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Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG)
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Warner Music Group (WMG) AI Stock Analysis

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WMG

Warner Music Group

(NASDAQ:WMG)

Rating:71Outperform
Price Target:
$35.00
▲(6.67% Upside)
Warner Music Group's overall stock score of 71 reflects a mix of solid financial performance and positive technical indicators, tempered by high valuation concerns. The company's strategic initiatives and market share gains are promising, but high leverage and cash flow issues pose risks. The stock's current momentum is strong, but investors should be cautious of potential overvaluation.
Positive Factors
Cost Efficiency
A strategic restructuring program is expected to deliver annualized run rate savings of $300 million by the end of FY27.
Financial Performance
Warner Music Group reported solid results which were above revenue and adjusted OIBDA expectations.
Strategic Agreements
Recent commercial agreements with digital service providers will provide greater visibility and predictability in the subscription streaming business.
Negative Factors
Foreign Exchange Impact
EPS falls as a result of FX swings including losses on euro-denominated debt in Q3.
Market Challenges
WMG has been mired by several unexpected headwinds over the last 12-18 months, leading to downward estimate revisions and shares trading near trough multiples.

Warner Music Group (WMG) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Warner Music Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWarner 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.
How the Company Makes MoneyWMG generates revenue primarily through its Recorded Music and Music Publishing segments. In the Recorded Music segment, the company earns money from the sale and streaming of recorded music, licensing of recordings, and merchandising. This includes revenue from digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, physical sales, and performance rights. The Music Publishing segment makes money by licensing compositions for use in media, covers, and public performances, as well as collecting royalties from various sources. WMG also benefits from strategic partnerships with digital service providers and collaborations with other entertainment entities, which enhance its distribution capabilities and expand its revenue streams.

Warner Music Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 12, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented several positive developments, including revenue growth driven by streaming and strong market share gains, alongside notable artist successes. However, challenges such as declines in physical and ad-supported streaming revenues and decreased cash flow were highlighted. The sentiment reflects a balanced perspective with positive growth aspirations countered by current operational challenges.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
Total revenue increased by 7% with broad-based growth across Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Adjusted for notable items, revenue increased by 8%.
Streaming Growth
Recorded Music subscription streaming grew by 8.5%, adjusted for notable items, reflecting positive market share trends and chart performance.
Market Share Gains
Recorded Music market share increased by roughly 1 percentage point year-over-year in the U.S., according to Luminate Data.
Notable Artist Successes
Several artists achieved significant chart success, including Alex Warren, Sombr, and Teddy Swims, contributing to strong performance in the charts.
Cost Savings Initiative
A strategic reorganization plan is expected to generate $300 million in cost savings by the end of fiscal 2027, aiding in margin expansion of 150 to 200 basis points in fiscal 2026.
Negative Updates
Physical Revenue Decline
Physical revenue decreased by 4% as growth in Korea and Japan was offset by the BMG roll-off. Adjusted for the roll-off, physical revenue would have increased by 4%.
Ad-Supported Streaming Decline
Recorded Music streaming ad-supported revenue declined by 2%, highlighting challenges in the short-form media content business.
Cash Flow Decrease
Operating cash flow decreased to $46 million from $188 million in the prior year quarter, primarily driven by greater investment in A&R.
Company Guidance
During Warner Music Group's fiscal third-quarter earnings call, the company reported a 7% increase in total revenue, with Recorded Music subscription streaming growing by 8.5% when adjusted for notable items. The company highlighted its strategic priorities of growing market share, increasing the value of music, and improving efficiency, evidenced by a 1 percentage point increase in U.S. market share per Luminate Data. Warner Music also announced a $1.2 billion joint venture with Bain Capital to enhance M&A capabilities. The strategic reorganization plan is expected to yield $300 million in cost savings by 2027, contributing to a margin expansion of 150-200 basis points in fiscal 2026. Additionally, the company declared a 6% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.19 per share.

Warner Music Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Warner Music Group shows stable revenue growth and profitability, but faces challenges with declining margins and high leverage. The balance sheet reflects significant debt, which could impact future financial flexibility. Cash flow management shows some weaknesses, particularly in free cash flow generation.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Warner Music Group shows a stable revenue growth with a TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) increase of 2.13%. The gross profit margin remains strong at 46.64%, indicating efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin has decreased to 4.59% from 6.77% in the previous year, suggesting increased expenses or other financial pressures. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have also declined, reflecting potential challenges in operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company has a high debt-to-equity ratio of 7.84, indicating significant leverage which could pose financial risk. Return on equity is relatively strong at 53.54%, showing effective use of equity to generate profits. However, the equity ratio is low, suggesting limited equity financing compared to total assets, which could impact financial stability.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Operating cash flow remains healthy, but free cash flow has decreased by 29.98% in the TTM, indicating potential cash management issues. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.19, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.58, both suggesting moderate efficiency in converting income to cash.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue6.47B6.43B6.04B5.92B5.30B4.46B
Gross Profit3.02B3.07B2.86B2.84B2.56B2.13B
EBITDA949.00M1.09B1.08B1.20B884.00M-59.00M
Net Income297.00M435.00M430.00M551.00M304.00M-475.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets9.78B9.15B8.54B7.83B7.21B6.41B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments527.00M694.00M641.00M584.00M499.00M553.00M
Total Debt4.62B4.29B4.26B4.01B3.68B3.44B
Total Liabilities8.96B8.48B8.12B7.66B7.17B6.46B
Stockholders Equity589.00M518.00M307.00M152.00M31.00M-63.00M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow432.00M638.00M446.00M416.00M64.00M338.00M
Operating Cash Flow751.00M754.00M687.00M742.00M638.00M463.00M
Investing Cash Flow-383.00M-311.00M-300.00M-824.00M-638.00M-219.00M
Financing Cash Flow-460.00M-396.00M-325.00M188.00M-61.00M-316.00M

Warner Music Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price32.81
Price Trends
50DMA
30.75
Positive
100DMA
29.08
Positive
200DMA
30.34
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.80
Positive
RSI
57.81
Neutral
STOCH
28.86
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WMG, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 32.81 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 32.60, above the 50-day MA of 30.75, and above the 200-day MA of 30.34, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.80 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 57.81 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 28.86 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WMG.

Warner Music Group Risk Analysis

Warner Music Group disclosed 43 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Warner Music Group reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Warner Music Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
$17.10B58.6354.66%2.20%1.36%-45.79%
68
Neutral
$514.64M68.862.09%9.65%38433.33%
60
Neutral
$46.28B4.13-13.12%4.13%1.85%-42.71%
57
Neutral
$7.78B-38.19%4.58%-3.75%-253.95%
49
Neutral
$14.44M-101.62%4.84%-9.71%
41
Neutral
$20.86M-270.84%88.72%-85.54%
41
Neutral
$9.80M-218.47%-36.94%15.41%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WMG
Warner Music Group
32.81
5.85
21.70%
SIRI
Sirius XM Holdings
23.58
-2.49
-9.55%
DLPN
Dolphin Entertainment
1.19
-0.17
-12.50%
ANGH
Anghami Inc.
3.28
-5.32
-61.86%
RSVR
Reservoir Media
7.85
0.52
7.09%
KUKE
Kuke Music Holding
1.97
-10.03
-83.58%

Warner Music Group Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Warner Music Group Reports 9% Revenue Increase
Neutral
Aug 7, 2025

Warner Music Group reported a 9% increase in total revenue for the fiscal third quarter ended June 30, 2025, driven by gains in recorded music and music publishing. Despite a net loss of $16 million, the company saw an 18% increase in Adjusted OIBDA, reflecting its strategic focus on market share gains and efficiency. The announcement highlights Warner’s commitment to investing in music and expanding its global impact, although challenges such as increased restructuring costs and a decrease in operating income were noted.

Private Placements and FinancingM&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Warner Music Group Forms Joint Venture with Bain
Positive
Jul 1, 2025

On June 29, 2025, Warner Music Group‘s subsidiary, WMG BC Holdco LLC, entered into a joint venture agreement with Bain Capital’s subsidiary to form Beethoven JV 1 LLC, focusing on acquiring and managing music catalogs. This venture, with a $500 million equity commitment and additional debt financing, aims to enhance Warner Music’s catalog acquisition capabilities. Additionally, Warner Music announced cost-reduction measures to save $300 million annually by 2026, including headcount reductions and administrative cuts, to reinvest in growth and improve operational efficiency.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 20, 2025