Universal Music Group Sees Healthy Revenue Gain of 5.3% to $7.2B in First Half of 2026
Categoria: Musica
Releases by Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan boosted its performance, though overall net profitability was impacted by Downtown acquisition-related costs.
Por Billboard | 30/07/2026
In the first half of 2026, the Universal Music Group (UMG) continued positive forward momentum with healthy overall revenue growth and managed to maintain internal profitability levels for the period. But overall net profitability was impacted by costs related to consolidating the Downtown acquisition, higher than usual legal fees and financial expenses, and going up against 2025’s first-half profitability, which was boosted by a high-margin settlement. For the six-month period ended June 30, UMG revenue grew to 6.194 billion euros ($7.195 billion), up 5.3% (10.8% on a constant currency basis) from the prior year’s first half, when the company generated 5.881 billion euros ($6.694 billion). While UMG benefited from the addition of its acquisition of Downtown in the first half of the year to the tune of 234 million euros ($272 million), its revenue was nevertheless up by 1.34% in the second half of 2026 versus the first half of 2025, and 5.7% on a constant currency basis. Related UMG, WMG, Sony Music, HYBE, Believe, BMG & More Propose New Principles for AI Song Chart Eligibility Chris Brown Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charge of 'Affray' in 2023 London Club Assault Case Soulja Boy Requests DNA Test for Son With Ex Jackilyn Martinez Net profits declined to $223 million euros in the first half of 2026 versus 1.425 billion euros in the corresponding year-earlier period, resulting in a 12-cent euro ($0.14) per diluted share in the first half of 2026 versus a 78-cent euro ($0.88) per diluted share in the corresponding 2025 period. Nevertheless, UMG generated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of 1.81 billion euros ($1.37 billion), versus 1.214 billion euros ($1.382 billion) in the year-earlier period. Within the first half, in the second quarter, UMG generated 3.294 billion euros, a 10.54% increase (13.1% on a constant currency basis) over the year-earlier corresponding period when revenue was 2.98 billion euros. Meanwhile, EBITDA almost held steady, coming in at 610 million euros, versus 611 million euros in 2025’s second quarter. However, adjusted EBITDA grew to 674 million euros versus 676 million euros, which on a constant currency basis was actually a 1.5% increase. “While I am pleased with our strategic progress and aspects of our financial performance, we know where we can improve,” UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said in a conference call with analysts. He added that what gives him his “greatest confidence” in the company’s future performance is the broad strength of the UMG organization, and three things that give the company a competitive advantage “that no other company brings together.” He again cited the strength of the core business, pointing out that it has elevated more successful artists than any of its competitors; its leadership at shaping the overall music ecosystem; what he sees as significant opportunities ahead due to the company’s artists and label services, the company̵