Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue grew by 13% in Q4, marking the highest year-over-year growth in nearly two years [16] - Adjusted OIBDA rose by 12%, with a slight decline in margins due to a revenue mix shift towards lower-margin artist services [17] - For the full year 2025, total revenue and adjusted OIBDA growth were both 8% on an adjusted basis [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Recorded music subscription streaming increased by 8.4%, driven by global subscriber growth [17] - Artist services revenue grew by 64%, showcasing the company's ability to support artists and expand revenue streams beyond core music [16] - Music publishing revenue grew by 13%, supported by double-digit growth across performance, mechanical, and sync [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., market share increased by 0.6 percentage points year-over-year in Q4 [5] - Globally, the company's share of the Spotify top 200 increased by approximately 6 percentage points compared to fiscal 2024 [5] - The company achieved a 42% share of the Billboard Global 200 for 22 weeks during fiscal 2025 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its operational structure to navigate a more globalized and digital environment [6] - Investments are being prioritized in markets with the most attractive return profiles, leading to market share growth in every key region [19] - The company is committed to driving efficiency and has a cost savings program targeting $200 million in annualized savings by 2026 [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth strategy, highlighting the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape, including the impact of generative AI [10] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for strong top-line growth driven by organic investments and M&A opportunities [22] - Management emphasized the importance of protecting artists' rights while exploring new revenue streams through AI [11] Other Important Information - The company has signed agreements with four of the largest DSPs, which include wholesale price increases that will positively impact future revenues [17] - A significant focus is placed on enhancing the digital supply chain and modernizing infrastructure to support growth [14] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities to accelerate growth and enhance margins [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on rights monetization and WMG's role in capturing incremental value - Management sees this as an incremental opportunity for the music industry and is determined to be proactive in driving change [27] Question: Building blocks behind top-line growth expectations for 2026 - Key drivers include global subscriber growth, wholesale price increases, and a robust pipeline of accretive M&A [35] Question: Market share gains and performance of flagship labels - Market share growth has been broad-based across flagship labels and regions, with a focus on artist development and catalog revitalization [42] Question: M&A plans and distribution as a growth driver - The company has a strong pipeline for M&A and is confident in accelerating growth in distribution under new leadership [50] Question: Investments in technology and their contribution to growth - Investments in technology are focused on strengthening infrastructure to support high-volume business and enhance operational efficiency [56] Question: Variability in licensing terms across DSPs - There is more standardization in deal terms now, but the company strives for a fair marketplace where partners pay similar prices for content [64] Question: Balancing savings initiatives with market share gains - The company is increasing investments in core markets while achieving savings through operational efficiencies [66] Question: AI as a potential threat and opportunity - Management acknowledges the dual nature of AI as both a threat and an opportunity, emphasizing the importance of shaping the industry to benefit artists and songwriters [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue grew by 13% in Q4 2025, marking the highest year-over-year growth in nearly two years [16] - Adjusted OIBDA rose by 12%, with a slight decline in margins due to a significant growth in lower-margin Artist Services revenue [17][18] - For the full year 2025, total revenue and adjusted OIBDA growth were both 8% on an adjusted basis [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Recorded music subscription streaming increased by 8.4%, driven by global subscriber growth and strong market performance [17] - Artist services revenue grew by 64%, showcasing the company's capabilities to support artists and capitalize on new revenue streams [16] - Music publishing revenue grew by 13%, supported by double-digit growth across performance, mechanical, and sync [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., market share increased by 0.6 percentage points year-over-year in Q4 2025 [4] - Globally, the share of the Spotify top 200 increased by approximately 6 percentage points compared to fiscal 2024 [5] - The company achieved a 42% share of the number one spot on the Billboard Global 200 for 22 weeks during fiscal 2025 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its operational structure to navigate a more globalized and digital environment, leading to market share gains and improved financial performance [6][13] - Investments are being prioritized in high-return areas of the core music business, with a balanced approach to driving performance across different markets and genres [19][22] - The company is actively engaging with generative AI, establishing principles to ensure artists and songwriters benefit from new revenue streams while protecting their rights [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on a healthy industry environment, with expectations for strong top-line growth in 2026 driven by organic investments and M&A [23] - The outlook includes robust global subscriber growth, rising wholesale prices, and the potential of AI as an incremental opportunity for revenue growth [22][23] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair marketplace and ensuring that the company remains a driver of value in the evolving music landscape [30][31] Other Important Information - The company has a cash balance of $532 million and total debt of $4.4 billion, with a weighted average cost of debt at 4.1% [18] - A strategic reorganization is expected to deliver $200 million in annualized savings in 2026, increasing to $300 million in 2027 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on rights monetization and WMG's role in capturing incremental value - Management sees this as an incremental opportunity for the music industry and is determined to be the drivers of this change, focusing on licensed models and fair economic terms [28][29] Question: Building blocks behind expectations for top-line growth in 2026 - Growth will be supported by wholesale price increases from new DSP deals, investments in high ROI markets, and a robust pipeline of accretive M&A [35][36] Question: Successful market share gains and performance of flagship labels - Market share has improved across all regions and flagship labels, driven by a focus on artist development and revitalizing catalog [44][46] Question: M&A plans and distribution as a growth driver - A strong pipeline for M&A is in place, with a focus on catalog businesses that deliver high returns, and confidence in accelerating growth in distribution starting in 2026 [50][52] Question: Investments in technology and their contribution to growth - Investments in infrastructure and technology are aimed at enhancing scalability and efficiency, which will support future growth [58][60] Question: Variability in licensing terms across DSP partners - There is more standardization in deal terms now, but the company strives for a fair marketplace where all partners pay similar prices for licensed content [67] Question: Balancing savings initiatives with reinvestment for market share gains - The company is increasing investments in core markets while achieving savings through operational efficiencies in back-office functions [70]

Core Insights - Global 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) subscriptions are projected to exceed 150 million by 2030, more than doubling from 71 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% [2][4][7] - The 5G FWA segment is expected to drive total service revenues to $46 billion by 2030, capturing a significant share of the broadband market [2][4] - India is anticipated to become the largest 5G FWA market by 2030, with 37 million subscriptions, representing 40% of the global share [7] Subscription Growth - Omdia forecasts that global FWA subscriptions will grow from 71 million in 2024 to 150 million by 2030, accounting for 88% of total connections [2][4] - The 5G FWA segment is set to surpass 4G FWA by 2027 and is on track to become the third-largest broadband technology globally [4] Market Dynamics - Tier 1 operators are encouraged to move beyond traditional deployment models, focusing on segmentation, bundling, and AI-driven personalization to effectively monetize 5G FWA [2][3] - Quality of Experience (QoE) is becoming a critical differentiator in 5G FWA offerings, with operators upselling based on service reliability and user-specific performance [3] Regional Insights - The United States is projected to reach 20 million 5G FWA subscriptions by 2030, while Nigeria, Italy, and Japan are expected to join India and the US as the top five markets [7] - Emerging regions such as Central & Southern Asia, Africa, and Latin America are identified as high-growth areas, supported by decreasing customer premises equipment (CPE) prices and innovative bundling strategies [7]

Financial Performance - Total revenue increased by 6%[12] - Recorded music (RM) streaming revenue increased by 8%[12] - Adjusted OIBDA increased by 16%[13] - Adjusted OIBDA margin increased by 170 basis points[13] - Operating cash flow (OCF)/Adjusted OIBDA conversion was 3%[12] Strategic Initiatives - A strategic restructuring plan is expected to deliver $300 million in annualized run-rate savings by the end of fiscal 2027[19] - Launched a joint venture with Bain Capital to invest up to $1.2 billion in music catalogs[19] Debt Maturity - Debt maturing in 2026 amounts to $535 million[16] - Debt maturing in 2028 amounts to $2.617 billion[16]

Core Viewpoint - Universal Music Group N.V. has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement for a proposed public offering of its ordinary shares held by certain shareholders, with no proceeds going to the company from this sale [1]. Group 1 - The offering is subject to SEC review and market conditions, with the number of shares and price range yet to be determined [1]. - The company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares by the selling shareholders [1]. Group 2 - Universal Music Group is a leader in music-based entertainment, involved in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content [3]. - The company has a comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across various musical genres, focusing on artist development and distribution of successful music [3]. - UMG is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to enhance opportunities for artists and create new experiences for fans [3].

Core Points - Warner Music Group Corp. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock, payable on June 3, 2025, to stockholders of record as of May 27, 2025 [1] Company Overview - Warner Music Group has a legacy of over 200 years and is home to a diverse array of artists, songwriters, and companies that influence global culture [2] - The Recorded Music division includes iconic companies such as Atlantic, Elektra, Parlophone, and Warner Records, along with several renowned labels [2] - Warner Chappell Music, a leading music publisher, has a catalog of over one million copyrights across various musical genres [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue and adjusted OIBDA grew 41% respectively [8] - Recorded music revenue grew 4% and music publishing revenue grew 7% [8] - In Q1, total revenue declined 4% and adjusted OIBDA declined 18% with a margin of 21.8%, a decrease of 390 basis points over the prior year quarter [20][21] - On an adjusted basis, total revenue grew 4%, adjusted OIBDA increased 1%, and margin decreased 80 basis points due to revenue mix and operational FX headwinds [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Recorded music revenue decreased 6% but grew 4% on an adjusted basis [22] - Subscription streaming grew 7%, reflecting expected deceleration from prior year price increases [22] - Ad-supported streaming declined by 7% due to timing of deal renewals and content delivery [22] - Physical revenue increased 8% due to strong new releases in the U.S. [22] - Music Publishing total revenue increased 7%, with digital and streaming both increasing by 6% and 7% respectively [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Atlantic, one of the flagship labels, increased its market share by 0.5 percentage points in the U.S. over the prior year quarter [12] - Warner Chappell landed at number two on Billboard's year-end HOT 100 publishing chart [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase market share, grow the overall value of music, and enhance operational efficiency [9][10] - Recent acquisitions and partnerships, such as with Tempo Music and local players like Skillbox in India, are part of the strategy to grow global market share [11][17] - The company is focused on collaborative innovation with DSPs to expand the music ecosystem [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future despite temporary macro trends affecting the industry and global economy [8] - The company anticipates high single-digit subscription streaming growth for the fiscal year [29] - Management noted that the music industry remains healthy and resilient, with new DSP deals focused on improved monetization [29] Other Important Information - The company announced the acquisition of a controlling interest in Tempo Music, which includes premium music rights to songs recorded by various artists [17][18] - Operating cash flow increased 13% to $332 million from $293 million in the prior year quarter [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on the new Spotify deal and its impact on revenue growth - Management highlighted a three-pronged strategy focusing on increasing market share, growing the overall value of music, and enhancing efficiency [34] - The new deal with Spotify is seen as a positive step towards achieving these goals [35] Question: Clarification on foreign exchange impacts - Management clarified that the foreign exchange impact is due to 58% of revenue being in non-U.S. dollar currencies, leading to in-period exposure affecting OIBDA [37] Question: Insights on new fan experiences and product offerings - Management indicated that not all partners need to be aligned for new product offerings to roll out, allowing for flexibility in innovation [42] Question: Expectations for ad-supported revenue and emerging platform deals - Management expects stabilization in ad-supported revenue over time, though it remains macro-driven [51] - No new announcements regarding emerging platform deals were made during the quarter [50] Question: Discussion on superfan monetization and subscription streaming trends - Management acknowledged the untapped potential in superfan monetization and is exploring various strategies to engage this segment [78] - Subscription streaming growth is primarily driven by subscriber growth and volume, with pricing expected to improve over time [80]