Summary of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) - **Event**: 2025 Conference Call - **Date**: September 03, 2025 Key Points Company Split and Structure - WBD plans to split into two entities: Warner Brothers and Discovery Global, with a target completion in Q2 2026 [2][3][4] - The split is seen as a significant value creation opportunity, with ongoing momentum in business fundamentals [4][5] Financial Performance and Debt Management - Current net debt stands at approximately $30 billion, with expectations to reduce this significantly by year-end [5] - The company has successfully executed a tender offer to aid in deleveraging [5] - Financial guidance includes at least $2.4 billion for the studio and $1.3 billion for streaming for the year [9] Creative and Operational Success - The film division has achieved six successful openings, generating around $40 million each [8] - The studio aims for a target of $3 billion in EBITDA potential, indicating room for further growth beyond this interim goal [15][16] - The management emphasizes a disciplined approach to budgeting and production, leading to cost savings and improved profitability [21][23] Streaming and Content Strategy - HBO Max is expected to achieve a long-term margin potential of over 20%, with a focus on customer lifetime value versus subscriber acquisition cost [29] - The company is exploring various pricing strategies, including wholesale agreements to drive subscriber growth [35] - There is a significant opportunity in advertising, particularly in international markets [44] Future Opportunities and Market Position - The company sees potential in international markets, particularly in Europe, where it has established strong positions [52][64] - WBD is focused on leveraging its valuable content brands beyond traditional linear networks, exploring digital expansion and new monetization strategies [51][52] - The management is optimistic about the DC franchise, viewing it as undervalued with significant potential for growth [24][26] Challenges and Industry Trends - The industry is shifting towards profitability, which is seen as a positive trend for sustainability [27] - There are anticipated increases in sports rights costs, with an expected $300 million increase in 2025 [65] - The company is cautious about potential consolidation in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) space, emphasizing a disciplined approach to any opportunities [39][63] Upcoming Milestones - Key milestones for investors include the completion of the company split and the launch of new streaming products, particularly in the UK, Italy, and Germany [38][70] - The management plans to provide more detailed strategies and financial projections closer to the separation date in Q2 2026 [72] Additional Insights - The management team expresses high energy and excitement about the future, focusing on growth opportunities that were previously overlooked as part of a larger conglomerate [49] - The emphasis on quality over quantity in content production is a core part of the strategy moving forward [42]

Core Insights - Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. will have its President and CEO David Zaslav and CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels present at upcoming conferences in September 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Conference Details - Gunnar Wiedenfels will present at the Bank of America Securities 2025 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference on September 3, 2025, at 1:10 p.m. ET [2]. - David Zaslav will present at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on September 10, 2025, at 11:50 a.m. ET [2]. Group 2: Webcast Information - A live webcast of the presentations will be available in the "Investor Relations" section of Warner Bros. Discovery's website, with an on-demand replay accessible shortly after the presentations [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company, offering a diverse portfolio of branded content across various platforms including television, film, streaming, and gaming [4]. - The company features iconic brands such as Discovery Channel, HBO Max, CNN, and many others, aiming to inspire, inform, and entertain audiences worldwide [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and achievements of the Chinese animation company, Chuxin Animation, in producing the animated film "Tom and Jerry: The Mansion of Stars" in collaboration with Warner Bros, highlighting the evolution of the Chinese animation industry and its growing maturity in international co-productions [2][5][12]. Group 1: Project Development and Challenges - The project took five years to complete, during which the team faced numerous challenges, including payment processes and organizational changes at Warner Bros [6][40]. - The director, Zhang Gang, expressed concerns about the project's viability at various points, but ultimately, the film was released on August 2 [2][7]. - The production team grew from 30 to nearly 500 members, reflecting the scale and ambition of the project [10]. Group 2: Market Context and Competition - The release of "The Mansion of Stars" coincided with other competitive animated films, which affected its box office performance [9]. - Despite mixed reviews, Zhang Gang remained optimistic about the film's quality and potential for global release and sequels [10][12]. Group 3: Industry Evolution and Future Prospects - The project is seen as a significant step for Chinese animated co-productions, marking a transition from zero to one in the industry [11][43]. - The success of this project could pave the way for more international collaborations, as the Chinese animation market is currently thriving [12][44]. - The experience gained from this project is expected to enhance the reputation of Chuxin Animation in the international market [43].

Group 1 - Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) reported earnings and has fallen below a $30 billion market cap [2] - Despite the decline in market cap, the company has outperformed the S&P 500 since the last investment recommendation [2] - The Value Portfolio focuses on building retirement portfolios through a fact-based research strategy, including analysis of 10Ks, analyst commentary, and market reports [2]

Core Viewpoint - Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) reported its fiscal second-quarter results, showing mixed performance with revenue slightly missing analyst expectations but earnings per share exceeding forecasts [1][3][7]. Financial Performance - WBD's quarterly revenue was $9.81 billion, flat year-on-year, missing the consensus estimate of $9.72 billion [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) was reported at $0.63, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of a 22-cent loss [1] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 9% to $1.9 billion, exceeding expectations by 8% [3] Revenue Breakdown - Studio revenue surged 55% to $3.8 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $863 million, driven by successful theatrical releases [4] - Global Linear Networks revenue fell 9% to $4.8 billion, while Streaming revenue grew 9% to $2.8 billion, generating $293 million in adjusted EBITDA compared to a loss in the previous year [4] Subscriber Growth - Streaming subscribers increased by 22% year-over-year to 125.7 million, with 57.8 million in the U.S. and 67.9 million internationally, achieving an average revenue per user (ARPU) of $7.14 [5] Future Guidance - WBD reaffirmed its 2025 streaming adjusted EBITDA guidance of at least $1.3 billion [5] - Analyst projections for 2025 include revenue of $38.1 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $8.9 billion, and EPS of $0.36 [6] - For 2026, revenue is forecasted at $38.2 billion, adjusted EBITDA at $9 billion, and a loss per share of $0.35 [6] Analyst Ratings - Needham analyst Laura Martin maintained a Hold rating on WBD, while Bank of America Securities analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $16 [2] Market Reaction - Following the results, WBD's stock traded lower by 4.72% to $11.30 [11]

Group 1 - Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) has significantly reduced its debt by nearly $3 billion through recent debt tenders related to a previously announced separation [2] - The oil and gas industry is characterized as a boom-bust, cyclical sector, requiring patience and experience for successful investment [2] Group 2 - The analysis of oil and gas companies includes a comprehensive review of their balance sheets, competitive positions, and development prospects [1]

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Unaudited Financial Statements](index=4&type=section&id=ITEM%201.%20Unaudited%20Financial%20Statements) Q2 2025 statements show a turnaround to net income, driven by a significant gain on debt extinguishment Consolidated Statements of Operations Highlights (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024) | Metric | Q2 2025 (in millions) | Q2 2024 (in millions) | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Revenues** | $9,812 | $9,713 | +1.0% | | Operating Loss | $(185) | $(10,208) | +98.2% | | Gain on Extinguishment of Debt | $2,958 | $542 | +445.8% | | **Net Income (Loss)** | $1,588 | $(10,028) | N/A | | Diluted EPS | $0.63 | $(4.07) | N/A | Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (as of June 30, 2025) | Metric | June 30, 2025 (in millions) | Dec 31, 2024 (in millions) | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $4,888 | $5,312 | -7.9% | | Total Assets | $101,727 | $104,560 | -2.7% | | Total Debt (Current + Noncurrent) | $34,632 | $39,505 | -12.3% | | Total Equity | $37,323 | $34,829 | +7.2% | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Highlights (Six Months Ended June 30) | Metric | 2025 (in millions) | 2024 (in millions) | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash provided by operating activities | $1,536 | $1,813 | -15.3% | | Cash used in investing activities | $(431) | $(137) | +214.6% | | Cash used in financing activities | $(1,886) | $(2,274) | -17.1% | [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](index=10&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The notes detail the planned corporate separation, a major debt restructuring, and key joint venture activities - In June 2025, the company announced a plan to separate into two publicly traded companies, **'Warner Bros.'** (Streaming and Studios) and **'Discovery Global'** (Global Linear Networks), expected to be completed by mid-2026[26](index=26&type=chunk) - The company completed tender offers in June 2025, purchasing **$17.7 billion in senior notes** and recording a **gain on extinguishment of approximately $3.0 billion**, funded by a new **$17.0 billion Bridge Loan Facility**[70](index=70&type=chunk)[71](index=71&type=chunk) - In January 2025, the company contributed a 70% interest in its music catalog to a joint venture with Cutting Edge Group, receiving **net proceeds of $601 million**[66](index=66&type=chunk) - The Venu Sports joint venture with Disney and Fox was discontinued in January 2025; WBD's share of a settlement paid to FuboTV was **$55 million**[130](index=130&type=chunk)[131](index=131&type=chunk) [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=31&type=section&id=ITEM%202.%20Management's%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management discusses the planned separation, segment performance, and significant debt restructuring activities - The company announced plans in June 2025 to separate into two publicly traded companies: **'Warner Bros.'** (Streaming & Studios) and **'Discovery Global'** (Global Linear Networks), with completion expected by mid-2026[162](index=162&type=chunk) - Key industry headwinds include continued pressures on linear distribution, declines in linear subscribers, and softness in the U.S. linear advertising market[166](index=166&type=chunk) - A significant debt restructuring occurred in Q2 2025, with the company entering a **$17.0 billion Bridge Loan Facility** to fund tender offers for **$17.7 billion** of its existing notes, resulting in a **~$3.0 billion gain on extinguishment**[183](index=183&type=chunk)[237](index=237&type=chunk) Q2 2025 Revenue Performance (ex-FX) | Revenue Stream | % Change (ex-FX) | Key Drivers | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Distribution | 0% | Streaming subscriber growth offset linear declines | | Advertising | -10% | Audience declines in domestic networks and pricing pressure | | Content | +16% | Strong theatrical performance from films like *A Minecraft Movie* | [Streaming Segment Analysis](index=37&type=section&id=Streaming%20Segment) The Streaming segment achieved revenue growth and positive Adjusted EBITDA, driven by strong subscriber gains Streaming Subscriber Growth (as of June 30) | Subscriber Type | 2025 (millions) | 2024 (millions) | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Domestic | 57.8 | 52.4 | +10% | | Total International | 67.9 | 50.8 | +33% | | **Total Streaming** | **125.7** | **103.3** | **+22%** | Streaming Segment Financials (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024) | Metric | Q2 2025 (in millions) | Q2 2024 (in millions) | % Change (ex-FX) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $2,793 | $2,568 | +8% | | Adjusted EBITDA | $293 | $(107) | N/A | | Global ARPU | $7.14 | $8.00 | -11% | - The decrease in Global ARPU was primarily driven by the **33% growth in international subscribers**, which have a lower ARPU, and broader distribution of the lower-priced 'HBO Max Basic with Ads' tier domestically[199](index=199&type=chunk)[206](index=206&type=chunk) [Studios Segment Analysis](index=40&type=section&id=Studios%20Segment) The Studios segment delivered exceptional revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth, fueled by strong content performance Studios Segment Financials (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024) | Metric | Q2 2025 (in millions) | Q2 2024 (in millions) | % Change (ex-FX) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $3,801 | $2,449 | +54% | | Content Revenue | $3,591 | $2,237 | +59% | | Adjusted EBITDA | $863 | $210 | +311% | - Theatrical product revenue **increased 38% in Q2** due to the strong performance of *A Minecraft Movie*, *Sinners*, and *Final Destination Bloodlines*[214](index=214&type=chunk)[216](index=216&type=chunk) - Television product revenue **grew 115% in Q2**, primarily due to higher intercompany content licensing to other WBD segments, reflecting the timing of renewals[214](index=214&type=chunk)[215](index=215&type=chunk) [Global Linear Networks Segment Analysis](index=42&type=section&id=Global%20Linear%20Networks%20Segment) The Global Linear Networks segment faced revenue and Adjusted EBITDA declines from subscriber and advertising losses Global Linear Networks Segment Financials (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024) | Metric | Q2 2025 (in millions) | Q2 2024 (in millions) | % Change (ex-FX) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $4,803 | $5,272 | -9% | | Distribution Revenue | $2,477 | $2,675 | -7% | | Advertising Revenue | $1,953 | $2,214 | -13% | | Adjusted EBITDA | $1,512 | $1,998 | -25% | - Distribution revenue decline was primarily caused by a **9% drop in domestic linear subscribers**[225](index=225&type=chunk) - Advertising revenue decline was driven by a **23% audience decline in domestic networks** and the absence of the NCAA Final Four, which aired in the prior year[226](index=226&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=44&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) The company maintains solid liquidity while executing a major debt restructuring via a new $17.0 billion bridge loan Capital Resources (as of June 30, 2025) | Resource | Amount (in billions) | | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $4.9 | | Unused Revolving Credit Facility | $4.0 | | Total Debt Outstanding | $35.0 | - In Q2 2025, the company entered into a **$17.0 billion Bridge Loan Facility** to finance tender offers for its senior notes; the bridge loan is expected to be refinanced before the planned Separation[237](index=237&type=chunk) - In January 2025, the company received **$601 million in net proceeds** from contributing a 70% interest in its music catalog to a joint venture[243](index=243&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=51&type=section&id=ITEM%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company's market risk exposures have not materially changed since the previous fiscal year-end - The company's exposures to market risk **have not materially changed** since December 31, 2024[271](index=271&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=51&type=section&id=ITEM%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded disclosure controls were effective, with no material changes to internal financial reporting controls - Based on an evaluation as of June 30, 2025, the CEO and CFO concluded that the company's **disclosure controls and procedures were effective**[272](index=272&type=chunk) - **No changes in internal control over financial reporting** occurred during Q2 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls[273](index=273&type=chunk) PART II. OTHER INFORMATION [Legal Proceedings](index=52&type=section&id=ITEM%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is involved in a securities class action and a shareholder derivative action related to NBA negotiations - A securities class action (Collura v. Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.) alleges misleading statements were made between February and August 2024 concerning **NBA contract negotiations**[276](index=276&type=chunk) - A consolidated shareholder derivative action (In re Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Derivative Litigation) asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty based on the same facts as the securities case; **this action is currently stayed**[277](index=277&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=52&type=section&id=ITEM%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) New material risks relate to the planned corporate separation, a new bridge loan, and potential tax implications [Risks Related to the Separation](index=53&type=section&id=Risks%20Related%20to%20the%20Separation) The planned separation faces risks of non-completion, business disruption, and adverse tax consequences - **Failure to complete the planned separation** could lead to negative market reactions, wasted costs, and diversion of management focus[279](index=279&type=chunk)[284](index=284&type=chunk) - The pendency of the separation could **disrupt business relationships** with distributors, advertisers, and content providers, and place a significant burden on internal resources[281](index=281&type=chunk)[282](index=282&type=chunk) - If the separation **fails to qualify for tax-free treatment**, WBD, the new spun-off company (Spinco), and shareholders could be subject to significant U.S. federal income taxes[291](index=291&type=chunk)[292](index=292&type=chunk) [Risks Related to Financial, Capital and Corporate Structure](index=54&type=section&id=Risks%20Related%20to%20our%20Financial%2C%20Capital%20and%20Corporate%20Structure) The new $17 billion bridge loan introduces risks from restrictive covenants, interest rates, and refinancing - The new **$17 billion Bridge Loan Facility contains restrictive covenants** that limit the company's ability to engage in mergers, incur debt, and pay dividends[287](index=287&type=chunk) - A breach of covenants or default under the Bridge Loan could **trigger cross-default provisions** in other debt agreements, leading to a broader acceleration of debt[288](index=288&type=chunk) - The company may be **unable to obtain permanent financing to refinance the Bridge Loan Facility** on favorable terms, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition[290](index=290&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=56&type=section&id=ITEM%206.%20Exhibits) This section lists filed exhibits, including credit agreements, employment contracts, and required certifications - Key exhibits filed include amendments to credit agreements, details of the new Non-Investment Grade Leveraged Bridge Loan Agreement, and employment agreements for **CEO David Zaslav and CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels**[294](index=294&type=chunk)

Group 1 - Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. reported its Q2 earnings, showing revenue growth despite industry challenges [1] - The earnings report indicates that revenue growth is not guaranteed in the current declining market [1]

Core Insights - Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) reported Q2 2025 earnings of 63 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 16 cents, compared to a loss of $4.07 per share in the same quarter last year [1][9] - Revenues increased by 1% year over year to $9.81 billion, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.15% [1] - The company ended Q2 2025 with 125.7 million global subscribers, an increase of 3.4 million sequentially [3][4] Revenue Breakdown - Advertising revenues decreased by 10% excluding foreign exchange, primarily due to declines in domestic linear audiences [2] - Distribution revenues remained relatively unchanged, with growth in global streaming subscribers offset by declines in domestic linear pay TV subscribers [2] - Content revenues increased by 16% excluding foreign exchange, driven by higher box office revenues from theatrical releases [2] - Other revenues declined by 19% year over year, impacted by separation-related costs [2] Segment Performance - Streaming segment revenues reached $2.8 billion, up 9% year over year, with subscriber revenues growing by 10% to $2.7 billion [5] - The Studios segment reported revenues of $3.8 billion, a 55% increase year over year, with profits rising to $863 million from $210 million a year ago [6] - Global Linear Networks revenues decreased by 9% year over year to $4.8 billion, with advertising revenues plunging by 12% [7] Financial Position - WBD ended Q2 2025 with $35.6 billion in gross debt and a net leverage ratio of 3.3x [11] - The company reduced gross debt by $2.7 billion during the quarter, including a $1.5 billion term loan repayment [10][11] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $4.88 billion from $3.89 billion as of March 31, 2025 [11] Future Guidance - WBD targets at least 150 million streaming subscribers by the end of 2026 and anticipates a profit of approximately $1.3 billion from the streaming segment in 2025 [13] - The Studios segment is expected to return to $3 billion in EBITDA, driven by successful content releases [13]

Economic Overview - U.S. pre-market futures are at peak highs, with the Dow up 185 points, S&P 500 up 35 points, and Nasdaq up 120 points, indicating a healthy market environment [1] - The small-cap Russell index is up 20 points, showing recovery from a previous selloff, with Q2 earnings season exceeding expectations across various industries [2] Productivity and Labor Costs - U.S. Productivity in Q2 increased by 2.4%, surpassing the expected 1.9%, marking a significant recovery from the previous quarter's -1.8% [3] - Unit Labor Costs rose by 1.6%, slightly above the estimated 1.3%, and down from a revised 6.9% in Q1, indicating improved economic conditions [4] Employment Data - Initial Jobless Claims rose to 226K, 5K higher than estimated, but still below the near-term high of 250K reported in early June [5] - Continuing Jobless Claims reached 1.974 million, the highest since November 2021, but still below the psychologically significant 2 million mark [6] Company Earnings Reports - Eli Lilly reported Q2 earnings of $6.31 per share, exceeding the $5.61 estimate, with revenues of $15.56 billion, up 5.5% [7] - Despite strong earnings, Eli Lilly's shares fell 7% due to disappointing performance of its new obesity pill, which had a 12% weight loss rate [8] - Warner Bros. Discovery reported earnings of $0.63 per share, significantly better than the expected -$0.16, with revenues of $9.81 billion [9] - Ralph Lauren's fiscal Q1 earnings were $3.77 per share, beating the $3.48 estimate, with revenues of $1.7 billion, up 14% year over year [10] Upcoming Economic Data - Wholesale Inventories for June and Consumer Credit data will be released later today, following a previous Consumer Credit increase of $5.1 billion [11]