Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its first-quarter financial results for the period ended December 31, 2021.

“Hitting an all-time high in our 18 years as a standalone company is proof that we’ve never been stronger. At the same time, we’ve never had so much opportunity ahead of us,” said Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Our creative expertise, global agility, and willingness to experiment set us apart from the competition and solidify our important role across the entire music ecosystem. In the coming year, we look forward to welcoming back huge superstars, breaking new artists and songwriters, and seeking out more innovative ways to bring more music to more people in more places.”

Lou Dickler, Acting CFO, Warner Music Group said “The strength and diversity of our revenue streams coupled with our operational efficiency drove margin growth, even as lower-margin revenue lines recovered. We’re committed to making sustained investments in our core business, and to taking pioneering steps that position WMG for the next wave of growth, all with a financially disciplined, ROI-focused perspective.”

Total WMG

Total WMG Summary Results        
(dollars in millions)        
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Revenue $ 1,614   $ 1,335   21 %
Recorded Music revenue   1,386     1,161   19 %
Music Publishing revenue   229     175   31 %
Digital revenue   1,002     825   21 %
Operating income   239     196   22 %
Adjusted operating income(1)   274     211   30 %
OIBDA(1)   320     267   20 %
Adjusted OIBDA(1)   355     282   26 %
Net income   188     99   90 %
Adjusted net income(1)   223     114   96 %
Net cash provided by operating activities   129     169   -24 %
Free Cash Flow   95     151   -37 %
           
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change   For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 389   $ 297   31 %   $ 1,207   $ 904   34 %
                       
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.

Revenue was up 20.9% (or 22.4% in constant currency) driven by strong digital revenue growth of 21.5% (or 22.2% in constant currency) across Recorded Music and Music Publishing. The quarter included an additional week, primarily reflected in Recorded Music streaming revenue. Additionally, the quarter included the impact of a new deal with one of our digital partners impacting Recorded Music streaming revenue. These items were partially offsetting and, adjusting for these items, total revenue was up 17.9% (or 19.4% in constant currency). Total streaming revenue increased 22.8% (or 23.6% in constant currency) driven by growth across Recorded Music and Music Publishing, including revenue from emerging streaming platforms. Digital revenue represented 62.1% of total revenue in the quarter, compared to 61.8% in the prior-year quarter. Recorded Music physical, licensing and artist services and expanded-rights revenue and Music Publishing performance, mechanical and synchronization revenue all had double-digit growth.

Operating income was $239 million compared to $196 million in the prior-year quarter. Net income was $188 million compared to $99 million in the prior-year quarter. OIBDA was $320 million, an increase from $267 million in the prior-year quarter, and OIBDA margin decreased 0.2 percentage points to 19.8% from 20.0% in the prior-year quarter. The increases in operating income, net income and OIBDA were primarily due to increased revenue. The decrease in OIBDA margin was primarily due to an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses from a one-time equity grant and the timing of expense recognition for new annual equity grants in the quarter.

Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income exclude non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses and expenses related to restructuring and other transformation initiatives in both the quarter and the prior-year quarter. In the prior-year quarter, COVID-related expenses are also excluded. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items and includes expected savings resulting from transformation initiatives and the pro forma impact of certain specified transactions. See below for calculations and reconciliations of Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 25.9% from $282 million to $355 million and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.9 percentage points to 22.0% from 21.1% in the prior-year quarter due to strong operating performance, which was partially offset by growth of lower-margin COVID-impacted revenue streams in the quarter. Adjusted operating income increased 29.9% from $211 million to $274 million due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses due to recent acquisitions and capital spending.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 31.0% from $297 million to $389 million with margins improving 1.9 percentage points from 22.2% to 24.1%. The increase was largely due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA in addition to higher pro forma savings expected to be realized from certain cost-savings initiatives and the impact of certain specified transactions.

Adjusted net income was $223 million compared to $114 million in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted net income grew due to an increase in Adjusted operating income and the favorable impact of exchange rates on the Company’s external euro-denominated debt, hedging activity and intercompany loans, partially offset by lower unrealized gains on the mark-to-market of certain investments and an increase in income tax expense due to higher pre-tax income.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share was $0.36 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the quarter of $188 million.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company reported a cash balance of $450 million, total debt of $3.846 billion and net debt (defined as total debt, net of deferred financing costs, premiums and discounts, minus cash and equivalents) of $3.396 billion.

Cash provided by operating activities decreased 24% to $129 million from $169 million in the prior-year quarter. The change was largely a result of strong operating performance, which was more than offset by continued A&R investment and timing of working capital. Capital expenditures increased to $34 million for the quarter as compared to $18 million in the prior-year quarter, mainly due to investments in facilities, including the EMP fulfillment center expansion to support continued growth in this business, and IT infrastructure. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, decreased 37% to $95 million from $151 million in the prior-year quarter.

Recorded Music

Recorded Music Summary Results        
(dollars in millions)        
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Revenue $ 1,386   $ 1,161   19 %
Digital revenue   870     727   20 %
Operating income   276     223   24 %
Adjusted operating income(1)   282     229   23 %
OIBDA(1)   330     269   23 %
Adjusted OIBDA(1)   336     275   22 %
           
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.
Recorded Music Revenue
(dollars in millions)          
           
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
  As reported   As reported   Constant
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
Digital $ 870   $ 727   $ 722
Physical   195     174     171
Total Digital and Physical   1,065     901     893
Artist services and expanded-rights   232     180     174
Licensing   89     80     79
Total Recorded Music $ 1,386   $ 1,161   $ 1,146

Recorded Music revenue was up 19.4% (or 20.9% in constant currency) due to growth across all revenue lines, including increases in digital revenue which reflect the continued growth in streaming, the Company’s largest source of revenue. Adjusted for the benefit of the additional week and the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, as noted above, Recorded Music revenue was up 15.9% (or 17.4% in constant currency). Digital revenue grew 19.7% (or 20.5% in constant currency) due to the strong performance of new and carryover releases, as well as revenue growth from emerging streaming platforms. Streaming revenue grew 20.8% (or 21.9% in constant currency). Adjusted for the benefit of the additional week and the impact of the new deal with one of our digital partners, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 16.9% (or 18.0% in constant currency). Digital revenue represented 62.8% of total Recorded Music revenue versus 62.6% in the prior-year quarter. Artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased 28.9% (or 33.3% in constant currency), reflecting an increase in merchandising and concert promotion revenue, both of which were disrupted by COVID in the prior-year quarter. Physical revenue grew 12.1% (or 14.0% in constant currency) primarily due to new releases, an increasing demand for vinyl products and COVID disruption in the prior-year quarter. Licensing revenue increased 11.3% (or 12.7% in constant currency), mainly due to higher synchronization and other licensing revenue, as businesses continued to recover from COVID disruption. Major sellers included Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Dua Lipa and Silk Sonic.

Recorded Music operating income was $276 million, up from $223 million in the prior-year quarter, and operating margin was up 0.7 percentage points to 19.9% versus 19.2% in the prior-year quarter. OIBDA increased to $330 million from $269 million in the prior-year quarter and OIBDA margin increased 0.6 percentage points to 23.8%. Adjusted OIBDA was $336 million versus $275 million in the prior-year quarter with Adjusted OIBDA margin up 0.5 percentage points to 24.2%. The increases in operating income, OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA were driven by increased revenue. The increases in operating margin, OIBDA margin and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily due to strong operating performance, which was partially offset by growth of lower-margin COVID-impacted revenue streams in the quarter.

Music Publishing

Music Publishing Summary Results        
(dollars in millions)        
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Revenue $ 229   $ 175   31 %
Digital revenue   133     99   34 %
Operating income   32     18   78 %
Adjusted operating income(1)   33     19   74 %
OIBDA(1)   54     39   38 %
Adjusted OIBDA(1)   55     40   38 %
           
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding these measures.
Music Publishing Revenue
(dollars in millions)          
           
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
  As reported   As reported   Constant
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
Performance $ 38   $ 30   $ 30
Digital   133     99     99
Mechanical   14     11     11
Synchronization   42     33     32
Other   2     2     2
Total Music Publishing $ 229   $ 175   $ 174

Music Publishing revenue increased 30.9% (or 31.6% in constant currency). The revenue increase was driven by growth across all revenue lines. Digital revenue increased 34.3% (as reported and in constant currency) reflecting the continuing growth in streaming, including emerging streaming platforms, and timing of new digital deals. Digital revenue growth in the quarter was impacted by a shift in the collection of writer’s share of U.S. digital performance income from certain digital service providers. This change has no impact on Music Publishing OIBDA, but results in a slight improvement to OIBDA margin. Streaming revenue increased 37.2% (or 35.8% in constant currency). Digital revenue represented 58.1% of total Music Publishing revenue versus 56.6% in the prior-year quarter. Synchronization revenue increased due to higher television, motion picture and commercial income and COVID disruption in the prior-year quarter. Performance revenue increased as bars, restaurants, concerts and live events continued to recover from COVID disruption. Mechanical revenue increased as businesses continued to recover from COVID disruption and from strong physical sales.

Music Publishing operating income was $32 million compared to $18 million in the prior-year quarter, largely driven by increased revenue. Operating margin increased 3.7 percentage points to 14.0%. Music Publishing OIBDA increased 38.5% to $54 million and OIBDA margin increased 1.3 percentage points to 23.6%. Adjusted OIBDA increased 37.5% to $55 million and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.1 percentage points to 24.0%. The increases in OIBDA margin and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily due to strong operating performance.

Financial details for the quarter can be found in the Company’s current Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2021, filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This morning, management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 A.M. EST. The call will be webcast on www.wmg.com.

About Warner Music Group

With a legacy extending back over 200 years, Warner Music Group today is home to an unparalleled family of creative artists, songwriters, and companies that are moving culture across the globe. At the core of WMG’s Recorded Music division are four of the most iconic companies in history: Atlantic, Elektra, Parlophone and Warner Records. They are joined by renowned labels such as 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’ Records, Warner Classics and Warner Music Nashville. Warner Chappell Music - which traces its origins back to the founding of Chappell & Company in 1811 - is one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights spanning every musical genre from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This communication includes forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of Warner Music Group about future events and financial performance. Words such as "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "forecasts" and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of today, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, we cannot assure you that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Please refer to our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements.

We maintain an Internet site at www.wmg.com. We use our website as a channel of distribution for material company information. Financial and other material information regarding Warner Music Group is routinely posted on and accessible at http://investors.wmg.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Warner Music Group by enrolling your email address through the “email alerts” section at http://investors.wmg.com. Our website and the information posted on it or connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this communication.

Basis of Presentation

The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in each reporting period. The fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 includes 53 weeks, and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 included 52 weeks. The additional week in fiscal year 2022 falls in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021. Accordingly, the results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2021 reflect 14 weeks compared to 13 weeks for the three months ended December 31, 2020. All references to December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 relate to the periods ended December 31, 2021 and December 25, 2020, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of December 31.

Figure 1. Warner Music Group Corp. - Consolidated Statements of Operations, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)          
           
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Revenue $ 1,614     $ 1,335     21 %
Cost and expenses:          
Cost of revenue   (818 )     (686 )   19 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (497 )     (401 )   24 %
Amortization expense   (60 )     (52 )   15 %
Total costs and expenses $ (1,375 )   $ (1,139 )   21 %
Operating income $ 239     $ 196     22 %
Interest expense, net   (30 )     (31 )   -3 %
Other income (expense), net   54       (31 )   %
Income before income taxes $ 263     $ 134     96 %
Income tax expense   (75 )     (35 )   %
Net income $ 188     $ 99     90 %
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest   (1 )     (1 )   %
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. $ 187     $ 98     91 %
           
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:          
Class A – Basic and Diluted $ 0.36     $ 0.18      
Class B – Basic and Diluted $ 0.36     $ 0.19      
Figure 2. Warner Music Group Corp. - Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 versus September 30, 2021
(dollars in millions)          
           
  December 31, 2021   September 30, 2021   % Change
  (unaudited)        
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and equivalents $ 450     $ 499     -10 %
Accounts receivable, net   941       839     12 %
Inventories   84       99     -15 %
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year   468       373     25 %
Prepaid and other current assets   78       86     -9 %
Total current assets $ 2,021     $ 1,896     7 %
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year   566       457     24 %
Property, plant and equipment, net   378       364     4 %
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net   258       268     -4 %
Goodwill   1,945       1,830     6 %
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net   2,472       2,017     23 %
Intangible assets not subject to amortization   152       154     -1 %
Deferred tax assets, net   3       31     -90 %
Other assets   220       194     13 %
Total assets $ 8,015     $ 7,211     11 %
Liabilities and Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable $ 274     $ 302     -9 %
Accrued royalties   1,974       1,880     5 %
Accrued liabilities   466       461     1 %
Accrued interest   30       14     %
Operating lease liabilities, current   43       43     %
Deferred revenue   298       348     -14 %
Other current liabilities   272       102     %
Total current liabilities $ 3,357     $ 3,150     7 %
Long-term debt   3,846       3,346     15 %
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent   275       287     -4 %
Deferred tax liabilities, net   195       207     -6 %
Other noncurrent liabilities   170       175     -3 %
Total liabilities $ 7,843     $ 7,165     9 %
Equity:          
Class A common stock $     $     %
Class B common stock   1       1     %
Additional paid-in capital   1,973       1,942     2 %
Accumulated deficit   (1,601 )     (1,710 )   -6 %
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (220 )     (202 )   9 %
Total Warner Music Group Corp. equity $ 153     $ 31     %
Noncontrolling interest   19       15     27 %
Total equity   172       46     %
Total liabilities and equity $ 8,015     $ 7,211     11 %
Figure 3. Warner Music Group Corp. - Summarized Statements of Cash Flows, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)      
       
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 129     $ 169  
Net cash used in investing activities   (624 )     (343 )
Net cash provided by financing activities   448       178  
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents   (2 )     9  
Net (decrease) increase in cash and equivalents $ (49 )   $ 13  
Figure 4. Warner Music Group Corp. - Digital Revenue Summary, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)          
           
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Recorded Music          
Streaming $ 836     $ 692     21 %
Downloads and Other Digital   34       35     -3 %
Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue $ 870     $ 727     20 %
           
Music Publishing          
Streaming $ 129     $ 94     37 %
Downloads and Other Digital   4       5     -20 %
Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue $ 133     $ 99     34 %
           
Consolidated          
Streaming $ 965     $ 786     23 %
Downloads and Other Digital   38       40     -5 %
Intersegment Eliminations   (1 )     (1 )   %
Total Digital Revenue $ 1,002     $ 825     21 %

Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including the following non-GAAP financial measures:

OIBDA

OIBDA reflects our operating income before non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and non-cash amortization of intangible assets. We consider OIBDA to be an important indicator of the operational strengths and performance of our businesses, and believe the presentation of OIBDA helps improve the ability to understand our operating performance and evaluate our performance in comparison to comparable periods. However, a limitation of the use of OIBDA as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenue in our businesses. Accordingly, OIBDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss) and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, OIBDA, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Figure 5. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Net Income to OIBDA, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)          
           
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. $ 187     $ 98     91 %
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest   1       1     %
Net income $ 188     $ 99     90 %
Income tax expense   75       35     %
Income including income taxes $ 263     $ 134     96 %
Other (income) expense, net   (54 )     31     %
Interest expense, net   30       31     -3 %
Operating income $ 239     $ 196     22 %
Amortization expense   60       52     15 %
Depreciation expense   21       19     11 %
OIBDA $ 320     $ 267     20 %
Operating income margin   14.8 %     14.7 %    
OIBDA margin   19.8 %     20.0 %    
Figure 6. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to OIBDA, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)          
           
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   % Change
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
Total WMG operating income – GAAP $ 239     $ 196     22 %
Depreciation and amortization expense   (81 )     (71 )   14 %
Total WMG OIBDA $ 320     $ 267     20 %
Operating income margin   14.8 %     14.7 %    
OIBDA margin   19.8 %     20.0 %    
           
Recorded Music operating income – GAAP $ 276     $ 223     24 %
Depreciation and amortization expense   (54 )     (46 )   17 %
Recorded Music OIBDA $ 330     $ 269     23 %
Recorded Music operating income margin   19.9 %     19.2 %    
Recorded Music OIBDA margin   23.8 %     23.2 %    
           
Music Publishing operating income – GAAP $ 32     $ 18     78 %
Depreciation and amortization expense   (22 )     (21 )   5 %
Music Publishing OIBDA $ 54     $ 39     38 %
Music Publishing operating income margin   14.0 %     10.3 %    
Music Publishing OIBDA margin   23.6 %     22.3 %    

Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted Net Income (Loss)

Adjusted operating income (loss), Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income (loss) is operating income (loss), OIBDA and net income (loss), respectively, adjusted to exclude the impact of certain items that affect comparability. Factors affecting period-to-period comparability of the unadjusted measures in the quarter included the items listed in Figure 7 below. We use Adjusted operating income (loss), Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income (loss) to evaluate our actual operating performance. We believe that the adjusted results provide relevant and useful information for investors because they clarify our actual operating performance, make it easier to compare our results with those of other companies in our industry and allow investors to review performance in the same way as our management. Since these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating income (loss), OIBDA and net income (loss) as indicators of operating performance, and they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Figure 7. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)                          
                           
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021                          
  Total WMG Operating Income   Recorded Music Operating Income   Music Publishing Operating Income   Total WMG OIBDA   Recorded Music OIBDA   Music Publishing OIBDA   Net Income
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
Reported Results $ 239     $ 276     $ 32     $ 320     $ 330     $ 54     $ 188
Factors Affecting Comparability:                          
Restructuring and Other Transformation Related Costs   11                   11                   11
Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation and Other Related Costs   24       6       1       24       6       1       24
Adjusted Results $ 274     $ 282     $ 33     $ 355     $ 336     $ 55     $ 223
                           
Adjusted Margin   17.0 %     20.3 %     14.4 %     22.0 %     24.2 %     24.0 %    
                           
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020                          
  Total WMG Operating Income   Recorded Music Operating Income   Music Publishing Operating Income   Total WMG OIBDA   Recorded Music OIBDA   Music Publishing OIBDA   Net Income
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
Reported Results $ 196     $ 223     $ 18     $ 267     $ 269     $ 39     $ 99
Factors Affecting Comparability:                          
Restructuring and Other Transformation Related Costs   8             1       8             1       8
COVID-19 Related Costs   1       1             1       1             1
Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation and Other Related Costs   6       5             6       5             6
Adjusted Results $ 211     $ 229     $ 19     $ 282     $ 275     $ 40     $ 114
                           
Adjusted Margin   15.8 %     19.7 %     10.9 %     21.1 %     23.7 %     22.9 %    

Constant Currency

Because exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of revenue on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported revenue helps improve the ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. Constant-currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period over period. We use results on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance. We calculate constant-currency results by applying current-year foreign currency exchange rates to prior-year results. However, a limitation of the use of the constant-currency results as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the impact of exchange rates on our revenue. These results should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Results on a constant-currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not a measure of performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Figure 8. Warner Music Group Corp. - Revenue by Geography and Segment, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020 As Reported and Constant Currency
(dollars in millions)          
           
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
  As reported   As reported   Constant
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
U.S. revenue          
Recorded Music $ 608     $ 481     $ 481  
Music Publishing   115       91       91  
International revenue          
Recorded Music   778       680       665  
Music Publishing   114       84       83  
Intersegment eliminations   (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Total Revenue $ 1,614     $ 1,335     $ 1,319  
           
Revenue by Segment:          
Recorded Music          
Digital $ 870     $ 727     $ 722  
Physical   195       174       171  
Total Digital and Physical   1,065       901       893  
Artist services and expanded-rights   232       180       174  
Licensing   89       80       79  
Total Recorded Music   1,386       1,161       1,146  
Music Publishing          
Performance   38       30       30  
Digital   133       99       99  
Mechanical   14       11       11  
Synchronization   42       33       32  
Other   2       2       2  
Total Music Publishing   229       175       174  
Intersegment eliminations   (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Total Revenue $ 1,614     $ 1,335     $ 1,319  
           
Total Digital Revenue $ 1,002     $ 825     $ 820  

Free Cash Flow

Our definition of Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. We use Free Cash Flow, among other measures, to evaluate our operating performance. Management believes Free Cash Flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to fund our debt service requirements, ongoing working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, strategic acquisitions and investments, and any dividends, prepayments of debt or repurchases or retirement of our outstanding debt or notes in open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases, any repurchases of our common stock or otherwise. As a result, Free Cash Flow is a significant measure of our ability to generate long-term value. It is useful for investors to know whether this ability is being enhanced or degraded as a result of our operating performance. We believe the presentation of Free Cash Flow is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method management uses.

Free Cash Flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and therefore it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance or cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Free Cash Flow, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, Free Cash Flow does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because Free Cash Flow deducts capital expenditures from “net cash provided by operating activities” (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure), users of this information should consider the types of events and transactions that are not reflected. We provide below a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to the most directly comparable amount reported under U.S. GAAP, which is “net cash provided by operating activities.”

Figure 9. Warner Music Group Corp. - Calculation of Free Cash Flow, Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)      
       
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 129   $ 169
Less: Capital expenditures   34     18
       
Free Cash Flow $ 95   $ 151

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is equivalent to “EBITDA” as defined in our Revolving Credit Facility and our 2020 indenture and substantially similar to “EBITDA” as defined under our Senior Term Loan Facility, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA differs from the term “EBITDA” as it is commonly used. The definition of Adjusted EBITDA, in addition to adjusting net income to exclude interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, also adjusts net income by excluding items or expenses such as, among other items, (1) the amount of any restructuring charges or reserves; (2) any non-cash charges (including any impairment charges); (3) any net loss resulting from hedging currency exchange risks; (4) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees paid to Access under the Management Agreement or otherwise; (5) business optimization expenses (including consolidation initiatives, severance costs and other costs relating to initiatives aimed at profitability improvement); (6) transaction expenses; (7) equity-based compensation expense; and (8) certain extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items. The definition of EBITDA under the Revolving Credit Facility also includes adjustments for the pro forma impact of certain projected cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies and any quality of earnings analysis prepared by independent certified public accountants in connection with an acquisition, merger, consolidation or other investment.

Adjusted EBITDA is a key measure used by our management to understand and evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of those limitations include: (1) it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenue for our business; (2) it does not reflect the significant interest expense or cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness; and (3) it does not reflect every cash expenditure, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments. In particular, this measure adds back certain non-cash, extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring charges that are deducted in calculating net income; however, these are expenses that may recur, vary greatly and are difficult to predict. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is not the same as net income or cash flow provided by operating activities as those terms are defined by U.S. GAAP and does not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss) and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Figure 10. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA, Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)              
               
  For the Three Months EndedDecember 31, 2021   For the Three Months EndedDecember 31, 2020   For the Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2021   For the Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2020
  (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
Net Income (Loss) $ 188     $ 99     $ 396     $ (493 )
Income tax expense   75       35       189       53  
Interest expense, net   30       31       121       125  
Depreciation and amortization   81       71       316       261  
Loss on extinguishment of debt (a)               22       34  
Net gain on divestitures and sale of securities (b)               (3 )     (1 )
Restructuring costs (c)   4       3       30       20  
Net hedging and foreign exchange (gains) losses (d)   (41 )     48       (78 )     104  
Management fees (e)                     17  
Transaction costs (f)   7             17       76  
Business optimization expenses (g)   14       8       48       37  
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense (h)   23       6       62       621  
Other non-cash charges (i)   (11 )     (14 )     8       (5 )
Pro forma impact of cost savings initiatives and specified transactions (j)   19       10       79       55  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 389     $ 297     $ 1,207     $ 904  

______________________________________

(a) Reflects loss on extinguishment of debt, primarily including tender fees and unamortized deferred financing costs.
(b) Reflects net gain on sale of securities and divestitures.
(c) Reflects severance costs and other restructuring related expenses.
(d) Reflects unrealized losses (gains) due to foreign exchange on our Euro-denominated debt, losses (gains) from hedging activities and intercompany transactions.
(e) Reflects management fees and related expenses paid to Access pursuant to the management agreement, which was terminated upon completion of the IPO in June 2020.
(f) Reflects mainly transaction and qualifying IPO costs.
(g) Reflects costs associated with our transformation initiatives and IT system updates, which includes costs of $10 million and $37 million related to our finance transformation for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021, respectively, as well as $6 million and $27 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(h) Reflects non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Warner Music Group Corp. Senior Management Free Cash Flow Plan.
(i) Reflects non-cash activity, including the unrealized losses (gains) on the mark-to-market of equity investments, investment losses (gains) and other non-cash impairments.
(j) Reflects expected savings resulting from transformation initiatives and the pro forma impact of certain specified transactions for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021. Certain of these cost savings initiatives and transactions impacted quarters prior to the quarter during which they were identified within the last twelve-month period. The pro forma impact of these specified transactions and initiatives resulted in a $31 million increase in the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 Adjusted EBITDA.
Media Contact: Investor Contact:
James Steven Kareem Chin
(212) 275-2213  
James.Steven@wmg.com Investor.Relations@wmg.com
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