Universal Music - UNVGY STOCK NEWS

Universal Music Group (UMG) has released its 2024 annual report and announced the agenda for its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for May 14, 2025, in Amsterdam. The meeting will address several key governance matters, including:

• The proposed re-appointment of Vincent Vallejo as Executive Director for a one-year term
• Re-appointments of Sherry Lansing, Haim Saban, and Luc van Os as Non-Executive Directors for two-year terms
• Advisory vote on the 2024 remuneration report
• Adoption of 2024 financial statements and dividend proposal
• Approval of a revised Executive Directors' Remuneration Policy
• Authorization for the Board to repurchase and cancel shares

The 2024 annual report, which includes financial statements, remuneration report, and sustainability statement, is available on the company's investor relations website and has been filed with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).

Universal Music Group (EURONEXT: UMG) announced that Non-Executive Director Manning Doherty will retire from the Board of Directors effective March 21, 2025. The announcement was made from the company's headquarters in Hilversum, Netherlands on March 10, 2025.

Universal Music Group (UNVGY) reported strong Q4 2024 financial results with revenue reaching €3,439 million, up 7.2% year-over-year. Key financial highlights include:

- Q4 Adjusted EBITDA of €799 million, increasing 18.0% year-over-year
- Full-year 2024 revenue of €11,834 million, up 6.5%
- Full-year Adjusted EBITDA of €2,661 million, rising 12.3%
- Net profit grew 65.7% to €2,086 million in 2024

Business performance showed strength across segments:
- Recorded Music subscription revenue grew 7.9% in Q4
- Top artists included Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish
- Company dominated global charts with 9 of top 10 IFPI Global Artists

The company proposed a final dividend of €512 million (€0.28 per share), bringing total 2024 dividend to €951 million (€0.52 per share), subject to shareholder approval.

Universal Music Group N.V. (EURONEXT: UMG) has announced it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 after the Euronext market closes on March 6, 2025. The company will host a conference call to discuss these results on the same day at 6:15pm CET.

A live audio webcast will be available on investors.universalmusic.com, with a replay link provided after the call. Investors and analysts who wish to participate in the Q&A session must pre-register for a dial-in line through the company's investor relations website under the 'Financial Reports' tab.

Universal Music Group (UNVGY) has announced that Pershing Square has exercised its rights under their Registration Rights Agreement to request a secondary listing and offering of UMG shares in the United States. Pershing has waived the standard 120-day filing requirement, and UMG will work to launch an underwritten offering for Pershing's shares by September 15, 2025, subject to regulatory approval and market conditions.

The company stated that any decisions beyond its contractual obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement will be determined by UMG's Board of Directors, based on what maximizes value and serves the best interests of all shareholders.

Virgin Music Group has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Downtown Music Holdings for $775 million (€737 million), with the deal expected to close in H2 2025. The acquisition combines two leading providers of client services and music technology in the independent music sector.

Downtown Music, established in 2007, serves over 5,000 business clients and more than four million creators across 145 countries through its portfolio including FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust. The company operates from 20+ offices across six continents, offering services in distribution, publishing, marketing, royalty collection, financing, and accounting.

The merger aims to create a comprehensive global solution for independent music entrepreneurs, enhancing service offerings including digital & physical distribution, release marketing, business intelligence, neighboring rights, synchronization, and rights management.

Universal Music Group (UMG) has responded to Bill Ackman's recent social media post regarding Pershing Square and UMG. The company clarified that neither UMG nor its board members were involved in formulating the views expressed in that post. According to UMG's listing prospectus, Pershing has the right to request a US listing only if a Pershing entity sells at least $500 million in UMG shares during the listing process. However, Pershing cannot require UMG to become US-domiciled or delist from Euronext Amsterdam. Any decisions beyond contractual obligations will be based on maximizing value for all shareholders.

Universal Music Group N.V. (EURONEXT: UMG) has announced that Boyd Muir, the company's COO and CFO, will participate in a Q&A session at the Morgan Stanley European Technology, Media & Telecom Conference. The session is scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 12:20pm CET. Interested parties can access the webcast through the company's investor relations website at investors.universalmusic.com.

Universal Music Group reported Q3 2024 revenue of €2,870 million, up 4.3% year-over-year (4.9% in constant currency). Recorded Music subscription revenue grew 7.6%, while streaming revenue declined 0.8%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.9% to €621 million, with margin expanding to 21.6%. For the first nine months of 2024, revenue reached €8,396 million, up 6.3%, with Adjusted EBITDA growing 10% to €1,862 million. Top performers included Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish. The company announced Boyd Muir's promotion to Chief Operating Officer while maintaining CFO duties until a replacement is found.