Mar 31, 2020

Live Nation Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Reported a challenging quarter due to the halt of concerts in mid-March, but expressed confidence in the long-term dynamics of the live concert industry.

Key Takeaways

Live Nation Entertainment reported a challenging first quarter due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a halt in concerts in mid-March. Despite the difficulties, the company highlighted positive signs, including over 90% of fans holding onto tickets for rescheduled shows and a strong desire among live music goers to return to concerts. Live Nation is implementing cost reduction and cash management programs to navigate the crisis and remains confident in the long-term potential of the live entertainment industry.

Over 90% of fans are opting to keep tickets for shows instead of refunds.

91% of global live music goers say they want to return to concerts.

Targeting $600 million cost reduction program in 2020.

Targeting $1.0 billion cash management program in 2020.

Total Revenue
$1.37B
Previous year: $1.73B
-20.9%
EPS
-$0.94
Previous year: -$0.31
+203.2%
Fee-Bearing Tickets
36.21M
Previous year: 50.03M
-27.6%
Total Estimated Fans
10.41M
Previous year: 14.92M
-30.2%
Gross Profit
$492M
Previous year: $576M
-14.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$3.27B
Previous year: $2.67B
+22.4%
Free Cash Flow
$547M
Previous year: $412M
+32.8%
Total Assets
$11.9B
Previous year: $10.3B
+15.1%

Live Nation

Live Nation

Live Nation Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Live Nation anticipates challenges in the near term but expects a strong rebound in 2021 based on fan demand and rescheduled events.

Positive Outlook

  • Over 90% of fans are holding on to their tickets for rescheduled shows, indicating strong pent-up demand.
  • A global survey indicates over 90% of live music goers will return to concerts when possible.
  • 80% of shows have been rescheduled rather than canceled, suggesting a return to normal volume.
  • 2021 can return to show volume and fan attendance at levels consistent with recent years.
  • Innovations such as virtual tours, drive-in concerts, and digital ticketing are helping to keep fans engaged.

Challenges Ahead

  • Operational challenges in achieving strategic objectives.
  • Risk that the company's markets do not evolve as anticipated.
  • Potential impact of any economic slowdown.
  • Operational challenges associated with selling tickets and staging events.
  • Ensuring health and safety at venues will require new protocols and may impact capacity.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income