VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Stock Comparison

Philip Morris International Inc. vs Universal Music Group N.V.

Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.

Philip Morris International Inc.

PM · New York Stock Exchange

Market cap (USD)
SectorConsumer
CountryUS
Data as of2025-12-31
Moat score
84/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Philip Morris International Inc.'s moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View PM analysis

Universal Music Group N.V.

UMG · Euronext Amsterdam

Market cap (USD)
SectorCommunication Services
CountryNL
Data as of2025-12-28
Moat score
77/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Universal Music Group N.V.'s moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View UMG analysis

Comparison highlights

  • Moat score gap: Philip Morris International Inc. leads (84 / 100 vs 77 / 100 for Universal Music Group N.V.).
  • Segment focus: Philip Morris International Inc. has 3 segments (61.3% in Combustible Tobacco); Universal Music Group N.V. has 3 segments (75.2% in Recorded Music).
  • Primary market structure: Oligopoly vs Oligopoly. Pricing power: Strong vs Moderate.
  • Moat breadth: Philip Morris International Inc. has 6 moat types across 3 domains; Universal Music Group N.V. has 5 across 3.

Primary market context

Philip Morris International Inc.

Combustible Tobacco

Market

International combustible tobacco (primarily cigarettes)

Geography

Global (primarily ex-U.S.)

Customer

Adult smokers; distributors/wholesalers and retail channels

Role

Branded manufacturer and distributor

Revenue share

61.3%

Universal Music Group N.V.

Recorded Music

Market

Recorded music rights (labels) and monetization (streaming, physical, licensing/sync)

Geography

Global

Customer

Digital service providers (audio/video/social), physical retailers, and licensing counterparties

Role

Label / master rights holder; artist development, marketing and distribution

Revenue share

75.2%

Side-by-side metrics

Philip Morris International Inc.
Universal Music Group N.V.
Ticker / Exchange
PM - New York Stock Exchange
UMG - Euronext Amsterdam
Market cap (USD)
n/a
n/a
Sector
Consumer
Communication Services
HQ country
US
NL
Primary segment
Combustible Tobacco
Recorded Music
Market structure
Oligopoly
Oligopoly
Market share
25.3% (reported)
31%-33% (estimated)
HHI estimate
n/a
n/a
Pricing power
Strong
Moderate
Moat score
84 / 100
77 / 100
Moat domains
Demand, Supply, Legal
Legal, Supply, Demand
Last update
2025-12-31
2025-12-28

Moat coverage

Shared moat types

Brand Trust

Philip Morris International Inc. strengths

Distribution ControlCompliance AdvantageInstalled Base ConsumablesIP Choke PointRegulated Standards Pipe

Universal Music Group N.V. strengths

Content Rights CurrencyScale Economies Unit CostLong Term ContractsService Field Network

Segment mix

Philip Morris International Inc. segments

Full profile >

Combustible Tobacco

Oligopoly

61.3%

Smoke-Free Products

Oligopoly

37.8%

Wellness & Healthcare

Competitive

0.9%

Universal Music Group N.V. segments

Full profile >

Recorded Music

Oligopoly

75.2%

Music Publishing

Oligopoly

17.9%

Merchandising and Other

Competitive

7.1%

Want the full wide moat stocks list?

Browse the full ranking of wide moat stocks, updated with moat scores and segment context.

View the moat stocks list

Curation & Accuracy

This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).

Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.