WMG Reports 14% Revenue Growth, Cuts Quarterly Loss 80%

Warner Music Group reported that revenue grew 14% last quarter, driven in large part by digital growth of 21%. Revenue from streaming is now almost twice the size of download revenue.

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Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its third-quarter financial results for the period ending June 30, 2016. Highlights:

Total revenue grew 14.2%, up 15.0% on a constant-currency basis
Digital revenue grew 21.3%, up 22.5% on a constant-currency basis
OIBDA was $120 million versus $100 million in the prior-year quarter
Net loss was $7 million versus net loss of $43 million in the prior-year quarter

"Five years after Access Industries' acquisition of Warner Music Group, the company is growing revenue, OIBDA and market share," said Stephen Cooper, Warner Music Group's CEO. "Our results underscore this momentum, driven by exceptional music from our artists and songwriters, our expanded global reach and strong leadership from our team around the world. With our recorded music streaming revenue now approaching double the size of our download revenue, and still growing fast, we are on course for another excellent year.""Our cash flow has been strong," added Eric Levin, Warner Music Group's Executive Vice President and CFO. "As a result, we have continued to make strides optimizing our capital structure, paying down $175 million in debt so far this year and successfully refinancing a portion of our term loan."Breakdown Of Revenue GrowthRevenue grew 14.2% (or 15.0% in constant currency). Growth in Recorded Music digital revenue, physical revenue and artist services and expanded-rights revenue as well as growth in Music Publishing digital revenue, performance revenue and synchronization revenue were partially offset by declines in Recorded Music licensing revenue, which were primarily related to exchange rates, and declines in Music Publishing mechanical revenue which reflect a continuing shift to digital. Revenue grew in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. Digital revenue grew 21.3% (or 22.5% in constant currency), and represented 47.0% of total revenue, compared to 44.2% in the prior-year quarter.Operating income was $45 million compared to $23 million in the prior-year quarter. OIBDA increased 20.0% to $120 million from $100 million in the prior-year quarter and OIBDA margin rose 0.7 percentage points to 14.8% from 14.1% in the prior-year quarter. The increase in operating income, OIBDA and OIBDA margin is the result of the increase in revenue as well as a $9 million gain on certain asset sales. Adjusted OIBDA rose 7.8% and Adjusted OIBDA margin declined 0.8 percentage points to 13.7% from 14.5% as a result of revenue mix.Net Loss Falls 80%Net loss was $7 million compared to net loss of $43 million in the prior-year quarter. The improvement is attributable to an increase in OIBDA as well as a gain on asset sales and a currency-related gain on the company's Euro-denominated debt.Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income exclude certain gains on asset sales and the impact of PLG-related expenses and expenses related to cost-savings initiatives in the prior-year quarter. See below for calculations and reconciliations of OIBDA, Adjusted operating income, Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted net income.Cash OutlookAs of June 30, 2016, the company reported a cash balance of $345 million, total debt of $2.908 billion and net debt (total long-term debt, including the current portion, minus cash) of $2.563 billion. There was no balance outstanding on the company's revolver during the quarter. Subsequent to the quarter end, on July 1, 2016, the company redeemed $100 million of its 13.75% notes with cash.Cash provided by operating activities was $35 million compared to a use of $24 million in the prior-year quarter. The change is largely a result of improved OIBDA and the benefit of working capital management. Free Cash Flow, defined below, was $31 million compared to negative $44 million in the prior-year quarter, reflecting the improvement in cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from asset sales, and lower capital expenditures versus the prior-year quarter.