← Back to All US Stocks

Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) Fundamental Analysis & AI Grade 2026

WMG Nasdaq Services-Amusement & Recreation Services DE CIK: 0001319161
Updated This Month • Analysis: May 9, 2026 • SEC Data: 2026-03-31
Combined AI Grade
B
58% Confidence
N/A
B
58% Conf
Pending
Analysis scheduled

📊 WMG Key Takeaways

Revenue: $3.6B
Net Margin: 10.1%
Free Cash Flow: $519.0M
Current Ratio: 0.73x
Debt/Equity: 6.39x
EPS: $-0.68
AI Grade: B with 58% confidence
Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) receives a B fundamental grade with 58% confidence from our AI analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $3.6B, net profit margin of 10.1%, and return on equity (ROE) of 48.6%, Warner Music Group Corp. demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Services sector. Below is our complete WMG stock analysis for 2026.

Is Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) a Good Investment?

Claude

WMG demonstrates strong free cash flow generation ($519M) and modest revenue growth (+4.4%), but is severely hampered by excessive leverage (6.39x debt-to-equity) and deteriorating profitability, with net income declining 16.1% YoY despite revenue growth. Critical liquidity stress (0.73x current ratio) combined with a thin equity base ($738M on $10.6B assets) creates material refinancing risk that offsets otherwise stable operational cash generation.

Warner Music Group Corp. Key Strengths (WMG)

Claude
  • + Strong free cash flow generation ($519M with 14.5% FCF margin)
  • + Positive revenue growth momentum (+4.4% YoY) in entertainment sector
  • + Robust operating margins (15.5%) demonstrating pricing power
  • + Low capital intensity (CapEx only $47M on $3.6B revenue base)

WMG Stock Risks: Warner Music Group Corp. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Severe financial leverage with 6.39x debt-to-equity ratio and $4.7B long-term debt
  • ! Acute liquidity crisis with current ratio of 0.73x and quick ratio of 0.71x (both below 1.0)
  • ! Profit margin compression with net income declining 16.1% YoY despite flat-to-positive top-line growth
  • ! Razor-thin equity cushion ($738M) vulnerable to operational or market shocks
  • ! Refinancing risk given debt burden and constrained balance sheet flexibility

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Debt-to-equity trajectory and refinancing activity
  • * Current ratio trend and working capital management
  • * Operating income growth sustainability against cost pressures
  • * Free cash flow consistency and covenant compliance
  • * Quarterly net income trends for stabilization signals

Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$3.6B
Net Income
$359.0M
EPS (Diluted)
$-0.68
Free Cash Flow
$519.0M
Total Assets
$10.6B
Cash Position
$741.0M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.

WMG Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin N/A
Operating Margin 15.5%
Net Margin 10.1%
ROE 48.6%
ROA 3.4%
FCF Margin 14.5%

WMG vs Services Sector: How Warner Music Group Corp. Compares

How Warner Music Group Corp. compares to Services sector averages

Net Margin
WMG 10.1%
vs
Sector Avg 10.0%
WMG Sector
ROE
WMG 48.6%
vs
Sector Avg 16.0%
WMG Sector
Current Ratio
WMG 0.7x
vs
Sector Avg 1.5x
WMG Sector
Debt/Equity
WMG 6.4x
vs
Sector Avg 0.7x
WMG Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Warner Music Group Corp. Stock Overvalued? WMG Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Warner Music Group Corp. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Services sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
48.6%
Sector avg: 16%
Net Profit Margin
10.1%
Sector avg: 10%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
6.39x
Sector avg: 0.7x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Warner Music Group Corp. Balance Sheet: WMG Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
0.73x
Quick Ratio
0.71x
Debt/Equity
6.39x
Debt/Assets
90.8%
Interest Coverage
6.13x
Long-term Debt
$4.7B

WMG Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

WMG 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $5.3B, Net Income $256.0M, EPS N/A. Year 2022: Revenue $5.9B, Net Income -$475.0M, EPS N/A. Year 2023: Revenue $6.0B, Net Income $304.0M, EPS N/A. Year 2024: Revenue $6.4B, Net Income $551.0M, EPS N/A. Year 2025: Revenue $6.7B, Net Income $430.0M, EPS N/A.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Warner Music Group Corp.'s revenue has grown significantly by 27% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion.

WMG Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
14.5%
Free cash flow / Revenue

WMG Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Warner Music Group Corp. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q2 2026 $1.5B $36.0M N/A
Q1 2026 $1.7B $176.0M N/A
Q3 2025 $1.6B -$16.0M N/A
Q2 2025 $1.5B $36.0M N/A
Q1 2025 $1.7B $159.0M N/A
Q3 2024 $1.6B $122.0M N/A
Q2 2024 $1.4B $34.0M N/A
Q1 2024 $1.5B $122.0M N/A

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

Warner Music Group Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$566.0M
Cash generated from operations
Stock Buybacks
$48.0M
Shares repurchased (TTM)
Capital Expenditures
$47.0M
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$200.0M
Returned to shareholders

WMG SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Warner Music Group Corp. (CIK: 0001319161)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
May 26, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →
May 18, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →
May 7, 2026 10-Q wmg-20260331.htm View →
May 7, 2026 8-K wmg-20260507.htm View →
Apr 20, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about WMG

What is the AI rating for WMG?

Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) has an AI grade of B with 58% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are WMG's key strengths?

Claude: Strong free cash flow generation ($519M with 14.5% FCF margin). Positive revenue growth momentum (+4.4% YoY) in entertainment sector.

What are the risks of investing in WMG?

Claude: Severe financial leverage with 6.39x debt-to-equity ratio and $4.7B long-term debt. Acute liquidity crisis with current ratio of 0.73x and quick ratio of 0.71x (both below 1.0).

What is WMG's revenue and growth?

Warner Music Group Corp. reported revenue of $3.6B.

Does WMG pay dividends?

Warner Music Group Corp. pays dividends, with $200.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find WMG SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Warner Music Group Corp. (CIK: 0001319161) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is WMG's EPS?

Warner Music Group Corp. has a diluted EPS of $-0.68.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

What is WMG's fundamental grade?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Warner Music Group Corp. has a B grade with 58% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.

Is WMG stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for WMG: ROE of 48.6% (sector avg: 16%), net margin of 10.1% (sector avg: 10%). Higher ROE suggests strong returns relative to peers.

What is WMG's AI grade for 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Warner Music Group Corp. a combined B grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is WMG's free cash flow?

Warner Music Group Corp.'s operating cash flow is $566.0M, with capital expenditures of $47.0M. FCF margin is 14.5%.

How does WMG compare to other Services stocks?

Vs Services sector averages: Net margin 10.1% (avg: 10%), ROE 48.6% (avg: 16%), current ratio 0.73 (avg: 1.5).

Is Warner Music Group Corp. carrying too much debt?

WMG has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.39x, which is above the Services sector average of 0.7x. Combined with a current ratio below 1, this warrants careful monitoring of the balance sheet.

Why is WMG's return on equity (ROE) so high?

Warner Music Group Corp. has a return on equity of 48.6%, significantly above the Services sector average of 16%. A high ROE indicates the company is efficient at generating profits from shareholder equity. This is supported by a 10.1% net margin.

Top Rated Stocks
AAPL 92% MSFT 92% FAST 92% ANET 88% RDDT 88% KNSL 88% MGRE 88% FIZZ 88% DECK 87% NVDA 87%
Browse: High ROE Stocks
Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: May 9, 2026 | Data as of: 2026-03-31 | Powered by Claude AI