Sony’s recorded music and publishing businesses generated an estimated $3.12 billion in the April-to-June 2026 quarter, up 12.7% year on year and marking a third consecutive quarter above $3 billion. The growth was driven by increased streaming income, alongside stronger live events, merchandising and licensing revenues, underlining the value of Sony’s broader music operations beyond recordings alone.

Recorded music revenue rose 14.7% to $2.39 billion, including $1.49 billion from streaming, while the live, merchandising and licensing category climbed 39.7% to $671.7 million. Music publishing generated $728 million, up 6.7%, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller was Sony’s highest-earning recorded-music project globally, helped by interest surrounding the forthcoming biopic.