Cover Page
| Cover Page - shares | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Oct. 29, 2021 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Document Quarterly Report | true | |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 | 2021 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
| 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 | 176,880,589 | |
| 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 | 12,930,839 | |
| 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 | 353,109,359 |
Condensed Consolidated Balance
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 766.2 | $ 1,327.2 |
| Trade receivables, net | 943.1 | 1,078.4 |
| Short-term investments | 2,511.4 | 1,600.2 |
| Current assets of discontinued operations (note 4) | 907.7 | 980.1 |
| Other current assets (notes 3, 4, 5 and 6) | 833.1 | 816.5 |
| Total current assets | 5,961.5 | 5,802.4 |
| Investments and related notes receivable (including $2,286.9 million and $1,865.8 million, respectively, measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 5) | 19,549.2 | 5,354.5 |
| Property and equipment, net (notes 8 and 10) | 6,984.6 | 7,626.6 |
| Goodwill (note 8) | 9,410.5 | 9,965.7 |
| Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 8) | 2,410 | 2,879.9 |
| Assets held for sale (note 4) | 0 | 24,282.7 |
| Other assets, net (notes 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10) | 2,529 | 3,180.9 |
| Total assets | 46,844.8 | 59,092.7 |
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Accounts payable | 529.9 | 579.1 |
| Deferred revenue (note 3) | 317.5 | 426.9 |
| Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) | 986.5 | 1,086.1 |
| Accrued income taxes (note 11) | 214.5 | 252.7 |
| Derivative instruments (note 6) | 185.1 | 252.7 |
| Current liabilities of discontinued operations (note 4) | 191.3 | 187.5 |
| Other accrued and current liabilities (note 10) | 1,633.9 | 1,726.1 |
| Total current liabilities | 4,058.7 | 4,511.1 |
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) | 14,097.3 | 13,861.3 |
| Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 4) | 0 | 23,197.2 |
| Long-term operating lease liabilities (note 10) | 1,140.3 | 1,255.4 |
| Other long-term liabilities (notes 3, 6 and 13) | 1,955.8 | 2,969.3 |
| Total liabilities | 21,252.1 | 45,794.3 |
| Commitments and contingencies (notes 6, 9, 11 and 15) | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Additional paid-in capital | 4,395.8 | 5,271.7 |
| Accumulated earnings | 17,508.4 | 4,692.1 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes | 3,998.4 | 3,693.1 |
| Treasury shares, at cost | (0.1) | (0.1) |
| Total Liberty Global shareholders | 25,908 | 13,662.6 |
| Noncontrolling interests | (315.3) | (364.2) |
| Total equity | 25,592.7 | 13,298.4 |
| Total liabilities and equity | 46,844.8 | 59,092.7 |
| Class A | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Common stock | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Class B | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Common stock | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Class C | ||
| Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
| Common stock | $ 3.6 | $ 3.9 |
Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Other investments | $ 2,286.9 | $ 1,865.8 |
| Class A | ||
| Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Common stock, issued (in shares) | 176,670,566 | 181,348,114 |
| Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 176,670,566 | 181,348,114 |
| Class B | ||
| Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Common stock, issued (in shares) | 12,930,839 | 12,561,444 |
| Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 12,930,839 | 12,561,444 |
| Class C | ||
| Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Common stock, issued (in shares) | 356,298,700 | 386,588,921 |
| Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 356,298,700 | 386,588,921 |
Condensed Consolidated Statemen
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Revenue (notes 3, 4, 5 and 16) | $ 1,901.4 | $ 2,845.4 | $ 8,390.5 | $ 8,233.7 |
| Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately below): | ||||
| Programming and other direct costs of services | 522.4 | 791 | 2,445.7 | 2,305 |
| Other operating (note 13) | 279.5 | 456.2 | 1,225.6 | 1,250.7 |
| Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) (note 13) | 399 | 539.1 | 1,666.6 | 1,515.3 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 582.3 | 432 | 1,744.8 | 1,710.1 |
| Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net | 17.2 | (16.7) | 68.4 | 46.5 |
| Operating costs and expenses | 1,800.4 | 2,201.6 | 7,151.1 | 6,827.6 |
| Operating income | 101 | 643.8 | 1,239.4 | 1,406.1 |
| Non-operating income (expense): | ||||
| Interest expense | (140.9) | (279.3) | (748.1) | (873.5) |
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 6) | 199.3 | (717.5) | 707.4 | 200.4 |
| Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net | 422.4 | (754.6) | 857.6 | (836.3) |
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (notes 5, 7 and 9) | (109.4) | (21.5) | 373.3 | (399) |
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net (note 9) | 0 | (0.3) | (90.6) | (220.4) |
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | (29.2) | (27.1) | (35.6) | (99.1) |
| Other income, net | 8.2 | 5.4 | 25.6 | 67.4 |
| Non-operating income (expense) | 216.8 | (1,794.9) | 12,094 | (2,160.5) |
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 317.8 | (1,151.1) | 13,333.4 | (754.4) |
| Income tax benefit (expense) (note 11) | (2.2) | 165.5 | (444.2) | 252.2 |
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | 315.6 | (985.6) | 12,889.2 | (502.2) |
| Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes (note 4) | 3.1 | 12 | 44.3 | 42.5 |
| Net earnings (loss) | 318.7 | (973.6) | 12,933.5 | (459.7) |
| Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (41.6) | (49.5) | (142.8) | (137.8) |
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 277.1 | $ (1,023.1) | $ 12,790.7 | $ (597.5) |
| Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 14): | ||||
| Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | $ 0.49 | $ (1.75) | $ 22.71 | $ (1.05) |
| Basic earnings (loss) from Discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.08 | 0.07 |
| Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | 0.50 | (1.73) | 22.79 | (0.98) |
| Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 14): | ||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | 0.48 | (1.75) | 22.19 | (1.05) |
| Diluted earnings (loss) from Discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.08 | 0.07 |
| Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) | $ 0.49 | $ (1.73) | $ 22.27 | $ (0.98) |
| U.K. JV Transaction | ||||
| Non-operating income (expense): | ||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on JV Transaction | $ (347.3) | $ 0 | $ 10,790.7 | $ 0 |
| Atlas Edge JV | ||||
| Non-operating income (expense): | ||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on JV Transaction | $ 213.7 | $ 0 | $ 213.7 | $ 0 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_2
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||||
| Net earnings (loss) | $ 318.7 | $ (973.6) | $ 12,933.5 | $ (459.7) |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: | ||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (940.8) | 1,358.9 | (894) | 969.2 |
| Reclassification adjustment included in net earnings (loss) (note 4) | 1.8 | 0.1 | 1,251.2 | 0.2 |
| Pension-related adjustments and other | 0.1 | (0.5) | 2.8 | (18.9) |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations | (938.9) | 1,358.5 | 360 | 950.5 |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (note 4) | (35.3) | 19.9 | (53.4) | (14.7) |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (974.2) | 1,378.4 | 306.6 | 935.8 |
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) | (655.5) | 404.8 | 13,240.1 | 476.1 |
| Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (41.6) | (49.5) | (144.1) | (131.1) |
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (697.1) | $ 355.3 | $ 13,096 | $ 345 |
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 |
| Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ 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 earnings (loss) , net of tax | (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) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 46.1 | 46.1 | 46.1 | |||||||
| Repurchases by Telenet of its outstanding shares | (38.1) | (45.3) | (45.3) | 7.2 | ||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | 15.6 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 1.1 | ||||||
| Ending 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) |
| Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019 | 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) | (459.7) | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) , net of tax | 935.8 | |||||||||
| Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020 | 12,765 | 13,095.7 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.9 | 5,312.2 | 5,722.6 | 2,055.2 | (0.1) | (330.7) |
| Beginning 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) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | (503.8) | (524.2) | (524.2) | 20.4 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) , net of tax | 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) | ||||||
| Ending 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) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | (973.6) | (1,023.1) | (1,023.1) | 49.5 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) , net of tax | 1,378.4 | 1,378.4 | 1,378.4 | |||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (279) | (279) | (0.1) | (278.9) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 84.8 | 84.8 | 84.8 | |||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | 3.9 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.3 | ||||||
| Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020 | 12,765 | 13,095.7 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.9 | 5,312.2 | 5,722.6 | 2,055.2 | (0.1) | (330.7) |
| Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020 | 13,298.4 | 13,662.6 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.9 | 5,271.7 | 4,692.1 | 3,693.1 | (0.1) | (364.2) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 1,440.3 | 1,385.4 | 1,385.4 | 54.9 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) , net of tax | (996.8) | (996.8) | (996.8) | |||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (323.4) | (323.4) | (0.2) | (323.2) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 49.4 | 49.4 | 49.4 | |||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | 20.2 | 18.8 | 18.8 | 1.4 | ||||||
| Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021 | 13,488.1 | 13,796 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.7 | 5,016.7 | 6,077.5 | 2,696.3 | (0.1) | (307.9) |
| Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020 | 13,298.4 | 13,662.6 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.9 | 5,271.7 | 4,692.1 | 3,693.1 | (0.1) | (364.2) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 12,933.5 | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) , net of tax | 306.6 | |||||||||
| Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2021 | 25,592.7 | 25,908 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.6 | 4,395.8 | 17,508.4 | 3,998.4 | (0.1) | (315.3) |
| Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2021 | 13,488.1 | 13,796 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.7 | 5,016.7 | 6,077.5 | 2,696.3 | (0.1) | (307.9) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 11,174.5 | 11,128.2 | 11,128.2 | 46.3 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) , net of tax | 2,277.6 | 2,276.3 | 2,276.3 | 1.3 | ||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (345.2) | (345.2) | (345.2) | |||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 74.3 | 74.3 | 74.3 | |||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | (119.3) | (47.5) | (47.5) | (71.8) | ||||||
| Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2021 | 26,550 | 26,882.1 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 3.7 | 4,698.3 | 17,205.7 | 4,972.6 | (0.1) | (332.1) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 318.7 | 277.1 | 277.1 | 41.6 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss) , net of tax | (974.2) | (974.2) | (974.2) | |||||||
| Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (358.1) | (358.1) | (0.1) | (358) | ||||||
| Share-based compensation (note 13) | 58.6 | 58.6 | 58.6 | |||||||
| Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | (2.3) | 22.5 | (3.1) | 25.6 | (24.8) | |||||
| Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2021 | $ 25,592.7 | $ 25,908 | $ 1.8 | $ 0.1 | $ 3.6 | $ 4,395.8 | $ 17,508.4 | $ 3,998.4 | $ (0.1) | $ (315.3) |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_4
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||
| Net earnings (loss) | $ 12,933.5 | $ (459.7) |
| Earnings from discontinued operations | 44.3 | 42.5 |
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | 12,889.2 | (502.2) |
| Adjustments to reconcile earnings (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations: | ||
| Share-based compensation expense | 220.6 | 243.4 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,744.8 | 1,710.1 |
| Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net | 68.4 | 46.5 |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and non-cash interest | 25.6 | 34.4 |
| Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net | (707.4) | (200.4) |
| Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net | (857.6) | 836.3 |
| Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | (373.3) | 399 |
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net | 90.6 | 220.4 |
| Share of results of affiliates, net | 35.6 | 99.1 |
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 327.4 | (100.7) |
| Gain on U.K. JV Transaction | (10,790.7) | 0 |
| Gain on Atlas Edge JV Transactions | (213.7) | 0 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and dispositions | (286.4) | (319.5) |
| Dividends received from the VodafoneZiggo JV | 240.9 | 102 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | 2,414 | 2,568.4 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations | 143.7 | 123.9 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,557.7 | 2,692.3 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
| Cash paid for investments | (5,895) | (6,864.7) |
| Cash received from the sale of investments | 4,770.7 | 3,766.3 |
| Cash and restricted cash contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | (3,424) | 0 |
| Capital expenditures, net | (1,114.4) | (919.9) |
| Loans to the VodafoneZiggo JV | (123) | (122.7) |
| Cash received in connection with the Atlas Edge JV Transactions | 130 | 0 |
| Net cash received in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | 52 | 0 |
| Other investing activities, net | (100.6) | 8.6 |
| Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations | (5,704.3) | (4,132.4) |
| Net cash used by investing activities of discontinued operations | (38) | (40.1) |
| Net cash used by investing activities | (5,742.3) | (4,172.5) |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
| Borrowings of debt | 4,228.2 | 11,065.2 |
| Repayments and repurchases of debt and finance lease obligations | (3,800.3) | (9,444.3) |
| Repurchases of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (1,016.6) | (975.7) |
| Payment of financing costs and debt premiums | (23.9) | (229.8) |
| Net cash received related to derivative instruments | 23.1 | 72.6 |
| Other financing activities, net | (144.8) | (124.8) |
| Net cash provided (used) by financing activities of continuing operations | (734.3) | 363.2 |
| Net cash used by financing activities of discontinued operations | (27.3) | (15) |
| Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | (761.6) | 348.2 |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||
| Continuing operations | 2.2 | 20.2 |
| Discontinued operations | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2.2 | 20.2 |
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||
| Continuing operations | (4,022.4) | (1,180.6) |
| Discontinued operations | 78.4 | 68.8 |
| Total | (3,944) | (1,111.8) |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||
| Beginning of period | 4,717.3 | 8,180.9 |
| Net decrease | (3,944) | (1,111.8) |
| End of period | 773.3 | 7,069.1 |
| Cash paid for interest: | ||
| Continuing operations | 784 | 913.5 |
| Discontinued operations | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| Total | 785.3 | 914.8 |
| Net cash paid for taxes: | ||
| Continuing operations | 152.8 | 182.9 |
| Discontinued operations | 23.6 | 14.5 |
| Total | $ 176.4 | $ 197.4 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_5
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 |
| Details of end of period cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 766.2 | $ 3,777.2 |
| Restricted cash included in other current assets and other assets, net | 6.4 | 7 |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash included in assets held for sale | 0 | 3,284.9 |
| Restricted cash included in current assets of discontinued operations | 0.7 | 0 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ 773.3 | $ 7,069.1 |
Basis of Presentation
| Basis of Presentation | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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) Switzerland and Slovakia through certain wholly-owned subsidiaries that we collectively refer to as “ UPC Holding ”, (ii) Belgium through Telenet Group Holding N.V. ( Telenet ), a 60.7%-owned subsidiary, and (iii) Ireland through another wholly-owned subsidiary ( VM Ireland ). In addition, we own 50% noncontrolling interests in (a) a 50:50 joint venture with Vodafone Group plc ( Vodafone ) (the VodafoneZiggo JV ), which provides residential and B2B communication services in the Netherlands, and (b) a 50:50 joint venture with Telefónica SA ( Telefónica ) (the VMED O2 JV ), which provides residential and B2B communication services in the United Kingdom ( U.K. ). In addition, we currently provide residential and B2B communications services in Poland through UPC Holding. On September 22, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell our operations in Poland. Accordingly, in these condensed consolidated financial statements, our operations in Poland are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented. For additional information, see note 4. Through May 31, 2021, our consolidated operations also provided residential and B2B communications services in the U.K. through Virgin Media Inc. ( Virgin Media ). On June 1, 2021, we contributed the U.K. JV Entities (as defined in note 4) to the VMED O2 JV and began accounting for our 50% interest in the VMED O2 JV as an equity method investment. For additional information, see note 4. 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 2020 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2020 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, the amounts presented in these notes relate only to our continuing operations, and ownership percentages and convenience translations into United States ( U.S. ) dollars are calculated as of September 30, 2021. |
Accounting Changes
| Accounting Changes | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] | |
| Accounting Changes | Accounting Changes ASU 2019-12 In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued Accounting Standards Update ( 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. We adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021, and such adoption did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. |
Revenue Recognition and Related
| Revenue Recognition and Related Costs | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 $63.6 million and $48.3 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $31.4 million and $43.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $331.7 million and $437.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The decrease in deferred revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 is primarily due to the net effect of (a) the recognition of $292.8 million of revenue that was included in our deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2020 and (b) the impact of additions during the period. 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 $54.1 million and $34.8 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $4.9 million and $76.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and $26.4 million and $80.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, 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 | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] | |
| Acquisitions and Dispositions | Acquisitions and Dispositions Pending Disposition On September 22, 2021, we entered into a sale and purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement ), pursuant to which we agreed to sell 100% of our operations in Poland ( UPC Poland ) to a third party for a total enterprise value of Polish zloty ( PLN ) 7,025.0 million ($1,763.5 million), subject to customary debt and working capital adjustments at completion. Closing of the transaction, which we currently expect to occur in the first half of 2022, is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including receipt of requisite regulatory approvals. The proceeds from the sale are expected to be used (i) to repay a portion of the UPC Holding borrowing group’s outstanding indebtedness and (ii) for general corporate purposes, which may include reinvestment into our business and support for our share buyback program, which is further described in note 12. We have agreed to provide certain transitional services for a period of up to five years, depending on the service. These services principally will comprise network and information technology-related functions. The annual charges will depend on the actual level of services required by the purchaser. Effective with the signing of the Purchase Agreement, we began presenting UPC Poland as a discontinued operation and, accordingly, we no longer depreciate or amortize the associated long-lived assets. In our condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and cash flows, UPC Poland is reflected as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. Our operations in Poland are held through UPC Holding. No debt, interest or derivative instruments of the UPC Holding borrowing group have been allocated to discontinued operations. Prior to being presented as discontinued operations, the operations of UPC Poland were included in our former Central and Eastern Europe reportable segment. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of UPC Poland as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized in the following table. Due to the fact that we expect to complete the sale of UPC Poland within 12 months, all of the associated assets and liabilities are classified as current on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 in millions Assets: Current assets $ 23.8 $ 26.8 Property and equipment, net 383.9 427.5 Goodwill 469.9 501.0 Other assets, net 30.1 24.8 Total assets $ 907.7 $ 980.1 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 38.2 $ 44.3 Other accrued and current liabilities 92.2 99.1 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 5.4 6.0 Other long-term liabilities 55.5 38.1 Total liabilities $ 191.3 $ 187.5 The operating results of UPC Poland for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are summarized in the following table. These amounts exclude intercompany revenue and expenses that are eliminated within our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Revenue $ 113.2 $ 109.1 $ 344.9 $ 319.5 Operating income $ 31.6 $ 18.3 $ 83.9 $ 63.4 Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests $ 29.5 $ 16.3 $ 82.0 $ 55.6 Income tax expense (26.4) (4.3) (37.7) (13.1) Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 3.1 $ 12.0 $ 44.3 $ 42.5 For information regarding the calculation of our basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, see note 14. U.K. JV Transaction On June 1, 2021, pursuant to a Contribution Agreement dated May 7, 2020 (the Contribution Agreement ) with, among others, Telefónica, (i) we contributed Virgin Media’s U.K. operations and certain other Liberty Global subsidiaries (together, the U.K. JV Entities ) to the VMED O2 JV and (ii) Telefónica contributed its U.K. mobile business to the VMED O2 JV, creating a nationwide integrated communications provider (herein referred to as the “ U.K. JV Transaction ”). We account for our 50% interest in the VMED O2 JV as an equity method investment. On June 1, 2021, we received net cash of $52.0 million, which includes (i) an equalization payment received from Telefónica (which is subject to post-closing adjustments), (ii) our share of the proceeds associated with related recapitalization financing transactions completed by the VMED O2 JV and (iii) $44.5 million of cash paid by Liberty Global to settle certain centrally-held vendor financing obligations associated with the VMED O2 JV. In connection with the U.K. JV Transaction, we recognized a provisional pre-tax gain during the second quarter of 2021 of $11,138.0 million, net of the recognition of a cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $1,198.6 million. During the third quarter of 2021, we recorded a measurement period adjustment to the provisional fair value estimates associated with our 50% interest in the VMED O2 JV that reduced the pre-tax gain by $347.3 million. There was no cash impact associated with this measurement period adjustment. The adjusted gain represents the net impact of the estimated fair value assigned to our 50% interest in the VMED O2 JV of $14,670.8 million plus the $96.6 million of aggregate cash received pursuant to the aforementioned equalization payment and recapitalization transactions, less the sum of (i) the $2,677.4 million carrying value of the U.K. JV Entities at May 31, 2021 (excluding the related foreign currency translation loss), (ii) the foreign currency translation loss of $1,198.6 million and (iii) $100.7 million related to (a) the settlement of certain receivables due from Telefónica associated with the aforementioned recapitalization transactions and (b) third-party fees and expenses. Our estimates continue to be preliminary and are subject to further adjustment based on our final assessment of the fair value of the net assets of the VMED O2 JV. For information regarding our approach to the valuation of our interest in the VMED O2 JV, see note 7. A summary of the preliminary fair value of the assets and liabilities of the VMED O2 JV at the June 1, 2021 transaction date is presented in the following table. The preliminary amounts below are subject to adjustment based on the final assessment of the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities (in millions): Current assets $ 4,753.6 Property and equipment, net 12,496.0 Goodwill 29,173.4 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 13,274.4 Other assets, net 7,480.1 Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (4,352.5) Other accrued and current liabilities (6,055.0) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (21,959.1) Other long-term liabilities (5,469.3) Total preliminary fair value of the net assets of the VMED O2 JV $ 29,341.6 For periods prior to the June 1, 2021 completion of the U.K. JV Transaction, our condensed consolidated statements of operations include aggregate earnings before income taxes attributable to the U.K. JV Entities of $425.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $948.3 million and $510.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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. However, the U.K. JV Entities were not presented as discontinued operations as the U.K. JV Transaction did not represent a strategic shift as defined by GAAP. The June 1, 2021 carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities, which were contributed into the VMED O2 JV, are summarized below (in millions): Assets: Current assets (a) $ 4,868.3 Property and equipment, net 9,465.1 Goodwill 8,214.7 Other assets, net 3,086.9 Total assets (b) $ 25,635.0 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 3,220.9 Other accrued and current liabilities 2,242.0 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 16,905.1 Other long-term liabilities 1,788.2 Total liabilities (b) $ 24,156.2 _______________ (a) Amount includes $3.4 billion of net proceeds from certain financing transactions completed in 2020 that were held in escrow pending the completion of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) The carrying amount of the net assets of $1,478.8 million presented above is net of the cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $1,198.6 million. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities that are classified as held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 are as follows (in millions): Assets: Current assets $ 4,519.8 Property and equipment, net 8,614.0 Goodwill 7,918.5 Other assets, net 3,230.4 Total assets $ 24,282.7 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 2,699.5 Other accrued and current liabilities 2,207.3 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 16,724.1 Other long-term liabilities 1,566.3 Total liabilities $ 23,197.2 Atlas Edge JV Transactions On September 1, 2021, we (i) contributed certain assets and liabilities to a newly-formed 50:50 joint venture (the Atlas Edge JV ) that was established for the purpose of acquiring and commercializing European technical real estate for edge colocation and hosting services and (ii) sold certain other assets to the Atlas Edge JV. In connection with these transactions, which we refer to as the “ Atlas Edge JV Transactions ”, we (i) received cash of $130.0 million and (ii) recognized a provisional gain of $213.7 million (net of the recognition of a cumulative foreign currency transaction loss of $1.8 million), representing the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the net assets associated with these transactions. We account for our 50% interest in the Atlas Edge JV as an equity method investment. 2020 Acquisition Sunrise Acquisition. On November 11, 2020, Liberty Global completed the acquisition of Sunrise Communications Group AG ( Sunrise ) (the Sunrise Acquisition ). The Sunrise Acquisition was effected through an all cash public tender offer of the outstanding shares of Sunrise (the Sunrise Shares ) for CHF 110 ($120 at the transaction date) per share, for a total purchase price of CHF 5.0 billion ($5.4 billion at the transaction date). In April 2021, Liberty Global completed a statutory “squeeze-out” procedure, under applicable Swiss law, to acquire the remaining Sunrise Shares that were not acquired pursuant to the tender offer and, accordingly, now holds 100.0% of the share capital of Sunrise. Pro Forma Information The following unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results give effect to the Sunrise Acquisition as if it had been completed as of January 1, 2019. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the Sunrise Acquisition had occurred on such date. The pro forma adjustments are based on certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2020 (unaudited) Revenue (in millions) $ 3,337.8 $ 9,695.3 Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (in millions) $ (1,070.8) $ (756.8) Basic and diluted loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share $ (1.81) $ (1.24) |
Investments
| Investments | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Investments [Abstract] | |
| Investments | Investments The details of our investments are set forth below: Accounting Method September 30, December 31, Ownership (a) in millions % Equity (b): Long-term: VMED O2 JV $ 13,962.7 $ — 50.0 VodafoneZiggo JV (c) 2,741.1 3,052.3 50.0 All3Media Group ( All3Media ) 152.0 157.7 50.0 Atlas Edge JV 119.7 — 50.0 Formula E Holdings Ltd ( Formula E ) 93.7 105.8 32.9 Other 193.1 172.9 Total — equity 17,262.3 3,488.7 Fair value: Short-term: Separately-managed accounts ( SMAs ) (d) 2,511.4 1,600.2 Long-term: ITV plc ( ITV ) (e) 571.9 581.0 9.9 SMAs (d) 431.2 365.7 Univision Holdings Inc. ( Univision ) 249.9 100.0 11.6 Plume Design, Inc. ( Plume ) 188.7 54.9 12.0 EdgeConneX Inc. ( EdgeConneX ) 124.5 75.1 5.5 Lions Gate Entertainment Corp ( Lionsgate ) 90.0 72.0 2.9 Aviatrix Systems, Inc. ( Aviatrix ) 78.2 7.3 3.8 Lacework Inc. ( Lacework ) 74.0 23.3 3.7 Skillz Inc. ( Skillz ) 72.9 225.4 1.8 CANAL+ Polska S.A. 71.5 92.3 17.0 Other (f) 334.1 268.8 Total — fair value 4,798.3 3,466.0 Total investments (g) $ 22,060.6 $ 6,954.7 Short-term investments $ 2,511.4 $ 1,600.2 Long-term investments $ 19,549.2 $ 5,354.5 _______________ (a) Our ownership percentages are determined based on our legal ownership as of the most recent balance sheet date or are estimated based on the number of shares we own and the most recent publicly-available information. (b) 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 loans and commitments to, the investee. Accordingly, the carrying values of our equity method investments may not equal the respective fair values. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying amounts of our equity method investments exceeded our proportionate share of the respective investee’s net assets by $1,247.0 million and $1,198.5 million, respectively, which include amounts associated with the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables, as defined below, and amounts we are owed under a long-term note receivable from All3Media. (c) Amounts include certain notes receivable due from a subsidiary of the VodafoneZiggo JV to a subsidiary of Liberty Global comprising (i) a euro-denominated note receivable with a principal amount of $809.9 million and $855.8 million, respectively (the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable I ), and (ii) a euro-denominated note receivable with a principal amount of $240.5 million and $127.1 million, respectively (the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable II and, together with the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable I, the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables ). During the third quarter of 2021, an additional $123.0 million was loaned under the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable II to fund the VodafoneZiggo JV’s final installment of spectrum license fees due to the Dutch government. The VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables bear interest at 5.55% and have a final maturity date of December 31, 2030. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, interest accrued on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables was $41.7 million, all of which has been cash settled. (d) 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 September 30, 2021, all of our investments held under SMAs were classified as available-for-sale debt securities. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, interest accrued on our debt securities, which is included in other current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $5.7 million and $7.1 million, respectively. (e) In connection with our investment in ITV, we previously entered into (i) the ITV Collar (as defined in note 6) and (ii) a related secured borrowing agreement (the ITV Collar Loan ), each of which were fully settled during the second quarter of 2021, as further described in note 6. (f) As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held a noncontrolling junior interest in receivables we have securitized of $9.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively. (g) 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. Equity Method Investments The following table sets forth the details of our share of results of affiliates, net: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions All3Media $ (3.4) $ (0.3) $ (18.2) $ (40.1) VMED O2 JV (a) (10.4) — (10.7) — VodafoneZiggo JV (b) (2.6) (6.8) 6.8 (34.9) Formula E (10.9) (17.4) (6.5) (16.7) Other, net (1.9) (2.6) (7.0) (7.4) Total $ (29.2) $ (27.1) $ (35.6) $ (99.1) _______________ (a) Represents our share of the results of operations of the VMED O2 JV beginning June 1, 2021, which includes 100% of the share-based compensation expense associated with Liberty Global awards held by VMED O2 JV employees who were formerly employees of Liberty Global, as these awards remain our responsibility. (b) Represents (i) 100% of the interest income earned on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables and (ii) our share of the results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV. VMED O2 JV On June 1, 2021, we completed the U.K. JV Transaction. Each of Liberty Global and Telefónica (each a “ Shareholder ”) holds 50% of the issued share capital of the VMED O2 JV . The Shareholders intend for the VMED O2 JV to be funded solely from its net cash flow from operations and third-party financing. We account for our 50% interest in the VMED O2 JV as an equity method investment and consider the VMED O2 JV to be a related party. For additional information regarding the U.K. JV Transaction, see note 4. In connection with the formation of the VMED O2 JV, the Shareholders entered into an agreement (the U.K. JV Shareholders Agreement ) that contains customary provisions for the governance of a 50:50 joint venture and provides Liberty Global and Telefónica with joint control over decision making with respect to the VMED O2 JV. The U.K. JV Shareholders Agreement also provides (i) for a dividend policy that requires the VMED O2 JV to distribute all unrestricted cash to the Shareholders on a pro rata basis (subject to the VMED O2 JV maintaining a minimum amount of cash and complying with the terms of its financing arrangements) and (ii) that the VMED O2 JV will be managed with a leverage ratio between 4.0 and 5.0 times EBITDA (as calculated pursuant to its existing financing arrangements) with the VMED O2 JV undertaking periodic recapitalization and/or refinancings accordingly. Each Shareholder has the right to initiate an initial public offering ( IPO ) of the VMED O2 JV after the third anniversary of the closing, with the opportunity for the other Shareholder to sell shares in the IPO on a pro rata basis. Subject to certain exceptions, the U.K. JV Shareholders Agreement prohibits transfers of interests in the VMED O2 JV to third parties until the fifth anniversary of the closing. After the fifth anniversary, each Shareholder will be able to initiate a sale of all of its interest in the VMED O2 JV to a third party and, under certain circumstances, initiate a sale of the entire VMED O2 JV; subject, in each case, to a right of first offer in favor of the other Shareholder. Pursuant to an agreement entered into in connection with the closing of the VMED O2 JV (the U.K. JV Framework Agreement ), Liberty Global provides certain services to the VMED O2 JV on a transitional or ongoing basis (collectively, the U.K. JV Services ). Pursuant to the terms of the U.K. JV Framework Agreement, the ongoing services will be provided for a period of two to six years depending on the type of service, while transitional services will be provided for a period of no less than 12 months after which both parties shall be entitled to terminate based on specified notice periods. The U.K. 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 VMED O2 JV. Liberty Global charges both fixed and variable fees to the VMED O2 JV for the U.K. JV Services it provides during the term of the U.K. JV Framework Agreement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded revenue of $69.7 million and $93.9 million, respectively, related to the U.K. JV Services. In addition, at September 30, 2021, $52.0 million was due from the VMED O2 JV, primarily related to (a) services performed under the U.K. JV Framework Agreement and (b) amounts incurred by Liberty Global for certain equipment and licenses purchased on behalf of the VMED O2 JV. Amounts due from the VMED O2 JV will be periodically cash settled and are included in other current assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The summarized results of operations of the VMED O2 JV are set forth below: Three months ended September 30, 2021 Period from June 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021 in millions Revenue $ 3,614.0 $ 4,822.5 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 56.3 $ (112.2) Net earnings (loss) $ 31.9 $ (2.7) VodafoneZiggo JV Pursuant to an agreement (the NL JV Framework Agreement ), Liberty Global provides certain services to the VodafoneZiggo JV (collectively, the NL JV Services ). The NL 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 NL JV Services provided during the term of the NL JV Framework Agreement. We recorded revenue from the VodafoneZiggo JV of $45.2 million and $47.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $161.0 million and $135.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, primarily related to (a) the NL JV Services and (b) the sale of customer premises equipment at a mark-up. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $51.3 million and $27.4 million, respectively, were due from the VodafoneZiggo JV related to the aforementioned transactions. Amounts due from the VodafoneZiggo JV are periodically cash settled and are included in other current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we received dividend distributions from the VodafoneZiggo JV of $240.9 million and $102.0 million, respectively, which were accounted for as returns on capital for purposes of our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV are set forth below: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Revenue $ 1,206.1 $ 1,166.7 $ 3,638.4 $ 3,345.4 Loss before income taxes $ (32.9) $ (31.6) $ (73.9) $ (58.5) Net loss $ (24.7) $ (25.6) $ (56.3) $ (111.3) Fair Value Investments The following table sets forth the details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair value, net: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Univision $ 5.9 $ — $ 161.3 $ — Plume 78.7 — 133.8 29.6 Skillz (104.6) (0.1) (83.3) 45.3 Aviatrix 42.6 — 65.4 — Lacework — — 48.8 — EdgeConneX 2.7 — 20.5 — Lionsgate (39.6) 13.1 18.0 (7.8) ITV (118.6) (20.5) (9.1) (450.2) Other, net 23.5 (15.1) 17.9 (25.9) Total $ (109.4) $ (22.6) $ 373.3 $ (409.0) Debt Securities At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, all of our SMAs were composed of debt securities, which are summarized in the following tables: September 30, 2021 Amortized cost basis Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) Fair value in millions Commercial paper $ 1,019.2 $ — $ 1,019.2 Corporate debt securities 846.7 0.6 847.3 Government bonds 709.5 (0.4) 709.1 Certificates of deposit 351.1 — 351.1 Other debt securities 15.9 — 15.9 Total debt securities $ 2,942.4 $ 0.2 $ 2,942.6 December 31, 2020 Amortized cost basis Accumulated unrealized gains Fair value in millions Corporate debt securities $ 713.2 $ 2.3 $ 715.5 Commercial paper 523.7 0.6 524.3 Government bonds 474.8 0.2 475.0 Certificates of deposit 251.0 0.1 251.1 Total debt securities $ 1,962.7 $ 3.2 $ 1,965.9 We received proceeds from the sale of debt securities of $1.9 billion and $1.3 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $4.8 billion and $3.8 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the majority of which were reinvested in new debt securities held under SMAs. The sale of debt securities resulted in realized net gains (losses) of nil and $0.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and ($1.6 million) and $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair value of our debt securities as of September 30, 2021 by contractual maturity are shown below (in millions): Due in one year or less $ 2,511.4 Due in one to five years 426.7 Due in five to ten years 4.5 Total (a) $ 2,942.6 _______________ (a) The weighted average life of our total debt securities was 0.6 years as of September 30, 2021. |
Derivative Instruments
| Derivative Instruments | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 PLN. Generally, 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: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Current Long-term Total Current Long-term Total in millions Assets (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 108.9 $ 279.6 $ 388.5 $ 148.8 $ 418.4 $ 567.2 Equity-related derivative instruments (c) — 114.4 114.4 49.3 231.6 280.9 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 5.9 0.2 6.1 36.5 0.1 36.6 Other 1.3 — 1.3 — — — Total $ 116.1 $ 394.2 $ 510.3 $ 234.6 $ 650.1 $ 884.7 Liabilities (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 154.0 $ 509.0 $ 663.0 $ 171.2 $ 1,364.1 $ 1,535.3 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 31.1 — 31.1 81.5 — 81.5 Total $ 185.1 $ 509.0 $ 694.1 $ 252.7 $ 1,364.1 $ 1,616.8 _______________ (a) Our current derivative assets, long-term derivative assets and long-term derivative liabilities are included in other current assets, 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 net gains (losses) of ($34.0 million) and $222.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and ($34.8 million) and $294.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, 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 at December 31, 2020 include a share collar (the ITV Collar ) with respect to certain of the shares of ITV held by our company. During the second quarter of 2021, we completed the unwind of the ITV Collar and cash settled all remaining amounts under the ITV Collar Loan. Accordingly, at September 30, 2021, the ITV Collar and ITV Collar Loan had been fully settled. The details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, are as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 170.9 $ (755.4) $ 658.0 $ (222.5) Equity-related derivative instruments: ITV Collar — 82.9 (11.8) 433.2 Other 50.8 (5.8) 86.1 21.5 Total equity-related derivative instruments 50.8 77.1 74.3 454.7 Foreign currency forward and option contracts (22.4) (39.2) (27.1) (31.8) Other — — 2.2 — Total $ 199.3 $ (717.5) $ 707.4 $ 200.4 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: Nine months ended 2021 2020 in millions Operating activities $ (51.7) $ (215.5) Investing activities (61.7) (28.7) Financing activities 23.1 72.6 Total $ (90.3) $ (171.6) 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. Collateral is generally not posted by either party under our derivative instruments. At September 30, 2021, our exposure to counterparty credit risk included derivative assets with an aggregate fair value of $113.6 million. Details of our Derivative Instruments 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 September 30, 2021, 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 September 30, 2021: Notional amount Notional amount Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 360.0 € 267.9 4.0 $ 4,650.0 CHF 4,256.9 (a)(b) 6.6 € 2,650.0 CHF 2,970.1 (b) 4.4 € 777.0 PLN 3,302.9 (a) 4.3 CHF 740.0 € 701.1 1.3 Telenet $ 3,940.0 € 3,489.6 (a) 5.3 € 45.2 $ 50.0 (c) 3.3 _______________ (a) Includes certain derivative instruments that are “forward-starting,” such that the initial exchange occurs at a date subsequent to September 30, 2021. These instruments are typically entered into in order to extend existing hedges without the need to amend existing contracts. (b) Includes amounts subject to a 0.0% floor. (c) 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 September 30, 2021, the total U.S. dollar equivalent of the notional amount of these derivative instruments was $52.3 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 September 30, 2021: Pays fixed rate Receives fixed rate Notional Weighted average remaining life Notional Weighted average remaining life in millions in years in millions in years UPC Holding $ 6,749.0 (a) 3.5 $ 4,537.6 (b) 4.6 Telenet $ 3,337.1 (a) 3.5 $ 1,651.2 2.0 _______________ (a) Includes forward-starting derivative instruments. (b) Includes amounts subject to a 0.0% floor. Interest Rate Swap Options From time to time, we enter into interest rate swap options ( swaptions ), 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 September 30, 2021, the option expiration period on each of our swaptions 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 September 30, 2021: Notional amount due from counterparty Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 2,625.0 (a) 0.3 Telenet $ 2,295.0 (a) 0.3 ______________ (a) Includes amounts subject to a 0.0% floor. 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 September 30, 2021, 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 $1.5 billion and $7.8 billion, 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 September 30, 2021 (a) UPC Holding 0.15 % Telenet 0.24 % VM Ireland 0.42 % Total increase to borrowing costs 0.20 % _______________ (a) Represents the effect of derivative instruments in effect at September 30, 2021 and does not include forward-starting derivative instruments. 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 September 30, 2021, the total U.S. dollar equivalent of the notional amounts of our foreign currency forward and option contracts was $2.3 billion. |
Fair Value Measurements
| Fair Value Measurements | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 September 30, 2021 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, impairment assessments and the accounting for our initial investment in the VMED O2 JV. These nonrecurring valuations include the valuation of reporting units, customer relationship and other intangible assets, property and equipment, the implied value of goodwill and the valuation of our initial investment in the VMED O2 JV. The valuation of reporting units and our initial investment in the VMED O2 JV are 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. The implied value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination, with the residual amount allocated to goodwill. Most of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we performed a nonrecurring valuation for the purpose of determining the fair value of our initial investment in the VMED O2 JV, and the weighted average cost of capital used to value our initial investment was 6.9%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we did not perform any significant nonrecurring fair value measurements. For information regarding our investment in the VMED O2 JV, see note 5. 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 September 30, 2021 using: Description September 30, Quoted prices Significant Significant in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 388.5 $ — $ 388.5 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 114.4 — — 114.4 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 6.1 — 6.1 — Other 1.3 — 1.3 — Total derivative instruments 510.3 — 395.9 114.4 Investments: SMAs 2,942.6 618.8 2,318.8 5.0 Other investments 1,855.7 740.4 71.5 1,043.8 Total investments 4,798.3 1,359.2 2,390.3 1,048.8 Total assets $ 5,308.6 $ 1,359.2 $ 2,786.2 $ 1,163.2 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 663.0 $ — $ 663.0 $ — Foreign currency forward and option contracts 31.1 — 31.1 — Total liabilities $ 694.1 $ — $ 694.1 $ — Fair value measurements at December 31, 2020 using: Description December 31, 2020 Quoted prices Significant Significant in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 567.2 $ — $ 567.2 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 280.9 — — 280.9 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 36.6 — 36.6 — Total derivative instruments 884.7 — 603.8 280.9 Investments: SMAs 1,965.9 405.7 1,560.2 — Other investments 1,500.1 888.2 92.3 519.6 Total investments 3,466.0 1,293.9 1,652.5 519.6 Total assets $ 4,350.7 $ 1,293.9 $ 2,256.3 $ 800.5 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,535.3 $ — $ 1,535.3 $ — Foreign currency forward and option contracts 81.5 — 81.5 — Total liabilities $ 1,616.8 $ — $ 1,616.8 $ — 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 Total in millions Balance of net assets at January 1, 2021 $ 519.6 $ — $ 280.9 $ 800.5 Gains included in earnings from continuing operations (a): Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net — — 74.3 74.3 Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net 467.0 179.3 — 646.3 Settlement of ITV Collar — — (240.8) (240.8) Additions 83.9 — — 83.9 Derivative instruments contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction — (179.3) — (179.3) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net (21.7) — — (21.7) Balance of net assets at September 30, 2021 $ 1,048.8 $ — $ 114.4 $ 1,163.2 _______________ (a) Most of these net gains relate to assets and liabilities that we continue to carry on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021. |
Long-lived Assets
| Long-lived Assets | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [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: September 30, December 31, in millions Distribution systems $ 9,412.9 $ 9,646.4 Customer premises equipment 1,387.0 1,447.7 Support equipment, buildings and land 4,162.8 4,366.7 Total property and equipment, gross 14,962.7 15,460.8 Accumulated depreciation (7,978.1) (7,834.2) Total property and equipment, net $ 6,984.6 $ 7,626.6 During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded non-cash increases to our property and equipment related to vendor financing arrangements (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) of $599.6 million and $1,011.7 million, respectively, which exclude related value-added taxes ( VAT ) of $75.9 million and $172.5 million, respectively, that were also financed under these arrangements. Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 are set forth below: January 1, 2021 Acquisitions Foreign September 30, 2021 in millions Switzerland $ 6,816.0 $ 17.7 $ (404.2) $ 6,429.5 Belgium 2,783.7 — (149.2) 2,634.5 Ireland 296.2 — (15.8) 280.4 Central and Other 69.8 — (3.7) 66.1 Total $ 9,965.7 $ 17.7 $ (572.9) $ 9,410.5 If, among other factors, (i) our equity values were to decline or (ii) the adverse impacts of economic, competitive, regulatory or other factors 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 are set forth below: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount in millions Customer relationships $ 2,287.7 $ (502.2) $ 1,785.5 $ 2,411.6 $ (237.5) $ 2,174.1 Other 1,039.2 (414.7) 624.5 1,072.1 (366.3) 705.8 Total $ 3,326.9 $ (916.9) $ 2,410.0 $ 3,483.7 $ (603.8) $ 2,879.9 |
Debt
| Debt | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract] | |
| Debt | Debt The U.S. dollar equivalents of the components of our debt are as follows: September 30, 2021 Principal amount Weighted Unused borrowing Borrowing currency U.S. $ September 30, December 31, in millions UPC Holding Bank Facility (c) 2.87 % € 716.2 $ 828.6 $ 4,085.8 $ 4,767.1 UPCB SPE Notes 4.43 % — — 1,944.2 1,393.7 UPC Holding Senior Notes 4.59 % — — 1,222.6 1,261.5 Telenet Credit Facility (d) 2.14 % € 555.0 642.1 3,579.3 3,652.0 Telenet Senior Secured Notes 4.73 % — — 1,624.8 1,660.2 VM Ireland Credit Facility (e) 3.50 % € 100.0 115.7 1,041.3 — Vendor financing (f) 2.01 % — — 1,003.5 1,099.6 ITV Collar Loan (g) — — — — 415.9 Other 7.08 % — — 149.4 266.3 Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums (h) 3.28 % $ 1,586.4 $ 14,650.9 $ 14,516.3 The following table provides a reconciliation of total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums to total debt and finance lease obligations: September 30, December 31, in millions Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums $ 14,650.9 $ 14,516.3 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (60.3) (118.4) Total carrying amount of debt 14,590.6 14,397.9 Finance lease obligations (note 10) 493.2 549.5 Total debt and finance lease obligations 15,083.8 14,947.4 Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations (986.5) (1,086.1) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 14,097.3 $ 13,861.3 _______________ (a) Represents the weighted average interest rate in effect at September 30, 2021 for all borrowings outstanding 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, the weighted average interest rate on our aggregate variable- and fixed-rate indebtedness was 3.54% at September 30, 2021. For information regarding our derivative instruments, see note 6. (b) Unused borrowing capacity represents the maximum availability under the applicable facility at September 30, 2021 without regard to covenant compliance calculations or other conditions precedent to borrowing. The following table provides our borrowing availability and amounts available to loan or distribute under each of the respective subsidiary facilities, based on the most restrictive applicable leverage covenants and leverage-based restricted payment tests, (i) at September 30, 2021 and (ii) upon completion of the relevant September 30, 2021 compliance reporting requirements. These amounts do not consider any actual or potential changes to our borrowing levels or any amounts loaned or distributed subsequent to September 30, 2021, or the impact of additional amounts that may be available to borrow, loan or distribute under certain defined baskets within each respective facility. Availability September 30, 2021 Upon completion of the relevant September 30, 2021 compliance reporting requirements Borrowing currency U.S. $ Borrowing currency U.S. $ in millions Available to borrow: UPC Holding Bank Facility € 716.2 $ 828.6 € 716.2 $ 828.6 Telenet Credit Facility € 555.0 $ 642.1 € 555.0 $ 642.1 VM Ireland Credit Facility € 100.0 $ 115.7 € 100.0 $ 115.7 Available to loan or distribute: UPC Holding Bank Facility € 716.2 $ 828.6 € 716.2 $ 828.6 Telenet Credit Facility € 555.0 $ 642.1 € 555.0 $ 642.1 VM Ireland Credit Facility € — $ — € 81.6 $ 94.4 (c) Unused borrowing capacity under the UPC Holding Bank Facility relates to an equivalent €716.2 million ($828.6 million) under the UPC Revolving Facility, part of which has been made available as an ancillary facility. During 2021, the UPC Revolving Facility was amended to provide for maximum borrowing capacity of €736.4 million ($852.0 million), including €23.0 million ($26.6 million) under the related ancillary facility. With the exception of €20.2 million ($23.4 million) of borrowings under the ancillary facility, the UPC Revolving Facility was undrawn at September 30, 2021. (d) Unused borrowing capacity under the Telenet Credit Facility comprises (i) €510.0 million ($590.1 million) under the Telenet Revolving Facility I, (ii) €25.0 million ($28.9 million) under the Telenet Overdraft Facility and (iii) €20.0 million ($23.1 million) under the Telenet Revolving Facility, each of which were undrawn at September 30, 2021. (e) Unused borrowing capacity under the VM Ireland Credit Facility relates to €100.0 million ($115.7 million) under the VM Ireland Revolving Facility (as defined below), which was undrawn at September 30, 2021. (f) Represents amounts owed to various creditors pursuant to interest-bearing vendor financing arrangements that are used to finance certain of our property and equipment additions and operating expenses. These arrangements extend our repayment terms beyond a vendor’s original due dates (e.g. extension beyond a vendor’s customary payment terms, which are generally 90 days or less) and as such are classified outside of accounts payable on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. These obligations are generally due within one year and include VAT that was also financed under these arrangements. For purposes of our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, operating expenses financed by an intermediary are treated as hypothetical operating cash outflows and hypothetical financing cash inflows when the expenses are incurred. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the hypothetical cash outflow included in cash flows from operating activities and the corresponding hypothetical cash inflow included in cash flows from financing activities related to these operating expenses was $1,657.5 million and $1,995.5 million, respectively. 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. (g) As described in note 5, the ITV Collar Loan was fully repaid during the second quarter of 2021. (h) As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our debt had an estimated fair value of $14.8 billion and $14.7 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). For additional information regarding fair value hierarchies, see note 7. Financing Transactions - General Information At September 30, 2021, 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 VM Ireland, include their respective restricted parent and subsidiary entities. Below we provide summary descriptions of certain financing transactions completed during the first nine months of 2021. A portion of our financing transactions may include non-cash borrowings and repayments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, non-cash borrowings and repayments aggregated $2.9 billion and $3.5 billion, 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. UPC Holding Financing Transactions During the second quarter of 2021, UPC Holding completed a number of financing transactions that generally resulted in lower interest rates and extended maturities, including the issuance of certain senior secured notes and the entrance into certain accession agreements under the UPC Holding Bank Facility. In connection with these transactions, UPC Holding recognized an aggregate loss on debt extinguishment of $90.6 million related to (i) the write-off of $77.7 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts and (ii) the payment of $12.9 million of redemption premiums. In September 2021, Liberty Global entered into an agreement to sell UPC Poland, the proceeds of which are expected to be used, in part, to repay a portion of UPC Holding’s outstanding indebtedness. For additional information, see note 4. The following tables summarize our outstanding indebtedness as of September 30, 2021 with respect to (i) the UPC Holding Bank Facility and (ii) the UPCB SPE Notes, after completion of the aforementioned financing transactions. UPC Holding Bank Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (borrowing currency) (a) Unused Outstanding principal amount Carrying in millions AQ (c) June 15, 2029 3.625% € 600.0 $ — $ 694.2 $ 690.1 AT (d) April 30, 2028 LIBOR + 2.25% $ 700.0 — 700.0 696.8 AU (e) April 30, 2029 EURIBOR + 2.5% € 400.0 — 462.8 460.6 AX (d) January 31, 2029 LIBOR + 3.0% $ 1,925.0 — 1,925.0 1,909.9 AY (e) January 31, 2029 EURIBOR + 3.0% € 862.5 — 998.0 992.5 AZ (c) July 15, 2031 4.875% $ 1,250.0 — 1,250.0 1,248.6 UPC Revolving Facility (f) May 31, 2026 EURIBOR + 2.5% € 736.4 828.6 — — Elimination of Facilities AQ and AZ in consolidation (c) — (1,944.2) (1,938.7) Total $ 828.6 $ 4,085.8 $ 4,059.8 _______________ (a) Except as described in (c) below, amounts represent total third-party facility amounts at September 30, 2021. (b) Amounts are net of deferred financing costs and discounts, where applicable. (c) The amounts outstanding under UPC Facilities AQ and AZ are eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements. (d) UPC Facilities AT and AX are each subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.0%. (e) UPC Facilities AU and AY are each subject to a EURIBOR floor of 0.0%. (f) The UPC Revolving Facility has a fee on unused commitments of 1.0% per year. Original issue amount Outstanding principal UPCB SPE Notes Maturity Interest rate Borrowing U.S. $ Carrying in millions UPCB Finance VII Euro Notes June 15, 2029 3.625% € 600.0 € 600.0 $ 694.2 $ 690.1 2031 UPC Senior Secured Notes July 15, 2031 4.875% $ 1,250.0 $ 1,250.0 1,250.0 1,248.6 Total $ 1,944.2 $ 1,938.7 _______________ (a) Amounts are net of deferred financing costs and discounts, where applicable. VM Ireland Financing Transactions In June 2021, VM Ireland entered into a credit facility (the VM Ireland Credit Facility ), comprising (i) a €900.0 million ($1,041.3 million) term loan facility ( VM Ireland Facility B1 ) and (ii) a €100.0 million ($115.7 million) revolving facility (the VM Ireland Revolving Facility ). VM Ireland Facility B1 was issued at 99.5% of par, matures on July 15, 2029 and bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 3.5%, subject to a EURIBOR floor of 0.0%. The VM Ireland Revolving Facility matures on September 15, 2027 and bears interest at a rate of EURIBOR + 2.75%. The proceeds from VM Ireland Facility B1 and the VM Ireland Revolving Facility can be used for general corporate purposes. Maturities of Debt Maturities of our debt as of September 30, 2021 are presented below for the named entity and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted, and represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on September 30, 2021 exchange rates. UPC Holding (a) Telenet VM Ireland Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 62.6 $ 100.6 $ — $ 25.7 $ 188.9 2022 351.9 331.3 — 70.4 753.6 2023 — 11.4 — 55.7 67.1 2024 — 11.4 — 16.1 27.5 2025 — 11.4 — 1.2 12.6 2026 — 11.5 — — 11.5 Thereafter 7,252.6 5,295.8 1,041.3 — 13,589.7 Total debt maturities (b) 7,667.1 5,773.4 1,041.3 169.1 14,650.9 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (37.7) (15.1) (7.5) — (60.3) Total debt $ 7,629.4 $ 5,758.3 $ 1,033.8 $ 169.1 $ 14,590.6 Current portion $ 414.5 $ 431.3 $ — $ 72.8 $ 918.6 Noncurrent portion $ 7,214.9 $ 5,327.0 $ 1,033.8 $ 96.3 $ 13,672.0 _______________ (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 vendor financing obligations of $1,003.5 million, as set forth below: UPC Telenet Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 62.6 $ 100.4 $ 25.7 $ 188.7 2022 351.9 319.5 70.4 741.8 2023 — — 55.7 55.7 2024 — — 16.1 16.1 2025 — — 1.2 1.2 Total vendor financing maturities $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 169.1 $ 1,003.5 Current portion $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 72.8 $ 907.2 Noncurrent portion $ — $ — $ 96.3 $ 96.3 |
Leases
| Leases | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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: September 30, December 31, 2020 in millions ROU assets: Finance leases (a) $ 439.2 $ 471.6 Operating leases (b) 1,315.4 1,440.3 Total ROU assets $ 1,754.6 $ 1,911.9 Lease liabilities: Finance leases (c) $ 493.2 $ 549.5 Operating leases (d) 1,323.6 1,432.0 Total lease liabilities $ 1,816.8 $ 1,981.5 _______________ (a) Our finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases was 22.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 6.0%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded non-cash additions to our finance lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) of $27.8 million and $30.9 million, respectively. (b) Our operating lease ROU assets are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 11.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 5.8%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded non-cash additions to our operating lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) of $67.4 million and $64.2 million, respectively. (c) The current and long-term portions of our finance lease liabilities are included within current portion of debt and finance lease obligations and long-term debt and finance lease obligations, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (d) The current portions of our operating lease liabilities are included within other accrued and current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. A summary of our aggregate lease expense is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Finance lease expense: Depreciation and amortization $ 13.6 $ 16.8 $ 52.6 $ 52.7 Interest expense 5.4 7.7 22.1 23.6 Total finance lease expense 19.0 24.5 74.7 76.3 Operating lease expense (a) 38.5 16.4 164.7 79.6 Short-term lease expense (a) 1.1 0.9 4.0 3.1 Variable lease expense (b) 0.4 0.3 1.6 1.1 Total lease expense $ 59.0 $ 42.1 $ 245.0 $ 160.1 _______________ (a) Our operating lease expense and short-term lease expense are included in programming and other direct costs of services, 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: Nine months ended 2021 2020 in millions Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 164.1 $ 72.6 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 22.1 23.6 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 52.0 75.2 Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases $ 238.2 $ 171.4 Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of September 30, 2021 are presented below. Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on September 30, 2021 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 53.5 $ 25.4 2022 204.9 94.6 2023 188.8 98.2 2024 173.5 61.1 2025 159.7 57.7 2026 47.6 53.7 Thereafter 1,120.9 244.5 Total payments 1,948.9 635.2 Less: present value discount (625.3) (142.0) Present value of lease payments $ 1,323.6 $ 493.2 Current portion $ 183.3 $ 67.9 Noncurrent portion $ 1,140.3 $ 425.3 |
| 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: September 30, December 31, 2020 in millions ROU assets: Finance leases (a) $ 439.2 $ 471.6 Operating leases (b) 1,315.4 1,440.3 Total ROU assets $ 1,754.6 $ 1,911.9 Lease liabilities: Finance leases (c) $ 493.2 $ 549.5 Operating leases (d) 1,323.6 1,432.0 Total lease liabilities $ 1,816.8 $ 1,981.5 _______________ (a) Our finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases was 22.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 6.0%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded non-cash additions to our finance lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) of $27.8 million and $30.9 million, respectively. (b) Our operating lease ROU assets are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 11.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 5.8%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded non-cash additions to our operating lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) of $67.4 million and $64.2 million, respectively. (c) The current and long-term portions of our finance lease liabilities are included within current portion of debt and finance lease obligations and long-term debt and finance lease obligations, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (d) The current portions of our operating lease liabilities are included within other accrued and current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. A summary of our aggregate lease expense is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Finance lease expense: Depreciation and amortization $ 13.6 $ 16.8 $ 52.6 $ 52.7 Interest expense 5.4 7.7 22.1 23.6 Total finance lease expense 19.0 24.5 74.7 76.3 Operating lease expense (a) 38.5 16.4 164.7 79.6 Short-term lease expense (a) 1.1 0.9 4.0 3.1 Variable lease expense (b) 0.4 0.3 1.6 1.1 Total lease expense $ 59.0 $ 42.1 $ 245.0 $ 160.1 _______________ (a) Our operating lease expense and short-term lease expense are included in programming and other direct costs of services, 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: Nine months ended 2021 2020 in millions Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 164.1 $ 72.6 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 22.1 23.6 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 52.0 75.2 Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases $ 238.2 $ 171.4 Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of September 30, 2021 are presented below. Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on September 30, 2021 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 53.5 $ 25.4 2022 204.9 94.6 2023 188.8 98.2 2024 173.5 61.1 2025 159.7 57.7 2026 47.6 53.7 Thereafter 1,120.9 244.5 Total payments 1,948.9 635.2 Less: present value discount (625.3) (142.0) Present value of lease payments $ 1,323.6 $ 493.2 Current portion $ 183.3 $ 67.9 Noncurrent portion $ 1,140.3 $ 425.3 |
Income Taxes
| Income Taxes | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) (a) $ (60.4) $ 218.7 $ (2,533.3) $ 143.3 Non-taxable gain associated with the U.K. JV Transaction (66.0) — 2,050.2 — Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results 88.9 (224.3) 169.7 (166.6) Change in valuation allowances (19.1) (98.6) (107.6) (198.2) International rate differences (b) (39.5) (3.0) (81.1) (6.7) Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (c) 99.3 (7.4) 75.1 (24.6) Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items (12.3) 26.4 (50.7) (19.7) Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits — — 20.5 188.8 Tax benefit associated with technology innovation (d) 5.7 4.9 17.2 54.4 Enacted tax law and rate changes (e) 2.5 242.3 2.1 274.0 Other, net (1.3) 6.5 (6.3) 7.5 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ (2.2) $ 165.5 $ (444.2) $ 252.2 _______________ (a) The statutory or “expected” tax rate is the U.K. rate of 19.0%. (b) 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. (c) 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 the recognition of the innovation income tax deduction in Belgium. The amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes the one-time effect of deductions related to prior periods. (e) On July 22, 2020, legislation was enacted in the U.K. to maintain the corporate income tax rate at 19.0%, reversing previous legislation that had reduced the U.K. rate to 17.0% from April 1, 2020. The impact of this rate change on our deferred balances was recorded during the third quarter of 2020. On June 10, 2021, legislation was enacted in the U.K. to increase the U.K. corporate income rate to 25.0% from April 1, 2023. The impact of this rate change on our deferred balances was recorded during the second quarter of 2021. As of September 30, 2021, our unrecognized tax benefits were $504.9 million, of which $382.5 million 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 September 30, 2021. The amount of any such reductions could range up to $79.0 million , substantially all of which would not 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. |
Equity
| Equity | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Equity [Abstract] | |
| Equity | Equity Share Repurchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we repurchased (i) 5,845,800 shares of our Class A ordinary shares at an average price per share of $27.11 and (ii) 32,700,700 shares of our Class C ordinary shares at an average price per share of $26.55, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,026.8 million, including direct acquisition costs. In July 2021, our board of directors approved a new share repurchase program whereby the authorized amount for share repurchases during 2021 was increased to $1.4 billion, with additional commitments to repurchase a minimum of 10% of our shares outstanding during each of 2022 and 2023. The determination of the number of shares we will be authorized to repurchase during 2022 and 2023 will be based on 10% of the total number of our outstanding shares as of the beginning of each year. At September 30, 2021, the remaining amount authorized for share repurchases during the remainder of 2021 was $378.7 million. Under the repurchase program, Liberty Global may acquire from time to time its Class A ordinary shares, Class C ordinary shares, or any combination of Class A and Class C ordinary shares. The program may be effected through open market transactions and/or privately negotiated transactions, which may include derivative transactions. The timing of the repurchase of shares pursuant to the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and applicable law. The program may be implemented in conjunction with brokers for the Company and other financial institutions with whom the Company has relationships within certain preset parameters and purchases may continue during closed periods in accordance with applicable restrictions. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. |
Share-based Compensation
| Share-based Compensation | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Liberty Global: Performance-based incentive awards (a) $ 11.9 $ 57.0 $ 50.3 $ 106.3 Non-performance based incentive awards (b) 31.4 27.8 116.2 93.9 Other (c) 7.8 6.9 22.2 19.1 Total Liberty Global 51.1 91.7 188.7 219.3 Other (d) 6.9 12.7 31.9 24.1 Total $ 58.0 $ 104.4 $ 220.6 $ 243.4 Included in: Other operating expense $ 1.6 $ 2.5 $ 10.4 $ 4.8 SG&A expense 56.4 101.9 210.2 238.6 Total $ 58.0 $ 104.4 $ 220.6 $ 243.4 _______________ (a) Includes share-based compensation expense related to (i) performance-based restricted share units ( PSUs ), (ii) our 2019 CEO Performance Award and (iii) our 2019 Challenge Performance Awards. (b) In April 2021 with respect to 2014 and 2015 grants and April 2020 with respect to 2013 grants, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved the extension of the expiration dates of outstanding share appreciation rights ( SARs ) and director options from a seven-year term to a ten-year term. Accordingly, the Black-Scholes fair values of the respective outstanding awards increased, resulting in the recognition of aggregate incremental share-based compensation expense of $22.7 million and $18.9 million during the second quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively. (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. In addition, the 2021 amounts include compensation expense related to the 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan, as defined and described below. (d) Amounts primarily relate to share-based compensation expense associated with Telenet’s share-based incentive awards. The following table provides the aggregate number of options, SARs and performance-based share appreciation rights ( PSARs ) with respect to awards issued by Liberty Global that were (i) outstanding and (ii) exercisable as of September 30, 2021: Class A Class C Gross number of shares underlying option, SAR and PSAR awards (a) Weighted average exercise or base price Gross number of shares underlying option, SAR and PSAR awards (a) Weighted average exercise or base price Held by Liberty Global employees: Outstanding 25,757,426 $ 27.06 60,118,409 $ 26.12 Exercisable 12,557,002 $ 30.64 27,734,216 $ 29.19 Held by former Liberty Global employees (b): Outstanding 1,675,974 $ 31.14 4,689,511 $ 28.45 Exercisable 1,388,812 $ 32.80 4,115,209 $ 23.32 _______________ (a) Amounts represent the gross number of shares associated with option, SAR and PSAR awards issued to our current and former employees and our directors. Our company settles SARs and PSARs on a net basis when exercised by the award holder, whereby the number of shares issued represents the excess value of the award based on the market price of the respective Liberty Global shares at the time of exercise relative to the award’s exercise price. In addition, the number of shares issued is further reduced by the amount of the employee’s required income tax withholding. (b) Amounts represent certain share-based awards that continue to be held by former employees of Liberty Global subsequent to certain split-off or disposal transactions. Although future exercises of these awards by former employees will not result in the recognition of share-based compensation expense, such exercises will increase the number of our outstanding ordinary shares. The following table provides the aggregate number of restricted share units ( RSUs ) and PSUs that were outstanding as of September 30, 2021. The number of shares to be issued on the vesting date of these awards will be reduced by the amount of the employee’s required income tax withholding. Class A Class C Held by Liberty Global employees: RSUs 2,722,067 5,443,384 PSUs 1,306,731 2,613,401 Held by former Liberty Global employees (a): RSUs 74,193 148,583 PSUs 37,510 75,016 _______________ (a) Amounts represent certain share-based awards that continue to be held by former employees of Liberty Global subsequent to certain split-off or disposal transactions. Although we do not recognize share-based compensation expense with respect to these awards, the future vesting of these RSUs and PSUs will increase the number of our outstanding ordinary shares. 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan In April 2021, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved a new incentive plan, referred to herein as the “ 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan ”. The 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan was provided to executive officers and other key employees and is based on the performance of the Liberty Global Ventures Portfolio (the “ Portfolio ”), which is measured by assessing the fair value of the Portfolio over a three-year period beginning December 31, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2023. Payout will be denominated in cash and will be assessed at the end of the three-year period using eligible participants’ initial contribution between 10% and 100% of their 2021 annual target equity value (which contributed amount is in lieu of their normal annual equity grant). The compensation committee has the discretion to settle the final payout amount in (i) cash or (ii) Liberty Global Class A and Class C ordinary shares based on the change in the Portfolio’s value. Subject to forfeitures, 100% of each participant’s payout will vest on March 31, 2024. In order to receive the payout, participants are required to remain employed through the final vesting date. The 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan awards are liability classified due to the fact that the final payout under this plan will be denominated in cash and may be settled in a variable number of shares. At September 30, 2021, the estimated fair value of the final payout under the 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan was $17.1 million. An initial fair value assessment was performed for the Portfolio as of December 31, 2020 by an independent third-party valuation specialist. We recognize share-based compensation expense related to the 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan as a charge to operations on a straight-line basis, including any changes in expense related to the change in the fair value of the Portfolio each assessment date, from the date of grant through the vesting date of March 31, 2024. Our share of payroll taxes incurred in connection with the vesting of the 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan is recorded as a component of share-based compensation expense in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. |
Earnings or Loss per Share
| Earnings or Loss per Share | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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, SARs, RSUs, PSARs and PSUs) as if they had been exercised, vested or converted at the beginning of the periods presented. The details of our basic and diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding are set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) 551,973,418 590,985,197 561,295,200 608,816,109 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) 13,071,058 — 13,131,584 — Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) 565,044,476 590,985,197 574,426,784 608,816,109 The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 excludes a total of 51.5 million options, SARs and RSUs because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. We reported losses from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. Therefore, the potential dilutive effect at September 30, 2020 of the following items was not included in the computation of diluted loss from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive: (i) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options, SARs and RSUs of 77.3 million and (ii) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to PSARs and PSUs of 20.2 million. The details of our net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ 315.6 $ (985.6) $ 12,889.2 $ (502.2) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (41.6) (49.5) (142.8) (137.8) Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 274.0 $ (1,035.1) $ 12,746.4 $ (640.0) |
Commitments and Contingencies
| Commitments and Contingencies | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 network and connectivity commitments, purchases of customer premises and other equipment and services, programming contracts and other items. The following table sets forth the U.S. dollar equivalents of such commitments as of September 30, 2021. The commitments included in this table do not reflect any liabilities that are included on our September 30, 2021 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Payments due during: Remainder 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Total in millions Network and connectivity commitments $ 62.2 $ 92.8 $ 68.8 $ 50.4 $ 48.7 $ 40.4 $ 684.4 $ 1,047.7 Purchase commitments 249.5 263.5 39.7 21.9 10.5 7.8 0.7 593.6 Programming commitments 57.8 188.2 119.2 79.6 66.2 46.7 18.4 576.1 Other commitments 13.5 73.6 54.2 28.3 29.0 29.0 122.3 349.9 Total $ 383.0 $ 618.1 $ 281.9 $ 180.2 $ 154.4 $ 123.9 $ 825.8 $ 2,567.3 Network and connectivity commitments primarily 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. 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. 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 through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) aggregated $957.9 million and $1,176.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, 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. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, 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 an appeal judgment before the Belgian Supreme Court (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’ request for the rescission of the agreement-in-principle and the 2008 PICs Agreement. On June 12, 2009, Proximus appealed this judgment to the Court of Appeal of Antwerp. In this appeal, Proximus also sought 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). O n December 18, 2017, the Court of Appeal of Antwerp rejected Proximus’ claim in its entirety. On June 28, 2019, Proximus brought this appeal judgment before the Belgian Supreme Court. On January 22, 2021, the Belgium Supreme Court partially annulled the judgment of the Court of Appeal of Antwerp. The case will be referred to the Court of Appeal of Brussels. This Court will need to make a new decision on the matter within the boundaries of the annulment by the Belgium Supreme Court. It is likely that it will take the Court of Appeal of Brussels several years to decide on the matter. 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. 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 GmbH ( 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 our former operations in Germany, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic to Vodafone (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 July 5, 2019, the Belgium Regulatory Authorities published for consultation a draft decision regarding “reasonable access tariffs” that will replace the interim prices. On May 26, 2020, the Belgium Regulatory Authorities adopted a final decision regarding the “reasonable access tariffs” (the 2020 Decision ) that represents, for example, a decrease of 11.5% as compared to the interim rates for a 100 Mbps offer combined with TV. These rates are expected to evolve over time due to, among other reasons, broadband capacity usage. The 2020 Decision became effective on July 1, 2020. The 2020 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 Court of Appeal of Brussels and also initiated an action in the European Court of Justice against the European Commission’s decision not to challenge the 2018 Decision. The proceedings before the European Court of Justice have been withdrawn by Telenet in order to avoid undue delays in the Court of Appeal case. In a decision issued on September 4, 2019, the Court of Appeal of Brussels upheld the 2018 Decision. 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 €70.5 million ($81.6 million). The value of the amounts claimed by the UPC Austria Sale Counterparties has since increased to €106.2 million ($122.9 million). 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 and (ii) there are significant factual matters to be resolved. 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. Further, Liberty Global may be entitled to certain amounts that our disposed operations may recover from taxing authorities. Any such amounts will not be reflected in our consolidated financial statements until such time as the final disposition of such matters has been reached. 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. Regulation may also 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. |
Segment Reporting
| Segment Reporting | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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) 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 earnings or loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA is presented below. As of September 30, 2021, our reportable segments are as follows: Consolidated: • Switzerland • Belgium • Ireland Nonconsolidated: • VMED O2 JV • VodafoneZiggo JV On September 22, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell our operations in Poland (see note 4). Accordingly, segment information for all periods has been retrospectively revised to present our operating segment in Poland as a discontinued operation. Previously, our operations in Poland, together with our operations in Slovakia, were included in our former Central and Eastern Europe reportable segment. As a result of this change, our operations in Slovakia are now included in Central and Other (as defined below and previously referred to as “ Central and Corporate ”) for all periods presented. On June 1, 2021, we completed the U.K. JV Transaction, whereby we contributed the U.K. JV Entities to the VMED O2 JV. Prior to the completion of the U.K. JV Transaction, we presented the U.K. JV Entities, together with our operations in Ireland, as a single reportable segment, “U.K./Ireland” . In connection with the completion of the U.K. JV Transaction, we have restated our segment presentation for all periods to separately present (i) the U.K. JV Entities and (ii) Ireland. In addition, certain other less significant entities previously included in the U.K./Ireland segment are now included within Central and Other (as defined below). Following the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction, we have identified the VMED O2 JV as a nonconsolidated reportable segment. For additional information regarding the U.K. JV Transaction, see note 4. 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 Other” category primarily includes (i) our operations in Slovakia, (ii) services provided to the VMED O2 JV, the VodafoneZiggo JV and various third parties related to transitional service agreements, (iii) sales of customer premises equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV and (iv) certain centralized functions, including billing systems, network operations, technology, marketing, facilities, finance and other administrative functions. We present only the reportable segments of our continuing operations in the tables below. 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 both the VMED O2 JV and the VodafoneZiggo JV, we present 100% of the revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of those entities in the tables below. Our share of the operating results of the VMED O2 JV and the VodafoneZiggo JV are included in share of results of affiliates, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Revenue Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ — $ 1,543.6 $ 2,736.4 $ 4,457.3 Belgium 755.4 746.6 2,302.9 2,147.2 Switzerland 830.2 315.0 2,497.4 930.9 Ireland 136.0 126.4 406.2 366.2 Central and Other 181.4 118.9 458.7 346.9 Intersegment eliminations (1.6) (5.1) (11.1) (14.8) Total $ 1,901.4 $ 2,845.4 $ 8,390.5 $ 8,233.7 VMED O2 JV (b) $ 3,614.0 $ — $ 4,822.5 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV $ 1,206.1 $ 1,166.7 $ 3,638.4 $ 3,345.4 _______________ (a) Represents the revenue of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) The amount for the 2021 nine-month period represents the revenue of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. Adjusted EBITDA Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ — $ 610.9 $ 1,085.3 $ 1,819.6 Belgium 369.1 367.4 1,130.5 1,053.1 Switzerland 330.8 154.4 910.9 439.4 Ireland 59.1 49.9 160.7 143.2 Central and Other 1.5 (20.5) (15.8) (50.6) Intersegment eliminations (b) (2.0) 1.4 1.6 1.4 Total $ 758.5 $ 1,163.5 $ 3,273.2 $ 3,406.1 VMED O2 JV (c) $ 1,180.3 $ — $ 1,591.3 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV $ 578.1 $ 559.1 $ 1,713.4 $ 1,593.4 _______________ (a) Represents the Adjusted EBITDA of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) Amounts relate to transactions between our continuing and discontinued operations. (c) The amount for the 2021 nine-month period represents the Adjusted EBITDA of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. The following table provides a reconciliation of earnings (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ 315.6 $ (985.6) $ 12,889.2 $ (502.2) Income tax expense (benefit) 2.2 (165.5) 444.2 (252.2) Other income, net (8.2) (5.4) (25.6) (67.4) Gain on Atlas Edge JV Transactions (213.7) — (213.7) — (Gain) adjustment to gain on U.K. JV Transaction 347.3 — (10,790.7) — Share of results of affiliates, net 29.2 27.1 35.6 99.1 Losses on debt extinguishment, net — 0.3 90.6 220.4 Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net 109.4 21.5 (373.3) 399.0 Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net (422.4) 754.6 (857.6) 836.3 Realized and unrealized losses (gains) gains on derivative instruments, net (199.3) 717.5 (707.4) (200.4) Interest expense 140.9 279.3 748.1 873.5 Operating income 101.0 643.8 1,239.4 1,406.1 Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net 17.2 (16.7) 68.4 46.5 Depreciation and amortization 582.3 432.0 1,744.8 1,710.1 Share-based compensation expense 58.0 104.4 220.6 243.4 Adjusted EBITDA $ 758.5 $ 1,163.5 $ 3,273.2 $ 3,406.1 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, respectively. Nine months ended 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ 557.4 $ 975.3 Belgium 424.5 375.1 Switzerland 413.1 181.8 Ireland 61.9 54.4 Central and Other (b) 226.9 253.2 Total property and equipment additions 1,683.8 1,839.8 Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements (599.6) (1,011.7) Assets acquired under finance leases (27.8) (30.9) Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures 58.0 122.7 Total capital expenditures, net $ 1,114.4 $ 919.9 Property and equipment additions: VMED O2 JV (c) $ 898.8 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV $ 705.0 $ 685.3 _______________ (a) Represents the property and equipment additions of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) Includes (i) property and equipment additions representing centrally-owned assets that benefit our operating segments, (ii) the net impact of certain centrally-procured network equipment that is ultimately transferred to our operating segments and (iii) property and equipment additions of our operations in Slovakia. (c) The amount for the 2021 period represents the property and equipment additions of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. Revenue by Major Category Our revenue by major category for our consolidated reportable segments is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Residential revenue: Residential fixed revenue (a): Subscription revenue (b): Broadband internet $ 366.4 $ 799.7 $ 2,008.5 $ 2,333.7 Video 302.6 612.2 1,537.5 1,799.2 Fixed-line telephony 111.4 328.2 732.5 986.7 Total subscription revenue 780.4 1,740.1 4,278.5 5,119.6 Non-subscription revenue 25.5 47.8 127.9 134.7 Total residential fixed revenue 805.9 1,787.9 4,406.4 5,254.3 Residential mobile revenue (c): Subscription revenue (b) 376.0 250.7 1,271.3 713.4 Non-subscription revenue 150.0 179.3 627.2 454.0 Total residential mobile revenue 526.0 430.0 1,898.5 1,167.4 Total residential revenue 1,331.9 2,217.9 6,304.9 6,421.7 B2B revenue (d): Subscription revenue 139.1 149.0 482.1 403.5 Non-subscription revenue 207.4 341.0 1,011.3 996.0 Total B2B revenue 346.5 490.0 1,493.4 1,399.5 Other revenue (e) 223.0 137.5 592.2 412.5 Total $ 1,901.4 $ 2,845.4 $ 8,390.5 $ 8,233.7 _______________ (a) Residential fixed subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services and the recognition of deferred installation revenue over the associated contract period. Residential fixed 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 fixed 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 (i) services provided to certain small or home office ( SOHO ) subscribers and (ii) mobile services provided to medium and large enterprises. 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 (a) revenue from business broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony and data services offered to medium to large enterprises and, on a wholesale basis, to other operators and (b) revenue from long-term leases of portions of our network. (e) Other revenue includes, among other items, (i) revenue earned from the U.K. JV Services, the NL JV Services and the sale of customer premises equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV, (ii) broadcasting revenue in Belgium and Ireland and (iii) revenue earned from transitional and other services provided to various third parties. Geographic Segments The revenue of our geographic segments is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ — $ 1,543.6 $ 2,736.4 $ 4,457.3 Belgium 755.4 746.6 2,302.9 2,147.2 Switzerland 830.2 315.0 2,497.4 930.9 Ireland 136.0 126.4 406.2 366.2 Slovakia 12.9 12.6 39.1 37.5 Other, including intersegment eliminations 166.9 101.2 408.5 294.6 Total $ 1,901.4 $ 2,845.4 $ 8,390.5 $ 8,233.7 VMED O2 JV (U.K.) (b) $ 3,614.0 $ — $ 4,822.5 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV (Netherlands) $ 1,206.1 $ 1,166.7 $ 3,638.4 $ 3,345.4 ______________ (a) Represents the revenue of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) The amount for the 2021 nine-month period represents the revenue of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. |
Accounting Changes (Policies)
| Accounting Changes (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] | |
| Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements | ASU 2019-12 In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued Accounting Standards Update ( 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. We adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021, and such adoption did not have a significant impact 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 $63.6 million and $48.3 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $31.4 million and $43.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $331.7 million and $437.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The decrease in deferred revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 is primarily due to the net effect of (a) the recognition of $292.8 million of revenue that was included in our deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2020 and (b) the impact of additions during the period. 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 $54.1 million and $34.8 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $4.9 million and $76.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and $26.4 million and $80.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, 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 | GeneralWe 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 (
| Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] | |
| Classes of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale | The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of UPC Poland as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized in the following table. Due to the fact that we expect to complete the sale of UPC Poland within 12 months, all of the associated assets and liabilities are classified as current on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 in millions Assets: Current assets $ 23.8 $ 26.8 Property and equipment, net 383.9 427.5 Goodwill 469.9 501.0 Other assets, net 30.1 24.8 Total assets $ 907.7 $ 980.1 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 38.2 $ 44.3 Other accrued and current liabilities 92.2 99.1 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 5.4 6.0 Other long-term liabilities 55.5 38.1 Total liabilities $ 191.3 $ 187.5 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Revenue $ 113.2 $ 109.1 $ 344.9 $ 319.5 Operating income $ 31.6 $ 18.3 $ 83.9 $ 63.4 Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests $ 29.5 $ 16.3 $ 82.0 $ 55.6 Income tax expense (26.4) (4.3) (37.7) (13.1) Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 3.1 $ 12.0 $ 44.3 $ 42.5 The June 1, 2021 carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities, which were contributed into the VMED O2 JV, are summarized below (in millions): Assets: Current assets (a) $ 4,868.3 Property and equipment, net 9,465.1 Goodwill 8,214.7 Other assets, net 3,086.9 Total assets (b) $ 25,635.0 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 3,220.9 Other accrued and current liabilities 2,242.0 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 16,905.1 Other long-term liabilities 1,788.2 Total liabilities (b) $ 24,156.2 _______________ (a) Amount includes $3.4 billion of net proceeds from certain financing transactions completed in 2020 that were held in escrow pending the completion of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) The carrying amount of the net assets of $1,478.8 million presented above is net of the cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $1,198.6 million. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the U.K. JV Entities that are classified as held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 are as follows (in millions): Assets: Current assets $ 4,519.8 Property and equipment, net 8,614.0 Goodwill 7,918.5 Other assets, net 3,230.4 Total assets $ 24,282.7 Liabilities: Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations $ 2,699.5 Other accrued and current liabilities 2,207.3 Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 16,724.1 Other long-term liabilities 1,566.3 Total liabilities $ 23,197.2 |
| Equity Method Investments | The preliminary amounts below are subject to adjustment based on the final assessment of the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities (in millions): Current assets $ 4,753.6 Property and equipment, net 12,496.0 Goodwill 29,173.4 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 13,274.4 Other assets, net 7,480.1 Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (4,352.5) Other accrued and current liabilities (6,055.0) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (21,959.1) Other long-term liabilities (5,469.3) Total preliminary fair value of the net assets of the VMED O2 JV $ 29,341.6 The following table sets forth the details of our share of results of affiliates, net: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions All3Media $ (3.4) $ (0.3) $ (18.2) $ (40.1) VMED O2 JV (a) (10.4) — (10.7) — VodafoneZiggo JV (b) (2.6) (6.8) 6.8 (34.9) Formula E (10.9) (17.4) (6.5) (16.7) Other, net (1.9) (2.6) (7.0) (7.4) Total $ (29.2) $ (27.1) $ (35.6) $ (99.1) _______________ (a) Represents our share of the results of operations of the VMED O2 JV beginning June 1, 2021, which includes 100% of the share-based compensation expense associated with Liberty Global awards held by VMED O2 JV employees who were formerly employees of Liberty Global, as these awards remain our responsibility. (b) Represents (i) 100% of the interest income earned on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables and (ii) our share of the results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV. The summarized results of operations of the VMED O2 JV are set forth below: Three months ended September 30, 2021 Period from June 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021 in millions Revenue $ 3,614.0 $ 4,822.5 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 56.3 $ (112.2) Net earnings (loss) $ 31.9 $ (2.7) The summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV are set forth below: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Revenue $ 1,206.1 $ 1,166.7 $ 3,638.4 $ 3,345.4 Loss before income taxes $ (32.9) $ (31.6) $ (73.9) $ (58.5) Net loss $ (24.7) $ (25.6) $ (56.3) $ (111.3) |
| Pro Forma Information for Significant Acquisitions | The following unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results give effect to the Sunrise Acquisition as if it had been completed as of January 1, 2019. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the Sunrise Acquisition had occurred on such date. The pro forma adjustments are based on certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2020 (unaudited) Revenue (in millions) $ 3,337.8 $ 9,695.3 Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (in millions) $ (1,070.8) $ (756.8) Basic and diluted loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share $ (1.81) $ (1.24) |
Investments (Tables)
| Investments (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Investments [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method | The details of our investments are set forth below: Accounting Method September 30, December 31, Ownership (a) in millions % Equity (b): Long-term: VMED O2 JV $ 13,962.7 $ — 50.0 VodafoneZiggo JV (c) 2,741.1 3,052.3 50.0 All3Media Group ( All3Media ) 152.0 157.7 50.0 Atlas Edge JV 119.7 — 50.0 Formula E Holdings Ltd ( Formula E ) 93.7 105.8 32.9 Other 193.1 172.9 Total — equity 17,262.3 3,488.7 Fair value: Short-term: Separately-managed accounts ( SMAs ) (d) 2,511.4 1,600.2 Long-term: ITV plc ( ITV ) (e) 571.9 581.0 9.9 SMAs (d) 431.2 365.7 Univision Holdings Inc. ( Univision ) 249.9 100.0 11.6 Plume Design, Inc. ( Plume ) 188.7 54.9 12.0 EdgeConneX Inc. ( EdgeConneX ) 124.5 75.1 5.5 Lions Gate Entertainment Corp ( Lionsgate ) 90.0 72.0 2.9 Aviatrix Systems, Inc. ( Aviatrix ) 78.2 7.3 3.8 Lacework Inc. ( Lacework ) 74.0 23.3 3.7 Skillz Inc. ( Skillz ) 72.9 225.4 1.8 CANAL+ Polska S.A. 71.5 92.3 17.0 Other (f) 334.1 268.8 Total — fair value 4,798.3 3,466.0 Total investments (g) $ 22,060.6 $ 6,954.7 Short-term investments $ 2,511.4 $ 1,600.2 Long-term investments $ 19,549.2 $ 5,354.5 _______________ (a) Our ownership percentages are determined based on our legal ownership as of the most recent balance sheet date or are estimated based on the number of shares we own and the most recent publicly-available information. (b) 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 loans and commitments to, the investee. Accordingly, the carrying values of our equity method investments may not equal the respective fair values. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying amounts of our equity method investments exceeded our proportionate share of the respective investee’s net assets by $1,247.0 million and $1,198.5 million, respectively, which include amounts associated with the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables, as defined below, and amounts we are owed under a long-term note receivable from All3Media. (c) Amounts include certain notes receivable due from a subsidiary of the VodafoneZiggo JV to a subsidiary of Liberty Global comprising (i) a euro-denominated note receivable with a principal amount of $809.9 million and $855.8 million, respectively (the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable I ), and (ii) a euro-denominated note receivable with a principal amount of $240.5 million and $127.1 million, respectively (the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable II and, together with the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable I, the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables ). During the third quarter of 2021, an additional $123.0 million was loaned under the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable II to fund the VodafoneZiggo JV’s final installment of spectrum license fees due to the Dutch government. The VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables bear interest at 5.55% and have a final maturity date of December 31, 2030. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, interest accrued on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables was $41.7 million, all of which has been cash settled. (d) 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 September 30, 2021, all of our investments held under SMAs were classified as available-for-sale debt securities. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, interest accrued on our debt securities, which is included in other current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $5.7 million and $7.1 million, respectively. (e) In connection with our investment in ITV, we previously entered into (i) the ITV Collar (as defined in note 6) and (ii) a related secured borrowing agreement (the ITV Collar Loan ), each of which were fully settled during the second quarter of 2021, as further described in note 6. (f) As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held a noncontrolling junior interest in receivables we have securitized of $9.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively. (g) 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. |
| Equity Method Investments | The preliminary amounts below are subject to adjustment based on the final assessment of the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities (in millions): Current assets $ 4,753.6 Property and equipment, net 12,496.0 Goodwill 29,173.4 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 13,274.4 Other assets, net 7,480.1 Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (4,352.5) Other accrued and current liabilities (6,055.0) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (21,959.1) Other long-term liabilities (5,469.3) Total preliminary fair value of the net assets of the VMED O2 JV $ 29,341.6 The following table sets forth the details of our share of results of affiliates, net: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions All3Media $ (3.4) $ (0.3) $ (18.2) $ (40.1) VMED O2 JV (a) (10.4) — (10.7) — VodafoneZiggo JV (b) (2.6) (6.8) 6.8 (34.9) Formula E (10.9) (17.4) (6.5) (16.7) Other, net (1.9) (2.6) (7.0) (7.4) Total $ (29.2) $ (27.1) $ (35.6) $ (99.1) _______________ (a) Represents our share of the results of operations of the VMED O2 JV beginning June 1, 2021, which includes 100% of the share-based compensation expense associated with Liberty Global awards held by VMED O2 JV employees who were formerly employees of Liberty Global, as these awards remain our responsibility. (b) Represents (i) 100% of the interest income earned on the VodafoneZiggo JV Receivables and (ii) our share of the results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV. The summarized results of operations of the VMED O2 JV are set forth below: Three months ended September 30, 2021 Period from June 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021 in millions Revenue $ 3,614.0 $ 4,822.5 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 56.3 $ (112.2) Net earnings (loss) $ 31.9 $ (2.7) The summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV are set forth below: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Revenue $ 1,206.1 $ 1,166.7 $ 3,638.4 $ 3,345.4 Loss before income taxes $ (32.9) $ (31.6) $ (73.9) $ (58.5) Net loss $ (24.7) $ (25.6) $ (56.3) $ (111.3) |
| Schedule of Debt Securities | The following table sets forth the details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair value, net: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Univision $ 5.9 $ — $ 161.3 $ — Plume 78.7 — 133.8 29.6 Skillz (104.6) (0.1) (83.3) 45.3 Aviatrix 42.6 — 65.4 — Lacework — — 48.8 — EdgeConneX 2.7 — 20.5 — Lionsgate (39.6) 13.1 18.0 (7.8) ITV (118.6) (20.5) (9.1) (450.2) Other, net 23.5 (15.1) 17.9 (25.9) Total $ (109.4) $ (22.6) $ 373.3 $ (409.0) At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, all of our SMAs were composed of debt securities, which are summarized in the following tables: September 30, 2021 Amortized cost basis Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) Fair value in millions Commercial paper $ 1,019.2 $ — $ 1,019.2 Corporate debt securities 846.7 0.6 847.3 Government bonds 709.5 (0.4) 709.1 Certificates of deposit 351.1 — 351.1 Other debt securities 15.9 — 15.9 Total debt securities $ 2,942.4 $ 0.2 $ 2,942.6 December 31, 2020 Amortized cost basis Accumulated unrealized gains Fair value in millions Corporate debt securities $ 713.2 $ 2.3 $ 715.5 Commercial paper 523.7 0.6 524.3 Government bonds 474.8 0.2 475.0 Certificates of deposit 251.0 0.1 251.1 Total debt securities $ 1,962.7 $ 3.2 $ 1,965.9 The fair value of our debt securities as of September 30, 2021 by contractual maturity are shown below (in millions): Due in one year or less $ 2,511.4 Due in one to five years 426.7 Due in five to ten years 4.5 Total (a) $ 2,942.6 _______________ (a) The weighted average life of our total debt securities was 0.6 years as of September 30, 2021. |
Derivative Instruments (Tables)
| Derivative Instruments (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Current Long-term Total Current Long-term Total in millions Assets (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 108.9 $ 279.6 $ 388.5 $ 148.8 $ 418.4 $ 567.2 Equity-related derivative instruments (c) — 114.4 114.4 49.3 231.6 280.9 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 5.9 0.2 6.1 36.5 0.1 36.6 Other 1.3 — 1.3 — — — Total $ 116.1 $ 394.2 $ 510.3 $ 234.6 $ 650.1 $ 884.7 Liabilities (a): Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) $ 154.0 $ 509.0 $ 663.0 $ 171.2 $ 1,364.1 $ 1,535.3 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 31.1 — 31.1 81.5 — 81.5 Total $ 185.1 $ 509.0 $ 694.1 $ 252.7 $ 1,364.1 $ 1,616.8 _______________ (a) Our current derivative assets, long-term derivative assets and long-term derivative liabilities are included in other current assets, 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 net gains (losses) of ($34.0 million) and $222.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and ($34.8 million) and $294.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, 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 at December 31, 2020 include a share collar (the ITV Collar ) with respect to certain of the shares of ITV held by our company. During the second quarter of 2021, we completed the unwind of the ITV Collar and cash settled all remaining amounts under the ITV Collar Loan. Accordingly, at September 30, 2021, the ITV Collar and ITV Collar Loan had been fully settled. |
| 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 170.9 $ (755.4) $ 658.0 $ (222.5) Equity-related derivative instruments: ITV Collar — 82.9 (11.8) 433.2 Other 50.8 (5.8) 86.1 21.5 Total equity-related derivative instruments 50.8 77.1 74.3 454.7 Foreign currency forward and option contracts (22.4) (39.2) (27.1) (31.8) Other — — 2.2 — Total $ 199.3 $ (717.5) $ 707.4 $ 200.4 |
| 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: Nine months ended 2021 2020 in millions Operating activities $ (51.7) $ (215.5) Investing activities (61.7) (28.7) Financing activities 23.1 72.6 Total $ (90.3) $ (171.6) |
| Schedule of Derivative Instruments | The following table sets forth the total notional amounts and the related weighted average remaining contractual lives of our cross-currency swap contracts at September 30, 2021: Notional amount Notional amount Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 360.0 € 267.9 4.0 $ 4,650.0 CHF 4,256.9 (a)(b) 6.6 € 2,650.0 CHF 2,970.1 (b) 4.4 € 777.0 PLN 3,302.9 (a) 4.3 CHF 740.0 € 701.1 1.3 Telenet $ 3,940.0 € 3,489.6 (a) 5.3 € 45.2 $ 50.0 (c) 3.3 _______________ (a) Includes certain derivative instruments that are “forward-starting,” such that the initial exchange occurs at a date subsequent to September 30, 2021. These instruments are typically entered into in order to extend existing hedges without the need to amend existing contracts. (b) Includes amounts subject to a 0.0% floor. (c) 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 September 30, 2021, the total U.S. dollar equivalent of the notional amount of these derivative instruments was $52.3 million. 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 September 30, 2021: Pays fixed rate Receives fixed rate Notional Weighted average remaining life Notional Weighted average remaining life in millions in years in millions in years UPC Holding $ 6,749.0 (a) 3.5 $ 4,537.6 (b) 4.6 Telenet $ 3,337.1 (a) 3.5 $ 1,651.2 2.0 _______________ (a) Includes forward-starting derivative instruments. (b) Includes amounts subject to a 0.0% floor. Notional amount due from counterparty Weighted average remaining life in millions in years UPC Holding $ 2,625.0 (a) 0.3 Telenet $ 2,295.0 (a) 0.3 ______________ (a) Includes amounts subject to a 0.0% floor. 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 September 30, 2021 (a) UPC Holding 0.15 % Telenet 0.24 % VM Ireland 0.42 % Total increase to borrowing costs 0.20 % _______________ (a) Represents the effect of derivative instruments in effect at September 30, 2021 and does not include forward-starting derivative instruments. |
Fair Value Measurements (Tables
| Fair Value Measurements (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 September 30, 2021 using: Description September 30, Quoted prices Significant Significant in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 388.5 $ — $ 388.5 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 114.4 — — 114.4 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 6.1 — 6.1 — Other 1.3 — 1.3 — Total derivative instruments 510.3 — 395.9 114.4 Investments: SMAs 2,942.6 618.8 2,318.8 5.0 Other investments 1,855.7 740.4 71.5 1,043.8 Total investments 4,798.3 1,359.2 2,390.3 1,048.8 Total assets $ 5,308.6 $ 1,359.2 $ 2,786.2 $ 1,163.2 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 663.0 $ — $ 663.0 $ — Foreign currency forward and option contracts 31.1 — 31.1 — Total liabilities $ 694.1 $ — $ 694.1 $ — Fair value measurements at December 31, 2020 using: Description December 31, 2020 Quoted prices Significant Significant in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 567.2 $ — $ 567.2 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 280.9 — — 280.9 Foreign currency forward and option contracts 36.6 — 36.6 — Total derivative instruments 884.7 — 603.8 280.9 Investments: SMAs 1,965.9 405.7 1,560.2 — Other investments 1,500.1 888.2 92.3 519.6 Total investments 3,466.0 1,293.9 1,652.5 519.6 Total assets $ 4,350.7 $ 1,293.9 $ 2,256.3 $ 800.5 Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,535.3 $ — $ 1,535.3 $ — Foreign currency forward and option contracts 81.5 — 81.5 — Total liabilities $ 1,616.8 $ — $ 1,616.8 $ — |
| 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 Total in millions Balance of net assets at January 1, 2021 $ 519.6 $ — $ 280.9 $ 800.5 Gains included in earnings from continuing operations (a): Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net — — 74.3 74.3 Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net 467.0 179.3 — 646.3 Settlement of ITV Collar — — (240.8) (240.8) Additions 83.9 — — 83.9 Derivative instruments contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction — (179.3) — (179.3) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net (21.7) — — (21.7) Balance of net assets at September 30, 2021 $ 1,048.8 $ — $ 114.4 $ 1,163.2 _______________ (a) Most of these net gains relate to assets and liabilities that we continue to carry on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021. |
Long-lived Assets (Tables)
| Long-lived Assets (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of PP&E | The details of our property and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation are set forth below: September 30, December 31, in millions Distribution systems $ 9,412.9 $ 9,646.4 Customer premises equipment 1,387.0 1,447.7 Support equipment, buildings and land 4,162.8 4,366.7 Total property and equipment, gross 14,962.7 15,460.8 Accumulated depreciation (7,978.1) (7,834.2) Total property and equipment, net $ 6,984.6 $ 7,626.6 |
| Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill | Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 are set forth below: January 1, 2021 Acquisitions Foreign September 30, 2021 in millions Switzerland $ 6,816.0 $ 17.7 $ (404.2) $ 6,429.5 Belgium 2,783.7 — (149.2) 2,634.5 Ireland 296.2 — (15.8) 280.4 Central and Other 69.8 — (3.7) 66.1 Total $ 9,965.7 $ 17.7 $ (572.9) $ 9,410.5 |
| Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net | The details of our intangible assets subject to amortization are set forth below: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount in millions Customer relationships $ 2,287.7 $ (502.2) $ 1,785.5 $ 2,411.6 $ (237.5) $ 2,174.1 Other 1,039.2 (414.7) 624.5 1,072.1 (366.3) 705.8 Total $ 3,326.9 $ (916.9) $ 2,410.0 $ 3,483.7 $ (603.8) $ 2,879.9 |
Debt (Tables)
| Debt (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Debt | The U.S. dollar equivalents of the components of our debt are as follows: September 30, 2021 Principal amount Weighted Unused borrowing Borrowing currency U.S. $ September 30, December 31, in millions UPC Holding Bank Facility (c) 2.87 % € 716.2 $ 828.6 $ 4,085.8 $ 4,767.1 UPCB SPE Notes 4.43 % — — 1,944.2 1,393.7 UPC Holding Senior Notes 4.59 % — — 1,222.6 1,261.5 Telenet Credit Facility (d) 2.14 % € 555.0 642.1 3,579.3 3,652.0 Telenet Senior Secured Notes 4.73 % — — 1,624.8 1,660.2 VM Ireland Credit Facility (e) 3.50 % € 100.0 115.7 1,041.3 — Vendor financing (f) 2.01 % — — 1,003.5 1,099.6 ITV Collar Loan (g) — — — — 415.9 Other 7.08 % — — 149.4 266.3 Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums (h) 3.28 % $ 1,586.4 $ 14,650.9 $ 14,516.3 The following table provides a reconciliation of total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums to total debt and finance lease obligations: September 30, December 31, in millions Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums $ 14,650.9 $ 14,516.3 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (60.3) (118.4) Total carrying amount of debt 14,590.6 14,397.9 Finance lease obligations (note 10) 493.2 549.5 Total debt and finance lease obligations 15,083.8 14,947.4 Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations (986.5) (1,086.1) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 14,097.3 $ 13,861.3 _______________ (a) Represents the weighted average interest rate in effect at September 30, 2021 for all borrowings outstanding 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, the weighted average interest rate on our aggregate variable- and fixed-rate indebtedness was 3.54% at September 30, 2021. For information regarding our derivative instruments, see note 6. (b) Unused borrowing capacity represents the maximum availability under the applicable facility at September 30, 2021 without regard to covenant compliance calculations or other conditions precedent to borrowing. The following table provides our borrowing availability and amounts available to loan or distribute under each of the respective subsidiary facilities, based on the most restrictive applicable leverage covenants and leverage-based restricted payment tests, (i) at September 30, 2021 and (ii) upon completion of the relevant September 30, 2021 compliance reporting requirements. These amounts do not consider any actual or potential changes to our borrowing levels or any amounts loaned or distributed subsequent to September 30, 2021, or the impact of additional amounts that may be available to borrow, loan or distribute under certain defined baskets within each respective facility. Availability September 30, 2021 Upon completion of the relevant September 30, 2021 compliance reporting requirements Borrowing currency U.S. $ Borrowing currency U.S. $ in millions Available to borrow: UPC Holding Bank Facility € 716.2 $ 828.6 € 716.2 $ 828.6 Telenet Credit Facility € 555.0 $ 642.1 € 555.0 $ 642.1 VM Ireland Credit Facility € 100.0 $ 115.7 € 100.0 $ 115.7 Available to loan or distribute: UPC Holding Bank Facility € 716.2 $ 828.6 € 716.2 $ 828.6 Telenet Credit Facility € 555.0 $ 642.1 € 555.0 $ 642.1 VM Ireland Credit Facility € — $ — € 81.6 $ 94.4 (c) Unused borrowing capacity under the UPC Holding Bank Facility relates to an equivalent €716.2 million ($828.6 million) under the UPC Revolving Facility, part of which has been made available as an ancillary facility. During 2021, the UPC Revolving Facility was amended to provide for maximum borrowing capacity of €736.4 million ($852.0 million), including €23.0 million ($26.6 million) under the related ancillary facility. With the exception of €20.2 million ($23.4 million) of borrowings under the ancillary facility, the UPC Revolving Facility was undrawn at September 30, 2021. (d) Unused borrowing capacity under the Telenet Credit Facility comprises (i) €510.0 million ($590.1 million) under the Telenet Revolving Facility I, (ii) €25.0 million ($28.9 million) under the Telenet Overdraft Facility and (iii) €20.0 million ($23.1 million) under the Telenet Revolving Facility, each of which were undrawn at September 30, 2021. (e) Unused borrowing capacity under the VM Ireland Credit Facility relates to €100.0 million ($115.7 million) under the VM Ireland Revolving Facility (as defined below), which was undrawn at September 30, 2021. (f) Represents amounts owed to various creditors pursuant to interest-bearing vendor financing arrangements that are used to finance certain of our property and equipment additions and operating expenses. These arrangements extend our repayment terms beyond a vendor’s original due dates (e.g. extension beyond a vendor’s customary payment terms, which are generally 90 days or less) and as such are classified outside of accounts payable on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. These obligations are generally due within one year and include VAT that was also financed under these arrangements. For purposes of our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, operating expenses financed by an intermediary are treated as hypothetical operating cash outflows and hypothetical financing cash inflows when the expenses are incurred. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the hypothetical cash outflow included in cash flows from operating activities and the corresponding hypothetical cash inflow included in cash flows from financing activities related to these operating expenses was $1,657.5 million and $1,995.5 million, respectively. 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. (g) As described in note 5, the ITV Collar Loan was fully repaid during the second quarter of 2021. (h) As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our debt had an estimated fair value of $14.8 billion and $14.7 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). For additional information regarding fair value hierarchies, see note 7. The following tables summarize our outstanding indebtedness as of September 30, 2021 with respect to (i) the UPC Holding Bank Facility and (ii) the UPCB SPE Notes, after completion of the aforementioned financing transactions. UPC Holding Bank Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (borrowing currency) (a) Unused Outstanding principal amount Carrying in millions AQ (c) June 15, 2029 3.625% € 600.0 $ — $ 694.2 $ 690.1 AT (d) April 30, 2028 LIBOR + 2.25% $ 700.0 — 700.0 696.8 AU (e) April 30, 2029 EURIBOR + 2.5% € 400.0 — 462.8 460.6 AX (d) January 31, 2029 LIBOR + 3.0% $ 1,925.0 — 1,925.0 1,909.9 AY (e) January 31, 2029 EURIBOR + 3.0% € 862.5 — 998.0 992.5 AZ (c) July 15, 2031 4.875% $ 1,250.0 — 1,250.0 1,248.6 UPC Revolving Facility (f) May 31, 2026 EURIBOR + 2.5% € 736.4 828.6 — — Elimination of Facilities AQ and AZ in consolidation (c) — (1,944.2) (1,938.7) Total $ 828.6 $ 4,085.8 $ 4,059.8 _______________ (a) Except as described in (c) below, amounts represent total third-party facility amounts at September 30, 2021. (b) Amounts are net of deferred financing costs and discounts, where applicable. (c) The amounts outstanding under UPC Facilities AQ and AZ are eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements. (d) UPC Facilities AT and AX are each subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.0%. (e) UPC Facilities AU and AY are each subject to a EURIBOR floor of 0.0%. (f) The UPC Revolving Facility has a fee on unused commitments of 1.0% per year. Original issue amount Outstanding principal UPCB SPE Notes Maturity Interest rate Borrowing U.S. $ Carrying in millions UPCB Finance VII Euro Notes June 15, 2029 3.625% € 600.0 € 600.0 $ 694.2 $ 690.1 2031 UPC Senior Secured Notes July 15, 2031 4.875% $ 1,250.0 $ 1,250.0 1,250.0 1,248.6 Total $ 1,944.2 $ 1,938.7 _______________ |
| Maturities of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | Maturities of our debt as of September 30, 2021 are presented below for the named entity and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted, and represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on September 30, 2021 exchange rates. UPC Holding (a) Telenet VM Ireland Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 62.6 $ 100.6 $ — $ 25.7 $ 188.9 2022 351.9 331.3 — 70.4 753.6 2023 — 11.4 — 55.7 67.1 2024 — 11.4 — 16.1 27.5 2025 — 11.4 — 1.2 12.6 2026 — 11.5 — — 11.5 Thereafter 7,252.6 5,295.8 1,041.3 — 13,589.7 Total debt maturities (b) 7,667.1 5,773.4 1,041.3 169.1 14,650.9 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net (37.7) (15.1) (7.5) — (60.3) Total debt $ 7,629.4 $ 5,758.3 $ 1,033.8 $ 169.1 $ 14,590.6 Current portion $ 414.5 $ 431.3 $ — $ 72.8 $ 918.6 Noncurrent portion $ 7,214.9 $ 5,327.0 $ 1,033.8 $ 96.3 $ 13,672.0 _______________ (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 vendor financing obligations of $1,003.5 million, as set forth below: UPC Telenet Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 62.6 $ 100.4 $ 25.7 $ 188.7 2022 351.9 319.5 70.4 741.8 2023 — — 55.7 55.7 2024 — — 16.1 16.1 2025 — — 1.2 1.2 Total vendor financing maturities $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 169.1 $ 1,003.5 Current portion $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 72.8 $ 907.2 Noncurrent portion $ — $ — $ 96.3 $ 96.3 |
| Maturities of Financing Lease Liabilities | Amounts include vendor financing obligations of $1,003.5 million, as set forth below: UPC Telenet Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 62.6 $ 100.4 $ 25.7 $ 188.7 2022 351.9 319.5 70.4 741.8 2023 — — 55.7 55.7 2024 — — 16.1 16.1 2025 — — 1.2 1.2 Total vendor financing maturities $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 169.1 $ 1,003.5 Current portion $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 72.8 $ 907.2 Noncurrent portion $ — $ — $ 96.3 $ 96.3 Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of September 30, 2021 are presented below. Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on September 30, 2021 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 53.5 $ 25.4 2022 204.9 94.6 2023 188.8 98.2 2024 173.5 61.1 2025 159.7 57.7 2026 47.6 53.7 Thereafter 1,120.9 244.5 Total payments 1,948.9 635.2 Less: present value discount (625.3) (142.0) Present value of lease payments $ 1,323.6 $ 493.2 Current portion $ 183.3 $ 67.9 Noncurrent portion $ 1,140.3 $ 425.3 |
Leases (Tables)
| Leases (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Leases [Abstract] | |
| Lease Balances | A summary of our right-of-use ( ROU ) assets and lease liabilities is set forth below: September 30, December 31, 2020 in millions ROU assets: Finance leases (a) $ 439.2 $ 471.6 Operating leases (b) 1,315.4 1,440.3 Total ROU assets $ 1,754.6 $ 1,911.9 Lease liabilities: Finance leases (c) $ 493.2 $ 549.5 Operating leases (d) 1,323.6 1,432.0 Total lease liabilities $ 1,816.8 $ 1,981.5 _______________ (a) Our finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases was 22.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 6.0%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded non-cash additions to our finance lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) of $27.8 million and $30.9 million, respectively. (b) Our operating lease ROU assets are included in other assets, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 11.6 years and the weighted average discount rate was 5.8%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded non-cash additions to our operating lease ROU assets (including amounts related to the U.K. JV Entities through the closing of the U.K. JV Transaction) of $67.4 million and $64.2 million, respectively. (c) The current and long-term portions of our finance lease liabilities are included within current portion of debt and finance lease obligations and long-term debt and finance lease obligations, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (d) The current portions of our operating lease liabilities are included within other accrued and current liabilities 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Finance lease expense: Depreciation and amortization $ 13.6 $ 16.8 $ 52.6 $ 52.7 Interest expense 5.4 7.7 22.1 23.6 Total finance lease expense 19.0 24.5 74.7 76.3 Operating lease expense (a) 38.5 16.4 164.7 79.6 Short-term lease expense (a) 1.1 0.9 4.0 3.1 Variable lease expense (b) 0.4 0.3 1.6 1.1 Total lease expense $ 59.0 $ 42.1 $ 245.0 $ 160.1 _______________ (a) Our operating lease expense and short-term lease expense are included in programming and other direct costs of services, 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: Nine months ended 2021 2020 in millions Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 164.1 $ 72.6 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 22.1 23.6 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 52.0 75.2 Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases $ 238.2 $ 171.4 |
| Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities | Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of September 30, 2021 are presented below. Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on September 30, 2021 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 53.5 $ 25.4 2022 204.9 94.6 2023 188.8 98.2 2024 173.5 61.1 2025 159.7 57.7 2026 47.6 53.7 Thereafter 1,120.9 244.5 Total payments 1,948.9 635.2 Less: present value discount (625.3) (142.0) Present value of lease payments $ 1,323.6 $ 493.2 Current portion $ 183.3 $ 67.9 Noncurrent portion $ 1,140.3 $ 425.3 |
| Maturities of Financing Lease Liabilities | Amounts include vendor financing obligations of $1,003.5 million, as set forth below: UPC Telenet Other Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 62.6 $ 100.4 $ 25.7 $ 188.7 2022 351.9 319.5 70.4 741.8 2023 — — 55.7 55.7 2024 — — 16.1 16.1 2025 — — 1.2 1.2 Total vendor financing maturities $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 169.1 $ 1,003.5 Current portion $ 414.5 $ 419.9 $ 72.8 $ 907.2 Noncurrent portion $ — $ — $ 96.3 $ 96.3 Maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities as of September 30, 2021 are presented below. Amounts represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on September 30, 2021 exchange rates: Operating leases Finance in millions Year ending December 31: 2021 (remainder of year) $ 53.5 $ 25.4 2022 204.9 94.6 2023 188.8 98.2 2024 173.5 61.1 2025 159.7 57.7 2026 47.6 53.7 Thereafter 1,120.9 244.5 Total payments 1,948.9 635.2 Less: present value discount (625.3) (142.0) Present value of lease payments $ 1,323.6 $ 493.2 Current portion $ 183.3 $ 67.9 Noncurrent portion $ 1,140.3 $ 425.3 |
Income Taxes (Tables)
| Income Taxes (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) (a) $ (60.4) $ 218.7 $ (2,533.3) $ 143.3 Non-taxable gain associated with the U.K. JV Transaction (66.0) — 2,050.2 — Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results 88.9 (224.3) 169.7 (166.6) Change in valuation allowances (19.1) (98.6) (107.6) (198.2) International rate differences (b) (39.5) (3.0) (81.1) (6.7) Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (c) 99.3 (7.4) 75.1 (24.6) Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items (12.3) 26.4 (50.7) (19.7) Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits — — 20.5 188.8 Tax benefit associated with technology innovation (d) 5.7 4.9 17.2 54.4 Enacted tax law and rate changes (e) 2.5 242.3 2.1 274.0 Other, net (1.3) 6.5 (6.3) 7.5 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ (2.2) $ 165.5 $ (444.2) $ 252.2 _______________ (a) The statutory or “expected” tax rate is the U.K. rate of 19.0%. (b) 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. (c) 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 the recognition of the innovation income tax deduction in Belgium. The amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes the one-time effect of deductions related to prior periods. (e) On July 22, 2020, legislation was enacted in the U.K. to maintain the corporate income tax rate at 19.0%, reversing previous legislation that had reduced the U.K. rate to 17.0% from April 1, 2020. The impact of this rate change on our deferred balances was recorded during the third quarter of 2020. On June 10, 2021, legislation was enacted in the U.K. to increase the U.K. corporate income rate to 25.0% from April 1, 2023. The impact of this rate change on our deferred balances was recorded during the second quarter of 2021. |
Share-based Compensation (Table
| Share-based Compensation (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Liberty Global: Performance-based incentive awards (a) $ 11.9 $ 57.0 $ 50.3 $ 106.3 Non-performance based incentive awards (b) 31.4 27.8 116.2 93.9 Other (c) 7.8 6.9 22.2 19.1 Total Liberty Global 51.1 91.7 188.7 219.3 Other (d) 6.9 12.7 31.9 24.1 Total $ 58.0 $ 104.4 $ 220.6 $ 243.4 Included in: Other operating expense $ 1.6 $ 2.5 $ 10.4 $ 4.8 SG&A expense 56.4 101.9 210.2 238.6 Total $ 58.0 $ 104.4 $ 220.6 $ 243.4 _______________ (a) Includes share-based compensation expense related to (i) performance-based restricted share units ( PSUs ), (ii) our 2019 CEO Performance Award and (iii) our 2019 Challenge Performance Awards. (b) In April 2021 with respect to 2014 and 2015 grants and April 2020 with respect to 2013 grants, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved the extension of the expiration dates of outstanding share appreciation rights ( SARs ) and director options from a seven-year term to a ten-year term. Accordingly, the Black-Scholes fair values of the respective outstanding awards increased, resulting in the recognition of aggregate incremental share-based compensation expense of $22.7 million and $18.9 million during the second quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively. (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. In addition, the 2021 amounts include compensation expense related to the 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan, as defined and described below. (d) Amounts primarily relate to share-based compensation expense associated with Telenet’s share-based incentive awards. |
| Schedule of Stock Option Activity | The following table provides the aggregate number of options, SARs and performance-based share appreciation rights ( PSARs ) with respect to awards issued by Liberty Global that were (i) outstanding and (ii) exercisable as of September 30, 2021: Class A Class C Gross number of shares underlying option, SAR and PSAR awards (a) Weighted average exercise or base price Gross number of shares underlying option, SAR and PSAR awards (a) Weighted average exercise or base price Held by Liberty Global employees: Outstanding 25,757,426 $ 27.06 60,118,409 $ 26.12 Exercisable 12,557,002 $ 30.64 27,734,216 $ 29.19 Held by former Liberty Global employees (b): Outstanding 1,675,974 $ 31.14 4,689,511 $ 28.45 Exercisable 1,388,812 $ 32.80 4,115,209 $ 23.32 _______________ (a) Amounts represent the gross number of shares associated with option, SAR and PSAR awards issued to our current and former employees and our directors. Our company settles SARs and PSARs on a net basis when exercised by the award holder, whereby the number of shares issued represents the excess value of the award based on the market price of the respective Liberty Global shares at the time of exercise relative to the award’s exercise price. In addition, the number of shares issued is further reduced by the amount of the employee’s required income tax withholding. (b) Amounts represent certain share-based awards that continue to be held by former employees of Liberty Global subsequent to certain split-off or disposal transactions. Although future exercises of these awards by former employees will not result in the recognition of share-based compensation expense, such exercises will increase the number of our outstanding ordinary shares. |
| Schedule of Other Share Based Compensation Activity | The following table provides the aggregate number of restricted share units ( RSUs ) and PSUs that were outstanding as of September 30, 2021. The number of shares to be issued on the vesting date of these awards will be reduced by the amount of the employee’s required income tax withholding. Class A Class C Held by Liberty Global employees: RSUs 2,722,067 5,443,384 PSUs 1,306,731 2,613,401 Held by former Liberty Global employees (a): RSUs 74,193 148,583 PSUs 37,510 75,016 _______________ |
Earnings or Loss per Share (Tab
| Earnings or Loss per Share (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of Earnings Per Share | The details of our basic and diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding are set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) 551,973,418 590,985,197 561,295,200 608,816,109 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) 13,071,058 — 13,131,584 — Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) 565,044,476 590,985,197 574,426,784 608,816,109 The details of our net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ 315.6 $ (985.6) $ 12,889.2 $ (502.2) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (41.6) (49.5) (142.8) (137.8) Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 274.0 $ (1,035.1) $ 12,746.4 $ (640.0) |
| Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares | The details of our basic and diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding are set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) 551,973,418 590,985,197 561,295,200 608,816,109 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) 13,071,058 — 13,131,584 — Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) 565,044,476 590,985,197 574,426,784 608,816,109 |
Commitments and Contingencies (
| Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Unrecorded Purchase Obligation | The following table sets forth the U.S. dollar equivalents of such commitments as of September 30, 2021. The commitments included in this table do not reflect any liabilities that are included on our September 30, 2021 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Payments due during: Remainder 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Total in millions Network and connectivity commitments $ 62.2 $ 92.8 $ 68.8 $ 50.4 $ 48.7 $ 40.4 $ 684.4 $ 1,047.7 Purchase commitments 249.5 263.5 39.7 21.9 10.5 7.8 0.7 593.6 Programming commitments 57.8 188.2 119.2 79.6 66.2 46.7 18.4 576.1 Other commitments 13.5 73.6 54.2 28.3 29.0 29.0 122.3 349.9 Total $ 383.0 $ 618.1 $ 281.9 $ 180.2 $ 154.4 $ 123.9 $ 825.8 $ 2,567.3 |
Segment Reporting (Tables)
| Segment Reporting (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] | |
| Revenue and Operating Cash Flow by Segment | 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 both the VMED O2 JV and the VodafoneZiggo JV, we present 100% of the revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of those entities in the tables below. Our share of the operating results of the VMED O2 JV and the VodafoneZiggo JV are included in share of results of affiliates, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Revenue Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ — $ 1,543.6 $ 2,736.4 $ 4,457.3 Belgium 755.4 746.6 2,302.9 2,147.2 Switzerland 830.2 315.0 2,497.4 930.9 Ireland 136.0 126.4 406.2 366.2 Central and Other 181.4 118.9 458.7 346.9 Intersegment eliminations (1.6) (5.1) (11.1) (14.8) Total $ 1,901.4 $ 2,845.4 $ 8,390.5 $ 8,233.7 VMED O2 JV (b) $ 3,614.0 $ — $ 4,822.5 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV $ 1,206.1 $ 1,166.7 $ 3,638.4 $ 3,345.4 _______________ (a) Represents the revenue of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) The amount for the 2021 nine-month period represents the revenue of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. Adjusted EBITDA Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ — $ 610.9 $ 1,085.3 $ 1,819.6 Belgium 369.1 367.4 1,130.5 1,053.1 Switzerland 330.8 154.4 910.9 439.4 Ireland 59.1 49.9 160.7 143.2 Central and Other 1.5 (20.5) (15.8) (50.6) Intersegment eliminations (b) (2.0) 1.4 1.6 1.4 Total $ 758.5 $ 1,163.5 $ 3,273.2 $ 3,406.1 VMED O2 JV (c) $ 1,180.3 $ — $ 1,591.3 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV $ 578.1 $ 559.1 $ 1,713.4 $ 1,593.4 _______________ (a) Represents the Adjusted EBITDA of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) Amounts relate to transactions between our continuing and discontinued operations. (c) The amount for the 2021 nine-month period represents the Adjusted EBITDA of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. The following table provides a reconciliation of earnings (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ 315.6 $ (985.6) $ 12,889.2 $ (502.2) Income tax expense (benefit) 2.2 (165.5) 444.2 (252.2) Other income, net (8.2) (5.4) (25.6) (67.4) Gain on Atlas Edge JV Transactions (213.7) — (213.7) — (Gain) adjustment to gain on U.K. JV Transaction 347.3 — (10,790.7) — Share of results of affiliates, net 29.2 27.1 35.6 99.1 Losses on debt extinguishment, net — 0.3 90.6 220.4 Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net 109.4 21.5 (373.3) 399.0 Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net (422.4) 754.6 (857.6) 836.3 Realized and unrealized losses (gains) gains on derivative instruments, net (199.3) 717.5 (707.4) (200.4) Interest expense 140.9 279.3 748.1 873.5 Operating income 101.0 643.8 1,239.4 1,406.1 Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net 17.2 (16.7) 68.4 46.5 Depreciation and amortization 582.3 432.0 1,744.8 1,710.1 Share-based compensation expense 58.0 104.4 220.6 243.4 Adjusted EBITDA $ 758.5 $ 1,163.5 $ 3,273.2 $ 3,406.1 |
| 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, respectively. Nine months ended 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ 557.4 $ 975.3 Belgium 424.5 375.1 Switzerland 413.1 181.8 Ireland 61.9 54.4 Central and Other (b) 226.9 253.2 Total property and equipment additions 1,683.8 1,839.8 Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements (599.6) (1,011.7) Assets acquired under finance leases (27.8) (30.9) Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures 58.0 122.7 Total capital expenditures, net $ 1,114.4 $ 919.9 Property and equipment additions: VMED O2 JV (c) $ 898.8 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV $ 705.0 $ 685.3 _______________ (a) Represents the property and equipment additions of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) Includes (i) property and equipment additions representing centrally-owned assets that benefit our operating segments, (ii) the net impact of certain centrally-procured network equipment that is ultimately transferred to our operating segments and (iii) property and equipment additions of our operations in Slovakia. (c) The amount for the 2021 period represents the property and equipment additions of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. |
| Revenue by Major Category | Our revenue by major category for our consolidated reportable segments is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions Residential revenue: Residential fixed revenue (a): Subscription revenue (b): Broadband internet $ 366.4 $ 799.7 $ 2,008.5 $ 2,333.7 Video 302.6 612.2 1,537.5 1,799.2 Fixed-line telephony 111.4 328.2 732.5 986.7 Total subscription revenue 780.4 1,740.1 4,278.5 5,119.6 Non-subscription revenue 25.5 47.8 127.9 134.7 Total residential fixed revenue 805.9 1,787.9 4,406.4 5,254.3 Residential mobile revenue (c): Subscription revenue (b) 376.0 250.7 1,271.3 713.4 Non-subscription revenue 150.0 179.3 627.2 454.0 Total residential mobile revenue 526.0 430.0 1,898.5 1,167.4 Total residential revenue 1,331.9 2,217.9 6,304.9 6,421.7 B2B revenue (d): Subscription revenue 139.1 149.0 482.1 403.5 Non-subscription revenue 207.4 341.0 1,011.3 996.0 Total B2B revenue 346.5 490.0 1,493.4 1,399.5 Other revenue (e) 223.0 137.5 592.2 412.5 Total $ 1,901.4 $ 2,845.4 $ 8,390.5 $ 8,233.7 _______________ (a) Residential fixed subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services and the recognition of deferred installation revenue over the associated contract period. Residential fixed 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 fixed 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 (i) services provided to certain small or home office ( SOHO ) subscribers and (ii) mobile services provided to medium and large enterprises. 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 (a) revenue from business broadband internet, video, fixed-line telephony and data services offered to medium to large enterprises and, on a wholesale basis, to other operators and (b) revenue from long-term leases of portions of our network. (e) Other revenue includes, among other items, (i) revenue earned from the U.K. JV Services, the NL JV Services and the sale of customer premises equipment to the VodafoneZiggo JV, (ii) broadcasting revenue in Belgium and Ireland and (iii) revenue earned from transitional and other services provided to various third parties. |
| Geographic Segments | The revenue of our geographic segments is set forth below: Three months ended Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 in millions U.K. (a) $ — $ 1,543.6 $ 2,736.4 $ 4,457.3 Belgium 755.4 746.6 2,302.9 2,147.2 Switzerland 830.2 315.0 2,497.4 930.9 Ireland 136.0 126.4 406.2 366.2 Slovakia 12.9 12.6 39.1 37.5 Other, including intersegment eliminations 166.9 101.2 408.5 294.6 Total $ 1,901.4 $ 2,845.4 $ 8,390.5 $ 8,233.7 VMED O2 JV (U.K.) (b) $ 3,614.0 $ — $ 4,822.5 $ — VodafoneZiggo JV (Netherlands) $ 1,206.1 $ 1,166.7 $ 3,638.4 $ 3,345.4 ______________ (a) Represents the revenue of the U.K. JV Entities through the June 1, 2021 closing of the U.K. JV Transaction. (b) The amount for the 2021 nine-month period represents the revenue of the VMED O2 JV for the period beginning June 1, 2021. |
Basis of Presentation (Narrativ
| Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Jun. 01, 2021 | |
| Telenet | ||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Percentage ownership in subsidiary | 60.70% | |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | |
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | |
| Telefonica | ||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | |
| VMED O2 JV | ||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | 50.00% |
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% |
Revenue Recognition and Relat_2
| Revenue Recognition and Related Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
| Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |||||
| Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts | $ 63.6 | $ 63.6 | $ 48.3 | ||
| Contract assets | 31.4 | 31.4 | 43.3 | ||
| Deferred revenue | 331.7 | 331.7 | 437.3 | ||
| Revenue recognized | 292.8 | ||||
| Aggregate assets associated with incremental costs to obtain a contract and contract fulfillment costs | 54.1 | 54.1 | $ 34.8 | ||
| Amortization related to contract costs | $ 4.9 | $ 26.4 | $ 76.7 | $ 80.3 | |
| 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 | ||||
Acquisitions and Dispositions_2
| Acquisitions and Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) SFr / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, zł in Millions, $ in Millions, SFr in Billions | Sep. 22, 2021USD ($) | Jun. 01, 2021USD ($) | Nov. 11, 2020USD ($) | Nov. 11, 2020CHF (SFr)SFr / shares | Apr. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) | Sep. 22, 2021PLN (zł) | Sep. 01, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020USD ($) | Nov. 11, 2020$ / shares |
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash received in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | $ 52 | $ 52 | $ 0 | |||||||||||
| Payables and accruals | $ 44.5 | |||||||||||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on U.K. JV Transaction (note 4) | 10,790.7 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| Carrying value of investment | $ 17,262.3 | 17,262.3 | $ 3,488.7 | |||||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net | $ (29.2) | $ (27.1) | (35.6) | (99.1) | ||||||||||
| Gain on Atlas Edge JV Transactions | $ 213.7 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| VMED O2 JV | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | 50.00% | 50.00% | |||||||||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on U.K. JV Transaction (note 4) | $ 14,670.8 | |||||||||||||
| Equalization payment | (96.6) | |||||||||||||
| Carrying value of investment | $ 13,962.7 | 13,962.7 | $ 0 | |||||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net | (10.4) | 0 | (10.7) | 0 | ||||||||||
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | |||||||||||||
| U.K. J.V. Entities | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on JV Transaction | $ 11,138 | |||||||||||||
| Cumulative foreign currency translation loss | $ (1,198.6) | |||||||||||||
| Equalization payment | (100.7) | |||||||||||||
| Carrying value of investment | 2,677.4 | 2,677.4 | ||||||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net | 425 | 948.3 | 510 | |||||||||||
| Atlas Edge JV | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on JV Transaction | 213.7 | 0 | 213.7 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Gain on Atlas Edge JV Transactions | 1.8 | |||||||||||||
| U.K. JV Transaction | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on JV Transaction | $ (347.3) | $ 0 | 10,790.7 | $ 0 | ||||||||||
| Atlas Edge JV | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | |||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale | $ 130 | |||||||||||||
| Sunrise Acquisition | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Share price (in dollars per share) | (per share) | SFr 110 | $ 120 | ||||||||||||
| Consideration transferred | $ 5,400 | SFr 5 | ||||||||||||
| Percentage of shares tendered | 100.00% | |||||||||||||
| UPC Poland | Disposed of by sale | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||
| Ownership percentage sold | 100.00% | |||||||||||||
| Total enterprise value | $ 1,763.5 | zł 7,025 |
Acquisitions and Dispositions_3
| Acquisitions and Dispositions (Classes of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
| Assets: | |||
| Current assets | $ 907.7 | $ 980.1 | |
| Liabilities: | |||
| Cash and restricted cash contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | (3,424) | $ 0 | |
| Net assets | 1,478.8 | ||
| Disposed of by sale | |||
| Assets: | |||
| Current assets | 4,519.8 | ||
| Property and equipment, net | 8,614 | ||
| Goodwill | 7,918.5 | ||
| Other assets, net | 3,230.4 | ||
| Total assets | 24,282.7 | ||
| Liabilities: | |||
| Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations | 2,699.5 | ||
| Other accrued and current liabilities | 2,207.3 | ||
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | 16,724.1 | ||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,566.3 | ||
| Total liabilities | 23,197.2 | ||
| Disposed of by sale | UPC Poland | |||
| Assets: | |||
| Current assets | 23.8 | 26.8 | |
| Property and equipment, net | 383.9 | 427.5 | |
| Goodwill | 469.9 | 501 | |
| Other assets, net | 30.1 | 24.8 | |
| Total assets | 907.7 | 980.1 | |
| Liabilities: | |||
| Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations | 38.2 | 44.3 | |
| Other accrued and current liabilities | 92.2 | 99.1 | |
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | 5.4 | 6 | |
| Other long-term liabilities | 55.5 | 38.1 | |
| Total liabilities | 191.3 | $ 187.5 | |
| Held for sale | |||
| Assets: | |||
| Current assets | 4,868.3 | ||
| Property and equipment, net | 9,465.1 | ||
| Goodwill | 8,214.7 | ||
| Other assets, net | 3,086.9 | ||
| Total assets | 25,635 | ||
| Liabilities: | |||
| Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations | 3,220.9 | ||
| Other accrued and current liabilities | 2,242 | ||
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | 16,905.1 | ||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,788.2 | ||
| Total liabilities | $ 24,156.2 | ||
Acquisitions and Dispositions_4
| Acquisitions and Dispositions (Intercompany Revenue and Expenses) (Details) - UPC Poland - Disposed of by sale - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 113.2 | $ 109.1 | $ 344.9 | $ 319.5 |
| Operating income | 31.6 | 18.3 | 83.9 | 63.4 |
| Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests | 29.5 | 16.3 | 82 | 55.6 |
| Income tax expense | (26.4) | (4.3) | (37.7) | (13.1) |
| Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 3.1 | $ 12 | $ 44.3 | $ 42.5 |
Acquisitions and Dispositions_5
| Acquisitions and Dispositions (Identifiable Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Jun. 01, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Current assets | $ 5,961.5 | $ 5,802.4 | |
| Property and equipment, net | 6,984.6 | 7,626.6 | |
| Goodwill | 9,410.5 | 9,965.7 | |
| Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 8) | 2,410 | 2,879.9 | |
| Other assets, net | 2,529 | 3,180.9 | |
| Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations | (986.5) | (1,086.1) | |
| Long-term operating lease liabilities (note 10) | (14,097.3) | (13,861.3) | |
| Other long-term liabilities | (1,955.8) | $ (2,969.3) | |
| Total preliminary fair value of the net assets of the VMED O2 JV | $ 1,478.8 | ||
| VMED O2 JV | |||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Current assets | $ 4,753.6 | ||
| Property and equipment, net | 12,496 | ||
| Goodwill | 29,173.4 | ||
| Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 8) | 13,274.4 | ||
| Other assets, net | 7,480.1 | ||
| Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations | (4,352.5) | ||
| Other accrued and current liabilities | (6,055) | ||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities (note 10) | (21,959.1) | ||
| Other long-term liabilities | (5,469.3) | ||
| Total preliminary fair value of the net assets of the VMED O2 JV | $ 29,341.6 |
Acquisitions and Dispositions_6
| Acquisitions and Dispositions (Pro Forma Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] | ||
| Revenue (in millions) | $ 3,337.8 | $ 9,695.3 |
| Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (in millions) | $ (1,070.8) | $ (756.8) |
| Basic earnings (loss) (attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) | $ (1.81) | $ (1.24) |
| Diluted earnings (loss) (attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) | $ (1.81) | $ (1.24) |
Investments (Schedule of Invest
| Investments (Schedule of Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Jun. 01, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Equity | $ 17,262.3 | $ 3,488.7 | |
| Short-term, separately-managed accounts (SMAs) | 2,511.4 | 1,600.2 | |
| Long-term, SMAs | 431.2 | 365.7 | |
| Total investments | 4,798.3 | 3,466 | |
| Total investments (g) | 22,060.6 | 6,954.7 | |
| Short-term investments | 2,511.4 | 1,600.2 | |
| Long-term investments | 19,549.2 | 5,354.5 | |
| VMED O2 JV | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Equity | $ 13,962.7 | 0 | |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | 50.00% | |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Equity | $ 2,741.1 | 3,052.3 | |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | ||
| All3Media Group (All3Media) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Equity | $ 152 | 157.7 | |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | ||
| Atlas Edge JV | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Equity | $ 119.7 | 0 | |
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | ||
| Formula E Holdings Ltd (Formula E) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Equity | $ 93.7 | 105.8 | |
| Ownership percentage | 32.90% | ||
| Other | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Equity | $ 193.1 | 172.9 | |
| Long-term investments at fair value | 334.1 | 268.8 | |
| ITV | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term investments at fair value | $ 571.9 | 581 | |
| Ownership percentage | 9.90% | ||
| Univision Holdings Inc. (Univision) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term, SMAs | $ 249.9 | 100 | |
| Ownership percentage | 11.60% | ||
| Plume Design, Inc. (Plume) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term, SMAs | $ 188.7 | 54.9 | |
| Ownership percentage | 12.00% | ||
| EdgeConneX Inc. (EdgeConneX) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term investments at fair value | $ 124.5 | 75.1 | |
| Ownership percentage | 5.50% | ||
| Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (Lionsgate) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term investments at fair value | $ 90 | 72 | |
| Ownership percentage | 2.90% | ||
| Aviatrix Systems, Inc. (Aviatrix) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term investments at fair value | $ 78.2 | 7.3 | |
| Ownership percentage | 3.80% | ||
| Lacework Inc. (Lacework) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term investments at fair value | $ 74 | 23.3 | |
| Ownership percentage | 3.70% | ||
| Skillz Inc. (Skillz) | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term, SMAs | $ 72.9 | 225.4 | |
| Ownership percentage | 1.80% | ||
| CANAL+ Polska S.A. | |||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Long-term investments at fair value | $ 71.5 | $ 92.3 | |
| Ownership percentage | 17.00% |
Investments (Narrative) (Detail
| Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Jun. 01, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Loans to the VodafoneZiggo JV | $ 123,000,000 | $ 122,700,000 | ||||
| Accrued interest | $ 5,700,000 | 5,700,000 | $ 7,100,000 | |||
| Revenue | 1,901,400,000 | $ 2,845,400,000 | 8,390,500,000 | 8,233,700,000 | ||
| Proceeds from sale of debt securities | 1,900,000,000 | 1,300,000,000 | 4,800,000,000 | 3,800,000,000 | ||
| Realized gain (losses) | 0 | 100,000 | (1,600,000) | 800,000 | ||
| Third-Party Purchaser | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | $ 9,600,000 | $ 9,600,000 | 9,700,000 | |||
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Percent of interest income earned on loan included in investment | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | 50.00% | ||||
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | 50.00% | ||||
| Dividends received from the VodafoneZiggo JV | $ 240,900,000 | 102,000,000 | ||||
| JV Services | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Revenue | $ 45,200,000 | $ 47,200,000 | $ 161,000,000 | $ 135,300,000 | ||
| VMED O2 JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | |||||
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | 50.00% | 50.00% | |||
| Due from related party | $ 52,000,000 | $ 52,000,000 | ||||
| VMED O2 JV | Liberty Global | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | |||||
| VMED O2 JV | Telefonica | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Co-venturer ownership percentage | 50.00% | |||||
| UK JV Services | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Revenue | 69,700,000 | 93,900,000 | ||||
| Minimum | VMED O2 JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Leverage ratio | 4 | |||||
| Maximum | VMED O2 JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Leverage ratio | 5 | |||||
| VodafoneZiggo JV Loan | VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Excess of carrying amount over proportional share in investees net assets | 1,247,000,000 | $ 1,247,000,000 | 1,198,500,000 | |||
| Related party note receivable rate | 5.55% | |||||
| Interest accrued | $ 41,700,000 | |||||
| VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable I | VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Related party note receivable | 809,900,000 | 809,900,000 | 855,800,000 | |||
| VodafoneZiggo JV Receivable II | VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Related party note receivable | 240,500,000 | 240,500,000 | 127,100,000 | |||
| Loans to the VodafoneZiggo JV | 123,000,000 | |||||
| Equity Method Investee | VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||
| Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||
| Due from related party | $ 51,300,000 | $ 51,300,000 | $ 27,400,000 | |||
Investments (Equity Method Inve
| Investments (Equity Method Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Jun. 30, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | $ (29.2) | $ (27.1) | $ (35.6) | $ (99.1) | ||||
| Revenue | 1,901.4 | 2,845.4 | 8,390.5 | 8,233.7 | ||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 317.8 | (1,151.1) | 13,333.4 | (754.4) | ||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 318.7 | $ 11,174.5 | $ 1,440.3 | (973.6) | $ (503.8) | $ 1,017.7 | 12,933.5 | (459.7) |
| All3Media Group (All3Media) | ||||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | (3.4) | (0.3) | (18.2) | (40.1) | ||||
| VMED O2 JV | ||||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | (10.4) | 0 | (10.7) | 0 | ||||
| VMED O2 JV | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | ||||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Revenue | 4,822.5 | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 56.3 | (112.2) | ||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 31.9 | (2.7) | ||||||
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | (2.6) | (6.8) | 6.8 | (34.9) | ||||
| VodafoneZiggo JV | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | ||||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Revenue | 1,206.1 | 1,166.7 | 3,638.4 | 3,345.4 | ||||
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | (32.9) | (31.6) | (73.9) | (58.5) | ||||
| Net earnings (loss) | (24.7) | (25.6) | (56.3) | (111.3) | ||||
| Formula E Holdings Ltd (Formula E) | ||||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | (10.9) | (17.4) | (6.5) | (16.7) | ||||
| Other, net | ||||||||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) | $ (1.9) | $ (2.6) | $ (7) | $ (7.4) | ||||
Investments (Fair Value Realize
| Investments (Fair Value Realized and Unrealized Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ (109.4) | $ (22.6) | $ 373.3 | $ (409) |
| Univision Holdings Inc. (Univision) | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 5.9 | 0 | 161.3 | 0 |
| Plume Design, Inc. (Plume) | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 78.7 | 0 | 133.8 | 29.6 |
| Skillz Inc. (Skillz) | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (104.6) | (0.1) | (83.3) | 45.3 |
| Aviatrix Systems, Inc. (Aviatrix) | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 42.6 | 0 | 65.4 | 0 |
| Lacework Inc. (Lacework) | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 0 | 0 | 48.8 | 0 |
| EdgeConneX Inc. (EdgeConneX) | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 2.7 | 0 | 20.5 | 0 |
| Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (Lionsgate) | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (39.6) | 13.1 | 18 | (7.8) |
| ITV | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | (118.6) | (20.5) | (9.1) | (450.2) |
| Other | ||||
| Net Investment Income [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | $ 23.5 | $ (15.1) | $ 17.9 | $ (25.9) |
Investments (Debt Securities) (
| Investments (Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | ||
| Amortized cost basis | $ 2,942.4 | $ 1,962.7 |
| Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | 0.2 | 3.2 |
| Fair value | 2,942.6 | 1,965.9 |
| Contractual maturity: | ||
| Due in one year or less | 2,511.4 | |
| Due in one to five years | 426.7 | |
| Due in five to ten years | 4.5 | |
| Fair value | 2,942.6 | 1,965.9 |
| Commercial paper | ||
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | ||
| Amortized cost basis | 1,019.2 | 523.7 |
| Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | 0 | 0.6 |
| Fair value | 1,019.2 | 524.3 |
| Contractual maturity: | ||
| Fair value | 1,019.2 | 524.3 |
| Corporate debt securities | ||
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | ||
| Amortized cost basis | 846.7 | 713.2 |
| Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | 0.6 | 2.3 |
| Fair value | 847.3 | 715.5 |
| Contractual maturity: | ||
| Fair value | 847.3 | 715.5 |
| Government bonds | ||
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | ||
| Amortized cost basis | 709.5 | 474.8 |
| Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | (0.4) | 0.2 |
| Fair value | 709.1 | 475 |
| Contractual maturity: | ||
| Fair value | 709.1 | 475 |
| Certificates of deposit | ||
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | ||
| Amortized cost basis | 351.1 | 251 |
| Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | 0 | 0.1 |
| Fair value | 351.1 | 251.1 |
| Contractual maturity: | ||
| Fair value | 351.1 | $ 251.1 |
| Other debt securities | ||
| Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] | ||
| Amortized cost basis | 15.9 | |
| Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | 0 | |
| Fair value | 15.9 | |
| Contractual maturity: | ||
| Fair value | $ 15.9 | |
| Weighted Average | ||
| Contractual maturity: | ||
| Weighted average life | 7 months 6 days |
Derivative Instruments (Fair Va
| Derivative Instruments (Fair Values of Derivative Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Asset | ||
| Current | $ 116.1 | $ 234.6 |
| Long-term | 394.2 | 650.1 |
| Total | 510.3 | 884.7 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current | 185.1 | 252.7 |
| Long-term | 509 | 1,364.1 |
| Total | 694.1 | 1,616.8 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | ||
| Asset | ||
| Current | 108.9 | 148.8 |
| Long-term | 279.6 | 418.4 |
| Total | 388.5 | 567.2 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current | 154 | 171.2 |
| Long-term | 509 | 1,364.1 |
| Total | 663 | 1,535.3 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments: | ||
| Asset | ||
| Current | 0 | 49.3 |
| Long-term | 114.4 | 231.6 |
| Total | 114.4 | 280.9 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | ||
| Asset | ||
| Current | 5.9 | 36.5 |
| Long-term | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Total | 6.1 | 36.6 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current | 31.1 | 81.5 |
| Long-term | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 31.1 | 81.5 |
| Other | ||
| Asset | ||
| Current | 1.3 | 0 |
| Long-term | 0 | 0 |
| Total | $ 1.3 | $ 0 |
Derivative Instruments (Narrati
| Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative assets | $ 510.3 | $ 510.3 | $ 884.7 | ||
| Counterparty Credit Risk | |||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | |||||
| Derivative assets | 113.6 | 113.6 | |||
| 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 | 34 | $ (222.6) | (34.8) | $ (294.3) | |
| Derivative assets | $ 388.5 | $ 388.5 | $ 567.2 | ||
Derivative Instruments (Realize
| Derivative Instruments (Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives) (Schedule and Footnotes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | $ 199.3 | $ (717.5) | $ 707.4 | $ 200.4 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 170.9 | (755.4) | 658 | (222.5) |
| Equity-related derivative instruments: | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 50.8 | 77.1 | 74.3 | 454.7 |
| ITV Collar | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 0 | 82.9 | (11.8) | 433.2 |
| Other | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 50.8 | (5.8) | 86.1 | 21.5 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (22.4) | (39.2) | (27.1) | (31.8) |
| Other | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 2.2 | $ 0 |
Derivative Instruments (Net Cas
| Derivative Instruments (Net Cash Received (Paid) Related to Derivatives) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Operating activities | $ (51.7) | $ (215.5) |
| Investing activities | (61.7) | (28.7) |
| Financing activities | 23.1 | 72.6 |
| Total | $ (90.3) | $ (171.6) |
Derivative Instruments (Cross-c
| Derivative Instruments (Cross-currency Derivative Contracts) (Details) € in Millions, zł in Millions, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |||
| Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€) | Sep. 30, 2021CHF (SFr) | Sep. 30, 2021PLN (zł) | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Floor rate | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 1 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years | |||
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 2 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 6 years 7 months 6 days | |||
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 3 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years 4 months 24 days | |||
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 4 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years 3 months 18 days | |||
| UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 5 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 1 year 3 months 18 days | |||
| Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 6 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 5 years 3 months 18 days | |||
| Telenet | Cross-Currency Swap 7 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 years 3 months 18 days | |||
| Virgin Media | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Derivative instruments that do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity | $ | $ 52.3 | |||
| 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 | $ | 4,650 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 3 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | € 2,650 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 4 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | 777 | |||
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | 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 | 4,256.9 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 3 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 2,970.1 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | UPC Holding | Cross-Currency Swap 4 | ||||
| Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
| Notional amount of derivative | zł | zł 3,302.9 | |||
| Notional amount due to counterparty | UPC Holding | 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 | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | |
| UPC Holding | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 6,749 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 years 6 months |
| Telenet | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 3,337.1 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 years 6 months |
| UPC Holding | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 4,537.6 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 4 years 7 months 6 days |
| Telenet | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 1,651.2 |
| Weighted average remaining life | 2 years |
Derivative Instruments (Basis S
| Derivative Instruments (Basis Swaps, Interest Rate Caps and Collars) (Details) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Floor rate | 0 |
| Interest Rate Caps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 1,500 |
| Interest Rate Collars | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 7,800 |
| UPC Holding | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 months 18 days |
| Telenet | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Weighted average remaining life | 3 months 18 days |
| Notional amount due from counterparty | UPC Holding | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 2,625 |
| Notional amount due from counterparty | Telenet | Basis Swaps | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 2,295 |
Derivative Instruments (Impact
| Derivative Instruments (Impact of Derivative Instruments on Borrowing Costs) (Details) | Sep. 30, 2021 |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Impact of derivative instruments on borrowing costs | 0.20% |
| UPC Holding | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Impact of derivative instruments on borrowing costs | 0.15% |
| Telenet | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Impact of derivative instruments on borrowing costs | 0.24% |
| VM Ireland | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Impact of derivative instruments on borrowing costs | 0.42% |
Derivative Instruments (Foreign
| Derivative Instruments (Foreign Currency Forwards and Options) (Details) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | |
| Derivative [Line Items] | |
| Notional amount of derivative | $ 2,300 |
Fair Value Measurements (Detail
| Fair Value Measurements (Details) | Sep. 30, 2021 |
| Measurement Input, Weighted Average Cost Of Capital | VMED O2 JV | |
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | |
| Initial investment percent | 0.069 |
Fair Value Measurements (Summar
| Fair Value Measurements (Summary of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | $ 510.3 | $ 884.7 |
| SMAs | 2,942.6 | 1,965.9 |
| Other investments | 1,855.7 | 1,500.1 |
| Total investments | 4,798.3 | 3,466 |
| Total assets | 5,308.6 | 4,350.7 |
| Derivative instruments: | 694.1 | 1,616.8 |
| Total liabilities | 694.1 | 1,616.8 |
| Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| SMAs | 618.8 | 405.7 |
| Other investments | 740.4 | 888.2 |
| Total investments | 1,359.2 | 1,293.9 |
| Total assets | 1,359.2 | 1,293.9 |
| Total liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 395.9 | 603.8 |
| SMAs | 2,318.8 | 1,560.2 |
| Other investments | 71.5 | 92.3 |
| Total investments | 2,390.3 | 1,652.5 |
| Total assets | 2,786.2 | 2,256.3 |
| Total liabilities | 694.1 | 1,616.8 |
| Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 114.4 | 280.9 |
| SMAs | 5 | 0 |
| Other investments | 1,043.8 | 519.6 |
| Total investments | 1,048.8 | 519.6 |
| Total assets | 1,163.2 | 800.5 |
| Total liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 388.5 | 567.2 |
| Derivative instruments: | 663 | 1,535.3 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 388.5 | 567.2 |
| Derivative instruments: | 663 | 1,535.3 |
| Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 114.4 | 280.9 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 114.4 | 280.9 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 6.1 | 36.6 |
| Derivative instruments: | 31.1 | 81.5 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 6.1 | 36.6 |
| Derivative instruments: | 31.1 | 81.5 |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | 0 |
| Other | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 1.3 | $ 0 |
| Other | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 0 | |
| Other | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | 1.3 | |
| Other | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
| Derivative instruments: | $ 0 |
Fair Value Measurements (Assets
| Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Reconciliation) (Schedule and Footnote) (Details) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | |
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | |
| Balance of net assets at January 1, 2021 | $ 800.5 |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net | 74.3 |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 646.3 |
| Additions | 83.9 |
| Derivative instruments contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | (179.3) |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | (21.7) |
| Balance of net assets at September 30, 2021 | 1,163.2 |
| Investments | |
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | |
| Balance of net assets at January 1, 2021 | 519.6 |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net | 0 |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 467 |
| Additions | 83.9 |
| Derivative instruments contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | (21.7) |
| Balance of net assets at September 30, 2021 | 1,048.8 |
| 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 at January 1, 2021 | 0 |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net | 0 |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 179.3 |
| Additions | 0 |
| Derivative instruments contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | (179.3) |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 0 |
| Balance of net assets at September 30, 2021 | 0 |
| Equity-related derivative instruments | |
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | |
| Balance of net assets at January 1, 2021 | 280.9 |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net | 74.3 |
| Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 0 |
| Additions | 0 |
| Derivative instruments contributed to the VMED O2 JV in connection with the U.K. JV Transaction | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 0 |
| Balance of net assets at September 30, 2021 | 114.4 |
| ITV Collar | |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Settlement of ITV Collar | (240.8) |
| ITV Collar | Investments | |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Settlement of ITV Collar | 0 |
| ITV Collar | Cross-currency, interest rate and foreign currency derivative contracts | |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Settlement of ITV Collar | 0 |
| ITV Collar | Equity-related derivative instruments | |
| Gains included in earnings from continuing operations | |
| Settlement of ITV Collar | $ (240.8) |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule of
| Long-lived Assets (Schedule of PP&E) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | $ 14,962.7 | $ 15,460.8 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (7,978.1) | (7,834.2) |
| Total property and equipment, net | 6,984.6 | 7,626.6 |
| Distribution systems | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | 9,412.9 | 9,646.4 |
| Customer premises equipment | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | 1,387 | 1,447.7 |
| Support equipment, buildings and land | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment gross | $ 4,162.8 | $ 4,366.7 |
Long-lived Assets (Narrative) (
| Long-lived Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | ||
| Noncash vendor financing arrangement, cash increase, excluding value added tax | $ 599.6 | $ 1,011.7 |
| Value added tax, vendor financing arrangement | $ 75.9 | $ 172.5 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule o_2
| Long-lived Assets (Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Goodwill beginning balance | $ 9,965.7 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 17.7 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (572.9) |
| Goodwill ending balance | 9,410.5 |
| Switzerland | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Goodwill beginning balance | 6,816 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 17.7 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (404.2) |
| Goodwill ending balance | 6,429.5 |
| Belgium | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Goodwill beginning balance | 2,783.7 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (149.2) |
| Goodwill ending balance | 2,634.5 |
| Ireland | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Goodwill beginning balance | 296.2 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (15.8) |
| Goodwill ending balance | 280.4 |
| Central and Other | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Goodwill beginning balance | 69.8 |
| Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (3.7) |
| Goodwill ending balance | $ 66.1 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule o_3
| Long-lived Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Gross carrying amount | $ 3,326.9 | $ 3,483.7 |
| Accumulated amortization | (916.9) | (603.8) |
| Net carrying amount | 2,410 | 2,879.9 |
| Customer relationships | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Gross carrying amount | 2,287.7 | 2,411.6 |
| Accumulated amortization | (502.2) | (237.5) |
| Net carrying amount | 1,785.5 | 2,174.1 |
| Other | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Gross carrying amount | 1,039.2 | 1,072.1 |
| Accumulated amortization | (414.7) | (366.3) |
| Net carrying amount | $ 624.5 | $ 705.8 |
Debt (Components of Debt) (Deta
| Debt (Components of Debt) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2020USD ($) |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.28% | 3.28% | |
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 1,586.4 | ||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 14,650.9 | $ 14,516.3 | |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (60.3) | (118.4) | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | 14,590.6 | 14,397.9 | |
| Finance lease obligations (note 10) | 493.2 | 549.5 | |
| Total debt and finance lease obligations | 15,083.8 | 14,947.4 | |
| Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations | (986.5) | (1,086.1) | |
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | $ 14,097.3 | 13,861.3 | |
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.87% | 2.87% | |
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 828.6 | ||
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | 4,085.8 | 4,767.1 | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 4,059.8 | ||
| UPCB SPE Notes | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 4.43% | 4.43% | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,944.2 | 1,393.7 | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 1,938.7 | ||
| UPC Holding Senior Notes | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 4.59% | 4.59% | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,222.6 | 1,261.5 | |
| Telenet Credit Facility | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.14% | 2.14% | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 3,579.3 | 3,652 | |
| Telenet Senior Secured Notes | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 4.73% | 4.73% | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,624.8 | 1,660.2 | |
| VM Ireland Credit Facility | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.50% | 3.50% | |
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 115.7 | € 100 | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,041.3 | 0 | |
| Vendor financing | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.01% | 2.01% | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 1,003.5 | 1,099.6 | |
| ITV Collar Loan | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 0 | 415.9 | |
| Other | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average interest rate | 7.08% | 7.08% | |
| Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums | $ 149.4 | $ 266.3 |
Debt (Footnotes) (Details)
| Debt (Footnotes) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | ||||
| Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020USD ($) | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.28% | 3.28% | |||
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 1,586.4 | ||||
| Operating expenses related financing activities | $ 1,657.5 | $ 1,995.5 | |||
| Long-term Debt | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Estimated fair value | $ 14,800 | $ 14,700 | |||
| Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.54% | 3.54% | |||
| UPC Revolving Facility One | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 716.2 | $ 828.6 | |||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.87% | 2.87% | |||
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 828.6 | ||||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 716.2 | 828.6 | |||
| Available to loan or distribute | 716.2 | 828.6 | |||
| Maximum borrowing capacity | € | 736.4 | ||||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | Debt Covenant, Scenario 1 | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 716.2 | 828.6 | |||
| Available to loan or distribute | 716.2 | 828.6 | |||
| UPC Revolving Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 20.2 | 23.4 | |||
| Maximum borrowing capacity | 736.4 | 852 | |||
| Extinguishment of debt | 23 | $ 26.6 | |||
| Telenet Revolving Credit Facility I | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 510 | 590.1 | |||
| Telenet Overdraft Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 25 | 28.9 | |||
| Telenet Revolving Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 20 | $ 23.1 | |||
| VM Ireland Credit Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.50% | 3.50% | |||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 100 | $ 115.7 | |||
| VM Ireland Credit Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 100 | 115.7 | |||
| Available to loan or distribute | 0 | 0 | |||
| VM Ireland Credit Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | Debt Covenant, Scenario 1 | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 100 | 115.7 | |||
| Available to loan or distribute | € 81.6 | $ 94.4 | |||
| Telenet Credit Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Weighted average interest rate | 2.14% | 2.14% | |||
| Telenet Credit Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 555 | $ 642.1 | |||
| Available to loan or distribute | 555 | 642.1 | |||
| Telenet Credit Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | Debt Covenant, Scenario 1 | |||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 555 | 642.1 | |||
| Available to loan or distribute | € 555 | $ 642.1 | |||
Debt (Financing Transactions) (
| Debt (Financing Transactions) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
| Jun. 30, 2021EUR (€) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)group | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)group | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2021USD ($) | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Number of borrowing groups | group | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Non-cash borrowings and repayments | $ 2,900 | $ 3,500 | ||||
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net | $ 0 | $ 0.3 | 90.6 | $ 220.4 | ||
| UPC Holding | ||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net | 90.6 | |||||
| Write off deferred financing costs | 77.7 | |||||
| Payments for debt redemption premium | $ 12.9 | |||||
| Ireland Facility B1 | ||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Maximum borrowing capacity | € 900 | $ 1,041.3 | ||||
| Issued at par percentage | 99.50% | 99.50% | ||||
| Ireland Facility B1 | EURIBOR | ||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 3.50% | |||||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||
| Ireland Revolving Facility | ||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Outstanding principal amount | € 100 | $ 115.7 | ||||
| Ireland Revolving Facility | EURIBOR | ||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | |||||
Debt (Outstanding Indebtedness)
| Debt (Outstanding Indebtedness) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020USD ($) | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 1,586.4 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 14,650.9 | $ 14,516.3 | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 14,590.6 | 14,397.9 | |
| Unused commitments percentage | 1.00% | ||
| UPC Facilities AT and AX | LIBOR | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| UPC Facilities AU and AY | EURIBOR | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Floor rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 828.6 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 4,085.8 | $ 4,767.1 | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 4,059.8 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AQ | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Interest rate | 3.625% | 3.625% | |
| Facility amount | € | € 600 | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 694.2 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 690.1 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AT | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Facility amount | 700 | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 700 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 696.8 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AT | LIBOR | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.25% | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AU | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Facility amount | € | € 400 | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 462.8 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 460.6 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AU | EURIBOR | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.50% | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AX | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Facility amount | 1,925 | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 1,925 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 1,909.9 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AX | LIBOR | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 3.00% | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AY | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Facility amount | € | € 862.5 | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 998 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 992.5 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AY | EURIBOR | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 3.00% | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AZ | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Interest rate | 4.875% | 4.875% | |
| Facility amount | $ 1,250 | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 1,250 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Facility amount | € | € 736.4 | ||
| Unused borrowing capacity | € 716.2 | 828.6 | |
| Borrowings outstanding | 0 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 0 | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Revolving Facility | EURIBOR | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Basis spread on variable rate | 2.50% | ||
| UPC Holding Bank Facility | UPC Facility AQ and AZ | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 1,944.2 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 1,938.7 |
Debt (UPCB SPE Notes) (Details)
| Debt (UPCB SPE Notes) (Details) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2020USD ($) |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Borrowings outstanding | $ 14,650,900,000 | $ 14,516,300,000 | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 14,590,600,000 | 14,397,900,000 | |
| UPCB Finance VII Euro Notes | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Interest rate | 3.625% | 3.625% | |
| Debt Instrument, Face Amount | € | € 600,000,000 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | $ 694,200,000 | € 600,000,000 | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 690,100,000 | ||
| 2031 UPC Senior Secured Notes | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Interest rate | 4.875% | 4.875% | |
| Debt Instrument, Face Amount | $ 1,250,000,000 | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 1,250,000,000 | ||
| Total carrying amount of debt | 1,248,600,000 | ||
| UPCB SPE Notes | |||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
| Borrowings outstanding | 1,944,200,000 | $ 1,393,700,000 | |
| Total carrying amount of debt | $ 1,938,700,000 |
Debt (Maturities of Debt) (Deta
| Debt (Maturities of Debt) (Details) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | $ 188.9 |
| 2022 | 753.6 |
| 2023 | 67.1 |
| 2024 | 27.5 |
| 2025 | 12.6 |
| 2026 | 11.5 |
| Thereafter | 13,589.7 |
| Total debt maturities | 14,650.9 |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (60.3) |
| Total debt | 14,590.6 |
| Current portion | 918.6 |
| Noncurrent portion | 13,672 |
| UPC Holding | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 62.6 |
| 2022 | 351.9 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| Thereafter | 7,252.6 |
| Total debt maturities | 7,667.1 |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (37.7) |
| Total debt | 7,629.4 |
| Current portion | 414.5 |
| Noncurrent portion | 7,214.9 |
| Telenet | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 100.6 |
| 2022 | 331.3 |
| 2023 | 11.4 |
| 2024 | 11.4 |
| 2025 | 11.4 |
| 2026 | 11.5 |
| Thereafter | 5,295.8 |
| Total debt maturities | 5,773.4 |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (15.1) |
| Total debt | 5,758.3 |
| Current portion | 431.3 |
| Noncurrent portion | 5,327 |
| VM Ireland | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| Thereafter | 1,041.3 |
| Total debt maturities | 1,041.3 |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | (7.5) |
| Total debt | 1,033.8 |
| Current portion | 0 |
| Noncurrent portion | 1,033.8 |
| Other | |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 25.7 |
| 2022 | 70.4 |
| 2023 | 55.7 |
| 2024 | 16.1 |
| 2025 | 1.2 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| Thereafter | 0 |
| Total debt maturities | 169.1 |
| Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net | 0 |
| Total debt | 169.1 |
| Current portion | 72.8 |
| Noncurrent portion | $ 96.3 |
Debt (Capital Lease Obligations
| Debt (Capital Lease Obligations) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | $ 14,650.9 | $ 14,516.3 |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 188.9 | |
| 2022 | 753.6 | |
| 2023 | 67.1 | |
| 2024 | 27.5 | |
| 2025 | 12.6 | |
| Total vendor financing maturities | 14,650.9 | 14,516.3 |
| Current portion | 918.6 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 13,672 | |
| UPC Holding | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 62.6 | |
| 2022 | 351.9 | |
| 2023 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 0 | |
| Current portion | 414.5 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 7,214.9 | |
| Telenet | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 100.6 | |
| 2022 | 331.3 | |
| 2023 | 11.4 | |
| 2024 | 11.4 | |
| 2025 | 11.4 | |
| Current portion | 431.3 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 5,327 | |
| Other | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 25.7 | |
| 2022 | 70.4 | |
| 2023 | 55.7 | |
| 2024 | 16.1 | |
| 2025 | 1.2 | |
| Current portion | 72.8 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 96.3 | |
| Vendor financing | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 1,003.5 | 1,099.6 |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 188.7 | |
| 2022 | 741.8 | |
| 2023 | 55.7 | |
| 2024 | 16.1 | |
| 2025 | 1.2 | |
| Total vendor financing maturities | 1,003.5 | $ 1,099.6 |
| Current portion | 907.2 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 96.3 | |
| Vendor financing | UPC Holding | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 414.5 | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 62.6 | |
| 2022 | 351.9 | |
| 2023 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 0 | |
| Total vendor financing maturities | 414.5 | |
| Current portion | 414.5 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 0 | |
| Vendor financing | Telenet | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 419.9 | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 100.4 | |
| 2022 | 319.5 | |
| 2023 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 0 | |
| Total vendor financing maturities | 419.9 | |
| Current portion | 419.9 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 0 | |
| Vendor financing | Other | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Borrowings outstanding | 169.1 | |
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 25.7 | |
| 2022 | 70.4 | |
| 2023 | 55.7 | |
| 2024 | 16.1 | |
| 2025 | 1.2 | |
| Total vendor financing maturities | 169.1 | |
| Current portion | 72.8 | |
| Noncurrent portion | $ 96.3 |
Leases (Lease Balances) (Detail
| Leases (Lease Balances) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
| ROU assets recorded during the period associated with: | |||
| Finance leases | $ 439.2 | $ 471.6 | |
| Operating leases | 1,315.4 | 1,440.3 | |
| Total ROU assets | 1,754.6 | 1,911.9 | |
| Lease liabilities: | |||
| Finance lease | 493.2 | 549.5 | |
| Operating leases | 1,323.6 | 1,432 | |
| Total lease liabilities | $ 1,816.8 | $ 1,981.5 | |
| Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Property and equipment, net | Property and equipment, net | |
| Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Other assets, net | Other assets, net | |
| Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | |
| Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) | Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) | |
| Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Other Accrued Liabilities, Current | Other Accrued Liabilities, Current | |
| Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] | Other Liabilities, Noncurrent | Other Liabilities, Noncurrent | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases | 22 years 7 months 6 days | ||
| Weighted average discount rate, for finance leases | 6.00% | ||
| ROU assets associated with finance leases | $ 27.8 | $ 30.9 | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases | 11 years 7 months 6 days | ||
| Weighted average discount rate, for operating leases | 5.80% | ||
| Addition to ROU assets associated with operating leases | $ 67.4 | $ 64.2 | |
Leases (Lease Expense and Cash
| Leases (Lease Expense and Cash Outflows from Operating and Finance Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Finance lease expense: | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ 13.6 | $ 16.8 | $ 52.6 | $ 52.7 |
| Interest expense | 5.4 | 7.7 | 22.1 | 23.6 |
| Total finance lease expense | 19 | 24.5 | 74.7 | 76.3 |
| Operating lease expense | 38.5 | 16.4 | 164.7 | 79.6 |
| Short-term lease expense | 1.1 | 0.9 | 4 | 3.1 |
| Variable lease expense | 0.4 | 0.3 | 1.6 | 1.1 |
| Total lease expense | $ 59 | $ 42.1 | 245 | 160.1 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | ||||
| Operating cash outflows from operating leases | 164.1 | 72.6 | ||
| Operating cash outflows from finance leases | 22.1 | 23.6 | ||
| Financing cash outflows from finance leases | 52 | 75.2 | ||
| Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases | $ 238.2 | $ 171.4 | ||
Leases (Maturities of Operating
| Leases (Maturities of Operating and Financing Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Operating leases | ||
| 2021 (remainder of year) | $ 53.5 | |
| 2022 | 204.9 | |
| 2023 | 188.8 | |
| 2024 | 173.5 | |
| 2025 | 159.7 | |
| 2026 | 47.6 | |
| Thereafter | 1,120.9 | |
| Total payments | 1,948.9 | |
| Less: present value discount | (625.3) | |
| Present value of lease payments | 1,323.6 | $ 1,432 |
| Current portion | 183.3 | |
| Noncurrent portion | 1,140.3 | 1,255.4 |
| Finance leases | ||
| 2021 (remainder of year) | 25.4 | |
| 2022 | 94.6 | |
| 2023 | 98.2 | |
| 2024 | 61.1 | |
| 2025 | 57.7 | |
| 2026 | 53.7 | |
| Thereafter | 244.5 | |
| Total payments | 635.2 | |
| Less: present value discount | (142) | |
| Present value of lease payments | 493.2 | $ 549.5 |
| Current portion | 67.9 | |
| Noncurrent portion | $ 425.3 |
Income Taxes (Reconciliation of
| Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Federal to Effective Taxes) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] | ||||
| Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) | $ (60.4) | $ 218.7 | $ (2,533.3) | $ 143.3 |
| Non-taxable gain associated with the U.K. JV Transaction | (66) | 0 | 2,050.2 | 0 |
| Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results | 88.9 | (224.3) | 169.7 | (166.6) |
| Change in valuation allowances | (19.1) | (98.6) | (107.6) | (198.2) |
| International rate differences | (39.5) | (3) | (81.1) | (6.7) |
| Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates | 99.3 | (7.4) | 75.1 | (24.6) |
| Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items | (12.3) | 26.4 | (50.7) | (19.7) |
| Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits | 0 | 0 | 20.5 | 188.8 |
| Tax benefit associated with technology innovation | 5.7 | 4.9 | 17.2 | 54.4 |
| Enacted tax law and rate changes (e) | 2.5 | 242.3 | 2.1 | 274 |
| Other, net | (1.3) | 6.5 | (6.3) | 7.5 |
| Total income tax benefit (expense) | $ (2.2) | $ 165.5 | $ (444.2) | $ 252.2 |
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai
| Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) |
| Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] | |
| Unrecognized tax benefits | $ 504.9 |
| UTB that would impact effective tax rate | 382.5 |
| Reduction in UTB | $ 79 |
Equity (Details)
| Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Jul. 31, 2021 | |
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Authorized amount of share repurchases | $ 1,400 | |
| Minimum repurchase percentage | 10.00% | |
| Remaining authorized for share repurchases | $ 378.7 | |
| Class A | ||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Stock repurchased (in shares) | 5,845,800 | |
| Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) | $ 27.11 | |
| Class C | ||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Stock repurchased (in shares) | 32,700,700 | |
| Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) | $ 26.55 | |
| Aggregate purchase price | $ 1,026.8 |
Share-based Compensation (Share
| Share-based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | $ 58 | $ 104.4 | $ 220.6 | $ 243.4 |
| Other operating expense | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 1.6 | 2.5 | 10.4 | 4.8 |
| SG&A expense | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 56.4 | 101.9 | 210.2 | 238.6 |
| Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 51.1 | 91.7 | 188.7 | 219.3 |
| Performance-based incentive awards | Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 11.9 | 57 | 50.3 | 106.3 |
| Non-performance based incentive awards (b) | Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 31.4 | 27.8 | 116.2 | 93.9 |
| Other (d) | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 6.9 | 12.7 | 31.9 | 24.1 |
| Other (d) | Liberty Global | ||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
| Share-based compensation expense | $ 7.8 | $ 6.9 | $ 22.2 | $ 19.1 |
Share-based Compensation (Narra
| Share-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | |||
| Apr. 30, 2021 | Jun. 30, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2021 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
| Percent of annual incentive compensation receivable in shares | 100.00% | ||||
| 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan | |||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
| Assessed period | 3 years | ||||
| Vesting percentage | 100.00% | ||||
| Fair value of the 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan Awards | $ 17.1 | ||||
| 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan | Minimum | |||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
| Eligible participants’ initial contribution percent | 10.00% | ||||
| 2021 Ventures Incentive Plan | Maximum | |||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
| Eligible participants’ initial contribution percent | 100.00% | ||||
| SARs | |||||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
| Expiration period | 10 years | 7 years | |||
| Share-based compensation expense | $ 22.7 | $ 18.9 | |||
Share-based Compensation (Award
| Share-based Compensation (Awards Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details) | Sep. 30, 2021$ / 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) | 25,757,426 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 27.06 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 12,557,002 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 30.64 |
| 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) | 60,118,409 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 26.12 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 27,734,216 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 29.19 |
| 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) | 2,722,067 |
| 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) | 5,443,384 |
| 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) | 1,306,731 |
| 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) | 2,613,401 |
| 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) | 1,675,974 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 31.14 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 1,388,812 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 32.80 |
| 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) | 4,689,511 |
| Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 28.45 |
| Options exercisable (in shares) | 4,115,209 |
| Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares | $ 23.32 |
| 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) | 74,193 |
| 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) | 148,583 |
| 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) | 37,510 |
| 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) | 75,016 |
Earnings or Loss per Share (Sch
| Earnings or Loss per Share (Schedules) (Details) - shares | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) (in shares) | 551,973,418 | 590,985,197 | 561,295,200 | 608,816,109 |
| 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) | 13,071,058 | 0 | 13,131,584 | 0 |
| Weighted average common shares (diluted EPS computation) (in shares) | 565,044,476 | 590,985,197 | 574,426,784 | 608,816,109 |
Earnings or Loss per Share (Nar
| Earnings or Loss per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| 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) | 51.5 | 77.3 | 51.5 | 77.3 |
| 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) | 20.2 | 20.2 | ||
Earnings or Loss per Share (Net
| Earnings or Loss per Share (Net Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ 315.6 | $ (985.6) | $ 12,889.2 | $ (502.2) |
| Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | (41.6) | (49.5) | (142.8) | (137.8) |
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 274 | $ (1,035.1) | $ 12,746.4 | $ (640) |
Commitments and Contingencies_2
| Commitments and Contingencies (Unrecorded Purchase Obligation) (Details) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2021 | $ 383 |
| 2022 | 618.1 |
| 2023 | 281.9 |
| 2024 | 180.2 |
| 2025 | 154.4 |
| 2026 | 123.9 |
| Thereafter | 825.8 |
| Total | 2,567.3 |
| Network and connectivity commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2021 | 62.2 |
| 2022 | 92.8 |
| 2023 | 68.8 |
| 2024 | 50.4 |
| 2025 | 48.7 |
| 2026 | 40.4 |
| Thereafter | 684.4 |
| Total | 1,047.7 |
| Purchase commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2021 | 249.5 |
| 2022 | 263.5 |
| 2023 | 39.7 |
| 2024 | 21.9 |
| 2025 | 10.5 |
| 2026 | 7.8 |
| Thereafter | 0.7 |
| Total | 593.6 |
| Programming commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2021 | 57.8 |
| 2022 | 188.2 |
| 2023 | 119.2 |
| 2024 | 79.6 |
| 2025 | 66.2 |
| 2026 | 46.7 |
| Thereafter | 18.4 |
| Total | 576.1 |
| Other commitments | |
| Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
| Remainder of 2021 | 13.5 |
| 2022 | 73.6 |
| 2023 | 54.2 |
| 2024 | 28.3 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 29 |
| Thereafter | 122.3 |
| Total | $ 349.9 |
Commitments and Contingencies_3
| Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||||
| Oct. 31, 2019USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2019EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Sep. 30, 2021USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2019EUR (€) | Aug. 01, 2018 | |
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Programming costs | $ 957,900,000 | $ 1,176,700,000 | ||||||
| Percentage of amounts recovered | 50.00% | |||||||
| Percentage of net present value, cost savings | 50.00% | |||||||
| Percentage of legal and other third party, fees | 50.00% | |||||||
| 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 | $ 1,600,000,000 | € 1,400 | ||||||
| Loss contingency accrual | $ 0 | |||||||
| Deutsche Telekom Litigation | ||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Reduction of annual lease fees | 83.33% | |||||||
| Disposed of by sale | UPC Austria | ||||||||
| Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Asserted claims | $ 81,600,000 | € 70.5 | ||||||
| Amount of claim | $ 122,900,000 | € 106.2 | ||||||
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (
| Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Jun. 01, 2021 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Performance measures, percentage of reportable segment revenue and operating cash flow presented | 100.00% | |
| VMED O2 JV | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | 50.00% |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| 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% | |
| 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 (Performance
| Segment Reporting (Performance Measures) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 1,901.4 | $ 2,845.4 | $ 8,390.5 | $ 8,233.7 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 758.5 | 1,163.5 | 3,273.2 | 3,406.1 |
| VMED O2 JV | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 4,822.5 | |||
| VodafoneZiggo JV | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 1,206.1 | 1,166.7 | 3,638.4 | 3,345.4 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 578.1 | 559.1 | 1,713.4 | 1,593.4 |
| VMED O2 JV (U.K.) | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 3,614 | 0 | 4,822.5 | 0 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,180.3 | 0 | 1,591.3 | 0 |
| Operating Segments | U.K. | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 0 | 1,543.6 | 2,736.4 | 4,457.3 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 0 | 610.9 | 1,085.3 | 1,819.6 |
| Operating Segments | Belgium | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 755.4 | 746.6 | 2,302.9 | 2,147.2 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 369.1 | 367.4 | 1,130.5 | 1,053.1 |
| Operating Segments | Switzerland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 830.2 | 315 | 2,497.4 | 930.9 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 330.8 | 154.4 | 910.9 | 439.4 |
| Operating Segments | Ireland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 136 | 126.4 | 406.2 | 366.2 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 59.1 | 49.9 | 160.7 | 143.2 |
| Corporate, Non-Segment | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 181.4 | 118.9 | 458.7 | 346.9 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1.5 | (20.5) | (15.8) | (50.6) |
| Intersegment eliminations | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | (1.6) | (5.1) | (11.1) | (14.8) |
| Intersegment eliminations | $ (2) | $ 1.4 | $ 1.6 | $ 1.4 |
Segment Reporting (Reconciliati
| Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Consolidated Segment Adjusted OIBDA) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ 315.6 | $ (985.6) | $ 12,889.2 | $ (502.2) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 2.2 | (165.5) | 444.2 | (252.2) |
| Other income, net | (8.2) | (5.4) | (25.6) | (67.4) |
| Share of results of affiliates, net | 29.2 | 27.1 | 35.6 | 99.1 |
| Losses on debt extinguishment, net | 0 | 0.3 | 90.6 | 220.4 |
| Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net | 109.4 | 21.5 | (373.3) | 399 |
| Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net | (422.4) | 754.6 | (857.6) | 836.3 |
| Realized and unrealized losses (gains) gains on derivative instruments, net | (199.3) | 717.5 | (707.4) | (200.4) |
| Interest expense | 140.9 | 279.3 | 748.1 | 873.5 |
| Operating income | 101 | 643.8 | 1,239.4 | 1,406.1 |
| Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net | 17.2 | (16.7) | 68.4 | 46.5 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 582.3 | 432 | 1,744.8 | 1,710.1 |
| Share-based compensation expense | 58 | 104.4 | 220.6 | 243.4 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 758.5 | 1,163.5 | 3,273.2 | 3,406.1 |
| Atlas Edge JV | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on JV Transaction | (213.7) | 0 | (213.7) | 0 |
| U.K. JV Transaction | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Gain (adjustment to gain) on JV Transaction | $ 347.3 | $ 0 | $ (10,790.7) | $ 0 |
Segment Reporting (Capital Expe
| Segment Reporting (Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total property and equipment additions | $ 1,683.8 | $ 1,839.8 |
| Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements | (599.6) | (1,011.7) |
| Assets acquired under finance leases | (27.8) | (30.9) |
| Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures | 58 | 122.7 |
| Total capital expenditures, net | 1,114.4 | 919.9 |
| VMED O2 JV | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment additions: | 898.8 | 0 |
| VodafoneZiggo JV | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment additions: | 705 | 685.3 |
| Operating Segments | U.K. | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total property and equipment additions | 557.4 | 975.3 |
| Operating Segments | Belgium | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total property and equipment additions | 424.5 | 375.1 |
| Operating Segments | Switzerland | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total property and equipment additions | 413.1 | 181.8 |
| Operating Segments | Ireland | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total property and equipment additions | 61.9 | 54.4 |
| Corporate, Non-Segment | ||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
| Total property and equipment additions | $ 226.9 | $ 253.2 |
Segment Reporting (Revenue by M
| Segment Reporting (Revenue by Major Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 1,901.4 | $ 2,845.4 | $ 8,390.5 | $ 8,233.7 |
| Total residential fixed revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 805.9 | 1,787.9 | 4,406.4 | 5,254.3 |
| Total subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 780.4 | 1,740.1 | 4,278.5 | 5,119.6 |
| Broadband internet | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 366.4 | 799.7 | 2,008.5 | 2,333.7 |
| Video | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 302.6 | 612.2 | 1,537.5 | 1,799.2 |
| Fixed-line telephony | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 111.4 | 328.2 | 732.5 | 986.7 |
| Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 25.5 | 47.8 | 127.9 | 134.7 |
| Total residential revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 1,331.9 | 2,217.9 | 6,304.9 | 6,421.7 |
| Total residential mobile revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 526 | 430 | 1,898.5 | 1,167.4 |
| Subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 376 | 250.7 | 1,271.3 | 713.4 |
| Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 150 | 179.3 | 627.2 | 454 |
| Total B2B revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 346.5 | 490 | 1,493.4 | 1,399.5 |
| Subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 139.1 | 149 | 482.1 | 403.5 |
| Non-subscription revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 207.4 | 341 | 1,011.3 | 996 |
| Other revenue | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 223 | $ 137.5 | $ 592.2 | $ 412.5 |
Segment Reporting (Geographic S
| Segment Reporting (Geographic Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 1,901.4 | $ 2,845.4 | $ 8,390.5 | $ 8,233.7 |
| Operating Segments | U.K. | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 0 | 1,543.6 | 2,736.4 | 4,457.3 |
| Operating Segments | Belgium | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 755.4 | 746.6 | 2,302.9 | 2,147.2 |
| Operating Segments | Switzerland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 830.2 | 315 | 2,497.4 | 930.9 |
| Operating Segments | Ireland | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 136 | 126.4 | 406.2 | 366.2 |
| Operating Segments | Slovakia | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | 12.9 | 12.6 | 39.1 | 37.5 |
| Other, including intersegment eliminations | ||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
| Revenue | $ 166.9 | $ 101.2 | $ 408.5 | $ 294.6 |