Sony Music Entertainment recorded a strong first quarter, with sales rising 22 per cent year-on-year, helped in part by renewed interest in Michael Jackson’s music following the release of the biographical film Michael.
According to Deadline, Sony Music’s sales reached 557.9 billion yen (US$3.5 billion) in the three months ending in June, according to the company’s first-quarter earnings. Sony said Jackson’s iconic albums Thriller and Bad ranked among its 10 best-selling recorded music projects during the period, coinciding with the release of Lionsgate’s Michael.
While the music division enjoyed a strong quarter, Sony Pictures Entertainment reported weaker theatrical revenue. The studio’s North American slate included only Nate Bargatze’s comedy The Breadwinner, contributing to a quieter release period.
Sony Pictures’ revenue fell 13 per cent year-on-year to US$1.98 billion, although operating income rose 21 per cent to US$156 million during the same quarter.
The studio generated US$30 million in theatrical revenue during the period, roughly US$100 million lower than the corresponding quarter in 2025, when it released 28 Years Later and Karate Kid: Legends.
Television revenue also declined, falling from US$841 million in 2025 to US$571 million this year. The company attributed the 32 per cent drop to fewer television series being delivered during the quarter, despite the release of the final season of The Boys on Amazon.
