Don’t worry: Billboard says the major labels are doing just fine. But how long can this possibly last?
Warner Music Group
financial profits/losses, fiscal years 2002-2012 (as reported to the SEC).
2012: ―$190 million.
2011: ―$206 million.
2010: ―$143 million.
2009: ―$100 million.
2008: ―$56 million.
2007: ―$21 million.
2006: +$60 million.
2005: ―$169 million
2004: ―$1.422 billion.
2003: ―$1.353 billion.
2002: ―$6.026 billion.
Thanks, again, Digital Music News
This reaffirms my thinking that the future is a licensing farm with much lower (and fairer) rates for start-ups. So after this crashes, guess who gets a much better deal? Spotify,Apple, Deezer and pretty much anyone else.
Why was 2002 so bad?
And what happened in 2006?
Good question…
The majority of the loss is 2002. All I can think of is some sort of major operating loss. Such as, pressing a crapload of CDs that weren’t ultimately purchased.
Were there any mergers in 2002?
Repercussions from digital piracy.
Blame it on Delores Tucker?
so are the major labels crumbling at their core or not ? yes…
I’m assuming 2003 and 2004 should be in Billions
I also think some of the figures are misprints. can’t verify until I see trhe sec data myself
Yes, thank you.
If you’re tracking in the SEC documents, look for net losses/gains.
losses are in (), gains are not.
/paul
Because the music sucks…
Do the same for Live Nation. It’s just as bad.
What does this have to do with the state of the music business? You have to look at other companies as well. Also, where are the numbers prior to 2002? That would be of interest too… This is a lousy “article” that means absolutely nothing at all.
When you’re losing that kind of money, it means a lot to someone.
Of course some over-socialized Swede would say something like this. Go back to your pampered land of Spotify and cradle-to-grave handouts.
That’s not what the group’s statement says:
http://library.corporate-ir.net/library/18/182/182480/items/227319/FINALWMG06AR.pdf
I’m not dead yet! ’tis just a flesh wound.
They should write checks to us all…just because