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Universal Music shares sink 23% as subscription growth slows

By Thomson Reuters Jul 31, 2026 | 3:17 AM

July 31 (Reuters) – Universal Music Group shares plunged 23% ​on Friday ‌after the world’s largest music company reported slower growth in ‌subscription ​revenue, raising ⁠concerns about ⁠its streaming momentum.

Subscription revenue growth slowed to 6.7% from 7.9% ​in the first quarter.

Vivendi, ⁠UMG’s largest ⁠shareholder, dropped 14% ​in sympathy, heading ​for its largest one-day ‌slump since August 2002.

JPMorgan said subscription trends could ⁠improve in the second half as UMG’s market-share ⁠momentum ‌strengthens and ⁠its release slate ​improves, ‌while a ​potential cost-saving ⁠programme and planned AI-derived services remain future catalysts.

(Reporting by Leo Marchandon in ​Gdansk)