VIACOMCBS REPORTS Q4 AND FULL YEAR 2021 EARNINGS RESULTS

Rhea-AI Summary

Total Company Revenue rose 16% year-over-year in Q4, reaching $8 billion. Global Streaming Revenue surged 48% to $1.3 billion, with a record addition of 9.4 million subscribers to reach over 56 million total subscribers. Paramount+ led with 84% growth in streaming subscription revenue. Pluto TV added 10 million monthly active users, boosting its total to 64 million. Operating income increased 146% from last year, while diluted EPS grew 142% year-over-year to $3.05. The company generated $2.3 billion from non-core asset sales, enhancing its financial position.

Positive

• Total revenue increased 16% year-over-year to $8 billion.
• Streaming revenue grew 48% year-over-year to $1.3 billion.
• Record addition of 9.4 million subscribers, totaling over 56 million.
• 84% growth in streaming subscription revenue.
• Operating income rose 146% year-over-year to $2.664 billion.
• Diluted EPS increased 142% year-over-year to $3.05.
• Generated $2.3 billion from asset dispositions.

Negative

• Adjusted OIBDA decreased 53% year-over-year to $557 million.
• Adjusted diluted EPS fell 75% year-over-year to $0.26.

NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --

• Total Company Revenue Increased 16% Year-Over-Year in Q4, Reflecting Growth Across All Revenue Types
• Quarterly Global Streaming Revenue Grew 48% Year-Over-Year to $1.3 Billion, Driven by Strength in Subscription and Advertising
• Added a Record 9.4M Global Streaming Subscribers, Overwhelmingly Led By Paramount+, to Reach Over 56M Subscribers in the Quarter, and Achieved 84% Year-Over-Year Growth in Streaming Subscription Revenue
• Fueled By a Diverse Global Content Offering, Subscriber Acquisition and Consumption on Paramount+ Accelerated - Driven By Original Scripted Dramas 1883 and Mayor of Kingstown; Family Friendly Films Such As Clifford The Big Red Dog; and Live Sports With The NFL ON CBS
• Added 10M Pluto TV Global Monthly Active Users (MAUs) to Reach Over 64M and Grew Revenue by 45% Year-Over-Year
• Strengthened Financial Position by Generating $2.3B of Net Proceeds From Non-Core Asset Dispositions
• The Company is Hosting Virtual Investor Event Today, Detailing the Momentum of Paramount+ and More

STATEMENT FROM BOB BAKISH PRESIDENT & CEO

"In the fourth quarter you saw the power of strategy and strength of execution across the company. Our success was evident across all lines of business, and spotlighted by streaming, where we achieved our best quarter ever in streaming subscription growth - more than doubling our subscriber additions from last quarter with a record 9.4M additions, expanding our total global streaming subscribers to over 56M. And, to top it off, we saw meaningful acceleration in our global Pluto TV MAUs, to reach over 64M and generate over $1 billion in revenue in the year. This sets us up well for 2022, where I'm tremendously excited to continue to build on this powerful momentum - investing in global content, distribution, and market expansion - to further drive scale."

Q42021 RESULTS*
$ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
		Three Months Ended December 31											Twelve Months Ended December 31
GAAP		2021				2020				B/(W)%			2021				2020				B/(W)%
Revenue		$	8,000			$	6,874			16	%		$	28,586			$	25,285			13	%
▪Advertising**		2,634				2,600				1	%		9,267				8,333				11	%
▪Affiliate**		2,110				2,067				2	%		8,394				8,023				5	%
▪Streaming		1,315				888				48	%		4,193				2,561				64	%
▪Theatrical		39				4				n/m			241				180				34	%
▪Licensing and other		1,902				1,315				45	%		6,491				6,188				5	%
Operating income		$	2,664			$	1,083			146	%		$	6,297			$	4,139			52	%
Diluted EPS from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS		$	3.05			$	1.26			142	%		$	6.69			$	3.73			79	%
Non-GAAP†
Adjusted OIBDA		$	557			$	1,183			(53)	%		$	4,444			$	5,132			(13)	%
Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS		$	0.26			$	1.04			(75)	%		$	3.48			$	4.20			(17)	%

† 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.

**Excludes streaming revenue.

n/m = not meaningful

OVERVIEW OF Q4 REVENUE

REVENUE BY TYPE

• Advertising revenue grew 1% year-over-year, reflecting improved pricing, partially offset by lower political advertising and lower linear impressions.
• Affiliate revenue increased 2% year-over-year, reflecting higher reverse compensation, expanded distribution and rate increases, partially offset by subscriber declines.
• Streaming revenue rose 48% year-over-year:
• Streaming subscription revenue grew 84% year-over-year, reflecting strong subscriber growth from the company's streaming subscription services.
• Streaming advertising revenue grew 26% year-over-year, driven by growth in advertising on Pluto TV and Paramount+.
• Theatrical revenue reflects the fourth quarter release of Clifford The Big Red Dog, and the third quarter release of PAW Patrol: The Movie, while the prior-year period was impacted by the closure or reduced capacity of movie theaters in response to Covid.
• Licensing and other revenue increased 45% year-over-year, reflecting a higher volume of licensing, including from the comparison against the impact in 2020 from Covid-related production shutdowns.

 

$ IN MILLIONS	Three Months Ended December 31															Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2021				2020				$ B/(W) %							2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Advertising*	$	2,634			$	2,600			$	34			1	%		$	9,267			$	8,333			$	934			11	%
Affiliate*	2,110				2,067				43				2			8,394				8,023				371				5
Streaming	1,315				888				427				48			4,193				2,561				1,632				64
▪Advertising	684				545				139				26			2,145				1,418				727				51
▪Subscription	631				343				288				84			2,048				1,143				905				79
Theatrical	39				4				35				n/m			241				180				61				34
Licensing and other	1,902				1,315				587				45			6,491				6,188				303				5
Total Revenue	$	8,000			$	6,874			$	1,126			16	%		$	28,586			$	25,285			$	3,301			13	%

*Excludes streaming revenue     n/m = not meaningful

GLOBAL STREAMING HIGHLIGHTS

• Global streaming subscribers rose to more than 56M, adding a record breaking 9.4M subscribers in the quarter.
• Subscriber additions in the quarter were overwhelmingly led by Paramount+, with 7.3M additions, bringing Paramount+ total subscribers to 32.8M in the quarter.
• Domestically, Paramount+ saw record subscriber sign-ups and engagement from a variety of content, including Clifford The Big Red Dog, Mayor of Kingstown, 1883, South Park: Post Covid, live events and the NFL.
• Internationally, Paramount+ had great momentum, reflecting strong global and local content, including local sports such as A-League in Australia.
• SHOWTIME OTT also had a record quarter with sign-ups and engagement, benefiting from hit originals, including Dexter: New Blood and Yellowjackets.
• SkyShowtime, the new streaming joint venture with ViacomCBS and Comcast, plans to launch in more than 20 European markets encompassing 90 million homes starting later this year.
• Pluto TV revenue grew 45% year-over-year to $362M, as additions of 10M grew total MAUs to over 64M in the quarter.
• During the quarter, Pluto TV launched in Italy, and announced a strategic partnership with Nordic Entertainment Group to bring Pluto TV to Sweden, Denmark, and Norway in 2022.

REPORTING SEGMENTS

TV ENTERTAINMENT

• In Q4, CBS had the top scripted broadcast drama with NCIS, the top comedy with Young Sheldon, and the top three new programs with FBI: International, NCIS: Hawai'i and Ghosts. Also, THE NFL ON CBS averaged over 18 million viewers, more than any prime-time television sports, entertainment, or news series on any network this season.
• Revenue grew 18% year-over-year, reflecting growth across all revenue streams.
• Advertising revenue increased 2% year-over-year, primarily reflecting improved pricing and an increase in original programming, partially offset by lower political advertising.
• Affiliate revenue grew 5% year-over-year, driven by growth in reverse compensation.
• Streaming revenue rose 64% year-over-year, reflecting subscriber and advertising growth at Paramount+.
• Licensing and other revenue increased 51% year-over-year, reflecting a higher volume of licensing, including from the comparison against the impact in 2020 from Covid-related production shutdowns.
• Adjusted OIBDA decreased 73% year-over-year, reflecting the company's increased investment in Paramount+.

 

$ IN MILLIONS	Three Months Ended December 31															Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2021				2020				$ B/(W) %							2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Revenue	$	3,687			$	3,112			$	575			18	%		$	12,931			$	10,700			$	2,231			21	%
▪Advertising*	1,539				1,505				34				2			5,377				4,639				738				16
▪Affiliate*	721				688				33				5			2,803				2,614				189				7
▪Streaming	489				298				191				64			1,551				911				640				70
▪Licensing and other	938				621				317				51			3,200				2,536				664				26
Expenses	3,540				2,563				(977)				(38)			11,848				8,843				(3,005)				(34)
Adjusted OIBDA	$	147			$	549			$	(402)			(73)	%		$	1083			$	1,857			$	(774)			(42)	%
*Excludes streaming revenue

CABLE NETWORKS

• In Q4, ViacomCBS maintained leadership as the #1 portfolio in share of viewing among key demos (P2+, P12-17, P18-34, P18-49, P25-54), and owned the #1 cable series with Yellowstone and the #1 cable series among K2-11 with Paw Patrol.
• Revenue increased 17% year-over-year, reflecting growth across all revenue streams.
• Advertising revenue increased slightly year-over-year, as the benefits from improved pricing and the acquisition of Chilevisión were largely offset by lower linear impressions.
• Affiliate revenue grew 1% year-over-year, reflecting higher revenues from expanded vMVPD distribution, rate increases, and pay-per-view boxing events, partially offset by subscriber declines.
• Streaming revenue increased 40% year-over-year, largely fueled by advertising revenue growth from Pluto TV, as well as growth in subscribers for subscription streaming services.
• Licensing and other revenue increased 87% year-over-year, primarily driven by a higher volume of licensing, led by the licensing of programming to Paramount+.
• Adjusted OIBDA decreased 34% year-over-year, reflecting an increased investment in international streaming services and an increase in original programming.

 

$ IN MILLIONS	Three Months Ended December 31															Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2021				2020				$ B/(W) %							2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Revenue	$	4,008			$	3,438			$	570			17	%		$	14,200			$	12,589			$	1,611			13	%
▪Advertising*	1101				1099				2				0			3,907				3,721				186				5
▪Affiliate*	1,389				1,379				10				1			5,591				5,409				182				3
▪Streaming	826				590				236				40			2,642				1,650				992				60
▪Licensing and other	692				370				322				87			2,060				1,809				251				14
Expenses	3,476				2,637				(839)				(32)			10,453				8,843				(1,610)				(18)
Adjusted OIBDA	$	532			$	801			$	(269)			(34)	%		$	3,747			$	3,746			$	1			0	%
*Excludes streaming revenue

FILMED ENTERTAINMENT

• Revenue rose 61% year-over-year, driven by higher theatrical and licensing revenues.
• Theatrical includes revenues from the fourth quarter release of Clifford The Big Red Dog, and the third quarter release of PAW Patrol: The Movie, while the prior-year period was impacted by the closure or reduced capacity of movie theaters in response to Covid.
• Licensing and other revenue increased 54% year-over-year driven by a higher volume of licensing, including to our owned streaming services and from the comparison against the impact in 2020 from Covid-related production shutdowns.
• Adjusted OIBDA increased $36 million year-over-year, reflecting higher profits from the licensing of our content, partially offset by higher distribution costs from the timing of theatrical releases.

 

$ IN MILLIONS	Three Months Ended December 31															Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2021				2020				$ B/(W) %							2021				2020				$ B/(W) %
Revenue	$	826			$	514			$	312			61	%		$	3,070			$	2,562			$	508			20	%
▪Theatrical	39				4				35				n/m			241				180				61				34
▪Licensing and other	787				510				277				54			2,829				2,382				447				19
Expenses	772				496				(276)				(56)			2,702				2,347				(355)				(15)
Adjusted OIBDA	$	54			$	18			$	36			200	%		$	368			$	215			$	153			71	%
n/m = not meaningful

BALANCE SHEET & LIQUIDITY

• As of December 31, 2021, the company had $6.3B of cash on its balance sheet and a committed $3.5B revolving credit facility that remains undrawn.
• Strengthened financial position by generating $2.3B of net proceeds from the sale of the CBS Studio Center and the Black Rock office building.

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 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: risks related to our streaming initiatives; changes in consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies, distribution platforms and packaging; the impact on our advertising revenues as a result of changes in consumer viewership, advertising market conditions and deficiencies in audience measurement; our ability to maintain attractive brands and our reputation, and to offer popular programming and other content; increased costs for content and other rights; competition for talent, content, audiences, subscribers, 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; risks related to our ongoing investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies, through acquisitions and other strategic initiatives; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; content infringement; the impact of Covid-19 and other pandemics and measures taken in response thereto; domestic and global political, economic and regulatory factors affecting our businesses generally; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; the loss of existing or inability to hire new key employees or secure creative talent; 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)
	Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,				December 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues	$      8,000		$      6,874		$    28,586		$    25,285
Costs and expenses:
Operating	5,452		4,213		17,744		14,992
Selling, general and administrative	1,991		1,516		6,398		5,320
Depreciation and amortization	101		99		390		430
Restructuring and other corporate matters	19		177		100		618
Total costs and expenses	7,563		6,005		24,632		21,360
Net gain on sales	2,227		214		2,343		214
Operating income	2,664		1,083		6,297		4,139
Interest expense	(241)		(268)		(986)		(1,031)
Interest income	16		21		53		60
Net gains from investments	—		174		47		206
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		—		(128)		(126)
Other items, net	(22)		(27)		(77)		(101)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity    in earnings (loss) of investee companies	2,417		983		5,206		3,147
Provision for income taxes	(334)		(183)		(646)		(535)
Equity in earnings (loss) of investee companies, net of tax	(11)		2		(91)		(28)
Net earnings from continuing operations	2,072		802		4,469		2,584
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	36		27		162		117
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	2,108		829		4,631		2,701
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(50)		(19)		(88)		(279)
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$      2,058		$         810		$      4,543		$      2,422
Amounts attributable to ViacomCBS:
Net earnings from continuing operations	$      2,022		$         783		$      4,381		$      2,305
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	36		27		162		117
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$      2,058		$         810		$      4,543		$      2,422
Basic net earnings per common share attributable to ViacomCBS:
Net earnings from continuing operations	$        3.10		$        1.27		$        6.77		$        3.74
Net earnings from discontinued operations	$          .06		$          .04		$          .25		$          .19
Net earnings	$        3.16		$        1.31		$        7.02		$        3.93
Diluted net earnings per common share attributable to ViacomCBS:
Net earnings from continuing operations	$        3.05		$        1.26		$        6.69		$        3.73
Net earnings from discontinued operations	$          .05		$          .04		$          .25		$          .19
Net earnings	$        3.11		$        1.31		$        6.94		$        3.92
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	647		617		641		616
Diluted	662		620		655		618

 

VIACOMCBS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
		At December 31,
		2021		2020
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$              6,267		$         2,984
Receivables, net		6,984		7,017
Programming and other inventory		1,504		1,757
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,176		1,391
Current assets of discontinued operations		745		630
Total current assets		16,676		13,779
Property and equipment, net		1,736		1,994
Programming and other inventory		13,358		10,363
Goodwill		16,584		16,612
Intangible assets, net		2,772		2,826
Operating lease assets		1,630		1,602
Deferred income tax assets, net		1,206		993
Other assets		3,824		3,657
Assets held for sale		19		28
Assets of discontinued operations		815		809
Total Assets		$            58,620		$       52,663
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		$                 800		$            571
Accrued expenses		2,323		1,714
Participants' share and royalties payable		2,159		2,005
Accrued programming and production costs		1,342		1,141
Deferred revenues		1,091		978
Debt		11		16
Other current liabilities		1,182		1,391
Current liabilities of discontinued operations		571		480
Total current liabilities		9,479		8,296
Long-term debt		17,698		19,717
Participants' share and royalties payable		1,244		1,317
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations		1,946		2,098
Deferred income tax liabilities, net		1,063		778
Operating lease liabilities		1,598		1,583
Program rights obligations		404		243
Other liabilities		1,898		2,158
Liabilities of discontinued operations		213		220
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		107		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; 1,110 (2021) and 1,068 (2020) shares issued		1		1
Additional paid-in capital		32,918		29,785
Treasury stock, at cost; 503 (2021 and 2020) Class B Shares		(22,958)		(22,958)
Retained earnings		14,343		10,375
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,902)		(1,832)
Total ViacomCBS stockholders' equity		22,402		15,371
Noncontrolling interests		568		685
Total Equity		22,970		16,056
Total Liabilities and Equity		$            58,620		$       52,663

 

VIACOMCBS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
	Year Ended December 31,
	2021		2020
Operating Activities:
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$           4,631		$           2,701
Less: Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	162		117
Net earnings from continuing operations	4,469		2,584
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to net cash flow provided      by operating activities from continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	390		430
Television programming and feature film cost amortization	13,352		11,045
Deferred tax provision	90		122
Stock-based compensation	192		274
Net gain on sales	(2,343)		(214)
Net gains from investments	(47)		(206)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	128		126
Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax and distributions	96		34
Change in assets and liabilities
Decrease (increase) in receivables	179		(68)
Increase in inventory and related program and participation liabilities, net	(16,584)		(12,170)
Increase in accounts payable and other liabilities	760		188
Decrease in pension and postretirement benefit obligations	(61)		(20)
Increase in income taxes	265		2
Other, net	(51)		88
Net cash flow provided by operating activities from continuing operations	835		2,215
Net cash flow provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	118		79
Net cash flow provided by operating activities	953		2,294
Investing Activities:
Investments	(193)		(59)
Capital expenditures	(354)		(324)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(54)		(147)
Proceeds from dispositions	3,028		593
Other investing activities	(25)		—
Net cash flow provided by investing activities from continuing operations	2,402		63
Net cash flow used for investing activities from discontinued operations	(7)		(7)
Net cash flow provided by investing activities	2,395		56
Financing Activities:
Repayments of short-term debt borrowings, net	—		(706)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	—		4,375
Repayment of long-term debt	(2,230)		(2,901)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(30)		—
Dividends paid on common stock	(617)		(600)
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	(110)		(93)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	408		5
Payments to noncontrolling interests	(235)		(59)
Other financing activities	7		(53)
Net cash flow used for financing activities	(152)		(90)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(48)		25
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	3,148		2,285
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year    (includes $135 (2021) and $202 (2020) of restricted cash)	3,119		834
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year    (includes $135 (2020) of restricted cash)	$           6,267		$           3,119

 

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

Results for the three and twelve months ended December 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.

	Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,				December 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating income (GAAP)	$      2,664		$      1,083		$      6,297		$      4,139
Depreciation and amortization (a)	101		99		390		430
Restructuring and other corporate matters (b)	19		177		100		618
Programming charges (b)	—		38		—		159
Net gain on sales (b)	(2,227)		(214)		(2,343)		(214)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)	$         557		$      1,183		$      4,444		$      5,132

(a) The year ended December 31, 2020 includes an impairment charge for FCC licenses of $25 million and 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) See notes on the following tables for additional information on items affecting comparability.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Continued)
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended December 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)		$     2,417				$       (334)				$     2,022				$       3.05
Items affecting comparability:
Restructuring and other corporate matters (a)		19				(5)				14				.02
Net gain on sales (b)		(2,227)				565				(1,662)				(2.51)
Discrete tax items (c)		—				(227)				(227)				(.34)
Impairment of equity-method investment,     net of tax		—				—				34				.05
Impact of antidilution of Mandatory    Convertible Preferred Stock (d)		—				—				—				(.01)
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)		$        209				$           (1)				$        181				$         .26

(a) Reflects severance costs associated with changes in management at certain of our businesses.

(b) Primarily reflects gains on the sales of CBS Studio Center and 51 West 52nd Street, an office tower that was formerly the headquarters of CBS  ("51 West 52nd Street").

(c) Principally reflects the recognition of a capital loss associated with a change in the tax entity classification of a foreign subsidiary.

(d) The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of reported diluted EPS from continuing operations were 662 million and in the calculation of adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations were 650 million. These amounts differ because adjusted diluted EPS excludes the effect of the assumed conversion of our Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of common stock since the impact would have been antidilutive. As a result, in the calculation of adjusted diluted EPS, the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding does not include the assumed issuance of shares upon conversion of preferred stock, and preferred stock dividends recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2021 of $14 million are deducted from net earnings from continuing operations.

 

	Three Months Ended December 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)		$        983				$       (183)				$        783				$       1.26
Items affecting comparability:
Restructuring and other corporate matters (a)		177				(40)				137				.22
Programming charges (b)		38				(10)				28				.05
Gain on sales (c)		(214)				31				(183)				(.30)
Net gain from investments (d)		(174)				42				(132)				(.21)
Discrete tax items		—				12				12				.02
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)		$        810				$       (148)				$        645				$       1.04

(a) Reflects severance, exit costs and other costs related to the Merger.

(b) Primarily related to the abandonment of certain incomplete programs resulting from production shutdowns related to the coronavirus pandemic (" COVID-19").

(c) Reflects a gain on the sale of CNET Media Group ("CMG").

(d) Primarily reflects an increase in the value of our investment in fuboTV, Inc. ("fuboTV"), which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2020.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Continued)
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
	Twelve Months Ended December 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)		$     5,206				$       (646)				$     4,381				$       6.69
Items affecting comparability:
Restructuring and other corporate matters (a)		100				(25)				75				.11
Net gain on sales (b)		(2,343)				592				(1,751)				(2.67)
Gains from investments (c)		(47)				11				(36)				(.05)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		128				(30)				98				.15
Pension settlement charge (d)		10				(2)				8				.01
Discrete tax items (e)		—				(517)				(517)				(.79)
Impairment of equity-method investment,     net of tax		—				—				34				.05
Impact of antidilution of Mandatory    Convertible Preferred Stock (f)		—				—				—				(.02)
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)		$     3,054				$       (617)				$     2,292				3.48

(a) Reflects severance costs associated with changes in management at certain of our businesses and the impairment of lease assets in connection with cost transformation initiatives related to the Merger.

(b) Primarily reflects gains on the sales of CBS Studio Center, 51 West 52nd Street and a noncore trademark licensing operation.

(c) Primarily reflects a gain of $37 million on the sale of an investment and a gain of $9 million from an increase in the fair value of an investment that was sold during the third quarter of 2021.

(d) Reflects the accelerated recognition of a portion of the unamortized actuarial losses due to the volume of lump sum benefit payments in one of our pension plans.

(e) Primarily reflects a benefit of $260 million to remeasure our United Kingdom ("U.K.") net deferred income tax asset as a result of the enactment of an increase in the U.K. corporate income tax rate from 19% to 25% beginning April 1, 2023, a benefit of $229 million from the recognition of a capital loss associated with a change in the tax entity classification of a foreign subsidiary, as well as a net tax benefit in connection with the settlement of income tax audits.

(f) The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of reported diluted EPS from continuing operations were 655 million and in the calculation of adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations were 646 million. These amounts differ because adjusted diluted EPS excludes the effect of the assumed conversion of our Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of common stock since the impact would have been antidilutive. As a result, in the calculation of adjusted diluted EPS, the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding does not include the assumed issuance of shares upon conversion of preferred stock, and preferred stock dividends recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021 of $44 million are deducted from net earnings from continuing operations.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Continued)
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
	Twelve Months Ended December 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)		$     3,147				$       (535)				$     2,305				$       3.73
Items affecting comparability:
Restructuring and other corporate matters (a)		618				(133)				485				.79
Impairment charge (b)		25				(6)				19				.03
Depreciation of abandoned technology (c)		12				(3)				9				.01
Programming charges (d)		159				(39)				120				.20
Gain on sales (e)		(214)				31				(183)				(.30)
Net gains from investments (f)		(206)				50				(156)				(.25)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		126				(29)				97				.16
Discrete tax items (g)		—				(110)				(110)				(.18)
Impairment of equity-method investment,     net of tax		—				—				9				.01
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)		$     3,667				$       (774)				$     2,595				$       4.20

(a) Reflects severance, exit costs and other costs related to the Merger and a charge to write down property and equipment that was classified as held for sale.

(b) Reflects a charge to reduce the carrying values of FCC licenses in two markets to their fair values.

(c) Reflects accelerated depreciation for technology that was abandoned in connection with synergy plans related to the Merger.

(d) Primarily related to the abandonment of certain incomplete programs resulting from production shutdowns related to COVID-19.

(e) Reflects a gain on the sale of CMG.

(f) Primarily reflects an increase in the value of our investment in fuboTV, which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2020.

(g) Primarily reflects a benefit from the remeasurement of our U.K. net deferred income tax asset as a result of an increase in the U.K. corporate income tax rate from 17% to 19% enacted during the third quarter of 2020.

 

 

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SOURCE ViacomCBS Inc.

FAQ

What were ViacomCBS's Q4 2021 financial results?

In Q4 2021, ViacomCBS reported a total revenue of $8 billion, a 16% increase year-over-year, with significant growth in streaming revenue.

How many subscribers did Paramount+ add in Q4 2021?

Paramount+ added a record 7.3 million subscribers in Q4 2021, contributing to a total of over 56 million global streaming subscribers.

What was ViacomCBS's diluted EPS for Q4 2021?

ViacomCBS's diluted EPS for Q4 2021 was $3.05, reflecting a 142% increase compared to the same quarter last year.

How did Pluto TV perform in Q4 2021?

Pluto TV added 10 million monthly active users in Q4 2021, bringing the total to 64 million, with its revenue growing 45% year-over-year.

What financial measures indicate ViacomCBS's growth in 2021?

ViacomCBS saw a 16% increase in total revenue and a 146% jump in operating income year-over-year, showcasing substantial growth.