Increase in Universal Music Group's Revenue by 6.9% during the first half of 2025
Universal Music Group Reports Solid Q2 2025 Results
Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, has announced its Q2 2025 financial results, showcasing a steady growth in revenue and a strong performance across its key segments.
The company's total revenue for Q2 2025 reached €2.980 billion, marking a 4.5% increase in constant currency, and a 1.6% year-over-year growth. This growth was driven by the Recorded Music and Music Publishing segments.
In the Recorded Music segment, revenue for Q2 2025 was €2.224 billion, up 3.9% year-over-year (3.9% in constant currency). The Music Publishing segment saw a more significant increase, with revenue growing 11.5% year-over-year (14.5% in constant currency) for Q2.
The growth in revenue was underpinned by a strong performance in streaming and subscription services. Streaming revenue increased by 9.1% for Q2, while subscription revenue soared by 8.5%. These figures represent a continued expansion in these digital services, contributing significantly to UMG’s financial performance in both Q2 and H1 2025.
The company's adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was €676 million, up 4.2% year-over-year (7.3% in constant currency), with a margin expansion of 0.6 percentage points to 22.7%. For H1 2025, adjusted EBITDA was €1,336 million, an 8.5% increase from the prior year period.
Top-selling artists driving Recorded Music revenue included Morgan Wallen, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd. Notably, downloads and other digital revenue grew by 17.2%, due in part to a settlement with an internet service provider for Q2.
Looking ahead, UMG COO Boyd Muir expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory for the coming years, stating that the company's business diversity has positioned them for solid growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA for Q2. Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG's chairman and CEO, also made a statement about the company's strong results.
These results demonstrate a moderate revenue growth in Recorded Music and stronger growth in Music Publishing, with streaming and subscription services continuing to play a significant role in UMG’s financial performance. The company remains well-positioned for continued success in the rapidly evolving music industry.
- Universal Music Group Q2 2025 Results Press Release
- Universal Music Group H1 2025 Results Press Release
- Universal Music Group announces its Music Publishing segment witnessed a significant increase in revenue for Q2 2025, while the Finance department showcases promising growth in adjusted EBITDA, as indicated in the Music Publishing and Finance segment of the Q2 2025 Results Press Release.
- In its H1 2025 Results Press Release, Universal Music Group underscores not only the ongoing expansion of streaming and subscription services, driving revenue growth in the Entertainment and Business sector, but also a continued strong performance in the Music Publishing segment, with the company remaining well-positioned for continued success in the rapidly evolving music industry.
