8-KLeadership ChangesOther EventsExhibits & Filings

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Mar 7, 2022)

Filed March 7, 2022For Securities:WBD

Summary

This 8-K filing from Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD), filed on March 7, 2022, primarily provides crucial updates regarding the upcoming merger with WarnerMedia. It includes the audited combined financial statements for the WarnerMedia Business as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, along with related management's discussion and analysis, and unaudited pro forma combined financial statements. These filings are essential for investors to understand the financial health and projected combined performance of the new entity. Additionally, the report discloses a one-time discretionary bonus of $4,400,000 paid to David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery, Inc., recognizing his leadership and contributions to the WarnerMedia transaction. This bonus is separate from his standard compensation and is intended to reward exceptional performance. The filing also notes the expected adoption of amended and restated bylaws for the combined company, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., reflecting the structure post-merger.

Key Highlights

  • 1Disclosure of audited combined financial statements and related MD&A for the WarnerMedia Business as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and for the years 2021, 2020, and 2019.
  • 2Inclusion of unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements for Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021.
  • 3Announcement of a $4.4 million one-time discretionary bonus for David Zaslav, CEO of Discovery, Inc., in recognition of his leadership and efforts related to the WarnerMedia transaction.
  • 4Filing of the form of Amended and Restated Bylaws for Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., to be adopted upon completion of the merger.
  • 5Provision of information on non-GAAP financial measures for the WarnerMedia Business.
  • 6Reiteration of the Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction agreement between Discovery and AT&T for the acquisition of the WarnerMedia Business.
  • 7Emphasis on the importance of reviewing detailed financial statements and pro forma information to assess the combined entity's future financial position and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to provide investors with updated and essential financial information related to the impending merger between Discovery, Inc. and WarnerMedia. It includes the audited financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business and pro forma combined financial statements, along with other relevant documentation for the transaction.

David Zaslav received a one-time discretionary bonus of $4.4 million for his exceptional leadership during the pandemic, the successful launch of discovery+, and his instrumental role in initiating, negotiating, and entering into the transaction with the WarnerMedia Business. This bonus is in addition to his regular compensation and 2021 annual bonus.

This filing includes the audited combined financial statements and related notes of the WarnerMedia Business for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, as well as the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021. It also provides Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and information on non-GAAP financial measures for the WarnerMedia Business.

The transaction, structured as a Reverse Morris Trust, is expected to result in Discovery acquiring the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T. The combined entity will be named Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. This filing provides key financial data to help investors evaluate the potential of this newly combined company.