Warner Music Group Corp. Reports Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended September 30, 2024

Financial Highlights

• Full-Year Results Reflect Healthy Performance Across Recorded Music and Music Publishing
• Continued Strong Growth in Subscription Streaming Underpinned by Healthy Macro Trends
• Music Publishing Achieves its Fourth Consecutive Year of Double-Digit Revenue Growth
• Delivered Operating Cash Flow Conversion of 53% in line with Guidance

For the three months ended September 30, 2024

• Total revenue increased 3% (the same in constant currency)
• Digital revenue was flat compared to prior-year quarter
• Net income was $48 million versus $154 million in prior-year quarter
• Adjusted OIBDA increased 11% to $353 million versus $317 million in prior-year quarter (the same in constant currency)
• Cash provided by operating activities decreased 10% to $304 million from $338 million in prior-year quarter

For the twelve months ended September 30, 2024

• Total revenue increased 6%, or 7% in constant currency
• Digital revenue increased 7%, or 8% in constant currency
• Net income was $478 million versus $439 million in prior year
• Adjusted OIBDA increased 16% to $1,432 million versus $1,235 million in prior year (the same in constant currency)
• Cash provided by operating activities increased 10% to $754 million from $687 million in prior year

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for the periods ended September 30, 2024.

"Our performance this quarter and this year demonstrated our strength and adaptability in a thriving, fast-moving market," said Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group. "We continue to evolve WMG, based on the principle that simplicity and focus drive higher intensity and global impact. This is enhancing our ability to attract original artists and songwriters at all stages of their careers, helping them realize their musical visions, and grow passionate, loyal fanbases."

"Our results underscore the diversity and resilience of our business," said Bryan Castellani, CFO of Warner Music Group. "Our strong streaming performance, underpinned by positive industry trends, and combined with our cost discipline, resulted in robust cash flow generation. We are excited by the opportunities ahead, and look forward to delivering more culture-shaping music in 2025 and beyond."

Total WMG

Fourth-Quarter Results

Revenue was up 2.8% (or 2.9% in constant currency). Recorded Music digital revenue growth was unfavorably impacted by the termination of the distribution agreement with BMG (the “BMG Termination”), which resulted in $25 million less revenue compared to the prior-year quarter, and a renewal with one of the Company’s digital partners (the “Digital License Renewal”), which resulted in a $4 million unfavorable impact within Recorded Music streaming revenue compared to the prior-year quarter. Music Publishing digital revenue growth was unfavorably impacted by a ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board in Phonorecords III upholding higher percentage of revenue U.S. mechanical royalty rates (the “CRB Rate Benefit”), which resulted in a $17 million benefit in the prior-year quarter. Excluding the BMG Termination, the Digital License Renewal and the CRB Rate Benefit, total revenue was up 5.8% (or 6.0% in constant currency).

Digital revenue decreased 0.2% (or increased 0.2% in constant currency) and streaming revenue increased 1.0% (or 1.3% in constant currency). Recorded Music streaming revenue increased 2.1% (or 2.5% in constant currency); however, adjusted for the impact of the BMG Termination of $24 million and the Digital License Renewal of $4 million, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 5.6% (or 6.0% in constant currency). Music Publishing streaming revenue decreased 4.2% (the same in constant currency); however, adjusted for the impact of the CRB Rate Benefit of $17 million, Music Publishing streaming revenue was up 5.2% (the same in constant currency). Revenue increases in the quarter were driven by growth in Recorded Music licensing, physical and artist services and expanded-rights revenue and Music Publishing synchronization revenue, partially offset by lower Music Publishing mechanical revenue. Music Publishing performance revenue was flat compared to the prior-year quarter on an as-reported basis (or decreased 2.3% in constant currency).

Operating income decreased to $143 million compared to $212 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in operating income was driven by the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as an increase in restructuring charges of $82 million compared to the prior-year quarter in connection with the Company’s restructuring plan announced in February 2024 (the “Strategic Restructuring Plan”), higher non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $18 million, and $6 million of incremental expenses related to transformation initiatives.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 11.4% from $317 million to $353 million (the same in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.7 percentage points to 21.7% from 20.0% in the prior-year quarter (the same in constant currency).
The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were driven primarily by strong operating performance and savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, of which a majority has been reinvested in the Company’s business.

Net income decreased by $106 million to $48 million from $154 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to the factors described above, as well as higher interest expense, net, primarily due to increased costs of the Company’s variable rate debt, and the impact of exchange rates on the Company’s Euro-denominated debt resulting in a loss of $35 million in the quarter compared to a gain of $25 million in the prior-year quarter, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $55 million driven by the impact of lower pre-tax income, lower U.S. state and local taxes and a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share were $0.08 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the quarter of $48 million.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company reported a cash balance of $694 million, total debt of $4.014 billion and net debt (defined as total debt, net of deferred financing costs, premiums and discounts, minus cash and equivalents) of $3.320 billion, compared to $3.323 billion at the end of the prior year.

Cash provided by operating activities decreased 10% to $304 million from $338 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease was largely the result of timing of working capital, partially offset by the timing of severance payments related to the Company’s restructuring plans. Capital expenditures decreased to $33 million, from $38 million in the prior-year quarter. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, decreased 10% to $271 million from $300 million in the prior-year quarter.

Last week, the Company’s board of directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program.

Full-Year Results

Total revenue increased 6.4% (or 6.5% in constant currency). As previously disclosed, the year includes $68 million of Recorded Music licensing revenue from a licensing agreement extension for an artist’s catalog (the “Licensing Extension”). In addition, revenue growth was unfavorably impacted by the BMG Termination, which resulted in $86 million of lower Recorded Music digital revenue, partially offset by $16 million in incremental Recorded Music streaming revenue resulting from the Digital License Renewal. Music Publishing digital revenue growth was also unfavorably impacted by the CRB Rate Benefit of $24 million in the prior year. Adjusted for these items, total revenue was up 7.0% (or 7.1% in constant currency).

Digital revenue increased 7.3% (or 7.6% in constant currency) and streaming revenue increased 8.2% (or 8.5% in constant currency). Recorded Music streaming revenue increased 6.9% (or 7.3% in constant currency); however, adjusted for the impact of the BMG Termination of $81 million and the Digital License Renewal of $16 million, Recorded Music streaming revenue increased 9.1% (or 9.6% in constant currency). Music Publishing streaming revenue increased 14.6% (or 14.1% in constant currency); however, adjusted for the impact of the CRB Rate Benefit of $24 million in the prior year, Music Publishing streaming revenue was up 19.0% (or 18.5% in constant currency). Revenue increases in the year were also driven by growth in Recorded Music licensing and physical revenue and Music Publishing performance and synchronization revenue, partially offset by lower Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue and Music Publishing mechanical revenue.

Operating income increased by $33 million to $823 million compared to $790 million in the prior year. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as $21 million of lower amortization expenses due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized, partially offset by $178 million of restructuring and non-cash impairment charges in the year in connection with the Strategic Restructuring Plan, compared to $40 million of restructuring charges in the prior year related to the 2023 Restructuring Plan, $23 million of incremental expenses related to transformation initiatives and a $9 million decrease in net gain on divestitures.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 16.0% to $1,432 million from $1,235 million (the same in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.8 percentage points to 22.3% from 20.5% in the prior year (the same in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin include the favorable impacts of the Licensing Extension of $67 million and the Digital License Renewal of $6 million, partially offset by the unfavorable impacts of the BMG Termination of $3 million and the CRB Rate Benefit of $6 million. Excluding the impact of the Licensing Extension, Digital License Renewal, BMG Termination and the CRB Rate Benefit, Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.7 percentage points to 21.4% from 20.7% in the prior year (the same in constant currency), primarily due to strong operating performance and savings from the Company’s restructuring programs, the majority of which was reinvested in the Company’s business.

Net income increased by $39 million to $478 million compared to $439 million in the prior year. The increase in net income was primarily due to the factors described above, as well as a loss on extinguishment of debt of $4 million in the prior year, lower income tax expense of $47 million due to the impact from winding down the Company’s owned and operated media properties, return to provision adjustments and nontaxable income from partnerships, partially offset by higher interest expense, net, primarily due to increased costs on the Company’s variable rate debt.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share were $0.83 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the year of $478 million.

Cash provided by operating activities increased 10% to $754 million from $687 million in the prior year. The change was largely a result of strong operating performance and timing of working capital driven by timing of severance payments related to the Company’s restructuring plans. Operating cash flow conversion was 53% of Adjusted OIBDA. Capital expenditures decreased 9% to $116 million from $127 million in the prior year. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, increased 14% to $638 million from $560 million in the prior year.

Recorded Music

Fourth-Quarter Results
Recorded Music revenue was up 3.6% (or 3.9% in constant currency), driven by growth across licensing, digital, physical and artist services and expanded-rights revenue. Excluding the impact from the BMG Termination and the Digital License Renewal, Recorded Music revenue increased 6.0% (or 6.3% in constant currency). Digital revenue was up 0.5% (or 0.8% in constant currency), and streaming revenue was up 2.1% (or 2.5% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impact from the BMG Termination of $24 million and the Digital License Renewal of $4 million, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 5.6% (or 6.0% in constant currency). Streaming revenue reflects growth in subscription revenue of 4.9% (or 5.7% in constant currency), partially offset by a decline in ad-supported revenue of 5.2% (or 6.0% in constant currency). Subscription revenue, adjusted by $23 million for the BMG Termination and by $4 million for the Digital License Renewal, increased 9.7% (or 10.6% in constant currency). Ad-supported revenue, adjusted by $1 million for the BMG Termination, was down 4.7% (or 5.6% in constant currency), driven by the revenue impact of Meta’s discontinued use of premium music videos and the TikTok deal renewal in the prior year. Recorded Music licensing revenue increased 34.7% (or 33.3% in constant currency), driven by an increase in copyright infringement settlements primarily in the United States and growth in broadcast fees and other licensing. Physical revenue was up 3.1% (or 4.7% in constant currency), primarily driven by strong releases in Japan and the United States. Artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased 3.2% (or 2.6% in constant currency) primarily due to higher concert promotion revenue in Japan, partially offset by lower merchandising revenue and a decrease in revenue related to the exit of the Company’s owned and operated media properties announced as part of the Strategic Restructuring Plan. Major sellers in the quarter included Benson Boone, Charli XCX, Zach Bryan and Teddy Swims.

Recorded Music operating income was $178 million, down from $234 million in the prior-year quarter and operating margin was down 4.8 percentage points to 13.3% versus 18.1% in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in operating income and operating income margin was driven by the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as restructuring charges of $77 million in the quarter in connection with the Strategic Restructuring Plan, higher non-cash stock-based compensation expenses and other related costs of $16 million and a $1 million increase in depreciation expense, partially offset by $3 million in lower amortization expenses due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 12.8% from $281 million to $317 million (or 13.2% in constant currency) with Adjusted OIBDA margin up 1.9 percentage points to 23.7% from 21.8% in the prior-year quarter (or 2.0 percentage points to 23.7% from 21.7% in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily driven by strong operating performance and savings from the Company’s restructuring programs, the majority of which was reinvested into the Company’s business.

Full-Year Results

Recorded Music revenue was up 5.4% (or 5.6% in constant currency), largely driven by growth in licensing revenue of 31.2% (or 30.1% in constant currency) which includes $68 million from the Licensing Extension in the year, as well as growth in synchronization and other licensing revenue. Excluding the impact of the Licensing Extension, the Digital License Renewal and the BMG Termination, Recorded Music revenue was up 5.6% (or 5.7% in constant currency). Digital revenue was up 5.9% (or 6.4% in constant currency), largely driven by growth in streaming revenue of 6.9% (or 7.3% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impact of the BMG Termination of $81 million and the Digital License Renewal of $16 million, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 9.1% (or 9.6% in constant currency). Streaming revenue reflects growth in subscription revenue of 8.3% (or 9.2% in constant currency) and growth in ad-supported revenue of 3.1% (or 2.3% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impact of the BMG Termination of $78 million and the Digital License Renewal of $16 million, subscription revenue increased 11.3% (or 12.4% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impact of the BMG Termination of $3 million, ad-supported revenue grew 3.4% (or 2.6% in constant currency). Physical revenue increased 2.4% (or 2.2% in constant currency), driven by the strength of new releases in Japan (primarily from TWICE and Aespa). Artist services and expanded-rights revenue decreased 8.1% (or 8.4% in constant currency), reflecting a decrease in revenue related to the exit of the Company’s owned and operated media properties announced as part of the Strategic Restructuring Plan, as well as lower merchandising revenue, partially offset by higher concert promotion revenue primarily in Japan. Major sellers in the year included Benson Boone, Zach Bryan, Teddy Swims, Dua Lipa and Charli XCX.

Recorded Music operating income increased to $916 million from $875 million in the prior year, and operating margin was down 0.2 percentage points to 17.5% from 17.7% in the prior year. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as a $28 million decrease in amortization expense due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized, partially offset by an increase in restructuring and non-cash impairment charges of $126 million and a $24 million decrease in net gain on divestitures.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 17.2% to $1,282 million from $1,094 million (or 17.3% in constant currency) with Adjusted OIBDA margin up 2.4 percentage points to 24.5% from 22.1% in the prior year (the same in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin include the favorable impacts of $67 million from the Licensing Extension and $6 million from the Digital License Renewal, partially offset by a $3 million unfavorable impact from the BMG Termination. Excluding the impact from the Licensing Extension, the Digital License Renewal and the BMG Termination, Adjusted OIBDA increased 10.9% (or 11.0% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.1 percentage points to 23.5% from 22.4% in the prior year (the same in constant currency) primarily due to strong operating performance and savings from the Company’s restructuring programs, the majority of which was reinvested into the Company’s business.

Music Publishing

Fourth-Quarter Results

Music Publishing revenue decreased 1.0% (the same in constant currency), driven by lower digital and mechanical revenue, partially offset by an increase in synchronization revenue. Excluding the impact from the CRB Rate Benefit of $17 million in the prior-year quarter, Music Publishing revenue increased 5.0% (the same in constant currency). Digital revenue decreased 3.1% (the same in constant currency) and streaming revenue decreased 4.2% (the same in constant currency). Excluding the impact from the CRB Rate Benefit of $17 million in the prior-year quarter, digital revenue was up 6.3% (the same in constant currency), and streaming revenue was up 5.2% (the same in constant currency), which reflects continued market and catalog growth, and timing of payments. Synchronization revenue was up 12.2% (or 15.0% in constant currency), driven by an increase in copyright infringement settlements primarily in the United States, partially offset by a decrease in mechanical revenue of 11.8% (the same in constant currency) due to lower physical sales and timing of distributions. Performance revenue was flat compared to the prior-year quarter (or was down 2.3% in constant currency), driven by lower overall activity in the United States in the quarter compared to the prior-year quarter.

Music Publishing operating income increased to $53 million compared to $49 million in the prior-year quarter and operating margin increased 1.6 percentage points to 18.0% versus 16.4% in the prior-year quarter. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 12.2% to $83 million from $74 million (or 10.7% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 3.3 percentage points to 28.1% from 24.8% in the prior-year quarter (or 2.9 percentage points to 28.1% from 25.2% in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin include the unfavorable impact from the CRB Rate Benefit in the prior-year quarter of $4 million. Excluding the impact of the CRB Rate Benefit in the prior-year quarter, Adjusted OIBDA increased 18.6% (or 16.9% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 3.2 percentage points to 28.1% from 24.9% in the prior-year quarter (or 2.8 percentage points to 28.1% from 25.3% in constant currency) primarily driven by strong operating performance.

Full-Year Results

Music Publishing revenue increased 11.2% (or 11.0% in constant currency). Excluding the impact from the CRB Rate Benefit of $24 million in the prior year, Music Publishing revenue increased 13.7% (or 13.5% in constant currency). The increase was driven by growth in digital, performance and synchronization revenue, partially offset by lower mechanical revenue. Digital revenue increased 14.1% (or 13.7% in constant currency), which includes the impact of $24 million in the prior year from the CRB Rate Benefit. Streaming revenue increased 14.6% (or 14.1% in constant currency) or increased 19.0% (or 18.5% in constant currency) after excluding the impact of the CRB Rate Benefit in the prior year. Music Publishing streaming growth reflects the continued market growth and timing of payments. Performance revenue increased due to an increase in touring activity primarily in Europe and timing of payments from collection societies in the United States. Synchronization revenue increased 4.8% (the same in constant currency) driven by higher commercial and video game licensing activity and an increase in copyright infringement settlements primarily in the United States, partially offset by lower film and television licensing activity. Mechanical revenue decreased 7.9% (or 9.4% in constant currency) driven by lower physical sales and the timing of distributions.

Music Publishing operating income increased to $238 million from $200 million in the prior year and operating margin increased 1.3 percentage points to 19.7% versus 18.4% in the prior year, primarily driven by the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as a net gain on a divestiture of $14 million in the year.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 11.5% to $330 million from $296 million (or 11.1% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.1 percentage point to 27.3% from 27.2% in the prior year (the same in constant currency). The increase in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin includes the unfavorable impact of the $6 million CRB Rate Benefit in the prior year. Excluding the CRB Rate Benefit, Adjusted OIBDA increased 13.8% (or 13.4% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin of 27.3% remained flat compared to the prior year (the same in constant currency).

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 TenThousand Projects, 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.

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Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

Adjusted OIBDA

We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including our primary financial measure of operating income (loss) before non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and non-cash amortization of intangible assets adjusted to exclude the impact of non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses and certain items that affect comparability including but not limited to gains or losses on divestitures and expenses related to restructuring and transformation initiatives (“Adjusted OIBDA”). We consider Adjusted OIBDA to be an important indicator of the operational strengths and performance of our businesses. However, a limitation of the use of Adjusted OIBDA as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in our businesses. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In addition, our definition of Adjusted OIBDA may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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.