Sony Music Group posted strong results for fiscal Q2, covering the three months ending September 30. The company’s earnings highlight the strength of streaming, publishing, and multimedia platforms, showing how global demand for music continues to rise. Moreover, the report demonstrates how Sony’s diversified strategy is paying off across multiple revenue streams.
Growth Across Segments
Revenue for Sony Corp’s music segment jumped 21% year-on-year to 542 billion yen ($3.51 billion). This growth came from higher streaming revenue in recorded music and publishing, as well as strong Visual, Media & Platform (VM&P) sales. In particular, the Japanese animated film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle boosted VM&P performance. As a result, operating income rose 28% to 115 billion yen ($746 million), proving Sony’s ability to capitalize on both traditional and emerging opportunities.
Recorded music revenue climbed 10.5% year-on-year to 321 billion yen ($2.08 billion). Streaming led the way, with revenues up 12% in recorded music and 25% in publishing. At the same time, physical sales showed resilience, growing 7% to 27 billion yen ($175 million). Top-selling artists included Bruce Springsteen, SZA, Tyler, The Creator, Bad Bunny, and Tate McRae, which illustrates Sony’s broad reach across genres and markets. Consequently, the company benefited from both established icons and rising stars.
Strength & Revision
Music publishing revenue added further momentum, rising 16% year-on-year to 106 billion yen ($687 million). This segment gained strength from catalog performance and new releases, reinforcing Sony’s leadership in global publishing. Additionally, in August the company raised its full-year forecast by 6%, citing stronger VM&P revenue and favorable foreign exchange rates. Therefore, Sony enters the next quarter with confidence in its ability to sustain growth.
Taken together, Sony Music Group’s Q2 performance reflects the evolving music industry. Streaming dominates, yet physical sales and multimedia tie-ins remain important contributors. Furthermore, with strong artist releases, expanding publishing revenues, and multimedia successes like Demon Slayer, Sony is positioned to maintain momentum in the coming quarters.
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