Warner Music Group (NasdaqGS:WMG) Q1 2026 Earnings call February 05, 2026 04:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsArmin Zerza - CFOBatya Levi - Managing Director - Communications, Media and InfrastructureBenjamin Black - Co-Head Internet Equity ResearchKareem Chin - Head of Investor RelationsKutgun Maral - Director, Equity Research - Media, Cable and TelecomRobert Kyncl - CEOConference Call ParticipantsCameron Manson-Perrone - Lead Analyst - Music and Live Entertainment, Media, and Cable/SatelliteIan Moore - Equity ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased by 7%, driven by a 9% growth in recorded music subscription streaming on an adjusted basis [4][18] - Adjusted OIBDA rose by 22%, with a margin increase of over 300 basis points [18] - Operating cash flow grew by 33%, achieving nearly 100% conversion of adjusted OIBDA [18][19] - Cash balance increased by more than $200 million to $751 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Recorded music streaming saw subscription growth of 11% (9% adjusted for notable items) and ad-supported streaming grew by 4% [18] - Physical sales declined by 11% due to tough comparisons from the previous year [18] - Artist services and expanded rights revenue increased by 13%, primarily from concert promotion [18] - Music publishing revenue grew by 9%, with a 15% increase when adjusted for notable items [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. streaming market share grew by approximately 1 percentage point year-over-year, with a 3 percentage point increase on Spotify's Top 200 chart [5] - Internationally, the company achieved number one hits in multiple countries, including France, Italy, and China [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three strategic priorities: growing market share, increasing the value of music, and driving efficiency [4][9] - AI is being leveraged to enhance artist discovery, marketing, and operational efficiency [10][12] - The company is committed to ethical AI practices, ensuring artists have control over their likeness and voice in AI-generated content [12][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong momentum and a healthy industry outlook [13][27] - The company anticipates continued growth driven by strategic investments and favorable DSP agreements [27][46] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to market changes and leveraging new technologies for growth [36][46] Other Important Information - The company has renewed its deal with TikTok, resulting in improved deal economics [9] - A significant increase in the joint venture capacity with Bain from $1.2 billion to approximately $1.65 billion was announced [20][68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on your AI philosophy and the financial impact of AI deals? - Management emphasized that AI initiatives align with their three strategic priorities and are designed to protect artists while creating value [31][34] - The financial impact from AI partnerships is expected to be material, with revenue sharing based on consumption [40][41] Question: What is the outlook for paid streaming growth and DSP deals? - Management noted that they are seeing volume-led subscription growth evolve into value-led growth, with opportunities for super premium tiers [46][47] Question: How is the company driving consistent market share growth? - Management attributed growth to a broad-based strategy, including restructuring and reinvestment in technology and A&R [52][53] Question: Can you provide details on margin targets and cash flow conversion? - Management indicated that margin expansion is driven by cost savings, high-margin streaming growth, and AI revenue, with a target of mid- to high-20s percentage margins [74][75]