Universal Music Group Published relatively small winnings during the second quarter but stronger for the six months, which ended on June 30, with its publishing department which saw 11%-PLUS wins from year to year in both categories.
Recorded music published solid half -year gains, although goods took a big dive that the company’s managers explained was an expected drop after winnings from Taylor Swifts 2023-24 “Eras” Tours.
Top recorded music sellers for the first half of the year included Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd.
In total, UMG posted revenue of EUR 2,980 million, an increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year (4.5% in constant currency), while the publication of revenue increased by 11.5% compared to the previous year (14.5% in constant currency). Recorded music revenue increased by 1.1% compared to the previous year, or 3.9% in constant currency, with merchandising and other revenues decreased by 15.4% (12.7% in constant currency). Physical revenues decreased by 13.2% compared to the previous year, or 12.4% in constant currency, “due to a difficult comparison to last year’s strong release schedule,” which included new albums from Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Seventeen, Morgan Wallen and AE! The group, says the report.
Revenue from recorded music subscription increased 5.3% compared to the previous year (8.5% in constant currency), and streaming revenues increased by 4.4% compared to the previous year (9.1% in constant currency). Adjusted EBITDA of EUR 676 million increased 4.2% compared to the previous year, or 7.3% in constant currency.
During the first half of the year, revenues increased by EUR 5,881 million by 6.4% compared to the previous year, or 6.9% in constant currency, driven by growth in the recorded music and music publishing segments
Recorded music revenue increased 6.5% compared to the previous year, or 7.0% in constant currency. Music publishing increased by 11.6% compared to the previous year, or 12.1% in constant currency, and Merchandising and other revenues decreased by 10.6%, or 10.0% in constant currency. Revenue from recorded music subscription increased 8.4% compared to the previous year, or 8.9% in constant currency, and flowing revenue increased by 3.8% compared to the year before, or 4.6% in constant currency
Adjusted EBITDA of EUR 1,336 million increased 7.7% compared to the year before or 8.5% in constant currency.
UMG Chairman-Ceao Lucian Grainge Said, “It is the Powerful Combination of Our Artists ‘and Songwriters’ Creative Excellence with Our Strategic Vision and Execution That Continues to Deliver Umma Strong Numors,” and Spent the First 10 minutes of the first 10 minutes US and Several European Countries, Along With Its Efforts in the Health and Wellness Space.
In the report, the company noted that its costs for revenue, consisting of artist costs and product costs, increased by EUR 228 million to EUR 3,341 million during the first half of 2025, which reflects higher revenue and revenue mix.
Operating profit improved 25.3% compared to the previous year, or 27.5% in constant currency, to EUR 947 million due to the increase in revenue, lower non-cash-based compensation costs and the reduction in restructuring fees, which amounted to EUR 49 million in H1 2025 compared to 113 million in H1 202, I H1 2025.
Cash paid for catalog acquisitions was EUR 149 million during H1 2025 compared to EUR 96 million during H1 2024, while other strategic investments were lower year to year.
In line with UMG’s dividend policy to pay a dividend of at least 50% of the adjusted net profit, its board declared an interim distribution for H1 2025 of EUR 440 million, or EUR 0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date will be October 6, 2025, the record date will be October 7, 2025 and the payment date will be October 28, 2025.