EMI disappointed music fans and investors today after it said albums by two of its major bands would not be released until April at the earliest.
The music giant said the latest offerings by Coldplay and Gorillaz would miss expectations for being on sale in the financial year to the end of March.
EMI added that re-orders - the demand from shops for its previously released titles - had been lower than expected in January, leaving forecasts for annual sales from its music division between 8 per cent and 9 per cent lower than a year earlier.
The company also told investors it would not maintain market share for the year and that annual profits for the group would be in the region of £138 million sterling, down on City expectations and the £163.4 million of last time.
The blow to investor confidence sent shares down 15 per cent to 240p.
EMI did not provide a reason for the delays with the two album releases, but it added they were now scheduled for the six-month period to September.
The company said its music publishing arm continued to perform well.