v3.26.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Intangible Asset, Goodwill and Other [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The following analysis details the changes in goodwill for each reportable segment:
Recorded
Music		Music
Publishing		Total
(in millions)
Balances at September 30, 2025$1,597 $464 $2,061 
Acquisitions76 — 76 
Other adjustments (a)(11)— (11)
Balances at June 30, 2026$1,662 $464 $2,126 
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(a)Other adjustments during the nine months ended June 30, 2026 represent foreign currency movements.
The increase in goodwill during the nine months ended June 30, 2026 is primarily driven by strategic business acquisitions within our Recorded Music segment. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year as of July 1. The Company may conduct an earlier review if events or circumstances occur that would suggest the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill may not be recoverable. No indicators of impairment were identified during the current period that required the Company to perform an interim assessment or recoverability test.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following:
Weighted-Average Useful LifeJune 30,
2026		September 30,
2025
(in millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Recorded music catalog14 years$2,246 $1,799 
Music publishing copyrights23 years2,792 2,692 
Artist and songwriter contracts13 years1,127 1,137 
Trademarks16 years31 29 
Other intangible assets6 years76 58 
Total gross intangible assets subject to amortization6,272 5,715 
Accumulated amortization(3,174)(2,990)
Total net intangible assets subject to amortization3,098 2,725 
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademarks and tradenamesIndefinite153 154 
Total net intangible assets$3,251 $2,879 
The increase in net intangible assets during the nine months ended June 30, 2026 is primarily related to the acquisitions of recorded music catalogs and music publishing copyrights for approximately $403 million through the Beethoven joint venture. See Note 7 and Note 11 for additional information regarding the structure and activities of the joint venture.