Warner Music Group Corp. Reports Results for Fiscal Third Quarter Ended June 30, 2026

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adjusted oibda financial

Adjusted OIBDA is a company’s core operating profit before subtracting depreciation and amortization, further cleaned up by removing one-time or unusual items so it shows recurring cash-earning power. Think of it like measuring a car’s steady fuel efficiency after ignoring a flat tire or a rare detour—investors use it to compare underlying operational performance across periods and companies without distortion from non-recurring events or accounting timing.

constant currency financial

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free cash flow financial

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operating cash flow conversion financial

Operating cash flow conversion measures how much of a company’s reported profit actually turns into cash collected from its regular business activities, usually shown as a percentage. It matters to investors because cash is what pays bills, funds growth, and supports dividends or debt repayment; a high conversion rate is like getting paid and having money hit your bank account, while a low rate can signal that reported profits aren’t producing usable cash and may be less reliable.

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Financial Highlights

• Robust Revenue Growth Underpinned by Strong Operating Performance across Recorded Music and Music Publishing
• Double-Digit Recorded Music Subscription Streaming Growth Driven by Improved Terms with DSP Partners, Positive Industry Trends, and Resilient Global Market Share
• Margin Expansion Supported by Revenue Mix and Cost-Savings Delivery; Continue to Expect High End of 150-200 Basis Points Full-Year Margin Expansion Guidance
• $100 million Cash Balance Increase over Prior-Year Quarter Driven by Strong Operating Cash Flow Growth; Reiterate 50-60% Operating Cash Flow Conversion Target for FY2026

For the three months ended June 30, 2026

• Total revenue increased 10%, or 9% in constant currency
• Net income was $200 million compared to a loss of $16 million in the prior-year quarter
• Operating income increased 80% to $305 million versus $169 million in the prior-year quarter
• Adjusted OIBDA increased 16% to $433 million versus $373 million in the prior-year quarter, or 15% in constant currency
• Earnings per share was $0.39 compared to $(0.03) in the prior-year quarter
• Adjusted earnings per share was $0.51 compared to $0.42 in the prior-year quarter
• Cash provided by operating activities increased to $142 million versus $46 million in the prior-year quarter

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its third-quarter financial results for the period ended June 30, 2026.

“For the fifth consecutive quarter, WMG has delivered or over-delivered on our targets, proving the strength of our strategy and the momentum of our business," said Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group. "Our performance - driven by robust subscription streaming growth, market share gains, and disciplined operating leverage - highlights our ability to champion human creativity while deploying tech and AI to scale long-term profitability. We are closing the year with sharp operational focus and strong positioning to generate compounding value for our artists, songwriters, and shareholders for many years to come.”

“Our strong results were highlighted by double-digit subscription streaming growth bolstered by contractual per-subscriber minimum increases and sustained global share performance,” said Lou Dickler, Acting CFO, Warner Music Group. “We delivered healthy margin expansion and remain on track to meet the high end of our fiscal '26 margin expansion targets while remaining laser-focused on long-term value creation.”

Total WMG

Total WMG Summary Results
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025			% Change
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)							(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Revenue	$	1,864		$	1,689			10	%		$	5,436		$	4,839		12	%
Recorded Music revenue		1,488			1,354			10	%			4,348			3,874		12	%
Music Publishing revenue		377			336			12	%			1,092			969		13	%
Operating income		305			169			80	%			857			551		56	%
Adjusted OIBDA(1)		433			373			16	%			1,293			1,039		24	%
Net income (loss)		200			(16	)		—	%			556			261		—	%
Net cash provided by operating activities		142			46			—	%			708			447		58	%
Free Cash Flow		114			7			—	%			633			336		88	%
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding this measure.

Revenue was up 10.4% (or 9.3% in constant currency). Recorded Music revenue comparisons were impacted by $16 million of digital revenue from the settlement of certain copyright infringement cases in the prior-year quarter (the “Copyright Settlement”). Consistent with prior quarters, Recorded Music revenue growth was also unfavorably impacted by the termination of the distribution agreement with BMG (the “BMG Termination”), which resulted in $10 million less Recorded Music digital revenue compared to the prior-year quarter. Excluding these items, total revenue increased 12.1% (or 11.0% in constant currency).

Digital revenue was up 10.5% (or 9.1% in constant currency) and streaming revenue was up 12.3% (or 10.8% in constant currency). Adjusted for the $16 million impact of the Copyright Settlement and the $10 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, digital revenue increased 13.1% (or 11.6% in constant currency), and adjusted for the $10 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, streaming revenue increased 13.3% (or 11.8% in constant currency). Recorded Music streaming revenue increased 11.8% (or 10.1% in constant currency); however, adjusted for the $10 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 13.1% (or 11.3% in constant currency). Music Publishing streaming revenue increased 14.4% (or 13.8% in constant currency). The increase in total revenue was also driven by higher Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights and physical revenue, and growth across Music Publishing synchronization, mechanical and performance revenue.

Operating income increased 80.5% (or 75.3% in constant currency) to $305 million from $169 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as a decrease in restructuring and impairment charges of $62 million, partially offset by higher amortization expense of $11 million.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 16.1% (or 14.6% in constant currency) to $433 million from $373 million and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.1 percentage points to 23.2% from 22.1% in the prior-year quarter (or 1.0 percentage point from 22.2% in constant currency). The increases include the $9 million impact of the Copyright Settlement and the $1 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter. Excluding these items, Adjusted OIBDA increased 19.3% (or 17.7% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.4 percentage points to 23.2% from 21.8% (or 1.3 percentage points from 21.9% in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily driven by strong operating performance, revenue mix and savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, a portion of which has been reinvested into the Company’s business, partially offset by unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $16 million.

Net income was $200 million compared to a loss of $16 million in the prior-year quarter. The change in net income was due to the impact of exchange rates on the Company’s Euro-denominated debt resulting in a $3 million gain in the quarter compared to a $70 million loss in the prior-year quarter and a currency exchange loss on intercompany loans of $1 million in the quarter compared to a $63 million loss in the prior-year quarter, partially offset by realized and unrealized losses on hedging activity of $1 million in the quarter compared to $8 million in the prior-year quarter. The change in net income was also driven by an impairment charge of $70 million for long-lived assets associated with EMP in the prior-year quarter. The increase in net income was partially offset by a $62 million increase in income tax expense, primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income in the quarter and a $20 million smaller benefit from EMP impairment in the quarter.

Basic earnings per share was $0.39 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the quarter of $200 million. Diluted earnings per share was $0.38 for Class A shareholders and $0.39 for Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the quarter of $200 million.

As of June 30, 2026, the Company reported a cash balance of $618 million, total debt of $4.710 billion and net debt (defined as total debt, net of deferred financing costs, premiums and discounts, minus cash and equivalents) of $4.092 billion. Total debt includes $303 million of subsidiary debt acquired in the Company’s acquisition of Tempo Music Holdings, LLC (“Tempo Music”) and $363 million in loans outstanding under the Beethoven JV. This debt is secured only by certain music rights owned by Tempo Music and the Beethoven JV, respectively, and is nonrecourse to the Company and its subsidiaries, other than Tempo Music and the Beethoven JV, respectively.

Cash provided by operating activities increased $96 million, or 209%, to $142 million in the quarter compared to $46 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase was largely a result of strong operating performance. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, increased to $114 million from $7 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to the factors affecting cash provided by operating activities described above and due to a decrease in capital expenditures of $11 million, or 28%, to $28 million from $39 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by lower investments in technology and costs associated with our finance transformation initiative.

Recorded Music

Recorded Music Summary Results
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025			% Change			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025			% Change
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)						(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Revenue	$	1,488		$	1,354		10	%		$	4,348		$	3,874		12	%
Operating income		326			201		62	%			943			642		47	%
Adjusted OIBDA(1)		377			321		17	%			1,126			914		23	%
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding this measure.

Recorded Music Revenue
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025
	As reported			As reported			Constant			As reported			As reported			Constant
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Digital	$	1,016		$	929		$	943		$	2,967		$	2,643		$	2,717
Physical		137			119			117			426			397			404
Total Digital and Physical		1,153			1,048			1,060			3,393			3,040			3,121
Artist services and expanded-rights		224			195			195			619			508			523
Licensing		111			111			112			336			326			336
Total Recorded Music	$	1,488		$	1,354		$	1,367		$	4,348		$	3,874		$	3,980

Recorded Music revenue was up 9.9% (or 8.9% in constant currency) driven by increases across digital, artist services and expanded-rights and physical revenue. Licensing revenue remained constant with the prior-year quarter (or decreased 0.9% in constant currency). Excluding the $16 million impact of the Copyright Settlement and the $10 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, Recorded Music revenue was up 12.0% (or 11.0% in constant currency). Digital revenue was up 9.4% (or 7.7% in constant currency) and streaming revenue was up 11.8% (or 10.1% in constant currency). Adjusted for the $16 million impact of the Copyright Settlement and the $10 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, Recorded Music digital revenue was up 12.5% (or 10.8% in constant currency). Adjusted for the $10 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, streaming revenue was up 13.1% (or 11.3% in constant currency). Streaming revenue reflects growth in subscription revenue of 12.5% (or 10.8% in constant currency) and in ad-supported revenue of 10.0% (or 8.0% in constant currency). Subscription revenue, adjusted for the $6 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, was up 13.5% (or 11.8% in constant currency). Ad-supported revenue, adjusted for the $4 million impact of the BMG Termination compared to the prior-year quarter, was up 12.0% (or 10.0% in constant currency). The increase in subscription revenue reflects positive market share trends, subscriber growth and improved deal economics. The increase in ad-supported revenue reflects strong performance in the quarter, as well as improved deal economics. Artist services and expanded-rights revenue was up 14.9% (the same in constant currency) due to higher concert promotion revenue primarily in Japan and higher merchandising revenue. Physical revenue increased 15.1% (or 17.1% in constant currency) primarily driven by strong releases in the quarter as well as catalog and carryover success. Top sellers in the quarter included Bruno Mars, Don Toliver, sombr, Alex Warren and Madonna.

Recorded Music operating income increased 62.2% (or 58.3% in constant currency) to $326 million from $201 million in the prior-year quarter, and operating margin was up 7.1 percentage points to 21.9% versus 14.8% in the prior-year quarter (or up 6.8 percentage points from 15.1% in constant currency). The increase in operating income and operating income margin was driven by the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as decreases in restructuring and impairment charges of $63 million and depreciation expense of $4 million primarily relating to EMP, partially offset by higher amortization expense of $10 million attributable to acquisitions.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 17.4% (or 15.6% in constant currency) to $377 million from $321 million and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.6 percentage points to 25.3% from 23.7% in the prior-year quarter (or increased 1.5 percentage points from 23.8% in constant currency). The increases include the $9 million impact of the Copyright Settlement and the $1 million impact of the BMG Termination. Excluding these items, Adjusted OIBDA increased 21.2% (or 19.3% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 1.9 percentage points to 25.3% from 23.4% (or 1.7 percentage points from 23.6% in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily driven by revenue growth and strong operating performance, and savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, of which a portion has been reinvested in the Company’s business, partially offset by unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $12 million.

Music Publishing

Music Publishing Summary Results
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025			% Change			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025			% Change
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)						(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Revenue	$	377		$	336		12	%		$	1,092		$	969		13	%
Operating income		71			60		18	%			197			167		18	%
Adjusted OIBDA(1)		109			96		14	%			308			264		17	%
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding this measure.

Music Publishing Revenue
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025
	As reported			As reported			Constant			As reported			As reported			Constant
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Performance	$	59		$	58		$	60		$	181		$	167		$	174
Digital		235			204			204			674			599			610
Mechanical		19			16			16			54			46			47
Synchronization		60			54			56			170			142			146
Other		4			4			4			13			15			16
Total Music Publishing	$	377		$	336		$	340		$	1,092		$	969		$	993

Music Publishing revenue was up 12.2% (or 10.9% in constant currency) driven by growth across digital, synchronization, mechanical and performance revenue. Digital revenue increased 15.2% (the same in constant currency) and streaming revenue increased 14.4% (or 13.8% in constant currency) driven by continued market growth and the impact of new deals and renewals. Synchronization revenue increased 11.1% (or 7.1% in constant currency) primarily due to an increase in other copyright infringement settlements and mechanical revenue increased 18.8% (the same in constant currency) driven by the timing of distributions. Performance revenue increased 1.7% (or decreased 1.7% in constant currency).

Music Publishing operating income was up 18.3% (or 16.4% in constant currency) to $71 million from $60 million in the prior-year quarter and operating margin increased 0.9 percentage points to 18.8% from 17.9% in the prior-year quarter (the same in constant currency). The increases in operating income and operating margin were driven by the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below.

Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA increased 13.5% (the same in constant currency) to $109 million from $96 million in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.3 percentage points to 28.9% from 28.6% in the prior-year quarter (or 0.7 percentage points from 28.2% in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily driven by revenue growth and strong operating performance, partially offset by unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $5 million.

Recent Announcements

In addition, the Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The dividend is payable on September 1, 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 20, 2026.

Financial details for the quarter can be found in the Company’s current Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2026, which will be filed this afternoon with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This afternoon, management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the results at 4:30 P.M. EDT. The call will be webcast on www.wmg.com.

About Warner Music Group

With a legacy extending back over 200 years, Warner Music Group today is home to an unparalleled family of creative artists, songwriters, and companies that are moving culture across the globe. At the core of WMG’s Recorded Music division are four of the most iconic companies in history: Atlantic, Elektra, Parlophone and Warner Records. They are joined by renowned labels such as TenThousand Projects, 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’ Records, Warner Classics and Warner Records Nashville. Warner Chappell Music - which traces its origins back to the founding of Chappell & Company in 1811 - is one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights spanning every musical genre from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This communication includes forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of Warner Music Group about future events and financial performance. Words such as "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "forecasts" and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of today, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, we cannot assure you that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Please refer to our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements.

We maintain an Internet site at www.wmg.com. We use our website as a channel of distribution for material company information. Financial and other material information regarding Warner Music Group is routinely posted on and accessible at http://investors.wmg.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Warner Music Group by enrolling your email address through the “email alerts” section at http://investors.wmg.com. Our website and the information posted on it or connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this communication.

Figure 1. Warner Music Group Corp. - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Revenue	$	1,864			$	1,689			10	%
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenue		(1,010	)			(913	)		11	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(464	)			(471	)		-1	%
Restructuring and impairments		(7	)			(69	)		-90	%
Amortization expense		(78	)			(67	)		16	%
Total costs and expenses	$	(1,559	)		$	(1,520	)		3	%
Operating income	$	305			$	169			80	%
Interest expense, net		(49	)			(43	)		14	%
Other income (expense), net		11				(137	)		—	%
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	267			$	(11	)		—	%
Income tax expense		(67	)			(5	)		—	%
Net income (loss)	$	200			$	(16	)		—	%
Less: (Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		4				—			—	%
Net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	204			$	(16	)		—	%
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
Class A – Basic	$	0.39			$	(0.03	)
Class A – Diluted	$	0.38			$	(0.03	)
Class B – Basic	$	0.39			$	(0.03	)
Class B – Diluted	$	0.39			$	(0.03	)
	For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Revenue	$	5,436			$	4,839			12	%
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenue		(2,927	)			(2,598	)		13	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(1,382	)			(1,395	)		-1	%
Restructuring and impairments		(47	)			(109	)		-57	%
Amortization expense		(218	)			(186	)		17	%
Total costs and expenses	$	(4,574	)		$	(4,288	)		7	%
Net gain on divestiture		(5	)			—			—	%
Operating income	$	857			$	551			56	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(7	)			—			—	%
Interest expense, net		(135	)			(119	)		13	%
Other income (expense), net		52				(48	)		—	%
Income before income taxes	$	767			$	384			100	%
Income tax expense		(211	)			(123	)		72	%
Net income	$	556			$	261			—	%
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest		7				(5	)		—	%
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	563			$	256			—	%
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Class A – Basic	$	1.07			$	0.49
Class A – Diluted	$	1.05			$	0.49
Class B – Basic	$	1.07			$	0.49
Class B – Diluted	$	1.06			$	0.49

Figure 2. Warner Music Group Corp. - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2026 versus September 30, 2025
(dollars in millions)
	June 30, 2026				September 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	618			$	532			16	%
Accounts receivable, net		1,607				1,340			20	%
Inventories		69				62			11	%
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year		671				581			15	%
Assets held for sale		68				89			-24	%
Prepaid and other current assets		227				166			37	%
Total current assets	$	3,260			$	2,770			18	%
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year		1,118				1,079			4	%
Property, plant and equipment, net		416				441			-6	%
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		163				189			-14	%
Goodwill		2,126				2,061			3	%
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net		3,098				2,725			14	%
Intangible assets not subject to amortization		153				154			-1	%
Deferred tax assets, net		58				111			-48	%
Other assets		335				299			12	%
Total assets	$	10,727			$	9,829			9	%
Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	354			$	257			38	%
Accrued royalties		3,030				2,740			11	%
Accrued liabilities		494				666			-26	%
Accrued interest		40				31			29	%
Operating lease liabilities, current		44				43			2	%
Deferred revenue		330				286			15	%
Liabilities held for sale		39				49			-20	%
Other current liabilities		112				129			-13	%
Total current liabilities	$	4,443			$	4,201			6	%
Acquisition Corp. long-term debt		4,044				4,063			—	%
Other long-term debt		666				302			—	%
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent		165				200			-18	%
Deferred tax liabilities, net		184				164			12	%
Other noncurrent liabilities		139				142			-2	%
Total liabilities	$	9,641			$	9,072			6	%
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		133				—			—	%
Equity:
Class A common stock	$	—			$	—			—	%
Class B common stock		1				1			—	%
Additional paid-in capital		2,141				2,166			-1	%
Accumulated deficit		(1,068	)			(1,331	)		-20	%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net		(220	)			(189	)		16	%
Total Warner Music Group Corp. equity	$	854			$	647			32	%
Noncontrolling interest		99				110			-10	%
Total equity		953				757			26	%
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity	$	10,727			$	9,829			9	%

Figure 3. Warner Music Group Corp. - Summarized Statements of Cash Flows, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	142			$	46
Net cash used in investing activities		(151	)			(71	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(110	)			(96	)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents		1				11
Cash balances classified as assets held for sale		(5	)		$	—
Net decrease in cash and equivalents	$	(123	)		$	(110	)

Figure 4. Warner Music Group Corp. - Digital Revenue Summary, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Recorded Music
Subscription	$	758		$	674			12	%
Ad-Supported		243			221			10	%
Streaming	$	1,001		$	895			12	%
Downloads and Other Digital		15			34			-56	%
Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue	$	1,016		$	929			9	%
Music Publishing
Streaming	$	231		$	202			14	%
Downloads and Other Digital		4			2			100	%
Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue	$	235		$	204			15	%
Consolidated
Streaming	$	1,232		$	1,097			12	%
Downloads and Other Digital		19			36			-47	%
Intersegment Eliminations		—			(1	)		—	%
Total Digital Revenue	$	1,251		$	1,132			11	%

Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including the following non-GAAP financial measures:

Adjusted OIBDA

We allocate resources and evaluate performance based on several factors, including Adjusted OIBDA. We define Adjusted OIBDA as operating income (loss) adjusted to exclude the following items: (i) non-cash depreciation of tangible assets, (ii) non-cash amortization of intangible assets, (iii) non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses, (iv) gains or losses on divestitures, (v) expenses related to restructuring and transformation initiatives, which include costs associated with the Company’s financial transformation initiative to design and implement new information technology and upgrade our finance infrastructure, and (vi) executive transition costs. Items excluded are not viewed to contribute directly to management’s evaluation of operating results. We consider Adjusted OIBDA to be an important indicator of the operational strengths and performance of our businesses. However, a limitation of the use of Adjusted OIBDA as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in our businesses. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In addition, our definition of Adjusted OIBDA may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS

We define Adjusted Net Income as net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. adjusted to exclude the following items: (i) non-cash amortization of intangible assets, (ii) expenses related to restructuring and transformation initiatives, which include costs associated with the Company’s financial transformation initiative to design and implement new information technology and upgrade our finance infrastructure, (iii) gains or losses on divestitures, (iv) non-cash stock-based compensation, (v) loss on extinguishment of debt, and (vi) other (income) expenses. These exclusions are then further adjusted to account for tax effects. Adjusted Net Income should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp. and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We use Adjusted Net Income to calculate Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (“EPS”), which we define as Adjusted Net Income divided by the basic weighted-average shares outstanding for the period. Our definition of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Figure 5. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted OIBDA, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	204			$	(16	)		—	%
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(4	)			—			—	%
Net income (loss)	$	200			$	(16	)		—	%
Income tax expense		67				5			—	%
Income including income taxes	$	267			$	(11	)		—	%
Other (income) expense, net		(11	)			137			—	%
Interest expense, net		49				43			14	%
Operating income	$	305			$	169			80	%
Amortization expense		78				67			16	%
Depreciation expense		33				29			14	%
Restructuring and impairments		7				69			-90	%
Transformation initiative costs		10				19			-47	%
Executive transition costs		—				4			-100	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		—				16			-100	%
Adjusted OIBDA	$	433			$	373			16	%
Operating income margin		16.4	%			10.0	%
Adjusted OIBDA margin		23.2	%			22.1	%
Net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	204			$	(16	)		—	%
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities		(1	)			—			—	%
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	203			$	(16	)		—	%
Amortization expense		78				67			16	%
Restructuring and impairments		7				69			-90	%
Transformation initiative costs		10				19			-47	%
Executive transition costs		—				4			-100	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		—				16			-100	%
Other (income) expense, net		(11	)			137			—	%
Tax impact (a)		(21	)			(76	)		-72	%
Adjusted Net Income	$	266			$	220			21	%
Weighted Avg Shares Outstanding - Class A - Basic		146,297				145,878
Weighted Avg Shares Outstanding - Class B - Basic		375,380				375,380
Unadjusted (GAAP) EPS - Class A - Basic	$	0.39			$	(0.03	)
Adjusted EPS - Class A - Basic	$	0.51			$	0.42
a) Represents the tax effect of the adjustments to reflect corporate income taxes at assumed effective tax rates of 25% and 24% for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.
	For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	563			$	256			—	%
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(7	)			5			—	%
Net income	$	556			$	261			—	%
Income tax expense		211				123			72	%
Income including income taxes	$	767			$	384			100	%
Other (income) expense, net		(52	)			48			—	%
Interest expense, net		135				119			13	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt		7				—			—	%
Operating income	$	857			$	551			56	%
Amortization expense		218				186			17	%
Depreciation expense		95				86			10	%
Restructuring and impairments		47				109			-57	%
Transformation initiatives and other related costs		39				54			-28	%
Executive transition costs		—				4			-100	%
Net loss on divestitures		5				—			—	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		32				49			-35	%
Adjusted OIBDA	$	1,293			$	1,039			24	%
Operating income margin		15.8	%			11.4	%
Adjusted OIBDA margin		23.8	%			21.5	%
Net income (loss) attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.	$	563			$	256			120	%
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities		(5	)			(3	)		67	%
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	558			$	253			121	%
Amortization expense		218				186			17	%
Restructuring and impairments		47				109			-57	%
Transformation initiative costs		39				54			-28	%
Net loss on divestitures		5				—			—	%
Executive transition costs		—				4			-100	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		32				49			-35	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt		7				—			—	%
Other (income) expense, net		(52	)			48			—	%
Tax impact (a)		(81	)			(110	)		-26	%
Adjusted Net Income	$	773			$	593			30	%
Weighted Avg Shares Outstanding - Class A - Basic		146,542				144,623
Weighted Avg Shares Outstanding - Class B - Basic		375,380				375,380
Unadjusted (GAAP) EPS - Class A - Basic	$	1.07			$	0.49
Adjusted EPS - Class A - Basic	$	1.48			$	1.14
a) Represents the tax effect of the adjustments to reflect corporate income taxes at assumed effective tax rates of 28% and 24% for the nine months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.

Figure 6. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Total WMG operating income – GAAP	$	305			$	169			80	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		111				96			16	%
Restructuring and impairments		7				69			-90	%
Transformation initiative costs		10				19			-47	%
Executive transition costs		—				4			-100	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		—				16			-100	%
Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA	$	433			$	373			16	%
Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA margin		23.2	%			22.1	%
Recorded Music operating income – GAAP	$	326			$	201			62	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		53				47			13	%
Restructuring and impairments		6				69			-91	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs	$	(8	)		$	4			—	%
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA	$	377			$	321			17	%
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin		25.3	%			23.7	%
Music Publishing operating income – GAAP	$	71			$	60			18	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		37				35			6	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		1				1			—	%
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA	$	109			$	96			14	%
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin		28.9	%			28.6	%
	For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Total WMG operating income – GAAP	$	857			$	551			56	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		313				272			15	%
Restructuring and impairments		47				109			-57	%
Transformation initiatives and other related costs		39				54			-28	%
Executive transition costs		—				4			-100	%
Net loss on divestitures		5				—			—	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		32				49			-35	%
Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA	$	1,293			$	1,039			24	%
Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA margin		23.8	%			21.5	%
Recorded Music operating income – GAAP	$	943			$	642			47	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		146				138			6	%
Restructuring and impairment		34				110			-69	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		3				24			-88	%
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA	$	1,126			$	914			23	%
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin		25.9	%			23.6	%
Music Publishing operating income – GAAP	$	197			$	167			18	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		107				93			15	%
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs		4				4			—	%
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA	$	308			$	264			17	%
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin		28.2	%			27.2	%

Constant Currency

Because exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of revenue on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported revenue helps improve the ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. Constant-currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period over period. We use results on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance. We calculate constant-currency results by applying current-year foreign currency exchange rates to prior-year results. However, a limitation of the use of the constant-currency results as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the impact of exchange rates on our revenue. These results should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Results on a constant-currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not a measure of performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Figure 7. Warner Music Group Corp. - Revenue by Geography and Segment, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025 As Reported and Constant Currency
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	As reported				As reported				Constant				Constant
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)				(unaudited)				(unaudited)
U.S. revenue
Recorded Music	$	587			$	536			$	536			10	%
Music Publishing		194				186				186			4	%
International revenue
Recorded Music	$	901			$	818			$	831			8	%
Music Publishing		183				150				154			19	%
Intersegment eliminations		(1	)			(1	)			(2	)		-50	%
Total Revenue	$	1,864			$	1,689			$	1,705			9	%
Revenue by Segment:
Recorded Music
Digital	$	1,016			$	929			$	943			8	%
Physical		137				119				117			17	%
Total Digital and Physical	$	1,153			$	1,048			$	1,060			9	%
Artist services and expanded-rights		224				195				195			15	%
Licensing		111				111				112			-1	%
Total Recorded Music	$	1,488			$	1,354			$	1,367			9	%
Music Publishing
Performance	$	59			$	58			$	60			-2	%
Digital		235				204				204			15	%
Mechanical		19				16				16			19	%
Synchronization		60				54				56			7	%
Other		4				4				4			—	%
Total Music Publishing	$	377			$	336			$	340			11	%
Intersegment eliminations		(1	)			(1	)			(2	)		-50	%
Total Revenue	$	1,864			$	1,689			$	1,705			9	%
Total Digital Revenue	$	1,251			$	1,132			$	1,147			9	%
	For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025				For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025				% Change
	As reported				As reported				Constant				Constant
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)				(unaudited)				(unaudited)
U.S. revenue
Recorded Music	$	1,729			$	1,565			$	1,565			10	%
Music Publishing		562				520				520			8	%
International revenue
Recorded Music	$	2,619			$	2,309			$	2,415			8	%
Music Publishing		530				449				473			12	%
Intersegment eliminations		(4	)			(4	)			(5	)		(20	)%
Total Revenue	$	5,436			$	4,839			$	4,968			9	%
Revenue by Segment:
Recorded Music
Digital	$	2,967			$	2,643			$	2,717			9	%
Physical		426				397				404			5	%
Total Digital and Physical	$	3,393			$	3,040			$	3,121			9	%
Artist services and expanded-rights		619				508				523			18	%
Licensing		336				326				336			—	%
Total Recorded Music	$	4,348			$	3,874			$	3,980			9	%
Music Publishing
Performance	$	181			$	167			$	174			4	%
Digital		674				599				610			10	%
Mechanical		54				46				47			15	%
Synchronization		170				142				146			16	%
Other		13				15				16			(19	)%
Total Music Publishing	$	1,092			$	969			$	993			10	%
Intersegment eliminations		(4	)			(4	)			(5	)		(20	)%
Total Revenue	$	5,436			$	4,839			$	4,968			9	%
Total Digital Revenue	$	3,640			$	3,241			$	3,326			9	%

Figure 8. Warner Music Group Corp. - Adjusted OIBDA by Segment, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025 As Reported and Constant Currency
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025				Change %
	As reported				As reported				Constant				Constant
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)				(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA	$	433			$	373			$	378			14.6	%
Adjusted OIBDA margin		23.2	%			22.1	%			22.2	%
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA	$	377			$	321			$	326			15.6	%
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin		25.3	%			23.7	%			23.8	%
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA	$	109			$	96			$	96			13.5	%
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin		28.9	%			28.6	%			28.2	%

Figure 9. Warner Music Group Corp. - Notable Items, As Reported
(dollars in millions)	FY 2026						FY 2025
	Three Months Ended December 31, 2025		Three Months Ended March 31, 2026		Three Months Ended June 30, 2026		Three Months Ended December 31, 2024			Three Months Ended March 31, 2025		Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
Revenue
Recorded Music
Streaming - BMG Termination (a)	—		—		—		6			6		10
Streaming - DSP True-up and Settlement Payments	12		—		—		(7	)		11		—
Download and Other Digital - Copyright Settlement	—		—		—		—			—		16
Music Publishing
Streaming - MLC Historical Matched Royalties	—		—		—		17			—		—
Adjusted OIBDA
Recorded Music
BMG Termination (a)	—		—		—		—			1		1
DSP True-up and Settlement Payments	7		—		—		(4	)		7		—
Copyright Settlement	—		—		—		—			—		9
Music Publishing
MLC Historical Matched Royalties	—		—		—		4			—		—
(a) The BMG Termination impact shown in FY 2025 represents the incremental revenue and Adjusted OIBDA compared to the current fiscal year.

Free Cash Flow

Our definition of Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. We use Free Cash Flow, among other measures, to evaluate our operating performance. Management believes Free Cash Flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to fund our debt service requirements, ongoing working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, strategic acquisitions and investments, and any dividends, prepayments of debt or repurchases or retirement of our outstanding debt or notes in open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases, any repurchases of our common stock or otherwise. As a result, Free Cash Flow is a significant measure of our ability to generate long-term value. It is useful for investors to know whether this ability is being enhanced or degraded as a result of our operating performance. We believe the presentation of Free Cash Flow is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method management uses.

Free Cash Flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and therefore it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance or cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Free Cash Flow, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, Free Cash Flow does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because Free Cash Flow deducts capital expenditures from “net cash provided by operating activities” (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure), users of this information should consider the types of events and transactions that are not reflected. We provide below a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to the most directly comparable amount reported under U.S. GAAP, which is “net cash provided by operating activities.”

Figure 10. Warner Music Group Corp. - Calculation of Free Cash Flow, Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 versus June 30, 2025
(dollars in millions)
	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	142		$	46
Less: Capital expenditures		28			39
Free Cash Flow	$	114		$	7
	For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2026			For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	708		$	447
Less: Capital expenditures		75			111
Free Cash Flow	$	633		$	336

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260805530693/en/

Media Contact:
Hannah Karp
Hannah.Karp@wmg.com

Investor Contact:
Kareem Chin
Investor.Relations@wmg.com

Source: WMG