Universal Music Stock Price, News & Analysis

Universal Music Group N.V. (UNVGY) received a Baa1 long-term credit rating from Moody's and a BBB long-term credit rating from S&P Global, both with stable outlooks. The ratings reflect UMG's strong credit attributes, including its leadership in the music industry, diversified revenue streams, and low leverage. The ratings support UMG's financing strategy and acknowledge its position following the company's public listing. UMG aims to maintain these investment-grade ratings, reinforcing its commitment to financial stability.

Paul Weller's acclaimed album '22 Dreams' will be re-issued as a double-LP on July 22, 2022. Originally released in 2008, the album debuted at number one in the U.K. charts and features collaborations with artists like Noel Gallagher and Graham Coxon. The vinyl release includes a 12" x 36" black and white poster and an 8-page booklet by Simon Armitage. The album has received critical acclaim, with publications lauding it as Weller's finest solo work. Pre-orders are currently available.

Universal Music Group N.V. held its first Annual General Meeting of shareholders on May 12, 2022, where all resolutions were adopted by majority vote. Key outcomes included a positive advisory vote on the 2021 Remuneration Report, the adoption of 2021 financial statements, and the appointment of four Non-Executive Directors. A final dividend of EUR 0.20 per share was approved, totaling EUR 0.40 for the financial year 2021. Important dates for the dividend payment include the ex-dividend date on May 16, 2022, and the payment date on June 8, 2022.

Universal Music Group N.V. (UNVGY) reported Q1 2022 revenues of €2,199 million, a 21.6% increase year-over-year, or 16.5% in constant currency. Key segments showed robust growth: Recorded Music revenue rose 16.0%, Music Publishing surged 38.4%, and Merchandising gained 81.4%. Adjusted EBITDA was €455 million, up 14.9%, with a margin of 20.7%. The strong results reflect a diverse revenue strategy, leveraging streaming, physical sales, and merchandising as live events resume.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) announced on May 2, 2022, the signing of Dave Bayley from Glass Animals to an exclusive global publishing agreement. Bayley, recognized as a top songwriter, expressed eagerness to explore various music avenues. Following the success of their album 'Dreamland', which garnered over 1.5 billion streams, UMPG aims to support Bayley’s growth as an artist and producer. The band achieved significant accolades, including Group of the Year at Variety Hitmakers and nominations for the 2022 Grammy Awards.

Universal Music Group (EURONEXT: UMG) is set to release its financial results for the first quarter of 2022 on May 3, 2022, after the close of the Euronext market. A conference call will follow at 6:15 PM CEST on the same day to discuss the results, with a live audio webcast available for listeners. Investors and analysts can pre-register to ask questions during the call. For more details, visit investors.universalmusic.com.

Universal Music Group N.V. (UMG) announced its 2021 Annual Report and scheduled its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for May 12, 2022. The AGM will address the appointment of four new Non-Executive Directors, including William A. Ackman and Nicole Avant. Other agenda items include advisory votes on the 2021 remuneration report, adoption of financial statements, and establishment of the 2022 Global Equity Plan. UMG's Annual Report also reveals a new Legacy Artists Program designed to support legacy recording artists and songwriters with unrecouped balances beginning January 1, 2022.

Universal Music Group (UMG) reported FY 2021 revenue of €8,504 million, a 17% increase year-over-year in constant currency. Adjusted EBITDA rose 20.9% to €1,788 million, with a margin of 21%. Net profit attributable to shareholders dropped 35.1% to €886 million, leading to an EPS of €0.49. The company proposed a final dividend of €363 million, bringing the total for 2021 to €725 million. Q4 revenue reached €2,520 million, up 16% year-over-year, but EBITDA fell 4.2% to €438 million due to one-time expenses. The firm anticipates further growth in 2022.

Universal Music Group (UMG) partners with Billboard to launch ChartStars, a non-fungible token (NFT) project celebrating music chart achievements. This marks Billboard's inaugural scalable NFT offering featuring curated digital collectibles on the eco-friendly Flow Blockchain. UMG will leverage its artist roster to commemorate milestones, enhancing fan engagement through gamification elements like leaderboards and challenges. The first products are set to launch in May. Billboard collaborates with Unblocked for technology support, allowing credit card payments for NFTs.