Tearsheet

Warner Music (WMG)


Market Price (12/27/2025): $29.96 | Market Cap: $15.6 Bil
Sector: Communication Services | Industry: Movies & Entertainment

Warner Music (WMG)


Market Price (12/27/2025): $29.96
Market Cap: $15.6 Bil
Sector: Communication Services
Industry: Movies & Entertainment

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.


0 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 10%
Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -57%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -91%
Key risks
WMG key risks include [1] an over-dependence on a limited number of digital music services for revenue, Show more.
1 Attractive yield
Dividend Yield is 2.4%
  
2 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 27%
  
3 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Digital Content & Streaming, Social Media & Creator Economy, and Experience Economy & Premiumization. Themes include Music Streaming, Show more.
  
0 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 10%
1 Attractive yield
Dividend Yield is 2.4%
2 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 27%
3 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Digital Content & Streaming, Social Media & Creator Economy, and Experience Economy & Premiumization. Themes include Music Streaming, Show more.
4 Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -57%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -91%
5 Key risks
WMG key risks include [1] an over-dependence on a limited number of digital music services for revenue, Show more.

Valuation, Metrics & Events

WMG Stock


Why The Stock Moved


Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are key points explaining a significant movement in Warner Music (WMG) stock:

<b>1. Warner Music Group's revenue of $1.48 billion for Q1 2025 was flat year over year.</b>

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<b>2. The company's reported revenue fell short of analysts' expectations by 2.2%.</b>

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<b>3. Warner Music Group significantly missed analysts' earnings per share (EPS) estimates for the quarter.</b>

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<b>4. The company also missed analysts' revenue estimates for its Recorded Music segment.</b>

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<b>5. Overall, Q1 2025 was a softer quarter for Warner Music Group.</b>

Show more

Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The -9.5% change in WMG stock from 9/26/2025 to 12/26/2025 was primarily driven by a -26.2% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
926202512262025Change
Stock Price ($)33.0929.95-9.49%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)6469.006707.003.68%
Net Income Margin (%)4.59%5.44%18.53%
P/E Multiple58.0742.83-26.24%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)521.26522.02-0.15%
Cumulative Contribution-9.49%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

9/26/2025 to 12/26/2025
ReturnCorrelation
WMG-9.5% 
Market (SPY)4.3%4.7%
Sector (XLC)-0.2%15.1%

Fundamental Drivers

The 11.5% change in WMG stock from 6/27/2025 to 12/26/2025 was primarily driven by a 38.5% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
627202512262025Change
Stock Price ($)26.8729.9511.47%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)6334.006707.005.89%
Net Income Margin (%)7.14%5.44%-23.74%
P/E Multiple30.9342.8338.49%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)520.32522.02-0.33%
Cumulative Contribution11.46%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

6/27/2025 to 12/26/2025
ReturnCorrelation
WMG11.5% 
Market (SPY)12.6%16.6%
Sector (XLC)9.9%17.0%

Fundamental Drivers

The -2.3% change in WMG stock from 12/26/2024 to 12/26/2025 was primarily driven by a -19.6% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
1226202412262025Change
Stock Price ($)30.6529.95-2.28%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)6426.006707.004.37%
Net Income Margin (%)6.77%5.44%-19.61%
P/E Multiple36.4942.8317.39%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)517.89522.02-0.80%
Cumulative Contribution-2.28%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

12/26/2024 to 12/26/2025
ReturnCorrelation
WMG-2.3% 
Market (SPY)15.8%36.7%
Sector (XLC)20.2%43.9%

Fundamental Drivers

The -9.1% change in WMG stock from 12/27/2022 to 12/26/2025 was primarily driven by a -41.5% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
1227202212262025Change
Stock Price ($)32.9529.95-9.12%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)5919.006707.0013.31%
Net Income Margin (%)9.31%5.44%-41.54%
P/E Multiple30.7942.8339.12%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)514.82522.02-1.40%
Cumulative Contribution-9.13%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

12/27/2023 to 12/26/2025
ReturnCorrelation
WMG-11.6% 
Market (SPY)48.0%32.5%
Sector (XLC)65.1%37.2%

Return vs. Risk


Price Returns Compared

 202020212022202320242025Total [1]
Returns
WMG Return27%15%-17%4%-11%-1%11%
Peers Return16%38%-12%21%26%16%150%
S&P 500 Return16%27%-19%24%23%18%114%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
WMG Win Rate43%58%50%58%42%58% 
Peers Win Rate52%65%42%68%57%52% 
S&P 500 Win Rate58%75%42%67%75%73% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
WMG Max Drawdown-13%-16%-47%-30%-22%-15% 
Peers Max Drawdown-34%-5%-26%-7%-9%-23% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-31%-1%-25%-1%-2%-15% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] Peers: HPQ, HPE, IBM, CSCO, AAPL.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2025 data is for the year up to 12/26/2025 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

Unique KeyEventWMGS&P 500
2022 Inflation Shock2022 Inflation Shock  
2022 Inflation Shock% Loss% Loss-54.9%-25.4%
2022 Inflation Shock% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven121.6%34.1%
2022 Inflation ShockTime to BreakevenTime to BreakevenNot Fully Recovered days464 days
2020 Covid Pandemic2020 Covid Pandemic  
2020 Covid Pandemic% Loss% Loss-20.1%-33.9%
2020 Covid Pandemic% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven25.2%51.3%
2020 Covid PandemicTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven38 days148 days

Compare to HPQ, HPE, IBM, CSCO, AAPL

In The Past

Warner Music's stock fell -54.9% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 10/28/2021. A -54.9% loss requires a 121.6% gain to breakeven.

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About Warner Music (WMG)

Warner Music Group Corp. operates as a music entertainment company in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. The company operates through Recorded Music and Music Publishing segments. The Recorded Music segment is involved in the discovery and development of recording artists, as well as related marketing, promotion, distribution, sale, and licensing of music created by such recording artists; markets its music catalog through compilations and reissuances of previously released music and video titles, as well as previously unreleased materials; and conducts its operation primarily through a collection of record labels, such as Warner Records and Atlantic Records, as well as Asylum, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin' Records, Warner Classics, and Warner Music Nashville. This segment markets, distributes, and sells music and video products to retailers and wholesale distributors; independent labels to retail and wholesale distributors; and various distribution centers and ventures, as well as retail outlets, online physical retailers, streaming services, and download services. The Music Publishing segment owns and acquires rights to approximately one million musical compositions comprising pop hits, American standards, folk songs, and motion picture and theatrical compositions. Its catalog includes approximately 100,000 songwriters and composers; and various genres, including pop, rock, jazz, classical, country, R&B, hip-hop, rap, reggae, Latin, folk, blues, symphonic, soul, Broadway, electronic, alternative, and gospel. This segment also administers the music and soundtracks of various third-party television and film producers and studios. The company was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Analogies for Warner Music (WMG):

  • Universal Pictures for music artists
  • Penguin Random House for music

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Recorded Music: Warner Music discovers, develops, markets, distributes, and licenses musical recordings by artists across various genres globally.
  • Music Publishing: The company owns, administers, and monetizes the copyrights to musical compositions, licensing them for use in streaming, films, television, commercials, and public performances.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Warner Music Group (WMG) primarily sells its music content and publishing rights to other companies (B2B), which then distribute or utilize this content to reach individual consumers. The company derives a significant portion of its revenue from licensing agreements with digital service providers (DSPs) and other platforms.

Based on their business model and public disclosures, Warner Music Group's major customers are the following companies:

  • Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE: SPOT) - A leading global audio streaming service that licenses Warner Music's recorded music and publishing catalogs for its users.
  • Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) - Through its Apple Music streaming service and iTunes download store, Apple licenses and distributes Warner Music's content.
  • Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) - Through its Google and YouTube platforms, including YouTube Music, Alphabet licenses Warner Music's recorded music and publishing for streaming and other uses.
  • Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) - Amazon Music, along with other Amazon services, licenses Warner Music's content for streaming and digital downloads.

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  • Amazon (AMZN)
  • Alphabet (GOOGL)

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Robert Kyncl, Chief Executive Officer

Robert Kyncl assumed the role of CEO of Warner Music Group on January 1, 2023. Prior to joining WMG, he served as the Chief Business Officer at YouTube for 12 years, where he was instrumental in developing the company's creator ecosystem and launching its paid subscription services, including YouTube Music and YouTube Premium. Before his tenure at YouTube, Kyncl spent seven years as Vice President of Content Acquisitions at Netflix, where he played a pivotal role in the company's expansion into streaming film and television content. He began his career in the mailroom of a talent agency, J. Michael Bloom, and also held positions at HBO International and the children's entertainment startup ALFY. Kyncl is a co-author of "Streampunks: YouTube and the Rebels Remaking Media" and co-founded the Kyncl Family Foundation, which provides financial aid to students from underrepresented communities pursuing STEM degrees.

Armin Zerza, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Armin Zerza is appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Warner Music Group, effective May 5, 2025. He most recently served as CFO of Activision Blizzard, where he played a significant role in the company's acquisition by Microsoft in 2023. Zerza's experience also includes over two decades at Procter & Gamble, where he held various CFO positions across major divisions and contributed to the company's global Mergers & Acquisitions team.

Max Lousada, CEO, Recorded Music

Max Lousada serves as the CEO of Recorded Music for Warner Music Group, overseeing all of WMG's global Recorded Music operations. He initiated his career in the music industry by establishing his own distribution company, "In A Silent Way." Lousada was the European Managing Director for Rawkus Records starting in 2000, and later became Head of A&R at Mushroom Records in 2002. Following Warner Music UK's acquisition of Mushroom Records, he ascended to Head of A&R, President, and then Chairman of Atlantic UK. He was Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK from 2013 until his appointment as CEO, Recorded Music for WMG in October 2017. Lousada has been recognized for his work with prominent artists like Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa.

Maria Osherova, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer

Maria Osherova holds the position of Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Warner Music Group, where she is responsible for all global human resources functions. She joined WMG in 2006 as Vice President, Human Resources for Warner Music International. Before her time at WMG, Osherova was the Global HR Manager for a division of Shell International Petroleum. She also accumulated experience through several roles at The Coca-Cola Company, based in various international locations.

Paul M. Robinson, Executive Vice President & General Counsel

Paul M. Robinson is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Warner Music Group, leading the company's worldwide legal and public policy strategy. He joined WMG's legal department in 1995 and was appointed to his current role in 2006. Prior to WMG, Robinson was a partner at the New York City law firm Mayer, Katz, Baker, Leibowitz & Roberts.

AI Analysis | Feedback

The key risks for Warner Music Group (WMG) are primarily centered around the evolving digital music landscape, intellectual property challenges, and its financial structure.

  1. Dependence on Digital Music Services and Regulatory Environment: Warner Music Group is highly reliant on a limited number of digital music services, such as Spotify, Google/YouTube, and Apple, for a substantial portion of its revenue. For example, these services accounted for approximately 43% of its total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Any changes in their pricing models, royalty calculations, or terms of service could materially reduce WMG's revenue. Furthermore, the company faces significant regulatory risks, particularly from new music regulations being called for by artists and songwriter groups in Europe, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition by impacting contract terms and limiting profitability due to regulated rates.
  2. Intellectual Property Challenges, Including Generative AI and Piracy: As a music entertainment company, WMG's business is heavily dependent on its intellectual property rights. The rise of generative AI poses a significant threat, as AI-generated music could compete with and dilute the value and impact of the company's extensive catalog. Beyond AI, WMG faces ongoing risks related to obtaining, maintaining, protecting, and enforcing its intellectual property rights, as well as potential losses of catalog due to recording artists' recapture rights. Digital piracy and streaming manipulation also continue to be considerable threats to the business.
  3. High Debt Levels and Financial Health: Warner Music Group's balance sheet is significantly burdened by debt, with a debt-to-net income ratio approaching 14x, which is identified as a major concern. The company's ability to incur additional indebtedness in the future could intensify existing financial risks. Despite revenue growth, WMG has experienced a decline in net income, suggesting potential challenges with cost management and operational efficiency.

AI Analysis | Feedback

AI-generated music platforms and technologies pose a clear emerging threat. As these technologies advance, they enable the creation of high-quality, customizable music at scale, potentially bypassing traditional artist-label models for various applications like background music, soundtracks, and even direct consumption. This development challenges Warner Music's core business of signing artists, investing in human-made music creation, owning copyrighted works, and monetizing them through licensing and distribution. If AI-generated music becomes widely adopted and accepted, it could devalue traditional music catalogs, alter royalty structures, and diminish the role of record labels as intermediaries and financiers in the music creation process, similar to how digital platforms disrupted physical media distribution.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Warner Music Group (WMG) primarily operates in two main addressable markets: recorded music and music publishing.

Recorded Music

  • Global: The global recorded music market reached an estimated $29.6 billion in total trade revenues in 2024, marking its tenth consecutive year of growth. Streaming revenues alone exceeded $20 billion for the first time in 2024, accounting for 69.0% of the total recorded music revenues. Another report indicates the global recorded music market reached $36.2 billion in 2024, or $32.1 billion when excluding expanded rights.
  • U.S.: The U.S. recorded music industry generated $17.1 billion in 2023, demonstrating its eighth consecutive year of growth and solidifying its position as the world's largest recorded music market. For the first half of 2024, U.S. recorded music retail revenues increased to $8.7 billion, with wholesale revenues reaching $5.5 billion. Wholesale recorded music revenue in the U.S. reached $5.6 billion in the first half of 2025.

Music Publishing

  • Global: The global music publishing market was valued at approximately $7.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to nearly $11.87 billion by 2032. Another estimate for the global music publishing market size in 2024 was $7.68 billion, projected to reach $10.83 billion by 2030. North America leads the global music publishing market, holding around a 35% share in 2024, which translates to approximately $2.6 billion.
  • U.S.: The music publishing industry in the United States is estimated to have a market size of $8.7 billion in 2025. U.S. music publishing revenue increased by 13.41% to $7.039 billion in 2024. The U.S. held a significant share of the music publishing market, with a market size of $2.343 billion in 2024.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Warner Music Group (WMG) is poised for future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years, driven by several strategic initiatives and evolving market dynamics:

  1. Continued Growth in Streaming and New Pricing Models: The ongoing acceleration in streaming subscription growth is a primary revenue driver, bolstering WMG's core business model. Analysts and company outlooks anticipate continued expansion in this area. Furthermore, the music industry is seeing emerging opportunities for record labels to increase wholesale prices, and WMG is exploring new "superfan tiers" in collaboration with digital streaming partners, which are expected to contribute to revenue growth.
  2. Expansion into Emerging Markets: WMG is actively pursuing geographical expansion, particularly in emerging markets such as India, Africa, and Latin America. This strategy involves investing in local A&R (Artist & Repertoire) teams, forging partnerships with regional labels, and tailoring content strategies to local tastes to increase market share in regions with significant music consumption growth.
  3. Strategic Catalog Acquisitions and Management: A significant driver is WMG's joint venture with Bain Capital, which aims to acquire up to $1.2 billion in music catalogs across both recorded music and music publishing. This initiative, combined with a focus on holistic deep and shallow catalog management and optimizing titles on digital service providers (DSPs), is expected to generate substantial value and revenue.
  4. Cost Savings and Margin Expansion for Reinvestment: WMG has initiated a strategic reorganization plan targeting $300 million in annualized cost savings by the end of fiscal year 2027. These cost efficiencies are projected to deliver margin expansion of 150 to 200 basis points in fiscal year 2026, freeing up capital that can be reinvested into core music businesses to further accelerate revenue growth, artist development, and technology.
  5. Diversification through New Business Models and AI Licensing: The company is exploring new business models beyond traditional recorded music and publishing. This includes direct-to-fan initiatives, merchandising, and live event partnerships. Crucially, WMG is also actively negotiating AI licensing agreements with various startups. These agreements aim to set new precedents for how songs are used and how artists are compensated for AI-generated content, while also protecting artist rights and fostering innovation.

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Share Repurchases

  • In November 2024, Warner Music Group's board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million.
  • The primary purpose of this program is to offset dilution from the company's Omnibus Incentive Plan.
  • Funding for the repurchases is expected to come from a combination of cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities.

Share Issuance

  • Warner Music Group's initial public offering (IPO) in June 2020 involved the pricing of 77 million shares of Class A common stock at $25 per share.
  • This offering consisted entirely of secondary shares sold by Access Industries, LLC and related selling stockholders, meaning the company itself did not receive any proceeds from the IPO.
  • Shareholders have not experienced meaningful dilution in the past year, indicating no significant new share issuances by the company.

Outbound Investments

  • In July 2025, WMG and Bain Capital launched a joint venture with a capacity to invest up to $1.2 billion in iconic music catalogs, with equal equity commitments from both partners.
  • WMG acquired 300 Entertainment for $400 million in December 2021.
  • In February 2025, WMG purchased a controlling stake in Tempo Music Investments, a music rights platform, in a deal valued at approximately $450 million, securing catalogs from artists like Adele and Bruno Mars.

Capital Expenditures

  • For the fiscal first quarter ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures increased 24% to $36 million, driven by investments in technology.
  • Capital expenditures for the fiscal second quarter ended March 31, 2025, rose 38% to $36 million, also focused on technology investments.
  • The primary focus of capital expenditures continues to be investment in technology and strengthening core music business infrastructure.

Better Bets than Warner Music (WMG)

Trade Ideas

Select ideas related to WMG. For more, see Trefis Trade Ideas.

Unique KeyDateTickerCompanyCategoryTrade Strategy6M Fwd Rtn12M Fwd Rtn12M Max DD
PINS_11302025_Monopoly_xInd_xCD_Getting_Cheaper11302025PINSPinterestMonopolyMY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S Decline
Large cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple
0.1%0.1%-1.4%
TMUS_11212025_Monopoly_xInd_xCD_Getting_Cheaper11212025TMUST-Mobile USMonopolyMY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S Decline
Large cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple
-3.6%-3.6%-6.4%
Z_11212025_Monopoly_xInd_xCD_Getting_Cheaper11212025ZZillowMonopolyMY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S Decline
Large cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple
-1.9%-1.9%-5.1%
IRDM_11072025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE11072025IRDMIridium CommunicationsDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
3.4%3.4%-5.6%
TTD_10032025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE10032025TTDTrade DeskDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
-25.7%-25.7%-29.8%

Recent Active Movers

More From Trefis

Peer Comparisons for Warner Music

Peers to compare with:

Financials

WMGHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameWarner M.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
Mkt Price29.9523.2624.49305.0978.16273.4054.05
Mkt Cap15.621.932.6284.9309.24,074.4158.8
Rev LTM6,70755,29534,29665,40257,696408,62556,496
Op Inc LTM9283,6241,64411,54412,991130,2147,584
FCF LTM3442,80062711,85412,73396,1847,327
FCF 3Y Avg4142,9781,40011,75313,879100,5037,366
CFO LTM6783,6972,91913,48313,744108,5658,590
CFO 3Y Avg7063,6723,89613,49814,736111,5598,697

Growth & Margins

WMGHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameWarner M.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
Rev Chg LTM4.4%3.2%13.8%4.5%8.9%6.0%5.2%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg4.3%-3.9%6.5%2.6%3.7%1.8%3.2%
Rev Chg Q14.6%4.2%14.4%9.1%7.5%9.6%9.4%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM3.7%1.1%3.7%2.1%1.8%2.1%2.1%
Op Mgn LTM13.8%6.6%4.8%17.7%22.5%31.9%15.7%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg14.0%7.4%7.2%16.4%24.2%30.8%15.2%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM0.2%-0.2%-1.4%0.6%0.4%0.1%0.1%
CFO/Rev LTM10.1%6.7%8.5%20.6%23.8%26.6%15.4%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg11.1%6.8%12.7%21.4%26.1%28.4%17.1%
FCF/Rev LTM5.1%5.1%1.8%18.1%22.1%23.5%11.6%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg6.5%5.5%4.6%18.6%24.6%25.6%12.6%

Valuation

WMGHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameWarner M.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
Mkt Cap15.621.932.6284.9309.24,074.4158.8
P/S2.30.41.04.45.410.03.3
P/EBIT24.06.819.925.122.531.323.2
P/E42.88.6572.736.029.941.038.5
P/CFO23.15.911.221.122.537.521.8
Total Yield4.8%14.1%2.3%5.0%5.4%2.8%4.9%
Dividend Yield2.4%2.5%2.1%2.2%2.1%0.4%2.1%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg2.5%10.6%5.5%6.4%6.0%3.1%5.7%
D/E0.30.50.70.20.10.00.3
Net D/E0.30.30.60.20.00.00.2

Returns

WMGHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameWarner M.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
1M Rtn6.9%-1.8%14.4%0.6%2.7%-1.5%1.7%
3M Rtn-9.5%-11.9%2.7%7.9%17.0%7.1%4.9%
6M Rtn11.5%-4.0%34.5%6.6%15.2%36.3%13.3%
12M Rtn-2.3%-27.3%14.2%39.2%33.7%6.0%10.1%
3Y Rtn-9.1%-3.8%67.7%139.0%79.5%113.4%73.6%
1M Excs Rtn3.2%-5.6%12.9%-2.2%-0.0%-3.7%-1.1%
3M Excs Rtn-13.8%-16.2%-1.7%3.6%12.7%2.8%0.6%
6M Excs Rtn-0.8%-16.3%22.3%-5.7%3.0%24.0%1.1%
12M Excs Rtn-17.3%-42.9%-0.7%25.0%19.9%-8.4%-4.6%
3Y Excs Rtn-91.0%-83.5%-11.2%59.6%-1.2%28.4%-6.2%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Recorded Music5,2234,9554,9664,5443,810
Music Publishing1,2101,088958761657
Corporate expenses and eliminations-7-6-5-4-4
Total6,4266,0375,9195,3014,463


Operating Income by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Recorded Music9161,093796733175
Music Publishing2382961398981
Corporate expenses and eliminations-331-154-221-213-485
Amortization expense -245   
COVID-19 related costs 0   
Depreciation expense -87   
Executive transition costs -7   
Net gain on divestitures 41   
Non-cash stock-based compensation and other related costs -52   
Restructuring and impairments -42   
Transformation initiatives and other related costs -53   
Total823790714609-229


Assets by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Recorded Music4,945 3,5153,2782,483
Music Publishing3,017 2,9542,8432,656
Corporate expenses and eliminations1,193 1,3591,0901,271
Total9,155 7,8287,2116,410


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$29.95 
Market Cap ($ Bil)54.9 
First Trading Date06/03/2020 
Distance from 52W High-15.5% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$29.94$29.97
DMA Trenddowndown
Distance from DMA0.0%-0.1%
 3M1YR
Volatility25.6%27.4%
Downside Capture62.9444.35
Upside Capture2.1935.47
Correlation (SPY)4.5%36.7%
WMG Betas & Captures as of 11/30/2025

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta0.02-0.000.070.450.520.59
Up Beta-2.28-1.10-1.250.050.530.47
Down Beta1.240.190.150.610.630.77
Up Capture-52%-47%-12%46%23%19%
Bmk +ve Days13263974142427
Stock +ve Days9182863122374
Down Capture95%75%85%53%62%87%
Bmk -ve Days7162452107323
Stock -ve Days11243563125372

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
 Comparison of WMG With Other Asset Classes (Last 1Y)
 WMGSector ETFEquityGoldCommoditiesReal EstateBitcoin
Annualized Return-1.5%21.8%17.8%72.1%8.6%4.4%-8.3%
Annualized Volatility27.2%18.5%19.4%19.3%15.2%17.0%35.0%
Sharpe Ratio-0.070.920.722.700.340.09-0.08
Correlation With Other Assets 43.7%36.6%1.2%8.5%38.7%11.0%

ETFs used for asset classes: Sector ETF = XLC, Equity = SPY, Gold = GLD, Commodities = DBC, Real Estate = VNQ, and Bitcoin = BTCUSD
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
 Comparison of WMG With Other Asset Classes (Last 5Y)
 WMGSector ETFEquityGoldCommoditiesReal EstateBitcoin
Annualized Return-1.6%13.0%14.7%18.7%11.5%4.6%30.8%
Annualized Volatility34.6%20.9%17.1%15.5%18.7%18.9%48.7%
Sharpe Ratio0.030.530.700.970.500.160.57
Correlation With Other Assets 44.6%40.7%6.7%7.8%29.6%21.4%

ETFs used for asset classes: Sector ETF = XLC, Equity = SPY, Gold = GLD, Commodities = DBC, Real Estate = VNQ, and Bitcoin = BTCUSD
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
 Comparison of WMG With Other Asset Classes (Last 10Y)
 WMGSector ETFEquityGoldCommoditiesReal EstateBitcoin
Annualized Return1.9%13.2%14.8%15.3%7.0%5.3%69.2%
Annualized Volatility34.7%22.6%18.0%14.7%17.6%20.8%55.8%
Sharpe Ratio0.140.540.710.860.320.220.90
Correlation With Other Assets 42.3%39.0%6.4%9.9%28.7%21.5%

ETFs used for asset classes: Sector ETF = XLC, Equity = SPY, Gold = GLD, Commodities = DBC, Real Estate = VNQ, and Bitcoin = BTCUSD
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date12152025
Short Interest: Shares Quantity6,878,622
Short Interest: % Change Since 113020255.7%
Average Daily Volume2,641,061
Days-to-Cover Short Interest2.60
Basic Shares Quantity522,023,000
Short % of Basic Shares1.3%

Earnings Returns History

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 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
11/20/2025-2.7%-8.2%-1.9%
8/7/20253.7%6.8%9.5%
5/8/2025-7.9%-9.4%-11.8%
2/6/2025-1.1%8.0%7.7%
11/21/2024-7.4%-4.7%-7.5%
8/7/20241.9%-0.7%0.8%
2/7/2024-2.5%0.8%-5.8%
11/16/2023-4.9%2.2%2.8%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive6912
# Negative171411
Median Positive5.3%6.8%5.8%
Median Negative-5.5%-5.5%-12.0%
Max Positive15.2%21.9%31.0%
Max Negative-9.6%-10.4%-18.5%

SEC Filings

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Report DateFiling DateFiling
93020251120202510-K 9/30/2025
6302025807202510-Q 6/30/2025
3312025508202510-Q 3/31/2025
12312024206202510-Q 12/31/2024
93020241121202410-K 9/30/2024
6302024807202410-Q 6/30/2024
3312024509202410-Q 3/31/2024
12312023208202410-Q 12/31/2023
93020231121202310-K 9/30/2023
6302023808202310-Q 6/30/2023
3312023509202310-Q 3/31/2023
12312022209202310-Q 12/31/2022
93020221122202210-K 9/30/2022
6302022809202210-Q 6/30/2022
3312022510202210-Q 3/31/2022
12312021208202210-Q 12/31/2021