Battered music giant EMI moved to reassure investors it was on track to record a stronger performance in the coming months.

The firm said it expected to meet revenue targets and achieve planned cost savings and forecast a substantial improvement in operating performance for the half and full year.

The pledge came after a rough period for EMI, which earlier this year blamed a stagnant record-buying market for a sharp fall in final profits.

Group chairman Eric Nicoli said first-quarter trading in its recorded music division had been in line with forecasts.

A number of albums had performed well, such as Kylie Minogue's Fever - 700,000 copies were sold over the three months.

Mr Nicoli pointed shareholders towards a strong release schedule, with offerings due from Atomic Kitten, Blue, Coldplay and Phil Collins.