BMG has issued its financial results for 2025, which the company said show “continued progress in profitability and digital transformation”.
The headline figures show total revenues down 7% year-on-year at €900 million, with organic revenue slipping just 2%.
“This outcome reflects deliberate portfolio decisions, including the divestment of non-core businesses, such as Live, unfavourable foreign exchange movements, as well as BMG’s continued prioritisation of digitally driven revenue streams,” said a statement.
Highlighting the “disciplined execution” of its long-term BMG Next strategy, the company noted that it has achieved a record EBITDA margin of 32% (up four percentage points on the previous year), with operating EBITDA adjusted reaching a record €284 million.
The results also saw double-digit growth in underlying recorded music streaming subscription revenue. Digital revenue now accounts for 71% of total revenue, up from 68%, following BMG’s strategic focus on digital growth.
Thomas Coesfeld, CEO, BMG, said: “2025 was a transformational year for BMG, defined by disciplined execution under our BMG Next strategy. We sharpened our focus on music publishing and recorded music, strengthened our digital capabilities, and supported that focus through our Boost investments and cutting-edge technology, including the integration of AI across our workflows.
“Delivering a record EBITDA margin of 32%, while significantly increasing EBITDA in absolute terms demonstrates the strength and scalability of our operating model and reflects the dedication of our global teams in driving sustainable long-term growth for our artists and songwriters.”
BMG’s commitment to its Boost investment programme continued at record levels, bringing total investments in music rights catalogues to over $1.5 billion since 2021. 2025 saw BMG complete its single largest catalogue acquisition to date with country superstar Jason Aldean, alongside rights to over 1,000 songs from 23 other artists and songwriters.
In total, BMG completed 30 acquisitions in 2025 and further expanded its roster and IP portfolio with new signings and extensions, including OneRepublic, Joyce Wrice, James Arthur and ALOK.
2025 was a transformational year for BMG, defined by disciplined execution under our BMG Next strategy
Thomas Coesfeld
In the recorded music business, standout releases included projects by Lily Allen, Wiz Khalifa, Jason Aldean, Caparezza, Mötley Crüe, and Yung Kai.
BMG clients also achieved major success at the 2026 Grammys, winning awards in 12 categories, including three for country star Jelly Roll.
On the publishing side, Roselilah and Kamasi Washington won awards for co-writing Luther, performed by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. BMG songwriters Lewis Capaldi, Kontra K and Jessie Reyez also had chart success in 2025.
BMG advanced its go-to-market approach by renewing direct licensing partnerships with key platforms such as Spotify and TikTok.
“These agreements enhance BMG's ability to promote its music, leverage deeper audience insights, improve content placement, and ensure faster, more direct collection for songwriters, demonstrating improved client service and enhanced monetisation capabilities,” said a statement.
A cornerstone of BMG's 2025 strategy was its increased focus on artificial intelligence. The company deepened the integration of GenAI across core workflows, from marketing content creation and automation to developing an AI-supported recommendation engine for its newly unified Sync+ division.
“BMG stands firmly with artists and songwriters, believing AI must enhance creativity and pledging to ensure copyright protection and fair remuneration,” the company said.
Thomas Coesfeld added: “With shifting streaming economics and the transformative potential of AI, BMG is well positioned to deliver on its long-term ambitions. Our disciplined strategy, robust investment programme, and pioneering use of technology enable us to create long-term value for our artists, songwriters, and partners, all while protecting intellectual property in this new era.”
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