BMG reports 6.4% revenue growth in 2024 financial results
BMG, has unveiled their financial results for the fiscal year 2024, sowing significant growth and strategic advancements.
BMG’s revenue for 2024 reached €963 million (approximately $1.04 billion), marking a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year. On an organic basis, the company achieved an 8.1% growth rate. Operating EBITDA adjusted surged by 37% to €265 million, elevating the EBITDA margin to an all-time high of 28%, up from 21% in the prior year.
The company’s digital revenue experienced a 16% increase, now constituting 68% of total revenues, up from 63% in 2023.
In terms of geographic revenue distribution, the United States remains BMG’s largest market, accounting for 49.6% of total revenues in 2024, a slight decrease from 51.5% in 2023. The United Kingdom contributed 12.9%, while Germany provided 8.1%.
BMG continued its strategic investment initiatives, allocating approximately €500 million toward catalog acquisitions and artist signings during 2024. Notably, €243 million was dedicated to acquiring music catalogs, with €210 million invested in the United States market. Since the inception of its parent company Bertelsmann’s ‘Boost’ program in 2021, BMG has invested over €1 billion in catalog acquisitions.
The company secured new label deals with prominent artists, including country star Blake Shelton, producers Mustard and YG, as well as New Kids on the Block, Chace, K. Michelle, and The Script. In music publishing, BMG signed or extended agreements with Carly Pearce, KT Tunstall, Tyron Hapi, Ray Dalton, Ásdís, Hugel, and Leony.
BMG also entered strategic partnerships with Tomorrowland Music to administer its music publishing rights, with Cirque du Soleil to manage its publishing catalog, and with Amazon MGM Studios to provide production music.
Under the “BMG Next” strategy, the company implemented significant changes to its global distribution model, including direct licensing agreements with major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and transitioning physical distribution management to Universal Music Group. These initiatives aim to enhance service delivery to artists and songwriters while improving operational efficiency.
BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld commented on the company’s performance
“Our BMG Next strategy has been instrumental in driving a successful 2024 with a step-change performance in a fast-evolving music market. Building on the strong performance of our artists and songwriters, ongoing go-to-market improvements, such as insourcing digital distribution, and continued high investment into our people, catalog acquisitions, and technology development, we achieved an incredible 2024.”
BMG’s 2024 financial results reflect a company that is not only achieving substantial financial growth but also strategically positioning itself within the dynamic music industry. Through significant investments in digital transformation, catalog acquisitions, and artist collaborations, BMG continues to reinforce its commitment to innovation and excellence in serving artists and audiences worldwide.