty Broadband | |
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 | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Total revenues and service charges | $ 9,958 | $ 10,700 |
Expenses | 10,225 | 11,257 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | 130 | 237 |
Related Party | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Total revenues and service charges | 653 | 740 |
Expenses | 77 | 99 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | 130 | 237 |
Liberty Group | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Total revenues and service charges | 445 | 518 |
Equity method investees | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Total revenues and service charges | 146 | 175 |
Other | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Total revenues and service charges | $ 62 | $ 47 |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - _2
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Schedule of Amount Due from/to Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Receivables | $ 6,303 | $ 6,047 |
Payables | 1,245 | 1,260 |
Liberty Group | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Receivables | 513 | 363 |
Payables | $ 14 | $ 18 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Reportable Segments, Corporate, and Inter-Segment Eliminations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | $ 9,958 | $ 10,700 |
Operating Segments | Studios | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,821 | 3,212 |
Operating Segments | Networks | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 5,125 | 5,581 |
Operating Segments | DTC | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 2,460 | 2,455 |
Corporate | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | 1 | 0 |
Inter-segment eliminations | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Revenues | $ (449) | $ (548) |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedul_2
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 2,102 | $ 2,611 |
Operating Segments | Studios | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 184 | 607 |
Operating Segments | Networks | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 2,119 | 2,293 |
Operating Segments | DTC | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 86 | 50 |
Corporate | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | (346) | (355) |
Inter-segment eliminations | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 59 | $ 16 |
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedul_3
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2023 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | $ (966) | $ (1,069) |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 4 | 1 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 7 | 8 |
Income tax expense (benefit) | 136 | (178) |
Loss before income taxes | (819) | (1,238) |
Other (income) expense, net | (11) | 73 |
Loss from equity investees, net | 48 | 37 |
Interest expense, net | 515 | 571 |
Operating loss | (267) | (557) |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,888 | 2,058 |
Employee share-based compensation | 99 | 106 |
Restructuring and other charges | 35 | 95 |
Transaction and integration costs | 81 | 47 |
Facility consolidation costs | 2 | 0 |
Impairment and amortization of fair value step-up for content | 235 | 831 |
Amortization of capitalized interest for content | 17 | 0 |
Impairments and loss on dispositions | (12) | (31) |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 2,102 | $ 2,611 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($) | May 09, 2024 | Mar. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2023 |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Long-term debt, gross | $ 42,845,000,000 | $ 43,955,000,000 | ||
Subsequent Event | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Payments to acquire notes receivable | $ 1,750,000,000 | |||
Senior Notes | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 6.412% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2024, 3.900% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 3.90% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2055, 4.000% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2050, 4.650% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4.65% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2042, 4.950% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4.95% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2043, 4.875% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4.875% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2047, 5.200% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 5.20% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2049, 5.300% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 5.30% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2044, 4.650% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4.65% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2045, 4.850% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4.85% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2042, 4.900% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 4.90% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2043, 5.350% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 5.35% | |||
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2042, 5.050% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Debt instrument interest rate | 5.05% | |||
Commercial Paper | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Long-term debt, gross | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Commercial Paper | Subsequent Event | ||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||
Long-term debt, gross | $ 850,000,000 |