Sony Music posted a 20.8% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2026, reaching 562 billion yen (US$3.51 billion), as gains in streaming, merchandising, and live activities lifted the segment.
Recorded Music and Streaming
Recorded music revenue rose 26.4% to 381 billion yen (US$2.38 billion). Streaming revenue within recorded music grew 9.7% to US$1.488 billion, while physical sales increased 14% to 30 billion yen ($180 million).
Publishing and Diversified Revenue
Music publishing revenue climbed 17.5% in yen terms to 116 billion yen ($728.2 million), with publishing streaming up 8%. Merchandising, live, and sync revenue surged 53.8%, highlighting expanding income streams beyond streaming.
Profitability
Operating income for the music segment rose 14.1% to 106 billion yen (US$660 million), and adjusted OIBDA advanced 14.8% to 134 billion yen (US$830 million).
Top-Selling Artists
Michael Jackson was the top-selling artist, with catalog consumption growing nearly fourfold following the global success of the biopic Michael. Ella Langley also delivered a standout quarter: her latest album Dandelion topped the US albums chart, and her previous record still hungover remained among Sony’s top 10 sellers.
Other major contributors included:
- Raye
- Bad Bunny
- SZA
- Luke Combs
- Peso Pluma & Tito Double P
Full-Year Outlook
Sony raised its full-year streaming revenue forecast, citing favorable foreign exchange movements and the consolidation of Recognition Music Group.
