Goodwill and Intangible Assets

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2023

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill

The following analysis details the changes in goodwill for each reportable segment:


	Recorded Music		Music Publishing		Total
	(in millions)
Balances at September 30, 2022	$	1,456	$	464	$	1,920
Acquisitions	3		—		3

Other adjustments (a)	37		—		37
Balances at March 31, 2023	$	1,496	$	464	$	1,960

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(a)Other adjustments during the six months ended March 31, 2023 represent foreign currency movements.

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”) during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year as of July 1. The Company may conduct an earlier review if events or circumstances occur that would suggest the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill may not be recoverable. No indicators of impairment were identified during the current period that required the Company to perform an interim assessment or recoverability test.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:


	Weighted-Average Useful Life	March 31, 2023		September 30, 2022
		(in millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Recorded music catalog	12 years	$	1,391	$	1,316
Music publishing copyrights	25 years	1,982		1,889
Artist and songwriter contracts	13 years	1,055		1,014
Trademarks	15 years	108		103
Other intangible assets	6 years	97		89
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization		4,633		4,411
Accumulated amortization		(2,401)		(2,172)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization		2,232		2,239
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks and tradenames	Indefinite	150		145
Total net intangible assets		$	2,382	$	2,384