UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202022
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                    
Commission File Number: 001-34177
disca-20201231_g1.jpgdisca-20221231_g1.jpg
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 35-2333914
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
8403 Colesville Road230 Park Avenue South 2091010003
Silver Spring,MarylandNew York, New York(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices) 
(240) 662-2000(212) 548-5555
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 



Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading SymbolsName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Series A Common Stock par value $0.01 per shareDISCAThe Nasdaq Global Select Market
Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareDISCBThe Nasdaq Global Select Market
Series C Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareDISCKWBDThe Nasdaq Global Select Market



Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company”company,” and "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý  Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes    No  ý
The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant computed by reference to the last sales price of such stock, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, which was June 30, 2020,2022, was approximately $10$32 billion.
Total number of shares outstanding of each class of the Registrant’s common stock as of February 8, 20219, 2023 was:
Series A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share162,490,752 
Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share6,512,378 
Series C Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share318,331,0652,430,029,982 




DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required in Item 10 through Item 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 20212023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days of the Registrant’s fiscal year end.amended.



WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Page

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PART I
CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, marketing and operating strategies, integration of acquired businesses, new service offerings, financial prospects and anticipated sources and uses of capital. Words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “strategy,” “target” and similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will” and “would,” among other terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance identify forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be accomplished. The following is a list of some, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:
changes inpotential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences or unforeseen increased expenses associated with the distribution and viewing of television programming, includingWarnerMedia Business or our efforts to integrate the expanded deployment of personal video recorders, subscription video on demand, internet protocol television, mobile personal devices and personal tablets and their impact on television advertising revenue;WarnerMedia Business;
continued consolidationinherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of distribution customers and production studios;financial forecasts;
a failure to secure affiliate agreements orour level of debt, including the renewalsignificant indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition of such agreements on less favorable terms;the WarnerMedia Business, and our future compliance with debt covenants;
rapid technological changes;more intense competitive pressure from existing or new competitors in the industries in which we operate;
the inabilityreduced spending on domestic and foreign television advertising, due to macroeconomic trends, industry trends or unexpected reductions in our number of advertisers or affiliates to remit payment to us in a timely manner or at all;
general economic and business conditions, including the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;subscribers;
industry trends, including the timing of, and spending on, sports programming, feature film, television and television commercial production;
spending on domestic and foreign television advertising;
disagreements with our distributors or other business partners over contract interpretation;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, political unrest and regulatory changes in international markets;
market demand for foreign first-run and existing content libraries;
the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which we, and the entities in which we have interests, operate;
uncertainties inherent in the development of new business lines and business strategies;
uncertainties regarding the financial performance ofnegative publicity or damage to our investments in unconsolidated entities;
our ability to complete, integrate, maintain and obtain the anticipated benefits and synergies from our proposed business combinations and acquisitions, on a timely basisbrands, reputation or at all;talent;
uncertainties associated with product and service development and market acceptance, including the development and provision of programming for new television and telecommunications technologies, and the success of our newHBO Max and discovery+ streaming product;products;
future financial performance, including availability, terms, and deployment of capital;realizing direct-to-consumer subscriber goals;
general economic and business conditions, including the abilityimpact of suppliersthe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software, and services;
our ability to achievepolitical unrest in the efficiencies, savings and other benefits anticipated from our cost-reduction initiatives;
the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation;
availability of qualified personnel;international markets in which we operate;
the possibility or duration of an industry-wide strike, player lock-outs or other job action affecting a major entertainment industry union;union, athletes or others involved in the development and production of our sports programming, television programming, feature films and interactive entertainment (e.g., games) who are covered by collective bargaining agreements;
disagreements with our distributors or other business partners;
continued consolidation of distribution customers and production studios;
theft of our content and unauthorized duplication, distribution and exhibition of such content;
threatened or actual cyber-attacks and cybersecurity breaches; and
changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, laws and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC")and similar authorities internationally and data privacy regulations and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;proceedings.
changes in income taxes dueForward-looking statements are subject to regulatory changes or changes in our corporate structure;various risks and uncertainties which change over time, are based on management’s expectations and assumptions at the time the statements are made and are not guarantees of future results.
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changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, distributors and equity method investee partners;
competitor responses to our products and services and the products and services of the entities in which we have interests;
threatened or actual cyber or terrorist attacks and military action;
our level of debt;
reduced access to capital markets or significant increases in costs to borrow; and
a reduction of advertising revenue associated with unexpected reductions in the number of subscribers.
These risks have the potential to impact the recoverability of the assets recorded on our balance sheets, including goodwill or other intangibles. Additionally, many of these risks are currently amplified by and may, in the future, continue to be amplified by the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For additional riskManagement’s expectations and assumptions, and the continued validity of any forward-looking statements we make, cannot be foreseen with certainty and are subject to change due to a broad range of factors referaffecting the U.S. and global economies and regulatory environment, factors specific to Warner Bros. Discovery and other factors described below under Item 1A, “Risk Factors.Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in our forward-looking statements and from our historical financial results due to the factors discussed in this section and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or disclosed in our other SEC filings. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties, and other factors speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
ITEM 1. Business.
For convenience, the terms “Discovery,”“Warner Bros. Discovery”, “WBD”, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to refer to both Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and collectively to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
Merger with the WarnerMedia Business of AT&T
On March 6, 2018,April 8, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), Discovery, Inc. (“Discovery”) completed its merger (the “Merger”) with the Company acquired Scripps Networks Interactive,WarnerMedia business (the “WarnerMedia Business”, “WM Business” or “WM”) of AT&T Inc. ("Scripps Networks"(“AT&T”) and changed its name from "Discovery Communications,to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc." On April 11, 2022, the Company’s shares started trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the trading symbol WBD.
The Merger was executed through a Reverse Morris Trust type transaction, under which WM was distributed to "Discovery, Inc."AT&T’s shareholders via a pro rata distribution, and immediately thereafter, combined with Discovery. (See Note 3 and Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). Prior to the Merger, WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. distributed $40.5 billion to AT&T (subject to working capital and other adjustments) in a combination of cash, debt securities, and WM's retention of certain debt. Discovery transferred purchase consideration of $42.4 billion in equity to AT&T shareholders in the Merger. In August 2022, the Company and AT&T finalized the post-closing working capital settlement process, pursuant to section 1.3 of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, which resulted in the Company receiving a $1.2 billion payment from AT&T in the third quarter of 2022 in lieu of adjusting the equity issued as consideration in the Merger. AT&T shareholders received shares of WBD Series A common stock (“WBD common stock”) in the Merger representing 71% of the combined Company and the Company's pre-Merger shareholders continued to own 29% of the combined Company, in each case on a fully diluted basis.
Discovery was deemed to be the accounting acquirer of the WM Business for accounting purposes under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”); therefore, Discovery is considered the Company’s predecessor and the historical financial statements of Discovery prior to April 8, 2022, are reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the Company’s historical financial statements. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company as of and for any periods prior to April 8, 2022 do not include the financial results of the WM Business and current and future results will not be comparable to historical results.
Description of Business
Warner Bros. Discovery is a premier global media and entertainment company that combines the WarnerMedia Business’s premium entertainment, sports and news assets with Discovery’s leading non-fiction and international entertainment and sports businesses, thus offering audiences a differentiated portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming. Some of our iconic brands and franchises include Warner Bros. Pictures Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, DC, HBO, HBO Max, Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, TNT, TBS, TLC, OWN, Warner Bros. Games, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings.
We are home to a powerful creative engine and one of the largest collections of owned content in the world and have one of the strongest hands in the industry in terms of the completeness and quality of assets and intellectual property across sports, news, lifestyle, and entertainment in virtually every region of the globe and in most languages. Additionally, we serve audiences and consumers around the world with content that informs, entertains, and, when at its best, inspires.
Our asset mix positions us to drive a balanced approach to creating long-term value for shareholders. It represents the full entertainment eco-system, and the ability to serve consumers across the entire spectrum of offerings from domestic and international networks, premium pay-TV, streaming, production and release of feature films and original series, related consumer products and themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming.
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We generate revenue from the sale of advertising on our networks and digital platforms (advertising revenue); fees charged to distributors that carry our network brands and programming, including cable, direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite, telecommunication and digital service providers, as well as through direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) subscription services (distribution revenue); the release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, the licensing of feature films and television programs to various television, subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) and other digital markets, distribution of feature films and television programs in the physical and digital home entertainment market, sales of console games and mobile in-game content, sublicensing of sports rights, and licensing of intellectual property such as characters and brands (content revenue); and other sources such as studio tours and production services (other revenue).
Impact of COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) outbreak to be a global pandemic. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, and the duration and severity of its effects and associated economic disruption remain uncertain. Restrictions on social and commercial activity in an effort to contain the virus have had, and are expected to continue to have, a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the U.S. and global economy, including the media industry. We continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business and geographies, includinggeographies; however, the impact on our customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, distributionnature and advertising partners, production facilities, and various other third parties.
Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, demand for our advertising products and services decreased due to economic disruptions from limitations on social and commercial activity. These economic disruptions and the resulting effect on the Company slightly eased during the second half of 2020, but the pandemic continued to impact demand through the end of 2020 and this decreased demand is expected to continue into 2021. Many of our third-party production partners that were shut down during most of the second quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions came back online in the third quarter of 2020 and, as a result, we have incurred additional costs to comply with various governmental regulations and implement certain safety measures for our employees, talent, and partners.Additionally, certain sporting events that we have rights to were cancelled or postponed, thereby eliminating or deferring the related revenues and expenses, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were postponed to 2021. The postponement of the Olympic Games deferred both Olympic-related revenues and significant expenses from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2021.
In response to the impact of the pandemic, we employed and continue to employ innovative production and programming strategies, including producing content filmed by our on-air talent and seeking viewer feedback on which content to air. We also implemented remote work arrangements effective mid-March 2020 and, to date, these arrangements have not materially affected our ability to operate our business.
The effects of the pandemic may have further negative impacts on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. However, we are unable to predict the ongoing impact that COVID-19 will have on our financial position, operating results, and cash flows due to numerous uncertainties. The nature andfull extent of COVID-19’s effects on our operations and results are not yet known and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted,predicted. Certain key sources of revenue for the Studios segment, including new information that may emerge concerningtheatrical revenues, original television productions, studio operations, and themed entertainment, have been adversely impacted by governmentally imposed shutdowns and related labor interruptions and constraints on consumer activity, particularly in the severity and the extentcontext of future surges of COVID-19, vaccine distribution and other actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, among others. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and its impact on our business results and financial condition.
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OVERVIEW
We are a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platforms, including linear platformspublic entertainment venues, such as pay-television ("pay-TV"), free-to-air ("FTA")cinemas and broadcast television, authenticated GO applications, digital distribution arrangements, content licensing arrangementstheme parks.
Segments
In connection with the Merger, the Company reevaluated and direct-to-consumer ("DTC") subscription products.changed its segment presentation during 2022. As oneof December 31, 2022, we classified our operations in three reportable segments:
Studios - Our Studios segment primarily consists of the world’s largest pay-TV programmers, we provide originalproduction and purchased contentrelease of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, production and live eventsinitial licensing of television programs to approximately 3.7 billion cumulative subscribersthird parties and viewers worldwide through networks that we wholly or partially own. We distribute customized content in the U.S. and over 220 other countries and territories in nearly 50 languages. We have an extensive library of content and own most rights to our content and footage, which enables us to leverage our library to quickly launch brands andnetworks/DTC services, into new markets and on new platforms. Our content can be re-edited and updated in a cost-effective manner to provide topical versions of subject matter that can be utilized around the world on a variety of platforms.
Our content spans genres including survival, natural history, exploration, sports, general entertainment, home, food, travel, heroes, adventure, crime and investigation, health, and kids. Our global portfolio of networks includes prominent nonfiction television brands such as Discovery Channel, our most widely distributed global brand, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Science, and MotorTrend (previously known as Velocity domestically and currently known as Turbo in most international countries). Among other networks in the U.S., Discovery also features two Spanish-language services, Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia. Our international portfolio also includes Eurosport, a leading sports entertainment provider and broadcaster of the Olympic Games (the "Olympics") across Europe (excluding Russia), TVN, a Polish media company, as well as Discovery Kids, a leading children's entertainment brand in Latin America. We participate in joint ventures including Magnolia, the recently formed multi-platform venture with Chip and Joanna Gaines, and Group Nine Media ("Group Nine"), a digital media holding company home to top digital brands including NowThis News, the Dodo, Thrillist, PopSugar, and Seeker. We operate production studios, and prior to the saledistribution of our Education Business in April 2018, we sold curriculum-based education productsfilms and services. (See Note 3television programs to various third party and internal television and streaming services, distribution through the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
During the fourth quarter of 2020, we announced the global launch of our aggregated DTC product, discovery+home entertainment market (physical and digital), a non-fiction, real life subscription service. In January 2021, we launched discovery+ in the U.S. across several streaming platforms and entered into a partnership with Verizon, which is offering access to discovery+ for up to 12 months to certain of its customers. The global rollout of discovery+ across more than 25 markets has already begun with the U.K. and Ireland, where we have partnered with Sky, and India. We also have a partnership with Vodafone, which will provide discovery+ to existing Vodafone TV and mobile customers in 12 markets across Europe. Upon launch in the U.S., discovery+ included an extensive content library comprised of more than 55,000 episodes and features a wide array of exclusive, original series from the Discovery portfolio of brands that have a strong leadership position. The service is available with ads or on an ad-free tier, providing Discovery with dual revenue streams.
We aim to generate revenues principally from the sale of advertising on our networks and digital products and from fees charged to distributors that carry our network brands and content, primarily including cable, direct-to-home ("DTH") satellite, telecommunication and digital service providers, as well as through DTC subscription services. Other transactions include affiliate and advertising sales representation services, production studios content development and services content licenses, the licensing of our brands forrelated consumer products and in 2018, curriculum-based productsthemed experience licensing, and services. During 2020, advertising, distribution and other revenues were 52%, 46% and 2%, respectively, of consolidated revenues. No individual customer represented more than 10%interactive gaming.
Networks - Our Networks segment primarily consists of our total consolidated revenues for 2020, 2019 or 2018.domestic and international television networks.
We invest in high-quality content for our networks and brands with the objective of building viewership, optimizing distribution revenue, capturing advertising revenue, and creating or repositioning branded channels and business to sustain long-term growth and occupy a desired content niche with strong consumer appeal.DTC - Our strategy is to maximize the distribution, ratings and profit potential of eachDTC segment primarily consists of our branded networks. In addition to growing distributionpremium pay-TV and advertising revenues for our branded networks, we have extended content distribution across new platforms, including brand-aligned websites, online streaming mobile devices, video on demand (“VOD”), and broadband channels, which provide promotional platforms for our television content and serve as additional outlets for advertising and distribution revenue. Audience ratings are a key driver in generating advertising revenue and creating demand on the part of cable television operators, DTH satellite operators, telecommunication service providers, and other content distributors who deliver our content to their customers.services.
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Although we utilize certain brands and content globally, we classify our operations in two reportable segments: U.S. Networks, consisting principally of domestic television networks and digital content services, and International Networks, consisting primarily of international television networks and digital content services. Our segment presentation aligns with our management structure and the financial information management uses to make decisions about operating matters, such as the allocation of resources and business performance assessments. Prior periods have been recast to conform to the current period presentation. Financial information for our segments and the geographical areas in which we do business is set forth in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
NetworkStudios
WBD’s Studios business includes the Warner Bros. Pictures Group (“WBPG”), DC Studios, Warner Bros. Television Group (“WBTVG”), Global Brands and Experiences (“GBE”) (consumer products, themed entertainment, brand licensing, and publisher DC Comics), content licensing, home entertainment, studio operations, and interactive gaming.
Subscriber statistics set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include both wholly-owned networksWBPG is comprised of Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and networks operated by equity method investees. Domestic subscriber statistics are based on Nielsen Media Research. International subscriberWarner Animation Group. WBPG partners with inspiring storytellers to create filmed entertainment for a global audience.
The recently launched DC Studios, tasked with developing properties licensed from DC Comics for film and viewer statistics are derived from internal data coupled with external sources when available. As used herein,television, continues the tradition of high-quality storytelling for the DC Universe across all audio-visual media, while building a “subscriber” is a single household that receives the applicable network from its cable television operator, DTH satellite operator, telecommunication service provider, or other television provider, including those who receive our networks from pay-TV providers without charge pursuant to various pricing plans that include free periods and/or free carriage. The term “cumulative subscribers” refers to the sumsustainable growth business out of the total number of subscribers to each of our networks or content services. By way of example, two households that each receive five of our networks from their pay-TV provider represent two subscribers, but 10 cumulative subscribers. The term "viewer" is a single household that receives the signal from one of our networks using the appropriate receiving equipment without a subscription to a pay-TV provider.
Our brands consist of the following:

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Discovery Channel had approximately 86 million subscribers in the U.S. as of December 31, 2020. Discovery Channel and the Discovery HD Showcase brand had approximately 277 million cumulative subscribers and viewers in international markets as of December 31, 2020.iconic franchise.
WBTVG consists of Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating high-quality, non-fiction content that informs and entertains its viewers aboutWarner Bros. Television, the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network offers a signature mix of high-endCompany’s flagship television production values and vivid cinematography across genres including science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world.
unit for live-action scripted programming, as well as In the U.S., Discovery Channel audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Discovery GO app, which features live and on-demand access.
Discovery Channel content includes Gold RushWarner Bros. Unscripted Television, which produces unscripted and alternative programming through its four production units: Naked and AfraidWarner Horizon Unscripted Television, Telepictures, Deadliest Catch, Fast N' Loud, Street Outlaws, Alaskan Bush People,Expedition Unknown, BattleBots, Undercover BillionaireWarner Bros. International Television Production and Serengeti. Shed MediaDiscovery Channel is. WBTVG also home toincludes Shark WeekWarner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.
Among the Studios’ content highlights for 2022 are The Batman, Elvis, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and Black Adam on the network's long-running annual summerfilm side and TV event.titles such as Abbott Elementary, Ted Lasso, The Sandman, The Flight Attendant, Young Sheldon, The Voice,The Bachelor franchise, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and Batwheels.
Target viewers are adults aged 25 to 54, particularly men.

Beyond its production operations, the Studios segment includes various businesses that facilitate consumer interaction with the intellectual property it creates.
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disca-20201231_g3.gifGBE is the global division that drives opportunities for consumers to engage with leading entertainment brands and franchises. Through its strategic franchise development group and global commercial businesses, GBE creates lasting connections to WBD’s iconic characters, talent, and storytelling. GBE operates Global Consumer Products, Themed Entertainment and Brand Licensing, and world-renowned comic and publishing powerhouse DC Comics.
Global distribution of most of WBD’s award-winning content is handled by Content Sales, which provides content for viewers across streaming, cable, satellite and broadcast networks, local television stations, and airlines. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment oversees the global distribution of content through physical goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online, and mobile channels.
The Studios segment also includes Warner Bros. Games, a worldwide publisher, developer, licensor, and distributor of content for the interactive space across all platforms, including console, handheld, mobile, and PC-based gaming for both internal and third-party game titles. There are currently 11 wholly owned game development studios under the Warner Bros. Games umbrella.
Part of the Worldwide Studio Operations group, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood attract visitors from around the world, giving fans the opportunity to get closer to the entertainment they love. In addition, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is set to open later in 2023.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, content and other revenues were 94%and 6%, respectively, of total revenues for this segment.
Networks
WBD’s linear network operations include 30 U.S. general entertainment, lifestyle, and news networks, as well as a host of international networks and global and regional sports networks.
General entertainment networks in the U.S. include TNT, cable’s #1 entertainment network; TBS, a top-rated destination for television among young adults; and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), which presents classic films, uncut and commercial-free. WBD’s other entertainment networks include OWN, Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and truTV amongmany others.
Leading the lifestyle category are Magnolia Network, comprised of a collection of inspiring original series curated by Chip and Joanna Gaines featuring some of the U.S.’s most talented names in home and design, food, gardening and the arts; HGTV, with relatable stories, real estate and renovation experts and home transformations; and Food Network, which connects viewers to the power and joy of food. Additional lifestyle networks include Travel Channel, Science Channel, TLC, and Hogar de HGTV amongmany others.
CNN has been the #1 English-language news brand globally in multiplatform reach since at least 2018. In 2022, CNN had approximately 87 million subscribersmore unique digital visitors than any other news source in the U.S. and approximately 166 million subscribers and viewers in international markets as of December 31, 2020.globally.
WBD SportsHGTV programming is a global leader in premium sports content attracts audiences interested specifically in home/lifestyle related topics, including real estate, renovation, restoration, decorating, interior or landscape design and fantasy lifestyles, as well as docu-series and reality competitions focused on those genres.
In the U.S., HGTV audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Discovery GO app, which features live and on-demand access.
Content on HGTV includes: Property Brothers, Brother vs. Brother, Celebrity IOU, Flip or Flop, Christina on the Coast, Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa, Home Town, Good Bones, Rock the Block, Design Star, House Hunters, and House Hunters International.
Target viewers are women with higher incomes in the 25 to 54 age range.

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The most widely distributed ad-supported cable network in the U.S., Food Network had approximately 87 million subscribersacross multiple platforms, engaging fans in the U.S. and approximately 113 million subscribersinternationally. WBD Sports’ U.S. portfolio includes the National Basketball Association (“NBA”), Major League Baseball (“MLB”), National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”), National Hockey League (“NHL”), and viewersUnited States Soccer Federation (“USSF”). WBD Sports Europe features Eurosport, a leading sport destination and the home of the Olympic Games in international markets as of December 31, 2020.
Food Network programming content attracts audiences interested in food-related entertainment, including competition and travel,Europe, as well as food-related topics such as recipes, food preparation, entertaining, and dining out.
In the U.S., FoodGlobal Cycling Network audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Discovery GO app, which features live and on-demand access, as well as on the Food Network Kitchen app.
Content on Food Network includes primetime series Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, The GreatFood Truck Race, Guy’s Grocery Games, Worst Cooks in America(“GCN”), and several seasonal baking championships, as well as daytime series Barefoot Contessa, Giada Entertains, Girl Meets Farm, Guy's Ranch Kitchen, The Kitchen, ThePioneer Woman, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen and Valerie's Home CookingGlobal Mountain Bike Network (“GMBN”).
Target viewers are adults In 2022, Eurosport UK combined with higher incomes in the 25BT Sport to 54 age range, particularly women.

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TLC had approximately 85 million subscribers in the U.S. and 5 million subscribers in Canada that are included in the U.S. Networks segment as of December 31, 2020. TLC content had approximately 356 million cumulative subscribers and viewers in international markets as of December 31, 2020 including the Home & Health, Real Time, and Living brands.
Offering real-life stories without judgment, TLC shares everyday heart, humor, hope, and human connection with programming genres that include fascinating families, heartwarming transformations and life's milestone moments.
In the U.S., TLC audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Discovery GO app, which features live and on-demand access
Content on TLC includes the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, Little People, Big World, I Am Jazz and Outdaughtered.
Target viewers are adults aged 25 to 54, particularly women. 

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Animal Planet had approximately 84 million subscribers in the U.S. and approximately 187 million subscribers and viewers in international markets as of December 31, 2020.
Animal Planet is dedicated to creating high quality content with global appeal delivering on its mission to keep the childhood joy and wonder of animals alive by bringing people up close in every way.
In the U.S., Animal Planet audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Animal Planet GO app, which features live and on-demand access.
Content and talent on Animal Planet include Crikey! It's the Irwins, The Zoo, The Zoo: San Diego, Pit Bulls & Parolees, Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet, The Aquarium and Puppy Bowl.
Target viewers are adults aged 25 to 54.

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Investigation Discovery ("ID") had approximately 84 million subscribers in the U.S. and approximately 90 million subscribers and viewers in international markets as of December 31, 2020.
ID is a leading true crime, mystery and suspense network. From in-depth investigations to heart-breaking mysteries, ID challenges our everyday understanding of culture, society and the human condition.
In the U.S., ID audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Discovery GO app, which features live and on-demand access.
ID content includes On the Case with Paula Zahn, Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda, In Pursuit with John Walsh, and the ID Murder Mystery franchise.
Target viewers are adults aged 25 to 54, particularly women.
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Travel Channel had approximately 83 million subscribers in the U.S. and approximately 46 million subscribers and viewers in international markets as of December 31, 2020.
Travel Channel is for the bold, daring and spontaneous: adventurers who embrace the thrill of the unexpected, risk-takers who aren’t afraid of a little mystery and anyone who loves a great story.
In the U.S., Travel Channel audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Discovery GO app which, features live and on-demand access.
Content on Travel Channel includes Ghost Adventures, The Osbournes Want to Believe, Expedition Bigfoot and Ghost Nation.
Target viewers are adults aged 25 to 54.

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MotorTrend had approximately 73 million subscribers in the U.S. and approximately 150 million subscribers and viewers in international markets, where the brand is known as Turbo, as of December 31, 2020.
Programming on MotorTrend and the MotorTrend App, the leading subscription streaming service dedicated entirely to the motoring world, is engaging and informative, featuring the best of the automotive world as told by top experts and personalities.
The MotorTrend App offers more than 8,000 episodes and more than 3,600 hours of automotive series and specials including the most completecreate an extensive collection of classic Top Gear (200+ episodes and specials spanning seasons one through 27), the all-new Top Gear America and NASCAR 2020: Under Pressure, plus every season of Speed Racer, Wheeler Dealers, Roadkill, Fast N’ Loud, Bitchin’ Rides, Iron Resurrection, Texas Metal and many more. The MotorTrend App is available on media players and streaming devices including Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast and on the web, as well as across iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices.
In the U.S., MotorTrend TV audiences can also enjoy their favorite MotorTrend programming anytime, anywhere through the Discovery GO app, which features live and on-demand access.
Target viewers are adults aged 25 to 54, particularly men.

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OWN had approximately 74 million subscribers in the U.S. as of December 31, 2020.
The Oprah Winfrey Network ("OWN") is the first and only network namedsports coverage for and inspired by a single iconic leader. OWN is a leading destination for premium scripted and unscripted programming from today's most innovative storytellers, with popular series such as Queen Sugar, Greenleaf, Iyanla: Fix My Life, and new dramas Delilah and David Makes Man.
Target viewers are African-American women aged 25 to 54.
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U.S. NETWORKS
U.S. Networks generated revenues of $6.9 billion and adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted OIBDA") of $4.0 billion during 2020, which represented 65% and 95% of our total consolidated revenues and Adjusted OIBDA, respectively. Our U.S. Networks segment principally consists of national television networks. Our U.S. Networks segment owns and operates 17 national television networks, including fully distributed television networks such as Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and Animal Planet. In addition, we operate the following U.S. Networks: MotorTrend, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Science, Discovery Family, American Heroes Channel, Destination America, Discovery Life, DIY Network, Cooking Channel, Great American Country, and OWN. In 2020, we also provided authenticated U.S. TV Everywhere ("TVE") streaming products that are available to pay-TV subscribers and connect viewers through our GO applications with live and on-demand access to award-winning shows and series from 16 U.S. networks in the Discovery portfolio and from Discovery Familia and Discovery en Español. During 2020, we achieved incremental increases in U.S. digital platform consumption. Furthermore, we provide certain networks to consumers as part of subscription-based over-the-top services provided by DirectTV Now, AT&T Watch, Hulu, SlingTV, fuboTV, and YouTube TV.
U.S. Networks generates revenues from fees charged to distributors of our television networks’ first run content, which includes cable, DTH satellite and telecommunication service providers, referred to as affiliate fees; fees from distributors for licensed content and content to equity method investee networks, referred to as other distribution revenue; fees from advertising sold on our television networks and digital products, which include discovery+, our GO suite of TVE applications and other DTC subscription products; fees from providing sales representation, network distribution services; and revenue from licensing our brands for consumer products. Typically, our television networks are aired pursuant to multi-year carriage agreements that provide for the level of carriage that our networks will receive and for annual graduated rate increases. Carriage of our networks depends on package inclusion, such as whether networks are on the more widely distributed, broader packages or lesser-distributed, specialized packages, also referred to as digital tiers. In the U.S., approximately 95% of distribution revenues come from the top 10 distributors, with whom we have agreements that expire at various times. Distribution fees are typically collected ratably throughout the year. Certain of our DTC products, including the recent launch of our aggregated discovery+ service in January 2021, provide dual revenue streams.
Advertising revenue is generated across multiple platforms and is based on the price received for available advertising spots and is dependent upon a number of factors including the number of subscribers to our channels, viewership demographics, the popularity of our programming, our ability to sell commercial time over a portfolio of channels and leverage multiple platforms to connect advertisers to target audiences. In the U.S., advertising time is sold in the upfront and scatter markets. In the upfront market, advertisers buy advertising time for upcoming seasons and, by committing to purchase in advance, lock in the advertising rates they will pay for the upcoming year. Many upfront advertising commitments include options whereby advertisers may reduce or increase purchase commitments. In the scatter market, advertisers buy advertising closer to the time when the commercials will be run, which often results in a pricing premium compared to the upfront rates. The mix of upfront and scatter market advertising time sold is based upon the economic conditions at the time that upfront sales take place, impacting the sell-out levels management is willing or able to obtain. The demand in the scatter market then impacts the pricing achieved for our remaining advertising inventory. Scatter market pricing can vary from upfront pricing and can be volatile.
During 2020, advertising, distribution and other revenues were 58%, 41% and 1%, respectively, of total net revenues for this segment.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
International Networks generated revenues of $3.7 billion and Adjusted OIBDA of $723 million during 2020, which represented 35% and 17% of our total consolidated revenues and Adjusted OIBDA, respectively. Our International Networks segment principally consists of national and pan-regional television networks and brands that are delivered across multiple distribution platforms. This segment generates revenue from operations in virtually every pay-TV market in the world through an infrastructure that includes operational centers in London, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Milan, Singapore and Miami. Global brands include Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Animal Planet, TLC, ID, Science and MotorTrend (known as Turbo outside of the U.S.), along with brands exclusive to International Networks, including Eurosport, Discovery Kids, DMAX, Discovery Home & Health, and TVN. TVN was acquired in March 2018, as part of our acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (the "Scripps Acquisition"). As of December 31, 2020, International Networks operates unique distribution feeds in nearly 50 languages with channel feeds customized according to language needs and advertising sales opportunities. International Networks also has FTA networks in Europe and the Middle East and broadcast networks in Poland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, and continues to pursue further international expansion. During 2020, we completed the acquisition of a German free-to-air general entertainment TV channel and completed an acquisition of an independent free-to-air commercial broadcaster in New Zealand.
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FTA and broadcast networks generate a significant portion of International Networks' revenue. The penetration and growth rates of television services vary across countries and territories depending on numerous factors including the dominance of different television platforms in local markets. While pay-TV services have greater penetration in certain markets, FTA or broadcast television is dominant in others. International Networks has a large international distribution platform with more than 80 networks, with as many as 23 networks distributed in any particular country or territory across more than 220 countries and territories around the world. International Networks pursues distribution across all television platforms based on the specific dynamics of local markets and relevant commercial agreements.
With the growing demand for consumer content on digital and mobile devices, a suite of international DTC products has been made available to consumers. dplay, our real-life entertainment streaming service, was rebranded to our new global streaming service, discovery+,fans in the UK and Ireland during the fourth quarterIreland.
WBD Sports’ owned-and-operated platforms include Bleacher Report, Eurosport.com, House of 2020. The remainderHighlights, HighlightHER, and a full suite of the dplaydigital and social brands. TNT Sports is WBD’s sports content brand in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. Several regional sports networks, serving fans live sports in select U.S. markets, including the Nordics, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, are expected to follow in 2021. Discovery expects to expand its DTC offering across more than 25 key markets in 2021also owned and/or operated by leveraging its library of local-language content, as well as its broad portfolio of live sports. Eurosport’s existing streaming service, Eurosport Player, offers premium and localized sports to fans in 52 markets in Europe. This service is expected to continue to be available until discovery+ launches and Eurosport Player's content is fully integrated onto the service in those markets.
Beginning with Tokyo 2020, scheduled for the summer of 2021, discovery+ will become the streaming home of the Olympics in Europe (excluding Russia) with live and on-demand access. Eurosport will be an official broadcaster of the Olympics in France and the U.K. for Tokyo 2020.
In Germany, we have partnered with ProSiebenSat.1 to launch the streaming service, Joyn, which offers a collection of free-TV content, with programming and live streams from more than 70 channels. In Poland, we have partnered with Cyfrow Polsat to create a video streaming platform that, when launched, following regulatory clearance, will give viewers a single destination to access Polish content including movies, series, documentaries, sports and entertainment.
Effective September 2020, the Company realigned its International Networks management reporting structure. As a result, Australia and New Zealand, which were previously includedWBD Sports in the Europe reporting unit, are now included in the Asia-Pacific reporting unit.U.S.
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In addition to the global networks described in the overview section above, we operate networks internationally that utilize the following brands:

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Eurosport is a household name for live sports entertainment, reaching fans across Europe and Asia via Eurosport 1, Eurosport 2, the network's DTC streaming service, Eurosport Player, and Eurosport.com.
Subscribers and viewers for each brand as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Eurosport 1: 192 million and Eurosport 2: 82 million.
Live, exclusive and premium sports are at the core of what Eurosport does, showcasing sporting events with both local and pan-regional appeal. Viewers in Europe can enjoy live action including coverage of cycling's Grand Tours, all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, as well as every International Ski Federation World Cup and World Championship event during the winter sports season.
In addition to pan-European rights, Eurosport invests in exclusive and localized rights to drive local audience and commercial relevance. Important local sports rights include soccer leagues such as Eliteserien in Norway, Allsvenskan in Sweden and European Europa League in Sweden, Lega Basket basketball in Italy and year-round ATP World Tour tennis in France, Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, and Sweden.
In the summer of 2021, Discovery expects to present our first Olympic Summer Games, Tokyo 2020, in 50 markets and 19 languages across Europe. discovery+ will be the exclusive streaming home of the Olympic Games, while Eurosport Player will be the destination in markets where discovery+ has not launched. Discovery channels and platforms, such as our free-to-air networks in a selection of the Nordic markets, will also showcase the Olympics and contribute to bringing the Olympic Summer Games to more people in Europe.
Eurosport Events is the Eurosport Group’s event management division and global promoter of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (“FIA”) World Touring Car Cup and FIA European Rally Championship together with the sport’s governing body, the FIA. It is also a promoter of the new PURE ETCR series, the world’s first all-electric touring car championship that is set to debut in 2021. In March 2020, Eurosport Events signed a long-term agreement with the UCI, the international federation for cycling, to launch and promote a new world league for Track Cycling – the UCI Track Champions League. Expected to debut in November 2021, the series and cycling will benefit from Discovery’s global scale, media platforms and promotion expertise to help grow cycling around the world.

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DMAX had approximately 139 million subscribers and viewers, according to internal estimates, as of December 31, 2020.
DMAX is a men’s factual entertainment channel in Asia and Europe.

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Discovery Kids had approximately 108 million subscribers and viewers, according to internal estimates, as of December 31, 2020.
Discovery Kids is the leading pre-school network of Pay TV in Latin America.

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internationally. TVN operates a portfolio of free-to-air and pay-TV lifestyle, entertainment, and news networks in Poland, including TVN, TVN7, TTV, HGTV, TVN24, TVN Style, TVN Turbo, TVN24 BiS, TVN Fabu³a, Travel Channel, Food Network, iTVN and iTVNExtra.Poland.
The TVN portfolio, excluding HGTV, Travel Channel and Food Network, had approximately 87 million cumulative subscribers and viewers as ofFor the year ended December 31, 2020.2022, advertising, distribution, content, and other revenues were 43%, 50%, 6%, and 1%, respectively, of total revenues for this segment.
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DTC
WBD’s DTC business includes our streaming services, such as HBO Max and discovery+, and premium pay-TV services, such as HBO.Our International Networks segment also ownsstreaming services are available on most mobile and operates the following television networks, which reached the following number of subscribers and viewers via pay-TV and FTA or broadcast networks, respectively, asconnected TV devices. As of December 31, 2020: 2022, we had 96.1 million DTC subscribers1.
International
Subscribers and Viewers
(millions)
Tele544
Jeet Prime39
Nordic broadcast networks (a)
32
Really29
Quest Red29
Quest29
Giallo25
Frisbee25
K225
Nove25
DKISS19
Discovery HD Theater17
Asian Food Channel16
World15
Metro12
Discovery History10
Discovery Life Poland8
Discovery Family7
Discovery Historia7
Discovery en Español (b)
7
Fine Living Network6
Discovery Familia (b)
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(a) Number of subscribers and viewers corresponds to the sum of the subscribers and viewers to each of the Nordic broadcast networks in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark subject to retransmission agreements with pay-TV providers. The Nordic broadcast networks include Kanal 5, Kanal 9, and Kanal 11 in Sweden, TVNorge, MAX, FEM and VOX in Norway, TV 5, Kutonen, and Frii in Finland, and Kanal 4, Kanal 5, 6'eren, and Canal 9 in Denmark.
(b) U.S. domestic subscribers data from Nielsen Media Research.
Similar to U.S. Networks, a significant sourceHBO is one of revenue for International Networks relates to fees charged to operators who distribute our linear networks. Such operators primarily include cablethe most respected and DTH satellite service providers. International television markets vary in their stages of development. Some markets, such as the U.K., are more advanced digital television markets, while others remaininnovative entertainment brands in the analog environment with varying degreesworld, serving iconic, award-winning programming through the HBO linear channels and our DTC streaming platform, HBO Max.
HBO Max is a streaming platform that offers best in class quality entertainment, delivering an array of investmentseries, movies, and specials from operators to expand channel capacity or convert to digital technologies. Common practice in some markets results in long-term contractual distribution relationships, while customers in other markets renew contracts annually. Distribution revenue for our International Networks segment is largely dependent on the numbericonic brands of subscribers that receive our networks or content, the rates negotiatedHBO, Warner Bros., and DC, as well as third-party series and blockbuster films. The platform launched in the distributor agreements,U.S. in May 2020 and introduced a lower priced, advertising-supported tier in June 2021. Currently available in over 60 countries across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, HBO Max began its global rollout launching in markets across Latin America and the market demand forCaribbean in the summer of 2021, followed by European launches in the Nordics, Iberia, the Netherlands and Central and Eastern Europe regions.
discovery+ is WBD’s non-fiction, real-life subscription streaming service. discovery+ features a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular passion verticals, including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; science, tech, and the environment; and a slate of high-quality documentaries.
HBO Max and discovery+ currently feature both ad-free and ad-lite versions. We expect to rebrand and relaunch the HBO Max product in the U.S. during the first half of 2023 with an expanded content offering, including some of the content that we provide. International Networks additionally generates revenues through DTC subscription services.
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available on discovery+. A rollout of this expanded product is expected to follow in Latin America later in the year. European markets are planned to follow in 2024, with additional launches in key Asia-Pacific territories and some new European markets anticipated later in 2024. We expect to have both an ad-lite and an ad-free version of the expanded product in many markets. The other significant source of revenue for International Networks relatescompany also intends to advertising sold on our television networks and across distribution platforms, similar to U.S. Networks. Advertising revenue is dependent upon a number of factors, includingcontinue offering the development of pay and FTA television markets, the number of subscribers to and viewers of our channels, viewership demographics, the popularity of our programming, and our ability to sell commercial time over a portfolio of channels on multiple platforms. In certain markets, our advertising sales business operates with in-house sales teams, while we rely on external sales representation servicesstandalone discovery+ service in other markets. Outside the U.S., advertisers typically buy advertising closer to and international markets.
For the time when the commercials will be run. In developing pay-TV markets, we expect advertising revenue growth will result from subscriber growth, our localization strategy, and the shift of advertising spending from broadcast to pay-TV. In mature markets, such as Western Europe, high proportions of market penetration and distribution are unlikely to drive rapid revenue growth. Instead, growth in advertising sales comes from increasing viewership and pricing and launching new services, either in pay-TV, broadcast, or FTA television environments.
During 2020,year ended December 31, 2022, advertising, distribution, and othercontent revenues were 42%are 5%, 54%88%, and 3%7%, respectively, of total net revenues for this segment. While we have traditionally operated cable networks, in recent years an increasing portion of our international advertising revenue is generated by FTA or broadcast networks, unlike U.S. Networks. During 2020, pay-TV networks generated 33% of International Networks' advertising revenue and FTA or broadcast networks generated 67% of International Networks' advertising revenue. We also have increased efforts to drive revenue growth from digital products such as the dplay DTC entertainment service in select international markets.
International Networks' largest cost is content expense for localized programming. While our International Networks segment maximizes the use of programming from U.S. Networks, we also develop local programming that is tailored to individual market preferences and license the rights to air films, television series and sporting events from third parties. Content acquired from U.S. Networks and content developed locally airing on the same network is amortized similarly, as amortization rates vary by network.
While International Networks and U.S. Networks have similarities with respect to the nature of operations, the generation of revenue and the categories of expense, International Networks have a lower segment margin due to lower economies of scale from being in over 220 markets which requires additional cost for localization to satisfy market variations. International Networks also include sports and FTA broadcast channels, which drive higher costs from sports rights and production and investment in broad entertainment programming for broadcast networks.
In June 2016, the U.K. held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union (“E.U.”), commonly referred to as “Brexit.” E.U. law provides for a departing member state to have a two-year notice period to negotiate a term of exit, which the U.K. triggered in March 2017 and subsequently extended. In October 2019, a revised draft withdrawal agreement was published detailing the framework of the future relationship between the U.K. and the E.U. This agreement was ratified by the U.K. and European Parliaments and on January 31, 2020, the U.K. formally left the E.U. Brexit may have an adverse impact on advertising, subscribers, distributors and employees, as described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, below. The withdrawal agreement included a transitional period until December 2020. Discovery, like many international media businesses, sought to mitigate this risk by applying for broadcast licenses in remaining E.U. member states, thereby allowing us continued access to the E.U. single market. We have been operating our E.U. pay-TV channels under Dutch jurisdiction since March 2019. Most of our E.U. free to air channels which were previously operating under the U.K. authority, Ofcom, are operating under German jurisdiction as of January 1, 2021. We continue to monitor the situation for potential effects on our distribution and licensing agreements, unusual foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and changes to the legal and regulatory landscape.
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
Our content development strategy is designed to increase viewership, maintain innovation and quality leadership, and provide value for our network distributors and advertising customers. Our content is sourced from a wide range of third-party producers, which include some of the world’s leading nonfiction production companies, as well as independent producers and wholly-owned production studios.
Our production arrangements fall into three categories: produced, coproduced and licensed. Produced content includes content that we engage third parties or wholly owned production studios to develop and produce. We retain editorial control and own most or all of the rights, in exchange for paying all development and production costs. Production of digital-first content such as virtual reality and short-form video is typically done through wholly-owned production studios. Coproduced content refers to program rights on which we have collaborated with third parties to finance and develop either because world-wide rights are not available for acquisition or we save costs by collaborating with third parties. Licensed content is comprised of films or series that have been produced by third parties. Payments for sports rights made in advance of the event are recognized as prepaid content license assets.
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International Networks maximizes the use of content from our U.S. Networks. Our non-fiction content tends to be culturally neutral and maintains its relevance for an extended period of time. As a result, a significant amount of our non-fiction content translates well across international borders and is made even more accessible through extensive use of dubbing and subtitles in local languages. Our content can be re-edited and updated in a cost-effective manner to provide topical versions of subject matter that can be utilized around the world. International Networks executes a localization strategy by offering content from U.S. Networks, customized content and localized schedules via our distribution feeds. While our International Networks segment maximizes the use of content from U.S. Networks, we also develop local content that is tailored to individual market preferences and license the rights to air films, television series and sporting events from third-party producers. To that end, during 2018, we entered into a 12-year partnership with the PGA Tour that includes TV and online rights to the PGA Tour outside the United States. Effective January 1, 2019, we announced the launch of GOLFTV, a new live and on-demand international video streaming service providing over 2,000 hours of live golf programming each year and extensive premium content on-demand. Discovery expects to invest more than $2 billion over the course of the partnership, including licensing rights and building the GOLFTV platform.
Our largest single expense is content, which includes content amortization, content impairment and production costs. We amortize the cost of capitalized content rights based on the proportion that the current year's estimated revenues bear to the estimated remaining total lifetime revenues, which normally results in an accelerated amortization method over the estimated useful lives. However, certain networks also utilize a straight-line method of amortization over the estimated useful lives of the content. Content is amortized primarily over periods of two to four years. The costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements are expensed when the event is broadcast based on the estimated relative value of each season in the arrangement. Content assets are reviewed for impairment when impairment indicators are present, such as low viewership or limited expected use. Impairment losses are recorded when content asset carrying value exceeds net realizable value.
COMPETITION
Providing content across various distribution platforms is a highly competitive business worldwide. We experience competition for the development and acquisition of content, distribution of our content, sale of commercial time on our networks and viewership. There is competition from other production studios, other television networks, and online-based content providers for the acquisition of content and creative talent such as writers, producers and directors. Our ability to produce and acquire popular content is an important competitive factor for the distribution of our content, attracting viewers and the sale of advertising. Our success in securing popular content and creative talent depends on various factors such as the number of competitors providing content that targets the same genre and audience, the distribution of our content, viewership, and the production, marketing and advertising support we provide.
Our networks compete with other television networks, including broadcast, cable and local, for the distribution of our content and fees charged to cable television operators, DTH satellite service providers, and other distributors that carry our content. Our ability to secure distribution agreements is necessary to ensure the retention of our audiences. Our contractual agreements with distributors are renewed or renegotiated from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Growth in the number of networks distributed, consolidation and other market conditions in the cable and satellite distribution industry, and increased popularity of other platforms may adversely affect our ability to obtain and maintain contractual terms for the distribution of our content that are as favorable as those currently in place. The ability to secure distribution agreements is dependent upon the production, acquisition and packaging of original content, viewership, the marketing and advertising support and incentives provided to distributors, the product offering across a series of networks within a region, and the prices charged for carriage.
1We define a “DTC Subscription” as:
(i) a retail subscription to discovery+, HBO or HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue, whether directly or through a third party, from a direct-to-consumer platform; (ii) a wholesale subscription to discovery+, HBO, or HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue from a fixed-fee arrangement with a third party and where the individual user has activated their subscription; (iii) a wholesale subscription to discovery+, HBO or HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue on a per subscriber basis; and (iv) users on free trials who convert to a subscription for which we have recognized subscription revenue within the first seven days of the calendar month immediately following the month in which their free trial expires.
We may refer to the aggregate number of DTC Subscriptions as “subscribers.”
The reported number of “subscribers” included herein and the definition of “DTC Subscription” as used herein excludes: (i) individuals who subscribe to DTC products, other than discovery+, HBO and HBO Max, that may be offered by us or by certain joint venture partners or affiliated parties from time to time; (ii) a limited number of international discovery+ subscribers that are part of non-strategic partnerships or short-term arrangements as may be identified by the Company from time to time; (iii) domestic and international Cinemax subscribers, and international basic HBO subscribers; and (iv) users on free trials except for those users on free trial that convert to a DTC Subscription within the first seven days of the next month as noted above.
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Our networks and digital productsstreaming services, which include HBO Max and discovery+ compete for the sale of advertising with other television networks, including broadcast, cable, local networks, and other content distribution outlets for their target audiences and the sale of advertising. Our success in selling advertising is a function of the size and demographics of our audiences, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the audience of each network, the perceived quality of the network and of the particular content, the brand appeal of the network and ratings as determined by third-party research companies, prices charged for advertising and overall advertiser demand in the marketplace.
Our networks and DTC productsstreaming services also compete for their target audiences with all forms of content and other media provided to viewers, including broadcast, cable and local networks, streaming services, pay-per-view and VOD services, DVDs, online activities and other forms of news, information and entertainment.
Our production studios compete with other production and media companies for talent.entertainment.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We are one of the world’s leading creators, owners and distributors of intellectual property. Our intellectual property assets include copyrights in content,films, television programs, software, comic books and mobile apps; trademarks in brands, names, logos and logos, technology platforms, websites,characters; patents or patent applications for inventions related to products and services; websites; and licenses of intellectual property rights of various kinds from third parties.
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We are fundamentally a content company and the protection of our brands and content is of primary importance. We have also made and will continue to make investments in developing technology platforms to support our digital products and DTC offerings, including HBO Max and discovery+, and consider these platforms to be oneintellectual property assets as well.
We are a global media and entertainment company and the protection of our intellectual property assets.content and brands is of primary importance. To protect our intellectual property assets, we rely upon a combination of copyright, trademark, patent, unfair competition, trade secret and Internet/internet/domain name statutes and laws, and contract provisions. However, there can be no assurance of the degree to which these measures will be successful. Moreover, effective intellectual property protection may be either unavailable or limited in certain foreign territories. Policing unauthorized use ofterritories, and new legislative or regulatory initiatives could impact our products and services and related intellectual property is difficult and costly. operations.
We seek to limit unauthorized use of our intellectual property through a combination of approaches. However, the steps taken to prevent the infringement of our intellectual property by unauthorized third parties may not be effective.Piracy, which encompasses the theft of our signals, and the unauthorized use of our intellectual property in the digital environment, continues to present a threat to revenues from products and services based on our intellectual property.Piracy also includes the unauthorized use of our intellectual property on physical goods. We have a team dedicated to disrupting and curbing piracy and other forms of intellectual property infringement and use external vendors to detect and remove infringements. We also engage with intermediaries that facilitate piracy, leverage our membership in a range of industry groups, and initiate enforcement actions, including litigation, to address piracy issues.In general, policing unauthorized use of our products and services and related intellectual property is difficult and costly.
Third parties may challenge the validity or scope of our intellectual property from time to time, and the success of any such challenges could result in the limitation or loss of intellectual property rights. Irrespective of their validity, such claims may also result in substantial costs and diversion of resources which could have an adverse effect on our operations. In addition, piracy, which encompasses the theft of our signal, and unauthorized use of our content, in the digital environment continues to present a threat to revenues from products and services based on our intellectual property. We use external vendors to detect and remove infringing content and leverage our membership in a range of industry groups to address piracy issues.
REGULATORY MATTERS
Our businesses are subject to and affected by regulations of U.S. federal, state and local government authorities, and our international operations are subject to laws and regulations of the countries and international bodies, such as the E.U., in which we operate. Content networks, such as those owned by us, are regulated in certain limited respects by the FCCFederal Communications Commission (“FCC”), including some regulations that only apply to content networks affiliated with a cable television operator. Other FCC regulations, although imposed on cable television operators and direct broadcast satellite ("DBS"(“DBS”) operators and other distributors, affect content networks indirectly. The rules, regulations, policies and procedures affecting our businesses are constantly subject to change. These descriptions are summary in nature and describe only the most significant regulations we face; they do not purport to describe all present and proposed laws and regulations affecting our businesses.
Program Access
The Communications Act (the “Act”) and the FCC’s program access rules prevent a satellite-delivered content vendor in which a cable operator has an “attributable” ownership interest from discriminating against unaffiliated multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), such as cable and DBS operators, in the rates, terms and conditions for the sale or delivery of content.content networks, on the basis of the non-affiliation. These rules permit the unaffiliated MVPD to initiate a complaint to the FCC against content networks if it believes this rule has been violated.
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Program Carriage
The FCC recently made changes toAct and the FCC’s program carriage rules which prohibit distributors from favoring their affiliated content networks over unaffiliated, similarly situated content networks in the rates, terms and conditions of carriage agreements between content networks and cable operators or other MVPDs. Some of theseRecent regulatory changes couldand court decisions make it more difficult for us to challenge a distributor’s decision to decline to carry one of our content networks or a distributor's actions mid-contract that discriminate against one of our content networks.
“Must-Carry”/Retransmission Consent
The Communications Act (the “Act”) imposes “must-carry” regulations on cable systems, requiring them to carry the signals of most local broadcast television stations in their market.market if they elect mandatory carriage. DBS systems are also subject to their own must-carry rules. The FCC’s implementation of “must-carry” obligations requires cable operators and DBS providers to give broadcasters preferential access to channel space and favorable channel positions. This reduces the amount of channel space that is available for carriage of our content networks by cable and DBS operators. The Act also gives broadcasters the choice of opting out of must-carry and invoking the right to retransmission consent, which refers to a broadcaster’s right to require MVPDs, such as cable and satellite operators, to obtain the broadcaster'sbroadcaster’s consent before distributing the broadcaster'sbroadcaster’s signal to the MVPDs'MVPDs’ subscribers, often at a substantial cost that reduces the content funds available for independent programmers not affiliated with broadcasters, such as us.
Accessibility, Children'sChildren’s Advertising Restrictions, Emergency Alerts and CALM Act
Certain of our content networks and some of our IP-delivered video content must provide closed-captioning and audio description of some of their programming. programming and comply with other regulations designed to make our content more accessible to persons with disabilities. The U.S. Congress, the FCC, and the U.S. Department of Justice periodically consider proposals to implement additional accessibility requirements, some of which would increase our obligations substantially.Our content networks and digital products intended primarily for children 12 years of age and under must comply with certain limits on advertising.the amount and type of permissible advertising, and certain regulations extend to our digital products when they are referenced by web address in our content networks. We may not include emergency alert tones or signals in our content. Commercials embedded in our networks’ television content stream also must adhere to certain standards for ensuring that those commercials are not transmitted at louder volumes than our program material.
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Obscenity Restrictions
Network distributors are prohibited from transmitting obscene content, and our distribution agreements generally require us to refrain from including such content on our networks.
Regulation of Digital Services
We operate a variety of free, advertising-based and subscription-based digital products and streaming services providing information entertainment, e-commerce and interactive experiencesentertainment to consumers in the U.S. and international markets via web, mobile and connected TV platforms. In some cases, those products and services are provided directly to consumers, and in other cases, they can be used and/or purchased through a third-party distributor, such as Xfinity or Hulu.Our digital products and services are subject to federal and state regulation in the U.S. relating to the privacy and security of personal information collected from our users, including laws pertaining to the acquisition of personal information from children under 13, such as16. Some examples of these laws include the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and(COPPA), the federal Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), and thatthe California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). Many additional U.S. state and federal regulations impose data security and securitydata breach obligations on the Company. These laws and their public and private enforcement are continually evolving, with robust new data protection frameworks having beenseveral comprehensive U.S. state privacy laws effective in 2023, many more introduced duringand expected to pass in the past few yearscoming year, and novel litigation theories related to privacy advancing in both the U.S. and international markets, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA"), the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") and Brazil’s General Data Protection Law.courts. Additional federal and state laws and regulations apply or may be adopted with respect to our digital products and services, covering such issues as data privacy and security, child safety, oversight of user-generated content, advertising, competition, pricing, content, copyrights and trademarks, access by persons with disabilities, distribution, taxation and characteristics and quality of products and services. Our digitalThe scope of regulation may differ depending on how these products and services availableare used and/or purchased.In addition, the FCC from time to consumers in international marketstime considers whether some or all digital services should be considered MVPDs and regulated as such.
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Intellectual Property Laws and Regulations
Our intellectual property assets are also subjectdiscussed under “Business – Intellectual Property” above. Our content, whether distributed over broadcast, cable, DBS, wireless, or internet-based services, or through other means, is protected under intellectual property law, including copyright, trademark, patent, unfair competition, and internet/domain name statutes and laws and license agreements. Changes to thethese laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions, including, without limitation, consumer protection, data privacycould either strengthen or weaken our ability to license and security, advertising, intellectual property,protect our content and content limitations. We must design and operate our digital products and websites in compliance with these laws and regulations.combat its theft or misuse.
Foreign Laws and Regulations
The foreign jurisdictions in which our networksproducts and services are offered have, in varying degrees, laws and regulations governing our businesses.businesses, including relating to the production, monetization and distribution of content.By way of example, our digital offerings available to consumers in international jurisdictions are subject to laws and regulations relating to, without limitation, consumer protection, data privacy and security, advertising, competition, intellectual property, and content limitations.
Similar to the U.S., new laws and regulations in international jurisdictions may be adopted with respect to our intellectual property, products and services.In particular, we face increased efforts in international jurisdictions to regulate streaming services, which may constrain our offerings. Further, international laws and regulations around intellectual property could limit our ability to license and protect our content, as well as impose additional burdens on our business.
HUMAN CAPITAL
As of December 31, 2020,2022, we had approximately 9,80037,500 employees, including full-time and part-time employees of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and consolidated ventures. Our employees are located in 3654 different countries, with 37%56% located in the United StatesU.S. and 63%44% located outside of the United States.U.S.
We are a talent-driven business, aiming to attract, develop, and motivate top talent throughout our company. To support these objectives, our human resources programs are designed to provide competitive, locally-relevant benefits, performance-based pay, and customized nonfinancial support and incentives. We also strive to enhance our culture through efforts aimed at making our workplace diverse, engaging and inclusive, and to develop our talent to prepare them for critical roles and leadership positions for the future. We also provide opportunities for our employees to make an impact in their communities through social good initiatives around the world.
Some examples of our human resources programs and initiatives are described below.
Compensation
Our compensation philosophy is to pay for performance, encourage excellence and reward employees who innovate and deliver high-quality results. Our compensation programs are designed to implement our compensation philosophy by:
paying competitively, across salary grades and geographies;
applying compensation policies in an internally consistent manner; and
incentingincentivizing our employees to deliver on our short- and long-term objectives.
Benefits
We provide an array of benefits and programs that support our employees in their personal and professional lives. Highlights include:
local medical, dental, and vision plans in many countries around the world to support our employees with access to health care, supplementing any state-provided health care;
on-site wellness centers in our New York, Silver Spring, Sterling, KnoxvilleLos Angeles, Atlanta and London offices, a fully-equipped fitness center in our Knoxville office,New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta offices, and access to virtual fitness classes and wellbeing programs;
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family support programs, including on-site childcare in our Knoxville and Warsawcertain offices, childcare locator services, back-up childcare, maternity/paternity leave, adoption assistance and elder care;
tools and resources to support the mental wellbeing of our employees and their families, including mental health counselors in our on-site wellness centers and a confidential, dedicated line for employees to contact and speak with a counselor in the event they need mental health support;
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products and services to support employees’ financial wellbeing, including life, accident, and disability insurance plans, discount benefits, financial planning tools, a 401(k) savings plan in the U.S. and retirement/pension plans in anotherover 20 countries;countries, with competitive contributions from the Company for employees at all levels;
offering an employee stock purchase plan, which allows certain employees globally (where legislation permits) an opportunity to buy Discovery, Inc.WBD common stock at a discounted price through convenient after-tax payroll deductions with no commission charges; and
flexible working arrangements around the globe to enable our employees to better balance work and personal commitments, which were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to support our employees’ health and safety.commitments.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ("(“DE&I"&I”)
Our DE&I objective is to foster a culture of equity, inclusion,seek out diversity, remove barriers, and mutual respect. In 2020 we emphasizedcreate space for all to share ideas and be heard. DE&I at WBD is overseen by our Chief Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. We implement our DE&I focusinitiatives and pipeline programs through Mosaic –global, regional and corporate councils that partner with internal and external stakeholders across our brands, business units and regions. We have also established a Creative Diversity Equity and Inclusion activation. Mosaic covers a rangeCouncil to address DE&I in our content production businesses. We seek to support our employees through the sponsorship of initiatives, including: Unconscious Bias, Respect & Integrity; Allyship; Recruitment and Career Development; Content Diversity; Supplier Diversity; and Social Impact.
We sponsor over 30 chapters of Employee16 Business Resource Groups (“ERGs”BRGs”) across the globeglobally, comprised of over 40 chapters. BRGs are intended to enable employees with more than 2,500 members. ERGs draw upon their collection of unique experiencesshared pursuits, purpose, identities, and interests to help drive our mission of fostering a diverselead, contribute and inclusive environment and provide important insights to our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.build community for all.
Learning and Development
Our Global Learning & Development ("(“L&D"&D”) team provides learning opportunities for employees around the world. The L&D team uses a variety of delivery methods suitable to the content and audience, including live in-person sessions, virtual workshops, webinars, and asynchronous online learning through our global learning management platform.
Social Good
We have a department dedicated to social good that builds and oversees consumer and employee-facing initiatives and campaigns. We leverage our platforms, resources, and employee base to make an impact in our communities and with our key nonprofit partners. We have corporate partnerships aimed at addressing childhood hunger, racial injustice and wildlife preservation. Our employee-facing initiatives include matching gift and “dollars The L&D team also provides tuition reimbursement for doers” programs and sponsoring Impact Day, a global day of employee volunteerism that gives back to the communities where we live and work around the world. We are also committed to using our voice to advocate for action around the issues of our time that are important to our employees. In furtherance of this objective, we support various causes and organizations that promote equal rights, and have committed to a two-year social justice project where Discovery employees will have the opportunity to help reinvestigate likely wrongful conviction cases and attempt to secure pro bono legal services to seek exoneration.eligible courses.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
All of our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, and all amendments to such filings are available free of charge at the investor relations section of our website, https://corporate.discovery.com,ir.wbd.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our annual report, corporate governance guidelines, code of business ethics, audit committee charter, compensation committee charter, and nominating and corporate governance committee charter are also available on our website. In addition, we will provide a printed copy of any of these documents, free of charge, upon written request to: Investor Relations, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., 8403 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910.230 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003. Additionally, the SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains quarterly, annual and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company.
We also routinely post on our website news releases, announcements and other statements about our business and results of operations, some of which may contain information that may be deemed to be material to investors. Therefore, we encourage investors to monitor our website and review the information we post there.
The information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference herein.
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ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.
Investing in our securities involves risk. In addition to the other information contained in this report,Annual Report on Form 10-K, you should consider the following risk factors before investing in our securities. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe not to be material may also adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Risks Related to Our IndustryAcquisition of the WarnerMedia Business
We have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs following the Merger.
On April 8, 2022, we completed the Merger in which we acquired the business, operations and activities that constitute the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T. We incurred significant costs in connection with the signing and closing of the Merger, and expect to continue to incur approximately $1.0 - $1.5 billion of cash costs relating to organization restructuring, facility consolidation activities and other contract termination costs, which costs we believe will be necessary to realize the anticipated cost synergies from the Merger. Additional unanticipated costs may also be incurred in connection with the integration of the legacy business, operations and activities of Discovery prior to the Merger (the “Discovery Business”) and the WarnerMedia Business. No assurances of the timing or amount of synergies able to be captured, or the timing or amount of costs necessary to achieve those synergies, can be provided. Some of the factors affecting the costs associated with the integration phase of the Merger include the resources required in integrating the WarnerMedia Business with the Discovery Business and the length of time during which transition services are provided to us by AT&T. The amount and timing of any such charges could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business following the Merger continue to be below management’s expectations, we may not achieve the increases in revenues and net earnings that management expects as a result of the Merger.
In connection with our comprehensive business and strategic review which commenced following the Merger, we determined that certain WarnerMedia Business budget projections that were made available to us prior to the closing of the Merger varied from what we now view as the WarnerMedia Business’s baseline post-closing. Because we derive a majority of our revenues and net earnings from the WarnerMedia Business, if the results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business continue to be below management’s expectations, we may not achieve the increases in revenue and net earnings expected as a result of the Merger. Significant factors that could negatively impact the results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business, and therefore harm our results of operations, include:
more intense competitive pressure from existing or new competitors;
fluctuations in the exchange rates in the jurisdictions in which the WarnerMedia Business operates;
increases in promotional and operating costs for the WarnerMedia Business;
a decline in the viewership or consumption of content provided by the WarnerMedia Business; and
additional material variations in the results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business from expectations or projections of such results of operations, any or all of which may prove to be incorrect or inaccurate.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger because of difficulties related to integration, the achievement of such synergies, and other challenges faced by the combined Company.
The Discovery Business and the WarnerMedia Business previously operated independently, and there can be no assurances that our businesses can be combined in a manner that allows for the achievement of any or all anticipated financial or other benefits. If we are not able to successfully integrate the WarnerMedia Business with the Discovery Business, the anticipated benefits of the Merger may not be realized fully, if at all, or may take longer than expected to be realized. Our integration efforts could result in a loss of key Discovery Business or WarnerMedia Business employees, loss of customers, disruption of either or both of the Discovery Business’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s ongoing businesses or unexpected issues, higher than expected costs and an overall post-completion process that takes longer than originally anticipated. Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in combining the Discovery Business and the WarnerMedia Business in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger:
integrating the Discovery Business and the WarnerMedia Business in the time frame currently anticipated;
maintaining existing agreements with customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors and avoiding delays in entering into new agreements with prospective customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors;
integrating the businesses’ administrative, accounting and information technology infrastructure;
integrating employees and attracting and retaining key personnel, including talent;
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managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company, particularly in light of the Discovery Business’s limited prior experience in running a studio or producing scripted content;
aligning the businesses’ DTC streaming services for global customers; and
resolving potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Merger.
Even if the Discovery Business and the WarnerMedia Business are integrated successfully, the full benefits of the Merger may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame or at all.
Further, following the Merger, the size and complexity of the business of the combined Company increased significantly. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to manage this expanded business, which could pose substantial challenges for management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new, complex operations and associated increased costs. All of these factors could materially adversely affect our stock price, business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Our consolidated indebtedness increased substantially following completion of the Merger. We have a significant amount of debt and may incur significant amounts of additional debt, which could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to react to changes in our business.
Our consolidated indebtedness as of December 31, 2022was approximately $49.3 billion, of which $363 million is current. We had outstanding debt prior to the Merger and upon completion of the Merger, we became responsible for approximately $41.5 billion of additional debt (at par value), including debt that was issued by WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. in connection with its separation from AT&T as well as preexisting debt of the WarnerMedia Business. In addition, we have the ability to draw down on a $6.0 billion revolving credit facility in the ordinary course, which would have the effect of further increasing our debt to the extent drawn. We are also permitted, subject to certain restrictions under our existing debt agreements, to obtain additional long-term debt and working capital lines of credit to meet future financing needs. This would have the effect of further increasing our leverage.
As a result of our increased indebtedness, our corporate or debt-specific credit rating could be downgraded, which may increase our borrowing costs or subject us to more restrictive covenants when we incur new debt in the future, which could reduce profitability and diminish operational flexibility.
Our substantial leverage could have significant negative consequences on our financial condition and results of operations, including:
impairing our ability to meet one or more of the financial ratio covenants contained in our term loan and revolving credit facility or to generate cash sufficient to pay the interest or principal, which could result in an acceleration of some or all of our outstanding debt in the event that an uncured default occurs;
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and market conditions;
limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing;
requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our debt, thereby reducing the amount of cash flow available for other purposes such as capital expenditures, share repurchases, investments, and mergers and acquisitions;
requiring us to sell debt or equity securities or to sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations;
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the markets in which we compete; and
placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage with less leveraged competitors and competitors that may have better access to capital resources.
We have recognized, and could continue to recognize impairment charges, related to goodwill and other intangible assets.
The Merger added a significant amount of goodwill and other intangible assets to our consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, management periodically assesses these assets to determine if they are impaired. Significant negative industry or economic trends, including the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to our business, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, underperformance of the WarnerMedia Business as compared to management's initial expectations, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets, including in connection with our ongoing restructuring initiatives, divestitures and market capitalization declines may impair goodwill and other intangible assets. Any charges relating to such impairments could materially adversely affect our results of operations in the periods recognized.
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We may be unable to provide (or obtain from third parties) the same types and level of services to the WarnerMedia Business that historically have been provided (or obtained from third parties) by AT&T or may be unable to provide (or obtain) them at the same cost.
Prior to the Merger, as part of a separate reporting segment of AT&T, the WarnerMedia Business was able to receive services from AT&T and was able to receive benefits from being a part of AT&T, including benefiting from AT&T’s financial strength, extensive business relationships and purchasing power in negotiating third party services. Following the Merger, the WarnerMedia Business is not able to leverage AT&T’s financial strength, does not have access to AT&T’s extensive business relationships and may not have purchasing power similar to what it had benefited from by being a part of AT&T prior to the Merger. Following the Merger, we have had to replace the services previously provided, or obtained from third parties, by AT&T by either providing them internally or obtaining them from unaffiliated third parties, including AT&T. These services include AT&T bundling HBO Max with some of its wireless and broadband offerings, and certain administrative and operating functions of which effective and appropriate performance is critical to the operations of the WarnerMedia Business and the Company as a whole following the Merger. AT&T is providing certain services on a transitional basis pursuant to a Transition Services Agreement (the “TSA”) with us. The duration of such services is subject to a limited term set out in the Services Schedule to the TSA. We may have difficulty enforcing the terms of the agreements governing the provision of these services or be unable to replace these services in a timely manner or on terms and conditions as favorable as those the WarnerMedia Business currently receives from AT&T under the TSA or from third party contracts that were obtained by AT&T prior to the Merger for the WarnerMedia Business. The costs for these services, or the costs associated with replacing these services, could in the aggregate be higher than the combination of our historical costs and those reflected in the historical financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business. If we are unable to replace the services provided by AT&T or obtained from third parties by AT&T or are unable to replace them at the same cost or are delayed in replacing the services provided by AT&T or obtained from third parties by AT&T, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely impacted by increasing costs or decreasing revenues.
We are engaged in legal proceedings related to the Merger and could be subject to additional legal proceedings related to the Merger, the outcomes of which are uncertain and could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Since the closing of the Merger, multiple putative class action lawsuits relating to the Merger have been filed on behalf of stockholders of the Company against the Company and/or certain of our directors and executive officers seeking damages and other relief. Additional lawsuits relating to the Merger, or disputes arising out of definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Merger, could arise in the future. The outcomes of Merger-related lawsuits are uncertain and even if we ultimately prevail in a lawsuit, defending against the claim could be time-consuming and costly and divert our management’s attention and resources away from our business, which could negatively and materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Our businesses operate in highly competitive industries. and if we are unable to compete effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer.
The entertainmentmedia and media programmingentertainment industries in which we operatecompete for viewers, distribution and advertising are highly competitive. We compete with other media and entertainment companies to attract creative talent and produce high-quality content and to make our content available to audiences on a variety of platforms.
Our traditional linear programming networks for distribution, viewers and advertising. We face increased competitioncompetitive pressure from other television networks, subscription based streaming services, and DTC offerings, including our recently launchedHBO Max and discovery+ product,products, and we also compete for viewers with other forms of news, information and media entertainment, such as home video, movies, periodicals,feature films, interactive games and entertainment, user-generated content, live sports and other events, social media and diverse on-line and mobile activities. In particular, websitesactivities and search engines have seen significant advertising growth,other digital entertainment platforms and offerings all vying for consumer time, attention and discretionary spending. There has also been a portion of which has moved fromshift in consumer behavior related to changes in content distribution and technological innovation, including a preference by consumers to watch content on demand and a decline in subscribers to the traditional cable networkbundle. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have accelerated some existing trends. Lockdowns during the pandemic, for example, enabled households to experiment with digital offerings including subscription video-on-demand or to stack multiple streaming subscriptions. Although we expect these trends to continue in the coming years, our viewership and satellite advertisers. Businesses, including ours, that offer multiple services, or thatthe profitability of our business may be vertically integratedimpacted in unpredictable ways as a result thereof. Moreover, there can be no assurance of the continuation of these trends.
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In order to respond to changing consumer behavior, increasing preferences to watch on demand, subscription declines and offer both videochanges in content distribution models in our industry, we have invested in, developed and programming content, may face closer regulatory review from the competition authorities in the countries in which we currently have operations. If our distributors have to pay higher rates to holders of sports broadcasting rights, it might be difficult for us to negotiate higher rates for distribution of our networks. The ability of our businesses to compete successfully depends on a number of factors,launched DTC products including our abilityHBO Max and discovery+ products. We have incurred and will likely continue to consistently supply high qualityincur significant costs to develop and popular content, accessmarket HBO Max and discovery+, including costs related to developing and implementing a go-to-market strategy for our niche viewership with appealing category-specific content, adapt to new technologiesDTC business that aligns our HBO Max and distribution platforms and achieve widespread distribution.discovery+ products. There can be no assurance, however, that consumers and advertisers will embrace our offerings or that subscribers will activate or renew a subscription, particularly given the increase in DTC products in the marketplace. The WarnerMedia Business has in the past, and we will be able to compete successfullycould in the future, against existing orincur significant restructuring costs related to DTC products due to the rapidly and continuously-evolving DTC environment, in which consumer satisfaction, scale, differentiation and capacity to invest in content are crucial to streaming success.
Each distribution model has different risks and economic consequences for us, so the rapid evolution of consumer preferences may have an economic impact that is not ultimately predictable. Distribution windows are also evolving, potentially affecting revenues from other windows. If we are not able to access our targeted audience with appealing category-specific content and adapt to new competitors, or that increasing competition will not havetechnologies, distribution methods and platforms and business models, we may experience a material adverse effect ondecline in viewership and ultimately a decline in the demand for our programming, which could lead to lower distribution and advertising revenues, materially and adversely affecting our business, financial condition orand results of operations.
The success of our business depends on the acceptance of our entertainmentcontent and sports contentbrands by our U.S. and foreign viewers, which may be unpredictable and volatile.
The production and distribution of entertainmenttelevision programs, feature films, sports and sportsnews content are inherently risky businesses because the revenue we derive and our ability to distribute our content depend primarily on consumer tastes and preferences that often change in unpredictable ways. Our success depends on our ability to consistently create and acquire content that meets the changing preferences of viewers in general, in special interest groups, in specific demographic categories and in various international marketplaces. AsFor example, generally, feature films that perform well upon initial release also have commercial success in subsequent distribution channels. Therefore, the homeunderperformance of the Olympic Gamesa feature film, especially an “event” film, upon its public release can result in Europe until 2024, we have been developing and innovating new forms of content in connection with the Olympic Games. Our success with the Olympics depends on audience acceptance of this content. If viewers do not findlower-than-expected revenues for our Olympic Games content acceptable, we could see low viewership,business which could leadlimit our ability to low distributioncreate future content. We need to invest substantial amounts in the production or acquisition and advertising revenues. The successmarketing of our partnershiptelevision programs, feature films, sports and news content before we learn whether such content will reach anticipated levels of popularity with the PGA Tour, which runs through 2031, is similarly dependent on audience acceptance and viewership.consumers. Failing to gain the level of audience acceptance we expect for the PGA Tourour content may negatively impact our distributionbusiness, financial condition and advertising revenues over the periodresults of the partnership.operations.
The commercial success of our content also depends upon the quality and acceptance of competing content available in the applicable marketplace. Other factors, including the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, our ability to maintain or develop strong brand awareness and target key audiences, general economic conditions, piracy, and growing competition for consumer discretionary spending, time and attention may also affect the audience for our content. Audience sizes for our media networks are critical factors affecting both the volume and pricing of advertising revenue that we receive with respect to advertising-supported services, and the extent of distribution and penetration and the license fees we receive under agreements with our distributors.distributors with respect to subscription-based services. The appeal, success and performance of our content with consumers, as well as with third-party licensees and other distribution partners, are also critical factors that can affect the revenue that we receive with respect to our content-related business.
Consequently, reduced public acceptance of our entertainmenttelevision programs, feature films, sports and news content or negative publicity regarding individuals or operations associated with our content or brands may decrease our audience share and customer/viewer reach and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There has been a shift in consumer behavior as a result of technological innovations and changes in the distribution of content, which may affect our viewership and the profitability of our business in unpredictable ways.
Technology and business models in our industry continue to evolve rapidly. Changes to these business models include (a) the presence of streaming services, which are increasing in number and some of which have a significant and growing subscriber base, and (b) the increased video consumption through subscription steaming services and time-delayed or time-shifted viewing of television programming through on-demand services and DVRs. Consumer behavior related to changes in content distribution and technological innovation affect our economic model and viewership in ways that are not entirely predictable.
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Consumers are increasingly viewing content on a time-delayed or on-demand basis from traditional distributors and from streaming services, connected apps and websites and on a wide variety of screens, such as televisions, tablets, mobile phones and other devices. Additionally, devices that allow users to view television programs on a time-shifted basis and technologies that enable users to fast-forward or skip programming, including commercials, such as DVRs and portable digital devices and systems that enable users to store or make portable copies of content may affect the attractiveness of our offerings to advertisers and could therefore adversely affect our revenues. There is increased demand for short-form, user-generated and interactive content, which have different economic models than our traditional content offerings. Likewise, distributors are offering smaller programming packages known as “skinny bundles,” which are delivered at a lower cost than traditional offerings and sometimes allow consumers to create a customized package of networks, that are gaining popularity among consumers. If our networks are not included in these packages or consumers favor alternative offerings, we may experience a decline in viewership and ultimately the demand for our programming, which could lead to lower distribution and advertising revenues.
We have also seen declines in subscribers to the traditional cable bundle. In 2020, total U.S. Networks portfolio subscribers declined 5% while subscribers to our fully distributed networks declined 3%. In order to respond to changes in content distribution models in our industry, we have invested in, developed and launched DTC products including dplay, JOYN, MotorTrend and our new discovery+ product. There can be no assurance, however, that our viewers will respond to our DTC products or that our DTC strategy will be successful, particularly given the increase in DTC products on the market. Each distribution model has different risks and economic consequences for us, so the rapid evolution of consumer preferences may have an economic impact that is not ultimately predictable. Distribution windows are also evolving, potentially affecting revenues from other windows. If we cannot ensure that our distribution methods and content are responsive to our target audiences, our business could be adversely affected.
If our new subscription streaming product, discovery+, failsfail to attract and retain subscribers, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted.
In January 2021, Discovery launched an aggregated DTC product,Our HBO Max and discovery+. We have incurred and will likely continue to incur significant costs to develop and market discovery+ and there can be no assurance that consumers and advertisers will embrace our offering or that subscribers will activate or renew a subscription.
Our discovery+ offering is a offerings are subscription-based streaming product. The subscription-based streaming service marketplace isproducts and are among many such services in a crowded and competitive and ourlandscape. Their success will also be largely dependent on our ability to initially attract, and to ultimately retain, subscribers. Competitors to discovery+ include traditional linear programming networks, including our own linear channels, and other subscription-based streaming services and DTC offerings. If we are unable to effectively market discovery+our DTC products or if consumers do not perceive the pricing and related features of discovery+our DTC products to be of value versus our competitors, we may not be able to attract and retain subscribers. OurIn particular, decreases in consumer discretionary spending where our DTC products are offered may reduce our ability to attract and retain subscribers to discovery+our services, which could have a negative impact on our business. Relatedly, a decrease in viewing subscribers on our advertising-supported DTC products could also have a negative impact on the rates we are able to charge advertisers for advertising-supported services. The ability to attract and retain subscribers will also depend in part on our ability to provide compelling content choices that are differentiated from that of our competitors and that are more attractive than other sources of entertainment that consumers could choose in their free time. Furthermore, our ability to provide a quality subscriber experience and our relative service levels, may also impact our ability to attract and retain subscribers. If existing subscribers, including those who receive subscriptions through wireless and broadband bundling arrangements with third parties, cancel or discontinue their subscriptions for any reason, including as a result of selecting an alternative wireless or broadband plan that does not bundle our products, or due to the availability of competing offerings that are perceived to offer greater value compared to our DTC products, our business may be adversely affected. We would need to add new subscribers both to replace subscribers who cancel or discontinue their subscriptions and to grow our business. If we are unable to attract and retain subscribers to discovery+, our business could be adversely affected.
Consolidation among cable and satellite providers, both domestically and internationally, could have an adverse effect on our revenue and profitability.
Consolidation among cable and satellite operators has givenoffset the largest operators considerable leverage in their relationships with programmers, including us. In the U.S., approximately 95% of our distribution revenues come from the top 10 distributors. We currently have agreements in place with the major cable and satellite operators in U.S. Networks and International Networks which expire at various times through 2023. Some of our largest distributors have combined, and as a result, have gained, or may gain, market power, which could affect our ability to maximize the value of our content through those platforms. In addition, many of the countries and territories in which we distribute our networks also have a small number of dominant distributors. Continued consolidation within the industry could reduce the number of distributors to carry our programming, subject our affiliate fee revenue to greater volume discounts, and further increase the negotiating leverage of the cable and satellite television system operators which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Failure to renew, renewal with less favorable terms, or termination of our distribution agreements may cause a decline in our revenue.
Because our networks are licensed on a wholesale basis to distributors, such as cable and satellite operators, which in turn distribute them to consumers, we are dependent upon the maintenance of distribution agreements with these operators. These distribution agreements generally provide for the level of carriage our networks will receive, such as channel placement and programming package inclusion (widely distributed, broader programming packages compared to lesser distributed, specialized programming packages) and for payment of a license fee to us based on the numberlosses of subscribers that receive our networks.
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While the number of subscribers associated with our networks impacts our ability to generate advertising revenue, these per subscriber payments also represent a significant portion of our revenue. Our distribution agreements generally have a limited term which varies by market and distributor, and there can be no assurance that these distribution agreements will be renewed in the futurewho cancel or that they will be renewed on terms that are favorable to us. A reduction in the license fees that we receive per subscriber or in the number of subscribers for which we are paid, including as a result of a loss or reduction in carriage for our networks, could adversely affect our distribution revenue. Such a loss or reduction in carriage could also decrease the potential audience for our programs thereby adversely affecting our advertising revenue. In addition, our distribution agreements are complex and individually negotiated. If we were to disagree with one of our counterparties on the interpretation of a distribution agreement, our relationship with that counterparty could be damaged and our business could be negatively affected.
Interpretation of some terms of our distribution agreements may have an adverse effect on the distribution payments we receive under those agreements.
Some of our distribution agreements contain “most favored nation” clauses. These clauses typically provide that if we enter into an agreement with another distributor which contains certain more favorable terms, we must offer some of those termsdiscontinue their subscriptions to our existing distributors. We have entered into a number of distribution agreements with terms that differ in some respects from those contained in other agreements. While we believe that we have appropriately complied with the most favored nation clauses included in our distribution agreements, these agreements are complex and other parties could reach a different conclusion that, if correct, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
We face cybersecurity and similar risks, which could result in the disclosure of confidential information, disruption of our programming services, damage to our brands and reputation, legal exposure and financial losses.
We and our partners rely on various technology systems in connection with the production, distribution and broadcast of our programming, and our on-line, mobile and app offerings, as well as our internal systems, involve the storage and transmission of personal and proprietary information. From time to time, hackers target Discovery and our service providers, and our service providers’ systems may be breached due to employee error, malicious code, hacking and phishing attacks, or otherwise. Any such breach or unauthorized access could result in a loss of our proprietary information, which may include user data, a disruption of our services or a reduction of the revenues we are able to generate from such services, damage to our brands and reputation, a loss of confidence in the security of our offerings and services, and significant legal and financial exposure, each of which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or users to disclose sensitive or confidential information in order to gain access to data and systems. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures, notwithstanding our ongoing efforts to develop and implement robust data security tools, practices, and protocols. We may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate us for losses associated with cybersecurity and privacy events.
In addition, we face regulatory risk associated with the acquisition, storage, disclosure, use and protection of personal data, including under the E.U. GDPR, the CCPA, and various other domestic and international privacy and data security laws and regulations, which are continually evolving. These evolving data protection laws may require us to expend significant resources to implement additional data protection measures, and our actual or alleged failure to comply with such laws could result in legal claims, regulatory enforcement actions and significant fines and penalties.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted, and is expected to continue to disrupt our business operations and poses risks to our business, results of operations and financial position, the nature and extent of which are highly uncertain, rapidly changing and unpredictable.
The continuing global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019, commonly called “COVID-19,” has created significant worldwide operational volatility, uncertainty and disruption.
Countries throughout the world have imposed stringent restrictions on social and commercial activity in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. These restrictions vary by location and have had a significant adverse impact upon many sectors, including the media industry in which we operate. The extent of the impact to our business, customers, employees, vendors, and our distribution, advertising and production partners will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity and the extent of future surges of COVID-19 and the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, among others. Any negative effect on these third parties could materially adversely impact us.
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In particular, our advertising revenues, which represented 52% of our consolidated revenues in 2020, may decrease significantly if our advertising partners in certain sectors (such as travel) continue to reduce their advertising spending, or if we are limited in our ability to create and air new content due to prolonged production shutdowns and delays. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused some of our advertisers to reduce their spending, and future declines in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy in general due to COVID-19 could continue to negatively impact their advertising expenditures in the future. We may continue to experience decreases in advertising revenues related to live sporting events, which have been cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic. For example, the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee agreed to postpone the 2020 Olympic Games to 2021. The postponement of the Olympic Games has delayed our expected Olympic-related revenue. Further, a prolonged, global recession due to COVID-19 may put pressure on household budgets and cause a decrease in consumer discretionary spending, which may decrease our subscriber numbers, distribution revenues and the rates we are able to charge for advertising.
In addition, we continue to implement remote work arrangements in various geographic locations. While these arrangements have not materially affected our ability to maintain our business operations to date, these arrangements may adversely impact our business operations in the future.
The extent to which COVID-19 will adversely impactDTC products, our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on numerous evolving factors, which are highly uncertain, rapidly changing and cannotcould be predicted, including:
the duration and scope of the outbreak, including the extent of future surges of the disease, vaccine distribution and other actions to contain the virus or treat its impact;
governmental, business and individual actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the outbreak, including travel restrictions, quarantines, social distancing, work-at-home, stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders and shut-downs;
the impact of the outbreak on the financial markets and economic activity generally;
the effect of the outbreak on our investments, customers, vendors and production partners;
the impact of the outbreak on the health, well-being and productivity of our employees and the potential for disruption to our ability to conduct our operations; and
the ability of our customers to pay for our services during and following the outbreak.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruption in financial markets and economies worldwide, both of which could result in adverse effects on our business, operations, stock price and ability to raise capital.
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy and created significant volatility and disruption in the credit and financial markets, and while some economic disruption may ease from time to time, such disruption is expected to continue and may worsen for an undetermined period of time. The pandemic and continued spread of COVID-19 has caused a global recession. There is a significant degree of uncertainty and lack of visibility as to the extent and duration of such slowdown or recession; however, a prolonged slowdown or recession may adversely affect our credit ratings, stock price, ability to access capital on favorable terms and ability to meet our liquidity needs.
Our actions to limit the adverse effects of COVID-19 on our financial condition may not be successful, as the extent and duration of the adverse effects of the pandemic is not determinable and depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Events resulting from the effects of COVID-19 may negatively impact our ability to comply with our financial covenants. Also, additional funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If adequate funding is not available, we may be required to reduce expenditures, including curtailing our growth strategies and reducing our product development efforts, or forego acquisition opportunities.
Risks Related to our International Operations
We are subject to risks related to our international operations.
We have operations through which we distribute programming outside the United States. As a result, our business is subject to certain risks inherent in international business, many of which are beyond our control. These risks include:
laws and policies affecting trade and taxes, including laws and policies relating to the repatriation of funds and withholding taxes, and changes in these laws;
changes in local regulatory requirements, including restrictions on content, imposition of local content quotas and restrictions on foreign ownership;
differing degrees of protection for intellectual property and varying attitudes towards the piracy of intellectual property;
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significant fluctuations in foreign currency value;
currency exchange controls;
the instability of foreign economies and governments;
war and acts of terrorism;
anti-corruption laws and regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act that impose stringent requirements on how we conduct our foreign operations and changes in these laws and regulations;
foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulation and changes in these laws; and
shifting consumer preferences regarding the viewing of video programming.
Events or developments related to these and other risks associated with international trade could adversely affect our revenues from non-U.S. sources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects. Furthermore, some foreign markets where we and our partners operate may be more adversely affected by current economic conditions than the U.S. We also may incur substantial expense as a result of changes, including the imposition of new restrictions, in the existing economic or political environment in the regions where we do business. Acts of terrorism, hostilities, or financial, political, economic or other uncertainties could lead to a reduction in revenue or loss of investment, which could adversely affect our results of operations.affected.
Global economic conditions and other global events may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our business is significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions, including inflation and fluctuations in interest rates, and by disruptions to financial markets. We derive substantial revenues from advertisers, and these expenditures are sensitive to general economic conditions and consumer buying patterns. Financial instability or a general decline in economic conditions in the U.S. and other countries where our networks arecontent is distributed could adversely affect the businesses of our partners who might reduce their spending on advertising, which could result in a decrease in advertising rates and volume resulting in a decrease inand our advertising revenues.
Decreases in consumer discretionary spending in the U.S. and other countries where our networks are distributed may affect cable television and other video service subscriptions, in particular with respect to digital service tiers on which certain of our programming networks are carried. This could lead to a decrease in the number of subscribers receiving our programming from multi-channel video programming distributors, which could have a negative impact on our viewing subscribers and distribution revenues. Similarly, a decrease in viewing subscribers would also have a negative impact on the number of viewers actually watching the programs on our programming networks, which could also impact the rates we are able to charge advertisers.
EconomicA downturn in global economic conditions, affect a number of aspects of our businesses worldwide and impactsuch as those caused by the businesses of our partners who purchase advertising on our networks and might reduce their spending on advertising. Economic conditionsCOVID-19 pandemic, can also negatively affect the ability of thoseour current and potential customers, vendors and others with whom we do business and their ability to satisfy their obligations to us. The general worsening of current global economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, and the worsening of economic conditions in certain parts of the world, specifically, could impact the expansion and success of our businesses in such areas.
As a companyOur business is also impacted by other global events, including political, social, or economic unrest, terrorism, hostilities, or pandemics. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted movie theater attendance by consumers as movie theaters reduced seating capacity or closed for an extended period of time. There is no assurance that has operationsmovie theater attendance will return to pre-pandemic levels or increase from current levels. Other global events in the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the E.U. could have an adversefuture may impact on our business, results of operations and financial position.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) formally withdrew from the E.U., commonly referredability to as “Brexit.” The transition period, during which the pre-Brexit rights and obligations on trade, travel and business for the U.K. and the E.U. continued to apply, ended on December 31, 2020. As of January 1, 2021, the relationship between the U.K. and the E.U. is governed by the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (“TCA”), which is effective provisionally pending ratification by the European Parliament.
As a result of Brexit, the single market and country of origin principles which have facilitateddistribute content or our cross-border activities from the U.K. into the E.U. have ceased,viewership, which could have an adversenegatively impact on our operations and business activities. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, costs, including due to reestablishment of broadcasting entities from the U.K. into the E.U., staff relocations and business travel, to minimize disruption to our businesses in the E.U. There remains potential legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. determines which E.U. laws to replace and/or replicate.business.
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The announcementWe invest significant resources to acquire licenses to produce sports programming and implementationthere can be no assurance that we will continue to be successful in our efforts to obtain licenses to recurring sports events or recoup our investment when the content is distributed.
We face significant competition to acquire licenses to sports programming, which leads to significant expenditure of Brexit has caused significant volatilityfunds and resources. As a result of an increasing number of market entrants in global stockthe programming space, we have seen upward pressure on programming costs in recent years, particularly in connection with the licensing and acquisition of sports content from third parties. We may also be impacted by such upward pressures driven by increasing investment in programming by competitors. In certain international markets, regulations concerning content quotas or content investment requirements may be a further factor driving increasing programming costs. In addition, businesses, including ours, that offer multiple services, or that may be vertically integrated and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Withoffer both video distribution and programming content, may face closer regulatory review from the expansioncompetition authorities in the countries in which we currently have operations. If our distributors have to pay higher rates to holders of sports broadcasting rights, it might be difficult for us to negotiate higher rates for distribution of our networks. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in the future against existing or new competitors to obtain licenses to recurring sports events, or that increasing competition for programming licenses and regulatory review from competition authorities will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We also operate regional sports networks and have rights agreements with various professional sports teams that provide the regional sports networks with certain rights to produce and distribute their games. The revenue we derive from the regional sports networks can depend upon a number of factors including consumer tastes and preferences, the strength of advertising markets, subscription levels and rates for programming, and the size of viewer audiences.
There can also be no assurance that we will recoup our investment in sports programming. The impact of these contracts on our results of operations over the term of the contracts depends on a number of factors, including the strength of advertising markets, subscription levels and rates for programming, consumer acceptance of our content, and the size of viewer audiences. For example, as the home of the Olympic Games in Europe through 2032, we have been developing and innovating new forms of content in connection with the Olympic Games. Our success with the Olympics depends on audience acceptance of this content. If viewers do not find our Olympic Games content acceptable, we could see low viewership, which could lead to low distribution and advertising revenues and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to renew, renewal with less favorable terms, or termination of our content licenses and similar distribution agreements may cause a decline in our revenue.
Because our content and pay-TV networks are licensed to and distributed through third parties, such as theatrical exhibitors (and in certain international operations,territories, local theater distributors), traditional television and pay-TV broadcasters (such as cable and satellite operators) and operators of digital platforms, which in turn make such content available, directly and indirectly, to consumers, we are dependent upon the maintenance of such licensing and distribution agreements with such third parties. These agreements generally provide for the scope of licensed rights, including geographic territory, exploitation rights, holdbacks and/or other restrictions, including exclusivity or non-exclusivity, window(s) of exploitation (including first and second pay-TV and free to air broadcast), for the level of carriage our exposurenetworks will receive, such as channel placement and programming package inclusion (widely distributed, broader programming packages compared to currency exchange rate fluctuation has increased. This increaselesser distributed, specialized programming packages), and for payment of a license fee to us based on a number of factors, including the scope of the rights granted, the popularity of the content (as measured in exposurethe case of films, for example, by box office performance for certain downstream exploitation) and the date of its first theatrical or pay-TV exhibition.
While the number of subscribers associated with our networks impacts our ability to generate advertising revenue, subscription-based revenue also represents a significant portion of our revenue. Our agreements generally have a limited term which varies by territory and distributor, and there can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed in the future or that they will be renewed on terms that are favorable to us. The license fees and other commercial terms that we receive are dependent, among other factors, on the acceptance and performance of our content with consumers. A reduction in the license fees that we receive or in the number of subscribers for which we are paid, including as a result of a loss or reduction in carriage for our networks or a reduction in distributor penetration, including as a result of changes in consumer habits, could adversely affect our distribution revenue. Such a loss or reduction in carriage could also decrease the potential audience for our programs thereby adversely affecting our advertising revenue. Changes in distribution strategy and variations on traditional theatrical distribution and other licensing models, such as shortening traditional windows or making simultaneous the availability of certain films theatrically and on-demand, and other hybrids, may also drive changes in the licensee fees that theatrical exhibitors and distributors and other downstream licensees in the value chain may be willing to pay for content, which may in turn negatively affect our content revenue. As a result of industry consolidation, our distributors have become and may continue to become larger, and as a result have gained or could gain additional market power. Such consolidation gives these distributors leverage in negotiating their distribution agreements with us which could subject our affiliate fee revenue to reduction or discounts, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
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In addition, content distribution and license agreements are complex and individually negotiated. For example, some of our distribution agreements contain “most favored nation” clauses, which typically provide that if we enter into an agreement with another distributor which contains certain more favorable terms, we must offer some of those terms to our existing distributors. If we were to disagree with one of the counterparties on the interpretation of a content distribution and license agreement, it could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations as well as damage our relationship with that counterparty.
We rely on platforms owned by our competitors for digital and net asset balances, due,linear distribution of our content.
We rely on platforms owned by third parties, some of which compete directly with us or have investments in part,competing streaming products, to currency fluctuations impactingmake our content available to our subscribers and viewers. If these third parties do not continue to provide access to our service on their platforms or are unwilling to do so on terms acceptable to us, our business could be adversely affected. If we are not successful in maintaining existing or creating new relationships with these third parties, our ability to retain subscribers and grow our business could be adversely impacted.
Service disruptions or the British poundfailure of communications satellites or transmitter facilities we rely upon could adversely impact our business, financial condition and the Euro. Brexit may also create global uncertainty, which may cause a decrease in consumer discretionary spending. Decreases in consumer discretionary spending may affect cable televisionresults of operations.
We rely on communications satellites and transmitter facilities and other videotechnical infrastructure, including fiber, to transmit programming to affiliates and other distributors. Shutdowns of communications satellites and transmitter facilities or service subscriptions wheredisruptions will pose significant risks to our networksoperations. Such disruptions may be caused by power outages, natural disasters, extreme weather, terrorist attacks, war, failures or impairments of communications satellites or on-ground uplinks or downlinks or other technical facilities and services used to transmit programming, failure of service providers to meet contractual requirements, or other similar events. If a communications satellite or other transmission means (e.g., fiber) is not able to transmit our programming, or if any material component thereof fails or becomes inoperable, we may not be able to secure an alternative communications path in a timely manner because, among other factors, there are distributed. A decreasea limited number of service providers and other means available for the transmission of programming, and any alternatives may require lead time and additional technical resources and infrastructure to implement. If such an event were to occur, there could be a disruption in the numberdelivery of subscribers receiving our programming, which could have a negative impact onharm our distribution revenuesreputation and the rates we are able to charge for advertising. In addition, different market requirements for advertising content may impact our advertising revenues. Any of the foregoing factors maymaterially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our businesses may be subject to labor disruption.
We and some of our suppliers and business partners retain the services of writers, directors, actors, announcers, athletes, technicians, trade employees and others involved in the development and production of our television programs, feature films and interactive entertainment (e.g., games) who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. If negotiations to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements are not successful or become unproductive, the affected unions could take actions such as strikes, work slowdowns or work stoppages. Strikes, work slowdowns, work stoppages or the possibility of such actions could result in delays in the production of our television programs, feature films and interactive entertainment. We could also incur higher costs from such actions, enter into new collective bargaining agreements or renew collective bargaining agreements on less favorable terms. Many of the collective bargaining agreements that cover individuals providing services to the Company are industry-wide agreements, and we may lack practical control over the negotiations and terms of these agreements. Union or labor disputes or player lock-outs relating to certain professional sports leagues may preclude us from producing and telecasting scheduled games or events and could negatively impact our promotional and marketing opportunities. Depending on their duration, union or labor disputes or player lock-outs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Domestic and Foreign Laws and Regulations; Other Risks Related to International Operations
Changes in domestic and foreign laws and regulations and other risks related to international operations could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Programming services like ours, and the distributors of our services, including cable operators, satellite operators and other multi-channel video programming distributors, are regulated by U.S. federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the FCC, as well as by state and local governments, in ways that affect the daily conduct of our video content business. These obligations and regulations, among other things, require closed captioning of programming for the hearing impaired, require certain content providers to make available audio descriptions of programming for the visually impaired, limit the amount and content of commercial matter that may be shown during programming aimed primarily at an audience of children aged 12 and under, and require the identification of (or the maintenance of lists of) sponsors of political advertising. See the discussion under “Business – Regulatory Matters” that appears above. The U.S. Congress, the FCC, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), U.S. state legislatures, and the courts currently have under consideration, and may adopt or interpret in the future, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations of our U.S. media properties or modify the terms under which we offer our services and operate.
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Following the Merger, our operations through which we distribute programming outside the U.S. have increased significantly. As a result, our business is, and may increasingly be, subject to certain risks inherent in international business, many of which are beyond our control. These risks include:
laws and policies affecting trade and taxes, including laws and policies relating to the repatriation of funds and withholding taxes, and changes in these laws;
local regulatory requirements (and any changes to such requirements), including restrictions on content, censorship, imposition of local content quotas, local production levies and investment obligations, and restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership, outsourcing, consumer protection, targeted advertising, intellectual property and related rights, including copyright and rightsholder rights and remuneration;
our ability to obtain the appropriate licenses and other regulatory approvals we need to distribute content in foreign countries as well as regulatory intervention on how we currently operate, including how we license and distribute content;
differing degrees of protection for intellectual property and varying attitudes towards the piracy of intellectual property;
significant fluctuations in foreign currency value;
capital, currency exchange and central banking controls;
the instability of foreign economies and governments;
the potential for political, social, or economic unrest, terrorism, hostilities, cyber-attacks or war, including the war between Russia and Ukraine;
anti-corruption laws and regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act that impose stringent requirements on how we conduct our foreign operations and changes in these laws and regulations;
sanction laws and regulations such as those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control that restrict our dealings with certain sanctioned countries, territories, individuals and entities; these laws and regulations are complex, frequently changing, and increasing in number, and may impose additional prohibitions or compliance obligations on our dealings in certain countries and territories, including sanctions imposed on Russia and certain Ukrainian territories as well as sanctions imposed on China;
challenges implementing effective controls to monitor business activities across our expanded international operations;
foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulations and changes in these laws and regulations; and
shifting consumer preferences regarding the viewing of video programming.
Events or developments related to these and other risks associated with international trade could adversely affect our revenues from non-U.S. sources as well as our costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, some foreign markets where we and our partners operate may be more adversely affected by current economic conditions than the U.S. We also may incur substantial expense as a result of changes, including the imposition of new restrictions, in the existing regulatory, economic or political environment in the regions where we do business.
This is of particular concern in Poland, where we own and operate TVN, a portfolio of free-to-air and pay-TV lifestyle, entertainment, and news networks, which faces ongoing legislative and regulatory risk. In the past, said risk has manifested itself in draft legislation, now abandoned, which would have precluded non-EEA ownership of Polish national broadcasters, and in delays in renewing broadcast licenses. Such delays continue as well as regulatory pressure on some of TVN’s journalism. Similar developments could, directly or indirectly, affect the future operations of our Polish media properties and/or modify the terms under which we offer our services and operate in that market in the future.
The evolving regulatory environment in international markets may also impact strategy, costs and results of operations, including with respect to local programming levies and investment obligations, satisfaction of local content quotas, access to local production incentive schemes, and direct and indirect digital taxes or financial position.levies on internet-based programming services.
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We are subject to domestic and international privacy and data protection laws, which impact our ability to collect, manage, and use personal information. Our efforts to comply with such laws, which are continually evolving, could impose costly obligations on us and generate additional regulatory and litigation risk.
We are subject to domestic and international laws associated with the acquisition, storage, disclosure, use and protection of personal data, including under the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), several comprehensive U.S. state privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), and many other international laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are continually evolving and many more U.S. state and federal laws and international laws may pass this year. See the discussion above in “Business – Regulatory Matters”. These evolving privacy, security, and data protection laws may require us to expend significant resources to implement additional data protection measures, and our actual or alleged failure to comply with such laws could result in legal claims, regulatory enforcement actions and significant fines and penalties.
Environmental, social and governance laws and regulations may adversely impact our businesses.
U.S. state and federal regulators, international regulators, investors, consumers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) considerations. For example, the SEC has adopted regulations to require disclosures relating to public companies’ management of human capital resources and has proposed rules to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures; Nasdaq, the exchange where our stock is listed, has implemented board diversity disclosure requirements; the European Union has adopted specific conduct-based directives on ESG; and the U.K. has mandated climate-related disclosures for public companies. These increased disclosure obligations have required and may continue to require us to implement new practices and reporting processes, and have created and will continue to create additional compliance risk.
Additionally, our ESG initiatives and programs may not achieve their intended outcomes. If we are unable to meet our ESG goals or evolving stakeholder expectations and industry standards, or if we are perceived by consumers, stockholders or employees to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, our reputation, and therefore our ability to sell our products and services, could be negatively impacted. If, as a result of their assessment of our ESG performance, certain investors are unsatisfied with our actions or progress, they may reconsider their investment in our Company. Providers of debt and equity financing may also consider our ESG performance and external ESG ratings (which we have limited ability to influence) in their decision involving our Company, which could impact our cost of capital and adversely affect our business.
Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our operating results and financial conditions.
We have significant operations in a number of foreign jurisdictions and certain of our operations are conducted and certain of our debt obligations are denominated in foreign currencies. The value of these foreign currencies fluctuates relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, we have exposure to foreign currency risk as we enter into transactions and make investments denominated in multiple currencies. The valueAdverse business performance and financial results from unforeseen changes in foreign currency exchange rates could increase our cost of these currencies fluctuates relativeborrowing or make it more difficult for us to the U.S. dollar. obtain future financing, which could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial conditions. We manage our exposure to foreign currency risk by entering into derivative instruments with counterparty banks, which exposes us to counterparty credit risk.
Our consolidated financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, and to prepare those financial statements we must translate the amounts of the assets, liabilities, net sales, other revenues and expenses of our operations outside of the U.S. from local currencies into U.S. dollars using exchange rates for the current period. As we have expanded our international operations, ourThis exposure to exchange rate fluctuations has increased. This increased exposure could have an adverse effect on our reported results of operations and net asset balances. There is no assurance that downward trending currencies will rebound or that stable currencies will remain unchanged in any period or for any specific market.
Increasing complexity of global tax policy and regulations could increase our tax liability and adversely impact our international business and results of operations.
We continue to face the increasing complexity of operating a global business, asand we are subject to ever-changing tax policy and regulations in multiple non-U.S. jurisdictions.around the world. Many foreign jurisdictions are contemplating additional taxes and/or levies on media advertising, including the recently announced proposed levyover-the-top services, as well as on media companies under consideration by the Polish government.advertising. In addition, many foreign jurisdictions have increased scrutiny and have either changed, or plan to change, their international tax systems due to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) recommendations. The BEPSThese recommendations call for enhanced transparencyinclude, among other things, profit reallocation rules and reporting relating to companies’ entity structures and transfer pricing policies. Thesea 15% global minimum corporate income tax rate. Such recommendations, if implemented, could have been implemented through various initiatives including the requirement for taxpayers to comply with global country-by-country reporting and the filing of a global master file as well as the introduction of the multilateral instrument (“MLI”) which allows taxing authorities to better take aim at multinationalmaterial effect on our income tax avoidance. We continue to address and comply with these compliance and reporting requirements.liability.
Additional complexity has also arisen inwith respect to state aid: i.e., state resources used to provide recipients an advantage on a selective basis that has or could distort competition and affect trade between European member states. In recent years the European Commission (“EC”) has increased their scrutiny onof state aid and has deviated from the historical E.U. state aid practices. There is great uncertainty about the futureWe receive material amounts of E.U. state aid practices based on the appeals of many significant EC rulings against multinational corporations that are currently being challenged. The potential impact of these rulings is difficult to assess andfinancial incentives for conducting our transfer pricing analyses conducted pursuant to accepted OECD methodologies may not sufficiently mitigate risk associated with our past or current agreements.
In addition, the determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities requires judgment and estimation. Our income taxes could also be materially adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipatedcontent production activities in various jurisdictions that have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions that have higher statutory tax rates, by changes inoffer such incentives. If the valuation ofE.U. were to restrict our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or by changes in worldwide tax laws, regulations, or accounting principles.
In the U.S., President Biden put forth several corporate income tax proposals during his campaign, including a significant increase in the corporate income tax rate and changes in the taxation of non-U.S. income. While it is too earlyability to predict the outcome ofreceive these proposals, if enacted, they wouldincentives, such restrictions could have a material impact on our income tax liability.

results of operations.
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Other changes in tax laws and the interpretation thereof could have a material impact on our tax liability. For example, in August 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act which, among other changes, created a new corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) of 15% for corporations whose average annual adjusted financial statement income for any consecutive 3 tax year periods ending after December 31, 2021 and preceding the tax year exceeds $1 billion, and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases made by publicly traded U.S. companies. The effective date of these provisions was January 1, 2023, although we await further guidance from the U.S. government on the calculation of the CAMT. Based on that forthcoming guidance, it is possible that the CAMT could result in a material additional tax liability.
Risks Related to Our Business ModelFinancial, Capital and CapitalCorporate Structure
We have a significant amount of debt and may incur significant amounts of additional debt, which could adversely affectForecasting our financial healthresults requires us to make judgements and estimates which may differ materially from actual results.
Given the dynamic nature of our abilitybusiness, the current uncertain economic climate and the inherent limitations in predicting the future, forecasts of our revenues, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (as defined in Note 23 to react to changes inthe accompanying consolidated financial statements, “Adjusted EBITDA”), free cash flow and subscriber growth, and other financial and operating data, may differ materially from actual results, including as a result of events outside of our business.
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $15.4 billion of consolidated debt, of which $335 million is current. Our substantial level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on, orcontrol and other amounts associated with our indebtedness. In addition, we have the ability to draw down our $2.5 billion revolving credit facilityrisks and uncertainties described herein. Such discrepancies could cause a decline in the ordinary course, which would have the effect of increasing our indebtedness. We are also permitted, subject to certain restrictions under our existing indebtedness, to obtain additional long-term debt and working capital lines of credit to meet future financing needs. This would have the effect of increasing our total leverage.
Our substantial leverage could have significant negative consequences on our financial condition and results of operations, including:
impairing our ability to meet one or more of the financial ratio covenants contained in our revolving credit facility or to generate cash sufficient to pay interest or principal, which could result in an acceleration of some or alltrading price of our outstanding debt in the event that an uncured default occurs;
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and market conditions;
limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing;
requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our debt, thereby reducing the amount of cash flow available for other purposes;
requiring us to sell debt or equity securities or to sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations;
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the markets in which we compete; and
placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage with less leveraged competitors and competitors that may have better access to capital resources.common stock.
Our ability to incur debt and the use of our funds could be limited by the restrictive covenants in the loan agreementagreements for our term loan and revolving credit facility.
The loan agreementagreements for our term loan and revolving credit facility containscontain restrictive covenants, as well as requirements to comply with certain leverage and other financial maintenance tests. These covenants and requirements could limit our ability to take various actions, including incurring additional debt, guaranteeing indebtedness and engaging in various types of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets. These covenants could place us at a disadvantage compared to someassets, or taking advantage of our competitors, who may have fewer restrictive covenants and may not be required to operate under these restrictions. Further, these covenantsother opportunities, which could have an adverse effect on our business by limitingbusiness.
In addition, credit ratings actions could impact the terms of our loan agreements. A ratings downgrade may increase our borrowing costs, which could diminish operational flexibility and reduce profitability.
We could be unable to obtain cash in amounts sufficient to meet our financial obligations or other commitments.
Our ability to meet our financial obligations and other contractual commitments will depend upon our ability to take advantageaccess cash. We are a holding company, and our sources of financing, mergerscash include our available cash balances, net cash from the operating activities of our subsidiaries, any dividends and acquisitionsinterest we may receive from our investments, availability under our credit facilities or any credit facilities that we may obtain in the future and proceeds from any asset sales we may undertake in the future. The ability of our operating subsidiaries, including WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc., Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., and Discovery Communications, LLC to pay dividends or to make other opportunities.payments or advances to us will depend on their individual operating results and any statutory, regulatory or contractual restrictions, including restrictions under our credit facilities, to which they may be or may become subject. Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we were subject to U.S. taxes for the deemed repatriation of certain cash balances held by foreign corporations. The Company intends to continue to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the U.S., and current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.
Financial performance for our equity method investments and investments without readily determinable fair value may differ from current estimates.
We have equity investments in several entities and the accounting treatment applied for these investments varies depending on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, our percentage ownership and the level of influence or control we have over the relevant entity. Any losses experienced by these entities could adversely impact our results of operations and the value of our investment. In addition, if these entities were to fail and cease operations, we may lose the entire value of our investment and the stream of any shared profits. Some of our ventures may require additional uncommitted funding. We also have significant investments in entities that we have accounted for as investments without readily determinable fair value. If these entities experience significant losses or were to fail and cease operations, our investments could be subject to impairment and the loss of a part or all of our investment value.
Certain of our businesses are conducted through joint ventures or partnerships with one or more third parties, in which we share ownership, management and profits of the business operation to varying degrees.
Certain of our businesses are conducted through joint ventures or partnerships with one or more third parties, where we have varying degrees of ownership and influence. From time to time, we may disagree with our joint venture partners on the strategy or management of a joint venture business, but may be constrained in our ability to make decisions unilaterally as a result of legal or contractual obligations to our joint venture partners, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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As a holding company, we could be unable to obtain cash in amounts sufficient to meet our financial obligations or other commitments.
Our ability to meet our financial obligations and other contractual commitments will depend upon our ability to access cash. We are a holding company, and our sources of cash include our available cash balances, net cash from the operating activities of our subsidiaries, any dividends and interest we may receive from our investments, availability under our credit facility or any credit facilities that we may obtain in the future and proceeds from any asset sales we may undertake in the future. The ability of our operating subsidiaries, including Discovery Communications, LLC, to pay dividends or to make other payments or advances to us will depend on their individual operating results and any statutory, regulatory or contractual restrictions, including restrictions under our credit facility, to which they may be or may become subject. Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we were subject to U.S. taxes for the deemed repatriation of certain cash balances held by foreign corporations. The Company intends to continue to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the U.S., and current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.

Risks Related to Corporate Structure
We have directors in commonthat are also related persons of Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership (“Advance/Newhouse”) and that overlap with those of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”), Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”), Qurate Retail Group f/k/a Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Qurate Retail”), Liberty Broadband Corporation ("(“Liberty Broadband"Broadband”), and Liberty Latin America Ltd ("LLA"(“LLA”), which may lead to conflicting interests for those directors or result in the diversion of business opportunities or other potential conflicts.
Advance/Newhouse owns shares representing approximately 8% of our outstanding common stock. Our board of directors includes Steven A. Miron, the Chief Executive Officer of Advance/Newhouse and Steven O. Newhouse, Co-President of Advance Publications, Inc., which holds interests in Advance/Newhouse and Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”). Pursuant to a consent agreement entered into between Advance/Newhouse and the Company in connection with the Merger, the Company designated Mr. Miron and Mr. Newhouse to our board of directors with terms ending in 2025. Mr. Miron is also a member of the board of directors of Charter, of which Liberty Broadband and Advance Publications, Inc. own equity interests.
In addition, Dr. John C. Malone, chairman of Liberty Media, Liberty Global and Liberty Broadband and member of the board of directors of Qurate Retail, serves on our board of directors. Our board of directors also currently includes one other person who is currently a member of the board of directors of Liberty Media, one other person who is currently a member of the board of directors of Liberty Global, and one person who is a currently a member of the board of directors of LLA.
The respective parent companies of Advance/Newhouse and of Liberty Media, Liberty Global, Qurate Retail, Liberty Broadband, and LLA (together, the "Liberty Entities"“Liberty Entities”) own interests in various U.S. and international media, communications and entertainment companies, such as Charter, Communications, Inc. ("Charter"), that have subsidiaries that own or operate domestic or foreign content services that may compete with the content services we offer. We have no rights in respect of U.S. or international content opportunities developed by or presented to the subsidiaries of any Liberty Entities, and the pursuit of these opportunities by such subsidiaries may adversely affect our interests and those of our stockholders. Because we and the Liberty Entities have overlapping directors, the pursuit of business opportunities may serve to intensify the conflicts of interest or appearance of conflicts of interest faced by the respective management teams. Our charter provides that none of our directors or officers will be liable to us or any of our subsidiaries for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that such individual directs a corporate opportunity to another person or entity (including any Liberty Entities), for which such individual serves as a director or officer, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to us or any of our subsidiaries, unless (a) such opportunity was expressly offered to such individual solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of us or any of our subsidiaries and (b) such opportunity relates to a line of business in which we or any of our subsidiaries is then directly engaged.
We have directors that are also related persons of Advance/Newhouse and that overlap with those of the Liberty Entities, which may lead to conflicting interests for those tasked with the fiduciary duties of our board.
Our twelve-person board of directors includes three designees of Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership ("Advance/Newhouse"), including Robert J. Miron, who was the Chairman of Advance/Newhouse until December 31, 2010, and Steven A. Miron, the Chief Executive Officer of Advance/Newhouse. In addition, our board of directors includes two persons who are currently members of the board of directors of Liberty Media, three persons who are currently members of the board of directors of Liberty Global, one person who is currently a member of the board of directors of Qurate Retail, two persons who are currently members of the board of directors of Liberty Broadband, one person who is currently a member of the board of directors of Charter, of which Liberty Broadband owns an equity interest, and two persons who are currently members of the board of directors of LLA. John C. Malone is the Chairman of the boards of all of the Liberty Entities other than LLA and Qurate Retail. The parent company of Advance/Newhouse and the Liberty Entities own interests in a range of media, communications and entertainment businesses.
Advance/Newhouse will elect three directors annually for so long as it owns a specified minimum amount of our Series A-1 convertible preferred stock. The Advance/Newhouse Series A-1 convertible preferred stock, which votes with our common stock on all matters other than the election of directors, represents approximately 24% of the voting power of our outstanding shares. The Series A-1 convertible preferred stock also grants Advance/Newhouse consent rights over a range of our corporate actions, including fundamental changes to our business, the issuance of additional capital stock, mergers and business combinations and certain acquisitions and dispositions.
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None of the Liberty Entities own any interest in us. Mr.Dr. Malone beneficially owns: shares of Liberty Media representing approximately 47%48% of the aggregate voting power of its outstanding stock, shares representing approximately 30% of the aggregate voting power of Liberty Global, shares representing approximately 40%7% of the aggregate voting power of Qurate Retail, shares representing approximately 48%47% of the aggregate voting power of Liberty Broadband and shares representing approximately 21% of the aggregate voting power (otherless than with respect to the election of the common stock directors)1% of our outstanding stock. Mr. Malone controls approximately 27% of our aggregate voting power relating to the election of our nine common stock directors, assuming that the preferred stock owned by Advance/Newhouse has not been converted into shares of our common stock. Our other directors who are also directors of the Liberty Entities hold stock and stock-based compensation in the Liberty Entities and hold our stock and stock-based compensation.
These ownership interests and/or business positions could create conflicts of interest or appear to create, potentialthe appearance of conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us, Advance/Newhouse and/or the Liberty Entities. For example, there may be the potential for a conflict of interest when we, on the one hand, or Advance/Newhouse and/or one or more of the Liberty Entities, on the other hand, consider acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for the other.
The members of our board of directors have fiduciary duties to us and our stockholders. Likewise, those persons who serve in similar capacities at Advance/Newhouse or a Liberty Entity have fiduciary duties to those companies. Therefore, such persons may have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting both respective companies, and there can be no assurance that the terms of any transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries as would be the case in the absence of a conflict of interest.
It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if such acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders.
CertainIn connection with the Merger, we agreed with AT&T that for a two-year period following the Merger, we would not, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, enter into any transaction or series of transactions as a result of which one or more persons would acquire an amount of stock of our Company that, when combined with certain other changes in ownership of our stock (including the Merger), would equal or exceed 45% of the outstanding stock of our Company. Further, certain provisions of our charter and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control that a stockholder may consider favorable. These provisions include the following:
authorizing a capital structure with multiple series of common stock: a Series B that entitles the holders to ten votes per share, a Series A-1 that entitles the holders to one vote per share and a Series C that, except as otherwise required by applicable law, entitles the holders to no voting rights;
authorizing the Series A-1 convertible preferred stock with special voting rights, which prohibits us from taking any of the following actions, among others, without the prior approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of such stock:
increasing the number of members of the Board of Directors above ten;
making any material amendment to our charter or by-laws;
engaging in a merger, consolidation or other business combination with any other entity; and
appointing or removing our Chairman of the Board or our Chief Executive Officer;
authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could be issued by our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;
classifying our common stockboard of directors with staggered three-year terms and having threeuntil the election of directors elected by the holdersat our 2025 annual meeting of the Series A convertible preferred stock,stockholders, which may lengthen the time required to gain control of our Boardboard of Directors;directors;
limiting who may call special meetings of stockholders;
prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, (subject to certain exceptions), thereby requiring stockholder action to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders;
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establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings;
requiring stockholder approval by holders of at least 80% of our voting power or the approval by at least 75% of our Board of Directors with respect to certain extraordinary matters, such as a merger or consolidation, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or an amendment to our charter;
requiring the consent of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Series B common stock (voting as a separate class) to certain share distributions and other corporate actions in which the voting power of the Series B common stock would be diluted by, for example, issuing shares having multiple votes per share as a dividend to holders of Series A common stock; and
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the existence of authorized and unissued stock which would allow our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, thereby protecting the continuity of our management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us.
WeIn addition, under our charter, we have also adoptednot opted out of the protections of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), and we are therefore governed by Section 203. Accordingly, it is expected that Section 203 will have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions that our board of directors does not approve in advance and that Section 203 may discourage takeover attempts that might result in a shareholder rights plan in orderpremium over the market price of WBD capital stock.
These provisions are intended to encourage anyone seeking to acquire usprotect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Boardboard of Directors priordirectors and by providing our board of directors with more time to attempting a takeover. Whileassess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. As noted above, these provisions apply even if the planoffer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is designed to guard against coercive or unfair tactics to gain control of us, the plan may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying any attempts by others to obtain control of us.
Holders of any single series ofnot in our common stock may not have any remedies if any action by our directors or officers has an adverse effect on only that series of common stock.
Principles of Delaware lawbest interests and the provisions of our charter may protect decisions of our Board of Directors that have a disparate impact upon holders of any single series of our common stock. Under Delaware law, the Board of Directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our stockholders, including the holders of all series ofstockholders. Accordingly, if our common stock. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes or series of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all common stockholders regardless of class or seriesdetermines that a potential business combination transaction is not in our best interests and does not have separate or additional duties to any group of stockholders. As a result, in some circumstances, our directors may be required to make a decision that is adverse to the holders of one series of common stock. Under the principles of Delaware law referred to above, stockholders may not be able to challenge these decisions if our Board of Directors is disinterested and adequately informed with respect to these decisions and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that it is acting in the best interests of allour stockholders, but certain stockholders believe that such a transaction would be beneficial to us and our stockholders, such stockholders may elect to sell their shares in WBD and the market price of our stockholders.WBD common stock could decrease.
If Advance/Newhouse were to sell its shares following the exercise of its registration rights, it may cause a significant decline in our stock price, even if our business is doing well.
Advance/Newhouse hasand Advance Newhouse Partnership (“ANP”) have been granted registration rights covering all of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversionnow held or hereafter acquired by them. Subject to certain limitations and restrictions, including customary “blackout periods”, Advance/Newhouse and ANP have the right to assign any or all of the convertible preferred stocktheir registration rights to their affiliates and successors, as well as a specified family foundation. The shares held by Advance/Newhouse. Each shareNewhouse and ANP are registered for resale pursuant to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed April 22, 2022. Any future exercise of Advance/Newhouse’s Series A-1 convertible preferred stock is currently convertible into nine shares of our Series A common stock and each share of Advance/Newhouse’s Series C-1 convertible preferred stock is convertible into 19.3648 shares of our Series C common stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. The registration rights which are immediately exercisable, are transferable with theor sale or transfer by Advance/Newhouse of blocks of shares representing 10% or more of the preferred stock it holds. The exercise of the registration rights, and subsequent sale of possibly large amounts of our common stock in the public market could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
John C. MaloneGeneral Risks
We face cybersecurity and Advance/Newhouse each have significant voting power with respect to corporate matters considered by our stockholders.
For corporate matters other thansimilar risks, which could result in the electiondisclosure of directors, Mr. Malone and Advance/Newhouse each beneficially own sharesconfidential information, disruption of our stock representing approximately 21%programming services, damage to our brands and 24%, respectively,reputation, legal exposure and financial losses.
We and our partners rely on various technology systems in connection with the production, distribution and broadcast of our programming, and our on-line, mobile and app offerings, as well as our internal systems, involve the storage and transmission of personal and proprietary information. Consistently, cyber criminals and other malicious actors target us and our service providers. Our systems and our service providers’ systems have been breached in the past due to cybersecurity attacks. These systems may continue to be breached in the future due to employee error or misconduct, system vulnerabilities, malicious code, hacking and phishing attacks, or otherwise. If our information security systems or data are compromised in a material way, such compromises could result in a disruption of services or a reduction of the aggregate voting power represented byrevenues we are able to generate from such services, damage to our outstanding stock. With respectbrands and reputation, a loss of confidence in the security of our offerings and services, and significant legal and financial exposure, each of which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business.
The risk of cyberattacks has also increased and will continue to the electionincrease in connection with Russia’s invasion of directors, Mr. Malone controls approximately 27%Ukraine. In light of the aggregate voting power relatingUkraine war and other geopolitical events and dynamics, including ongoing tensions with Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and other states, state-sponsored parties or their supporters may launch retaliatory cyberattacks, and may attempt to the electioncause supply chain disruptions, or carry out other geopolitically motivated retaliatory actions that may adversely disrupt or degrade our operations and may result in data compromise. These security attacks can originate from a wide variety of the nine common stock directors (assuming that the convertible preferred stock owned by Advance/Newhouse (the “A/N Preferred Stock”) hassources/malicious actors, including, but not been converted into shareslimited to, persons who constitute an insider threat, who are involved with organized crime, or who may be linked to terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments. Those same parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees, customers, or other users of our common stock). The A/N Preferred Stock carries with it the rightsystems to designate three preferred stock directorsdisclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our board (subject to certain conditions) but does not carry voting rights with respect to the electiondata or that of the nine common stock directors. Also, under the terms of the A/N Preferred Stock, Advance/Newhouse has special voting rights as to certain enumerated matters, including material amendments to the restated charter and bylaws, fundamental changes in our business, mergerscustomers or clients through social engineering, phishing, mobile phone malware, and other business combinations, certain acquisitions and dispositions and future issuances of capital stock. Although there is no stockholder agreement, voting agreement or any similar arrangement between Mr. Malone and Advance/Newhouse, by virtue of their respective holdings, Mr. Malone and Advance/Newhouse each have significant influence over the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to our stockholders.

methods.
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General Risks
Theft of our content, including digital copyright theftintellectual property and other unauthorized duplication, distribution and exhibitions of our content,intellectual property may decrease revenue received from our programmingrevenues and adversely affect our businessesbusiness, financial condition, and profitability.results of operations.
The success of our business depends in part on effective and deterrent laws efficiently implemented by law enforcement to enable our ability to maintain and enforce the intellectual property rights tounderlying our entertainment content.content and brands. We are fundamentally a contentglobal media and entertainment company, and piracy or other infringement of our brands,intellectual property (including digital content, feature films, television networks, digital contentprogramming, gaming, and other content), brands and other intellectual property has the potential to significantly andmaterially adversely affect us. Piracy is particularly prevalent in many parts of the world that lack copyrightdo not effectively enforce intellectual property rights and other protections similar to existing lawlaws. Even in territories like the U.S. It is also made easier bythat have stronger intellectual property laws, legal frameworks that are unresponsive to modern realities, combined with the lack of effective technological prevention and enforcement measures, may impede our enforcement efforts. Our enforcement activities depend in part on third parties, including technology and platform providers, whose cooperation and effectiveness cannot be assured to any degree. In addition, technological advances allowingthat allow the conversionalmost instantaneous unauthorized copying and downloading of content into digital formats which facilitateswithout any degradation of quality from the original facilitate the rapid creation, transmission, and sharing of high-quality unauthorized copies. This is also true for broadcast signals, which can be retransmitted without any degradation of quality from the original via unauthorized services. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material over the Internetinternet is a threat to copyright owners’ ability to protectmaintain the exclusive control over their copyrighted material and exploitthus the value of their property. The proliferation of unauthorized use of our content may have ana material adverse effect on our business and profitability becauseprofitability. For example, it reducesmay reduce the revenue that we potentially could receive from the legitimate sale and distribution of our content. LitigationWe may be necessaryalso need to enforcespend significant amounts of money on improvement of technological platform security and enforcement activities, including litigation, to protect our intellectual property rights.
Any impairment of our intellectual property rights, protectincluding due to changes in U.S. or foreign laws, the absence of effective legal protections or enforcement measures, or the inability to negotiate license or distribution agreements with third parties, could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. As a global company, we are subject to laws in the U.S. and abroad, as well as trade secrets oragreements which may limit our ability to determineexploit our intellectual property. For example, in certain countries, including China, laws and regulations limit the number of foreign films exhibited in such countries in a calendar year.
From time to time, third parties may also challenge the validity or scope of proprietary rights claimed by others.
Domesticour intellectual property and foreign laws and regulations could adversely impact our operating results.
Programming services like ours,may assert infringement claims against us, and the distributorssuccess of our services, including cable operators, satellite operators and other multi-channel video programming distributors, are regulated by U.S. federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the FCC, as well as by state and local governments, in ways that affect the daily conduct of our video content business. See the discussion under “Business – Regulatory Matters” above. The U.S. Congress, the FCC and the courts currently have under consideration, and may adopt or interpretany such challenges could result in the future, new laws, regulationslimitation or loss of intellectual property rights. Irrespective of their validity, such claims may result in substantial costs and policies regarding a wide varietydiversion of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations of our U.S. media properties or modify the terms underresources which we offer our services and operate.
Similarly, the foreign jurisdictions in which our networks are offered have, in varying degrees, laws and regulations governing our businesses. Programming businesses are subject to regulation on a country-by-country basis. Changes in regulations imposed by foreign governments could also adversely affect our business, results of operations and ability to expand our operations beyond their current scope.
Financial markets are subject to volatility and disruptions that may affect our ability to obtain or increase the cost of financing our operations and our ability to meet our other obligations.
Increased volatility and disruptions in the U.S. and global financial and equity markets may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing for our operations or investments or increase the cost of obtaining financing. Our borrowing costs can be affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies which are based, in significant part, on our performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A low rating could increase our cost of borrowing or make it more difficult for us to obtain future financing. Unforeseeable changes in foreign currencies could negatively impact our results of operations and calculations of interest coverage and leverage ratios.
Acquisitions and other strategic transactions present many risks and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction.
From time to time we make acquisitions, investments and enter into other strategic transactions, such as the Scripps Acquisition. In connection with such acquisitions and strategic transactions, we may incur unanticipated expenses, fail to realize anticipated benefits, have difficulty incorporating the acquired businesses, disrupt relationships with current and new employees, subscribers, affiliates and vendors, incur significant debt, or have to delay or not proceed with announced transactions. Additionally, regulatory agencies, such as the FCC or U.S. Department of Justice may impose additional restrictions on the operation of our business as a result of our seeking regulatory approvals for any significant acquisitions and strategic transactions. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business.
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Our inability to successfully acquire and integrate other businesses, assets, products or technologies could harm our operating results.operations.
Our success may dependdepends on opportunities to buy other businessesattracting, developing, motivating and retaining key employees and creative talent within our business. Significant shortfalls in recruitment or technologies that could complement, enhance or expand our current business or products or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities. We have acquired, and have made strategic investments in, a number of companies (including through joint ventures) in the past, such as the Scripps Acquisition, and we expect to make additional acquisitions and strategic investments in the future. Such transactions may result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, use of our cash resources, and incurrence of debt and amortization expenses related to intangible assets. Any acquisitions and strategic investments that we are able to identify and complete may be accompanied by a number of risks, including:
the difficulty of assimilating the operations and personnel of acquired companies into our operations;
the potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management;
the incurrence of additional operating losses and operating expenses of the businesses we acquired or in which we invested;
the difficulty of integrating acquired technology and rights into our services and unanticipated expenses related to such integration;
the failure to successfully further develop an acquired business or technology and any resulting impairment of amounts currently capitalized as intangible assets;
the failure of strategic investments to perform as expected or to meet financial projections;
the potential for patent and trademark infringement and data privacy and security claims against the acquired companies, or companies in which we have invested;
litigation or other claims in connection with acquisitions, acquired companies, or companies in which we have invested;
the impairment or loss of relationships with customers and partners of the companies we acquired or in which we invested or with our customers and partners as a result of the integration of acquired operations;
the impairment of relationships with,retention, or failure to retain,adequately motivate or compensate employees of acquired companies or our existing employees as a result of integration of new personnel;
our lack of, or limitations on our, control over the operations of our joint venture companies;
the difficulty of integrating operations, systems, and controls as a result of cultural, regulatory, systems, and operational differences;
in the case of foreign acquisitions and investments, the impact of particular economic, tax, currency, political, legal and regulatory risks associated with specific countries; and
the impact of known potential liabilities or liabilities that may be unknown, including as a result of inadequate internal controls, associated with the companies we acquired or in which we invested.
Our failure to be successful in addressing these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and strategic investments could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions or investments, incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally.
The loss of key personnel orcreative talent, could disrupt our business and adversely affect our revenue.ability to compete and achieve our strategic goals.
Attracting, developing, motivating and retaining talented employees are essential to the successful delivery of our products and services and success in the marketplace. Our business depends upon the continued efforts, abilities and expertise of our corporate and divisional executive teams and entertainment personalities. Followingpersonalities, and the completionability to attract and retain these talented employees and personalities is critical in the development and delivery of products and services, which is an integral component of our growth strategy. Competition for employees and personalities can be intense and if we are unable to successfully integrate, motivate and reward our current employees, we may not be able to retain them. If we are unable to retain these employees or attract new employees in the future, our ability to effectively compete with our competitors and to grow our business could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, following the Merger, we have undertaken a merger, like the Scripps Acquisition, currentnumber of restructuring and prospective employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with Discoverytransformation initiatives, including headcount reduction. This headcount reduction and choose to pursue other opportunities,restructuring initiatives could disrupt our operations, adversely impact employee morale and our reputation as an employer, which could have an adverse effect on Discovery.If keymake it more difficult for us to retain existing employees depart,and hire new employees in the future, distract management and harm our business may be adversely affected. Additionally,overall.
In addition, we employ or contract with entertainment personalitiestalent who may have loyal audiences. These individuals are important to audience endorsement of our programs and other content. There can be no assurance that these individuals will remain with us or retain their current audiences. If we fail to retain or attract key individuals or if our entertainment personalities losetalent loses their current audience base or suffer negative publicity, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The market price of our common stock has been highly volatile and may continue to be volatile due to circumstances beyond our control.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate, widely, due to many factors, some of which may be beyond our control. These factors include, without limitation:
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial and operating results;
25


comments by or expectations of securities analysts or other third parties, including blogs, articles, message boards, and social and other media relating to the Merger or otherwise;
public perception of us, our on-air talent, our competitors, or industry;
development and provision of programming for new television and telecommunications technologies and the success of our HBO Max and discovery+ streaming products;
spending on domestic and foreign television advertising;
changes in the distribution and viewing of television programming, including the expanded deployment of personal video recorders, subscription video on demand, internet protocol television, mobile personal devices, and personal tablets and their impact on television advertising revenue;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and
overall general market fluctuations.
Strategic transactions and acquisitions present many risks and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction.
From time to time we may enter into strategic transactions, make investments or make acquisitions, such as the Merger. Our success may depend on opportunities to buy other businesses or technologies that could complement, enhance or expand our current business or products or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities. Such transactions may result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, use of our cash resources, and incurrence of debt and amortization expenses related to intangible assets. We may also incur unanticipated expenses, fail to realize anticipated benefits, have difficulty integrating the acquired businesses, disrupt relationships with current and new employees, subscribers, affiliates and vendors, incur significant debt, or have to delay or not proceed with announced transactions.
Additionally, regulatory agencies, such as the FCC or U.S. Department of Justice may impose additional restrictions on the operation of our business as a result of our seeking regulatory approvals for any strategic transactions and significant acquisitions. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans could subject us to liabilities that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We contribute to various multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (the “multiemployer plans”) under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover certain of our union-represented employees. Following the completion of the Merger, we assumed certain of the obligations under these multiemployer plans with respect to transferred employees from the WarnerMedia Business. The risks of participation in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer pension plans in that: (1) contributions made by us to the multiemployer plans may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (2) if we choose to stop participating or substantially reduce participation in certain of these multiemployer plans, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, which is referred to as a withdrawal liability; and (3) actions taken by any participating employer that lead to a deterioration of the financial health of a multiemployer plan may result in the unfunded obligations of the multiemployer plan being borne by its remaining participating employers, including us. While we do not expect any of the multiemployer plans to which we contribute to be individually significant to us as a whole, as of December 31, 2022, we were an employer that provided more than 5% of total contributions to certain of the multiemployer plans in which we participate.
To the extent that U.S.-registered multiemployer plans are underfunded, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 (collectively, “ERISA”), may subject us to substantial liabilities in the event of a complete or partial withdrawal from, or upon termination of, such plans. We currently contribute to, and in the past the WarnerMedia Business has contributed to, multiemployer plans that are underfunded, and, therefore, could have potential liability associated with a voluntary or involuntary withdrawal from, or termination of, such plans. In addition, for a multiemployer plan in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status, additional required contributions, generally in the form of surcharges on contributions otherwise required, and benefit reductions may apply if such plan is determined to be underfunded, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations if we are unable to adequately mitigate these costs.
26


As of December 31, 2022, two of the multiemployer plans in which we participate were underfunded, but neither plan was considered to be in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status. The amount of funds we may be obligated to contribute to multiemployer plans in the future cannot be estimated, as these amounts are based on future levels of work of the union-represented employees covered by the multiemployer plans, investment returns and the funding status of such plans. We do not currently intend to withdraw from the multiemployer plans in which we participate, and we are not aware of circumstances that would reasonably lead to material claims against the us in connection with the multiemployer plans in which we participate. There can be no assurance, however, that we will not be assessed liabilities in the future. Potential withdrawal liabilities, requirements to pay increased contributions, and/or surcharges in connection with any multiemployer plans in which we participate could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted by the outcome of uncertainties related to litigation.
From time to time, we may be involved in a number of legal claims, regulatory investigations, litigation actions (asserted individually and/or on behalf of a class), and arbitration proceedings. We may be subject to a number of lawsuits both in the U.S. and in foreign countries, including, at any particular time, claims relating to antitrust, intellectual property, employment, wage and hour, consumer privacy, regulatory and tax proceedings, contractual and commercial disputes, and the production, distribution, and licensing of our content. We may also spend substantial resources complying with various government standards, which may entail related investigations and litigation. We may incur significant expenses defending such suits or government charges and may be required to pay amounts or otherwise change our operations in ways that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. This could result in an increase in our cost for defense or settlement of claims or indemnification obligations if we were to be found liable in excess of our historical experience. Even if we believe a claim is without merit, and/or we ultimately prevail, defending against the claim could be time-consuming and costly and divert our management’s attention and resources away from our business.
In addition, our insurance may not be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to pending and future claims and our current levels of insurance may not be available in the future at commercially reasonable prices. Any of these factors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
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ITEM 2. Properties.
We ownThe Company’s headquarters are located in New York City at 230 Park Ave. South. The Company owns and leaseleases approximately 3.3321 million square feet of building spaceoffices; studios; technical, production and warehouse spaces; communications facilities; and other properties in 120 locations around the world.
In the U.S., we have 29 locations including 405 thousand square feet of owned space and 1.37 million square feet that we lease. Principalnumerous locations in the U.S. include:
(i)    a planned Global headquarters in New York, New York; once completed it will house various business units including Direct-to-Consumer, Corporate functions, U.S. Ad Sales, U.S. Networks and Discovery Digital Studios,
(ii) two leased offices across New York, New York, collectively used to support Corporate functions, U.S. Ad Sales, U.S. Networks, Direct-to-Consumer and Discovery Digital Studios, which will be consolidated intoaround the Global Headquarters after their leases expire in 2021,
(iii) three owned offices in Knoxville, Tennessee, usedworld for general office space, technology support and content production (including studios and production support), and warehouse space, respectively,
(iv) two leased offices in Los Angeles, California, used for general office space by our U.S. Networks, U.S. Ad Sales and Corporate functions, and by our U.S. Networks and content production functions (including production support), respectively,
(v) leased general office space in Miami, Florida, primarily used by our International Networks segment, where work is underway to reduce our real estate footprint in 2021, and
(vi) an owned technical facility in Sterling, Virginia, used to manage all technical aspects of the majority of our global linear and digitalits businesses.
We also own and lease approximately 1.56 million square feet of building space at 91 locations outside of the U.S. and are rationalizing our overall real estate footprint as individual leases expire.
In Poland, our TVN business unit has 34 locations including 299 thousand square feet of owned space and 392 thousand square feet that we lease. The TVN office locations are used for linear and digital news and entertainment content production, including studios, warehouse, production, technology, broadcasting and supporting office space, and are located primarily in Warsaw and Krakow. Other principal locations outside of the U.S. include the Office, Production and Playout space in the U.K. and France, and Office and Production space in New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Italy.
We have undertaken consolidations across our global real estate portfolio, resulting in a reduction of approximately 196 thousand square feet.
Each property is considered to be in good condition, adequate for its purpose, and suitably utilized according to the individual nature and requirements of the relevant operations. Our policy isoperations housed within. The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2022 with respect to improve and replace property as considered appropriate to meet the needs of the individual operation.Company’s principal properties:
LocationPrincipal UseApproximate
Square Footage
Type of Ownership; Expiration Date of Lease
New York, NY
230 Park Ave South
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate360,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2037.
New York, NY
30 Hudson Yards
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate1,500,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2034.
Burbank, CA
The Warner Bros. Studios
Studios2,600,000 Owned.
Leavesden, UK
Leavesden Studios
Studios1,300,000 Owned.
Atlanta, GA
1050 Techwood Dr.
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate1,170,000 Owned.
Atlanta, GA
One CNN Center
Studios, Networks, & Corporate1,150,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2024.
Burbank, CA
Second Century Tower 1 & 2
Studios & Corporate800,000 Leased; Tower 1 lease expires in 2037 & Tower 2 lease expires in 2039.
Our facility management response to COVID-19 was immediate and our site teams continue to follow guidelines issued by local, national and regional public and government health authorities. Our enhanced cleaning and disinfecting programs were proactive and are ongoing and we are addressing environmental and building infrastructural components such as air quality, ventilation and filtration.
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LocationPrincipal UseApproximate
Square Footage
Type of Ownership; Expiration Date of Lease
Santiago, Chile
Pedro Montt 2354
Studios & Networks610,000 Owned.
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Office & Tech Center
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate344,000 Owned.
Culver City, CA
Ivy Station
Networks & DTC244,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2036.
Warsaw, Poland
TVN Warsaw HQ
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate198,000 Owned.
London, England
Warner House
Networks, DTC, & Corporate135,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2034.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
599 & 533 Defensa St.
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate129,000 Owned.
London, England
Old Street
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate116,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2034.
Paris, France
LaMiral Zac Forum Seine
Networks, DTC, & Corporate116,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2031.
Seattle, WA
1099 Stewart Street
DTC112,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2025.
London, England
Chiswick Park, Bldg. 2
Networks, DTC, & Corporate102,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2034.
Washington, DC
820 First St.
Studios & Networks71,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2031.
Auckland, New Zealand
2 & 3 Flower St.
Studios, Networks, DTC, & Corporate57,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2025.
Sterling, VA
45580 Terminal Dr.
Studios, Networks, & DTC54,000 Owned.
Silver Spring, MD
8403 Colesville Rd.
Networks & Corporate47,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2030.
Tokyo, Japan
1-2-9, Nishi-Shinbashi
Networks & DTC47,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2028.
Singapore, Singapore
1 Fusionopolis Walk
Networks & DTC40,000 Leased; Lease expires in 2026.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings.
TheFrom time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is partysubject to various lawsuitslitigation matters and claims, in the ordinary course of business.including claims related to employees, stockholders, vendors, other business partners or intellectual property. However, a determination as to the amount of the accrual required for such contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, future results of operations, or liquidity.cash flows.
Between September 23, 2022 and October 24, 2022, two purported class action lawsuits (Collinsville Police Pension Board v. Discovery, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-08171; Todorovski v. Discovery, Inc., et a., Case No. 1:22-cv-09125) were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaints name Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., Discovery, Inc., David Zaslav, and Gunnar Wiedenfels as defendants. The complaints generally allege that the defendants made false and misleading statements in SEC filings and in certain public statements relating to the Merger, in violation of Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. The complaints seek damages and other relief. On November 4, 2022, the court consolidated the Collinsville and Todorovski complaints under case number 1:22-CV-8171, and on December 12, 2022, the court appointed a lead plaintiff and lead counsel.The Company intends to vigorously defend these litigations.
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On December 2, 2022, a purported class action and derivative lawsuit (Monroe County Employees’ Retirement System, Plumbers Local Union No. 519 Pension Trust Fund, and Davant Scarborough v. David M. Zaslav, et al., Case No. 2022-1115-JTL) was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Monroe County Action”). The Monroe County Action names certain of the Company’s directors and officers, Advance/Newhouse Partnership and Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership (collectively, “Advance/Newhouse”), and AT&T as defendants. The Monroe County Action generally alleges that former directors and officers of Discovery and Advance/Newhouse breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Merger, and that AT&T aided and abetted these alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The Monroe County Action seeks damages and other relief.
Also on December 2, 2022, a separate purported class action lawsuit (Bricklayers Pension Fund of Western Pennsylvania v. Advance/Newhouse Partnership, Case No. 2022-1114-JTL) was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Bricklayers Action”). The complaint in the Bricklayers Action names Advance/Newhouse and certain of the Company’s current and former directors as defendants and generally alleges that former directors of Discovery and Advance/Newhouse breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Merger, and that Advance/Newhouse aided and abetted these alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The Bricklayers Action seeks damages and other relief.
On January 11, 2023, the Delaware Court of Chancery consolidated the Monroe County Action and the Bricklayers Action under the caption In re Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Stockholders Litigation, Consolidated Case No. 2022-1114-JTL. The Company intends to vigorously defend these litigations.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
3329


Information about our Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K,As of February 24, 2023, the information regarding ourfollowing individuals are the executive officers required by Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K is hereby included in Part I of this report. The following table sets forth the nameCompany.
David M. Zaslav, President, Chief Executive Officer, and date of birth of eacha director
Age: 63
Executive Officer since 2007
Mr. Zaslav has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our executive officersboard of directors since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, Mr. Zaslav served as Discovery’s President and the office held by such officer asChief Executive Officer from January 2007 until April 2022 and a common stock director of February 22, 2021.Discovery from September 2008 until April 2022.
NamePosition
David M. Zaslav
Born January 15, 1960
President, Chief Executive Officer and a common stock director. Mr. Zaslav has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2007 and a common stock director since September 2008. Mr. Zaslav served as President, Cable & Domestic Television and New Media Distribution of NBC Universal, Inc. ("NBC"), a media and entertainment company, from May 2006 to December 2006. Mr. Zaslav served as Executive Vice President of NBC, and President of NBC Cable, a division of NBC, from October 1999 to May 2006. Mr. Zaslav is a member of the board of Sirius XM Radio Inc., Grupo Televisa S.A.B and LionsGate Entertainment Corp.
Gunnar Wiedenfels
Born September 6, 1977
Chief Financial Officer. Gunnar Wiedenfels, Chief Financial Officer
Age: 45
Executive Officer since 2017
Mr. Wiedenfels has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 2017. Prior to joining Discovery, Mr. Wiedenfels served as Chief Financial Officer of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE ("ProSieben") starting in 2015. Prior to that, he served as ProSieben's Deputy Chief Financial Officer from 2014 to 2015 and served as Chief Group Controller from 2013 to 2015. Previously, he served as ProSieben's Deputy Group Controller, responsible for group-wide budget planning, budget controlling, and management reporting and as Chief Financial Officer, National, where he had commercial responsibility for the group's German- speaking free TV segment. Before this, he worked as a management consultant and engagement manager at McKinsey & Company. In May 2019, Mr. Wiedenfels joined the supervisory board of SAP SE and serves as chairman of their audit committee.
Jean-Briac Perrette
Born April 30, 1971
President and CEO of Discovery International. Mr. Perrette became CEO of Discovery International (formerly referred to as Discovery Networks International) in June 2016 and President of Discovery Networks International in March 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Perrette served as our Chief Financial Officer since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, Mr. Wiedenfels served as Discovery, Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer from April 2017 until April 2022.
Bruce L. Campbell, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer
Age: 55
Executive Officer since 2008
Mr. Campbell has served as our Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, he served as Discovery’s Chief Development, Distribution and Legal Officer. Mr. Campbell has served in several senior executive roles at Discovery, including as Chief Distribution Officer from October 2015 to April 2022, Chief Development Officer from August 2010 to April 2022, General Counsel from December 2010 to April 2017, Digital Media Officer from August 2014 to October 2015 and President, Digital Media & Corporate Development from March 2007 to August 2010.
David Leavy, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Age: 53
Executive Officer since 2014
Mr. Leavy has served as our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, he served as Discovery’s Chief Corporate Operating Officer from June 2019 to April 2022 and prior to that, its Chief Corporate Operations and Communications Officer from March 2016 to June 2019. Mr. Leavy has served in several other senior executive roles since joining in March 2000.
Lori Locke, Chief Accounting Officer
Age: 59
Executive Officer since 2019
Ms. Locke has served as our Chief Accounting Officer since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, Ms. Locke served as Discovery’s Chief Accounting Officer from June 2019 to April 2022. Prior to joining Discovery, Ms. Locke served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer for Gannett Co., Inc., a media company, from June 2015 to May 2019.
Jean-Briac Perrette, CEO and President, Global Streaming and Games
Age: 51
Executive Officer since 2014
Mr. Perrette has served as our CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, he served as President and CEO of Discovery International (formerly referred to as Discovery Networks International) from June 2016 until April 2022, and served as President of Discovery Networks International from March 2014 to June 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Perrette served as Discovery’s Chief Digital Officer from October 2011 to February 2014. Mr. Perrette served in a number of roles at NBC Universal from March 2000 to October 2011, with the last being President of Digital and Affiliate Distribution.
Adria Alpert Romm
Born March 2, 1955
Chief People and Culture Officer since April 2019. Ms. Romm served as our Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer from March 2014 to March 2019. Prior to that, Ms. Romm served as our Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources from March 2007 to February 2014. Ms. Romm served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources of NBC from 2004 to 2007. Prior to 2004, Ms. Romm served as a Vice President in Human Resources for the NBC TV network and NBC staff functions.
Bruce L. Campbell
Born November 26, 1967
Chief Development, Distribution & Legal Officer. Mr. Campbell became our Chief Distribution Officer in October 2015, Chief Development Officer in August 2010 and served as our General Counsel from December 2010 to April 2017. Mr. Campbell served as Digital Media Officer from August 2014 through October 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Campbell served as our President, Digital Media & Corporate Development from March 2007 through August 2010. Mr. Campbell also served as our corporate secretary from December 2010 to February 2012. Mr. Campbell served as Executive Vice President, Business Development of NBC from December 2005 to March 2007, and Senior Vice President, Business Development of NBC from January 2003 to November 2005.
David Leavy
Born December 24, 1969
Chief Corporate Operating Officer. Mr. Leavy served as our Chief Corporate Operations and Communications Officer from March 2016 to June 2019 and became our Chief Corporate Operating Officer in July 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Leavy served as our Chief Communications Officer and Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Business Operations from August 2015 to March 2016. From December 2011 to August 2015, Mr. Leavy served as our Chief Communications Officer and Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Affairs. Prior to that, Mr. Leavy served as our Executive Vice President, Communications and Corporate Affairs and has served in a number of other roles at Discovery since joining in March 2000.
3430


NamePosition
Lori Locke
Born August 23, 1963
Chief Accounting Officer. Ms. Locke joined Discovery as our Chief AccountingAdria Alpert Romm, Chief People and Culture Officer in June 2019. Prior to joining Discovery, Ms. Locke served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer for Gannett Co., Inc. (“Gannett”), a media company, from June 2015 to May 2019. Before joining Gannett, Ms. Locke was Vice President and Corporate Assistant Controller for Leidos, Inc. (formerly SAIC, Inc.), a science, engineering and information technology company, from February 2013 to May 2015.
Savalle C. Sims
Born May 21, 1970
Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Ms. Sims became Executive Vice President and General Counsel in April 2017. Ms. Sims served as our Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel from December 2014 to April 2017. Prior to that, Ms. Sims served as our Senior Vice President, Litigation and Intellectual Property from August 2011 through December 2014. Prior to joining Discovery, Ms. Sims was a partner at the law firm of Arent Fox LLP.

Age: 67
35
Executive Officer since 2008
Ms. Romm has served as our Chief People and Culture Officer since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, Ms. Romm served as Discovery’s Chief People and Culture Officer from April 2019 to April 2022. Prior to that, Ms. Romm served as Discovery’s Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer from March 2014 to March 2019 and Discovery’s Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources from March 2007 to February 2014.

Savalle C. Sims, Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Age: 52
Executive Officer since 2017
Ms. Sims has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, Ms. Sims served as Discovery’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel from April 2017 until April 2022. Prior to that, Ms. Sims served as Discovery’s Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel from December 2014 to April 2017 and Discovery’s Senior Vice President, Litigation and Intellectual Property from August 2011 to December 2014.
Gerhard Zeiler, President, International
Age: 67
Executive Officer since 2022
Mr. Zeiler has served as our President, International since the closing of the Merger on April 8, 2022. Prior to the closing, Mr. Zeiler served as President of WarnerMedia International from August 2020 to April 2022 and prior to that, Chief Revenue Officer of WarnerMedia from March 2019 to August 2020. Mr. Zeiler was President of Turner Broadcasting System International from May 2012 to February 2019.
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our Series AWBD common stock Series B common stock and Series C common stock areis listed and traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbols “DISCA,” “DISCB” and “DISCK,” respectively.symbol “WBD”.
As of February 8, 2021,9, 2023, there were approximately 1,106, 64 and 1,629 715,364record holders of our Series AWBD common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock, respectively. These amounts dostock. This amount does not include the number of shareholders whose shares are held of record by banks, brokerage houses or other institutions, but includeincludes each such institution as one shareholder.
We have not paid any cash dividends on our Series A common stock, Series B common stock or Series CWBD common stock and we have no present intention to do so. Payment of cash dividends, if any, will be determined by our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors after consideration of our earnings, financial condition and other relevant factors such as our credit facility's restrictions on our ability to declare dividends in certain situations.
31


Stock Performance Graph
The following graph sets forth theshows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder return, calculated on oura dividend-reinvested basis, for (a) WBD common stock (which began trading on April 11, 2022) and Discovery Series A common stock, Series B convertible common stock, and Series C common stock as compared with the cumulative total return of the companies listed in(which ceased trading on April 8, 2022), (b) the Standard and Poor’sPoor's 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500 Index”), (c) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Media and Entertainment Industry Group Index (“S&P 500 Media & Entertainment Index”), and (d) a peer group of companies (the "Peer Group"“Prior Peer Group”). for the five years ended December 31, 2022. The Prior Peer Group is comprised of The Walt Disney Company ViacomCBS, Inc.common stock, Paramount Global Class B common stock, Fox Corporation Class A common stock, and AMC Networks Inc. Class A common stock. The graph assumes $100 originallywas invested on December 31, 2015 in each of ourDiscovery Series A common stock, Series B convertible common stock, and Series C common stock, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 500 Media & Entertainment Index, and the stocks of the Prior Peer Group including reinvestment of dividends, for the years endedon December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.that $100 was invested in WBD common stock on April 11, 2022, the date on which it began trading. Note that historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. The change from our Prior Peer Group to the S&P 500 Media & Entertainment Index was made to better reflect our business subsequent to the Merger.
disca-20201231_g16.jpgdisca-20221231_g2.jpg
December 31,
2015
December 31, 
2016
December 31, 2017December 31, 2018December 31, 2019December 31, 2020
DISCA$100.00 $102.74 $83.89 $92.74 $122.73 $112.79 
DISCB$100.00 $107.84 $91.75 $123.94 $134.15 $119.87 
DISCK$100.00 $106.19 $83.94 $91.51 $120.90 $103.85 
S&P 500$100.00 $111.96 $136.40 $130.42 $171.49 $203.04 
Peer Group$100.00 $103.66 $107.06 $107.22 $138.63 $164.87 
NOTE: Peer group indices use beginning of period market capitalization weighting.
NOTE: Index Data: Copyright Standard and Poor’s, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
NOTE: Prepared by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 1980-2023.
December 31,April 8,December 31,
2017201820192020202120222022
WBD$100.00 $38.80 
DISCA$100.00 $110.55 $146.30 $134.46 $105.19 $109.17 $— 
DISCB$100.00 $135.08 $146.21 $130.65 $119.96 $98.59 $— 
DISCK$100.00 $109.02 $144.03 $123.71 $108.17 $115.35 $— 
S&P 500$100.00 $95.62 $125.72 $148.85 $191.58 $181.13 $156.88 
S&P 500 Media & Entertainment Index$100.00 $90.25 $121.08 $159.27 $202.18 $170.27 $113.40 
Prior Peer Group$100.00 $100.13 $129.45 $153.94 $134.50 $119.40 $77.93 
ITEM 6. [Reserved].
36


Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On December 21, 2020, we issued 1,340,954 shares of our Series A common stock in a private transaction exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act to Harpo, Inc. (“Harpo”) in exchange for a portion of Harpo’s equity interest in our consolidated subsidiary OWN LLC (“OWN LLC”), a joint venture between Harpo and our wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, Discovery Communications LLC. We received aggregate consideration valued at approximately $35 million in the form of a portion of Harpo’s equity in OWN LLC.
Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table presents information about our repurchases of common stock that were made through open market transactions during the three months ended December 31, 2020 (in millions, except per share amounts).
PeriodTotal Number
of Series C Shares
Purchased
Average
Price
Paid per
Share: Series C (a)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of  Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the  Plans or Programs
October 1, 2020 - October 31, 20207,116,503 $19.01 7,116,503 $1,477,152,160 
November 1, 2020 - November 30, 20203,808,891 $20.41 3,808,891 $1,399,423,245 
December 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020— $— — $1,399,423,245 
Total10,925,394 10,925,394 

(a) The amounts do not give effect to any fees, commissions or other costs associated with repurchases of shares.

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ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is a supplement to and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. This section provides additional information regarding our businesses, current developments, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, contractual commitments, and critical accounting policies.policies, and estimates that require significant judgment and thus have the most significant potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. This discussion and analysis is intended to better allow investors to view the company from management's perspective.
This section provides an analysis of our financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. A discussion of our results of operations and liquidity for the fiscal 2019year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the fiscal 2018year ended December 31, 2020 can be found under Item 7 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019,2021, filed on February 27, 2020,24, 2022, which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our Investor Relations website at ir.corporate.discovery.com.ir.wbd.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference herein.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
We areOn April 8, 2022, Discovery, a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platforms, including linear, platforms such as pay-TV, FTAfree-to-air, and broadcast television, our authenticated GO applications, digital distribution arrangements, content licensing arrangements, and DTC subscription products.products, completed its Merger with the WM Business of AT&T and changed its name from “Discovery, Inc.” to “Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.” On April 11, 2022, our shares started trading on Nasdaq under the trading symbol WBD. (See Note 3 and Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Warner Bros. Discovery is a premier global media and entertainment company that combines the WarnerMedia Business’s premium entertainment, sports and news assets with Discovery’s leading non-fiction and international entertainment and sports businesses, thus offering audiences a differentiated portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming. Some of our iconic brands and franchises include Warner Bros. Pictures Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, DC, HBO, HBO Max, Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, TNT, TBS, TLC, OWN, Warner Bros. Games, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings. For a discussion of our global portfolio of networks and joint ventures see our business overview set forth in Item 1, “Business” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our content spans genres including survival, natural history, exploration, sports, general entertainment, home, food, travel, heroes, adventure, crime and investigation, health and kids. We have an extensive library of content and own most rights to our content and footage, which enables us to leverage our library to quickly launch brands and services into new markets and on new platforms. Our content can be re-edited and updated in a cost-effective manner to provide topical versions of subject matter that can be utilized around the world on a variety of platforms.
We aim to invest in high-quality content for our networks and brandsIn connection with the objective of building viewership, optimizing distribution revenue, capturing advertising revenue, and creating or repositioning branded channels and business to sustain long-term growth and occupy a desired content niche with strong consumer appeal. Our strategy is to maximize the distribution, ratings and profit potential of each of our branded networks. In addition to growing distribution and advertising revenues for our branded networks,Merger, we have extendedannounced and taken actions to implement projects to achieve cost synergies for the Company. We finalized the framework supporting our ongoing restructuring and transformation initiatives during 2022, which include, among other things, strategic content distribution across new platforms, including brand-aligned websites, online streaming, mobile devices, VOD, and broadband channels, which provide promotional platforms for our television content and serve as additional outlets for advertising and distribution revenue. Audience ratings are a key driver in generating advertising revenue and creating demand on the part of cable television operators, DTH satellite operators, telecommunication service providers,programming assessments, organization restructuring, facility consolidation activities, and other content distributors who delivercontract termination costs. We expect that we will incur approximately $4.1 - $5.3 billion in pre-tax restructuring charges. Of the total expected pre-tax restructuring charges, we expect total cash expenditures to be $1.0 - $ 1.5 billion. We incurred $3.8 billion of pre-tax restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2022. While our contentrestructuring efforts are ongoing, the restructuring program is expected to their customers.be substantially completed by the end of 2024.
AlthoughIn connection with the Merger, we utilize certain brandsreevaluated and content globally,changed our segment presentation and reportable segments during 2022. As of December 31, 2022, we classifyclassified our operations in twothree reportable segments: U.S.
Studios, consisting primarily of the production and release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, production and initial licensing of television programs to third parties and our networks/DTC services, distribution of our films and television programs to various third party and internal television and streaming services, distribution through the home entertainment market (physical and digital), related consumer products and themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming;
Networks, consisting principally of our domestic and international television networksnetworks; and digital content services, and International Networks,
DTC, consisting primarily of international television networksour premium pay-TV and digital contentstreaming services.
Our segment presentation alignswas aligned with our management structure and the financial information management uses to make decisions about operating matters, such as the allocation of resources and business performance assessments. Prior periods have been recast to conform to the current period presentation.
During 2022, we exited our operations in Russia and removed all of our channels and services from the market. We do not expect these actions to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
33


For further discussion of financial information for our segments and the geographical areas in which we do business, our content development activities, and revenues, see our business overview set forth in Item 1, “Business” and Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Impact of COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, and the duration and severity of its effects and associated economic disruption remain uncertain. Restrictions on social and commercial activity in an effort to contain the virus have had, and are expected to continue to have, a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the U.S. and global economy, including the media industry. We continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business and geographies, includinggeographies; however, the impact on our customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, distributionnature and advertising partners, production facilities, and various other third parties.
Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, demand for our advertising products and services decreased due to economic disruptions from limitations on social and commercial activity. These economic disruptions and the resulting effect on the Company slightly eased during the second half of 2020, but the pandemic continued to impact demand through the end of 2020 and this decreased demand is expected to continue into 2021. Many of our third-party production partners that were shut down during most of the second quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions came back online in the third quarter of 2020 and, as a result, we have incurred additional costs to comply with various governmental regulations and implement certain safety measures for our employees, talent, and partners.Additionally, certain sporting events that we have rights to were cancelled or postponed, thereby eliminating or deferring the related revenues and expenses, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were postponed to 2021. The postponement of the Olympic Games deferred both Olympic-related revenues and significant expenses from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2021.
38


In response to the impact of the pandemic, we employed and continue to employ innovative production and programming strategies, including producing content filmed by our on-air talent and seeking viewer feedback on which content to air. We continue to pursue a number of cost savings initiatives which began during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 and believe will offset a portion of anticipated revenue losses and deferrals, through the implementation of travel, marketing, production and other operating cost reductions, including personnel reductions, restructurings and resource reallocations to align our expense structure to ongoing changes within the industry. We also implemented remote work arrangements effective mid-March 2020 and, to date, these arrangements have not materially affected our ability to operate our business.
In addition, we implemented several measures to preserve sufficient liquidity in the near term. During March 2020, we drew down $500 million under our $2.5 billion revolving credit facility to increase our cash position and maximize flexibility in light of the current uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19. In addition, in April 2020, we entered into an amendment to our revolving credit facility, which increased flexibility under our financial covenants and issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due May 2030 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due May 2050. The proceeds from the notes were used to fund a tender offer for $1.5 billion of certain Senior Notes with maturities ranging from 2021 through 2023 and to repay the $500 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
In light of the impact of COVID-19, we assessed goodwill, other intangibles, deferred tax assets, programming assets, and accounts receivable for recoverability based upon latest estimates and judgments with respect to expected future operating results, ultimate usage of content and latest expectations with respect to expected credit losses. We recorded goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges of $124 million for our Asia-Pacific reporting unit during 2020. Adjustments to reflect increased expected credit losses were not material. Further, hedged transactions were assessed and we have concluded such transactions remain probable of occurrence. Due to significant uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19, management’s judgments could change in the future. The effects of the pandemic may have further negative impacts on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. However, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably and fully estimated at this time.
The nature andfull extent of COVID-19’s effects on our operations and results are not yet known and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted,predicted. Certain key sources of revenue for the Studios segment, including new information that may emerge concerning the severitytheatrical revenues, original television productions, studio operations, and the extent of future surges of COVID-19, vaccine distribution and other actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, among others. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and its impact on our business results and financial condition. Our consolidated financial statements reflect management’s latest estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilitiesthemed entertainment, have been adversely impacted by governmentally imposed shutdowns and related disclosureslabor interruptions and constraints on consumer activity, particularly in the context of public entertainment venues, such as of the date of the consolidated financial statementscinemas and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods presented. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions.
In the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted on March 27, 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was enacted on December 27, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we do not expect the CARES Act or the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 to have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. We continue to monitor other relief measures taken by the U.S. and other governments around the world.theme parks.
3934


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ItemsThe discussion below compares our actual and pro forma combined results, as if the Merger occurred on January 1, 2021, for the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021. Management believes reviewing our combined operating results in addition to actual operating results is useful in identifying trends in, or reaching conclusions regarding, the overall operating performance of our businesses. Our Studios, Networks, DTC, Corporate, and inter-segment eliminations information is based on the historical operating results of the respective segments and include, where applicable, adjustments for (i) additional costs of revenues from the fair value step-up of film and television library, (ii) additional amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, (iii) additional depreciation expense from the fair value of property and equipment, (iv) transaction costs and other one-time non-recurring costs, (v) additional interest expense for borrowings related to the Merger and amortization associated with fair value adjustments of debt assumed, (vi) changes to align accounting policies, (vii) elimination of intercompany activity, and (viii) associated tax-related impacts of adjustments.
Adjustments do not include costs related to integration activities, cost savings or synergies that have been or may be achieved by the combined businesses. Pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the combined businesses since January 1, 2021 and should not be taken as indicative of the Company’s future consolidated results of operations.
Actual amounts for the year ended December 31, 2022 include results of operations for Discovery for the entire period and WM for the period subsequent to the completion of the Merger on April 8, 2022.
Foreign Exchange Impacting Comparability
TheIn addition to the Merger, the impact of exchange rates on our business is an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons of our results. For example, our international revenues are favorably impacted as the U.S. dollar weakens relative to other foreign currencies, and unfavorably impacted as the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other foreign currencies. We believe the presentation of results on a constant currency basis (ex-FX)(“ex-FX”), in addition to results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP provides useful information about our operating performance because the presentation ex-FX excludes the effects of foreign currency volatility and highlights our core operating results. The presentation of results on a constant currency basis should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The ex-FX change represents the percentage change on a period-over-period basis adjusted for foreign currency impacts. The ex-FX change is calculated as the difference between the current year amounts translated at a baseline rate, which is a spot rate for each of our currencies determined early in the fiscal year as part of our forecasting process (the “2020“2022 Baseline Rate”), and the prior year amounts translated at the same 20202022 Baseline Rate. In addition, consistent with the assumption of a constant currency environment, our ex-FX results exclude the impact of our foreign currency hedging activities, as well as realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Results on a constant currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
35


Consolidated Results of Operations – 20202022 vs. 20192021
Our consolidated results of operations for 20202022 and 20192021 were as follows (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,20222021% Change
20202019% Change% Change (ex-FX)ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma Combined
Actual (a)
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma CombinedActualPro Forma Combined
(Actual)
Combined
(ex-FX)
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
AdvertisingAdvertising$5,583 $6,044 (8)%(7)%Advertising$8,524 $1,412 $9,936 $6,194 $4,395 $10,589 38 %(6)%(4)%
DistributionDistribution4,866 4,835 %%Distribution16,142 4,339 20,481 5,202 15,579 20,781 NM(1)%— %
ContentContent8,360 3,297 11,657 737 12,455 13,192 NM(12)%(9)%
OtherOther222 265 (16)%(17)%Other791 230 1,021 58 706 764 NM34 %36 %
Total revenuesTotal revenues10,671 11,144 (4)%(4)%Total revenues33,817 9,278 43,095 12,191 33,135 45,326 NM(5)%(3)%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortizationCosts of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization3,860 3,819 %%Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization20,442 5,125 25,567 4,620 21,353 25,973 NM(2)%%
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative2,722 2,788 (2)%(1)%Selling, general and administrative9,678 1,745 11,423 4,016 8,987 13,003 NM(12)%(10)%
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization1,359 1,347 %%Depreciation and amortization7,193 34 7,227 1,582 6,774 8,356 NM(14)%(13)%
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets124 155 (20)%(21)%
Restructuring and other charges91 26 NMNM
RestructuringRestructuring3,757 (90)3,667 32 90 122 NM
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groupsImpairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups117 — 117 (71)223 152 NM(23)%(23)%
Total costs and expensesTotal costs and expenses8,156 8,135 — %— %Total costs and expenses41,187 6,814 48,001 10,179 37,427 47,606 NM%%
Operating income2,515 3,009 (16)%(15)%
Operating (loss) incomeOperating (loss) income(7,370)2,464 (4,906)2,012 (4,292)(2,280)NM
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net(648)(677)(4)%Interest expense, net(1,777)(515)(2,292)(633)(2,026)(2,659)
Loss on extinguishment of debt(76)(28)NM
Loss from equity investees, netLoss from equity investees, net(105)(2)NMLoss from equity investees, net(160)(20)(180)(18)14 (4)
Other income (expense), net42 (8)NM
Income before income taxes1,728 2,294 (25)%
Income tax expense(373)(81)NM
Net income1,355 2,213 (39)%
Other income, netOther income, net347 139 486 72 100 172 
(Loss) income before income taxes(Loss) income before income taxes(8,960)2,068 (6,892)1,433 (6,204)(4,771)
Income tax benefit (expense)Income tax benefit (expense)1,663 (56)1,607 (236)1,448 1,212 
Net (loss) incomeNet (loss) income(7,297)2,012 (5,285)1,197 (4,756)(3,559)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests(124)(128)(3)%Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(68)— (68)(138)— (138)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(12)(16)(25)%Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(6)— (6)(53)— (53)
Net income available to Discovery, Inc.$1,219 $2,069 (41)%
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.$(7,371)$2,012 $(5,359)$1,006 $(4,756)$(3,750)
(a) Prior year actual results have been recast to conform to the current period presentation as a result of the Merger and segment recast.
(a) Prior year actual results have been recast to conform to the current period presentation as a result of the Merger and segment recast.
NM - Not meaningful
40


Unless otherwise indicated, the discussion through operating (loss) income below is on a pro-forma combined basis, ex-FX, since the actual increases year over year for revenues, cost of revenues, and selling, general and administrative expenses are substantially attributable to the Merger. The percent changes of line items below operating (loss) income in the table above are not included as the activity is principally in U.S. dollars.
Revenues
Our advertising revenue isAdvertising revenues are principally generated across multiplefrom the sale of commercial time on linear (television networks and authenticated TVE applications) and digital platforms (DTC subscription services and consists of consumer advertising, which iswebsites), and sold primarily on a national basis in the U.S. and on a pan-regional or local-language feed basis outside the U.S. Advertising contracts generally have a term of one year or less. Advertising revenue is dependent upon a number of factors, including the stage of development of television markets, the popularity of FTA television, the number of subscribers to our channels, viewership demographics, the popularity of our content, and our ability to sell commercial time over a group of channels.channels, the stage of development of television markets, and the popularity of FTA television. Revenue from advertising is subject to seasonality, market-based variations, the mix in sales of commercial time between the upfront and scatter markets, and general economic conditions. Advertising revenue is typically highest in the second and fourth quarters. In some cases, advertising sales are subject to ratings guarantees that require us to provide additional advertising time if the guaranteed audience levels are not achieved. We also generate revenue from the sale of advertising through our digital productsplatforms on a stand-alone basis and as part of advertising packages with our television networks.
36


Advertising revenue decreased 8%4% in 2020. Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, advertising revenue decreased 7%. The decrease was2022, primarily attributable to a declinedeclines in demand stemming fromdomestic general entertainment and news networks, partially offset by subscriber growth on our DTC ad-supported tiers and higher sports advertising in the COVID-19 pandemic at both U.S. due to the NCAA Men's Final Four and International Networks.Championship games airing on our networks and the addition of the NHL starting in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Distribution revenue consists principally ofrevenues are generated from fees from affiliates for distributing our linear networks, supplemented by revenue earned from SVOD content licensingcharged to network distributors, which include cable, DTH satellite, telecommunications and other emerging forms of digital distribution.service providers, and DTC subscribers. The largest component of distribution revenue is comprised of linear distribution services for rights to our networks from cable, DTH satellite and telecommunication service providers. We have contracts with distributors representing most cable and satellite service providers around the world, including the largest operators in the U.S. and major international distributors. Distribution revenues are largely dependent on the rates negotiated in the agreements, the number of subscribers that receive our networks, or content, the number of platforms covered in the distribution agreement, and the market demand for the content that we provide. From time to time, renewals of multi-year carriage agreements include significant year one market adjustments to re-set subscriber rates, which then increase at rates lower than the initial increase in the following years. In some cases, we have provided distributors launch incentives, in the form of cash payments or free periods, to carry our networks.
Distribution revenue also includes fees chargedwas flat in 2022, primarily attributable to a decline in linear subscribers in the U.S. and lower contractual affiliate rates in some European markets, as well as a decline in wholesale revenues primarily due to the expiration of HBO Max on Amazon Channels in September 2021, offset by global retail subscriber gains on DTC platforms. HBO Max re-launched on Amazon Channels in December 2022.
Content revenues are generated from the release of feature films for bulk content arrangementsinitial exhibition in theaters, the licensing of feature films and television programs to various television, SVOD and other subscriptiondigital markets, distribution of feature films and television programs in the physical and digital home entertainment market, sales of console games and mobile in-game content, sublicensing of sports rights, and licensing of intellectual property such as characters and brands.
Content revenue decreased 9% in 2022, primarily attributable to lower TV licensing and home entertainment revenue, partially offset by higher theatrical film rental revenue and higher third-party licensing of HBO content.
Other revenue primarily consists of studio production services and tours.
Other revenue increased 36% in 2022, primarily attributable to a full year of results for episodic content. These digital distribution revenues are impacted by the quantity,Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and Hollywood, as well as the quality, ofHarry Potter flagship store in New York, which opened in June 2021, and services provided to the content we provide.
As reported and excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, distribution revenue increased 1% in 2020 primarily attributable to changes in contractual affiliate rates at U.S. Networks and International Networks.
Other revenue decreased 16% in 2020. Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, other revenue decreased 17%.unconsolidated BT Sport joint venture.
Costs of Revenues
Our principal component of costs of revenues is content expense. Content expense includes televisiontelevision/digital series, television specials, films, and sporting events and digital products.events. The costs of producing a content asset and bringing that asset to market consist of filmproduction costs, participation costs, exploitation costs and manufacturingexploitation costs.
As reported and excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, costsCosts of revenues increased 1% in 20202022, primarily attributable to increases in increased programming expenses on DTC platforms, higher theatrical productcontent amortization from investments to support our next generation initiativesexpense, higher sports-related expense globally, and increased expense at U.S. Networks.CNN, partially offset by lower television product content expense and distribution fees.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist principally of employee costs, marketing costs, research costs, occupancy, and back office support fees.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2%10% in 2020. Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, selling, general and administrative decreased 1%. The decrease was2022, primarily attributable to a reduction in travel costs as a result of COVID-19 and lower marketing-related expenses, partially offset by an increase in personnel costs to support our next generation platforms, including discovery+.marketing expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets. As reported and excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, depreciationDepreciation and amortization increased 1%decreased 13% in 2020. The increase was2022, primarily attributable to an increasea change in capital expenditures.amortization method from the straight-line method to the sum of the months’ digits method for some of the WM assets acquired.
Impairment of GoodwillRestructuring
In connection with the Merger, the Company has announced and Other Intangible Assets
Impairment of goodwilltaken actions to implement projects to achieve cost synergies for the Company. Restructuring was $3,694 million and $121 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Restructuring in 2022 primarily related to strategic content programming assessments, organization restructuring, facility consolidation activities, and other intangible assets was $124 million and $155 million in 2020 and 2019.contract termination costs. (See Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
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RestructuringImpairment and Other ChargesLoss (Gain) on Dispositions and Disposals Groups
RestructuringImpairment and other charges were $91loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups was a $117 million and $26$152 million loss in 20202022 and 2019. Restructuring2021, respectively. The loss in 2022 was primarily attributable to the write-down to the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, of the Ranch Lot and other chargesKnoxville office building and land in connection with the classification as assets held for sale. (See Note 18 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.) The gain in 2021 was primarily include employee termination costs and other cost reduction efforts.attributable to the sale of our Great American Country network, partially offset by the WM sale of Hello Sunshine. (See Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Interest Expense, net
InterestActual interest expense, decreased 4%net increased $1,144 million in 2020. The decrease was2022, primarily attributable to debt assumed as a lower average debt balance in 2020, a more favorable interest rate profile on our outstanding senior notes,result of the Merger. (See Note 11 and incremental interest income relatedNote 13 to the change in fair value of our cross-currency swaps.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
In 2020, we repurchased $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of DCL's and Scripps Networks' senior notes. The repurchase resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $76 million. The loss included $67 million of net premiums to par value and $9 million of other charges.accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Loss from Equity Investees, net
We reportedActual losses from our equity method investees of $105were $160 million and $18 million in 2020 compared to losses of $2 million in 2019.2022 and 2021, respectively. The changes are attributable to the Company's share of earnings and losses from its equity investees. (See Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Other Income, (Expense), net
The table below presents the details of other income, (expense), net (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net$(115)$17 
Gain on sale of investment with readily determinable fair value101 — 
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges29 (52)
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value28 (26)
Expenses from debt modification(11)— 
Interest income10 22 
Gain on sale of equity method investments13 
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest— 14 
Other (expense) income, net(2)
Total other income (expense), net$42 $(8)
Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net$(150)$93 
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net475 (33)
Gain on sale of investment with readily determinable fair value— 15 
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value(105)(6)
Change in fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value(142)(13)
Gain on sale of equity method investments195 
Loss on extinguishment of debt— (10)
Other income, net74 22 
Total other income, net$347 $72 
Income Taxes
The following table reconciles our effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate.
Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate$(1,881)21 %$301 21 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit(218)%108 %
Effect of foreign operations246 (3)%25 %
Preferred stock conversion premium charge166 (2)%— — %
UK Finance Act legislative change— — %(155)(11)%
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(17)— %(40)(3)%
Other, net41 — %(3)— %
Income tax (benefit) expense$(1,663)19 %$236 16 %
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate$363 21 %$482 21 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit(10)— %27 %
Effect of foreign operations— %(21)(1)%
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(29)(2)%(30)(1)%
Impairment of goodwill25 %32 %
Deferred tax adjustment(22)(1)%— — %
Non-deductible compensation17 %22 %
Change in uncertain tax positions17 %— %
Legal entity restructuring, deferred tax impact— — %(445)(19)%
Renewable energy investments tax credits— — %(1)— %
Other, net$— %$12 %
Income tax expense$373 22 %$81 %
Income tax (benefit) expense was $(1,663) million and $236 million, and the Company’s effective tax rate was 19% and 16% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in the tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily attributable to a decrease in pre-tax book income, partially offset by an unfavorable tax adjustment related to the 2022 preferred stock conversion transaction expense that was not deductible for tax purposes (see Note 3), as well as the effect of foreign operations, including taxation and allocation of income and losses across multiple foreign jurisdictions. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2022 was further offset by a deferred tax benefit of $155 million recorded in 2021 resulting from the UK Finance Act 2021 enacted in June 2021.
4238



Income tax expense was $373 million and $81 million, and our effective tax rate was 22% and 4% for 2020 and 2019. The increase in income tax expense in 2020 was primarily attributable to the discrete, one-time, non-cash deferred tax benefit of $445 million from legal entity restructurings that was recorded in 2019. Additionally, the increase in income tax expense in 2020 was attributable to an increase in provision for uncertain tax positions and an increase in the effect of foreign operations. Those increases were partially offset by a decrease in pre-tax book income, a tax benefit from a favorable multi-year state resolution, and a favorable deferred tax adjustment in the U.S. that was recorded in 2020.
Segment Results of Operations – 20202022 vs. 20192021
We evaluateThe Company evaluates the operating performance of ourits operating segments based on financial measures such as revenues and Adjusted OIBDA.EBITDA. Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA is defined as operating income excluding: (i) 
employee share-based compensation, (ii) compensation;
depreciation and amortization, (iii) amortization;
restructuring and other charges, (iv) facility consolidation;
certain impairment charges, (v) charges;
gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, (vi) dispositions;
certain inter-segment eliminations related to production studios, (vii) eliminations;
third-party transaction costs directly related to the acquisition and integration costs;
amortization of Scripps Networkspurchase accounting fair value step-up for content;
amortization of capitalized interest for content; and other transactions, and (viii)
other items impacting comparability, such as the non-cash settlement of a withholding tax claim. We usecomparability.
The Company uses this measure to assess the operating results and performance of ourits segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify strategies to improve performance, and allocate resources to each segment. We believeThe Company believes Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. We excludeThe Company excludes employee share-based compensation, restructuring, and other charges, certain impairment charges, gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, and acquisitiontransaction and integration costs from the calculation of Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA due to their impact on comparability between periods. WeThe Company also excludeexcludes the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets, amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content, and amortization of capitalized interest for content, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the current reporting period. Certain corporate expenses and inter-segment eliminations related to production studios are excluded from segment results to enable executive management to evaluate segment performance based upon the decisions of segment executives.
Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, operating income, net income, and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
43


GAAP.
The table below presents our Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA by segment with a reconciliation of consolidated net income available to Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted OIBDA (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20202019% Change
Net income available to Discovery, Inc.$1,219 $2,069 (41)%
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests12 16 (25)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests124 128 (3)%
Income tax expense373 81 NM
Income before income taxes1,728 2,294 (25)%
Other (income) expense, net(42)NM
Loss from equity investees, net105 NM
Loss on extinguishment of debt76 28 NM
Interest expense, net648 677 (4)%
Operating income2,515 3,009 (16)%
Depreciation and amortization1,359 1,347 %
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets124 155 (20)%
Employee share-based compensation99 137 (28)%
Restructuring and other charges91 26 NM
Transaction and integration costs26 (77)%
Loss on asset disposition— NM
Settlement of a withholding tax claim— (29)NM
Adjusted OIBDA$4,196 $4,671 (10)%
Adjusted OIBDA:
U.S. Networks3,975 4,117 (3)%
International Networks723 1,057 (32)%
Corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other(502)(503)— %
Adjusted OIBDA$4,196 $4,671 (10)%

 Year Ended December 31,
 20222021% Change
Studios$1,772 $14 NM
Networks8,725 5,533 58 %
DTC(1,596)(1,345)(19)%
Corporate(1,200)(385)NM
Inter-segment eliminations17 — NM
4439


 Studios Segment
The following table below presents the calculation of Adjusted OIBDA (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20202019% Change
Revenue:
U.S. Networks$6,949 $7,092 (2)%
International Networks3,713 4,041 (8)%
Corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other11 (18)%
Total revenue10,671 11,144 (4)%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization3,860 3,819 %
Selling, general and administrative (a)
2,615 2,654 (1)%
Adjusted OIBDA$4,196 $4,671 (10)%
(a) Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude employee share-based compensation, third-party transaction and integration costs related to the acquisition of Scripps Networks and other transactions, and for 2019, exclude the settlement of a withholding tax claim.
U.S. Networks
The table below presents, for our U.S. NetworksStudios segment, revenues by type, certain operating expenses, Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating (loss) income (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 20222021% Change
ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
Actual (a)
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
ActualPro Forma Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
Revenues:
Advertising$15 $$24 $— $123 $123 NM(80)%(80)%
Distribution12 18 — 14 14 NM29 %29 %
Content9,156 3,898 13,054 20 14,336 14,356 NM(9)%(7)%
Other548 154 702 — 516 516 NM36 %36 %
Total revenues9,731 4,067 13,798 20 14,989 15,009 NM(8)%(6)%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization6,310 2,392 8,702 9,589 9,592 NM(9)%(7)%
Selling, general and administrative1,649 698 2,347 2,769 2,772 NM(15)%(13)%
Adjusted EBITDA1,772 977 2,749 14 2,631 2,645 NM%%
Depreciation and amortization501 39 540 — 691 691 
Employee share-based compensation26 27 — 85 85 
Restructuring1,050 (38)1,012 — 38 38 
Transaction and integration costs— — — — 
Inter-segment eliminations— — — — 
Impairment and loss on disposition and disposal groups30 — 30 — — — 
Amortization of fair value step-up for content1,370 (785)585 — 1,588 1,588 
Operating (loss) income$(1,194)$1,735 $541 $14 $229 $243 
(a) Prior year actual results have been recast to conform to the current period presentation as a result of the Merger and segment recast.
The discussion below is on a pro forma combined basis, ex-FX, since the actual increases year over year for revenues, cost of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses and Adjusted OIBDA (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20202019Change %
Revenues:
Advertising$4,012 $4,245 (5)%
Distribution2,852 2,739 %
Other85 108 (21)%
Total revenues6,949 7,092 (2)%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization1,843 1,800��%
Selling, general and administrative1,131 1,175 (4)%
Adjusted OIBDA3,975 4,117 (3)%
Depreciation and amortization899 950 
Restructuring and other charges41 15 
Inter-segment eliminations
Operating income$3,031 $3,145 
EBITDA are substantially attributable to the Merger.
Revenues
AdvertisingContent revenue decreased 5%7% in 20202022, primarily attributable to softer demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, secular declines in the pay-TV ecosystemlower TV licensing and to a lesser extent, lower overall ratings and a decline in inventory,home entertainment revenue, partially offset by increaseshigher theatrical film rental revenue. TV licensing revenue decreased mainly due to large television licensing deals in pricingthe prior year and the continued monetizationtiming of content offerings oninitial telecast revenue, as the prior year benefited from the ramp up of TV production following COVID-related delays in 2020. Home entertainment revenue was lower due to strong COVID-induced demand in the prior year and fewer new releases of theatrical products. Theatrical film rental revenue was favorably impacted by improved performance of our next generation platforms (such as our GO suite of TVE applicationstheatrical slate and DTC subscription products).improved audience attendance at movie theaters.
DistributionOther revenue increased 4%36% in 20202022, primarily attributable to increasesa full year of results for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and Hollywood, as well as the Harry Potter flagship store in contractual affiliate rates and certain non-recurring items, partially offset by a declineNew York, which opened in linear subscribers. Excluding these non-recurring items, distribution revenue increased 3% in 2020. Total portfolio subscribers at December 31, 2020 were 5% lower than at December 31, 2019, while subscribers to our fully distributed networks were 3% lower than the prior year.
Other revenue decreased $23 million in 2020.June 2021.
Costs of Revenues
Costs of revenues increased 2%decreased 7% in 20202022, primarily attributable to increases inlower television product content amortization from investmentsexpense and distribution fees related to support our next generation initiatives,the aforementioned television licensing deals, partially offset by a reduction in production projects as a result of COVID-19 and a non-recurring reserve release established in purchase accounting. Content expense was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion in 2020 and 2019.
45

higher theatrical product
content expense.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 4%13% in 20202022, primarily attributable to a reductionlower marketing expense due to fewer theatrical releases in travel costs as a result of COVID-19 and lower marketing-related expenses, partially offset by an increase in personnel costs to support our next generation platforms, including discovery+.2022.
Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA
Adjusted OIBDA decreased 3%EBITDA increased 8% in 2020.2022.
International
40


 Networks Segment
The following table below presents, for our International Networks segment, revenues by type, certain operating expenses, Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating income (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 20222021% Change
ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
Actual (a)
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
ActualPro Forma Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
Revenues:
Advertising$8,224 $1,380 $9,604 $6,063 $4,330 $10,393 36 %(8)%(5)%
Distribution9,759 2,183 11,942 4,486 7,843 12,329 NM(3)%(1)%
Content1,120 220 1,340 706 568 1,274 59 %%%
Other245 55 300 56 178 234 NM28 %35 %
Total revenues19,348 3,838 23,186 11,311 12,919 24,230 71 %(4)%(2)%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization8,006 2,148 10,154 3,926 6,098 10,024 NM%%
Selling, general and administrative2,617 364 2,981 1,852 1,367 3,219 41 %(7)%(5)%
Adjusted EBITDA8,725 1,326 10,051 5,533 5,454 10,987 58 %(9)%(7)%
Depreciation and amortization4,687 4,691 1,212 4,151 5,363 
Employee share-based compensation— — 41 41 
Restructuring1,003 (5)998 30 35 
Transaction and integration costs— — 
Amortization of fair value step-up for content73 425 498 — 476 476 
Inter-segment eliminations17 — 17 — — — 
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups24 — 24 (72)(1)(73)
Operating income$2,919 $893 $3,812 $4,359 $782 $5,141 
(a) Prior year actual results have been recast to conform to the current period presentation as a result of the Merger and segment recast.
The discussion below is on a pro forma combined basis, ex-FX, since the actual increases year over year for revenues, cost of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses and Adjusted OIBDA (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20202019Change %Change % (ex-FX)
Revenues:
Advertising$1,571 $1,799 (13)%(12)%
Distribution2,014 2,096 (4)%(3)%
Other128 146 (12)%(15)%
Total revenues3,713 4,041 (8)%(7)%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization2,004 2,016 (1)%(1)%
Selling, general and administrative986 968 %%
Adjusted OIBDA723 1,057 (32)%(28)%
Depreciation and amortization374 328 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets124 155 
Restructuring and other charges29 20 
Transaction and integration costs— 
Inter-segment eliminations20 
Settlement of a withholding tax claim— (29)
Operating income$191 $563 
EBITDA are substantially attributable to the Merger.
Revenues
Advertising revenue decreased 13%5% in 2020. Excluding2022, primarily attributable to declines in domestic general entertainment and news networks, partially offset by higher sports advertising in the impactU.S. due to the NCAA Men's Final Four and Championship games airing on our networks and the addition of foreign currency fluctuations, advertisingthe NHL starting in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Distribution revenue decreased 12%.The decreases were1% in 2022, primarily attributable to a decline in demand stemming fromlinear subscribers in the COVID-19 pandemicU.S. and the discontinuation of pay-TV distribution with certain European operators.
Distribution revenue decreased 4% in 2020. Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, distribution revenue decreased 3%. The decreases were primarily attributable to lower contractual affiliate rates the discontinuation of pay-TV distribution with certainin some European operators, and a disruption in the number of sporting events in Europe due to COVID-19,markets, partially offset by an increase in contractual affiliate rates in the U.S. and certain Latin American markets and premium sports packages in Latin America.
Content revenue increased by 7% in 2022, primarily attributable to higher next generation revenues dueinter-segment licensing of content to subscriber growth.DTC, partially offset by overall net lower sub-licensing revenue for the Winter Olympics in 2022 compared to the Summer Olympics in 2021.
Other revenue decreased $18 millionincreased 35% in 2020. Excluding2022, primarily attributable to services provided to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, other revenue decreased $22 million.unconsolidated BT Sport joint venture.
Costs of Revenues
As reported and excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, costsCosts of revenues decreased 1%increased 4% in 2020. The decreases were2022, primarily attributable to a reduction inhigher sports-related expense globally, increased expense at CNN, and costs associated with providing services to the number of sporting events in Europeunconsolidated BT Sport joint venture, partially offset by lower content expense due to COVID-19. Content expense, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, was $1.3 billion for 2020previously announced restructuring program and 2019.lower international sports rights driven by the Winter Olympics in 2022 (as compared to the Summer Olympics in 2021).
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2%decreased 5% in 2020. Excluding2022, primarily attributable to lower personnel and marketing expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA decreased 7% in 2022.
41


 DTC Segment
The following table presents, for our DTC segment, revenues by type, certain operating expenses, Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating loss (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 20222021% Change
ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
Actual (a)
Pro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
ActualPro Forma Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
Revenues:
Advertising$371 $36 $407 $131 $49 $180 NMNMNM
Distribution6,371 2,150 8,521 716 7,722 8,438 NM%%
Content522 230 752 11 622 633 NM19 %19 %
Other10 13 12 14 NM(7)%— %
Total revenues7,274 2,419 9,693 860 8,405 9,265 NM%%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization6,211 1,977 8,188 691 6,166 6,857 NM19 %21 %
Selling, general and administrative2,659 909 3,568 1,514 2,759 4,273 76 %(16)%(16)%
Adjusted EBITDA(1,596)(467)(2,063)(1,345)(520)(1,865)(19)%(11)%(11)%
Depreciation and amortization1,733 31 1,764 275 1,757 2,032 
Employee share-based compensation(1)— (1)— 16 16 
Restructuring1,551 (3)1,548 
Transaction and integration costs— — 
Amortization of fair value step-up for content390 (52)338 — 293 293 
Inter-segment eliminations— — — — 
Impairment and loss on disposition and disposal groups13 — 13 — 
Operating loss$(5,293)$(443)$(5,736)$(1,624)$(2,589)$(4,213)
(a) Prior year actual results have been recast to conform to the current period presentation as a result of the Merger and segment recast.
The discussion below is on a pro forma combined basis, ex-FX, since the impactactual increases year over year for revenues, cost of foreign currency fluctuations,revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses and Adjusted EBITDA are substantially attributable to the Merger.
Revenues
As of December 31, 2022, we had 96.1 million DTC subscribers.2
Advertising revenue increased $229 million in 2022, primarily attributable to subscriber growth on our DTC ad-supported tiers.
Distribution revenue increased 3%. The increases were in 2022, primarily attributable to global retail subscriber gains, partially offset by a decline in wholesale revenues primarily due to the expiration of HBO Max on Amazon Channels in September 2021. HBO Max re-launched on Amazon Channels in December 2022.
Content revenue increased 19% in 2022, primarily attributable to higher personnel coststhird-party licensing of HBO content.
2We define a “DTC Subscription” as:
(i) a retail subscription to support ourdiscovery+, HBO or HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue, whether directly or through a third party, from a direct-to-consumer platform; (ii) a wholesale subscription to discovery+, HBO, or HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue from a fixed-fee arrangement with a third party and where the individual user has activated their subscription; (iii) a wholesale subscription to discovery+, HBO or HBO Max for which we have recognized subscription revenue on a per subscriber basis; and (iv) users on free trials who convert to a subscription for which we have recognized subscription revenue within the first seven days of the calendar month immediately following the month in which their free trial expires.
We may refer to the aggregate number of DTC Subscriptions as “subscribers.”
The reported number of “subscribers” included herein and the definition of “DTC Subscription” as used herein excludes: (i) individuals who subscribe to DTC products, other than discovery+, HBO and HBO Max, that may be offered by us or by certain joint venture partners or affiliated parties from time to time; (ii) a limited number of international discovery+ subscribers that are part of non-strategic partnerships or short-term arrangements as may be identified by the Company from time to time; (iii) domestic and international Cinemax subscribers, and international basic HBO subscribers; and (iv) users on free trials except for those users on free trial that convert to a DTC Subscription within the first seven days of the next generation platforms, partially offset by a reduction in travel costsmonth as a result of COVID-19.noted above.
4642


Adjusted OIBDACosts of Revenues
Cost of revenues increased 21% in 2022, primarily attributable to increased programming expenses, which were moderated by the previously announced restructuring program.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 16% in 2022, primarily attributable to more efficient marketing-related spend.
Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA decreased 32%11% in 2020. Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, adjusted OIBDA decreased 28%.2022.
Corporate Inter-segment Eliminations, and Other
The following table presents our unallocated corporate amounts including certainAdjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating expenses, and Adjusted OIBDAloss (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20202019% Change
Revenues$$11 (18)%
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization13 NM
Selling, general and administrative498 511 (3)%
Adjusted OIBDA(502)(503)— %
Employee share-based compensation99 137 
Depreciation and amortization86 69 
Restructuring and other charges21 (9)
Transaction and integration costs26 
Loss on asset disposition— 
Inter-segment eliminations(5)(27)
Operating loss$(707)$(699)
:
 Year Ended December 31, 
 20222021% Change
ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
ActualPro Forma Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
Adjusted EBITDA$(1,200)$(353)$(1,553)$(385)$(966)$(1,351)NM(15)%(17)%
Employee share-based compensation410 (11)399 167 177 344 
Depreciation and amortization272 (40)232 95 175 270 
Restructuring195 (44)151 — 44 44 
Transaction and integration costs1,182 (564)618 90 1,138 1,228 
Impairment and loss on disposition and disposal groups50 — 50 — 224 224 
Inter-segment eliminations(31)— (31)— — — 
Operating loss$(3,278)$306 $(2,972)$(737)$(2,724)$(3,461)
Corporate operations primarily consist of executive management and administrative support services, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense, as well as substantially all of our share-based compensation and third-party transaction and integration costs.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased 17% for 2022, primarily attributable to increased securitization costs from higher interest rates, partially offset by lower personnel costs.
As reported transaction and integration costs for 2022 included the impact of the issuance of additional shares of WBD common stock to Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership of $789 million upon the closing of the Merger. (See Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
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Inter-segment Eliminations
The following table presents our inter-segment eliminations by revenue and expense, Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating loss (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31, 
 20222021% Change
ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
ActualPro Forma
Adjustments
Pro Forma
Combined
ActualPro Forma Combined
(Actual)
Pro Forma
Combined
(ex-FX)
Inter-segment revenue eliminations$(2,566)$(1,065)$(3,631)$— $(3,219)$(3,219)NM(13)%(13)%
Inter-segment expense eliminations(2,583)(1,038)(3,621)— (3,229)(3,229)NM(12)%(12)%
Adjusted EBITDA17 (27)(10)— 10 10 NMNMNM
Restructuring(42)— (42)— — — 
Amortization of fair value step-up for content583 — 583 — — — 
Operating (loss) income$(524)$(27)$(551)$— $10 $10 
Inter-segment revenue and expense eliminations primarily represent inter-segment content transactions and marketing and promotion activity between reportable segments. In our current segment structure, in certain instances, production and distribution activities are in different segments. Inter-segment content transactions are presented “gross” (i.e. the segment producing and/or licensing the content reports revenue and profit from inter-segment transactions in a manner similar to the reporting of third-party transactions, and the required eliminations are reported on the separate “Eliminations” line when presenting our summary of segment results). Generally, timing of revenue recognition is similar to the reporting of third-party transactions. The segment distributing the content, e.g. via our DTC or linear services, capitalizes the cost of inter-segment content transactions, including “mark-ups” and amortizes the costs over the shorter of the license term, if applicable, or the expected period of use. The content amortization expense related to the acquisitioninter-segment profit is also eliminated on the separate “Eliminations” line when presenting our summary of Scripps Networks and other transactions.segment results.
44


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
Sources of Cash
Historically, we have generated a significant amount of cash from operations. During 2020,2022, we funded our working capital needs primarily through cash flows from operations. As of December 31, 2020,2022, we had $2.1$3.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents on hand. We are a well-known seasoned issuer and have the ability to conduct registered offerings of securities, including debt securities, common stock and preferred stock, on short notice, subject to market conditions. Access to sufficient capital from the public market is not assured. We also have a $2.5$6.0 billion revolving credit facility and commercial paper program described below.
Beginning We also participate in February 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began adversely affecting the availability of borrowings in the commercial paper market. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2020, we implemented several measures that we believed would preserve sufficient liquidity in the near term in response to the impact of COVID-19, as discussed furthera revolving receivables program and an accounts receivable factoring program described below.
Debt
2020 Senior Notes Activity
During 2020, we commenced five separate private offers to exchange (the “Exchange Offers”) any and all of Discovery Communications, LLC's ("DCL"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, outstanding 5.000% Senior Notes due 2037, 6.350% Senior Notes due 2040, 4.950% Senior Notes due 2042, 4.875% Senior Notes due 2043 and 5.200% Senior Notes due 2047 (collectively, the “Old Notes”) for one new series of DCL 4.000% Senior Notes due September 2055 (the “New Notes”). We completed the Exchange Offers in September 2020, by exchanging $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes validly tendered and accepted by us pursuant to the Exchange Offers, for $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of the New Notes (before debt discount of $318 million). The New Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us and Scripps Networks on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The Exchange Offers were accounted for as a debt modification and, as a result, third-party issuance costs totaling $11 million were expensed as incurred.
47


Also during 2020, we completed offers to purchase for cash (the “Cash Offers”) the Old Notes. Approximately $22 million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were validly tendered and accepted for purchase by us pursuant to the Cash Offers, for total cash consideration of $27 million, plus accrued interest. The Cash Offers resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5 million.
Finally, during 2020, DCL issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due in 2030 and 2050. All of DCL's outstanding senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by Discovery and Scripps Networks and contain certain covenants, events of default and other customary provisions. DCL used the proceeds from the offering to fund a tender offer for $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of DCL's and Scripps Networks' senior notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $71 million, and to repay the $500 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility described below.
2019 Senior Notes Activity
During 2019, DCL issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal of senior notes (the "2029 Notes and 2049 Notes").
    Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper
We have access toIn June 2021, Discovery Communication, LLC (“DCL”) entered into a multicurrency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), replacing the existing $2.5 billion revolving credit facility. Borrowingagreement, dated February 4, 2016, as amended, among DCL, the Company, certain lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. DCL has the capacity under this credit facility is reduced by the outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program. During March 2020, we drew down $500 millionto borrow up to $6.0 billion under the revolving credit facilityRevolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Agreement includes a $150 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. DCL may also request additional commitments up to increase our cash position and maximize flexibility in light$1.0 billion from the lenders upon the satisfaction of the uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19 and such amount was repaid during the second quarter of 2020. All obligations of DCL and the other borrowerscertain conditions. Obligations under the revolving credit facilityRevolving Credit Agreement are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Discovery.
the Company, Scripps Networks, and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. The credit agreement governingCredit Facility will be available on a revolving basis until June 2026, with an option for up to two additional 364-day renewal periods subject to the revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”)lenders' consent. The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary representations warranties and events of default,warranties as well as affirmative and negative covenants. In the second quarter of 2020, to preserve flexibility in the current environment, we amended certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, including modifying the financial covenants to reset the Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio. (See Note 8 to the accompany consolidated financial statements.) As of December 31, 2020, we were2022, DCL was in compliance with all covenants and there were no events of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
Under ourAdditionally, the Company’s commercial paper program and subject to market conditions, DCLis supported by the Credit Facility. Under the commercial paper program, the Company may issue unsecured commercial paper notes guaranteed by Discovery and Scripps Networks from time to time up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any given time of $1.5 billion, including up to $500 million of Euro-denominatedeuro-denominated borrowings. The maturities of these notes vary but may not exceed 397 days. The notes may be issued at a discount or at par, and interest rates vary based on market conditions andBorrowing capacity under the credit rating assigned toCredit Facility is reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the notes at the time of issuance. commercial paper program.
As of December 31, 2020, we2022 and 2021, the Company had no outstanding commercial paper borrowings. Borrowingsborrowings under the Credit Facility or the commercial paper program reduceprogram.
Revolving Receivables Program
The Company has a revolving agreement to transfer up to $5.7 billion of certain receivables through its bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, Warner Bros. Discovery Receivables Funding, LLC, to various financial institutions on a recurring basis in exchange for cash equal to the borrowinggross receivables transferred. The Company services the sold receivables for the financial institution for a fee and pays fees to the financial institution in connection with this revolving agreement. As customers pay their balances, the Company’s available capacity under this revolving agreement increases and typically the revolving credit facility described above.Company transfers additional receivables into the program. In some cases, the Company may have collections that have not yet been remitted to the bank, resulting in a liability. The outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets was $5,366 million as of December 31, 2022.
Accounts Receivable Factoring
The Company has a factoring agreement to sell certain of its non-U.S. trade accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to a third-party financial institution. Total trade accounts receivable sold under the Company’s factoring arrangements was $477 million as of December 31, 2022.
Derivatives
We received investing proceeds of $752 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 from the unwind and settlement of derivative instruments. (See Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Investments and Business Combinations
In addition to other investments, we completed the sale of our minority interests in Discovery Education and Golden Maple Limited (known as Tencent Video VIP) and received cash of $306 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
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Additionally, we acquired $3.6 billion of cash in connection with the Merger and the post-closing working capital settlement process.
Uses of Cash
Our primary uses of cash include the creation and acquisition of new content, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, repurchases of our capital stock, income taxes, personnel costs, costs to develop and market HBO Max and discovery+, principal and interest payments on our outstanding senior notes, and funding for various equity method and other investments, including next generation initiatives.and repurchases of our capital stock.
Content Acquisition
We plan to continue to invest significantly in the creation and acquisition of new content.content, as well as certain sports rights. Subsequent to the Merger, our contractual commitments to acquire content have increased significantly. Additional information regarding contractual commitments to acquire content is set forth in "Commitments“Material Cash Requirements from Known Contractual and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements"Other Obligations” in this Item 7, "Management's“Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Debt
Term Loan
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we repaid $6.0 billion of aggregate principal amount outstanding of our term loans prior to the due dates of October 2023 and April 2025.
Senior Notes
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we repaid in full at maturity $327 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2.375% Euro Denominated Senior Notes due March 2022 and issued notices for the redemption in full of all $192 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.250% senior notes due in 2023 and all $796 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2.950% senior notes due 2023 (collectively the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes were redeemed in December 2022 for an aggregate redemption price of $988 million, plus accrued interest. During 2022, we also assumed $41.5 billion of senior notes (at par value) and term loans in connection with the Merger.
In addition, we have $363 million of senior notes coming due in 2023.
Capital Expenditures and Investments in Next Generation Initiatives
We effected capital expenditures of $402$987 million in 2020,2022, including amounts capitalized to support our next generation platforms, such as HBO Max and discovery+. In addition, we expect to continue to incur significant costs to develop and market discovery+our combined streaming service in the future.
Investments and Business Combinations
We made business acquisitions of $39 million and $73 million in 2020 and 2019.
During 2020, we purchased $250 million of time deposit investments.
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Our uses of cash have included investments in various equity investments.method investments and equity investments without readily determinable fair value. (See Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.) We provide funding to our investees from time to time. We contributed $181$168 million and $254$184 million in 20202022 and 2019,2021, respectively, for investments in and advances to our investees.
We have and expect to continue to incur significant, one-time transaction and integration costs during the first year following the Merger. (See Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Noncontrolling Interest
Due to business combinations, we also havehad redeemable equity balances of $383$318 million at December 31, 2022 which may require the use of cash in the event holders of noncontrolling interests put their interests to us. In 2022, GoldenTree exercised its put right and we are required to purchase GoldenTree’s noncontrolling interest. (See Note 19 to the Company beginning in 2021.accompanying consolidated financial statements.) Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests totaled $254$300 million and $250$251 million in 20202022 and 2019.2021, respectively.
Common Stock Repurchases
Historically, we have funded our stock repurchases through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and the issuance of debt. In February 2020, our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors authorized additional stock repurchases of up to $2 billion upon completion of our existing $1 billion authorization announced in May 2019. Under the new stock repurchase authorization, management is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases at prevailing prices or privately negotiated purchases subject to market conditions and other factors. (See Note 123 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.) During 2020 and 2019, we repurchased $969 million and $633 million of our Series CThere were no common stock.stock repurchases during 2022 or 2021.
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Income Taxes and Interest
We expect to continue to make payments for income taxes and interest on our outstanding senior notes.During 20202022 and 2019,2021, we made cash payments of $641$1,027 million and $562$643 million for income taxes and $673$1,539 million and $708$664 million for interest on our outstanding debt.
Debt
2020 Debt Activity
In addition to the tender offersdebt, respectively. Cash required for $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of DCL's and Scripps Networks' senior notes and repaymentinterest payments has increased significantly as a result of the $500 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility described above, during 2020 we repaid $600 million of senior notes as they came due. We have an additional $335 million of senior notes coming due in June 2021, which will be redeemed on March 21, 2021.
2019 Debt Activity
During 2019, we used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2029 Notes and 2049 Notes to redeem and repurchase $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes. The repayment resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $23 million.
Also during 2019, we redeemed $411 million aggregate principal senior notes, made open market bond repurchases of $55 million, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5 million, and redeemed $900 million of senior notes and floating rate notes as they came due.Merger.
Cash Flows
ChangesThe following table presents changes in cash and cash equivalents were as follows (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period$1,552 $986 
Cash provided by operating activities2,739 3,399 
Cash used in investing activities(703)(438)
Cash used in financing activities(1,549)(2,357)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash83 (38)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash570 566 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$2,122 $1,552 
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Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period$3,905 $2,122 
Cash provided by operating activities4,304 2,798 
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities3,524 (56)
Cash used in financing activities(7,742)(853)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(61)(106)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash25 1,783 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$3,930 $3,905 
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $2.7 billion$4,304 million and $3.4 billion$2,798 million in 20202022 and 2019.2021, respectively. The decreaseincrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to a decreasean increase in net income, excluding non-cash items, and to a lesser extent, aworking capital initiatives, partially offset by other negative fluctuationfluctuations in working capital activity, primarily due to the timing of payments, partially offset by an increase in receivables collected.activity.
Investing Activities
Cash used inprovided by (used in) investing activities was $703$3,524 million and $438$(56) million in 20202022 and 2019.2021, respectively. The increase in cash used inprovided by investing activities was primarily drivenattributable to proceeds received from cash acquired during the Merger and the post-closing working capital settlement process and cash received from the unwind and settlement of derivative instruments, partially offset by the purchase of $250 million in time deposit investments in 2020 and, to a lesser extent, an increase inincreased purchases of property and equipment to support our next generation platforms, including discovery+, partially offset byand a reduction in cash received from the sales and maturities of investments in and advances to equity investments.during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $1.5 billion$7,742 million and $2.4 billion$853 million in 20202022 and 2019.2021, respectively. The decreaseincrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to lower netprincipal repayments and incremental borrowings of senior notes andmade on our term loans during the change in net activity under the revolving credit facility, partially offset by an increase in repurchases of stock.year ended December 31, 2022.
Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2020,2022, capital resources were comprised of the following (in millions).
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2022
Total
Capacity
Outstanding
Letters of
Credit
Outstanding
Indebtedness
Unused
Capacity
Total
Capacity
Outstanding
Indebtedness
Unused
Capacity
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$2,091 $— $— $2,091 Cash and cash equivalents$3,731 $— $3,731 
Revolving credit facility and commercial paper programRevolving credit facility and commercial paper program2,500 — — 2,500 Revolving credit facility and commercial paper program6,000 — 6,000 
Term loansTerm loans4,000 4,000 — 
Senior notes (a)
Senior notes (a)
15,848 — 15,848 — 
Senior notes (a)
45,276 45,276 — 
TotalTotal$20,439 $— $15,848 $4,591 Total$59,007 $49,276 $9,731 
(a) Interest on senior notes is paid annually, semi-annually or quarterly. Our senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2020 had interest rates that ranged from 1.90% to 6.35% and will mature between 2021 and 2055.
(a) Interest on senior notes is paid annually or semi-annually. Our senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2022 had interest rates that ranged from 1.900% to 9.150% and will mature between 2023 and 2062.
(a) Interest on senior notes is paid annually or semi-annually. Our senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2022 had interest rates that ranged from 1.900% to 9.150% and will mature between 2023 and 2062.
We expect that our cash balance, cash generated from operations and availability under the Credit Agreement will be sufficient to fund our cash needs for both the next twelve months.short-term and the long-term. Our borrowing costs and access to capital markets can be affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies which are based, in part, on our performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios.
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As of December 31, 2020,2022, we held $161 million$3.1 billion of our $2.1$3.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents in our foreign subsidiaries. The 2017 Tax Act features a participation exemption regime with current taxation of certain foreign income and imposes a mandatory repatriation toll tax on unremitted foreign earnings. Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, we intend to continue to reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. Our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to the U.S. However, if these funds arewere to be needed in the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay non-U.S. taxes to repatriate them. The determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability with respect to these undistributed foreign earnings is not practicable.
Summarized Guarantor Financial Information
Basis of Presentation
Each of the Company, DCL, Discovery Communications Holding LLC (“DCH”) and/or Scripps Networks has the ability to conduct registered offerings of debt securities under the Company’s shelf registration statement. As of December 31, 2020, all of the Company’s outstanding registered senior notes have been issued by DCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and guaranteed by the Company and Scripps Networks, except for $32 million of senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2020 that have been issued by Scripps Networks and are not guaranteed. (See Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.) DCL primarily includes the Discovery Channel and TLC networks in the U.S. DCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of DCH. The Company wholly owns DCH through a 33 1/3% direct ownership interest and a 66 2/3% indirect ownership interest through Discovery Holding Company (“DHC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Scripps Networks is 100% owned by the Company.
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The tables below present the summarized financial information as combined for Discovery, Inc. (the “Parent”), Scripps Networks and DCL (collectively, the “Obligors”). All guarantees of DCL's senior notes (the “Note Guarantees”) are full and unconditional, joint and several and unsecured, and cover all payment obligations arising under the senior notes. DCH currently is not an issuer or guarantor of any securities and therefore is not included in the summarized financial information included herein.
Note Guarantees issued by Scripps Networks or any subsidiary of the Parent that in the future issues a Note Guarantee (each, a “Subsidiary Guarantor”) may be released and discharged (i) concurrently with any direct or indirect sale or disposition of such Subsidiary Guarantor or any interest therein, (ii) at any time that such Subsidiary Guarantor is released from all of its obligations under its guarantee of payment by DCL, (iii) upon the merger or consolidation of any Subsidiary Guarantor with and into DCL or the Parent or another Subsidiary Guarantor, or upon the liquidation of such Subsidiary Guarantor and (iv) other customary events constituting a discharge of the Obligors’ obligations.
Summarized Financial Information
During 2020, the Company early adopted Rule 13-01 of the SEC's Regulation S-X. In lieu of providing separate unaudited financial statements for the Parent and Scripps Networks as a Subsidiary Guarantor, the Company has included the accompanying summarized combined financial information of the Obligors after the elimination of intercompany transactions and balances among the Obligors and the elimination of equity in earnings from and investments in any subsidiary of the Parent that is a non-guarantor (in millions).
December 31, 2020
Current assets$2,308 
Non-guarantor intercompany trade receivables, net217 
Noncurrent assets5,905 
Current liabilities915 
Noncurrent liabilities16,500 

Year Ended December 31, 2020
Revenues$2,036 
Operating income1,041 
Net income162 
Net income available to Discovery, Inc.146 

Additional information regarding the changes in our outstanding indebtedness and the significant terms and provisions of our revolving credit facility and outstanding indebtedness is discussed in Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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COMMITMENTSMATERIAL CASH REQUIREMENTS FROM KNOWN CONTRACTUAL AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
ObligationsOTHER OBLIGATIONS
As of December 31, 2020,2022, our significant contractual and other obligations including related payments due by period, were as follows (in millions).
Payments Due by Period
TotalLess than 1 
Year
1-3 Years3-5 YearsMore than 
5 Years
Long-term debt:
Principal payments$15,848 $335 $1,587 $2,293 $11,633 
Interest payments10,646 646 1,242 1,111 7,647 
Finance lease obligations263 64 103 54 42 
Operating lease obligations859 91 145 121 502 
Content5,053 1,698 1,105 1,113 1,137 
Other1,297 576 567 85 69 
Total$33,966 $3,410 $4,749 $4,777 $21,030 
The above table does not include certain long-term obligations as the timing or the amount of the payments cannot be predicted. The current portion of the liability for cash-settled share-based compensation awards was $37 million as of December 31, 2020. Additionally, reserves for unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the above table because we are unable to predict reasonably the ultimate amount or timing of settlement. Our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $348 million as of December 31, 2020.
The above table also does not include DCL's revolving credit facility that allows DCL and certain designated foreign subsidiaries of DCL to borrow up to $2.5 billion, including a $100 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit and a $50 million sublimit for Euro-denominated swing line loans. Borrowing capacity under this agreement is reduced by the outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2020, the revolving credit facility agreement provided for a maturity date of August 2022and the option for up to two additional 364-day renewal periods.
From time to time we may provide our equity method investees additional funding that has not been committed to as of December 31, 2020 based on unforeseen investee opportunities or cash flow needs.
TotalShort-termLong-term
Long-term debt:
Principal payments$49,276 $363 $48,913 
Interest payments35,537 2,267 33,270 
Purchase obligations:
Content29,732 7,969 21,763 
Other3,047 1,597 1,450 
Finance lease obligations282 82 200 
Operating lease obligations4,304 465 3,839 
Pension and other employee obligations1,378 501 877 
Total$123,556 $13,244 $110,312 
Long-term Debt
Principal payments on long-term debt reflect the repayment of our outstanding senior notes, at face value, assuming repayment will occur upon maturity. Interest payments on our outstanding senior notes are projected based on their contractual rateinterest rates and maturity.maturity dates.
Additionally, DCL's revolving credit facility allows DCL and certain designated foreign subsidiaries of DCL to borrow up to $6.0 billion, including a $150 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. DCL may also request additional commitments up to $1.0 billion from the lenders upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Additionally, the Company's commercial paper program is supported by the Credit Facility. Under the commercial paper program, the Company may issue up to $1.5 billion, including up to $500 million of euro-denominated borrowings. Borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility is effectively reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility or the commercial paper program. (See Note 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Purchase Obligations
Content purchase obligations include commitments and liabilities associated with third-party producers and sports associations for content that airs on our television networks and DTC services. Production and licensing contracts generally require: purchase of a specified number of episodes; payments during production or over the term of a license; and include both programs that have been delivered and are available for airing and programs that have not yet been produced or sporting events that have not yet taken place. If the content is ultimately never produced, our commitments expire without obligation. The commitments exclude content liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheet. We expect to enter into additional production contracts and content licenses to meet our future content needs.
Other purchase obligations include agreements with certain vendors and suppliers for the purchase of goods and services whereby the underlying agreements are enforceable, legally binding and specify all significant terms. Significant purchase obligations include transmission services, television rating services, marketing commitments and research, equipment purchases, and information technology and other services. Some of these contracts do not require the purchase of fixed or minimum quantities and generally may be terminated with a 30-day to 60-day advance notice without penalty, and are not included in the table above past the 30-day to 60-day advance notice period.
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Finance Lease Obligations
We acquire satellite transponders and other equipment through multi-year finance lease arrangements. Principal payments on finance lease obligations reflect amounts due under our finance lease agreements. Interest payments on our outstanding finance lease obligations are based on the stated or implied rate in our finance lease agreements. (See Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Operating Lease Obligations
We obtain office space and equipment under multi-year lease arrangements. Most operating leases are not cancelable prior to their expiration. Payments for operating leases represent the amounts due under the agreements assuming the agreements are not canceled prior to their expiration. (See Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
PurchasePension and Other Employee Obligations
Content purchaseWe sponsor a qualified defined benefit pension plan (“Pension Plan”) that covers certain U.S.-based employees. We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed four U.S. nonqualified pension plans that are noncontributory and unfunded and several non-U.S. pension plans (See Note 17 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Contractual commitments include payments to meet minimum funding requirements of our Pension Plan in 2023 and estimated benefit payments for our SERP that exceed plan assets. Payments for the SERP have been estimated over a ten-year period. While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2031, we believe it is not practicable to estimate payments beyond this period.
We are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount of any payments due to cash-settled share-based compensation awards. As of December 31, 2022, the current portion of the liability for cash-settled share-based compensation awards was $4 million.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
We are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of our unrecognized tax benefits because, until formal resolutions are reached, reasonable estimates of the amount and timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities are not practicable. Our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1,929 million as of December 31, 2022.
Six Flags Guarantee
In connection with WM’s former investment in the Six Flags (as defined below) theme parks located in Georgia and Texas (collectively, the “Parks”), in 1997, certain subsidiaries of the Company agreed to guarantee (the “Six Flags Guarantee”) certain obligations include commitmentsof the partnerships that hold the Parks (the “Partnerships”) for the benefit of the limited partners in such Partnerships, including, annual payments made to the Parks or to the limited partners and liabilities associated with third-party producersadditional obligations at the end of the respective terms for the Partnerships in 2027 and sports associations for content that airs2028 (the “Guaranteed Obligations”). The aggregate gross undiscounted estimated future cash flow requirements covered by the Six Flags Guarantee over the remaining term (through 2028) are $544 million. To date, no payments have been made by us pursuant to the Six Flags Guarantee.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (formerly known as Six Flags, Inc. and Premier Parks Inc.) (“Six Flags”), which has the controlling interest in the Parks, has agreed, pursuant to a subordinated indemnity agreement (the “Subordinated Indemnity Agreement”), to guarantee the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations when due and to indemnify the Company, among others, if the Six Flags Guarantee is called upon. If Six Flags defaults on its indemnification obligations, we have the right to acquire control of the managing partner of the Parks. Six Flags’ obligations to us are further secured by its interest in all limited partnership units held by Six Flags.
Based on our television networks. Production contracts generally require: purchase of a specified number of episodes; payments over the termevaluation of the license;current facts and circumstances surrounding the Guaranteed Obligations and the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement, we are unable to predict the loss, if any, that may be incurred under the Guaranteed Obligations, and no liability for the arrangements has been recognized as of December 31, 2022. Because of the specific circumstances surrounding the arrangements and the fact that no active or observable market exists for this type of financial guarantee, we are unable to determine a current fair value for the Guaranteed Obligations and related Subordinated Indemnity Agreement.
Other Contingent Commitments
Other contingent commitments primarily include both programs that have been deliveredcontingent payments for post-production term advance obligations on certain co-financing arrangements, as well as operating lease commitment guarantees, letters of credit, bank guarantees, and are availablesurety bonds, which generally support performance and payments for airinga wide range of global contingent and programs that have not yet been produced or sporting events that have not yet taken place. If the content is ultimately never produced, our commitments expire without obligation. The commitments disclosed above exclude content liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheet. We expect to enter into additional production contractsfirm obligations, including insurance, litigation appeals, real estate leases, and content licenses to meet our future contentother operational needs.
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Other purchaseThe Company's other contingent commitments at December 31, 2022 were $283 million, with $279 million estimated to be due in 2026. For other contingent commitments where payment obligations include agreements with certain vendors and suppliers forare outside our control, the purchasetiming of goods and services wherebyamounts represents the underlying agreements are enforceable, legally binding and specify all significant terms. Significant purchase obligations include transmission services, television rating services, marketing research, employment contracts, equipment purchases, and information technology andearliest period in which the payment could be requested. For the remaining other services. We have contractscontingent commitments, the timing of the amounts presented represents when the maximum contingent commitment will expire but does not mean that we expect to incur an obligation to make any payments within that time period. In addition, these amounts do not requirereflect the purchaseeffects of fixed or minimum quantities and generally may be terminated with a 30-day to 60-day advance notice without penalty, and are not included in the table above past the 30-day to 60-day advance notice period. Amounts related to employment contracts include base compensation and do not include compensation contingent on future events.any indemnification rights we might possess.
Put Rights
We have granted put rights to certain consolidated subsidiaries, which have been excluded from the table above sincebut we are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of any payment. We recorded the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest in the equity associated with the put rights as a component of redeemable noncontrolling interest in the amount of $383$318 million. (See Note 1119 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Pension Obligations
We sponsor a qualified defined benefit pension plan (“Pension Plan”) that covers certain U.S.-based employees. We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”).
Contractual commitments summarized in the contractual obligations table include payments to meet minimum funding requirements of our Pension Plan in 2021 and estimated benefit payments for our SERP. Payments for the SERP have been estimated over a ten-year period. While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2030, we believe it is not practicable to estimate payments beyond this period.
Noncontrolling Interest
The Food Network and Cooking Channel are operated and organized under the terms of the TV Food Network Partnership (the "Partnership"“Partnership”). We hold interests in the Partnership, along with another noncontrolling owner. During the fourth quarter of 2020, theThe Partnership agreement was extended and specifies a dissolution date of December 31, 2022.2023. If the term of the Partnership is not extended prior to that date, the Partnership agreement permits us, as holder of 80% of the applicable votes, to reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business. If for some reason the Partnership is not continued, it will be required to limit its activities to winding up, settling debts, liquidating assets and distributing proceeds to the partners in proportion to their partnership interests.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
WeSummarized Guarantor Financial Information
Basis of Presentation
As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all of the Company’s outstanding $13.8 billion registered senior notes have been issued by DCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and guaranteed by the Company, Scripps Networks, and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. As of December 31, 2022, the Company also has outstanding $30.0 billion of senior notes issued by WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. and guaranteed by the Company, Scripps and DCL; $1.5 billion of senior notes issued by the legacy WarnerMedia Business (not guaranteed); and approximately $23 million of un-exchanged senior notes issued by Scripps Networks (not guaranteed). (See Note 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.) DCL primarily includes the Discovery Channel and TLC networks in the U.S. DCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Scripps Networks is also wholly owned by the Company.
The tables below present the summarized financial information as combined for Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (the “Parent”), Scripps Networks, DCL, and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the “Obligors”). All guarantees of DCL and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc.'s senior notes (the “Note Guarantees”) are full and unconditional, joint and several and unsecured, and cover all payment obligations arising under the senior notes.
Note Guarantees issued by Scripps Networks, DCL or WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc., or any subsidiary of the Parent that in the future issues a Note Guarantee (each, a “Subsidiary Guarantor”) may be released and discharged (i) concurrently with any direct or indirect sale or disposition of such Subsidiary Guarantor or any interest therein, (ii) at any time that such Subsidiary Guarantor is released from all of its obligations under its guarantee of payment, (iii) upon the merger or consolidation of any Subsidiary Guarantor with and into DCL, WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. or the Parent or another Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, or upon the liquidation of such Subsidiary Guarantor and (iv) other customary events constituting a discharge of the Obligors’ obligations.
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Summarized Financial Information
The Company has included the accompanying summarized combined financial information of the Obligors after the elimination of intercompany transactions and balances among the Obligors and the elimination of equity in earnings from and investments in any subsidiary of the Parent that is a non-guarantor (in millions). The summarized balance sheet information as of December 31, 2022 does not include information with respect to WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc., as WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. was a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T with de minimis assets and no material off-balance sheet arrangements (as definedoperating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022. The summarized income statement information for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes information with respect to WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. beginning subsequent to the close of the Merger.
December 31, 2022
Current assets$1,949 
Non-guarantor intercompany trade receivables, net112 
Noncurrent assets5,785 
Current liabilities1,095 
Noncurrent liabilities48,839 
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Revenues$2,066 
Operating loss(574)
Net loss(1,672)
Net loss available to Discovery, Inc.(1,680)
Additional information regarding the changes in our outstanding indebtedness and the significant terms and provisions of our revolving credit facility and outstanding indebtedness is discussed in Note 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K) that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.Form 10-K.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into transactions with related parties, primarily the Liberty Entities and our equity method investees. Information regarding transactions and amounts with related parties is discussed in Note 21 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
NEW ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
We adopted certain accounting and reporting standards during 2020.2022. Information regarding our adoption of new accounting and reporting standards is discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts reported inof assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to uncertain tax positions, goodwill and intangible assets, content rights, consolidation and revenue recognition. We base our estimates on historical experience, current developments and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under these circumstances, the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, "Financial Statementsresults of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and accompanying notes. liabilities that cannot readily be determined from other sources. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.
Management considers an accounting policyestimate to be critical if it isrequired assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made and changes in the estimate or different estimates could have a material to reportingeffect on our financial condition and results of operations, and if it requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. operations.
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The development and selection of these critical accounting policiesestimates have been determined by management and the related disclosures have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of the Company. We believe the following accounting policiesestimates are critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations and involve the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Uncertain Tax Positions
We are subject to income taxes in numerous U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, we engage in transactions or takestake filing positions in which the tax consequences may be uncertain and may recognize tax liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes and interest will be due. We establish a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless we determine that such positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. We include interest and where appropriate, potential penalties, in ouras a component of income tax reserves.expense on the consolidated statement of operations. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgments about future events including the status and results of income tax audits with the relevant tax authorities. Significant judgment is exercised in evaluating all relevant information, the technical merits of the tax positions, and the accurate measurement of uncertain tax positions when determining the amount of reserve and whether positions taken on our tax returns are more likely than not to be sustained. This also involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the potential outcome of positions taken on tax returns that may be reviewed by tax authorities. At December 31, 2022, the reserve for uncertain tax positions was $1,929 million, and it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain of our uncertain tax positions could decrease by as much as $316 million within the next twelve months as a result of ongoing audits, foreign judicial proceedings, lapses of statutes of limitations or regulatory developments.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units, which are our operating segments or one level below our operating segments (the component level). Reporting units are determined by the discrete financial information available for the component and whether it is regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit if they share similar economic characteristics. Our reporting units are as follows: U.S.Studios, Networks, Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.DTC.
We evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1 or earlier upon the occurrence of substantive unfavorable changes in economic conditions, industry trends, costs, cash flows, or ongoing declines in market capitalization. If we believe that as a result of our qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is required. The quantitative impairment test requires significant judgment in determining the fair value of the reporting units. We determine the fair value of our reporting units by using a combination of the income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method and the market multiple approach, which incorporates the use of EBITDA multiples based on market data. For the DCF method, we use projections specific to the reporting unit, as well as those based on general economic conditions, which require the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Determining fair value specific to each reporting unit requires the Companyus to exercise judgment when selecting the appropriate discount rates, control premiums, terminal growth rates, assumed tax rates, relevant comparable company earnings multiples and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, including revenue growth rates and profit margins. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for each reporting unit are based on the reporting unit's budget, long range plan, and recent operating performance. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit and market conditions.
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20202022 Impairment Analysis
We concluded that the continued impactsAs of COVID-19 on the operating results of the Europe reporting unit represented a triggering event in the second quarter of 2020. During the second quarter,October 1, 2022, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for our Europe reporting unit using a DCF valuation model. A market-based valuation model was not weighted in the analysis given the significant volatility in the equity markets. Significant judgments and assumptions in the DCF model included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates of 2%, and a discount rate ranging from 10% to 10.5%. The estimated fair value of the Europe reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, no impairment was recorded.
Also during the second quarter of 2020, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value for all other reporting units with the exception of the Asia-Pacific reporting unit. We performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for the Asia-Pacific reporting unit and determined that the estimated fair value did not exceed its carrying value, which resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge to write-off the remaining $36 million goodwill balance during the second quarter of 2020. The impairment charge was not deductible for tax purposes. Significant judgments and assumptions included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates ranging from 2% to 2.5%, and a discount rate of 11%. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for the Asia-Pacific reporting unit were based on the reporting unit’s budget and long-term business plan. The determination of fair value of our Asia-Pacific reporting unit represents a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs. The goodwill impairment charge did not have an impact on the calculation of our financial covenants under our debt arrangements.
During the third quarter of 2020, we realigned our International Networks management reporting structure. As a result, Australia and New Zealand, which were previously included in the Europe reporting unit, are now included in the Asia-Pacific reporting unit, including the associated goodwill. As a result of this realignment, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for our Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units using a DCF valuation model. A market-based valuation model was not weighted in the analysis given the significant volatility in the equity markets. Significant judgments and assumptions in the DCF model included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates of 2% for Europe and 2% to 2.5% for Asia-Pacific, and a discount rate ranging from 10% to 10.5% for Europe and 11% for Asia-Pacific. The estimated fair value of both the Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units exceeded their carrying values and, therefore, no impairment was recorded.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, we performed our annual qualitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units and we determined that it was more likely than not that theconsistent with our accounting policy. The estimated fair value of those reporting units exceeded their carrying values, except for our Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units. Given limited headroom of below 20% in its Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units during the third quarter of 2020, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for each of these reporting units using a DCF valuation model. A market-based valuation model was not weighted in the analysis due to significant volatility in the reporting units' equity markets.
The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for our Europe reporting unit indicated that the estimated fair value exceeded its carrycarrying value by approximatelyat least 20% and, therefore, no impairment was recorded. Significant judgmentsDue to declining levels of global GDP growth and assumptions included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenueexecution risk associated with anticipated growth rates, long-term growth rate of 2%, and discount rates ranging from 10.5% to 11%. We noted that a 1.0% increase in the discount rate and a 0.5% decrease in the long-term growth rate would not have resulted in an impairment loss. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the EuropeCompany’s DTC reporting unit, was $1.9 billion.which is the DTC segment, the Company will continue to monitor its reporting units for changes that could impact recoverability.
The quantitativeContent Rights
We capitalize the costs to produce or acquire feature films and television programs, and we amortize costs and test for impairment analysis for our Asia-Pacific reporting unit indicated that estimated fair value did not exceed its carrying value, which resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge to write-off the remaining $85 million goodwill balance. The impairment was a result of increased cost projections for this region committed to during the fourth quarter of 2020 as part of our global discovery+ rollout strategy. The impairment charge was not deductible for tax purposes. Significant judgments and assumptions included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates ranging from 2% to 2.5%, and a discount rate of 11%. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for the Asia-Pacific reporting unit were based on whether the reporting unit’s budget and long-term business plan. The determination of fair value of our Asia-Pacific reporting unit representscontent is predominately monetized individually, or as a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs. The goodwill impairment charge did not have an impact on the calculation of our financial covenants under our debt arrangements.group.
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Content Rights
Content rights principally consist of television series, specials,For films and sporting events. Coststelevision programs predominantly monetized individually, the amount of producedcapitalized film and coproduced content consist of development costs, acquiredtelevision production costs direct production costs, certain production overheadamortized and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as expense in a particular period are determined using the individual film forecast method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and participation coststhe accrual of participations and is capitalized if we have previously generatedresiduals are based on the proportion of the film’s or television program’s revenues fromrecognized for such period to the film’s or television program’s estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s or television program’s remaining life cycle).
For theatrical films, which are monetized on an individual basis, the process of estimating ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of judgments related to future revenue-generating activities associated with a particular film. Prior to the theatrical release of a film, our estimates are based on factors such as the historical performance of similar content in established marketsfilms, the star power of the lead actors, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings), international distribution plans and the contentexpected number of theaters in which the film will be usedreleased. Subsequent to release, ultimate revenues are updated to reflect initial performance, which is often predictive of future performance.
For television programs that are monetized on an individual basis, ultimate revenues are estimated based on factors including the performance of similar programs in each applicable market, firm commitments in hand from customers that license the program in the future, and revenues will be generatedthe popularity of the program in its initial markets.
For a film or television program that is predominantly monetized on its own but also monetized with other films and/or programs (such as our DTC or linear services), we make a reasonable estimate of the value attributable to the film or program’s exploitation while monetized with other films/programs, based on relative market rates, and expense such costs as the film or television program is exhibited.
Ultimates for content monetized on an individual basis are reviewed and updated (as applicable) on a periodquarterly basis; any adjustments are applied prospectively as of at least one year.the beginning of the fiscal year of the change.
Linear contentFor programs monetized as a group, including licensed programming, amortization expense for each periodnetwork programs is recognizedgenerally based on projected usage, generally resulting in an accelerated or straight-line amortization pattern. Adjustments to projected usage are applied prospectively in the revenue forecast model, which approximatesperiod of the proportion that estimated distributionchange. Streaming and advertising revenues for the current period represent in relation to the estimated remaining total lifetime revenues. Digitalpremium pay-TV content amortization for each period is recognized based on estimated viewing patterns, as there are generally limited to no direct revenues to associate to the individual content assets and therefore,for premium pay-TV. As such, number of views is most representative of the use of the title.
Judgment is required to determine the useful lives and amortization patterns of our content assets.
assets that are predominately monetized as a group. Critical assumptions used in determining content amortization include: (i) the grouping of content with similar characteristics, (ii) the application of a quantitative revenue forecast model or historical viewership model based on the adequacy of historical data, (iii) determining the appropriate historical periods to utilize and the relative weighting of those historical periods in the forecast model, (iv) assessing the accuracy of our forecasts and (v)(iv) incorporating secondary revenue streams. We then consider the appropriate application of the quantitative assessment given forecasted content use, expected content investment and market trends. Content use and future revenues may differ from estimates based on changes in expectations related to market acceptance, network affiliate fee rates, advertising demand, the number of cable and satellite television subscribers receiving our networks, the number of subscribers to our digitalstreaming services, and program usage. Accordingly, we continually review our estimates and planned usage at least quarterly and revise our assumptions if necessary.
Consolidation
We have ownership and other interests in and contractual arrangements with various entities, including corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. For each such entity, we evaluate our ownership, other interests and contractual arrangements to determine whether we should consolidate the entity or account for its interest as an investment at inception and upon reconsideration events. As part of its evaluation, we initially determine whether the entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE"(“VIE”). Management evaluates key considerations through a qualitative and quantitative analysis in determining whether an entity is a VIE including whether (i) the entity has sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional financial support from other parties, (ii) the ability or inability to make significant decisions about the entity’s operations, and (iii) the proportionality of voting rights of investors relative to their obligations to absorb the expected losses (or receive the expected returns) of the entity. If the entity is a VIE and if we have a variable interest in the entity, we use judgment in determining if we are the primary beneficiary and are thus required to consolidate the entity. In making this determination, we evaluate whether we or another party involved with the VIE (1) has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses of or receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.
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If it is concluded that an entity is not a VIE, we consider our proportional voting interests in the entity and consolidate majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. A controlling financial interest is determined by majority ownership and the absence of substantive third-party participation rights. Key factors we consider in determining the presence of substantive third-party participation rights include, but are not limited to, control of the board of directors, budget approval or veto rights, or operational rights that significantly impact the economic performance of the business such as programming, creative development, marketing, and selection of key personnel. Ownership interests in unconsolidated entities for which we have significant influence are accounted for as equity method.
We evaluated reconsideration events during the year ended December 31, 2022 and concluded there were no changes to our consolidation assessments.
Revenue Recognition
As described in Note 2, revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised services or goods to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that we generate advertising revenues primarily from advertising sold on our television networksexpect to receive in exchange for those services or goods. Significant estimates and websites and distribution revenues from fees charged to distributorsjudgements are applied in determining the timing of its network content, which include cable, direct-to-home satellite, telecommunications and digital service providers and bundled long-term content arrangements, as well as through DTC subscription services.
Revenue contracts with our advertising customers may include multiple distinct performance obligations. For example, linear and digital advertising contracts may include the airingrevenue recognition for certain types of spots and/or the satisfaction of an audience guarantee. For such contracts, judgment is required in allocating the contract value to the individual performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. Various factorstransactions, such as prior transactions, rate cardsbundled arrangements for advertising sales and other market indicators are used to determine the standalone selling price of each performance obligation and accordingly, how much revenue is allocated to each performance obligation. For these contracts, revenue recorded when each performance obligation has been satisfied and value has been transferred to the customer.
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content licensing arrangements.
A substantial portion of the advertising contracts in the U.S. and certain international markets guarantee the advertiser a minimum audience level that either the program in which their advertisements are aired or the advertisement will reach. These advertising campaigns are considered to represent a single, distinct performance obligation. For such contracts, judgementjudgment is required in measuring progress across the Company’sour single performance obligation. Various factors such as pricing specific to the channel, daypart and targeted demographic, as well as estimated audience guarantees, are considered in determining how to appropriately measure progress across the campaigns. Revenues are ultimately recognized based on the guaranteed audience level delivered multiplied by the average price per impression.
Our content licensing arrangements often include fixed license fees from the licensing of feature films and television programs in the off-network cable, premium pay, syndication, streaming, and international television and streaming markets. For arrangements that include multiple titles and/or staggered availabilities across geographical regions, the availability of each title and/or each region is considered a separate performance obligation, and the fixed fee is allocated to each title/region based on comparable market rates and recognized as revenue when the title is available for use by the licensee.
Our games sometimes include digital offerings such as in-game purchases or other online features.In these cases, we determine the timing of satisfaction of our performance obligations based on the nature of the deliverable (e.g., whether the type of in-game purchase can be consumed by the player right away (“consumable good”, or used by the player over time “durable good”)), and if recognized over time, we estimate the duration of consumer game play based on available game play, historical, or market data.
See Item 1A, "Risk Factors"“Risk Factors” for details on all significant risks that could impact our ability to successfully grow our cash flows.
For an in-depth discussion of each of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies and further information regarding estimates and assumptions involved in their application, see Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Our financial position, earnings and cash flows are exposed to market risks and can be affected by, among other things, economic conditions, interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, and changes in the market values of investments. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.
Interest Rates
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our actual and potential borrowing activities. During the year ended December 31, 2020,2022, we had access to a $2.5$6.0 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility, whichfacility. We had no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2020.2022. We also have access to a commercial paper program, which had no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2020.2022. The interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility is variable based on an underlying index and DCL's then-current credit rating for its publicly traded debt.a floating rate based on the applicable currency of the borrowing plus a margin. The revolving credit facility matures in August 2022 andJune 2026, with the option for up to two additional 364-day renewal periods. As of December 31, 2020,2022, we had outstanding debt with a book value$44.8 billion of $15.8 billion under various publicfixed-rate senior notes, with fixed interest rates.at par value.
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Our current objectives in managing exposure to interest rate changes are to limit the impact of interest rates on earnings and cash flows. To achieve these objectives, we may enter into variable interest rate swaps,derivative instruments, effectively converting fixed rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings indexed to LIBORbenchmark interest rates in order to reduce the amount of interest paid. We may also enter into fixed rate forward starting swapspaid, or to limit the impact of volatility in interest rates foron future issuances of fixed rate debt. As of December 31, 2020, we had entered into forward starting interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of $2 billion for(See Note 13 to the future issuances of fixed rate debt.accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
As of December 31, 2020,2022, the fair value of our outstanding public senior notes, including accrued interest, was $18.7$38.0 billion. The fair value of our long-term debt may vary as a result of market conditions and other factors. A change in market interest rates will impact the fair market value of our fixed rate debt. The potential change in fair value of these senior notes from a 100 basis-point increase in quoted interest rates across all maturities, often referred to as a parallel shift in the yield curve, would be a decrease in fair value of approximately $1.7$2.6 billion as of December 31, 2020.2022.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
We transact business globally and are subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows, and future earnings. Our International Networks segment operatesWe operate from hubs in EMEA, Latin America, and Asia. Cash is primarily managed from five global locationsAsia, with net earnings reinvested locally and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. To the extent such funds are not sufficient to meet working capital requirements, drawdowns in the appropriate local currency are available from intercompany borrowings or drawdowns from our revolving credit facility. The earnings of certain international operations are expected to be reinvested in those businesses indefinitely.
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The functional currency of most of our international subsidiaries is the local currency. We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries’ respective functional currencies ("(“non-functional currency risk"risk”). Such transactions include affiliate and ad sales arrangements, content arrangements, equipment and other vendor purchases, and intercompany transactions. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. We also record realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. Moreover, we will experience fluctuations in our revenues costs and expenses solely as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
We also are exposed to unfavorable and potentially volatile fluctuations of the U.S. dollar, which is our reporting currency, against the currencies of our operating subsidiaries when their respective financial statements are translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of equity. Any increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar against any foreign functional currency of one of our operating subsidiaries will cause us to experience unrealized foreign currency translation gains or losses with respect to amounts already invested in such foreign currencies. Accordingly, we may experience a negative impact on our net income, (loss), other comprehensive (loss) income (loss) and equity with respect to our holdings solely as a result of changes in foreign currency.
The majority of our foreign currency exposure is tied to the Euro, Polish zloty,Europe and the British Pound.Latin America. We may enter into spot, forward and option contractsderivative instruments that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change to hedge certain exposures associated with affiliate revenue, the cost forof producing or acquiring content, certain intercompany transactions, or in connection with forecasted business combinations. These contracts hedge forecasted foreign currency transactions in order to mitigate fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flows. The net fair market value of our foreign currency derivative instruments intended to hedge future cash flows held at December 31, 2020 was a liability value of $24 million. Most of our non-functional currency risks related to our revenue, operating expenses and capital expenditures were not hedged as of December 31, 2020.2022. We generally do not hedge against the risk that we may incur non-cash losses upon the translation of the financial statements of our subsidiaries and affiliates into U.S. dollars. (See Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
Derivatives
We may use derivative financial instruments to modify our exposure to exogenous events and market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, and the fair value of investments with readily determinable fair values.rates. We do not use derivative financial instrumentsderivatives unless there is an underlying exposure. While derivatives are used to mitigate cash flow risk and the risk of declines in fair value, they also limit potential economic benefits to our business in the event of positive shifts in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and market values.rates. We do not hold or enter into financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. (See Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
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Market Values of Investments and Liabilities
In addition to derivatives, we had investments in entities accounted for as equity method investments, equity investments, and other highly liquid instruments, such as money market funds and mutual funds, that are accounted for at fair value.We also have liabilities, such as deferred compensation, that are accounted for at fair value (See Note 410 and Note 514 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)statements). Investments in mutual funds include both fixed ratefixed- and floating ratefloating-rate interest earning securities that carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rateFixed-rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due toby a rise in interest rates, while floating ratefloating-rate securities may produce less income than predicted if interest rates fall. Due in part to these factors, our income from such investments may decrease in the future. Liabilities carried at fair value, such as deferred compensation, may experience capital gains that result in increased liabilities and expenses as the capital gains occur. We may enter into derivative financial instruments to hedge the risk of these market value changes. (See Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.)
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ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 Page

5957


MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of theits inherent limitations, in any internal control, no matter how well designed, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20202022 based on the framework set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020,2022, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective at ato provide reasonable assurance level based onregarding the specified criteria.reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
On April 8, 2022, Discovery completed its Merger with the WM Business. In accordance with the SEC’s guidance that a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of management’s assessment for up to one year from the date of acquisition, the Company’s management has excluded the WM Business from its evaluation of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022.As of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, total assets of the WM Business represented 29% of consolidated total assets of the Company, and total revenues of the WM business represented 66% of total revenues of the Company.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20202022 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20202022 and 2019,2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020,2022, including the related notes and schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20202022 appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020,2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20202022 and 2019,2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 2022in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020,2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the COSO.
Changes in Accounting Principles
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for goodwill impairment and content in 2020, the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019, and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers in 2018.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
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As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded the WarnerMedia business from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2022. We have also excluded the WarnerMedia business from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. The WarnerMedia business is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and total revenues excluded from management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over financial reporting represent 29% and 66%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
59


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Certain Reserves for Uncertain Tax PositionsMerger with WarnerMedia - Determination of Accounting Acquirer
As described in Notes 2 and 18Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on April 8, 2022, the Company’s reserves for uncertain tax positions were $348 millionCompany completed a merger with the WarnerMedia business of AT&T. The merger was executed as a Reverse Morris Trust transaction, under which WarnerMedia was distributed to AT&T’s shareholders via a pro-rata distribution, and immediately thereafter, combined with Discovery, Inc. (Discovery), with Discovery being identified as the accounting acquirer based primarily upon the following facts: (1) Discovery initiated the merger, was the legal acquirer of December 31, 2020. Management establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless management determines that such positions are more likely than notMagallanes, Inc., (“Spinco”), and transferred equity consideration to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolutionSpinco stockholders, (2) AT&T received $40.5 billion of any appeals or litigation processes. As disclosed by management, significant judgment is exercised in evaluating all relevant information, the technical meritsconsideration (subject to working capital and other adjustments) as part of its disposition of the tax positions,WarnerMedia business, (3) the Chief Executive Officer of Discovery continued as Chief Executive Officer of the combined Company after the merger and was primarily responsible for appointing the rest of the executive management team of the combined Company, and the accurate measurementChief Financial Officer of uncertain tax positions when determining the amountDiscovery will continue as Chief Financial Officer of the reservecombined Company, (4) no stockholder or group of stockholders held a controlling interest in WBD and whether positions takena key Discovery stockholder was the largest minority interest in WBD, after the completion of the merger and (5) AT&T had no input on the Company’s tax returns are more likely than notstrategic direction and management of the combined Company after the completion of the merger. The above facts were deemed to be sustained. This also involvesoutweigh the usefact that the holders of significant estimatesshares of Spinco common stock that received shares of WBD common stock in the merger in the aggregate own a majority of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and assumptions with respect toassociated voting rights after the potential outcome of positions taken on tax returns that may be reviewed by tax authorities.merger.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to certain reserves for uncertain tax positionsdetermination of the accounting acquirer in the merger with the WarnerMedia business is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when determining certain reserves for uncertain tax positions, including a high degree of estimation uncertainty whenin determining the reservesappropriate accounting acquirer and (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence relatingrelated to management’s determination of certain reserves for uncertain tax positions, the technical meritsaccounting acquirer considering the facts above. Addressing this matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the merger accounting, including the control over management’s determination of the tax positions,accounting acquirer. These procedures also included, among others, (i) reading the merger agreement and other relevant transaction documents and (ii) evaluating management’s assessment of the facts considered in the identification of the accounting acquirer.
Acquisition of WarnerMedia - Valuation of Trade Names and Affiliate Relationships Intangible Assets
As described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on April 8, 2022, the Company completed its merger with WarnerMedia business for a purchase consideration of $42.4 billion. The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to WarnerMedia business, which resulted in the recognition of intangible assets, including $21.1 billion of trade names and $14.7 billion of affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships, the primary component of which relates to the affiliate relationships. The fair value of the trade names was estimated by management using the relief from royalty valuation method and the accurate measurementfair value of the uncertainaffiliate relationships was estimated by management using the multi-period excess earnings valuation method. Significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow analyses and other areas of judgment by management include (i) historical and projected financial information, (ii) discount rates used to present value future cash flows, (iii) royalty rates, (iv) projected revenue attributable to affiliate contracts and related renewals, (v) synergies, including cost savings, (vi) tax positions.rates, (vii) economic useful life of assets, and (viii) attrition rates, as relevant, that market participants would consider when estimating fair values.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of the trade names and affiliate relationships intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of WarnerMedia business is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimates of the trade names and affiliate relationships intangible assets, (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to royalty rates used in the valuation of the trade names and projected revenue attributable to affiliate contracts and related renewals used in the valuation of the affiliate relationships, and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
60


Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the recognition, measurement,application of acquisition accounting, including controls over management’s valuation of the trade names and completenessaffiliate relationships intangible assets and the development of uncertain tax positions.the underlying assumptions related to the royalty rates for the trade names and projected revenue attributable to affiliate contracts and related renewals for the affiliate relationships. These procedures also included, among others, (i) reading the purchase agreement, (ii) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimates of the trade names and affiliate relationships intangible assets, (iii) evaluating the appropriateness of the relief from royalty and multi-period excess earnings valuation methods, (iv) testing the informationcompleteness and accuracy of underlying data used in the determinationvaluation methods, and (v) evaluating the reasonableness of certain reserves for uncertain tax positions, including international and federal filing positionsthe significant assumptions used by management related to royalty rates used in the valuation of the trade names and the projected revenue attributable to affiliate contracts and related final tax returns; (ii) testingrenewals used in the calculation of liability for certain reserves for uncertain tax positions by jurisdiction, including evaluating management’s assessmentvaluation of the technical merits of tax positions and estimatesaffiliate relationships. Evaluating the reasonableness of the amountroyalty rates used in the valuation of tax benefit expectedthe trade names involved considering observable royalty rates of comparable businesses and other industry factors. Evaluating the reasonableness of the projected revenue attributable to be sustained,affiliate contracts and related renewals used in the valuation of the affiliate relationships involved considering the pre-existing contractual arrangements of WarnerMedia, as well as economic and industry forecasts. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the likelihoodevaluation of the possible estimated outcome; (iii) testingappropriateness of the completenessvaluation method and the reasonableness of management’s assessmentthe royalty rates used in the valuation of uncertain tax positions and possible outcomes of certain tax positions, and (iv) evaluating the status and results of income tax audits with the relevant tax authorities.
62


trade names.
Goodwill Quantitative Impairment Assessments for the EuropeAssessment - DTC Reporting Unit
As described in Notes 2 and 75 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $13.1$34.4 billion as of December 31, 2020,2022, and the goodwill associated with the EuropeDTC reporting unit was $1.9$7.9 billion. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, or earlier if an event or other circumstance indicates that theyit may not recover the carrying value of the asset. Management concludedIf a qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the continued impactscarrying value of COVID-19 on the operating results of the Europea reporting unit representedgoodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, a triggering event in the second quarter of 2020.quantitative impairment test is performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded for that reporting unit. ManagementAs of October 1, 2022, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analyses during the second and fourth quartersassessment for all reporting. The estimated fair value of 2020 for the Europeeach reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, no impairment was recorded.Significant judgments and assumptions by management in the DCF model specific to the Europe reporting unit includedfor all quantitative goodwill tests performed include discount rates, control premiums, terminal growth rates, relevant comparable company earnings multiples, and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, including revenue growth rates long-term growth rates and discount rates.profit margins.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill quantitative impairment assessments forassessment of the EuropeDTC reporting unit is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value measurements of the DTC reporting unit;unit, (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s assumptionssignificant assumption related to the revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates, and discount rates; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.rates.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill quantitative impairment assessments,assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Company’sDTC reporting units.unit. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value measurementsestimate of the EuropeDTC reporting unit, (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow model, (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the model, and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptionsassumption used by management related to the revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates, and discount rates. Evaluating management’s assumptionssignificant assumption related to the revenue growth rates and long-term growth rates involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management wereassumption is reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the reporting unit;unit, (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data;data, and (iii) whether these assumptions werethe assumption is consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the discount rates and long-term growth rates.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
McLean, VirginiaWashington, District of Columbia
February 22, 202124, 2023

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
61


WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Revenues:
Advertising$8,524 $6,194 $5,572 
Distribution16,142 5,202 4,686 
Content8,360 737 355 
Other791 58 58 
Total revenues33,817 12,191 10,671 
Costs and expenses:
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization20,442 4,620 3,860 
Selling, general and administrative9,678 4,016 2,722 
Depreciation and amortization7,193 1,582 1,359 
Restructuring3,757 32 91 
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups117 (71)124 
Total costs and expenses41,187 10,179 8,156 
Operating (loss) income(7,370)2,012 2,515 
Interest expense, net(1,777)(633)(648)
Loss from equity investees, net(160)(18)(105)
Other income (expense), net347 72 (34)
(Loss) income before income taxes(8,960)1,433 1,728 
Income tax benefit (expense)1,663 (236)(373)
Net (loss) income(7,297)1,197 1,355 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(68)(138)(124)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(6)(53)(12)
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.$(7,371)$1,006 $1,219 
Net (loss) income per share available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders:
Basic$(3.82)$1.55 $1.82 
Diluted$(3.82)$1.54 $1.81 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic1,940 588 599 
Diluted1,940 664 672 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
62


WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Net (loss) income$(7,297)$1,197 $1,355 
Other comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, net of tax:
Currency translation(653)(290)292 
Pension plan and SERP(26)(8)
Derivatives(14)109 (113)
Comprehensive (loss) income(7,990)1,018 1,526 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(68)(138)(124)
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(6)(53)(12)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.$(8,064)$827 $1,390 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
63


WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except par value) 


December 31,
20202019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$2,091 $1,552 
Receivables, net2,537 2,633 
Content rights and prepaid license fees, net532 579 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets970 453 
Total current assets6,130 5,217 
Noncurrent content rights, net3,439 3,129 
Property and equipment, net1,206 951 
Goodwill13,070 13,050 
Intangible assets, net7,640 8,667 
Equity method investments507 568 
Other noncurrent assets2,095 2,153 
Total assets$34,087 $33,735 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$397 $463 
Accrued liabilities1,793 1,678 
Deferred revenues557 489 
Current portion of debt335 609 
Total current liabilities3,082 3,239 
Noncurrent portion of debt15,069 14,810 
Deferred income taxes1,534 1,691 
Other noncurrent liabilities2,019 2,029 
Total liabilities21,704 21,769 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 22)00
Redeemable noncontrolling interests383 442 
Equity:
Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Series A-1 convertible preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 8 shares authorized, issued and outstanding0 
Series C-1 convertible preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 6 shares authorized; 5 shares issued and outstanding0 
Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 1,700 shares authorized; 163 and 161 shares issued; and 162 and 158 shares outstanding
Series B convertible common stock: $0.01 par value; 100 shares authorized; 7 shares issued and outstanding
Series C common stock: $0.01 par value; 2,000 shares authorized; 547 shares issued; and 318 and 360 shares outstanding
Additional paid-in capital10,809 10,747 
Treasury stock, at cost: 230 and 190 shares(8,244)(7,374)
Retained earnings8,543 7,333 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(651)(822)
Total Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity10,464 9,891 
Noncontrolling interests1,536 1,633 
Total equity12,000 11,524 
Total liabilities and equity$34,087 $33,735 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

December 31,
20222021
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$3,731 $3,905 
Receivables, net6,380 2,446 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets3,888 913 
Total current assets13,999 7,264 
Film and television content rights and games26,652 3,832 
Property and equipment, net5,301 1,336 
Goodwill34,438 12,912 
Intangible assets, net44,982 6,317 
Other noncurrent assets8,629 2,766 
Total assets$134,001 $34,427 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$1,454 $412 
Accrued liabilities11,504 2,230 
Deferred revenues1,694 478 
Current portion of debt365 339 
Total current liabilities15,017 3,459 
Noncurrent portion of debt48,634 14,420 
Deferred income taxes11,014 1,225 
Other noncurrent liabilities10,669 1,927 
Total liabilities85,334 21,031 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 22)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests318 363 
Equity:
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 10,800 and 0 shares authorized; 2,660 and 0 shares issued; and 2,430 and 0 shares outstanding27 — 
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 1,200 and 0 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding — 
Discovery Series A-1 convertible preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 8 shares authorized, issued and outstanding — 
Discovery Series C-1 convertible preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 6 shares authorized; 0 and 4 shares issued and outstanding — 
Discovery Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 1,700 shares authorized; 0 and 170 shares issued; and 0 and 169 shares outstanding— 
Discovery Series B convertible common stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 100 shares authorized; 0 and 7 shares issued and outstanding— — 
Discovery Series C common stock: $0.01 par value; 0 and 2,000 shares authorized; 0 and 559 shares issued; and 0 and 330 shares outstanding— 
Additional paid-in capital54,630 11,086 
Treasury stock, at cost: 230 and 230 shares(8,244)(8,244)
Retained earnings2,205 9,580 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,523)(830)
Total Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity47,095 11,599 
Noncontrolling interests1,254 1,434 
Total equity48,349 13,033 
Total liabilities and equity$134,001 $34,427 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
64


DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Revenues:
Advertising$5,583 $6,044 $5,514 
Distribution4,866 4,835 4,538 
Other222 265 501 
Total revenues10,671 11,144 10,553 
Costs and expenses:
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization3,860 3,819 3,935 
Selling, general and administrative2,722 2,788 2,620 
Depreciation and amortization1,359 1,347 1,398 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets124 155 
Restructuring and other charges91 26 750 
Gain on disposition(84)
Total costs and expenses8,156 8,135 8,619 
Operating income2,515 3,009 1,934 
Interest expense, net(648)(677)(729)
Loss on extinguishment of debt(76)(28)
Loss from equity investees, net(105)(2)(63)
Other income (expense), net42 (8)(120)
Income before income taxes1,728 2,294 1,022 
Income tax expense(373)(81)(341)
Net income1,355 2,213 681 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(124)(128)(67)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(12)(16)(20)
Net income available to Discovery, Inc.$1,219 $2,069 $594 
Net income per share available to Discovery, Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders:
Basic$1.82 $2.90 $0.86 
Diluted$1.81 $2.88 $0.86 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic505 529 498 
Diluted672 711 688 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

65


DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions)

Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income$1,355 $2,213 $681 
Other comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, net of tax:
Currency translation292 (15)(189)
Pension plan and SERP(8)(10)
Derivatives(113)18 12 
Comprehensive income1,526 2,206 507 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(124)(127)(67)
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(12)(17)(20)
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery, Inc.$1,390 $2,062 $420 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

66


WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Operating Activities
Net income$1,355 $2,213 $681 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Content rights amortization and impairment2,956 2,853 3,288 
Depreciation and amortization1,359 1,347 1,398 
Deferred income taxes(186)(504)(131)
Equity in losses of equity method investee companies, including cash distributions167 62 138 
Loss on extinguishment of debt76 28 
Share-based compensation expense110 142 80 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets124 155 
(Gain) loss from derivative instruments, net(36)48 (15)
Realized gain on sale of investments(103)(10)
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interests(14)
Loss (gain) on disposition(84)
Other, net14 52 141 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables, net105 (7)(84)
Content rights and payables, net(3,053)(3,060)(2,883)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(131)122 (74)
Foreign currency, prepaid expenses and other assets, net(20)(28)121 
Cash provided by operating activities2,739 3,399 2,576 
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment(402)(289)(147)
Purchases of investments(250)
Investments in and advances to equity investments(181)(254)(61)
Proceeds from dissolution of joint venture and sale of investments69 125 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired(39)(73)(8,565)
Proceeds from dispositions, net of cash disposed107 
Other investing activities, net100 53 73 
Cash used in investing activities(703)(438)(8,593)
Financing Activities
Principal repayments of debt, including discount payment(2,193)(2,658)(16)
Borrowings from debt, net of discount and issuance costs1,979 1,479 
Repurchases of stock(969)(633)
Principal repayments of revolving credit facility(500)(225)(200)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility500 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests(254)(250)(76)
Borrowings under term loan facilities2,000 
Principal repayments of term loans(2,000)
Other financing activities, net(112)(70)
Cash used in financing activities(1,549)(2,357)(283)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash83 (38)(23)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash570 566 (6,323)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period1,552 986 7,309 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$2,122 $1,552 $986 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 Year Ended December 31,
 202220212020
Operating Activities
Net (loss) income$(7,297)$1,197 $1,355 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Content rights amortization and impairment14,161 3,501 2,956 
Content restructuring impairments and write-offs2,808 — — 
Depreciation and amortization7,193 1,582 1,359 
Deferred income taxes(2,842)(511)(186)
Preferred stock conversion premium789 — — 
Equity in losses of equity method investee companies and cash distributions211 63 167 
Loss on extinguishment of debt— 10 76 
Share-based compensation expense412 178 110 
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups116 (71)126 
(Gain) loss from derivative instruments, net(501)49 (36)
Gain on sale of investments(199)(19)(103)
Other, net435 56 14 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables, net181 47 105 
Film and television content rights, games and payables, net(12,562)(3,381)(3,053)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred revenues and other noncurrent liabilities1,529 185 (131)
Foreign currency, prepaid expenses and other assets, net(130)(88)(20)
Cash provided by operating activities4,304 2,798 2,739 
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment(987)(373)(402)
Cash acquired from business acquisition and working capital settlement3,612 (2)(39)
Purchases of investments— (103)(250)
Investments in and advances to equity investments(168)(184)(181)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments306 599 69 
Proceeds from (payments for) derivative instruments, net752 (86)85 
Other investing activities, net93 15 
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities3,524 (56)(703)
Financing Activities
Principal repayments of debt, including premiums to par value and discount payment(1,315)(574)(2,193)
Borrowings from debt, net of discount and issuance costs— — 1,979 
Repurchases of stock— — (969)
Repayments under revolving credit facility(125)— (500)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility125 — 500 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests(300)(251)(254)
Borrowings under commercial paper program2,268 — — 
Principal repayments of term loans(6,000)— — 
Repayments under commercial paper program(2,270)— — 
Other financing activities, net(125)(28)(112)
Cash used in financing activities(7,742)(853)(1,549)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(61)(106)83 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash25 1,783 570 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period3,905 2,122 1,552 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$3,930 $3,905 $2,122 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6765


WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in millions)

Discovery, Inc.
Preferred Stock
Discovery, Inc.
Common Stock
Warner Bros.
Discovery, Inc.
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Treasury
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Warner Bros. Discovery,
Inc. 
Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
SharesPar ValueSharesPar ValueSharesPar Value
December 31, 201913 $— 715 $— $— $10,747 $(7,374)$7,333 $(822)$9,891 $1,633 $11,524 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes— — — — — — — — — — 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes of an equity method investee— — — — — — — — (3)— (3)— (3)
Net income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — 1,219 — 1,219 124 1,343 
Other comprehensive income— — — — — — — — — 171 171 — 171 
Share-based compensation— — — — — — 94 — — — 94 — 94 
Repurchases of stock— — — — — — — (965)— — (965)— (965)
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans— — — — — — (32)— — — (32)— (32)
Equity exchange with Harpo for step acquisition of OWN— — — — — — (45)95 — 59 — 59 
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — — — (223)(223)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans— — — — — 43 — — — 43 — 43 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value— — — — — — — — (17)— (17)— (17)
Other adjustments to stockholders' equity— — — — — — — — — 
December 31, 202013 — 717 — — 10,809 (8,244)8,543 (651)10,464 1,536 12,000 
Net income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — 1,006 — 1,006 138 1,144 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — — — (179)(179)— (179)
Share-based compensation— — — — — — 158 — — — 158 — 158 
Preferred stock conversion(1)— 11 — — — — — — — — — — 
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans— — — — — — (71)— — — (71)— (71)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — — — (240)(240)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans— — — — — 198 — — — 198 — 198 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value— — — — — — (8)— 31 — 23 — 23 
December 31, 202112 — 736 — — 11,086 (8,244)9,580 (830)11,599 1,434 13,033 
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — (7,371)— (7,371)68 (7,303)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — — — (693)(693)— (693)
Share-based compensation— — — — — — 399 — — — 399 — 399 
Preferred StockCommon StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
Treasury
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Discovery,
Inc. Stockholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
SharesPar ValueSharesPar Value
December 31, 201714 $547 $$7,295 $(6,737)$4,632 $(585)$4,610 $$4,610 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes— — — — — — 33 (26)— 
Net income available to Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — 594 — 594 67 661 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (174)(174)— (174)
Share-based compensation— — — — 82 — — — 82 — 82 
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans— — — — (18)— — — (18)— (18)
Issuance of stock and noncontrolling interest in connection with the acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. ("Scripps Networks")— — 139 3,217 — — — 3,218 1,700 4,918 
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — (51)(51)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value— — — — — — (5)— (5)— (5)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans— — 71 — — — 72 — 72 
December 31, 201814 691 10,647 (6,737)5,254 (785)8,386 1,716 10,102 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes— — — — — — 34 (30)— 
Net income available to Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — 2,069 — 2,069 128 2,197 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (7)(7)— (7)
Preferred stock conversion(1)— 22 — — — — — — — 
Share-based compensation— — — — 73 — — — 73 — 73 
Repurchases of stock— — — — (637)— — (637)— (637)
Settlement of common stock repurchase contract— — — — — — — — 
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans— — — — (22)— — — (22)— (22)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — (211)(211)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans— — 44 — — — 44 — 44 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value— — — — — — (24)— (24)— (24)
December 31, 201913 715 10,747 (7,374)7,333 (822)9,891 1,633 11,524 
Cumulative effect of an accounting change (See Note 2)— — — — — — — 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes of an equity method investee— — — — — — (3)— (3)— (3)
Net income available to Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — 1,219 — 1,219 124 1,343 
Other comprehensive income— — — — — — — 171 171 — 171 
Share-based compensation— — — — 94 — — — 94 — 94 
Repurchases of stock— — — — (965)— — (965)— (965)
Equity exchange with Harpo for step acquisition of OWN (See Note 11)— — — — (45)95 — 59 — 59 
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans— — — — (32)— — — (32)— (32)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — (223)(223)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans— — 43 — — — 43 — 43 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value— — — — — — (17)— (17)— (17)
Other adjustments to stockholders' equity— — — — — — — 
December 31, 202013 $717 $$10,809 $(8,244)$8,543 $(651)$10,464 $1,536 $12,000 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in millions)
Conversion and issuance of common stock and noncontrolling interest in connection with the acquisition of the WarnerMedia Business(12)— (739)(7)2,658 27 43,173 — — — 43,193 43,195 
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans— — — — — — (54)— — — (54)— (54)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — — — (250)(250)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans— — — — 26 — — — 26 — 26 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value— — — — — — — — (4)— (4)— (4)
December 31, 2022— $— — $— 2,660 $27 $54,630 $(8,244)$2,205 $(1,523)$47,095 $1,254 $48,349 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
68
67

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Description of Business
Warner Bros. Discovery is a premier global media and entertainment company that combines the WarnerMedia Business’s premium entertainment, sports and news assets with Discovery’s leading non-fiction and international entertainment and sports businesses, thus offering audiences a differentiated portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming. Some of our iconic brands and franchises include Warner Bros. Pictures Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, DC, HBO, HBO Max, Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, TNT, TBS, TLC, OWN, Warner Bros. Games, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings.
Merger with the WarnerMedia Business of AT&T
On April 8, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), Discovery, Inc. (“Discovery”) completed its merger (the “Merger”) with the WarnerMedia business (the “WarnerMedia Business”, “WM Business” or “WM”) of AT&T, Inc. (“AT&T”) and changed its name to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. On April 11, 2022, the “Company”Company’s shares started trading on Nasdaq under the trading symbol WBD.
The Merger was executed through a Reverse Morris Trust type transaction, under which WM was distributed to AT&T’s shareholders via a pro rata distribution, and immediately thereafter, combined with Discovery. (See Note 3 and Note 4). Prior to the Merger, WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. distributed $40.5 billion to AT&T (subject to working capital and other adjustments) in a combination of cash, debt securities, and WM's retention of certain debt. Discovery transferred purchase consideration of $42.4 billion in equity to AT&T shareholders in the Merger. In August 2022, the Company and AT&T finalized the post-closing working capital settlement process, pursuant to section 1.3 of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, which resulted in the Company receiving a $1.2 billion payment from AT&T in the third quarter of 2022 in lieu of adjusting the equity issued as purchase consideration in the Merger. AT&T shareholders received shares of WBD Series A common stock (“WBD common stock”) in the Merger representing 71% of the combined Company and the Company's pre-Merger shareholders continued to own 29% of the combined Company, in each case on a fully diluted basis.
Discovery was deemed to be the accounting acquirer of the WM Business for accounting purposes under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”); therefore, Discovery is considered the Company’s predecessor and the historical financial statements of Discovery prior to April 8, 2022, are reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the Company’s historical financial statements. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company as of and for any periods prior to April 8, 2022 do not include the financial results of the WM Business and current and future results will not be comparable to historical results.
Segments
In connection with the Merger, the Company reevaluated and changed its segment presentation during 2022. As of December 31, 2022, we classified our operations in three reportable segments:
Studios - Our Studios segment primarily consists of the production and release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, production and initial licensing of television programs to third parties and our networks/DTC services, distribution of our films and television programs to various third party and internal television and streaming services, distribution through the home entertainment market (physical and digital), "we", "us" or "our") is a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platforms,related consumer products and themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming.
Networks - Our Networks segment primarily consists of our domestic and international television networks.
DTC - Our DTC segment primarily consists of our premium pay-TV and streaming services.
Impact of COVID-19
We continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business and geographies; however, the nature and full extent of COVID-19’s effects on our operations and results are not yet known and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Certain key sources of revenue for the Studios segment, including linear platformstheatrical revenues, original television productions, studio operations, and themed entertainment, have been adversely impacted by governmentally imposed shutdowns and related labor interruptions and constraints on consumer activity, particularly in the context of public entertainment venues, such as pay-television ("pay-TV"), free-to-air ("FTA")cinemas and broadcast television, authenticated GO applications, digital distribution arrangements, content licensing arrangements and direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscription products. The Company also operates production studios. The Company has organized its operations into 2 reportable segments: U.S. Networks, consisting principally of domestic television networks and digital content services, and International Networks, consisting primarily of international television networks and digital content services.theme parks.
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Discoverythe Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained, including variable interest entities ("VIE"(“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.
For each non-wholly owned subsidiary, the Company evaluates its ownership and other interests to determine whether it should consolidate the entity or account for its ownership interest as an unconsolidated investment. As part of its evaluation, the Company makes judgments in determining whether the entity is a VIE and, if so, whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and is thus required to consolidate the entity. (See Note 4.10.) If it is concluded that an entity is not a VIE, then the Company considers its proportional voting interests in the entity. The Company consolidates majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. A controlling financial interest is determined by majority ownership and the absence of significant third-party participating rights. Ownership interests in entities for which the Company has significant influence that are not consolidated are accounted for as equity method investments.
Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include accounting for asset impairments, revenue recognition, estimated credit losses, content rights, leases, depreciation and amortization, the determination of ultimate revenues as they relate to amortization of capitalized content rights and accruals of participations and residuals, business combinations, share-based compensation, defined benefit plans, income taxes, other financial instruments, contingencies, estimated defined benefit plan liabilities, and the determination of whether the Company should consolidate certain entities.
Impact of COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) outbreak to be a global pandemic. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, and the duration and severity of its effects and associated economic disruption remain uncertain. Restrictions on social and commercial activity in an effort to contain the virus have had, and are expected to continue to have, a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the U.S. and global economy, including the media industry. The Company continues to closely monitor the impact of COVID-19 on all aspects of its business and geographies, including the impact on its customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, distribution and advertising partners, production facilities, and various other third parties.
Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, demand for the Company’s advertising products and services decreased due to economic disruptions from limitations on social and commercial activity. These economic disruptions and the resulting effect on the Company slightly eased during the second half of 2020, but the pandemic continued to impact demand through the end of 2020 and this decreased demand is expected to continue into 2021. Many of the Company’s third-party production partners that were shut down during most of the second quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions came back online in the third quarter of 2020 and, as a result, the Company has incurred additional costs to comply with various governmental regulations and implement certain safety measures for the Company's employees, talent, and partners.Additionally, certain sporting events that the Company has rights to were cancelled or postponed, thereby eliminating or deferring the related revenues and expenses, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were postponed to 2021. The postponement of the Olympic Games deferred both Olympic-related revenues and significant expenses from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2021.
69

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In response to the impact of the pandemic, the Company employed and continues to employ innovative production and programming strategies, including producing content filmed by its on-air talent and seeking viewer feedback on which content to air. The Company continues to pursue a number of cost savings initiatives which began during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 and believes will offset a portion of anticipated revenue losses and deferrals, through the implementation of travel, marketing, production and other operating cost reductions, including personnel reductions, restructurings and resource reallocations to align its expense structure to ongoing changes within the industry. The Company also implemented remote work arrangements effective mid-March 2020 and, to date, these arrangements have not materially affected the Company's ability to operate its business.
In addition, the Company implemented several measures to preserve sufficient liquidity in the near term. As described further in Note 8, during March 2020, the Company drew down $500 million under its $2.5 billion revolving credit facility to increase its cash position and maximize flexibility in light of the current uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19. In addition, in April 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to its revolving credit facility, which increased flexibility under its financial covenants and issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due May 2030 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due May 2050. The proceeds from the notes were used to fund a tender offer for $1.5 billion of certain senior notes with maturities ranging from 2021 through 2023 and to repay the $500 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility. (See Note 8.)
In light of the impact of COVID-19, the Company assessed goodwill, other intangibles, deferred tax assets, programming assets, and accounts receivable for recoverability based upon latest estimates and judgments with respect to expected future operating results, ultimate usage of content and latest expectations with respect to expected credit losses. The Company recorded goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges of $124 million for its Asia-Pacific reporting unit during the year ended December 31, 2020. (See Note 7.) Adjustments to reflect increased expected credit losses were not material. Further, hedged transactions were assessed and the Company has concluded such transactions remain probable of occurrence. Due to significant uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19, management’s judgments could change in the future. The effects of the pandemic may have further negative impacts on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. However, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably and fully estimated at this time.
The nature and extent of COVID-19’s effects on the Company’s operations and results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity and the extent of future surges of COVID-19, vaccine distribution and other actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, among others. The Company will continue to monitor COVID-19 and its impact on the Company’s business results and financial condition. These consolidated financial statements reflect management’s latest estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods presented. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions.
In the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted on March 27, 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was enacted on December 27, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Company does not expect the CARES Act or the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 to have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations. The Company continues to monitor other relief measures taken by the U.S. and other governments around the world.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Foreign Currency
The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of most of the Company’s international subsidiaries is the local currency. Financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and at average exchange rates for revenues and expenses for the respective periods. Translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Cash flows from the Company'sCompany’s operations in foreign countries are generally translated at the weighted average rate for the applicable period in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Such translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
70

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
respective periods.
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that it enters into transactions denominated in currencies other than its subsidiaries’ respective functional currencies. Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries’ functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Such transactions include affiliate and ad sales arrangements, content licensing arrangements, equipment and other vendor purchases and intercompany transactions. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the Company'sCompany’s consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses resulting from the conversion of the transaction currency to functional currency are included in other income (expense), net.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Receivables
The Company’s accounts receivable balances and the related credit losses arise primarily from distribution, advertising and content revenue. Receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers and are presented net of an estimate for credit losses. To assess collectability, the Company analyzes market trends, economic conditions, the aging of receivables and customer specific risks, and reserves an amount that it estimates may not be collected.records a provision for estimated credit losses expected over the lifetime of receivables. The corresponding expense for the expected credit losses is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company does not require collateral with respect to trade receivables.
69

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Revolving Receivables Program
The Company has a revolving agreement to transfer up to $5,700 million of certain receivables through its bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, Warner Bros. Discovery Receivables Funding, LLC, to various financial institutions on a recurring basis in exchange for cash equal to the gross receivables transferred. The Company services the sold receivables for the financial institution for a fee and pays fees to the financial institution in connection with this revolving agreement. The agreement is a continuation of the agreement the WarnerMedia Business had in place prior to the Merger. This agreement is subject to renewal on an annual basis and the transfer limit may be expanded or reduced from time to time. As customers pay their balances, the Company’s available capacity under this revolving agreement increases and typically the Company transfers additional receivables into the program.
The gross value of the proceeds received results in derecognition of receivables and the obligations assumed are recorded at fair value. The obligations assumed when proceeds are received relate to expected credit losses on sold receivables and estimated fee payments made on outstanding sold receivables already transferred. The obligations are subsequently adjusted for changes in estimated expected credit losses and interest rates, which are considered Level 3 fair value measurements since the inputs are unobservable (See Note 8). In some cases, the Company may have collections that have not yet been remitted to the bank, resulting in a liability.
Accounts Receivable Factoring
The Company has a factoring agreement to sell certain of its non-U.S. trade accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to a third-party financial institution. The Company accounts for these transactions as sales in accordance with ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing”, as its continuing involvement subsequent to the transfer is limited to providing certain servicing and collection actions on behalf of the purchaser of the designated trade accounts receivable. Proceeds from amounts factored are recorded as an increase to cash and cash equivalents and a reduction to receivables, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Cash received is also reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The accounts receivable factoring program is separate and distinct from the revolving receivables program.
Film and Television Content Rights
ContentThe Company capitalizes costs to produce television programs and feature films, including direct production costs, production overhead, interest, acquisition costs and development costs, as well as advances for live programming rights, principally consist ofsuch as sports. Costs to acquire licensed television series specials,and feature film programming rights are capitalized when the license period has begun and the program is accepted and available for airing. Production incentives received from various jurisdictions where the Company produces content are recorded as a reduction to capitalized production costs. All capitalized content and prepaid license fees are classified as noncurrent assets, with the exception of content acquired with an initial license period of 12 months or less and prepaid sports rights expected to air within 12 months.
The Company groups its film and television content rights by monetization strategy: content that is predominately monetized individually, and content that is predominately monetized as a group.
Content Monetized Individually
For films and sporting events. Content airedtelevision programs predominantly monetized individually, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs (net of incentives) amortized and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as expense in a particular period are determined using the individual film forecast method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals are based on the proportion of the film’s or television program’s revenues recognized for such period to the film’s or television program’s estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s or television program’s remaining life cycle).
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The process of estimating ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of judgments related to future revenue-generating activities associated with a particular film. Prior to the theatrical release of a film, the Company’s estimates are based on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings), international distribution plans and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. Subsequent to release, ultimate revenues are updated to reflect initial performance, which is often predictive of future performance. For a film or television program that is predominantly monetized on its own but also monetized with other films and/or programs (such as the Company’s DTC or linear services), the Company makes a reasonable estimate of the value attributable to the film or program’s exploitation while monetized with other films/programs and expense such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. For theatrical films, the period over which ultimate revenues from all applicable sources and exhibition windows are estimated does not exceed 10 years from the date of the film’s initial release. For television programs, the ultimate period does not exceed 10 years from delivery of the first episode, or, if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later. For games, the ultimate period does not exceed two years from the date of the game’s initial release. Ultimates for produced content monetized on an individual basis are reviewed and updated (as applicable) on a quarterly basis; any adjustments are applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year of the change.
Content Monetized as a Group
For programs monetized as a group, including licensed programming, the Company’s film groups are generally aligned along the Company’s networks and digital content offerings, except for certain international territories wherein content assets are shared across the various networks in the territory and therefore, the territory is sourced fromthe film group. Program costs, including licensed programming, that are predominantly monetized as a wide range of third-party producers, wholly-owned and equity method investee production studios, and sports associations. Content is classified either as produced, coproducedgroup are amortized based on projected usage, generally resulting in an accelerated or licensed.
The Company owns most or allstraight-line amortization pattern. Adjustments to projected usage are applied prospectively in the period of the rights to produced content. The Company collaborates with third parties to financechange. Participations and develop coproduced content, and it retains significant rights to exploit the programs. Prepaid licensed content includes advance payments for rights to air sporting events that will take place in the future and advance payments for acquired films and television series.
Costs of produced and coproduced content consist of development costs, acquired production costs, direct production costs, certain production overhead costs and participation costs. The Company’s coproduction arrangementsresiduals are generally provide for the sharing of production costs. The Company records its costs but does not record the costs borne by the other party as the Company does not share any associated economics of exploitation.
Licensed content is comprised of films or series that have been previously produced by third parties and the Company retains limited airing rights over a contractual term. Program licenses typically have fixed terms and require payments during the term of the license. The cost of licensed content is capitalized when the cost is known or reasonably determinable, the license period for the programs has commenced, the program materials have been accepted by the Company in accordance with the license agreements, and the programs are available for the first showing. The Company pays in advance of delivery for television series, specials, films and sports rights. Payments made in advance of when the right to air the content is received are recognized as prepaid licensed content. Participation costs are expensed in line with the amortizationpattern of production costs. Content distribution, advertising, marketing, generalusage. Streaming content and administrative costs are expensed as incurred.
Linear content amortization expense for each period is recognized based on the revenue forecast model, which approximates the proportion that estimated distribution and advertising revenues for the current period represent in relation to the estimated remaining total lifetime revenues. Digital contentpremium pay-TV amortization for each period is recognized based on estimated viewing patterns as there are generally little to no direct revenues to associate to the individual content assets and therefore,assets. As such, number of views is most representative of the use of the title. Judgment is requiredLicensed rights to determinefilm and television programming are typically amortized over the useful lives and amortization patternslife of the program’s license period on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater, for certain programming on the Company’s ad-supported networks), or accelerated basis for licensed original programs. The Company allocates the cost of multi-year sports programming arrangements over the contract period to each event or season based on its projected advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue (estimated relative value). If annual contractual payments related to each season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, the Company expenses the related contractual payments during the applicable season. Amortization of sports rights takes place when the content assets.
71

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
airs.
Quarterly, the Company prepares analyses to support its content amortization expense. Critical assumptions used in determining content amortization for programming predominately monetized as a group include: (i) the grouping of content with similar characteristics, (ii) the application of a quantitative revenue forecast model or historical viewership model based on the adequacy of historical data, (iii) determining the appropriate historical periods to utilize and the relative weighting of those historical periods in the forecast model, (iv) assessing the accuracy of the Company's forecasts and (v)(iv) incorporating secondary revenue streams. The Company then considers the appropriate application of the quantitative assessment given forecasted content use, expected content investment and market trends. Content use and future revenues may differ from estimates based on changes in expectations related to market acceptance, network affiliate fee rates, advertising demand, the number of cable and satellite television subscribers receiving the Company’s networks, the number of subscribers to its digitalstreaming services, and program usage. Accordingly, the Company continually reviews its estimates and planned usage at least quarterly and revises its assumptions if necessary. As part of the Company's assessment of its amortization rates, the Company compares the calculated amortization rates to those that have been utilized during the year. If the calculated rates do not deviate materially from the applied amortization rates, no adjustment is recorded. Any material adjustments from the Company’s review of the amortization rates for assets in film groups are applied prospectively in the period of the change.
Unamortized Film Costs Impairment Assessment
Unamortized film costs are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a film (or television program) predominately monetized on its own, or a film group, may be less than its unamortized costs. In addition, a change in the predominant monetization strategy is considered a triggering event for assetsimpairment testing before a title is accounted for as part of a film group. If the carrying value of an individual feature film or television program, or film group, exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded in the amount of the difference. For content that is predominately monetized individually, the Company utilizes estimates including ultimate revenues and additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the carrying value of a film groups, which representor television program is impaired.
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Game Development Costs
Game development costs are expensed as incurred before the largestapplicable game reaches technological feasibility, or for online hosted arrangements, before the preliminary project phase is complete and it is probable the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Upon release, the capitalized game development costs are amortized based on the proportion of the Company's content assets.
The result ofgame’s revenues recognized for such period to the content amortization analysis is either an accelerated method or a straight-line amortization method over the estimated useful lives of generally two to four years. Amortization ofgame’s total current and anticipated revenues. Unamortized capitalized costs for producedgame production and coproduced content begins when a program has been aired. Amortization of capitalized costs for licensed content generally commences when the license period begins and the program is available for use. The Company allocates the cost of multi-year sports programming arrangements over the contract period of each event or season based on the estimated relative value of each event or season. Amortization of sports rights takes place when the content airs.
Capitalized contentdevelopment costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. Content assets (produced, coproducednet realizable value and licensed) are predominantly monetized as a group on the Company’s linear networksreported in “Film and digital content offerings. For content assets that are predominantly monetized within film groups, the Company evaluates the fair value of content in aggregate at the group level by considering expected future revenue generation typically by using a discounted cash flow analysis when an event or change in circumstances indicates a change in the expected usefulness of the content or that the fair value may be less than unamortized costs. Estimates of future revenues consider historical airing patterns and future plans for airing content, including any changes in strategy. Given the significant estimates and judgments involved, actual demand or market conditions may be less favorable than those projected, requiring a write-down to fair value. Programming and development costs for programs that the Company has determined will not be produced, are fully expensed in the period the determination is made. The Company’s film groups are generally aligned along the Company’s networks and digital content offerings except for certain international territories wherein content assets are shared across the various networks in the territory and therefore, the territory is the film group. The Company’s rights to the Olympic Games are predominantly monetized on their own as the sublicensing of the rights in certain territories is a significant component of the monetization strategy. Beginning in 2020, alltelevision content rights and prepaid license fees are classified as a noncurrent asset, withgames” on the exception of content acquired with an initial license period of 12 months or less and prepaid sports rights expected to air within 12 months. (See "Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Adopted" below and Note 6.)consolidated balance sheets.
Investments
The Company holds investments in equity method investees and equity investments with and without readily determinable fair values. (See Note 10.)
Equity Method Investments
Investments in equity method investees are those for which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary.beneficiary or the entity is not a VIE and the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. Under this method of accounting, the Company typically records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances.
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For certain of the Company's equity method investments, such as investments in renewable energy limited liability companies where the capital structure of the equity investment results in different liquidation rights and priorities than what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests, the Company's proportionate share of net earnings is accounted for using the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value ("HLBV") methodology available under the equity method of accounting. When applying HLBV, the Company determines the amount that would be received if the investment were to liquidate all of its assets and distribute the resulting cash to the investors based on contractually defined liquidation priorities. The change in the Company's claim on the investee's book value in accordance with GAAP at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for any contributions or distributions, is the Company's share of the earnings or losses for the period.
The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. (See "Asset“Asset Impairment Analysis"Analysis” below.)
Equity Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Values
Investments in entities or other securities in which the Company has no control or significant influence and is not the primary beneficiary, and have a readily determinable fair value are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are classified as equity securities or equity investments with readily determinable fair value. (See Note 4.) For equity securities with readily determinableThe investments are measured at fair value realized gainsbased on a quoted market price per unit in active markets multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs (Level 1). Gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense), net.net on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 20.10 and Note 18.)
Equity Investments without Readily Determinable Fair Values
Equity investments without readily determinable fair valuevalues include ownership rights that either (i) do not meet the definition of in-substance common stock or (ii) do not provide the Company with control or significant influence and these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. Equity investments without readily determinable fair valuevalues are recorded at cost less any impairment, and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes as of the date that an observable transaction takes place andplace. Adjustments for observable price changes are recorded in other income (expense), net. (See Note 20.10 and Note 18.)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairments. Internal use software costs are capitalized during the application development stage. Softwarestage; software costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Repairs and maintenance expenditures that do not enhance the use or extend the life of property and equipment are expensed as incurred. Depreciation for most property and equipment is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. (See Note 20.18.)
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU"(“ROU”) assets are included in "Otherother noncurrent assets" and operating lease liabilities are included in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets.assets. Finance lease ROU assets are included in "Propertyproperty and equipment, net"net. Operating and finance lease liabilities are included in “Accrued liabilities”accrued liabilities and “Otherother noncurrent liabilities”liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
A rate implicit in the lease when readily determinable is used in arriving at the present value of lease payments. As most of the Company'sCompany’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at lease commencement date for most of its leases. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the Company's U.S. dollar denominated senior unsecured borrowing curves using public credit ratings adjusted down to a collateralized basis using a combination of recovery rate and credit notching approaches and translated into major contract currencies as applicable.
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The Company'sCompany’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. The Company does not separate lease components from non-lease components across all lease categories. Instead, each separate lease component and non-lease component are accounted for as a single lease component. In addition, variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate are included in measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities at lease inception. All other variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are not included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis. For finance leases, the Company recognizes interest expense on lease liabilities using the effective interest method and amortization of ROU assets on a straight-line basis.
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DISCOVERY, INC.Defined Benefit Plans
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company maintains defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. employees and several non-U.S. pension plans. Defined benefit plan obligations are based on various assumptions used by the Company’s actuaries in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, compensation rate increases, expected return on plan assets, retirement rates and mortality rates. Actual results that differ from the assumptions and changes in assumptions could affect future expenses and obligations.
Asset Impairment Analysis
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill is allocated to the Company'sCompany’s reporting units, which are its operating segments or one level below its operating segments. The Company evaluates goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of October 1, or earlier if an event or other circumstance indicates that it may not recover the carrying value of the asset. If the Company believes that, as a result of its qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or other indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, thea quantitative impairment test is not required. If a qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, a quantitative impairment test is performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded for that reporting unit. The Company has applied the provisions of ASU 2017-04 to quantitative goodwill impairment assessments performed in 2020. (See "Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Adopted" below and Note 7.)
The Companytypically performs a quantitative impairment test every three years, irrespective of the outcome of the Company'sCompany’s qualitative assessment. During 2019, the Company changed its annual impairment testing date from November 30 to October 1. The Company believes the new date is preferable because it aligns the impairment test with the budgeting and quarter-end closing processes. The Company determined it was impracticable to apply the change in accounting principle retrospectively because it could not determine the goodwill estimate for each reporting unit at the new annual goodwill impairment testing date without the use of hindsight. Accordingly, the Company applied the change in accounting principle prospectively. The change in the annual impairment testing date did not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge.
Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets such as amortizing trademarks customer lists,and trade names; affiliate, advertising, and subscriber relationships; franchises and other intangible assets,assets; and property and equipment are not required to be tested for impairment annually, but rather are tested for impairment whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If an impairment analysis is required, the impairment test employed is based on whether the Company’s intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale.
If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test requires a comparison of undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value, which is typically determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with that asset.
If the intent is to hold the asset for sale and certain other criteria are met, the impairment test involves comparing the asset’s carrying value to its estimated fair value less costs to sell. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the difference.
Significant judgments used for long-lived asset impairment assessments include identifying the appropriate asset groupings and primary assets within those groupings, determining whether events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, determining the future cash flows for the assets involved and assumptions applied in determining fair value, which include reasonable discount rates, growth rates, market risk premiums and other assumptions about the economic environment.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Equity Method Investments and Equity Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Value
Equity method investments are reviewed for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Equity method investments are written down to fair value if there is evidence of a loss in value that is other-than-temporary. The Company may estimate the fair value of its equity method investments by considering recent investee equity transactions, discounted cash flowDCF analysis, recent operating results, comparable public company operating cash flow multiples and, in certain situations, balance sheet liquidation values. If the fair value of the investment has dropped below theits carrying amount, management considers several factors when determining whether an other-than-temporary decline has occurred, such as the length of the time and the extent to which the estimated fair value or market value has been below the carrying value, the financial condition and the near-term prospects of the investee, the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the investee for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, and general market conditions. The estimation of fair value and whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred requires the application of significant judgment and future results may vary from current assumptions. If declines in the value of the equity method investments are determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period as a component of loss from equity investees, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For equity investments without readily determinable fair value, investments are recorded at cost less impairment,and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes as of the date that an observable transaction takes place. The Company performs a qualitative assessment on a quarterly basis to determine if an investment is impaired.any observable price changes have occurred. If the qualitative assessment indicates that an investment is impaired,observable price change has occurred, a gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value in the current period as a component of other income (expense), net. (See Note 4.10.)
Derivative Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to modify its exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and from market volatility related to certain equity investments measured at fair value. At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company'sCompany’s intentions and expectations as to the likely effectiveness as a hedge. The three types are:hedge (see Note 13), as follows:
(1) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("(“cash flow hedge"hedge”);
(2) a hedge of net investments in foreign operations ("(“net investment hedge"hedge”); or
(3) an instrument with no hedging designation. (See Note 10.)
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company designates foreign currency forward and option contractsmay designate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges to mitigate foreign currency risk arising from third-party revenue andagreements, intercompany licensing agreements. The Company also designates interest rate contracts usedagreements, production expenses and rebates, or to hedge the interest rate risk for certain senior notes and forecasted debt issuances as cash flow hedges. For foreign exchange forward contractsinstruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, the entire change in the fair value of the forward contract is recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income (loss) and reclassified into the statement of operations in the same line item in which the hedged item is recorded and in the same period as the hedged item affects earnings.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company designates cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forward contractsmay designate derivative instruments as hedges of net investments in foreign operations. The Company assesses the effectiveness forof net investment hedges utilizing the spot-method. The entire change in the fair value of derivatives that qualify as net investment hedges is initially recorded in the currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive (loss) income. While the change in fair value attributable to hedge effectiveness remains in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss until the net investment is sold or liquidated, the change in fair value attributable to components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (e.g., forward points, cross currency basis, etc.) is reflected as a component of interest expense, net in the current period.
No Hedging Designation
The Company may also enter into derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting andor are not designated as hedges. These instruments are intended to mitigate economic exposures due to exogenous events and changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and interest rates.from market volatility related to certain investments measured at fair value. The changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income (expense), net.the statement of operations in the same line item where the hedged risk occurs.
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Financial Statement Presentation
Unsettled derivative contracts are recorded at their gross fair values on the consolidated balance sheets. The portion of the fair value that represents cash flows occurring within one year is classified as current, and the portion related to cash flows occurring beyond one year is classified as noncurrent. Gains and losses on designated cash flow and net investment hedges are initially recognized as components of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets and reclassified into the statements of operations in the same line item in which the hedged item is recorded and in the same period as the hedged item affects earnings. The Company records gains and losses for instruments that receive no hedging designation, as a component of other expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Cash flows from designated derivative instruments used as hedges are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same section as the cash flows of the hedged item. Premiums paid for these instruments and associated settlements are reflected as components of investing cash flows. Cash flows from periodic settlement of interest on cross currency swaps and derivative contracts not designated as hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Effective July 1, 2018, the Company early adopted ASU 2017-12. As a result, the Company changed the method by which it assesses effectiveness for net investment hedges from the forward-method to the spot-method. Previous net losses of $87 million incurred under the forward method related to net investment hedges will remain in other comprehensive loss under the currency translation component and will be reclassified to earnings when the net investment is sold or liquidated.
Treasury Stock
When stock is acquired for purposes other than formal or constructive retirement, the purchase price of the acquired stock is recorded in a separate treasury stock account, which is separately reported as a reduction of equity. Treasury stock held by Discovery prior to the Merger was not retired.
When stock is retired or purchased for formal or constructive retirement, the purchase price is initially recorded as a reduction to the par value of the shares repurchased, with any excess purchase price over par value recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital related to the series of shares repurchased and any remainderremaining excess purchase price recorded as a reduction to retained earnings. If the purchase price exceeds the amounts allocated to par value and additional paid-in capital related to the series of shares repurchased and retained earnings, the remainder is allocated to additional paid-in capital related to other series of shares.
To determine the cost of treasury stock that is either sold or reissued, the Company uses the last in, first out method. If the proceeds from the re-issuance of treasury stock are greater than the cost, the excess is recorded as additional paid-in capital. If the proceeds from re-issuance of treasury stock are less than the cost, the excess cost first reduces any additional paid-in capital arising from previous treasury stock transactions for that class of stock, and any additional excess is recorded as a reduction of retained earnings.
Revenue Recognition
The Company generates revenues principally from: (i) advertising revenue from advertising sold on its television networks, authenticated TVE applications and websites, (ii) distribution revenues from fees charged to distributors of its network content, which include cable, direct-to-home ("DTH") satellite, telecommunications and digital service providers and bundled long-term content arrangements, as well as through DTC subscription services and (iii) other revenue related to several items including: (a) unbundled rights to sales of network content, including sports rights, (b) production studios content development and services, (c) the licensing of the Company's brands for consumer products and (d) affiliate and advertising sales representation services.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised services or goods to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services or goods. Revenues do not include taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities such as sales tax and value-added tax. However, certain revenues include taxes that customers pay to taxing authorities on the Company’s behalf, such as foreign withholding tax. Revenue recognition for each source of revenue is also based on the following policies.
Advertising
Advertising revenues are principally generated from the sale of commercial time on linear (television networks and authenticated TVE applications) and digital platforms.platforms (DTC subscription services and websites). A substantial portion of the linear and digital advertising contracts in the U.S. and certain international markets guarantee the advertiser a minimum audience level that either the program in which their advertisements are aired or the advertisement will reach. On the linear platform, the Company provides a service to deliver an advertising campaign which is satisfied by the provision of a minimum number of advertising spots in exchange for a fixed fee over a contract period of one year or less. The Company delivers spots in accordance with these contracts during a variety of day parts and programs. In the agreements governing these advertising campaigns, the Company has also promised to deliver to its customers a guaranteed minimum number of viewers (“impressions”) on a specific television network within a particular demographic (e.g. men aged 18-35). These advertising campaigns are considered to represent a single, distinct performance obligation. Revenues are recognized based on the guaranteed audience level delivered multiplied by the average price per impression. The Company provides the advertiser with advertising until the guaranteed audience level is delivered, and invoiced advertising revenue receivables may exceed the value of the audience delivery. As such, revenues are deferred until the guaranteed audience level is delivered or the rights associated with the guarantee lapse, which is typically less than one year. Audience guarantees are initially developed internally, based on planned programming, historical audience levels, the success of pilot programs, and market trends. Actual audience and delivery information is published by independent ratings services.
Digital advertising contracts typically contain promises to deliver guaranteed impressions in specific markets against a targeted demographic during a stipulated period of time. If the specified number of impressions is not delivered, the transaction price is reduced by the number of impressions not delivered multiplied by the contractually stated price per impression. Each promise is considered a separate performance obligation. For digital contracts with an audience guarantee, advertising revenues are recognized as impressions are delivered. Actual audience delivery is typically reported by independent third parties.
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For contracts without an audience guarantee, advertising revenues are recognized as each spot airs. The airing of individual spots without a guaranteed audience level are each distinct, individual performance obligations. The Company allocates the consideration to each spot based on its relative standalone selling price. Advertising revenues from digital platforms are recognized as impressions are delivered or the services are performed.
Distribution
Distribution revenues are generated from fees charged to network distributors, which include cable, direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite, telecommunications and digital service providers, and DTC subscribers. Cable operators, DTH satellite operators and telecommunications service providers typically pay royalties via a per-subscriber fee for the right to distribute the Company’s programming under the terms of distribution contracts. The majority of the Company’s distribution fees are collected monthly throughout the year and distribution revenue is recognized over the term of the contracts based on contracted programming rates and reported subscriber levels. The amount of distribution fees due to the Company is reported by distributors based on actual subscriber levels. Such information is generally not received until after the close of the reporting period. In these cases, the Company estimates the number of subscribers receiving the Company’s programming to estimate royalty revenue. Historical adjustments to recorded estimates have not been material. Distribution revenue from fixed-fee contracts is recognized over the contract term based on the continuous delivery of the content to the affiliate. Any monetary incentives provided to distributors other than for distinct goods or services acquired at fair value are recognized as a reduction of revenue over the service term.
Although the delivery of linear feeds and digital DTC products, such as video-on-demand (“VOD”) and authenticated TVE applications, are considered distinct performance obligations within a distribution arrangement, on demandon-demand offerings generally match the programs that are airing on the linear network. Therefore, the Company recognizes revenue for licensing arrangements as the license fee is earned and based on continuous delivery for fixed fee contracts.
For DTC subscription services, the Company recognizes revenue as the license fee is earned over the subscription period.
Revenues associated with digital distribution arrangements are recognized when the Company transfers control of the contentprogramming and the rights to distribute the contentprogramming to the customer.
OtherFor DTC subscription services, the Company recognizes revenue as the service fee is earned over the subscription period.
License feesContent
Content revenues are generated from the release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, the licensing of feature films and television programs to various television, SVOD and other digital markets, distribution of feature films and television programs in the physical and digital home entertainment market, sales of console games and mobile in-game content, sublicensing of sports rights, and licensing of intellectual property such as characters and brands.
In general, fixed payments for the licensing of intellectual property are recognized as revenue at either the inception of the license term or as sales-based royalties as underlying sales occur if the intellectual property has significant standalone functionality (“functional IP,” such as a produced film or television series), or over the corresponding license term if the licensee’s ability to derive utility is dependent upon our continued support of the intellectual property throughout the license term (“symbolic IP,” such as a character or a brand). Feature films may be produced or acquired for initial exhibition in theaters or direct release on our streaming service. Arrangements with theaters for exhibiting a film over a certain period are generally sales-based royalties and recorded as revenue as the underlying sales of the exhibitors occur.
Television programs are initially produced for broadcast networks, cable networks, premium pay services, first-run syndication or streaming services; revenues are recognized when the rights becomeprograms are available for airing. Revenue from production studios is recognized when the content is delivered and available for airing by the customer. Royalties from brand licensing arrangements are earned as products are solduse by the licensee. AffiliateFixed license fee revenues from the subsequent licensing of feature films and ad sales representation servicestelevision programs in the off-network cable, premium pay, syndication, streaming and international television and streaming markets are also recognized as services are provided.
Multiple Performance Obligations
Contracts with customers mayupon availability of the content for use by the licensee. For television/streaming service licenses that include multiple distinct performance obligations. Advertising contracts may include sponsorship, production, or product integration in addition totitles with a fixed license fee across all titles, the airingavailability of spots and/or the satisfaction of an audience guarantee. For such contracts, the contract valueeach title is allocated to individual performance obligations and recorded as revenue when eachconsidered a separate performance obligation, has been satisfied and value has been transferred to the customer. Distribution contracts also include multiple performance obligations. The Company also enters into certain distribution contracts that include promises to deliver content libraries. There are generally two types of such arrangements: 1) content licensing arrangements that include subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) licensing arrangements and 2) digital DTC content (such as VOD and authenticated TVE applications), which is a performance obligation within the Company's linear distribution arrangements. These contracts vary by customer and in certain instances include a promise by the Company to deliver existing content and new content. For SVOD arrangements, revenuefixed fee is allocated to each performance obligation based on that performance obligation's relative standalone selling price. Intitle and recognized as revenue when the case of VOD and digital DTC content, contenttitle is regularly refreshed overavailable for use by the licensee. When the term of an existing agreement is renewed or extended, revenues are recognized when the agreement, as new titleslicensed content becomes available under the renewal or extension. Certain arrangements (e.g., certain pay-TV/SVOD licenses) may include variable license fees that are added and older titles are removed. Consequently, satisfactionbased on sales of the performance obligationslicensee; these are recognized as revenue as the applicable underlying sales occur.
Revenues from home entertainment sales of feature films and television programs in physical format are generally occursrecognized at the later of the delivery date or the date when made widely available for sale or rental by retailers (“street date”) based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. The provision is based on management’s estimates by analyzing vendor sales of our product, historical return trends, current economic conditions and changes in customer demand. Revenues from the licensing of television programs and films for electronic sell-through or video-on-demand are recognized when the product has been purchased by and made available to the consumer to either download or stream.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Revenues from sales of console games generally follow the same recognition methods as film and television programs in the same patternhome entertainment market. Revenues from digital sales of in-game purchases are assessed for deferral based on type of digital item purchased (e.g., consumable vs. durable) and estimated life of consumer game play and recognized upon purchase or
over time as applicable.
Revenues from the licensing of intellectual property such as characters or brands (e.g., for merchandising or theme parks) are
recognized either straight-line over the license term or as the deliverylicensee’s underlying product sales occur (sales-based royalty) depending on which method is most reflective of the linear feed.earnings process.
Deferred RevenueContract Assets and Liabilities
A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Company’s right to bill and receive consideration and that right is conditioned upon something other than the passage of time. A contract liability, such as deferred revenue, is recorded when the Company has recorded billings in conjunction with its contractual right or when cash is received in advance of the Company’s performance.
Deferred revenue primarily consists of TV/SVOD content licensing arrangements where the content has not yet been made available to the customer, consumer products and themed experience licensing arrangements with fixed payments, advance payment for DTC subscriptions, and cash received for television advertising for which the guaranteed viewership has not been provided, product licensing arrangements in which fee collections are in excess of the license value provided, and advanced fees received related to the sublicensing of Olympic rights.provided. The amounts classified as current are expected to be earned within the next year.
Payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or services and customer types, the Company requires payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer.
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Share-Based Compensation Expense
The Company has incentive plans under which performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), service-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock options, and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) aremay be issued. In addition, the Company offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"“ESPP”). Share-based compensation expense for all awards is recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Forfeitures for all awards are recognized as incurred. Excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options and vested RSUs, PRSUs and the ESPP are reported as cash inflows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
PRSUs
VestingPRSUs represent the contingent right to receive shares of WBD common stock, and vest over one year based on continuous service and the attainment of qualitative and quantitative performance targets. The number of PRSUs that vest typically ranges from 0% to 100% based on a sliding scale where achieving or exceeding the performance target will result in 100% of the PRSUs vesting and achieving less than 70% of the target will result in no portion of the PRSUs vesting. Additionally, for certain PRSUs, is subject to satisfying objective operating performance conditions orthe Company’s Compensation Committee has discretion in determining the final number of units that vest, but may not increase the amount of any PRSU award above 100%. Upon vesting, each PRSU becomes convertible into one share of WBD common stock. Holders of PRSUs do not receive payments of dividends in the event the Company pays a combinationcash dividend until such PRSUs are converted into shares of objective and subjective operating performance conditions. WBD common stock.
Compensation expense for PRSUs is based on the fair value of the Company’s Series A and CWBD common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for PRSUs that vest based on achieving subjective operating performance conditions or in situations where the executive is able tomay withhold taxes in excess of the maximum statutory requirement, is remeasured at fair value each reporting period until the award is settled. Compensation expense for all PRSUs is recognized ratably following a graded vesting pattern duringover the vesting period only when it is probable that the operating performance conditions will be achieved. The Company records a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense for PRSUs if there is a change in the determination of the probability that the operating performance conditions will be achieved.
RSUs
RSUs represent the contingent right to receive shares of WBD common stock, substantially all of which vest ratably each year over periods of three to five years based on continuous service. Compensation expense for RSUs is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant and is recognized ratably during the vesting period.
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock Options and SARs
Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to or in excess of the closing market price of WBD common stock on the date of grant. Stock options vest ratably over four years from the grant date based on continuous service and expire seven years from the date of grant. Stock option awards generally provide for accelerated vesting upon retirement or after reaching a specified age and years of service. Compensation expense for stock options is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant and is recognized ratably during the vesting period.
SARs are cash-settled and Stock Options
entitle the holder to receive a cash payment for the amount by which the price of WBD common stock exceeds the base price established on the grant date. Cash-settled SARs are granted with a base price equal to or greater than the closing market price of WBD common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for SARs is based on the fair value of the award. Because certain SARs are cash-settled, the Company remeasures the fair value of these awards each reporting period until settlement. Compensation expense for SARs, including changes in fair value, is recognized during the vesting period in proportion to the requisite service that has been rendered as of the reporting date. For awards with graded vesting, the Company measures fair value and records compensation expense separately for each vesting tranche.
Compensation expense for stock options is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant and is recognized ratably during the vesting period.
The fair values of SARsstock options and stock optionsSARs are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Because the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the use of subjective assumptions, changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value of awards. For SARs, the expected term is the period from the grant date to the end of the contractual term of the award unless the terms of the award allow for cash-settlement automatically on the date the awards vest, in which case the vesting date is used. For stock options the simplified method is utilized to calculate the expected term, since the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term. The simplified method considers the period from the date of grant through the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term of the award. Expected volatility is based on a combination of implied volatilities from traded options on the Company’sWBD common stock and historical realized volatility of the Company’sWBD common stock. The dividend yield is assumed to be 0zero because the Company has no history of paying cash dividends and no present intention to pay dividends. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the award.
ESPP
The ESPP enables eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’sWBD common stock through payroll deductions or other permitted means. The Company recognizes the fair value of the discount associated with shares purchased under the ESPP as share-based compensation expense.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as promotional services are deliveredincurred and are presented in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs paid to third parties totaled $412$2,519 million, $390$1,247 million and $355$412 million for years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 2019respectively.
Collaborative Arrangements
The Company’s collaborative arrangements primarily relate to arrangements entered into with third parties to jointly finance and 2018, respectively.distribute certain theatrical and television productions and an arrangement entered into with CBS Broadcasting, Inc. (“CBS”) surrounding The National Collegiate Athletic Association (the “NCAA”).
The arrangement among Turner, CBS and the NCAA provides Turner and CBS with rights to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament (the “NCAA Tournament”) in the U.S. and its territories and possessions through 2032. The aggregate programming rights fee, production costs, advertising revenues and sponsorship revenues related to the NCAA Tournament and related programming are shared equally by the Company and CBS. However, if the amount paid for the programming rights fee and production costs in any given year exceeds advertising and sponsorship revenues for that year, CBS’ share of such shortfall is limited to specified annual caps. No amounts were recorded pursuant to the loss cap during the year ended December 31, 2022 since the most recent cap was finalized prior to the Merger. In accounting for this arrangement, the Company records advertising revenue for the advertisements aired on its networks and amortizes its share of the programming rights fee based on the estimated relative value of each season over the term of the arrangement.
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Co-financing arrangements generally represent the assignment of an economic interest in a film or television series to a producing partner. The Company generally records the amounts received for the assignment of an interest as a reduction of production cost, as the partner assumes the risk for their share of the film or series asset. The substance of these arrangements is that the third-party partner owns an interest in the film or series; therefore, in each period, the Company reflects in the consolidated statements of operations either a charge or benefit to cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization to reflect the estimate of the third-party partner’s interest in the profits or losses incurred on the film or series using the individual film forecast method, based on the terms of the arrangement. On occasion, the Company acquires the economic interest in a film from a producing partner; in this case, the Company capitalizes the acquisition cost as a content asset in film and television content rights and games and accounts for the third-party partner’s share in applicable distribution results as described above. For our collaborative arrangements entered into with third parties to jointly finance and distribute certain theatrical and television productions, net participation costs of$276 millionwere recorded in cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes are measured using rates the Company expects to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not such assets will be unrealized. The Company also engaged in transactions that make the Company eligible for federal investment tax credits. The Company accounts for federal investment tax credits under the flow-through method, under which the tax benefit generated from an investment tax credit is recorded in the period the credit is generated.
From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be uncertain. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, the Company'sCompany’s tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities.
In determining the Company'sCompany’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless the Company determines that such positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. The Company includes interest and where appropriate, penalties, in itsas a component of income tax reserves.expense on the consolidated statements of operations. There is significant judgment involved in determining the amount of reserve and whether positions taken on the Company'sCompany’s tax returns are more likely than not to be sustained, which involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the potential outcome of positions taken on tax returns that may be reviewed by tax authorities. The Company adjusts its tax reserve estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations.
Concentrations Risk
Customers
The Company has long-term contracts with distributors around the world. For the U.S. Networks segment, 95% of distribution revenue comes from the 10 largest distributors. Agreements in place with the 10 largest cable and satellite operators with the U.S. Networks expire at various times from 2021 through 2023. Although the Company seeks to renew its agreements with its distributors prior to expiration of a contract, a delay in securing a renewal that results in a service disruption, a failure to secure a renewal or a renewal on less favorable terms may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Not only could the Company experience a reduction in distribution revenue, but it could also experience a reduction in advertising revenue, as viewership is impacted by affiliate subscriber levels.
No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated revenues for 2020, 20192022, 2021 or 2018.2020. The Company had two customers that represented more than 10% of distribution revenue in 2022, which in aggregate totaled 26%. As of December 31, 20202022 and 2019,2021, the Company’s trade receivables do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk as the customers and markets in which the Company operates are varied and dispersed across many geographic areas.
Financial Institutions
Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to the risk that the counterparties to outstanding derivative financial instruments will default on their obligations. The Company manages 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 outstanding derivative financial instruments is spread across a relatively broad counterparty base of banks and financial institutions. The Company also has a limited number of arrangements where collateral is required to be posted in the instance that certain fair value thresholds are exceeded. As of December 31, 2020,2022, the Company had posted $31$49 million of collateral under these arrangements. As of December 31, 2020,2022, the Company'sCompany’s exposure to counterparty credit risk included derivative assets with an aggregate fair value of $97$186 million. (See Note 10.13.)
.
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Adopted
Content
In March 2019, the Financial Standards Accounting Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-02, which generally aligns the accounting for production costs of episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, ASU 2019-02 modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 926-20 and the impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC 920-350. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 and will apply the provisions prospectively. In connection with this adoption, the Company elected to treat all content rights and prepaid license fees as a noncurrent asset, with the exception of content acquired with an initial license period of 12 months or less and prepaid sports rights expected to air within 12 months. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $532 million and $579 million, respectively, of content rights and prepaid license fees were reflected as a current asset. The Company determined that most of its content is exploited as part of film groups. For such content assets, the unit of account for the impairment assessment is the respective film group. There was no material impact upon adoption to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. (See Note 6.)
Goodwill
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the former two-step goodwill impairment test and eliminating the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment. Therefore, an entity will recognize impairment charges for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded for that reporting unit. Goodwill impairment will no longer be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value determined by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if it had been acquired in a business combination. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 and has applied the provisions to quantitative goodwill impairment assessments performed in 2020. (See Note 7.)
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities and loans and replaces the incurred loss methodology with a new, forward-looking “expected loss” model that considers the risk of loss over the asset’s contractual life, even if remote, historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future relevant events. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach and recorded a noncash cumulative effect of adoption as an increase to retained earnings of $2 million to align its credit loss methodology with the new standard. (See Note 14.)
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires lessees to recognize almost all of their leases on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and lease liability. The guidance also requires improved disclosures to help users of the financial statements better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and elected to apply the guidance at the effective date without recasting the comparative periods presented. Additionally, the Company elected to apply practical expedients allowing it to not reassess: 1) whether any expired or existing contracts previously assessed as not containing leases are, or contain, leases; 2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and 3) initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company also elected to not separate lease components from non-lease components across all lease categories. Instead, each separate lease component and non-lease component are accounted for as a single lease component. The Company did not elect to apply the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing the right-of-use assets for impairment. Additionally, the Company did not elect to apply the short-term lease scope exemption.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606"), which updates numerous requirements in U.S. GAAP, eliminates industry-specific guidance, and provides companies with a single model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of Topic 606 is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also addresses the accounting for costs incurred as part of obtaining or fulfilling a contract with a customer by adding ASC Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs: Contracts with Customers, and requiring that costs of obtaining a contract be recognized as an asset and amortized as goods and services are transferred to the customer, as long as the costs are expected to be recovered.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. Revenues do not include taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities such as sales tax and value-added tax. However, certain revenues include taxes that customers pay to taxing authorities on the Company’s behalf, such as foreign withholding tax.
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
LIBOR
In March 2020, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-04, which provides temporaryguidance providing optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships, and other transactions if certain criteria are met in order to ease the potential accounting and financial reporting burden associated with the expected market transition away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. Additionally, in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which clarifies the scope of Topic 848 and allows entities to elect certain optional expedients and exceptions when accountingThe guidance is for derivative contracts and certain hedging relationships affected by changes in the interest rates. These ASUs are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and may not be applied to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022. The Company is currently assessingapplied the impact ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, if elected.relevant provisions of the guidance to hedge relationships that were subsequently terminated in the first quarter of 2022.
Convertible Instruments
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which simplifiesguidance simplifying the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. ASU 2020-06 alsoThe guidance amends the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions, requires the use of the if-converted method for calculating earnings per share for convertible instruments, and makes targeted improvements to the disclosures for convertible instruments and related earnings per share guidance. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2022 and there was no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Government Assistance
In November 2021, the FASB issued guidance requiring disclosure for transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy to other guidance. The annual disclosures include the nature of the transactions, significant terms and conditions, accounting treatment and impacted financial statement lines reflecting the impact of the transactions. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2022, and no additional disclosures were required. The Company receives production incentives that are analogous to investment tax credits. (See Film and Television Content Rights policy above.)
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Supplier Finance Programs
In September 2022, the FASB issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for supplier finance program obligations. This ASUguidance provides specific authoritative guidance for disclosure of supplier finance programs, including key terms of such programs, amounts outstanding, and where the obligations are presented in the statement of financial position. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption2022, including interim periods, except for the disclosure of roll forward information, which is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal yearseffective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020.2023. Certain components of this guidance must be applied retrospectively, while others may be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessingevaluating the impact ASU 2020-06this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
NOTE 3. EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
Common Stock Issued in Connection with the WarnerMedia Merger
Prior to the Merger, Discovery had three series of common stock authorized, issued, and outstanding - Series A common stock, Series B convertible common stock, and Series C common stock - and two series of preferred stock authorized, issued, and outstanding - Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock. In connection with the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B convertible common stock, and Discovery Series C common stock, was reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, and each issued and outstanding share of Discovery Series A-1 convertible preferred stock (“Series A-1 Preferred Stock”) and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock was reclassified and automatically converted into 13.1135 and 19.3648 shares of WBD common stock, respectively.
The Merger required the consent of Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership under Discovery’s certificate of incorporation as the sole holder of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock. In connection with Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership’s entry into the consent agreement and related forfeiture of the significant rights attached to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock in the reclassification of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into common stock, it received an increase to the number of shares of common stock of the Company into which the Series A-1 Preferred Stock converted. The impact of the issuance of such additional shares of common stock was $789 million and was recorded as a transaction expense in selling, general and administrative expense upon the closing of the Merger.
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On April 8, 2022, the Company issued 1.7 billion shares of WBD common stock as consideration paid for the acquisition of WM. (See Note 4).
Repurchase Programs
Common Stock
Under the Company’s stock repurchase program, management is authorized to purchase shares of WBD common stock from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices, pursuant to one or more accelerated stock repurchase agreements, or other derivative arrangements as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to stock price, business and market conditions and other factors.
In February 2020, the Company’s board of directors authorized additional stock repurchases of up to $2 billion upon completion of its existing $1 billion repurchase authorization announced in May 2019. All common stock repurchases, including prepaid common stock repurchase contracts, have been made through open market transactions and have been recorded as treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not repurchase any of its common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 41.6 million shares of its common stock for $965 million. Over the life of the Company’s repurchase programs and prior to the Merger and conversion of Discovery common stock to WBD common stock, the Company had repurchased 3 million and 229 million shares of Discovery Series A and Discovery Series C common stock, respectively, for the aggregate purchase price of $171 million and $8.2 billion, respectively.
Earnings Per Share
All share and per share amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the reclassification and automatic conversion into WBD common stock, except for Series A-1 Preferred Stock, which has not been recast because the conversion of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into WBD common stock in connection with the Merger was considered a discrete event and treated prospectively.
The table below sets forth the Company’s calculated earnings per share (in millions). Earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Numerator:
Net (loss) income$(7,297)$1,197 $1,355 
Less:
Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock(49)(110)(128)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(68)(138)(124)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(6)(53)(12)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value)— 16 — 
Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share$(7,420)$912 $1,091 
Add:
Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders— 110 128 
Net (loss) income allocated to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted net (loss) income per share$(7,420)$1,022 $1,219 
Denominator — weighted average:
Common shares outstanding — basic1,940 588 599 
Impact of assumed preferred stock conversion— 71 71 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards— 
Common shares outstanding — diluted1,940 664 672 
Basic net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders$(3.82)$1.55 $1.82 
Diluted net (loss) income per share allocated to common stockholders$(3.82)$1.54 $1.81 
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The table below presents the details of share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Anti-dilutive share-based awards49 17 24 
NOTE 3.4. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
Acquisitions
UKTV - Lifestyle BusinessWarnerMedia
On June 11, 2019,April 8, 2022, the Company and BBC Studios (“BBC”) dissolved their 50/50 joint venture, UKTV, a British multi-channel broadcaster,completed its Merger with the Company taking full controlWarnerMedia Business of UKTV’s three lifestyle channels (the “Lifestyle Business”)AT&T. The Merger was executed through a Reverse Morris Trust type transaction, under which WM was distributed to AT&T’s shareholders via a pro-rata distribution, and BBC taking full controlimmediately thereafter, combined with Discovery.
Discovery was deemed to be the accounting acquirer of UKTV’s seven entertainment channels (the "Entertainment Business"). Prior toWM. In identifying Discovery as the transaction, the Company held a note receivable from UKTV of $118 million, which was included in equity method investments inaccounting acquirer, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Concurrent withconclusion was based primarily upon the transaction,following facts: (1) Discovery initiated the noteMerger, was settled.
To compensate Discovery for the note receivablelegal acquirer of Magallanes, Inc., (“Spinco”), and for the difference in fair value between the Lifestyle Businesstransferred equity consideration to Spinco stockholders, (2) AT&T received $40.5 billion of consideration (subject to working capital and the Entertainment Business retained by BBC, Discovery received cash of $88 million at closing and a note receivable from BBC of $130 million, payable in 2 equal installments. The first installment was received in June 2020 and the second installment is due in June 2021. The Company used a market-based valuation model to determine the fair value of the previously held 50% equity method investment in the Lifestyle Business and recognized a gain of $5 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the of the previously held equity interest. The gain is included in other income (expense), net in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to the Lifestyle Business, whereby the excess of the fair value of the business over the fair value of identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. The goodwill reflects the workforce and synergies expected from broader exposure to the lifestyle entertainment sector in the U.K. The goodwill recordedadjustments) as part of this acquisition is includedits disposition of the WarnerMedia Business, (3) the Chief Executive Officer of Discovery continued as Chief Executive Officer of the combined Company after the Merger and was primarily responsible for appointing the rest of the executive management team of the combined Company, and the Chief Financial Officer of Discovery continued as Chief Financial Officer of the combined Company, (4) no stockholder or group of stockholders held a controlling interest in WBD and a key Discovery stockholder was the largest minority interest in WBD after the completion of the Merger, and (5) AT&T had no input on the strategic direction and management of the combined Company after the completion of the Merger. The above facts were deemed to outweigh the fact that the holders of shares of Spinco common stock that received shares of WBD common stock in the International Networks reportable segmentMerger in the aggregate owned a majority of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and is not amortizable for tax purposes. Intangibleassociated voting rights after the Merger.
The Merger combined WM’s premium entertainment, sports, and news assets consist of electronic program guide slotswith Discovery’s leading non-fiction and trademarksinternational entertainment and have a weighted average useful life of 6 years.sports businesses. The Company used discounted cash flow ("DCF") analyses, which represent Level 3 fair value measurements,expects this broad, worldwide portfolio of brands, coupled with its DTC potential and the attractiveness of the combined assets, to assess certainresult in increased market penetration globally. The Merger is also expected to create significant cost synergies for the Company.
Purchase Price
The following table summarizes the components of itsthe aggregate purchase price allocation. The measurement period closed in June 2020, with no material adjustments recorded.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The final fair value of Lifestyle Business assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as a reconciliationconsideration paid to total assets received in dissolution of the UKTV joint venture, is presented in the table belowacquire WM (in millions).
CashFair value of WBD common stock issued to AT&T shareholders (1)
$42,309 
Estimated fair value of share-based compensation awards attributable to pre-combination services (2)
94 
Settlement of preexisting relationships (3)
(27)
Purchase consideration$17 
Content rights18 
Intangible assets34 
Goodwill121 
Accrued liabilities(12)
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed in Lifestyle Business178 
Note receivable from BBC130 
Cash received88 
Net assets received in dissolution of UKTV joint venture$39642,376 
(1)The fair value of WBD common stock issued to AT&T shareholders represents approximately 1,732 million shares of WBD common stock multiplied by the closing share price for Discovery Series A summarycommon stock of total assets derecognized in connection with$24.43 on Nasdaq on the dissolutionClosing Date. The number of the UKTV joint venture is presentedshares of WBD common stock issued in the table below (in millions).
Carrying value of UKTV equity method investment$278 
Settlement of note receivable118 
Total assets derecognized in dissolution of UKTV joint venture$396 
In connection withMerger was determined based on the above transaction, the Company contemporaneously entered into a ten-year content licensing arrangement with BBC in exchange for license fees over the term.
Scripps Networks
On March 6, 2018, Discovery acquired Scripps Networks. The acquisitionnumber of Scripps Networks allows the Company to offer complementary brands with an extensive library of original programming to consumers and to become a scale player with the ability to compete for audiences and advertising revenue. The acquisition is intended to extend Scripps Networks' content to a broader international audience through Discovery's global distribution infrastructure. Finally, the acquisition of Scripps Networks has created cost synergies for the Company.
The consideration paid for the acquisition of Scripps Networks consisted of the following:
(i)     for Scripps Networks shareholders that did not make an election or elected to receive the mixed consideration, $65.82 in cash and 1.0584fully diluted shares of Discovery, Series CInc. common stock for each Scripps Networksimmediately prior to the closing of the Merger, multiplied by the quotient of 71%/29%.
(2)This amount represents the value of AT&T restricted stock unit awards that were not vested and were replaced by WBD restricted stock unit awards with similar terms and conditions as the original AT&T awards. The conversion was based on the ratio of the volume-weighted average per share
(ii)    for Scripps Networks shareholders that elected to receive the cash consideration, $90.00 in cash for each Scripps Networks share,
(iii) for Scripps Networks shareholders that elected to receive the stock consideration, 3.9392 shares closing price of Discovery Series CAT&T common stock for each Scripps Networkson the ten trading days prior to the Closing Date and the volume-weighted average per share and
(iv) transaction costs that Discovery paid for costs incurred by Scripps Networks in conjunction withclosing price of WBD common stock on the acquisition.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ten trading days following the Closing Date. The following table summarizes the componentsfair value of replacement equity-based awards attributable to pre-Merger service was recorded as part of the aggregate consideration paidtransferred in the Merger. See Note 15 for additional information.
(3)The amount represents the acquisitioneffective settlement of Scripps Networks (in millionsoutstanding payables and receivables between the Company and WM. No gain or loss was recognized upon settlement as amounts were determined to be reflective of dollars and shares, except for per share amounts, share conversion ratio and stock option conversion ratio).
Scripps Networks equityfair market value.
Scripps Networks shares outstanding131 
Cash consideration per Scripps Networks share$65.82 
Cash portion of consideration$8,590 
Scripps Networks shares outstanding131 
Share conversion ratio per Scripps Networks share1.0584
Discovery Series C common stock138 
Discovery Series C common stock price per share$23.01 
Equity portion of consideration$3,179 
Shares awarded under Scripps Networks share-based compensation programs
Scripps Networks share-based compensation awards converting to cash
Average cash consideration per share awarded less applicable exercise price$46.90 
Cash portion of consideration$88 
Scripps Networks share-based compensation awards
Share-based compensation conversion ratio (based on intrinsic value per award)
Discovery Series C common stock issued (1) or share-based compensation converted (2)
Average equity value (intrinsic value of Discovery Series C common stock or options to be issued)$15.19 
Share-based compensation equity value$51 
Less: post-combination compensation expense(12)
Equity portion of consideration39 
Scripps Networks transaction costs paid by Discovery117 
Total consideration paid$12,013 
Balances reflect rounding of dollar and share amounts to millions, which may result in differences for recalculated standalone amounts compared with the amounts presented above. In August 2022, the Company and AT&T finalized the post-closing working capital settlement process, pursuant to section 1.3 of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, which resulted in the Company receiving a $1.2 billion payment from AT&T in the third quarter of 2022. The working capital settlement was recorded in other current assets in the preliminary purchase price allocation.
82

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Purchase Price Allocation
The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to Scripps Networks' business,WM, whereby the excess of the fair value of the businesspurchase price paid over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill reflects the assembled workforce and synergies expected fromof WM as well as revenue enhancements, cost savings operations and revenue enhancements of the combined companyoperating synergies that are expected to result from the acquisition.Merger. The goodwill recorded as part of this acquisition wasthe Merger has been provisionally allocated to the U.S.Studios, Networks and International NetworksDTC reportable segments in the amounts of $5.3 billion$9,047 million, $7,076 million and $817$5,618 million, respectively, and is not amortizabledeductible for tax purposes.
The purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to change. The Company used DCF analyses,is still refining certain estimates related to income taxes and other limited areas. The Company reflects measurement period adjustments in the period in which represent Level 3the adjustments occur, and the Company will finalize its accounting for the Merger within one year of the Closing Date. The measurement period adjustments were primarily related to content, taxes, investments, capitalized interest and the true-up of accrued liabilities. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, measurement period adjustments, and a reconciliation to total consideration transferred is presented in the table below (in millions).
Preliminary
April 8, 2022
Measurement Period
Adjustments
Updated Preliminary
April 8, 2022
Cash$2,419 $(10)$2,409 
Accounts receivable4,224 (62)4,162 
Other current assets4,619 (148)4,471 
Film and television library28,729 (343)28,386 
Property and equipment4,260 13 4,273 
Goodwill21,513 228 21,741 
Intangible assets44,889 100 44,989 
Other noncurrent assets5,206 337 5,543 
Current liabilities(10,544)(1)(10,545)
Debt assumed(41,671)(9)(41,680)
Deferred income taxes(13,264)532 (12,732)
Other noncurrent liabilities(8,004)(637)(8,641)
Total consideration paid$42,376 $— $42,376 
83

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using the income, cost, and market approaches. The fair value measurements to assess certain components of its purchase price allocation. The fair value of equity interests previously held by Scripps Networks was determined usingwere primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, such as discounted cash flow analyses, and thus represent a Level 3 measurement. Significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow analyses and market value methods. The fair valueother areas of trade-names and trademarks was determined using an income approach based on the relief from royalty method; the remaining intangibles were determined using an income approach based on the excess earnings method. The fair value of interest-bearing debt was determined using publicly-traded prices. For the fair value estimates, the Company used:judgment include (i) projected discounted cash flows, (ii) historical and projected financial information, (ii) discount rates used to present value future cash flows, (iii) royalty rates, (iv) projected revenue attributable to affiliate contracts and related renewals, (v) synergies, including cost savings, (vi) tax rates, (vii) economic useful life of assets, and (iv)(viii) attrition rates, as relevant, that market participants would consider when estimating fair values. In March 2019, the Company finalizedThe following are the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Measurement period adjustments were reflected in the periods in which the adjustments occurred. The adjustments resulted from the receipt of additional financial projections associated with certain equity method investments, contingent liability estimates, deferred income tax adjustments, and true-ups for estimated working capital balances. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, measurement period adjustments, as well as a reconciliation to consideration paid is presented in the table below (in millions).
83

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PreliminaryMeasurement Period AdjustmentsFinal
Accounts receivable$783 $$783 
Other current assets421 (9)412 
Content rights1,088 (14)1,074 
Property and equipment315 315 
Goodwill6,003 154 6,157 
Intangible assets9,175 9,175 
Equity method investments, including note receivable870 (157)713 
Other noncurrent assets111 115 
Current liabilities assumed(494)(105)(599)
Debt assumed(2,481)(2,481)
Deferred income taxes(1,695)123 (1,572)
Other noncurrent liabilities(383)(379)
Noncontrolling interests(1,700)(1,700)
Total consideration paid$12,013 $$12,013 

The table below presents a summary of intangible assets acquired and weighted average estimated useful life of these assets.
Fair ValueWeighted Average Useful Life in Years
Trademarks and trade names$1,225 10
Advertiser relationships4,995 10
Advertising backlog280 1
Affiliate relationships2,455 12
Broadcast licenses220 6
Total intangible assets acquired$9,175 

Magnolia Discovery Ventures
On July 19, 2019, the Company contributed its linear cable network focused on home improvement, DIY Network, to a new joint venture, Magnolia Discovery Ventures, LLC ("Magnolia"), with Chip and Joanna Gaines acting as Chief Creative Officers to the joint venture. The joint venture is expected to replace and rebrand the DIY Network, and include a TVE app and a subscription streaming service planned for a future date.
Upon formation of Magnolia, Discovery received a 75% ownership interest in the joint venture. In exchange for providing services and exclusivity to the joint venture, the Gaines received a 25% ownership interest in the joint venture, a put right after 6.5 years at fair value, potential for an additional 5% incentive equity, and certain guaranteed payments. Discovery consolidated the joint venture under the voting interest consolidation model. Payments to the Gaines for rendering services in their capacity as the Chief Creative Officers of the joint venture will be accounted for as liability-classified share-based awards to non-employees as services are rendered.
Golf Digest
On May 13, 2019, the Company paid $36 million in cash to acquire Golf Digest, a leading golf brand whose content is available across multiple platforms, including print and social media. The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to Golf Digest, and recorded net assets of $36 million, including net working capital liabilities of $12 million, intangible assets of $25 million and goodwill of $23 million. The measurement period closed in May 2020, with no material adjustments recorded. Intangible assets consist of trademarks and trade names and licensing agreements and have a weighted average useful life of 9 years. The goodwill reflects the workforce and synergies expected from broader exposure to the golf entertainment sector. The goodwill recorded as part of this acquisition is included in the International Networks reportable segment and is not amortizable for tax purposes.
84

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Play Sports Group Limited
On January 8, 2019, the Company acquired a controlling interest in Play Sports Group Limited, increasing Discovery's ownership stake from 20.1% to 70.7%. The Company recognized a gain of $8 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, which represents the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the previously held 20.1% equity method investment. The gain is included in other income (expense), net in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. The measurement period closed in January 2020, with no material adjustments recorded.
Other
During 2018, 2019, and 2020, the Company completed other immaterial acquisitions.
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma information has been presented as if the acquisition of Scripps Networks occurred on January 1, 2017. Pro forma information for the Company's other acquisitions was not material. The information is based on the historical results of operations of the acquired businesses, adjusted for:
1.The allocation of purchase price and related adjustments, including adjustments to amortization expense related to the fair value of intangible assets acquired and the recognition of the noncontrolling interests;
2.Impacts of debt financing, including interest for debt issued and amortization associated with the fair value adjustments of debt assumed;
3.The movement and allocation of all acquisition-related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018 to the year ended December 31, 2017;
4.Associated tax-related impacts of adjustments; and
5.Changes to align accounting policies.
The pro forma results do not necessarily represent what would have occurred if the acquisition of Scripps Networks had taken place on January 1, 2017, nor do they represent the results that may occur in the future. The pro forma adjustments were based on available information and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable to reflect the impact of this acquisition on the Company's historical financial information on a supplemental pro forma basis (in millions). The following table presents the Company's pro forma combined revenues and net income (in millions, except per share value). Pro forma results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are not presented below because the results for Scripps Networks are included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations for those years.approaches followed:
CategoryYear Ended December 31, 2018Valuation Method
RevenuesTrade names$Relief from royalty method of the income approach
Film and TV content library11,176 Multi-period excess earnings method of the income approach; net book value
Net income available to Discovery, Inc.Affiliate relationships823 Multi-period excess earnings method of the income approach
Net income per share - basicFranchises1.15 Multi-period excess earnings method of the income approach
Net income per share - dilutedOther intangible assets1.15 Multi-period excess earnings method of the income approach
Licensed contentNet book value method
Licensed sports rightsDifferential method, a form of the incremental income approach
Recovery rate for advertiser relationshipsWith-or-without method, a form of the income approach, recovery rate of 4 years
In-place advertising networksWith-or-without method, a form of the income approach
Subscriber relationshipsReplacement cost method of the cost approach
Real estate, property and equipmentCost approach or the income approach, which estimates the value of property based on the income it generates or the market approach, which determines values based on comparable assets purchased under similar conditions
Current and noncurrent debt assumed comprising existing debt of WM,
the Term Loan, and the Notes
Quoted prices for identical or similar securities in active markets
ImpactThe table below presents a summary of Business Combinationintangible assets acquired, exclusive of content assets, and the weighted average useful life of these assets.
Fair ValueWeighted Average Useful Life in Years
Trade names$21,084 34
Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships14,800 6
Franchises7,900 35
Other intangible assets1,205 
Total intangible assets acquired$44,989 
The operationsCompany incurred transaction-related costs of Scripps Networks discussed above$406 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. These costs were associated with legal and professional services and were recognized as operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the expense related to the issuance of additional shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of Advance/Newhouse Programming’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock was $789 million and was recorded as a transaction expense in selling, general and administrative expense upon the closing of the Merger. (See Note 3.)
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As a result of the Merger, WM’s assets, liabilities, and operations were included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as offrom the acquisition date of March 6, 2018.Closing Date. The following table presents theWM revenue and earnings for Scripps Networks as reported within the consolidated financial statements (in millions).
Year endedEnded December 31, 20182022
Revenues:
Advertising$2,1632,849 
Distribution79510,980 
Content10,001 
Other90720 
Total revenues$24,550 
3,048 Inter-segment eliminations(2,225)
Net incomerevenues$22,325 
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.$204 (7,202)
85

DISCOVERY, INC.Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe following unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents the combined results of the Company and WM as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is presented for informational purposes and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2021, nor is it indicative of future results. The following table presents the Company’s pro forma combined revenues and net loss (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Revenues$43,095 $45,326 
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.(5,359)(3,750)
The unaudited pro forma combined financial information includes, where applicable, adjustments for (i) additional costs of revenues from the fair value step-up of film and television library, (ii) additional amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, (iii) additional depreciation expense from the fair value of property and equipment, (iv) transaction costs and other one-time non-recurring costs, (v) additional interest expense for borrowings related to the Merger and amortization associated with fair value adjustments of debt assumed, (vi) changes to align accounting policies, (vii) elimination of intercompany activity, and (viii) associated tax-related impacts of adjustments. These pro forma adjustments are based on available information as of the date hereof and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable to reflect the impact of the Merger with WM on the Company's historical financial information on a supplemental pro forma basis. Adjustments do not include costs related to integration activities, cost savings or synergies that have been or may be achieved by the combined business.
Dispositions
Education Business
In 2018,October 2022, the Company sold an 88% controlling equityits 49% stake in its education business to Francisco PartnersGolden Maple Limited (known as Tencent Video VIP) for a sale priceproceeds of $113 million. The Company$143 million and recorded a gain of $84$55 million, based on net assets disposedand in April 2022 completed the sale of $44its minority interest in Discovery Education for proceeds of $138 million including $40 millionand recorded a gain of goodwill.$133 million.
Also, in September 2022, the Company sold 75% of its interest in The impactCW Network to Nexstar Media Inc. (“Nexstar”), in exchange for Nexstar agreeing to fund a majority of The CW Network’s expenses and the retention of the education business onCompany’s share of certain receivables that existed prior to the Company's income before income taxestransaction. There was a loss of $2 million forno cash consideration exchanged in the year ended December 31, 2018. Discoverytransaction. The Company recorded an immaterial gain and retained a 12%12.5% ownership interest in the education business,The CW Network, which is accounted for as an equity method investment. Discovery has long-term trade name license agreements with the education business that are royalty arrangements at fair value.
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS
The Company’s equity investments consisted of the following (in millions).
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationOwnershipDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Equity method investments:
nC+Equity method investments32%$164 $182 
Discovery Solar Ventures, LLC (a)
Equity method investmentsN/A83 92 
All3MediaEquity method investments50%76 75 
OtherEquity method investments184 219 
Total equity method investments507 568 
Investments with readily determinable fair valuesPrepaid expenses and other current assets32 
Investments with readily determinable fair valuesOther noncurrent assets54 51 
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values:
Group Nine Media (b)
Other noncurrent assets25%276 256 
Formula E (c)
Other noncurrent assets25%65 65 
OtherOther noncurrent assets200 193 
Total equity investments without readily determinable fair values541 514 
Total equity investments$1,134 $1,133 
(a) Discovery Solar Ventures, LLC invests in limited liability companies that sponsor renewable energy projects related to solar energy. These investments are considered VIEs of the Company and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting using the HLBV methodology for allocating earnings.
(b) Overall ownership percentage for Group Nine Media is calculated on an outstanding shares basis. The amount shown herein includes a $20 million note receivable balance presented within Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
(c) Ownership percentage for Formula E includes holdings accounted for as an equity method investment and holdings accounted for as an equity investment without a readily determinable fair value.

Equity Method Investments
Investments in equity method investees are those for whichIn June 2021, the Company hascompleted the abilitysale of its Great American Country network to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary. The Company recorded impairment lossesHicks Equity Partners for a sale price of $8 million, $4$90 million and $29 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, because the change in value was considered other-than-temporary. The impairment losses are reflected as a component of loss from equity investees on the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
With the exception of nC+, the carrying values of the Company’s equity method investments are consistent with its ownership in the underlying net assets of the investees. A portion of the Scripps Networks purchase price associated with the investment in nC+ was attributed to amortizable intangible assets. This basis difference is included in the carrying value of nC+ and is amortized over time as a reduction of earnings from nC+. Earnings from nC+ were reduced by the amortization of these intangibles of$10 million, $9 million, and $9 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Amortization that reduces the Company's equity in earnings of nC+ for future periods is expected to be $51 million.
Certain of the Company's other equity method investments are VIEs, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s maximum exposure for all its unconsolidated VIEs, including the investment carrying values and unfunded contractual commitments made on behalf of VIEs, was approximately $250 million. The Company's maximum estimated exposure excludes the non-contractual future funding of VIEs. The aggregate carrying values of these VIE investments were $123 million as of December 31, 2020 and $160 million as of December 31, 2019. The Company recognized its portion of VIE operating results with net losses of $91 million, $14 million, and $52 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in loss from equity investees, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Value
Investments in entities or other securities in which the Company has no control or significant influence, is not the primary beneficiary, and have a readily determinable fair value are classified as equity investments with readily determinable fair value. The investments are measured at fair value based on a quoted market price per unit in active markets multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs (Level 1). Gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company owns shares of common stock of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. ("Lionsgate"), an entertainment company. Formerly, the Company hedged 50% of the Lionsgate shares with an equity collar (the "Lionsgate Collar") and pledged those shares as collateral to the derivative counterparty with changes in fair value reflected as a component of other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 10.) During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company terminated the Lionsgate Collar. The Company received cash of $44 million and recognized a gain of $7 million, which represents the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the hedged shares, upon termination. The gain is included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, fuboTV Inc., an investment that was formerly determined to not have a readily determinable fair value, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As a result, the Company recognized a total gain of $126 million, including a realized gain and receivable of $101 million pertaining to the Company's sale of 4 million fuboTV Inc. shares. Such gain and receivable are recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations and prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. (See Note 20.)
The gains and losses related to the Company's investments with readily determinable fair values for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are summarized in the table below (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities$129 $(26)$(88)
Less: Net gains recognized on equity securities sold101 
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date$28 $(26)$(88)

Equity investments without readily determinable fair values assessed under the measurement alternative
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value include ownership rights that either (i) do not meet the definition of in-substance common stock or (ii) do not provide the Company with control or significant influence and these investments do not have readily determinable fair values.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company invested $39 million in various equity investments without readily determinable fair values and concluded that its other equity investments without readily determinable fair values had no indicators that a change in fair value had taken place. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had recorded cumulative upward adjustments of $9 million for its equity investments without readily determinable fair values.$76 million.
8785

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in the following three categories:
Level 1Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3Valuations derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
The table below presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions).
December 31, 2020
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$$$$
Treasury securitiesCash and cash equivalents500 500 
Equity securities:
Money market fundsCash and cash equivalents150 150 
Time depositsPrepaid expenses and other current assets250 250 
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets14 14 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets200 200 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets48 48 
Total$714 $459 $$1,173 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$28 $$$28 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities220 220 
Total$248 $$$248 

December 31, 2019
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$$10 $$10 
Equity securities:
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets11 11 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets192 192 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets45 45 
Total$203 $59 $$262 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$24 $$$24 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities209 209 
Total$233 $$$233 

88

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Equity securities include money market funds, time deposits, investments in mutual funds held in separate trusts, which are owned as part of the Company’s supplemental retirement plans, and company-owned life insurance contracts. (See Note 16.) The fair value of Level 1 equity securities was determined by reference to the quoted market price per share in active markets multiplied by the number of shares held without consideration of transaction costs. The fair value of the deferred compensation plan liability was determined based on the fair value of the related investments elected by employees. Changes in the fair value of the investments are offset by changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation. (See Note 16.) Company-owned life insurance contracts are recorded at their cash surrender value, which approximates fair value (Level 2).
In addition to the financial instruments listed in the tables above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and senior notes. The carrying values for such financial instruments, other than the senior notes, each approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The estimated fair value of the Company’s outstanding senior notes using quoted prices from over-the-counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $18.7 billion and $17.1 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company's derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 10.
NOTE 6. CONTENT RIGHTS
The following table presents the components of content rights (in millions).
 December 31,
 20202019
Produced content rights:
Completed$8,576 $6,976 
In-production731 582 
Coproduced content rights:
Completed888 882 
In-production78 50 
Licensed content rights:
Acquired1,312 1,101 
Prepaid556 249 
Content rights, at cost12,141 9,840 
Accumulated amortization(8,170)(6,132)
Total content rights, net3,971 3,708 
Current portion(532)(579)
Noncurrent portion$3,439 $3,129 

Content expense consisted of the following (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Content amortization$2,908 $2,786 $2,858 
Other production charges334 412 471 
Content impairments
48 67 430 
Total content expense$3,290 $3,265 $3,759 

Content expense is generally a component of costs of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations. NaN content impairments were recorded as a component of restructuring and other charges during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Content impairments of $405 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 were due to the strategic programming changes following the acquisition of Scripps Networks and are reflected in restructuring and other charges as further described in Note 17.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2020, the Company expects to amortize approximately 59%, 26% and 12% of its produced and co-produced content, excluding content in-production, and 55%, 21% and 9% of its licensed content rights in the next three twelve-month operating cycles ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The carrying value and changes in the carrying value of goodwill attributable to each business unit were as follows (in millions).
U.S.
Networks
International
Networks
Total
December 31, 2018$10,785 $2,221 $13,006 
Acquisitions (Note 3)191 194 
Impairment of goodwill(155)(155)
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments25 (20)
December 31, 2019$10,813 $2,237 $13,050 
Acquisitions (Note 3)25 25 
Impairment of goodwill(121)(121)
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments116 116 
December 31, 2020$10,813 $2,257 $13,070 

U.S.
Networks
International
Networks
StudiosNetworksDTCTotal
December 31, 2020$10,813 $2,257 $— $— $— $13,070 
Dispositions (See Note 4)— (3)— — — (3)
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments— (155)— — — (155)
December 31, 2021$10,813 $2,099 $— $— $— $12,912 
Segment recast (See Note 23)(10,813)(2,059)— 10,555 2,317 — 
Acquisitions (See Note 4)— — 9,047 7,081 5,618 21,746 
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments— (40)(84)(79)(17)(220)
December 31, 2022$— $— $8,963 $17,557 $7,918 $34,438 
The carrying amount of goodwill at the U.S. Networks segment included accumulated impairments of $20 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The carrying amount of goodwill at the International Networks segment included accumulated impairments of $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion as of December 31, 20202022 and 2019, respectively.2021. The Studios and DTC segments did not include any accumulated impairments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in millions, except years).
 Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (Years)
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
GrossAccumulated 
Amortization
NetGrossAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Trademarks and trade names32$22,876 $(1,494)$21,382 $1,716 $(858)$858 
Affiliate, advertising and subscriber relationships824,136 (9,458)14,678 9,433 (4,303)5,130 
Franchises357,900 (164)7,736 — — — 
Character rights14995 (53)942 — — — 
Other6568 (324)244 395 (227)168 
Total$56,475 $(11,493)$44,982 $11,544 $(5,388)$6,156 
 Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (Years)
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
GrossAccumulated 
Amortization
NetGrossAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trademarks10$1,751 $(715)$1,036 $1,708 $(515)$1,193 
Customer relationships109,551 (3,338)$6,213 9,446 (2,408)$7,038 
Other8421 (191)230 400 (128)272 
Total$11,723 $(4,244)$7,479 $11,554 $(3,051)$8,503 

Straight-line amortizationAmortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets reflects the pattern in which the assets'assets’ economic benefits are consumed over their estimated useful lives. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company reassessed the useful lives and amortization methods for acquired customer relationships and concluded the economic benefits would be consumed in greater proportion earlier in their life with gradual decline; accordingly, we changed the amortization method for these assets from the straight-line method to the sum of the months’ digits method effective October 1, 2021. This change was considered a change in estimate, was accounted for prospectively, and resulted in incremental amortization expense of $196 million in 2021. Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $1.1$6.2 billion, $1.1$1.3 billion and $1.2$1.1 billion for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192022, 2021 and 2018,2020, respectively.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amortization expense relating to intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the next five years and thereafter is estimated to be as follows (in millions).
20232024202520262027Thereafter
Amortization expense$6,510 $4,989 $3,614 $2,608 $1,965 $25,296 
20212022202320242025Thereafter
Amortization expense$1,079 $1,048 $1,014 $928 $901 $2,509 
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization (in millions):
 December 31,
 20202019
Trademarks$161 $164 

 December 31,
 20222021
Trademarks$— $161 
Impairment Analysis
2020Significant judgments and assumptions for all quantitative goodwill tests performed include discount rates, control premiums, terminal growth rates, relevant comparable company earnings multiples and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, including revenue growth rates and profit margins.
2022 Impairment Analysis
The Company concluded that the continued impactsAs of COVID-19 on the operating results of the Europe reporting unit represented a triggering event in the second quarter of 2020. During the second quarter,October 1, 2022, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysisassessment for its Europeall reporting unit using a DCF valuation model. A market-based valuation model was not weighted inunits consistent with the analysis given the significant volatility in the equity markets. Significant judgments and assumptions in the DCF model included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates of 2%, and a discount rate ranging from 10% to 10.5%.Company’s accounting policy. The estimated fair value of the Europeeach reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, no impairment was recorded.
Also during Due to declining levels of global GDP growth and execution risk associated with anticipated growth in the second quarter of 2020,Company’s DTC reporting unit, which is the DTC segment, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value for all otherwill continue to monitor its reporting units withfor changes that could impact recoverability.
2021 Impairment Analysis
For the exception of the Asia-Pacific reporting unit. The Company performed a quantitative goodwill2021 annual impairment analysis for the Asia-Pacific reporting unit and determined that the estimated fair value did not exceed its carrying value, which resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge to write-off the remaining $36 million goodwill balance during the second quarter of 2020. The impairment charge was not deductible for tax purposes. Significant judgments and assumptions included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates ranging from 2% to 2.5%, and a discount rate of 11%. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for the Asia-Pacific reporting unit were based on the reporting unit’s budget and long-term business plan. The determination of fair value of the Company’s Asia-Pacific reporting unit represents a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs. The goodwill impairment charge did not have an impact on the calculation of the Company’s financial covenants under the Company’s debt arrangements.
During the third quarter of 2020, the Company realigned its International Networks management reporting structure. As a result, Australia and New Zealand, which were previously included in the Europe reporting unit, are now included in the Asia-Pacific reporting unit, including the associated goodwill. As a result of this realignment,test, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for its Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units using a DCF valuation model. A market-based valuation model was not weighted in the analysis given the significant volatility in the equity markets. Significant judgments and assumptions in the DCF model included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates of 2% for Europe and 2% to 2.5% for Asia-Pacific, and a discount rate ranging from 10% to 10.5% for Europe and 11% for Asia-Pacific. The estimated fair value of both the Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units exceeded their carrying values and, therefore, no impairment was recorded.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company performed its annual qualitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units and it determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of those reporting units exceeded their carrying values, except for its Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units. Given limited headroom of below 20% in its Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units during the third quarter of 2020, the Company performed atherefore, no quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for each of these reporting units using a DCF valuation model. A market-based valuation model was not weighted in the analysis due to significant volatility in the reporting units' equity markets.performed.
The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for the Company’s Europe reporting unit indicated that the estimated fair value exceeded its carry value by approximately 20% and, therefore, 0 impairment was recorded. Significant judgments and assumptions included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rate of 2%, and discount rates ranging from 10.5% to 11%. The Company noted that a 1.0% increase in the discount rate and a 0.5% decrease in the long-term growth rate would not have resulted in an impairment loss. As of December 31, 2020 the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the Europe reporting unit was $1.9 billion.
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DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The quantitative impairment analysis for the Company’s Asia-Pacific reporting unit indicated that estimated fair value did not exceed its carrying value, which resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge to write-off the remaining $85 million goodwill balance. The impairment was a result of increased cost projections for this region committed to during the fourth quarter of 2020 as part of our global discovery+ rollout strategy. The impairment charge was not deductible for tax purposes. Significant judgments and assumptions included the amount and timing of future cash flows, including revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates ranging from 2% to 2.5%, and a discount rate of 11%. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for the Asia-Pacific reporting unit were based on the reporting unit’s budget and long-term business plan. The determination of fair value of the Company’s Asia-Pacific reporting unit represents a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs. The goodwill impairment charge did not have an impact on the calculation of the Company’s financial covenants under the Company’s debt arrangements.
2019 Impairment Analysis
DuringFor the third quarter of 2019, due to an increasingly challenging business environment in the Asia-Pacific region, which included 1) moderating revenue growth projections, 2) underperformance of certain sports investments, 3) heightened volatility in China and surrounding economies, and 4) a decline in Asia-Pacific stock price multiples for peer media companies, the Company believed the increased risk required it to perform an interim2020 annual impairment test, as of August 31, 2019. The results of the step 1 test indicated that the carrying value of the net assets in the Asia-Pacific reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Given these results, the Company then applied the hypothetical purchase price analysis required by the step 2 test and recognized a pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $155 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, which was not deductible for tax purposes. The determination of fair value of the Company's Asia-Pacific reporting unit represents a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs.
As of October 1, 2019, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units consistent with the Company's accounting policy. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, 0 impairment was recorded. The Europe reporting unit, which had headroom of 19%, was the only reporting unit with fair value in excess of carrying value of less than 20%. The fair values of the reporting units were determined using DCF and market-based valuation models. Cash flows were determined based on Company estimates of future operating results and discounted using an internal rate of return based on an assessment of the risk inherent in future cash flows of the respective reporting unit. The market-based valuation models utilized multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Both the DCF and market-based models resulted in substantially similar fair values.
2018 Impairment Analysis
As of November 30, 2018, the Company performed its annual qualitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of those reporting units exceeded their carrying values, except for its Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting unit. Based on the results of the qualitative assessment,units. For its Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting units, the Company performed a quantitative step 1goodwill impairment test (comparison of fair valueanalysis for each using a DCF valuation model. A market-based valuation model was not weighted in the analysis due to carrying value)significant volatility in the reporting units’ equity markets.
The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for its Asia-Pacificthe Company’s Europe reporting unit which indicated that theits estimated fair value exceeded its carryingcarry value by approximately 10%20% and, therefore, no impairment was recorded.
The quantitative impairment analysis for the Company’s Asia-Pacific reporting unit indicated that its estimated fair value did not exceed its carrying value, which resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge to write-off the $121 million goodwill balance, of which $36 million was written off in the second quarter of 2020.The impairment charge was not deductible for tax purposes. The determination of fair value of the Company’s Asia-Pacific reporting unit represented a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs.
NOTE 6. RESTRUCTURING
In connection with the Merger, the Company has announced and has taken actions to implement projects to achieve cost synergies for the Company. The Company finalized the framework supporting its ongoing restructuring and transformation initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2022, which include, among other things, strategic content programming assessments, organization restructuring, facility consolidation activities, and other contract termination costs. While the Company’s restructuring efforts are ongoing, the restructuring program is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2024.
Restructuring by reportable segment and corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other were as follows (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Studios$1,050 $— $
Networks1,003 30 84 
DTC1,551 
Corporate195 — — 
Inter-segment eliminations(42)— — 
Total restructuring$3,757 $32 $91 
92
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During the year ended December 31, 2022, restructuring charges primarily included charges related to strategic content programming initiatives, inclusive of content impairments, content development costs and write-offs, content contract terminations, and other content related charges of $3,133 million. In addition, there wererestructuring charges related to organization restructuring of $607 million and facility consolidation activities and other contract terminations of $17 million.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, restructuring charges primarily included charges related to employee relocation and termination costs. During 2020, the Company implemented various cost-saving initiatives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes in restructuring and other liabilities recorded in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities by major category and by reportable segment and corporate were as follows (in millions).
U.S. NetworksInternational NetworksStudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-Segment EliminationsTotal
December 31, 2020$23 $20 $— $— $— $15 $58 
Employee termination accruals, net26 — — — 32 
Cash paid(23)(33)— — — (15)(71)
December 31, 202113 — — — 19 
Segment recast (See Note 23 )(4)(13)— 15 — — 
Acquisitions (See Note 4 )— — 40 — 14 55 109 
Contract termination accruals, net— — 36 168 121 — 325 
Employee termination accruals, net— — 114 213 87 184 598 
Cash paid— — (34)(35)(34)(84)(187)
December 31, 2022$— $— $156 $361 $188 $159 $864 
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7. REVENUES
Disaggregated Revenue
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions). Management uses these categories of revenue to evaluate the performance of its businesses and to assess its financial results and forecasts.
Year Ended December 31, 2022
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-segment EliminationsTotal
Revenues:
Advertising$15 $8,224 $371 $(86)$8,524 
Distribution12 9,759 6,371 — 16,142 
Content9,156 1,120 522 (2,438)8,360 
Other548 245 10 (12)791 
Totals$9,731 $19,348 $7,274 $(2,536)$33,817 
Year Ended December 31, 2021
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-segment EliminationsTotal
Revenues:
Advertising$— $6,063 $131 $— $6,194 
Distribution— 4,486 716 — 5,202 
Content20 706 11 — 737 
Other— 56 — 58 
Totals$20 $11,311 $860 $— $12,191 
Year Ended December 31, 2020
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-segment EliminationsTotal
Revenues:
Advertising$— $5,547 $25 $— $5,572 
Distribution— 4,496 190 — 4,686 
Content12 340 — 355 
Other— 56 — 58 
Totals$12 $10,439 $220 $— $10,671 
Accounts Receivable and Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses was not material at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationDecember 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Contract liabilitiesDeferred revenues$1,694 $478 
Contract liabilitiesOther noncurrent liabilities361 95 
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The change in deferred revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily reflects an increase of $1,476 million related to the Merger and cash payments received or contracted billings recorded for which the performance obligations were not satisfied prior to the end of the period, partially offset by $411 million of revenues recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2021. Revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2020 was $456 million. Contract assets were not material as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations
Most of the Company’s distribution contracts are licenses of functional intellectual property where revenue is derived from royalty-based arrangements, for which revenues are recorded as a function of royalties earned to date instead of estimating incremental royalty contract revenue. Accordingly, revenue for these arrangements is recognized based on the royalties earned to date. However, there are certain other distribution arrangements that are fixed price or contain minimum guarantees that extend beyond one year. The Company recognizes revenue for fixed fee distribution contracts on a monthly basis based on minimum monthly fees by calculating one twelfth of annual license fees specified in its distribution contracts, or based on the pro-rata fees earned calculated on the license fees specified in the distribution contract. The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations within these fixed price or minimum guarantee distribution revenue contracts was $4.8 billion as of December 31, 2022 and is expected to be recognized through 2031.
The Company’s content licensing contracts and sports sublicensing deals are licenses of functional intellectual property. The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations on these contracts was $4.6 billion as of December 31, 2022 and is expected to be recognized through 2025.
The Company’s brand licensing contracts are licenses of symbolic intellectual property. The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations on these contracts was $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2022 and is expected to be recognized through 2043.
The Company’s advertising contracts are principally generated from the sale of advertising campaigns comprised of multiple commercial units. In contracts with guaranteed impressions, we have identified the overall advertising campaign as the performance obligation to be satisfied over time, and impressions delivered against the satisfaction of our guarantee as the measure of progress. Certain of these arrangements extend beyond one year. The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations on these long-term contracts was $646 million as of December 31, 2022 and is expected to be recognized through 2025.
The value of unsatisfied performance obligations disclosed above does not include: (i) contracts involving variable consideration for which revenues are recognized in accordance with the sales or usage-based royalty exception, and (ii) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, such as most advertising contracts; however for content licensing revenues, including revenues associated with the licensing of theatrical and television product for television and streaming services, the Company has included all contracts regardless of duration.
NOTE 8. SALES OF RECEIVABLES
Revolving Receivables Program
Our bankruptcy-remote consolidated subsidiary held $3,468 million of pledged receivables as of December 31, 2022 in connection with the Company’s revolving receivables program. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $256 million in selling, general and administrative expense from the revolving receivables program in the consolidated statements of operations. The outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets was $5,366 million as of December 31, 2022.
The following table presents a summary of receivables sold (in millions).
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received$9,857 
Collections reinvested under revolving agreement(10,491)
Net cash proceeds received$(634)
Net receivables sold$9,797 
Obligations recorded$377 
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table presents a summary of the amounts transferred or pledged (in millions):
December 31, 2022
Gross receivables pledged as collateral$3,468 
Restricted cash pledged as collateral$150 
Balance sheet classification:
Receivables, net$3,015 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$150 
Other noncurrent assets$453 
Accounts Receivable Factoring
Total trade accounts receivable sold under the Company’s factoring arrangements was $477 million as of December 31, 2022. The impact to the consolidated statements of operations was immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2022.
NOTE 9. CONTENT RIGHTS
For purposes of amortization and impairment, capitalized content costs are comprised of produced content grouped based on predominant monetization strategy: individually or as a group. Programming rights include content licensed from third parties, such as film, television, and sports rights. The table below presents the components of content rights (in millions).
December 31, 2022
Predominantly Monetized IndividuallyPredominantly Monetized as a GroupTotal
Theatrical film production costs:
Released, less amortization$3,544 $— $3,544 
Completed and not released507 — 507 
In production1,700 — 1,700 
In development95 — 95 
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization2,200 6,513 8,713 
Completed and not released939 310 1,249 
In production427 4,424 4,851 
In development30 15 45 
Total theatrical film and television production costs$9,442 $11,262 $20,704 
Programming rights, less amortization5,843 
Game development costs, less amortization650 
Total film and television content rights and games27,197 
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net(545)
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games$26,652 
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2021
Predominantly Monetized IndividuallyPredominantly Monetized as a GroupTotal
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization$$2,495 $2,504 
In production— 770 770 
In development— 17 17 
Total television production costs$$3,282 $3,291 
Programming rights, less amortization
786 
Total film and television content rights (a)
4,077 
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net(245)
Total noncurrent film and television content rights (a)
$3,832 
(a) As of December 31, 2021, the Company had no theatrical film production or game development costs.
Content amortization consisted of the following (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Predominately monetized individually$5,175 $541 $55 
Predominately monetized as a group8,935 2,955 2,853 
Total content amortization$14,110 $3,496 $2,908 
Content expense includes amortization, impairments, and development expense and is generally a component of costs of revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2022, total content impairments were $2,807 million, of which $2,756 million was due to the strategic realignment of content following the Merger and are reflected in restructuring. (See Note 6.) Content impairments of $5 million and $48 million for the years ending December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were recorded as cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations. No content impairments were recorded as a component of restructuring for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Additionally, there were $377 million of content development costs/write-offs, content contract terminations, and other content related charges for the year ended December 31, 2022 in connection with the strategic realignment of content following the Merger that are reflected in restructuring. (See Note 6.)
The table below presents the expected future amortization expense of the Company’s investment in film and television content and programming rights as of December 31, 2022 (in millions).
Year Ending December 31,
202320242025
Released investment in films and television content:
Monetized individually$2,736 $1,700 $966 
Monetized as a group2,937 1,416 776 
Programming rights1,586 1,216 866 
Completed and not released investment in films and television content:
Monetized individually$1,235 
Monetized as a group58 
At December 31, 2022, acquired film and television libraries are being amortized using straight-line or other accelerated amortization methods through 2033.
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10. INVESTMENTS
The Company’s equity investments consisted of the following, net of investments recorded in other noncurrent liabilities (in millions).
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationOwnershipDecember 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Equity method investments:
The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LPOther noncurrent assets44%$313 $— 
nC+Other noncurrent assets32%135 151 
OtherOther noncurrent assets614 390 
Total equity method investments1,062 541 
Total investments with readily determinable fair values
Other noncurrent assets (a)
28 120 
Investments without readily determinable fair values
Other noncurrent assets (a)
498 496 
Total investments$1,588 $1,157 
(a) Investments with readily determinable values include $40 million as of December 31, 2021 that were included in prepaid expense and other current assets. Investments without readily determinable fair values include $10 million as of December 31, 2022 that were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Equity Method Investments
In connection with the Merger, the Company acquired $807 million of equity method investments. Impairment losses are recorded in loss from equity investees, net on the consolidated statements of operations. Impairment losses were not material for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with British Telecommunications Plc (“BT”) to form a 50:50 joint venture to create a new premium sports offering for the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Company has determined the joint venture is a VIE and accounts for its investment in the joint venture as an equity method investment. Additionally, the Company has a call option to obtain the remaining 50% equity interest in September 2024 and September 2026, at the then fair market value plus the expected earnings that BT would have received in the two years following the call option. As of December 31, 2022, the carrying value of the joint venture was $96 million.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s maximum exposure for all its unconsolidated VIEs, including the investment carrying values and unfunded contractual commitments made on behalf of VIEs, was approximately $744 million. The Company’s maximum estimated exposure excludes the non-contractual future funding of VIEs. The aggregate carrying values of these VIE investments were $720 million and $126 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s portion of VIE operating results for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was not material and is included in loss from equity investees, net, on the consolidated statements of operations.
Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Value
The gains and losses related to the Company's investments with readily determinable fair values for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are summarized in the table below (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Net (losses) gains recognized during the period on equity securities$(78)$$129 
Less: Net gains recognized on equity securities sold— 15 101 
Unrealized (losses) gains recognized during reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date$(78)$(6)$28 
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WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Equity Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Values Assessed Under the Measurement Alternative
During 2022, the Company concluded that its other equity method investments without readily determinable fair values had decreased $142 million in fair value as a result of observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The decrease in fair value as a result of observable price change is recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 18). As of December 31, 2022, the Company had recorded cumulative impairments of $229 million for its equity method investments without readily determinable fair values.
NOTE 11. DEBT
The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions).
December 31,
Weighted-Average
Interest Rate as of
December 31, 2022
20222021
Term loans with maturities of 3 years or less5.42 %$4,000 $— 
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less5.08 %500 — 
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less3.65 %12,759 4,314 
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years4.25 %10,373 4,128 
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years5.11 %21,644 6,745 
Total debt49,276 15,187 
Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net(277)(428)
Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting48,999 14,759 
Current portion of debt(365)(339)
Noncurrent portion of debt$48,634 $14,420 
December 31,
20202019
2.800% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2020$$600 
4.375% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2021335 640 
2.375% Senior Notes, euro denominated, annual interest, due March 2022369 336 
3.300% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2022168 496 
3.500% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 202262 400 
2.950% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 2023796 1,167 
3.250% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due April 2023192 350 
3.800% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 2024450 450 
2.500% Senior Notes, sterling denominated, annual interest, due September 2024545 525 
3.900% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due November 2024497 497 
3.450% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 2025300 300 
3.950% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2025500 500 
4.900% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 2026700 700 
1.900% Senior Notes, euro denominated, annual interest, due March 2027739 673 
3.950% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 20281,700 1,700 
4.125% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2029750 750 
3.625% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 20301,000 
5.000% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due September 2037548 1,250 
6.350% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2040664 850 
4.950% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2042285 500 
4.875% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due April 2043516 850 
5.200% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due September 20471,250 1,250 
5.300% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2049750 750 
4.650% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 20501,000 
4.000% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due September 20551,732 
Program financing line of credit, quarterly interest based on adjusted LIBOR or variable prime rate10 
Total debt15,848 15,544 
Unamortized discount, premium and debt issuance costs, net (a)
(444)(125)
Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium and debt issuance costs15,404 15,419 
Current portion of debt(335)(609)
Noncurrent portion of debt$15,069 $14,810 
(a) Current portion of unamortized discount, premium, and debt issuance costs, net is less than $1 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, in connection with the Merger, the Company assumed $41.5 billion of senior notes (at par value) and term loans.
Senior Notes
On February 19, 2021, Discovery Communications, LLC (“DCL”), a wholly owned subsidiaryDuring the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $6.0 billion of Discovery, Inc., issued a notice foraggregate principal amount outstanding of its term loans prior to the redemptiondue dates of October 2023 and April 2025 and repaid in full at maturity $327 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 2.375% Euro Denominated Senior Notes due March 2022. In addition, the Company redeemed in full and prior to maturity all $192 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 3.250% senior notes due in 2023 and all $796 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 2.950% senior notes due 2023 (collectively the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes were redeemed in December 2022 for an aggregate redemption price of $988 million, plus accrued interest.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company redeemed in full and prior to maturity all $168 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of 3.300% Senior Notes due May 2022 and $62 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 3.500% Senior Notes due June 2022 (collectively, the “2022 Notes”). The 2022 Notes were redeemed in July 2021 for an aggregate redemption price of $235 million, plus accrued interest. In addition, the Company redeemed in full all $335 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 4.375% Senior Notes due June 2021 (the “Notes”“2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes were redeemed in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the Notes. The Notes will be redeemed on March 21, 2021 (the “Redemption Date”), at afor an aggregate redemption price with respect to each Note equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis at a comparable treasury rate plus 25 basis points, plus accrued interest thereon to the Redemption Date.
93

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended December 31, 2020, Discovery, Inc. commenced 5 separate private offers to exchange (the “Exchange Offers”) any and all of Discovery Communications, LLC's ("DCL"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, outstanding 5.000% Senior Notes due 2037, 6.350% Senior Notes due 2040, 4.950% Senior Notes due 2042, 4.875% Senior Notes due 2043 and 5.200% Senior Notes due 2047 (collectively, the “Old Notes”) for one new series of DCL 4.000% Senior Notes due September 2055 (the “New Notes”). Discovery, Inc. completed the Exchange Offers in September 2020, by exchanging $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes validly tendered and accepted by Discovery pursuant to the Exchange Offers, for $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of the New Notes (before debt discount of $318 million). The New Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and Scripps Networks on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The Exchange Offers were accounted for as a debt modification and, as a result, third-party issuance costs totaling $11 million were expensed as incurred.
Also, for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company completed offers to purchase for cash (the “Cash Offers”) the Old Notes. Approximately $22 million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were validly tendered and accepted for purchase by Discovery pursuant to the Cash Offers, for total cash consideration of $27$339 million, plus accrued interest.
The Cash Offersredemptions during 2022 and 2021 resulted in aan immaterial loss on extinguishment of debt of $5 million.
Finally, for the year ended December 31, 2020, DCL issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due May 2030 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due May 2050. The proceeds received by DCL were net of a $1 million issuance discount and $20 million of debt issuance costs. DCL used the proceeds from the offering to repurchase $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of DCL's and Scripps Networks' senior notes in a cash tender offer. The repurchase resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $71 million. The loss included $62 million of net premiums to par value and $9 million of other charges. As further described below, the Company used the remaining proceeds and cash on hand to fully repay the $500 million that was outstanding under its revolving credit facility.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, DCL issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2029 and $750 million due 2049. The proceeds received by DCL were net of a $6 million issuance discount and $12 million of debt issuance costs. DCL used the proceeds from the offering to redeem and repurchase approximately $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of DCL's and Scripps Networks' senior notes. The redemptions and repurchase resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The loss included $20 million of net premiums to par value and $3 million of other non-cash charges.
Also, for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company redeemed $411 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due in 2019 and made open market bond repurchases of $55 million, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5 million.debt.
As of December 31, 2020,2022, all senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“Scripps Networks”), DCL (to the extent it is not the primary obligor on such senior notes), and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. (to the extent it is not the primary obligor on such senior notes), except for $32$1.5 billion of senior notes of the legacy WarnerMedia Business assumed by the Company in connection with the Merger and $23 million of un-exchanged senior notes issued by Scripps Networks. Additionally, the term loans of WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc., made under the $10.0 billion term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, Scripps Networks, senior notes acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of Scripps Networks.and DCL.
94

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Programs
In June 2021, DCL entered into a multicurrency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), replacing the existing $2.5 billion credit agreement, dated February 4, 2016, as amended, among DCL, the Company, certain lenders from time to time party thereto, and certain designated foreign subsidiariesBank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. DCL havehas the capacity to borrow up to $2.5$6.0 billion revolving credit facilityunder the Revolving Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility"“Credit Facility”), including. The Revolving Credit Agreement includes a $100$150 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of creditcredit. DCL may also request additional commitments up to $1.0 billion from the lenders upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement are unsecured and a $50 million sublimit for Euro-denominated swing line loans.are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, Scripps Networks, and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. The Credit Facility matures in August 2022will be available on a revolving basis until June 2026, with thean option for up to 2two additional 364-day renewal periods and is subject to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio financial covenant of 5.50 to 1.00 at December 31, 2020. As further described below, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to thelenders’ consent. The Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2020, DCL was in compliance with all covenantsAgreement contains customary representations and there were no events of default under the Credit Facility.warranties as well as affirmative and negative covenants.
Additionally, the Company's commercial paper program is supported by the Credit Facility. Under the commercial paper program, the Company may issue up to $1.5 billion, including up to $500 million of Euro-denominatedeuro-denominated borrowings. Borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility is effectively reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program.
As of December 31, 20202022 and 2019,2021, the Company had 0no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility or the commercial paper program.
All obligationsCredit Agreement Financial Covenants
The Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan Credit Agreement (together, the “Credit Agreements”) include financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum adjusted consolidated leverage ratio of 5.75 to 1.00 following the closing of the Merger, with step-downs to 5.00 to 1.00 and 4.50 to 1.00 on the first and second anniversaries of the closing, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, DCL and the other borrowersWarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. were in compliance with all covenants and there were no events of default under the Credit Facility are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Discovery and Scripps.
94

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility
To preserve flexibility in the current environment, in the second quarter of 2020, the Company amended certain provisions of its revolving credit facility, including the following:
The financial covenants were modified to reset the Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio as set forth below:
Measurement Period EndingMaximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio
March 31, 2020 and June 30, 20205.00:1.00
September 30, 2020 through March 31, 20215.50:1.00
June 30, 20215.00:1.00
September 30, 2021 and thereafter4.50:1.00

In addition, the restricted payments covenant was modified to add a limitation on restricted payments made in cash unless after giving pro forma effect thereto, the consolidated leverage ratio is less than or equal to 4.50:1.00. Finally, the minimum LIBOR rate and the minimum base rate were each increased from 0% to 0.50% per annum.Agreements.
Long-term Debt Repayment Schedule
The following table presents a summary of scheduled debt and estimated debtinterest payments, excluding the revolving credit facility and commercial paper borrowings, for the next five years based on the amount of the Company's debt outstanding as of December 31, 20202022 (in millions).
20212022202320242025Thereafter
Long-term debt repayments$335 $599 $988 $1,493 $800 $11,633 

20232024202520262027Thereafter
Long-term debt repayments$363 $4,267 $7,147 $789 $4,693 $32,017 
Interest payments$2,267 $2,183 $1,870 $1,730 $1,634 $25,853 
NOTE 9.12. LEASES
The Company has operating and finance leases for transponders, office space, studio facilities, and other equipment. The Company'sCompany’s leases were reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions).
December 31,
20222021
Operating LeasesLocation on Balance Sheet
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOther noncurrent assets$3,189 $535 
Operating lease liabilities (current)Accrued liabilities$345 $62 
Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent)Other noncurrent liabilities2,990 567 
Total operating lease liabilities$3,335 $629 
Finance Leases
Finance lease right-of-use assetsProperty and equipment, net$244 $249 
Finance lease liabilities (current)Accrued liabilities$82 $58 
Finance lease liabilities (noncurrent)Other noncurrent liabilities186 197 
Total finance lease liabilities$268 $255 
95

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31,
20222021
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases1212
Finance leases55
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases4.13 %2.94 %
Finance leases3.23 %3.57 %
The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of up to 1630 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 10years. Most leases are not cancellable prior to their expiration. In conjunction with the Merger, the Company acquired $2,493 million and $47 million of operating and finance lease right-of-use assets, respectively.
The components of lease cost were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2020201920222021
Operating lease costOperating lease cost$116 $114 Operating lease cost$372 $103 
Finance lease cost:Finance lease cost:Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assetsAmortization of right-of-use assets$52 $44 Amortization of right-of-use assets$78 $61 
Interest on lease liabilitiesInterest on lease liabilitiesInterest on lease liabilities
Total finance lease costTotal finance lease cost$60 $53 Total finance lease cost$86 $68 
Variable lease costVariable lease cost$$10 Variable lease cost$66 $
Total lease costTotal lease cost$524 $178 

95

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$(101)$(98)
Operating cash flows from finance leases$(8)$(9)
Financing cash flows from finance leases$(54)$(44)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$51 $369 
Finance leases$36 $38 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in millions):
December 31,
20202019
Operating LeasesLocation on Balance Sheet
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOther noncurrent assets$575 $613 
Operating lease liabilities (current)Accrued liabilities$71 $82 
Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent)Other noncurrent liabilities592 621 
Total operating lease liabilities$663 $703 
Finance Leases
Finance lease right-of-use assetsProperty and equipment, net$220 $231 
Finance lease liabilities (current)Accrued liabilities$57 $47 
Finance lease liabilities (noncurrent)Other noncurrent liabilities184 203 
Total finance lease liabilities$241 $250 

December 31,
20202019
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases1213
Finance leases56
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases3.37 %3.77 %
Finance leases3.80 %3.56 %

Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$(360)$(107)
Operating cash flows from finance leases$(15)$(7)
Financing cash flows from finance leases$(70)$(65)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$490 $53 
Finance leases$39 $104 
96

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 20202022 were as follows (in millions):
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
2021$91 $64 
202276 55 
2023202369 48 2023$465 $82 
2024202463 31 2024427 67 
2025202558 23 2025367 49 
20262026338 33 
20272027318 25 
ThereafterThereafter502 42 Thereafter2,389 26 
Total lease paymentsTotal lease payments859 263 Total lease payments4,304 282 
Less: Imputed interestLess: Imputed interest(196)(22)Less: Imputed interest(969)(14)
TotalTotal$663 $241 Total$3,335 $268 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded approximately $370 million of operating lease liabilities associated with its new global headquarters in New York City. As of December 31, 2020,2022, the Company has additional leases that have not yet commenced with total minimum lease payments of approximately $6$474 million, primarily related to equipmentfacility leases. The remaining leases will commence in fiscal year 2021,2023, have lease terms of 43 to 1617 years, and include options to extend the terms for up to 10 additional years.
Supplemental Information
NOTE 13. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company employs a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to market risks primarily from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for Comparative Periodsspeculative trading purposes.
Rent expenseCash Flow Hedges
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk related to revenues, production rebates and production expenses. As such, we have entered into foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate this risk. These cash flow hedges are carried at fair market value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Hedge effectiveness is assessed using the spot method, with fair market value changes recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income until the hedged item affects earnings. Excluded components, including forward points, are included in current earnings.
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk associated with its British Pound Sterling denominated debt. During 2022, the Company executed a fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swap to mitigate this risk.
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk associated with future issuances of debt and has unwound the forward starting swap derivatives designated as hedging instruments to mitigate this risk in 2022. The realized gain from these derivatives will remain in other comprehensive (loss) income until the debt is issued during the hedging window, which extends through 2025, and interest payments are made.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk associated with the net assets of non-USD functional entities and entered into fixed-to-fixed cross currency swaps to mitigate this risk. The Company is also exposed to foreign currency risk stemming from foreign denominated debt. In connection with the Merger, the Company acquired Euro denominated debt that was designated as the hedging instrument in a net investment hedge. Additionally, the Company de-designated its British Pound Sterling denominated debt that was previously designated as a net investment hedge. Subsequently, the Company executed the aforementioned fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap to mitigate the foreign currency exchange risk associated with this debt issuance.
No Hedging Designation
Prior to the Merger, the Company was exposed to interest rate risk associated with the expected issuance of debt related to the Merger. Prior to the Merger, the Company unwound all interest rate derivatives entered into during 2021 and entered into new treasury lock derivatives, which were subsequently unwound to mitigate this risk. The Company does not have any interest rate derivatives as of December 31, 2022.
As part of the Merger, the Company acquired deferred compensation plans that have risk related to the fair market value gains and losses on these investments and entered into total return swaps to mitigate this risk. The gains and losses associated with these swaps are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the deferred compensation investment gains and losses.
97

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Once production spend is completed, the aforementioned forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges for production rebates and production expenses are de-designated. After de-designation, gains and losses on these derivatives directly impact earnings in the same line as the hedged risk.
The following table summarizes the impact of derivative financial instruments on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (in millions). There were no amounts eligible to be offset under operating leasesmaster netting agreements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $205determined using a market-based approach (Level 2).
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Fair ValueFair Value
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange$1,382 $49 $35 $42 $25 $777 $14 $— $$— 
Cross-currency swaps482 58 — — — — — — — 
Interest rate swaps— — — — — 2,000 44 — 11 — 
Net investment hedges: (a)
Cross-currency swaps1,778 20 12 — 73 3,512 54 61 20 76 
No hedging designation:
Foreign exchange976 96 1,020 — — 34 66 
Cross-currency swaps139 — — 139 — — 
Interest rate swaps— — — — — 15,000 126 28 
Total return swaps291 — — 13 — — — — — — 
Total$80 $106 $58 $197 $241 $89 $76 $152 
(a) Excludes €164 million of euro-denominated notes ($174 million equivalent at December 31, 2022) designated as net investment hedges and £400 million of sterling notes designated as a net investment hedges at December 31, 2021 (dedesignated in 2022). (See Note 11.)
The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive (loss) income (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments$$57 $14 
Interest rate - derivative adjustments— 112 (124)
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - advertising revenue
Foreign exchange - distribution revenue(1)30 
Foreign exchange - costs of revenues25 — 
Interest rate - interest expense, net(2)(2)
Foreign exchange - other income (expense), net— 30 — 
If current fair values of designated cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2022 remained static over the next twelve months, the amount the Company would reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income in the next twelve months would not be material for the yearcurrent fiscal year. The maximum length of time the Company is hedging exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 33 years.
98

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as net investment hedges on other comprehensive (loss) income (in millions). Other than amounts excluded from effectiveness testing, there were no other gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income during the years ended December 31, 2018.2022, 2021 and 2020.
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCILocation of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
202220212020202220212020
Cross currency swaps$46 $114 $(61)Interest expense, net$33 $42 $43 
Foreign exchange contracts— (2)Other income (expense), net— — — 
Euro denominated notes (foreign denominated debt)— — N/A— — — 
Sterling notes (foreign denominated debt)112 (20)N/A— — — 
Total$162 $125 $(83)$33 $42 $43 
The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in other income (expense), net and selling, general and administrative costs in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
 202220212020
Interest rate swaps$512 $(2)$— 
Cross-currency swaps— (10)
Foreign exchange derivatives(37)(39)32 
Equity— — 
Total in other income (expense), net$475 $(33)$29 
Total return swaps (Selling, general and administrative expense)— — 
Total$480 $(33)$29 
NOTE 10. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company uses derivative financial instrumentsFair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to modify its exposure totransfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market risks from changesparticipants. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In addition to the Company's normal course of business cash flow hedging program, the Company entered into the following arrangements:
Cash Flow Hedges
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company unwound certain foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges with an aggregate notional amount of $255 million. The Company received cash of $19 million in settlement and expects to realize the unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive loss between 2025 and 2030.
Also, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company executed forward starting interest rate swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges with a total notional value of $1.6 billion. These contracts will mitigate interest rate risk associated with the forecasted issuance of future fixed-rate public debt. The Company also issued and settled interest rate cash flow hedges with a total notional value of $1 billion following the pricing of its offering of 3.625% Senior Notes due May 2030 and 4.650% Senior Notes due May 2050. (See Note 8.) The $7 million pretax accumulated other comprehensive loss at the termination date will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the respective terms of the newly issued notes.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company executed foreign exchange forward contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $798 million. The forwards were designated as cash flow hedges and will mitigate exposure to foreign exchange rate volatility and the associated impact on earnings related to a portion of forecasted foreign currency revenues from PGA Golf from 2023 through 2030.
Also, during the year ended December 31, 2019, terminated and settled its interest rate cash flow hedges with a total notional value of $500 million following the pricing of its offering of 4.125% senior notes due May 2029. (See Note 8.) The $18 million pretax accumulated other comprehensive loss at the termination date will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the ten-year term of the newly issued notes.
Finally, during the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company executed a forward starting interest rate swap contract designated as a cash flow hedge with a total notional value of $400 million. This contract will mitigate interest rate risk associated with the forecasted issuance of future fixed rate public debt.three categories:
Level 1Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3Valuations derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
9799

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Net Investment HedgesThe table below presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions).
During
December 31, 2022
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$— $50 $— $50 
Equity securities:
Money market fundsCash and cash equivalents20 — — 20 
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets14 — — 14 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets— — 
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets243 — — 243 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets— 94 — 94 
Time depositsOther noncurrent assets— — 
Total$277 $153 $— $430 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$73 $— $— $73 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities590 — — 590 
Total$663 $— $— $663 
December 31, 2021
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$— $426 $— $426 
Equity securities:
Money market fundsCash and cash equivalents425 — — 425 
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets12 — — 12 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets— — 
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets215 — — 215 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets— 32 — 32 
Total$652 $459 $— $1,111 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$21 $— $— $21 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities238 — — 238 
Total$259 $— $— $259 
Equity securities include money market funds, time deposits, investments in mutual funds held in separate trusts, which are owned as part of the Company’s supplemental retirement plans, and company-owned life insurance contracts. (See Note 17.) The fair value of Level 1 equity securities was determined by reference to the quoted market price per share in active markets multiplied by the number of shares held without consideration of transaction costs. The fair value of the deferred compensation plan liability was determined based on the fair value of the related investments elected by employees. Changes in the fair value of the investments are recorded in other (expense) income, net and changes in the deferred compensation liability are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense. Company-owned life insurance contracts are recorded at their cash surrender value, which approximates fair value (Level 2).
100

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In addition to the financial instruments listed in the tables above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, term loans, and senior notes. The carrying values for such financial instruments, other than the senior notes, each approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The estimated fair value of the Company’s outstanding senior notes, including accrued interest, using quoted prices from over-the-counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $38.0 billion and $17.2 billion as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Company’s derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 13, its investments with readily determinable fair value are discussed in Note 10, and the obligation for its revolving receivable program is discussed in Note 8.
NOTE 15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has various incentive plans under which PRSUs, RSUs, stock options, and SARs have been issued. In connection with the Merger, AT&T RSUs subject to time or performance based vesting and restricted stock held by WM employees were replaced with WBD RSUs granted on comparable terms (other than any performance based vesting requirements) upon the closing of the Merger, increasing RSU expense, grants and unrecognized compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2019,2022 compared to the Company entered into 2 fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $201 million. The swaps were designated as net investment hedges of NOK assets and GBP assets. The maturity date of both swaps is February 2024. The objective of these swaps is to protect the company against the risk of changes in the foreign currency-equivalent of net investments in the foreign operations due to movements in foreign currency. Contemporaneously, the Company unwound an existing $100 million notional fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap that was designated as a net investment hedge of NOK assets and recorded a gain of $5 million as a cumulative translation adjustment under other comprehensive income (loss).
During the yearyears ended December 31, 2018,2021 and 2020. As of December 31, 2022, the Company entered intohas reserved a foreign currency forward contract with a notional valuetotal of 35.6 billion Chilean Pesos (equivalent to $53 million) at execution date237 million shares of its common stock for future exercises, vesting, and with a due dategrants of stock options, stock-settled SARs, PRSUs, and RSUs. Upon exercise or vesting of stock awards, the Company issues new shares from its existing authorized but unissued shares. As of December 15, 2021. This was designated a net investment hedge, hedging against changes31, 2022, there were 173 million shares of common stock in reserves that were available for future issuance under the foreign currency-equivalent of the net investment in the foreign operation due to movements in exchange rates.incentive plans.
Also, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company entered into 6 fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $1.7 billion. The swaps were all designated as net investment hedges of Euro assets and GBP assets. The maturity dates of the swaps are 2022 and 2027. The objective of these swaps is to protect the company against the risk of changes in the foreign currency-equivalent of net investments in the foreign operations due to movements in foreign currency.
No Hedging Designation
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company entered into 3 foreign exchange forwards contracts with a notional value of $860 million. The objective of these contracts is to protect the Company against adverse revaluation impact on its Euro denominated debt.Share-Based Compensation Expense
The following table summarizesbelow presents the impactcomponents of derivative financial instruments on the Company's consolidated balance sheetsshare-based compensation expense (in millions). There were 0 amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
PRSUs$$10 $
RSUs337 110 76 
Stock options71 58 30 
SARs— (4)
Total share-based compensation expense$412 $178 $110 
Tax benefit recognized$79 $29 $18 
Liability-classified share-based compensation awards include certain PRSUs and SARs. The Company recorded total liabilities for cash-settled and other liability-classified share-based compensation awards of $6 million and $22 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The current portion of the liability for cash-settled and other liability-classified awards was $4 million and $17 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Share-Based Award Activity
PRSUs
The table below presents PRSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price).
PRSUsWeighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Fair
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20210.9 $34.84 0.0$20 
Granted0.4 $28.11 
Converted(0.6)$32.42 $16 
Outstanding as of December 31, 20220.7 $32.80 0.0$
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 20220.7 $32.80 0.0$
Convertible as of December 31, 20220.2 $41.36 0.0$
As of December 31, 2022, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to PRSUs.
101

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RSUs
The table below presents RSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price).

RSUs
Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Fair
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20218.1 $35.56 2.3$192 
Granted33.5 $23.51 
Vested(7.0)$29.31 $139 
Forfeited(3.4)$25.25 
Outstanding as of December 31, 202231.2 $25.14 2.3$296 
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 202231.2 $25.14 2.3$296 
As of December 31, 2022, there was $498 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, of which $36 million is related to cash settled RSUs. Stock settled RSUs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years, and cash settled RSUs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
Stock Options
The table below presents stock option activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average exercise price).
Stock OptionsWeighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 202130.4 $34.93 5.0$0.4 
Granted0.3 $32.90 
Forfeited(0.2)$30.46 
Outstanding as of December 31, 202230.5 $34.95 4.0$— 
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 202230.5 $34.95 4.0$— 
Exercisable as of December 31, 202212.0 $29.87 2.6$— 
The Company received cash payments from the exercise of stock options totaling $1 million, $159 million, and $8 million during 2022, 2021 and 2020, and 2019. respectively. As of December 31, 2022, there was $158 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.3 years.
The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Company's derivative financial instruments at December 31,Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant during 2022, 2021 and 2020 were as follows.
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Risk-free interest rate1.46 %1.03 %0.89 %
Expected term (years)5.05.95.0
Expected volatility42.15 %42.45 %31.86 %
Dividend yield— — — 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during 2022, 2021 and 20192020 was determined using a market-based approach (Level 2).
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Fair ValueFair Value
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange$1,082 $$$14 $17 $1,631 $29 $$$16 
Interest rate swaps2,000 11 89 400 38 
Net investment hedges: (a)
Cross-currency swaps3,544 34 41 154 3,535 37 70 94 
Foreign exchange44 52 
No hedging designation:
Foreign exchange1,035 26 1,177 13 50 
Cross-currency swaps139 13 279 
Equity (Lionsgate collar)65 19 18 
Total$40 $57 $16 $299 $88 $137 $25 $165 
(a) Excludes £400$9.60, $14.08 and $7.57, respectively, per option. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $0 million, of sterling notes ($545$145 million equivalent at December 31, 2020) designated as a net investment hedge. (See Note 8.)and $3 million, respectively.
98102

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SARs
The table below presents SAR award activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price).
SARsWeighted-
Average
Grant
Price
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20210.9 $22.46 0.1$
Settled(0.9)$22.37 $
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022— $— 0.0$— 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The ESPP enables eligible employees to purchase shares of WBD common stock through payroll deductions or other permitted means. Unless otherwise determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee, the purchase price for shares offered under the ESPP is 85% of the closing price of WBD common stock on the purchase date. The Company’s board of directors has authorized 8 million shares of WBD common stock to be issued under the ESPP. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 the Company issued 526 thousand, 203 thousand and 254 thousand shares under the ESPP, respectively, and received cash totaling $7 million, $6 million and $5 million, respectively.
NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES
The income tax balances as of December 31, 2022 are inclusive of the WM Business as a result of the Merger.
The domestic and foreign components of (loss) income before income taxes were as follows (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 202220212020
Domestic$(8,747)$1,598 $1,916 
Foreign(213)(165)(188)
(Loss) income before income taxes$(8,960)$1,433 $1,728 
The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 202220212020
Current:
Federal$629 $451 $422 
State and local143 130 12 
Foreign407 166 125 
1,179 747 559 
Deferred:
Federal(2,367)(250)(14)
State and local(418)(24)
Foreign(57)(267)(148)
(2,842)(511)(186)
Income tax (benefit) expense$(1,663)$236 $373 
103

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table presentsreconciles the pretax impactCompany's effective income tax rates to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rates.
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate$(1,881)21 %$301 21 %$363 21 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit(218)%108 %(10)— %
Effect of foreign operations246 (3)%25 %58 %
Preferred stock conversion premium charge166 (2)%— — %— — %
UK Finance Act legislative change— — %(155)(11)%(51)(3)%
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(17)— %(40)(3)%(29)(2)%
Impairment of goodwill— — %— — %25 %
Deferred tax adjustment— — %— — %(22)(1)%
Other, net41 — %(3)— %39 %
Income tax (benefit) expense$(1,663)19 %$236 16 %$373 22 %
Income tax (benefit) expense was $(1,663) million and $236 million, and the Company’s effective tax rate was 19% and 16% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in the tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily attributable to a decrease in pre-tax book income, partially offset by an unfavorable tax adjustment related to the 2022 preferred stock conversion transaction expense that was not deductible for tax purposes (see Note 3), as well as the effect of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges onforeign operations, including taxation and allocation of income and other comprehensivelosses across multiple foreign jurisdictions. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2022 was further offset by a deferred tax benefit of $155 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021 resulting from the UK Finance Act 2021 enacted in June 2021.
Income tax expense was $236 million and $373 million, and the Company's effective tax rate was 16% and 22% for 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in income (loss)tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily attributable to a decrease in pre-tax book income and an increase in the deferred tax benefit from the UK Finance Act 2021 that was enacted in June 2021. Those decreases were partially offset by an increase in the state and local income tax expense recorded in 2021.
Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments$14 $17 $34 
Interest rate - derivative adjustments(124)21 
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - advertising revenue(1)
Foreign exchange - distribution revenue30 
Foreign exchange - costs of revenues11 
Interest rate - interest expense(2)
Foreign exchange - other expense, net (dedesignated portion)

If current fair values of designated cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2020 remained static over the next twelve months, the Company would reclassify $14 million of net deferred losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income in the next twelve months. The maximum length of time the Company is hedging exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 35 years.
The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as net investment hedges on other comprehensive income (loss) (in millions). Other than amounts excluded from effectiveness testing, there were no other gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Year Ended December 31,
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCILocation of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
202020192018202020192018
Cross currency swaps$(61)$93 $43 Interest expense, net$43 $44 $14 
Foreign exchange contracts(2)Other income (expense), net
Sterling notes (foreign denominated debt)(20)(17)30 N/A
Total$(83)$80 $73 $43 $44 $14 

The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Interest rate swaps$$$
Cross-currency swaps(10)
Foreign exchange derivatives32 (65)18 
Credit contracts(1)
Equity13 29 
Total in other income (expense), net$29 $(51)$50 

 December 31,
 20222021
Deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable$(78)$
Tax attribute carry-forward2,557 445 
Accrued liabilities and other1,274 548 
Total deferred income tax assets3,753 1,001 
Valuation allowance(1,849)(305)
Net deferred income tax assets1,904 696 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Intangible assets(9,509)(395)
Content rights(1,389)(138)
Equity method and other investments in partnerships(522)(413)
Noncurrent portion of debt(6)(87)
Other(803)(133)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(12,229)(1,166)
Net deferred income tax liabilities$(10,325)$(470)
99

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11. REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented outside of permanent equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheet when the put right is outside of the Company's control. Redeemable noncontrolling interests reflected as of the balance sheet date are the greater of the noncontrolling interest balances adjusted for comprehensive income items and distributions or the redemption values remeasured at the period end foreign exchange rates. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value as a result of changes in exchange rates are reflected in currency translation adjustments, a component of other comprehensive income (loss); however, such currency translation adjustments to redemption value are allocated to Discovery stockholders only. Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value are reflected in retained earnings. The adjustment of carrying value to the redemption value that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value is included as an adjustment to income from continuing operations available to Discovery, Inc. stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. (See Note 19.) The table below summarizes the Company's redeemable noncontrolling interests balances (in millions).
December 31,
20202019
Discovery Family$206 $206 
MotorTrend Group LLC ("MTG")112 118 
Oprah Winfrey Network ("OWN")10 64 
Other55 54 
Total$383 $442 

The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions).
December 31,
202020192018
Beginning balance$442 $415 $413 
Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses25 
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests(31)(39)(25)
Equity exchange with Harpo for step acquisition of OWN(50)
Comprehensive income adjustments:
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests12 16 20 
Currency translation on redemption values
Retained earnings adjustments:
Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value)14 
Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value equals fair value)
OWN interest adjustment
Ending balance$383 $442 $415 
The significant arrangements for redeemable noncontrolling interests are described below:
Discovery Family
Hasbro Inc. ("Hasbro") has the right to put the entirety of its remaining 40% interest in Discovery Family to Discovery at any time during the one-year period beginning December 31, 2021, or in the event a Discovery performance obligation related to Discovery Family is not met. Embedded in the redeemable noncontrolling interest is also a Discovery call right that is exercisable for one year after December 31, 2021. Upon the exercise of the put or call options, the price to be paid for the redeemable noncontrolling interest is a function of the then-current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, to which certain discounts and redemption values may apply in specified situations depending upon the party exercising the put or call and the basis for the exercise of the put or call.
100104

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MTG
Discovery and GoldenTree created the MTG joint venture in 2017. GoldenTree acquired a put right exercisable during 30-day windows beginning on each of March 25, 2021, September 25, 2022 and March 25, 2024, that requires Discovery to either purchase all of GoldenTree's noncontrolling 32.5% interest in the joint venture at fair value or participate in an initial public offering for the joint venture.
OWN
Harpo has the right to require the Company to purchase Harpo's remaining noncontrolling interest in OWN at fair value during 4 90-day windows beginning on July 1, 2018 and every two and a half years thereafter through January 1, 2026. Harpo exercised the first of such remaining put rights in August 2018. In November 2018, the Company and Harpo entered into an amendment to the limited liability company ("LLC") agreement whereby Harpo agreed to withdraw its August 2018 put notice and upon any succeeding redemption, the put payment value will equal the fair value of Harpo's equity interest in OWN plus an incremental 9.337% per annum for the 2.5 year period between the July 1, 2018 put right date and the January 1, 2021 put right date. In December 2020, the Company and Harpo completed an equity exchange and amended the LLC agreement whereby the Company acquired an additional 20.2% ownership interest in OWN from Harpo in exchange for $35 million of the Company's Series A common stock, which was issued from treasury stock. As a result of the exchange, the Company's ownership in OWN increased to approximately 94%. Harpo's remaining put rights are currently exercisable on July 1, 2023 and January 1, 2026.
NOTE 12. EQUITY
Common Stock
The Company has 3 series of common stock authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020: Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock. Holders of these 3 series of common stock have equal rights, powers and privileges, except as otherwise noted. Holders of Series A common stock are entitled to 1 vote per share and holders of Series B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share on all matters voted on by stockholders, except for directors to be elected by holders of the Company’s Series A-1 convertible preferred stock. Holders of Series C common stock are not entitled to any voting rights, except as required by Delaware law. Generally, holders of Series A common stock and Series B common stock and Series A-1 convertible preferred stock vote as one class, except for certain preferential rights afforded to holders of Series A-1 convertible preferred stock.
Holders of Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock will participate equally in cash dividends if declared by the Board of Directors, subject to preferential rights of outstanding preferred stock.
Each share of Series B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1 share of Series A common stock. Series A and Series C common stock are not convertible.
Generally, distributions made in shares of Series A common stock, Series B common stock or Series C common stock will be made proportionally to all common stockholders. In the event of a reclassification, subdivision or combination of any series of common stock, the shares of the other series of common stock will be equally reclassified, subdivided or combined.
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Discovery, after payment of Discovery’s debts and liabilities and subject to preferential rights of outstanding preferred stock, holders of Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock and holders of Series A-1 and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock will share equally in any assets available for distribution to holders of common stock.
Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company has 2 series of preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020: Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock. Series A-1 convertible preferred stock is convertible into 9 shares of the Company's Series A common stock and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock is convertible into 19.3648 shares of the Company's Series C common stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. Shares of Series A-1 and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock may be independently converted into Series A common stock and Series C common, respectively.
101

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2020, all outstanding shares2022, the tax attribute carry-forward balance includes $1,105 million of Series A-1net operating loss deferred tax assets established in Luxembourg during the year. Prior to 2022, the Company concluded that the likelihood of utilizing these net operating losses was remote and Series C-1 convertible preferred stockthe deferred tax assets associated with these operating losses were held by Advance/Newhouse. Holders of Series A-1 and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock have equal rights, powers and privileges, except as otherwise noted. Exceptworthless, leading to no deferred tax assets established for the election of common stock directors, the holders of Series A-1 convertible preferred stock are entitled to vote on matters to which holders of Series A and Series B common stock are entitled to vote, and holders of Series C-1 convertible preferred stock are entitled to vote on matters to which holders of Series C common stock, which is generally non-voting, are entitled to vote pursuant to Delaware law. Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders vote on an as converted to common stock basis together with the Series A and Series B common stockholdersthese net operating losses. However, as a single class on all matters except the electionresult of directors. Series C-1 convertible preferred stock is considered the economic equivalent of Series C common stock and is subject to certain transfer restrictions.
Additionally, through its ownership of the Series A-1 convertible preferred stock, Advance/Newhouse has special voting rights on certain matters and the right to elect 3 directors. Holders of the Company’s common stock are not entitled to voterecent changes in the electioncompany’s global tax profile upon the Merger, the Company believes the likelihood that these net operating losses would be utilized is no longer remote and has established deferred tax assets of such directors. Advance/Newhouse retains these rights so long as it or its permitted transferees own or have the right to vote such shares that equal at least 80% of the shares of Series A convertible preferred stock issued to Advance/Newhouse in connection with the formation of Discovery, as converted to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock, plus any Series A-1 convertible preferred stock released from escrow, as may be adjusted for certain capital transactions. Holders of Series A-1 convertible preferred stock are subject to a right of first offer in favor of Discovery should Advance/Newhouse desire to sell 80% or more of the Series A-1 convertible preferred stock in a “Permitted Transfer” (as defined in the Discovery charter).
Subject to the prior preferences and other rights of any senior stock, holders of Series A-1 and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock will participate equally with common stockholders on an as converted to common stock basis in any cash dividends declared by the Board of Directors.
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Discovery, after payment of Discovery’s debts and liabilities and subject to the prior payment with respect to any stock ranking senior to Series A-1 and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock, the holders of Series A-1 and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock will receive, before any payment or distribution is made to the holders of any common stock or other junior stock, an amount (in cash or property) equal to $0.01 per share. Following payment of such amount and the payment in full of all amounts owing to the holders of securities ranking senior to Discovery’s common stock, holders of Series A-1 and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock will share equally on an as converted to common stock basis with the holders of common stock with respect to any assets remaining for distribution to such holders.
NaN Series A-1 or C-1 convertible preferred stock was converted$1,105 million during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Advance Newhouse Programming Partnership converted 1.1 million of its Series C-1 convertible preferred stock into 22.0 million shares of Series C common stock.
Common Stock Issued in Connection with Scripps Networks Acquisition
In March 2018, the Company issued 139 million shares of Series C common stock as part of the consideration paid2022 for the acquisitioncumulative balance of Scripps Networks, inclusivethese net operating losses. The Company also recorded a full valuation allowance of $1,105 million to offset the conversion of 1 million Scripps Networks share-based compensation awards. (See Note 3.)
Repurchase Programs
Common Stockassociated deferred tax assets after weighing all available evidence for realizability.
The Company has a stock repurchase program that was implemented in 2010. Under the program, management was authorized to purchase shares of the Company's common stock from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices, pursuant to one or more accelerated stock repurchase agreements, or other derivative arrangements as permitted by securities lawsCompany’s net deferred income tax assets and other legal requirements, and subject to stock price, business and market conditions and other factors. The Company's authorization under this program expired in October 2017.
In February 2020, the Company's Board of Directors authorized additional stock repurchases of up to $2 billion upon completion of its existing $1 billion repurchase authorization announced in May 2019. All common stock repurchases, including prepaid common stock repurchase contracts, have been made through open market transactions and have been recorded as treasury stockliabilities were reported on the consolidated balance sheets. Oversheets as follows (in millions).
 December 31,
 20222021
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (included within other noncurrent assets)$689 $755 
Deferred income tax liabilities(11,014)(1,225)
Net deferred income tax liabilities$(10,325)$(470)
The Company’s loss carry-forwards were reported on the lifeconsolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions).
FederalStateForeign
Loss carry-forwards$129 $1,194 $7,842 
Deferred tax asset related to loss carry-forwards27 61 1,948 
Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards(6)(58)(1,477)
Earliest expiration date of loss carry-forwards202820232023
A reconciliation of the Company's repurchase programsbeginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (without related interest and penalty amounts) is as follows (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 202220212020
Beginning balance$420 $348 $375 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year302 68 31 
Additions for tax positions of prior years35 64 
Additions for tax positions acquired in business combinations1,353 — — 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(114)(27)(5)
Settlements(20)(5)(9)
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations(34)(25)(51)
Changes due to foreign currency exchange rates(13)(3)
Ending balance$1,929 $420 $348 
On April 8, 2022, the Company completed its Merger with the WM Business. In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into a tax matters agreement (“TMA”) with AT&T. Pursuant to the TMA, the Company is responsible for tax liabilities of the WM Business related to the periods prior to AT&T's ownership of the WM Business (June 14, 2018), and AT&T is responsible for tax liabilities of the WM Business related to the period for which they owned the WM Business (June 15, 2018 through April 8, 2022). The Company is indemnified by AT&T for any tax liabilities of the WM Business arising for the period June 15, 2018 through April 8, 2022. As of December 31, 2020,2022, the Company had repurchased 3 millionhas recorded reserves for uncertain tax positions and 229 million sharesthe associated interest and penalties payable related to the WM Business of Series A and Series C common stock, respectively, for the aggregate purchase price of $171$1,353 million and $8.2 billion, respectively. The table below presents a summary$322 million, respectively, through purchase accounting. Indemnification receivables of common stock repurchases (in millions).$388 million were also recorded through purchase accounting during the year ended December 31, 2022.
102105

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Series C Common Stock:
Shares repurchased41.6 23.2 
Purchase price$965 $637 $

In May 2019,With respect to uncertain tax positions related to jurisdictions that have joint and several liability among members of the AT&T tax filing group during the AT&T ownership period, the Company made an upfront cash payment of $96 millionrecognizes only the amount they expect to enter into 2 prepaid common stock repurchase contracts forpay to the Company’s Series C common stock. Both contracts settled in cash for $50 million each during June 2019taxing authorities after considering the TMA with AT&T and August 2019, asAT&T’s ability to settle any disputed positions with the price of Discovery’s Series C common stock was above the strike price at expiration for each contract. The contracts were accounted for as equity transactions.
Convertible Preferred Stock
There were 0 convertible preferred stock repurchases during 2020, 2019 or 2018.taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not recorded any liabilities for uncertain tax positions or indemnification receivables related to matters that were attributable to jurisdictions that have joint and several liability among members of the AT&T filing group since AT&T was determined to be the primary obligor.
The balances as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 included $1,929 million, $420 million, and $348 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate after giving effect to interest deductions and offsetting benefits from other tax jurisdictions. The increase in the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to the Merger.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for its 2011 to 2019 consolidated federal income tax returns. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or timing of resolution of any particular tax matter. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to audit by any jurisdiction for years prior to 2008. Adjustments that arose from the completion of audits for certain tax years have been included in the change in uncertain tax positions in the table above.
It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain of the Company's uncertain tax positions could decrease by as much as $316 million within the next twelve months as a result of ongoing audits, foreign judicial proceedings, lapses of statutes of limitations, or regulatory developments.
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company had repurchased 0.2accrued approximately $413 million, shares$60 million, and $53 million, respectively, of Series C-1 convertible preferred stocktotal interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits. The increase in the accrual for $102 million.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)interest and penalties payable at December 31, 2022 is primarily attributable to the Merger. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
The table below presents2017 Tax Act features a participation exemption regime with current taxation of certain foreign income and imposes a mandatory repatriation toll tax on unremitted foreign earnings. Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, we intend to continue to reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. Our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to the U.S. However, if these funds were to be needed in the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay non-U.S. taxes to repatriate them. The determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability with respect to these undistributed foreign earnings is not practicable.
In August 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”), which, among other changes, created a new corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) of 15% for corporations whose average annual adjusted financial statement income for any consecutive 3 tax year periods ending after December 31, 2021, and preceding the tax effects related to each componentyear exceeds $1 billion, and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases made by publicly traded U.S. corporations. The effective date of other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassifications made into the consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019Year Ended December 31, 2018

Pretax
Tax Benefit (Expense)

Net-of-tax

Pretax
Tax Benefit (Expense)

Net-of-tax

Pretax
Tax Benefit (Expense)

Net-of-tax
Currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized gains (losses):
Foreign currency$357 $33 $390 $(95)$14 $(81)$(246)$(6)$(252)
Net investment hedges(109)11 (98)56 60 59 59 
Reclassifications:
Gain on disposition
Total currency translation adjustments248 44 292 (33)18 (15)(183)(6)(189)
Derivative adjustments:
Unrealized gains (losses)(110)24 (86)38 (9)29 34 (8)26 
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net income(34)(27)(14)(11)(19)(14)
Total derivative adjustments(144)31 (113)24 (6)18 15 (3)12 
Pension plan and SERP liability:
Unrealized gains (losses)(10)(8)(13)(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss) adjustments$94 $77 $171 $(22)$15 $(7)$(165)$(9)$(174)

103

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (in millions).
Currency Translation
AFS (a)
Derivative AdjustmentsPension Plan and SERP LiabilityAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
December 31, 2017$(615)$26 $$$(585)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(193)26 (164)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income(14)(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(189)12 (174)
Reclassifications to retained earnings resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-01(26)(26)
December 31, 2018(804)16 (785)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(20)29 (10)(1)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income(11)(5)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(14)18 (10)(6)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(1)(1)
Reclassifications to retained earnings resulting from the adoption of ASU 2018-02(28)(2)(30)
December 31, 2019(847)32 (7)(822)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications292 (86)(8)198 
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income(27)(27)
Other comprehensive income (loss)292 (113)(8)171 
December 31, 2020$(555)$$(81)$(15)$(651)
(a)Effectivethese provisions was January 1, 2018, unrealized gains and losses on equity investments with readily determinable fair values are recorded in other income (expense), net. (See Note 4.)2023. The Company will continue to monitor for additional IRA guidance to determine whether there is a material impact to the Company’s financial statements.
NOTE 13. NONCONTROLLING INTEREST17. RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS
The Company has defined contribution, defined benefit, and other savings plans for the benefit of its employees that meet eligibility requirements.
Defined Contribution Plans
Eligible employees may contribute a controlling interest inportion of their compensation to the TV Food Network Partnership (the "Partnership"),plans, which includesmay be subject to certain statutory limitations. For these plans, the Food Network and Cooking Channel. Food Network and Cooking Channel are operated and organized under the terms of the Partnership.Company also makes contributions, including discretionary contributions, subject to plan provisions, which vest immediately. The Company holds 80%made total contributions of $188 million, $50 million, and $47 million for the voting interest and 68.7% of the economic interest in the Partnership. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Partnership agreement was extended and specifies a dissolution date of December 31, 2022. If the term of the Partnership is not extended prior to the dissolution date ofyears ended December 31, 2022, the Partnership agreement permits the Company, as holder2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s contributions were recorded in cost of 80% of the applicable votes, to reconstitute the Partnershiprevenues and continue its business. If for some reason the Partnership is not continued, it will be required to limit its activities to winding up, settling debts, liquidating assetsselling, general and distributing proceeds to the partners in proportion to their partnership interests. Ownership interests attributable to the noncontrolling owner are presented as noncontrolling interestsadministrative expense on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under the termsstatements of the Partnership agreement, the noncontrolling owner cannot force a redemption outside of the Company's control. As such, the noncontrolling interests in the Partnership are reflected as a component of permanent equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements.operations.
104106

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14. REVENUES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Disaggregated RevenueExecutive Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company has deferred compensation plans through which certain senior-level employees may elect to defer a portion of their eligible compensation. Distributions from the deferred compensation plans are generally made following table presentsseparation from service or other events as specified in the plan. While these plans are unfunded, the Company has established separate rabbi trusts used to provide for certain of these benefits. The accounts of the separate rabbi trusts are included in the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions). Management uses these categories of revenue to evaluate the performance of its businessesconsolidated financial statements. The investments are included in prepaid expenses and to assess its financial resultsother current assets and forecasts.
Year Ended December 31, 2020
U.S. NetworksInternational NetworksCorporate, inter-segment eliminations, and otherTotal
Revenues:
Advertising$4,012 $1,571 $$5,583 
Distribution2,852 2,014 4,866 
Other85 128 222 
Totals$6,949 $3,713 $$10,671 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
U.S. NetworksInternational NetworksCorporate, inter-segment eliminations, and otherTotal
Revenues:
Advertising$4,245 $1,799 $$6,044 
Distribution2,739 2,096 4,835 
Other108 146 11 265 
Totals$7,092 $4,041 $11 $11,144 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
U.S. NetworksInternational NetworksCorporate, inter-segment eliminations, and otherTotal
Revenues:
Advertising$3,749 $1,765 $$5,514 
Distribution2,456 2,082 4,538 
Other145 302 54 501 
Totals$6,350 $4,149 $54 $10,553 

Accounts Receivable and Credit Losses
Receivables include amounts currently due from customers and are presented net of an estimate for lifetime expected credit losses. Allowance for credit losses is measured using historical loss rates for the respective risk categories and incorporating forward-looking estimates. To assess collectability, the Company analyzes market trends, economic conditions, the aging of receivables and customer specific risks, and records a provision for estimated credit losses expected over the lifetime of receivables. The corresponding expense for the expected credit losses is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company does not require collateral with respect to trade receivables.
The Company’s accounts receivable balances and the related credit losses arise primarily from distribution and advertising revenue. The Company monitors ongoing credit exposure through active review of customers’ financial conditions, aging of receivable balances, historical collection trends, and expectations about relevant future events that may significantly affect collectability.
105

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Changes in allowance for credit losses consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2019Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13Provisions for credit lossesWrite-offsDecember 31, 2020
Distribution customers$19 $$$(11)$18 
Advertising and other customers35 (3)21 (12)41 
Total$54 $(2)$30 $(23)$59 

Contract Liability
A contract liability, such as deferred revenue, is recorded when cash is received in advance of the Company's performance. Total deferred revenues, including both current and noncurrent, were $649 million and $597 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Noncurrent deferred revenue is a component of other noncurrent liabilitiesassets on the consolidated balance sheets. The changedeferred compensation obligation is included in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The values of the investments and deferred revenuecompensation obligation are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the investments are included as a component of other income (expense), net, on the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 14 and Note 18.)
Multiemployer Benefit Plans
The Company contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain of our union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer pension plans are different from single-employer pension plans in that (i) contributions made by the Company to the multiemployer pension plans may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (ii) if the Company chooses to stop participating in certain of these multiemployer pension plans, it may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, which is referred to as a withdrawal liability; and (iii) actions taken by a participating employer that lead to a deterioration of the financial health of a multiemployer pension plan may result in the unfunded obligations of the multiemployer pension plan being borne by its remaining participating employers. While no multiemployer pension plan that the Company contributed to is individually significant to it, the Company was listed on certain Form 5500s as providing more than 5% of total contributions based on the current information available. The financial health of a multiemployer plan is indicated by the zone status, as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which represents the funded status of the plan as certified by the plan’s actuary. In general, plans in the red zone are less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are between 65% and 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. We are listed as providing more than 5% of total contributions to the Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan (the “MPI Plan”) and the Directors Guild of America Producer Pension Plan (the “DGA Plan”). The DGA Plan was funded at 90.7% for the most recent available plan year. The MPI Plan and the Screen Actors Guild – Producers Pension Plan were funded at 68.9% and 74.7%, respectively, for the most recent available plan year, but neither of these plans was considered to be in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the most recent plan year. Total contributions made by us to multiemployer pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2020 reflects cash payments received for which the performance obligation was2022 were $112 million. Our share of contributions to plans whose zone status is below green is not satisfied prior to the endmaterial. Since these plans were acquired as part of the period, partially offset by $309 million of revenues recognized thatMerger, there were included in deferred revenue atno contributions for the years ended December 31, 2019, which was primarily due2021 and 2020.
We also contribute to an increase in the delivery of advertising commitments during the period. Revenue recognizedvarious other multiemployer benefit plans that provide health and welfare benefits to active and retired participants. Total contributions made by us to these other multiemployer benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2018 was $1772022 were $182 million.
Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations
Most of the Company's distribution contracts are licenses of functional intellectual property where revenue is derived from royalty-based arrangements, for which the guidance allows the application of a practical expedient to record revenues as a function of royalties earned to date instead of estimating incremental royalty contract revenue. Accordingly, in these instances revenue is recognized based upon the royalties earned to date. However, there are certain other distribution arrangements that are fixed price or contain minimum guarantees that extend beyond one year. The Company recognizes revenue for fixed fee distribution contracts on a monthly basis based on minimum monthly fees or by calculating one twelfth of annual license fees specified in its distribution contracts. The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations within these fixed price or minimum guarantee distribution revenue contracts was $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2020 and is expected to be recognized over the next five years.
The Company's content licensing contracts and sports sublicensing deals are licenses of functional intellectual property. Certain of these arrangements extend beyond one year. The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations on these long-term contracts was $807 million as of December 31, 2020 and is expected to be recognized over the next four years.
The Company's brand licensing contracts are licenses of symbolic intellectual property. Certain of these arrangements extend beyond one year. The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations on these long-term contracts was $99 million as of December 31, 2020 and is expected to be recognized over the next 11 years.
The value of unsatisfied performance obligations disclosed above does not include: (i) contracts involving variable consideration for which revenues are recognized in accordance with the usage-based royalty exception, and (ii) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, such as advertising contracts.
Capitalized Contract Costs
Sales commissions are generally expensed as incurred because contracts for which the sales commissions are generated are one year or less or are not material. Sales commissions are recorded as a component of cost of revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. The financing component of content licensing arrangements is not capitalized, because the period between delivery of the license and customer payment is one year or less or is not material.
NOTE 15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATIONDefined Benefit Plans
The Company has various incentivedefined benefit pension plans under which PRSUs, RSUs, stock optionsthat cover certain U.S. based employees (the “U.S. Pension Plans”) and SARsa non-qualified unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) that provides defined pension benefits to eligible executives.
Under the existing Scripps Networks Interactive pension plan, no additional service benefits have been issued. As ofearned by participants since December 31, 2020, the Company has reserved a total of 96 million shares of its Series A2009, and Series C common stock for future exercises, vestings and grants of stock options, stock-settled SARs, PRSUs and RSUs. Upon exercise or vesting of stock awards, the Company issues new shares from its existing authorized but unissued shares. There were 58 million shares of common stock in reserves that were available for future issuance under the incentive plans as of December 31, 2020.
106

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Share-Based Compensation Expense
The table below presents the components of share-based compensation expense (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
PRSUs$$46 $24 
RSUs76 41 27 
Stock options30 33 22 
SARs(4)22 
ESPP and other(1)
Total share-based compensation expense$110 $142 $80 
Tax benefit recognized$18 $17 $13 

Liability-classified share-based compensation awards include certain PRSUs and SARs. The Company recorded total liabilities for cash-settled and other liability-classified share-based compensation awards of $55 million and $93 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The current portion of the liability for cash-settled and other liability-classified awards was $37 million and $47 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Share-Based Award Activity
PRSUs
The table below presents PRSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price).
PRSUsWeighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Fair
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20192.2 $26.89 0.5$71 
Granted0.5 $25.70 
Converted(1.2)$26.79 $33 
Forfeited$
Outstanding as of December 31, 20201.5 $26.57 0.0$45 
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 20201.5 $26.57 0.0$45 
Convertible as of December 31, 20200.9 $26.80 0.0$28 
The Company has granted PRSUs to certain senior level executives. PRSUs represent the contingent right to receive shares of the Company’s Series A or C common stock, substantially all of which vest over three to four years based on continuous service and whether the Company achieves certain operating performance targets. The performance targets for substantially all PRSUs are cumulative measures of the Company’s adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (as defined in Note 23), free cash flows and revenues over a three-year period. The number of PRSUs that vest principally range from 0% to 100% based on a sliding scale where achieving or exceeding the performance target will result in 100% of the PRSUs vesting and achieving less than 80% of the target will result in no portion of the PRSUs vesting. Additionally, for certain PRSUs, the Company’s Compensation Committee has discretion in determining the final amount of units that vest, but may not increase the amount of any PRSU award above 100%. Upon vesting, each PRSU becomes convertible into one shareeligible compensation that is used to calculate a plan participant’s pension benefit includes compensation earned by the employee through December 31, 2019, after which time all plan participants have a frozen pension benefit.
In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed four U.S. nonqualified pension plans that are noncontributory and unfunded and several non-U.S. pension plans. The acquired U.S. pension plans consist of the Company’s Series ATime Warner Excess Benefit Plan (the “Excess plan”), the Retirement Accumulation Plan (“RAP”), the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) and the Wealth Accumulation Plan (“WAP”). The acquired U.S. pension plans were closed to new entrants during 2010. The Excess plan and RAP are both frozen to new benefit accruals. SERP and WAP only have retirees remaining. The pension formula for the Excess plan captured pay above compensation limits or Series C common stock as applicable. Holders of PRSUs do not receive payments of dividends in the event the Company paysbenefit limits. RAP is a cash dividend until such PRSUs are converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.
As of December 31, 2020, unrecognized compensation cost related to PRSUs was immaterial.balance type formula and now provides only interest credits.
107

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RSUs
The table below presents RSU activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price).

RSUs
Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Fair
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20196.5 $27.14 1.5$213 
Granted4.6 $25.50 
Vested(1.7)$26.82 $45 
Forfeited(0.8)$27.13 
Outstanding as of December 31, 20208.6 $26.31 2.8$259 
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 20208.6 $26.31 2.8$259 
RSUs represent the contingent right to receive shares of the Company's Series A or C common stock, substantially all of which vest ratably each year over periods of one to four years based on continuous service. As of December 31, 2020, there was $204 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, of which $59 million is related to cash settled RSUs. Stock settled RSUs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years and cash settled RSUs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.
Stock Options
The table below presents stock option activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average exercise price).
Stock OptionsWeighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 201921.4 $29.24 4.7$83 
Granted1.3 $25.70 
Exercised(0.4)$19.75 $
Forfeited(1.3)$32.66 
Outstanding as of December 31, 202021.0 $29.00 4.0$41 
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 202021.0 $29.00 4.0$41 
Exercisable as of December 31, 20206.5 $27.90 2.6$20 
Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to or in excess of the closing market price of the Company’s Series A or Series C common stock on the date of grant. Substantially all stock options vest ratably over three to four years from the grant date based on continuous service and expire seven to ten years from the date of grant. Stock option awards generally provide for accelerated vesting upon retirement or after reaching a specified age and years of service. The Company received cash payments from the exercise of stock options totaling $8 million, $17 million and $68 million during 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, there was $65 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant during 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows.
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Risk-free interest rate0.89 %2.67 %2.74 %
Expected term (years)55.55.5
Expected volatility31.86 %30.44 %29.57 %
Dividend yield
108

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The weighted-average grantCompany also holds net assets and net liabilities on behalf of other U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans. The plan provisions vary by plan and by country. Some of these plans are unfunded and all are noncontributory. Assets are recorded in other noncurrent assets, and liabilities are recorded in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Discount rates, long-term rate of return on plan assets, increases in compensation levels, and mortality rates are key assumptions used in determining the benefit obligation. The table below describes how the assumptions are determined.
AssumptionDescription
Discount rateBased on a bond portfolio approach that includes high-quality debt instruments with maturities matching the Company's expected benefit payments from the plans.
Long-term rate of return on plan assetsBased on the weighted-average expected rate of return and capital market forecasts for each asset class employed and also considers the Company's historical compounded return on plan assets for 10 and 15-year periods.
Increase in compensation levelsBased on past experience and the near-term outlook.
MortalityVarious mortality tables adjusted and projected using mortality improvement rates.
Net Periodic Pension Cost
Expense recognized in relation to the Pension Plans and SERP is based upon actuarial valuations. Inherent in those valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and, where applicable, expected returns on assets. The service cost component of net periodic pension cost is recorded in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, while the remaining components are recorded in other income (expense), net. Net periodic pension cost was not material for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
108

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Obligations and Funded Status
The following tables present information about plan assets and obligations of the Pension Plan and SERP based upon a valuation as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (in millions).
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Pension PlanSERP
Accumulated benefit obligation$746 $16 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$82 $22 
Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4)907 
Service cost— 
Interest cost21 — 
Benefits paid(35)(1)
Actuarial gains(225)(6)
Settlement charges(6)— 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year746 16 
Plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year63 — 
Amounts assumed upon acquisition (See Note 4)756 — 
Actual return on plan assets(268)— 
Company contributions23 
Benefits paid(35)(1)
Settlement charges(6)— 
Fair value at end of year533 — 
Under funded status$(213)$(16)
Amounts recognized as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets:
Other noncurrent assets$92 $— 
Accrued liabilities(27)(2)
Other noncurrent liabilities(278)(14)
Total$(213)$(16)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss consist of:
Net loss (gain)$97 $(3)
The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows.
December 31, 2022
PensionSERP
Discount rate4.70 %5.03 %
Rate of compensation increases3.11 %— %
109

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2021
Pension PlanSERP
Accumulated benefit obligation$82 $22 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$94 $25 
Interest cost
Benefits paid(1)— 
Actuarial gains(3)(1)
Settlement charges(10)(3)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year82 22 
Plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year70 — 
Actual return on plan assets— 
Company contributions
Benefits paid(1)— 
Settlement charges(10)(3)
Fair value at end of year63 — 
Under funded status$(19)$(22)
Amounts recognized as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets:
Accrued liabilities$— $(2)
Other noncurrent liabilities(19)(20)
Total$(19)$(22)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss consist of:
Net loss$14 $
The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows.
December 31, 2021
PensionSERP
Discount rate2.42 %2.13 %
Rate of compensation increases (a)
N/AN/A
(a) The Scripps Networks Interactive pension plan reached their scheduled freeze date on December 31, 2019.
110

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Plan Assets
The Company's investment policy is to maximize the total rate of return on plan assets to meet the long-term funding obligations of the pension plans. There are no restrictions on the types of investments held in the pension plans, which are invested using a combination of active management and passive investment strategies. Risk is controlled through diversification among multiple asset classes, managers, styles, and securities. Risk is further controlled both at the manager and asset class levels by assigning return targets and evaluating performance against these targets. The following table presents the pension plans asset allocations by asset category (in millions).
December 31, 2022
Investment TypeTargetActual
Equity securities12 %13 %
Fixed income securities75 %74 %
Multi-asset credit fund%%
Real assets%%
Hedge funds%%
Cash%%
Total100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 14 for a discussion of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value (in millions).
December 31, 2022
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Equity securities$69 $34 $35 $— 
Fixed income securities532 14 446 72 
Multi-asset credit fund21 — 21 — 
Cash— — 
Total plan assets measured at fair value$627 $53 $502 $72 
Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Real assets$22 
Hedge funds20 
Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient$42 
Liabilities:
Derivatives(136)— (136)— 
Total plan assets$533 
The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of options granted during 2020, 2019the Level 3 pension assets for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in millions).
Fixed income funds
Fair value at beginning of year$98 
Unrealized losses(26)
Balance at end of year$72 
111

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2021
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Equity Securities$48 $48 $— $— 
Fixed income securities12 12 — — 
Cash— — 
Total plan assets measured at fair value$63 $63 $— $— 
Estimated Benefit Payments
The following table presents the estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid out for the defined benefits plans over the next ten years (in millions).
Pension PlanSERP
2023$46 $
202444 
202546 
202645 
202746 
Thereafter238 
NOTE 18. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
Property and 2018 was $7.57, $8.43equipment
Property and $7.95, respectively, per option.equipment consisted of the following (in millions).
 December 31,
 Useful Lives20222021
Equipment, furniture, fixtures and other (a)
3 - 5 years$1,682 $1,139 
Capitalized software costs2 - 5 years1,855 904 
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements (b)
15- 39 years3,251 481 
Property and equipment, at cost6,788 2,524 
Accumulated depreciation(2,055)(1,329)
4,733 1,195 
Assets under construction568 141 
Property and equipment, net$5,301 $1,336 
(a) Property and equipment includes assets acquired under finance lease arrangements. Assets acquired under finance lease arrangements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases. (See Note 12.)
(b) Land has an indefinite life and is not depreciated. Leasehold improvements generally have an estimated useful life equal to the lease term.
Capitalized software costs are for internal use. The total intrinsicnet book value of options exercised during 2020, 2019 and 2018capitalized software costs was $3 million, $4$949 million and $30$371 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
SARsDepreciation expense for property and equipment totaled $957 million,$311 million and $267 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
112

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in millions).
December 31,
20222021
Production receivables$1,231 $— 
Other current assets2,657 913 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets$3,888 $913 
Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in millions).
December 31,
20222021
Accrued participation and residuals$2,986 $— 
Accrued production and content rights payable3,153 776 
Accrued payroll and related benefits2,292 533 
Other accrued liabilities3,073 921 
Total accrued liabilities$11,504 $2,230 
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net, consisted of the following (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 202220212020
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net$(150)$93 $(115)
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net475 (33)29 
Gain on sale of investment with readily determinable fair value— 15 101 
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value(105)(6)28 
Change in the value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value(142)(13)— 
Gain on sale of equity method investments195 
Loss on extinguishment of debt— (10)(76)
Other income (expense), net74 22 (3)
Total other income (expense), net$347 $72 $(34)
113

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Cash paid for taxes, net$1,027 $643 $641 
Cash paid for interest1,539 664 673 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Equity issued for the acquisition of WarnerMedia42,309 — — 
Receivable from sale of fuboTV Inc. shares— — 124 
Non-cash consideration related to the sale of The CW Network126 — — 
Accrued consideration for the joint venture with BT90 — — 
Accrued purchases of property and equipment66 34 48 
Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements53 134 91 
Equity exchange with Harpo for step acquisition of OWN— — 59 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
 December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents$3,731 $3,905 
Restricted cash - other current assets (a)
199 — 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$3,930 $3,905 
(a) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 8 and Note 13).
Assets Held for Sale
As of December 31, 2022, the Company classified its Ranch Lot and Knoxville office building and land as assets held for sale. The Company reclassified $209 million to prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 and stopped recording depreciation on the assets. An immaterial write-down to the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022, and is included in impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups in the consolidated statements of operations.
114

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
The table below presents SAR award activity (in millions, except years and weighted-average grant price).
SARsWeighted-
Average
Grant
Price
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20194.9 $24.44 0.8$35 
Granted$
Settled(2.3)$24.88 $14 
Forfeited$
Outstanding as of December 31, 20202.6 $24.01 0.5$12 
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 20202.6 $24.01 0.5$12 
SAR award grants include cash-settled SARs and stock-settled SARs. Cash-settled SARs entitle the holder to receive a cash payment for the amount by which the price of the Company’s Series A or Series C common stock exceeds the base price established on the grant date. Cash-settled SARs are granted with a base price equal to or greater than the closing market price of the Company’s Series A or Series C common stock on the date of grant. Stock-settled SARs entitle the holder to shares of Series A or Series C common stock in accordance with the award agreement terms.
The fair value of outstanding SARs is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the fair value of outstanding SARs were as follows.
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Risk-free interest rate0.10 %1.60 %2.53 %
Expected term (years)0.50.81.2
Expected volatility42.13 %30.54 %36.52 %
Dividend yield
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the weighted-average fair value of SARs outstanding was $5.48 and $8.28 per award. The Company made cash payments of$11 millionand $2 million to settle exercised SARs during 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company made 0 cash payments to settle exercised SARs during 2018. As of December 31, 2020, there was $2 million of unrecognized compensation costtax effects related to SARs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average periodeach component of 0.7 years.other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassifications made in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020

Pretax
Tax Benefit (Expense)

Net-of-tax

Pretax
Tax Benefit (Expense)

Net-of-tax

Pretax
Tax Benefit (Expense)

Net-of-tax
Currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized gains (losses):
Foreign currency$(743)$$(741)$(404)$17 $(387)$357 $33 $390 
Net investment hedges145 (55)90 105 (8)97 (109)11 (98)
Reclassifications:
Gain on disposition(2)— (2)— — — — — — 
Total currency translation adjustments(600)(53)(653)(299)(290)248 44 292 
Derivative adjustments:
Unrealized gains (losses)(3)169 (35)134 (110)24 (86)
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net income(23)(18)(33)(25)(34)(27)
Total derivative adjustments(16)(14)136 (27)109 (144)31 (113)
Pension plan and SERP liability:
Unrealized gains (losses)(47)21 (26)(1)(10)(8)
Other comprehensive (loss) income adjustments$(663)$(30)$(693)$(160)$(19)$(179)$94 $77 $171 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
115

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The ESPP enables eligible employees to purchase sharestable below presents the changes in the components of the Company’s common stock through payroll deductions oraccumulated other permitted means. Unless otherwise determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee, the purchase price for shares offered under the ESPP is 85%comprehensive loss, net of the closing price of the Company’s Series A common stock on the purchase date. The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized 8 million shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued under the ESPP. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 the Company issued 254 thousand, 142 thousand and 133 thousand shares under the ESPP, respectively, and received cash totaling $5 million, $3 million and $3 million, respectively.taxes (in millions).
Currency TranslationDerivative AdjustmentsPension Plan and SERP LiabilityAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
December 31, 2019$(847)$32 $(7)$(822)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications292 (86)(8)198 
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income— (27)— (27)
Other comprehensive income (loss)292 (113)(8)171 
December 31, 2020(555)(81)(15)(651)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(290)134 (154)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income— (25)— (25)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(290)109 (179)
December 31, 2021(845)28 (13)(830)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(651)(26)(673)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income(2)(18)— (20)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(653)(14)(26)(693)
December 31, 2022$(1,498)$14 $(39)$(1,523)
NOTE 16. RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS19. REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
The Company has defined contribution, defined benefit, and other savings plans for the benefitRedeemable noncontrolling interests are presented outside of its employees that meet eligibility requirements.
109

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Defined Contribution Plans
Eligible employees may contribute a portion of their compensation to the plans, which may be subject to certain statutory limitations. For these plans, the Company also makes contributions, including discretionary contributions, subject to plan provisions, which vest immediately. The Company made total contributions of $47 million, $37 million and $44 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company's contributions were recorded in cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Executive Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company’s savings plans also include a deferred compensation plan through which members of the Company’s executive team in the U.S. may elect to defer a portion of their eligible compensation. The amounts deferred are invested in various mutual funds at the direction of the executive, which are used to finance payment of the deferred compensation obligation. Distributions from the deferred compensation plan are made upon termination or other events as specified in the plan. The Company has established separate rabbi trusts to hold the investments that finance the deferred compensation obligation. The accounts of the separate rabbi trusts are included inpermanent equity on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The investments are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other noncurrent assets inbalance sheets when the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred compensation obligationput right is included in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The valuesoutside of the investments and deferred compensation obligation are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair valueCompany's control. Redeemable noncontrolling interests reflected as of the investmentsbalance sheet date are offset bythe greater of the noncontrolling interest balances adjusted for comprehensive income items and distributions or the redemption values remeasured at the period end foreign exchange rates. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value as a result of changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation andexchange rates are recordedreflected in earnings ascurrency translation adjustments, a component of other income (expense), net, on the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 5.)
Defined Benefit Plans
As a result of the acquisition of Scripps Networks in 2018, the Company assumed a defined benefit pension plan (“Pension Plan”) that covers certain U.S. based employees and a non-qualified unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) that provides defined pension benefitscomprehensive (loss) income. Such currency translation adjustments to eligible executives. Expense recognized in relationredemption value are allocated to the Pension Plan and SERP is based upon actuarial valuations. InherentCompany’s stockholders only. Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value are reflected in those valuations are key assumptions including discount rates and, where applicable, expected returns on assets. Discount rates are based onretained earnings. The adjustment of carrying value to the redemption value that reflects a bond portfolio approach that includes high-quality debt instruments with maturities matching the Company's expected benefit payments from the plans. Expected returns on assets are based on the weighted-average expected rateredemption in excess of return and capital market forecasts for each asset class employed and also consider the Company's historical compounded return on plan assets for 10 and 15-year periods. Benefits are generally based on the employee’s compensation and years of service. Since December 31, 2009, no additional service benefits have been earned by participants under the Pension Plan. The amount of eligible compensation that is used to calculate a plan participant’s pension benefit includes compensation earned by the employee through December 31, 2019, after which time all plan participants have a frozen pension benefit. Net periodic pension cost was not material for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
The projected benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets and discount rate used in determining the projected benefit obligations wereis included as follows (in millions).
Pension PlanSERP
December 31,
2020201920202019
Projected benefit obligation$94 $90 $25 $26 
Fair value of plan assets (Level 1)$70 $68 $$
Discount rate1.92 %2.82 %1.58 %2.61 %

NOTE 17. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
Restructuring and other charges by reportable segment and corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other were as follows (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
U.S. Networks$41 $15 $322 
International Networks29 20 307 
Corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other21 (9)121 
Total restructuring and other charges$91 $26 $750 
110

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 primarily include charges relatedan adjustment to employee termination costs and other cost reduction efforts. During 2020, the Company implemented various cost-savings initiatives including personnel reductions, restructurings and resource reallocations to align its expense structure to ongoing changes within the industry, including economic challenges resultingincome from the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions are intended to enable the Company to more efficiently operate in a leaner and more directed cost structure and are expected to continue into 2021; however, all such amounts cannot be reasonably estimated at this time as the restructuring plans have not been finalized. Restructuring charges for year ended December 31, 2018 include employee terminations, facility closures, and contract terminations, which include costs to terminate certain production commitments, life of series production and content licensing contracts. Other restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2018 consisted of $405 million of content write-offs, which resulted from a global strategic review of content following the acquisition of Scripps Networks.
Changes in restructuring and other liabilities recorded in accrued liabilities by reportable segment and corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other were as follows (in millions).
U.S. NetworksInternational NetworksCorporate, inter-segment eliminations, and otherTotal
December 31, 2018$16 $46 $46 $108 
Net contract termination accruals(6)(6)
Employee termination accruals, net15 20 (10)25 
Other accruals, net
Cash paid(27)(61)(22)(110)
December 31, 201918 
Net contract termination accruals
Employee termination accruals, net41 29 13 83 
Other accruals, net
Cash paid(22)(14)(15)(51)
December 31, 2020$23 $20 $15 $58 

NOTE 18. INCOME TAXES
The domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes were as follows (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Domestic$1,916 $1,910 $1,125 
Foreign(188)384 (103)
Income before income taxes$1,728 $2,294 $1,022 
111

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Current:
Federal$422 $411 $323 
State and local12 42 30 
Foreign125 132 119 
559 585 472 
Deferred:
Federal(14)(54)(113)
State and local(24)(8)(21)
Foreign(148)(442)
(186)(504)(131)
Income taxes$373 $81 $341 

The following table reconciles the Company's effective income tax ratescontinuing operations available to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rates.
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Pre-tax income at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate$363 21 %$482 21 %$215 21 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit(10)%27 %10 %
Effect of foreign operations%(21)(1)%111 11 %
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(29)(2)%(30)(1)%(18)(2)%
Impairment of goodwill25 %32 %%
Deferred tax adjustment(22)(1)%%%
Non-deductible compensation17 %22 %20 %
Change in uncertain tax positions17 %%37 %
Legal entity restructuring, deferred tax impact%(445)(19)%%
Renewable energy investments tax credits%(1)%(12)(1)%
U.S. legislative changes%%(19)(2)%
Other, net%12 %(3)%
Income tax expense$373 22 %$81 %$341 33 %

Income tax expense was $373 million and $81 million, and the Company's effective tax rate was 22% and 4% for 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily attributable to the discrete, one-time, non-cash deferred tax benefit of $445 million from legal entity restructurings that was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019. Additionally, the increase in income tax expense was attributable to an increase in provision for uncertain tax positions and an increase in the effect of foreign operations. Those increases were partially offset by a decrease in pre-tax book income, a tax benefit from a favorable multi-year state resolution, and a favorable deferred tax adjustment in the U.S. that was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020.
112

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income tax expense was $81 million and $341 million, and the Company's effective tax rate was 4% and 33% for 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to the discrete, one-time, non-cash deferred tax benefit of $445 million from legal entity restructurings. Additionally, the decrease in income tax expense was attributable to a decrease in the provision for uncertain tax positions and a decrease in the effect of foreign operations, which was mainly driven by the establishment of certain valuation allowances during the year ended December 31, 2018 that did not recur in 2019, and a tax benefit realized during the year ended December 31, 2019 from the final regulations related to the determination of the foreign tax credit released by the U.S. Treasury department and IRS in December 2019. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in income and the impact of a goodwill impairment charge that was non-deductible for tax purposes during the year ended December 31, 2019. Finally, the income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 included a one-time discrete tax benefit from U.S. legislative changes that extended the accelerated deduction of qualified film productions.
Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions).
 December 31,
 20202019
Deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable$$12 
Tax attribute carry-forward354 311 
Accrued liabilities and other471 342 
Total deferred income tax assets832 665 
Valuation allowance(257)(307)
Net deferred income tax assets575 358 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Intangible assets(654)(849)
Content rights(163)(148)
Equity method and other investments in partnerships(470)(471)
Noncurrent portion of debt(85)
Other(140)(106)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(1,512)(1,574)
Net deferred income tax liabilities$(937)$(1,216)

The Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions).
 December 31,
 20202019
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (included within other noncurrent assets)$597 $475 
Deferred income tax liabilities(1,534)(1,691)
Net deferred income tax liabilities$(937)$(1,216)

The Company’s loss carry-forwards were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions).
FederalStateForeign
Loss carry-forwards$$315 $2,303 
Deferred tax asset related to loss carry-forwards16 269 
Valuation allowance against loss carry-forwards(15)(138)
Earliest expiration date of loss carry-forwards203420212021
113

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (without related interest and penalty amounts) is as follows (in millions).
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Beginning balance$375 $378 $189 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year31 54 43 
Additions for tax positions of prior years11 52 
Additions for tax positions acquired in business combinations47 169 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(5)(47)(9)
Settlements(9)(19)(6)
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations(51)(50)(52)
Changes due to foreign currency exchange rates(8)
Ending balance$348 $375 $378 

The balances as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 included $348 million, $375 million and $378 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate after giving effect to interest deductions and offsetting benefits from other tax jurisdictions. For the year ended December 31, 2020, decreases in unrecognized tax benefits related to multiple audit resolutions and the lapse of statutes of limitations were offset by the uncertainty of allocation and taxation of income among multiple jurisdictions.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for its 2012 to 2015 consolidated federal income tax returns. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or timing of resolution of any particular tax matter. Accordingly, an estimate of any related impact to the reserve for uncertain tax positions cannot currently be determined. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to audit by any jurisdiction for years prior to 2006. Adjustments that arose from the completion of audits for certain tax years have been included in the change in uncertain tax positions in the table above.
It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain of the Company's uncertain tax positions could decrease by as much as $71 million within the next twelve months as a result of ongoing audits, foreign judicial proceedings, lapses of statutes of limitations or regulatory developments.
As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company had accrued approximately $53 million, $58 million, and $51 million, respectively, of total interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
NOTE 19. EARNINGS PER SHARE
In calculating earnings per share, the Company follows the two-class method, which distinguishes between classes of securities based on the proportionate participation rights of each security type in the Company's undistributed income. The Company's Series A, B and C common stock is treated as one class and the Series C-1 convertible preferred stock is treated as a separate class for purposes of applying the two-class method. The Company's Series C-1 convertible preferred stock is an in-substance common stock equivalent as it has substantially equal rights and shares equally on an as-converted basis with respect to income available to Discovery, Inc. The Company's Series A-1 convertible preferred stock is also a separate class but is not considered a common stock equivalent and therefore is not presented separatelystockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. Series A-1 convertible preferred stock is currently convertible into 9 shares of(See Note 3.) The table below summarizes the Company's Series A common stock and Series C-1 convertible preferred stock is convertible into 19.3648 shares of the Company's Series C common stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2018, 0 Series A-1 or C-1 convertible preferred stock was converted. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Advance Newhouse Programming Partnership converted 1.1 million of its Series C-1 convertible preferred stock into 22.0 million shares of Series C common stock.redeemable noncontrolling interests balances (in millions).
December 31,
20222021
Discovery Family$173 $213 
MotorTrend Group LLC (“MTG”)112 114 
Other33 36 
Total$318 $363 
114116

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Net income allocated to Discovery, Inc. Series C-1 convertible preferred stockholders for diluted net income per share is included in net income allocated to Discovery, Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders for diluted net income per share. The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding adjusts the weighted average number of shares of Series A, B and C common stock outstanding for the potential dilution that would occur if common stock equivalents, including convertible preferred stock and share-based awards, were converted into common stock or exercised, calculated using the treasury stock method. The computation of the diluted earnings per share of Series A, B and C common stockholders assumes the conversion of Series A-1 and C-1 convertible preferred stock, while the diluted earnings per share amounts of Series C-1 convertible preferred stock does not assume conversion of those shares.
The table below sets forth the computation for income (loss) available to Discovery, Inc. stockholders (in millions). Earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Numerator:
Net income$1,355 $2,213 $681 
Less:
Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stock(128)(204)(60)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(124)(128)(67)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(12)(16)(20)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value(20)(5)
Net income available to Discovery, Inc. Series A, B and C common and Series C-1 convertible preferred stockholders for basic net income per share$1,091 $1,845 $529 
Allocation of net income:
Series A, B and C common stockholders919 1,531 429 
Series C-1 convertible preferred stockholders172 314 100 
Total1,091 1,845 529 
Add:
Allocation of undistributed income to Series A-1 convertible preferred stockholders128 204 60 
Net income available to Discovery, Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders for diluted net income per share$1,219 $2,049 $589 
Denominator — weighted average:
Series A, B and C common shares outstanding — basic505 529 498 
Impact of assumed preferred stock conversion165 179 187 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards
Series A, B and C common shares outstanding — diluted672 711 688 
Series C-1 convertible preferred stock outstanding — basic and diluted
Basic net income per share allocated to:
Series A, B and C common stockholders$1.82 $2.90 $0.86 
Series C-1 convertible preferred stockholders$35.24 $56.07 $16.65 
Diluted net income per share allocated to:
Series A, B and C common stockholders$1.81 $2.88 $0.86 
Series C-1 convertible preferred stockholders$35.12 $55.80 $16.58 

115

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The table below presents the detailsreconciliation of share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per sharechanges in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Anti-dilutive share-based awards24 17 15 
PRSUs whose performance targets have not yet been achieved01
December 31,
202220212020
Beginning balance$363 $383 $442 
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests(50)(11)(31)
Equity exchange with Harpo for step acquisition of OWN— — (50)
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest— (26)— 
Comprehensive income adjustments:
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests53 12 
Currency translation on redemption values(5)(5)
Retained earnings adjustments:
Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value)— (16)— 
Adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value equals fair value)(15)
Ending balance$318 $363 $383 
Only outstanding PRSUs whoseThe significant arrangements for redeemable noncontrolling interests are described below:
Discovery Family
Hasbro Inc. (“Hasbro”) had the right to put the entirety of its remaining 40% interest in Discovery Family to the Company at any time during the one-year period beginning December 31, 2021, or in the event the Company’s performance targets have been achievedobligation related to Discovery Family is not met. Embedded in the redeemable noncontrolling interest is also a Warner Bros. Discovery call right that is exercisable for one year after December 31, 2021. Neither the put nor call was exercised in 2022. In December 2022, Hasbro and WBD signed an amendment to the previous agreement extending the put-call election to the period January 31, 2025 to March 31, 2025.Upon the exercise of the put or call options, the price to be paid for the redeemable noncontrolling interest is a function of the then-current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, to which certain discounts and redemption floor values may apply in specified situations depending upon the party exercising the put or call and the basis for the exercise of the put or call.
MTG
GoldenTree acquired a put right exercisable during 30-day windows beginning on each of March 25, 2021, September 25, 2022 and March 25, 2024, that requires the Company to either purchase all of GoldenTree's noncontrolling 32.5% interest in the joint venture at fair value or participate in an initial public offering for the joint venture. In 2022, GoldenTree exercised its irrevocable put right and the Company is required to purchase GoldenTree’s 32.5% noncontrolling interest. The Company performed an analysis of the redemption value as of December 31, 2022, and both parties have begun the last dayprocess of determining a fair market value based on their own appraisals. The Company does not expect this process, which is one of potentially several steps to agreeing to a redemption value, will be completed until later in 2023, a date that is not certain. Accordingly, there has been no change in the classification of MTG as mezzanine equity since the date of the most recent period are included in the dilutive effect calculation.put is not certain.
NOTE 20. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURESNONCONTROLLING INTEREST
PropertyThe Company has a controlling interest in the TV Food Network Partnership (the “Partnership”), which includes the Food Network and equipment
PropertyCooking Channel. Food Network and equipment consistedCooking Channel are operated and organized under the terms of the following (in millions). 
 December 31,
 Useful Lives20202019
Broadcast equipment (a)
3 - 5 years$744 $676 
Office equipment, furniture, fixtures and other3 - 5 years734 606 
Capitalized software costs2 - 5 years757 519 
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements (b)
39 years334 298 
Property and equipment, at cost2,569 2,099 
Accumulated depreciation(1,363)(1,148)
Property and equipment, net$1,206 $951 
(a) Property and equipment includes assets acquired under finance lease arrangements, primarily satellite transponders classified as broadcast equipment. Assets acquired under finance lease arrangements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases. (See Note 9.)
(b) Land has an indefinite life and is not depreciated. Leasehold improvements have an estimated useful life of the shorter of five years or the lease term.

Capitalized software costs are for internal use.Partnership. The net book valueCompany holds 80% of capitalized software coststhe voting interest and 68.7% of the economic interest in the Partnership. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Partnership agreement was $309 millionextended and $176 million asspecifies a dissolution date of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The related accumulated amortization was $448 million and $343 million as2023. If the term of the Partnership is not extended prior to the dissolution date of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Depreciation expense for property and equipment totaled $267 million,$207 million and $229 million for2023, the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consistedPartnership agreement permits the Company, as holder of 80% of the following (in millions):
December 31,
20202019
Accrued payroll and related benefits$494 $425 
Content rights payable528 456 
Other accrued liabilities771 797 
Total accrued liabilities$1,793 $1,678 
applicable votes, to reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business. If for some reason the Partnership is not continued, it will be required to limit its activities to winding up, settling debts, liquidating assets and distributing proceeds to the partners in proportion to their partnership interests. Ownership interests attributable to the noncontrolling owner are presented as noncontrolling interests on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under the terms of the Partnership agreement, the noncontrolling owner cannot force a redemption outside of the Company’s control. As such, the noncontrolling interests in the Partnership are reflected as a component of permanent equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
116117

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net, consisted of the following (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net$(115)$17 $(93)
Gain on sale of investment with readily determinable fair value101 
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges29 (52)50 
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value28 (26)(88)
Expenses from debt modification(11)
Interest income10 22 15 
Gain on sale of equity method investments13 
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest14 
Other (expense) income, net(2)(4)
Total other income (expense), net$42 $(8)$(120)

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Cash paid for taxes, net$641 $562 $389 
Cash paid for interest673 708 740 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Receivable from sale of fuboTV Inc. shares124 
Equity issued for the acquisition of Scripps Networks3,218 
Disposal of UKTV investment and acquisition of Lifestyle Business291 
Accrued purchases of property and equipment48 47 39 
Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements91 38 58 
Equity exchange with Harpo for step acquisition of OWN59 
Unsettled stock repurchases

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents$2,091 $1,552 
Restricted cash - other current assets (a)
31 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$2,122 $1,552 
(a) Restricted cash includes cash posted as collateral related to forward starting interest rate swap contracts that were executed during years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. (See Note 10.)

117

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties. Related parties include entities that share common directorship, such as Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”), Liberty Broadband Corporation ("(“Liberty Broadband"Broadband”) and their subsidiaries and equity method investees (together(collectively the “Liberty Group”). Discovery’s BoardThe Company’s board of Directorsdirectors includes Mr.Dr. John Malone, who is Chairman of the Board of Liberty Global and beneficially owns approximately 30% of the aggregate voting power with respect to the election of directors of Liberty Global. Mr. Malone is also Chairman of the Board of Liberty Broadband and beneficially owns approximately 30% and 48% of the aggregate voting power with respect to the election of directors of Liberty Broadband.Global and Liberty Broadband, respectively. The majority of the revenue earned from the Liberty Group relates to multi-year network distribution arrangements. Related party transactions also include revenues and expenses for content and services provided to or acquired from equity method investees or minority partners of consolidated subsidiaries.

The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions).
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019 (a)
2018 (a)
Revenues and service charges:
Liberty Group$686 $668 $640 
Equity method investees223 210 270 
Other103 111 134 
Total revenues and service charges$1,012 $989 $1,044 
Interest income$$$
Expenses$(244)$(224)$(257)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests$(254)$(250)$(76)

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Revenues and service charges:
Liberty Group$1,758 $671 $686 
Equity method investees464 253 223 
Other311 169 103 
Total revenues and service charges$2,533 $1,093 $1,012 
Expenses$406 $238 $244 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests$300 $251 $254 
The table below presents amountsreceivables due from and payables due to related parties (in millions).
December 31,December 31,
2020
2019 (a)
20222021
ReceivablesReceivables$177 $161 Receivables$338 $172 
PayablesPayables43 105 Payables$38 $23 
(a) Amounts have been revised to adjust for classification between lines and excluded balances solely within this footnote disclosure. Revised amounts are not material to the previously issued financial statements.

In September 2022, the Company sold 75% of its interest in The CW Network to Nexstar, a related party, and recorded an immaterial gain not included in the table above. (See Note 4.)
NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES
Commitments
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various commitments, which primarily include programming and talent arrangements, operating and finance leases (see Note 9)12), arrangements to purchase various goods and services, long-term debt (see Note 11), pension funding and payments (see Note 17), and future funding commitments to equity method investees.investees (see Note 10) (in millions).
Year Ending December 31,ContentOtherTotal
2021$1,698 $576 $2,274 
2022626 345 971 
2023479 222 701 
2024777 53 830 
2025336 32 368 
Thereafter1,137 69 1,206 
Total$5,053 $1,297 $6,350 

Year Ending December 31,ContentOther Purchase ObligationsOther Employee ObligationsTotal
2023$7,969 $1,597 $453 $10,019 
20245,484 756 253 6,493 
20253,966 352 112 4,430 
20262,566 161 52 2,779 
20272,448 90 20 2,558 
Thereafter7,299 91 7,399 
Total$29,732 $3,047 $899 $33,678 
118

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Content purchase obligations include commitments and liabilities associated with third-party producers and sports associations for content that airs on our television networks.networks and DTC services. Production and licensing contracts generally require:require the purchase of a specified number of episodes;episodes, payments during production or over the term of the license;a license, and include both programs that have been delivered and are available for airing and programs that have not yet been produced or sporting events that have not yet taken place. If the content is ultimately never produced, our commitments expire without obligation. The commitments disclosed above exclude content liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheet.sheets.
Other purchase obligations include agreements with certain vendors and suppliers for the purchase of goods and services whereby the underlying agreements are enforceable, legally binding, and specify all significant terms. Significant purchase obligations include transmission services, television rating services, marketing commitments and research, employment contracts, equipment purchases, and information technology and other services. Some of these contracts do not require the purchase of fixed or minimum quantities and generally may be terminated with a 30-day to 60-day advance notice without penalty, and are not included in the table above past the 30-day to 60-day advance notice period. Amounts relatedThe commitments disclosed above exclude liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. Other purchase obligations also includes future funding commitments to employment contracts include base compensation, but do not include compensation contingent on future events.
equity method investees. Although the Company had funding commitments to equity method investees as of December 31, 2020,2022, the Company may also provide uncommitted additional funding to its equity method investments in the future. (See Note 4.10.)
Other employee obligations are primarily related to employment agreements with creative talent for the WM broadcast networks.
Six Flags Guarantee
In connection with WM’s former investment in the Six Flags (as defined below) theme parks located in Georgia and Texas (collectively, the “Parks”), in 1997, certain subsidiaries of the Company agreed to guarantee (the “Six Flags Guarantee”) certain obligations of the partnerships that hold the Parks (the “Partnerships”) for the benefit of the limited partners in such Partnerships, including annual payments made to the Parks or to the limited partners and additional obligations at the end of the respective terms for the Partnerships in 2027 and 2028 (the “Guaranteed Obligations”). The aggregate gross undiscounted estimated future cash flow requirements covered by the Six Flags Guarantee over the remaining term (through 2028) are $544 million. To date, no payments have been made by the Company pursuant to the Six Flags Guarantee.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (formerly known as Six Flags, Inc. and Premier Parks Inc.) (“Six Flags”), which has the controlling interest in the Parks, has agreed, pursuant to a subordinated indemnity agreement (the “Subordinated Indemnity Agreement”), to guarantee the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations when due and to indemnify the Company, among others, if the Six Flags Guarantee is called upon. If Six Flags defaults on its indemnification obligations, the Company has the right to acquire control of the managing partner of the Parks. Six Flags’ obligations to the Company are further secured by its interest in all limited partnership units held by Six Flags.
Based the Company’s evaluation of the current facts and circumstances surrounding the Guaranteed Obligations and the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement, it is unable to predict the loss, if any, that may be incurred under the Guaranteed Obligations, and no liability for the arrangements has been recognized as of December 31, 2022. Because of the specific circumstances surrounding the arrangements and the fact that no active or observable market exists for this type of financial guarantee, the Company is unable to determine a current fair value for the Guaranteed Obligations and related Subordinated Indemnity Agreement.
Contingencies
Other Contingent Commitments
Other contingent commitments primarily include contingent payments for post-production term advance obligations on certain co-financing arrangements, as well as operating lease commitment guarantees, letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety bonds, which generally support performance and payments for a wide range of global contingent and firm obligations, including insurance, litigation appeals, real estate leases, and other operational needs.
The Company's other contingent commitments at December 31, 2022 were $283 million, with $279 million estimated to be due in 2026. For other contingent commitments where payment obligations are outside our control, the timing of amounts represents the earliest period in which the payment could be requested. For the remaining other contingent commitments, the timing of the amounts presented represents when the maximum contingent commitment will expire but does not mean that we expect to incur an obligation to make any payments within that time period. In addition, these amounts do not reflect the effects of any indemnification rights we might possess.
119

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Put Rights
The Company has granted put rights to certain consolidated subsidiaries.subsidiaries, but the Company is unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of any payment. (See Note 11.19.)
Legal Matters
TheFrom time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is partysubject to various lawsuitslitigation matters and claims, in the ordinary course of business, including claims related to employees, stockholders, vendors, other business partners or patent issues. intellectual property. However, a determination as to the amount of the accrual required for such contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgment about future events. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's future consolidated financial position, future results of operations or cash flows.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, a withholding tax claim recorded as part of the Scripps Networks purchase accounting was settled with a portion of the claim being resolved subsequent to the measurement period, which resulted in a reversal of the remaining accrual and a reduction in selling, general, and administrative expense of $29 million.
Guarantees
There were 0no guarantees recorded under ASC 460 as of December 31, 20202022 and 2019.2021.
In the normal course of business, the Company may provide or receive indemnities that are intended to allocate certain risks associated with business transactions. Similarly, the Company may remain contingently liable for certain obligations of a divested business in the event that a third party does not fulfill its obligations under an indemnification obligation. The Company records a liability for its indemnification obligations and other contingent liabilities when probable and estimable. There were 0no material amounts for indemnifications or other contingencies recorded as of December 31, 20202022 and 2019.2021.
NOTE 23. REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The Company’s operating segments are determined based on: (i) financial information reviewed by its chief operating decision maker, ("CODM"), the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"(“CEO”), (ii) internal management and related reporting structure, and (iii) the basis upon which the CEO makes resource allocation decisions. In connection with the Merger, the Company reevaluated and changed its segment presentation and reportable segments during the quarter ended June 30, 2022. As of June 30, 2022, we classified our operations in three reportable segments: Studios, primarily consisting of the production and release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, production and initial licensing of television programs to third parties and our networks/DTC services, distribution of our films and television programs to various third party and internal television and streaming services, distribution through the home entertainment market (physical and digital), related consumer products and themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming; Networks, consisting primarily of our domestic and international television networks; and DTC, consisting primarily of our premium pay-TV and streaming services. Goodwill was reallocated to the new reporting units based on relative fair value. Prior periods have been recast to conform to the current period presentation.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Company’s, except that certain inter-segment transactions that are eliminated for consolidation are not eliminated at the segment level. Inter-segment transactions primarily include advertising and content purchases.licenses. The Company records inter-segment transactions of content licenses at the gross amount. Prior year amounts have been recast to reflect the current presentation. The Company does not report assets by segment because thisit is not used to allocate resources or evaluate segment performance.
119

DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company evaluates the operating performance of its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenues and adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted OIBDA”).EBITDA. Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA is defined as operating income excluding: (i) 
employee share-based compensation, (ii) compensation;
depreciation and amortization, (iii) amortization;
restructuring and other charges, (iv) facility consolidation;
certain impairment charges, (v) charges;
gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, (vi) dispositions;
certain inter-segment eliminations related to production studios, (vii) eliminations;
third-party transaction costs directly related to the acquisition and integration costs;
amortization of Scripps Networkspurchase accounting fair value step-up for content;
amortization of capitalized interest for content; and other transactions, and (viii)
other items impacting comparability, such as the non-cash settlement of a withholding tax claim. (See Note 22.) comparability.
120

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company uses this measure to assess the operating results and performance of its segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify strategies to improve performance, and allocate resources to each segment. The Company believes Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. The Company excludes employee share-based compensation, restructuring, and other charges, certain impairment charges, gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, and acquisitiontransaction and integration costs from the calculation of Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA due to their impact on comparability between periods. The Company also excludes the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets, amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content, and amortization of capitalized interest for content, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the current reporting period. Certain corporate expenses and inter-segment eliminations related to production studios are excluded from segment results to enable executive management to evaluate segment performance based upon the decisions of segment executives. Adjusted OIBDA and Total Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, operating income, net income, and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company's definition of Adjusted OIBDA was modified to exclude all employee share-based compensation, whereas only mark-to-market share-based compensation was previously excluded. Over time, the Company has moved to a higher percentage of equity classified awards (in lieu of liability classified awards, which require mark-to-market accounting) under its stock incentive plans and expects to continue this practice in future periods. Since most equity classified awards are non-cash expenses not entirely under management control, the Company has elected to exclude all employee share-based compensation from Adjusted OIBDA beginning in 2019. The revised definition of Adjusted OIBDA will be used by the Company's CODM in evaluating segment performance in 2019. Accordingly, prior period amounts have been recast to reflect the current definition.
The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments and corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other (in millions).
Revenues
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
U.S. Networks$6,949 $7,092 $6,350 
International Networks3,713 4,041 4,149 
Corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other11 54 
Total revenues$10,671 $11,144 $10,553 
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Studios$9,731 $20 $12 
Networks19,348 11,311 10,439 
DTC7,274 860 220 
Corporate30 — — 
Inter-segment eliminations(2,566)— — 
Total revenues$33,817 $12,191 $10,671 
Adjusted EBITDA
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Studios$1,772 $14 $
Networks8,725 5,533 5,101 
DTC(1,596)(1,345)(544)
Corporate(1,200)(385)(362)
Inter-segment eliminations17 — — 
Adjusted EBITDA$7,718 $3,817 $4,196 
120121

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.Inc, to Adjusted OIBDAEBITDA
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income available to Discovery, Inc.$1,219 $2,069 $594 
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests12 16 20 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests124 128 67 
Income tax expense373 81 341 
Income before income taxes1,728 2,294 1,022 
Other (income) expense, net(42)120 
Loss from equity investees, net105 63 
Loss on extinguishment of debt76 28 
Interest expense, net648 677 729 
Operating income2,515 3,009 1,934 
Depreciation and amortization1,359 1,347 1,398 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets124 155 
Employee share-based compensation99 137 80 
Restructuring and other charges91 26 750 
Transaction and integration costs26 110 
Loss (gain) on disposition(84)
Settlement of a withholding tax claim(29)
Adjusted OIBDA$4,196 $4,671 $4,188 
Adjusted OIBDA
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
U.S. Networks$3,975 $4,117 $3,500 
International Networks723 1,057 1,077 
Corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other(502)(503)(389)
Adjusted OIBDA$4,196 $4,671 $4,188 
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.$(7,371)$1,006 $1,219 
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests53 12 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests68 138 124 
Income tax (benefit) expense(1,663)236 373 
(Loss) income before income taxes(8,960)1,433 1,728 
Other (income) expense, net(347)(72)34 
Loss from equity investees, net160 18 105 
Interest expense, net1,777 633 648 
Operating (loss) income(7,370)2,012 2,515 
Impairment and loss (gain) on disposition and disposal groups117 (71)126 
Restructuring3,757 32 91 
Depreciation and amortization7,193 1,582 1,359 
Employee share-based compensation410 167 99 
Transaction and integration costs1,195 95 
Amortization of fair value step-up for content2,416 — — 
Adjusted EBITDA$7,718 $3,817 $4,196 
Content Amortization and Impairment Expense
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
U.S. Networks$1,647 $1,548 $1,702 
International Networks1,307 1,303 1,584 
Corporate, inter-segment eliminations, and other
Total content amortization and impairment expense$2,956 $2,853 $3,288 

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Studios$5,950 $— $— 
Networks6,171 2,991 2,694 
DTC6,800 510 262 
Corporate(1)— — 
Inter-segment eliminations(1,951)— — 
Total content amortization and impairment expense$16,969 $3,501 $2,956 
Content expense is generally a component of costs of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 6). NaN content impairments were recorded as a component of restructuring and other charges during9.)
Revenues by Geography
 Year Ended December 31,
 202220212020
U.S.$22,697 $7,728 $7,025 
Non-U.S.11,120 4,463 3,646 
Total revenues$33,817 $12,191 $10,671 
Revenues are attributed to each country based on the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Content impairments of $405 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 were due to the strategic programming changes following the acquisition of Scripps Networks and are reflected in restructuring and other charges as further described in Note 17.customer or viewer location.
121122

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Revenues by Geography
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
U.S.$7,025 $7,152 $6,415 
Non-U.S.3,646 3,992 4,138 
Total revenues$10,671 $11,144 $10,553 

Distribution and advertising revenues are attributed to each country based on viewer location. Other revenues are attributed to each country based on customer location.
Property and Equipment by Geography
 December 31,
 20202019
U.S.$645 $432 
Poland180 184 
U.K.149 157 
Other non-U.S.232 178 
Total property and equipment, net$1,206 $951 

 December 31,
 20222021
U.S.$3,785 $834 
U.K.1,002 164 
Other non-U.S.514 338 
Total property and equipment, net$5,301 $1,336 
122123


ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020.2022. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensureprovide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensureprovide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of
possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020,2022, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Management’s Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting is set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended December 31, 2020,2022, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information.
None.
ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
124


PART III
Certain information required in Item 10 through Item 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 20212023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“20212023 Proxy Statement”), which shall be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information regarding our directors, compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, and our Audit Committee, including committee members and its financial expert, will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the captions “Proposal One:1: Election of Directors,” “Delinquent Section 16(a)16 Reports,” if applicable, and “Corporate Governance – Board Meetings and Committees – Audit Committee,” respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding our executive officers is set forth in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.” as permitted by General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. Our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors approved an updated Code in January 20192023 and reviews it regularly. A copy of the Code and any amendments or waivers that would be required to be disclosed under applicable SEC rules are available free of charge at the investor relations section ofour Investor Relations website at ir.wbd.com. The information contained on our website https://corporate.discovery.com.is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference herein. In addition, we will provide a printed copy of the Code, free of charge, upon written request to: Investor Relations, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., 8403 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
123
230 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003.


ITEM 11. Executive Compensation.
Information regarding executive compensation will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation – Executive Compensation Tables,” which are incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding compensation policies and practices as they relate to our risk management, director compensation, and compensation committee interlocks and insider participation will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Other Compensation RelatedCompensation-Related Matters – Risk Considerations in our Compensation Programs,” “Corporate Governance – Director Compensation,” and “Corporate Governance – Board Meetings and Committees – Compensation Committee,” respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding the compensation committee report will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation – Compensation Committee Report” which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the caption “Securities Authorized for Issuance Underunder Equity Compensation Plans,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership Information of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners”Principal Stockholders” and “Security Ownership Information of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management– Security Ownership of Management – Directors and Executive Officers,” which are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance – Transactions with Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance – Director Independence,” respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services will be set forth in our 20212023 Proxy Statement under the captions “Audit Matters – Audit Firm Fees and Services” and “Audit Matters – Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy,Procedures,” which are incorporated herein by reference.
125

124


PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
(1) The following consolidated financial statements of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. are filed as part of Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
 Page
(2) Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts consisted of the following (in millions):
Beginning
of Year
Additions
Other (a)
Write-offsEnd
of Year
Beginning
of Year
Additions
Other (a)
DeductionsEnd
of Year
2020
20222022
Allowance for credit losses(b)Allowance for credit losses(b)$54 30 (2)(23)$59 Allowance for credit losses(b)$54 165 — (96)$123 
Deferred tax valuation allowance(c)Deferred tax valuation allowance(c)$307 51 — (101)$257 Deferred tax valuation allowance(c)$305 1,617 — (73)$1,849 
2019
20212021
Allowance for credit lossesAllowance for credit losses$46 15 — (7)$54 Allowance for credit losses$59 21 — (26)$54 
Deferred tax valuation allowanceDeferred tax valuation allowance$336 37 — (66)$307 Deferred tax valuation allowance$257 80 — (32)$305 
2018
20202020
Allowance for credit lossesAllowance for credit losses$55 — (15)$46 Allowance for credit losses$54 30 (2)(23)$59 
Deferred tax valuation allowance (b)
Deferred tax valuation allowance (b)
$105 283 — (52)$336 
Deferred tax valuation allowance (b)
$307 51 — (101)$257 
(a) Amount relates to the impact of the adjustment recorded for adoption of ASU 2016-13.
(a) Amount relates to the impact of the adjustment recorded for adoption of ASU 2016-13.
(a) Amount relates to the impact of the adjustment recorded for adoption of ASU 2016-13.
(b) Additions to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $195 million relate to balances acquired through acquisitions in 2018, with the remainder charged to income tax expense.
(b) Increase in the allowance for credit losses is related to the acquisition of WM in the current year.
(b) Increase in the allowance for credit losses is related to the acquisition of WM in the current year.
(c) Additions to the deferred tax valuation allowance include $343 million related to the acquisition of WM in the current year.
(c) Additions to the deferred tax valuation allowance include $343 million related to the acquisition of WM in the current year.
All other financial statement schedules required to be filed pursuant to Item 8 and Item 15(c) of Form 10-K have been omitted as the required information is not applicable, not material, or is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
126


(3) The following exhibits are filed or furnished as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601 of SEC Regulation S-K and Item 15(b) of Form 10-K:


125


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
2.1
3.12.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
126


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
4.94.2
4.3
4.4
4.104.5
4.6
4.114.7
4.12
4.13
4.144.8
4.154.9
4.164.10
4.174.11
4.184.12
4.194.13
128


4.20EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
4.14
127


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
4.214.15
4.224.16
4.23
4.244.17
4.254.18
4.264.19
4.274.20
4.284.21
4.294.22
4.304.23
128


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
4.31
4.324.24
4.33
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
129


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
130


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.1410.20
10.21
10.22
10.1510.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
131


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
10.41
10.16
10.17
10.18

10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
130132


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
10.2610.42
10.2710.43
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.47
10.48
10.49
10.50
10.51
10.52
10.53
10.54
10.55
133


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
10.56
10.57
10.58
10.59
10.60
10.61
21
22
23
31.1  
31.2  
32.1
32.2
101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (filed herewith)†
134


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.Description
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (filed herewith)†
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (filed herewith)†
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (filed herewith)†
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (filed herewith)†
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
131


**Exhibits, schedules and annexes have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K and will be supplementally provided to the SEC upon request.
***Certain provisions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K and will be supplementally provided to the SEC upon request.
****Other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries may be omitted from Exhibit 4 in accordance with Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Copies of any such agreements will be supplementally provided to the SEC upon request.
†Attached as Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the following formatted in Inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20202022 and December 31, 2019,2021, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019,2022, 2021, and 2018,2020, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019,2022, 2021, and 2018,2020, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019,2022, 2021, and 2018,2020, (v) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019,2022, 2021, and 2018,2020, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary
Not Applicable.
132135



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: February 22, 202124, 2023 By: /s/ David M. Zaslav
  David M. Zaslav
  President and Chief Executive Officer
133136


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature  Title Date
/s/ David M. Zaslav  
President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 February 22, 202124, 2023
David M. Zaslav   
/s/ Gunnar Wiedenfels  Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 February 22, 202124, 2023
Gunnar Wiedenfels   
/s/ Lori C. Locke  Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 February 22, 202124, 2023
Lori C. Locke   
/s/ Robert R. BeckBennettDirectorFebruary 22, 202124, 2023
Robert R. BeckBennett
/s/ Robert R. BennettLi Haslett Chen  Director February 22, 202124, 2023
Robert R. BennettLi Haslett Chen
/s/ Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr.DirectorFebruary 24, 2023
Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr.
/s/ Richard W. FisherDirectorFebruary 24, 2023
Richard W. Fisher   
/s/ Paul A. Gould  Director February 22, 202124, 2023
Paul A. Gould   
/s/ RobertDebra L. JohnsonLee  Director February 22, 202124, 2023
RobertDebra L. Johnson
/s/ Kenneth W. LoweDirectorFebruary 22, 2021
Kenneth W. Lowe
/s/ John C. MaloneDirectorFebruary 22, 2021
John C. MaloneLee   
/s/ Robert J. MironDr. John C. Malone  Director February 22, 202124, 2023
Robert J. MironDr. John C. Malone
/s/ Fazal MerchantDirectorFebruary 24, 2023
Fazal Merchant   
/s/ Steven A. MironDirectorFebruary 22, 2021
Steven A. Miron
/s/ Daniel E. SanchezDirectorFebruary 22, 202124, 2023
Daniel E. SanchezSteven A. Miron
/s/ Susan M. SwainSteven O. Newhouse  Director February 22, 202124, 2023
Susan M. SwainSteven O. Newhouse   
/s/ J. David WargoPaula A. Price  Director February 22, 202124, 2023
J. David WargoPaula A. Price   
/s/ Geoffrey Y. YangDirectorFebruary 24, 2023
Geoffrey Y. Yang