EX-99.1 2 d295620dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1
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Exhibit 99.1

 

The information in this information statement is not complete and may be changed. The securities offered by this information statement may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This information statement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where an offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 23, 2022

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Magallanes, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Spinco”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AT&T”), is filing this registration statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-56394) to which this information statement is attached to register the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (“Spinco common stock”), which shares will be distributed to AT&T stockholders in connection with a transaction whereby Drake Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”), which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Discovery”), to be renamed Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (“WBD”) in connection with the completion of the transactions described herein, will merge with and into Spinco, and the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease and Spinco will continue as the surviving company and a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD (the “Merger”).

Prior to the Merger, subject to the terms of the Separation Agreement (as defined herein), AT&T will transfer certain assets, liabilities and entities composing the WarnerMedia business of AT&T (such business to be transferred, the “WarnerMedia Business”) to Spinco or its subsidiaries. In exchange therefor, AT&T will receive shares of Spinco common stock, as well as the Special Cash Payment (as defined herein) and, in addition, the Additional Amount (as defined herein), which will include Spinco Debt Securities (as defined herein), and the shares of Spinco common stock will be distributed to AT&T stockholders as provided below. As a result of the Merger, the existing shares of Spinco common stock will automatically convert into the right to receive shares of WBD common stock (as defined herein).

Spinco is a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T that was organized specifically for the purpose of effecting the Separation (as defined herein). Spinco has engaged in no business activities to date and it has no material assets or liabilities of any kind, other than those incident to its formation and those incurred in connection with the Transactions (as defined herein). The shares of Spinco common stock will be immediately converted into shares of WBD common stock upon completion of the Merger. Spinco is filing the registration statement on Form 10 (File. No. 000-56394), of which this information statement is a part, to register the shares of Spinco common stock to be distributed to AT&T stockholders under Section 12(g) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, Discovery filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-261188) and a definitive proxy statement that relates to the special meeting at which Discovery stockholders approved the reclassification and issuance of WBD common stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

AT&T announced on May 17, 2021 that its board of directors (the “AT&T Board”) had approved the separation of Spinco. On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution (as defined herein) as a pro rata distribution rather than an exchange offer. In a pro rata distribution, each AT&T stockholder as of the Distribution record date (as defined herein) will receive a pro rata number of shares of Spinco common stock. AT&T stockholders will not be required to take any action, surrender any shares of AT&T common stock or pay any consideration in order to receive shares of Spinco common stock on a pro rata basis. Furthermore, the aggregate number of shares of AT&T common shares, par value $1.00 per share (“AT&T common stock”), outstanding will not be affected as a result of completion of the Distribution.

In reviewing this information statement, you should carefully consider the “Risk Factors” beginning on page 51 of this information statement.

We Are Not Asking You for a Proxy and You Are Requested Not To Send Us a Proxy.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this information statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this information statement is             , 2022.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

HELPFUL INFORMATION

     1  

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

     4  

Questions and Answers about the Transactions

     4  

SUMMARY

     20  

Parties to the Transactions

     20  

The Transactions

     22  

Key Terms of the Merger Agreement

     27  

Debt Financing

     31  

Other Agreements Related to the Transactions

     32  

Discovery’s Reasons for the Transactions

     35  

Opinions of Discovery’s Financial Advisors

     35  

AT&T’s Reasons for the Transactions

     36  

Regulatory Approvals

     37  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

     37  

Board of Directors and Management of WBD Following the Transactions

     38  

Interests of Discovery’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions

     39  

Effects of the Reclassification on Outstanding Discovery Equity-Based Awards

     40  

Effects of the Distribution and the Merger on Outstanding AT&T Equity-Based Awards

     40  

Dissenters’ Rights/Rights of Appraisal

     41  

Litigation Related to the Transactions

     41  

Summary Risk Factors

     42  

Accounting Treatment

     44  

SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     45  

Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Information of Discovery

     46  

Summary Historical Combined Financial Information of the WarnerMedia Business

     48  

Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business

     48  

Summary Historical Market Price

     50  

RISK FACTORS

     51  

Risk Factors Relating to the Transactions

     51  

Risk Factors Relating to the Combined Company Following the Transactions

     59  

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     81  

PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTIONS

     85  

Information about Discovery

     85  

Information about AT&T

     89  

Information about the WarnerMedia Business

     89  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF DISCOVERY AND THE WARNERMEDIA BUSINESS

     95  

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE

     122  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE WARNERMEDIA BUSINESS

     124  

AT&T Acquisition of Time Warner in June 2018

     124  

Reverse Morris Trust-Type Transaction Anticipated Early in the Second Quarter of 2022

     124  

Overview

     125  

Principal Product Offerings

     126  

Key Developments

     127  

Revenue Sources

     128  

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2020 to December  31, 2019

     129  

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2021 to December  31, 2020

     131  

Other Matters

     138  

 

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     141  

THE TRANSACTIONS

     143  

Overview

     143  

Transaction Steps

     145  

The Separation and the Distribution

     149  

The Merger

     150  

Calculation of the Merger Consideration

     150  

The Reclassification

     151  

Trading Markets

     151  

Background of the Transactions

     152  

Recommendation of the Discovery Board; Discovery’s Reasons for the Transactions

     169  

Opinions of Discovery’s Financial Advisors

     173  

Discovery Forecasts

     187  

AT&T’s Reasons for the Transactions

     193  

WarnerMedia Projections

     195  

Ownership of WBD Following the Transactions

     197  

Board of Directors and Management of WBD Following the Transactions

     197  

Interests of Discovery’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions

     202  

Liquidity and Capital Resources Following the Transactions

     212  

Effects of the Reclassification on Outstanding Discovery Equity-Based Awards

     213  

Effects of the Distribution and the Merger on Outstanding AT&T Equity-Based Awards

     214  

Regulatory Approvals

     216  

Accounting Treatment

     216  

Stock Market Listing

     218  

Dissenters’ Rights/Rights of Appraisal

     218  

Litigation Related to the Transactions

     219  

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

     221  

The Merger

     221  

Closing and Effective Time

     221  

Merger Consideration

     221  

Distribution of Per Share Merger Consideration

     222  

Distributions with Respect to Shares of WBD Common Stock after the Effective Time of the Merger

     223  

Transfers of Spinco Common Stock and Appraisal Rights

     223  

Termination of the Exchange Fund

     223  

Post-Closing Board of Directors and Officers

     223  

Discovery Special Meeting

     224  

Representations and Warranties

     224  

Conduct of Business Pending the Merger

     228  

Tax Matters

     235  

SEC Filings

     235  

Regulatory Matters

     235  

No Solicitation

     237  

Board Recommendation and Alternative Acquisition Agreements

     241  

Financing

     243  

Certain Other Covenants and Agreements

     245  

Conditions to the Merger

     247  

Termination

     249  

Termination Fees and Expenses Payable in Certain Circumstances

     251  

Specific Performance

     252  

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

     252  

Modification or Amendment; Waiver

     252  

 

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THE SEPARATION AGREEMENT

     253  

The Separation

     253  

Conditions to the Separation

     260  

The Distribution

     260  

Mutual Releases; Indemnification

     261  

General Indemnification

     262  

Termination

     263  

Dispute Resolution

     263  

Other Matters

     263  

DEBT FINANCING

     264  

Overview

     264  

Spinco Notes Offering

     265  

Securities Exchange

     265  

Bridge Loans

     265  

Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement

     265  

Revolving Credit Agreement

     267  

OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATED TO THE TRANSACTIONS

     269  

Malone Voting Agreement

     269  

A/N Voting Agreement

     269  

Consent Agreement

     269  

Employee Matters Agreement

     269  

Tax Matters Agreement

     272  

Transition Services Agreement

     274  

Intellectual Property Matters Agreement

     274  

Data Rights Agreement

     275  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     276  

Tax Opinions and IRS Ruling

     276  

The Distribution

     277  

The Merger

     278  

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

     279  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF DISCOVERY AND WBD

     280  

General

     280  

Common Stock

     281  

Preferred Stock

     284  

Discovery Series  A-1 Preferred Stock and Discovery Series C-1 Preferred Stock

     284  

New Preferred Stock

     287  

Certain Anti-Takeover Effects of the WBD Charter, the WBD Bylaws and Delaware Law

     287  

Choice of Forum

     290  

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

     290  

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

     295  

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF DISCOVERY CAPITAL STOCK

     306  

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF WBD COMMON STOCK

     312  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     317  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     318  

INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE WARNERMEDIA BUSINESS

     F-1  

 

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ANNEXES

 

ANNEX A — MERGER AGREEMENT.

     A-1  

ANNEX B — SEPARATION AGREEMENT.

     B-1  

ANNEX C — MALONE VOTING AGREEMENT.

     C-1  

ANNEX D — A/N VOTING AGREEMENT.

     D-1  

ANNEX E — CONSENT AGREEMENT

     E-1  

ANNEX F — FORM OF WBD CHARTER

     F-1  

ANNEX G — FORM OF WBD BYLAWS

     G-1  

ANNEX H — OPINION OF ALLEN & COMPANY LLC

     H-1  

ANNEX I — OPINION OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

     I-1  

This information statement incorporates by reference important business and financial information about Discovery from documents filed with the SEC that have not been included in or delivered with this information statement. This information is available without charge at the website that the SEC maintains at www.sec.gov, as well as from other sources. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation By Reference.”

All information contained or incorporated by reference in this information statement with respect to Discovery, Merger Sub and their respective subsidiaries, as well as information on Discovery after the completion of the Transactions, has been provided by Discovery. All other information contained in this information statement with respect to AT&T, Spinco or their respective subsidiaries, or the WarnerMedia Business, and with respect to the terms and conditions of the Distribution, has been provided by AT&T.

This information statement is not an offer to buy, sell or exchange, and it is not a solicitation of an offer to buy, sell or exchange, any shares of AT&T common stock, Spinco common stock, Discovery capital stock or WBD common stock in any jurisdiction in which the offer, sale or exchange is not permitted.

 

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HELPFUL INFORMATION

Certain abbreviations and terms used in the text and notes are defined below:

 

Abbreviation/Term

  

Description

Additional Amount    Means $13.0 billion, minus the Spinco Debt Securities Reduction Amounts, plus any positive Reallocation Amounts, minus the absolute value of any negative Reallocation Amounts. After giving effect to such adjustments, the Additional Amount is equal to $10.0 billion.
Advance/Newhouse    ANP and ANPP
Ancillary Agreements    The Tax Matters Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Intellectual Property License Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement and the other agreements mutually agreed to by the parties pursuant to or in connection with the Transactions
ANP    Advance/Newhouse Partnership, a New York partnership
ANPP    Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership, a New York partnership
A/N Voting Agreement    The Voting Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021, by and among Discovery, AT&T, Spinco, ANPP and ANP (as it may be amended from time to time)
AT&T    Depending on context, either AT&T Inc. or AT&T Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries
AT&T common stock    The common shares, par value $1.00 per share, of AT&T Inc.
AT&T Group    AT&T and each of its subsidiaries and any legal predecessors thereto, but excluding any member of the Spinco Group
Consent Agreement    The Consent Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021, by and among Discovery, ANPP and ANP (as it may be amended from time to time)
Discovery    Depending on context, either Discovery, Inc. or Discovery, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries
Discovery bylaws    The amended and restated bylaws of Discovery, effective as of November 10, 2020
Discovery charter    The restated certificate of incorporation of Discovery, effective as of September 17, 2008, as amended on March 6, 2018

Discovery equity

    adjustment ratio

   The number, (1) the numerator of which is the volume-weighted average price of a share of AT&T common stock on NYSE trading on the “regular way” basis (inclusive of Spinco value) on the NYSE for each of the ten trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the Distribution Date, and (2) the denominator of which is the volume-weighted average price of a share of WBD common stock on Nasdaq trading on the “regular way” basis (inclusive of Spinco value) on Nasdaq for each of the ten trading days starting on the first trading day following the Distribution Date
Discovery record date    January 18, 2022, the record date established for the Discovery special meeting
Distribution    The distribution by AT&T, pursuant to the Separation Agreement, of 100% of the shares of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders in a pro rata distribution
Distribution Date    The date, as shall be determined by the board of AT&T, on which the Distribution takes place
Distribution record date    The record date to be established for the Distribution

 

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Abbreviation/Term

  

Description

Employee Matters

    Agreement

   The Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021, by and among AT&T, Spinco and Discovery

Malone Voting

    Agreement

   The Voting Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021, by and among Discovery, AT&T, Spinco, John C. Malone, the John C. Malone 1995 Revocable Trust, the Malone Discovery 2021 Charitable Remainder Unitrust and the Malone CHUB 2017 Charitable Remainder Unitrust (as it may be amended from time to time)
Merger Agreement    The Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 17, 2021, by and among Discovery, Merger Sub, AT&T and Spinco (as it may be amended from time to time)
Merger Sub    Drake Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery

Par Exchange

    Requirement

   The requirement that the fair market value of the Spinco Debt Securities be equal to the face value of the Spinco Debt Securities such that the Spinco Debt Securities may be resold to the public at par on the date of issuance
Pricing Date    Means the pricing date with respect to any proposed issuance of any Spinco Debt Securities issued to AT&T such that the principal amount of such issuance, together with the aggregate amount of Spinco Debt Securities issued prior to such date, would equal the Additional Amount
Reallocation Amount    Means an amount (which may be positive or negative) equal to: (1) $30.0 billion, minus (2) $33.0 billion, AT&T’s good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan
Reclassification    The reclassification and conversion of Discovery capital stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter into such number of shares of WBD common stock as set forth in the Merger Agreement
Separation    The transfer of the WarnerMedia Assets that are not already owned by members of the Spinco Group to members of the Spinco Group and the assumption of the WarnerMedia Liabilities that are not already owed by or otherwise the responsibility of members of the Spinco Group by members of the Spinco Group, and the transfer of Excluded Assets that are not already owned by members of the AT&T Group to members of the AT&T Group and the assumption of the Excluded Liabilities that are not already owed by or otherwise the responsibility of members of the AT&T Group by the AT&T Group, including the steps contemplated by the Separation Plan
Separation Agreement    The Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021, by and among Discovery, AT&T and Spinco (as it may be amended from time to time)
Separation Date    The effective date of the Separation
Separation Plan    AT&T’s plan with respect to the transfer and/or assignment and assumption of WarnerMedia Assets, WarnerMedia Liabilities, Excluded Assets and Excluded Liabilities, as further described in the Separation Agreement
Share Issuance    The issuance of shares of WBD common stock to the stockholders of Spinco in the Merger

 

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Abbreviation/Term

  

Description

Special Cash Payment    A special cash payment from Spinco to AT&T in an amount equal to approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, including (i) a $3.0 billion increase for the Reallocation Amount, (ii) a reduction for the approximately $1.6 billion of existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, (iii) net working capital and (iv) other adjustments as described in “The Separation Agreement—The Separation—Special Cash Payment, Payment of the Additional Amount and Post-Closing Adjustments”
Spinco    Magallanes, Inc., a Delaware corporation and currently a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T
Spinco common stock    The common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco
Spinco Debt Financing    The indebtedness for borrowed money incurred in connection with the Financing, as described in “Debt Financing”
Spinco Debt Securities    The debt securities issued by Spinco to AT&T

Spinco Debt Securities

    Reduction Amounts

   Means (1) $5,753,424.66 multiplied by (2) the actual number of days elapsed beginning on the first business day after the regulatory approvals (other than the IRS approval) through and until the Pricing Date
Spinco Employee    Means, collectively, each employee of the Spinco Group as of the Distribution Date, including any such employees who are on an approved leave at such time and any AT&T employees transferred to the Spinco Group prior to the Distribution Date, other than employees employed by the Spinco Group who do not provide substantial services relating to the WarnerMedia Business as of immediately prior to the Distribution Date
Spinco Group    Spinco and its subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Separation
Transaction Documents    The Merger Agreement, the Separation Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the A/N Voting Agreement, the Malone Voting Agreement, the Consent Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements
Transactions    The transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, which provide for, among other things, the Separation, the Special Cash Payment, the Distribution, the Reclassification, the Merger and the payment of the Additional Amount, as described in “The Transactions”
WarnerMedia Assets    The assets allocated to Spinco and the members of the Spinco Group described in “The Separation Agreement—The Separation—Transfer of Assets”
WarnerMedia Business    Certain assets, liabilities and entities composing the WarnerMedia business of AT&T
WarnerMedia Liabilities    The liabilities allocated to Spinco and the members of the Spinco Group described in “The Separation Agreement—The Separation—Assumption of Liabilities”
WBD    Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., the combined company upon the completion of the Transactions
WBD bylaws    The amended and restated bylaws of WBD, expected to be adopted by the Discovery board of directors and to be effective in connection with the completion of the Transactions, which will be the bylaws of the combined company
WBD charter    The second restated certificate of incorporation of WBD, which will effect the Reclassification and be the certificate of incorporation of the combined company
WBD common stock    The Series A common stock of WBD, par value $0.01 per share, following the Reclassification

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are brief answers to common questions that you may have regarding the Transactions and the consideration to be received in the Transactions. The questions and answers in this section may not address all questions that might be important to you as an AT&T stockholder. To better understand these matters, and for a description of the legal terms governing the Transactions, please read carefully and in its entirety this information statement, including the annexes hereto, and the documents incorporated by reference herein, as well as the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, including the exhibits to the registration statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.”

Questions and Answers about the Transactions

Q: What are the Transactions described in this information statement?

A: On May 17, 2021, AT&T, Spinco and Discovery entered into definitive agreements, pursuant to which and subject to the terms and conditions therein, (1) AT&T will transfer the WarnerMedia Business to Spinco (generally referred to herein as the “Separation”), (2) Spinco will (a) make a cash distribution to AT&T equal to approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, including (i) a $3.0 billion increase for the Reallocation Amount, (ii) a reduction for the approximately $1.6 billion of existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by Spinco and its subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Separation (each such subsidiary, a “Spinco Subsidiary,” and together with Spinco, the “Spinco Group” or the “Spinco Entities”), (iii) net working capital and (iv) other adjustments (the “Special Cash Payment”), and (b)(i) issue to AT&T the debt instruments of Spinco (the “Spinco Debt Securities”) that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (ii) distribute to AT&T all or a portion of the cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements (as defined herein) and/or use all or a portion of the cash proceeds of such borrowing to purchase assets of the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T or (iii) undertake a combination of the actions described in (2)(b)(i) and (2)(b)(ii) such that AT&T has received, in the aggregate, the Additional Amount of approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment, (3) AT&T will distribute to its stockholders all of the issued and outstanding shares of Spinco common stock in a distribution that will, at AT&T’s election, take place either by way of (i) a pro rata distribution of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders or (ii) an exchange offer followed by a pro rata distribution (a “clean-up spin-off”) of any shares of Spinco common stock remaining if such exchange offer is not fully subscribed because the number of shares of AT&T common stock tendered and accepted does not result in all shares of Spinco common stock being distributed in the exchange offer (generally referred to herein as the “Distribution”), (4) Discovery will amend and restate its restated certificate of incorporation, as amended (the “Discovery charter”), to, among other things, change its name to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and reclassify and automatically convert each share of Discovery’s Series A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Discovery Series A common stock”), Discovery’s Series B convertible common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Discovery Series B common stock”), Discovery’s Series C common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Discovery Series C common stock”), Discovery’s Series A-1 convertible participating preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock”), and Discovery’s Series C-1 convertible participating preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock”), issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter into such number of shares of WBD common stock as set forth in the Merger Agreement (generally referred to herein as the “Reclassification” and together with the other amendments and restatements to the Discovery charter, the “Charter Amendment”) and (5) Merger Sub will merge with and into Spinco, with Spinco as the surviving corporation (generally referred to herein as the “Merger”) and as a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD. The Transactions are structured as a Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction. This structure was chosen because, among other things, it provides a tax-efficient method to combine Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business.

The Special Cash Payment is a cash distribution of approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, that will be distributed from Spinco to AT&T which, together with the Additional Amount, makes up the approximately $43.0 billion in cash and Spinco Debt Securities that AT&T will receive as consideration in

 

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connection with the Closing (as defined herein), subject to adjustment. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Special Cash Payment was adjusted to approximately $33.0 billion, subject to further adjustment, and the Additional Amount was adjusted to approximately $10.0 billion.

On March 15, 2022, Spinco issued $30.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes (the “Spinco Notes”) in a private placement, including Spinco Debt Securities in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 billion issued to AT&T, and AT&T completed the Securities Exchange (as defined herein).

In the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Spinco common stock (except for shares of Spinco common stock held by Spinco as treasury stock or by any other member of the Spinco Group, which will be canceled and cease to exist and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor) will automatically convert into the right to receive a number of shares of WBD common stock. When the Merger is completed, holders of AT&T common stock that received shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and holders of Discovery capital stock as of immediately prior to the Reclassification and the Merger will own approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis, in each case, excluding any overlaps in the pre-Merger AT&T and Discovery stockholder bases, as described under “The Transactions— Calculation of the Merger Consideration.”

THE DISTRIBUTION AND THE MERGER ARE A REVERSE MORRIS TRUST-TYPE TRANSACTION AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE TAX-FREE TO AT&T STOCKHOLDERS FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT CASH IS PAID TO AT&T STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF FRACTIONAL SHARES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OR THE MERGER.

The Separation, Special Cash Payment, Distribution, Reclassification, Merger, payment of the Additional Amount and other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as defined herein) are collectively referred to herein as the “Transactions.”

The definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Transactions include (1) the Merger Agreement, (2) the Separation Agreement, (3) the Employee Matters Agreement, (4) the Tax Matters Agreement, (5) the A/N Voting Agreement, (6) the Malone Voting Agreement and (7) the Consent Agreement (each as defined herein). In addition, AT&T and Discovery and certain of their respective affiliates, including Spinco, will enter into other Ancillary Agreements in connection with the Transactions (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”). These agreements, which are described in greater detail in “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions,” will govern the relationship among AT&T and Discovery and their respective affiliates, including Spinco, after the Transactions.

On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution as a pro rata distribution rather than an exchange offer.

On the Closing Date, AT&T will distribute 100% of the shares of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders on a pro rata basis. Prior to the date of the Distribution (the “Distribution Date”), the AT&T Board, in accordance with applicable law, will establish (or designate a committee of the AT&T Board to establish) a Distribution record date to allow the Distribution to occur as promptly as practicable and any appropriate procedures in connection with the pro rata distribution. Each record holder of AT&T common stock on the Distribution record date will be entitled to receive for each share of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution record date a number of shares of Spinco common stock equal to the total number of shares of Spinco common stock held by AT&T on the Distribution Date, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution

 

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record date and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of AT&T common stock outstanding on the Distribution record date (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding treasury shares held by any member of the AT&T Group).

The agent for the Distribution (the “Distribution Agent”) will hold all issued and outstanding shares of Spinco common stock in trust for the benefit of those stockholders receiving shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution, pending the completion of the Merger. Shares of Spinco common stock will not be able to be traded during this period. Immediately after the Distribution and on the Closing Date, Merger Sub will merge with and into Spinco, with Spinco as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD. At the effective time of the Merger, those shares of Spinco common stock held in trust by the Distribution Agent will automatically convert into the right to receive shares of WBD common stock, as described above. The Distribution is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021, by and among Discovery, AT&T and Spinco, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Separation Agreement”), and the Merger is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. See “The Separation Agreement—Conditions to the Distribution” and “The Merger Agreement— Conditions to the Merger.”

Following the Transactions, WBD, as the combined company, will own and operate the WarnerMedia Business through Spinco and will also continue Discovery’s current businesses. Discovery will use reasonable best efforts to cause the WBD common stock issuable in the Transactions to be authorized for listing on Nasdaq under the symbol “WBD,” and certain significant WBD stockholders will be party to a registration rights agreement described further under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”

Q: What are the steps for the Transactions described above?

A: Below is a step-by-step list illustrating the material events relating to the Separation, the Distribution, the Reclassification and the Merger. Each of these events, as well as any conditions to their completion, is discussed in more detail elsewhere in this information statement. Steps #1, #2 and #3 described below may not, and are not required pursuant to the Transaction Documents to, occur chronologically.

Step #1—The Separation. Prior to the Distribution and the Merger, AT&T will convey to Spinco or one or more subsidiaries of Spinco and certain assets and liabilities constituting the WarnerMedia Business (the “WarnerMedia Assets” and “WarnerMedia Liabilities,” respectively), and will cause any applicable subsidiary of AT&T to convey to AT&T or its designated subsidiary (other than Spinco or any other member of the Spinco Group) certain excluded assets and excluded liabilities in order to separate the WarnerMedia Business, in each case, as set forth in and subject to the terms and conditions of the Separation Agreement. Thereafter, AT&T will transfer all of the equity interests in each of the subsidiaries of AT&T holding WarnerMedia Assets and WarnerMedia Liabilities, and constituting the WarnerMedia Business, directly or indirectly, to Spinco.

Step #2—Issuance of Spinco Debt Securities. Prior to the effective time of the Merger, and as a condition to the Distribution, Spinco will (1) issue to AT&T the Spinco Debt Securities that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (2) distribute to AT&T all or a portion of the cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements and/or use all or a portion of the cash proceeds of such borrowing to purchase assets of the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T or (3) undertake a combination of the actions described in (1) and (2) such that AT&T has received, in the aggregate, the Additional Amount of approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Additional Amount was adjusted to approximately $10.0 billion.

On March 15, 2022, Spinco issued $30.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of Spinco Notes, including Spinco Debt Securities in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 billion issued to AT&T. AT&T transferred the

 

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Spinco Debt Securities to two investment banks in exchange for a short-term loan of AT&T held by affiliates of such investment banks as principal for their own account (the “Securities Exchange”). Following the Securities Exchange, such investment banks or their affiliates sold the Spinco Debt Securities to third-party investors.

Step #3—Special Cash Payment. Prior to the effective time of the Merger, and as a condition to the Distribution, Spinco will make the Special Cash Payment to AT&T, which is a cash distribution to AT&T equal to approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, including (i) a $3.0 billion increase for the Reallocation Amount, (ii) a reduction for the approximately $1.6 billion of existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, (iii) net working capital and (iv) other adjustments. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Special Cash Payment was adjusted to approximately $33.0 billion, subject to further adjustment. See “The Separation Agreement—The Separation— Special Cash Payment, Payment of the Additional Amount and Post-Closing Adjustments” for further description of adjustments to the Special Cash Payment.

Step #4—Issuance of Spinco Common Stock. Prior to the Distribution, Spinco will issue to AT&T a number of shares of Spinco common stock such that the number of shares of Spinco common stock issued and outstanding at the time of the Distribution is equal to the number of shares of AT&T common stock outstanding, which will be exchanged for shares of WBD common stock to be issued to the stockholders of Spinco in the Merger (the “Share Issuance”).

Step #5—The Distribution. On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution as a pro rata distribution rather than an exchange offer. On the Closing Date, AT&T will distribute 100% of the shares of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders on a pro rata basis. Each record holder of AT&T common stock on the Distribution record date will be entitled to receive for each share of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution record date a number of shares of Spinco common stock equal to the total number of shares of Spinco common stock held by AT&T on the Distribution Date, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution record date and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of AT&T common stock outstanding on the Distribution record date (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding treasury shares held by any member of the AT&T Group). See “The Separation Agreement—The Distribution.”

The Distribution Agent will hold all issued and outstanding shares of Spinco common stock in trust for the benefit of stockholders that are receiving shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution, pending the completion of the Merger. Shares of Spinco common stock will not be able to be traded during this period.

Step #6—The Reclassification. On the Closing Date and prior to the effective time of the Merger, Discovery will amend and restate the Discovery charter, to provide that (1) each share of Discovery Series A common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (2) each share of Discovery Series B common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (3) each share of Discovery Series C common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (4) each share of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into 13.11346315 shares of WBD common stock and (5) each share of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into such number of shares of WBD common stock as the number of shares of Discovery Series C common stock such share of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock would have been convertible into immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter, which, as of December 31, 2021, would have been 19.3648 shares of WBD common stock.

 

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Step #7—The Merger. In the Merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Spinco, with Spinco surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD. In the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Spinco common stock (except for shares of Spinco common stock held by Spinco as treasury stock or by any other member of the Spinco Group, which will be canceled and cease to exist and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor) will automatically convert into the right to receive a number of shares of WBD common stock such that immediately after the Merger, such holders of AT&T common stock that received shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and holders of Discovery capital stock as of immediately prior to the Reclassification and the Merger will own approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis, in each case, excluding any overlaps in the pre-Merger AT&T and Discovery stockholder bases, as described under “The Transactions—Calculation of the Merger Consideration.”

The foregoing are subject to certain conditions to their completion. See “The Separation Agreement— Conditions to the Separation,” “The Separation Agreement—Conditions to the Distribution,” and “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to the Merger.”

Q: What are Discovery’s reasons for pursuing the Transactions?

A: In reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Documents and the Transactions and recommend that Discovery stockholders approve proposals regarding the amendment and restatement of the Discovery charter, including to give effect to the Reclassification (the “Charter Amendment proposals”), and a proposal regarding the issuance of shares of WBD common stock to Spinco stockholders in the Merger (the “Share Issuance proposal”), the Discovery board of directors (the “Discovery Board”) considered a number of factors as a whole and considered the relevant information and factors to be favorable to, and in support of, its determination. In the course of its deliberations, the Discovery Board also considered a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors. For the factors considered by the Discovery Board in reaching its decision, see “Discovery’s Reasons for the Transactions.”

Q: What is a Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction?

A: A Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction structure allows a parent company (in this case, AT&T) to divest a subsidiary (in this case, Spinco) in a tax-efficient manner. The first step of such a transaction is a distribution of the subsidiary’s stock to the parent company stockholders (in this case, AT&T’s distribution of the Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders in the Distribution) in a transaction that is generally tax-free under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The distributed subsidiary then combines with a third party (in this case, Merger Sub through the Merger). Such a transaction can qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the parent company and its stockholders if the transaction structure meets all applicable requirements, including that the parent company stockholders own more than 50% of the stock of the combined entity immediately after the business combination. For information about the material tax consequences resulting from the Transactions, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

The parties determined that a Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction structure was an effective and efficient choice for the Transactions because, among other things, it provides a tax-efficient method to combine Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, thereby making a Reverse Morris Trust-type structure economically more appealing to the parties as compared to a taxable transaction structure.

Q: What will be the relationship among AT&T, Discovery and Spinco after the completion of the Transactions?

A: Following the Transactions, Spinco will no longer be a subsidiary of AT&T. Instead, Merger Sub will merge with and into Spinco, with Spinco surviving the Merger and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery, which will be renamed Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

 

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AT&T, Spinco and Discovery have entered into certain agreements, and will enter into certain additional agreements, that will govern certain arrangements among them following the completion of the Transactions relating to, among other things, employee matters, tax matters, transition services, intellectual property matters and data rights. See “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions.”

Q: What equity stake will Discovery and AT&T stockholders hold in Discovery following the Transactions?

A: It is expected that upon completion of the Transactions, holders of AT&T common stock that received shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and holders of Discovery capital stock as of immediately prior to the Reclassification and the Merger will own approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis, in each case, excluding any overlaps in the pre-Merger AT&T and Discovery stockholder bases, as described under “The Transactions—Calculation of the Merger Consideration.” The ownership of the combined company following the Transactions was the result of a negotiated value exchange between AT&T and Discovery, which was based upon each party’s valuations, prior to the execution of the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement, of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business.

Q: What will AT&T stockholders receive in the Transactions?

A: On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution as a pro rata distribution rather than an exchange offer. On the Closing Date, AT&T will distribute 100% of the shares of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders on a pro rata basis. Each record holder of AT&T common stock on the Distribution record date will be entitled to receive for each share of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution record date a number of shares of Spinco common stock equal to the total number of shares of Spinco common stock held by AT&T on the Distribution Date, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution record date and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of AT&T common stock outstanding on the Distribution record date (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding treasury shares held by any member of the AT&T Group). In the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Spinco common stock (except for shares of Spinco common stock held by Spinco as treasury stock or by any other member of the Spinco Group, which will be canceled and cease to exist and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor) will automatically convert into the right to receive a number of shares of WBD common stock such that immediately after the Merger, such holders of AT&T common stock that received shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and holders of Discovery capital stock as of immediately prior to the Reclassification and the Merger will own approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis, in each case, excluding any overlaps in the pre-Merger AT&T and Discovery stockholder bases, as described under “The Transactions—Calculation of the Merger Consideration.” Holders of Spinco common stock will receive cash from the Exchange Agent (as defined herein) in lieu of any fractional shares of WBD common stock to which such stockholders would otherwise be entitled. All shares of WBD common stock issued in the Merger will be issued in book-entry form.

As of March 9, 2022, based on the reported closing price of $25.37 on Nasdaq of Discovery Series A common stock as of such date and assuming a Share Issuance of approximately 1.7 billion shares, the shares of WBD common stock that Discovery expects to issue in the Merger would have a market value of approximately $43.4 billion in the aggregate (the actual value will not be known until the Closing Date). The actual total value of the shares of WBD common stock to be issued in the Merger will depend on the market price of WBD common stock following the completion of the Transactions, including after giving effect to the Reclassification. As a result of the Transactions, including the Reclassification, the market price of WBD common stock could be significantly different from the reported closing price on Nasdaq of Discovery Series A common stock prior to the completion of the Transactions. See “The Transactions—Structure of the Transactions” and “The Transactions—Calculation of the Merger Consideration.”

 

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Q: Are there any conditions to the completion of the Transactions?

A: Yes. Completion of the Merger is subject to a number of conditions, including:

 

   

the Distribution Registration Statement (as defined herein) and the Discovery Registration Statement (as defined herein) have become effective under the Exchange Act or Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as applicable;

 

   

the approval by Discovery stockholders of the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance;

 

   

the Requisite Regulatory Approvals (as defined herein) will be in full force and effect;

 

   

the Separation and the Distribution will have been completed;

 

   

the expiration or termination of any waiting period applicable to the Merger under applicable antitrust or competition laws in the United States and receipt of additional antitrust approvals in applicable jurisdictions;

 

   

AT&T will have received the Special Cash Payment and the Additional Amount immediately before the Distribution;

 

   

the receipt by AT&T, with a copy to Discovery, of (1) the Tax Opinions (as defined herein) from AT&T’s tax counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, and (2) the IRS Ruling (as defined herein); and

 

   

other customary conditions.

Completion of the Separation is subject to the following conditions:

 

   

each of the parties to the Merger Agreement has irrevocably confirmed to each other that each of the conditions to such party’s obligations to effect the Merger has been satisfied, will be satisfied at the time of the Distribution or, subject to applicable laws, is or has been waived by such party; and

 

   

receipt by AT&T and Spinco of any necessary permits and authorizations under applicable state and federal securities laws in connection with the Distribution.

Completion of the Distribution is subject to the following conditions:

 

   

the completion of the Separation substantially in accordance with the Separation Plan (other than those steps that are expressly contemplated to occur at or after the Distribution);

 

   

AT&T will have received (1) Spinco Debt Securities that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (2) cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements pursuant to the Merger Agreement or (3) a combination of the foregoing, such that the aggregate principal amount of such Spinco Debt Securities, together with such cash proceeds, will be equal to the Additional Amount of approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment;

 

   

the completion of the Special Cash Payment in accordance with the Separation Agreement;

 

   

receipt by the AT&T Board of the Solvency Opinion (as defined herein) from an independent appraisal firm; and such Solvency Opinion will be reasonably acceptable to AT&T in form and substance in AT&T’s sole discretion; and such Solvency Opinion will not have been withdrawn or rescinded or modified in any respect adverse to AT&T;

 

   

the execution and delivery of the Ancillary Agreements by each party thereto;

 

   

each of the conditions to AT&T’s obligations to effect the Merger has been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied contemporaneously with the Distribution and/or the Merger, so long as such conditions are capable of being satisfied at such time); and

 

   

Discovery has irrevocably confirmed to AT&T that each of the conditions to Discovery’s obligations to effect the Merger has been satisfied, will be satisfied at the time of the Distribution or, subject to applicable laws, is or has been waived by Discovery.

 

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For a description of the material conditions precedent to the Transactions, see “The Merger Agreement— Conditions to the Merger,” “The Separation Agreement—Conditions to the Separation” and “The Separation Agreement—Conditions to the Distribution.”

Q: What will Discovery stockholders receive in the Transactions?

A: Discovery stockholders will not directly receive any consideration in the Merger. Prior to the effective time of the Merger, all shares of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock, Discovery Series C common stock, Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock and Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock (collectively, “Discovery capital stock”) issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into such number of shares of WBD common stock as set forth in the Merger Agreement. All shares of WBD common stock issued in the Reclassification will be issued in book-entry form. See “The Transactions—The Reclassification.” Immediately after the Merger, Discovery stockholders will own shares in the combined company, WBD, which will include the WarnerMedia Business by virtue of the fact that Spinco will be a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD. WBD expects to become responsible for up to approximately $43.0 billion of additional debt, including existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, and debt that may be incurred by Spinco and used on the Closing Date to finance, in part, the Special Cash Payment and the Additional Amount and to otherwise fund the other Transactions and to pay the related transaction fees and expenses, with the ultimate amount of such debt subject to adjustment, including for net working capital, as described in “The Separation Agreement—The Separation—Special Cash Payment, Payment of the Additional Amount and Post-Closing Adjustments.” After the completion of the Transactions, the debt obligations incurred by Spinco with respect to the Spinco Notes (including the Spinco Debt Securities), the Bridge Loans (if applicable) and the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement will initially be guaranteed by WBD, Discovery Communications, LLC (“DCL”) and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“Scripps”). In addition, following the Merger, by virtue of the fact that Spinco will be a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD, the consolidated indebtedness of WBD and its subsidiaries will include the indebtedness of Spinco. See “Debt Financing.”

Q: What is the estimated total value of the Transactions?

A: As of March 9, 2022, Discovery expects to issue approximately 1.7 billion shares of WBD common stock in the Merger. See “The Transactions—Calculation of the Merger Consideration.” In addition, AT&T will receive a one-time Special Cash Payment and, in addition, the Additional Amount, which will include Spinco Debt Securities, from Spinco, each subject to adjustment. Based upon the reported closing price of $25.37 per share for Discovery Series A common stock on Nasdaq on March 9, 2022 and assuming a Share Issuance of approximately 1.7 billion shares and no adjustments to the Special Cash Payment and the Additional Amount, the total combined value of the shares to be issued by Discovery and the cash and Spinco Debt Securities expected to be received by AT&T from Spinco would be approximately $86.4 billion. The actual value of the shares of WBD common stock to be issued in the Merger will depend on the market price of WBD common stock following the completion of the Transactions, including after giving effect to the Reclassification, and the amount of the Special Cash Payment and the Additional Amount (which will include Spinco Debt Securities) will be determined based on adjustments thereto (if any). See “The Separation Agreement—The Separation— Special Cash Payment, Payment of the Additional Amount and Post-Closing Adjustments.” As a result of the Transactions, including the Reclassification, the market price of WBD common stock could be significantly different from the reported closing price on Nasdaq of Discovery Series A common stock prior to the completion of the Transactions.

Q: Are there possible adverse effects on the value of WBD common stock to be received by Discovery and AT&T stockholders?

A: Discovery stockholders, by virtue of the Reclassification, and AT&T stockholders, by virtue of the Distribution and the Merger, will receive shares of WBD common stock. The Share Issuance and the structure of

 

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the Distribution as a pro rata distribution could negatively affect the market price of Discovery’s common stock and WBD common stock, including as a result of sales of a large number of shares of WBD common stock in the market after the completion of the Transactions or even the perception that these sales could occur. See “Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Transactions—The price of Discovery’s common stock and WBD common stock could be adversely affected by the Distribution.”

Further, as a result of the Reclassification, the market price of WBD common stock could be significantly different from the reported closing prices on Nasdaq of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series C common stock prior to the completion of the Transactions. Discovery also expects to incur significant one-time costs in connection with the Transactions, including advisory, legal, accounting and other professional fees related to the Transactions, transition and integration expenses, such as consulting professionals’ fees, information technology implementation costs, financing fees and relocation costs, that Discovery management believes will be necessary to realize anticipated annualized cost synergies. The incurrence of these costs may have an adverse effect on Discovery’s and WBD’s liquidity or operating results in the periods in which they are incurred. Furthermore, WBD’s consolidated indebtedness will increase substantially from that of Discovery’s prior to the Transactions. This increased level of indebtedness could adversely affect WBD, including by decreasing its business flexibility, which may result in declines in the market price of WBD common stock. Finally, the combined company will be required to devote a significant amount of time and attention to the process of integrating the operations of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business. The market price of WBD common stock may be adversely affected if the Transactions are not successful or do not achieve the anticipated financial and other benefits, including the synergies Discovery expects to achieve, due to integration or other challenges. The success of WBD’s business will also depend, in part, on factors such as WBD’s ability to compete effectively in highly competitive industries, the acceptance of WBD’s entertainment, sports and news content by its U.S. and foreign viewers, WBD’s ability to attract and retain subscribers for its DTC products and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on theatrical and television production, financial markets and economies. See “Risk Factors” for a further discussion of the material risks relating to the Transactions and the combined company.

Q: How will the Transactions impact the future liquidity and capital resources of the combined company?

A: WBD’s level of consolidated indebtedness will increase from that of Discovery’s as a result of the Transactions. Spinco expects to incur total indebtedness of up to approximately $43.0 billion in connection with the Spinco Notes (including the Spinco Debt Securities), the Bridge Loans (as defined herein) and the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement (as defined herein). See “Debt Financing.” Following the completion of the Transactions, all obligations of Spinco with respect to the Spinco Notes (including the Spinco Debt Securities), the Bridge Loans (if applicable) and the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement will be initially guaranteed by WBD, DCL and Scripps. In addition, following the Merger, by virtue of the fact that Spinco will be a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD, the consolidated indebtedness of WBD and its subsidiaries will include the indebtedness of Spinco. Discovery anticipates that WBD’s primary sources of liquidity for working capital and operating activities will be cash from operations and borrowings under its existing credit facilities. Discovery expects that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to make required payments of interest on the outstanding WBD debt and to fund working capital and capital expenditure requirements, including the significant one-time costs relating to the Transactions. Discovery expects that WBD or Spinco, as applicable, will be able to comply with the financial and other covenants under the Commitment Letter (as defined herein) governing the Bridge Loans, the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the Spinco Notes (including the Spinco Debt Securities).

On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Transactions, the incremental interest expense in relation to the Spinco Term Loan Facility (as defined herein) and Spinco Notes would have been approximately $1,587 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. As a result, WBD will be required to devote a significant portion of its unlevered free cash flow to service its debt. Discovery currently estimates that WBD will be

 

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required to devote approximately 20% of its unlevered free cash flow to interest payments on an annual basis. Assuming that the Transactions are completed early in the second quarter of 2022, Discovery currently estimates that WBD will be required to devote approximately half of its unlevered free cash flow to mandatory principal payments in 2023 and 2024. See “The Transactions—Discovery Forecasts” for the definition of unlevered free cash flow.

Discovery expects WBD to realize cost synergies of over $3.0 billion on a run-rate basis by the end of the second full year after the completion of the Transactions. These cost synergies are expected to be driven by technology, marketing and platform efficiencies. Discovery expects WBD to incur significant, one-time costs of approximately $0.7 billion in connection with completing the Transactions and an additional approximately $1.5 billion in one-time cash costs during the first year following the completion of the Transactions that Discovery believes will be necessary to realize the anticipated cost synergies from the Transactions. No assurances of the timing or amount of synergies able to be captured, or the timing or amount of costs necessary to achieve those synergies, can be provided. See “The Transactions—Liquidity and Capital Resources Following the Transactions.” The incurrence of these costs may have an adverse impact on Discovery’s and WBD’s liquidity, cash flows and operating results in the periods in which they are incurred, and actual costs may be higher than currently anticipated.

Q: How will the rights of Discovery stockholders change after the Transactions?

A: In the Reclassification, (1) each share of Discovery Series A common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (2) each share of Discovery Series B common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (3) each share of Discovery Series C common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (4) each share of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into 13.11346315 shares of WBD common stock and (5) each share of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into such number of shares of WBD common stock as the number of shares of Discovery Series C common stock such share of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock would have been convertible into immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter, which, as of December 31, 2021, would have been 19.3648 shares of WBD common stock. No shares of WBD preferred stock are expected to be issued and outstanding immediately following the Reclassification.

In connection with the Transactions, including the Reclassification, Discovery will amend and restate the Discovery charter. The existing rights of Discovery stockholders under the Discovery charter will be replaced by new rights upon the Charter Amendment and the effectiveness of the second restated certificate of incorporation of WBD, which will be the certificate of incorporation of the combined company (the “WBD charter”). In addition, the Discovery Board expects to amend and restate the amended and restated bylaws of Discovery (the “Discovery bylaws”) to be effective in connection with the completion of the Transactions (such amended and restated bylaws, the “WBD bylaws”). For a description of the rights of stockholders under the Discovery charter, the WBD charter, the Discovery bylaws and the WBD bylaws, see “Description of Capital Stock of Discovery and WBD.”

Q: What will AT&T receive in the Transactions?

A: Prior to the Distribution, AT&T will receive the Special Cash Payment in the amount of approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, including for the approximately $1.6 billion of existing debt of the

 

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WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, net working capital and other adjustments, and the Additional Amount, which will include Spinco Debt Securities, equal to approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment, which will in turn be used by AT&T to repay certain existing debt pursuant to the Securities Exchange. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Special Cash Payment was adjusted to approximately $33.0 billion, subject to further adjustment, and the Additional Amount was adjusted to approximately $10.0 billion. See “The Separation Agreement—The Separation—Special Cash Payment, Payment of the Additional Amount and Post-Closing Adjustments” for further description of adjustments to the Special Cash Payment.

Q: Will the Distribution and the Merger affect the AT&T equity-based awards held by Spinco Employees?

A: Yes. Certain Spinco Employees hold AT&T RSU Awards (as defined herein) and/or AT&T Option Awards (as defined herein). Upon or following the Closing, with respect to Spinco Employees, (1) each AT&T RSU Award that was granted prior to May 17, 2021 and is outstanding and unvested as of the Closing will be forfeited, and WBD will grant each such Spinco Employee a WBD RSU Award (as defined herein) subject to the same terms and conditions, except that the number of shares of WBD common stock to which such WBD RSU Award relates will be equal to the product, rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares, obtained by multiplying (a) the number of unvested shares of AT&T common stock to which the corresponding AT&T RSU Award related immediately prior to the Closing by (b) the Discovery equity adjustment ratio (as defined herein); (2) each AT&T RSU Award that was granted prior to May 17, 2021 and is outstanding and vested as of the Closing and each AT&T Option Award that was granted prior to May 17, 2021 and is outstanding as of the Closing will remain an award denominated in AT&T common stock with the same terms and conditions, provided that such award may be equitably adjusted to the extent needed to prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights thereunder as determined by the compensation committee of the AT&T Board (the “AT&T Compensation Committee”) to reflect the Distribution; and (3) each AT&T RSU Award that was granted after May 17, 2021 and is outstanding as of the Closing will be converted into a WBD RSU Award subject to the same terms and conditions, except that the number of shares of WBD common stock to which such WBD RSU Award relates will be equal to the product, rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares, obtained by multiplying (a) the number of shares of AT&T common stock to which the corresponding AT&T RSU Award related immediately prior to the Closing by (b) the Discovery equity adjustment ratio.

For a more complete description of the treatment of AT&T equity-based awards held by Spinco Employees that are outstanding as of the Closing, see “The Transactions—Effects of the Distribution and the Merger on Outstanding AT&T Equity-Based Awards.”

Q: Will the Distribution and the Merger affect the AT&T equity-based awards held by AT&T employees?

A: Certain current and former employees of AT&T who are not currently or will not become Spinco Employees as a result of the Distribution hold equity-based awards relating to shares of AT&T common stock. Upon or following the Closing, each AT&T RSU Award, AT&T Restricted Stock Award (as defined herein), AT&T PSU Award (as defined herein) and AT&T Option Award, in each case that is outstanding as of the Closing and held by an AT&T employee, will remain an award denominated in AT&T common stock with the same terms and conditions, provided that such award may be equitably adjusted to the extent needed to prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights thereunder as determined by the AT&T Compensation Committee to reflect the Distribution.

For a more complete description of the treatment of AT&T equity-based awards held by AT&T employees that are outstanding as of the Closing, see “The Transactions—Effects of the Distribution and the Merger on Outstanding AT&T Equity-Based Awards.”

 

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Q: What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to AT&T stockholders resulting from the Transactions?

A: The completion of the Distribution, the Merger and certain related Transactions are conditioned upon AT&T’s receipt, with a copy to Discovery, of (1) an opinion from its tax counsel substantially to the effect that, among other things, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Distribution, taken together with certain related Transactions, will qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Code and that certain other related Transactions will qualify for their intended tax-free treatment, (2) an opinion from its tax counsel substantially to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Code (collectively, the “Tax Opinions”) and (3) a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the qualification of the Distribution and certain related Transactions for tax-free treatment (the “IRS Ruling”), which AT&T received from the IRS on December 28, 2021. Provided that such transactions so qualify, AT&T stockholders generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the receipt of Spinco common stock in the Distribution or WBD common stock in the Merger (except for any gain or loss attributable to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of WBD common stock). See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for more information regarding the potential tax consequences of the Transactions.

Q: What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to Discovery and Discovery stockholders resulting from the Transactions?

A: Discovery will not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the completion of the Merger. Because Discovery stockholders in their capacity as such will not receive consideration in the Distribution or the Merger, Discovery stockholders will generally not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon either the Distribution or the Merger. Neither Discovery nor Discovery stockholders are expected to recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the Reclassification. Discovery stockholders should consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the tax consequences to them of the Transactions in light of their particular circumstances.

Q: Are there risks associated with the Transactions?

A: Yes. The material risks and uncertainties associated with the Transactions are discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Those risks include, among others, the possibility that the Transactions may not be completed, the possibility that Discovery may fail to realize the anticipated financial and other benefits of the Merger, the uncertainty that Discovery will be able to integrate the WarnerMedia Business successfully, the possibility that Discovery may be unable to provide benefits and services or access to equivalent financial strength and resources to the WarnerMedia Business that historically have been provided by AT&T, and the substantial dilution to the ownership interest of current Discovery stockholders following the completion of the Merger.

Q: Who will serve on the WBD Board following the completion of the Transactions?

A: As of the effective time of the Merger, the WBD board of directors (the “WBD Board”) will consist of 13 directors, consisting of six directors designated by Discovery, including the Chief Executive Officer of WBD as of immediately after the effective time of the Merger (“Discovery Designees”), and seven directors designated by AT&T, including the Chairperson of the WBD Board as of immediately after the effective time of the Merger (“AT&T Designees”).

The Class I directors will initially include two Discovery Designees and two AT&T Designees, the Class II directors will initially include two Discovery Designees and two AT&T Designees and the Class III directors will initially include two Discovery Designees and three AT&T Designees, one of whom will be the Chairperson of the WBD Board. The initial Discovery Designees for the Class I directors will be David M. Zaslav, who will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of WBD, and Robert R. Bennett. The initial AT&T Designees for the Class I directors will be Li Haslett Chen and Paula A. Price. The initial Discovery Designees for the Class II

 

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directors will be John C. Malone and Paul A. Gould. The initial AT&T Designees for the Class II directors will be Richard W. Fisher and Fazal Merchant. Pursuant to the terms of the Consent Agreement, the initial Discovery Designees for the Class III directors will be Steven A. Miron and Steven O. Newhouse. The initial AT&T Designees for the Class III directors will be Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., whom AT&T has designated as the Chairperson of the WBD Board, Debra L. Lee and Geoffrey Y. Yang. See “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions—Consent Agreement.”

The initial term of the Class I directors will expire immediately following WBD’s first annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger, the initial term of the Class II directors will expire immediately following WBD’s second annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger and the initial term of the Class III directors will expire immediately following WBD’s third annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger. Upon the expiration of the initial term of each class of directors, such class of WBD directors will be elected for a one-year term expiring immediately following each WBD annual meeting of stockholders.

Q: Will Discovery’s current senior management team manage the business of WBD after the Transactions?

A: The Merger Agreement provides that, as of the effective time of the Merger, David M. Zaslav will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of WBD. Mr. Zaslav will be responsible for the strategic direction of WBD, including its overall operations and performance. The Merger Agreement provides that, prior to the completion of the Transactions, Discovery and AT&T are to cooperate and consult in good faith to appoint such other senior executive officers as are mutually agreed, and to determine such senior executive officers’ initial roles, titles and responsibilities, as of the effective time of the Merger. Gunnar Wiedenfels will serve as Chief Financial Officer of WBD. Prior to and after the completion of the Transactions, the Chief Executive Officer will have principal responsibility in the appointment of the senior executive team and their roles, titles and responsibilities. The Chief Executive Officer will also have principal responsibility in the approval of appointments for management positions for corporate functions of WBD.

Q: What stockholder approvals were needed in connection with the Transactions?

A: Discovery stockholders approved each of the Charter Amendment proposals, the Share Issuance proposal and the “Golden Parachute” Compensation proposal by the requisite amount of votes of shares of Discovery capital stock at the Discovery special meeting held on March 11, 2022 (the “Discovery special meeting”). Discovery stockholders approved each of the Charter Amendment proposals by the affirmative vote of (1) at least 75% of the outstanding shares of Discovery Series B common stock, voting as a class, (2) at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock, voting as a class, (3) at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock, voting as a class, and (4) at least a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock (collectively, “Discovery voting stock”), voting together as a single class.

Discovery stockholders approved the Share Issuance proposal by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of Discovery voting stock, voting together as a single class, present in person or represented by proxy at the Discovery special meeting and entitled to vote on such proposal. In addition, Discovery stockholders approved, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, certain compensation payments that will or may be paid by Discovery to its named executive officers in connection with the Merger (the “‘Golden Parachute’ Compensation proposal”). The approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the “Golden Parachute” Compensation proposal is not a condition to the obligations of Discovery to complete the Transactions.

In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, Discovery, AT&T and Spinco entered into voting agreements with (1) Dr. Malone and certain of his affiliates and (2) Advance/Newhouse Programming

 

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Partnership (“ANPP”) and Advance/Newhouse Partnership (“ANP,” and together with ANPP, “Advance/Newhouse”). Pursuant to the voting agreements, (1) Dr. Malone and certain of his affiliates, who collectively hold approximately less than 1% and 91% of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series A common stock and Discovery Series B common stock, respectively, which is approximately 20% of the aggregate voting power of the shares of Discovery voting stock as of January 18, 2022 (“the Discovery record date”), have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the Charter Amendment proposals and the Share Issuance proposal and (2) Advance/Newhouse, which holds all of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock, which is approximately 23% of the aggregate voting power of the shares of Discovery voting stock as of the Discovery record date, and all of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock, has agreed to vote its shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock and Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock in favor of the Charter Amendment proposals and its shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock in favor of the Share Issuance proposal. For additional information regarding the voting agreements, see “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions—Malone Voting Agreement” and “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions—A/N Voting Agreement.”

Discovery also entered into the Consent Agreement with Advance/Newhouse. Pursuant to the Consent Agreement, Advance/Newhouse has delivered an irrevocable written consent to Discovery consenting to, approving and adopting the Merger Agreement and any actions required thereby, including the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance. The Consent was delivered in accordance with the affirmative vote or written consent required pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of Discovery for any Special A-1 Class Vote Matter (as such term is defined therein). As of the Discovery record date, Advance/Newhouse holds all of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock. For additional information regarding the Consent Agreement, see “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions—Consent Agreement.”

No vote of AT&T stockholders is required or being sought in connection with the Transactions.

Q: Where will the WBD shares issued in connection with the Merger be listed?

A: Discovery will use reasonable best efforts to cause the WBD common stock issuable in the Transactions to be authorized for listing on Nasdaq under the symbol “WBD.”

Q: What is the current relationship between Spinco and Discovery?

A: Spinco is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T and was formed as a Delaware corporation on May 14, 2021 to effectuate the Separation, the Distribution and the Merger. Other than in connection with the Transactions, there is no relationship between Spinco and Discovery.

Q: When will the Transactions be completed?

A: Discovery and AT&T expect the Transactions to be completed early in the second quarter of 2022, subject to satisfaction of the closing conditions to the Transactions, including receipt of Discovery stockholder approval for the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance and certain regulatory approvals. Discovery stockholders approved each of the Charter Amendment proposals and the Share Issuance proposal by the requisite amount of votes of shares of Discovery capital stock at the Discovery special meeting held on March 11, 2022, and the status of regulatory approvals is set forth in “The Transactions—Regulatory Approvals.” In addition, other important conditions to the closing of the Merger and the other Transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Closing” and the date on which the Closing occurs, the “Closing Date”) exist, including, among other things, the completion of the Separation and the Distribution and the receipt by AT&T, with a copy to Discovery, of the Tax Opinions and the IRS Ruling. AT&T received the IRS Ruling from the IRS, with a copy to Discovery, on December 28, 2021. It is possible that factors outside of Discovery’s and AT&T’s control could require AT&T to complete the Separation and the Distribution and Discovery and AT&T to complete the Merger at a later time or not complete them at all. For a discussion of the conditions to

 

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the Separation and the Merger, see “The Transactions—Regulatory Approvals,” “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to the Merger” and “The Separation Agreement—Conditions to the Distribution.”

Q: Does the Merger Agreement contain an outside date which, once reached, allows a party to terminate?

A: Yes. Subject to specified qualifications and exceptions, either AT&T or Discovery may terminate the Merger Agreement at any time prior to the completion of the Merger if the Merger has not been completed by July 15, 2023. See “The Merger Agreement—Termination.”

Q: Does Discovery have to pay anything to AT&T if the Merger Agreement is terminated?

A: Depending on the circumstances for termination of the Merger Agreement, Discovery may have to pay AT&T a termination fee of $720.0 million (the “Discovery Termination Fee”). For a discussion of the circumstances under which the Discovery Termination Fee is payable by Discovery, see “The Merger Agreement—Termination Fees and Expenses Payable in Certain Circumstances.”

Q: Does AT&T have to pay anything to Discovery if the Merger Agreement is terminated?

A: Depending on the circumstances for termination of the Merger Agreement, AT&T may have to pay Discovery a termination fee of $1.77 billion (the “AT&T Termination Fee”). For a discussion of the circumstances under which the AT&T Termination Fee is payable by AT&T, see “The Merger Agreement— Termination Fees and Expenses Payable in Certain Circumstances.”

Q: Who is the transfer agent for Discovery capital stock and WBD common stock and the Exchange Agent for the Merger?

A: Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent for Discovery capital stock and WBD common stock and will be the exchange agent (the “Exchange Agent”) for the Merger.

Q: Who is the transfer agent for AT&T common stock?

A: Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent for AT&T common stock.

Q: Where can I find more information about AT&T, Discovery, Spinco and the Transactions?

A: You can find out more information about AT&T, Discovery, Spinco and the Transactions by reading this information statement and, with respect to AT&T and Discovery, from various sources described in “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.”

Q: Are there any appraisal rights for holders of AT&T common stock?

A: No. There are no appraisal rights available to holders of AT&T common stock in connection with the pro rata distribution of shares of Spinco common stock.

Q: Why has AT&T decided to separate the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T and combine it with Discovery through a Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction?

A: AT&T has decided to pursue a combination of the WarnerMedia Business with Discovery to create a global leader in the entertainment industry and a stronger global competitor in streaming and digital entertainment with a combined portfolio of brands and content in the premium entertainment, sports, news, nonfiction entertainment and international entertainment spaces. The synergies associated with a combination of

 

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Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are expected to lead to increased investment in content and digital innovation and scale the WarnerMedia Business’s global DTC business. Executing this combination through a Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction is expected to be tax-efficient to AT&T and its stockholders.

Q: Will AT&T stockholders who sell their shares of AT&T common stock shortly before the completion of the Distribution and Merger still be entitled to receive shares of WBD common stock with respect to the shares of AT&T common stock that were sold?

A: Shares of AT&T common stock are currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “T.” It is currently expected that beginning not earlier than one business day before the Distribution record date, and continuing through the Closing, there will be two markets in shares of AT&T common stock on the NYSE: a “regular way” market and an “ex-distribution” market.

If an AT&T stockholder sells shares of AT&T common stock in the “regular way” market under the symbol “T” during this time period, that AT&T stockholder will be selling both his or her shares of AT&T common stock and the right to receive shares of Spinco common stock that will be converted into shares of WBD common stock, and cash in lieu of fractional shares (if any), at the completion of the Merger. AT&T stockholders should consult their brokers before selling their shares of AT&T common stock in the “regular way” market during this time period to be sure they understand the effect of the NYSE “due-bill” procedures.

If an AT&T stockholder sells shares of AT&T common stock in the “ex-distribution” market during this time period, that AT&T stockholder will be selling only his or her shares of AT&T common stock, and will retain the right to receive shares of Spinco common stock that will be converted into WBD common stock, and cash in lieu of fractional shares (if any), at the completion of the Merger.

After the Closing, shares of AT&T common stock will no longer trade in the “ex-distribution” market, and shares of AT&T common stock that are sold in the “regular way” market will no longer reflect the right to receive shares of Spinco common stock that will be converted into WBD common stock, and cash in lieu of fractional shares (if any), at the completion of the Merger. See “The Transactions—Trading Markets.”

Q: How do the Transactions impact AT&T’s dividend policy?

A: Declarations of dividends on AT&T common stock are made at the discretion of the AT&T Board upon its determination that the declaration of dividends is in the best interest of AT&T stockholders. AT&T’s dividend policy considers the expectations and requirements of stockholders, capital funding requirements of AT&T and long-term growth opportunities. AT&T does not expect changes to its dividend policy prior to the Closing Date. After the Closing Date and subject to limitations under applicable law and AT&T Board approval, AT&T has announced it expects to pay an annual dividend of $1.11 per share of AT&T common stock, or approximately $8 billion per year.

 

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SUMMARY

The following summary contains certain information described in more detail elsewhere in this information statement. It does not contain all the details concerning the Transactions, including information that may be important to you. To better understand the Transactions, please read carefully and in its entirety this information statement, including the annexes hereto, and the documents incorporated by reference herein, as well as the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, including the exhibits to the registration statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.”

Parties to the Transactions

Discovery, Inc.

Discovery is a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platforms, including linear platforms such as pay-television (“pay-TV”), free-to-air and broadcast television, authenticated GO applications, digital distribution arrangements, content licensing arrangements and direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) subscription products, including discovery+, the definitive real-life subscription service. As one of the world’s largest pay-TV programmers, as of December 31, 2021, Discovery provides original and purchased content and live events to approximately 3.5 billion cumulative subscribers and viewers worldwide through networks that it wholly or partially owns. Discovery distributes customized content in the United States and over 220 other countries and territories in over 50 languages. Discovery has an extensive library of content and owns most rights to its content and footage, which enables Discovery to leverage its library to quickly launch brands and services into new markets and on new platforms. Discovery’s content can be re-edited and updated in a cost-effective manner to provide topical versions of subject matter that can be utilized around the world on a variety of platforms.

Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series C common stock are listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “DISCA,” “DISCB” and “DISCK,” respectively.

Discovery’s principal executive office is located at 230 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10003 (telephone number: (212) 548-5555).

This information statement incorporates important business and financial information about Discovery from other documents that are not included in or delivered with this information statement. For a more detailed description of Discovery’s business and operations, see Discovery’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.”

WBD’s Business after the Transactions

The combination of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s robust portfolios of entertainment, kids, news and sports content is expected to position WBD as a stronger global competitor in streaming and digital entertainment with favorable prospects in the global DTC race, and improve the overall growth profile for WBD in the future. The Transactions bring together the complementary brands of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business to the benefit of consumers. The Transactions will combine the WarnerMedia Business’s storied content library of popular and valuable intellectual property with Discovery’s global footprint, trove of local-language content and deep regional expertise across more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery expects this broad, worldwide portfolio of brands, coupled with its DTC potential and the attractiveness of the combined assets, to result in increased market penetration globally.

 

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Drake Subsidiary, Inc.

Merger Sub was formed specifically for the purpose of completing the Merger. Merger Sub has not carried on any activities to date, except for activities incidental to its formation and activities undertaken in connection with the Transactions.

Merger Sub’s principal executive office is located at 230 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10003 (telephone number: (212) 548-5555).

AT&T Inc.

AT&T is a Delaware corporation formed in 1983 (formerly, SBC Communications Inc.) as one of several regional holding companies created to hold AT&T Corp.’s (“ATTC”) local telephone companies. On January 1, 1984, AT&T was spun off from ATTC pursuant to an antitrust consent decree, becoming an independent publicly traded telecommunications services provider. At formation, AT&T primarily operated in five southwestern states. Following its formation, AT&T has expanded its footprint and operations by acquiring various businesses. With approximately 173,000 employees worldwide (excluding employees of the WarnerMedia Business) as of December 31, 2021, AT&T is a leading provider of telecommunications, media and technology services globally.

AT&T’s principal executive offices are located at 208 S. Akard St., Dallas, Texas, 75202, and its telephone number is (210) 821-4105.

Magallanes, Inc.

Spinco was formed specifically for the purpose of effecting the Separation. Spinco has not carried on any activities to date, except for activities incidental to its formation and activities undertaken in connection with the Transactions. In connection with the Transactions, Spinco has entered into several arrangements which will provide financing to fund in part the Special Cash Payment, the Additional Amount and the other Transactions and to pay related transaction fees and expenses. For more information about financing of the Transactions, see “Debt Financing.”

Spinco is a holding company. In the Separation, AT&T will transfer the WarnerMedia Assets that are not already owned by members of the Spinco Group to members of the Spinco Group and members of the Spinco Group will assume the WarnerMedia Liabilities that are not already owed by or otherwise the responsibility of members of the Spinco Group, and AT&T will cause the members of the Spinco Group to transfer Excluded Assets (as defined herein) that are not already owned by members of the AT&T Group to members of the AT&T Group and the AT&T Group will assume the Excluded Liabilities (as defined herein) that are not already owed by or otherwise the responsibility of members of the AT&T Group. Thereafter, AT&T will transfer all of the equity interests in each member of the Spinco Group (i.e., such subsidiary of AT&T holding assets and liabilities constituting a portion of the WarnerMedia Business), directly or indirectly, to Spinco. In exchange, Spinco will: (1)(a) issue to AT&T the Spinco Debt Securities that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (b) distribute to AT&T all or a portion of the cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements and/or use all or a portion of the cash proceeds of such borrowing to purchase assets of the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T or (c) undertake a combination of the actions described in (a) and (b) such that AT&T has received, in the aggregate, the Additional Amount of approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment, (2) issue to AT&T shares of Spinco common stock and (3) make the Special Cash Payment to AT&T. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Special Cash Payment was adjusted to approximately $33.0 billion, subject to further adjustment, and the Additional Amount was adjusted to approximately $10.0 billion.

 

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Spinco’s principal executive office is located at 208 S. Akard St., Dallas, Texas, 75202, and its telephone number is (210) 821-4105.

The Transactions

Overview

On May 17, 2021, Discovery, AT&T, Spinco and Merger Sub entered into definitive agreements, pursuant to which and subject to the terms and conditions therein, (1) AT&T will transfer the WarnerMedia Business to Spinco (the Separation), (2) Spinco will (a) make a cash distribution to AT&T equal to approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, including (i) a $3.0 billion increase for the Reallocation Amount, (ii) a reduction for the approximately $1.6 billion of existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, (iii) net working capital and (iv) other adjustments (the Special Cash Payment), and (b)(i) issue to AT&T the Spinco Debt Securities that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (ii) distribute to AT&T all or a portion of the cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements and/or use all or a portion of the cash proceeds of such borrowing to purchase assets of the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T or (iii) undertake a combination of the actions described in (2)(b)(i) and (2)(b)(ii) such that AT&T has received, in the aggregate, the Additional Amount of approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment, (3) AT&T will distribute to its stockholders all of the issued and outstanding shares of Spinco common stock in a distribution that will, at AT&T’s election, take place either by way of (a) a pro rata distribution of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders or (b) an exchange offer followed by a pro rata distribution of any shares of Spinco common stock remaining if such exchange offer is not fully subscribed because the number of shares of AT&T common stock tendered and accepted does not result in all shares of Spinco common stock being distributed in the exchange offer (the Distribution), (4) Discovery will amend and restate the Discovery charter to, among other things, change its name to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and reclassify and automatically convert each share of Discovery capital stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter into such number of shares of WBD common stock as set forth in the Merger Agreement (the Reclassification) and (5) Merger Sub will merge with and into Spinco, with Spinco as the surviving corporation (the Merger) and as a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD. The Transactions are structured as a Reverse Morris Trust-type transaction. This structure was chosen because, among other things, it provides a tax-efficient method to combine Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business. On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution as a pro rata distribution rather than an exchange offer. On the Closing Date, AT&T will distribute 100% of the shares of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders on a pro rata basis.

The Special Cash Payment is a cash distribution of approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, that will be distributed from Spinco to AT&T which, together with the Additional Amount, makes up the approximately $43.0 billion in cash and Spinco Debt Securities that AT&T will receive as consideration in connection with the Closing, subject to adjustment. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Special Cash Payment was adjusted to approximately $33.0 billion, subject to further adjustment, and the Additional Amount was adjusted to approximately $10.0 billion.

On March 15, 2022, Spinco issued $30.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of Spinco Notes, including Spinco Debt Securities in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 billion issued to AT&T, and AT&T completed the Securities Exchange.

In the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Spinco common stock (except for shares of Spinco common stock held by Spinco as treasury stock or by any other member of the Spinco Group, which will be

 

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canceled and cease to exist and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor) will automatically convert into the right to receive a number of shares of WBD common stock. When the Merger is completed, holders of AT&T common stock that received shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and holders of Discovery capital stock as of immediately prior to the Reclassification and the Merger will own approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis, in each case, excluding any overlaps in the pre-Merger AT&T and Discovery stockholder bases, as described under “The Transactions—Calculation of the Merger Consideration.” The Distribution and the Merger are expected to be tax-free to AT&T stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except to the extent that cash is paid to AT&T stockholders in lieu of fractional shares in the Distribution or the Merger. The Separation, Special Cash Payment, Distribution, Reclassification, Merger, payment of the Additional Amount and other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents are collectively referred to herein as the Transactions.

The definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Transactions include (1) the Merger Agreement, (2) the Separation Agreement, (3) the Employee Matters Agreement, (4) the Tax Matters Agreement, (5) the A/N Voting Agreement, (6) the Malone Voting Agreement and (7) the Consent Agreement. In addition, AT&T and Discovery and certain of their respective affiliates, including Spinco, will enter into other Ancillary Agreements in connection with the Transactions. These agreements, which are described in greater detail in “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions,” will govern the relationship among AT&T and Discovery and their respective affiliates, including Spinco, after the Transactions.

Following the Transactions, WBD will own and operate the WarnerMedia Business through Spinco and will also continue Discovery’s current businesses. Discovery will use reasonable best efforts to cause the WBD common stock issuable in the Transactions to be authorized for listing on Nasdaq under the symbol “WBD.”

Transaction Steps

Below is a step-by-step list illustrating the material events relating to the Separation, the Distribution, the Reclassification and the Merger. Each of these events, as well as any conditions to their completion, is discussed in more detail elsewhere in this information statement. Steps #1, #2 and #3 described below may not, and are not required pursuant to the Transaction Documents to, occur chronologically.

Step #1—The Separation. Prior to the Distribution and the Merger, AT&T will convey to Spinco or one or more subsidiaries of Spinco certain assets and liabilities constituting the WarnerMedia Business and will cause any applicable subsidiary of AT&T to convey to AT&T or its designated subsidiary (other than Spinco or any other member of the Spinco Group) certain excluded assets and excluded liabilities in order to separate the WarnerMedia Business, in each case, as set forth in and subject to the terms and conditions of the Separation Agreement. Thereafter, AT&T will transfer all of the equity interests in each of the subsidiaries of AT&T holding WarnerMedia Assets and WarnerMedia Liabilities, and constituting the WarnerMedia Business, directly or indirectly, to Spinco.

Step #2—Issuance of Spinco Debt Securities. Prior to the effective time of the Merger, and as a condition to the Distribution, Spinco will (1) issue to AT&T the Spinco Debt Securities that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (2) distribute to AT&T all or a portion of the cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements and/or use all or a portion of the cash proceeds of such borrowing to purchase assets of the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T or (3) undertake a combination of the actions described in (1) and (2) such that AT&T has received, in the aggregate, the Additional Amount of approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Additional Amount was adjusted to approximately $10.0 billion.

 

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On March 15, 2022, Spinco issued $30.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of Spinco Notes, including Spinco Debt Securities in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 billion issued to AT&T. AT&T transferred the Spinco Debt Securities to two investment banks in exchange for a short-term loan of AT&T held by affiliates of such investment banks as principal for their own account in the Securities Exchange. Following the Securities Exchange, such investment banks or their affiliates sold the Spinco Debt Securities to third-party investors.

Step #3—Special Cash Payment. Prior to the effective time of the Merger, and as a condition to the Distribution, Spinco will make the Special Cash Payment to AT&T, which is a cash distribution to AT&T equal to approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, including (i) a $3.0 billion increase for the Reallocation Amount, (ii) a reduction for the approximately $1.6 billion of existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, (iii) net working capital and (iv) other adjustments. On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Special Cash Payment was adjusted to approximately $33.0 billion, subject to further adjustment. See “The Separation Agreement—The Separation— Special Cash Payment, Payment of the Additional Amount and Post-Closing Adjustments” for further description of adjustments to the Special Cash Payment.

Step #4—Issuance of Spinco common stock. Prior to the Distribution, Spinco will issue to AT&T a number of shares of Spinco common stock such that the number of shares of Spinco common stock issued and outstanding at the time of the Distribution is equal to the number of shares of AT&T common stock outstanding, which will be exchanged for shares of WBD common stock to be issued to the stockholders of Spinco in the Share Issuance.

Step #5—The Distribution. On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution as a pro rata distribution rather than an exchange offer. On the Closing Date, AT&T will distribute 100% of the shares of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders on a pro rata basis. Each record holder of AT&T common stock on the Distribution record date will be entitled to receive for each share of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution record date a number of shares of Spinco common stock equal to the total number of shares of Spinco common stock held by AT&T on the Distribution Date, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of AT&T common stock held by such record holder as of the Distribution record date and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of AT&T common stock outstanding on the Distribution record date (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding treasury shares held by any member of the AT&T Group). See “The Separation Agreement—The Distribution.”

The Distribution Agent will hold all issued and outstanding shares of Spinco common stock in trust for the benefit of stockholders that are receiving shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution, pending the completion of the Merger. Shares of Spinco common stock will not be able to be traded during this period.

Step #6—The Reclassification. On the Closing Date and prior to the effective time of the Merger, Discovery will amend and restate the Discovery charter, to provide that (1) each share of Discovery Series A common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (2) each share of Discovery Series B common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (3) each share of Discovery Series C common stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into one share of WBD common stock, (4) each share of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified and automatically converted into 13.11346315 shares of WBD common stock and (5) each share of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding or held by Discovery as treasury stock immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter will be reclassified

 

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and automatically converted into such number of shares of WBD common stock as the number of shares of Discovery Series C common stock such share of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock would have been convertible into immediately prior to the effective time of the WBD charter, which, as of December 31, 2021, would have been 19.3648 shares of WBD common stock.

Step #7—The Merger. In the Merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Spinco, with Spinco surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD. In the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Spinco common stock (except for shares of Spinco common stock held by Spinco as treasury stock or by any other member of the Spinco Group, which will be canceled and cease to exist and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor) will automatically convert into the right to receive a number of shares of WBD common stock such that immediately after the Merger, such holders of AT&T common stock that received shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and holders of Discovery capital stock as of immediately prior to the Reclassification and the Merger will own approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis, in each case, excluding any overlaps in the pre-Merger AT&T and Discovery stockholder bases, as described under “The Transactions—Calculation of the Merger Consideration.”

The foregoing are subject to certain conditions to their completion. See “The Separation Agreement— Conditions to the Separation,” “The Separation Agreement—Conditions to the Distribution” and “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to the Merger.”

Set forth below are diagrams that graphically illustrate, in simplified form, the existing corporate structure, the corporate structure immediately following the Separation and Distribution but before the Merger and the corporate structure immediately following the completion of the Merger.

 

LOGO

 

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LOGO

 

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LOGO

Key Terms of the Merger Agreement

Calculation of the Merger Consideration

The Merger Agreement provides that, at the effective time of the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Spinco common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will automatically convert at the effective time of the Merger into the right to receive a number of shares of WBD common stock such that each holder of record of shares of Spinco common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will have the right to receive, in the aggregate, a number of shares of WBD common stock (the “Merger Consideration”) equal to the product of (1) the total number of shares of Spinco common stock held of record by such holder immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger multiplied by (2) the exchange ratio (the “Merger exchange ratio”), provided that each holder will receive a cash payment in lieu of fractional shares of WBD common stock. Each share of Spinco common stock that is held by Spinco as treasury stock or by any other member of the Spinco Group will be canceled at the effective time of the Merger. Under the Merger Agreement, the Merger exchange ratio means (1)(a) the number of shares WBD common stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger on a fully diluted, as-converted (including as a result of the Reclassification) and as-exercised basis in accordance with the treasury stock method multiplied by (b) the quotient of 71 divided by 29 divided by (2) the number of shares of Spinco common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, subject to the adjustments set forth in the Merger Agreement. The calculation of the Merger Consideration as set forth in the Merger Agreement is expected to result in Spinco stockholders immediately prior to the Merger collectively holding approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis immediately following the Merger. See “The Merger Agreement—Merger Consideration.”

 

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No fractional shares of WBD common stock will be issued upon the conversion of shares of Spinco common stock in connection with the Merger. All fractional shares of WBD common stock that a holder of Spinco common stock would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger will be aggregated by the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will cause the whole shares obtained thereby to be sold in the open market or otherwise as reasonably directed by Discovery, in each case at then-prevailing market prices, as promptly as reasonably practicable and in no case later than ten business days after the Merger. The Exchange Agent will make available the net proceeds thereof, after deducting any required withholding taxes and brokerage charges, commissions and transfer taxes, on a pro rata basis, without interest, as soon as practicable to the holders of Spinco common stock that would otherwise be entitled to receive such fractional shares of WBD common stock pursuant to the Merger.

Conditions to the Merger

Each party’s obligation to complete the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Discovery and AT&T at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions:

 

   

the Distribution and the Separation will have been completed in accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement;

 

   

the Discovery Stockholder Approval will have been obtained;

 

   

the shares of WBD common stock issuable to the holders of Spinco common stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement will have been authorized for listing on Nasdaq upon official notice of issuance;

 

   

(1) the statutory waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the completion of the Transactions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), will have expired or been earlier terminated and, to the extent applicable, any agreement between the parties, on the one hand, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) or the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (the “Antitrust Division”) or any other applicable governmental entity, on the other hand, not to complete the Transactions will have expired or otherwise been terminated and (2) all other authorizations, consents, orders, approvals, filings and declarations of, and all expirations of waiting periods required from, any governmental entity set forth on Section 9.1(d) of AT&T’s confidential disclosure letter required for the completion of the Transactions will have been filed, occurred or been obtained (all such authorizations, consents, orders, approvals, filings and declarations and the lapse of all such waiting periods, including under the HSR Act, being the “Requisite Regulatory Approvals”) and all such Requisite Regulatory Approvals will be in full force and effect;

 

   

none of the regulatory approvals required to be obtained prior to the effective time of the Merger by any of the parties or their respective affiliates in connection with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the completion of the Transactions, including the Requisite Regulatory Approvals, will have had, or would reasonably be expected to have a Detriment (as defined herein);

 

   

no governmental entity of competent jurisdiction will have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law or governmental order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the completion of the Transactions;

 

   

each of the Distribution Registration Statement and the Discovery Registration Statement will have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as applicable, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Distribution Registration Statement or the Discovery Registration Statement will have been issued and remain in effect, and no proceedings for that purpose will have commenced or be threatened in writing by the SEC, unless subsequently withdrawn; and

 

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the Consent Agreement will continue to be valid and in full force and effect as of the Closing Date and the effective time of the Charter Amendment.

The respective obligations of Discovery and Merger Sub to complete the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Discovery at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

 

   

on the date of the Merger Agreement and at the Closing (in each case except to the extent that any representation and warranty speaks as of a particular date, in which case as of such particular date) AT&T’s (1) representations and warranties with respect to organization, good standing and qualification, corporate authority and approval, capital structure of Spinco and brokers and finders will be true and correct in all material respects (without giving effect to any materiality, material adverse effect or similar qualification), (2) representations and warranties with respect to absence of certain changes will be true and correct in all respects and (3) other representations and warranties will be true and correct unless the failure of such representations and warranties of AT&T referred to in this clause (3) to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any materiality, material adverse effect or similar qualification), individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect with respect to Spinco;

 

   

each of AT&T and Spinco will have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents at or prior to the Closing Date;

 

   

since the date of the Merger Agreement, there will not have occurred any Effect (as defined herein) that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect with respect to Spinco;

 

   

Discovery and Merger Sub will have received a certificate signed on behalf of AT&T and Spinco certifying that the conditions set forth in the three immediately preceding bullets have been satisfied;

 

   

Discovery will have either (1) received a true copy of the Tax Opinions, and the Tax Opinions will not have been withdrawn or rescinded, or (2) waived such condition;

 

   

Discovery will have received a true copy of the IRS Ruling, and the IRS Ruling will continue to be valid and in full force and effect as of the Closing Date; and

 

   

if the Additional Bridge Funding Tax Liability (as defined herein) exceeds the Additional Tax Liability Cap (as defined herein), AT&T will have elected to proceed to Closing by assuming or remaining liable for such Excess Tax Liability Amount (as defined herein).

The obligation of AT&T and Spinco to complete the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by AT&T at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

 

   

on the date of the Merger Agreement and at the Closing (in each case except to the extent that any representation and warranty speaks as of a particular date, in which case as of such particular date) Discovery’s (1) representations and warranties with respect to organization, good standing and qualification, corporate authority and approval, certain capital structure matters and brokers and finders will be true and correct in all material respects (without giving effect to any materiality, material adverse effect or similar qualification), (2) representations and warranties with respect to absence of certain changes will be true and correct in all respects and (3) other representations and warranties will be true and correct unless the failure of such representations and warranties of Discovery referred to in this clause (3) to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any materiality, material adverse effect or similar qualification), individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect with respect to Discovery;

 

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each of Discovery and Merger Sub will have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents at or prior to the Closing Date;

 

   

since the date of the Merger Agreement, there will not have occurred any Effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect with respect to Discovery;

 

   

AT&T will have received a certificate signed on behalf of Discovery and Merger Sub certifying that the conditions set forth in the three immediately preceding bullets have been satisfied;

 

   

none of the regulatory approvals required to be obtained prior to the effective time of the Merger by any of the parties or their respective affiliates in connection with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the completion of the Transactions, including the Requisite Regulatory Approvals, will have required, or would reasonably be expected to require AT&T and its affiliates (other than the Spinco Group members) to divest, transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of or hold separate (or agree to do any of the foregoing) any of their respective businesses, assets or any portions thereof or effect any conditions, commitments or restrictions (or agree to do any of the foregoing) on or related to the conduct of their respective businesses, except with respect to AT&T’s right to designate the AT&T Designees;

 

   

AT&T will have either (1) received the Tax Opinions, and the Tax Opinions will not have been withdrawn or rescinded, or (2) waived such condition;

 

   

AT&T will have received the IRS Ruling, and the IRS Ruling will continue to be valid and in full force and effect as of the Closing Date;

 

   

AT&T will have received (1) Spinco Debt Securities that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (2) cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements pursuant to the Merger Agreement or (3) a combination of the foregoing, such that the aggregate principal amount of such Spinco Debt Securities, together with such cash proceeds, will be equal to the Additional Amount;

 

   

the completion of the Special Cash Payment in accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement; and

 

   

if the Additional Bridge Funding Tax Liability exceeds the Additional Tax Liability Cap, Discovery will have elected to proceed to Closing by increasing the Special Cash Payment, after adjustments, by the Excess Tax Liability Amount.

The conditions in the Merger Agreement relating to the Tax Opinions, in each case solely to the extent it relates to the tax treatment of any indebtedness issued in respect of the Additional Amount in excess of the principal amount of the Spinco Debt Securities, if any, and of any distribution of proceeds thereof, will be deemed waived by Discovery and AT&T in certain circumstances, as described in “The Merger Agreement—Financing.”

Termination

The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the effective time of the Merger by mutual written consent of AT&T and Discovery. In addition, the Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by either AT&T or Discovery under specific circumstances. For a description of the circumstances under which the Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned, see “The Merger Agreement—Termination.”

 

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Termination Fees and Expenses Payable in Certain Circumstances

The Merger Agreement provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, a termination fee of $720.0 million may be payable by Discovery to AT&T and a termination fee of $1.77 billion may be payable by AT&T to Discovery. For a description of the circumstances under which Discovery or AT&T may need to pay their respective termination fees, see “The Merger Agreement—Termination Fees and Expenses Payable in Certain Circumstances.”

In addition, if the Merger Agreement has been terminated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and the Transactions shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses; provided that (1) if the Merger Agreement is terminated by Discovery pursuant to the AT&T Breach Termination Right (as defined herein), the fees and expenses related to the Financing (the “Commitment Fees”) (including fees for prepayment in respect of any incurred Financing) shall be borne entirely by AT&T, (2) if the Merger Agreement is terminated by AT&T pursuant to the Discovery Breach Termination Right (as defined herein), the Commitment Fees (including fees for prepayment in respect of any incurred Financing) shall be borne entirely by Discovery and (3) if the Merger Agreement is otherwise terminated by either Discovery or AT&T, the Commitment Fees (including fees for prepayment in respect of any incurred Financing) shall be borne 71% by AT&T and 29% by Discovery.

Debt Financing

On May 17, 2021, in connection with the entry into the Separation Agreement and the Merger Agreement, Spinco entered into a commitment letter (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Commitment Letter”), under which JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank, USA, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and certain other financial institutions (collectively, the “Commitment Parties”) committed to provide to Spinco $41.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured bridge term loans (the “Bridge Loans”) in two tranches, a $31.5 billion tranche (“Tranche 1”) and a $10.0 billion tranche (“Tranche 2”), such commitments to be reduced by, among other things, (1) the amount of net cash proceeds received by Spinco (and, following the completion of the Merger, WBD) from certain equity and debt issuances, (2) the amount of net cash proceeds received by Spinco (and, following the completion of the Merger, WBD) from certain non-ordinary course dispositions of assets, (3) term loan commitments under certain qualifying term loan facilities and (4) certain financings in connection with the Securities Exchange. The proceeds of any funded Bridge Loans will be used by Spinco on the Closing Date to finance, in part, the Special Cash Payment and the Additional Amount and to otherwise fund the other Transactions and to pay the related transaction fees and expenses. The commitments under the Commitment Letter are subject to customary closing conditions.

On June 4, 2021, Spinco entered into the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement, which reduced the Tranche 2 commitments under the Commitment Letter in the aggregate amount of $10.0 billion to zero. In connection with the issuance by Spinco, on March 15, 2022, of $30.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of Spinco Notes (including the Spinco Debt Securities) and the Securities Exchange, the Tranche 1 commitments under the Commitment Letter were reduced from an aggregate amount of $31.5 billion to an aggregate amount of approximately $1.7 billion, which remain in effect.

On March 15, 2022, Spinco issued $30.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of Spinco Notes, comprised of the following tranches: (1) $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of its 3.428% Senior Notes due 2024, (2) $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.528% Senior Notes due 2024, (3) $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of its 3.638% Senior Notes due 2025, (4) $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.788% Senior Notes due 2025, (5) $4.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 3.755% Senior Notes due 2027, (6) $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 4.054% Senior Notes due 2029, (7) $5.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 4.279% Senior Notes due 2032, (8) $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 5.050%

 

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Senior Notes due 2042, (9) $7.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 5.141% Senior Notes due 2052, (10) $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 5.391% Senior Notes due 2062 and (11) $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2024. The Spinco Notes included $10.0 billion in aggregate principal amount issued to AT&T, comprised of the following tranches: (1) $5.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 4.279% Senior Notes due 2032, (2) $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 5.141% Senior Notes due 2052 and (3) $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 5.391% Senior Notes due 2062, which were transferred to certain selling securityholders in connection with the Securities Exchange. The Spinco Notes (including the Spinco Debt Securities) were resold to third-party investors in a private placement exempt from registration in accordance with Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. Spinco will use the net proceeds from the sale of the Spinco Notes (other than the Spinco Debt Securities) to fund in part the Special Cash Payment and for other expenses relating to the Transactions, and AT&T used the Spinco Debt Securities to complete the Securities Exchange.

Following the completion of the Transactions, all obligations of Spinco with respect to the Spinco Notes (including the Spinco Debt Securities), the Bridge Loans (if applicable) and the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement will initially be guaranteed by WBD, DCL and Scripps. In addition, following the Merger, by virtue of the fact that Spinco will be a wholly owned subsidiary of WBD, the consolidated indebtedness of WBD and its subsidiaries will include the indebtedness of Spinco.

Upon the completion of the Transactions, the available commitments under the Revolving Credit Agreement (as defined herein) will, subject to certain conditions, be increased by $3.5 billion, to an aggregate amount not to exceed $6.0 billion.

For more information about the financing of the Transactions, see “Debt Financing.”

Other Agreements Related to the Transactions

Malone Voting Agreement

In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, Discovery, AT&T and Spinco entered into a voting agreement (the “Malone Voting Agreement”) with Dr. Malone and certain affiliates of Dr. Malone, who collectively hold approximately less than 1% of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series A common stock and approximately 91% of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series B common stock, which is approximately 20% of the aggregate voting power of the shares of Discovery voting stock as of the Discovery record date. The Malone Voting Agreement, among other things, requires that Dr. Malone and his affiliates vote their shares of Discovery Series A common stock and Discovery Series B common stock in favor of the Charter Amendment proposals and the Share Issuance proposal. The Malone Voting Agreement is attached to this information statement as Annex C and is incorporated by reference herein.

A/N Voting Agreement

In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, Discovery, AT&T and Spinco entered into a voting agreement (the “A/N Voting Agreement”) with Advance/Newhouse, which holds all of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock, which is approximately 23% of the aggregate voting power of the shares of Discovery voting stock as of the Discovery record date, and all of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock. The A/N Voting Agreement requires that Advance/Newhouse vote its shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock and Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock in favor of the Charter Amendment proposals and its shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock in favor of the Share Issuance proposal. The A/N Voting Agreement is attached to this information statement as Annex D and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

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Consent Agreement

In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, Discovery entered into a consent agreement (the “Consent Agreement”) with Advance/Newhouse. Pursuant to the terms of the Consent Agreement, Advance/Newhouse agreed to deliver an irrevocable written consent to Discovery consenting to, approving and adopting the Merger Agreement and any actions required thereby. Such consent (the “Consent”) was delivered in accordance with the affirmative vote or written consent required pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of Discovery for any Special A-1 Class Vote Matter (as such term is defined therein). As part of the Consent Agreement, Discovery and Advance/Newhouse also agreed, among other things, that Discovery will designate Steven A. Miron and Steven O. Newhouse as directors of WBD following the Closing pursuant to the Merger Agreement in the class of directors whose terms will expire on WBD’s third annual meeting of stockholders following the effective time of the Merger and that Discovery and Advance/Newhouse will enter into a registration rights agreement on customary terms to be effective following the completion of the Merger. Advance/Newhouse delivered the Consent concurrently with the execution of the Consent Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Consent Agreement is attached to this information statement as Annex E and is incorporated by reference herein.

Employee Matters Agreement

In connection with the Transactions, Discovery, Spinco and AT&T have entered into an Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021 (the “Employee Matters Agreement”), which establishes the obligations of Discovery, Spinco and AT&T with respect to the liabilities associated with current and former employees of the WarnerMedia Business and the covenants of the parties with respect to the employment and compensation of such individuals in the context of the Transactions. For a summary of the Employee Matters Agreement, see “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions—Employee Matters Agreement.”

Tax Matters Agreement

In connection with the Transactions, AT&T, Spinco and Discovery have entered into a Tax Matters Agreement (the “Tax Matters Agreement”) which governs the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes, including taxes arising in the ordinary course of business, taxes, if any, incurred as a result of any failure of the Distribution, the Merger, or certain related Transactions to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the apportionment of tax attributes. The Tax Matters Agreement also sets forth the obligations of the parties with respect to the filing of tax returns, the administration of tax contests and assistance and cooperation on tax matters. To preserve the intended tax treatment of the Transactions, the Tax Matters Agreement generally prohibits, for a two year period following the Distribution Date, AT&T, Spinco and Discovery and their respective subsidiaries from taking certain actions that could cause the Distribution, the Merger or certain related Transactions to fail to qualify as tax-free transactions. Among other things and subject to certain exceptions, Discovery and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger and, after the effective time of the Merger, the entities composing the Spinco Group, including any predecessors or successors thereto (other than those entities composing the AT&T Group) (the “Discovery Group”), may not:

 

   

enter into any transaction or series of transactions as a result of which one or more persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire an amount of stock of Spinco or WBD that, when combined with certain other changes in ownership of stock in Spinco or WBD (including the Merger), would equal or exceed 45% of the outstanding stock of Spinco or WBD, as applicable, by vote or value;

 

   

merge or consolidate WBD with any other person, unless WBD is the survivor of the merger or consolidation;

 

   

fail to be actively engaged in the conduct of the active trade or business described in the IRS Ruling;

 

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sell or otherwise dispose of more than 35% of the gross assets of Spinco and its subsidiaries or more than 35% of the gross assets of the WarnerMedia Business;

 

   

redeem or repurchase any stock of WBD, other than in certain open-market or similar transactions;

 

   

take any action affecting the voting rights of the stock of WBD;

 

   

liquidate or partially liquidate Spinco for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

merge Spinco with any other person, unless Spinco is the survivor of the merger;

 

   

take any action or actions that, individually or in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to result in one or more persons acquiring stock, directly or indirectly, representing a 50% or greater interest in Spinco or to adversely affect the tax-free status of the Distribution, the Merger, or certain related Transactions; or

 

   

adopt a plan or enter into any agreement to do any of foregoing.

If the Discovery Group intends to take any action that is otherwise prohibited by the Tax Matters Agreement (as described above), prior to taking such action WBD is required to (1) obtain a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS or an unqualified tax opinion, in each case, reasonably satisfactory to AT&T to the effect that such action will not affect the tax-free status of the Distribution, the Merger or such related Transactions (and AT&T will be required to cooperate in good faith in connection with WBD’s efforts to obtain such private letter ruling or unqualified tax opinion) or (2) receive from AT&T a written waiver of the requirement to obtain such private letter ruling or unqualified tax opinion. These restrictions may limit WBD’s ability to pursue certain strategic transactions or engage in other transactions, including using WBD common stock to make acquisitions and in connection with equity capital market transactions or disposing of certain assets that might increase the value of the combined company. For a summary of the Tax Matters Agreement, see “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement.”

Transition Services Agreement

In connection with the completion of the Merger, AT&T and WBD will enter into a Transition Services Agreement (“TSA”) pursuant to which AT&T and Spinco will, for a certain period of time, provide each other with services reasonably necessary in order for the AT&T business and the WarnerMedia Business to operate in substantially the same manner in which it operated in the 12-month period immediately prior to the completion of the Merger. The scope of services to be provided under the TSA, and the applicable term and fees for each such service, will be set forth in the TSA schedules, which will be negotiated in good faith and finalized prior to the completion of the Merger. The fees for the TSA services will be no greater than at fully-loaded cost without a profit margin (including employee costs related thereto) and including any additional reasonable, documented out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred by the service provider and directly related to the provision of such service.

Intellectual Property Matters Agreement

Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, AT&T and Spinco and certain of their affiliates will enter into an Intellectual Property Matters Agreement (“IPMA”), effective as of the Distribution Date, pursuant to which AT&T and Spinco and certain of their affiliates will grant each other non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable and perpetual cross-licenses (1) to use technology owned by or, to the extent sublicensable, licensed to either AT&T or Spinco, and used in the other party’s business in the 12-month period prior to the Distribution Date, in substantially the same manner as such technology was used prior to the Distribution Date and (2) under certain scheduled patents for which the named inventors include at least one Spinco Group employee and one AT&T Group employee, and the relevant invention was conceived or reduced to practice during such employees’ period of employment, for any and all purposes. The technology licensed under the IPMA will be specifically identified

 

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on a schedule to the extent reasonably practicable. The IPMA will also provide for joint ownership of certain limited, specified technology. AT&T and Spinco and certain of their affiliates will also grant each other non-exclusive licenses to use certain trademarks owned by either party and used or displayed in the other party’s business as of the Distribution Date for a transitional period of up to 60 days (or such longer period as may be negotiated by the parties) and in the same manner as used immediately prior to the Distribution Date.

Data Rights Agreement

AT&T and Spinco may enter into a Data Rights Agreement (the “Data Rights Agreement”) governing each party’s rights to access and process any data that was processed in the operation of both AT&T’s business and the WarnerMedia Business between June 14, 2018 and the effective date of the Separation (the “Separation Date”) in a manner intended to provide continuity following the Separation Date with respect to permitted access to and use of such data, subject to reasonable and appropriate limitation as a result of AT&T and Spinco no longer being affiliates following the Closing. If executed, the terms of the Data Rights Agreement will also allocate, as between AT&T and Spinco, ownership and control of data processed in the operation of AT&T’s business or the WarnerMedia Business, on the basis that any such data first collected or processed by Spinco and primarily related to the WarnerMedia Business will be owned by Spinco, and any such data first collected or processed by AT&T and primarily related to AT&T’s business will be owned by AT&T.

Discovery’s Reasons for the Transactions

The Discovery Board carefully evaluated the Transactions in consultation with Discovery management and Discovery’s advisors, and, on May 16, 2021, the Discovery Board approved the Transaction Documents and the Transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance, and determined that the Transaction Documents and the Transactions are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Discovery and its stockholders.

In making its determination to approve the Transaction Documents and the Transactions and resolve to recommend that Discovery stockholders approve the Charter Amendment proposals and the Share Issuance proposal, the Discovery Board held a number of meetings and considered various expected advantages and benefits of the Transactions, as well as a variety of negative factors. The Discovery Board considered these advantages, benefits and negative factors as a whole and considered the relevant information and factors to be favorable to, and in support of, its determination. For the factors considered by the Discovery Board in reaching its decision, see “The Transactions—Recommendation of the Discovery Board; Discovery’s Reasons for the Transactions.”

Opinions of Discovery’s Financial Advisors

Opinion of Allen & Company LLC

Discovery has engaged Allen & Company LLC, referred to as Allen & Company, as a financial advisor to Discovery in connection with the proposed Merger. In connection with this engagement, Allen & Company delivered a written opinion, dated May 16, 2021, to the Discovery Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion, to Discovery of the Merger Consideration provided for pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The full text of Allen & Company’s written opinion, dated May 16, 2021, which describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached to this information statement as Annex H and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The description of Allen & Company’s opinion set forth in this information statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Allen & Company’s opinion. Allen & Company’s opinion and advisory services were intended for the benefit and use of the Discovery Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the Merger Consideration from a financial point of view to Discovery and did not

 

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address any related transactions or any other terms, aspects or implications of the Merger. For purposes of Allen & Company’s opinion, the term “related transactions” refers to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and related documents other than the Merger, and references to “WarnerMedia” mean the business and operations of WarnerMedia after giving effect to the related transactions. Allen & Company expressed no opinion or view as to the fairness of the Merger Consideration to the holders of any class or series of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Discovery. Allen & Company’s opinion did not constitute a recommendation as to the course of action that Discovery (or the Discovery Board or any committee thereof) should pursue in connection with the Merger or the related transactions or otherwise address the merits of the underlying decision by Discovery to engage in the Merger or the related transactions, including in comparison to other strategies or transactions that might be available to Discovery or which Discovery might engage in or consider. Allen & Company’s opinion does not constitute advice or a recommendation to any security holder as to how such security holder should vote or act on any matter relating to the Merger, the related transactions or otherwise. For a summary of Allen & Company’s opinion and the financial analyses underlying such opinion, see “The Transactions—Opinions of Discovery’s Financial Advisors—Opinion of Allen & Company LLC.”

Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Pursuant to an engagement letter, Discovery retained J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, referred to as J.P. Morgan, as a financial advisor to Discovery in connection with the proposed Merger. At a meeting of the Discovery Board on May 16, 2021, J.P. Morgan rendered an oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated May 16, 2021, to the Discovery Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion, to Discovery of the Merger Consideration to be paid by Discovery in the proposed Merger. The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan, dated May 16, 2021, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in preparing such opinion, is attached as Annex I to this information statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the opinion of J.P. Morgan set forth in this information statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. J.P. Morgan’s written opinion was addressed to the Discovery Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the proposed Merger, was directed only to the Merger Consideration payable in the Merger and did not address any other aspect of the Merger. For purposes of J.P. Morgan’s opinion, the term “related transactions” refers to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and related documents other than the Merger, and references to “WarnerMedia” mean the business and operations of WarnerMedia after giving effect to the related transactions. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the Merger Consideration to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Discovery or as to the underlying decision by Discovery to engage in the Merger or the related transactions. The issuance of J.P. Morgan’s opinion was approved by a fairness committee of J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Discovery as to how such stockholder should vote with respect to the Merger or any other matter. For a summary of J.P. Morgan’s opinion and the financial analyses underlying such opinion, see “The Transactions—Opinions of Discovery’s Financial Advisors—Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.”

AT&T’s Reasons for the Transactions

The AT&T Board and its senior management evaluated the Transactions in consultation with AT&T’s advisors, and the AT&T Board approved the Transaction Documents and the Transactions contemplated thereby on May 16, 2021. In making its determination to approve the Transaction Documents and the Transactions, AT&T considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the Transactions were in the best interests of AT&T stockholders, the tax-efficient nature of the Transactions and the improvement to AT&T’s capital structure as a result of the Transactions. AT&T considered these factors as a whole and considered the relevant

 

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information and factors to be favorable to, and in support of, its determination, as well as a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors. For the factors considered by AT&T in reaching its decision, see “The Transactions—AT&T’s Reasons for the Transactions.”

Regulatory Approvals

Each of Discovery and AT&T has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to take or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper, or advisable to complete and make effective the Transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. For a summary of such actions, see “The Merger Agreement—Regulatory Matters.”

United States Antitrust

Under the HSR Act Discovery and AT&T are required to file notifications with the FTC and the Antitrust Division and to observe a mandatory premerger waiting period before completing the Merger. A transaction requiring notification under the HSR Act may not be completed until the expiration of a 30-calendar-day waiting period following the parties’ filing of their respective HSR Act notifications or the early termination of that waiting period. If the Antitrust Division or the FTC issues a Request for Additional Information and Documentary Material (a “Second Request”) prior to the expiration of the initial waiting period, the parties must observe a second 30-calendar-day waiting period, which would begin to run only after both parties have substantially complied with the Second Request, unless the waiting period is terminated earlier. Notwithstanding any expiration of the waiting period after substantial compliance with a Second Request, the parties could agree with the Antitrust Division or the FTC to not complete the transaction prior to a certain date or event. On June 15, 2021, Discovery and AT&T filed notifications with the FTC and the Antitrust Division. On July 6, 2021, Discovery voluntarily withdrew its premerger notification, effective July 15, 2021. Discovery refiled its notification on July 19, 2021. On August 18, 2021, each of Discovery and AT&T received a Second Request from the Antitrust Division in connection with the Merger and each of Discovery and AT&T have certified substantial compliance with that Second Request. Although Discovery and AT&T believe that the Transactions do not raise substantial regulatory concerns and that all remaining regulatory approvals will be obtained on a timely basis, Discovery and AT&T cannot be certain when, if or under what conditions these approvals will be obtained. As of February 9, 2022, the HSR Act statutory waiting period has expired or otherwise been terminated, and any agreement not to consummate the Transactions between the parties and the FTC or the Antitrust Division or any other applicable governmental entity has also expired or otherwise been terminated.

Other Regulatory Approvals

The Merger Agreement provides that the Merger is also subject to competition approvals by the European Commission (“EC”) pursuant to the EC Merger Regulation (which approval was granted on December 22, 2021) as well as by the competition law regulators in a number of other jurisdictions. The Merger cannot be completed until after the applicable waiting periods have expired or the relevant approvals have been obtained under the antitrust and competition laws of these jurisdictions. Further, completion of the Merger is also conditioned upon the receipt of all necessary consents from the competent foreign direct investment, media and other regulators. Discovery and AT&T are in the process of obtaining these necessary regulatory clearances.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The completion of the Distribution, the Merger and certain related Transactions are conditioned upon AT&T’s receipt, with a copy to Discovery, of (1) the Tax Opinions to the effect that, among other things, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (a) the Distribution, taken together with certain related Transactions, will qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and a tax-free distribution under

 

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Section 355 of the Code and that certain other related Transactions will qualify for their intended tax-free treatment and (b) the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Code and (2) the IRS Ruling regarding the qualification of the Distribution and certain related Transactions for tax-free treatment, which AT&T received from the IRS on December 28, 2021. Provided that such transactions so qualify, AT&T stockholders generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the receipt of Spinco common stock in the Distribution or WBD common stock in the Merger (except for any gain or loss attributable to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of WBD common stock).

Discovery will not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the completion of the Merger. Because Discovery stockholders in their capacity as such will not receive consideration in the Distribution or the Merger, Discovery stockholders will generally not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon either the Distribution or the Merger. Neither Discovery nor Discovery stockholders are expected to recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the Reclassification.

Please see “Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Transactions—The Distribution could result in significant tax liability, and Discovery may be obligated to indemnify AT&T for any such tax liability imposed on AT&T,” “Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Transactions—If the Merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368 of the Code, participating AT&T stockholders may have significant tax liability” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for more information regarding the Tax Opinions and the IRS Ruling and the potential tax consequences of the Transactions. AT&T stockholders and Discovery stockholders should consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the tax consequences to them of the Transactions in light of their particular circumstances.

Board of Directors and Management of WBD Following the Transactions

As of the effective time of the Merger, the WBD Board will consist of 13 directors, consisting of six Discovery Designees, including the Chief Executive Officer of WBD as of immediately after the effective time of the Merger, and seven AT&T Designees, including the Chairperson of the WBD Board as of immediately after the effective time of the Merger. In addition, the WBD Board will, upon the completion of the Merger, be classified into three classes: the Class I directors will initially include two Discovery Designees and two AT&T Designees, the Class II directors will initially include two Discovery Designees and two AT&T Designees and the Class III directors will initially include two Discovery Designees and three AT&T Designees, one of whom will be the Chairperson of the WBD Board. The initial term of the Class I directors will expire immediately following WBD’s first annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger, the initial term of the Class II directors will expire immediately following WBD’s second annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger and the initial term of the Class III directors will expire immediately following WBD’s third annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger. Upon the expiration of the initial term of each class of directors, such class of WBD directors will be elected for a one-year term expiring immediately following each WBD annual meeting of stockholders.

The initial Discovery Designees for the Class I directors will be David M. Zaslav, who will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of WBD and Robert R. Bennett. The initial AT&T Designees for the Class I directors will be Li Haslett Chen and Paula A. Price. The initial Discovery Designees for the Class II directors will be John C. Malone and Paul A. Gould. The initial AT&T Designees for the Class II directors will be Richard W. Fisher and Fazal Merchant. Pursuant to the terms of the Consent Agreement, the initial Discovery Designees for the Class III directors will be Steven A. Miron and Steven O. Newhouse. The initial AT&T Designees for the Class III directors will be Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., whom AT&T has designated as the Chairperson of the WBD Board, Debra L. Lee and Geoffrey Y. Yang. For more information about the directors expected to be appointed to the WBD Board, see “The Transactions—Board of Directors and Management of WBD Following the Transactions.”

 

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The Merger Agreement provides that, as of the effective time of the Merger, David M. Zaslav will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of WBD. Mr. Zaslav will be responsible for the strategic direction of WBD, including its overall operations and performance. The Merger Agreement provides that, prior to the completion of the Transactions, Discovery and AT&T are to cooperate and consult in good faith to appoint such other senior executive officers as are mutually agreed, and to determine such senior executive officers’ initial roles, titles and responsibilities, as of the effective time of the Merger. Gunnar Wiedenfels will serve as Chief Financial Officer of WBD. Prior to and after the completion of the Transactions, the Chief Executive Officer will have principal responsibility in the appointment of the senior executive team and their roles, titles and responsibilities. The Chief Executive Officer will also have principal responsibility in the approval of appointments for management positions for corporate functions of WBD.

Interests of Discovery’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions

Certain of Discovery’s directors and executive officers and Discovery Designees may be deemed to have interests in the Transactions that may be different from, or in addition to, those of Discovery stockholders generally. The Discovery Board was aware of and considered these potential interests, among other matters, in evaluating, negotiating and reaching the determination to approve the Transaction Documents and the Transactions and to recommend to Discovery stockholders that they vote to approve the Charter Amendment proposals, the Share Issuance proposal and the “Golden Parachute” Compensation proposal. These interests may include the following, among others:

 

   

Dr. Malone, who is a director of Discovery, is a party to the Malone Voting Agreement. The Malone Voting Agreement, among other things, requires that Dr. Malone and certain of his affiliates vote their shares of Discovery Series A common stock and Discovery Series B common stock in favor of the Charter Amendment proposals and the Share Issuance proposal;

 

   

Robert J. Miron, who is a director of Discovery, was previously the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of ANPP, Steven A. Miron, who is a director of Discovery, is the current Chief Executive Officer of ANP and a senior executive officer at Advance, and Steven O. Newhouse, who is a Discovery Designee, is the current Co-President of Advance Publications, Inc. (“Advance”). As of the Discovery record date, Advance/Newhouse holds all of the issued and outstanding shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock and Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock. Pursuant to the A/N Voting Agreement, Advance/Newhouse is required to vote its shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock and Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock in favor of the Charter Amendment proposals and its shares of Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock in favor of the Share Issuance proposal. Pursuant to the Consent Agreement, Advance/Newhouse agreed to deliver an irrevocable written consent to Discovery consenting to, approving and adopting the Merger Agreement and any actions required thereby. As part of the Consent Agreement, Discovery and Advance/Newhouse also agreed, among other things, that Discovery will designate Steven A. Miron and Steven O. Newhouse as directors of WBD following the completion of the Transactions. Mr. R. Miron, Mr. S. Miron and Mr. Newhouse are not party to the A/N Voting Agreement or the Consent Agreement. In connection with Advance/Newhouse’s entry into the Consent Agreement and related forfeiture of the significant rights attached to the Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock in the Reclassification, Advance/Newhouse will receive an increase to the number of shares of WBD common stock into which the Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock would be converted;

 

   

Paul A. Gould, who is a director of Discovery, is a Managing Director at Allen & Company, which has served as a financial advisor to Discovery in connection with the Transactions. For Allen & Company’s financial advisory services in connection with the Transactions, Discovery has agreed to pay Allen & Company an aggregate cash fee of $75 million. Mr. Gould has not provided services to Discovery on behalf of Allen & Company in connection with the Transactions and no portion of Allen & Company’s fees in connection with the Transactions will be received by Mr. Gould; and

 

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Seventy percent of the Discovery equity-based awards granted to David M. Zaslav under his Prior Employment Agreement (as defined herein) will “single-trigger” vest upon the Closing and certain unvested balances in Discovery’s Deferred Compensation Plan (as defined herein) held by Lori C. Locke will automatically accelerate and fully vest upon the Closing (assuming Closing occurred on March 9, 2022). The severance benefits that may be payable to Discovery’s executive officers upon a termination without cause or for good reason will not be enhanced based on the completion of the Transactions.

These interests are described in further detail under “The Transactions—Interests of Discovery’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions.” Also, as more fully described in “The Merger Agreement—Post-Closing Board of Directors and Officers,” certain existing directors and executive officers of Discovery will or may serve as directors of WBD upon completion of the Transactions.

Effects of the Reclassification on Outstanding Discovery Equity-Based Awards

The Merger Agreement provides that in connection with the Charter Amendment, all Discovery stock options, restricted stock units, performance restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights (“Discovery Options,” “Discovery RSUs,” “Discovery PRSUs” and “Discovery SARs,” respectively), in each case, issued under the Discovery equity plans and outstanding immediately prior to the Charter Amendment will be converted into equity-based awards on comparable terms and conditions with respect to shares of WBD common stock. The conversion of each such Discovery Option, Discovery RSU, Discovery PRSU and Discovery SAR will take place at the effective time of the Charter Amendment, as more fully described in “The Transactions—Effects of the Reclassification on Outstanding Discovery Equity-Based Awards.”

Effects of the Distribution and the Merger on Outstanding AT&T Equity-Based Awards

Upon or following the Closing, with respect to AT&T equity-based awards held by Spinco Employees, (1) each AT&T RSU Award that was granted prior to May 17, 2021 and is outstanding and unvested as of the Closing and each AT&T RSU Award that was granted after May 17, 2021 and is outstanding as of the Closing will be replaced with a WBD RSU Award based on the Discovery equity adjustment ratio with terms and conditions otherwise generally the same as those to which the underlying AT&T RSU Award was subject immediately before the Merger, and (2) each AT&T RSU Award that was granted prior to May 17, 2021 and is outstanding and vested as of the Closing and each AT&T Option Award that was granted prior to May 17, 2021 and is outstanding as of the Closing will remain an award denominated in AT&T common stock with the same terms and conditions, provided that such award may be equitably adjusted to the extent needed to prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights thereunder as determined by the AT&T Compensation Committee to reflect the Distribution.

Certain current and former employees of AT&T who are not currently or will not become Spinco Employees also hold AT&T equity-based awards. Upon or following the Closing, each AT&T RSU Award, AT&T Restricted Stock Award, AT&T PSU Award and AT&T Option Award, in each case that is outstanding as of the Closing and held by an AT&T employee, will remain an award denominated in AT&T common stock with the same terms and conditions, provided that such award may be equitably adjusted to the extent needed to prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights thereunder as determined by the AT&T Compensation Committee to reflect the Distribution.

The treatment of AT&T equity-based awards is described in further detail in “The Transactions—Effects of the Distribution and the Merger on Outstanding AT&T Equity-Based Awards.”

 

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Dissenters’ Rights/Rights of Appraisal

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), a stockholder who does not vote in favor of certain mergers or consolidations and who is entitled to demand and has properly demanded appraisal of his or her shares in accordance with, and who complies in all respects with the requirements of Section 262 of the DGCL will be entitled to an appraisal by the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware of the fair value of his or her shares. However, stockholders do not have appraisal rights if the shares of stock they hold, at the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to receive notice of the meeting of stockholders to act upon the merger or consolidation, are either (1) listed on a national securities exchange or (2) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. Further, no appraisal rights are available to stockholders of the surviving corporation if the merger did not require the vote of the stockholders of the surviving corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, appraisal rights are available if stockholders are required by the terms of the merger agreement to accept for their shares anything other than (a) shares of stock of the surviving corporation, (b) shares of stock of another corporation that will either be listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders, (c) cash instead of fractional shares or (d) any combination of clauses (a)–(c). Appraisal rights are also available under the DGCL in certain other circumstances, including in certain parent-subsidiary corporation mergers and in certain circumstances where the certificate of incorporation so provides.

Under the DGCL, Discovery stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Transactions. The Discovery charter does not provide appraisal rights in any additional circumstance. As a result, no appraisal rights are available to holders of Discovery capital stock in connection with the Transactions.

In addition, no appraisal rights are available to holders of AT&T common stock in connection with the Distribution.

Litigation Related to the Transactions

As of March 11, 2022, eight lawsuits alleging violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, had been filed by alleged Discovery stockholders against Discovery and the Discovery Board related to the proposed Transactions. The complaints generally allege that the defendants filed a materially incomplete and misleading preliminary proxy statement with the SEC. Each of the complaints seeks injunctive relief preventing the consummation of the Transactions, damages and other relief. The complaints are: (i) Rahman v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-09785 (the “Rahman complaint”), which was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on November 23, 2021; (ii) Chiao v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-10409, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on December 6, 2021; (iii) Whitfield v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-10514 (the “Whitfield complaint”), which was filed by Matthew Whitfield in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on December 8, 2021; (iv) Solakian v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-06806 (the “Solakian complaint”), which was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on December 8, 2021; (v) Finger v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-09799, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on December 20, 2021; (vi) Ciccotelli v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-05566 (the “Ciccotelli complaint”), which was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on December 21, 2021; (vii) Kent v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-00033 (the “Kent complaint”), which was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on January 7, 2022; and (viii) Jones v. Discovery Inc. et al., Case No.1:22-cv-00204, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on January 10, 2022. The complaints name as defendants Discovery and members of the Discovery Board. The Whitfield and Rahman complaints also name as defendants AT&T and Merger Sub. The Whitfield complaint names Spinco as an additional defendant. On March 4, 2022, Discovery filed certain supplemental disclosures on a Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, that the plaintiffs in each of these

 

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lawsuits agreed would be sufficient to moot their claims, and the plaintiffs agreed to voluntarily dismiss their claims within five days of the stockholder vote at the Discovery special meeting. The Ciccotelli, Kent, Solakian and Whitfield complaints have already been voluntarily dismissed on that basis. The remainder of these lawsuits are expected to be dismissed by March 16, 2022.

In addition, on March 10, 2022, four lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery by purported Discovery stockholders seeking production of books and records related to the proposed Transactions under Section 220 of the DGCL. The complaints are: (i) Rosenberg v. Discovery, Inc., Case No. 2022-0225; (ii) Bricklayers Pension Fund of Western Pennsylvania and Silverman v. Discovery, Inc., Case No. 2022-0228; (iii) Key West Police and Firefighters’ Pension Fund v. Discovery, Inc., Case No. 2022-0227; and (iv) City Pension Fund for Firefighters & Police Officers in the City of Pembroke Pines v. Discovery, Inc., Case No. 2022-0230.

Discovery believes that the claims asserted in the complaints are without merit. Additional lawsuits related to the Transactions may be filed in the future.

Summary Risk Factors

There are a number of risks that you should understand before deciding how to vote for the proposals presented in this information statement or making an investment decision regarding the Transactions. These risks are discussed more fully in “Risk Factors.” Any of these risks could materially adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of Discovery, the WarnerMedia Business or WBD and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this information statement. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

The Transactions may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, or at all, as Discovery and AT&T may be unable to satisfy the conditions or obtain the approvals required to complete the Transactions or such approvals may contain material restrictions or conditions.

 

   

If completed, the Transactions may not be successful or achieve their anticipated financial and other benefits, including the synergies Discovery expects to achieve, due to integration or other challenges.

 

   

Failure to complete the Transactions in a timely manner or at all could adversely affect Discovery’s stock price as well as its future business and its financial condition and results of operations.

 

   

Discovery stockholders will, in the aggregate, have a significantly reduced ownership and voting interest in WBD after the completion of the Transactions and will exercise less influence over management.

 

   

The Merger Agreement contains provisions that may discourage other companies from trying to acquire Discovery and limit Discovery’s ability to take certain corporate actions, and the pendency of the Transactions could have an adverse effect on Discovery’s stock price.

 

   

The calculation of the Merger Consideration will not be adjusted if there is a change in the value of the WarnerMedia Business or its assets or the value of Discovery before the Transactions are completed.

 

   

Discovery’s estimates and judgments related to the acquisition accounting models used to record the purchase price allocation could be inaccurate, and WBD could be required to recognize impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

   

Discovery is, and WBD will be, required to abide by potentially significant restrictions which could limit their ability to undertake certain corporate actions (such as certain stock issuances or business combinations) that otherwise could be advantageous.

 

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If the Merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368 of the Code, the Distribution could result in significant tax liability, and Discovery may be obligated to indemnify AT&T for any such tax liability imposed on AT&T.

 

   

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business may have difficulty attracting, motivating and retaining executives and other employees in light of the Transactions.

 

   

The historical financial information of the WarnerMedia Business may not be representative of its financial condition or results of operations if it had been operated independently of AT&T and, as a result, may not be a reliable indicator of its future results.

 

   

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are not intended to reflect what the actual financial condition and results of operations would have been had Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business been a combined company for the periods presented, and therefore such pro forma financial information may not be indicative of WBD’s future operating performance.

 

   

WBD may be unable to provide (or obtain from third parties) the same types and level of services to the WarnerMedia Business that historically have been provided by AT&T or may be unable to provide (or obtain) them at the same cost.

 

   

Following the completion of the Transactions, WBD’s consolidated indebtedness will increase substantially from that of Discovery’s prior to the Transactions. This increased level of indebtedness could adversely affect WBD, including by decreasing its business flexibility.

 

   

The financial projections included in this information statement are based upon estimates and assumptions made at the time they were prepared. If these estimates or assumptions prove to be incorrect or inaccurate, WBD’s actual operating results may differ materially from those forecasted for Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business and WBD may not achieve the increases in revenues and net earnings that Discovery expects as a result of the Transactions.

 

   

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business operate in highly competitive industries, and if Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are unable to compete effectively, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

 

   

The success of WBD’s business will depend on the acceptance of WBD’s entertainment, sports and news content by its U.S. and foreign viewers, which may be unpredictable and volatile.

 

   

There has been a shift in consumer behavior as a result of technological innovations and changes in the distribution of content, which may affect WBD’s viewership and the profitability of its business in unpredictable ways.

 

   

If WBD’s DTC products fail to attract and retain subscribers, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

 

   

WBD’s success will depend on attracting, developing, motivating and retaining talented people within its business. Significant shortfalls in recruitment or retention, or failure to adequately motivate employees, could adversely affect WBD’s ability to compete and achieve its strategic goals.

 

   

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruption in theatrical and television production, financial markets and economies worldwide, which could result in adverse effects on the market price of WBD common stock and WBD’s business, operations and ability to raise capital.

 

   

Changes in domestic and foreign laws and regulations and other risks related to international operations could adversely impact WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Theft of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s content and unauthorized duplication, distribution and exhibition of such content may decrease revenue received from WBD’s programming and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

   

WBD’s participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans could subject WBD to liabilities that could adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

   

WBD’s businesses may be subject to labor disruption.

Accounting Treatment

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations, requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. In applying the acquisition method, it is necessary to identify the accounting acquirer. In a business combination effected through an exchange of equity interests, such as the Merger, the entity that issues the interests is generally the accounting acquirer. In identifying Discovery as the accounting acquirer, Discovery’s conclusion is based primarily upon the following facts: (1) Discovery initiated the Transactions, will be the legal acquirer of Spinco and will transfer equity consideration to Spinco stockholders, (2) AT&T will receive up to approximately $43.0 billion of consideration as part of its disposition of the WarnerMedia Business, (3) the current Chief Executive Officer of Discovery will serve as Chief Executive Officer of WBD for a substantial period of time after the Transactions and will be primarily responsible for appointing the rest of the executive management team of WBD and the current Chief Financial Officer of Discovery will serve as Chief Financial Officer of WBD, (4) no stockholder or group of stockholders will hold a controlling interest in WBD after the completion of the Transactions and a Discovery stockholder is expected to have the largest minority interest in WBD and (5) AT&T will have no input on the strategic direction and management of WBD after the completion of the Transactions. See “The Transactions—Accounting Treatment.”

As a result of the identification of Discovery as the accounting acquirer, Discovery will apply the acquisition method of accounting to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of the WarnerMedia Business upon completion of the Merger. Upon completion of the Transactions, the historical financial statements will reflect only the operations and financial condition of Discovery.

 

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SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following summary historical consolidated financial information of Discovery, summary historical combined financial information of the WarnerMedia Business, summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business and summary historical market price are being provided to help you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the Transactions. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business have been prepared by Discovery for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the operating results or financial position of Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business would have been had the Transactions been completed at the beginning of the periods or on the dates indicated, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial condition that may be expected for any future period or date. You should read this information in conjunction with the financial information included elsewhere and incorporated by reference into this information statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the WarnerMedia Business,” “Historical Market Price” and “Parties to the Transactions.”

 

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Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Information of Discovery

The following summary historical consolidated financial information of Discovery as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 has been derived from Discovery’s historical audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto which are incorporated by reference into this information statement. The summary historical consolidated balance sheet information of Discovery as of December 31, 2019 has been derived from Discovery’s historical audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto which are not incorporated by reference into this information statement. The summary historical consolidated financial information is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Discovery’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Discovery’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated by reference into this information statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.” Discovery’s historical consolidated financial information may not be indicative of the future performance of WBD following the Transactions. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.”

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
December 31,
 
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    2021      2020      2019  

Selected Statement of Operations Information:

        

Revenues

   $ 12,191      $ 10,671      $ 11,144  

Operating income

     2,012        2,515        3,009  

Net income

     1,197        1,355        2,213  

Net income available to Discovery, Inc.

     1,006        1,219        2,069  

Net income per share allocated to Discovery, Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders:

        

Basic

   $ 1.55      $ 1.82      $ 2.90  

Diluted

     1.54        1.81        2.88  

Weighted average shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     503        505        529  

Diluted

     664        672        711  

Selected Balance Sheet Information:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,905      $ 2,091      $ 1,552  

Total assets

     34,427        34,087        33,735  

Deferred income taxes

     1,225        1,534        1,691  

Long-term debt:

        

Current portion

     339        335        609  

Long-term portion

     14,420        15,069        14,810  

Total Liabilities

     21,031        21,704        21,769  

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     363        383        442  

Total Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     11,599        10,464        9,891  

Total equity

   $ 13,033      $ 12,000      $ 11,524  

 

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2021

 

   

In June 2021, Discovery sold its Great American Country network to Hicks Equity Partners for a sale price of $90 million. Discovery recorded gain of $76 million.

 

   

Certain sporting events that Discovery has rights to were canceled or postponed, thereby eliminating or deferring the related revenues and expenses, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which occurred in July and August 2021. The postponement of the Olympic Games deferred both Olympic-related revenues and significant expenses from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2021.

 

   

Effective October 1, 2021, Discovery changed the amortization method for acquired customer relationships from the straight-line method to the sum of the years digits method. This change was considered a change in estimate, was accounted for prospectively, and resulted in incremental amortization expense of $196 million.

2020

 

   

Discovery recognized a goodwill impairment charge totaling $121 million for its Asia-Pacific reporting unit.

2019

 

   

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, which requires lessees to recognize almost all of their leases on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and lease liability. Discovery adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and such adoption resulted in recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets of $342 million and operating lease liabilities of $372 million. The operating lease right-of use assets recorded upon adoption were offset by prepaid and deferred rent balances and ASC 420 liabilities totaling approximately $30 million. In addition, capital lease obligations totaling $252 million as of December 31, 2018 (known as finance lease liabilities effective January 1, 2019) were reclassified from current and noncurrent debt to other components of current and noncurrent liabilities to conform with the new presentation. The adoption did not affect the pattern of expense recognition or cash flow presentation.

 

   

Discovery and BBC Studios dissolved their 50/50 joint venture, UKTV, a British multi-channel broadcaster (“UKTV”), with Discovery taking full control of UKTV’s three lifestyle channels. Total net assets received in the dissolution of UKTV were $396 million.

 

   

Discovery recognized a goodwill impairment charge totaling $155 million for its Asia-Pacific reporting unit.

 

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Summary Historical Combined Financial Information of the WarnerMedia Business

The following summary historical combined financial information of the WarnerMedia Business as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 has been derived from the WarnerMedia Business’s audited combined financial statements and the notes thereto which are included elsewhere in this information statement. The summary historical combined financial information is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the WarnerMedia Business” and the WarnerMedia Business’s audited combined financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement. The WarnerMedia Business’s historical combined financial information is not indicative of the future performance of WBD following the Transactions. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.”

 

(In millions)

   For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
     For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
 

Operating Results

       

Operating revenues

   $ 33,472      $ 28,146     $ 32,926  

Operating expenses

   $ 31,564      $ 27,733     $ 29,843  

Operating income

   $ 1,908      $ 413     $ 3,083  

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 1,517      $ (63   $ 2,414  

Net income

   $ 1,256      $ 12     $ 2,280  

Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business

The following summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results that would have occurred had the events been consummated as of the dates indicated, nor is it indicative of any future results. See “Risk Factors” for additional discussion of risk factors associated with the unaudited pro forma financial statements.

This information is only a summary and has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with Discovery’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in Discovery’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated by reference into this information statement, the WarnerMedia Business’s audited combined financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement and the more detailed unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference,” “Combined Financial Statements of the WarnerMedia Business” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business.”

 

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Unaudited Pro forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations Information:

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2021
 
    (In millions)  

Revenues:

 

Advertising

  $         10,601  

Distribution

   
20,801
 

Content

   
13,138
 

Other

   
993
 
 

 

 

 

Total revenues

   
45,533
 
 

 

 

 

Cost and expenses:

 

Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

   
25,219
 

Selling, general and administrative

    12,455  

Depreciation and amortization

   
9,208
 

Restructuring and other charges

   
44
 

Loss on disposition

   
152
 
 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   
47,078
 
 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   
(1,545

Interest expense, net

   
(2,588

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   
(10

Income (loss) from equity investees, net

   
(10

Other income, net

   
274
 
 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   
(3,879

Income tax (expense) benefit

   
1,064
 
 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   
(2,815

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

   
(138

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

   
(53

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

  $
(3,006

 

 

 

 

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet Information:

 

     As of
December 31, 2021
 
     (In millions)  

Assets

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $
        9,956
 

Total current assets

    
19,347
 

Total assets

    
155,507
 
  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity

  

Total current liabilities

    
15,960
 

Noncurrent portion of debt

    
56,285
 

Total liabilities

    
98,910
 

Total equity

    
56,234
 

Total liabilities and equity

   $
155,507
 
  

 

 

 

Summary Historical Market Price

Historical market price data for Spinco does not exist, as Spinco currently is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T. As such, shares of Spinco common stock are not currently listed on a public stock exchange and are not publicly traded. Therefore, no market data is available for Spinco.

Shares of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series C common stock currently trade on Nasdaq under the symbols “DISCA,” “DISCB” and “DISCK,” respectively. The following table sets forth the closing price per share of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series C common stock as reported on Nasdaq as of May 14, 2021, the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the Transactions. For current price information, you are urged to consult publicly available sources.

 

Closing Price Per Share of:    As of
May 14, 2021
 

DISCA

   $ 35.65  

DISCB

   $ 70.44  

DISCK

   $ 30.74  

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risks, together with the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this information statement and the exhibits hereto. Some of the risks described below relate principally to the business of WBD and the industry in which WBD will operate after the consummation of the Transactions, while others relate principally to the Transactions and the indebtedness of Discovery and WBD. The remaining risks relate principally to the securities markets generally and ownership of shares of WBD common stock. For a discussion of additional uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements in this information statement, please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” In addition, you should consider the risks associated with Discovery’s business that appear in Discovery’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated by reference into this information statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference” for more information about the documents incorporated by reference in this information statement.

Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of Discovery, the WarnerMedia Business or WBD and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this information statement. In such case, the market price of WBD common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risks described below are not the only risks that Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business currently face or that WBD will face after the completion of the Transactions. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or that are currently expected to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations or the market price of WBD common stock in the future. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

Risk Factors Relating to the Transactions

The Transactions may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, or at all, as Discovery and AT&T may be unable to satisfy the conditions or obtain the approvals required to complete the Transactions or such approvals may contain material restrictions or conditions.

The completion of the Transactions is subject to numerous conditions, as described in this information statement, including the occurrence of certain events contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement (such as the Separation, approvals from governmental agencies and the receipt of Discovery stockholder approval for the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance). Neither AT&T nor Discovery can make any assurances that the Transactions will be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, or at all. Each of AT&T and Discovery has and will continue to expend time and resources and incur expenses related to the proposed Transactions. These expenses must be paid regardless of whether the Transactions are completed.

Although Discovery and AT&T have agreed to use reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to make certain governmental filings and obtain the required governmental approvals or expiration or earlier termination of relevant waiting periods, as the case may be, there can be no assurance that the relevant waiting periods will expire or be terminated or that the relevant approvals will be obtained. As a condition to approving the Transactions, these governmental authorities may impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of WBD’s business after the completion of the Transactions. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying or preventing completion of the Transactions or imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of WBD following the Transactions, or otherwise adversely affecting, including to a material extent, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations after the completion of the Transactions. If Discovery or AT&T is required to divest assets or businesses, there can be no assurance that Discovery or AT&T

 

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will be able to negotiate such divestitures expeditiously or on favorable terms or that the governmental authorities will approve the terms of such divestitures. There can be no assurance that these conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the abandonment of the Transactions.

In addition, Spinco will need to obtain debt financing to finance, in part, the Special Cash Payment and the Additional Amount and to otherwise fund the other Transactions and to pay the related transaction fees and expenses. Although the Commitment Letter and the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement have been entered into with various lenders, the obligations of the lenders under the Commitment Letter and the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary conditions, including, among others, the absence of any material adverse effect on Discovery. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that these conditions will be satisfied or, if not satisfied, waived by the lenders. Furthermore, increased volatility and disruptions in the U.S. and global financial and equity markets may make it more difficult for Spinco to obtain financing or increase the cost of obtaining financing. If Spinco is not able to obtain alternative financing on commercially reasonable terms, it could prevent the completion of the Transactions or materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations if the Transactions are ultimately completed.

If completed, the Transactions may not be successful or achieve their anticipated financial and other benefits.

If the Transactions are completed, WBD may not be able to successfully realize anticipated growth opportunities and synergies, or integrate Discovery’s business and operations with the WarnerMedia Business’s business and operations. See “—Risk Factors Relating to the Combined Company Following the Transactions— Although Discovery expects that the Transactions will result in synergies and other benefits, WBD may not realize those benefits because of difficulties related to integration, the achievement of such synergies, and other challenges.”

After the Transactions, WBD will have significantly more revenue, expenses, assets and employees than Discovery did prior to the Transactions. Upon the completion of the Transactions, WBD will also assume certain liabilities of the WarnerMedia Business and take on other obligations (including collective bargaining agreements and multiemployer pension plans with respect to transferred employees). WBD may not successfully or cost-effectively integrate the WarnerMedia Business’s business and operations into Discovery’s existing business and operations. Even if WBD is able to integrate the combined businesses and operations successfully, this integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits of the synergies and other opportunities that Discovery currently expects from the Transactions within the anticipated time frame, or at all.

Failure to complete the Transactions in a timely manner or at all could adversely affect Discovery’s stock price as well as its future business and its financial condition and results of operations.

The satisfaction of the required conditions to the Closing could delay the completion of the Transactions for a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring. Further, there can be no assurance that the conditions to the Closing will be satisfied or waived or that the Transactions will be completed.

If the Transactions are not completed in a timely manner or at all, Discovery’s ongoing business may be adversely affected as follows:

 

   

Discovery may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, and Discovery’s stock price could decline, including if and to the extent the current market price reflects an assumption that the Transactions will be completed;

 

   

Discovery may experience negative reactions from employees, customers, suppliers or other third parties;

 

   

Discovery may be subject to litigation, including stockholder litigation relating to the Reclassification and other matters relating to the Transactions, which could result in significant costs and expenses;

 

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Discovery management’s focus may have been diverted from day-to-day business operations and pursuing other opportunities that could have been beneficial to Discovery; and

 

   

Discovery’s costs of pursuing the Transactions may be higher than anticipated and significant expenses, such as for legal, advisory and financial services, generally must be paid regardless of whether the Transactions are completed.

In addition to the above risks, Discovery may be required, under certain circumstances, to pay AT&T the Discovery Termination Fee and/or to reimburse or indemnify AT&T for certain of its expenses. If the Transactions are not completed, there can be no assurance that these risks will not materialize and will not materially adversely affect Discovery’s stock price, business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Merger Agreement contains provisions that may discourage other companies from trying to acquire Discovery.

The Merger Agreement contains provisions that may discourage a third party from submitting a business combination proposal to Discovery prior to the completion of the Transactions that might result in greater value to Discovery stockholders than the Transactions. The Merger Agreement generally prohibits Discovery from soliciting any alternative transaction proposal and Discovery must hold a meeting of its stockholders to vote on the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance even if an unsolicited alternative transaction proposal is received that the Discovery Board determines is superior to the Transactions. In addition, before the Discovery Board may withdraw or modify its recommendation in response to, or terminate the Merger Agreement to enter into an agreement with respect to, a superior proposal, AT&T is required to be given the opportunity to negotiate with Discovery to modify the terms of the Transactions. If the Merger Agreement is terminated by Discovery or AT&T in certain limited circumstances, Discovery may be obligated to pay the Discovery Termination Fee to AT&T, which would represent an additional cost for a potential third party seeking a business combination with Discovery.

The calculation of the Merger Consideration will not be adjusted if there is a change in the value of the WarnerMedia Business or its assets or the value of Discovery before the Transactions are completed.

The calculation of the number of shares of WBD common stock to be issued to holders of Spinco common stock in the Merger is based on fixed percentages and will not be adjusted if the relative value of the business or assets of the WarnerMedia Business and Discovery change prior to the completion of the Merger. Discovery may not be permitted to terminate the Merger Agreement because of changes in the value of the WarnerMedia Business or its assets. Discovery will not be permitted to terminate the Merger Agreement solely because of changes in Discovery’s stock price.

The pendency of the Transactions could have an adverse effect on Discovery’s stock price as well as the business, financial condition and results of operations of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business.

The pendency of the Transactions could cause disruptions to Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s businesses or business relationships, which could have an adverse impact on results of operations. Parties with which Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business have business relationships, including distributors, advertisers and content providers, may be uncertain as to the future of such relationships and may delay or defer certain business decisions, seek alternative relationships with third parties or seek to alter their present business relationships with Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business. Parties with which Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business otherwise may have sought to establish business relationships may also seek alternative relationships with third parties. In addition, current and prospective employees of Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business may experience uncertainty regarding their future roles with WBD, which might adversely affect Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s ability to retain, recruit and motivate key personnel and maintain overall employee morale. Should they occur, any of these events could materially adversely affect Discovery’s stock price or harm the business, financial condition and results of operations of Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business.

 

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Discovery’s estimates and judgments related to the acquisition accounting models used to record the purchase price allocation could be inaccurate.

Discovery management will make significant accounting judgments and estimates in connection with the application of acquisition accounting under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and the underlying valuation models. WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted in future periods if Discovery management’s accounting judgments and estimates related to these models prove to be inaccurate.

WBD could be required to recognize impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets.

The Transactions will add approximately $74.2 billion of goodwill and other intangible assets to Discovery’s consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with GAAP, Discovery management periodically assesses these assets to determine if they are impaired. Significant negative industry or economic trends, including the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to WBD’s business, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets, divestitures and market capitalization declines may impair WBD’s goodwill and other intangible assets. Any charges relating to such impairments could materially adversely affect WBD’s results of operations in the periods recognized.

Discovery expects to incur significant costs associated with the Transactions that could adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of WBD following the completion of the Transactions.

In connection with the Transactions, Discovery has incurred and will continue to incur significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services, such as legal, financial and accounting advice and services, and other transaction costs, including costs related to the Discovery special meeting, the Reclassification, the issuance, registration and listing of WBD common stock, consulting and other services related to integration planning, transition services provided to Spinco by AT&T, and adjustments to the Special Cash Payment for expenses of the WarnerMedia Business. The substantial majority of these costs will be non-recurring expenses relating to the Transactions, and many of these costs are payable regardless of whether or not the Transactions are completed. Discovery anticipates that it will incur approximately $0.7 billion of costs relating to the signing and closing of the Transactions; these transaction costs do not include an additional approximately $1.5 billion in one-time cash costs during the first year following the completion of the Transactions that Discovery believes will be necessary to realize the anticipated cost synergies from the Transactions. No assurances of the timing or amount of synergies able to be captured, or the timing or amount of costs necessary to achieve those synergies, can be provided.

Some of the factors affecting the costs associated with the Transactions include the complexity and timing of the completion of the Transactions, the resources required in integrating the WarnerMedia Business with Discovery’s existing businesses and the length of time during which transition services are provided to Spinco by AT&T. The amount and timing of any such charges could materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations following the completion of the Transactions. Discovery could also be subject to litigation related to the proposed Merger, which could prevent or delay the completion of the Transactions and result in the incurrence of additional significant costs and expenses.

Discovery is, and WBD will be, required to abide by potentially significant restrictions which could limit their ability to undertake certain corporate actions that otherwise could be advantageous.

The Merger Agreement restricts Discovery from taking specified actions without AT&T’s consent until the Transactions are completed or the Merger Agreement is terminated, including making certain significant acquisitions or investments, entering into certain new lines of business, incurring certain indebtedness in excess of certain thresholds, making non-ordinary course capital expenditures, amending or modifying certain contracts, divesting certain assets (including certain intellectual property rights) and making certain non-ordinary course

 

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changes to personnel and employee compensation. These restrictions and other more fully described in “The Merger Agreement—Conduct of Business Pending the Merger” may affect Discovery’s ability to execute its business strategies and attain its financial and other goals and may impact Discovery’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Tax Matters Agreement generally prohibits AT&T, Spinco and Discovery and their respective subsidiaries from taking certain actions that could cause the Distribution, the Merger or certain related Transactions to fail to qualify as tax-free transactions. To preserve the intended tax treatment of the Transactions, for a two-year period following the Distribution Date, the Discovery Group may not, among other things and subject to certain exceptions:

 

   

enter into any transaction or series of transactions as a result of which one or more persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire an amount of stock of Spinco or WBD that, when combined with certain other changes in ownership of stock in Spinco or WBD (including the Merger), would equal or exceed 45% of the outstanding stock of Spinco or WBD, as applicable, by vote or value;

 

   

merge or consolidate WBD with any other person, unless WBD is the survivor of the merger or consolidation;

 

   

fail to be actively engaged in the conduct of the active trade or business described in the IRS Ruling;

 

   

sell or otherwise dispose of more than 35% of the gross assets of Spinco and its subsidiaries or more than 35% of the gross assets of the WarnerMedia Business;

 

   

redeem or repurchase any stock of WBD, other than in certain open-market or similar transactions;

 

   

take any action affecting the voting rights of the stock of WBD;

 

   

liquidate or partially liquidate Spinco for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

merge Spinco with any other person, unless Spinco is the survivor of the merger;

 

   

take any action or actions that, individually or in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to result in one or more persons acquiring stock, directly or indirectly, representing a 50% or greater interest in Spinco or to adversely affect the tax-free status of the Distribution, the Merger, or certain related Transactions; or

 

   

adopt a plan or enter into any agreement to do any of foregoing.

If the Discovery Group intends to take any action that is otherwise prohibited by the Tax Matters Agreement (as described above), prior to taking such action WBD is required to (1) obtain a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS or an unqualified tax opinion, in each case, reasonably satisfactory to AT&T to the effect that such action will not affect the tax-free status of the Distribution, the Merger or such related Transactions (and AT&T will be required to cooperate in good faith in connection with WBD’s efforts to obtain such private letter ruling or unqualified tax opinion) or (2) receive from AT&T a written waiver of the requirement to obtain such private letter ruling or unqualified tax opinion. These restrictions may limit WBD’s ability to pursue certain strategic transactions or engage in other transactions, including using WBD common stock to make acquisitions and in connection with equity capital market transactions or disposing of certain assets that might increase the value of the combined company. See “Other Agreements Related to the Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement.”

The Distribution could result in significant tax liability, and Discovery may be obligated to indemnify AT&T for any such tax liability imposed on AT&T.

The completion of the Distribution, the Merger and certain related Transactions are conditioned upon the receipt by AT&T, with a copy to Discovery, of (1) the Tax Opinions to the effect that, among other things, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (a) the Distribution, taken together with certain related Transactions, will qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and a tax-free distribution under

 

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Section 355 of the Code and that certain other related Transactions will qualify for their intended tax-free treatment and (b) the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Code and (2) the IRS Ruling regarding the qualification of the Distribution and certain related Transactions for tax-free treatment, which AT&T received from the IRS on December 28, 2021. Provided that such Transactions so qualify, AT&T stockholders generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the receipt of Spinco common stock in the Distribution or WBD common stock in the Merger (except for any gain or loss attributable to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of WBD common stock) and AT&T generally will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, other than as a result of certain intercompany transactions undertaken prior to or in anticipation of the Distribution, potentially gain to the extent the Special Cash Payment exceeds AT&T’s adjusted tax basis in the WarnerMedia Business and in certain other circumstances.

In rendering the Tax Opinions, AT&T’s tax counsel will rely on, among other things, (1) customary representations and covenants made by AT&T, Spinco and Discovery, (2) specified assumptions, including an assumption regarding the completion of the Distribution, Merger, and certain related Transactions in the manner contemplated by the Transaction Documents and (3) the IRS Ruling. If any of those representations, covenants or assumptions is inaccurate, or the facts upon which the Tax Opinions will be based are materially different from the facts at the time of the Distribution, the conclusions expressed in the Tax Opinions may be incorrect and the Distribution may not qualify (in whole or part) for tax-free treatment. Opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS. As a result, to the extent a conclusion expressed in the Tax Opinions is not also covered in the IRS Ruling, such conclusion could be challenged by the IRS, and if the IRS prevails in such challenge, the tax consequences to AT&T and its stockholders could be materially less favorable. Additionally, although the IRS Ruling is generally binding on the IRS, AT&T, Spinco and Discovery will not be able to rely on the IRS Ruling if the factual representations made to the IRS in connection with the IRS Ruling request prove to be inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, or if undertakings made to the IRS in connection with the request for the IRS Ruling are not satisfied. If this were to occur, the Distribution may not qualify (in whole or part) for tax-free treatment. As a result, the tax consequences to AT&T and its stockholders could be materially less favorable. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

Even if the Distribution were otherwise to qualify generally for non-recognition treatment under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code, the Distribution would be taxable to AT&T (but not to AT&T stockholders) pursuant to Section 355(e) of the Code if one or more persons acquire a 50% or greater interest (measured by vote or value) in the stock of AT&T or Spinco, directly or indirectly (including through acquisitions of the stock of WBD after the completion of the Merger), as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Distribution. For this purpose, any acquisitions of AT&T or Spinco common stock (including through acquisitions of the stock of WBD after the completion of the Merger) within the period beginning two years before the Distribution and ending two years after the Distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although AT&T, Spinco or WBD, as the case may be, may be able to rebut that presumption, depending on the facts and circumstances. For purposes of this test, the Merger will be treated as part of such a plan. If the IRS were to determine that other acquisitions of AT&T common stock or Spinco common stock (including through acquisitions of the stock of WBD after the completion of the Merger), either before or after the Distribution, were part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the Distribution, such determination, if sustained, could result in the recognition of a material amount of taxable gain by AT&T under Section 355(e) of the Code.

In general, if the Discovery Group (1) breaches certain representations and warranties made by Discovery (or by Spinco solely to the extent relating to any tax period beginning after the Merger) in the tax representation letters relating to the Transactions or the IRS Ruling or (2) takes certain actions that are generally prohibited by the Tax Matters Agreement (as described in further detail above), without regard to whether WBD obtained a private letter ruling from the IRS or an unqualified tax opinion or received AT&T’s prior written consent to take such action, and such breach or action results in indemnifiable tax-related losses (e.g., increased taxes, penalties and interest) under the Tax Matters Agreement, the Discovery Group generally is required to indemnify AT&T for such tax-related losses. If the Distribution were to be taxable to AT&T, and the Discovery Group were

 

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required to indemnify AT&T for tax-related losses, then this indemnification obligation could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on Discovery.

In addition, changes in tax law could adversely affect the intended tax treatment of the Transactions or could adversely affect AT&T’s ability to receive the Tax Opinions or AT&T’s or WBD’s ability to rely on the Tax Opinions or IRS Ruling. For example, legislative proposals in the United States have included provisions that relate to the tax treatment of the Transactions. While the most recent versions of such proposals are not expected to materially impact the intended tax treatment of the Transactions, it is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of these or other proposals.

If the Merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368 of the Code, participating AT&T stockholders that hold Spinco common stock may have significant tax liability.

As described above, the completion of the Merger is conditioned upon the receipt by AT&T, with a copy to Discovery, of a Tax Opinion substantially to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Code. Provided that the Merger so qualifies, participating AT&T stockholders that hold Spinco common stock generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the receipt of WBD common stock in the Merger (except for any gain or loss recognized with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of WBD common stock).

In rendering the Tax Opinion, AT&T’s tax counsel will rely on, among other things, (1) customary representations and covenants made by AT&T, Spinco and Discovery and (2) specified assumptions, including an assumption regarding the completion of the Distribution, Merger, and certain related Transactions in the manner contemplated by the Transaction Documents. If any of those representations, covenants or assumptions are inaccurate, or the facts upon which the Tax Opinion will be based are materially different from the facts at the time of the Merger, the conclusions expressed in the Tax Opinion may be incorrect and the Merger may not qualify (in whole or part) for tax-free treatment. Opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS. As a result, the conclusions expressed in the Tax Opinion could be challenged by the IRS, and if the IRS prevails in such challenge, the tax consequences to Spinco and holders of Spinco common stock could be materially less favorable. If the Merger were taxable, holders of Spinco common stock would generally be considered to have made a taxable sale of their shares of Spinco common stock to Discovery and would generally recognize taxable gain or loss on their receipt of WBD common stock in the Merger. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

Some of Discovery’s directors and executive officers have interests in completing the Transactions that may be different from, or in addition to, those of other Discovery stockholders.

You should be aware that certain of Discovery’s directors and executive officers have financial interests in the Transactions that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Discovery stockholders generally. The members of the Discovery Board were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in reaching the determination to approve the terms of the Transactions, including the Merger, and in recommending to Discovery stockholders that they vote to approve the Charter Amendment proposals, the Share Issuance proposal and the “Golden Parachute” Compensation proposal.

For a description of the benefits that Discovery’s executive officers and directors may receive as a result of these interests, see “The Transactions—Interests of Discovery’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions.”

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business may have difficulty attracting, motivating and retaining executives and other employees in light of the Transactions.

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business may have difficulty attracting, motivating and retaining executives and other employees in light of the Transactions. Uncertainty about the effect of the Transactions on

 

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the employees of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business may impair Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s ability to attract, retain and motivate personnel until the Transactions are completed. Employee retention may be particularly challenging during the pendency of the Transactions, as employees may feel uncertain about their future roles with Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business after their combination. The departure of employees of Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business because of the uncertainty or perceived difficulties of integration or a desire not to become employees of WBD after the Transactions could have a material adverse effect on Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business and Discovery’s ability to realize the anticipated financial and other benefits of the Transactions.

Discovery, by acquiring Spinco in the Merger, will, on a consolidated basis, assume and be responsible for all WarnerMedia Liabilities following the completion of the Transactions, and is acquiring the WarnerMedia Assets on an “as is,” “where is” and “with all faults” basis.

As described in “The Separation Agreement,” the Spinco Group, which is being acquired by Discovery in the Merger, will accept, assume, agree to pay, discharge, fulfill, and to the extent applicable, comply with on a timely basis, the WarnerMedia Liabilities, regardless of (1) when or where such liabilities arose or arise (whether arising prior to, at or after the Distribution), (2) where or against whom such liabilities are asserted or determined, (3) whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of law, fraud or misrepresentation by any of AT&T and each of its subsidiaries and any legal predecessors thereto, but excluding any member of the Spinco Group (the “AT&T Group”), or any member of the Spinco Group, as the case may be, or any of their past or present respective directors, officers, employees, agents, subsidiaries or affiliates and (4) which entity is named in any action associated with any liability. The Separation Agreement further provides that the WarnerMedia Assets are being conveyed to Discovery on an “as is,” “where is” and “with all faults” basis, and while AT&T is subject to certain indemnification obligations in favor of Spinco and Discovery under the Separation Agreement, these are generally limited to indemnification for certain indemnifiable losses to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the liabilities retained by AT&T (or any third party claims related thereto) or any breach by AT&T of any provision of the Separation Agreement. See “The Separation Agreement.”

Furthermore, while the Merger Agreement contains certain representations and warranties about the WarnerMedia Business, the Merger Agreement provides that all representations and warranties of the parties contained therein will not survive the effective time of the Merger. Accordingly, there are no remedies available to the parties with respect to any breach of representations of the parties to the Merger Agreement after the effective time of the Merger, except for certain rights the party may have under applicable law to bring a claim for intentional fraud with respect to any representation or warranty made in the Merger Agreement. With respect to the other Ancillary Agreements drafted as of the date of this information statement, other than in the case of the Tax Matters Agreement, they do not contain any representations or warranties in favor of Discovery.

As such, notwithstanding whether any WarnerMedia Liability or any issue with a WarnerMedia Asset is related to a breach of a representation or warranty in the Merger Agreement, Spinco, and by virtue of the Merger, WBD, will bear full responsibility for any and all WarnerMedia Liabilities and any issues with WarnerMedia Assets following the completion of the Transactions. To the extent any such WarnerMedia Liabilities are larger than anticipated, or an issue with a WarnerMedia Asset prohibits the WarnerMedia Business from performing as planned, they could have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition and results of operations of WBD.

The price of Discovery’s common stock and WBD common stock could be adversely affected by the Distribution.

The market price of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series C common stock prior to the Merger and WBD common stock following the Merger could be adversely affected as a result of sales of a large number of shares of WBD common stock in the market after the

 

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completion of the Transactions or even the perception that these sales could occur in the future. On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution as a pro rata distribution in which each AT&T stockholder as of the Distribution record date will receive a pro rata number of shares of Spinco common stock. When the Merger is completed, holders of AT&T common stock that received shares of Spinco common stock in the Distribution will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis. It is possible that following the Merger some AT&T stockholders will sell the WBD common stock they receive in the Merger if, for reasons such as WBD’s business profile or market capitalization, WBD does not fit their investment objectives, or in the case of index funds, WBD is not a participant in the index in which they are investing. For additional information on the Distribution conducted by AT&T, you are urged to read Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10, when it is available, and all other documents AT&T, Spinco or Discovery file with the SEC relating to the Transactions.

Declaration and amounts of dividends, if any, distributed to AT&T stockholders following the consummation of the Transactions will be uncertain and are not guaranteed.

After the Closing Date and subject to limitations under applicable law and AT&T Board approval, AT&T has announced it expects to pay an annual dividend of $1.11 per share of AT&T common stock, or approximately $8 billion per year. AT&T does not expect changes to its dividend policy prior to the Closing Date. See “Questions and Answers—How do the Transactions impact AT&T’s dividend policy?” However, whether AT&T is able to and ultimately declares and pays any dividends in respect of its common shares following Closing is subject to uncertainty, and the amounts of any dividends that are declared or paid, are uncertain and are not guaranteed. If AT&T declares and pays dividends following Closing, such dividends may not be of the same amount paid by AT&T to its stockholders prior to the Closing. Subject to applicable law, the AT&T Board will have the discretion to determine the AT&T dividend policy and decisions regarding whether, when and in what amounts to pay any future distributions will remain at all times entirely at the discretion of the AT&T Board, which could change its dividend practices at any time and for any reason. In the event that the AT&T Board changes its dividend policy to provide for less frequent payouts or a diminished annual dividend payout ratio, such changes may negatively affect the market price of AT&T common stock.

Risk Factors Relating to the Combined Company Following the Transactions

Sales of WBD common stock after the Transactions may negatively affect the market price of WBD common stock.

The shares of WBD common stock to be issued in the Transactions to holders of Spinco common stock will generally be eligible for immediate resale. The market price of WBD common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of WBD common stock in the market after the completion of the Transactions or even the perception that these sales could occur.

It is possible that some AT&T stockholders would sell the WBD common stock they receive if, for reasons such as WBD’s business profile or market capitalization, WBD does not fit their investment objectives, or in the case of index funds, WBD is not a participant in the index in which they are investing. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, may also make it more difficult for WBD to obtain additional capital by selling equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that it deems appropriate.

It is expected that the WBD common stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis following the Reclassification and immediately prior to the Merger will represent, in the aggregate, approximately 29% of WBD common stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis immediately following the Transactions. As a result of the Transactions, including the significant increase in outstanding WBD common stock and the Reclassification, the market price of WBD common stock could be significantly different from the reported closing prices on Nasdaq of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series C common stock prior to the completion of the Transactions.

 

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The historical financial information of the WarnerMedia Business may not be representative of its financial condition or results of operations if it had been operated independently of AT&T and, as a result, may not be a reliable indicator of its future results.

The WarnerMedia Business is currently operated by AT&T. The WarnerMedia Business’s historical combined financial statements have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis from AT&T’s consolidated financial statements using the historical results of operations, assets and liabilities of the WarnerMedia Business and include allocations of expenses from AT&T. As a result, the WarnerMedia Business’s historical financial statements may not necessarily reflect what its financial condition and results operations would have been had the WarnerMedia Business operated as a standalone entity during the periods presented. For example, in preparing the financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business, AT&T made allocations of costs and AT&T corporate expenses deemed to be attributable to the WarnerMedia Business. However, these costs and expenses reflect the costs and expenses attributable to the WarnerMedia Business operated as part of a larger organization and do not necessarily reflect costs and expenses that would be incurred by the WarnerMedia Business had it been operated independently or costs and expenses that would be incurred by WBD. As a result, the historical financial information of the WarnerMedia Business may not be a reliable indicator of future results, and actual results may be materially different from those reflected in the historical financial statements.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are not intended to reflect what the actual financial condition and results of operations would have been had Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business been a combined company for the periods presented, and therefore such pro forma financial information may not be indicative of WBD’s future operating performance.

Because Discovery will combine with the WarnerMedia Business only upon completion of the Transactions, there is no available historical financial information that consolidates the financial results for the WarnerMedia Business and Discovery. The historical financial statements contained or incorporated by reference in this information statement consist of the separate financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business and Discovery.

The WarnerMedia Business’s historical combined financial statements have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis from AT&T’s consolidated financial statements using the historical results of operations, assets and liabilities of the WarnerMedia Business and include allocations of expenses from AT&T. As a result, the WarnerMedia Business’s historical financial statements may not necessarily reflect what its financial condition and results of operations would have been had the WarnerMedia Business operated as a standalone entity during the periods presented.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements presented in this information statement are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to, and do not purport to, represent what WBD’s actual financial condition and results of operations would have been if the Transactions had occurred on the relevant dates. In addition, such unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are based upon available information and certain assumptions of Discovery management as of the date of this information statement. These assumptions, however, are only preliminary and will be updated only after the completion of the Transactions. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting, with Discovery as the accounting acquirer of the WarnerMedia Business based on consideration of the facts and circumstances described in “The Transactions—Accounting Treatment,” which may be subject to change. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination based on their respective fair values as of the merger date, with any excess purchase price allocated to goodwill. The pro forma purchase price allocation of the WarnerMedia Business’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements is based on preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. In arriving at the preliminary fair value estimates, Discovery management has considered the input of independent consultants based on a preliminary and limited review of the WarnerMedia Business’s assets and

 

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liabilities to be transferred to, or assumed by, directly or indirectly, Spinco in the Transactions. Following the Closing, Discovery management expects to complete the valuation of the WarnerMedia Business’s assets and liabilities at the level of detail necessary to finalize the required purchase price allocation. The final purchase price allocation could differ significantly from the allocation presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements also do not reflect any anticipated revenue enhancements, cost savings, or operating synergies that WBD may achieve as a result of the Merger, the total expected costs to integrate the operations of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, or the total expected costs necessary to achieve such revenue enhancements, cost savings, or operating synergies. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements included in this information statement do not reflect what Discovery’s financial condition and results of operations would have been had Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business been a consolidated entity during all periods presented, or what WBD’s financial condition and results of operations will be in the future. Actual results may be materially different from those reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements presented in this information statement.

WBD may be unable to provide (or obtain from third parties) the same types and level of services to the WarnerMedia Business that historically have been provided by AT&T or may be unable to provide (or obtain) them at the same cost.

As part of a separate reporting segment of AT&T, the WarnerMedia Business has been able to receive services from AT&T. Following the Transactions, WBD will need to replace these services either by providing them internally from Discovery’s existing services or by obtaining them from unaffiliated third parties. These services include AT&T bundling HBO Max with some of its wireless and broadband offerings, certain administrative and operating functions of which the effective and appropriate performance is critical to the operations of the WarnerMedia Business and WBD following the Merger. AT&T will provide certain services on a transitional basis pursuant to the TSA. The duration of such services is subject to ongoing discussions but will be for a reasonable term to be set out in the Services Schedule to the TSA. WBD may be unable to replace these services in a timely manner or on terms and conditions as favorable as those the WarnerMedia Business currently receives from AT&T. The costs for these services could in the aggregate be higher than the combination of Discovery’s current costs and those reflected in the historical financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business. If WBD is unable to replace the services provided by AT&T or is unable to replace them at the same cost or is delayed in replacing the services provided by AT&T, WBD’s results of operations may be materially adversely impacted.

WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected following the Transactions if it cannot negotiate terms that are as favorable as those AT&T has received when WBD replaces contracts after the completion of the Transactions.

As a separate reporting segment of AT&T, the WarnerMedia Business has been able to receive benefits from being a part of AT&T and has been able to benefit from AT&T’s financial strength, extensive business relationships and purchasing power. Following the Merger, the WarnerMedia Business will be combined with Discovery, and WBD will not be able to leverage AT&T’s financial strength, may not have access to all of AT&T’s extensive business relationships and may not have purchasing power similar to what the WarnerMedia Business benefited from by being a part of AT&T prior to the Merger. In addition, some contracts that AT&T or its subsidiaries are a party to on behalf of the WarnerMedia Business require consents of third parties to assign them to Spinco in connection with the Transactions. There can be no assurance that AT&T, Spinco or Discovery will be able to obtain those consents, enter into new agreements with respect to those contracts if consents are not obtained or arrange for a lawful alternative arrangement to provide Spinco with the rights and obligations under such agreements. It is therefore possible, whether as a result of routine renegotiations of terms in the ordinary course of business, or as part of a request for consent or a replacement of a contract where consent has not been obtained, that WBD may not be able to negotiate terms as favorable as those AT&T has received previously for one or more contracts, and in the aggregate the loss or renegotiation of contracts in connection with the foregoing

 

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could materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations following the completion of the Transactions by increasing costs or decreasing revenues.

Although Discovery expects that the Transactions will result in synergies and other benefits, WBD may not realize those benefits because of difficulties related to integration, the achievement of such synergies, and other challenges.

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business have operated and, until completion of the Transactions, will continue to operate, independently, and there can be no assurances that their businesses can be combined in a manner that allows for the achievement of any financial or other benefits. If WBD is not able to successfully integrate the WarnerMedia Business with Discovery’s business or pursue its DTC strategy successfully, including coordinating its streaming services for global customers, the anticipated financial and other benefits, including synergies, of the Transactions may not be realized fully, if at all, or may take longer than expected to be realized. Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in combining the operations of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business for WBD to realize the anticipated financial and other benefits of the Transactions:

 

   

combining the businesses of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business in the time frame currently anticipated;

 

   

maintaining existing agreements with customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors and avoiding delays in entering into new agreements with prospective customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors;

 

   

combining certain of the businesses’ corporate functions;

 

   

determining whether and how to address possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies;

 

   

integrating the businesses’ administrative, accounting and information technology infrastructure;

 

   

integrating employees and attracting and retaining key personnel, including talent;

 

   

managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company, including with Discovery’s limited prior experience in running a studio or scripted content;

 

   

coordinating the businesses’ DTC streaming services for global customers; and

 

   

resolving potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Transactions.

Even if the operations of the businesses of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are integrated successfully, the full benefits of the Transactions may not be realized, including, among others, the synergies that are expected. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame or at all. Additional unanticipated costs may also be incurred in connection with the integration of the businesses of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business. Further, it is possible that there could be loss of key Discovery or WarnerMedia Business employees, loss of customers, disruption of either or both of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s ongoing businesses or unexpected issues, higher than expected costs and an overall post-completion process that takes longer than originally anticipated. All of these factors could materially adversely affect the market price of WBD common stock and WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The success of WBD will also depend on relationships with third parties and existing customers of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, which relationships may be affected by customer or third-party preferences or public attitudes about the Transactions. Any adverse changes in these relationships could adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

WBD’s success will depend on its ability to maintain and renew relationships with existing customers, business partners and other third parties of both Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, and its ability to

 

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establish new relationships. There can be no assurance that the business of WBD will be able to maintain and renew existing contracts and other business relationships, or enter into or maintain new contracts and other business relationships, on acceptable terms, if at all. The failure to maintain important business relationships could have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Following the completion of the Transactions, WBD’s consolidated indebtedness will increase substantially from that of Discovery’s prior to the Transactions. This increased level of indebtedness could adversely affect WBD, including by decreasing its business flexibility.

Upon completion of the Transactions, WBD expects to become responsible for up to approximately $43.0 billion of additional debt, including existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, and debt that may be incurred by Spinco and used on the Closing Date to finance, in part, the Special Cash Payment and the Additional Amount and to otherwise fund the other Transactions and to pay the related transaction fees and expenses, with the ultimate amount of such debt subject to adjustment, including for net working capital, as described in “The Separation Agreement—The Separation—Special Cash Payment, Payment of the Additional Amount and Post-Closing Adjustments.” In addition, subject to certain conditions, upon the completion of the Transactions, the available commitments under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be increased by $3.5 billion to an aggregate amount not to exceed $6.0 billion. The increased indebtedness could have the effect of, among other things, reducing WBD’s flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions, increasing its vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions and limiting its ability to obtain additional financing in the future. In addition, following the completion of the Transactions, the amount of cash required to pay interest on WBD’s indebtedness levels will increase from the amount required to pay interest on Discovery’s indebtedness levels prior to the Transactions, and thus the demands on WBD’s cash resources will be greater than those on Discovery’s cash resources prior to the Transactions, and WBD may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on, or other amounts associated with its indebtedness. As presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Transactions, the incremental interest expense incurred by the combined company would have been approximately $1,587 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business—Note 3—Pre-Merger Adjustments.” As a result, WBD will be required to devote a significant portion of its unlevered free cash flow to service its debt. Discovery currently estimates that WBD will be required to devote approximately 20% of its unlevered free cash flow to interest payments on an annual basis. Assuming that the Transactions are completed early in the second quarter of 2022, Discovery currently estimates that WBD will be required to devote approximately half of its unlevered free cash flow to mandatory principal payments in 2023 and 2024. See “The Transactions—Discovery Forecasts” for the definition of unlevered free cash flow. The increased levels of indebtedness following the completion of the Transactions could also reduce funds available for capital expenditures, share repurchases, investments, mergers and acquisitions, and other activities and may create competitive disadvantages for WBD relative to other companies with lower debt levels.

Following the completion of the Transactions, Discovery’s corporate or debt-specific credit rating could be downgraded, which may increase WBD’s borrowing costs or give rise to a need to refinance existing indebtedness. If a ratings downgrade occurs, WBD may need to refinance existing debt or be subject to higher borrowing costs and more restrictive covenants when WBD incurs new debt in the future, which could reduce profitability and diminish operational flexibility. A significant amount of WBD’s consolidated indebtedness will mature within a short period of time following the completion of the Transactions. For example, the Spinco Term Loan Facility consists of a $3.0 billion 18-month tranche and $7.0 billion 3-year tranche. WBD may be unable to refinance its indebtedness, at maturity or otherwise, on terms acceptable to WBD or at all. Market disruptions, such as those experienced in 2008 and March 2020, as well as WBD’s indebtedness levels, may increase WBD’s borrowing costs or adversely affect its ability to refinance its obligations as they become due. If WBD is unable to refinance its indebtedness or access additional credit, or if short-term or long-term borrowing costs dramatically increase, WBD’s ability to meet its short-term and long-term obligations could be adversely

 

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affected, which would have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

WBD’s debt agreements following the completion of the Transactions will require Discovery to continue to comply with specified financial covenants that could limit WBD’s ability to take various actions, including incurring additional debt.

Discovery’s debt agreements currently contain, and WBD’s debt agreements will contain following the completion of the Transactions, restrictive covenants. The Revolving Credit Agreement governing Discovery’s senior Revolving Credit Facility and the Spinco Term Loan Credit Agreement contain, and any agreements governing the Bridge Loans, if entered into, will contain, restrictive covenants, as well as requirements to comply with certain leverage and other financial maintenance tests. These covenants and requirements could limit WBD’s ability to take various actions, including incurring additional debt, guaranteeing indebtedness and engaging in various types of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets. These covenants could place WBD at a disadvantage compared to some of its competitors, who may have fewer restrictive covenants and may not be required to operate under these restrictions. Further, these covenants could have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations by limiting its ability to take advantage of financing, mergers and acquisitions or other opportunities.

If the results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business following the Transactions are below Discovery’s expectations, WBD may not achieve the increases in revenues and net earnings that Discovery expects as a result of the Transactions.

Discovery has projected that WBD will derive a majority of its revenues and net earnings from the operations of the WarnerMedia Business after the Transactions. Therefore, if the results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business following the Transactions are below Discovery’s expectations, WBD may not achieve the results of operations that Discovery expects as a result of the Transactions. Some of the significant factors that could negatively impact the expected results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business, and therefore harm the expected future combined results of operations of WBD after the completion of the Transactions, include:

 

   

more intense competitive pressure from existing or new competitors;

 

   

fluctuations in the exchange rates in the jurisdictions in which the WarnerMedia Business operates;

 

   

increases in promotional and operating costs for the WarnerMedia Business;

 

   

a decline in the viewership or consumption of content provided by the WarnerMedia Business; and

 

   

material variations in the results of operations of the WarnerMedia Business from Discovery’s expectations or projections of such results of operations, which were based on estimates and assumptions developed by Discovery management, any or all of which may prove to be incorrect or inaccurate.

The financial projections included herein are based upon estimates and assumptions made at the time they were prepared. If these estimates or assumptions prove to be incorrect or inaccurate, WBD’s actual operating results may differ materially from those forecasted for Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business.

The financial projections included in this information statement under “The Transactions—Discovery Forecasts” and “The Transactions—WarnerMedia Projections” are subject to uncertainty and are based on estimates and assumptions developed by management of Discovery and AT&T, respectively, any or all of which may prove to be incorrect or inaccurate. The financial projections were reasonably prepared in good faith on bases reflecting the best available estimates and judgments of management of the applicable company as to the future operating results of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business at the time they were prepared. Although presented with numerical specificity, the financial projections reflect numerous estimates and assumptions with

 

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respect to industry performance and competition, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and matters specific to the businesses of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, including other factors listed under “Risk Factors,” all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside the control of Discovery, AT&T and Spinco. There can be no assurance that the assumptions underlying the financial projections will be realized. In addition, the financial projections cover multiple years and such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year. If these estimates or assumptions prove to be incorrect or inaccurate, WBD’s actual operating results may differ materially from those forecasted for Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business.

In addition, the financial projections for 2021 reflect, among other things, Discovery management’s or AT&T management’s, as applicable, estimates and assumptions regarding the continued impact of COVID-19 on 2021 expectations based on the experience of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s business and such management’s evaluation of the WarnerMedia Business’s or Discovery’s business up to the date of preparation of the financial projections. However, Discovery management and AT&T management are unable to estimate or otherwise predict the extent of further COVID-19-related impacts on Discovery’s business and the WarnerMedia Business’s business which depend on highly uncertain and unpredictable future developments. Accordingly, the financial projections may be materially adversely affected by factors associated with COVID-19. See factors regarding the impact of COVID-19 under “Risk Factors.”

Many of the assumptions reflected in the financial projections are subject to change and such financial projections do not reflect revised prospects for the businesses of Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business, changes in general business or economic conditions or any other transactions, circumstances or events occurring after the date they were prepared, including the Transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement and the effect of any failure of the Merger or the other Transactions to occur. Discovery and AT&T have not updated and do not intend to update or otherwise revise their respective financial projections. There can be no assurance that the results reflected in any of the financial projections for Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business will be realized or that actual results for WBD will not materially vary from such financial projections.

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business operate in highly competitive industries, and if Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are unable to compete effectively, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

The entertainment and media programming industries in which Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business operate are highly competitive. Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business compete with other programming networks for distribution, viewers and advertising, and face increased competitive pressure from subscription-based streaming services, DTC products and expansion by other companies—in particular, technology companies—into the content production and distribution space. Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business also compete for viewers with other forms of media entertainment, such as home entertainment (such as digital products), feature films, periodicals, interactive entertainment, user-generated content, live sports and other events, social media and diverse on-line and mobile activities. Internet-based advertising, including through websites and search engines, has seen significant growth, placing pressure on traditional advertising models tied to television networks, including on free-to-air, cable network and satellite delivered channels. The ability of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including their abilities to consistently supply high-quality and popular content, access their targeted audience with appealing category-specific content, adapt to new technologies, distribution platforms and business models and achieve widespread distribution.

In addition, Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s television networks, premium pay-TV and basic tier television services and the discovery+ and HBO Max platforms also face competition from other television networks, online platforms/streaming video service providers, pay-TV service providers and independent producers that develop, produce, acquire and sell entertainment, sports and news content. As competition from

 

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these networks, service providers and producers continues to increase, WBD may not be able to acquire or create popular entertainment, sports and news content or acquire it at a cost-effective price. As a result of an increasing number of market entrants in the programming space, Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business have seen upward pressure on programming costs in recent years, including in connection with the licensing and acquisition of entertainment, sports and news content from third parties, as well as with the commissioning of original production. WBD may also be impacted by such upward pressures driven by increasing investment by competitors. In certain international markets, regulations concerning content quotas or content investment requirements may be a further factor driving increasing programming costs. There can be no assurance that WBD will be able to compete successfully in the future against existing or new competitors, or that increasing competition will not have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The success of WBD’s business will depend on the acceptance of WBD’s entertainment, sports and news content by its U.S. and foreign viewers, which may be unpredictable and volatile.

The production and distribution of entertainment, sports and news content are inherently risky businesses because the revenue derived and WBD’s ability to distribute its content will depend primarily on consumer tastes and preferences that often change in unpredictable ways. WBD’s success will depend on its ability to consistently create and acquire content that meets the changing preferences of viewers in general, in special interest groups, in specific demographic categories and in various international marketplaces. WBD will need to invest substantial amounts in the production or acquisition and marketing of its entertainment, sports and news content before it learns whether such content will reach anticipated levels of popularity with consumers. WBD’s success with such content will depend on audience acceptance and viewership. Failing to gain the level of audience acceptance Discovery expects for entertainment, sports and news content may negatively impact WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The commercial success of WBD’s entertainment, sports and news content will also depend upon the quality and acceptance of competing content available. Other factors, including the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, WBD’s ability to maintain or develop strong brand awareness and target key audiences, general economic conditions, piracy, and growing competition for consumer discretionary spending, time and attention may also affect the audience for such content. Audience sizes for WBD’s media networks are critical factors that can affect both the volume and pricing of advertising revenue that WBD will receive with respect to advertising-supported services, and the extent of distribution and penetration and the license fees it will receive under agreements with its distributors with respect to its subscription-based services. The appeal, success and performance of its content with consumers, as well as with third-party licensees and other distribution partners, are also critical factors that can affect the revenue that WBD will receive with respect to its content-related business.

Consequently, reduced public acceptance of WBD’s entertainment, sports and news content may decrease its audience share and customer/viewer reach and materially adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

There has been a shift in consumer behavior as a result of technological innovations and changes in the distribution of content, which may affect WBD’s viewership and the profitability of its business in unpredictable ways.

Technology and business models in Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s industries continue to evolve rapidly in an environment of fast-paced changes in consumer behavior as well as innovation. Changes to these business models include: (1) consumers’ increasing demand to consume video content on their own terms, including on the screen of their choice, at the time of their choice, and with enhanced functionality; (2) the presence of streaming services, which are increasing in number and some of which have a significant and growing subscriber base; (3) the proliferation of high speed internet connections and the expansion of 5G

 

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networks able to support high-quality streaming video within increasingly interactive and interconnected digital environments; and (4) the increased video consumption through subscription streaming services and time-delayed or time-shifted viewing of television programming through on-demand services and DVRs as well as the availability of video content through other distribution outlets, including digital home entertainment (such as electronic sell-through and transaction video-on-demand). Consumer behavior related to these changes in content distribution, viewership and technological innovation are not entirely predictable but remain key factors in WBD’s economic model; such changes may accordingly materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Consumers are increasingly viewing content on a time-delayed or on-demand basis from traditional distributors and from streaming services, apps and websites and on a wide variety of screens, such as televisions, tablets, mobile phones and other devices. The inability to meet consumer demands and expectations in today’s highly mobile, multi-screen and multi-platform environment for video delivery may affect the attractiveness of WBD’s offerings. Ineffective technology and product integration, lack of specific features and functionalities, poor interface design or ease of use, or platform performance issues, among other factors, may cause viewers to favor alternative offerings. The availability of on-demand feature films from streaming services may, depending in part on the timing of such availability relative to the theatrical release date, materially adversely affect the performance of features films at U.S. and international box offices. The underperformance of a feature film, especially an “event” film, at the global box office could result in lower than expected revenues for WBD from the license of the film to networks and streaming services, sales of the film in digital and physical forms and sales related to publishing and distribution of interactive entertainment or licenses for consumer products based on such film, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, devices that allow users to view television programs on a time-shifted basis and technologies that enable users to fast-forward or skip programming, including commercials, such as DVRs and portable digital devices and systems that enable users to store or make portable copies of content may affect the attractiveness of WBD’s offerings to advertisers and could therefore materially adversely affect its advertising revenues. In addition, there is increased demand for short-form, user-generated and interactive content, which have different economic models than Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s traditional content offerings. Likewise, distributors are seeking to offer smaller programming packages known as “skinny bundles,” which are delivered at a lower cost than traditional offerings and sometimes allow consumers to create a customized package of networks that are gaining popularity among consumers. If WBD’s networks are not included in these packages or consumers favor alternative offerings, WBD may experience a decline in viewership and ultimately the demand for its programming, which could lead to lower distribution and advertising revenues.

There have also been declines in subscribers to the traditional cable bundle. In 2021, Discovery’s total subscribers to its U.S. television networks and digital content services declined 8% while subscribers to Discovery’s fully distributed networks declined 4%. In order to respond to subscription declines and changes in content distribution models in its industry, Discovery has invested in, developed and launched DTC products including its discovery+ product and the WarnerMedia Business has most recently invested in, developed and launched the DTC platform, HBO Max. In connection with the Transactions, WBD expects to develop and implement a go-to-market strategy for its DTC products that coordinates and/or combines its offering of discovery+ and HBO Max. There can be no assurance, however, that WBD’s viewers will respond to its DTC products or that the DTC strategy will be successful, particularly given the increase in DTC products on the market. Each distribution model has different risks and economic consequences for WBD, so the rapid evolution of consumer preferences may have an economic impact that is not ultimately predictable. Distribution windows are also evolving, potentially affecting revenues from other windows. If WBD cannot ensure that its distribution methods and content are responsive to its target audiences, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The WarnerMedia Business has, and WBD could, incur significant restructuring costs related to DTC products due to the rapidly and continuously-evolving DTC environment, in which consumer satisfaction, scale, differentiation and capacity to invest in content are crucial to streaming success.

 

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The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have accelerated some existing trends. Lockdowns during the pandemic, for example, encouraged households to experiment with digital offerings including subscription video-on-demand or to stack subscriptions. Although these trends are expected to continue in the coming years, WBD’s viewership and the profitability of its business may be impacted in unpredictable ways as a result thereof. Moreover, there can be no assurance of the continuation of these trends.

If WBD’s DTC products fail to attract and retain subscribers, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

In January 2021, Discovery launched an aggregated DTC product, discovery+, in the United States. In May 2020, the WarnerMedia Business launched HBO Max in the United States. In connection with the Transactions, WBD expects to develop and implement a go-to-market strategy for its DTC products that coordinates and/or combines its offering of discovery+ and HBO Max. There can be no assurance that consumers and advertisers will embrace discovery+ and HBO Max or that subscribers will activate or renew a subscription.

The discovery+ and HBO Max offerings are subscription-based streaming products and will be among many such services in a crowded and competitive landscape. Their success will also be largely dependent on WBD’s ability to initially attract, and ultimately retain, subscribers. Competitors to discovery+ and HBO Max include traditional linear programming networks, including Discovery’s linear channels and the WarnerMedia Business’s linear channels, competing subscription video-on-demand services, and other digital entertainment platforms and offerings all vying for consumer time, attention and discretionary spending. If WBD is unable to effectively market its DTC products or if consumers do not perceive the pricing and related features of its DTC products to be of value versus competitors, WBD may not be able to attract and retain subscribers. In particular, decreases in consumer discretionary spending where WBD’s DTC products are offered may reduce WBD’s ability to attract and retain subscribers for its services, which could have a negative impact on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Relatedly, a decrease in viewing subscribers on WBD’s advertising-supported DTC products could also have a negative impact on the rates it is able to charge advertisers for advertising-supported services. The ability to attract and retain subscribers will also depend in part on WBD’s ability to provide compelling content choices that are differentiated from that of its competitors and that are more attractive than other sources of entertainment that consumers could choose in their free time. Furthermore, the ability to provide a quality subscriber experience and the relative service levels, may also impact WBD’s ability to attract and retain subscribers. The inability to meet consumer demands and expectations in today’s highly competitive mobile, multi-screen and multi-platform environment for video delivery may affect the attractiveness of WBD’s DTC products. Ineffective technology and product integration, lack of specific features and functionalities, poor interface design or ease of use, or platform performance issues, among other factors, may cause viewers to favor alternative offerings. If WBD is unable to attract and retain subscribers to its DTC products, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Consolidation among pay-TV programming and satellite providers, both domestically and internationally, could have an adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Consolidation among pay-TV programming and satellite operators has given the largest operators considerable leverage in their relationships with programmers, including Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business. A significant portion of Discovery’s U.S. linear distribution revenues come from the top ten distributors. Discovery currently has agreements in place with the ten largest pay-TV programming and satellite operators of its U.S. television networks and digital content services which expire at various times from 2022 through 2025. Some of Discovery’s largest distributors have combined, and as a result, have gained, or may gain, market power, which could affect WBD’s ability to maximize the value of its content through those platforms. In addition, many of the countries and territories in which WBD will distribute the Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business networks also have a small number of dominant distributors. Continued consolidation within the industry could reduce the number of distributors to carry WBD’s programming, subject its affiliate fee revenue to greater volume discounts, and further increase the negotiating leverage of the pay-TV programming and satellite

 

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television system operators which could have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to renew, renewal with less favorable terms, or termination of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s distribution agreements may cause a decline in WBD’s revenue.

Because Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s pay-TV networks are licensed on a wholesale basis to distributors, such as cable and satellite operators, which in turn distribute them to consumers, WBD will be dependent upon the maintenance of distribution agreements with these operators. These distribution agreements generally provide for the level of carriage that WBD’s networks will receive, such as channel placement and programming package inclusion (widely distributed, broader programming packages compared to lesser distributed, specialized programming packages), and for payment of a license fee to WBD based on the number of subscribers that receive its networks or other factors.

While the number of subscribers associated with WBD’s networks may impact its ability to generate advertising revenue, subscription-based revenue will represent a significant portion of its revenue. The distribution agreements generally have a limited term which may vary by territory and distributor, and there can be no assurance that these distribution agreements will be renewed in the future or that they will be renewed on terms that are favorable to WBD. A reduction in the license fees that WBD will receive or in the number of subscribers for which it is paid, including as a result of a loss or reduction in carriage for its networks or a reduction in distributor penetration, including as a result of the changes in consumer habits discussed in “—If WBD’s DTC products fail to attract and retain subscribers, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted” above, could materially adversely affect its distribution revenue. Such a loss or reduction in carriage could also decrease the potential audience for WBD’s programs, thereby materially adversely affecting its advertising revenue. In addition, the distribution agreements are complex and individually negotiated. If WBD were to disagree with one of the counterparties on the interpretation of a distribution agreement, WBD’s relationship with that counterparty could be damaged and its business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected.

Failure to renew, renewal with less favorable terms, or termination of the WarnerMedia Business’s content licenses and similar distribution agreements may cause a decline in WBD’s revenue.

Because the WarnerMedia Business’s content is licensed to and distributed through third parties, such as theatrical exhibitors (and in certain international territories, local theatrical distributors), traditional television and pay-TV broadcasters and operators of digital platforms, which in turn make such content available, directly and indirectly, to consumers, WBD will be dependent upon the maintenance of such licensing and distribution agreements with such third parties. These agreements generally provide for the scope of licensed rights, including geographic territory, exploitation rights, holdbacks and/or other restrictions, including exclusivity or non-exclusivity, window(s) of exploitation (including first and second pay-TV and free to air broadcast), and for payment of a license fee to WBD based on a number of factors, including the scope of the rights granted, the popularity of the content (as measured in the case of films, for example, by box office performance for certain downstream exploitation) and the date of its first theatrical or pay-TV exhibition.

The license and distribution agreements generally have a limited term which may vary by territory and counterparty, and there can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed in the future or that they will be renewed on terms that are favorable to WBD. The license fees and other commercial terms that WBD will receive are dependent, among other factors, on the acceptance and performance of its content with consumers. See “—The success of WBD’s business will depend on the acceptance of WBD’s entertainment, sports and news content by its U.S. and foreign viewers, which may be unpredictable and volatile.” A reduction in such license fees that licensees are willing to pay could materially affect its content revenue. Changes in distribution strategy and variations on traditional theatrical distribution and other licensing models, such as shortening traditional windows or making simultaneous the availability of certain films theatrically and on-demand, and other hybrids,

 

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may also drive changes in the licensee fees that theatrical exhibitors and distributors and other downstream licensees in the value chain may be willing to pay for content, which may in turn negatively affect WBD’s content revenue. In addition, content distribution and license agreements are complex and individually negotiated. If WBD were to disagree with one of the counterparties on the interpretation of a content distribution and license agreement, WBD’s relationship with that counterparty could be damaged and its business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected.

Interpretation of some terms of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s distribution agreements may have an adverse effect on the distribution payments WBD will receive under those agreements.

Some of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s distribution agreements contain “most favored nation” clauses. These clauses typically provide that if they enter into an agreement with another distributor which contains certain more favorable terms, they must offer some of those terms to their existing distributors. Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business have entered into a number of distribution agreements with terms that differ in some respects from those contained in other agreements. While Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business believe that they have complied with the most favored nation clauses included in their distribution agreements, if distributors with these provisions were to assert or claim that Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business is not in compliance, and if they were to prevail, it could have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

WBD’s success will depend on attracting, developing, motivating and retaining talented people within its business. Significant shortfalls in recruitment or retention, or failure to adequately motivate employees, could adversely affect WBD’s ability to compete and achieve its strategic goals.

Attracting, developing, motivating and retaining talented employees will be essential to the successful delivery of WBD’s products and services and success in the marketplace. The ability to attract and retain talented employees is critical in the development and delivery of products and services, which is an integral component of Discovery’s growth strategy for WBD. Competition for employees can be intense and if WBD is unable to successfully integrate, motivate and reward the current employees from the WarnerMedia Business or Discovery’s current employees in WBD, WBD may not be able to retain them. If WBD is unable to retain these employees or attract new employees in the future, its ability to effectively compete with its competitors and to grow its business could be materially adversely affected.

In addition, Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business employ or contract with talent who may have loyal audiences. These individuals are important to audience endorsement of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s programs and other content. There can be no assurance that these individuals will remain with WBD or retain their current audiences. If WBD fails to retain or attract key individuals or if its talent loses its current audience base, WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruption in theatrical and television production, financial markets and economies worldwide, which could result in adverse effects on the market price of WBD common stock and WBD’s business, operations and ability to raise capital.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy and continues to create significant volatility and disruption in the credit and financial markets, and while some economic disruption may ease from time to time, such disruption is expected to continue and may worsen for an undetermined period of time. There is a significant degree of uncertainty and lack of visibility as to the extent and duration of the global economic disruption caused by COVID-19; however, a prolonged disruption, slowdown or recession could materially adversely affect the market price of WBD common stock and WBD’s credit ratings, ability to access capital on favorable terms and ability to meet its liquidity needs and could have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, as with other businesses globally, have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic both domestically and internationally, including as a result of governmentally imposed shutdowns, workforce realignments, labor and supply chain interruptions, and quarantines and travel restrictions, among other factors. 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. Shutdowns and/or restrictions relating to television and theatrical production activity have impacted, and may continue to impact, various aspects of project scheduling, completion and budgets, as well as revenue streams tied to projected release or availability dates. All such impacts may continue for an indefinite length of time.

WBD’s actions to limit the adverse effects of COVID-19 on its financial condition may not be successful, as the extent and duration of the adverse effects of the pandemic are not determinable and depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Events resulting from the effects of COVID-19 may negatively impact WBD’s ability to comply with its financial covenants. Also, additional funding may not be available to WBD on acceptable terms or at all. If adequate funding is not available, WBD may be required to reduce expenditures, including curtailing its growth strategies and reducing its product development efforts, or forego acquisition opportunities.

WBD will face cybersecurity and similar risks, which could result in the disclosure of confidential and personal information, disruption of its programming services, damage to its brands and reputation, legal exposure and financial losses.

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business rely on various technology systems in connection with the production, distribution and broadcast of their programming, and their on-line, mobile and app offerings, as well as their internal systems, including the storage and transmission of personal and proprietary information. From time to time, hackers and other malicious actors target Discovery, the WarnerMedia Business and their respective service providers, and certain systems have been breached in the past due to cybersecurity attacks, and may continue to be breached in the future due to employee error, malicious code, hacking and phishing attacks, or otherwise. If Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s information security systems or data are compromised in a material way, such compromises could result in a disruption of services or a reduction of the revenues Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business are able to generate from such services, damage to Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s respective brands and reputation, a loss of confidence in the security of their offerings and services, and significant legal and financial exposure, each of which could potentially have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business. Additionally, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or users to disclose sensitive or confidential information in order to gain access to data and systems. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, WBD may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures, notwithstanding any ongoing efforts to develop and implement robust data security tools, practices, and protocols. Accordingly, unauthorized access, modification and exfiltration of data cannot be eliminated entirely, and the risks associated with a potentially material incident remain. WBD may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate itself or affected third parties for losses associated with cybersecurity and privacy events.

In addition, WBD will face regulatory risk associated with the acquisition, storage, disclosure, use and protection of personal data, including under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) and various other domestic and international privacy and data security laws and regulations, which are continually evolving. These evolving data protection laws may require WBD to expend significant resources to implement additional data protection measures, and its actual or alleged failure to comply with such laws could result in legal claims, regulatory enforcement actions and significant fines and penalties.

 

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Service disruptions or the failure of communications satellites or transmitter facilities relied upon by WBD could adversely impact WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The WarnerMedia Business relies on communications satellites and transmitter facilities and other technical infrastructure, including fiber, to transmit their programming to affiliates and other distributors. Shutdowns of communications satellites and transmitter facilities or service disruptions pose significant risks to the WarnerMedia Business’s operations and will pose significant risks to WBD’s operations. Such disruptions may be caused by power outages, natural disasters, extreme weather, terrorist attacks, failures or impairments of communications satellites or on-ground uplinks or downlinks or other technical facilities and services used to transmit programming, failure of service providers to meet contractual requirements, or other similar events. For example, a large provider of satellite services to the WarnerMedia Business is currently subject to bankruptcy proceedings, which could affect its ability to meet its obligations under its contract. If a communications satellite or other transmission means (e.g., fiber) is not able to transmit WBD’s programming, or if any material component thereof fails or becomes inoperable, WBD may not be able to secure an alternative communications path in a timely manner because, among other factors, there are a limited number of communications satellites and other means available for the transmission of programming, and any alternatives may require lead time and additional technical resources and infrastructure to implement. If such an event were to occur, there could be a disruption in the delivery of WBD’s programming, which could harm WBD’s reputation and materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in domestic and foreign laws and regulations and other risks related to international operations could adversely impact WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Programming services like Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, and the distributors of their services, including cable operators, satellite operators and other multi-channel video programming distributors, are regulated by U.S. federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”), as well as by state and local governments, in ways that will affect the daily conduct of WBD’s video content business. These obligations and regulations, among other things, require closed captioning of programming for the hearing impaired, require certain content providers to make available audio descriptions of programming for the visually impaired, limit the amount and content of commercial matter that may be shown during programming aimed primarily at an audience of children aged 12 and under, and require the identification of (or the maintenance of lists of) sponsors of political advertising. The U.S. Congress, the FCC and the courts currently have under consideration, and may adopt or interpret in the future, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations of WBD’s U.S. media properties or modify the terms under which it offers its services and operates.

Similarly, the foreign jurisdictions in which Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business networks are offered have, in varying degrees, laws and regulations that will govern WBD’s business. Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business have operations through which they offer for sale and distribute programming and other goods and services outside of the United States. As a result, WBD’s business will be subject to certain risks inherent in international business, many of which are beyond its control. These risks include:

 

   

laws and policies affecting trade and taxes, including laws and policies relating to the repatriation of funds and withholding taxes, and changes in these laws;

 

   

local regulatory requirements (and any changes to such requirements), including restrictions on content, censorship, imposition of local content quotas, local production levies and restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership, outsourcing, consumer protection, intellectual property and related rights, including copyright and rightsholder rights and remuneration;

 

   

its ability to obtain the appropriate licenses and other regulatory approvals it needs to broadcast content in foreign countries;

 

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differing degrees of protection for intellectual property and varying attitudes towards the piracy of intellectual property;

 

   

significant fluctuations in foreign currency value;

 

   

currency exchange and central banking controls;

 

   

the instability of foreign economies and governments;

 

   

threatened or actual terrorist attacks and military action, including the intensification or expansion of the conflict in Ukraine;

 

   

anti-corruption laws and regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act that impose stringent requirements on how WBD conducts its foreign operations and changes in these laws and regulations;

 

   

sanction laws and regulations such as those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control that restrict WBD’s dealings with certain sanctioned countries, territories, individuals and entities; these laws and regulations are complex, frequently changing, and increasing in number, and may impose additional prohibitions or compliance obligations on its dealings in certain countries and territories, including sanctions imposed on Russia and certain Ukrainian territories;

 

   

foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulations and changes in these laws; and

 

   

shifting consumer preferences regarding the viewing of video programming.

Events or developments related to these and other risks associated with international trade could adversely affect WBD’s revenues from non-U.S. sources, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. Acts of terrorism, hostilities, imposition of sanctions or financial, political, economic or other uncertainties could lead to a reduction in revenue or loss of investment, which could materially adversely affect its results of operations. Furthermore, some foreign markets where Discovery, the WarnerMedia Business and their respective partners operate may be more adversely affected by current economic conditions than the United States. WBD also may incur substantial expense as a result of changes, including the imposition of new restrictions, in the existing regulatory, economic or political environment in the regions where Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business do business.

This is of particular concern in Poland, where Discovery owns and operates TVN, a portfolio of free-to-air and pay-TV lifestyle, entertainment, and news networks. On December 17, 2021, a proposed amendment to the Polish Broadcasting Act commonly referred to as “LEX TVN” was presented to the lower chamber of the Polish Parliament (the “Sejm”) for consideration and was subsequently passed by the Sejm. LEX TVN would prohibit the granting of licenses for television and radio broadcasting channels in Poland, such as the TVN portfolio of channels, to broadcasters with more than 49% of their share capital directly or indirectly controlled by an entity with a registered seat outside of the European Economic Area, essentially precluding non-European Economic Area ownership of media entities in Poland. LEX TVN was presented to the President of Poland for consideration and, on December 27, 2021, the President of Poland vetoed LEX TVN. In the future, if legislation similar to LEX TVN is enacted, it could, directly or indirectly, affect the future operations of WBD’s Polish media properties and/or modify the terms under which WBD offers its services and operates in that market in the future.

The evolving regulatory environment in international markets may also impact strategy, costs and results of operations, including with respect to local programming investment obligations, satisfaction of local content quotas, access to local production incentive schemes, such as film subsidies, and direct and indirect digital taxes or levies on internet-based programming services.

 

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Global economic conditions may have an adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

WBD’s business will be significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions, including inflation and fluctuations in interest rates, and by disruptions to financial markets. WBD will derive substantial revenues from advertisers, and these expenditures are sensitive to general economic conditions and consumer buying patterns. Financial instability or a general decline in economic conditions in the United States and other countries where WBD’s networks are distributed could materially adversely affect the businesses of its partners who might reduce their spending on advertising, which could result in a decrease in advertising rates and volume and WBD’s advertising revenues.

Decreases in consumer discretionary spending in the United States and other countries where WBD’s networks are distributed may affect cable television and other video service subscriptions, in particular with respect to digital service tiers on which certain of WBD’s programming networks will be carried. This could lead to a decrease in the number of subscribers receiving WBD’s programming from multi-channel video programming distributors, which could have a negative impact on its viewing subscribers and distribution revenues. Similarly, a decrease in viewing subscribers would also have a negative impact on the number of viewers actually watching the programs on WBD’s programming networks, which could also impact the rates it is able to charge advertisers.

Economic conditions could also negatively affect the ability of those with whom WBD does business to satisfy their obligations to WBD. The general worsening of current global economic conditions could materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and the worsening of economic conditions in certain parts of the world, specifically, could impact the expansion and success of its businesses in such areas.

Theft of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s content and unauthorized duplication, distribution and exhibition of such content may decrease revenue received from WBD’s programming and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

The success of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s businesses depends in part on their ability to maintain and enforce the intellectual property rights underlying their respective entertainment content. Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are fundamentally content companies, and piracy of their content (including digital content), television networks, brands, and other intellectual property has the potential to materially adversely affect WBD. Piracy is particularly prevalent in parts of the world that do not effectively enforce intellectual property rights and laws, in contrast to territories such as the United States and much of Europe, and the Oceania territories. Even in territories like the United States, legal frameworks that are unresponsive to modern realities, combined with the lack of effective technological prevention and enforcement measures, may impede WBD’s enforcement efforts. WBD’s enforcement activities depend in part on third parties, including technology and platform providers, whose cooperation and effectiveness cannot be assured to any degree. In addition, technological advances that allow the almost instantaneous unauthorized copying and downloading of content into digital formats without any degradation of quality from the original facilitate the rapid creation, transmission and sharing of high-quality unauthorized copies. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material over the internet is a threat to copyright owners’ ability to maintain the exclusive control over their copyrighted material and thus the value of their property. The proliferation of unauthorized use of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s respective content may have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business and profitability because it may reduce the revenue that WBD potentially could receive from the legitimate sale and distribution of such content. WBD may need to spend significant amounts of money on improvement of technological platform security and enforcement activities, including litigation, to protect Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s intellectual property rights. Any impairment of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s intellectual property rights, including due to changes in U.S. or foreign intellectual property laws or the absence of effective legal protections or enforcement measures, could materially adversely impact WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted by the outcome of uncertainties related to litigation.

From time to time, WBD may be involved in a number of legal claims, regulatory investigations, litigation (asserted individually and/or on behalf of a class), and arbitration. WBD may be subject to a number of lawsuits both in the United States and in foreign countries, including, at any particular time, claims relating to antitrust, intellectual property, employment, wage and hour, consumer privacy, regulatory and tax proceedings, contractual and commercial disputes, and the production, distribution, and licensing of WBD content. WBD may also spend substantial resources complying with various government standards, which may entail related investigations and litigation. WBD may incur significant expenses defending such suits or government charges and may be required to pay amounts or otherwise change its operations in ways that could materially adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. This could result in an increase in WBD’s cost for defense or settlement of claims or indemnification obligations if WBD were to be found liable in excess of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s historical experience. Even if WBD believes a claim is without merit, or ultimately prevails, defending against the claim could be time-consuming and costly and divert its management’s attention and resources away from its business.

In addition, WBD’s insurance may not be adequate to protect it from all material expenses related to pending and future claims and Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s current levels of insurance may not be available in the future at commercially reasonable prices. Any of these factors could materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

WBD’s participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans could subject WBD to liabilities that could adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The WarnerMedia Business contributes to various multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (the “multiemployer plans”) under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover certain of its union-represented employees. Upon the completion of the Transactions, WBD will assume certain of the obligations under these multiemployer plans with respect to transferred employees from the WarnerMedia Business. The risks of participation in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer pension plans in that: (1) contributions made by WBD to the multiemployer plans may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (2) if WBD chooses to stop participating in certain of these multiemployer plans, WBD may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, which is referred to as a withdrawal liability; and (3) actions taken by a participating employer that lead to a deterioration of the financial health of a multiemployer plan may result in the unfunded obligations of the multiemployer plan being borne by its remaining participating employers, including WBD. While WBD does not expect any of the multiemployer plans to which it will contribute to be individually significant to WBD, as of December 31, 2021, the WarnerMedia Business was, and WBD could be, an employer that provides more than 5% of total contributions to certain of the multiemployer plans in which it participates or WBD will participate.

To the extent that U.S.-registered multiemployer plans are underfunded, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 (collectively, “ERISA”), may subject WBD to substantial liabilities in the event of a complete or partial withdrawal from, or upon termination of, such plans. The WarnerMedia Business currently contributes to, and in the past has contributed to, multiemployer plans that are underfunded, and, therefore, could have potential liability associated with a voluntary or involuntary withdrawal from, or termination of, such plans. In addition, for a multiemployer plan in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status, additional required contributions, generally in the form of surcharges on contributions otherwise required, and benefit reductions may apply if such plan is determined to be underfunded, which could adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations if WBD is unable to adequately mitigate these costs.

As of December 31, 2020, two of the multiemployer plans in which the WarnerMedia Business participates were underfunded, but neither plan was considered to be in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status.

 

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The amount of funds WBD may be obligated to contribute to multiemployer plans in the future cannot be estimated, as these amounts are based on future levels of work of the union-represented employees covered by the multiemployer plans, investment returns and the funding status of such plans. The WarnerMedia Business does not currently intend to withdraw from the multiemployer plans in which it participates, and it is not aware of circumstances that would reasonably lead to material claims against WBD in connection with the multiemployer plans in which WBD will participate. There can be no assurance, however, that WBD will not be assessed liabilities in the future. Potential withdrawal liabilities, requirements to pay increased contributions, and/or surcharges in connection with any multiemployer plans in which WBD will participate could materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

WBD’s businesses may be subject to labor disruption.

WBD and some of its suppliers and business partners will retain the services of writers, directors, actors, announcers, athletes, technicians, trade employees and others involved in the development and production of its television programming, feature films and interactive entertainment (e.g., games) who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. If negotiations to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements are not successful or become unproductive, the affected unions could take actions such as strikes, work slowdowns or work stoppages. Strikes, work slowdowns, work stoppages or the possibility of such actions could result in delays in the production of WBD’s television programming, feature films and interactive entertainment. WBD could also incur higher costs from such actions, enter into new collective bargaining agreements or renew collective bargaining agreements on less favorable terms. Many of the collective bargaining agreements that will cover individuals providing services to WBD are industry-wide agreements, and WBD may lack practical control over the negotiations and terms of these agreements. Union or labor disputes or player lock-outs relating to certain professional sports leagues may preclude WBD from producing and telecasting scheduled games or events and could negatively impact WBD’s promotional and marketing opportunities. Depending on their duration, union or labor disputes or player lock-outs could have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

As Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business both have operations in the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union could have an adverse impact on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom formally withdrew from the European Union, an event commonly referred to as “Brexit.” The transition period, during which the pre-Brexit rights and obligations on trade, travel and business for the United Kingdom and the European Union continued to apply, ended on December 31, 2020. As of January 1, 2021, the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union is governed by the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

As a result of Brexit, the single-market and country-of-origin principles which have facilitated Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s respective cross-border activities from the United Kingdom into the European Union have ceased, which could have a material adverse impact on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business have incurred, and may continue to incur, costs, including due to reestablishment of broadcasting entities from the United Kingdom into the European Union, staff relocations and business travel, to minimize disruption to their businesses in the European Union, especially given that the audiovisual sector is carved out of the current trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union. There remains potential legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the United Kingdom determines which EU laws to replace and/or replicate as well as further changes the European Union may make regarding its audiovisual sector.

The announcement and implementation of Brexit has caused significant volatility in global stock markets and currency exchange rate fluctuations. With the expansion of WBD’s international operations, its exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuation will increase. The increase in exposure could have a material adverse effect

 

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on its results of operations and net asset balances, due, in part, to currency fluctuations impacting the British pound and the Euro. Brexit may also create global uncertainty, which may cause a decrease in consumer discretionary spending. Decreases in consumer discretionary spending may affect cable television and other video service subscriptions where Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s networks are distributed. A decrease in the number of subscribers receiving their programming could have a negative impact on WBD’s distribution revenues and the rates it will be able to charge for advertising for its advertising-supported services. In addition, different market requirements for advertising content may impact WBD’s advertising revenues. Any of the foregoing factors may materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business have significant operations in a number of foreign jurisdictions and certain of their operations are, and certain of WBD’s operations will be, conducted—and certain of their debt obligations are, and certain of WBD’s debt obligations will be denominated—in foreign currencies. As a result, WBD will have exposure to foreign currency risk as it enters into transactions and makes investments denominated in multiple currencies. In addition, unforeseeable changes in foreign currency exchange rates could materially adversely affect WBD’s calculations of interest coverage and leverage ratios, which are used by independent rating agencies to assign short and long-term debt ratings. Lower debt ratings could increase WBD’s cost of borrowing or make it more difficult for it to obtain future financing, which could materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The value of these currencies fluctuates relative to the U.S. dollar. WBD’s consolidated financial statements will be denominated in U.S. dollars, and to prepare those financial statements it will need to translate the amounts of the assets, liabilities, net sales, other revenues and expenses of its operations outside of the United States from local currencies into U.S. dollars using exchange rates for the current period. As WBD expands its international operations, its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations will increase. This increased exposure could have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations. There is no assurance that downward trending currencies will rebound or that stable currencies will remain unchanged in any period or for any specific market.

Increasing complexity of global tax policy and regulations could adversely impact WBD’s business and results of operations.

WBD will face the increasing complexity of operating a global business, as Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business are subject to tax policy and regulations in multiple non-U.S. jurisdictions. Many foreign jurisdictions are contemplating additional taxes and/or levies on over-the-top services, as well as media advertising. In addition, many foreign jurisdictions have increased scrutiny and have either changed, or plan to change, their international tax systems due to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) recommendations. The BEPS recommendations call for enhanced transparency and reporting relating to companies’ entity structures and transfer pricing policies. These have been implemented through various initiatives, including the requirement for taxpayers to comply with global country-by-country reporting and the filing of a global master file, as well as the introduction of the multilateral instrument which allows taxing authorities to better take aim at multinational tax avoidance. WBD will address and comply with these compliance and reporting requirements. Recently, officials from 137 jurisdictions, including the United States, agreed upon a framework for overhauling the taxation of multinational corporations that includes, among other things, profit reallocation rules and a 15% global minimum corporate income tax rate. These provisions, if implemented, could have a material effect on WBD’s income tax liability.

Additional complexity has also arisen in state aid: state resources used to provide recipients an advantage on a selective basis that has or could distort competition and affect trade between European member states. In recent

 

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years, the EC has increased their scrutiny on state aid and deviated from the historical EU state aid practices. There is great uncertainty about the future of EU state aid practices based on the appeals of many significant EC rulings against multinational corporations that are currently being challenged. The potential impact of these rulings is difficult to assess and Discovery’s and AT&T’s respective transfer pricing analyses conducted pursuant to accepted OECD methodologies may not sufficiently mitigate risk associated with Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s past agreements, respectively, or WBD’s agreements. Continued access, at historical levels, to production incentive schemes, such as film subsidies and tax credits, may also be affected by proposed changes in the laws currently under examination.

In addition, the determination of WBD’s worldwide provision for income taxes and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities will require judgment and estimation. WBD’s income taxes could also be materially adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions that have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions that have higher statutory tax rates, by changes in the valuation of WBD’s deferred tax assets and liabilities, or by changes in worldwide tax laws, regulations or accounting principles.

In the United States, the Biden administration has issued guidance on certain tax law changes that it would support, which include, among other things, a significant increase in the corporate income tax rate, a new alternative minimum tax on book income and changes in the taxation of non-U.S. income. There has been recently released proposed legislation that includes, among other things, a new interest deduction limitation for certain domestic corporations that are members of certain multinational groups. While the outcome of these proposals cannot be predicted, if enacted, they could have a material effect on WBD’s income tax liability.

WBD expects to have directors in common with those of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”), Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”), Qurate Retail, Inc. (“Qurate Retail”) and Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”), which may result in the diversion of business opportunities or other potential conflicts.

Liberty Media, Liberty Global, Qurate Retail and Liberty Broadband (collectively, the “Liberty Entities”) own interests in various U.S. and international companies, such as Charter Communications, Inc., that have subsidiaries that own or operate domestic or foreign content services that may compete with the content services WBD will offer. WBD will have no rights in respect of U.S. or international content opportunities developed by or presented to the subsidiaries of any Liberty Entities, and the pursuit of these opportunities by such subsidiaries may materially adversely affect WBD’s interests and those of its stockholders. Because WBD and the Liberty Entities expect to have overlapping directors, the pursuit of business opportunities may serve to intensify the conflicts of interest or appearance of conflicts of interest faced by the respective management teams.

WBD expects to have directors who are also related persons of Advance/Newhouse and who overlap with those of the Liberty Entities, which may lead to conflicting interests for those tasked with the fiduciary duties of the WBD Board.

The WBD Board is expected to include Steven A. Miron, the Chief Executive Officer of ANP, and Steven O. Newhouse, the Co-President of Advance. In addition, the WBD Board is expected to include John C. Malone, who is currently chairman of the board of directors of each of Liberty Media, Liberty Global and Liberty Broadband and a member of the board of directors of Qurate Retail. Mr. Miron is also currently a member of the board of directors of Charter Communications, Inc., of which Liberty Broadband owns an equity interest. The parent company of Advance/Newhouse and the Liberty Entities own interests in a range of media, communications and entertainment businesses.

None of the Liberty Entities will own any interest in WBD. As of January 31, 2022, Dr. Malone beneficially owns: shares of Liberty Media representing approximately 48% of the aggregate voting power of its issued and outstanding stock, shares representing approximately 30% of the aggregate voting power of Liberty Global, shares representing approximately 7% of the aggregate voting power of Qurate Retail and shares representing

 

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approximately 49% of the aggregate voting power of Liberty Broadband. As of the Discovery record date, following the completion of the Transactions, Dr. Malone is expected to beneficially own shares representing approximately less than 1% of the aggregate voting power in WBD. Expected members of the WBD Board who are also directors of the Liberty Entities hold stock and stock-based compensation in the Liberty Entities and Discovery and will hold stock and stock-based compensation in WBD following the Transactions.

These ownership interests and/or business positions could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for WBD, Advance/Newhouse and/or the Liberty Entities. For example, there may be the potential for a conflict of interest when WBD, on the one hand, or Advance/Newhouse and/or one or more of the Liberty Entities, on the other hand, consider acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for the other.

The members of the WBD Board will have fiduciary duties to WBD and its stockholders. Likewise, those persons who serve in similar capacities at Advance/Newhouse or a Liberty Entity have fiduciary duties to those companies. Therefore, such persons may have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting both respective companies, and there can be no assurance that the terms of any transactions will be as favorable to WBD or its subsidiaries as would be the case in the absence of a conflict of interest.

Provisions in the WBD charter and the WBD bylaws and of applicable law may prevent or delay an acquisition of WBD, which could decrease the market price of WBD common stock.

The WBD charter, the WBD bylaws and the DGCL contain or will contain provisions that may have the effect of deterring takeovers of WBD by making such takeovers more expensive to the acquirer and by encouraging prospective acquirers to negotiate with the WBD Board rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include: (1) the division of the WBD Board into three classes of directors with Class I directors initially serving until immediately following WBD’s first annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger, Class II directors initially serving until immediately following WBD’s second annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger and Class III directors initially serving until immediately following WBD’s third annual meeting of stockholders after the completion of the Merger, which could have the effect of making the replacement of incumbent directors more time-consuming and difficult; (2) the prohibition of stockholder action by written consent; (3) rules regarding how the WBD stockholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at stockholder meetings; and (4) the right of the WBD Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. The DGCL will also impose some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between WBD and any holder of 15% or more of outstanding WBD common stock. For more information, see “Description of Capital Stock of Discovery and WBD—Certain Anti-Takeover Effects of the WBD Charter, the WBD Bylaws and Delaware Law.”

These provisions are intended to protect WBD stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with the WBD Board and by providing the WBD Board with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make WBD immune from takeovers. However, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that the WBD Board determines is not in the best interests of WBD and its stockholders. Accordingly, if the WBD Board determines that a potential business combination transaction is not in the best interests of WBD and its stockholders, but certain stockholders believe that such a transaction would be beneficial to WBD and its stockholders, such stockholders may elect to sell their shares in WBD and the market price of WBD common stock could decrease.

These and other provisions of the WBD charter, the WBD bylaws and the DGCL could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or other change in control, which may have a material adverse effect on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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The WBD charter will designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by WBD stockholders, which could discourage lawsuits against WBD and its directors and officers.

The WBD charter will provide that unless WBD consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of WBD, (2) any action or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, employee, stockholder or agent of WBD to WBD or its stockholders, (3) any action or proceeding asserting a claim arising out of or pursuant to, or seeking to enforce any right, obligation or remedy under, any provision of the DGCL or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery (including, without limitation, any action asserting a claim arising out of or pursuant to the WBD charter or the bylaws of the combined company) or (4) any action or proceeding asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

Unless WBD consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. Any person or entity acquiring any interest in shares of WBD common stock will be deemed to have notice of and consented to the exclusive forum provision in the WBD charter; however, stockholders cannot waive, and will not be deemed to have waived, WBD’s compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Stockholders will not be deemed to have waived WBD’s compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. The enforceability of similar exclusive forum provisions in other companies’ charters and bylaws has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with claims arising under federal securities laws or otherwise, a court could find the exclusive forum provision in the WBD charter to be inapplicable or unenforceable.

This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with WBD or its directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against WBD or its directors or officers. Alternatively, if a court were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, WBD may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions or forums, which could materially adversely affect WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in or incorporated by reference into this information statement that are not historical facts, including financial estimates and projections and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the Transactions, including expected synergies, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the rules, regulations and releases of the SEC. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the Transactions, including future financial and operating results, WBD’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the managements of Discovery, AT&T and the WarnerMedia Business and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of their control. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “aims,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “considered,” “likely,” “estimate” and variations of these words and similar future or conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on future circumstances that may or may not occur. Actual results may differ materially from the current beliefs and expectations of the managements of Discovery, AT&T and the WarnerMedia Business depending on a number of factors affecting their businesses and risks associated with the successful execution of the Transactions and the integration and performance of WBD following the Transactions. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should carefully consider the risks described herein and in reports that Discovery files with the SEC. See “Risk Factors” and “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.” Factors which could have a material adverse effect on operations and future prospects or which could cause events or circumstances to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

   

the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of, or prevent or delay the completion of, the Transactions;

 

   

the risk that Discovery stockholders may not approve the Charter Amendment proposals and the Share Issuance proposal, which are conditions to completion of the Merger under the Merger Agreement;

 

   

the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated or that may be burdensome;

 

   

potentially significant restrictions on Discovery and WBD, which could limit their ability to undertake certain corporate actions (such as certain stock issuances or business combinations) that otherwise could be advantageous;

 

   

the risk that the Transactions may not qualify for their intended tax treatment;

 

   

risks that any of the closing conditions to the Transactions may not be satisfied in a timely manner;

 

   

risks associated with third-party contracts containing consent and/or other provisions that may be triggered by the Transactions;

 

   

risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the Transactions;

 

   

risks related to Discovery’s ability to complete and WBD’s ability to integrate, maintain and obtain the anticipated financial and other benefits, including synergies, from the Transactions on a timely basis or at all;

 

   

the possibility that the Transactions may involve other unexpected costs or liabilities;

 

   

the risk that the integration of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business will be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected;

 

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risks and costs related to the pursuit and/or implementation of the Separation, including the timing anticipated to complete the Separation and any changes to the configuration of businesses included in the Separation if implemented;

 

   

risks related to any legal proceedings that have been or may be instituted against Discovery, AT&T and/or others relating to the Transactions;

 

   

risks related to the value of WBD common stock to be issued in the Transactions and uncertainty as to the long-term value of WBD common stock and AT&T common stock;

 

   

the effects of the announcement, pendency, completion or failure to achieve completion of the Transactions on Discovery’s, AT&T’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s operating results and businesses generally as well as the market price of AT&T common stock and Discovery capital stock;

 

   

risks related to financial community and rating agency perceptions of each of Discovery and AT&T and their respective business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which each operates;

 

   

the risk that Spinco, as a newly formed entity that currently has no credit rating, will not have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms;

 

   

the effects of the announcement, pendency, completion or failure to achieve completion of the Transactions on the ability of Discovery, AT&T or the WarnerMedia Business to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers;

 

   

inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used in the preparation of financial statements and the providing of estimates of financial measures, in accordance with GAAP and related standards, or on an adjusted or pro forma basis;

 

   

inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections;

 

   

future levels of indebtedness, including significant indebtedness expected to be incurred in connection with the Transactions, future compliance with debt covenants and the degree to which WBD will be leveraged following the completion of the Transactions;

 

   

failure to timely obtain or consummate the financing or refinancing required in connection with the Transactions upon acceptable terms or at all;

 

   

changes in the distribution and viewing of television programming, including the expanded deployment of personal video recorders, subscription video-on-demand, internet protocol television, mobile personal devices, personal tablets and user-generated content and their impact on television advertising revenue;

 

   

continued consolidation of distribution customers and production studios;

 

   

a failure in connection with or following the Separation to secure distribution agreements, or the renewal or modification of such agreements or other wholesale subscription or bundled services arrangements on less favorable terms;

 

   

rapid technological changes;

 

   

the inability of advertisers or affiliates to remit payment to Discovery or the WarnerMedia Business in a timely manner or at all;

 

   

risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the Transactions;

 

   

industry trends, including the timing of, and spending on, feature film, television and television commercial production;

 

   

spending on domestic and foreign television advertising;

 

   

disagreements with Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s distributors or other business partners over contract interpretation;

 

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fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political unrest and regulatory changes in international markets, including any proposed or adopted regulatory changes that impact the operations of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s international media properties and/or modify the terms under which they offer their services and operate in international markets;

 

   

market demand for foreign first-run and existing content libraries;

 

   

the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, and the entities in which Discovery has interests, operate;

 

   

uncertainties associated with product and service development and market acceptance, including the development and provision of programming for new television and telecommunications technologies and coordinating the offering of discovery+ and HBO Max;

 

   

realizing DTC subscriber goals, including through the activation of subscriptions by subscribers receiving access through bundled services or other wholesale subscription arrangements;

 

   

future financial performance, including availability, terms and deployment of capital;

 

   

the ability of suppliers and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services;

 

   

the outcome of any pending, threatened or potential litigation;

 

   

availability of qualified personnel and recruiting, motivating and retaining talent;

 

   

the possibility or duration of an industry-wide strike or other job action affecting a major entertainment industry union or others involved in the development and production of WBD’s television programming, feature films and interactive entertainment (e.g., games) who are covered by collective bargaining agreements;

 

   

changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the FCC and similar authorities internationally and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;

 

   

changes in income taxes due to regulatory changes or changes in Discovery’s or WBD’s corporate structure;

 

   

the parties’ ability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatment of the Transactions;

 

   

changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, distributors and equity method investee partners;

 

   

competitor responses to WBD’s products and services and the products and services of the entities in which WBD will have interests;

 

   

threatened or actual cyberattacks and cybersecurity breaches;

 

   

threatened or actual terrorist attacks and military action, including the intensification or expansion of the conflict in Ukraine;

 

   

the risk that natural disasters, public health issues, epidemics and pandemics, including COVID-19 and its variants, or the fear of such events, could provoke responses that cause delays in the expected timing of the Transactions, including, without limitation, as a result of any government or company imposed travel restrictions or the closure of government offices and resulting delays with respect to any matters pending before such governmental authorities;

 

   

the severity, magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and containment, mitigation and other measures taken in response, including the potential impacts of these matters on WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations;

 

   

the inability to predict the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and related impacts will continue to impact WBD’s business, financial condition and results of operations;

 

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reduced access to capital markets or significant increases in costs to borrow, including as a result of higher interest rates and perceived, potential or actual inflation;

 

   

service disruptions or the failure of communications satellites or transmitter facilities;

 

   

potential changes to the electromagnetic spectrum currently used for broadcast television and satellite distribution being considered by the FCC could negatively impact the WarnerMedia Business’s ability to deliver pay-TV network feeds of its domestic pay-TV programming networks to its affiliates, and, in some cases, the WarnerMedia Business’s ability to produce high-value news and entertainment programming on location;

 

   

theft of Discovery’s or the WarnerMedia Business’s content and unauthorized duplication, distribution and exhibition of such content;

 

   

changes in existing U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, as well as possible private rights of action, regarding intellectual property rights protection and privacy, personal data protection and user consent;

 

   

a reduction of advertising revenue associated with unexpected reductions in the number of viewers; and

 

   

other risks detailed from time to time in the respective filings of Discovery and AT&T with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Unlisted factors, risks and uncertainties may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. The information included herein speaks as of the date hereof. Discovery, AT&T and Spinco expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements included herein to reflect any change in expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

 

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PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTIONS

Information about Discovery

Discovery is a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platforms, including linear platforms such as pay-TV, free-to-air and broadcast television, authenticated GO applications, digital distribution arrangements, content licensing arrangements and DTC subscription products, including discovery+, the definitive real-life subscription service. As one of the world’s largest pay-TV programmers, as of December 31, 2021, Discovery provides original and purchased content and live events to approximately 3.5 billion cumulative subscribers and viewers worldwide through networks that it wholly or partially owns. Discovery distributes customized content in the United States and over 220 other countries and territories in over 50 languages. Discovery has an extensive library of content and owns most rights to its content and footage, which enables Discovery to leverage its library to quickly launch brands and services into new markets and on new platforms. Discovery’s content can be re-edited and updated in a cost-effective manner to provide topical versions of subject matter that can be utilized around the world on a variety of platforms.

Discovery’s content spans genres including survival, natural history, exploration, sports, general entertainment, home, food, travel, heroes, adventure, crime and investigation, health and kids. Discovery’s global portfolio of networks includes prominent nonfiction television brands such as Discovery Channel, its most widely distributed global brand, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Science and MotorTrend (previously known as Velocity domestically and currently known as Turbo in most international distribution countries). Among other networks in the United States, Discovery also features two Spanish-language services, Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia. Discovery Sports oversees Discovery’s international portfolio of sports businesses, brands, channels and platforms. This includes Eurosport, a leading multi-sports entertainment destination and broadcaster of the Olympic Games across Europe (excluding Russia), live and on-demand sports streaming, including Eurosport’s content, on discovery+; Global Cycling Network and Global Mountain Bike Network, part of the cycling media group; Golf Digest, a premier golf destination; and Discovery Sports Events, a global sports promoter. Beyond sports, Discovery’s international portfolio includes TVN, a Polish media company; as well as Discovery Kids, a leading children’s entertainment brand in Latin America. Discovery participates in joint ventures including Magnolia, the multi-platform venture with Chip and Joanna Gaines, and Group Nine Media, a digital media holding company home to digital brands including NowThis News, the Dodo, Thrillist, PopSugar and Seeker. Discovery also operates production studios.

In 2021, Discovery launched discovery+, its aggregated DTC product, in the United States across several streaming platforms and entered into a partnership with Verizon. Since then, discovery+ has expanded internationally, including in the UK, Canada, the Philippines, Brazil, Italy and India. As of December 31, 2021, Discovery had 22 million total paid DTC subscribers.1 discovery+ currently has an extensive content library, including original series and documentaries. The service is available with ads or on an ad-free tier, providing Discovery with dual revenue streams.

 

1 

Discovery defines a DTC subscription as: (1) a subscription to a DTC product for which it has recognized subscription revenue from a DTC platform; (2) a subscription received through wholesale arrangements for which Discovery receives a fee for the distribution of its DTC platforms, as well as subscriptions provided directly or through third-party platforms; and (3) a subscription recognized by certain joint venture partners and affiliated parties. Discovery may refer to the aggregate number of subscriptions across its DTC services as subscribers. A subscription is only counted if it is on a paying status, and excludes users on free trials. At the end of each quarter, the subscription count includes the actual number of users that rolled to pay up to seven days immediately following quarter end.

 

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Discovery aims to invest in high-quality content for its networks and brands with the objective of building viewership, optimizing distribution revenue, capturing advertising revenue, and creating or repositioning branded channels and business to sustain long-term growth and occupy a desired content niche with strong consumer appeal. Discovery’s strategy is to maximize the distribution, ratings and profit potential of each of its linear branded networks and genres, as well as its DTC products. Discovery has grown distribution and advertising revenues for its linear branded networks and discovery+. In addition to growing distribution and advertising revenues for its branded networks, Discovery has extended content distribution across new platforms, including brand-aligned websites, online streaming, mobile devices, VOD, and broadband channels, which provide promotional platforms for its television content and serve as additional outlets for advertising and distribution revenue. Discovery’s goal is to reach consumers wherever and whenever they are consuming content, as well as reaching new audiences including broadband only, cord cutters and cord nevers, while continuing to serve its linear network subscribers. Audience ratings, audience engagement and channel packaging are key drivers in generating advertising revenue and creating demand on the part of cable television operators, direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite operators, telecommunication service providers, device partners and other content distributors who deliver Discovery content to their customers.

As of December 31, 2021, Discovery had approximately 11,000 employees, including full-time and part-time employees of its wholly owned subsidiaries and consolidated ventures. Discovery’s employees are located in 35 different countries, with 34% located in the United States and 66% located outside of the United States.

Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock and Discovery Series C common stock are listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “DISCA,” “DISCB” and “DISCK,” respectively.

Discovery’s principal executive office is located at 230 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10003 (telephone number: (212) 548-5555).

Business Segments

Although Discovery utilizes certain brands and content globally, Discovery classifies its operations in two reportable segments: U.S. Networks, consisting principally of domestic television networks and digital content services, and International Networks, consisting primarily of international television networks and digital content services. Discovery’s segment presentation aligns with its management structure and the financial information Discovery management uses to make decisions about operating matters, such as the allocation of resources and business performance assessments.

U.S. Networks

Discovery’s U.S. Networks segment principally consists of national television networks. Discovery’s U.S. Networks segment owns and operates 16 national television networks, including fully distributed television networks such as Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel and Animal Planet. In addition, Discovery operates the following U.S. Networks: MotorTrend, DIY Network (which converted to the Magnolia Network in January 2022), Science, Discovery Family, American Heroes Channel, Destination America, Discovery Life, Cooking Channel and OWN. In 2021, Discovery also provided authenticated U.S. TV Everywhere (“TVE”) streaming products that are available to pay-TV subscribers and connect viewers through Discovery’s GO applications with live and on-demand access to award-winning shows and series from 16 U.S. networks in the Discovery portfolio and from Discovery Familia and Discovery en Español. During 2021, Discovery achieved increases in U.S. digital platform consumption. Furthermore, Discovery provides certain networks to consumers as part of subscription-based over-the-top services provided by DirectTV Stream, AT&T Watch, Hulu + Live, SlingTV, fuboTV, and YouTube TV.

U.S. Networks generates revenues from fees charged to distributors of Discovery’s television networks’ first run content, which includes cable, DTH satellite and telecommunication service providers, referred to as affiliate fees; fees from distributors for licensed content and content to equity method investee networks, referred to as other distribution revenue; fees from advertising sold on Discovery’s television networks and digital products, which include discovery+, Discovery’s GO suite of TVE applications and other DTC subscription products; fees

 

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from providing sales representation, network distribution services; and revenue from licensing Discovery’s brands for consumer products. Typically, Discovery’s television networks are aired pursuant to multi-year carriage agreements that provide for the level of carriage that Discovery’s networks will receive and for annual graduated rate increases. Carriage of Discovery’s networks depends on package inclusion, such as whether networks are on the more widely distributed, broader packages or lesser-distributed, specialized packages, also referred to as digital tiers. In 2021, in the United States, approximately 84% of Discovery’s distribution revenues came from the top ten distributors, with whom Discovery has agreements that expire at various times. Distribution fees are typically collected ratably throughout the year. Certain of Discovery’s DTC products, including the launch of Discovery’s aggregated discovery+ service in January 2021, provide dual revenue streams.

Advertising revenue is generated across multiple platforms and is based on the price received for available advertising spots and is dependent upon a number of factors including the number of subscribers to Discovery’s channels, viewership demographics, the popularity of Discovery’s programming, Discovery’s ability to sell commercial time over a portfolio of channels and leverage multiple platforms to connect advertisers to target audiences. In the United States, advertising time is sold in the upfront and scatter markets. In the upfront market, advertisers buy advertising time for upcoming seasons and, by committing to purchase in advance, lock in the advertising rates they will pay for the upcoming year. Many upfront advertising commitments include options whereby advertisers may reduce or increase purchase commitments. In the scatter market, advertisers buy advertising closer to the time when the commercials will be run, which often results in a pricing premium compared to the upfront rates. The mix of upfront and scatter market advertising time sold is based upon the economic conditions at the time that upfront sales take place, impacting the sell-out levels Discovery management is willing or able to obtain. The demand in the scatter market then impacts the pricing achieved for Discovery’s remaining advertising inventory. Scatter market pricing can vary from upfront pricing and can be volatile.

International Networks

Discovery’s International Networks segment principally consists of national and pan-regional television networks and brands that are delivered across multiple distribution platforms. This segment generates revenue from operations in virtually every pay-TV market in the world through an infrastructure that includes operational centers in London, Amsterdam, Paris, New Delhi, Warsaw and Miami. Global brands include Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Animal Planet, TLC, ID, Science and MotorTrend (known as Turbo outside of the United States), along with brands exclusive to International Networks, including Eurosport, Discovery Kids, DMAX, Discovery Home & Health, and TVN. As of December 31, 2021, International Networks operates unique distribution feeds in over 50 languages with channel feeds customized according to language needs and advertising sales opportunities. International Networks also has free-to-air networks in Europe, and continues to pursue further international expansion.

Free-to-air and broadcast networks generate a significant portion of International Networks’ revenue. The penetration and growth rates of television services vary across countries and territories depending on numerous factors including the dominance of different television platforms in local markets. While pay-TV services have greater penetration in certain markets, free-to-air or broadcast television is dominant in others. International Networks has a large international distribution platform with nearly 80 networks, with as many as 23 networks distributed in any particular country or territory across more than 220 countries and territories around the world. International Networks pursues distribution across all television platforms based on the specific dynamics of local markets and relevant commercial agreements.

With the growing demand for consumer content on digital and mobile devices, a suite of international DTC products has been made available to consumers. dplay, Discovery’s real-life entertainment streaming service, was rebranded to Discovery’s new global streaming service, discovery+. The remainder of the dplay markets, including the UK, Ireland, the Nordics, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Brazil followed in 2021. Discovery

 

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expanded its DTC offering in 2021 by leveraging its library of local-language content, as well as its broad portfolio of live sports. Eurosport’s existing streaming service, Eurosport Player, offers premium and localized sports to fans in Europe. This service is expected to continue to be available until discovery+ launches in each market and Eurosport Player’s content is fully integrated onto the service in those markets.

Similar to U.S. Networks, a significant source of revenue for International Networks relates to fees charged to operators who distribute Discovery’s linear networks. Such operators primarily include cable and DTH satellite service providers. International television markets vary in their stages of development. Some markets, such as the United Kingdom, are more advanced digital television markets, while others remain in the analog environment with varying degrees of investment from operators to expand channel capacity or convert to digital technologies. Common practice in some markets results in long-term contractual distribution relationships, while customers in other markets renew contracts annually. Distribution revenue for Discovery’s International Networks segment is largely dependent on the number of subscribers that receive Discovery’s networks or content, the rates negotiated in the distributor agreements, and the market demand for the content that Discovery provides. International Networks additionally generates revenues through DTC subscription services.

The other significant source of revenue for International Networks relates to advertising sold on Discovery’s television networks and across distribution platforms, similar to U.S. Networks. Advertising revenue is dependent upon a number of factors, including the development of pay-TV and free-to-air television markets, the number of subscribers to and viewers of Discovery’s channels, viewership demographics, the popularity of Discovery’s programming, and Discovery’s ability to sell commercial time over a portfolio of channels on multiple platforms. In certain markets, Discovery’s advertising sales business operates with in-house sales teams, while Discovery relies on external sales representation services in other markets. Outside the United States, advertisers typically buy advertising closer to the time when the commercials will be run. In developing pay-TV markets, Discovery expects advertising revenue growth will result from subscriber growth, its localization strategy, and the shift of advertising spending from broadcast to pay-TV. In mature markets, such as Western Europe, high proportions of market penetration and distribution are unlikely to drive rapid revenue growth. Instead, growth in advertising sales comes from increasing viewership and pricing and launching new services, either in pay-TV, broadcast, or free-to-air television environments.

This information statement incorporates important business and financial information about Discovery from other documents that are not included in or delivered with this information statement. For a more detailed description of Discovery’s business and operations, see Discovery’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.”

WBD’s Business after the Transactions

The combination of Discovery’s and the WarnerMedia Business’s robust portfolios of entertainment, kids, news and sports content is expected to position WBD as a stronger global competitor in streaming and digital entertainment with favorable prospects in the global DTC race, and improve the overall growth profile for WBD in the future. The Transactions bring together the complementary brands of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business to the benefit of consumers. The Transactions will combine the WarnerMedia Business’s storied content library of popular and valuable intellectual property with Discovery’s global footprint, trove of local-language content and deep regional expertise across more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery expects this broad, worldwide portfolio of brands, coupled with its DTC potential and the attractiveness of the combined assets, to result in increased market penetration globally.

 

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Information about AT&T

AT&T is a Delaware corporation formed in 1983 (formerly, SBC Communications Inc.) as one of several regional holding companies created to hold ATTC’s local telephone companies. On January 1, 1984, AT&T was spun off from ATTC pursuant to an antitrust consent decree, becoming an independent publicly traded telecommunications services provider. At formation, AT&T primarily operated in five southwestern states. Following its formation, AT&T has expanded its footprint and operations by acquiring various businesses. With approximately 173,000 employees worldwide (excluding employees of the WarnerMedia Business) as of December 31, 2021, AT&T is a leading provider of telecommunications, media and technology services globally.

AT&T’s principal executive offices are located at 208 S. Akard St., Dallas, Texas, 75202, and its telephone number is (210) 821-4105. AT&T’s website address is www.att.com. This website address is for information only and is not intended to be an active link or to be incorporated by reference into or part of this information statement.

Information about the WarnerMedia Business

Overview

The WarnerMedia Business is a global media and entertainment company that develops, produces and acquires feature films, television, gaming and other content for monetization in various media outlets including theatrically, its own and third-party basic and premium pay-TV, free-to-air television, DTC services, live events and physical/digital retail.

Business Segments and Products

The WarnerMedia Business is organized as an integrated content organization that operates as a single segment. Content creation, distribution, and programming are centrally managed to ensure that the highest-quality content is available to consumers on the optimal platform or format on a worldwide basis. In 2021, the WarnerMedia Business generated $33.5 billion of revenue globally. The following table sets forth the WarnerMedia Business’s global revenue by category:

 

Global Revenue    For the Year Ended
December 31, 2020
(U.S. Dollars, billions)
 

Subscription

   $ 12.6  

Advertising

     4.4  

Content

     12.0  

RelatedParty

     3.6  

Other

     0.9  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 33.5  

The WarnerMedia Business’s subscription revenue consists principally of subscriber-based revenue from HBO networks (both traditional linear and legacy streaming on-demand offerings) and the HBO Max streaming platform, as well as from the WarnerMedia Business’s basic networks. HBO’s networks (including Cinemax) are available in the United States and internationally to subscribers through traditional and digital distributors on a premium pay basis and, in certain territories, in the basic television tier, as well as directly to consumers. The HBO Max platform is made available by the WarnerMedia Business on an over-the-top subscription basis through the internet directly to consumers and through third-party distribution partners. HBO Max launched in the United States in May 2020 with an advertising-free service, in Latin America and the Caribbean in June 2021 and in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Spain and Andorra in October 2021, with further European expansion planned for 2022. The WarnerMedia Business’s pay-TV networks are primarily delivered by

 

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traditional television distributors, such as cable, satellite, and telecommunications service providers, as well as digital distributors, and are available to subscribers of the distributors for viewing live and on demand through the distributors’ services and companion network apps.

The WarnerMedia Business’s advertising revenue consists primarily of advertising arrangements for its basic pay-TV networks and related properties, and going forward will include the advertising-supported tier of HBO Max, which launched in the United States in June 2021. In the United States and internationally, advertising revenues generally depend on the size and demographics of a network’s audience delivered to an advertiser, the number of units of time sold and the price per unit. The price per unit of advertising is determined considering factors such as the type of program or network, the level of targeting and/or the time of day the advertising is to be run. Certain advertising inventory is sold in the “upfront” market in advance each year and other inventory is sold in the “scatter” market closer to the time that a program airs.

The WarnerMedia Business’s content revenue consists principally of licensing feature films for initial theatrical exhibition, and films and television programs for traditional television broadcast and distribution via digital platforms, including via free-to-air, basic and premium pay-TV; television syndication; and streaming services. Content revenue also includes home entertainment sales and rentals of film and television products (physical and digital, including premium video-on-demand, transactional video-on-demand and electronic sell-through), publishing and distribution of interactive entertainment (physical and digital) across all platforms, comic book and other book publishing, and consumer products licensing.

The WarnerMedia Business uses the content it produces across its various branded programming services and distribution platforms, including its traditional linear networks and the HBO Max platform. The television and film programming content that the WarnerMedia Business produces is also licensed to third parties for use as part of their various video services and platforms. The WarnerMedia Business also acquires television and film programming content from third parties to include as part of its branded services and platforms. Decisions relating to content development and production are dependent upon finding optimal audiences and distribution outlets. In response to the general disruptions to consumer behavior and entertainment options caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the WarnerMedia Business has adapted by trying variations on traditional theatrical distribution models, such as “day and date” release windowing for certain films for on-demand and theatrical availability and the shortening of the traditional theatrical window for others, and exploring other hybrid models. As consumers demand more and different optionality over how and when to consume their favorite content, traditional distribution models for the WarnerMedia Business can be expected to continue to adapt and evolve responsively.

The WarnerMedia Business’s product offerings include:

 

   

Pay-TV networks and related properties primarily delivered by distributors as a subscription service including:

 

   

Premium pay-TV services, including HBO and Cinemax;

 

   

Basic television networks, including TNT, TBS, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, truTV, Turner Classic Movies and the Warner Channel; and

 

   

As part of its networking offerings, live sports including NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer (Argentine Primera División and Chilean Primera División) and the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament;

 

   

The HBO Max platform;

 

   

Advertising products primarily from the sale of units of time on the WarnerMedia Business’s basic networks, with additional revenue earned from advertising on related digital platforms including on HBO Max’s advertising-supported tier;

 

   

Feature films;

 

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Television series including animation, scripted and unscripted content;

 

   

Interactive entertainment (e.g., games) across all platforms (console, PC and mobile);

 

   

Comic books and graphic novels;

 

   

Consumer products licensing, such as brand and character intellectual property for merchandising and themed entertainment;

 

   

Studio tours and retail stores; and

 

   

Branded digital properties including Bleacher Report and CNN Digital.

Major Customers and Competition

As of December 31, 2021, the WarnerMedia Business had approximately 73.8 million HBO Max/HBO subscribers globally.2 HBO’s original programming is also licensed to third-party television networks and digital platforms in certain territories outside of the United States, and is also made available to customers in both physical and digital home video formats in both the United States and various international regions. Pay-TV network programming is primarily delivered by distributors and is available to subscribers of the distributors for viewing on a linear and on-demand basis through the distributors’ services and network apps. As a provider of advertising-supported programming services, the WarnerMedia Business is also active in the business of third-party advertising sales. The WarnerMedia Business does not believe it is dependent on any significant customers.

The WarnerMedia Business continues to face shifts in consumer viewing patterns, increased competition from streaming services and expansion by other companies—in particular, technology companies—into the content production, acquisition and distribution space. The WarnerMedia Business competes with other studios and television production groups and independent producers that develop, produce, acquire and sell programming. Many television networks, technology companies and online platforms are investing in content. The WarnerMedia Business’s television networks and premium pay-TV and basic tier television services and the HBO Max platform also face competition from other television networks, online platforms/streaming video service providers, and pay-TV service providers. In addition, the WarnerMedia Business faces rising competition for consumer attention from social media, games, short-form video and other digital offerings.

The WarnerMedia Business’s creative and distribution groups work together using their strong brands, distinctive intellectual property and global reach to produce and distribute content that resonates deeply with consumers. As the television industry continues to evolve, with developments in technology, rapid growth of new video services and shifting consumer viewing habits, the WarnerMedia Business believes that it is well-positioned to address and capitalize on these changes. Accordingly, the WarnerMedia Business is focused on

 

2 

As previously disclosed by AT&T, the WarnerMedia Business counts as HBO Max and HBO subscribers domestic and international accounts with access to HBO Max (including wholesale subscribers that may not have signed in) and HBO accounts and excludes free trials, basic and Cinemax subscribers.

 

   

Domestic HBO Max and HBO subscribers include the following categories of U.S. accounts: (a) HBO Max — Wholesale: accounts that have access to HBO Max through a wholesale distributor (including wholesale subscribers and subscribers receiving access through bundled services with affiliates that may not have signed in), (b) HBO Max — Retail: accounts that have access to HBO Max and are billed directly by the WarnerMedia Business or by a third party via in-app purchase, (c) HBO: accounts that do not have access to HBO Max, and (d) HBO Commercial: commercial accounts that do not have access to HBO Max and are billed on a bulk basis (e.g., hotels, etc.). Domestic HBO Max and HBO subscribers do not include free trials or Cinemax subscribers.

 

   

International HBO Max and HBO subscribers consist of non-domestic accounts with access to HBO Max (including wholesale subscribers that may not have signed in), and HBO accounts and exclude free trial, basic and Cinemax subscribers.

 

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both its position within the traditional TV ecosystem and pursuing growth opportunities outside that ecosystem, including increasing the content and services offered directly to consumers (for example, through HBO Max).

Employees

Number of Employees

As of December 31, 2021, the WarnerMedia Business employed approximately 29,500 employees around the world. The WarnerMedia Business is currently led by senior leaders who have extensive experience in their respective fields. Approximately 68% of the WarnerMedia Business’s employees are located in the United States and approximately 32% are based outside of the United States.

Employees Development

The WarnerMedia Business believes its success depends on its employees’ success and that all employees must have the skills they need to thrive. Through partnerships with external learning platforms and development programs as well as learning content developed by internal experts, the WarnerMedia Business offers training and elective courses and programs that give employees the opportunity to enhance their skills and capabilities.

Labor Contracts

In addition to the headcount mentioned above, the WarnerMedia Business and some of its suppliers and business partners retain the services of writers, directors, actors, announcers, athletes, technicians, trade employees and others involved in the development and production of its television programming and feature films who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. A significant portion of its production employees are union-represented by trade and labor organizations such as the International Alliance of Theatrical & Stage Employees & Motion Picture Technicians, Artists (IATSE) and Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). After expiration of the collective bargaining agreements, work stoppages or labor disruptions may occur in the absence of new contracts or other agreements being reached. The WarnerMedia Business had approximately 10-15 contracts expiring before the end of 2021, which contracts have either been renewed or extended into 2022.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to salaries, the WarnerMedia Business provides a variety of benefit programs to help meet the needs of its employees. These programs cover active and former employees and may vary by subsidiary and region. These programs include 401(k) plans, retirement benefits, and health and welfare benefits, among many others. In addition to benefits offered to its active employee base, as of December 31, 2021, the WarnerMedia Business had approximately 2,000 active employees eligible to receive retiree benefits upon retirement and approximately 900 retirees and dependents who presently receive retiree benefits.

The WarnerMedia Business reviews its compensation and benefit plans to maintain competitive packages that reflect the needs of its workforce. The WarnerMedia Business also adapts its compensation model to provide fair and inclusive pay practices across its business. The WarnerMedia Business is committed to pay equity for employees who hold the same jobs, work in the same geographic area, and have the same levels of experience and performance.

Employee Safety

The WarnerMedia Business provides its employees access to flexible and convenient health and welfare programs and workplace accommodations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WarnerMedia Business consulted with medical professionals to institute policies that best protected its employees and provided for the healthiest workplace possible in order to continue production operations and critical business. The WarnerMedia

 

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Business prioritizes employee safety, by providing a comprehensive education campaign, a suite of systems designed to address unique COVID-19 health and wellness protocols, personal protective equipment, flexible scheduling or time-off options and implementing technologies to enhance the necessary remote-work environment. As the WarnerMedia Business looks to life and operations beyond the pandemic, the WarnerMedia Business is revising its business models to support a hybrid work environment and at-home productivity tools for many employees on a permanent basis.

Diversity and Inclusion

The WarnerMedia Business views equity and inclusion as both business and moral imperatives and its priority is to make equity and inclusion fundamental parts of its DNA, every day. The WarnerMedia Business leads with a systems-based approach, meaning that it focuses on intentionally identifying and dismantling structural, systemic barriers that perpetuate inequitable outcomes so it can guarantee the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all. In turn, the WarnerMedia Business will be able to attract and retain a workforce that reflects the diversity of its audiences around the world. This approach allows the WarnerMedia Business to align its equity and inclusion and corporate social responsibility efforts towards a comprehensive and intentional strategy that addresses equity in the key areas of workforce and production, content, programs and community as recently highlighted in its 2020/2021 Equity & Inclusion Report. The WarnerMedia Business is inherently centered around people, so it will also supplement this approach with a deep focus on creating an inclusive environment in which all individuals and groups can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate and bring their full, authentic selves to work.

Intellectual Property

The WarnerMedia Business creates, owns and distributes intellectual property, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and domain names, as well as licenses the intellectual property of third parties. To protect its intellectual property, the WarnerMedia Business relies on a combination of laws and regulations and license agreements. Outside of the United States, laws and regulations relating to intellectual property protection and the effective enforcement of these laws and regulations vary greatly from country to country. The EC is pursuing legislative and regulatory initiatives which could impact the WarnerMedia Business’s activities in the European Union. Piracy, particularly of digital content, continues to threaten the WarnerMedia Business’s revenues from products and services, and the WarnerMedia Business works to limit that threat through a combination of approaches, including through enforcement, technological countermeasures and advocacy for legislative solutions.

Regulatory Environment

The WarnerMedia Business’s businesses are subject to and affected by laws and regulations of U.S. federal, state and local governmental authorities, as well as the laws and regulations of other countries and international bodies such as the United Kingdom and the European Union, including laws and regulations relating to intellectual property, as described above. These laws and regulations are subject to change.

The WarnerMedia Business’s businesses are subject to laws and regulations governing data privacy, data security and cybersecurity. For example, in the United States, the WarnerMedia Business is subject to: (1) CCPA and CPRA, which gives California residents broad rights to access, delete, and opt-out of the sale of their personal information; (2) the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which applies to certain of the WarnerMedia Business’s websites, mobile apps and other online business activities and restricts the collection, maintenance and use of personal information regarding children; (3) the Privacy and Security Rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which imposes privacy and security requirements on the WarnerMedia Business’s health plans for its employees and on service providers under those plans; (4) the Video Privacy Protection Act, which restricts disclosure of personally identifiable video viewing information; (5) state statutes requiring data security controls and notice to individuals when personally identifiable information has

 

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been accessed or acquired in a data breach; and (6) privacy and security rules imposed by the payment card industry, as well as regulations designed to protect against identity theft and fraud in connection with the collection of credit and debit card payments from consumers. In the EU, for example, the WarnerMedia Business is subject to GDPR, which gives individuals broad rights to access, delete, and opt-out of the sale of their personal information.

The WarnerMedia Business’s businesses are also subject to a number of laws and regulations relating to the distribution and licensing of television programming, the content of and access to that programming, and advertising and marketing. In the United States, for example, cable networks and premium pay-TV services, either directly or indirectly through their distribution partners, are subject to various obligations under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and related regulations issued by the FCC. These obligations and regulations, among other things, require closed captioning of programming for the hearing impaired, require certain content providers to make available audio descriptions of programming for the visually impaired, limit the amount and content of commercial matter that may be shown during programming aimed primarily at an audience of children aged 12 and under, and require the identification of (or the maintenance of lists of) sponsors of political advertising. In the EU, for example, there is a continually evolving regulatory environment capable of impacting the audiovisual sector and the WarnerMedia Business’s activities. This includes legislation such as GDPR, the Copyright Directive, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the proposed Digital Services Act.

Legal Proceedings

The WarnerMedia Business is, from time to time, subject to a variety of lawsuits, regulatory proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and claims, the WarnerMedia Business often cannot predict what the eventual outcome of the pending matters will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties related to each pending matter may be. An adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to the WarnerMedia Business’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period. Based upon the experience of its management, current information and applicable law, the WarnerMedia Business does not believe that these proceedings and claims will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 20 to the Combined Financial Statements of the WarnerMedia Business.

Properties

The WarnerMedia Business has principal corporate offices located in New York, New York. The WarnerMedia Business owns or leases offices; studios; technical, production and warehouse spaces; communications facilities and other properties in numerous locations globally. Additional information with respect to the WarnerMedia Business’s property and equipment and leases is contained in Notes 8 and 9 to the Combined Financial Statements of the WarnerMedia Business.

The WarnerMedia Business’s principal sites include facilities which, in the opinion of its management, are suitable and adequate for their use and have sufficient capacity for its current business needs and expected near-term growth. No title examination of the properties has been made for the purpose of this information statement.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS OF DISCOVERY AND THE WARNERMEDIA BUSINESS

On May 17, 2021, Discovery and Merger Sub entered into definitive agreements with AT&T and Spinco, pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and conditions therein, (1) AT&T will transfer the WarnerMedia Business to Spinco (the Separation), (2) Spinco will (a) make a cash distribution to AT&T equal to approximately $30.0 billion, subject to adjustment, including (i) a $3.0 billion increase for the Reallocation Amount, (ii) a reduction for the approximately $1.6 billion of existing debt of the WarnerMedia Business to be assumed by the Spinco Group, (iii) net working capital and (iv) other adjustments (the Special Cash Payment) and (b)(i) issue to AT&T the Spinco Debt Securities that satisfy the Par Exchange Requirement, (ii) distribute to AT&T all or a portion of the cash proceeds from the borrowing by Spinco under the Spinco Financing Agreements and/or use all or a portion of the cash proceeds of such borrowing to purchase assets of the WarnerMedia Business from AT&T or (iii) undertake a combination of the actions described in (2)(b)(i) and (2)(b)(ii) such that AT&T has received, in the aggregate, the Additional Amount of approximately $13.0 billion, subject to adjustment, (3) AT&T will distribute to its stockholders all of the issued and outstanding shares of Spinco common stock in a distribution that will, at AT&T’s election, take place either by way of (i) a pro rata distribution of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders or (ii) an exchange offer followed by a pro rata distribution of any shares of Spinco common stock remaining if such exchange offer is not fully subscribed because the number of shares of AT&T common stock tendered and accepted does not result in all shares of Spinco common stock being distributed in the exchange offer (the Distribution), (4) Discovery will amend and restate the Discovery charter to reclassify and automatically convert each issued and outstanding share of Discovery Series A common stock, Discovery Series B common stock, Discovery Series C common stock, Discovery Series A-1 preferred stock and Discovery Series C-1 preferred stock into such number of shares of WBD common stock as set forth in the Merger Agreement (the Reclassification) and (5) Merger Sub will merge with and into Spinco, with Spinco as the surviving corporation (the Merger) and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery.

On February 1, 2022, AT&T announced that the AT&T Board had determined to structure the Distribution as a pro rata distribution rather than an exchange offer. On the Closing Date, AT&T will distribute 100% of the shares of Spinco common stock to AT&T stockholders on a pro rata basis. As a result of the Merger, the existing shares of Spinco common stock will automatically convert into the right to receive shares of WBD common stock. Immediately after the completion of the Merger, approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis are expected to be held by holders of shares of Spinco common stock as of immediately prior to the Merger and approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock are expected to be held by holders of Discovery capital stock as of immediately prior to the Reclassification and the Merger.

On March 4, 2022, AT&T provided notice that its good faith estimate of the aggregate basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the assets to be contributed to Spinco pursuant to the Separation Plan is $33.0 billion. Consequently, the Special Cash Payment was adjusted to approximately $33.0 billion, subject to further adjustment, and the Additional Amount was adjusted to approximately $10.0 billion.

On March 15, 2022, Spinco issued $30.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of Spinco Notes, including Spinco Debt Securities in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 billion issued to AT&T, and AT&T completed the Securities Exchange.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements presented below are derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of Discovery and the historical combined financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and the notes thereto have been prepared to illustrate the estimated effects of the Transactions in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses”. Release No. 33-10786 replaced the existing pro forma adjustment

 

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criteria with simplified requirements to depict the accounting for the transaction (“Transaction Accounting Adjustments”) and present the reasonably estimable synergies and other transaction effects that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur (“Management’s Adjustments”). Discovery has elected not to present Management’s Adjustments and only presents Transaction Accounting Adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 combines the historical consolidated statement of operations of Discovery and the historical combined statement of operations of the WarnerMedia Business, giving effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 combines the historical consolidated balance sheet of Discovery and the historical combined balance sheet of the WarnerMedia Business, giving effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 1—Basis of Presentation for additional information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business referenced below:

 

   

Discovery’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, which are included in Discovery’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed on February 24, 2022;

 

   

The WarnerMedia Business’s audited combined financial statements and the notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, included elsewhere in this document.

The historical combined financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business have been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of AT&T, as if the WarnerMedia Business’s operations had been conducted independently from those of AT&T. The combined financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business are presented on a “carve-out” basis in accordance with GAAP. The historical combined statements of operations include all revenues and costs directly attributable to the WarnerMedia Business, gains and losses on dispositions prior to the Transactions, as well as an allocation of expenses related to corporate finance, human resources, business development, legal, treasury, real estate, external affairs, compliance, and other shared services. Expenses that are specifically identifiable to the WarnerMedia Business are directly recorded to the combined statement of operations. The remaining expenses are primarily allocated on the basis of the relative percentage of expected revenue generated. The WarnerMedia Business considers these allocations to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services by, or the benefits provided to, the WarnerMedia Business. The historical combined balance sheets include all assets and liabilities that reside within the WarnerMedia Business legal entities. Assets and liabilities in shared entities were included in the historical combined balance sheets to the extent the asset or liability is primarily used by the WarnerMedia Business. Adjustments were made to certain assets and liabilities and associated depreciation or amortization for any specific assets or liabilities retained by AT&T and its affiliates (other than the WarnerMedia Business), subsidiaries sold or approved to be sold by AT&T and its affiliates (other than the WarnerMedia Business) prior to the Transactions, and the elimination of certain pension and post-retirement assets and obligations to be retained by AT&T based on specific identification. The allocations may not reflect the expenses the WarnerMedia Business would have incurred as a standalone entity for the periods presented. As a result, the combined financial statements may not be indicative of the WarnerMedia Business’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows had it operated as a standalone entity during the periods presented, and the results stated in the combined financial statements are not indicative of the WarnerMedia Business’s future financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

As part of a separate reporting segment of AT&T, the WarnerMedia Business has been able to receive services from AT&T. Following the Transactions, WBD will need to replace these services either by providing them internally from Discovery’s existing services or by obtaining them from unaffiliated third parties. These services include certain corporate level functions of which the effective and appropriate performance is critical to the operations of the WarnerMedia Business prior to the Merger and WBD following the Merger. While AT&T will provide certain services on a transitional basis pursuant to the TSA, the duration of such services is subject to ongoing discussions but will be for a reasonable term to be set out in the Services Schedule to the TSA. WBD

 

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may be unable to replace these services in a timely manner or on terms and conditions as favorable as those the WarnerMedia Business currently receives from AT&T. The costs for these services could in the aggregate be higher than the combination of Discovery’s current costs and those reflected in the historical combined financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, (“ASC 805”) with Discovery as the accounting acquirer of the WarnerMedia Business. In identifying Discovery as the accounting acquirer, Discovery’s conclusion is based primarily upon the following facts: (1) Discovery initiated the Transactions, will be the legal acquirer of Spinco, and will transfer equity consideration to Spinco stockholders, (2) AT&T will receive up to approximately $43.0 billion of consideration as part of its disposition of the WarnerMedia Business, (3) the current Chief Executive Officer of Discovery will continue as Chief Executive Officer of WBD for a substantial period of time after the Transactions and will be primarily responsible for appointing the rest of the executive management team of WBD, and the current Chief Financial Officer of Discovery will serve as Chief Financial Officer of WBD, (4) no stockholder or group of stockholders will hold a controlling interest in WBD after the completion of the Transactions and a key Discovery stockholder is expected to have the largest minority interest in WBD, and (5) AT&T will have no input on the strategic direction and management of WBD after the completion of the Transactions. The above facts are deemed to outweigh the fact that the holders of shares of Spinco common stock that receive shares of WBD common stock in the Merger will in the aggregate own a majority of WBD common stock on a fully diluted basis and associated voting rights after the Merger.

The pro forma purchase price allocation of the WarnerMedia Business’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are based upon available information and certain assumptions of Discovery management as of the date of this document. The completion of the valuation, accounting for the Transactions and the allocation of the purchase price may be different than that of the amounts reflected in the pro forma purchase price allocation, and any differences could be material. Such differences could affect the purchase price and allocation of the purchase price, which may affect the value assigned to the tangible or intangible assets and amount of depreciation and amortization expense recorded in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations.

The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent Discovery management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of this document and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed. However, Discovery management believes that the assumptions provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects of the Transactions as contemplated, and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. Transaction Accounting Adjustments are intended to represent the necessary adjustments to account for the Transactions.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not give effect to the potential impact of current financial conditions, or any anticipated revenue enhancements, cost savings or operating synergies that may result from the Merger. No Management Adjustments related to forward-looking information were included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and accompanying explanatory notes.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results that would have occurred had the events been consummated as of the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of any future results. See “Risk Factors” for additional discussion of risk factors associated with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2021

(In millions)

 

    Historical     Transaction Accounting Adjustments        
    Discovery     WarnerMedia
Business after
Reclassification

Adjustments
(Note 2)
    Pre-Merger
Adjustments

(Note 3)
    Merger
Adjustments
    Notes     Pro Forma
Combined
 

ASSETS

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 3,905   $ 1,879     $ 4,172   $ —         $ 9,956  

Receivables, net

    2,446     4,310       —         (37     6b       6,719  

Content rights and prepaid license fees, net

    245     1       —         —           246  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    668     1,767       (9     —           2,426  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current assets

    7,264     7,957       4,163       (37       19,347  

Film and television library, net

    3,832     22,901       —         1,374     5a, 5b, 6b       28,107  

Property and equipment, net

    1,336     4,238       —         (121     5c       5,453  

Goodwill

    12,912     39,692       —         (21,023     5h       31,581  

Intangible assets, net

    6,317     36,312       —         19,207     5a       61,836  

Other noncurrent assets

    2,766     6,741       —         (324     5d, 6d       9,183  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 34,427   $ 117,841     $ 4,163     $ (924     $ 155,507  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

           

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ 2,642     $ 11,019     $ —       $ 188       5g, 6a, 6b, 6d, 6e     $ 13,849  

Deferred revenues

    478       1,287       —         (3     6b       1,762  

Current portion of debt

    339       10       —         —           349  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    3,459       12,316     —         185         15,960  

Noncurrent portion of debt

    14,420       1,713     39,764     388       5e       56,285  

Deferred income taxes

    1,225       11,361     —         4,953       5f, 6c       17,539  

Other noncurrent liabilities

    1,927       7,177     —         22       5g, 6d       9,126  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    21,031       32,567     39,764     5,548         98,910  

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

    363       —         —         —           363  

 

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    Historical     Transaction Accounting Adjustments      
    Discovery     WarnerMedia
Business after
Reclassification

Adjustments
(Note 2)
    Pre-Merger
Adjustments

(Note 3)
    Merger
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma
Combined
 

Equity:

           

Discovery Inc. stockholders’ equity

           

Series A-1 convertible preferred stock

  $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —         $ —    

Series C-1 convertible preferred stock

    —         —         —         —           —    

Series A common stock

    2       —         —         (2   4     —    

Series B convertible common stock

    —         —         —         —           —    

Series C common stock

    5       —         —         (5   4     —    

WBD common stock

    —         —         —         24     4     24  

Additional paid-in capital

    11,086       —         —         44,013     4, 6f, 6g     55,099  

Treasury stock, at cost

    (8,244     —         —         —           (8,244

Net parent investment

    —         85,356       (35,601     (49,755   4     —    

Retained earnings

    9,580       —         —         (829   6a, 6e, 6f, 6g     8,751  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (830     (82     —         82     4     (830
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

    11,599       85,274       (35,601     (6,472       54,800  

Noncontrolling interests

    1,434       —         —         —           1,434  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total equity

    13,033       85,274       (35,601     (6,472       56,234  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $  34,427     $ 117,841     $ 4,163   $ (924     $ 155,507  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, which are an integral part hereof. The pro forma adjustments are explained in the notes below.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

    Historical     Transaction Accounting Adjustments      
    Discovery after
Reclassification
Adjustments
(Note 2)
    WarnerMedia
Business after

Reclassification
Adjustments
(Note 2)
    Pre-Merger
Adjustments
(Note 3)
    Merger
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenues:

           

Advertising

  $ 6,215     $ 4,404     $ —       $ (18   6j   $ 10,601  

Distribution

    5,207       15,594       —         —           20,801  

Content

    675       12,575       —         (112   6j     13,138  

Other

    94       899       —         —           993  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues

    12,191       33,472       —         (130       45,533  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

           

Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

    4,620       20,194       —         405     5, 6j     25,219  

Selling, general and administrative

    4,016       7,506       —         933     6h, 6i, 6j     12,455  

Depreciation and amortization

    1,582       3,852       —         3,774     5     9,208  

Restructuring and other charges

    32       12       —         —           44  

(Gain) / loss on disposition

    (71     223       —         —           152  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    10,179       31,787       —         5,112         47,078  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    2,012       1,685       —         (5,242       (1,545

Interest expense, net

    (633     (368     (1,587     —           (2,588

Loss on extinguishment of debt

    (10     —         —         —           (10

Income (loss) from equity investees, net

    (18     8       —         —           (10

Other income, net

    82       192       —         —           274  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    1,433       1,517       (1,587     (5,242       (3,879

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (236     (261     397       1,164     6k     1,064  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    1,197       1,256       (1,190     (4,078       (2,815

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (138     —         —         —           (138

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

    (53     —         —         —           (53
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

  $ 1,006     $ 1,256     $ (1,190   $ (4,078     $ (3,006
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders: 

           

Basic

  $ 1.55           7   $ (1.25

Diluted

  $ 1.54           7   $ (1.25

Weighted average shares outstanding: 

           

Basic

    503           7     2,399  

Diluted

    664           7     2,399  

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, which are an integral part hereof. The pro forma adjustments are explained in the notes below.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In millions, except per share amounts)

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are based on the historical consolidated financial statements of Discovery and historical combined financial statements of the WarnerMedia Business. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 gives effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on December 31, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 gives effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2021. The historical financial statements have been adjusted in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements to give pro forma effect to Transaction Accounting Adjustments that reflect the accounting for the Transactions under GAAP and in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses.”

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and the notes thereto were prepared using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, with Discovery as the accounting acquirer of the WarnerMedia Business. The acquisition method of accounting, based on ASC 805, uses the fair value concepts defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). Fair value is defined in ASC 820 as the “price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” This is an exit price concept for the valuation of an asset or liability. Market participants are assumed to be buyers or sellers in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value measurement for an asset assumes the highest and best use by these market participants, and as a result, assets may be required to be recorded which are not intended to be used or sold or at a fair value measurement that does not reflect management’s intended use for those assets. Fair value measurements can be highly subjective, and it is possible the application of reasonable judgment could develop different assumptions resulting in a range of alternative estimates using the same facts and circumstances. ASC 805 requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination be recognized at fair value as of the merger date, with any excess purchase price allocated to goodwill.

As of the date of this document, the accompanying unaudited pro forma purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to further adjustments as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses and final valuations are completed. The potential changes to the purchase price allocation and related pro forma adjustments could be material.

For the purpose of preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, Discovery management has conducted a preliminary analysis of the adjustments required to conform the WarnerMedia Business’s financial statements to reflect the current accounting policies of Discovery. This assessment is ongoing and, at the time of preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, Discovery management is not aware of any material accounting policy differences not yet adjusted in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. Upon completion of the Merger, Discovery management will conduct a final review of the WarnerMedia Business’s accounting policies to determine if differences in accounting policies or financial statement classification exist that may require adjustments to or reclassification of the WarnerMedia Business’s results of operations, assets or liabilities to conform to Discovery’s accounting policies and classifications. As a result of that review, differences may be identified that, when conformed, could have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the historical presentation of the WarnerMedia Business to conform to the presentation used in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements (see Note 2). These reclassifications have no impact on the historical net income, total assets, liabilities or equity reported by the WarnerMedia Business.

 

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The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements also do not reflect any anticipated revenue enhancements, cost savings, or operating synergies that WBD may achieve as a result of the Merger, the total expected costs to integrate the operations of Discovery and the WarnerMedia Business, or the total expected costs necessary to achieve such revenue enhancements, cost savings, or operating synergies. Discovery has elected not to present Management’s Adjustments and only presents Transaction Accounting Adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

The preparation of unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements requires Discovery management and the WarnerMedia Business’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in such financial statements and the notes thereto. These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, including the preliminary purchase price allocation, are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the Transactions had been completed on the dates indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial condition that may be expected for any future period or date. Accordingly, such information should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance, financial condition, or liquidity.

Note 2—Reclassification Adjustments

Certain reclassifications have been made on a preliminary basis to the historical presentation of the combined statement of operations and combined balance sheet of the WarnerMedia Business included within the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements to conform to the financial statement presentation of Discovery. Upon completion of the Transactions, Discovery will perform a full and detailed review of the WarnerMedia Business’s accounting policies and financial statement presentation. As a result of that review, Discovery may identify additional differences between the accounting policies and financial statement presentation of the two companies that, when conformed, could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of WBD. The following tables indicate the reclassification and conforming adjustments made for the purpose of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements included in this document.

 

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WarnerMedia Business’s Balance Sheet Reclassifications

As of December 31, 2021

(In millions)

 

     Historical
WarnerMedia
Business
    Reclassification
Adjustments
    Notes      Historical
WarnerMedia
Business after
Reclassification
Adjustments
 

ASSETS

         

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,879     $ —          $ 1,879  

Accounts receivables, net

     4,399       (4,399     1, 2        —    

Receivables, net

     —         4,310       1, 9        4,310  

Related party accounts receivable

     593       (593     9        —    

Content rights and prepaid license fees, net

     —         1       4        1  

Prepaid expenses

     590       (590     3        —    

Other current assets

     496       (496     4, 5        —    

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     —         1,767       2, 3, 5        1,767  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current assets

     7,957       —            7,957  

Noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs

     18,923       (18,923     6        —    

Film and television library, net

     —         22,901       6, 7, 8        22,901  

Property and equipment, net

     4,238       —            4,238  

Goodwill

     39,692       —            39,692  

Trademarks and tradenames, net

     16,688       (16,688     11        —    

Other intangible assets, net

     11,643       (11,643     7, 12        —    

Distribution networks, net

     11,942       (11,942     13        —    

Intangible assets, net

     —         36,312       11, 12, 13        36,312  

Investments, including available-for-sale securities

     1,388       (1,388     15        —    

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     2,357       (2,357     10        —    

Other assets

     3,013       (3,013     8, 14        —    

Other noncurrent assets

     —         6,741       10, 14, 15        6,741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 117,841     $ —          $ 117,841  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

         

Current liabilities:

         

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 10,652     $ 367       18, 19      $ 11,019  

Related party accounts payable

     88       (88     18        —    

Debt maturing within one year

     10       (10     16        —    

Deferred revenues

     —         1,287       17        1,287  

Current portion of debt

     —         10       16        10  

Other current liabilities

     1,566       (1,566     17, 19        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     12,316       —            12,316  

Long-term debt

     1,713       (1,713     20        —    

Noncurrent portion of debt

     —         1,713       20        1,713  

Deferred income taxes

     11,361       —            11,361  

Postemployment benefit obligation

     75       (75     21        —    

Other noncurrent liabilities

     7,102       75       21        7,177  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     32,567       —            32,567  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Equity:

         

Net parent investment

     85,356       —            85,356  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (82     —            (82
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total equity

     85,274       —            85,274  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 117,841     $ —          $ 117,841  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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WarnerMedia Business’s Statement of Operations Reclassifications

For the year ended December 31, 2021

(In millions)

 

     Historical
WarnerMedia
Business
    Reclassification
Adjustments
    Notes      Historical
WarnerMedia
Business after
Reclassification
Adjustments
 

Operating revenues:

         

Advertising revenue

   $ 4,357     $ 47       23      $ 4,404  

Distribution revenue

     —         15,594       22, 23        15,594  

Subscription revenue

     12,585       (12,585     22        —    

Content revenue

     12,016       559       23        12,575  

Related party revenue

     3,615       (3,615     23        —    

Other revenue

     899       —            899  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating revenue

     33,472       —            33,472  

Operating expenses:

         

Cost of revenues

     19,472       722       25, 26        20,194  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     7,142       364       25, 29        7,506  

Depreciation and amortization expense

     4,551       (699     26        3,852  

Restructuring and other charges

     —         12       29        12  

Related party expense

     399       (399     25        —    

Loss on disposition

     —         223       27        223  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating expense

     31,564       223          31,787  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     1,908       (223        1,685  

Interest expense, net

     (142     (226     28        (368

Income from equity investees, net

     —         8       24        8  

Other income (expense), net

     (249     441       24, 27, 28        192  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     1,517       —            1,517  

Income tax expense

     (261     —            (261
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 1,256     $ —          $ 1,256  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

The following items represent certain reclassifications and conforming adjustments to accounting policies of the historical financial statement line items of the WarnerMedia Business to conform to the expected financial statement line items of Discovery including:

Balance sheet items:

 

1.

Accounts receivables, net, of $3,717 million have been reclassified to Receivables, net;

 

2.

Production receivables of $682 million included within Accounts receivable, net have been reclassified to Prepaid expenses and other current assets;

 

3.

Prepaid expenses of $590 million have been reclassified to Prepaid expenses and other current assets;

 

4.

Content rights of $1 million included within Other current assets have been reclassified to Content rights and prepaid license fees, net;

 

5.

Other current assets of $495 million have been reclassified to Prepaid expenses and other current assets;

 

6.

Noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs of $18,923 million have been reclassified to Film and television library, net;

 

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7.

Noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs of $3,961 million included within Other intangible assets, net have been reclassified to Film and television library, net;

 

8.

Noncurrent sports licensing rights of $17 million included in Other assets have been reclassified to Film and television library, net;

 

9.

Related party accounts receivables of $593 million have been reclassified to Receivables, net;

 

10.

Operating lease right-of-use assets of $2,357 million have been reclassified to Other noncurrent assets;

 

11.

Trademarks and tradenames, net of $16,688 million have been reclassified to Intangible assets, net;

 

12.

Other intangible assets, net of $7,682 million have been reclassified to Intangible assets, net;

 

13.

Distribution networks, net of $11,942 million have been reclassified to Intangible assets, net;

 

14.

Other assets of $2,996 million have been reclassified to Other noncurrent assets;

 

15.

Investments, including available for sale securities of $1,388 million, have been reclassified to Other noncurrent assets;

 

16.

Debt maturing in a year of $10 million has been reclassified into Current portion of debt;

 

17.

Deferred revenues of $1,287 million included in Other current liabilities have been reclassified into Deferred revenues;

 

18.

Related party accounts payable of $88 million has been reclassified to Accounts payable and accrued liabilities;

 

19.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $279 million included within Other current liabilities has been reclassified to Accounts payable and accrued liabilities;

 

20.

Long-term debt of $1,713 million has been reclassified to Noncurrent portion of debt;

 

21.

Postemployment benefit obligation of $75 million has been reclassified to Other noncurrent liabilities.

Statement of operations items:

 

22.

Subscription revenue of $12,585 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified to Distribution revenue;

 

23.

Related party revenue of $3,009 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified to Distribution revenue; Related party revenue of $559 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified to Content revenue, and Related party revenue of $47 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified to Advertising revenue;

 

24.

Income from equity method investments of $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified from Other income (expense), net to Income from equity investees, net;

 

25.

Related party expense of $376 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, has been reclassified to Selling, general and administrative expense, and Related party expense of $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified to Cost of revenues;

 

26.

Based on Discovery’s accounting policy, content assets and noncurrent content rights, including historic fair market value adjustments from prior acquisitions, are included within Film and television library, net, with any related amortization of film and television library included in Cost of revenues. The WarnerMedia Business historically considered released television and film content acquired in a business combination as an acquired intangible asset included in Other intangible assets, net, and any related amortization of released television and film content acquired in a business combination was included within Depreciation and amortization expense. Amortization expense related to released television and film content acquired in a business combination of $699 million included within Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified to Cost of revenues in order to conform to the accounting policies of Discovery;

 

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27.

Loss on disposition of $223 million included within Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2021 has been reclassified to Loss on disposition;

 

28.

Financing fees of $226 million included within Other income (expense), net included for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been reclassified to Interest expense, net;

 

29.

Restructuring and other charges of $12 million included in Selling, general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been reclassified to Restructuring and other charges.

The following table represents certain reclassifications of Discovery’s historical financial statement line items to conform to the expected financial statement line items of WBD.

Discovery’s Statement of Operations Reclassifications

For the year ended December 31, 2021

(In millions)

 

     Historical
Discovery
    Reclassification
Adjustments
    Notes      Historical
Discovery after
Reclassification
Adjustments
 

Revenues:

         

Advertising

   $ 6,215     $ —          $ 6,215  

Distribution

     5,409       (202     30        5,207  

Content

     —         675       30        675  

Other

     567       (473     30        94  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total revenues

     12,191       —            12,191  

Costs and expenses:

       —            —    

Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

     4,620       —            4,620  

Selling, general and administrative

     4,016       —            4,016  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,582       —            1,582  

Restructuring and other charges

     32       —            32  

Gain on disposition

     (71     —            (71
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     10,179       —            10,179  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating income

     2,012       —            2,012  

Interest expense, net

     (633     —            (633

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (10     —            (10

Loss from equity investees, net

     (18     —            (18

Other income, net

     82       —            82  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     1,433       —            1,433  

Income tax expense

     (236     —            (236
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income

     1,197       —            1,197  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (138     —            (138

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

     (53     —            (53
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Discovery, Inc.

   $ 1,006     $ —          $ 1,006  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Statement of operations items:

 

30.

Content-related revenues of $675 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been reclassified from Other revenue and Distribution revenue into Content revenue. Other revenue reclassified into Content

 

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  revenue primarily related to licensing agreements for sports rights. Distribution revenue reclassified into Content revenue primarily related to international program sales and licensing arrangements.

Note 3—Pre-Merger Adjustments

The Separation Agreement requires that Spinco (1) make, immediately prior to the Distribution, the Special Cash Payment in the amount of approximately $30.0 billion in cash to AT&T, subject to adjustment, including: (a) upwards or downwards adjustment depending on the extent that the actual net working capital of the Spinco Group as of immediately prior to the Distribution is greater or less than, respectively, specified target amounts of net working capital for the Spinco Group as of such time, (b) downwards adjustment to the extent members of the Spinco Group are liable for indebtedness as of immediately prior to the Distribution other than the Spinco Debt Financing, including a downwards adjustment for the $1.6 billion of existing debt already assumed by the Spinco Group as a WarnerMedia Liability, (c) upwards adjustment to reimburse AT&T with respect to Spinco Designated Transaction Expenses incurred or payable by AT&T or paid by Spinco prior to the Closing and (d) increased by certain tax sharing amounts (if any) in respect of distributions in respect of drawing on the bridge facility in lieu of a deb