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Warner Bros (WBD)
NASDAQ:WBD

Warner Bros (WBD) AI Stock Analysis

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WBWarner Bros
(NASDAQ:WBD)
58Neutral
Warner Bros. Discovery's stock reflects a mixed outlook with significant challenges in profitability and valuation, offset by strong growth in the direct-to-consumer segment and positive technical momentum. The company's strategic focus on subscriber growth and affiliate agreements supports a cautiously optimistic view, though profitability and valuation remain key risks.
Positive Factors
DTC Segment Growth
There is increased conviction in the ability of the DTC segment to deliver $1.3bn of EBITDA or more in '25 with further growth in '26.
Strategic Restructuring
A strategic restructuring has been announced to enhance flexibility and unlock shareholder value, viewed as a positive first step.
Negative Factors
Advertising Revenue Decline
Advertising revenue continues to deteriorate, and distribution revenue is expected to be negatively impacted by the emergence of skinny bundles.

Warner Bros (WBD) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Warner Bros Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWarner Bros. Discovery, the result of combining two large media firms, is one of the largest media firms in the world with tremendous scale and reach. The new company owns some of the biggest global networks including HBO, Discovery, CNN, and TLC and well-known franchises like Superman, Rick and Morty, and Game of Thrones. The firm's content production studios include Warner Bros., HBO, Discovery Studios, DC Films, and Cartoon Network Studios. The company operates two major streaming services, HBO Max and Discovery+.
How the Company Makes MoneyWarner Bros. Discovery makes money through multiple revenue streams, primarily driven by its film and television production and distribution activities. The company generates significant revenue from box office sales, home entertainment, and digital distribution of films. Its television segment contributes through network broadcasting, cable subscriptions, and syndication of television series. Additionally, WBD leverages its extensive content library to license films and shows to various platforms, including streaming services. The company's own streaming platforms, such as HBO Max, provide a growing source of subscription revenue. Merchandise licensing and sales related to its popular franchises also contribute to its earnings. Strategic partnerships, advertising sales, and international operations further enhance Warner Bros. Discovery's revenue potential.

Warner Bros Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Warner Bros faces significant profitability challenges with negative net income and declining revenue. While operational efficiencies are reflected in a stable gross profit margin, the company struggles with high operating expenses. The balance sheet shows improved leverage but ROE remains negative. Cash flow generation is a bright spot, supporting operations despite financial difficulties. Strategic adjustments are crucial for long-term financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Warner Bros experienced a decline in revenue from 2023 to 2024, with a negative revenue growth rate of -4.84%. The company has been struggling with profitability as evidenced by negative EBIT and EBITDA margins. Net income has also been negative, leading to a challenging net profit margin. Despite this, gross profit margin remains positive, indicating some operational efficiencies.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The company has a moderate equity ratio of 32.54% in 2024, reflecting a balanced capital structure. However, the debt-to-equity ratio has significantly improved from 2023 to 2024, indicating reduced leverage. Return on equity is negative, reflecting the impact of negative net income on shareholder returns.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Warner Bros has managed to maintain a positive operating cash flow to net income ratio, indicating effective cash generation despite reported losses. Free cash flow remains positive, but has decreased from the previous year. The cash flow stability supports ongoing operations and investment activities, though growth in free cash flow is limited.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
39.32B41.32B33.82B12.19B10.67B
Gross Profit
16.35B16.80B13.38B7.57B6.81B
EBIT
-10.03B-1.55B-3.58B2.01B2.52B
EBITDA
-6.37B6.38B41.00M3.65B3.78B
Net Income Common Stockholders
-11.29B-3.13B-7.30B1.01B1.22B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
5.31B3.78B3.73B3.90B2.09B
Total Assets
104.56B122.76B134.00B34.43B34.09B
Total Debt
2.75B47.28B49.00B14.76B15.40B
Net Debt
-2.56B42.97B45.27B10.85B13.31B
Total Liabilities
69.62B76.28B85.33B21.03B21.70B
Stockholders Equity
34.04B45.23B47.09B11.60B10.46B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
4.43B6.16B3.32B2.42B2.34B
Operating Cash Flow
5.38B7.48B4.30B2.80B2.74B
Investing Cash Flow
-349.00M-1.26B3.52B-56.00M-703.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-3.75B-5.84B-7.74B-853.00M-1.55B

Warner Bros Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price11.32
Price Trends
50DMA
10.39
Positive
100DMA
9.80
Positive
200DMA
8.80
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.25
Negative
RSI
60.10
Neutral
STOCH
58.37
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WBD, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 11.32 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 10.56, above the 50-day MA of 10.39, and above the 200-day MA of 8.80, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.25 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.10 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 58.37 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WBD.

Warner Bros Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (59)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$147.86B19.6013.84%0.37%1.77%18.85%
77
Outperform
$134.23B8.5718.92%3.45%1.78%11.62%
75
Outperform
$416.03B49.0535.21%15.28%65.72%
DIDIS
72
Outperform
$197.07B35.405.51%0.84%3.97%89.53%
61
Neutral
$8.15B-37.93%1.77%-1.48%-450.15%
59
Neutral
$30.54B0.25-13.23%4.04%2.36%-49.53%
WBWBD
58
Neutral
$27.05B-33.18%-4.97%-259.71%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WBD
Warner Bros
11.32
2.91
34.60%
PARA
Paramount Global Class B
11.48
1.17
11.35%
CMCSA
Comcast
35.50
-5.35
-13.10%
SONY
Sony Group
24.17
6.91
40.03%
DIS
Walt Disney
109.01
-0.06
-0.06%
NFLX
Netflix
972.58
374.89
62.72%

Warner Bros Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 27, 2025 | % Change Since: 7.81% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a positive trajectory for Warner Bros. Discovery with strong growth in direct-to-consumer subscriptions and successful affiliate agreements. However, challenges remain in the linear television segment and ad sales, balancing the overall sentiment.
Highlights
Strong Growth in Direct-to-Consumer Business
Warner Bros. Discovery's direct-to-consumer business ended 2024 with about 117 million subscribers, adding 6.5 million subscribers in Q4 and nearly 20 million in less than a year. The segment contributed almost $700 million in EBITDA, a $3 billion improvement in two years.
Successful Affiliate Agreements
The company struck multi-year renewal agreements with five of the six largest pay TV providers in America, securing rate increases and providing stability to the linear business.
International Expansion Plans
Warner Bros. Discovery plans to launch in key markets like the U.K., Italy, Germany, and Australia, aiming for at least 150 million subscribers by the end of 2026.
Lowlights
Linear Television Pressures
The company faces near-term linear pressure as it adds direct-to-consumer options and packaging flexibility, with expectations of slower rate increases in domestic affiliate business.
Challenges in Ad Sales
Q4 ad sales were weaker than expected, with CNN not benefiting as hoped from elections. Some mild positive signals from the ad market were noted, but no significant change is expected.
Company Guidance
During the Warner Bros. Discovery fourth quarter 2024 earnings call, the company provided a range of metrics and forward-looking guidance. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) business ended 2024 with approximately 117 million subscribers across over 70 countries, adding 6.5 million in the fourth quarter and nearly 20 million in less than a year. The company aims to reach at least 150 million subscribers by the end of 2026, anticipating further revenue and EBITDA growth. The direct-to-consumer sector contributed about $700 million in EBITDA, marking a $3 billion improvement over two years, with expectations to nearly double EBITDA in 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery's studio business is targeting $3 billion or more in EBITDA, driven by growth and strength in its television and film sectors, with a strong creative and financial outlook for 2025. Despite challenges in linear television, the company secured multi-year renewal agreements with five of the six largest pay TV providers in America, ensuring stability in its linear business. Overall, Warner Bros. Discovery is focused on enhancing shareholder value and expects significant progress in transforming its business model and financial outcomes.
Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.