SM Entertainment's Profit Drops 26% as RIIZE, aespa and NCT Lead 2027 Plans

SM Entertainment reported a decline in third-quarter earnings on Nov. 4, citing fewer domestic music releases and lower concert revenue.

The company recorded consolidated revenue of 291.1 billion won ($208 million) and operating profit of 35.5 billion won, down 9.5% and 26.4% year-on-year, respectively.

SM also swung to a net loss, partly due to foreign exchange losses resulting from the stronger Korean won.

Despite the overall decline, merchandise and licensing revenue rose 23.5% to 62.1 billion won, while revenue from artist appearances increased 21.3%.

Looking ahead, SM outlined its release and concert plans for early 2027.

RIIZE is scheduled to release a studio album, while Hearts2Hearts will return with a new EP. Solo albums from Red Velvet's Seulgi and NCT's Jaehyun are also planned.

The company additionally confirmed upcoming releases from NCT's Jeno and Jaemin, Chenle and SUPER JUNIOR-83z.

On the concert front, aespa will tour nine European cities, including London, Paris and Stockholm.

NCT WISH is also preparing for its first concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, which has already sold out.

SM said it plans to expand its artists' international activities while supporting both established acts and newer groups.