EX-99.1 2 q42025ex991.htm EX-99.1 Document

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WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP. REPORTS RESULTS FOR FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Financial Highlights
Quarterly Revenue Reaches an All-Time High, Underpinned by Double-Digit Growth Across Recorded Music and Music Publishing
Market Share Gains Drive Sequential Acceleration in Recorded Music Streaming Growth, Led by High-Single Digit Growth in Subscription Streaming
Music Publishing Performance Reflects Broad-Based Strength Highlighting Strong Second Half Improvement
2026 Outlook Supported by Healthy Music Industry Trends and Strategy to Accelerate Growth, with Cost Savings Expected to Contribute 150 to 200 Basis Points of Margin Improvement
For the three months ended September 30, 2025
Total revenue increased 15%, or 13% in constant currency
Digital revenue increased 8%, or 6% in constant currency
Net income was $109 million versus $48 million in prior-year quarter
Adjusted OIBDA increased 15% to $405 million versus $353 million in prior-year quarter (or 12% in constant currency)
Cash provided by operating activities decreased 24% to $231 million from $304 million in prior-year quarter
For the twelve months ended September 30, 2025
Total revenue increased 4%, the same in constant currency
Digital revenue increased 3%, the same in constant currency
Net income was $370 million versus $478 million in prior year
Adjusted OIBDA increased 1% to $1,443 million versus $1,432 million in prior year (the same in constant currency)
Cash provided by operating activities decreased 10% to $678 million from $754 million in prior year

NEW YORK, New York, November 20, 2025—Warner Music Group Corp. today announced its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for the periods ended September 30, 2025.

"With our artists and songwriters hotter than ever, market share gains drove our quarterly revenues to an all-time high,” said Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Our powerful momentum is underpinned by increasing the value of music- through volume and rate increases- and now with incremental revenue opportunities in AI."

"We have made significant progress against our priorities to accelerate top and bottom-line growth and drive efficiency,” said Armin Zerza, CFO, Warner Music Group. “The double digit revenue jump we delivered in Q4, and our stronger second half performance, demonstrates that our strategy is working. We look forward to sustained profitable growth in 2026, as we continue to invest to deliver bigger opportunities for artists and songwriters and greater shareholder value."
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Total WMG
Total WMG Summary Results
(dollars in millions)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% ChangeFor the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
(unaudited)(unaudited)(audited)(audited)
Revenue$1,868 $1,630 15 %$6,707 $6,426 %
Recorded Music revenue1,534 1,338 15 %5,408 5,223 %
Music Publishing revenue337 295 14 %1,306 1,210 %
Operating income143 143 — %694 823 -16 %
Adjusted OIBDA(1)
405 353 15 %1,443 1,432 %
Net income109 48 — %370 478 -23 %
Net cash provided by operating activities231 304 -24 %678 754 -10 %
Free Cash Flow203 271 -25 %539 638 -16 %
(1) See "Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for details regarding this measure.

Fourth-Quarter Results
Revenue was up 14.6% (or 12.6% in constant currency). The termination of the distribution agreement with BMG (the “BMG Termination”) had a $17 million negative impact on Recorded Music revenue, of which $10 million was in streaming revenue and $7 million was in physical revenue. Excluding the BMG Termination, total revenue was up 15.8% (or 13.8% in constant currency).
Digital revenue increased 8.1% (or 6.5% in constant currency) and streaming revenue increased 7.8% (or 6.2% in constant currency). Recorded Music streaming revenue increased 7.5% (or 5.8% in constant currency); however, adjusted for the $10 million impact of the BMG Termination, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 8.8% (or 7.0% in constant currency). Music Publishing streaming revenue increased 9.3% (or 8.2% in constant currency). Revenue increases in the quarter were also driven by growth in Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue and Music Publishing performance, mechanical and synchronization revenue, partially offset by lower Recorded Music physical and licensing revenue.

Operating income remained constant at $143 million for each of the current and prior-year quarters, primarily driven by the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below and lower expenses related to transformation initiatives of $3 million, offset by an increase in restructuring and non-cash impairment charges of $44 million compared to the prior-year quarter, of which $35 million is in connection with the Company’s restructuring plans announced in July 2025 and February 2024, and $9 million for impairment charges on long-lived assets associated with EMP Merchandising (“EMP”), which is now classified as held for sale, as well as higher amortization expense of $15 million and higher executive transition costs of $4 million.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 14.7% from $353 million to $405 million (or 12.2% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin remained constant at 21.7% (or decreased 0.1 percentage point to 21.7% from 21.8% in constant currency), which includes the $1 million impact of the BMG Termination in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the BMG Termination, Adjusted OIBDA increased 15.1% (or 12.5% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin was down 0.1 percentage point to 21.7% from 21.8% in the prior-year quarter (or 0.2 percentage points to 21.7% from 21.9% in constant currency). These changes were primarily driven by revenue mix and cost savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, of which a portion has been reinvested in the Company’s business.

Net income increased by $61 million to $109 million from $48 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase was primarily due to the impact of exchange rates on the Company’s Euro-denominated debt resulting in a loss of $1 million compared to a loss of $35 million in the prior-year quarter, as well as a $12 million gain on intercompany loans compared to a $19 million loss in the prior-year quarter. The increase was also driven by a tax benefit of $3 million in the quarter compared to an expense of $3 million in the prior-year quarter driven by the impact of a change in indefinite reinvestment assertion related to EMP, partially offset by higher pre-tax income. These increases were partially offset by the factors affecting operating income described above and higher interest expense of $3 million.
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Basic and Diluted earnings per share were $0.21 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the quarter of $109 million.

As of September 30, 2025, the Company reported a cash balance of $532 million, total debt of $4.365 billion and net debt (defined as total debt, net of deferred financing costs, premiums and discounts, minus cash and equivalents) of $3.833 billion, compared to $3.320 billion at the end of the prior year. Total debt as of September 30, 2025 includes $302 million of subsidiary debt acquired in the Company’s acquisition of Tempo Music Holdings, LLC (“Tempo Music”) in the current year. The debt is secured only by certain music rights owned by Tempo Music and is nonrecourse to the Company and its subsidiaries, other than Tempo Music.

Cash provided by operating activities decreased 24% to $231 million from $304 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease was largely the result of timing of working capital, partially offset by the timing of severance payments related to the Company’s restructuring plans. Capital expenditures decreased to $28 million, from $33 million in the prior-year quarter. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, decreased $68 million to $203 million from $271 million in the prior-year quarter.

Full-Year Results
Total revenue increased 4.4% (or 4.3% in constant currency). As previously disclosed, the year includes $16 million of Recorded Music digital revenue from the settlement of certain infringement cases (the “Copyright Settlement”) and $4 million of incremental Recorded Music streaming revenue recognized from a Digital Service Provider (“DSP”) for performance obligations satisfied in previous periods (the “DSP True-Up Payments”). The prior year included $75 million of Recorded Music licensing revenue from a licensing agreement extension for an artist’s catalog (the “Licensing Extension”), $43 million of incremental revenue recognized from the DSP True-Up Payments, and $30 million of Recorded Music streaming revenue from a deal with one of the Company’s digital partners (the “Digital License Renewal”), which resulted in upfront revenue recognition in the prior year. In addition, revenue growth was unfavorably impacted by the BMG Termination, which resulted in $81 million of lower Recorded Music revenue, of which $34 million was in streaming revenue and $47 million was in physical revenue. Adjusted for these items, total revenue was up 7.9% (or 7.7% in constant currency).

Digital revenue increased 2.6% (or 2.8% in constant currency) and streaming revenue increased 2.4% (or 2.5% in constant currency). Recorded Music streaming revenue increased 1.8% (or 1.9% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impacts of the DSP True-Up Payments of $4 million in the current year and $43 million in the prior year, as well as the BMG Termination of $34 million and the Digital License Renewal of $30 million in the prior year, Recorded Music streaming revenue increased 4.9% (or 5.0% in constant currency). Music Publishing streaming revenue increased 5.2% (the same in constant currency). Revenue increases in the year were also driven by growth in Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights and physical revenue and Music Publishing performance, mechanical and synchronization revenue, partially offset by lower Recorded Music licensing revenue, driven by the impact of the Licensing Extension of $75 million in the prior year.

Operating income decreased by $129 million to $694 million compared to $823 million in the prior year. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to revenue mix, an increase in restructuring and non-cash impairment charges of $57 million, driven by $79 million of impairment charges related to long-lived assets associated with EMP, which is now classified as held for sale, partially offset by lower restructuring costs of $32 million related to the Company’s restructuring plans, $34 million of higher amortization expenses due to intangibles established as part of the Company’s acquisitions and a $32 million decrease in net gain on divestitures, partially offset by factors that led to the increase in Adjusted OIBDA noted below.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 0.8% to $1,443 million from $1,432 million (or 0.6% in constant currency). Adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 0.8 percentage points to 21.5% from 22.3% in the prior year (the same in constant currency). The changes in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin include the impacts of the Copyright Settlement of $9 million and DSP True-Up Payments of $3 million in the current year, offset by the Licensing Extension of $74 million, the DSP True-Up Payments of $23 million, the Digital License Renewal of $12 million and the BMG Termination of $2 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of these items, Adjusted OIBDA increased 8.3% (or 8.0% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.1 percentage point to 21.4% from 21.3% in the prior year (the same in constant currency), primarily due to cost savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, a portion of which has been reinvested in the Company’s business.
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Net income decreased by $108 million to $370 million compared to $478 million in the prior year. The decrease in net income was primarily due to the factors described above, partially offset by lower income tax expense of $3 million due to a decrease in pre-tax income.

Basic and Diluted earnings per share were $0.69 for both the Class A and Class B shareholders due to the net income attributable to the Company in the year of $370 million.

Cash provided by operating activities decreased 10% to $678 million from $754 million in the prior year. The change was largely a result of timing of working capital, including the timing of severance payments related to the Company’s restructuring plans. Operating cash flow conversion was 47% of Adjusted OIBDA. Capital expenditures increased 20% to $139 million from $116 million in the prior year. Free Cash Flow, as defined below, decreased $99 million to $539 million from $638 million in the prior year.

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Recorded Music
Recorded Music Summary Results
(dollars in millions)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% ChangeFor the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Revenue$1,534 $1,338 15 %$5,408 $5,223 %
Digital revenue951 881 %3,594 3,519 %
Operating income208 178 17 %850 916 -7 %
Adjusted OIBDA(1)
355 317 12 %1,269 1,282 -1 %
 
(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 September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024
 As reportedAs reportedConstantAs reportedAs reportedConstant
 (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Digital$951 $881 $895 $3,594 $3,519 $3,513 
Physical130 134 137 527 519 524 
Total Digital and Physical1,081 1,015 1,032 4,121 4,038 4,037 
Artist services and expanded-rights327 195 199 835 684 688 
Licensing126 128 130 452 501 504 
Total Recorded Music$1,534 $1,338 $1,361 $5,408 $5,223 $5,229 

Fourth-Quarter Results
Recorded Music revenue was up 14.6% (or 12.7% in constant currency), driven by growth across digital and artist services and expanded-rights revenue, partially offset by decreases in physical and licensing revenue. Excluding the impact of the BMG Termination, Recorded Music revenue increased 16.1% (or 14.1% in constant currency). Digital revenue was up 7.9% (or 6.3% in constant currency), and streaming revenue was up 7.5% (or 5.8% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impact of the BMG Termination of $10 million, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 8.8% (or 7.0% in constant currency). Streaming revenue reflects growth in subscription revenue of 8.5% (or 7.0% in constant currency), and in ad-supported revenue of 4.5% (or 2.2% in constant currency). Subscription revenue, adjusted by $8 million for the BMG Termination, increased 9.9% (or 8.4% in constant currency). Ad-supported revenue, adjusted by $2 million for the BMG Termination, increased 5.5% (or 3.1% in constant currency). The increase in subscription revenue reflected positive market share trends and chart performance, while the increase in ad-supported revenue reflects strong performance and the timing of certain payments in the quarter. Artist services and expanded-rights revenue increased 67.7% (or 64.3% in constant currency) primarily due to higher merchandising revenue from the Company’s partnership with Oasis and higher concert promotion revenue. Recorded Music licensing revenue decreased 1.6% (or 3.1% in constant currency), due to the timing of licensing deals. Physical revenue decreased 3.0% (or 5.1% in constant currency) primarily driven by the $7 million impact of the BMG Termination in the prior-year quarter. Excluding the impact of the BMG Termination, physical revenue increased 2.4% (or remained constant in constant currency) primarily due to strong releases in the United States. Major sellers in the quarter included Alex Warren, Ed Sheeran, twenty one pilots, Teddy Swims and sombr.

Recorded Music operating income was $208 million, up from $178 million in the prior-year quarter and operating margin was up 0.3 percentage points to 13.6% versus 13.3% in the prior-year quarter. The increase in operating income and operating income margin was driven by the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below and lower non-cash stock-based compensation expenses and other related costs of $15 million, partially offset by an increase in restructuring and non-cash impairment charges of $11 million, which includes $9 million of impairment charges on long-lived assets
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associated with EMP, which is now held for sale, and higher impairment recognized in connection with the Company’s restructuring plans, and a $9 million increase in amortization expense due to an increase in assets from acquisitions.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 12.0% from $317 million to $355 million (or 9.9% in constant currency), while Adjusted OIBDA margin was down 0.6 percentage points to 23.1% from 23.7% in the prior-year quarter (the same in constant currency). Excluding the BMG Termination, Adjusted OIBDA increased 12.3% from $316 million to $355 million (or 10.2% in constant currency), while Adjusted OIBDA margin was down 0.8 percentage points to 23.1% from 23.9% (or 0.9 percentage points from 24.0% in constant currency). The changes in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily driven by savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, a portion of which was reinvested into the Company’s business.

Full-Year Results
Recorded Music revenue was up 3.5% (or 3.4% in constant currency), largely driven by growth in artist services and expanded-rights revenue of 22.1% (or 21.4% in constant currency), reflecting higher merchandising revenue, which includes the favorable impact of the Company’s partnership with Oasis, the impact of acquisitions and higher concert promotion revenue, as well as growth in digital revenue of 2.1% (or 2.3% in constant currency), largely driven by growth in streaming revenue of 1.8% (or 1.9% in constant currency) and download and other digital revenue of 18.7% (the same in constant currency). Adjusted for the impacts of the DSP True-Up Payments of $4 million in the current year and $43 million in the prior year, as well as the BMG Termination of $34 million and the Digital License Renewal of $30 million in the prior year, Recorded Music streaming revenue was up 4.9% (or 5.0% in constant currency). Streaming revenue reflects growth in subscription revenue of 3.3% (or 3.6% in constant currency), partially offset by a decline in ad-supported revenue of 2.6% (the same in constant currency). Adjusted for the impacts of the DSP True-Up Payments of $4 million in the current year and $43 million in the prior year, as well as the BMG Termination of $31 million and the Digital License Renewal of $30 million, subscription revenue increased 7.5% (or 7.7% in constant currency). Adjusted for the impact of the BMG Termination of $3 million, ad-supported revenue decreased 2.2% (the same in constant currency). The increase in subscription revenue reflects positive market share trends, while the decrease in ad-supported revenue was driven by a soft overall ad environment during the year. Adjusted for the impact of the Copyright Settlement of $16 million in the current year, download and other digital revenue decreased 2.7% (the same in constant currency). Physical revenue increased 1.5% (or 0.6% in constant currency), which includes the $47 million impact of the BMG Termination in the prior year. Adjusted for the BMG Termination, physical revenue increased 11.7% (or 10.5% in constant currency). These increases were partially offset by a decrease in licensing revenue of 9.8% (or 10.3% in constant currency), which includes the $75 million impact of the Licensing Extension in the prior year. Adjusted for the Licensing Extension, licensing revenue increased 6.1% (or 5.4% in constant currency). Major sellers in the year included ROSÉ, Bruno Mars, Linkin Park, Teddy Swims, Benson Boone and Charli XCX.

Recorded Music operating income decreased to $850 million from $916 million in the prior year, and operating margin was down 1.8 percentage points to 15.7% from 17.5% in the prior year. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to the factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, as well as an increase in restructuring and non-cash impairment charges of $32 million, which includes $79 million of impairment charges recognized for long-lived assets associated with EMP, which is now held for sale, partially offset by lower restructuring and impairment charges in connection with the Company’s restructuring plans, a $17 million decrease in net gain on divestitures and a $9 million increase in amortization expense due to an increase in assets from acquisitions.

Adjusted OIBDA decreased 1.0% to $1,269 million from $1,282 million (or 1.1% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin was down 1.0 percentage point to 23.5% from 24.5% (the same in constant currency). The decreases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin include the impacts of the Copyright Settlement of $9 million and the DSP True-Up Payments of $3 million in the current year, partially offset by the Licensing Extension of $74 million, the DSP True-Up Payments of $23 million, the Digital License Renewal of $12 million and $2 million from the BMG Termination in the prior year. Excluding the impact of these items, Adjusted OIBDA increased 7.3% (or 7.0% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 0.1 percentage point to 23.3% from 23.4% (or 0.2 percentage points to 23.3% from 23.5% in constant currency) primarily due to cost savings from the Company’s restructuring plans, a portion of which was reinvested into the Company’s business.
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Music Publishing
Music Publishing Summary Results
(dollars in millions)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% ChangeFor the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Revenue$337 $295 14 %$1,306 $1,210 %
Operating income57 53 %224 238 -6 %
Adjusted OIBDA(1)
97 83 17 %361 330 %
 
(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 September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024
 As reportedAs reportedConstantAs reportedAs reportedConstant
 (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Performance$61 $43 $45 $228 $198 $198 
Digital201 186 187 800 763 762 
Mechanical17 15 15 63 58 58 
Synchronization55 46 46 197 175 175 
Other18 16 16 
Total Music Publishing$337 $295 $299 $1,306 $1,210 $1,209 

Fourth-Quarter Results
Music Publishing revenue increased 14.2% (or 12.7% in constant currency), driven by higher performance, digital, mechanical and synchronization revenue. Digital revenue increased 8.1% (or 7.5% in constant currency) and streaming revenue increased 9.3% (or 8.2% in constant currency), which reflected continued market and catalog growth. Performance revenue increased 41.9% (or 35.6% in constant currency) driven by an increase in concerts, radio and live events, as well as the timing of payments from collection societies. Synchronization revenue was up 19.6% (the same in constant currency), driven by an increase in copyright infringement settlements primarily in the United States and the impact of the Company’s acquisitions, including Tempo Music of $3 million. Mechanical revenue also increased 13.3% (the same in constant currency).

Music Publishing operating income increased to $57 million compared to $53 million in the prior-year quarter and operating margin decreased 1.1 percentage points to 16.9% versus 18.0% in the prior-year quarter. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, partially offset by higher amortization expense of $6 million related to various music publishing copyright acquisitions in the quarter.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 16.9% to $97 million from $83 million (or 14.7% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.7 percentage points to 28.8% from 28.1% in the prior-year quarter (or 0.5 percentage points to 28.8% from 28.3% in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily driven by revenue mix, partially offset by $5 million of restructuring and non-cash impairment charges in the quarter.

Full-Year Results
Music Publishing revenue increased 7.9% (or 8.0% in constant currency) driven by growth in performance, digital, mechanical and synchronization revenue. Digital revenue increased 4.8% (or 5.0% in constant currency), driven by growth in streaming revenue of 5.2% (the same in constant currency). Music Publishing streaming growth reflected continued catalog growth and the impact of digital deal renewals. Performance revenue increased 15.2% (the same in constant currency) attributable to growth from concerts, radio, live and non-live events. Synchronization revenue increased 12.6%
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(the same in constant currency) driven by the timing of copyright infringement settlements primarily in the United States and the $8 million impact of the Company’s acquisition of Tempo Music. Mechanical revenue increased 8.6% (the same in constant currency).

Music Publishing operating income decreased to $224 million from $238 million in the prior year and operating margin decreased 2.5 percentage points to 17.2% versus 19.7%, primarily driven by the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA discussed below, partially offset by an increase in amortization expense of $24 million related to various music publishing copyright acquisitions and the impact of a net gain on a divestiture of $14 million in the prior year.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 9.4% to $361 million from $330 million (or 9.2% in constant currency) and Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 0.3 percentage points to 27.6% from 27.3% (the same in constant currency). The increases in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA margin were primarily driven by revenue mix, partially offset by $5 million of restructuring and non-cash impairment charges in the current year.

This morning, management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 A.M. EST. The call will be webcast on www.wmg.com.
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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 Music 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.
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Figure 1. Warner Music Group Corp. - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024
(dollars in millions)
    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Revenue$1,868 $1,630 15 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue(1,034)(854)21 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses(494)(495)— %
Restructuring and impairments(125)(81)54 %
Amortization expense(72)(57)26 %
Total costs and expenses$(1,725)$(1,487)16 %
Operating income$143 $143  %
Interest expense, net(43)(40)%
Other income (expense), net(52)— %
Income before income taxes$106 $51  %
Income tax benefit (expense)(3)— %
Net income$109 $48  %
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest— (7)-100 %
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$109 $41  %
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Class A – Basic and Diluted$0.21 $0.08 
Class B – Basic and Diluted$0.21 $0.08 
For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
(unaudited)(audited)
Revenue$6,707 $6,426 4 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue(3,632)(3,355)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1,889)(1,879)%
Restructuring and impairments(234)(177)32 %
Amortization expense(258)(224)15 %
Total costs and expenses$(6,013)$(5,635)7 %
Net gain on divestitures— 32 -100 %
Operating income$694 $823 -16 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt— — — %
Interest expense, net(162)(161)%
Other expense, net(42)(61)-31 %
Income before income taxes$490 $601 -18 %
Income tax expense(120)(123)-2 %
Net income$370 $478 -23 %
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest(5)(43)-88 %
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$365 $435 -16 %
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Class A – Basic and Diluted$0.69 $0.83 
Class B – Basic and Diluted$0.69 $0.83 
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Figure 2. Warner Music Group Corp. - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024
(dollars in millions)
    
 September 30, 2025September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents$532 $694 -23 %
Accounts receivable, net1,340 1,255 %
Inventories62 99 -37 %
Royalty advances expected to be recouped within one year581 470 24 %
Assets Held For Sale89 — — %
Prepaid and other current assets166 125 33 %
Total current assets$2,770 $2,643 5 %
Royalty advances expected to be recouped after one year1,079 874 23 %
Property, plant and equipment, net441 481 -8 %
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net189 225 -16 %
Goodwill2,061 2,021 %
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net2,725 2,359 16 %
Intangible assets not subject to amortization154 152 %
Deferred tax assets, net111 52 — %
Other assets299 348 -14 %
Total assets$9,829 $9,155 7 %
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$257 $289 -11 %
Accrued royalties2,740 2,549 %
Accrued liabilities666 641 %
Accrued interest31 17 82 %
Operating lease liabilities, current43 45 -4 %
Deferred revenue286 246 16 %
Liabilities Held For Sale49 — — %
Other current liabilities129 110 17 %
Total current liabilities$4,201 $3,897 8 %
Acquisition Corp. long-term debt4,063 4,014 %
Asset-based long-term debt
302 — — %
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent200 228 -12 %
Deferred tax liabilities, net164 195 -16 %
Other noncurrent liabilities142 146 -3 %
Total liabilities$9,072 $8,480 7 %
Equity:
Class A common stock$— $— — %
Class B common stock— %
Additional paid-in capital2,166 2,077 %
Accumulated deficit(1,331)(1,313)%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(189)(247)-23 %
Total Warner Music Group Corp. equity$647 $518 25 %
Noncontrolling interest110 157 -30 %
Total equity757 675 12 %
Total liabilities and equity$9,829 $9,155 7 %
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Figure 3. Warner Music Group Corp. - Summarized Statements of Cash Flows, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024
(dollars in millions)
   
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities$231 $304 
Net cash used in investing activities(67)(110)
Net cash used in financing activities(153)(116)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents(3)
Cash balances classified as assets held for sale(3)$ 
Net increase in cash and equivalents$5 $87 
   
 For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024
 (unaudited)(audited)
Net cash provided by operating activities$678 $754 
Net cash used in investing activities(340)(311)
Net cash used in financing activities(497)(396)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents— 
Cash balances classified as assets held for sale(3) 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and equivalents$(162)$53 

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Figure 4. Warner Music Group Corp. - Digital Revenue Summary, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024
(dollars in millions)
   
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Recorded Music
Subscription$700 $645 %
Ad-Supported231 221 %
Streaming$931 $866 %
Downloads and Other Digital20 15 33 %
Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue$951 $881 8 %
  
Music Publishing
Streaming$199 $182 %
Downloads and Other Digital-50 %
Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue$201 $186 8 %
Consolidated
Streaming$1,130 $1,048 %
Downloads and Other Digital22 19 16 %
Intersegment Eliminations— (1)-100 %
Total Digital Revenue$1,152 $1,066 8 %
 For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Recorded Music
Subscription$2,627 $2,543 %
Ad-Supported878 901 -3 %
Streaming$3,505 $3,444 %
Downloads and Other Digital89 75 19 %
Total Recorded Music Digital Revenue$3,594 $3,519 2 %
Music Publishing
Streaming$791 $752 %
Downloads and Other Digital11 -18 %
Total Music Publishing Digital Revenue$800 $763 5 %
Consolidated
Streaming$4,296 $4,196 %
Downloads and Other Digital98 86 14 %
Intersegment Eliminations(1)(2)-50 %
Total Digital Revenue$4,393 $4,280 3 %

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 includes costs associated with the Company’s financial transformation initiative to design and implement new information
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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.
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Figure 5. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted OIBDA, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024
(dollars in millions)
    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$109 $41  %
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest— -100 %
Net income$109 $48  %
Income tax (benefit) expense(3)— %
Income including income taxes$106 $51  %
Other (income) expense, net(6)52 — %
Interest expense, net43 40 %
Operating income$143 $143  %
Amortization expense72 57 26 %
Depreciation expense32 26 23 %
Restructuring and impairments125 81 54 %
Transformation initiative costs17 20 -15 %
Executive transition costs— — %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs12 26 -54 %
Adjusted OIBDA$405 $353 15 %
Operating income margin7.7 %8.8 % 
Adjusted OIBDA margin21.7 %21.7 % 
    
 For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Net income attributable to Warner Music Group Corp.
$365 $435 -16 %
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest43 -88 %
Net income$370 $478 -23 %
Income tax expense120 123 -2 %
Income including income taxes$490 $601 -18 %
Other expense, net42 61 -31 %
Interest expense, net162 161 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt— — — %
Operating income$694 $823 -16 %
Amortization expense258 224 15 %
Depreciation expense118 103 15 %
Restructuring and impairments234 177 32 %
Transformation initiative costs70 76 -8 %
Executive transition costs— — %
Net gain on divestitures— (32)-100 %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs61 61 — %
Adjusted OIBDA$1,443 $1,432 %
Operating income margin10.3 %12.8 % 
Adjusted OIBDA margin 21.5 %22.3 % 



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Figure 6. Warner Music Group Corp. - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024
(dollars in millions)
    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Total WMG operating income – GAAP$143 $143  %
Depreciation and amortization expense(104)(83)25 %
Total WMG OIBDA$247 $226 9 %
Restructuring and impairments125 81 54 %
Transformation initiative costs17 20 -15 %
Executive transition costs— — %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs12 26 -54 %
Adjusted OIBDA$405 $353 15 %
Operating income margin7.7 %8.8 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin 21.7 %21.7 %
Recorded Music operating income – GAAP$208 $178 17 %
Depreciation and amortization expense(51)(43)19 %
Recorded Music OIBDA$259 $221 17 %
Restructuring and impairments88 77 14 %
Executive transition costs— — %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs19 -79 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA$355 $317 12 %
Recorded Music operating income margin13.6 %13.3 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin 23.1 %23.7 %
Music Publishing operating income – GAAP$57 $53 8 %
Depreciation and amortization expense(34)(29)17 %
Music Publishing OIBDA$91 $82 11 %
Restructuring and impairments— — %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs— %
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA$97 $83 17 %
Music Publishing operating income margin16.9 %18.0 % 
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin 28.8 %28.1 % 
    
 For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Total WMG operating income – GAAP$694 $823 -16 %
Depreciation and amortization expense(376)(327)15 %
Total WMG OIBDA$1,070 $1,150 -7 %
Restructuring and impairments234 177 32 %
Transformation initiative costs70 76 -8 %
Executive transition costs— — %
Net gain on divestitures— (32)-100 %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs61 61 — %
Adjusted OIBDA$1,443 $1,432 %
Operating income margin10.3 %12.8 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin 21.5 %22.3 %
Recorded Music operating income – GAAP$850 $916 -7 %
Depreciation and amortization expense(189)(179)%
Recorded Music OIBDA$1,039 $1,095 -5 %
Restructuring and impairments198 166 19 %
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Executive transition costs— — %
Net gain on divestitures— (17)-100 %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs28 38 -26 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA$1,269 $1,282 -1 %
Recorded Music operating income margin15.7 %17.5 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin 23.5 %24.5 %
Music Publishing operating income – GAAP$224 $238 -6 %
Depreciation and amortization expense(127)(102)25 %
Music Publishing OIBDA$351 $340 3 %
Restructuring and impairments— — %
Net gain on divestitures— (14)-100 %
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs25 %
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA$361 $330 9 %
Music Publishing operating income margin17.2 %19.7 % 
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin 27.6 %27.3 % 









































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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 and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024 As Reported and Constant Currency
(dollars in millions)
    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 As reportedAs reportedConstantConstant
 (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
U.S. revenue   
Recorded Music$616 $558 $558 10 %
Music Publishing173 157 157 10 %
International revenue
Recorded Music918 780 803 14 %
Music Publishing164 138 142 15 %
Intersegment eliminations(3)(3)(1)200 %
Total Revenue$1,868 $1,630 $1,659 13 %
    
Revenue by Segment:   
Recorded Music   
Digital$951 $881 $895 %
Physical130 134 137 -5 %
Total Digital and Physical1,081 1,015 1,032 %
Artist services and expanded-rights327 195 199 64 %
Licensing126 128 130 -3 %
Total Recorded Music1,534 1,338 1,361 13 %
Music Publishing   
Performance61 43 45 36 %
Digital201 186 187 %
Mechanical17 15 15 13 %
Synchronization55 46 46 20 %
Other-50 %
Total Music Publishing337 295 299 13 %
Intersegment eliminations(3)(3)(1)200 %
Total Revenue$1,868 $1,630 $1,659 13 %
    
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For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
As reportedAs reportedConstantConstant
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
U.S. revenue
Recorded Music$2,181 $2,210 $2,210 -1 %
Music Publishing693 660 660 %
International revenue
Recorded Music3,227 3,013 3,019 %
Music Publishing613 550 549 12 %
Intersegment eliminations(7)(7)(5)40 %
Total Revenue$6,707 $6,426 $6,433 4 %
Revenue by Segment:
Recorded Music
Digital$3,594 $3,519 $3,513 %
Physical527 519 524 %
Total Digital and Physical4,121 4,038 4,037 %
Artist services and expanded-rights835 684 688 21 %
Licensing452 501 504 -10 %
Total Recorded Music5,408 5,223 5,229 3 %
Music Publishing
Performance228 198 198 15 %
Digital800 763 762 %
Mechanical63 58 58 %
Synchronization197 175 175 13 %
Other18 16 16 13 %
Total Music Publishing1,306 1,210 1,209 8 %
Intersegment eliminations(7)(7)(5)40 %
Total Revenue$6,707 $6,426 $6,433 4 %

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Figure 8. Warner Music Group Corp. - Adjusted OIBDA by Segment, Three and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024 As Reported and Constant Currency
(dollars in millions)
    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
 As reportedAs reportedConstantConstant
 (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA$405 $353 $361 12 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin21.7 %21.7 %21.8 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA$355 $317 $323 10 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin23.1 %23.7 %23.7 %
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA$97 $83 $85 15 %
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin28.8 %28.1 %28.3 %
For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024% Change
As reportedAs reportedConstantConstant
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Total WMG Adjusted OIBDA$1,443 $1,432 $1,434 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin21.5 %22.3 %22.3 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA$1,269 $1,282 $1,283 -1 %
Recorded Music Adjusted OIBDA margin23.5 %24.5 %24.5 %
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA$361 $330 $331 %
Music Publishing Adjusted OIBDA margin27.6 %27.3 %27.3 %

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Figure 9. Warner Music Group Corp. - Notable Items, As Reported
(dollars in millions)
FY 2024
FY 2025
Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
Revenue
Recorded Music
Streaming - Digital License Renewal
$30 $— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Streaming - BMG Termination (a)
16 10 — — — — 
Streaming - DSP True-up Payments
— 21 22 — (7)11 — — 
Download and Other Digital - BMG Termination (a)
— — — — — — — 
Download and Other Digital - Copyright Settlement
— — — — — — 16 — 
Physical - BMG Termination (a)
16 14 10 — — — — 
Licensing - Licensing Extension
75 — — — — — — — 
Adjusted OIBDA
Recorded Music
Digital License Renewal
$12 $— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
BMG Termination (a)
— — — — — — 
DSP True-up Payments
— 11 12 — (4)— — 
Copyright Settlement
— — — — — — — 
Licensing Extension
74 — — — — — — — 
(a) The BMG Termination impact shown in FY 2024 represents the incremental revenue and Adjusted OIBDA compared to the current year.




























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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 and Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus September 30, 2024
(dollars in millions)
   
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities$231 $304 
Less: Capital expenditures28 33 
Free Cash Flow$203 $271 
   
 For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2025For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2024
 (unaudited)(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities$678 $754 
Less: Capital expenditures139 116 
Free Cash Flow$539 $638 





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Media Contact:Investor Contact:
James StevenKareem Chin
(212) 275-2213
James.Steven@wmg.comInvestor.Relations@wmg.com

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