DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business
On April 8, 2022, Discovery, Inc. (“Discovery”), a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platforms including linear, free-to-air and broadcast television, authenticated GO applications, digital distribution arrangements, content licensing arrangements and direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) subscription products, completed its merger (the “Merger”) with the WarnerMedia business of AT&T, Inc. (the “WarnerMedia Business”) and changed its name from “Discovery, Inc.” to “Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.” (“Warner Bros. Discovery”, “WBD”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”). On April 11, 2022, the Company’s shares started trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol WBD.
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others.
Merger with the WarnerMedia Business of AT&T
The Merger was executed through a Reverse Morris Trust type transaction, under which the WarnerMedia Business was distributed to AT&T’s shareholders via a pro rata distribution, and immediately thereafter, combined with Discovery. (See Note 19.) In connection with the Merger, AT&T received $40.5 billion (subject to working capital and other adjustments) in a combination of cash, debt securities, and WarnerMedia's retention of certain debt, and Discovery transferred purchase consideration of $42.4 billion in equity to AT&T shareholders. AT&T shareholders received WBD stock in the distribution representing 71% of the combined company and the Company's shareholders will continue 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 WarnerMedia Business for accounting purposes under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”); therefore, Discovery is considered WBD’s predecessor and the historical financial statements of Discovery prior to April 8, 2022, are reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as WBD’s historical financial statements. Accordingly, the financial results of WBD as of and for any periods prior to April 8, 2022 do not include the financial results of the WarnerMedia Business and future results will not be comparable to historical results.
Impact of COVID-19
The Company continues to closely monitor the ongoing 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. Certain key sources of revenue for the WarnerMedia Business, including theatrical revenues, television production, 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 cinemas and theme parks.
The nature and full extent of COVID-19’s effects on our operations and results is not yet known and 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
Free historical financial statements for Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc..
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Data imported from Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. SEC filings. Check original filings before making any investment decision.