•
Sep 30, 2020

WMG Q4 2020 Earnings Report

Announced fourth-quarter and full-year financial results, demonstrating growth in streaming revenue and digital revenue, offset by declines in other areas due to COVID-19 impacts.

Key Takeaways

Warner Music Group's Q4 2020 results showed a slight increase in revenue, driven by streaming and digital growth, which was partially offset by COVID-19 related business disruptions. The company achieved significant growth in OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA, reflecting strong operating leverage and digital transformation initiatives.

Total revenue increased by 0.2%, but decreased by 1.1% in constant currency.

Digital revenue grew by 15% and contributed 65% of total revenue.

OIBDA increased by 63% to $155 million.

Adjusted OIBDA increased by 35% to $174 million.

Total Revenue
$1.13B
Previous year: $1.06B
+6.4%
EPS
$0.03
Previous year: $0.013
+131.7%
Adjusted EBITDA
$177M
Previous year: $133M
+33.1%
Cash and Equivalents
$553M
Free Cash Flow
$44M

WMG

WMG

WMG Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Warner Music Group is confident in its long-term growth prospects, particularly as the areas of its business that have been most impacted by COVID-19 return to normal.

Positive Outlook

  • Continued momentum in streaming.
  • Operating leverage driven by digital transformation.
  • Business optimization initiatives.
  • Expected recovery in COVID-19 impacted business areas.
  • Strong growth in emerging revenue streams like social media and gaming.

Challenges Ahead

  • Unfavorable impact of exchange rates on euro-denominated debt.
  • Potential for continued COVID-19 related business disruption.
  • Decrease in performance, synchronization and mechanical revenue.
  • Decline in artist services and expanded-rights revenue due to tour postponements.
  • Decrease in licensing revenue due to lower advertising and film deal activity.