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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed under Item 1A.—Risk Factors and other sections in this Annual Report.

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations generally discusses 2024 and 2023 items along with year-over-year comparisons between these two years. Discussion of 2022 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022 can be found in Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Executive Overview

In 2024, we saw demand for the live experience growing across the globe with emerging to superstar acts performing to packed houses across all genres and in venues big and small. After a record 2023 fueled by our highest volume of stadium shows ever, we surpassed last year’s revenue results. While operating income declined double-digits as a result of the Astroworld legal contingency, we grew our AOI by double-digits and our underlying businesses thrived in 2024. Our Concerts segment generated over $0.5 billion in AOI for the first time ever, growing by over 50%. We added over 5 million fans and nearly 5,000 additional shows in Concerts, with new venues added to our global footprint and plans to open more in the year ahead.

Our overall revenue increased by $429 million, or 2%, to $23.2 billion as compared to last year. The increase in revenue was $664 million without the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates. Operating income for the year declined by $260 million or 24% primarily related to the Astroworld estimated loss contingencies of $455 million partially offset by stronger performance in our Concerts and Sponsorship segments. The decrease in operating income was $208 million without the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates. Consolidated AOI for the year increased by $265 million, or 14%, to $2.1 billion this year. The increase in AOI was $320 million without the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Our event-related deferred revenue balance increased by $336 million, or 11%, to $3.3 billion as of December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. This, coupled with current ticket sales for 2025, suggests ongoing strong demand for concerts, making us confident in our continued success in the year ahead.

For the year, we experienced unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts of $235 million on revenues, $52 million on operating income and $55 million on AOI. The majority of the impacts came from Latin American currencies.

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

Our Concerts segment revenue for the year increased by $283 million, or 2% compared to 2023, from $18.7 billion to $19.0 billion. The growth in revenue was the result of more fans enjoying their favorite artists and spending more money at events to maximize their unique live experiences. Approximately 151 million fans attended our shows in the year, our largest annual fan count ever, compared to approximately 146 million last year, for growth of over 5 million or 4%. The growth was relatively evenly distributed across our global markets with notable strength in the United States, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Growth in amphitheater, arena and theater & club fan count drove the increase in show attendance. In particular, arena fan count increased by almost 8 million fans to over 50 million fans globally. Some of the larger acts touring globally in the year included Coldplay, Pink, Metallica and Olivia Rodrigo, reflecting the global diversified base of our artists.

Concerts AOI for the year increased by $209 million, or 65%, compared to 2023, from $320 million to $530 million. Our ancillary revenue spending at our United States amphitheater shows was over $44 per fan for the year, growing by nearly $1 over 2023, driven by higher food and beverage spending as well as merchandise and premium offerings. After extensive renovations, our Jones Beach amphitheater re-opened on Long Island and produced double-digit growth on premium seating, concessions and VIP club revenues. Similarly the Estadio GNP stadium (formerly known as Foro Sol) re-opened in Mexico City over the summer, offering fans an elevated concert-going experience with several new VIP lounges and additional points of sale for all fans.

Our Ticketing segment revenue for the year increased by $29 million, or 1%, compared to 2023, from $2.96 billion to $2.99 billion. We sold 331 million fee-bearing tickets in 2024 compared to 329 million tickets last year, essentially flat for the year. GTV for the year was $34.7 billion, down $1 billion, or 3% compared to 2023. Despite some sales headwinds during the year and a tough 2023 comparison with respect to stadium activity, the year ended on an encouraging note with the fourth quarter coming in as our highest quarter ever for transacted ticket sales and GTV. This resulted in a record fourth quarter for Ticketing across all of our key financial metrics – revenue, operating income and AOI.

Ticketing AOI for the year was $1.1 billion, roughly in line with our 2023 results. We signed 22.8 million net new tickets in 2024, of which 14.3 million, or roughly 60%, are from clients outside of North America, highlighting the significance of our international operations and our global expansion opportunity. This gives us confidence that our ticketing platforms’ features and functionalities will continue to fuel growth going forward.

Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment revenue for the year increased by $100 million, or 9%, compared to 2023 from $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion. The increase was largely driven by our international divisions with new naming rights and other deals for Estadio GNP in Mexico City, newly acquired festivals in Colombia, additional sponsorable content in Mexico and the timing of the Rock in Rio Brazil and Portugal festivals which play every two years. Sponsorship & Advertising AOI increased by $89 million, or 13%, compared to 2023, from $675 million to $764 million.

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

(in thousands)

Operating expenses:

Equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates 16,675 5,455 (10,571)

________

Revenue

Revenue increased $429.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year driven by increased revenue in our Concerts segment of $283.4 million, Ticketing segment of $29.2 million and Sponsorship & Advertising segment of $99.8 million as further discussed within each segment’s operating results.

Operating income

Operating income decreased $260.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily driven by decreased operating income in our Concerts segment of $313.2 million, which included Astroworld estimated loss contingencies of $454.9 million, and Ticketing segment of $20.7 million. These decreases in operating income were partially offset by increased operating income in our Sponsorship & Advertising segment of $99.2 million as further discussed within each segment’s operating results.

Interest expense

Interest expense decreased $24.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily driven by lower debt balance throughout 2024 as compared to 2023.

Interest income

Interest income decreased $81.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily attributed to lower rate of return on our cash and cash equivalents in 2024 and a decrease in our cash and cash equivalents.

Other expense (income), net

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had $103.9 million of other income, net, which primarily includes mark to market adjustments for certain investments in nonconsolidated affiliates of $99.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we had $35.3 million of other expense, net, which includes net foreign exchange rate losses of $74.5 million partially offset by mark to market adjustments for certain investments in nonconsolidated affiliates of $46.5 million. The net foreign exchange rate gains and losses result primarily from revaluation of certain foreign currency denominated net assets held internationally.

Income taxes

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had a net tax benefit of $391.7 million on income before income taxes of $739.4 million compared to a net tax expense of $209.5 million on income before income taxes of $913.3 million for 2023. In 2024, the net income tax benefit consisted of $518.3 million of tax benefit related to United States federal income taxes, $127.0 million of tax expense related to foreign entities and $0.4 million of tax benefit related to state and local income taxes. The net decrease in tax expense of $601.2 million is related to a valuation allowance release, due to changes in judgment regarding the realizability of certain deferred tax assets.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $87.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily due to higher operating results from certain concert businesses during 2024 as compared to the prior year.

Non-GAAP Measures

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 to consolidated AOI for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:

As Revised As Revised

(in thousands)

Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advance 88,717 83,693 79,043

Astroworld estimated loss contingencies 454,902 — —

___________________

Segment Overview

Information regarding our use of AOI to evaluate the performance of our operating segments can be found in Part II —Financial Information —Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 12 – 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 to evaluate changes in ticket fee revenue that are driven by the pricing of our service charges.

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

Year Ended December 31,

(in thousands except estimated events)

Concerts (1)

Estimated events:

Estimated fans:

Ticketing (3)

_________

(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. 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, along with tickets sold on our “do it yourself” platform. 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:

As Revised As Revised As Revised

(in thousands)

Operating margin (2.0)% (0.4)% (1.1)%

_________________________

* Percentages are not meaningful.

Revenue

Concerts revenue increased $283.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year attributable to acquisitions and new venues of $335.1 million as well as increased show count and fan growth. In particular, higher arena and amphitheater shows and related fan count partially offset by fewer stadium shows contributed to the increase in revenue.

Operating results

Concerts AOI increased $209.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily driven by an increase in revenues from the number of shows discussed above partially offset by increased selling general and administrative expenses related to additional compensation expenses fueled by growth from our venue footprint and additional global activity. The remaining change in operating income outside of AOI of $522.6 million is primarily associated with Astroworld estimated loss contingencies of $454.9 million and higher depreciation and amortization expenses of $49.4 million for additional capital expenditures incurred to support the increased operations as well as from acquisitions and new venues.

Ticketing

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

As Revised As Revised As Revised

(in thousands)

Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets 41 39 (197) 5% *

__________________________

* Percentages are not meaningful.

Revenue

Ticketing revenue increased $29.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year. Ticket sales and gross transaction value for concerts, sporting and family & arts events were largely in line with 2023. For concert events, higher sales for arena and amphitheater shows were mostly offset by a reduction in stadium shows, coming off a record year of stadium activity in 2023.

Operating results

Ticketing AOI decreased $16.5 million and operating income decreased $20.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily driven by higher selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to improving the user experience and reducing friction during high demand on-sales.

Sponsorship & Advertising

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

(in thousands)

Loss on sale of operating assets 38 — — * *

______________

* Percentages are not meaningful.

Revenue

Sponsorship & Advertising revenue increased $99.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily driven by increased sponsorship activity from our international markets and onsite sponsorships.

Operating results

Sponsorship & Advertising AOI increased $88.6 million and operating income increased $99.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 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 $6.1 billion at December 31, 2024 and $6.2 billion at December 31, 2023. Included in the December 31, 2024 and 2023 cash and cash equivalents balances are $1.6 billion and $1.5 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. Our foreign subsidiaries held approximately $3.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents, excluding client cash, at December 31, 2024. 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 $6.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Our weighted-average cost of debt, excluding unamortized debt discounts and debt issuance costs on our term loans and notes, was 4.4% at December 31, 2024, with approximately 93% of our debt at fixed rates. Our weighted-average cost of debt for short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2024, excluding unamortized debt discounts and debt issuance costs on our term loans and notes, was 5.0%.

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

In December 2024, we issued $1.1 billion principal amount of 2.875% convertible senior notes due 2030. In conjunction with this issuance, we used the net proceeds to repay $585.0 million outstanding amounts under our senior secured revolving credit facility, to repurchase $316.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2025 and related repurchase premiums, fees and accrued interest of $98.0 million, paid debt issuance costs of $18.1 million, with any remaining proceeds available for general corporate purposes.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we repaid $370.0 million outstanding amounts under our senior secured revolving credit facility that had been outstanding as of December 31, 2023. No material gain or loss was recorded as a result of this repayment.

In November 2023, we amended our senior secured credit facility to include a $1.3 billion revolving credit facility in addition to the existing $950.0 million term loan B facility. The $1.3 billion revolving credit facility refinanced our existing $630.0 million revolving credit facilities and we drew down $370.0 million at closing to repay in full our outstanding $367.5 million delayed draw term A loan facility and related accrued interest and fees. The delayed draw term A loan facility was permanently retired upon being repaid in full.

In February 2023, we amended our senior secured credit facility. The amendments provides for, among other things: (i) replacement of the benchmark reference rate of the Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) with the Term SOFR Rate for borrowings denominated in United States Dollars and for each Alternative Currency (as defined in the Credit Agreement), a corresponding reference rate, as set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement, (ii) deletion of the provisions regarding Canadian bankers’ acceptances, and (iii) the addition of our ability to draw letters of credit in Canadian Dollars.

In January 2023, we issued $1.0 billion principal amount of 3.125% convertible senior notes due 2029. In conjunction with this issuance, we used approximately $485.8 million of the net proceeds to repurchase $440.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2.5% convertible senior notes due 2023, entered into capped call transactions at a cost of $75.5 million, paid debt issuance costs of $15.0 million, with any remaining proceeds available for general corporate purposes.

In December 2022, we entered into a $126.7 million Euro denominated loan due in 2024 with a floating interest rate of three month Euribor plus 3.0% per annum related to an asset acquisition in Europe. In December 2024, we extended the maturity of the Euro denominated loan to December 2025.

Debt Instruments

Information regarding our various debt instruments can be found in Part II —Financial Information —Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 5 – Long-Term Debt.

Debt Covenants

Information regarding our debt covenants can be found in Part II —Financial Information —Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 5 – Long-Term Debt.

Subsequent Event

On February 18, 2025, we utilized $84.8 million of our existing cash balance to repay the remaining aggregate principal amount of the 2.0% convertible senior notes due February 2025 plus accrued interest and we issued 182,560 shares of common stock to the convertible holders.

Uses of Cash

Acquisitions

During 2024, we completed various acquisitions that resulted in cash paid, net of cash acquired, of $98.3 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:

Year Ended December 31,

(in thousands)

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, $5.0 million, $15.0 million and $12.4 million, respectively, of insurance proceeds and landlord or noncontrolling interest partner reimbursements have been excluded from capital expenditures in the table above.

Revenue generating capital expenditures for 2024 increased from the same period of the prior year primarily due to enhancements at our theaters and amphitheaters in the United States as well as a stadium in Mexico.

We expect capital expenditures 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 $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

Year Ended December 31,

As Revised As Revised

(in thousands)

Cash provided by (used in):

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased $362.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily due to an overall increase in net income combined with changes in operating assets and liabilities partially offset by higher deferred income taxes, lower provision for uncollectible accounts receivable, changes in fair value of contingent considerations from certain acquisitions and higher gains on mark-to-market of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates during 2024.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities increased $158.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily due to higher purchases of property, plant and equipment in 2024 for revenue generating capital expenditures and cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, which were partially offset by lower advances in notes receivable and higher collections of notes receivable due to timing. See “—Uses of Cash” above for further discussion.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities increased $571.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year primarily due to higher payments of our long-term debt as a result of the repayment of outstanding amounts under our senior secured revolving credit facility, repayment of the principal amount on our 4.875% senior notes and the repurchase of a portion of our 2.0% convertible senior notes. These repayments were partially offset by higher proceeds of debt in 2024 from the issuance of our 2.875% convertible senior notes and draw down from our senior secured revolving credit facility as compared to 2023. See “—Sources of Cash” above for further discussion.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

Firm Commitments

We have future cash obligations for our debt obligations and operating lease liabilities. We lease office space, certain equipment and many of the venues used in our concert operations under long-term operating leases. Some of our lease agreements contain renewal options and annual rental escalation clauses (generally tied to the consumer price index), as well as provisions for our payment of utilities and maintenance. Information regarding our scheduled maturities of our outstanding debt obligations (excluding unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs) and operating lease liabilities can be found in Part II—Financial Information—Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 5 – Long-Term Debt and —Note 4 – Leases, respectively.

We also have minimum payments associated with non-cancelable contracts related to our operations, such as artist guarantees and client ticketing agreements. As part of our ongoing capital projects, we will enter into construction-related commitments for future capital expenditure work. Information regarding our minimum payments for non-cancelable contracts and capital expenditures commitments can be found in Part II—Financial Information—Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 8 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and thus do not represent all expected expenditures for those periods.

The estimated interest payments, and expected payments of contingent and deferred consideration liabilities as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:

Payments Due by Period

(in thousands)

Guarantees of Third-Party Obligations

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we guaranteed the debt of third parties of approximately $19.4 million and $19.4 million, respectively, primarily related to maximum credit limits on employee and tour-related credit cards and obligations under a venue management agreement.

Seasonality

Information regarding the seasonality of our business can be found in Part II—Financial Information—Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 – The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

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 year ended December 31, 2024. Our foreign operations reported an operating income of $744.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. 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 year ended December 31, 2024 by $74.4 million. As of December 31, 2024, 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 December 31, 2024, we had forward currency contracts outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of $283.1 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 December 31, 2024. Of the total amount, we had $6.0 billion of fixed-rate debt and $457.6 million of floating-rate debt.

Based on the amount of our floating-rate debt as of December 31, 2024, each 25-basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our annual interest expense and cash outlay by approximately $1.1 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 December 31, 2024 with no subsequent change in rates for the remainder of the period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Information regarding recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements can be found in Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1 – The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

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 following accounting estimates 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. The following narrative describes these critical accounting estimates, the judgments and assumptions and the effect if actual results differ from these assumptions where applicable.

Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts, including our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts among the consolidated businesses have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is reflected in the statements of operations.

Typically, we consolidate entities in which we own more than 50% of the voting common stock and control operations and also VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own more than 20% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, but not control of the nonconsolidated affiliate, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own less than 20% of the voting common stock and do not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for at fair value unless the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value in which case the investment is accounted for at cost less any impairment.

Business Combinations

We account for our business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recognized and measured as of the acquisition date at fair value. Additionally, contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and classified as a liability. Goodwill is recognized to the extent by which the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree exceeds the recognized basis of the identifiable assets acquired, net of assumed liabilities. Determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives among other items. In addition, when we have acquisitions where substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, we account for the acquisitions as asset acquisitions.

Intangibles

We classify intangible assets as definite-lived or indefinite-lived. Definite-lived intangibles include revenue-generating contracts, client/vendor relationships, trademarks and naming rights, technology, non-compete agreements, and venue management and leasehold agreements, all of which are amortized either on a straight-line basis over the respective lives of the agreements, typically 3 to 10 years, or on a basis more representative of the time pattern over which the benefit is derived. We periodically review the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to our definite-lived intangible assets. These assets are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Indefinite-lived intangibles consist of trade names and cryptocurrency assets which are not subject to amortization. Our amortization expense is presented as a separate line item, with depreciation expense, in the statements of operations. There is no amortization expense included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses.

We test for possible impairment of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were no significant impairment charges.

We test for possible impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually. Depending on facts and circumstances, qualitative factors may first be assessed to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that it is more likely than not impaired, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. When specific assets are determined to be impaired, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair value. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, expected future revenue, discount rates and royalty rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were no significant impairment charges.

Goodwill

We review goodwill for impairment annually, as of October 1, using a two-step process. We also test goodwill for impairment in other periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount or when we change our reporting units.

The first step is a qualitative evaluation as to whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than its carrying value using an assessment of relevant events and circumstances. Examples of such events and circumstances include historical financial performance, industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions, reporting unit-specific events, historical results of goodwill impairment testing and the timing of the last performance of a quantitative assessment. We also considered changes in discount rates, market multiples, carrying values and forecast since the last quantitative test. If any reporting units are concluded to be more likely than not impaired, or if that conclusion cannot be determined qualitatively, a second step is performed for that reporting unit utilizing a quantitative approach.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, as part of a refresh of the fair values of reporting units, as of July 1, 2024, three of our reporting units were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. As of October 1, as required by our policy to perform goodwill tests annually as of October 1, these three reporting units were also assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis. As of October 1, the remaining three reporting units with goodwill were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. All of our reporting units assessed under the quantitative analysis primarily used a discounted cash flows methodology, with a lesser weighting attributed to the market multiple approach. The discounted cash flows methodology estimates fair value by discounting the reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions and the risk profile of the reporting unit. Under the market multiple approach, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was estimated by applying market multiples derived from stock prices of companies that are engaged in the same or similar lines of business as the reporting unit and that are actively traded on a free and open market. The derived multiples are then applied to the reporting unit’s financial metrics.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, as part of our annual test for impairment, one of our reporting units, which accounted for approximately 12% of our goodwill at December 31, 2023, was assessed under the quantitative analysis. The remaining reporting units with goodwill were assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, as part of our annual test for impairment, all of our reporting units with goodwill were assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis. No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the promotion or production of an event in our Concerts segment is recognized when the event occurs. Revenue collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs. Revenue collected from sponsorship agreements, which is not related to a single event, is classified as deferred revenue and recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor.

Revenue from our ticketing operations primarily consists of service fees charged at the time a ticket for an event is sold in either the primary or secondary markets. For primary tickets sold to our concert and festival events, where our concert promoters control ticketing, the revenue for the associated ticket service charges collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs and these service charges are shared between our Ticketing and Concerts segments. For primary tickets sold for events of third-party clients and secondary market sales, the revenue is recognized at the time of the sale and is recorded by our Ticketing segment.

We account for taxes that are externally imposed on revenue producing transactions on a net basis.

Litigation Accruals

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. Management’s estimates used have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the liability method which results in deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. We assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets, considering all relevant factors, at each reporting period. As almost all earnings from our continuing foreign operations are permanently reinvested and not distributed, our income tax provision does not include additional United States state and foreign withholding or transaction taxes on those foreign earnings that would be incurred if they were distributed. It is not practicable to determine the amount of state and foreign income taxes, if any, that might become due in the event that any remaining available cash associated with these earnings were distributed.

The FASB guidance for income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.

We have established a policy of including interest related to tax loss contingencies in income tax expense (benefit) in the statements of operations.

We treat the taxes due on future Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) inclusions in United States taxable income as a current-period expense when incurred.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Required information is within Item 7.— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Risk.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)2 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 20, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.

Goodwill impairment assessment

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.

Los Angeles, California

February 20, 2025

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31,

As Revised

(in thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

Current assets

Intangible assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities

Current portion of operating lease liabilities 153,406 158,421

Commitments and contingent liabilities

Stockholders' equity

Cost of shares held in treasury (6,865) (6,865)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (335,112) 27,450

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31,

As Revised As Revised

(in thousands except share and per share data)

Operating expenses:

Equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates 16,675 5,455 (10,571)

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Reconciliation to net income available to common stockholders of Live Nation:

Convertible debt interest, net of tax 9,187 — —

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Year Ended December 31,

As Revised As Revised

(in thousands)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Live Nation Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except share data) (in thousands)

Non-cash and stock-based compensation — — 223,136 — — — — 223,136 —

Sales of noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (336) (336) —

Comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge — — — — — 49,529 — 49,529

Realized loss on cash flow hedge — — — — — 312 — 312

Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — — — 12,883 — 12,883 —

Comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge — — — — — 5,225 — 5,225 —

Realized gain on cash flow hedge — — — — — (17,158) — (17,158) —

Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — — — 129,459 — 129,459 —

Non-cash and stock-based compensation — — 109,986 — — — — 109,986 —

Contributions received — — — — — — 3,000 3,000 —

Comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge — — — — — 10,529 — 10,529 —

Realized gain on cash flow hedge — — — — — (18,361) — (18,361) —

Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — — — (354,730) — (354,730) —

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended December 31,

As Revised As Revised

(in thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Reconciling items:

Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances 88,717 83,693 79,043

Provision for uncollectible accounts and loans receivable 1,002 78,336 68,612

(Gain) loss on forward currency exchange contracts (15,393) 5,635 927

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Cash paid for acquisition of right-of-use assets (20,000) — —

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Payments for capped call transactions — (75,500) —

Taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards (59,756) (9,484) (76,925)

Payments for deferred and contingent consideration (23,733) (17,757) (44,220)

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE

Cash paid during the year for:

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

History

Live Nation was incorporated in Delaware on August 2, 2005 in preparation for the contribution and transfer by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. of substantially all of its entertainment assets and liabilities to us. We completed this separation on December 21, 2005 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange trading under the symbol “LYV.”

On January 25, 2010, we merged with Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Live Nation. Effective with the merger, Live Nation, Inc. changed its name to Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

Seasonality

Our Concerts and Sponsorship & Advertising segments typically experience higher revenue and operating income in the second and third quarters as our outdoor venue concerts and festivals primarily occur from May through October in most major markets. Our Ticketing segment revenue is impacted by fluctuations in the availability and timing of events for sale to the public, which vary depending upon scheduling by our clients.

Cash flows from our Concerts segment typically have a slightly different seasonality as partial payments are often made for artist performance fees and production costs for tours in advance of the date the related event tickets go on sale. These artist fees and production costs are expensed when the event occurs. Once tickets for an event go on sale, we generally begin to receive payments from ticket sales in advance of when the event occurs. In the United States, this cash is largely associated with events in our 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 promoters’ share of tickets in allocation markets. We record these ticket sales as revenue when the event occurs. Our seasonality also results in higher balances in cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accrued expenses and deferred revenue at different times in the year.

We expect our seasonality trends to evolve as we continue to expand our global operations.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Typically, we consolidate entities in which we own more than 50% of the voting common stock and control operations and also VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own more than 20% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but not control of the nonconsolidated affiliate are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own less than 20% of the voting common stock and do not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for at fair value unless the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value in which case the investment is accounted for at cost less any impairment.

All of our cash flow activity reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows is presented net of any non-cash transactions so the amounts reflected may be different than amounts shown in other places in our consolidated financial statements that are based on accrual accounting and therefore include non-cash amounts. For example, purchases of property, plant and equipment reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows reflect the amount of cash paid during the year for these purchases and does not include the impact of the changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures during the year.

Variable Interest Entities

In the normal course of business, we enter into joint ventures or make investments in companies that will allow us to expand our core business and enter new markets. In certain instances, such ventures or investments may be considered a VIE because the equity at risk is insufficient to permit it to carry on its activities without additional financial support from its equity owners. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The activities we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of our VIEs include the unilateral ability to approve the annual budget, to terminate key management and to approve entering into agreements with artists, among others. We have certain rights and obligations related to our involvement in the VIEs, including the requirement to provide operational cash flow funding.

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, excluding intercompany balances and allocated goodwill and intangible assets, there were approximately $840 million and $940 million of assets and $578 million and $592 million of liabilities, respectively, related to VIEs included in our balance sheets. None of our VIEs are significant on an individual basis.

Nonconsolidated Affiliates

In general, nonconsolidated investments in which we own more than 20% of the common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over an affiliate are accounted for under the equity method. We review the value of equity method investments and record impairment charges in the statements of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary. If we obtain control of a nonconsolidated affiliate through the purchase of additional ownership interest or changes in the governing agreements, we remeasure our investment to fair value first and then apply the accounting guidance for business combinations. Any gain or loss resulting from the remeasurement to fair value is recorded as a component of other expense (income), net in the statements of operations.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Our cash and cash equivalents include domestic and foreign bank accounts as well as interest-bearing accounts consisting primarily of bank deposits and money market accounts managed by third-party financial institutions. These balances are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in escrow accounts to fund capital improvements of certain leased or operated venues. The cash is held in these accounts pursuant to the related lease or operating agreement.

Included in the December 31, 2024 and 2023 cash and cash equivalents balance is $1.6 billion and $1.5 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 (“client cash”), which amounts are to be remitted to these clients. We generally do not utilize client cash for our own financing or investing activities as the amounts are payable to our clients on a regular basis. These amounts due to our clients are included in accounts payable, client accounts.

Cash held in interest-bearing operating accounts in many cases exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To reduce our credit risk, we monitor the credit standing of the financial institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents; however, these balances could be impacted in the future if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss of or lack of access to our cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted in the future by adverse conditions in the financial markets.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Generally, we record reserves based on the amount of cash we expect to receive when an account receivable balance is established. Our reserve estimate is primarily based on our historical accounts receivable write-offs. We adjust the historical reserve estimate applied to current accounts receivable when events or circumstances change, such as changes in current economic conditions or there is a significant deterioration in our accounts receivable aging, indicating that the reserve estimate may be insufficient to cover the expected loss. We generally apply a portfolio approach to all of our accounts receivable based on reporting unit unless there are facts and circumstances that indicate a specific group of customers is at greater risk of nonpayment.

We believe that the credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number and the geographic diversification of our customers.

Prepaid Expenses

The majority of our prepaid expenses relate to event expenses including show advances and deposits and other costs directly related to future concert events. For advances that are expected to be recouped over a period of more than twelve months, the long-term portion of the advance is classified as long-term advances. These prepaid costs are charged to operations upon completion of the related events.

Ticketing contract advances, which can be either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to our clients pursuant to ticketing agreements and are reflected in prepaid expenses or in long-term advances if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by our clients, based on the contract terms, over the life of the contract. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, excluding those amounts paid to support clients’ advertising costs, are fixed additional incentives occasionally paid by us to secure the contract with certain clients and are typically amortized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis.

Artist advances and ticketing contract advances are reviewed for recoverability whenever circumstances change, such as extended delays in an artist’s touring cycle, a decline in an artist’s tour earnings, lack of events on sale for a ticketing client or a decline in a client’s ticket sales, indicating that the advance may not be recoupable over the term of the agreement. We review various factors, including past recoupment amounts, timing of an artist’s last tour, expectations of future tours, ticketing clients’ historical ticket sales and expectations of clients’ future ticket sales, to determine if we believe the advance will recoup as expected. If an advance is not expected to be fully recoupable, a reserve is established to reduce the advance to the amount we expect to recoup. The reserves are recorded as a component of direct operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

Business Combinations

During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we completed several acquisitions that were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. When we make these acquisitions, we often acquire a controlling interest without buying 100% of the business. These acquisitions and the related results of operations were not significant on either an individual basis or in the aggregate for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

We account for our business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recognized and measured as of the acquisition date at fair value. Additionally, any contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and classified as a liability. Goodwill is recognized to the extent by which the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree exceeds the recognized basis of the identifiable assets acquired, net of assumed liabilities. Determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives among other items. In addition, when we have acquisitions where substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, we account for the acquisitions as asset acquisitions.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are typically as follows:

Buildings and improvements - 10 to 50 years

Computer equipment and capitalized software - 3 to 10 years

Furniture and other equipment - 3 to 10 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or associated lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for asset renewal and improvements are capitalized. There is no depreciation expense included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses. Our depreciation expense is presented as a separate line item, with amortization expense, in the statements of operations.

We test for possible impairment of property, plant and equipment whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows and the discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows.

Intangible Assets

We test for possible impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually. Depending on facts and circumstances, qualitative factors may first be assessed to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that it is more likely than not impaired, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. When specific assets are determined to be impaired, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, expected future revenue, discount rates and royalty rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were no significant impairment charges.

Goodwill

For the year ended December 31, 2024, as part of a refresh of the fair values of reporting units, as of July 1, 2024, three of our reporting units were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. As of October 1, as required by our policy to perform goodwill tests annually as of October 1, 2024 these three reporting units were also assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis. As of October 1, 2024, the remaining three reporting units with goodwill were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. All of our reporting units assessed under the quantitative analysis primarily used a discounted cash flows methodology, with a lesser weighting attributed to the market multiple approach. The discounted cash flows methodology estimates fair value by discounting the reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market

conditions and the risk profile of the reporting unit. Under the market multiple approach, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was estimated by applying market multiples derived from stock prices of companies that are engaged in the same or similar lines of business as the reporting unit and that are actively traded on a free and open market. The derived multiples are then applied to the reporting unit’s financial metrics.

Leases

We lease office space, many of our concert venues, festival sites and certain equipment. We record a lease asset and liability on our consolidated balance sheets at the inception of the lease or when we take possession of the leased space or equipment, if later, based on the required payments over the term of the lease. We do not recognize a lease asset or liability for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less, including multi-year festival site leases where the sum of the non-consecutive periods of rental time is less than twelve months. Rent expense for these short-term leases is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Some of our lease agreements contain annual rental escalation clauses, as well as provisions for us to pay the related utilities and maintenance. We have elected to account for the lease components (i.e., fixed payments including rent and parking) and non-lease components (i.e., common-area maintenance costs) as a single lease component.

Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options that can extend the lease for additional terms typically ranging from one to ten years. Renewal options at the discretion of the lessor are included in the lease term while renewal options at our discretion are generally not included in the lease term unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised.

In addition to fixed rental payments, many of our leases contain contingent rental payments based on a percentage of revenue, tickets sold or other variables, while others include periodic adjustments to rental payments based on the prevailing inflationary index or market rental rates. Contingent rent obligations are not included in the initial measurement of the lease asset or liability and are recognized as rent expense in the period that the contingency is resolved. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.

We measure our lease assets and liabilities using an incremental borrowing rate which varies from lease to lease depending on geographical location and length of the lease.

Accounts Payable, Client Accounts

Accounts payable, client accounts consists of contractual amounts due to our ticketing clients which includes the face value of tickets sold and the clients’ share of service charges.

Income Taxes

We have established a policy of including interest related to tax loss contingencies in income tax expense (benefit) in the statements of operations.

We treat the taxes due on future Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) inclusions in United States taxable income as a current-period expense when incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the promotion or production of an event in our Concerts segment is recognized when the event occurs. Consideration collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs. Revenue collected from sponsorship agreements, which is not related to a single event, is classified as deferred revenue and recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor.

We account for taxes that are externally imposed on revenue producing transactions on a net basis.

Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition

We report revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether we act as a principal or agent in the transaction. To the extent we act as the principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis. The determination of whether we act as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether we have control of the good or service before it is transferred to the customer. Our Ticketing segment’s revenue, which primarily consists of service fees from its ticketing operations, is recorded net of the face value of the ticket as we generally act as an agent in these transactions.

Business Interruption Insurance Recovery

We record revenue or offset expense for covered business interruptions in the period we determine it is probable we will be compensated for the costs incurred or the applicable contingencies with the insurance company are resolved for lost revenue. This may result in business interruption insurance recoveries being recorded in a period subsequent to the period we experience lost revenue and/or incurred the expenses from a covered event that are being reimbursed. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we recorded business interruption insurance recoveries of $51.3 million, $41.5 million and $38.8 million, respectively. The recoveries were for a variety of claims and primarily recorded as revenue.

Foreign Currency

Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity investees are translated into United States dollars using the average exchange rates during the year. The assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries and investees are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity in AOCI. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the statements of operations and include the impact of revaluation of certain foreign currency denominated net assets or liabilities held internationally. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded net foreign currency transaction gains of $14.7 million. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we recorded net foreign currency transaction losses of $74.5 million and $55.8 million, respectively.

Advertising Expense

We record advertising expense in the year that it is incurred. Throughout the year, general advertising expenses are recognized as they are incurred, but event-related advertising for concerts is recognized once the event occurs. If an event is rescheduled into the following year, the advertising costs are expensed in the period the event is rescheduled. However, all advertising costs incurred during the year and not previously recognized are expensed at the end of the year. Advertising expenses of $750.9 million, $706.2 million and $588.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were recorded as a component of direct operating expenses. Advertising expenses of $54.6 million, $47.7 million and $32.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Direct Operating Expenses

Direct operating expenses include artist fees, event-related marketing and advertising expenses, rent expense for events in third-party venues, credit card fees, telecommunication and data communication costs associated with our call centers, commissions paid on tickets distributed through independent sales outlets away from the box office, and salaries and wages related to seasonal employees at our venues along with other costs, including ticket stock and shipping. These costs are primarily variable in nature.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries and other compensation costs related to full-time employees, fixed rent, travel and entertainment, legal expenses and consulting along with other costs.

Litigation Accruals

Non-cash and Stock-based Compensation

We follow the fair value recognition provisions in the FASB guidance for stock compensation. Stock-based compensation expense includes compensation expense for all share-based payments using the estimated grant date fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is adjusted for forfeitures as they occur.

The fair value for options in Live Nation stock is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the options is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting period. We use an expected volatility based on an even weighting of our own traded options and historical volatility. We use a weighted-average expected life based on historical experience calculated with the assistance of outside consultants. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the United States Treasury note rate.

The fair value of restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards, which is generally the stock price on the date of grant, is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period except for restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards with minimum performance or market targets as their vesting condition. The performance-based awards are amortized to expense on a graded basis over the vesting period to the extent that it is probable that the performance criteria will be met. Market-based award fair values are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model and are then amortized to expense on a graded basis over the derived service period, which is estimated as the median weighted average vesting period from the Monte Carlo simulation models. However, unlike awards with a service or performance condition, the expense for market-based awards will not be reversed solely because the market condition is not satisfied.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes including, but not limited to, legal, tax and insurance accruals, acquisition accounting and impairments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounting Standards Updates (ASU)

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions,” which clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2024. The adoption did not and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,” which expands segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2024 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and retrospectively for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is the CODM and evaluates the operating performance of the Company’s operating segments based on AOI. The CODM uses segment AOI for evaluating performance of each segment and for making decisions on allocating capital and other resources to each segment. We have not identified any segments expenses that are considered significant and segment expenses are not regularly provided to the CODM. Other segments items are direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding acquisition expenses, amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advance, Astroworld estimated loss contingencies and stock-based compensation expense) which is the difference between each operating segment’s revenue and AOI as shown in Note 12 – Segments and Revenue Recognition. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which prescribes standardized categories and disaggregation of information in the reconciliation of provision for income taxes, requires disclosure of disaggregated income taxes paid, and modifies other income tax-related disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 with early adoption permitted. ASU 2023-09 should be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses,” which requires the disclosure of additional information related to certain costs and expenses, including amounts of inventory purchases, employee compensation, and depreciation and amortization included in each income statement line item. The guidance also requires disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses and the Company’s definition of selling expenses. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is to be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

NOTE 2—CORRECTION OF ERRORS IN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As previously disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024, in calculating our income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we identified errors in our previously issued financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 related to the measurement of income tax expense for certain foreign subsidiaries statutory earnings. These errors were non-cash items that had no impact to our cash paid for income taxes.

We assessed the materiality of these errors, using both quantitative and qualitative factors, in accordance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99 “Materiality” and SAB 108 “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” codified in ASC 250 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” and concluded these errors (including when aggregated with other errors discussed below) were immaterial to all of the previously issued consolidated financial statements but, if corrected in the current year, would be material to the current year. Under ASC 250, such prior‐year misstatements which, if corrected in the current year would be material to the current year, must be corrected by adjusting the prior‐year financial statements. Correcting prior‐year financial statements for such immaterial errors does not require previously filed reports to be amended.

In addition to the errors related to the income tax provision as noted above, we recorded other errors to correct prior periods as presented below. These errors were not previously recorded, as we concluded that they were immaterial individually and in aggregate to our previously issued consolidated financial statements.

The effects of the error corrections on our unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023, as well as for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 are presented in the tables below. There were no errors in our previously issued statements of cash flows that impacted net operating, investing and financing activities for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2024. We have disclosed the effects of the error corrections on our previously issued financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as well as our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024. Furthermore, the effects of the error corrections on our consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are also presented in the tables below.

The consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 have also been revised to reflect the impacts to net earnings and redeemable noncontrolling interests.

The following table presents the impact of correcting the errors on the affected line items of our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and for the six months ended June 30, 2024. There was no revision for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

As Reported Adjustments As Revised As Reported As Revised

(unaudited, in thousands except per share data)

The following table presents the impact of correcting the errors on the affected line items of our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and for the six months ended June 30, 2024. There was no revision for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

As Reported Adjustments As Revised As Reported As Revised

(unaudited, in thousands)

The following table presents the impact of correcting the errors on the affected line items of our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and for the six months ended June 30, 2023:

As Reported Adjustments As Revised As Reported Adjustments As Revised As Revised

(unaudited, in thousands except per share data)

The following table presents the impact of correcting the errors on the affected line items of our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and for the six months ended June 30, 2023:

As Reported Adjustments As Revised As Reported Adjustments As Revised As Revised

(unaudited, in thousands)

The following table presents the impact of correcting the errors on the affected line items of our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023: