Document and Entity Information
| Document and Entity Information - shares | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jul. 24, 2020 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Document Quarterly Report | true | |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Document Transition Report | false | |
| Entity File Number | 001-35961 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Liberty Global plc | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | X0 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1112770 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Griffin House | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 161 Hammersmith Rd | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | London | |
| Entity Address, Country | GB | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | W6 8BS | |
| Country Region | 44 | |
| City Area Code | 208 | |
| Local Phone Number | 483.6449 | |
| 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 Central Index Key | 0001570585 | |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Class A | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A ordinary shares | |
| Trading Symbol | LBTYA | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 182,271,789 | |
| Class B | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class B ordinary shares | |
| Trading Symbol | LBTYB | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 12,561,772 | |
| Class C | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class C ordinary shares | |
| Trading Symbol | LBTYK | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 398,811,237 |
Condensed Consolidated Balance
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 4,360.6 | $ 8,142.4 |
| Trade receivables, net | 498.4 | 1,404.8 |
| Short-term investments (measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 5) | 2,650.8 | 0 |
| Derivative instruments (note 6) | 576 | 331.1 |
| Other current assets (notes 3, 4 and 5) | 554 | 695 |
| Total current assets | 8,639.8 | 10,573.3 |
| Investments and related notes receivable (including $1,269.9 million and $1,289.2 million, respectively, measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 5) | 4,731.4 | 4,782 |
| Property and equipment, net (notes 8 and 10) | 6,172.6 | 13,843.4 |
| Goodwill (note 8) | 6,379.2 | 14,052.1 |
| Deferred tax assets (note 11) | 333.6 | 2,457.4 |
| Assets held for sale (note 4) | 19,030.5 | 0 |
| Other assets, net (notes 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10) | 2,053.1 | 3,338.1 |
| Total assets | 47,340.2 | 49,046.3 |
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Accounts payable | 410 | 963.9 |
| Deferred revenue (note 3) | 336.2 | 834.9 |
| Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) | 1,867.7 | 3,877.2 |
| Accrued capital expenditures | 199 | 405.2 |
| Other accrued and current liabilities (notes 6, 10 and 14) | 1,536.8 | 2,570.5 |
| Total current liabilities | 4,349.7 | 8,651.7 |
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) | 10,375.9 | 24,305.3 |
| Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 4) | 18,133.3 | 0 |
| Other long-term liabilities (notes 3, 6, 10, 11 and 14) | 1,930.8 | 2,890.7 |
| Total liabilities | 34,789.7 | 35,847.7 |
| Commitments and contingencies (notes 6, 9, 11 and 16) | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Additional paid-in capital | 5,505.7 | 6,136.9 |
| Accumulated earnings | 6,745.7 | 6,350.4 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes | 676.8 | 1,112.7 |
| Treasury shares, at cost | (0.1) | (0.1) |
| Total Liberty Global shareholders | 12,934 | 13,606.2 |
| Noncontrolling interests | (383.5) | (407.6) |
| Total equity | 12,550.5 | 13,198.6 |
| Total liabilities and equity | 47,340.2 | 49,046.3 |
| Class A ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 182,268,745 shares and 181,560,735 shares, respectively | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Common stock | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Class B ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 12,561,851 shares and 12,151,526 shares, respectively | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Common stock | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Class C ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 401,480,741 shares and 438,867,447 shares, respectively | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Common stock | $ 4 | $ 4.4 |
Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Other investments | $ 1,269.9 | $ 1,289.2 |
| Class A | ||
| Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Common stock, issued (in shares) | 182,268,745 | 181,560,735 |
| Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 182,268,745 | 181,560,735 |
| Class B | ||
| Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Common stock, issued (in shares) | 12,561,851 | 12,151,526 |
| Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 12,561,851 | 12,151,526 |
| Class C | ||
| Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Common stock, issued (in shares) | 401,480,741 | 438,867,447 |
| Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 401,480,741 | 438,867,447 |
Condensed Consolidated Statemen
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Income Statement [Abstract] | ||||
| Revenue (notes 3, 4, 5 and 17) | $ 2,722.9 | $ 2,850.4 | $ 5,598.7 | $ 5,718.4 |
| Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately below): | ||||
| Programming and other direct costs of services | 715 | 786.3 | 1,570.1 | 1,586.7 |
| Other operating (note 13) | 401.1 | 417.8 | 821.2 | 837.2 |
| Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) (note 13) | 502.1 | 542.6 | 1,007.6 | 1,074.8 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 545.7 | 921.8 | 1,329.2 | 1,861.4 |
| Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (note 14) | 32.2 | 33.2 | 63.2 | 104.1 |
| Operating costs and expenses | 2,196.1 | 2,701.7 | 4,791.3 | 5,464.2 |
| Operating income | 526.8 | 148.7 | 807.4 | 254.2 |
| Non-operating income (expense): | ||||
| Interest expense | (281.7) | (363.6) | (595) | (730.9) |
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 6) | (319.7) | 152.9 | 917.6 | 70.1 |
| Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net | (478) | (27) | (86.3) | 111.6 |
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (notes 5, 7 and 9) | 152.3 | (138.7) | (377.5) | (146.9) |
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net (note 9) | (165.6) | (48.3) | (220.1) | (48.8) |
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | (105.4) | (69.3) | (72) | (140.2) |
| Other income, net | 9.5 | 32.5 | 61.9 | 39 |
| Non-operating income (expense) | (1,188.6) | (461.5) | (371.4) | (846.1) |
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | (661.8) | (312.8) | 436 | (591.9) |
| Income tax benefit (expense) (note 11) | 158 | (26.8) | 77.9 | (54.6) |
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | (503.8) | (339.6) | 513.9 | (646.5) |
| Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes | 0 | 315.5 | 0 | 638.1 |
| Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes | 0 | 106.6 | 0 | 106.6 |
| Discontinued operations (note 4): | 0 | 422.1 | 0 | 744.7 |
| Net earnings (loss) | (503.8) | 82.5 | 513.9 | 98.2 |
| Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (20.4) | (29.5) | (88.3) | (38.2) |
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (524.2) | $ 53 | $ 425.6 | $ 60 |
| Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | $ (0.86) | $ (0.50) | $ 0.69 | $ (0.93) |
| Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | $ (0.86) | $ (0.50) | $ 0.68 | $ (0.93) |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_2
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Net earnings (loss) | $ (503.8) | $ 82.5 | $ 513.9 | $ 98.2 |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: | ||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 646.6 | (25.5) | (424.3) | (141.5) |
| Pension-related adjustments and other | (16) | (0.4) | (18.3) | (0.8) |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | 630.6 | (6.3) | (442.6) | (141.3) |
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) | 126.8 | 76.2 | 71.3 | (43.1) |
| Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (14.4) | (29.7) | (81.6) | (38.6) |
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | 112.4 | 46.5 | (10.3) | (81.7) |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations | ||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: | ||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | 630.6 | (25.9) | (442.6) | (142.3) |
| Other comprehensive earnings from discontinued operations (note 4) | ||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: | ||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | $ 0 | $ 19.6 | $ 0 | $ 1 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_3
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Total | Total Liberty Global shareholders | Ordinary sharesClass A | Ordinary sharesClass B | Ordinary sharesClass C | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated earnings | Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes | Treasury shares, at cost | Non-controlling interests | Adjustment | AdjustmentTotal Liberty Global shareholders | AdjustmentAccumulated earnings | AdjustmentNon-controlling interests | Adjusted balance | Adjusted balanceTotal Liberty Global shareholders | Adjusted balanceOrdinary sharesClass A | Adjusted balanceOrdinary sharesClass B | Adjusted balanceOrdinary sharesClass C | Adjusted balanceAdditional paid-in capital | Adjusted balanceAccumulated earnings | Adjusted balanceAccumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes | Adjusted balanceTreasury shares, at cost | Adjusted balanceNon-controlling interests |
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Dec. 31, 2018 | $ 4,148.3 | $ 4,681.4 | $ 2 | $ 0.1 | $ 5.3 | $ 9,214.5 | $ (5,172.2) | $ 631.8 | $ (0.1) | $ (533.1) | $ 1.2 | $ 1.2 | $ 1.2 | $ 4,149.5 | $ 4,682.6 | $ 2 | $ 0.1 | $ 5.3 | $ 9,214.5 | $ (5,171) | $ 631.8 | $ (0.1) | $ (533.1) | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 15.7 | 7 | 7 | 8.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | (135) | (135.2) | (135.2) | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (214.1) | (214.1) | (0.1) | (214) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases by Telenet of its outstanding shares | (56.9) | (68.2) | (68.2) | 11.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 55.6 | 55.6 | 55.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | 34.8 | 32.4 | 32.4 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Mar. 31, 2019 | 3,849.6 | 4,360.1 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.2 | 9,020.3 | (5,164) | 496.6 | (0.1) | (510.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Dec. 31, 2018 | 4,148.3 | 4,681.4 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.3 | 9,214.5 | (5,172.2) | 631.8 | (0.1) | (533.1) | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 4,149.5 | 4,682.6 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.3 | 9,214.5 | (5,171) | 631.8 | (0.1) | (533.1) | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 98.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | (141.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Jun. 30, 2019 | 3,670.7 | 4,133.5 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.1 | 8,747.3 | (5,111) | 490.1 | (0.1) | (462.8) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Dec. 31, 2018 | 4,148.3 | 4,681.4 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.3 | 9,214.5 | (5,172.2) | 631.8 | (0.1) | (533.1) | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 4,149.5 | 4,682.6 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.3 | 9,214.5 | (5,171) | 631.8 | (0.1) | (533.1) | |
| Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ 13,198.6 | 13,606.2 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.4 | 6,136.9 | 6,350.4 | 1,112.7 | (0.1) | (407.6) | (30.1) | (30.3) | $ 0.2 | 13,168.5 | 13,575.9 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.4 | 6,136.9 | 6,320.1 | 1,112.7 | (0.1) | (407.4) | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting standards update | us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Mar. 31, 2019 | $ 3,849.6 | 4,360.1 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.2 | 9,020.3 | (5,164) | 496.6 | (0.1) | (510.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 82.5 | 53 | 53 | 29.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | (6.3) | (6.5) | (6.5) | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (288.4) | (288.4) | (0.1) | (288.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases by Telenet of its outstanding shares | (57.2) | (66.3) | (66.3) | 9.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 70 | 70 | 70 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | 20.5 | 11.6 | 11.6 | (8.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Jun. 30, 2019 | 3,670.7 | 4,133.5 | 2 | 0.1 | 5.1 | 8,747.3 | (5,111) | 490.1 | (0.1) | (462.8) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ 13,198.6 | 13,606.2 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.4 | 6,136.9 | 6,350.4 | 1,112.7 | (0.1) | (407.6) | (30.1) | (30.3) | 0.2 | 13,168.5 | 13,575.9 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.4 | 6,136.9 | 6,320.1 | 1,112.7 | (0.1) | (407.4) | |
| Balance at Jan. 01, 2020 | $ (30.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting standards update | us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ 13,198.6 | 13,606.2 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.4 | 6,136.9 | 6,350.4 | 1,112.7 | (0.1) | (407.6) | (30.1) | (30.3) | 0.2 | 13,168.5 | 13,575.9 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.4 | 6,136.9 | 6,320.1 | 1,112.7 | (0.1) | (407.4) | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 1,017.7 | 949.8 | 949.8 | 67.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | (1,073.2) | (1,072.5) | (1,072.5) | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (224.4) | (224.4) | (0.1) | (224.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases by Telenet of its outstanding shares | (38.1) | (45.3) | (45.3) | 7.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 46.1 | 46.1 | 46.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | 15.6 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Mar. 31, 2020 | 12,912.2 | 13,244.1 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.3 | 5,927.9 | 7,269.9 | 40.2 | (0.1) | (331.9) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Dec. 31, 2019 | 13,198.6 | 13,606.2 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.4 | 6,136.9 | 6,350.4 | 1,112.7 | (0.1) | (407.6) | $ (30.1) | $ (30.3) | $ 0.2 | $ 13,168.5 | $ 13,575.9 | $ 1.8 | $ 0.1 | $ 4.4 | $ 6,136.9 | $ 6,320.1 | $ 1,112.7 | $ (0.1) | $ (407.4) | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 513.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | (442.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Jun. 30, 2020 | 12,550.5 | 12,934 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4 | 5,505.7 | 6,745.7 | 676.8 | (0.1) | (383.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance, before effect of accounting change at Mar. 31, 2020 | 12,912.2 | 13,244.1 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 4.3 | 5,927.9 | 7,269.9 | 40.2 | (0.1) | (331.9) | ||||||||||||||
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | (503.8) | (524.2) | (524.2) | 20.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | 630.6 | 636.6 | 636.6 | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (475.8) | (475.8) | (0.3) | (475.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | (82.2) | (16.2) | (16.2) | (66) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Jun. 30, 2020 | $ 12,550.5 | $ 12,934 | $ 1.8 | $ 0.1 | $ 4 | $ 5,505.7 | $ 6,745.7 | $ 676.8 | $ (0.1) | $ (383.5) |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_4
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||
| Net earnings | $ 513.9 | $ 98.2 |
| Earnings from discontinued operations | 0 | 744.7 |
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | 513.9 | (646.5) |
| Adjustments to reconcile earnings (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations: | ||
| Share-based compensation expense | 139 | 154.3 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,329.2 | 1,861.4 |
| Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net | 63.2 | 104.1 |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and non-cash interest | 24.1 | 27 |
| Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net | (917.6) | (70.1) |
| Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net | 86.3 | (111.6) |
| Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 377.5 | 146.9 |
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net | 220.1 | 48.8 |
| Share of results of affiliates, net | 72 | 140.2 |
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 95 | (99.5) |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and dispositions | (410.8) | 73.5 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | 1,591.9 | 1,628.5 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations | 0 | 829.2 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,591.9 | 2,457.7 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
| Cash paid for investments | (5,501.5) | (189.2) |
| Cash received from sale of investments | 2,526.2 | 8.9 |
| Capital expenditures, net | (649.6) | (632.9) |
| Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operations, net | 0 | 145.8 |
| Other investing activities, net | (9.5) | (15.3) |
| Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations | (3,634.4) | (682.7) |
| Net cash used by investing activities of discontinued operations | 0 | (210.7) |
| Net cash used by investing activities | (3,634.4) | (893.4) |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
| Repayments and repurchases of debt and finance lease obligations | (7,647.9) | (3,838.8) |
| Borrowings of debt | 6,893.1 | 2,800.7 |
| Repurchases of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (692) | (502.5) |
| Payment of financing costs and debt premiums | (226.4) | (51) |
| Net cash received related to derivative instruments | 75 | 93.5 |
| Repurchases by Telenet of its outstanding shares | (38.1) | (114.1) |
| Other financing activities, net | (85) | 16.8 |
| Net cash used by financing activities of continuing operations | (1,721.3) | (1,595.4) |
| Net cash used by financing activities of discontinued operations | 0 | (168.4) |
| Net cash used by financing activities | (1,721.3) | (1,763.8) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | ||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | (10.4) | (5) |
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||
| Continuing operations | (3,774.2) | (654.6) |
| Discontinued operations | 0 | 450.1 |
| Total | (3,774.2) | (204.5) |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||
| Beginning of period | 8,180.9 | 1,498.3 |
| Net decrease | (3,774.2) | (204.5) |
| End of period | 4,406.7 | 1,293.8 |
| Cash paid for interest: | ||
| Continuing operations | 662.5 | 738.9 |
| Discontinued operations | 0 | 225.4 |
| Total | 662.5 | 964.3 |
| Net cash paid for taxes: | ||
| Continuing operations | 57.2 | 260.6 |
| Discontinued operations | 0 | 131 |
| Total | $ 57.2 | $ 391.6 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_5
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 |
| Details of end of period cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 4,360.6 | $ 1,269 |
| Restricted cash included in assets held for sale | 39.3 | 0 |
| Restricted cash included in other current assets and other assets, net | 6.8 | 22.9 |
| Restricted cash included in current and long-term assets of discontinued operations | 0 | 1.9 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ 4,406.7 | $ 1,293.8 |
Basis of Presentation
| Basis of Presentation | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation Liberty Global plc ( Liberty Global ) is a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales. In these notes, the terms “we,” “our,” “our company” and “us” may refer, as the context requires, to Liberty Global or collectively to Liberty Global and its subsidiaries. We are an international provider of broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony and mobile communications services to residential customers and businesses in Europe. Our continuing operations comprise businesses that provide residential and business-to-business ( B2B ) communications services in (i) the United Kingdom ( U.K. ) and Ireland through Virgin Media Inc. ( Virgin Media ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Global , (ii) Belgium through Telenet Group Holding N.V. ( Telenet ), a 60.8% -owned subsidiary of Liberty Global , and (iii) Switzerland, Poland and Slovakia through various wholly-owned subsidiaries that we collectively refer to as “ UPC Holding .” In addition, we own a 50% noncontrolling interest in a 50 : 50 joint venture between Vodafone Group plc ( Vodafone ) and Liberty Global (the VodafoneZiggo JV ), which provides residential and B2B communication services in the Netherlands. Effective May 7, 2020, in connection with the pending formation of the U.K. JV (as defined in note 4 ), we began accounting for the U.K. JV Entities (as defined in note 4 ) as held for sale. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the U.K. JV Entities are included in assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale, respectively, on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Consistent with the applicable guidance, we have not reflected similar reclassifications in our condensed consolidated statements of operations or cash flows. For additional information, see note 4 . Through July 31, 2019, we provided residential and B2B communication services in (i) Germany through Unitymedia GmbH ( Unitymedia ) and (ii) Hungary, the Czech Republic and Romania through UPC Holding B.V. In addition, through May 2, 2019, we provided direct-to-home satellite ( DTH ) services to residential customers in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia through a Luxembourg-based subsidiary of UPC Holding B.V. that we refer to as “ UPC DTH .” Accordingly, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows, our operations in Germany, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic and the operations of UPC DTH are presented as discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 . For additional information regarding these dispositions, see note 4 . Unless otherwise indicated, the amounts presented in these notes relate only to our continuing operations. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ( GAAP ) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information required by GAAP or Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 2019 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended (our 10-K ). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are used in accounting for, among other things, the valuation of acquisition-related assets and liabilities, allowances for uncollectible accounts, certain components of revenue, programming and copyright costs, deferred income taxes and related valuation allowances, loss contingencies, fair value measurements, impairment assessments, capitalization of internal costs associated with construction and installation activities, lease terms, useful lives of long-lived assets, share-based compensation and actuarial liabilities associated with certain benefit plans. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Unless otherwise indicated, ownership percentages and convenience translations into United States ( U.S. ) dollars are calculated as of June 30, 2020 . Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. |
Accounting Changes and Recent A
| Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] | |
| Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Changes ASU 2018-15 In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued Accounting Standards Update ( ASU ) No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract ( ASU 2018-15 ), which requires entities to defer implementation costs incurred that are related to the application development stage in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. ASU 2018-15 requires deferred implementation costs to be amortized over the term of the cloud computing arrangement and presented in the same expense line item as the cloud computing arrangement. All other implementation costs are generally expensed as incurred. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-15 , (i) certain implementation costs that were previously expensed as incurred are now deferred as prepaid expenses and amortized over the term of the cloud computing arrangement and (ii) certain costs associated with developing interfaces between a cloud computing arrangement and internal-use software that were previously capitalized as property and equipment are now deferred as prepaid expenses and amortized over the term of the cloud computing arrangement. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2019-02 In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials ( ASU 2019-02 ), which aligns the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. ASU 2019-02 removes the existing constraint that restricts capitalization of production costs to contracted revenue for episodic television series. The amended guidance also permits entities to test a film or license agreement for impairment at the film group level, addresses cash flow classification and provides new disclosure requirements. We adopted ASU 2019-02 on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2019-02 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements ( ASU 2016-13 ), which changes the recognition model for credit losses related to assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 eliminates the threshold that a loss must be considered probable to recognize a credit loss and instead requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of lifetime expected credit losses. We adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis by recording a cumulative effect adjustment of $30.3 million to our accumulated earnings related to increases to our allowances for certain trade and notes receivable. Recent Accounting Pronouncements ASU 2019-12 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ( ASU 2019-12 ), which is intended to improve consistency and simplify several areas of existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2019-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements. |
Revenue Recognition and Related
| Revenue Recognition and Related Costs | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
| Revenue Recognition and Related Costs | Revenue Recognition and Related Costs Contract Balances The timing of our recognition of revenue may differ from the timing of invoicing our customers. We record a trade receivable when we have transferred goods or services to a customer but have not yet received payment. Our trade receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Such allowance aggregated $21.4 million and $42.8 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. If we transfer goods or services to a customer but do not have an unconditional right to payment, we record a contract asset. Contract assets typically arise from the uniform recognition of introductory promotional discounts over the contract period and accrued revenue for handset sales. Our contract assets were $13.7 million and $30.6 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The current and long-term portions of our contract asset balances are included within other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We record deferred revenue when we receive payment prior to transferring goods or services to a customer. We primarily defer revenue for (i) installation and other upfront services and (ii) other services that are invoiced prior to when services are provided. Our deferred revenue balances were $332.8 million and $867.1 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The decrease in deferred revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020 is primarily due to the net effect of (a) the recognition of $587.0 million of revenue that was included in our deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2019 , (b) $459.6 million of deferred revenue related to the U.K. JV Entities that was reclassified to liabilities associated with assets held for sale and (c) advanced billings in certain markets. The long-term portions of our deferred revenue balances are included within other long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Contract Costs Our aggregate assets associated with incremental costs to obtain and fulfill our contracts were $22.3 million and $92.6 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The current and long-term portions of our assets related to contract costs are included within other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We amortized $31.9 million and $69.6 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 , respectively, and $24.3 million and $48.7 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , respectively, to operating costs and expenses related to these assets. Unsatisfied Performance Obligations A large portion of our revenue is derived from customers who are not subject to contracts. Revenue from customers who are subject to contracts is generally recognized over the term of such contracts, which is typically 12 months for our residential service contracts, one to three years for our mobile service contracts and one to five years for our B2B service contracts. |
Acquisitions and Dispositions
| Acquisitions and Dispositions | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] | |
| Acquisitions and Dispositions | Acquisitions and Dispositions Pending Joint Venture Transaction On May 7, 2020, we entered into a Contribution Agreement (the Contribution Agreement ) with, among others, Telefonica SA ( Telefonica ). Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement , Liberty Global and Telefonica agreed to form a 50:50 joint venture (the U.K. JV ), which will combine Virgin Media ’s operations in the U.K. (the U.K. JV Entities ) with Telefonica ’s mobile business in the U.K. to create a nationwide integrated communications provider. In our segment presentation, the U.K. JV Entities are included in our U.K./Ireland segment. In connection with the transaction, we expect to complete certain recapitalization financings prior to closing. The outstanding third-party debt associated with the U.K. JV Entities will be contributed in full to the U.K. JV , and Telefonica ’s business in the U.K. will be contributed on a debt-free basis. The transaction will not trigger a change of control under Virgin Media ’s debt agreements. Effectively all of Liberty Global ’s U.K. tax capital allowances and tax loss carryforwards, which primarily resulted from prior infrastructure investments, reside in the U.K. JV Entities and, therefore, will be available for use solely within the U.K. JV upon the closing of the transaction. At closing, we expect to pay Telefonica an equalization payment estimated to be approximately £2.5 billion ( $3.1 billion ), as adjusted for debt and debt-like items and certain working capital and other adjustments. After taking into account the recapitalizations and the equalization payment, Liberty Global is expected to receive an estimated £1.4 billion ( $1.7 billion ) in total, including approximately £800 million ( $1.0 billion ) from the recapitalization of Virgin Media ’s retained and 100.0% owned Ireland business. Pursuant to the framework agreement that we expect to enter into in connection with the closing of the U.K. JV , our company and Telefonica will provide certain services to the U.K. JV . The annual charges to the U.K. JV will ultimately depend on the actual level of services required by the U.K. JV . The U.K. JV intends to distribute available cash to the shareholders periodically and is expected to undertake periodic further recapitalizations, subject to market and operating conditions, to maintain a target net leverage ratio ranging between 4.0 and 5.0 times EBITDA (as defined in the applicable shareholders’ agreement). Our company will retain the cash generated by the operations of the U.K. JV Entities through the closing date and is required to fund any deficit in the associated defined pension plans that arise from the next triennial actuarial valuation. The consummation of the transaction contemplated by the Contribution Agreement is subject to certain conditions, including competition clearance by the applicable regulatory authorities. The Contribution Agreement also includes customary termination rights, including a right of the parties to terminate the agreement if the transaction has not closed within 24 months following the date of the Contribution Agreement , which may be extended by six months under certain circumstances. Following completion of the transaction, we expect to account for our 50% interest in the U.K. JV as an equity method investment. Effective with the signing of the Contribution Agreement , we began accounting for the U.K. JV Entities as held for sale. Accordingly, we ceased to depreciate or amortize the long-lived assets of the U.K. JV Entities . We have not presented the U.K. JV Entities as a discontinued operation as this transaction does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our financial results or operations. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale at June 30, 2020 are summarized below (in millions): Assets: Current assets (a) $ 1,194.3 Property and equipment, net 7,143.3 Goodwill 7,180.9 Other assets, net 3,512.0 Total assets $ 19,030.5 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 2,318.6 Other accrued and current liabilities 1,775.5 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 13,108.6 Other long-term liabilities 930.6 Total liabilities $ 18,133.3 _______________ (a) Amount does not include the cash and cash equivalents of the U.K. JV Entities , as such cash and cash equivalents will be retained by Liberty Global upon the formation of the U.K. JV and are therefore not classified as held for sale. Acquisition De Vijver Media. Prior to June 3, 2019, Telenet owned a 50.0% equity method investment in De Vijver Media NV ( De Vijver Media ), which provides content production, broadcasting and advertising services in Belgium. On June 3, 2019, Telenet acquired the remaining 50.0% ownership interest in De Vijver Media (the De Vijver Media Acquisition ) for cash consideration of €52.5 million ( $58.9 million at the transaction date) after post-closing adjustments. Dispositions Vodafone Disposal Group . On July 31, 2019, we completed the sale of our operations in Germany, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic to Vodafone . The operations of Germany, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic are collectively referred to herein as the “ Vodafone Disposal Group .” After considering debt and working capital adjustments (including cash disposed) and €183.7 million ( $205.8 million at the transaction date) of cash paid by our company to settle centrally-held vendor financing obligations associated with the Vodafone Disposal Group , we received net cash proceeds of €10.0 billion ( $11.1 billion at the applicable rates). Pursuant to the agreement underlying the sale of the Vodafone Disposal Group , we transferred cash to fund certain third-party escrow accounts (the Vodafone Escrow Accounts ) pending the fulfillment by our company of certain terms of the agreement. The current and long-term portions of the receivables associated with the Vodafone Escrow Accounts are included in “other current assets” and “other assets, net”, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , the aggregate balance of the Vodafone Escrow Accounts was $295.2 million . In connection with the sale of the Vodafone Disposal Group , we have agreed to provide certain transitional services to Vodafone for a period of up to four years . These services principally comprise network and information technology-related functions. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 , we recorded revenue of $76.8 million associated with these transitional services. For information regarding certain tax indemnities we provided in connection with the sale of the Vodafone Disposal Group , see note 16 . UPC DTH . On May 2, 2019, we completed the sale of UPC DTH to M7 Group ( M7 ). After considering debt and working capital adjustments (including cash disposed), we received net cash proceeds of €128.9 million ( $144.1 million at the applicable dates). In connection with the sale of UPC DTH , we have agreed to provide certain transitional services to M7 for a period of up to two years . These services principally comprise network and information technology-related functions. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded revenue of $1.0 million and $0.4 million , respectively, associated with these transitional services. Presentation of Discontinued Operations The operations of the Vodafone Disposal Group and UPC DTH are presented as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and are summarized in the following table. These amounts exclude intercompany revenue and expenses that are eliminated within our condensed consolidated statement of operations. For information regarding our basic and diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, see note 15 . Vodafone Disposal Group UPC DTH (a) Total in millions, except per share amounts Three months ended June 30, 2019 Revenue $ 868.9 $ 9.0 $ 877.9 Operating income $ 514.0 $ 2.1 $ 516.1 Earnings before income taxes $ 435.2 $ 2.2 $ 437.4 Income tax expense (121.9 ) — (121.9 ) Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 313.3 $ 2.2 $ 315.5 Basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share $ 0.43 Six months ended June 30, 2019 Revenue $ 1,727.6 $ 36.7 $ 1,764.3 Operating income $ 1,009.5 $ 10.7 $ 1,020.2 Earnings before income taxes $ 867.3 $ 9.5 $ 876.8 Income tax expense (238.7 ) — (238.7 ) Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 628.6 $ 9.5 $ 638.1 Basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share $ 0.86 _______________ (a) Includes the operating results of UPC DTH through May 2, 2019, the date UPC DTH was sold. |
Investments
| Investments | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Investments [Abstract] | |
| Investments | Investments The details of our investments are set forth below: Accounting Method June 30, December 31, in millions Equity (a): Long-term: VodafoneZiggo JV (b) $ 3,109.6 $ 3,174.1 All3Media Group ( All3Media ) 121.7 172.8 Formula E Holdings Ltd ( Formula E ) 106.3 105.2 Other 123.9 40.7 Total — equity 3,461.5 3,492.8 Fair value: Short-term: Separately-managed accounts ( SMAs ) (c) 2,650.8 — Long-term: ITV plc ( ITV ) — subject to re-use rights (d) 368.4 798.1 SMAs (c) 335.7 — ITI Neovision S.A. (ITI Neovision) 115.5 122.4 Lions Gate Entertainment Corp ( Lionsgate ) (e) 47.1 68.0 Other 403.2 300.7 Total — fair value 3,920.7 1,289.2 Total investments (f) $ 7,382.2 $ 4,782.0 Short-term investments $ 2,650.8 $ — Long-term investments $ 4,731.4 $ 4,782.0 _______________ (a) Our equity method investments are originally recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliates as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions are received, with our recognition of losses generally limited to the extent of our investment in, and advances and commitments to, the investee. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , the aggregate carrying amounts of our equity method investments exceeded our proportionate share of the respective investee’s net assets by $968.2 million and $1,041.0 million , respectively, which include amounts associated with the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable , as defined below, and amounts we are owed under a long-term note receivable from All3Media . (b) Amounts include a euro-denominated note receivable (the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable ) with a principal amount of $787.0 million and $786.1 million , respectively, due from a subsidiary of the VodafoneZiggo JV to a subsidiary of Liberty Global. The VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable bears interest at 5.55% and was amended in June 2020 to extend the final maturity date from January 16, 2028 to December 31, 2030. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 , interest accrued on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable was $21.6 million , all of which has been cash settled. (c) Represents investments held under SMAs , which are maintained by investment managers acting as agents on our behalf. We classify, measure and report these investments, the composition of which may change from time to time, based on the underlying nature and characteristics of each security held under the SMAs . As of June 30, 2020 , all of our investments held under SMAs were classified as available-for-sale debt securities, as further described under Fair Value Investments — Debt Securities below. (d) The aggregate purchase price paid to acquire our investment in ITV was financed through borrowings under secured borrowing agreements (the ITV Collar Loan ). All of the ITV shares we hold are subject to the ITV Collar (as defined in note 6 ) and pledged as collateral under the ITV Collar Loan . As of June 30, 2020 , the fair value of the ITV Collar was a net asset of $969.9 million and principal borrowings outstanding under the ITV Collar Loan were $1,339.9 million . (e) In connection with our investment in Lionsgate , we have entered into (i) the Lionsgate Forward (as defined in note 6 ) and (ii) a related borrowing agreement (the Lionsgate Loan ). As of June 30, 2020 , the fair value of the Lionsgate Forward was a net asset of $43.7 million and principal borrowings outstanding under the Lionsgate Loan were $55.3 million . (f) The purchase and sale of investments are presented on a gross basis in our statement of cash flows, including those made by investment managers acting as agents on our behalf. Fair Value Investments The following table sets forth the details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions ITV $ 42.2 $ (111.8 ) $ (429.7 ) $ (87.8 ) Lionsgate 8.5 (17.2 ) (20.9 ) (17.8 ) SMAs 16.6 — 5.9 — ITI Neovision 6.1 5.3 (1.9 ) 0.5 Other 68.2 (4.6 ) 60.2 (19.1 ) Total $ 141.6 $ (128.3 ) $ (386.4 ) $ (124.2 ) Debt Securities We determine the appropriate classification of our investments in debt securities at the time of purchase, and reevaluate such determinations at each balance sheet date. All of our debt securities are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value, and any changes in fair value are reported in realized and unrealized gains or losses due to changes in fair value of certain investments and debt, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. In addition, any interest received on our debt securities is reported as interest income in our consolidated statement of operations. All costs directly associated with the acquisition of debt securities are expensed as incurred. We classify our government bonds within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and our corporate debt securities, commercial paper and certificates of deposit within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For further information regarding our fair value measurements, see note 7 . The following table sets forth the details of our debt securities as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 : Amortized cost basis Unrealized gains Fair value in millions Commercial paper $ 986.8 $ 1.2 $ 988.0 Government bonds 900.0 0.3 900.3 Corporate debt securities 730.5 3.6 734.1 Certificates of deposit 332.9 0.1 333.0 Other debt securities 31.1 — 31.1 Total debt securities $ 2,981.3 $ 5.2 $ 2,986.5 During the second quarter of 2020, we received proceeds from the sale of debt securities of $2.5 billion , the majority of which were reinvested in new debt securities held under SMAs . The sale of debt securities during the second quarter of 2020 resulted in a realized net gain of $0.7 million . The fair value of our debt securities as of June 30, 2020 by contractual maturity are shown below (in millions): Due in one year or less $ 2,650.8 Due in one to five years 328.0 Due in five to ten years 7.7 Total (a) $ 2,986.5 _______________ (a) The weighted average life of our total debt securities was 0.6 years as of June 30, 2020 . Equity Method Investments The following table sets forth the details of our share of results of affiliates, net: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions All3Media $ (14.9 ) $ (19.0 ) $ (39.8 ) $ (22.7 ) VodafoneZiggo JV (a) (89.2 ) (40.0 ) (28.1 ) (102.3 ) Formula E 1.9 (9.5 ) 0.7 (9.9 ) Other (3.2 ) (0.8 ) (4.8 ) (5.3 ) Total $ (105.4 ) $ (69.3 ) $ (72.0 ) $ (140.2 ) _______________ (a) Amounts include the net effect of (i) 100% of the interest income earned on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable and (ii) our 50% share of the results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV . VodafoneZiggo JV . Pursuant to an agreement (the Framework Agreement ), Liberty Global provides certain services to the VodafoneZiggo JV (collectively, the JV Services ). The JV Services provided by Liberty Global consist primarily of (i) technology and other services and (ii) capital-related expenditures for assets that will be used by, or will otherwise benefit, the VodafoneZiggo JV . Liberty Global charges both fixed and usage-based fees to the VodafoneZiggo JV for the JV Services provided during the term of the Framework Agreement . We recorded revenue from the VodafoneZiggo JV of $41.4 million and $45.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively, and $88.1 million and $90.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively, primarily related to (a) the JV Services and (b) sales of customer premises equipment at a mark-up. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2019 , we purchased certain assets on the VodafoneZiggo JV ’s behalf with an aggregate cost of $9.2 million . At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , $50.3 million and $19.3 million , respectively, were due from the VodafoneZiggo JV related to the aforementioned transactions. The amounts due from the VodafoneZiggo JV , which are periodically cash settled, are included in other current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV are set forth below: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Revenue $ 1,081.6 $ 1,084.5 $ 2,178.7 $ 2,178.4 Loss before income taxes $ (151.8 ) $ (134.5 ) $ (26.9 ) $ (323.3 ) Net loss $ (185.4 ) $ (104.0 ) $ (85.7 ) $ (254.3 ) |
Derivative Instruments
| Derivative Instruments | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments In general, we enter into derivative instruments to protect against (i) increases in the interest rates on our variable-rate debt, (ii) foreign currency movements, particularly with respect to borrowings that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the borrowing entity, and (iii) decreases in the market prices of certain publicly traded securities that we own. In this regard, through our subsidiaries, we have entered into various derivative instruments to manage interest rate exposure and foreign currency exposure primarily with respect to the U.S. dollar ( $ ), the euro ( € ), the British pound sterling ( £ ), the Swiss franc ( CHF ) and the Polish zloty ( PLN ). We do not apply hedge accounting to our derivative instruments. Accordingly, changes in the fair values of most of our derivative instruments are recorded in realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following table provides details of the fair values of our derivative instrument assets and liabilities: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Current Long-term Total Current Long-term Total in millions Assets (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 127.8 $ 428.9 $ 556.7 $ 270.8 $ 886.4 $ 1,157.2 Equity-related derivative instruments (c) 446.2 594.8 1,041.0 55.2 608.2 663.4 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 1.7 0.6 2.3 4.6 1.4 6.0 Other 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.9 Total $ 576.0 $ 1,024.5 $ 1,600.5 $ 331.1 $ 1,496.4 $ 1,827.5 Liabilities (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 161.5 $ 709.2 $ 870.7 $ 389.2 $ 1,192.3 $ 1,581.5 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 2.5 — 2.5 1.2 — 1.2 Other 0.1 — 0.1 — — — Total $ 164.1 $ 709.2 $ 873.3 $ 390.4 $ 1,192.3 $ 1,582.7 _______________ (a) Our current derivative liabilities, long-term derivative assets and long-term derivative liabilities are included in other current and accrued liabilities, other assets, net, and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (b) We consider credit risk relating to our and our counterparties’ nonperformance in the fair value assessment of our derivative instruments. In all cases, the adjustments take into account offsetting liability or asset positions within each of our subsidiary borrowing groups (as defined and described in note 9 ). The changes in the credit risk valuation adjustments associated with our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts resulted in a net gain (loss) of $5.4 million and ( $12.6 million ) during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively, and a net gain (loss) of $71.7 million and ( $70.7 million ) during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. These amounts are included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For further information regarding our fair value measurements, see note 7 . (c) Our equity-related derivative instruments primarily include the fair value of (i) the share collar (the ITV Collar ) with respect to ITV shares held by our company and (ii) the variable prepaid forward transaction (the Lionsgate Forward ) with respect to 833,333 of our voting and 833,334 of our non-voting Lionsgate shares. The fair values of the ITV Collar and the Lionsgate Forward do not include credit risk valuation adjustments as we assume that any losses incurred by our company in the event of nonperformance by the respective counterparty would be, subject to relevant insolvency laws, fully offset against amounts we owe to such counterparty pursuant to the related secured borrowing arrangements. The details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, are as follows: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ (309.4 ) $ 69.1 $ 532.9 $ (18.2 ) Equity-related derivative instruments: ITV Collar (33.1 ) 86.0 350.3 99.8 Lionsgate Forward (1.8 ) 8.8 6.5 9.6 Other 22.1 0.2 20.8 0.4 Total equity-related derivative instruments (12.8 ) 95.0 377.6 109.8 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 1.7 (11.6 ) 7.4 (22.2 ) Other 0.8 0.4 (0.3 ) 0.7 Total $ (319.7 ) $ 152.9 $ 917.6 $ 70.1 The net cash received or paid related to our derivative instruments is classified as an operating, investing or financing activity in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows based on the objective of the derivative instrument and the classification of the applicable underlying cash flows. For derivative contracts that are terminated prior to maturity, the cash paid or received upon termination that relates to future periods is classified as a financing activity. The following table sets forth the classification of the net cash outflows of our derivative instruments: Six months ended 2020 2019 in millions Operating activities $ 23.1 $ 165.1 Financing activities 75.0 93.5 Total $ 98.1 $ 258.6 Counterparty Credit Risk We are exposed to the risk that the counterparties to the derivative instruments of our subsidiary borrowing groups will default on their obligations to us. We manage these credit risks through the evaluation and monitoring of the creditworthiness of, and concentration of risk with, the respective counterparties. In this regard, credit risk associated with our derivative instruments is spread across a relatively broad counterparty base of banks and financial institutions. With the exception of a limited number of instances where we have required a counterparty to post collateral, neither party has posted collateral under the derivative instruments of our subsidiary borrowing groups. At June 30, 2020 , our exposure to counterparty credit risk included derivative assets with an aggregate fair value of $103.3 million . Details of our Derivative Instruments The details of our derivative contracts are presented below for the named entity and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted. Cross-currency Derivative Contracts We generally match the denomination of our subsidiaries’ borrowings with the functional currency of the supporting operations or, when it is more cost effective, we provide for an economic hedge against foreign currency exchange rate movements by using derivative instruments to synthetically convert unmatched debt into the applicable underlying currency. At June 30, 2020 , substantially all of our debt was either directly or synthetically matched to the applicable functional currencies of the underlying operations. The following table sets forth the total notional amounts and the related weighted average remaining contractual lives of our cross-currency swap contracts at June 30, 2020 : Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 360.0 € 267.9 5.3 $ 1,600.0 CHF 1,476.1 (a) 5.9 € 2,618.3 CHF 2,941.4 (a) 4.2 € 707.0 PLN 2,999.5 3.9 CHF 740.0 € 701.1 2.5 Telenet $ 3,940.0 € 3,489.6 (a) 6.6 € 45.2 $ 50.0 (b) 4.6 _______________ (a) Includes certain derivative instruments that are “forward-starting,” such that the initial exchange occurs at a date subsequent to June 30, 2020 . These instruments are typically entered into in order to extend existing hedges without the need to amend existing contracts. (b) Includes certain derivative instruments that do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity of the instruments. Accordingly, the only cash flows associated with these derivative instruments are coupon-related payments and receipts. At June 30, 2020 , the total U.S. dollar equivalent of the notional amount of these derivative instruments was $50.8 million . Interest Rate Swap Contracts The following table sets forth the total U.S. dollar equivalents of the notional amounts and the related weighted average remaining contractual lives of our interest rate swap contracts at June 30, 2020 : Pays fixed rate Receives fixed rate Notional amount Weighted average remaining life Notional amount Weighted average remaining life in millions in years in millions in years UPC Holding $ 10,323.0 (a) 4.0 $ 4,617.6 5.4 Telenet $ 3,243.4 (a) 4.7 $ 1,604.5 3.2 Other $ 94.7 3.5 $ — — _______________ (a) Includes forward-starting derivative instruments. Interest Rate Swap Options From time to time, we enter into interest rate swap options ( swaption s ), which give us the right, but not the obligation, to enter into certain interest rate swap contracts at set dates in the future. Such contracts typically have a life of no more than three years. At June 30, 2020 , the option expiration period on each of our swaption s had expired. Basis Swaps Our basis swaps involve the exchange of attributes used to calculate our floating interest rates, including (i) the benchmark rate, (ii) the underlying currency and/or (iii) the borrowing period. We typically enter into these swaps to optimize our interest rate profile based on our current evaluations of yield curves, our risk management policies and other factors. The following table sets forth the total U.S. dollar equivalents of the notional amounts and related weighted average remaining contractual lives of our basis swap contracts at June 30, 2020 : Notional amount due from counterparty Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 700.0 0.5 Telenet $ 2,295.0 0.5 Other $ 94.7 0.5 Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars From time to time, we enter into interest rate cap, floor and collar agreements. Purchased interest rate caps and collars lock in a maximum interest rate if variable rates rise, but also allow our company to benefit, to a limited extent in the case of collars, from declines in market rates. Purchased interest rate floors protect us from interest rates falling below a certain level, generally to match a floating rate floor on a debt instrument. At June 30, 2020 , we had no interest rate collar agreements, and the total U.S. dollar equivalents of the notional amounts of our purchased interest rate caps and floors were $449.8 million and $1,248.1 million , respectively. Impact of Derivative Instruments on Borrowing Costs The impact of the derivative instruments that mitigate our foreign currency and interest rate risk, as described above, on our borrowing costs is as follows: Increase to borrowing costs at June 30, 2020 (a) UPC Holding 0.25 % Telenet 0.26 % Total increase to borrowing costs 0.23 % _______________ (a) Represents the effect of derivative instruments in effect at June 30, 2020 and does not include forward-starting derivative instruments or swaption s. Foreign Currency Forwards and Options Certain of our subsidiaries enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts with respect to non-functional currency exposure. As of June 30, 2020 , the total U.S. dollar equivalent of the notional amounts of our foreign currency forward and option contracts was $336.0 million . |
Fair Value Measurements
| Fair Value Measurements | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements We use the fair value method to account for (i) certain of our investments, (ii) our derivative instruments and (iii) certain instruments that we classify as debt. The reported fair values of these investments and instruments as of June 30, 2020 are unlikely to represent the value that will be paid or received upon the ultimate settlement or disposition of these assets and liabilities. GAAP provides for a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. We record transfers of assets or liabilities into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 at the beginning of the quarter during which the transfer occurred. We use a Monte Carlo based approach to incorporate a credit risk valuation adjustment in our fair value measurements to estimate the impact of both our own nonperformance risk and the nonperformance risk of our counterparties. Our credit risk valuation adjustments with respect to our cross-currency and interest rate swaps are quantified and further explained in note 6 . Fair value measurements are also used in connection with nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with acquisition accounting and impairment assessments. The nonrecurring valuations associated with acquisition accounting primarily include the valuation of reporting units, customer relationship and other intangible assets and property and equipment. Unless a reporting unit has a readily determinable fair value, the valuation of reporting units is based at least in part on discounted cash flow analyses. With the exception of certain inputs for our weighted average cost of capital and discount rate calculations that are derived from pricing services, the inputs used in our discounted cash flow analyses, such as forecasts of future cash flows, are based on our assumptions. The valuation of customer relationships is primarily based on an excess earnings methodology, which is a form of a discounted cash flow analysis. The excess earnings methodology requires us to estimate the specific cash flows expected from the customer relationship, considering such factors as estimated customer life, the revenue expected to be generated over the life of the customer relationship, contributory asset charges and other factors. Tangible assets are typically valued using a replacement or reproduction cost approach, considering factors such as current prices of the same or similar equipment, the age of the equipment and economic obsolescence. Most of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 , we did not perform any significant nonrecurring fair value measurements. We performed a nonrecurring fair value measurement in connection with the De Vijver Media Acquisition during the six months ended June 30, 2019 . For additional information concerning our fair value measurements, see note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in our 10-K . A summary of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows: Fair value measurements at June 30, 2020 using: Description June 30, Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 556.7 $ — $ 556.7 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 1,041.0 — — 1,041.0 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 2.3 — 2.3 — Other 0.5 — 0.5 — Total derivative instruments 1,600.5 — 559.5 1,041.0 Investments: SMAs 2,986.5 878.0 2,108.5 — Other investments 934.2 415.5 — 518.7 Total investments 3,920.7 1,293.5 2,108.5 518.7 Total assets $ 5,521.2 $ 1,293.5 $ 2,668.0 $ 1,559.7 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 870.7 $ — $ 870.7 $ — Foreign currency forward and option contracts 2.5 — 2.5 — Other 0.1 — 0.1 — Total liabilities $ 873.3 $ — $ 873.3 $ — Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using: Description December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,157.2 $ — $ 1,157.2 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 663.4 — — 663.4 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 6.0 — 6.0 — Other 0.9 — 0.9 — Total derivative instruments 1,827.5 — 1,164.1 663.4 Investments 1,289.2 869.2 — 420.0 Total assets $ 3,116.7 $ 869.2 $ 1,164.1 $ 1,083.4 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,581.5 $ — $ 1,561.6 $ 19.9 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 1.2 — 1.2 — Total derivative instruments 1,582.7 — 1,562.8 19.9 Debt 45.6 — 45.6 — Total liabilities $ 1,628.3 $ — $ 1,608.4 $ 19.9 A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable, or Level 3, inputs is as follows: Investments Cross-currency, interest rate and foreign currency derivative contracts Equity-related derivative instruments Total in millions Balance of net assets (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 $ 420.0 $ (19.9 ) $ 663.4 $ 1,063.5 Gains included in loss from continuing operations (a): Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net — (1.9 ) 377.6 375.7 Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net 58.2 — — 58.2 Additions 39.9 — — 39.9 Reclassification of liability to held for sale (b) — 11.5 — 11.5 Transfers out of Level 3 — 8.8 — 8.8 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net 0.6 1.5 — 2.1 Balance of net assets at June 30, 2020 $ 518.7 $ — $ 1,041.0 $ 1,559.7 _______________ (a) Most of these net gains relate to assets and liabilities that we continue to carry on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020 . (b) Represents the reclassification of the derivative liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities as of June 30, 2020 to liabilities associated with assets held for sale. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . |
Long-lived Assets
| Long-lived Assets | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Long-lived Assets [Abstract] | |
| Long-lived Assets | Long-lived Assets Property and Equipment, Net The details of our property and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation are set forth below: June 30, December 31, in millions Distribution systems $ 8,439.4 $ 19,007.2 Customer premises equipment 1,618.1 4,294.7 Support equipment, buildings and land 3,464.6 5,344.3 Total property and equipment, gross 13,522.1 28,646.2 Accumulated depreciation (7,349.5 ) (14,802.8 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 6,172.6 $ 13,843.4 During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded non-cash increases to our property and equipment related to vendor financing arrangements (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) of $702.9 million and $926.3 million , respectively, which exclude related value-added taxes ( VAT ) of $118.7 million and $148.7 million , respectively, that were also financed under these arrangements. Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during the six months ended June 30, 2020 are set forth below: January 1, 2020 Acquisitions and related adjustments Reclassification to assets held for sale (a) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other June 30, in millions U.K./Ireland $ 7,965.4 $ — $ (7,180.9 ) $ (512.0 ) $ 272.5 Switzerland 2,953.2 2.8 — 60.3 3,016.3 Belgium 2,576.1 (0.6 ) — (22.1 ) 2,553.4 Central and Eastern Europe 557.4 — — (20.4 ) 537.0 Total $ 14,052.1 $ 2.2 $ (7,180.9 ) $ (494.2 ) $ 6,379.2 _______________ (a) Represents goodwill of the U.K. JV Entities . For additional information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . If, among other factors, (i) our equity values were to decline or (ii) the adverse impacts of economic, competitive, regulatory or other factors (including with respect to the recent outbreak of a novel strain of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 )) were to cause our results of operations or cash flows to be worse than anticipated, we could conclude in future periods that impairment charges are required in order to reduce the carrying values of our goodwill and, to a lesser extent, other long-lived assets. Any such impairment charges could be significant. Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net The details of our intangible assets subject to amortization, which are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, are set forth below: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount in millions Customer relationships $ 280.9 $ (165.6 ) $ 115.3 $ 3,653.9 $ (3,363.6 ) $ 290.3 Other 568.7 (302.6 ) 266.1 563.7 (281.9 ) 281.8 Total $ 849.6 $ (468.2 ) $ 381.4 $ 4,217.6 $ (3,645.5 ) $ 572.1 |
Debt
| Debt | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract] | |
| Debt | Debt The U.S. dollar equivalents of the components of our debt are as follows: June 30, 2020 Principal amount Weighted average interest rate (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 in millions Telenet Credit Facility (c) 2.21 % € 555.0 $ 624.0 $ 3,543.0 $ 3,541.4 Telenet Senior Secured Notes 4.74 % — — 1,607.1 1,673.7 UPCB SPE Notes 3.80 % — — 1,281.8 2,420.1 UPC Holding Bank Facility (d) 2.46 % € 500.0 562.2 1,149.7 — UPC Holding Senior Notes 4.60 % — — 1,203.1 1,202.3 Vendor financing (e)(f) 2.54 % — — 1,358.7 1,374.3 ITV Collar Loan 0.90 % — — 1,339.9 1,435.5 Virgin Media debt — (f) (f) (f) 15,693.5 Other (f)(g) 5.59 % — — 294.2 307.3 Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums (h) 2.97 % $ 1,186.2 $ 11,777.5 $ 27,648.1 The following table provides a reconciliation of total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums to total debt and finance lease obligations: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 in millions Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums $ 11,777.5 $ 27,648.1 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (48.3 ) (82.7 ) Total carrying amount of debt 11,729.2 27,565.4 Finance lease obligations (f) (note 10) 514.4 617.1 Total debt and finance lease obligations 12,243.6 28,182.5 Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations (1,867.7 ) (3,877.2 ) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 10,375.9 $ 24,305.3 _______________ (a) Represents the weighted average interest rate in effect at June 30, 2020 for all borrowings outstanding (excluding those of the U.K. JV Entities ) pursuant to each debt instrument, including any applicable margin. The interest rates presented represent stated rates and do not include the impact of derivative instruments, deferred financing costs, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, all of which affect our overall cost of borrowing. Including the effects of derivative instruments, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, but excluding the impact of deferred financing costs, our weighted average interest rate on our aggregate variable- and fixed-rate indebtedness was 3.31% at June 30, 2020 . For information regarding our derivative instruments, see note 6 . (b) Unused borrowing capacity represents the maximum availability under the applicable facility at June 30, 2020 without regard to covenant compliance calculations or other conditions precedent to borrowing. At June 30, 2020 , based on the most restrictive applicable leverage covenants, the full amount of unused borrowing capacity was available to be borrowed under each of the respective subsidiary facilities, and based on the most restrictive applicable leverage-based restricted payment tests, there were no restrictions on the respective subsidiary's ability to make loans or distributions from this availability to Liberty Global or its subsidiaries or other equity holders. Upon completion of the relevant June 30, 2020 compliance reporting requirements, we expect the full amount of unused borrowing capacity will continue to be available under each of the respective subsidiary facilities, with no additional restriction to loan or distribute. Our above expectations do not consider any actual or potential changes to our borrowing levels or any amounts loaned or distributed subsequent to June 30, 2020 , or the impact of additional amounts that may be available to borrow, loan or distribute under certain defined baskets within each respective facility. (c) Unused borrowing capacity under the Telenet Credit Facility comprises (i) €510.0 million ( $573.4 million ) under the Telenet Revolving Facility I (as defined below), (ii) €25.0 million ( $28.1 million ) under the Telenet Overdraft Facility and (iii) €20.0 million ( $22.5 million ) under the Telenet Revolving Facility , each of which were undrawn at June 30, 2020 . During 2020, Telenet Facility AG and Telenet Facility AP were cancelled in full and replaced with a single revolving facility, which bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 2.25% , is subject to a EURIBOR floor of 0.0% and has a final maturity date of May 31, 2026 (the Telenet Revolving Facility I ). (d) Unused borrowing capacity under the UPC Holding Bank Facility relates to €500.0 million ( $562.2 million ) of borrowing capacity under the UPC Revolving Facility (as defined below), which was undrawn at June 30, 2020 . During 2020, as a result of the sale of certain entities within the UPC Holding borrowing group in prior years, and an associated reduction in the outstanding debt and Covenant EBITDA (as defined and described in the related debt agreement) of the remaining UPC Holding borrowing group, UPC Facility AM was cancelled in full and replaced with a new revolving facility, which bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 2.50% and has a final maturity date of May 31, 2026 (the UPC Revolving Facility ). (e) Represents amounts owed pursuant to interest-bearing vendor financing arrangements that are used to finance certain of our property and equipment additions and operating expenses. These obligations are generally due within one year and include VAT that was also financed under these arrangements. Repayments of vendor financing obligations are included in repayments and repurchases of debt and finance lease obligations in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. (f) In connection with the pending formation of the U.K. JV , the outstanding third-party debt of the U.K. JV Entities has been classified as liabilities associated with assets held for sale on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet. For information regarding the pending formation of the U.K. JV and the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . (g) As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , amounts include principal borrowings outstanding under the Lionsgate Loan of $55.3 million in each of the respective periods. (h) As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , our debt had an estimated fair value of $11.6 billion (excluding the U.K. JV Entities ) and $28.4 billion , respectively. The estimated fair values of our debt instruments are generally determined using the average of applicable bid and ask prices (mostly Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy) or, when quoted market prices are unavailable or not considered indicative of fair value, discounted cash flow models (mostly Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The discount rates used in the cash flow models are based on the market interest rates and estimated credit spreads of the applicable entity, to the extent available, and other relevant factors. For additional information regarding fair value hierarchies, see note 7 . Financing Transactions - General Information At June 30, 2020 , most of our outstanding debt had been incurred by one of our three subsidiary “borrowing groups.” References to these borrowing groups, which comprise UPC Holding , Telenet and Virgin Media , include their respective restricted parent and subsidiary entities. Below we provide summary descriptions of certain financing transactions completed during the first six months of 2020 . A portion of our financing transactions may include non-cash borrowings and repayments. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , non-cash borrowings and repayments aggregated $3.5 billion and nil , respectively. Unless otherwise noted, the terms and conditions of any new notes and/or credit facilities are largely consistent with those of existing notes and credit facilities of the corresponding borrowing group with regard to covenants, events of default and change of control provisions, among other items. For information regarding the general terms and conditions of our debt and capitalized terms not defined herein, see note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in our 10-K. Telenet Financing Transactions In January 2020, Telenet entered into (i) a $2,295.0 million term loan facility ( Telenet Facility AR ) and (ii) a €1,110.0 million ( $1,248.0 million ) term loan facility ( Telenet Facility AQ ). Telenet Facility AR was issued at 99.75% of par, matures on April 30, 2028 and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 2.0% , subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.0% . Telenet Facility AQ was issued at par, matures on April 30, 2029 and bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 2.25% , subject to a EURIBOR floor of 0.0% . The net proceeds from Telenet Facility AR and Telenet Facility AQ , together with existing cash, were used to prepay in full (a) the $2,295.0 million outstanding principal amount under Telenet Facility AN and (b) the €1,110.0 million outstanding principal amount under Telenet Facility AO . In connection with these transactions, Telenet recognized a net loss on debt extinguishment of $18.9 million related to the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums. UPC Holding Financing Transactions In January 2020, UPC Holding entered into (i) a $700.0 million term loan facility ( UPC Facility AT ) and (ii) a €400.0 million ( $449.7 million ) term loan facility ( UPC Facility AU ). UPC Facility AT was issued at 99.75% of par, matures on April 30, 2028 and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 2.25% , subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.0% . UPC Facility AU was issued at 99.875% of par, matures on April 30, 2029 and bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 2.50% , subject to a EURIBOR floor of 0.0% . The net proceeds from UPC Facility AT and UPC Facility AU were used to prepay in full the $1,140.0 million outstanding principal amount under UPC Facility AL , together with accrued and unpaid interest and the related prepayment premiums, which was owed to UPCB Finance IV and, in turn, UPCB Finance IV used such proceeds to redeem in full the $1,140.0 million outstanding principal amount of UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes . In connection with this transaction, UPC Holding recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $35.6 million related to (a) the payment of $30.7 million of redemption premiums and (b) the write-off of $4.9 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts. Virgin Media Financing Transactions In connection with the pending formation of the U.K. JV , the outstanding third-party debt of Virgin Media and certain of its subsidiaries has been classified as liabilities associated with assets held for sale on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet. For information regarding the pending formation of the U.K. JV and the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . In May 2020, Virgin Media Trade Receivables Financing plc, a third-party special purpose financing entity, was created for the purpose of facilitating the offering of certain notes. These notes are collateralized by certain trade receivables of Virgin Media , creating a variable interest in which Virgin Media is the primary beneficiary and, accordingly, Virgin Media , and ultimately Liberty Global , are required to consolidate Virgin Media Trade Receivables Financing plc. The offering of these notes resulted in net proceeds of £214.4 million ( $265.4 million ) (the May 2020 Proceeds ). In June 2020, Virgin Media completed various financing transactions, as further described below. Senior Notes Transactions. Virgin Media issued $675.0 million principal amount of U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes (the 2030 VM Dollar Senior Notes ). The 2030 VM Dollar Senior Notes were issued at par, mature on July 15, 2030 and bear interest at a rate of 5.0% . The net proceeds from the issuance of these notes, together with the May 2020 Proceeds , were used to redeem in full (i) €460.0 million ( $517.2 million ) outstanding principal amount of 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes and (ii) $388.7 million outstanding principal amount of 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes. Virgin Media then issued (a) an additional $250.0 million principal amount of 2030 VM Dollar Senior Notes at 101% of par and (b) €500.0 million ( $562.2 million ) principal amount of euro-denominated senior notes (the 2030 VM Euro Senior Notes ). The 2030 VM Euro Senior Notes were issued at par, mature on July 15, 2030 and bear interest at a rate of 3.75% . The net proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used (1) to redeem in full (A) $497.0 million outstanding principal amount of 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes, (B) $71.6 million outstanding principal amount of 2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes, (C) $51.5 million outstanding principal amount of 2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes and (D) £44.1 million ( $54.6 million ) outstanding principal amount of 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes and (2) for general corporate purposes. In connection with these transactions, Virgin Media recognized a net loss on debt extinguishment of $57.5 million related to (I) the payment of $50.8 million of redemption premiums and (II) the write-off of $6.7 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums. Senior Secured Notes Transactions. Virgin Media issued (i) $650.0 million principal amount of U.S. dollar-denominated senior secured notes (the 2030 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes ) and (ii) £450.0 million ( $557.1 million ) principal amount of sterling-denominated senior secured notes (the 2030 VM 4.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes ). The 2030 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes and 2030 VM 4.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes were each issued at par, mature on August 15, 2030 and bear interest at a rate of 4.5% and 4.125% , respectively. The net proceeds from the issuance of these notes, together with existing cash, were used to (a) redeem in full £525.0 million ( $649.9 million ) outstanding principal amount of 2027 VM 4.875% Sterling Senior Secured Notes, (b) redeem in full £360.0 million ( $445.7 million ) outstanding principal amount of 2029 VM 6.25% Sterling Senior Secured Notes and (c) redeem £80.0 million ( $99.0 million ) of the £521.3 million ( $645.3 million ) outstanding principal amount of 2025 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes. In connection with these transactions, Virgin Media recognized a net loss on debt extinguishment of $65.7 million related to (1) the payment of $64.7 million of redemption premiums and (2) the write-off of $1.0 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums. Vendor Financing Notes Transactions. Virgin Media Vendor Financing Notes III Designated Activity Company ( Virgin Media Financing III Company ) and Virgin Media Vendor Financing Notes IV Designated Activity Company ( Virgin Media Financing IV Company , and together with Virgin Media Financing III Company , the 2020 VM Financing Companies ) were created for the purpose of issuing certain vendor financing notes. The 2020 VM Financing Companies are third-party special purpose financing entities that are not consolidated by Virgin Media or Liberty Global . Virgin Media Financing III Company issued (i) £500.0 million ( $619.0 million ) principal amount of 4.875% vendor financing notes at par and (ii) £400.0 million ( $495.2 million ) principal amount of 4.875% vendor financing notes at 99.5% of par, each due July 15, 2028 (together, the VM Vendor Financing III Notes ). Virgin Media Financing IV Company issued $500.0 million principal amount of 5.0% vendor financing notes due July 15, 2028 at par (the VM Vendor Financing IV Notes , and together with the VM Vendor Financing III Notes , the June 2020 Vendor Financing Notes ). The net proceeds from the June 2020 Vendor Financing Notes were used by the 2020 VM Financing Companies to purchase certain vendor-financed receivables owed by Virgin Media and its subsidiaries from previously-existing third-party special purpose financing entities (the Original VM Financing Companies ) and various other third parties. As a result, Virgin Media paid $42.0 million of redemption premiums, which are included in losses on debt extinguishment, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. To the extent that the proceeds from the June 2020 Vendor Financing Notes exceed the amount of vendor-financed receivables available to be purchased from the Original VM Financing Companies , and various other third parties, the excess proceeds are used to fund excess cash facilities under certain credit facilities of Virgin Media . As additional vendor financed receivables become available for purchase, the 2020 VM Financing Companies can request that Virgin Media repay any amounts available under these excess cash facilities. Maturities of Debt Maturities of our debt as of June 30, 2020 are presented below for the named entity and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted, and represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on June 30, 2020 exchange rates. As a result of the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include maturities of the debt obligations of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . UPC Holding (a) Telenet Other (b) Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 387.4 $ 254.4 $ 260.3 $ 902.1 2021 221.4 174.8 1,015.9 1,412.1 2022 — 12.4 380.5 392.9 2023 — 12.1 152.4 164.5 2024 — 12.1 14.7 26.8 2025 — 12.3 0.6 12.9 Thereafter 3,634.6 5,231.6 — 8,866.2 Total debt maturities (c) 4,243.4 5,709.7 1,824.4 11,777.5 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (21.0 ) (17.7 ) (9.6 ) (48.3 ) Total debt $ 4,222.4 $ 5,692.0 $ 1,814.8 $ 11,729.2 Current portion $ 608.8 $ 427.9 $ 769.2 $ 1,805.9 Noncurrent portion $ 3,613.6 $ 5,264.1 $ 1,045.6 $ 9,923.3 _______________ (a) Amounts include certain senior secured notes issued by special purpose financing entities that are consolidated by UPC Holding and Liberty Global . (b) Amounts include $1,339.9 million related to the ITV Collar Loan . The ITV Collar Loan has maturity dates ranging from 2020 to 2022 consistent with the ITV Collar (see notes 5 and 6 ). We may elect to use cash or the collective value of the related shares and equity-related derivative instrument to settle the ITV Collar Loan . (c) Amounts include vendor financing obligations of $1,358.7 million , as set forth below: UPC Holding Telenet Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 387.4 $ 253.4 $ 75.7 $ 716.5 2021 221.4 162.0 105.2 488.6 2022 — — 80.7 80.7 2023 — — 57.6 57.6 2024 — — 14.7 14.7 2025 — — 0.6 0.6 Total vendor financing maturities $ 608.8 $ 415.4 $ 334.5 $ 1,358.7 Current portion $ 608.8 $ 415.4 $ 136.0 $ 1,160.2 Noncurrent portion $ — $ — $ 198.5 $ 198.5 |
Leases
| Leases | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Leases [Abstract] | |
| Leases | Leases General We enter into operating and finance leases for network equipment, real estate, mobile site sharing and vehicles. We provide residual value guarantees on certain of our vehicle leases. Lease Balances A summary of our right-of-use ( ROU ) assets and lease liabilities is set forth below: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 in millions ROU assets: Finance leases (a) $ 441.8 $ 531.0 Operating leases (b) 337.8 512.7 Total ROU assets $ 779.6 $ 1,043.7 Lease liabilities: Finance leases (c) $ 514.4 $ 617.1 Operating leases (d) 352.5 545.1 Total lease liabilities $ 866.9 $ 1,162.2 _______________ (a) Our finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2020 , the weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases was 23.1 years and the weighted average discount rate was 6.0% . During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded non-cash additions to our finance lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) of $17.2 million and $32.6 million , respectively. (b) Our operating lease ROU assets are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2020 , the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 7.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 3.6% . During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded non-cash additions to our operating lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) of $53.2 million and $30.6 million , respectively. (c) The current and long-term portions of our finance lease liabilities are included within current portion of debt and finance lease liabilities and long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (d) The current and long-term portions of our operating lease liabilities are included within other accrued and current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. A summary of our aggregate lease expense is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Finance lease expense: Depreciation and amortization $ 14.4 $ 22.6 $ 36.1 $ 45.3 Interest expense 8.1 8.9 16.2 17.0 Total finance lease expense 22.5 31.5 52.3 62.3 Operating lease expense (a) 29.8 34.1 65.6 67.3 Short-term lease expense (a) 1.5 2.1 3.3 4.0 Variable lease expense (b) 1.1 1.2 2.4 2.3 Total lease expense $ 54.9 $ 68.9 $ 123.6 $ 135.9 _______________ (a) Our operating lease expense and short-term lease expense are included in other operating expenses, SG&A expenses and impairment, restructuring and other operating items in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. (b) Variable lease expense represents payments made to a lessor during the lease term that vary because of a change in circumstance that occurred after the lease commencement date. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are included in other operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. A summary of our cash outflows from operating and finance leases is set forth below: Six months ended 2020 2019 in millions Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 60.0 $ 67.4 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 16.2 17.0 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 56.9 36.6 Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases $ 133.1 $ 121.0 Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of June 30, 2020 are presented below. As a result of the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include maturities of operating and finance lease liabilities of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on June 30, 2020 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance leases in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 41.6 $ 48.8 2021 67.6 91.1 2022 55.9 89.0 2023 47.9 91.5 2024 40.3 54.1 2025 34.0 49.5 Thereafter 117.4 243.0 Total payments 404.7 667.0 Less: present value discount (52.2 ) (152.6 ) Present value of lease payments $ 352.5 $ 514.4 Current portion $ 73.3 $ 61.8 Noncurrent portion $ 279.2 $ 452.6 |
| Leases | Leases General We enter into operating and finance leases for network equipment, real estate, mobile site sharing and vehicles. We provide residual value guarantees on certain of our vehicle leases. Lease Balances A summary of our right-of-use ( ROU ) assets and lease liabilities is set forth below: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 in millions ROU assets: Finance leases (a) $ 441.8 $ 531.0 Operating leases (b) 337.8 512.7 Total ROU assets $ 779.6 $ 1,043.7 Lease liabilities: Finance leases (c) $ 514.4 $ 617.1 Operating leases (d) 352.5 545.1 Total lease liabilities $ 866.9 $ 1,162.2 _______________ (a) Our finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2020 , the weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases was 23.1 years and the weighted average discount rate was 6.0% . During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded non-cash additions to our finance lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) of $17.2 million and $32.6 million , respectively. (b) Our operating lease ROU assets are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2020 , the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 7.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 3.6% . During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded non-cash additions to our operating lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) of $53.2 million and $30.6 million , respectively. (c) The current and long-term portions of our finance lease liabilities are included within current portion of debt and finance lease liabilities and long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (d) The current and long-term portions of our operating lease liabilities are included within other accrued and current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. A summary of our aggregate lease expense is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Finance lease expense: Depreciation and amortization $ 14.4 $ 22.6 $ 36.1 $ 45.3 Interest expense 8.1 8.9 16.2 17.0 Total finance lease expense 22.5 31.5 52.3 62.3 Operating lease expense (a) 29.8 34.1 65.6 67.3 Short-term lease expense (a) 1.5 2.1 3.3 4.0 Variable lease expense (b) 1.1 1.2 2.4 2.3 Total lease expense $ 54.9 $ 68.9 $ 123.6 $ 135.9 _______________ (a) Our operating lease expense and short-term lease expense are included in other operating expenses, SG&A expenses and impairment, restructuring and other operating items in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. (b) Variable lease expense represents payments made to a lessor during the lease term that vary because of a change in circumstance that occurred after the lease commencement date. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are included in other operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. A summary of our cash outflows from operating and finance leases is set forth below: Six months ended 2020 2019 in millions Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 60.0 $ 67.4 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 16.2 17.0 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 56.9 36.6 Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases $ 133.1 $ 121.0 Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of June 30, 2020 are presented below. As a result of the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include maturities of operating and finance lease liabilities of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on June 30, 2020 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance leases in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 41.6 $ 48.8 2021 67.6 91.1 2022 55.9 89.0 2023 47.9 91.5 2024 40.3 54.1 2025 34.0 49.5 Thereafter 117.4 243.0 Total payments 404.7 667.0 Less: present value discount (52.2 ) (152.6 ) Present value of lease payments $ 352.5 $ 514.4 Current portion $ 73.3 $ 61.8 Noncurrent portion $ 279.2 $ 452.6 |
Income Taxes
| Income Taxes | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] | |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes Income tax benefit (expense) attributable to our earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes differs from the amounts computed using the applicable income tax rate as a result of the following factors: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) (a) $ 115.8 $ 59.5 $ (76.3 ) $ 112.5 Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits 188.8 4.4 188.8 4.4 Change in valuation allowances (10.9 ) 79.0 (99.6 ) 66.4 Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results (95.8 ) 16.4 57.8 49.4 Tax benefit associated with technology innovation (b) 4.7 — 49.5 — Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items (25.9 ) (107.1 ) (46.3 ) (129.9 ) Enacted tax law and rate changes (4.4 ) (0.4 ) 31.7 (9.8 ) Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (c) (20.8 ) (87.3 ) (17.7 ) (166.4 ) International rate differences (d) 5.8 3.3 (10.3 ) 15.5 Other, net 0.7 5.4 0.3 3.3 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 158.0 $ (26.8 ) $ 77.9 $ (54.6 ) _______________ (a) The statutory or “expected” tax rates are the U.K. rates of 17.5% for the 2020 periods and 19.0% for the 2019 periods. The statutory rate for the 2020 periods represents the blended rate in effect for the year ended December 31, 2020 based on the 19.0% statutory rate that was in effect for the first quarter of 2020 and the 17.0% statutory rate that was expected to be in effect for the remainder of 2020. In March 2020, it was announced that the U.K. corporate tax rate will remain at 19.0% and not reduce to 17.0% from April 1, 2020. The U.K. rate change was enacted on July 22, 2020; therefore, the impact on our deferred tax balances will be recorded during the third quarter of 2020. (b) Amount reflects the recognition of the innovation income tax deduction in Belgium, including the one-time effect of deductions related to prior periods. (c) These amounts reflect the net impact of differences in the treatment of income and loss items between financial reporting and tax accounting related to investments in subsidiaries and affiliates including the effects of foreign earnings. (d) Amounts reflect adjustments (either a benefit or expense) to the “expected” tax benefit (expense) for statutory rates in jurisdictions in which we operate outside of the U.K. As of June 30, 2020 , our unrecognized tax benefits of $319.1 million included $123.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits that would have a favorable impact on our effective income tax rate if ultimately recognized, after considering amounts that we would expect to be offset by valuation allowances and other factors. During the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that the resolution of ongoing examinations by tax authorities, as well as the expiration of statutes of limitation and other items, could result in reductions to our unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions taken as of June 30, 2020 . The amount of any such reductions could range up to $65.0 million , of which approximately $5.0 million would have a positive impact on our effective tax rate. Other than the potential impacts of these ongoing examinations and the expected expiration of certain statutes of limitation, we do not expect any material changes to our unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months. No assurance can be given as to the nature or impact of any changes in our unrecognized tax positions during the next 12 months. Certain of our subsidiaries are currently involved in income tax examinations in various jurisdictions in which we operate, including the Netherlands , Poland , the U.K . and the U.S. |
Equity
| Equity | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Equity [Abstract] | |
| Equity | Equity Share Repurchases. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 , we repurchased (i) 9,000 shares of our class A ordinary shares at an average price per share of $16.33 and (ii) 38,823,100 shares of our class C ordinary shares at an average price per share of $18.03 , for an aggregate purchase price of $700.2 million , including direct acquisition costs. In February 2020, our board of directors authorized an additional $1.0 billion for share repurchases. At June 30, 2020 , the remaining amount authorized for share repurchases was $370.0 million . |
Share-based Compensation
| Share-based Compensation | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] | |
| Share-based Compensation | Share-based Compensation Our share-based compensation expense primarily relates to the share-based incentive awards issued by Liberty Global to its employees and employees of its subsidiaries. A summary of our aggregate share-based compensation expense is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Liberty Global: Performance-based incentive awards (a) $ 21.6 $ 38.0 $ 49.3 $ 67.9 Non-performance based incentive awards (b) 47.8 29.0 66.1 51.0 Other (c) 6.0 12.6 12.2 22.5 Total Liberty Global 75.4 79.6 127.6 141.4 Other 8.4 7.4 11.4 12.9 Total $ 83.8 $ 87.0 $ 139.0 $ 154.3 Included in: Other operating expense $ 1.6 $ 1.0 $ 2.3 $ 1.9 SG&A expense 82.2 86.0 136.7 152.4 Total $ 83.8 $ 87.0 $ 139.0 $ 154.3 _______________ (a) Includes share-based compensation expense related to (i) performance-based restricted share units ( PSU s ), (ii) a challenge performance award plan for certain executive officers and key employees (the 2019 Challenge Performance Awards ), which included performance-based share appreciation rights ( PSAR s ) and PSU s granted in March 2019, and (iii) the performance-based portion of a performance award granted to our Chief Executive Officer in May 2019 (the 2019 CEO Performance Award ). (b) In 2019, we changed our policy to provide that all new equity grants would have ten-year contractual terms in order to more closely align with common market practice. In April 2020, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved the extension of the expiration dates of outstanding share appreciation rights ( SAR s ) and director options granted in 2013 from a seven-year term to a ten-year term in order to align with this new policy. Accordingly, the Black-Scholes fair values of the outstanding awards increased, resulting in the recognition of an aggregate incremental share-based compensation expense of $18.9 million during the second quarter of 2020. (c) Represents annual incentive compensation and defined contribution plan liabilities that have been or are expected to be settled with Liberty Global ordinary shares. In the case of the annual incentive compensation, shares have been or will be issued to senior management and key employees pursuant to a shareholding incentive program. The shareholding incentive program allows these employees to elect to receive up to 100% of their annual incentive compensation in ordinary shares of Liberty Global in lieu of cash. The following table provides the aggregate number of options, SAR s and PSAR s with respect to awards issued by Liberty Global that were (i) outstanding and (ii) exercisable as of June 30, 2020 : Class A Class C Number of shares underlying awards Weighted Average exercise or base price Number of shares underlying awards Weighted Average exercise or base price Held by Liberty Global employees: Outstanding 24,236,156 $ 27.34 53,198,176 $ 26.20 Exercisable 11,641,307 $ 32.54 27,367,784 $ 30.51 Held by former Liberty Global employees: Outstanding 1,162,767 $ 35.57 2,342,852 $ 34.29 Exercisable 1,129,898 $ 35.57 2,277,127 $ 34.27 The following table provides the aggregate number of restricted share units ( RSU s ) and PSU s that were outstanding as of June 30, 2020 : Class A Class B Class C Held by Liberty Global employees: RSUs 2,523,790 — 5,040,305 PSUs 2,748,202 660,000 5,497,202 Held by former Liberty Global employees: RSUs 1,158 — 2,302 PSUs 24,521 — 49,034 |
Restructuring Liability
| Restructuring Liability | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
| Restructuring Liability | Restructuring Liability A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2020 $ 19.1 $ 2.2 $ 10.6 $ 31.9 Restructuring charges 28.3 3.5 4.8 36.6 Cash paid (31.5 ) (0.7 ) (7.1 ) (39.3 ) Reclassification to held for sale (a) (4.6 ) (4.8 ) — (9.4 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (0.3 ) (0.2 ) (0.2 ) (0.7 ) Restructuring liability as of June 30, 2020 $ 11.0 $ — $ 8.1 $ 19.1 Current portion $ 11.0 $ — $ 2.9 $ 13.9 Noncurrent portion — — 5.2 5.2 Total $ 11.0 $ — $ 8.1 $ 19.1 _______________ (a) Represents the reclassification of the restructuring liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities as of June 30, 2020 to liabilities associated with assets held for sale. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . Our restructuring charges during the six months ended June 30, 2020 included employee severance and termination costs related to certain reorganization activities of $12.7 million in Switzerland , $9.1 million in U.K./Ireland and $5.6 million in Central and Corporate |
Earnings or Loss per Share
| Earnings or Loss per Share | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
| Earnings or Loss per Share | Earnings or Loss per Share Basic earnings or loss per share ( EPS ) is computed by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect, if any, on a per share basis of potential shares (e.g., options, SAR s, RSU s, restricted stock awards ( RSA s ), PSAR s and PSU s) as if they had been exercised, vested or converted at the beginning of the periods presented. The details of the calculations of our basic and diluted EPS are set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Numerator: Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (503.8 ) $ (339.6 ) $ 513.9 $ (646.5 ) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (20.4 ) (29.5 ) (88.3 ) (38.2 ) Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (basic and diluted EPS computation) $ (524.2 ) $ (369.1 ) $ 425.6 $ (684.7 ) Denominator: Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) 612,681,648 735,442,543 617,828,982 738,748,452 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) — — 7,322,907 — Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) 612,681,648 735,442,543 625,151,889 738,748,452 A total of 58.1 million options, SAR s and RSU s and 15.2 million PSAR s and PSU s were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share during the six months ended June 30, 2020 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive or, in the case of the PSAR s and PSU s, because such awards had not yet met the applicable performance criteria. We reported losses from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 . Therefore, the potentially dilutive effect at June 30, 2020 and 2019 of the following items was not included in the computation of diluted loss from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share for such periods because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation or, in the case of certain PSAR s and PSU s, because such awards had not yet met the applicable performance criteria: (i) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options, SAR s, RSU s and RSA s of 77.2 million and 65.7 million , respectively, and (ii) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to PSAR s and PSU s of 20.3 million and 27.8 million , respectively. |
Commitments and Contingencies
| Commitments and Contingencies | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies Commitments In the normal course of business, we have entered into agreements that commit our company to make cash payments in future periods with respect to programming contracts, network and connectivity commitments, purchases of customer premises and other equipment and services and other items. The following table sets forth the U.S. dollar equivalents of such commitments as of June 30, 2020 . Due to the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities at June 30, 2020 , the amounts presented below do not include the contractual commitments of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . The commitments included in this table do not reflect any liabilities that are included on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Payments due during: Remainder 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total in millions Network and connectivity commitments $ 78.9 $ 86.2 $ 64.9 $ 41.5 $ 35.8 $ 34.4 $ 681.2 $ 1,022.9 Programming commitments 152.1 171.2 84.1 22.0 14.2 13.9 16.1 473.6 Purchase commitments 250.6 170.1 43.5 30.7 17.3 14.5 10.7 537.4 Other commitments 4.1 3.1 3.0 1.9 1.5 0.4 1.2 15.2 Total $ 485.7 $ 430.6 $ 195.5 $ 96.1 $ 68.8 $ 63.2 $ 709.2 $ 2,049.1 Network and connectivity commitments include Telenet’s commitments for certain operating costs associated with its leased network. Telenet ’s commitments for certain operating costs are subject to adjustment based on changes in the network operating costs incurred by Telenet with respect to its own networks. These potential adjustments are not subject to reasonable estimation and, therefore, are not included in the above table. The amounts reflected in the above table with respect to certain of our mobile virtual network operator ( MVNO ) commitments represent fixed minimum amounts payable under these agreements and, therefore, may be significantly less than the actual amounts we ultimately pay in these periods. Programming commitments consist of obligations associated with certain of our programming, studio output and sports rights contracts that are enforceable and legally binding on us as we have agreed to pay minimum fees without regard to (i) the actual number of subscribers to the programming services, (ii) whether we terminate service to a portion of our subscribers or dispose of a portion of our distribution systems or (iii) whether we discontinue our premium sports services. Programming commitments do not include increases in future periods associated with contractual inflation or other price adjustments that are not fixed. Accordingly, the amounts reflected in the above table with respect to these contracts are significantly less than the amounts we expect to pay in these periods under these contracts. Historically, payments to programming vendors have represented a significant portion of our operating costs, and we expect this will continue to be the case in future periods. In this regard, our total programming and copyright costs (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) aggregated $832.6 million and $847.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. Programming costs include (i) agreements to distribute channels to our customers, (ii) exhibition rights of programming content and (iii) sports rights. Channel Distribution Agreements . Our channel distribution agreements are generally multi-year contracts for which we are charged either (i) variable rates based upon the number of subscribers or (ii) on a flat fee basis. Certain of our variable rate contracts require minimum guarantees. Programming costs under such arrangements are recorded in operating costs and expenses in our condensed consolidated statement of operations when the programming is available for viewing. Exhibition Rights . Our agreements for exhibition rights are generally multi-year license agreements for which we are typically charged either (i) a percentage of the revenue earned per program or (ii) a flat fee per program. The current and long-term portions of our exhibition rights acquired under licenses are recorded as other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheet when the license period begins and the program is available for its first showing. Capitalized exhibition rights are amortized based on the projected future showings of the content using a straight-line or accelerated method of amortization, as appropriate. Exhibition rights are regularly reviewed for impairment and held at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Sports Rights . Our sports rights agreements are generally multi-year contracts for which we are typically charged a flat fee per season. We typically pay for sports rights in advance of the respective season. The current and long-term portions of any payments made in advance of the respective season are recorded as other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the respective sporting season. Sports rights are regularly reviewed for impairment and held at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Purchase commitments include unconditional and legally binding obligations related to (i) the purchase of customer premises and other equipment and (ii) certain service-related commitments, including call center, information technology and maintenance services. In addition to the commitments set forth in the table above, we have significant commitments under (i) derivative instruments and (ii) defined benefit plans and similar agreements, pursuant to which we expect to make payments in future periods. For information regarding our derivative instruments, including the net cash paid or received in connection with these instruments during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , see note 6 . We also have commitments pursuant to agreements with, and obligations imposed by, franchise authorities and municipalities, which may include obligations in certain markets to move aerial cable to underground ducts or to upgrade, rebuild or extend portions of our broadband communication systems. Such amounts are not included in the above table because they are not fixed or determinable. Guarantees and Other Credit Enhancements In the ordinary course of business, we may provide (i) indemnifications to our lenders, our vendors and certain other parties and (ii) performance and/or financial guarantees to local municipalities, our customers and vendors. Historically, these arrangements have not resulted in our company making any material payments and we do not believe that they will result in material payments in the future. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings and Other Contingencies Interkabel Acquisition. On November 26, 2007, Telenet and four associations of municipalities in Belgium, which we refer to as the pure intercommunales or the “ PICs ,” announced a non-binding agreement-in-principle to transfer the analog and digital television activities of the PICs , including all existing subscribers, to Telenet . Subsequently, Telenet and the PICs entered into a binding agreement (the 2008 PICs Agreement ), which closed effective October 1, 2008. Beginning in December 2007 , Proximus NV/SA ( Proximus ), the incumbent telecommunications operator in Belgium, instituted several proceedings seeking to block implementation of these agreements. Proximus lodged summary proceedings with the President of the Court of First Instance of Antwerp to obtain a provisional injunction preventing the PICs from effecting the agreement-in-principle and initiated a civil procedure on the merits claiming the annulment of the agreement-in-principle. In March 2008 , the President of the Court of First Instance of Antwerp ruled in favor of Proximus in the summary proceedings, which ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeal of Antwerp in June 2008 . Proximus brought this appeal judgment before the Cour de Cassation (the Belgian Supreme Court ), which confirmed the appeal judgment in September 2010. On April 6, 2009, the Court of First Instance of Antwerp ruled in favor of the PICs and Telenet in the civil procedure on the merits, dismissing Proximus ’s request for the rescission of the agreement-in-principle and the 2008 PICs Agreement . On June 12, 2009, Proximus appealed this judgment with the Court of Appeal of Antwerp. In this appeal, Proximus is now also seeking compensation for damages. While these proceedings were suspended indefinitely, other proceedings were initiated, which resulted in a ruling by the Belgian Council of State in May 2014 annulling (i) the decision of the PICs not to organize a public market consultation and (ii) the decision from the PICs ’ board of directors to approve the 2008 PICs Agreement . In December 2015, Proximus resumed the civil proceedings pending with the Court of Appeal of Antwerp seeking to have the 2008 PICs Agreement annulled and claiming damages of €1.4 billion ( $1.6 billion ). In December 2017 , the Court of Appeals of Antwerp issued a judgment rejecting Proximus ’ claims. In June 2019 , Proximus filed an appeal of the Court of Appeals of Antwerp’s judgment with the Belgian Supreme Court . No assurance can be given as to the outcome of these or other proceedings. However, an unfavorable outcome of existing or future proceedings could potentially lead to the annulment of the 2008 PICs Agreement and/or to an obligation of Telenet to pay compensation for damages, subject to the relevant provisions of the 2008 PICs Agreement , which stipulate that Telenet is responsible for damages in excess of €20.0 million ( $22.5 million ). We do not expect the ultimate resolution of this matter to have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. No amounts have been accrued by us with respect to this matter as the likelihood of loss is not considered to be probable. Telekom Deutschland Litigation. On December 28, 2012, Unitymedia filed a lawsuit against Telekom Deutschland GmbH ( Telekom Deutschland ) in which Unitymedia asserts that it pays excessive prices for the co-use of Telekom Deutschland ’s cable ducts in Unitymedia ’s footprint. The Federal Network Agency approved rates for the co-use of certain ducts of Telekom Deutschland in March 2011. Based in part on these approved rates, Unitymedia sought a reduction of the annual lease fees by approximately five-sixths . In addition, Unitymedia is seeking the return of similarly calculated overpayments from 2009 through the ultimate settlement date, plus accrued interest. In October 2016, the first instance court dismissed this action, and in March 2018, the court of appeal dismissed Unitymedia’s appeal of the first instance court’s decision and did not grant permission to appeal further to the Federal Court of Justice. Unitymedia has filed a motion with the Federal Court of Justice to grant permission to appeal. The resolution of this matter may take several years and no assurance can be given that Unitymedia ’s claims will be successful. In connection with our sale of the Vodafone Disposal Group , we will only share in 50% of any amounts recovered, plus 50% of the net present value of certain cost savings in future periods that are attributable to the favorable resolution of this matter, less 50% of associated legal or other third-party fees paid post-completion of the sale of the Vodafone Disposal Group . Any amount we may recover related to this matter will not be reflected in our consolidated financial statements until such time as the final disposition of this matter has been reached. Belgium Regulatory Developments. In June 2018, the Belgisch Instituut voor Post en Telecommunicatie and the regional regulators for the media sectors (together, the Belgium Regulatory Authorities ) adopted a new decision finding that Telenet has significant market power in the wholesale broadband market (the 2018 Decision ). The 2018 Decision imposes on Telenet the obligations to (i) provide third-party operators with access to the digital television platform (including basic digital video and analog video) and (ii) make available to third-party operators a bitstream offer of broadband internet access (including fixed-line telephony as an option). Unlike prior decisions, the 2018 Decision no longer applies “retail minus” pricing on Telenet ; however, as of August 1, 2018, this decision imposed a 17% interim price reduction in monthly wholesale cable access prices. On May 26, 2020, the Belgium Regulatory Authorities adopted a final decision regarding the “reasonable access tariffs” to replace the interim prices, which represents an estimated decrease of 11.5% , as compared to the initial August 1, 2018 interim rates, and is applicable as of July 1, 2020. These rates are expected to evolve over time due to, among other reasons, broadband capacity usage. The 2018 Decision aims to, and in its application, may strengthen Telenet ’s competitors by granting them resale access to Telenet ’s network to offer competing products and services notwithstanding Telenet ’s substantial historical financial outlays in developing the infrastructure. In addition, any resale access granted to competitors could (i) limit the bandwidth available to Telenet to provide new or expanded products and services to the customers served by its network and (ii) adversely impact Telenet ’s ability to maintain or increase its revenue and cash flows. The extent of any such adverse impacts ultimately will be dependent on the extent that competitors take advantage of the resale access afforded to Telenet ’s network, the rates that Telenet receives for such access and other competitive factors or market developments. Telenet considers the 2018 Decision to be inconsistent with the principle of technology-neutral regulation and the European Single Market Strategy to stimulate further investments in broadband networks. Telenet challenged the 2018 Decision in the Brussels Court of Appeal. In September 2019, the Brussels Court of Appeal upheld the 2018 Decision , and consequently, the above-mentioned obligations stemming from the 2018 Decision remain in place. Telenet is currently considering whether to appeal the decision further. Virgin Media VAT Matters. Virgin Media ’s application of VAT with respect to certain revenue generating activities has been challenged by the U.K. tax authorities ( HMRC ). HMRC claimed that amounts charged to certain Virgin Media customers for payment handling services are subject to VAT , while Virgin Media took the position that such charges were exempt from VAT under existing law. At the time of HMRC ’s initial challenge in 2009, Virgin Media remitted all related VAT amounts claimed by HMRC , and continued to make such VAT payments pending a ruling on Virgin Media ’s appeal to the First Tier Tribunal. As the likelihood of loss was not considered probable and Virgin Media believed that the amounts paid would be recoverable, such amounts were recorded as a receivable on our consolidated balance sheet. In January 2020, the First Tier Tribunal rejected our appeal and ruled in favor of HMRC . Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2019 we recorded a net provision for litigation of £41.3 million ( $54.0 million at the applicable rate). Virgin Media is seeking permission to appeal the case to the Upper Tribunal and the timing of the final outcome of the litigation matter remains uncertain. In a separate matter, on March 19, 2014, the U.K. government announced a change in legislation with respect to the charging of VAT in connection with prompt payment discounts such as those that we offer to our fixed-line telephony customers. This change, which took effect on May 1, 2014, impacted our company and some of our competitors. HMRC issued a decision in the fourth quarter of 2015 challenging our application of the prompt payment discount rules prior to the May 1, 2014 change in legislation. We appealed this decision. As part of the appeal process, we were required to make aggregate payments of £67.0 million ( $99.1 million at the respective transaction dates), comprising (i) the challenged amount of £63.7 million (which we paid during the fourth quarter of 2015) and (ii) related interest of £3.3 million (which we paid during the first quarter of 2016). No provision was recorded by our company at that time as the likelihood of loss was not considered to be probable. The aggregate amount paid does not include penalties, which could be significant in the event that penalties were to be assessed. In September 2018, the court rejected our appeal and ruled in favor of HMRC . Accordingly, during the third quarter of 2018, we recorded a provision for litigation of £63.7 million ( $83.1 million at the average rate for the period) and related interest expense of £3.3 million ( $4.4 million at the average rate for the period) in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. The First Tier Tribunal gave permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal and we submitted grounds for appeal on February 22, 2019. In April 2020, the Upper Tribunal rejected our appeal, ruling in favor of HMRC . Virgin Media is currently seeking permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal; however, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter. UPC Austria Matter . On July 31 2018, we completed the sale of our Austrian operations, “ UPC Austria ,” to Deutsche Telekom AG ( Deutsche Telekom ). In October of 2019, we received notification under the terms of the relevant acquisition agreements from Deutsche Telekom and its subsidiary T-Mobile Austria Holding GmbH (together, the UPC Austria Sale Counterparties ), asserting claims of approximately €70.5 million ( $79.3 million ) together with an invitation to engage in amicable discussions to resolve the matter in a time and cost effective manner. We since received further asserted claims of approximately €20.6 million ( $23.2 million ). Discussions regarding the claims are preliminary and no amounts have been accrued by our company with respect to this matter as the likelihood of loss is not considered to be probable at this stage. We are unable to provide any meaningful estimate of a possible range of loss because, among other reasons, (i) we believe the assertions are unsupported and/or exaggerated, (ii) there are significant factual matters to be resolved and (iii) the matter is in a preliminary stage and we have yet to engage in detail with the UPC Austria Sale Counterparties . The acquisition agreement provides for arbitration of disputes in the event the parties are unable to resolve any differences. We intend to vigorously defend this matter. Other Contingency Matters. In connection with the dispositions of certain of our operations, we provided tax indemnities to the counterparties for certain tax liabilities that could arise from the period we owned the respective operations, subject to certain thresholds. While we have not received notification from the counterparties for indemnification, it is reasonably possible that we could, and the amounts involved could be significant. No amounts have been accrued by our company as the likelihood of any loss is not considered to be probable. Other Regulatory Matters. Video distribution, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony, mobile and content businesses are regulated in each of the countries in which we or our affiliates operate. The scope of regulation varies from country to country, although in some significant respects regulation in European markets is harmonized under the regulatory structure of the European Union ( E.U. ) Adverse regulatory developments could subject our businesses to a number of risks. Regulation, including conditions imposed on us by competition or other authorities as a requirement to close acquisitions or dispositions, could limit growth, revenue and the number and types of services offered and could lead to increased operating costs and property and equipment additions. In addition, regulation may restrict our operations and subject them to further competitive pressure, including pricing restrictions, interconnect and other access obligations, and restrictions or controls on content, including content provided by third parties. Failure to comply with current or future regulation could expose our businesses to various penalties. Effective April 1, 2017, the rateable value of our existing network and other assets in the U.K. increased significantly. This increase affects the amount we pay for network infrastructure charges as the annual amount payable to the U.K. government is calculated by applying a percentage multiplier to the rateable value of assets. This change has and will continue to significantly increase our network infrastructure charges. As compared to 2019, we expect the aggregate amount of this increase will be approximately £16 million ( $20 million ) in 2020. Beyond 2020, we expect further but declining increases to these charges through the first quarter of 2022. We continue to believe that these increases are excessive and retain the right of appeal should more favorable agreements be reached with other operators. The rateable value of our network and other assets in the U.K. remains subject to review by the U.K. government. The U.K. Office of Communications ( Ofcom ) is the key regulatory authority for the communications sector in which we operate in the U.K. Ofcom has recently issued new regulatory requirements that, effective in February 2020, obligate us to (i) alert customers who are approaching the end of a minimum contract term to the fact that their contract period is coming to an end and to set out the best new price that we can offer them and (ii) once a year, alert customers who are out of contract to that fact and again confirm the best new price we can offer them. In both cases, we must also set out the price available to new customers for an equivalent service offering. These requirements could have a material adverse impact on our operating results in 2020 and future periods. In late February 2020, we became aware that one of our databases did not have adequate access security protection and was accessed without permission. We immediately took remedial actions, ceased access to the database and commenced an investigation. The information in the database did not include any individual’s passwords or financial details, such as credit card information, or bank account numbers. We have taken steps to inform those individuals impacted and relevant regulatory authorities. The database had information pertaining to approximately 900,000 individuals (including customers and non-customers), representing a number that would be less than 15% of our total customer base. We do not expect this incident to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition for any fiscal period and given the preliminary nature of the matter we are unable to provide a meaningful estimate of a possible range of loss, if any. In addition to the foregoing items, we have contingent liabilities related to matters arising in the ordinary course of business including (i) legal proceedings, (ii) issues involving VAT |
Segment Reporting
| Segment Reporting | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] | |
| Segment Reporting | Segment Reporting We generally identify our reportable segments as (i) those consolidated subsidiaries that represent 10% or more of our revenue, Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below and as previously referred to as “Adjusted OIBDA”) or total assets or (ii) those equity method affiliates where our investment or share of revenue or Adjusted EBITDA represents 10% or more of our total assets, revenue or Adjusted EBITDA , respectively. In certain cases, we may elect to include an operating segment in our segment disclosure that does not meet the above-described criteria for a reportable segment. We evaluate performance and make decisions about allocating resources to our operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue and Adjusted EBITDA . In addition, we review non-financial measures such as customer growth, as appropriate. Adjusted EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment operating performance and is also a key factor that is used by our internal decision makers to (i) determine how to allocate resources to segments and (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of our management for purposes of annual and other incentive compensation plans. As we use the term, “ Adjusted EBITDA ” is defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations before net income tax benefit (expense), other non-operating income or expenses, net share of results of affiliates, net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair value of certain investments and debt, net foreign currency gains (losses), net gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net interest expense, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, provisions and provision releases related to significant litigation and impairment, restructuring and other operating items. Other operating items include (a) gains and losses on the disposition of long-lived assets, (b) third-party costs directly associated with successful and unsuccessful acquisitions and dispositions, including legal, advisory and due diligence fees, as applicable, and (c) other acquisition-related items, such as gains and losses on the settlement of contingent consideration. Our internal decision makers believe Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure because it represents a transparent view of our recurring operating performance that is unaffected by our capital structure and allows management to (1) readily view operating trends, (2) perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between segments and (3) identify strategies to improve operating performance in the different countries in which we operate. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations to earnings (loss) from continuing operations is presented below. As of June 30, 2020 , our reportable segments are as follows: Consolidated: • U.K./Ireland • Belgium • Switzerland • Central and Eastern Europe Nonconsolidated: • VodafoneZiggo JV All of our reportable segments derive their revenue primarily from residential and B2B communications services, including broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony and mobile services. Our central and corporate functions ( Central and Corporate ) primarily include (i) revenue earned from services provided to the VodafoneZiggo JV and various third parties related to transitional service agreements, (ii) revenue from sales of customer premises equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV , (iii) costs associated with certain centralized functions, including billing systems, network operations, technology, marketing, facilities, finance and other administrative functions, and (iv) less significant consolidated operating segments that provide programming and other services. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we changed the presentation of certain costs related to our centrally-managed technology and innovation function. These costs, which were previously included in Central and Corporate , are now allocated to our consolidated reportable segments. This change, which we refer to as the “ Centrally-held Cost Allocation ,” was made as a result of internal changes with respect to the way in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates the Adjusted EBITDA of our operating segments. Segment information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 has been revised to reflect this change. The following table provides a summary of the impact on the Adjusted EBITDA of our consolidated reportable segments and Central and Corporate that resulted from the Centrally-held Cost Allocation . Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Increase (decrease) to Adjusted EBITDA: U.K./Ireland $ (12.3 ) $ (15.7 ) $ (24.4 ) $ (31.8 ) Switzerland (4.8 ) (9.9 ) (9.6 ) (16.7 ) Central and Eastern Europe (2.7 ) (3.8 ) (5.2 ) (7.3 ) Central and Corporate 19.8 29.4 39.2 55.8 Total Liberty Global $ — $ — $ — $ — Performance Measures of Our Reportable Segments The amounts presented below represent 100% of each of our reportable segment’s revenue and Adjusted EBITDA . As we have the ability to control Telenet, we consolidate 100% of Telenet’s revenue and expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations despite the fact that third parties own a significant interest. The noncontrolling owners’ interests in the operating results of Telenet and other less significant majority-owned subsidiaries are reflected in net earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Similarly, despite only holding a 50% noncontrolling interest in the VodafoneZiggo JV , we present 100% of its revenue and Adjusted EBITDA in the tables below. Our share of the VodafoneZiggo JV 's operating results is included in share of results of affiliates, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Revenue Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions U.K./Ireland $ 1,531.8 $ 1,644.0 $ 3,152.4 $ 3,305.3 Belgium 682.5 713.2 1,400.6 1,425.1 Switzerland 299.1 315.0 615.9 631.0 Central and Eastern Europe 116.2 119.1 235.3 238.2 Central and Corporate 93.7 60.2 194.9 120.9 Intersegment eliminations (0.4 ) (1.1 ) (0.4 ) (2.1 ) Total $ 2,722.9 $ 2,850.4 $ 5,598.7 $ 5,718.4 VodafoneZiggo JV $ 1,081.6 $ 1,084.5 $ 2,178.7 $ 2,178.4 Adjusted EBITDA Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 (a) 2020 2019 (a) in millions U.K./Ireland $ 654.9 $ 687.5 $ 1,310.3 $ 1,379.7 Belgium 354.1 349.4 685.7 688.4 Switzerland 150.9 159.8 285.0 316.1 Central and Eastern Europe 52.7 54.1 107.0 107.8 Central and Corporate (24.1 ) (60.1 ) (49.2 ) (119.4 ) Intersegment eliminations (b) — — — 1.4 Total $ 1,188.5 $ 1,190.7 $ 2,338.8 $ 2,374.0 VodafoneZiggo JV $ 531.5 $ 487.6 $ 1,034.3 $ 981.4 _______________ (a) Amounts have been revised to reflect the retrospective impact of the Centrally-held Cost Allocation , as described above. (b) Amount for the 2019 six-month period is related to transactions between our continuing and discontinued operations prior to the disposal dates of such discontinued operations. The following table provides a reconciliation of earnings (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA : Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (503.8 ) $ (339.6 ) $ 513.9 $ (646.5 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (158.0 ) 26.8 (77.9 ) 54.6 Other income, net (9.5 ) (32.5 ) (61.9 ) (39.0 ) Share of results of affiliates, net 105.4 69.3 72.0 140.2 Losses on debt extinguishment, net 165.6 48.3 220.1 48.8 Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (152.3 ) 138.7 377.5 146.9 Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net 478.0 27.0 86.3 (111.6 ) Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net 319.7 (152.9 ) (917.6 ) (70.1 ) Interest expense 281.7 363.6 595.0 730.9 Operating income 526.8 148.7 807.4 254.2 Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net 32.2 33.2 63.2 104.1 Depreciation and amortization 545.7 921.8 1,329.2 1,861.4 Share-based compensation expense 83.8 87.0 139.0 154.3 Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,188.5 $ 1,190.7 $ 2,338.8 $ 2,374.0 Property and Equipment Additions of our Reportable Segments The property and equipment additions of our reportable segments (including capital additions financed under vendor financing or finance lease arrangements) are presented below and reconciled to the capital expenditure amounts included in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. For additional information concerning capital additions financed under vendor financing and finance lease arrangements, see notes 8 and 10 . Six months ended 2020 2019 in millions U.K./Ireland $ 669.4 $ 766.7 Belgium 251.9 275.1 Switzerland 123.8 135.9 Central and Eastern Europe 39.8 41.4 Central and Corporate (a) 157.5 162.2 Total property and equipment additions 1,242.4 1,381.3 Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements (702.9 ) (926.3 ) Assets acquired under finance leases (17.2 ) (32.6 ) Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures 127.3 210.5 Total capital expenditures, net $ 649.6 $ 632.9 Capital expenditures, net: Third-party payments $ 650.9 $ 691.2 Proceeds received for transfers to related parties (b) (1.3 ) (58.3 ) Total capital expenditures, net $ 649.6 $ 632.9 Property and equipment additions - VodafoneZiggo JV $ 472.4 $ 426.5 _______________ (a) Includes (i) property and equipment additions representing centrally-owned assets that benefit our operating segments and (ii) the net impact of certain centrally-procured network equipment that is ultimately transferred to our operating segments. (b) Primarily relates to transfers of centrally-procured property and equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV and, for the 2019 period, our discontinued operations. Revenue by Major Category Our revenue by major category for our consolidated reportable segments is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Residential revenue: Residential cable revenue (a): Subscription revenue (b): Broadband internet $ 781.0 $ 799.5 $ 1,577.8 $ 1,602.3 Video 633.6 676.6 1,316.7 1,368.7 Fixed-line telephony 328.3 360.4 666.5 729.2 Total subscription revenue 1,742.9 1,836.5 3,561.0 3,700.2 Non-subscription revenue 35.6 44.5 88.6 98.5 Total residential cable revenue 1,778.5 1,881.0 3,649.6 3,798.7 Residential mobile revenue (c): Subscription revenue (b) 227.3 231.4 463.2 459.4 Non-subscription revenue 129.7 173.3 275.0 330.0 Total residential mobile revenue 357.0 404.7 738.2 789.4 Total residential revenue 2,135.5 2,285.7 4,387.8 4,588.1 B2B revenue (d): Subscription revenue 123.4 116.8 248.0 230.6 Non-subscription revenue 338.2 357.2 687.7 729.2 Total B2B revenue 461.6 474.0 935.7 959.8 Other revenue (e) 125.8 90.7 275.2 170.5 Total $ 2,722.9 $ 2,850.4 $ 5,598.7 $ 5,718.4 _______________ (a) Residential cable subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services and the recognition of deferred installation revenue over the associated contract period. Residential cable non-subscription revenue includes, among other items, channel carriage fees, late fees and revenue from the sale of equipment. (b) Residential subscription revenue from subscribers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is generally allocated proportionally to each service based on the standalone price for each individual service. As a result, changes in the standalone pricing of our cable and mobile products or the composition of bundles can contribute to changes in our product revenue categories from period to period. (c) Residential mobile subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services. Residential mobile non-subscription revenue includes, among other items, interconnect revenue and revenue from sales of mobile handsets and other devices. (d) B2B subscription revenue represents revenue from services to certain small or home office ( SOHO ) subscribers. SOHO subscribers pay a premium price to receive expanded service levels along with broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony or mobile services that are the same or similar to the mass marketed products offered to our residential subscribers. B2B non-subscription revenue includes (i) revenue from business broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony, mobile and data services offered to medium to large enterprises and, on a wholesale basis, to other operators and (ii) revenue from long-term leases of portions of our network. (e) Other revenue includes, among other items, (i) revenue earned from transitional and other services provided to various third parties, (ii) revenue earned from the JV Services and the sale of customer premises equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV and (iii) broadcasting revenue in Belgium and Ireland. Geographic Segments The revenue of our geographic segments is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions U.K. $ 1,417.2 $ 1,517.7 $ 2,913.6 $ 3,051.2 Belgium 682.5 713.2 1,400.6 1,425.1 Switzerland 299.1 315.0 615.9 631.0 Ireland 114.6 126.3 238.8 254.1 Poland 103.7 106.7 210.4 213.4 Slovakia 12.5 12.4 24.9 24.8 Other, including intersegment eliminations 93.3 59.1 194.5 118.8 Total $ 2,722.9 $ 2,850.4 $ 5,598.7 $ 5,718.4 VodafoneZiggo JV (the Netherlands) $ 1,081.6 $ 1,084.5 $ 2,178.7 $ 2,178.4 |
Accounting Changes and Recent_2
| Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] | |
| Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Accounting Changes ASU 2018-15 In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued Accounting Standards Update ( ASU ) No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract ( ASU 2018-15 ), which requires entities to defer implementation costs incurred that are related to the application development stage in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. ASU 2018-15 requires deferred implementation costs to be amortized over the term of the cloud computing arrangement and presented in the same expense line item as the cloud computing arrangement. All other implementation costs are generally expensed as incurred. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-15 , (i) certain implementation costs that were previously expensed as incurred are now deferred as prepaid expenses and amortized over the term of the cloud computing arrangement and (ii) certain costs associated with developing interfaces between a cloud computing arrangement and internal-use software that were previously capitalized as property and equipment are now deferred as prepaid expenses and amortized over the term of the cloud computing arrangement. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2019-02 In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials ( ASU 2019-02 ), which aligns the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. ASU 2019-02 removes the existing constraint that restricts capitalization of production costs to contracted revenue for episodic television series. The amended guidance also permits entities to test a film or license agreement for impairment at the film group level, addresses cash flow classification and provides new disclosure requirements. We adopted ASU 2019-02 on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2019-02 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements ( ASU 2016-13 ), which changes the recognition model for credit losses related to assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 eliminates the threshold that a loss must be considered probable to recognize a credit loss and instead requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of lifetime expected credit losses. We adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis by recording a cumulative effect adjustment of $30.3 million to our accumulated earnings related to increases to our allowances for certain trade and notes receivable. Recent Accounting Pronouncements ASU 2019-12 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ( ASU 2019-12 ), which is intended to improve consistency and simplify several areas of existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2019-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements. |
| Revenue Recognition and Related Costs | Contract Balances The timing of our recognition of revenue may differ from the timing of invoicing our customers. We record a trade receivable when we have transferred goods or services to a customer but have not yet received payment. Our trade receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Such allowance aggregated $21.4 million and $42.8 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. If we transfer goods or services to a customer but do not have an unconditional right to payment, we record a contract asset. Contract assets typically arise from the uniform recognition of introductory promotional discounts over the contract period and accrued revenue for handset sales. Our contract assets were $13.7 million and $30.6 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The current and long-term portions of our contract asset balances are included within other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We record deferred revenue when we receive payment prior to transferring goods or services to a customer. We primarily defer revenue for (i) installation and other upfront services and (ii) other services that are invoiced prior to when services are provided. Our deferred revenue balances were $332.8 million and $867.1 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The decrease in deferred revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020 is primarily due to the net effect of (a) the recognition of $587.0 million of revenue that was included in our deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2019 , (b) $459.6 million of deferred revenue related to the U.K. JV Entities that was reclassified to liabilities associated with assets held for sale and (c) advanced billings in certain markets. The long-term portions of our deferred revenue balances are included within other long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Contract Costs Our aggregate assets associated with incremental costs to obtain and fulfill our contracts were $22.3 million and $92.6 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The current and long-term portions of our assets related to contract costs are included within other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We amortized $31.9 million and $69.6 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 , respectively, and $24.3 million and $48.7 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , respectively, to operating costs and expenses related to these assets. Unsatisfied Performance Obligations A large portion of our revenue is derived from customers who are not subject to contracts. Revenue from customers who are subject to contracts is generally recognized over the term of such contracts, which is typically 12 months for our residential service contracts, one to three years for our mobile service contracts and one to five years for our B2B service contracts. |
| Leases | General We enter into operating and finance leases for network equipment, real estate, mobile site sharing and vehicles. We provide residual value guarantees on certain of our vehicle leases. |
Acquisitions and Dispositions A
| Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Summarized Financial Position and Operating Results, Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations | The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale at June 30, 2020 are summarized below (in millions): Assets: Current assets (a) $ 1,194.3 Property and equipment, net 7,143.3 Goodwill 7,180.9 Other assets, net 3,512.0 Total assets $ 19,030.5 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 2,318.6 Other accrued and current liabilities 1,775.5 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 13,108.6 Other long-term liabilities 930.6 Total liabilities $ 18,133.3 _______________ (a) Amount does not include the cash and cash equivalents of the U.K. JV Entities , as such cash and cash equivalents will be retained by Liberty Global upon the formation of the U.K. JV and are therefore not classified as held for sale. The operations of the Vodafone Disposal Group and UPC DTH are presented as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and are summarized in the following table. These amounts exclude intercompany revenue and expenses that are eliminated within our condensed consolidated statement of operations. For information regarding our basic and diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, see note 15 . Vodafone Disposal Group UPC DTH (a) Total in millions, except per share amounts Three months ended June 30, 2019 Revenue $ 868.9 $ 9.0 $ 877.9 Operating income $ 514.0 $ 2.1 $ 516.1 Earnings before income taxes $ 435.2 $ 2.2 $ 437.4 Income tax expense (121.9 ) — (121.9 ) Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 313.3 $ 2.2 $ 315.5 Basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share $ 0.43 Six months ended June 30, 2019 Revenue $ 1,727.6 $ 36.7 $ 1,764.3 Operating income $ 1,009.5 $ 10.7 $ 1,020.2 Earnings before income taxes $ 867.3 $ 9.5 $ 876.8 Income tax expense (238.7 ) — (238.7 ) Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 628.6 $ 9.5 $ 638.1 Basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share $ 0.86 _______________ (a) Includes the operating results of UPC DTH through May 2, 2019, the date UPC DTH was sold. |
Investments (Tables)
| Investments (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Investments [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method | The details of our investments are set forth below: Accounting Method June 30, December 31, in millions Equity (a): Long-term: VodafoneZiggo JV (b) $ 3,109.6 $ 3,174.1 All3Media Group ( All3Media ) 121.7 172.8 Formula E Holdings Ltd ( Formula E ) 106.3 105.2 Other 123.9 40.7 Total — equity 3,461.5 3,492.8 Fair value: Short-term: Separately-managed accounts ( SMAs ) (c) 2,650.8 — Long-term: ITV plc ( ITV ) — subject to re-use rights (d) 368.4 798.1 SMAs (c) 335.7 — ITI Neovision S.A. (ITI Neovision) 115.5 122.4 Lions Gate Entertainment Corp ( Lionsgate ) (e) 47.1 68.0 Other 403.2 300.7 Total — fair value 3,920.7 1,289.2 Total investments (f) $ 7,382.2 $ 4,782.0 Short-term investments $ 2,650.8 $ — Long-term investments $ 4,731.4 $ 4,782.0 _______________ (a) Our equity method investments are originally recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliates as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions are received, with our recognition of losses generally limited to the extent of our investment in, and advances and commitments to, the investee. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , the aggregate carrying amounts of our equity method investments exceeded our proportionate share of the respective investee’s net assets by $968.2 million and $1,041.0 million , respectively, which include amounts associated with the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable , as defined below, and amounts we are owed under a long-term note receivable from All3Media . (b) Amounts include a euro-denominated note receivable (the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable ) with a principal amount of $787.0 million and $786.1 million , respectively, due from a subsidiary of the VodafoneZiggo JV to a subsidiary of Liberty Global. The VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable bears interest at 5.55% and was amended in June 2020 to extend the final maturity date from January 16, 2028 to December 31, 2030. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 , interest accrued on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable was $21.6 million , all of which has been cash settled. (c) Represents investments held under SMAs , which are maintained by investment managers acting as agents on our behalf. We classify, measure and report these investments, the composition of which may change from time to time, based on the underlying nature and characteristics of each security held under the SMAs . As of June 30, 2020 , all of our investments held under SMAs were classified as available-for-sale debt securities, as further described under Fair Value Investments — Debt Securities below. (d) The aggregate purchase price paid to acquire our investment in ITV was financed through borrowings under secured borrowing agreements (the ITV Collar Loan ). All of the ITV shares we hold are subject to the ITV Collar (as defined in note 6 ) and pledged as collateral under the ITV Collar Loan . As of June 30, 2020 , the fair value of the ITV Collar was a net asset of $969.9 million and principal borrowings outstanding under the ITV Collar Loan were $1,339.9 million . (e) In connection with our investment in Lionsgate , we have entered into (i) the Lionsgate Forward (as defined in note 6 ) and (ii) a related borrowing agreement (the Lionsgate Loan ). As of June 30, 2020 , the fair value of the Lionsgate Forward was a net asset of $43.7 million and principal borrowings outstanding under the Lionsgate Loan were $55.3 million . (f) The purchase and sale of investments are presented on a gross basis in our statement of cash flows, including those made by investment managers acting as agents on our behalf. Fair Value Investments The following table sets forth the details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions ITV $ 42.2 $ (111.8 ) $ (429.7 ) $ (87.8 ) Lionsgate 8.5 (17.2 ) (20.9 ) (17.8 ) SMAs 16.6 — 5.9 — ITI Neovision 6.1 5.3 (1.9 ) 0.5 Other 68.2 (4.6 ) 60.2 (19.1 ) Total $ 141.6 $ (128.3 ) $ (386.4 ) $ (124.2 ) |
| Schedule of Debt Securities | The following table sets forth the details of our debt securities as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 : Amortized cost basis Unrealized gains Fair value in millions Commercial paper $ 986.8 $ 1.2 $ 988.0 Government bonds 900.0 0.3 900.3 Corporate debt securities 730.5 3.6 734.1 Certificates of deposit 332.9 0.1 333.0 Other debt securities 31.1 — 31.1 Total debt securities $ 2,981.3 $ 5.2 $ 2,986.5 During the second quarter of 2020, we received proceeds from the sale of debt securities of $2.5 billion , the majority of which were reinvested in new debt securities held under SMAs . The sale of debt securities during the second quarter of 2020 resulted in a realized net gain of $0.7 million . The fair value of our debt securities as of June 30, 2020 by contractual maturity are shown below (in millions): Due in one year or less $ 2,650.8 Due in one to five years 328.0 Due in five to ten years 7.7 Total (a) $ 2,986.5 _______________ (a) The weighted average life of our total debt securities was 0.6 years as of June 30, 2020 . |
| Equity Method Investments | The summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV are set forth below: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Revenue $ 1,081.6 $ 1,084.5 $ 2,178.7 $ 2,178.4 Loss before income taxes $ (151.8 ) $ (134.5 ) $ (26.9 ) $ (323.3 ) Net loss $ (185.4 ) $ (104.0 ) $ (85.7 ) $ (254.3 ) The following table sets forth the details of our share of results of affiliates, net: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions All3Media $ (14.9 ) $ (19.0 ) $ (39.8 ) $ (22.7 ) VodafoneZiggo JV (a) (89.2 ) (40.0 ) (28.1 ) (102.3 ) Formula E 1.9 (9.5 ) 0.7 (9.9 ) Other (3.2 ) (0.8 ) (4.8 ) (5.3 ) Total $ (105.4 ) $ (69.3 ) $ (72.0 ) $ (140.2 ) _______________ (a) Amounts include the net effect of (i) 100% of the interest income earned on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable and (ii) our 50% share of the results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV . |
Derivative Instruments (Tables)
| Derivative Instruments (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Fair Values of Derivative Instrument Assets and Liabilities | The following table provides details of the fair values of our derivative instrument assets and liabilities: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Current Long-term Total Current Long-term Total in millions Assets (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 127.8 $ 428.9 $ 556.7 $ 270.8 $ 886.4 $ 1,157.2 Equity-related derivative instruments (c) 446.2 594.8 1,041.0 55.2 608.2 663.4 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 1.7 0.6 2.3 4.6 1.4 6.0 Other 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.9 Total $ 576.0 $ 1,024.5 $ 1,600.5 $ 331.1 $ 1,496.4 $ 1,827.5 Liabilities (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 161.5 $ 709.2 $ 870.7 $ 389.2 $ 1,192.3 $ 1,581.5 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 2.5 — 2.5 1.2 — 1.2 Other 0.1 — 0.1 — — — Total $ 164.1 $ 709.2 $ 873.3 $ 390.4 $ 1,192.3 $ 1,582.7 _______________ (a) Our current derivative liabilities, long-term derivative assets and long-term derivative liabilities are included in other current and accrued liabilities, other assets, net, and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (b) We consider credit risk relating to our and our counterparties’ nonperformance in the fair value assessment of our derivative instruments. In all cases, the adjustments take into account offsetting liability or asset positions within each of our subsidiary borrowing groups (as defined and described in note 9 ). The changes in the credit risk valuation adjustments associated with our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts resulted in a net gain (loss) of $5.4 million and ( $12.6 million ) during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively, and a net gain (loss) of $71.7 million and ( $70.7 million ) during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. These amounts are included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For further information regarding our fair value measurements, see note 7 . (c) Our equity-related derivative instruments primarily include the fair value of (i) the share collar (the ITV Collar ) with respect to ITV shares held by our company and (ii) the variable prepaid forward transaction (the Lionsgate Forward ) with respect to 833,333 of our voting and 833,334 of our non-voting Lionsgate shares. The fair values of the ITV Collar and the Lionsgate Forward do not include credit risk valuation adjustments as we assume that any losses incurred by our company in the event of nonperformance by the respective counterparty would be, subject to relevant insolvency laws, fully offset against amounts we owe to such counterparty pursuant to the related secured borrowing arrangements. |
| Schedule of Realized and Unrealized Losses on Derivative Instruments | The details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, are as follows: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ (309.4 ) $ 69.1 $ 532.9 $ (18.2 ) Equity-related derivative instruments: ITV Collar (33.1 ) 86.0 350.3 99.8 Lionsgate Forward (1.8 ) 8.8 6.5 9.6 Other 22.1 0.2 20.8 0.4 Total equity-related derivative instruments (12.8 ) 95.0 377.6 109.8 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 1.7 (11.6 ) 7.4 (22.2 ) Other 0.8 0.4 (0.3 ) 0.7 Total $ (319.7 ) $ 152.9 $ 917.6 $ 70.1 |
| Schedule of Cash Received (Paid) Related to Derivative Instruments Statement of Cash Flows Location | The net cash received or paid related to our derivative instruments is classified as an operating, investing or financing activity in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows based on the objective of the derivative instrument and the classification of the applicable underlying cash flows. For derivative contracts that are terminated prior to maturity, the cash paid or received upon termination that relates to future periods is classified as a financing activity. The following table sets forth the classification of the net cash outflows of our derivative instruments: Six months ended 2020 2019 in millions Operating activities $ 23.1 $ 165.1 Financing activities 75.0 93.5 Total $ 98.1 $ 258.6 |
| Schedule of Derivative Instruments | The impact of the derivative instruments that mitigate our foreign currency and interest rate risk, as described above, on our borrowing costs is as follows: Increase to borrowing costs at June 30, 2020 (a) UPC Holding 0.25 % Telenet 0.26 % Total increase to borrowing costs 0.23 % _______________ (a) Represents the effect of derivative instruments in effect at June 30, 2020 and does not include forward-starting derivative instruments or swaption s. June 30, 2020 : Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 360.0 € 267.9 5.3 $ 1,600.0 CHF 1,476.1 (a) 5.9 € 2,618.3 CHF 2,941.4 (a) 4.2 € 707.0 PLN 2,999.5 3.9 CHF 740.0 € 701.1 2.5 Telenet $ 3,940.0 € 3,489.6 (a) 6.6 € 45.2 $ 50.0 (b) 4.6 _______________ (a) Includes certain derivative instruments that are “forward-starting,” such that the initial exchange occurs at a date subsequent to June 30, 2020 . These instruments are typically entered into in order to extend existing hedges without the need to amend existing contracts. (b) Includes certain derivative instruments that do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity of the instruments. Accordingly, the only cash flows associated with these derivative instruments are coupon-related payments and receipts. At June 30, 2020 , the total U.S. dollar equivalent of the notional amount of these derivative instruments was $50.8 million . U.S. dollar equivalents of the notional amounts and related weighted average remaining contractual lives of our basis swap contracts at June 30, 2020 : Notional amount due from counterparty Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 700.0 0.5 Telenet $ 2,295.0 0.5 Other $ 94.7 0.5 The following table sets forth the total U.S. dollar equivalents of the notional amounts and the related weighted average remaining contractual lives of our interest rate swap contracts at June 30, 2020 : Pays fixed rate Receives fixed rate Notional amount Weighted average remaining life Notional amount Weighted average remaining life in millions in years in millions in years UPC Holding $ 10,323.0 (a) 4.0 $ 4,617.6 5.4 Telenet $ 3,243.4 (a) 4.7 $ 1,604.5 3.2 Other $ 94.7 3.5 $ — — _______________ (a) Includes forward-starting derivative instruments. |
Fair Value Measurements (Tables
| Fair Value Measurements (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
| Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | A summary of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows: Fair value measurements at June 30, 2020 using: Description June 30, Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 556.7 $ — $ 556.7 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 1,041.0 — — 1,041.0 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 2.3 — 2.3 — Other 0.5 — 0.5 — Total derivative instruments 1,600.5 — 559.5 1,041.0 Investments: SMAs 2,986.5 878.0 2,108.5 — Other investments 934.2 415.5 — 518.7 Total investments 3,920.7 1,293.5 2,108.5 518.7 Total assets $ 5,521.2 $ 1,293.5 $ 2,668.0 $ 1,559.7 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 870.7 $ — $ 870.7 $ — Foreign currency forward and option contracts 2.5 — 2.5 — Other 0.1 — 0.1 — Total liabilities $ 873.3 $ — $ 873.3 $ — Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using: Description December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,157.2 $ — $ 1,157.2 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 663.4 — — 663.4 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 6.0 — 6.0 — Other 0.9 — 0.9 — Total derivative instruments 1,827.5 — 1,164.1 663.4 Investments 1,289.2 869.2 — 420.0 Total assets $ 3,116.7 $ 869.2 $ 1,164.1 $ 1,083.4 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,581.5 $ — $ 1,561.6 $ 19.9 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 1.2 — 1.2 — Total derivative instruments 1,582.7 — 1,562.8 19.9 Debt 45.6 — 45.6 — Total liabilities $ 1,628.3 $ — $ 1,608.4 $ 19.9 |
| Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable, or Level 3, Inputs | A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable, or Level 3, inputs is as follows: Investments Cross-currency, interest rate and foreign currency derivative contracts Equity-related derivative instruments Total in millions Balance of net assets (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 $ 420.0 $ (19.9 ) $ 663.4 $ 1,063.5 Gains included in loss from continuing operations (a): Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net — (1.9 ) 377.6 375.7 Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net 58.2 — — 58.2 Additions 39.9 — — 39.9 Reclassification of liability to held for sale (b) — 11.5 — 11.5 Transfers out of Level 3 — 8.8 — 8.8 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net 0.6 1.5 — 2.1 Balance of net assets at June 30, 2020 $ 518.7 $ — $ 1,041.0 $ 1,559.7 _______________ (a) Most of these net gains relate to assets and liabilities that we continue to carry on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020 . (b) Represents the reclassification of the derivative liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities as of June 30, 2020 to liabilities associated with assets held for sale. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . |
Long-lived Assets (Tables)
| Long-lived Assets (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Long-lived Assets [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of PP&E | The details of our property and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation are set forth below: June 30, December 31, in millions Distribution systems $ 8,439.4 $ 19,007.2 Customer premises equipment 1,618.1 4,294.7 Support equipment, buildings and land 3,464.6 5,344.3 Total property and equipment, gross 13,522.1 28,646.2 Accumulated depreciation (7,349.5 ) (14,802.8 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 6,172.6 $ 13,843.4 |
| Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill | Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during the six months ended June 30, 2020 are set forth below: January 1, 2020 Acquisitions and related adjustments Reclassification to assets held for sale (a) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other June 30, in millions U.K./Ireland $ 7,965.4 $ — $ (7,180.9 ) $ (512.0 ) $ 272.5 Switzerland 2,953.2 2.8 — 60.3 3,016.3 Belgium 2,576.1 (0.6 ) — (22.1 ) 2,553.4 Central and Eastern Europe 557.4 — — (20.4 ) 537.0 Total $ 14,052.1 $ 2.2 $ (7,180.9 ) $ (494.2 ) $ 6,379.2 _______________ (a) Represents goodwill of the U.K. JV Entities . For additional information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . |
| Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net | The details of our intangible assets subject to amortization, which are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, are set forth below: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount in millions Customer relationships $ 280.9 $ (165.6 ) $ 115.3 $ 3,653.9 $ (3,363.6 ) $ 290.3 Other 568.7 (302.6 ) 266.1 563.7 (281.9 ) 281.8 Total $ 849.6 $ (468.2 ) $ 381.4 $ 4,217.6 $ (3,645.5 ) $ 572.1 |
Debt (Tables)
| Debt (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Debt | The U.S. dollar equivalents of the components of our debt are as follows: June 30, 2020 Principal amount Weighted average interest rate (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 in millions Telenet Credit Facility (c) 2.21 % € 555.0 $ 624.0 $ 3,543.0 $ 3,541.4 Telenet Senior Secured Notes 4.74 % — — 1,607.1 1,673.7 UPCB SPE Notes 3.80 % — — 1,281.8 2,420.1 UPC Holding Bank Facility (d) 2.46 % € 500.0 562.2 1,149.7 — UPC Holding Senior Notes 4.60 % — — 1,203.1 1,202.3 Vendor financing (e)(f) 2.54 % — — 1,358.7 1,374.3 ITV Collar Loan 0.90 % — — 1,339.9 1,435.5 Virgin Media debt — (f) (f) (f) 15,693.5 Other (f)(g) 5.59 % — — 294.2 307.3 Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums (h) 2.97 % $ 1,186.2 $ 11,777.5 $ 27,648.1 The following table provides a reconciliation of total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums to total debt and finance lease obligations: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 in millions Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums $ 11,777.5 $ 27,648.1 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (48.3 ) (82.7 ) Total carrying amount of debt 11,729.2 27,565.4 Finance lease obligations (f) (note 10) 514.4 617.1 Total debt and finance lease obligations 12,243.6 28,182.5 Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations (1,867.7 ) (3,877.2 ) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 10,375.9 $ 24,305.3 _______________ (a) Represents the weighted average interest rate in effect at June 30, 2020 for all borrowings outstanding (excluding those of the U.K. JV Entities ) pursuant to each debt instrument, including any applicable margin. The interest rates presented represent stated rates and do not include the impact of derivative instruments, deferred financing costs, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, all of which affect our overall cost of borrowing. Including the effects of derivative instruments, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, but excluding the impact of deferred financing costs, our weighted average interest rate on our aggregate variable- and fixed-rate indebtedness was 3.31% at June 30, 2020 . For information regarding our derivative instruments, see note 6 . (b) Unused borrowing capacity represents the maximum availability under the applicable facility at June 30, 2020 without regard to covenant compliance calculations or other conditions precedent to borrowing. At June 30, 2020 , based on the most restrictive applicable leverage covenants, the full amount of unused borrowing capacity was available to be borrowed under each of the respective subsidiary facilities, and based on the most restrictive applicable leverage-based restricted payment tests, there were no restrictions on the respective subsidiary's ability to make loans or distributions from this availability to Liberty Global or its subsidiaries or other equity holders. Upon completion of the relevant June 30, 2020 compliance reporting requirements, we expect the full amount of unused borrowing capacity will continue to be available under each of the respective subsidiary facilities, with no additional restriction to loan or distribute. Our above expectations do not consider any actual or potential changes to our borrowing levels or any amounts loaned or distributed subsequent to June 30, 2020 , or the impact of additional amounts that may be available to borrow, loan or distribute under certain defined baskets within each respective facility. (c) Unused borrowing capacity under the Telenet Credit Facility comprises (i) €510.0 million ( $573.4 million ) under the Telenet Revolving Facility I (as defined below), (ii) €25.0 million ( $28.1 million ) under the Telenet Overdraft Facility and (iii) €20.0 million ( $22.5 million ) under the Telenet Revolving Facility , each of which were undrawn at June 30, 2020 . During 2020, Telenet Facility AG and Telenet Facility AP were cancelled in full and replaced with a single revolving facility, which bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 2.25% , is subject to a EURIBOR floor of 0.0% and has a final maturity date of May 31, 2026 (the Telenet Revolving Facility I ). (d) Unused borrowing capacity under the UPC Holding Bank Facility relates to €500.0 million ( $562.2 million ) of borrowing capacity under the UPC Revolving Facility (as defined below), which was undrawn at June 30, 2020 . During 2020, as a result of the sale of certain entities within the UPC Holding borrowing group in prior years, and an associated reduction in the outstanding debt and Covenant EBITDA (as defined and described in the related debt agreement) of the remaining UPC Holding borrowing group, UPC Facility AM was cancelled in full and replaced with a new revolving facility, which bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 2.50% and has a final maturity date of May 31, 2026 (the UPC Revolving Facility ). (e) Represents amounts owed pursuant to interest-bearing vendor financing arrangements that are used to finance certain of our property and equipment additions and operating expenses. These obligations are generally due within one year and include VAT that was also financed under these arrangements. Repayments of vendor financing obligations are included in repayments and repurchases of debt and finance lease obligations in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. (f) In connection with the pending formation of the U.K. JV , the outstanding third-party debt of the U.K. JV Entities has been classified as liabilities associated with assets held for sale on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet. For information regarding the pending formation of the U.K. JV and the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . (g) As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , amounts include principal borrowings outstanding under the Lionsgate Loan of $55.3 million in each of the respective periods. (h) As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , our debt had an estimated fair value of $11.6 billion (excluding the U.K. JV Entities ) and $28.4 billion , respectively. The estimated fair values of our debt instruments are generally determined using the average of applicable bid and ask prices (mostly Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy) or, when quoted market prices are unavailable or not considered indicative of fair value, discounted cash flow models (mostly Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The discount rates used in the cash flow models are based on the market interest rates and estimated credit spreads of the applicable entity, to the extent available, and other relevant factors. For additional information regarding fair value hierarchies, see note 7 . |
| Schedule of Maturities of Debt | Maturities of our debt as of June 30, 2020 are presented below for the named entity and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted, and represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on June 30, 2020 exchange rates. As a result of the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include maturities of the debt obligations of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . UPC Holding (a) Telenet Other (b) Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 387.4 $ 254.4 $ 260.3 $ 902.1 2021 221.4 174.8 1,015.9 1,412.1 2022 — 12.4 380.5 392.9 2023 — 12.1 152.4 164.5 2024 — 12.1 14.7 26.8 2025 — 12.3 0.6 12.9 Thereafter 3,634.6 5,231.6 — 8,866.2 Total debt maturities (c) 4,243.4 5,709.7 1,824.4 11,777.5 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (21.0 ) (17.7 ) (9.6 ) (48.3 ) Total debt $ 4,222.4 $ 5,692.0 $ 1,814.8 $ 11,729.2 Current portion $ 608.8 $ 427.9 $ 769.2 $ 1,805.9 Noncurrent portion $ 3,613.6 $ 5,264.1 $ 1,045.6 $ 9,923.3 _______________ (a) Amounts include certain senior secured notes issued by special purpose financing entities that are consolidated by UPC Holding and Liberty Global . (b) Amounts include $1,339.9 million related to the ITV Collar Loan . The ITV Collar Loan has maturity dates ranging from 2020 to 2022 consistent with the ITV Collar (see notes 5 and 6 ). We may elect to use cash or the collective value of the related shares and equity-related derivative instrument to settle the ITV Collar Loan . (c) Amounts include vendor financing obligations of $1,358.7 million , as set forth below: UPC Holding Telenet Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 387.4 $ 253.4 $ 75.7 $ 716.5 2021 221.4 162.0 105.2 488.6 2022 — — 80.7 80.7 2023 — — 57.6 57.6 2024 — — 14.7 14.7 2025 — — 0.6 0.6 Total vendor financing maturities $ 608.8 $ 415.4 $ 334.5 $ 1,358.7 Current portion $ 608.8 $ 415.4 $ 136.0 $ 1,160.2 Noncurrent portion $ — $ — $ 198.5 $ 198.5 |
Leases (Tables)
| Leases (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Leases [Abstract] | |
| Lease Balances | A summary of our right-of-use ( ROU ) assets and lease liabilities is set forth below: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 in millions ROU assets: Finance leases (a) $ 441.8 $ 531.0 Operating leases (b) 337.8 512.7 Total ROU assets $ 779.6 $ 1,043.7 Lease liabilities: Finance leases (c) $ 514.4 $ 617.1 Operating leases (d) 352.5 545.1 Total lease liabilities $ 866.9 $ 1,162.2 _______________ (a) Our finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2020 , the weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases was 23.1 years and the weighted average discount rate was 6.0% . During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded non-cash additions to our finance lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) of $17.2 million and $32.6 million , respectively. (b) Our operating lease ROU assets are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2020 , the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 7.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 3.6% . During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 , we recorded non-cash additions to our operating lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities ) of $53.2 million and $30.6 million , respectively. (c) The current and long-term portions of our finance lease liabilities are included within current portion of debt and finance lease liabilities and long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (d) The current and long-term portions of our operating lease liabilities are included within other accrued and current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. |
| Lease Expense and Cash Outflows from Operating and Finance Leases | A summary of our aggregate lease expense is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Finance lease expense: Depreciation and amortization $ 14.4 $ 22.6 $ 36.1 $ 45.3 Interest expense 8.1 8.9 16.2 17.0 Total finance lease expense 22.5 31.5 52.3 62.3 Operating lease expense (a) 29.8 34.1 65.6 67.3 Short-term lease expense (a) 1.5 2.1 3.3 4.0 Variable lease expense (b) 1.1 1.2 2.4 2.3 Total lease expense $ 54.9 $ 68.9 $ 123.6 $ 135.9 _______________ (a) Our operating lease expense and short-term lease expense are included in other operating expenses, SG&A expenses and impairment, restructuring and other operating items in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. (b) Variable lease expense represents payments made to a lessor during the lease term that vary because of a change in circumstance that occurred after the lease commencement date. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are included in other operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. A summary of our cash outflows from operating and finance leases is set forth below: Six months ended 2020 2019 in millions Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 60.0 $ 67.4 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 16.2 17.0 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 56.9 36.6 Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases $ 133.1 $ 121.0 |
| Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities | Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of June 30, 2020 are presented below. As a result of the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include maturities of operating and finance lease liabilities of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on June 30, 2020 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance leases in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 41.6 $ 48.8 2021 67.6 91.1 2022 55.9 89.0 2023 47.9 91.5 2024 40.3 54.1 2025 34.0 49.5 Thereafter 117.4 243.0 Total payments 404.7 667.0 Less: present value discount (52.2 ) (152.6 ) Present value of lease payments $ 352.5 $ 514.4 Current portion $ 73.3 $ 61.8 Noncurrent portion $ 279.2 $ 452.6 |
| Maturities of Financing Lease Liabilities | Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of June 30, 2020 are presented below. As a result of the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include maturities of operating and finance lease liabilities of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on June 30, 2020 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance leases in millions Year ending December 31: 2020 (remainder of year) $ 41.6 $ 48.8 2021 67.6 91.1 2022 55.9 89.0 2023 47.9 91.5 2024 40.3 54.1 2025 34.0 49.5 Thereafter 117.4 243.0 Total payments 404.7 667.0 Less: present value discount (52.2 ) (152.6 ) Present value of lease payments $ 352.5 $ 514.4 Current portion $ 73.3 $ 61.8 Noncurrent portion $ 279.2 $ 452.6 |
Income Taxes (Tables)
| Income Taxes (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] | |
| Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table | Income tax benefit (expense) attributable to our earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes differs from the amounts computed using the applicable income tax rate as a result of the following factors: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) (a) $ 115.8 $ 59.5 $ (76.3 ) $ 112.5 Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits 188.8 4.4 188.8 4.4 Change in valuation allowances (10.9 ) 79.0 (99.6 ) 66.4 Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results (95.8 ) 16.4 57.8 49.4 Tax benefit associated with technology innovation (b) 4.7 — 49.5 — Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items (25.9 ) (107.1 ) (46.3 ) (129.9 ) Enacted tax law and rate changes (4.4 ) (0.4 ) 31.7 (9.8 ) Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (c) (20.8 ) (87.3 ) (17.7 ) (166.4 ) International rate differences (d) 5.8 3.3 (10.3 ) 15.5 Other, net 0.7 5.4 0.3 3.3 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 158.0 $ (26.8 ) $ 77.9 $ (54.6 ) _______________ (a) The statutory or “expected” tax rates are the U.K. rates of 17.5% for the 2020 periods and 19.0% for the 2019 periods. The statutory rate for the 2020 periods represents the blended rate in effect for the year ended December 31, 2020 based on the 19.0% statutory rate that was in effect for the first quarter of 2020 and the 17.0% statutory rate that was expected to be in effect for the remainder of 2020. In March 2020, it was announced that the U.K. corporate tax rate will remain at 19.0% and not reduce to 17.0% from April 1, 2020. The U.K. rate change was enacted on July 22, 2020; therefore, the impact on our deferred tax balances will be recorded during the third quarter of 2020. (b) Amount reflects the recognition of the innovation income tax deduction in Belgium, including the one-time effect of deductions related to prior periods. (c) These amounts reflect the net impact of differences in the treatment of income and loss items between financial reporting and tax accounting related to investments in subsidiaries and affiliates including the effects of foreign earnings. (d) Amounts reflect adjustments (either a benefit or expense) to the “expected” tax benefit (expense) for statutory rates in jurisdictions in which we operate outside of the U.K. |
Share-based Compensation (Table
| Share-based Compensation (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] | |
| Summary of Stock-Based Compensation | A summary of our aggregate share-based compensation expense is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Liberty Global: Performance-based incentive awards (a) $ 21.6 $ 38.0 $ 49.3 $ 67.9 Non-performance based incentive awards (b) 47.8 29.0 66.1 51.0 Other (c) 6.0 12.6 12.2 22.5 Total Liberty Global 75.4 79.6 127.6 141.4 Other 8.4 7.4 11.4 12.9 Total $ 83.8 $ 87.0 $ 139.0 $ 154.3 Included in: Other operating expense $ 1.6 $ 1.0 $ 2.3 $ 1.9 SG&A expense 82.2 86.0 136.7 152.4 Total $ 83.8 $ 87.0 $ 139.0 $ 154.3 _______________ (a) Includes share-based compensation expense related to (i) performance-based restricted share units ( PSU s ), (ii) a challenge performance award plan for certain executive officers and key employees (the 2019 Challenge Performance Awards ), which included performance-based share appreciation rights ( PSAR s ) and PSU s granted in March 2019, and (iii) the performance-based portion of a performance award granted to our Chief Executive Officer in May 2019 (the 2019 CEO Performance Award ). (b) In 2019, we changed our policy to provide that all new equity grants would have ten-year contractual terms in order to more closely align with common market practice. In April 2020, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved the extension of the expiration dates of outstanding share appreciation rights ( SAR s ) and director options granted in 2013 from a seven-year term to a ten-year term in order to align with this new policy. Accordingly, the Black-Scholes fair values of the outstanding awards increased, resulting in the recognition of an aggregate incremental share-based compensation expense of $18.9 million during the second quarter of 2020. (c) Represents annual incentive compensation and defined contribution plan liabilities that have been or are expected to be settled with Liberty Global ordinary shares. In the case of the annual incentive compensation, shares have been or will be issued to senior management and key employees pursuant to a shareholding incentive program. The shareholding incentive program allows these employees to elect to receive up to 100% of their annual incentive compensation in ordinary shares of Liberty Global in lieu of cash. |
| Schedule of Stock Option Activity | The following table provides the aggregate number of options, SAR s and PSAR s with respect to awards issued by Liberty Global that were (i) outstanding and (ii) exercisable as of June 30, 2020 : Class A Class C Number of shares underlying awards Weighted Average exercise or base price Number of shares underlying awards Weighted Average exercise or base price Held by Liberty Global employees: Outstanding 24,236,156 $ 27.34 53,198,176 $ 26.20 Exercisable 11,641,307 $ 32.54 27,367,784 $ 30.51 Held by former Liberty Global employees: Outstanding 1,162,767 $ 35.57 2,342,852 $ 34.29 Exercisable 1,129,898 $ 35.57 2,277,127 $ 34.27 |
| Schedule of Other Share Based Compensation Activity | The following table provides the aggregate number of restricted share units ( RSU s ) and PSU s that were outstanding as of June 30, 2020 : Class A Class B Class C Held by Liberty Global employees: RSUs 2,523,790 — 5,040,305 PSUs 2,748,202 660,000 5,497,202 Held by former Liberty Global employees: RSUs 1,158 — 2,302 PSUs 24,521 — 49,034 |
Restructuring Liability (Tables
| Restructuring Liability (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
| Summary of Changes in Restructuring Liability | A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2020 $ 19.1 $ 2.2 $ 10.6 $ 31.9 Restructuring charges 28.3 3.5 4.8 36.6 Cash paid (31.5 ) (0.7 ) (7.1 ) (39.3 ) Reclassification to held for sale (a) (4.6 ) (4.8 ) — (9.4 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (0.3 ) (0.2 ) (0.2 ) (0.7 ) Restructuring liability as of June 30, 2020 $ 11.0 $ — $ 8.1 $ 19.1 Current portion $ 11.0 $ — $ 2.9 $ 13.9 Noncurrent portion — — 5.2 5.2 Total $ 11.0 $ — $ 8.1 $ 19.1 _______________ (a) Represents the reclassification of the restructuring liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities as of June 30, 2020 to liabilities associated with assets held for sale. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . |
Earnings or Loss per Share (Tab
| Earnings or Loss per Share (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Earnings Per Share | The details of the calculations of our basic and diluted EPS are set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Numerator: Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (503.8 ) $ (339.6 ) $ 513.9 $ (646.5 ) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (20.4 ) (29.5 ) (88.3 ) (38.2 ) Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (basic and diluted EPS computation) $ (524.2 ) $ (369.1 ) $ 425.6 $ (684.7 ) Denominator: Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) 612,681,648 735,442,543 617,828,982 738,748,452 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) — — 7,322,907 — Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) 612,681,648 735,442,543 625,151,889 738,748,452 |
| Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares | The details of the calculations of our basic and diluted EPS are set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Numerator: Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (503.8 ) $ (339.6 ) $ 513.9 $ (646.5 ) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (20.4 ) (29.5 ) (88.3 ) (38.2 ) Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (basic and diluted EPS computation) $ (524.2 ) $ (369.1 ) $ 425.6 $ (684.7 ) Denominator: Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) 612,681,648 735,442,543 617,828,982 738,748,452 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) — — 7,322,907 — Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) 612,681,648 735,442,543 625,151,889 738,748,452 |
Commitments and Contingencies (
| Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Unrecorded Purchase Obligation | The following table sets forth the U.S. dollar equivalents of such commitments as of June 30, 2020 . Due to the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities at June 30, 2020 , the amounts presented below do not include the contractual commitments of these entities. For information regarding the held-for-sale presentation of the U.K. JV Entities , see note 4 . The commitments included in this table do not reflect any liabilities that are included on our June 30, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Payments due during: Remainder 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total in millions Network and connectivity commitments $ 78.9 $ 86.2 $ 64.9 $ 41.5 $ 35.8 $ 34.4 $ 681.2 $ 1,022.9 Programming commitments 152.1 171.2 84.1 22.0 14.2 13.9 16.1 473.6 Purchase commitments 250.6 170.1 43.5 30.7 17.3 14.5 10.7 537.4 Other commitments 4.1 3.1 3.0 1.9 1.5 0.4 1.2 15.2 Total $ 485.7 $ 430.6 $ 195.5 $ 96.1 $ 68.8 $ 63.2 $ 709.2 $ 2,049.1 |
Segment Reporting (Tables)
| Segment Reporting (Tables) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] | |
| Performance Measures of our Reportable Segments | The amounts presented below represent 100% of each of our reportable segment’s revenue and Adjusted EBITDA . As we have the ability to control Telenet, we consolidate 100% of Telenet’s revenue and expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations despite the fact that third parties own a significant interest. The noncontrolling owners’ interests in the operating results of Telenet and other less significant majority-owned subsidiaries are reflected in net earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Similarly, despite only holding a 50% noncontrolling interest in the VodafoneZiggo JV , we present 100% of its revenue and Adjusted EBITDA in the tables below. Our share of the VodafoneZiggo JV 's operating results is included in share of results of affiliates, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Revenue Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions U.K./Ireland $ 1,531.8 $ 1,644.0 $ 3,152.4 $ 3,305.3 Belgium 682.5 713.2 1,400.6 1,425.1 Switzerland 299.1 315.0 615.9 631.0 Central and Eastern Europe 116.2 119.1 235.3 238.2 Central and Corporate 93.7 60.2 194.9 120.9 Intersegment eliminations (0.4 ) (1.1 ) (0.4 ) (2.1 ) Total $ 2,722.9 $ 2,850.4 $ 5,598.7 $ 5,718.4 VodafoneZiggo JV $ 1,081.6 $ 1,084.5 $ 2,178.7 $ 2,178.4 Adjusted EBITDA Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 (a) 2020 2019 (a) in millions U.K./Ireland $ 654.9 $ 687.5 $ 1,310.3 $ 1,379.7 Belgium 354.1 349.4 685.7 688.4 Switzerland 150.9 159.8 285.0 316.1 Central and Eastern Europe 52.7 54.1 107.0 107.8 Central and Corporate (24.1 ) (60.1 ) (49.2 ) (119.4 ) Intersegment eliminations (b) — — — 1.4 Total $ 1,188.5 $ 1,190.7 $ 2,338.8 $ 2,374.0 VodafoneZiggo JV $ 531.5 $ 487.6 $ 1,034.3 $ 981.4 _______________ (a) Amounts have been revised to reflect the retrospective impact of the Centrally-held Cost Allocation , as described above. (b) Amount for the 2019 six-month period is related to transactions between our continuing and discontinued operations prior to the disposal dates of such discontinued operations. The following table provides a reconciliation of earnings (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA : Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (503.8 ) $ (339.6 ) $ 513.9 $ (646.5 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (158.0 ) 26.8 (77.9 ) 54.6 Other income, net (9.5 ) (32.5 ) (61.9 ) (39.0 ) Share of results of affiliates, net 105.4 69.3 72.0 140.2 Losses on debt extinguishment, net 165.6 48.3 220.1 48.8 Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (152.3 ) 138.7 377.5 146.9 Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net 478.0 27.0 86.3 (111.6 ) Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net 319.7 (152.9 ) (917.6 ) (70.1 ) Interest expense 281.7 363.6 595.0 730.9 Operating income 526.8 148.7 807.4 254.2 Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net 32.2 33.2 63.2 104.1 Depreciation and amortization 545.7 921.8 1,329.2 1,861.4 Share-based compensation expense 83.8 87.0 139.0 154.3 Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,188.5 $ 1,190.7 $ 2,338.8 $ 2,374.0 Adjusted EBITDA of our consolidated reportable segments and Central and Corporate that resulted from the Centrally-held Cost Allocation . Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Increase (decrease) to Adjusted EBITDA: U.K./Ireland $ (12.3 ) $ (15.7 ) $ (24.4 ) $ (31.8 ) Switzerland (4.8 ) (9.9 ) (9.6 ) (16.7 ) Central and Eastern Europe (2.7 ) (3.8 ) (5.2 ) (7.3 ) Central and Corporate 19.8 29.4 39.2 55.8 Total Liberty Global $ — $ — $ — $ — |
| Property and Equipment Additions of our Reportable Segments | The property and equipment additions of our reportable segments (including capital additions financed under vendor financing or finance lease arrangements) are presented below and reconciled to the capital expenditure amounts included in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. For additional information concerning capital additions financed under vendor financing and finance lease arrangements, see notes 8 and 10 . Six months ended 2020 2019 in millions U.K./Ireland $ 669.4 $ 766.7 Belgium 251.9 275.1 Switzerland 123.8 135.9 Central and Eastern Europe 39.8 41.4 Central and Corporate (a) 157.5 162.2 Total property and equipment additions 1,242.4 1,381.3 Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements (702.9 ) (926.3 ) Assets acquired under finance leases (17.2 ) (32.6 ) Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures 127.3 210.5 Total capital expenditures, net $ 649.6 $ 632.9 Capital expenditures, net: Third-party payments $ 650.9 $ 691.2 Proceeds received for transfers to related parties (b) (1.3 ) (58.3 ) Total capital expenditures, net $ 649.6 $ 632.9 Property and equipment additions - VodafoneZiggo JV $ 472.4 $ 426.5 _______________ (a) Includes (i) property and equipment additions representing centrally-owned assets that benefit our operating segments and (ii) the net impact of certain centrally-procured network equipment that is ultimately transferred to our operating segments. (b) Primarily relates to transfers of centrally-procured property and equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV and, for the 2019 period, our discontinued operations. |
| Revenue by Major Category | Our revenue by major category for our consolidated reportable segments is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions Residential revenue: Residential cable revenue (a): Subscription revenue (b): Broadband internet $ 781.0 $ 799.5 $ 1,577.8 $ 1,602.3 Video 633.6 676.6 1,316.7 1,368.7 Fixed-line telephony 328.3 360.4 666.5 729.2 Total subscription revenue 1,742.9 1,836.5 3,561.0 3,700.2 Non-subscription revenue 35.6 44.5 88.6 98.5 Total residential cable revenue 1,778.5 1,881.0 3,649.6 3,798.7 Residential mobile revenue (c): Subscription revenue (b) 227.3 231.4 463.2 459.4 Non-subscription revenue 129.7 173.3 275.0 330.0 Total residential mobile revenue 357.0 404.7 738.2 789.4 Total residential revenue 2,135.5 2,285.7 4,387.8 4,588.1 B2B revenue (d): Subscription revenue 123.4 116.8 248.0 230.6 Non-subscription revenue 338.2 357.2 687.7 729.2 Total B2B revenue 461.6 474.0 935.7 959.8 Other revenue (e) 125.8 90.7 275.2 170.5 Total $ 2,722.9 $ 2,850.4 $ 5,598.7 $ 5,718.4 _______________ (a) Residential cable subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services and the recognition of deferred installation revenue over the associated contract period. Residential cable non-subscription revenue includes, among other items, channel carriage fees, late fees and revenue from the sale of equipment. (b) Residential subscription revenue from subscribers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is generally allocated proportionally to each service based on the standalone price for each individual service. As a result, changes in the standalone pricing of our cable and mobile products or the composition of bundles can contribute to changes in our product revenue categories from period to period. (c) Residential mobile subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services. Residential mobile non-subscription revenue includes, among other items, interconnect revenue and revenue from sales of mobile handsets and other devices. (d) B2B subscription revenue represents revenue from services to certain small or home office ( SOHO ) subscribers. SOHO subscribers pay a premium price to receive expanded service levels along with broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony or mobile services that are the same or similar to the mass marketed products offered to our residential subscribers. B2B non-subscription revenue includes (i) revenue from business broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony, mobile and data services offered to medium to large enterprises and, on a wholesale basis, to other operators and (ii) revenue from long-term leases of portions of our network. (e) Other revenue includes, among other items, (i) revenue earned from transitional and other services provided to various third parties, (ii) revenue earned from the JV Services and the sale of customer premises equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV and (iii) broadcasting revenue in Belgium and Ireland. |
| Geographic Segments | The revenue of our geographic segments is set forth below: Three months ended Six months ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 in millions U.K. $ 1,417.2 $ 1,517.7 $ 2,913.6 $ 3,051.2 Belgium 682.5 713.2 1,400.6 1,425.1 Switzerland 299.1 315.0 615.9 631.0 Ireland 114.6 126.3 238.8 254.1 Poland 103.7 106.7 210.4 213.4 Slovakia 12.5 12.4 24.9 24.8 Other, including intersegment eliminations 93.3 59.1 194.5 118.8 Total $ 2,722.9 $ 2,850.4 $ 5,598.7 $ 5,718.4 VodafoneZiggo JV (the Netherlands) $ 1,081.6 $ 1,084.5 $ 2,178.7 $ 2,178.4 |
Basis of Presentation (Narrativ
| Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% |
| Telenet | |
| Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |
| Percentage ownership in subsidiary | 60.80% |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | |
| Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% |
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% |
Accounting Changes and Recent_3
| Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jan. 01, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019 |
| New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||||||
| Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] | us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member | us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member | us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member | ||||
| Stockholders equity cumulative effect adjustment | $ 13,198.6 | $ 4,148.3 | $ 12,550.5 | $ 12,912.2 | $ 3,670.7 | $ 3,849.6 | |
| Accumulated earnings | |||||||
| New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||||||
| Stockholders equity cumulative effect adjustment | $ 6,350.4 | $ (5,172.2) | $ 6,745.7 | $ 7,269.9 | $ (5,111) | $ (5,164) |
Revenue Recognition and Relat_2
| Revenue Recognition and Related Costs Revenue Recognition and Related Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||
| Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts | $ 21.4 | $ 21.4 | $ 42.8 | ||
| Contract assets | 13.7 | 13.7 | 30.6 | ||
| Deferred revenue | 332.8 | 332.8 | 867.1 | ||
| Revenue recognized | 587 | ||||
| Aggregate assets associated with incremental costs to obtain a contract and contract fulfillment costs | 22.3 | 22.3 | 92.6 | ||
| Amortization related to contract costs | $ 31.9 | $ 24.3 | $ 69.6 | $ 48.7 | |
| Performance obligation period | Revenue from customers who are subject to contracts is generally recognized over the term of such contracts, which is typically 12 months for our residential service contracts, one to three years for our mobile service contracts and one to five years | ||||
| U.K. J.V. Entities | |||||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||
| Deferred revenue | $ 459.6 | ||||
Acquisitions and Dispositions_2
| Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | May 07, 2020GBP (£) | May 07, 2020USD ($) | Jul. 31, 2019EUR (€) | Jul. 31, 2019USD ($) | Jun. 03, 2019EUR (€) | Jun. 03, 2019USD ($) | May 02, 2019EUR (€) | May 02, 2019USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | Jun. 02, 2019 |
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Liberty global is expected to receive | $ 1.3 | $ 58.3 | ||||||||||
| Equity method investment, ownership percentage | 50.00% | |||||||||||
| Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operations, net | $ 0 | 145.8 | ||||||||||
| Funding of the Vodafone Escrow Accounts, net | $ 295.2 | $ 295.2 | ||||||||||
| Maximum | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Leverage ratio | 5 | |||||||||||
| Minimum | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Leverage ratio | 4 | |||||||||||
| Vodafone Disposal Group | Discontinued operations, disposed of by sale | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Cash to be paid to settle obligations | € 183.7 | $ 205.8 | ||||||||||
| Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operations, net | € 10,000 | $ 11,100 | ||||||||||
| Term of transitional services | 4 years | |||||||||||
| Revenue from transitional services | $ 76.8 | |||||||||||
| UPC DTH | Discontinued operations, disposed of by sale | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operations, net | € 128.9 | $ 144.1 | ||||||||||
| Term of transitional services | 2 years | |||||||||||
| Revenue from transitional services | $ 1 | $ 0.4 | ||||||||||
| Ireland Business | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Interest acquired | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||||||||
| De Vijver Media | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Previous interest | 50.00% | |||||||||||
| Interest acquired | 50.00% | 50.00% | ||||||||||
| Consideration transferred | € 52.5 | $ 58.9 | ||||||||||
| U.K. J.V. | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Liberty global is expected to receive | £ 1,400 | $ 1,700 | ||||||||||
| Telefonica | U.K. J.V. | ||||||||||||
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Equalization payment | 2,500 | 3,100 | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from recapitalization | £ 800 | $ 1,000 |
Acquisitions and Dispositions_3
| Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions (Schedules) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Revenue | $ 2,722.9 | $ 2,850.4 | $ 5,598.7 | $ 5,718.4 |
| Basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) | $ 0.43 | $ 0.86 | ||
| Discontinued operations | ||||
| Assets: | ||||
| Current assets | 1,194.3 | 1,194.3 | ||
| Property and equipment, net | 7,143.3 | 7,143.3 | ||
| Goodwill | 7,180.9 | 7,180.9 | ||
| Other assets, net | 3,512 | 3,512 | ||
| Total assets | 19,030.5 | 19,030.5 | ||
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations | 2,318.6 | 2,318.6 | ||
| Other accrued and current liabilities | 1,775.5 | 1,775.5 | ||
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | 13,108.6 | 13,108.6 | ||
| Other long-term liabilities | 930.6 | 930.6 | ||
| Total liabilities | $ 18,133.3 | $ 18,133.3 | ||
| Revenue | $ 877.9 | $ 1,764.3 | ||
| Operating income | 516.1 | 1,020.2 | ||
| Earnings before income taxes | 437.4 | 876.8 | ||
| Income tax expense | (121.9) | (238.7) | ||
| Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | 315.5 | 638.1 | ||
| Vodafone Disposal Group | Discontinued operations, disposed of by sale | ||||
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Revenue | 868.9 | 1,727.6 | ||
| Operating income | 514 | 1,009.5 | ||
| Earnings before income taxes | 435.2 | 867.3 | ||
| Income tax expense | (121.9) | (238.7) | ||
| Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | 313.3 | 628.6 | ||
| UPC DTH | Discontinued operations, disposed of by sale | ||||
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Revenue | 9 | 36.7 | ||
| Operating income | 2.1 | 10.7 | ||
| Earnings before income taxes | 2.2 | 9.5 | ||
| Income tax expense | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 2.2 | $ 9.5 | ||
Investments (Schedule of Invest
| Investments (Schedule of Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Equity | $ 3,461.5 | $ 3,492.8 |
| Short-term, separately-managed accounts (SMAs) | 2,650.8 | 0 |
| Long-term, SMAs | 335.7 | 0 |
| Total investments | 3,920.7 | 1,289.2 |
| Total investments | 7,382.2 | 4,782 |
| Short-term investments | 2,650.8 | 0 |
| Long-term investments | 4,731.4 | 4,782 |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Equity | 3,109.6 | 3,174.1 |
| All3Media | ||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Equity | 121.7 | 172.8 |
| Formula E Holdings Ltd (Formula E) | ||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Equity | 106.3 | 105.2 |
| Other | ||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Equity | 123.9 | 40.7 |
| Long-term investments at fair value | 403.2 | 300.7 |
| ITV | ||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Long-term investments at fair value | 368.4 | 798.1 |
| ITI Neovision S.A. (ITI Neovision) | ||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Long-term investments at fair value | 115.5 | 122.4 |
| Lionsgate | ||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Long-term investments at fair value | $ 47.1 | $ 68 |
Investments (Narrative) (Detail
| Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative asset, fair value | $ 1,600.5 | $ 1,600.5 | $ 1,827.5 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 11,777.5 | 11,777.5 | 27,648.1 | ||
| Carrying value | 11,729.2 | 11,729.2 | 27,565.4 | ||
| ITV Collar Loan | |||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Borrowings outstanding | 1,339.9 | 1,339.9 | 1,435.5 | ||
| Lionsgate Loan | |||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Carrying value | 55.3 | 55.3 | 55.3 | ||
| ITV Collar | |||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative asset, fair value | 969.9 | 969.9 | |||
| Lionsgate Loan | Ordinary shares | |||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative asset, fair value | $ 43.7 | $ 43.7 | |||
| VodafoneZiggo JV | |||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Percent of interest income earned on loan included in investment | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||
| Percent of remaining results of operations included in investment | 50.00% | 50.00% | |||
| VodafoneZiggo JV | Equity Method Investee | |||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Revenue from related parties | $ 41.4 | $ 45.7 | $ 88.1 | $ 90 | |
| Transfer of assets | 9.2 | ||||
| Due from related party | 50.3 | 50.3 | 19.3 | ||
| VodafoneZiggo JV Loan | VodafoneZiggo JV | |||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||||
| Carrying amounts of equity method investments exceeds proportionate share | 968.2 | 968.2 | 1,041 | ||
| Due from related party | $ 787 | $ 787 | $ 786.1 | ||
| Receivable interest rate | 5.55% | ||||
| Accrued interests settled in cash | $ 21.6 | ||||
Investments (Fair Value Realize
| Investments (Fair Value Realized and Unrealized Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ 141.6 | $ (128.3) | $ (386.4) | $ (124.2) |
| ITV | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 42.2 | (111.8) | (429.7) | (87.8) |
| Lionsgate | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 8.5 | (17.2) | (20.9) | (17.8) |
| SMAs | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 16.6 | 0 | 5.9 | 0 |
| ITI Neovision | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 6.1 | 5.3 | (1.9) | 0.5 |
| Other | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ 68.2 | $ (4.6) | $ 60.2 | $ (19.1) |
Investments Investments (Debt S
| Investments Investments (Debt Securities) (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | |
| Amortized cost basis | $ 2,981.3 |
| Unrealized gains | 5.2 |
| Fair value | 2,986.5 |
| Proceeds from sale of debt securities | 2,500 |
| Debt securities, realized gain (loss) | 0.7 |
| Contractual maturity: | |
| Due in one year or less | 2,650.8 |
| Due in one to five years | 328 |
| Due in five to ten years | 7.7 |
| Fair value | 2,986.5 |
| Commercial paper | |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | |
| Amortized cost basis | 986.8 |
| Unrealized gains | 1.2 |
| Fair value | 988 |
| Contractual maturity: | |
| Fair value | 988 |
| Government bonds | |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | |
| Amortized cost basis | 900 |
| Unrealized gains | 0.3 |
| Fair value | 900.3 |
| Contractual maturity: | |
| Fair value | 900.3 |
| Corporate debt securities | |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | |
| Amortized cost basis | 730.5 |
| Unrealized gains | 3.6 |
| Fair value | 734.1 |
| Contractual maturity: | |
| Fair value | 734.1 |
| Certificates of deposit | |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | |
| Amortized cost basis | 332.9 |
| Unrealized gains | 0.1 |
| Fair value | 333 |
| Contractual maturity: | |
| Fair value | 333 |
| Other debt securities | |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | |
| Amortized cost basis | 31.1 |
| Unrealized gains | 0 |
| Fair value | 31.1 |
| Contractual maturity: | |
| Fair value | $ 31.1 |
| Weighted Average | |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | |
| Weighted average life | 7 months 6 days |
Investments Investments (Equity
| Investments Investments (Equity Method Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net | $ (105.4) | $ (69.3) | $ (72) | $ (140.2) | ||
| Summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Revenue | 2,722.9 | 2,850.4 | 5,598.7 | 5,718.4 | ||
| Loss before income taxes | (661.8) | (312.8) | 436 | (591.9) | ||
| Net loss | (503.8) | $ 1,017.7 | 82.5 | $ 15.7 | 513.9 | 98.2 |
| All3Media | ||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net | (14.9) | (19) | (39.8) | (22.7) | ||
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net | (89.2) | (40) | (28.1) | (102.3) | ||
| Formula E | ||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net | 1.9 | (9.5) | 0.7 | (9.9) | ||
| Other | ||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net | (3.2) | (0.8) | (4.8) | (5.3) | ||
| Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Revenue | 1,081.6 | 1,084.5 | 2,178.7 | 2,178.4 | ||
| Loss before income taxes | (151.8) | (134.5) | (26.9) | (323.3) | ||
| Net loss | $ (185.4) | $ (104) | $ (85.7) | $ (254.3) | ||
Derivative Instruments (Fair Va
| Derivative Instruments (Fair Values of Derivative Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Assets | ||
| Current | $ 576 | $ 331.1 |
| Long-term | 1,024.5 | 1,496.4 |
| Total | 1,600.5 | 1,827.5 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current | 164.1 | 390.4 |
| Long-term | 709.2 | 1,192.3 |
| Total | 873.3 | 1,582.7 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | ||
| Assets | ||
| Current | 127.8 | 270.8 |
| Long-term | 428.9 | 886.4 |
| Total | 556.7 | 1,157.2 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current | 161.5 | 389.2 |
| Long-term | 709.2 | 1,192.3 |
| Total | 870.7 | 1,581.5 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | ||
| Assets | ||
| Current | 446.2 | 55.2 |
| Long-term | 594.8 | 608.2 |
| Total | 1,041 | 663.4 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | ||
| Assets | ||
| Current | 1.7 | 4.6 |
| Long-term | 0.6 | 1.4 |
| Total | 2.3 | 6 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current | 2.5 | 1.2 |
| Long-term | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2.5 | 1.2 |
| Other | ||
| Assets | ||
| Current | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Long-term | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Total | 0.5 | 0.9 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current | 0.1 | 0 |
| Long-term | 0 | 0 |
| Total | $ 0.1 | $ 0 |
Derivative Instruments (Narrati
| Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative assets | $ 1,600.5 | $ 1,600.5 | $ 1,827.5 | ||
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | |||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | |||||
| Gain (loss) in changes in the credit risk valuation adjustments associated with our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | 5.4 | $ (12.6) | 71.7 | $ (70.7) | |
| Derivative assets | 556.7 | 556.7 | $ 1,157.2 | ||
| Counterparty Credit Risk | |||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative assets | 103.3 | 103.3 | |||
| Virgin Media | |||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative instruments that do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity | $ 50.8 | $ 50.8 | |||
| Lionsgate Loan | |||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | |||||
| Voting shares (in shares) | 833,333 | 833,333 | |||
| Nonvoting shares (in shares) | 833,334 | 833,334 | |||
Derivative Instruments (Realize
| Derivative Instruments (Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives) (Schedule and Footnotes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | $ (319.7) | $ 152.9 | $ 917.6 | $ 70.1 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (309.4) | 69.1 | 532.9 | (18.2) |
| Equity-related derivative instruments: | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (12.8) | 95 | 377.6 | 109.8 |
| ITV Collar | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (33.1) | 86 | 350.3 | 99.8 |
| Lionsgate Forward | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (1.8) | 8.8 | 6.5 | 9.6 |
| Other | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 22.1 | 0.2 | 20.8 | 0.4 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 1.7 | (11.6) | 7.4 | (22.2) |
| Other | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | $ 0.8 | $ 0.4 | $ (0.3) | $ 0.7 |
Derivative Instruments (Net Cas
| Derivative Instruments (Net Cash Received (Paid) Related to Derivatives) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Operating activities | $ 23.1 | $ 165.1 |
| Financing activities | 75 | 93.5 |
| Total | $ 98.1 | $ 258.6 |
Derivative Instruments (Cross-c
| Derivative Instruments (Cross-currency Derivative Contracts) (Details) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2020 € in Millions, zł in Millions, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions | CHF (SFr) | PLN (zł) | EUR (€) | USD ($) |
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 1 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 5 years 3 months 18 days | |||
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 2 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 5 years 10 months 24 days | |||
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 3 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years 2 months 12 days | |||
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 4 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 years 10 months 24 days | |||
| Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 5 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 2 years 6 months | |||
| Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 6 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 6 years 7 months 6 days | |||
| Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 7 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years 7 months 6 days | |||
| Virgin Media | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Derivative instruments that do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity | $ | $ 50.8 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 1 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | $ | 360 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 2 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | $ | 1,600 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 3 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | € 2,618.3 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 4 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | 707 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 5 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 740 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 6 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | $ | 3,940 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 7 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | 45.2 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 1 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | 267.9 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 2 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | SFr | 1,476.1 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 3 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 2,941.4 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 4 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | zł | zł 2,999.5 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 5 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | 701.1 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 6 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | € 3,489.6 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 7 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 50 |
Derivative Instruments (Interes
| Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Swap Contracts and Options) (Details) - Notional amount - Interest Rate Swap $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | |
| UPC Holding | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 10,323 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years |
| Telenet | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 3,243.4 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years 8 months 12 days |
| Other | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 94.7 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 years 6 months |
| UPC Holding | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 4,617.6 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 5 years 4 months 24 days |
| Telenet | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 1,604.5 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 years 2 months 12 days |
| Other | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 0 |
Derivative Instruments (Basis S
| Derivative Instruments (Basis Swaps, Interest Rate Caps and Collars) (Details) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)derivative_instrument | |
| Interest ratee collar | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Number of derivative instruments | derivative_instrument | 0 |
| Interest Rate Caps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 449.8 |
| Interest Rate Floor | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 1,248.1 |
| UPC Holding | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Weighted average remaining life | 6 months |
| Telenet | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Weighted average remaining life | 6 months |
| Other | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Weighted average remaining life | 6 months |
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 700 |
| Notional amount due from counterparty | Telenet | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | 2,295 |
| Notional amount due from counterparty | Other | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 94.7 |
Derivative Instruments (Impact
| Derivative Instruments (Impact of Derivative Instruments on Borrowing Costs) (Details) | Jun. 30, 2020 |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Increase of derivative instruments on borrowing costs | 0.23% |
| UPC Holding | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Increase of derivative instruments on borrowing costs | 0.25% |
| Telenet | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Increase of derivative instruments on borrowing costs | 0.26% |
Derivative Instruments (Foreign
| Derivative Instruments (Foreign Currency Forwards and Options) (Details) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 336 |
Fair Value Measurements (Summar
| Fair Value Measurements (Summary of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | $ 1,600.5 | $ 1,827.5 |
| SMAs | 2,986.5 | |
| Other investments | 934.2 | |
| Total investments | 3,920.7 | 1,289.2 |
| Total assets | 5,521.2 | 3,116.7 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 873.3 | 1,582.7 |
| Debt | 45.6 | |
| Total liabilities | 873.3 | 1,628.3 |
| Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| SMAs | 878 | |
| Other investments | 415.5 | |
| Total investments | 1,293.5 | 869.2 |
| Total assets | 1,293.5 | 869.2 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | |
| Debt | 0 | |
| Total liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 559.5 | 1,164.1 |
| SMAs | 2,108.5 | |
| Other investments | 0 | |
| Total investments | 2,108.5 | 0 |
| Total assets | 2,668 | 1,164.1 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 1,562.8 | |
| Debt | 45.6 | |
| Total liabilities | 873.3 | 1,608.4 |
| Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 1,041 | 663.4 |
| SMAs | 0 | |
| Other investments | 518.7 | |
| Total investments | 518.7 | 420 |
| Total assets | 1,559.7 | 1,083.4 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 19.9 | |
| Debt | 0 | |
| Total liabilities | 0 | 19.9 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 556.7 | 1,157.2 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 870.7 | 1,581.5 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 556.7 | 1,157.2 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 870.7 | 1,561.6 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 19.9 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 1,041 | 663.4 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 1,041 | 663.4 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 2.3 | 6 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 2.5 | 1.2 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 2.3 | 6 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 2.5 | 1.2 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Other | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0.5 | 0.9 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0.1 | 0 |
| Other | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | |
| Other | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0.5 | 0.9 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0.1 | |
| Other | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | $ 0 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Derivative instruments: | $ 0 |
Fair Value Measurements (Assets
| Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Reconciliation) (Schedule and Footnote) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||
| Balance of net assets (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 | $ 1,063.5 | |
| Gains included in loss from continuing operations | ||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net | 375.7 | |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 58.2 | |
| Additions | 39.9 | |
| Reclassification of liability to held for sale | 11.5 | |
| Transfers out of Level 3 | 8.8 | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 2.1 | |
| Balance of net assets at June 30, 2020 | 1,559.7 | |
| Investments | ||
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||
| Balance of net assets (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 | 420 | |
| Gains included in loss from continuing operations | ||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net | 0 | |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 58.2 | |
| Additions | 39.9 | |
| Reclassification of liability to held for sale | 0 | |
| Transfers out of Level 3 | 0 | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 0.6 | |
| Balance of net assets at June 30, 2020 | 518.7 | |
| Cross-currency, interest rate and foreign currency derivative contracts | ||
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||
| Balance of net assets (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 | 0 | $ (19.9) |
| Gains included in loss from continuing operations | ||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net | (1.9) | |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 0 | |
| Additions | 0 | |
| Reclassification of liability to held for sale | 11.5 | |
| Transfers out of Level 3 | 8.8 | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 1.5 | |
| Balance of net assets at June 30, 2020 | 0 | |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | ||
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||
| Balance of net assets (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 | 1,041 | $ 663.4 |
| Gains included in loss from continuing operations | ||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net | 377.6 | |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 0 | |
| Additions | 0 | |
| Reclassification of liability to held for sale | 0 | |
| Transfers out of Level 3 | 0 | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 0 | |
| Balance of net assets at June 30, 2020 | $ 1,041 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule of
| Long-lived Assets (Schedule of PP&E) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | $ 13,522.1 | $ 28,646.2 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (7,349.5) | (14,802.8) |
| Accumulated depreciation | 6,172.6 | 13,843.4 |
| Distribution systems | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | 8,439.4 | 19,007.2 |
| Customer premises equipment | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | 1,618.1 | 4,294.7 |
| Support equipment, buildings and land | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | $ 3,464.6 | $ 5,344.3 |
Long-lived Assets (Narrative) (
| Long-lived Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Long-lived Assets [Abstract] | ||
| Noncash vendor financing arrangement, cash increase, excluding value added tax | $ 702.9 | $ 926.3 |
| Value added tax, vendor financing arrangement | $ 118.7 | $ 148.7 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule o_2
| Long-lived Assets (Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| January 1, 2020 | $ 14,052.1 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 2.2 |
| Reclassification to assets held for sale | (7,180.9) |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (494.2) |
| June 30, 2020 | 6,379.2 |
| U.K./Ireland | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| January 1, 2020 | 7,965.4 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 |
| Reclassification to assets held for sale | (7,180.9) |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (512) |
| June 30, 2020 | 272.5 |
| Switzerland | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| January 1, 2020 | 2,953.2 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 2.8 |
| Reclassification to assets held for sale | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | 60.3 |
| June 30, 2020 | 3,016.3 |
| Belgium | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| January 1, 2020 | 2,576.1 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | (0.6) |
| Reclassification to assets held for sale | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (22.1) |
| June 30, 2020 | 2,553.4 |
| Central and Eastern Europe | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| January 1, 2020 | 557.4 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 |
| Reclassification to assets held for sale | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (20.4) |
| June 30, 2020 | $ 537 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule o_3
| Long-lived Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Gross carrying amount | $ 849.6 | $ 4,217.6 |
| Accumulated amortization | (468.2) | (3,645.5) |
| Net carrying amount | 381.4 | 572.1 |
| Customer relationships | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Gross carrying amount | 280.9 | 3,653.9 |
| Accumulated amortization | (165.6) | (3,363.6) |
| Net carrying amount | 115.3 | 290.3 |
| Other | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Gross carrying amount | 568.7 | 563.7 |
| Accumulated amortization | (302.6) | (281.9) |
| Net carrying amount | $ 266.1 | $ 281.8 |
Debt (Components of Debt) (Deta
| Debt (Components of Debt) (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | May 07, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020GBP (£) | Jun. 30, 2020EUR (€) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.97% | 2.97% | 2.97% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 1,186.2 | ||||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 11,777.5 | $ 27,648.1 | |||
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (48.3) | (82.7) | |||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 11,729.2 | 27,565.4 | |||
| Finance lease obligations (f) (note 10) | 514.4 | 617.1 | |||
| Total debt and finance lease obligations | 12,243.6 | 28,182.5 | |||
| Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations | (1,867.7) | (3,877.2) | |||
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | $ 10,375.9 | 24,305.3 | |||
| Debt fair value | 45.6 | ||||
| Telenet Credit Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 555 | $ 624 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 3,543 | 3,541.4 | |||
| Telenet Senior Secured Notes | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 4.74% | 4.74% | 4.74% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,607.1 | 1,673.7 | |||
| UPCB SPE Notes | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.80% | 3.80% | 3.80% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,281.8 | 2,420.1 | |||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.46% | 2.46% | 2.46% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 500 | $ 562.2 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,149.7 | 0 | |||
| UPC Holding Senior Notes | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 4.60% | 4.60% | 4.60% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,203.1 | 1,202.3 | |||
| Vendor financing | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.54% | 2.54% | 2.54% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | £ 0 | $ 0 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,358.7 | 1,374.3 | |||
| ITV Collar Loan | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | £ 0 | $ 0 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,339.9 | 1,435.5 | |||
| Virgin Media debt | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 15,693.5 | ||||
| Other | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 5.59% | 5.59% | 5.59% | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | £ 0 | $ 0 | |||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 294.2 | 307.3 | |||
| Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.31% | 3.31% | 3.31% | ||
| Telenet Revolving Credit Facility I | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 510 | $ 573.4 | |||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||
| Telenet Revolving Credit Facility I | EURIBOR | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.25% | ||||
| Telenet Overdraft Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 25 | $ 28.1 | |||
| Telenet Revolving Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 20 | 22.5 | |||
| UPC Revolving Facility | EURIBOR | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.50% | ||||
| Lionsgate Loan | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 55.3 | 55.3 | |||
| Long-term Debt | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Debt fair value | $ 11,600 | $ 28,400 |
Debt (Financing Transactions) (
| Debt (Financing Transactions) (Details) € in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||
| Jun. 30, 2020GBP (£)group | Jun. 30, 2020EUR (€) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | May 31, 2020GBP (£) | May 31, 2020USD ($) | Jan. 31, 2020EUR (€) | Jan. 31, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)group | Jan. 31, 2020USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Number of borrowing groups | group | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Non-cash borrowings and repayments | $ 3,500,000,000 | $ 0 | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding debt | $ 11,729,200,000 | $ 27,565,400,000 | ||||||||||||
| Loss on debt modification and extinguishment | $ 165,600,000 | $ 48,300,000 | $ 220,100,000 | $ 48,800,000 | ||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2030 VM Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | $ 675,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | $ 250,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Percentage of principal amount redeemed | 101.00% | 101.00% | 101.00% | |||||||||||
| Interest rate | 5.00% | 5.00% | ||||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2030 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | € 500 | $ 562,200,000 | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 3.75% | 3.75% | ||||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | € 460 | 517,200,000 | ||||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | 388,700,000 | |||||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | 497,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | 71,600,000 | |||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 4.875% | 4.875% | ||||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | $ 51,500,000 | |||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 5.25% | 5.25% | ||||||||||||
| Senior Notes | 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | £ 44,100,000 | 54,600,000 | ||||||||||||
| Senior Secured Debt | 2022 VM 6.25% Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | £ 360,000,000 | 445,700,000 | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 6.25% | 6.25% | ||||||||||||
| Senior Secured Debt | 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | £ 80,000,000 | 99,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding debt | £ 521,300,000 | $ 645,300,000 | ||||||||||||
| Senior Secured Debt | 2030 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | $ 650,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 4.50% | 4.50% | ||||||||||||
| Senior Secured Debt | 2030 VM 4.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | £ 450,000,000 | $ 557,100,000 | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 4.125% | 4.125% | ||||||||||||
| Senior Secured Debt | 2027 VM 4.875% Sterling Senior Secured Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | £ 525,000,000 | $ 649,900,000 | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 4.875% | 4.875% | ||||||||||||
| Financing notes | 4.875% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | £ 500,000,000 | $ 619,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 4.875% | 4.875% | ||||||||||||
| Financing notes | VM Receivables Financing III Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | £ 400,000,000 | $ 495,200,000 | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 4.875% | 4.875% | ||||||||||||
| Redemption price | 99.50% | 99.50% | 99.50% | |||||||||||
| Financing notes | 5.0% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | $ 500,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Interest rate | 5.00% | 5.00% | ||||||||||||
| Telenet | Medium-term Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | $ 2,295,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Loss on debt modification and extinguishment | 18,900,000 | |||||||||||||
| Telenet | Medium-term Notes | Telenet Facility AR | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | $ 2,295,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Issued at par percentage | 99.75% | 99.75% | ||||||||||||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||||||||||
| Telenet | Medium-term Notes | Telenet Facility AQ | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | € 1,110 | $ 1,248,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | € | € 1,110 | |||||||||||||
| UPC Holding | Medium-term Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of debt | 1,140,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Loss on debt modification and extinguishment | 35,600,000 | |||||||||||||
| Payments for debt redemption premium | 30,700,000 | |||||||||||||
| Write off deferred financing costs | $ 4,900,000 | |||||||||||||
| UPC Holding | Medium-term Notes | UPC Facility AT | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | $ 700,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Issued at par percentage | 99.75% | 99.75% | ||||||||||||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||||||||||
| UPC Holding | Medium-term Notes | UPC Facility AU | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | € 400 | $ 449,700,000 | ||||||||||||
| Issued at par percentage | 99.875% | 99.875% | ||||||||||||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||||||||||
| Virgin Media Trade Receivables Financing plc. | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from various debt financing arrangements | £ 214,400,000 | $ 265,400,000 | ||||||||||||
| Virgin Media | Senior Notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt modification and extinguishment | $ 57,500,000 | |||||||||||||
| Payments for debt redemption premium | 50,800,000 | |||||||||||||
| Write off deferred financing costs | 6,700,000 | |||||||||||||
| Virgin Media | Senior Secured Debt | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt modification and extinguishment | 65,700,000 | |||||||||||||
| Payments for debt redemption premium | 64,700,000 | |||||||||||||
| Write off deferred financing costs | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Virgin Media | Financing notes | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Payments for debt redemption premium | $ 42,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| LIBOR | Telenet | Medium-term Notes | Telenet Facility AR | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.00% | 2.00% | ||||||||||||
| LIBOR | UPC Holding | Medium-term Notes | UPC Facility AT | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.25% | 2.25% | ||||||||||||
| EURIBOR | Telenet | Medium-term Notes | Telenet Facility AQ | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.25% | 2.25% | ||||||||||||
| EURIBOR | UPC Holding | Medium-term Notes | UPC Facility AU | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | ||||||||||||
Debt (Maturities of Debt) (Deta
| Debt (Maturities of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | $ 902.1 | |
| 2021 | 1,412.1 | |
| 2022 | 392.9 | |
| 2023 | 164.5 | |
| 2024 | 26.8 | |
| 2025 | 12.9 | |
| Thereafter | 8,866.2 | |
| Total debt maturities | 11,777.5 | |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (48.3) | |
| Total debt | 11,729.2 | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 11,777.5 | $ 27,648.1 |
| Current portion | 1,805.9 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 9,923.3 | |
| Vendor financing | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 716.5 | |
| 2021 | 488.6 | |
| 2022 | 80.7 | |
| 2023 | 57.6 | |
| 2024 | 14.7 | |
| 2025 | 0.6 | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 1,358.7 | 1,374.3 |
| Current portion | 1,160.2 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 198.5 | |
| ITV Collar Loan | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 1,339.9 | $ 1,435.5 |
| UPC Holding | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 387.4 | |
| 2021 | 221.4 | |
| 2022 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 0 | |
| Thereafter | 3,634.6 | |
| Total debt maturities | 4,243.4 | |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (21) | |
| Total debt | 4,222.4 | |
| Current portion | 608.8 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 3,613.6 | |
| UPC Holding | Vendor financing | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 387.4 | |
| 2021 | 221.4 | |
| 2022 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 0 | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 608.8 | |
| Current portion | 608.8 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 0 | |
| Telenet | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 254.4 | |
| 2021 | 174.8 | |
| 2022 | 12.4 | |
| 2023 | 12.1 | |
| 2024 | 12.1 | |
| 2025 | 12.3 | |
| Thereafter | 5,231.6 | |
| Total debt maturities | 5,709.7 | |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (17.7) | |
| Total debt | 5,692 | |
| Current portion | 427.9 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 5,264.1 | |
| Telenet | Vendor financing | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 253.4 | |
| 2021 | 162 | |
| 2022 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 0 | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 415.4 | |
| Current portion | 415.4 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 0 | |
| Other | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 260.3 | |
| 2021 | 1,015.9 | |
| 2022 | 380.5 | |
| 2023 | 152.4 | |
| 2024 | 14.7 | |
| 2025 | 0.6 | |
| Thereafter | 0 | |
| Total debt maturities | 1,824.4 | |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (9.6) | |
| Total debt | 1,814.8 | |
| Current portion | 769.2 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 1,045.6 | |
| Other | Vendor financing | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 75.7 | |
| 2021 | 105.2 | |
| 2022 | 80.7 | |
| 2023 | 57.6 | |
| 2024 | 14.7 | |
| 2025 | 0.6 | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 334.5 | |
| Current portion | 136 | |
| Noncurrent portion | $ 198.5 |
Leases (Lease Balances) (Detail
| Leases (Lease Balances) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
| ROU assets recorded during the period associated with: | |||
| Finance leases | $ 441.8 | $ 531 | |
| Operating leases | 337.8 | 512.7 | |
| Total ROU assets | 779.6 | 1,043.7 | |
| Lease liabilities: | |||
| Finance lease | 514.4 | 617.1 | |
| Operating leases | 352.5 | 545.1 | |
| Total lease liabilities | $ 866.9 | $ 1,162.2 | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases | 23 years 1 month 6 days | ||
| Weighted average discount rate, for finance leases | 6.00% | ||
| ROU assets associated with finance leases | $ 17.2 | $ 32.6 | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases | 7 years 7 months 6 days | ||
| Weighted average discount rate, for operating leases | 3.60% | ||
| Addition to ROU assets associated with operating leases | $ 53.2 | $ 30.6 | |
Leases (Lease Expense and Cash
| Leases (Lease Expense and Cash Outflows from Operating and Finance Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Finance lease expense: | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ 14.4 | $ 22.6 | $ 36.1 | $ 45.3 |
| Interest expense | 8.1 | 8.9 | 16.2 | 17 |
| Total finance lease expense | 22.5 | 31.5 | 52.3 | 62.3 |
| Operating lease expense | (29.8) | (34.1) | (65.6) | (67.3) |
| Short-term lease expense | 1.5 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 4 |
| Variable lease expense | 1.1 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 2.3 |
| Total lease expense | $ 54.9 | $ 68.9 | 123.6 | 135.9 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | ||||
| Operating cash outflows from operating leases | 60 | 67.4 | ||
| Operating cash outflows from finance leases | 16.2 | 17 | ||
| Financing cash outflows from finance leases | 56.9 | 36.6 | ||
| Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases | $ 133.1 | $ 121 | ||
Leases (Maturities of Operating
| Leases (Maturities of Operating and Financing Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Operating leases | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | $ 41.6 | |
| 2021 | 67.6 | |
| 2022 | 55.9 | |
| 2023 | 47.9 | |
| 2024 | 40.3 | |
| 2025 | 34 | |
| Thereafter | 117.4 | |
| Total payments | 404.7 | |
| Less: present value discount | (52.2) | |
| Present value of lease payments | 352.5 | $ 545.1 |
| Current portion | 73.3 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 279.2 | |
| Finance leases | ||
| 2020 (remainder of year) | 48.8 | |
| 2021 | 91.1 | |
| 2022 | 89 | |
| 2023 | 91.5 | |
| 2024 | 54.1 | |
| 2025 | 49.5 | |
| Thereafter | 243 | |
| Total payments | 667 | |
| Less: present value discount | (152.6) | |
| Present value of lease payments | 514.4 | $ 617.1 |
| Current portion | 61.8 | |
| Noncurrent portion | $ 452.6 |
Income Taxes (Reconciliation of
| Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Federal to Effective Taxes) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] | ||||
| Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) | $ 115.8 | $ 59.5 | $ (76.3) | $ 112.5 |
| Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits | 188.8 | 4.4 | 188.8 | 4.4 |
| Change in valuation allowances | (10.9) | 79 | (99.6) | 66.4 |
| Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results | (95.8) | 16.4 | 57.8 | 49.4 |
| Tax benefit associated with technology innovation | 4.7 | 0 | 49.5 | 0 |
| Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items | (25.9) | (107.1) | (46.3) | (129.9) |
| Enacted tax law and rate changes | (4.4) | (0.4) | 31.7 | (9.8) |
| Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates | (20.8) | (87.3) | (17.7) | (166.4) |
| International rate differences | 5.8 | 3.3 | (10.3) | 15.5 |
| Other, net | 0.7 | 5.4 | 0.3 | 3.3 |
| Total income tax benefit (expense) | $ 158 | $ (26.8) | $ 77.9 | $ (54.6) |
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai
| Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) |
| Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] | |
| Unrecognized tax benefits | $ 319.1 |
| UTB tthat would impact effective tax rate | 123.9 |
| Reduction in UTB | 65 |
| Positive impact of UTB | $ 5 |
Equity (Details)
| Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Feb. 29, 2020 | |
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Authorized shares (in shares) | 1,000,000,000 | |
| Remaining authorized for share repurchases | $ 370 | |
| Class A | ||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Stock repurchased (in shares) | 9,000 | |
| Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) | $ 16.33 | |
| Class C | ||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Stock repurchased (in shares) | 38,823,100 | |
| Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) | $ 18.03 | |
| Aggregate purchase price | $ 700.2 |
Share-based Compensation (Share
| Share-based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | $ 83.8 | $ 87 | $ 139 | $ 154.3 |
| Other operating expense | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 1.6 | 1 | 2.3 | 1.9 |
| SG&A expense | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 82.2 | 86 | 136.7 | 152.4 |
| Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 75.4 | 79.6 | 127.6 | 141.4 |
| Performance-based incentive awards | Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 21.6 | 38 | 49.3 | 67.9 |
| Non-performance based incentive awards | Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 47.8 | 29 | 66.1 | 51 |
| Other | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 8.4 | 7.4 | 11.4 | 12.9 |
| Other | Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | $ 6 | $ 12.6 | $ 12.2 | $ 22.5 |
Share-based Compensation (Narra
| Share-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||
| Apr. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||
| Vesting period | 10 years | ||||||
| Incremental share based compensation expense | $ 83.8 | $ 87 | $ 139 | $ 154.3 | |||
| Percent of annual incentive compensation receivable in shares | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||
| SARs | |||||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||
| Expiration period | 10 years | 7 years | |||||
| Incremental share based compensation expense | $ 18.9 | ||||||
Share-based Compensation (Award
| Share-based Compensation (Awards Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details) | Jun. 30, 2020$ / sharesshares |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | Options and SARs | Class A | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Options outstanding (in shares) | 24,236,156 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 27.34 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 11,641,307 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 32.54 |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | Options and SARs | Class C | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Options outstanding (in shares) | 53,198,176 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 26.20 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 27,367,784 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 30.51 |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | RSUs | Class A | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 2,523,790 |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | RSUs | Class B | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 0 |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | RSUs | Class C | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 5,040,305 |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | PSUs | Class A | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 2,748,202 |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | PSUs | Class B | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 660,000 |
| Held by Liberty Global employees: | PSUs | Class C | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 5,497,202 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | Options and SARs | Class A | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Options outstanding (in shares) | 1,162,767 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 35.57 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 1,129,898 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 35.57 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | Options and SARs | Class C | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Options outstanding (in shares) | 2,342,852 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 34.29 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 2,277,127 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 34.27 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | RSUs | Class A | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 1,158 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | RSUs | Class B | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 0 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | RSUs | Class C | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 2,302 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | PSUs | Class A | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 24,521 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | PSUs | Class B | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 0 |
| Held by former Liberty Global employees: | PSUs | Class C | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
| Other than options outstanding (in shares) | 49,034 |
Restructuring Liability (Detail
| Restructuring Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] | ||
| Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2020 | $ 31.9 | |
| Restructuring charges | 36.6 | |
| Cash paid | (39.3) | |
| Reclassification to held for sale | (9.4) | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (0.7) | |
| Restructuring liability as of June 30, 2020 | 19.1 | |
| Current portion | $ 13.9 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 5.2 | |
| Total | 19.1 | 19.1 |
| Employee severance and termination | ||
| Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] | ||
| Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2020 | 19.1 | |
| Restructuring charges | 28.3 | |
| Cash paid | (31.5) | |
| Reclassification to held for sale | (4.6) | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (0.3) | |
| Restructuring liability as of June 30, 2020 | 11 | |
| Current portion | 11 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 0 | |
| Total | 11 | 11 |
| Employee severance and termination | Switzerland | ||
| Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] | ||
| Restructuring charges | 12.7 | |
| Employee severance and termination | U.K./Ireland | ||
| Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] | ||
| Restructuring charges | 9.1 | |
| Office closures | ||
| Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] | ||
| Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2020 | 2.2 | |
| Restructuring charges | 3.5 | |
| Cash paid | (0.7) | |
| Reclassification to held for sale | (4.8) | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (0.2) | |
| Restructuring liability as of June 30, 2020 | 0 | |
| Current portion | 0 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 0 | |
| Total | 0 | 0 |
| Contract termination | ||
| Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] | ||
| Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2020 | 10.6 | |
| Restructuring charges | 4.8 | |
| Cash paid | (7.1) | |
| Reclassification to held for sale | 0 | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (0.2) | |
| Restructuring liability as of June 30, 2020 | 8.1 | |
| Current portion | 2.9 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 5.2 | |
| Total | 8.1 | $ 8.1 |
| Central and Corporate | Employee severance and termination | ||
| Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] | ||
| Restructuring charges | $ 5.6 |
Earnings or Loss per Share (Sch
| Earnings or Loss per Share (Schedules) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Numerator: | ||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ (503.8) | $ (339.6) | $ 513.9 | $ (646.5) |
| Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | (20.4) | (29.5) | (88.3) | (38.2) |
| Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (basic and diluted EPS computation) | $ (524.2) | $ (369.1) | $ 425.6 | $ (684.7) |
| Denominator: | ||||
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) (in shares) | 612,681,648 | 735,442,543 | 617,828,982 | 738,748,452 |
| Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) (in shares) | 0 | 0 | 7,322,907 | 0 |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) (in shares) | 612,681,648 | 735,442,543 | 625,151,889 | 738,748,452 |
Earnings or Loss per Share (Nar
| Earnings or Loss per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Stock Options, SARs, and RSUs | |||
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
| Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS (in shares) | 58.1 | ||
| Stock Options, SARs, RSUs and RSAs | |||
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
| Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS (in shares) | 77.2 | 65.7 | |
| PSARs and PSUs | |||
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | |||
| Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS (in shares) | 15.2 | 20.3 | 27.8 |
Commitments and Contingencies_2
| Commitments and Contingencies (Unrecorded Purchase Obligation) (Details) $ in Millions | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2020 | $ 485.7 |
| 2021 | 430.6 |
| 2022 | 195.5 |
| 2023 | 96.1 |
| 2024 | 68.8 |
| 2025 | 63.2 |
| Thereafter | 709.2 |
| Total | 2,049.1 |
| Network and connectivity commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2020 | 78.9 |
| 2021 | 86.2 |
| 2022 | 64.9 |
| 2023 | 41.5 |
| 2024 | 35.8 |
| 2025 | 34.4 |
| Thereafter | 681.2 |
| Total | 1,022.9 |
| Programming commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2020 | 152.1 |
| 2021 | 171.2 |
| 2022 | 84.1 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 14.2 |
| 2025 | 13.9 |
| Thereafter | 16.1 |
| Total | 473.6 |
| Purchase commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2020 | 250.6 |
| 2021 | 170.1 |
| 2022 | 43.5 |
| 2023 | 30.7 |
| 2024 | 17.3 |
| 2025 | 14.5 |
| Thereafter | 10.7 |
| Total | 537.4 |
| Other commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2020 | 4.1 |
| 2021 | 3.1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1.9 |
| 2024 | 1.5 |
| 2025 | 0.4 |
| Thereafter | 1.2 |
| Total | $ 15.2 |
Commitments and Contingencies_3
| Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) customer in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 2 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
| Feb. 29, 2020customer | Oct. 31, 2019EUR (€) | Oct. 31, 2019USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2018GBP (£) | Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2020EUR (€) | Jun. 30, 2020USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) | Aug. 01, 2018 | |
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Programming costs | $ | $ 832.6 | $ 847 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of customers impacted by database accessed without permission | customer | 900 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Belgium Regulatory Developments | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of reduction in monthly wholesale cable resale access prices | 17.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interkabel Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Damages sought | € 1,400 | $ 1,600 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss contingency damages in excess value | € 20 | $ 22.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Virgin Media VAT Legislation Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimate of possible loss | £ 63.7 | $ 83.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Damages awarded | £ 67 | $ 99.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Damages paid | £ | £ 3.3 | £ 63.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | £ 3.3 | $ 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Virgin Media VAT Matters | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimate of possible loss | £ 41.3 | $ 54 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deutsche Telekom Litigation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reduction of annual lease fees | 83.33% | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Regulatory Issues | Forecast | U.K. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimate of possible loss | £ 16 | $ 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations, disposed of by sale | UPC Austria | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asserted claims | € 70.5 | $ 79.3 | € 20.6 | $ 23.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Customer Base Impacted by Database Access | Customer Concentration Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of cusomers | 15.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (
| Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |
| Threshold percentage used to determine reportable segments using one of three criteria of revenue, operating cash flow or total assets | 10.00% |
| Performance measures, percentage of reportable segment revenue and operating cash flow presented | 100.00% |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |
| Percentage of minority interest revenues and expenses included in net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest | 100.00% |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% |
| Telenet | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |
| Percentage of minority interest revenues and expenses included in net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest | 100.00% |
Segment Reporting (Summary of I
| Segment Reporting (Summary of Impact on the Adjusted OBIDA) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in adjusted OIBDA | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Operating Segments | U.K./Ireland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in adjusted OIBDA | (12.3) | (15.7) | (24.4) | (31.8) |
| Operating Segments | Switzerland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in adjusted OIBDA | (4.8) | (9.9) | (9.6) | (16.7) |
| Operating Segments | Central and Eastern Europe | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in adjusted OIBDA | (2.7) | (3.8) | (5.2) | (7.3) |
| Central and Corporate | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in adjusted OIBDA | $ 19.8 | $ 29.4 | $ 39.2 | $ 55.8 |
Segment Reporting (Performance
| Segment Reporting (Performance Measures) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 2,722.9 | $ 2,850.4 | $ 5,598.7 | $ 5,718.4 |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 531.5 | 487.6 | 1,034.3 | 981.4 |
| Operating Segments | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,188.5 | 1,190.7 | 2,338.8 | 2,374 |
| Operating Segments | U.K./Ireland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 1,531.8 | 1,644 | 3,152.4 | 3,305.3 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 654.9 | 687.5 | 1,310.3 | 1,379.7 |
| Operating Segments | Belgium | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 682.5 | 713.2 | 1,400.6 | 1,425.1 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 354.1 | 349.4 | 685.7 | 688.4 |
| Operating Segments | Switzerland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 299.1 | 315 | 615.9 | 631 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 150.9 | 159.8 | 285 | 316.1 |
| Operating Segments | Central and Eastern Europe | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 116.2 | 119.1 | 235.3 | 238.2 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 52.7 | 54.1 | 107 | 107.8 |
| Central and Corporate | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | (49.2) | (119.4) | ||
| Central and Corporate | Central and Corporate | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 93.7 | 60.2 | 194.9 | 120.9 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | (24.1) | (60.1) | ||
| Intersegment eliminations | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | (0.4) | (1.1) | (0.4) | (2.1) |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 |
| Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 1,081.6 | $ 1,084.5 | $ 2,178.7 | $ 2,178.4 |
Segment Reporting (Reconciliati
| Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Consolidated Segment Adjusted OIBDA) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ (503.8) | $ (339.6) | $ 513.9 | $ (646.5) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (158) | 26.8 | (77.9) | 54.6 |
| Other income, net | (9.5) | (32.5) | (61.9) | (39) |
| Share of results of affiliates, net | 105.4 | 69.3 | 72 | 140.2 |
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net | 165.6 | 48.3 | 220.1 | 48.8 |
| Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | (152.3) | 138.7 | 377.5 | 146.9 |
| Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net | 478 | 27 | 86.3 | (111.6) |
| Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net | 319.7 | (152.9) | (917.6) | (70.1) |
| Interest expense | (281.7) | (363.6) | (595) | (730.9) |
| Operating income | 526.8 | 148.7 | 807.4 | 254.2 |
| Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net | 32.2 | 33.2 | 63.2 | 104.1 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 545.7 | 921.8 | 1,329.2 | 1,861.4 |
| Share-based compensation expense | 83.8 | 87 | 139 | 154.3 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ 1,188.5 | $ 1,190.7 | $ 2,338.8 | $ 2,374 |
Segment Reporting (Capital Expe
| Segment Reporting (Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total consolidated property and equipment additions | $ 1,242.4 | $ 1,381.3 |
| Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements | (702.9) | (926.3) |
| Assets acquired under finance leases | (17.2) | (32.6) |
| Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures | 127.3 | 210.5 |
| Third-party payments | 650.9 | 691.2 |
| Proceeds received for transfers to related parties | (1.3) | (58.3) |
| Total capital expenditures, net | 649.6 | 632.9 |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment additions - VodafoneZiggo JV | 472.4 | 426.5 |
| Operating Segments | U.K./Ireland | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total consolidated property and equipment additions | 669.4 | 766.7 |
| Operating Segments | Belgium | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total consolidated property and equipment additions | 251.9 | 275.1 |
| Operating Segments | Switzerland | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total consolidated property and equipment additions | 123.8 | 135.9 |
| Operating Segments | Central and Eastern Europe | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total consolidated property and equipment additions | 39.8 | 41.4 |
| Central and Corporate | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total consolidated property and equipment additions | $ 157.5 | $ 162.2 |
Segment Reporting (Revenue by M
| Segment Reporting (Revenue by Major Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 2,722.9 | $ 2,850.4 | $ 5,598.7 | $ 5,718.4 |
| Total residential cable revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 1,778.5 | 1,881 | 3,649.6 | 3,798.7 |
| Total subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 1,742.9 | 1,836.5 | 3,561 | 3,700.2 |
| Video | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 633.6 | 676.6 | ||
| Fixed-line telephony | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 328.3 | 360.4 | ||
| Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 35.6 | 44.5 | ||
| Total residential revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 2,135.5 | 2,285.7 | 4,387.8 | 4,588.1 |
| Subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 227.3 | 231.4 | ||
| Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 129.7 | 173.3 | ||
| Total residential mobile revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 357 | 404.7 | 738.2 | 789.4 |
| Total B2B revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 461.6 | 474 | 935.7 | 959.8 |
| Subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 123.4 | 116.8 | ||
| Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 338.2 | 357.2 | ||
| Other revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 125.8 | 90.7 | ||
| Broadband internet | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 781 | $ 799.5 | 1,577.8 | 1,602.3 |
| Video | Video | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 1,316.7 | 1,368.7 | ||
| Fixed-line telephony | Fixed-line telephony | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 666.5 | 729.2 | ||
| Non-subscription revenue | Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 88.6 | 98.5 | ||
| Subscription revenue | Subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 463.2 | 459.4 | ||
| Non-subscription revenue | Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 275 | 330 | ||
| Subscription revenue | Subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 248 | 230.6 | ||
| Non-subscription revenue | Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 687.7 | 729.2 | ||
| Other revenue | Other revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 275.2 | $ 170.5 | ||
Segment Reporting (Geographic S
| Segment Reporting (Geographic Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
| Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 2,722.9 | $ 2,850.4 | $ 5,598.7 | $ 5,718.4 |
| Operating Segments | U.K. | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 1,417.2 | 1,517.7 | 2,913.6 | 3,051.2 |
| Operating Segments | Belgium | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 682.5 | 713.2 | 1,400.6 | 1,425.1 |
| Operating Segments | Switzerland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 299.1 | 315 | 615.9 | 631 |
| Operating Segments | Ireland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 114.6 | 126.3 | 238.8 | 254.1 |
| Operating Segments | Poland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 103.7 | 106.7 | 210.4 | 213.4 |
| Operating Segments | Slovakia | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 12.5 | 12.4 | 24.9 | 24.8 |
| Other, including intersegment eliminations | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 93.3 | 59.1 | 194.5 | 118.8 |
| Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 1,081.6 | $ 1,084.5 | $ 2,178.7 | $ 2,178.4 |