ViacomCBS Reports Q1 2021 Earnings Results

Rhea-AI Summary

ViacomCBS reported strong Q1 2021 results, with revenues of $7.41B, up 14% YoY. Net earnings rose 79% to $899M, while diluted EPS increased 75% to $1.42. Streaming revenue skyrocketed 65%, adding 6M subscribers to reach a total of 36M globally, driven by Paramount+. Advertising revenue grew 21%, aided by events like the Super Bowl, and affiliate revenue rose 5%. Operating cash flow was robust at $1.65B, while free cash flow surged 419% to $1.59B. The company also reported a strong balance sheet with $5.5B in cash.

Positive

• Streaming revenue increased 65% year-over-year, reaching $816M.
• Net earnings from continuing operations rose 79% to $899M.
• Diluted EPS grew 75% to $1.42.
• Operating cash flow from continuing operations reached $1.65B, up 362%.
• Free cash flow surged 419% to $1.59B.

Negative

• Licensing revenue decreased 17% year-over-year in TV Entertainment segment.
• Theatrical revenue dropped 99% due to COVID-19 impacts on movie theaters.

ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

STATEMENT FROM BOB BAKISH, PRESIDENT & CEO

“In Q1, we accelerated our expansion in streaming with the launch of Paramount+ further enhancing ViacomCBS’ ecosystem of premium, pay and free services. The strong consumer response we have seen is evident in today’s numbers – we have grown global streaming revenue 65 percent year-over-year and we added 6M global streaming subscribers, driven by Paramount+, to reach 36M streaming subscribers globally. In addition, we now have almost 50M global Pluto TV MAUs. Our early momentum in streaming is a testament to the breadth and relevance of our differentiated offerings, as well as our opportunities for growth through Paramount+, as we continue to ramp the availability of live sports, original series and blockbuster movies over the course of the year. ViacomCBS also achieved another strong quarter of results in our advertising and affiliate businesses, which continue to demonstrate the extraordinary power of our company to reach audiences and deliver for our partners globally.”

Q1 2021 RESULTS*

		Quarter Ended March 31
GAAP		2021				2020				B/(W) %
Revenues		$	7,412			$	6,499			14	%
Operating income			1,528				902			69
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS			899				501			79
Diluted EPS from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS			1.42				0.81			75
Operating cash flow from continuing operations		$	1,651			$	357			362	%
Non-GAAP†
Adjusted OIBDA		$	1,627			$	1,245			31	%
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS			961				690			39
Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS			1.52				1.12			36
Free cash flow		$	1,589			$	306			419	%

$ in millions, except per share amounts

† Non-GAAP measures are detailed in the Supplemental Disclosures at the end of this release.

*During the fourth quarter of 2020, ViacomCBS entered into an agreement to sell Simon & Schuster, which was previously reported as the Publishing segment. Simon & Schuster has been presented as a discontinued operation in the company’s consolidated financial statements for all periods.

OVERVIEW OF Q1 REVENUE

REVENUE BY TYPE

• Advertising revenue, which excludes streaming revenue, grew 21% year-over-year, driven by CBS’ broadcasts of Super Bowl LV and NCAA Tournament games, which were partially offset by lower linear impressions.
• Affiliate revenue, which excludes streaming revenue, increased 5% year-over-year, reflecting higher reverse compensation and retransmission fees, as well as expanded distribution, partially offset by a decline in cable subscribers.
• Streaming revenue rose 65% year-over-year:
  • Streaming advertising revenue grew 62% year-over-year, driven by advertising on Pluto TV, Paramount+ and other digital video platforms.
  • Streaming subscription revenue grew 69% year-over-year, reflecting 63% growth in global streaming subscribers.

		Quarter Ended March 31
		2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Advertising		$	2,681			$	2,219			$	462			21	%
Affiliate			2,075				1,968				107			5
Streaming			816				494				322			65
Advertising			428				265				163			62
Subscription			388				229				159			69
Theatrical			1				167				(166	)		(99	)
Licensing and other			1,839				1,651				188			11
Total Revenues		$	7,412			$	6,499			$	913			14	%
$ in millions

GLOBAL STREAMING HIGHLIGHTS

• Global streaming subscribers rose to 36M in Q1, adding 6M subscribers.
  • Subscriber additions in the quarter were led by Paramount+.
    • On Paramount+, the biggest drivers of sign-ups were live sports and specials, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Tournament, UEFA Champions League, Oprah with Meghan and Harry and The Grammy Awards, as well as kids’ content, including programming from the SpongeBob universe and iCarly, and original programming, including The Stand and Star Trek: Discovery.
    • Original programming, content from cable brands and Paramount movies drove almost half of Paramount+ subscriber engagement.
    • Globally, Nickelodeon programming was a significant driver of sign-ups and engagement on Paramount+.
  • SHOWTIME OTT delivered its best quarter ever in sign-ups, streams and hours watched, driven by originals, including Your Honor and Shameless, as well as theatricals.
• Global Pluto TV MAUs rose to nearly 50M, adding 6M global MAUs in the quarter.
  • Pluto TV MAUs grew both domestically and internationally.
  • Pluto TV international expansion continued, launching in France in Q1.

REPORTING SEGMENTS

TV ENTERTAINMENT

• In Q1, CBS was the most-watched network in Prime, Daytime and Late Night and claimed the quarter’s top broadcast program, top 3 dramas, top 5 comedies and top news magazine.
• Revenue grew 19% mainly driven by CBS’ broadcasts of tentpole sporting events and subscriber growth at Paramount+, partially offset by the timing of licensing.
  • Advertising revenue, which excludes streaming revenue, increased 40% year-over-year, reflecting CBS’ broadcasts of Super Bowl LV and NCAA Tournament games, partially offset by lower linear impressions.
  • Affiliate revenue, which excludes streaming revenue, grew 11% year-over-year, driven by growth in reverse compensation and retransmission fees.
  • Streaming revenue rose 58%, primarily due to subscriber growth at Paramount+ and Super Bowl LV digital advertising.
  • Licensing and other revenue decreased 17% due to a lower volume of licensing principally from COVID-related production delays.
• Adjusted OIBDA decreased 22% year-over-year, reflecting the company’s investments in Paramount+.

		Quarter Ended March 31
		2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Revenue		$	3,511			$	2,947			$	564			19	%
Advertising			1,807				1,288				519			40
Affiliate			693				623				70			11
Streaming			322				204				118			58
Licensing and other			689				832				(143	)		(17	)
Expenses			3,062				2,374				(688	)		(29	)
Adjusted OIBDA		$	449			$	573			$	(124	)		(22	)%
$ in millions

CABLE NETWORKS

• In Q1, ViacomCBS owned the most top 30 cable networks among P2+ and P18-49 and more top 30 kids’ series than any other cable family; Showtime had the top 2 scripted shows on premium cable.
• Revenue increased 14% year-over-year, driven by growth in licensing, as well as higher streaming advertising and streaming subscription revenue.
  • Advertising revenue, which excludes streaming revenue, decreased 7% year-over-year, largely because of a decline in domestic advertising, partially offset by higher international advertising.
  • Affiliate revenue, which excludes streaming revenue, grew 3% year-over-year, reflecting expanded distribution and contractual rate increases, partially offset by linear subscriber declines.
  • Streaming revenue grew 70% year-over-year, fueled by advertising revenue growth from Pluto TV and other digital video platforms, as well as growth in subscribers for subscription streaming services, including SHOWTIME OTT, BET+ and Noggin.
  • Licensing and other revenue increased 82% year-over-year, driven by the licensing of programming to Paramount+ and third parties.
• Adjusted OIBDA increased 49% year-over-year as a result of the increase in revenue. Expenses increased 1% due to higher participations, which were substantially offset by lower advertising expenses from the broadcast of fewer original programs, and savings from restructuring activities.

		Quarter Ended March 31
		2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Revenue		$	3,259			$	2,858			$	401			14	%
Advertising			878				945				(67	)		(7	)
Affiliate			1,382				1,345				37			3
Streaming			494				290				204			70
Licensing and other			505				278				227			82
Expenses			2,075				2,064				(11	)		(1	)
Adjusted OIBDA		$	1,184			$	794			$	390			49	%
$ in millions

FILMED ENTERTAINMENT

• Revenue grew 23% year-over-year, reflecting growth in licensing revenues partially offset by a decline in theatrical revenue.
  • Theatrical revenue was immaterial in the quarter as a result of the closure or reduction in capacity of movie theaters in response to COVID-19.
  • Licensing and other revenue increased 55% year-over-year because of higher revenue from the licensing of programming to Paramount+ and third parties, as well as revenue from the licensing of Miramax titles.
• Adjusted OIBDA increased $177 million primarily due to higher licensing revenue, compared to the prior-year period, which included higher distribution costs associated with theatrical releases during the first quarter of 2020.

		Quarter Ended March 31
		2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Revenue		$	997			$	811			$	186			23	%
Theatrical			1				167				(166	)		(99	)
Licensing and other			996				644				352			55
Expenses			793				784				(9	)		(1	)
Adjusted OIBDA		$	204			$	27			$	177			656	%
$ in millions

BALANCE SHEET & LIQUIDITY

• In Q1, ViacomCBS generated $1.7B of operating cash flow from continuing operations and $1.6B of free cash flow†.
• As of March 31, 2021, the company had $5.5B of cash on its balance sheet and a committed $3.5B revolving credit facility that remains undrawn.
• In March, ViacomCBS completed the early redemption of senior notes maturing in 2022 and 2023 for a total $2.0B.
• In March, the company also raised $2.7B of capital through an offering of Class B common stock and mandatory convertible preferred stock.

† Non-GAAP measures are detailed in the Supplemental Disclosures at the end of this release.

ABOUT VIACOMCBS

ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents.

For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit www.viacomcbs.com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.

VIAC-IR

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains both historical and forward-looking statements, including statements related to our future results and performance. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events; generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “estimate” or other similar words or phrases; and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: changes in consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies, distribution platforms and packaging; the impact on our advertising revenues of changes in consumers’ content viewership, deficiencies in audience measurement and advertising market conditions; our ability to maintain attractive brands and our reputation, and to offer popular programming and other content; increased costs for programming, films and other rights; competition for content, audiences, advertising and distribution; the potential for loss of carriage or other reduction in or the impact of negotiations for the distribution of our content; losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets, FCC licenses and programming; the risks and costs associated with the integration of the CBS Corporation and Viacom Inc. businesses and investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies, including our streaming initiatives; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; content infringement; the impact of COVID-19 (and other widespread health emergencies or pandemics) and measures taken in response thereto; domestic and global political, economic and/or regulatory factors affecting our businesses generally; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; the loss of key talent and strikes and other union activity; potential conflicts of interest arising from our ownership structure with a controlling stockholder; and other factors described in our news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. There may be additional risks, uncertainties and factors that we do not currently view as material or that are not necessarily known. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this communication, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

VIACOMCBS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
		2021				2020
Revenues		$	7,412			$	6,499
Costs and expenses:
Operating		4,363				3,956
Selling, general and administrative		1,422				1,298
Depreciation and amortization		99				112
Restructuring and other corporate matters		—				231
Total costs and expenses		5,884				5,597
Operating income		1,528				902
Interest expense		(259		)		(241		)
Interest income		13				14
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(128		)		—
Other items, net		1				(28		)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies		1,155				647
Provision for income taxes		(226		)		(134		)
Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax		(18		)		(9		)
Net earnings from continuing operations		911				504
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax		12				15
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)		923				519
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		(12		)		(3		)
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS		$	911			$	516
Amounts attributable to ViacomCBS:
Net earnings from continuing operations		$	899			$	501
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax		12				15
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS		$	911			$	516
Basic net earnings per common share attributable to ViacomCBS:
Net earnings from continuing operations		$	1.44			$	.82
Net earnings from discontinued operations		$	.02			$	.02
Net earnings		$	1.46			$	.84
Diluted net earnings per common share attributable to ViacomCBS:
Net earnings from continuing operations		$	1.42			$	.81
Net earnings from discontinued operations		$	.02			$	.02
Net earnings		$	1.44			$	.84
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		622				614
Diluted		631				616

VIACOMCBS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
		At					At
		March 31, 2021					December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents			$	5,499				$	2,984
Receivables, net			7,310					7,017
Programming and other inventory			1,137					1,757
Prepaid and other current assets			1,027					1,391
Current assets of discontinued operations			514					630
Total current assets			15,487					13,779
Property and equipment, net			1,994					1,994
Programming and other inventory			10,755					10,363
Goodwill			16,591					16,612
Intangible assets, net			2,815					2,826
Operating lease assets			1,527					1,602
Deferred income tax assets, net			981					993
Other assets			3,785					3,657
Assets held for sale			27					28
Assets of discontinued operations			811					809
Total Assets			$	54,773				$	52,663
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable			$	612				$	571
Accrued expenses			1,663					1,714
Participants’ share and royalties payable			2,070					2,005
Accrued programming and production costs			1,392					1,141
Deferred revenues			1,010					978
Debt			19					16
Other current liabilities			1,512					1,391
Current liabilities of discontinued operations			423					480
Total current liabilities			8,701					8,296
Long-term debt			17,768					19,717
Participants’ share and royalties payable			1,351					1,317
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations			2,070					2,098
Deferred income tax liabilities, net			852					778
Operating lease liabilities			1,517					1,583
Program rights obligations			212					243
Other liabilities			2,058					2,158
Liabilities of discontinued operations			212					220
Redeemable noncontrolling interest			189					197
Commitments and contingencies
ViacomCBS stockholders’ equity:
5.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share; 25 shares authorized and 10 shares issued (2021)			—					—
Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; 55 shares authorized; 41 (2021) and 52 (2020) shares issued			—					—
Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; 5,000 shares authorized; 1,108 (2021) and 1,068 (2020) shares issued			1					1
Additional paid-in capital			32,866					29,785
Treasury stock, at cost; 503 (2021 and 2020) Class B shares			(22,958		)			(22,958		)
Retained earnings			11,144					10,375
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(1,882		)			(1,832		)
Total ViacomCBS stockholders’ equity			19,171					15,371
Noncontrolling interests			672					685
Total Equity			19,843					16,056
Total Liabilities and Equity			$	54,773				$	52,663

VIACOMCBS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; in millions)
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
		2021				2020
Operating Activities:
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)		$	923			$	519
Less: Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax		12				15
Net earnings from continuing operations		911				504
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		99				112
Deferred tax provision		95				153
Stock-based compensation		52				87
Loss on extinguishment of debt		128				—
Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax and distributions		18				9
Change in assets and liabilities		348				(508		)
Net cash flow provided by operating activities from continuing operations		1,651				357
Net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities from discontinued operations		72				(1		)
Net cash flow provided by operating activities		1,723				356
Investing Activities:
Investments		(40		)		(46		)
Capital expenditures		(62		)		(51		)
Proceeds from sale of investments		213				146
Other investing activities		(25		)		—
Net cash flow provided by investing activities		86				49
Financing Activities:
Repayments of short-term debt borrowings, net		—				(186		)
Repayment of long-term debt		(2,117		)		—
Dividends paid on common stock		(151		)		(152		)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		983				—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		1,672				—
Purchase of Company common stock		—				(58		)
Payment of payroll taxes in lieu of issuing shares for stock-based compensation		(35		)		(50		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		408				5
Other financing activities		(37		)		(38		)
Net cash flow provided by (used for) financing activities		723				(479		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(19		)		(29		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		2,513				(103		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period (includes $135 (2021) and $202 (2020) of restricted cash)		3,119				834
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (includes $133 (2021) and $142 (2020) of restricted cash)		$	5,632			$	731

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)

Results for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 included certain items identified as affecting comparability. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted OIBDA”), adjusted earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, adjusted provision for income taxes, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS, and adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations (together, the “adjusted measures”) exclude the impact of these items and are measures of performance not calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We use these measures to, among other things, evaluate our operating performance. These measures are among the primary measures used by management for planning and forecasting of future periods, and they are important indicators of our operational strength and business performance. In addition, we use Adjusted OIBDA to, among other things, value prospective acquisitions. We believe these measures are relevant and useful for investors because they allow investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by our management; provide a clearer perspective on our underlying performance; and make it easier for investors, analysts and peers to compare our operating performance to other companies in our industry and to compare our year-over-year results.

Because the adjusted measures are measures of performance not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating income, earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, provision for income taxes, net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS or diluted EPS from continuing operations, as applicable, as indicators of operating performance. These measures, as we calculate them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

The following tables reconcile the adjusted measures to their most directly comparable financial measures in accordance with GAAP.

		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
		2021				2020
Operating income (GAAP)		$	1,528			$	902
Depreciation and amortization (a)		99				112
Restructuring and other corporate matters (b)		—				231
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)		$	1,627			$	1,245

(a)		The quarter ended March 31, 2020 includes accelerated depreciation of $12 million for technology that was abandoned in connection with synergy plans related to the merger of Viacom Inc. with and into CBS Corporation (the “Merger”).
(b)		Primarily reflects severance and exit costs as well as other costs related to the Merger.

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Continued)
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
		Quarter Ended March 31, 2021
		Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes					Provision for Income Taxes					Net Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to ViacomCBS					Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations
Reported (GAAP)			$	1,155				$	(226	)			$	899				$	1.42
Items affecting comparability:
Loss on extinguishment of debt			128					(30		)			98					.16
Gain on marketable securities			(20		)			5					(15		)			(.03		)
Discrete tax items (a)			—					(21		)			(21		)			(.03		)
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)			$	1,263				$	(272	)			$	961				$	1.52

(a)

Primarily reflects tax benefits from the resolution of certain state income tax matters and excess tax benefits from the vesting or exercise of stock-based compensation awards.

Quarter Ended March 31, 2020

Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

Net Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to ViacomCBS

Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations

Reported (GAAP)

$

647

FAQ

What are the Q1 2021 financial results for ViacomCBS (VIAC, VIACA)?

ViacomCBS reported Q1 2021 revenues of $7.41B, with net earnings of $899M and diluted EPS of $1.42.

How many streaming subscribers does ViacomCBS have as of Q1 2021?

As of Q1 2021, ViacomCBS has 36M global streaming subscribers, having added 6M in the quarter.

What drove the growth in ViacomCBS' advertising revenue in Q1 2021?

Advertising revenue grew 21% due to CBS' broadcasts of Super Bowl LV and NCAA Tournament games.

What is the free cash flow reported by ViacomCBS in Q1 2021?

ViacomCBS reported free cash flow of $1.59B, which is a 419% increase year-over-year.

What challenges did ViacomCBS face in its theatrical revenue in Q1 2021?

Theatrical revenue for Q1 2021 was nearly nonexistent, down 99%, due to the impacts of COVID-19 on theater operations.