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On Tuesday, UBS analyst Batya Levi reaffirmed a Buy rating on Warner Music Group (NASDAQ:WMG) with a steady price target of $41.00. According to InvestingPro data, WMG currently trades at a P/E ratio of 32.1x and shows strong financial health with an overall score of 2.57 (GOOD). The company has maintained a consistent dividend growth track record, raising dividends for 5 consecutive years. Levi provided an update on the company’s fiscal second quarter projections, adjusting for anticipated softer advertising revenue, which was slightly compensated by favorable foreign exchange rates. The revised forecast predicts total revenues of $1.52 billion, a slight decrease from the prior estimate of $1.53 billion, but still marking a 2% year-over-year increase. This growth rate is a slowdown from the 5% year-over-year increase observed in the first fiscal quarter. For deeper insights into WMG’s valuation and growth prospects, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive financial analysis and additional ProTips.
The analyst expects operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) to reach $333 million, up from the previous estimate of $331 million, which would result in a 21.7% margin. This margin reflects a 110 basis points improvement from the same quarter in the previous year, contrasting with a 150 basis points decline experienced last quarter due to additional foreign exchange pressures.
For the Recorded Music segment, specifically streaming revenues, UBS anticipates low single-digit core growth, estimating a 1.3% increase compared to the 2.6% growth seen in the first fiscal quarter. This forecast includes a projected slow-down in subscription growth, continued declines in traditional advertising, and more favorable comparisons at emerging platforms. The company’s last twelve months revenue stands at $6.34 billion, with a healthy gross profit margin of 46.9%.
Levi also adjusted full-year revenue projections to $6.42 billion, down from the earlier forecast of $6.47 billion, with full-year OIBDA projections increasing to $1.41 billion from the prior estimate of $1.37 billion. The full-year margin expectation remains unchanged at 21.7%, which is an improvement from the previously projected 21.3%. Get exclusive access to WMG’s detailed Pro Research Report and more financial insights through an InvestingPro subscription, joining thousands of investors who rely on comprehensive data for informed decision-making.
In other recent news, Warner Music Group reported earnings per share of $0.45 for the December quarter, surpassing the consensus estimate by $0.12, though operating income declined by 39.5% year-over-year due to restructuring charges. Revenue streams showed a 7% decrease in Recorded Music revenue, while Music Publishing revenue grew by 6%. Moody’s Ratings upgraded WMG Acquisition Corp.’s corporate family rating to Ba1 from Ba2, citing positive trends in music streaming and operational improvements. Citi analysts upgraded Warner Music Group to a Buy rating, raising the price target to $42, reflecting optimism about new contracts with Spotify (NYSE:SPOT). FBN Securities began coverage of Warner Music Group with a Sector Perform rating, setting a price target of $35, highlighting the company’s position in the streaming sector. CFRA also adjusted Warner Music Group’s price target to $35, maintaining a Hold rating. Additionally, Warner Music Group announced the election of its board of directors and the ratification of KPMG LLP as its independent auditor for fiscal year 2025. The company also acquired a 50.1% interest in Tempo Music Investments and spent $169 million on music publishing rights acquisitions.
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