Universal Music Posts Higher Revenue as Subscriptions and Streaming Growth Picks Up
By Elias Schisgall
Universal Music Group reported higher revenue in the fourth quarter as growth in subscriptions and streaming services accelerated up after slowing in the prior quarter.
The music company on Thursday reported revenue growth of 11% in constant currency to 3.61 billion euros (about $4.17 billion) from 3.44 billion euros a year ago. Analysts surveyed by FactSet were expecting 3.43 billion euros.
In the recorded music segment, revenue from subscriptions and streaming rose 8.1% in constant currency to 1.64 billion euros from 1.60 billion euros in the same period a year ago. Analysts were forecasting 1.62 billion euros.
The increase reverses a slowdown in subscription and streaming revenues, which rose 6.6% in constant currency in the third quarter compared with analysts' expectations of 7% growth.
Physical revenue rose 21% in constant currency to 524 million euros in the most recent quarter, while licensing and other revenues rose 18% to 516 million euros. Total recorded music revenue rose 14% in constant currency to 2.77 billion euros.
Universal Music's top sellers included Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean, Morgan Wallen, and the soundtrack to KPop Demon Hunters, the company said.
Shares of Universal Music were recently up 2.6% to 19.36 euros a share.
Write to Elias Schisgall at elias.schisgall@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 05, 2026 12:49 ET (17:49 GMT)
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