From aespa to EXO, Tours Fuel SM Entertainment's 15% Q2 Revenue Growth

SM Entertainment posted stronger second-quarter results this year, driven by global tours and a growing merchandise business. The company reported consolidated revenue of 349.6 billion won and operating profit of 52.9 billion won for the second quarter of 2026, up 15.4% and 11.0% year-over-year, respectively, according to a regulatory filing on Aug. 5.

On a non-consolidated basis, revenue rose 9.2% to 240.6 billion won. Appearance revenue climbed 27.9%, concert revenue grew 23.6%, and merchandise and licensing revenue rose 22.0%. Non-consolidated operating profit came in at 43.8 billion won and net income at 24.1 billion won, down 4.6% and 18.1%.

SM Entertainment said the results reflect expanded touring by its veteran artists, higher IP-related revenue, and better performance at key subsidiaries.

Second-quarter concert revenue was lifted by global tours from TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, EXO, aespa, and NCT WISH. The company also ran a pop-up marking NCT's 10th anniversary, along with pop-ups tied to new releases from aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH, helping push merchandise sales higher.

Key subsidiaries also contributed. Dream Maker benefited from a heavier slate of domestic concert productions and closer collaboration with the parent company. DearU saw improved margins from a subscription price increase and a shift toward web-based payments.

SM Entertainment plans to continue its album and concert push in the second half of the year. Third-quarter releases include a mini-album from Red Velvet and a full-length album from NCT 127, along with mini-albums from Minho and WayV and a single from Girls' Generation-HRS. Fourth-quarter releases include full-length albums from Yesung, Taeyeon, Jaehyun, and NCT DREAM, mini-albums from Changmin, XIAOJUN, and NCT WISH, and a single from Hearts2Hearts.

Touring will continue as well. aespa kicks off a new global tour on Aug. 7 and 8 at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, with dates across North America, Central America, and Europe to follow. Tours from U-Know Yunho, SUPER JUNIOR-83z, Yesung, Ryeowook, NCT 127, and WayV are also planned, along with a fan-meeting tour from NCT WISH.