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What Every Music Company Made in Q2 2026 (Updating)
Publicly traded music companies are reporting second-quarter results that indicate continued consumer spending across recorded music, streaming, satellite radio and live events. Early figures show strong growth at major labels and live entertainment businesses, while HYBE’s results were boosted substantially by BTS’s return with a world tour and new album.
Sony Music’s overall revenue rose 20% year on year, while HYBE reported record quarterly revenue of 1.45 trillion Korean won (£? no conversion avoid) ($987 million) and operating profit of 170.9 billion won ($116 million). Live Nation increased quarterly revenue despite stadium competition from FIFA World Cup matches, and Sphere Entertainment grew revenue from its Wizard of Oz screenings despite an operating loss. Deezer reported marginal first-half revenue and adjusted-gross-profit growth, reaching 8.9 million subscribers after adding nearly 500,000 direct subscribers but losing 300,000 partnership subscribers.
In short
- Music spending remained resilient across major industry sectors.
- BTS helped HYBE approach $1 billion in quarterly revenue.
- Deezer’s direct subscriptions offset partnership subscriber losses.
Explained simply
Music companies make money from recorded music, streaming subscriptions and advertising, radio services, and live events. Some are record labels that work with artists and release their music; others run streaming platforms or organise concerts and operate venues.
The companies in this story include Sony Music, part of Sony Group, and HYBE, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS. Live Nation promotes concerts and sells tickets, Sphere Entertainment operates the Sphere venue in Las Vegas, and Deezer is a music streaming service.
Their results can reflect how people spend on music in different ways, from listening at home to attending shows. Comparing companies also shows how artists’ releases, subscriber numbers and major events can affect businesses across the industry.
Art Business Companies Culture Entertainment Music