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Gunnar Wiedenfels on cost savings

From $WBD Warner Bros Discovery Q1 2024 Earnings Conference Call · · EARNMOAR

“We now see a path to meaningfully exceed the more than $1 billion of remaining cost savings that we had previously guided to which is on top of the more than $4 billion that we already realized through the end of 2023. I would best characterize these efforts as a continuous improvement mindset having become muscle memory for the WBD team.”

Gunnar Wiedenfels
Senior EVice President & Chief Financial Officer, Warner Bros Discovery Inc
Policy Impact cost savingsoperational efficiencytransformation

On , Gunnar Wiedenfels, Senior EVice President & Chief Financial Officer at Warner Bros Discovery Inc, spoke about cost savings during $WBD Warner Bros Discovery Q1 2024 Earnings Conference Call on EARNMOAR.

$WBD Warner Bros Discovery Q1 2024 Earnings Conference Call
Watch on YouTube at 27:03
$WBD Warner Bros Discovery Q1 2024 Earnings Conference Call
EARNMOAR
Watch on YouTube at 27:03
05/09/2024 Q&A: 28:30 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. operates as a media and entertainment company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Studios, Network, and DTC. The Studios segment produces and releases feature films for initial exhibition in theaters; produces and licenses television programs to its networks and third parties and direct-to-consumer services; distributes films and television programs to various third parties and internal television; and offers streaming services and distribution through the home entertainment market, themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming. The Network segment comprises domestic and international television networks. The DTC segment offers premium pay-tv and streaming services. In addition, the company offers portfolio of content, brands, and franchises across television, film, streaming, and gaming under the Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, DC, HBO, HBO Max, Max, Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, TNT Sports, TBS, TLC, OWN, Warner Bros. Games, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings brands. Further, it provides content through distribution platforms, including linear network, free-to-air, and broadcast television; authenticated GO applications, digital distribution arrangements, content licensing arrangements, and direct-to-consumer subscription products. Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in New York, New York. #warnerbrosdiscovery #earnings #fundamentals #earningscall #wbd
Gunnar Wiedenfels

About Gunnar Wiedenfels

Senior EVice President & Chief Financial Officer · Warner Bros Discovery Inc

Gunnar Wiedenfels, CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, has discussed the company's financial performance and strategic direction on recent earnings calls. He noted that the company is working through separation-related expenses, restructuring costs, and fees associated with its sale process and the pending Paramount transaction, which he said will continue to have a "marginal impact" on EBITDA but a more meaningful negative effect on free cash flow in 2026. Wiedenfels stated that the company's net leverage ratio was 3.3 times EBITDA as of the third quarter of 2025, and he expressed an expectation that the standalone "Discovery Global" entity would receive a single-B or low double-B credit rating. Wiedenfels has also addressed the company's content and sports strategies. He said the company has shifted from external to internal monetization of its library, with profits sitting on the balance sheet awaiting reinvestment. Regarding sports rights, he stated that the company will continue to be disciplined but open for business, and he projected a "very significant improvement" in sports rights expenses beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025 and continuing into 2026 as the NBA rights come off the books. He also described the company's linear networks as being managed as content creators across platforms, with growing revenue contributions from streaming.

Profile compiled from Gunnar Wiedenfels's verified public interviews and appearances. See all quotes & transcripts →

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