On top of that, it is a business with fixed costs - probably several million per year.
Firstly, the fixed costs would be minimal. Need a lawyer, accountant and a couple of bookkeepers. But the department that manages these catalogs also mange others so the costs are spread among all of the catalogs.
As to another comment, SONY Records is essentially an American company, but the Japanese owners are culturally progressive folks who understand that the most important thing is that these catalogs make money, lots of it.
I disagree.
No dedicated advertising?
No dedicated creative marketing talent?
No defense against international piracy?
I will stick with several million per year.