Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 30
Universal Music Group shares fall after weak first-quarter revenue and earnings
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 30

Universal Music Group shares fall after weak first-quarter revenue and earnings

9 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 30
  • The stock dropped more than 7% in Amsterdam after revenue rose 8.1% to 2.90 billion euros and adjusted EBITDA fell to 636 million euros, both missing analyst forecasts.
  • Subscription and streaming revenue remained strong, with subscriptions up 12.5% and streaming up 5%, while physical sales rose 12.7%, helped by US and Japan demand.
  • The results include Downtown Music Holdings, acquired in February. Universal has expanded a share buyback to 1 billion euros, plans to sell half its 3.1% Spotify stake, and is reviewing a Pershing Square proposal.
UMG is selling Spotify shares to fund a buyback. Is this a smart defense or a missed opportunity for long-term growth?
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