Universal Music Group finishes €500 million share buyback program

Universal Music Group N.V. announced the completion of its €500 million share buyback program, having repurchased a total of 26,707,529 shares for €499.2 million. The final week of the programme, from 20 July to 24 July 2026, saw 634,455 shares bought at an average price of €18.14 per share, costing €11.51 million.

The buyback was launched on 30 March 2026 and was originally scheduled to conclude by 1 October 2026. Shareholder approval later expanded the authorisation to €1 billion, with €250 million used in June to acquire 14,156,285 shares from Bill Ackman's Pershing Square fund after the fund exited its stake.

Chief Financial Officer Matt Ellis said the repurchase reflects a perceived market‑valuation dislocation and supports the company’s credit rating and dividend policy. The repurchased shares will be used to meet obligations under the 2022 Global Equity Plan or to reduce share capital.