Live Nation Entertainment 10-Q 2025-03-31

Filed 2025-05-01. 8 sections, 160K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON

Cover and table of contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 10-Q


☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025

or

☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 001-32601


LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware20-3247759
(State of Incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

9348 Civic Center Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(310) 867-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $.01 Par Value Per ShareLYVNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated FilerxAccelerated Filer¨Non-accelerated Filer¨Smaller Reporting Company¨Emerging Growth Company¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No x

On April 24, 2025, there were 234,089,506 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, including 2,317,712 shares of unvested restricted stock awards and excluding 408,024 shares held in treasury.

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2025 (Unaudited) and December 31, 20242
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 20243
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 20244
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 20245
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 20247
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)8
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations18
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk32
Item 4.Controls and Procedures32
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings33
Item 1A.Risk Factors33
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds33
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities33
Item 5.Other Information33
Item 6.Exhibits34

Note: As previously disclosed in Part II—Financial Information—Item 8.—Financial Statements—Note 2 – Correction of Errors in Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025 and Exhibit No. 99.2 ___ Correction of Errors in Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2025, the revisions are reflected in this Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2024. These revisions did not change net operating, investing and financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS
AOCIAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
AOIAdjusted operating income (loss)
CompanyLive Nation Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
GAAPUnited States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GTVGross transaction value
LIBORLondon Inter-Bank Offered Rate
Live NationLive Nation Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
SOFRSecured Overnight Financing Rate
TicketmasterThe ticketing business of the Company
VIEVariable interest entity (as defined under GAAP)

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
ASSETS(in thousands)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$7,158,680$6,095,424
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $73,561 and $72,663, respectively1,850,7791,747,316
Prepaid expenses1,724,9561,247,184
Restricted cash9,56610,685
Other current assets325,209189,528
Total current assets11,069,1909,290,137
Property, plant and equipment, net2,687,7602,441,872
Operating lease assets1,681,6171,618,033
Intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets, net1,039,009985,812
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net368,898380,558
Goodwill2,703,1322,620,911
Long-term advances562,273520,482
Other long-term assets1,715,2391,780,966
Total assets$21,827,118$19,638,771
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable, client accounts$1,973,881$1,859,678
Accounts payable310,056242,978
Accrued expenses2,445,7843,057,334
Deferred revenue6,076,5093,721,092
Current portion of long-term debt, net479,897260,901
Current portion of operating lease liabilities151,579153,406
Other current liabilities79,88662,890
Total current liabilities11,517,5929,358,279
Long-term debt, net5,928,5246,177,168
Long-term operating lease liabilities1,734,3761,680,266
Other long-term liabilities537,266477,763
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 6)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests1,311,5551,126,302
Stockholders' equity
Common stock2,3222,313
Additional paid-in capital1,906,1452,059,746
Accumulated deficit(1,514,747)(1,546,819)
Cost of shares held in treasury(6,865)(6,865)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(280,860)(335,112)
Total Live Nation stockholders' equity105,995173,263
Noncontrolling interests691,810645,730
Total equity797,805818,993
Total liabilities and equity$21,827,118$19,638,771

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
(in thousands except share and per share data)
Revenue$3,382,117$3,799,529
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses2,254,9372,651,340
Selling, general and administrative expenses778,922981,559
Depreciation and amortization149,455132,594
Gain on disposal of operating assets(2,202)(651)
Corporate expenses86,23676,077
Operating income (loss)114,769(41,390)
Interest expense80,34380,691
Interest income(34,061)(43,257)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates(479)(84)
Other expense (income), net2,953(77,054)
Income (loss) before income taxes66,013(1,686)
Income tax expense19,71141,019
Net income (loss)46,302(42,705)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests23,09911,770
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation$23,203$(54,475)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation$(0.32)$(0.56)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted231,220,841229,471,184
Reconciliation to net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation:
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation$23,203$(54,475)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests(98,094)(75,109)

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

“Live Nation” (which may be referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) means Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, or one of our segments or subsidiaries, as the context requires. You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations together with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes to the financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this quarterly report (or otherwise made by us or on our behalf from time to time in other reports, filings with the SEC, news releases, conferences, internet postings or otherwise) that are not statements of historical fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our financial position, business strategy, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, the effects of competition, the effects of future legislation or regulations and plans and objectives of our management for future operations. We have based our forward-looking statements on our beliefs and assumptions considering the information available to us at the time the statements are made. Use of the words “may,” “should,” “continue,” “plan,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “outlook,” “could,” “target,” “project,” “seek,” “predict,” or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth below under Part II—Other Information—Item 1A.—Risk Factors, in Part I—Item IA.—Risk Factors of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as other factors described herein or in our annual, quarterly and other reports we file with the SEC (collectively, “cautionary statements”). Based upon changing conditions, should any risk or uncertainty that has already materialized, worsen in scope, impact or duration, or should one or more of the currently unrealized risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the applicable cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Executive Overview

The first quarter was a strong start to the year for the Company with one of our highest operating income and adjusted operating income results ever for the first quarter. Based on our strong pipeline of stadium shows for the remainder of the year, coupled with our current deferred revenue balance of $6.1 billion as of March 31, 2025, which is up $1.1 billion or 21% compared to March 31, 2024, we are optimistic for continued success in the remainder of the year.

Our overall revenue decreased by 11% to $3.4 billion on a reported basis, or 8% decline on a constant currency basis as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was largely the result of a reduction in arena show volume in the United States. Despite this, our operating income for the quarter increased by $156.2 million, from an operating loss of $41.4 million in the first quarter of 2024 to an operating income of $114.8 million in the first quarter of 2025 due to higher operating performance from our Concerts and Sponsorship segments as well as the Astroworld estimated loss contingencies recorded in our Concerts segment in the first quarter of 2024. The increase in operating income was $170.9 million at constant currency.

All of the segment financial comments to follow are based on reported foreign currency exchange rates.

Our Concerts segment revenue for the quarter decreased by $395.3 million, or 14%, from $2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2024 to $2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The revenue decrease was largely the result of fewer arena shows in the United States, partially offset by more theater and club shows and fans in our international markets. The number of events for the first quarter of 2025 was approximately 11,300, essentially flat compared to last year. The number of fans for the quarter was 22.3 million compared to approximately 22.9 million last year, essentially even. The slight decrease was largely in the United States while Latin America and Europe had double-digit increases. Some of the notable acts touring in the first quarter included Shakira, Sabrina Carpenter, Coldplay and Chayanne. Concerts AOI for the first quarter of 2025 was $6.6 million compared to a loss of $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. Early in the second quarter, our ticket sales for events playing off in calendar year 2025 are pacing up double-digits compared to last year while our event related deferred revenue is also up double-digits, giving us confidence that we are positioned for another record Concerts year.

Our Ticketing segment revenue for the quarter decreased by $28.5 million, or 4%, from $723.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 to $694.7 million in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease resulted from a decrease in ticket sales in North America,

driven by non-concerts activity levels, along with lower activity from non-Live Nation promoted concert events. We sold approximately 77.5 million fee-bearing tickets in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 78.6 million tickets in the same period of the prior year, a decrease of 1%. Ticket sale transactions for Live Nation promoted events rose by 7% in the quarter while sales for non-Live Nation activity declined by 3%. As a result, Ticketing’s deferred tickets are up 8% year-over-year as of the end of the first quarter and GTV associated with those deferred tickets is up double digits. In the first quarter of 2025, we signed 9.5 million net new tickets of which over 70% came from our international markets. Despite the decline in Ticketing’s results for the quarter, the combination of deferred revenue and new client signings points to a successful overall year.

Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment revenue for the quarter increased by $4.8 million, or 2%, from $211.3 million in the first quarter of 2024 to $216.1 million in the first quarter of 2025. The improvement was largely due to increased digital platform integration projects with clients in the United States, growth in our owned and operated venue sponsorship, and ticket access deals tied to high profile onsales in the first quarter of 2025. AOI for the quarter increased by $6.0 million, from $130.0 million in the first quarter of 2024 to $136.0 million in the first quarter of 2025.

We are optimistic about the long-term potential of our Company and are focused on the key elements of our business model: expanding our global platforms to connect artists and fans.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Three Months

Three Months Ended March 31,% Change
20252024
As ReportedCurrency ImpactsAt Constant Currency**As ReportedAs ReportedAt Constant Currency**
(in thousands)
Revenue$3,382,117$117,806$3,499,923$3,799,529(11)%(8)%
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses2,254,9372,651,340(15)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses778,922981,559(21)%
Depreciation and amortization149,455132,59413%
Gain on disposal of operating assets(2,202)(651)*
Corporate expenses86,23676,07713%
Operating income (loss)114,76914,755129,524(41,390)**
Operating margin3.4%3.7%(1.1)%
Interest expense80,34380,691
Interest income(34,061)(43,257)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates(479)(84)
Other expense (income), net2,953(77,054)
Income (loss) before income taxes66,013(1,686)
Income tax expense19,71141,019
Net income (loss)46,302(42,705)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests23,09911,770
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation$23,203$(54,475)

*Percentages are not meaningful.
**Constant currency is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate currency impacts as the difference between current period activity translated using the current period’s currency exchange rates and the comparable prior period’s currency exchange rates. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations.

Revenue

Revenue decreased $417.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year driven by decreased revenue in our Concerts segment of $395.3 million and Ticketing segment of $28.5 million, partially offset by a $4.8 million increase in our Sponsorship & Advertising segment, as further discussed within each segment’s operating results.

Operating income

Operating income increased $156.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily driven by a reduction in operating loss in our Concerts segment of $193.6 million, primarily associated with the nonrecurring Astroworld estimated loss contingencies of $185.9 million in the prior year, as well as increased operating income in our Sponsorship & Advertising segment of $7.9 million. These were partially offset by decreased operating income in our Ticketing segment of $34.7 million, as further discussed within each segment’s operating results.

Other expense (income), net

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we had other expense, net of $3.0 million which primarily includes net foreign exchange rate losses of $7.3 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we had other income, net of $77.1 million which includes mark to market adjustments for certain investments in nonconsolidated affiliates of $88.7 million,

partially offset by net foreign exchange rate losses of $11.8 million. The net foreign exchange rate losses result primarily from revaluation of certain foreign currency denominated net assets held internationally.

Income tax expense

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we had a net tax expense of $19.7 million on income before income taxes of $66.0 million compared to a net tax expense of $41.0 million on a loss before income taxes of $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the income tax expense consisted of $23.4 million related to foreign entities as well as income tax benefits of $3.5 million related to United States federal taxes and $0.2 million related to state and local income taxes. The net decrease in tax expense of $21.3 million was primarily due to lower income in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Non-GAAP Measure

Consolidated AOI

Consolidated AOI is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as consolidated operating income (loss) before certain acquisition expenses (including ongoing legal costs stemming from the Ticketmaster merger, changes in the fair value of accrued acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations, and acquisition-related severance and compensation), amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, depreciation and amortization (including goodwill impairment), loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets, and stock-based compensation expense. We also exclude from AOI the impact of estimated or realized liabilities for settlements or damages arising out of the Astroworld matter that exceed our estimated insurance recovery, due to the significant and non-recurring nature of the matter. Ongoing legal costs associated with defense of these claims, such as attorney fees, are not excluded from AOI.

We use AOI to evaluate the performance of our operating segments. We believe that information about AOI assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of our portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income (loss), thus providing insights into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results. AOI is not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP. A limitation of the use of AOI as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain amortizing assets used in generating revenue in our business. Accordingly, AOI should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss), and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Furthermore, this measure may vary among other companies; thus, AOI as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of consolidated operating income (loss) to consolidated AOI for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Operating income (loss)$114,769$(41,390)
Acquisition expenses29,75730,557
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances24,72224,080
Depreciation and amortization149,455132,594
Gain on sale of operating assets(2,202)(651)
Astroworld estimated loss contingencies—185,915
Stock-based compensation expense24,55031,402
Consolidated AOI$341,051$362,507

Segment Overview

Our reportable segments are Concerts, Ticketing and Sponsorship & Advertising as discussed in Note 8 – Segments and Revenue Recognition.

Concerts

Revenue and related costs for events are generally deferred and recognized when the event occurs. All advertising costs incurred during the year for shows in future years are expensed at the end of the year. If a current year event is rescheduled into a future year, all advertising costs incurred to date are expensed in the period when the event is rescheduled.

Concerts direct operating expenses include artist fees, event production costs, show-related marketing and advertising expenses, along with other costs.

To judge the health of our Concerts segment, we primarily monitor the number of confirmed events and fan attendance in our network of operated and third-party venues, talent fees, average paid attendance, market ticket pricing, advance ticket sales and the number of major artist clients under management. In addition, at our operated venues and festivals, we monitor ancillary revenue per fan and premium ticket sales. For business that is conducted in foreign markets, we also compare the operating results from our foreign operations to prior periods without the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Ticketing

Revenue related to ticketing service charges is recognized when the ticket is sold for our third-party clients. For our own events, where our concert promoters or venues control ticketing, revenue is deferred and recognized when the event occurs. GTV represents the total amount of the transaction related to a ticket sale and includes the face value of the ticket as well as the service charge. We use GTV and average ticket prices to understand trends in our service charge revenue and service charge revenue per ticket.

Ticketing direct operating expenses include call center costs and credit card fees, along with other costs.

To judge the health of our Ticketing segment, we primarily review the GTV and the number of tickets sold through our primary and secondary ticketing operations, the number of clients renewed or added and the average royalty rate paid to clients who use our ticketing services. In addition, we review the number of visits to our websites, cost of customer acquisition, the purchase conversion rate, and the overall number of customers in our database. For business that is conducted in foreign markets, we also compare the operating results from our foreign operations to prior periods without the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Sponsorship & Advertising

Revenue related to sponsorship and advertising programs is recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor unless the revenue is associated with a specific event, in which case it is recognized when the event occurs.

Sponsorship & Advertising direct operating expenses include fulfillment costs related to our sponsorship programs, along with other costs.

To judge the health of our Sponsorship & Advertising segment, we primarily review the revenue generated through sponsorship arrangements and online advertising, and the percentage of expected revenue under contract. For business that is conducted in foreign markets, we also compare the operating results from our foreign operations to prior periods without the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Key Operating Metrics

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
(in thousands except estimated events)
Concerts (1)
Estimated events:
North America (2)7,0657,177
International4,2304,026
Total estimated events11,29511,203
Estimated fans:
North America (2)9,05210,891
International13,25512,039
Total estimated fans22,30722,930
Ticketing (3)
Estimated number of fee-bearing tickets sold77,49578,636
Estimated number of non-fee-bearing tickets sold77,62576,374
Total estimated tickets sold155,120155,010

(1)Events generally represent a single performance by an artist. Fans generally represent the number of people who attend an event. Festivals are counted as one event in the quarter in which the festival begins, but the number of fans is based on the days the fans were present at the festival and thus can be reported across multiple quarters. Events and fan attendance metrics are estimated each quarter.

(2)North America refers to our events and fans within the United States and Canada.

(3)The fee-bearing tickets estimated above include primary and secondary tickets that are sold using our Ticketmaster systems or that we issue through affiliates along with tickets sold on our “do it yourself” platform. This metric includes primary tickets sold during the year regardless of event timing, except for our own events where our concert promoters or venues control ticketing which are reported when the events occur. The non-fee-bearing tickets estimated above include primary tickets sold using our Ticketmaster systems, through season seat packages and our venue clients’ box offices. These ticketing metrics are net of any refunds requested and any cancellations that occurred during the period and up to the time of reporting of these consolidated financial statements.

Segment Operating Results

Concerts

Our Concerts segment operating results were, and discussions of significant variances are, as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,% Change
20252024
(in thousands)
Revenue$2,484,076$2,879,375(14)%
Direct operating expenses (1)1,991,4872,364,374(16)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses497,378726,840(32)%
Depreciation and amortization105,30990,36317%
Gain on disposal of operating assets(2,198)(712)*
Operating loss (1)$(107,900)$(301,490)64%
Operating margin(4.3)%(10.5)%
AOI$6,571$(1,811)*
AOI margin0.3%(0.1)%

*Percentages are not meaningful.

Three Months

Revenue

Concerts revenue decreased $395.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to fewer arena shows partially offset by more stadium shows. Concerts had incremental revenue of $41.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 from acquisitions and new venues.

Operating results

Concerts AOI increased $8.4 million and operating loss decreased $193.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in AOI was primarily driven by lower direct operating expenses due to fewer arena shows as well as a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses. These decreases in expenses were partially offset by a lower revenue discussed above. The remaining change in operating loss outside of AOI of $185.2 million is primarily associated with the nonrecurring Astroworld estimated loss contingencies of $185.9 million in the prior year.

Ticketing

Our Ticketing segment operating results were, and discussions of significant variances are, as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,% Change
20252024
(in thousands)
Revenue$694,672$723,178(4)%
Direct operating expenses234,440253,834(8)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses238,953215,25511%
Depreciation and amortization25,43723,5148%
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets(4)44*
Operating income$195,846$230,531(15)%
Operating margin28.2%31.9%
AOI$253,059$284,115(11)%
AOI margin36.4%39.3%

*Percentages are not meaningful.

Three Months

Revenue

Ticketing revenue decreased $28.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to a reduction in primary and secondary ticket sales in North America.

Operating results

Ticketing AOI decreased $31.1 million and operating income decreased $34.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily driven by lower revenue discussed above as well as an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to increased compensation expenses from higher headcount as compared to prior year. These were partially offset by a decrease in direct operating expenses due to lower revenue discussed above.

Sponsorship & Advertising

Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment operating results were, and discussions of significant variances are, as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,% Change
20252024
(in thousands)
Revenue$216,066$211,2772%
Direct operating expenses38,23845,537(16)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses44,02338,29215%
Depreciation and amortization14,23415,740(10)%
Loss on sale of operating assets—17*
Operating income$119,571$111,6917%
Operating margin55.3%52.9%
AOI$135,964$129,9755%
AOI margin62.9%61.5%

*Percentages are not meaningful.

Three Months

Revenue

Sponsorship & Advertising revenue increased $4.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased sponsorship activity in the United States, notably for our owned and operated venues as well as ticket onsale deals.

Operating results

Sponsorship & Advertising AOI increased $6.0 million and operating income increased $7.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year. These increases were primarily due to increased revenues from sponsorship activity discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash is centrally managed on a worldwide basis. Our primary short-term liquidity needs are to fund general working capital requirements, capital expenditures and debt service requirements while our long-term liquidity needs are primarily related to acquisitions and debt repayment. Our primary sources of funds for our short-term liquidity needs will be cash flows from operations and borrowings under our amended senior secured credit facility, while our long-term sources of funds will be from cash flows from operations, long-term bank borrowings and other debt or equity financings. We may from time to time engage in open market purchases of our outstanding debt securities or redeem or otherwise repay such debt.

Our balance sheet reflects cash and cash equivalents of $7.2 billion at March 31, 2025 and $6.1 billion at December 31, 2024. Included in the March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 cash and cash equivalents balances are $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, of cash received that includes the face value of tickets sold on behalf of our ticketing clients and their share of service charges, which we refer to as client cash. We generally do not utilize client cash for our own financing or investing activities as the amounts are payable to clients on a regular basis, though we may do so from time to time. Our foreign subsidiaries held approximately $3.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents, excluding client cash, at March 31, 2025. We generally do not repatriate these funds, but if we did, we would need to accrue and pay United States state income taxes as well as any applicable foreign withholding or transaction taxes on future repatriations.

We may from time to time enter into borrowings under our revolving credit facility. If the original maturity of these borrowings is 90 days or less, we present the borrowings and subsequent repayments on a net basis in the statement of cash flows to better represent our financing activities. Our balance sheet reflects total net debt of $6.4 billion and $6.4 billion at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Our weighted-average cost of debt, excluding unamortized debt discounts and debt issuance costs on our term loans and notes, was 4.4% at March 31, 2025, with approximately 92% of our debt at fixed rates. Our weighted-average cost of debt for short-term borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2025, excluding unamortized debt discounts and debt issuance costs on our term loans and notes, was 5.7%.

Our cash and cash equivalents are held in accounts managed by third-party financial institutions and consist of cash in our operating accounts and invested cash. Cash held in non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing operating accounts in many cases exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. The invested cash is in interest-bearing funds consisting primarily of bank deposits and money market funds. While we monitor cash and cash equivalents balances in our operating accounts on a regular basis and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash and cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets.

For our Concerts segment, we often receive cash related to ticket revenue in advance of the event, which is recorded in deferred revenue until the event occurs. In the United States, this cash is largely associated with events in our owned or operated venues, notably amphitheaters, festivals, theaters and clubs. Internationally, this cash is from a combination of both events in our owned or operated venues, as well as events in third-party venues associated with our promoter’s share of tickets in allocation markets. With the exception of some upfront costs and artist advances, which are recorded in prepaid expenses until the event occurs, we pay the majority of event-related expenses at or after the event. Artists are paid when the event occurs under one of several different formulas, which may include fixed guarantees and/or a percentage of ticket sales or event profits, net of any advance they have received. When an event is cancelled, any cash held in deferred revenue is reclassified to accrued expenses as those funds are typically refunded to the fan within 30 days of event cancellation. When a show is rescheduled, fans have the ability to request a refund if they do not want to attend the event on the new date, although historically we have had low levels of refund requests for rescheduled events.

We view our available cash as cash and cash equivalents, less ticketing-related client cash, less event-related deferred revenue, less accrued expenses due to artists and cash collected on behalf of others, plus event-related prepaid expenses. This is essentially our cash available to, among other things, repay debt balances, make acquisitions, and finance capital expenditures.

Our intra-year cash fluctuations are impacted by the seasonality of our various businesses. Examples of seasonal effects include our Concerts segment, which reports the majority of its revenue in the second and third quarters. Cash inflows and outflows depend on the timing of event-related payments but the majority of the inflows generally occur prior to the event. See “—Seasonality” below. We believe that we have sufficient financial flexibility to fund these fluctuations and to access the global capital markets on satisfactory terms and in adequate amounts, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case, and capital could be less accessible and/or more costly given current economic conditions. We expect cash flows from operations and borrowings under our amended senior secured credit facility, along with other financing alternatives, to satisfy working capital requirements, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for at least the succeeding year. We may need to incur additional debt or issue equity to make other strategic acquisitions or investments. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. We may make significant acquisitions in the near term, subject to limitations imposed by our financing agreements and market conditions.

The lenders under our revolving loans and counterparty to our interest rate hedge agreement consists of banks and other third-party financial institutions. While we currently have no indications or expectations that such lenders will be unable to fund their commitments as required, we can provide no assurances that future funding availability will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. Should an individual lender default on its obligations, the remaining lenders would not be required to fund the shortfall, resulting in a reduction in the total amount available to us for future borrowings, but would remain obligated to fund their own commitments. Should the counterparty to our interest rate hedge agreement default on its obligation, we could experience higher interest rate volatility during the period of any such default.

Sources of Cash

Amended Senior Secured Credit Facility

In November 2024, we amended our senior secured credit facility and entered into Amendment No. 12 (the “Amendment”) to our Credit Agreement (as amended by Amendment No. 12, the “Amended Credit Agreement”). The Amendment provides for, among other things, a $400.0 million revolving credit facility to be used for venue financing or other general corporate purposes, which resulted in a revolving credit facility with a total available borrowing capacity of up to $1.7 billion including a $250.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit and a $100.0 million sublimit for swingline borrowings. The revolving credit facility allows for a $780.0 million sublimit for borrowings in U.S. Dollars, Euros, or Sterling, and a $260.0 million sublimit for borrowings in those or one or more other approved non-U.S. currencies. The revolving credit facility will be available to us and, if designated in the future, certain of our foreign subsidiaries. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for the right, subject to certain conditions, to increase the term B loan and revolving facilities by an amount not to exceed an amount equal to the sum of (x) $1.625 billion, (y) the aggregate principal amount of voluntary prepayments of the term B loans and permanent reductions of the revolving credit facility commitments, in each case, other than from proceeds of long-term indebtedness, and (z) additional amounts so long as the senior secured leverage ratio, on a pro-forma basis after giving effect to such increase, is no greater than 4.50x.

Our obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement will continue to be guaranteed by the majority of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and the obligations of the foreign subsidiary borrowers, if any, will be guaranteed by us, the majority of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, and by certain of our wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement and the guarantees will continue to be secured by a lien on substantially all of our tangible and intangible personal property and the domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors, and by a pledge of substantially all of the shares of stock, partnership interests and limited liability company interests of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 65% of each class of capital stock of any first-tier foreign subsidiaries and, if there are any foreign borrowers, by certain of the assets of such foreign borrowers and certain foreign subsidiaries, subject to limited exceptions.

The interest rates per annum applicable to the revolving credit facility under the amended senior secured credit facility are, at our option, equal to either Term SOFR plus 1.75% or a base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 0.75%.

The interest rates per annum applicable to the term loan B are, at our option, equal to either Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 1.75% or a base rate plus 0.75%. We have an interest rate swap agreement that ensures the interest rate on $500 million principal amount of our outstanding term loan B does not exceed 3.445% through October 2026. For the term loan B, we are required to make quarterly payments of $2.4 million with the balance due at maturity in October 2026. We are also required to make mandatory prepayments of the loan, subject to specified exceptions, from excess cash flow and with the proceeds of asset sales, debt issuances and specified other events.

We are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.35% per year on the undrawn portion available under the revolving credit facility and variable fees on outstanding letters of credit. Based on our outstanding letters of credit of $20.9 million, $1.68 billion was available for future borrowings from our revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2025.

The revolving credit facility matures on November 5, 2029, provided, that if (x) any of the term loan B, our 6.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2027, or our 4.75% Senior Notes due 2027 remain outstanding on the date that is ninety-one days prior to the stated maturity thereof in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $500.0 million and (y) our consolidated free cash on such date is less than the sum of such outstanding principal amount plus $500.0 million, then the maturity date of the amended senior secured credit facility will instead be such date.

Debt Covenants

As of March 31, 2025, we believe we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants related to our senior secured credit facility and our corporate senior secured notes, senior notes and convertible senior notes. We expect to remain in compliance with all of these covenants throughout 2025.

Uses of Cash

Acquisitions

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we completed various acquisitions that resulted in cash paid, net of cash acquired of $31.3 million.

Capital Expenditures

Venue and ticketing operations require ongoing investment in our existing venues and ticketing systems to address fan and artist expectations, technological industry advances and various federal, state and/or local regulations.

We categorize capital outlays between revenue generating capital expenditures and maintenance capital expenditures. Revenue generating capital expenditures are primarily focused on our global venue expansion strategy as we connect more artists to their global fan base and major renovations to buildings to enhance the fan experience and drive improvements in our hospitality efforts including onsite spending and premium experiences. In addition, in Ticketing, we continue to develop new ticketing tools and technology enhancements. Revenue generating capital expenditures can also include smaller projects whose purpose is to increase revenue and/or improve operating income. Maintenance capital expenditures are associated with the renewal and improvement of existing venues and technology systems, web development and administrative offices. Capital expenditures typically increase during periods when our venues are not in operation since that is the time that such improvements can be completed.

Our capital expenditures, including accruals for amounts incurred but not yet paid for, but net of expenditures funded by outside parties such as landlords and noncontrolling interest partners or expenditures funded by insurance proceeds, consisted of the following:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Revenue generating$126,000$75,474
Maintenance14,88022,491
Total capital expenditures$140,880$97,965

Revenue generating capital expenditures during the first three months of 2025 increased from the same period of the prior year primarily due to venue expansion and enhancements across North America and Latin America.

We expect capital expenditures, net of expenditures funded by outside parties such as landlords and noncontrolling interest partners or expenditures funded by insurance proceeds, to be approximately $900 million to $1.0 billion for the year ending December 31, 2025 with approximately 85% dedicated to revenue generating projects, including $700 million to $800 million of spend relating to our venue expansion and enhancement plans. Some of the more significant projects in 2025 include an extensive renovation of an arena in Hamilton, Ontario in Canada and the new Riverside Amphitheater outside of Kansas City, Missouri which will open in 2026. In the third quarter of 2025, our new stadium in Bogota, Colombia will open, with capacity for 40,000 fans, further strengthening our presence in Latin America. Approximately $200 million to $250 million of our capital expenditure estimate is being funded outside our cash flow by third party equity partners, sponsors, pre-selling certain premium rights and project-based debt.

Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$1,321,251$988,870
Investing activities$(217,395)$(170,699)
Financing activities$(173,190)$(478,356)

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased $332.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities from timing of events on sale, payments and receipts as well as higher net income and lower gain on mark-to-market of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities increased $46.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired as well as higher purchases of property, plant and equipment for revenue generating capital expenditures. See “—Uses of Cash - Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures” above for further discussion.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities decreased $305.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to lower payments on long-term debt. See “—Sources of Cash” above for further discussion.

Seasonality

Information regarding the seasonality of our business can be found in Part I—Financial Information—Item 1.—Financial Statements—Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Other Information.

Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including movements in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Foreign Currency Risk

We have operations in countries throughout the world. The financial results of our foreign operations are measured in their local currencies. Our foreign subsidiaries also carry certain net assets or liabilities that are denominated in a currency other than that subsidiary’s functional currency. As a result, our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which we have operations. We operate in certain countries that are hyper-inflationary, for example Argentina, however the impact of these currencies did not have a material impact on our statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Our foreign operations reported an operating income of $115.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. We estimate that a 10% change in the value of the United States dollar relative to foreign currencies would change our operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 by $11.6 million. As of March 31, 2025, our most significant foreign exchange exposure included the Euro, British Pound, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar and Mexican Peso. This analysis does not consider the implication such currency fluctuations could have on the overall economic conditions of the United States or other foreign countries in which we operate or on the results of operations of our foreign entities. In addition, the reported carrying value of our assets and liabilities, including the total cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign operations, will also be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

We primarily use forward currency contracts, in addition to options, to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk associated with short-term artist fee commitments. At March 31, 2025, we had forward currency contracts outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of $708.1 million.

Interest Rate Risk

Our market risk is also affected by changes in interest rates. We had $6.5 billion of total debt, excluding unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs, outstanding as of March 31, 2025. Of the total amount, we had $6.0 billion of fixed-rate debt and $492.2 million of floating-rate debt.

Based on the amount of our floating-rate debt as of March 31, 2025, each 25-basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our annual interest expense and cash outlay by approximately $1.2 million. This potential increase or decrease is based on the simplified assumption that the level of floating-rate debt remains constant with an immediate across-the-board increase or decrease as of March 31, 2025 with no subsequent change in rates for the remainder of the period.

In January 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that is designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes to effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. The swap agreement expires in October 2026, has a notional amount of $500.0 million and ensures that a portion of our floating-rate debt does not exceed 3.445%.

Accounting and Other Pronouncements

Information regarding recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements can be found in Part I — Financial Information—Item 1.—Financial Statements—Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Other Information.

In 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) released Pillar Two model rules designed to ensure large multinational enterprises (“MNE”) pay a minimum level of tax arising in each jurisdiction they operate. Over 135 jurisdictions joined a plan to update key elements of the international tax system and provide for a coordinated system of taxation that imposes top-up tax on profits arising in a jurisdiction whenever the effective rate is below the minimum rate. Effective January 1, 2024, many of these jurisdictions have enacted a global 15% minimum effective tax rate. This minimum rate applies to MNE’s with consolidated revenue above €750 million. Based on the Company’s current analysis, the current Pillar Two rules do not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements for the current period.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates that are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The result of these evaluations forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amount of revenue and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such difference could be material.

Management believes that the accounting estimates involved in business combinations, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, revenue recognition, and income taxes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. These critical accounting estimates, the judgments and assumptions and the effect if actual results differ from these assumptions are described in Part II—Financial Information**—**Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025.

There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Required information is within Part I — Financial Information—Item 2.—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Risk.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to our company, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and our board of directors.

Based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2025, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective to ensure that (1) the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) the information we are required to disclose in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls will prevent all possible errors and fraud. Our disclosure controls and procedures are, however, designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at that reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found in Part I—Financial Information—Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 6 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

While we attempt to identify, manage and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present. Part I—Item 1A.—Risk Factors of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025, describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock could decline as a result. We do not believe that there have been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchase of Equity Securities

The following table provides information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2025:

PeriodTotal Number of Shares Purchased (1)Average Price Paid per Share (1)Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program (2)Maximum Fair Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (2)
January 2025143,452$129.61
February 2025150,198$147.76
March 2025186,443$129.93
480,093
(1) Represents shares of common stock that employees surrendered as part of the default option to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards under our stock incentive plan. Pursuant to the terms of our stock plan, such shares revert to available shares under the plan.
(2) We do not have a publicly announced program to purchase shares of our common stock. Accordingly, there were no shares purchased as part of a publicly announced program.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 5. Other Information

No director or officer adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 plan, or any other written trading arrangement that meets the requirements of a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit DescriptionIncorporated by ReferenceFiled Herewith
Exhibit No.FormFile No.Exhibit No.Filing Date
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer.X
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer.X
32.1Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.X
32.2Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.X
101.INSXBRL Instance Document - this instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.X
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Schema Document.X
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.X
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.X
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.X
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.X
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (Formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)X

§ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May 1, 2025.

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By:/s/ Brian Capo
Brian Capo
Senior Vice President—Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer)