EMI announced lower profits after a painful year at the recorded music division, which produces recordings by stars such as Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.

The group's full-year profits before tax and exceptional items in the 12 months to March 31, slumped to £153.3m from £259.5m a year earlier.

The figures reflect a tough period for EMI's recorded music division, particularly in Japan and Latin America.

But chairman Eric Nicoli said a strategic review was on track and would address the problems. A restructuring plan saw EMI cut about 1,800 jobs, and reduce its number of artists to 1,200. EMI also pledged to increase revenues through Internet and broadband technology, tackle piracy and build a stronger DVD business.

Mr Nicoli said: "The recovery is well under way and this is already a fundamentally different company to the one that reported results last year."