Sony Music Group has crossed a major financial milestone, with annual revenues surpassing $13 billion for the first time, driven largely by continued growth in music streaming and blockbuster global releases.

According to Sony Group’s latest financial report, the company generated roughly ¥2.12 trillion ($13.3 billion) in music revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2026, marking a 15% year-over-year increase.  

Streaming Remains the Engine

Streaming continued to dominate Sony’s music business:

• Recorded music streaming revenue grew around 9% year-over-year
• Quarterly streaming revenue alone reached approximately $1.44 billion  

The company credited growth from:

• Subscription streaming platforms
• Catalog music consumption
• Global artist performance across emerging markets

Sony also reported strong gains in:

• live events
• merchandising
• licensing revenue  

Bad Bunny, Catalog Music & Global Expansion

Among Sony’s strongest-performing artists during the quarter was Bad Bunny, whose releases reportedly became one of the company’s biggest revenue drivers.  

Sony has also aggressively expanded through:

• catalog acquisitions
• local-language music investments
• international market growth in Latin America and Asia  

The company recently spent billions acquiring rights tied to legendary acts including:

• Queen
• Pink Floyd
• Bob Dylan  

Physical Music Isn’t Dead Yet

Interestingly, Sony also posted one of its strongest years for physical music sales in the streaming era:

• vinyl
• CDs
• collector editions

Physical revenue reportedly climbed more than 40% year-over-year in one quarter alone. Proof that collectors and superfans still represent a valuable part of the modern music economy.

Publishing Continues Growing

Sony Music Publishing already the world’s largest music publisher  also saw strong growth:

• Publishing revenue rose over 10%
• Streaming publishing income increased significantly  

The company now controls or administers millions of songs globally.

Sony’s numbers reflect a broader shift in music:

• Streaming has matured into a stable mega-business
• Catalog music is becoming increasingly valuable
• Major labels are acting more like investment firms and tech companies combined

The modern music industry is no longer driven only by:

• album sales
• radio
• touring

It’s increasingly powered by:

• subscriptions
• ownership of intellectual property
• and long-term catalog value.

$13 billion in annual revenue. Streaming still growing. Catalog music becoming more powerful than ever.

Sony Music’s latest earnings show that the modern music business is no longer surviving the streaming era, It’s thriving because of it.