(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070220/LATU096LOGO)
This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC Regulation G. A reconciliation of each such measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, together with an explanation of why management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors, is included at the end of this press release.
Throughout the text of this release, we will refer to Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the company defines as operating income (loss) before certain unusual and/or non-cash charges, depreciation and amortization, loss (gain) on sale of operating assets and non-cash compensation expense.
For the full year 2006, the company reported revenues of $3,691.6 million, an increase of $754.7 million, or 25.7%, as compared to 2005. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $15.6 million, or 11.3%, to $153.1 million, operating income increased by $43.4 million to $30.3 million, net income increased by $99.2 million to a reduced loss of ($31.4) million, and earnings per share increased by $1.48 to a reduced loss per share of ($0.48).
Excluding the impact of our 2006 acquisitions of Concert Productions International, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (“CPI”), TRUNK Ltd., Musictoday and House of Blues, including the full year impact of our acquisition of Mean Fiddler in 2005 and assuming the impact of our entire exhibition and sports representation businesses of which we sold the substantial majority of in 2005 and 2006 was completely eliminated for both 2005 and 2006 (the “Acquisition and Divestiture Adjustments”), we estimate revenue for the full year 2006 would have been $3,373.8 million, an increase of $493.3 million or 17.1% over estimated revenue for the full year 2005 of $2,880.5 million. The increase in revenue was primarily due to the increase in the number of events and attendance in our global music business. We estimate that Adjusted EBITDA for full year 2006 would have been $126.1 million, a decrease of $4.2 million, or (3.2%) from estimated Adjusted EBITDA for full year 2005 of $130.3 million. The decline in estimated Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to increased corporate costs associated with being a public company and investment in our venue management group and online business.
For the fourth quarter of 2006, the company reported revenues of $1,052.0 million, an increase of $299.7 million, or 39.8%, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $14.8 million to $18.0 million, operating income increased by $45.7 million to a reduced loss of ($17.0) million, and net income increased by $101.8 million to a reduced loss of ($33.1) million.
Assuming the same Acquisition and Divestiture Adjustments described above, we estimate that revenue for the fourth quarter of 2006 would have been $816.7 million, an increase of $84.2 million, or 11.5%, from estimated revenue for the fourth quarter of 2005 of $732.5 million. We estimate that Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2006 would have been nominal, essentially flat with estimated Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2005 of $0.8 million.
Michael Rapino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation commented, “We began 2006 as a broad-based live entertainment company with a vision to transform ourselves into a global vertically integrated live music company. Since then, we successfully moved Live Nation closer to our goal by (i) beginning to shed non-core businesses such as our sports representation business and Las Vegas productions and announcing the plan to divest selected non-core venues and our North American theatrical business, (ii) aggressively expanding our live music platform by acquiring House of Blues, CPI and entering new top tier global music markets and (iii) extending our capabilities to provide additional goods and services surrounding live music events by establishing livenation.com and acquiring majority stakes in companies such as Musictoday and TRUNK. Now, at the beginning of 2007, I can say we are focused on live music with the tools to execute on our strategy to become a global vertically integrated music company, connecting artists and fans through the live concert experience.
In 2006, we faced, and will continue to face in 2007, a number of industry-related and company-specific challenges including:
* Competitive challenges to our North American amphitheaters due to a
declining supply of artists that can fill these venues and increasing
competition from indoor arenas and casinos
* General underexposure to small and mid-sized music venues with up to
5,000 capacity
* High and increasing artist talent costs
* Underexposure to top population centers / concert markets worldwide
* De-centralized management
* Lack of ancillary services to offer to artists and fans
* Limited brand recognition and web presence
As a result, throughout 2006 we undertook a three-pronged strategy (fix / build / expand) to address the issues we saw in our business and the concert industry in general. Highlights of our 2006 accomplishments include:
* Established a vision focused on the music business
* Created a brand: Live Nation
* Drove increased show count and attendance at our events with
involvement in 9 of the top ten tours of 2006, a record year for the
North American concert industry
* Implemented a centralized venue management department which increased
food and beverage revenue per fan by 10% in 2006
* Began to divest of non-core business assets such as our sports
representation business and interests in certain Las Vegas-based
productions and announced the plan to sell selected non-core venues
* Acquired House of Blues which increased our small-sized music venue,
West coast amphitheater and Canadian presence
* Acquired Concert Productions International ("CPI") which solidified our
global touring business
* Acquired Gamerco, the largest promoter in Spain (late 2006), a majority
interest in Jackie Lombard Productions, one of the largest promoters in
France (early 2007), and, in connection with the House of Blues
acquisition, a 50% interest in House of Blues Concerts Canada, the
largest promoter in Canada which extended our reach to eight of the top
10 worldwide recorded music markets
* Added important venues to our portfolio including Wembley Arena,
Gramercy Theater (both in 2006) and Dodge Theater (early 2007)
* Launched our online presence; with our websites collectively now
ranked as the second most popular entertainment/event site according to
Nielsen//Net Ratings
* Acquired Musictoday, TRUNK Ltd and, through the acquisition of CPI, a
controlling interest in Ultrastar, which bring vertically integrated
artist fan clubs and merchandise into our artist service portfolio
Our 2007 objectives will continue on the fix, build and expand theme and include the following strategies:
* To drive profitability in our North American business by improving
booking margins, increasing venue ancillary revenue per fan (e.g., food
and beverage) and growing local and national sponsorships and alliances
* To continue to sell non-core assets
* To augment our international promoter network in major music markets
around the world
* To expand our festival, House of Blues and mid-sized music venue
platform in North America
* To extend our relationship with artists and maximize live event revenue
streams
* To accelerate www.livenation.com online business through expanded
offers online and expansion into international markets."
Acquisition / New Venue Development Update
We continue to move forward on our acquisition and new venue development strategy.
* North America Platform Expansion. During 2006, we significantly
expanded our North American venue footprint by acquiring House of
Blues. We continue to expand our North America venue network focusing
on House of Blues and small- and mid-sized music venues in major
markets.
- House of Blues Integration Update. We closed our acquisition of
House of Blues on November 3, 2006. By early December, we had
completed the reorganization of House of Blues, merging its
corporate operations into our existing structure. This
reorganization resulted in the elimination of approximately 80
positions. The management of seven of the House of Blues
amphitheaters and six exclusive booking or management contracts has
been folded into our existing regional management structure in the
United States and the management of the ten House of Blues(R)-
branded clubs remains separate as it had been under House of Blues.
As a result, we reaffirm our current expectation of achieving
approximately $15 million of cost savings in connection with this
acquisition (exclusive of approximately $5-$6 million of related
one-time costs). In addition, as described in part below, we plan
to expand the House of Blues(R) brand through the addition of new
venues.
- Canada. In connection with the acquisition of House of Blues in
November 2006, we acquired a 50% interest in House of Blues Concerts
Canada ("HOBCC"). HOBCC is the largest promoter in Canada and
operates two venues through long-term lease agreements, the Molson
Amphitheatre in Toronto and Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver and has
exclusive booking arrangements with another two small-sized music
venues in Toronto.
- New House of Blues Venues. We expect to complete construction of
our House of Blues venue in Dallas, Texas, the #6 Designated Market
Area, or DMA(R), as defined by Nielsen Media Research, with opening
targeted for May 2007. We have also broken ground on the
construction of a new House of Blues venue in Houston, Texas, the
#10 DMA(R) with opening targeted for 2009.
- New Small and Mid-Sized Music Venues. In December 2006, we entered
into a long-term lease to operate the Gramercy Theater, a 599-
capacity small-sized music venue located in New York, New York, the
#1 DMA(R). In January 2007, we entered into a long-term lease to
operate the Dodge Theater, a 5,500-capacity mid-sized music venue
located in Phoenix, Arizona, the #13 DMA(R). We also have won the
right to negotiate a long-term lease to operate the Jackie Gleason
Theater, a 2,750-capacity mid-sized music venue located in Miami,
Florida, the #16 DMA(R).
* International Platform Expansion. The acquisitions we made in 2006 and
early 2007 expand and enhance Live Nation's global presence to eight of
the top ten recorded music markets worldwide.
- Spain and France. In December 2006, we acquired 100% of Gamerco,
the largest promoter in Spain and in January 2007, we acquired a 51%
interest in Jackie Lombard Productions, a leading promoter in
France. These acquisitions provide Live Nation with a pan-European
reach which we believe will facilitate tour booking and multi-
country marketing partnerships and sponsorships.
- UK Venues. In 2006 we expanded and plan to continue to selectively
expand our UK and international venue platform. In April 2006, we
entered into a 15-year management agreement to operate London's
prestigious Wembley Arena. In addition, our planned acquisition of
a controlling interest in Academy Music Group, a leading music venue
operator in the UK with twelve small and mid-sized music venues,
remains pending subject to satisfaction of certain conditions set
forth by the Competition Commission.
Divestiture Update
North America Theatrical
As part of our strategy to focus on our core global music business, we have launched a process to divest the majority of our North American theatrical business assets. The assets we anticipate including in this divestiture include (i) our Broadway Across America business – the largest subscription series in the United States for touring theatrical performances, (ii) thirteen theatrical venues which we own, operate or have an equity interest in located in the seven major North American markets of Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Toronto, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia and (iii) our remaining 50.1% interest in a production of the Phantom of the Opera at The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Our United Kingdom theatrical assets as well as the New York Hilton and the Boston Opera House will not be included in the divestiture process due to certain tax restrictions associated with our spin-off from Clear Channel Communications. We cannot predict when, or if, any transaction will occur with respect to these properties.
Other
During 2006 we divested certain non-core assets, including, some sports representation businesses, certain Las Vegas-based productions, and, in January 2007, Donington Park, a racetrack in the United Kingdom. Together the sale of these non-core businesses and certain other investments generated $58.5 million of cash for debt repayment and/or reinvestment. We anticipate that further sales of non-core assets, including the venue sales previously announced in connection with our third quarter earnings release, will be executed during 2007 and 2008.
Segment and Other Financial and Operational Information ($ and attendance in thousands, actual events)
Note: Totals and margins may not reconcile due to rounding; Any differences are immaterial
Year Ended %
12/31/06 12/31/05 Variance Variance
NUMBER OF EVENTS
North America Music 7,857 6,850 1,007 14.7%
International Music 2,465 1,475 990 67.1%
Global Touring 153 94 59 62.8%
Subtotal Music 10,475 8,419 2,056 24.4%
Theatrical 5,264 5,478 (214) (3.9%)
Motorsports 560 551 9 1.6%
Third Party Rentals (a) 9,286 8,783 503 5.7%
Subtotal 25,585 23,231 2,354 10.1%
Exhibitions and Sports 358 3,544 (3,186) (89.6%)
Total 25,943 26,775 (832) (3.1%)
North America Music:
O&O Amphitheaters (b) 923 768 155 20.2%
Other 6,943 6,082 861 14.2%
Total 7,857 6,850 1,007 14.7%
ATTENDANCE
North America Music 24,730 22,405 2,325 10.4%
International Music 8,921 7,757 1,163 15.0%
Global Touring 2,914 2,428 486 20.0%
Subtotal Music 36,565 32,590 3,975 12.2%
Theatrical 7,747 9,074 (1,327) (14.6%)
Motorsports 4,641 4,643 (2) (0.0%)
Third Party Rentals (a) 10,791 9,484 1,307 13.8%
Subtotal 59,744 55,791 3,952 7.1%
Exhibitions and Sports 203 2,903 (2,700) (93.0%)
Total 59,947 58,694 1,253 2.1%
North America Music:
O&O Amphitheaters (b) 8,329 7,124 1,205 16.9%
Other 16,401 15,281 1,120 7.3%
Total 24,730 22,405 2,325 10.4%
EVENTS
Revenue $2,932,720 $2,266,176 $666,544 29.4%
Adjusted EBITDA (57,674) (56,551) (1,123) 2.0%
% Margin (2.0%) (2.5%) 0.5%
Operating (Loss) (77,355) (114,954) 37,599 (32.7%)
% Margin (2.6%) (5.1%) 2.4%
VENUES AND SPONSORSHIP
Revenue $635,753 $535,870 $99,883 18.6%
Adjusted EBITDA 155,091 140,788 14,303 10.2%
% Margin 24.4% 26.3% (1.9%)
Operating Income (Loss) 47,310 84,498 (37,188) (44.0%)
% Margin 7.4% 15.8% (8.3%)
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
Revenue $99,000 $72,576 $26,424 36.4%
Adjusted EBITDA 75,483 66,364 9,119 13.7%
% Margin 76.2% 91.4% (15.2%)
Operating Income 74,586 66,086 8,500 12.9%
% Margin 75.3% 91.1% (15.7%)
Quarter Ended %
12/31/06 12/31/05 Variance Variance
NUMBER OF EVENTS
North America Music 2,997 2,016 981 48.7%
International Music 623 534 89 16.7%
Global Touring 69 43 26 60.5%
Subtotal Music 3,689 2.593 1,096 42.3%
Theatrical 1,604 1,274 330 25.9%
Motorsports 44 38 6 15.8%
Third Party Rentals (a) 3,148 3,618 (470) (13.0%)
Subtotal 8,485 7,523 962 12.8%
Exhibitions and Sports 0 1,438 (1,438) (100.0%)
Total 8,485 8,961 (476) (5.3%)
North America Music:
O&O Amphitheaters (b) 67 49 18 36.7%
Other 2,930 1,967 963 49.0%
Total 2,997 2,016 981 48.7%
ATTENDANCE
North America Music 6,391 5,511 880 16.0%
International Music 1,656 1,910 (253) (13.3%)
Global Touring 1,662 773 889 114.9%
Subtotal Music 9,710 8,194 1,515 18.5%
Theatrical 2,075 2,126 (51) (2.4%)
Motorsports 220 233 (13) (5.5%)
Third Party Rentals (a) 4,902 4,259 643 15.1%
Subtotal 16,906 14,812 2,095 14.1%
Exhibitions and Sports 0 617 (617) (100.0%)
Total 16,906 15,429 1,478 9.6%
North America Music:
O&O Amphitheaters (b) 227 150 77 51.3%
Other 6,164 5,361 803 15.0%
Total 6,391 5,511 880 16.0%
EVENTS
Revenue $856,521 $613,415 $243,106 39.6%
Adjusted EBITDA (13,551) (21,573) 8,022 (37.2%)
% Margin (1.6%) (3.5%) 1.9%
Operating (Loss) (21,158) (60,099) 38,941 (64.8%)
% Margin (2.5%) (9.8%) 7.3%
VENUES AND SPONSORSHIP
Revenue $167,139 $107,029 $60,110 56.2%
Adjusted EBITDA 19,854 11,225 8,629 76.9%
% Margin 11.9% 10.5% 1.4%
Operating Income (Loss) (5,643) (10,809) 5,166 (47.8%)
% Margin (3.4%) (10.1%) 6.7%
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
Revenue $27,938 $15,793 $12,145 76.9%
Adjusted EBITDA 16,675 14,098 2,577 18.3%
% Margin 59.7% 89.3% (29.6%)
Operating Income 16,189 14,046 2,143 15.3%
% Margin 57.9% 88.9% 31.0%
Segment and Other Financial and Operational Information (continued)
($ and attendance in thousands, actual events)
Note: Totals and margins may not reconcile due to rounding; Any differences are immaterial
Year Ended %
12/31/06 12/31/05 Variance Variance
OTHER
Revenue $33,398 $73,422 ($40,024) (54.5%)
Adjusted EBITDA 12,452 14,730 (2,278) (15.5%)
% Margin 37.3% 20.1% 17.2%
Operating Income 22,482 7,935 14,547 183.3%
% Margin 67.3% 10.8% 56.5%
CORPORATE AND ELIMINATIONS
Revenue ($9,312) ($11,199) $1,887 (16.8%)
Corporate Expenses 33,863 50,715 (16,852) (33.2%)
Adjusted EBITDA (32,238) (27,777) (4,461) 16.1%
Operating (Loss) (36,759) (56,748) 19,989 (35.2%)
TOTAL
Revenue $3,691,559 $2,936,845 $754,714 25.7%
Adjusted EBITDA 153,114 137,554 15,560 11.3%
% Margin 4.1% 4.7% (0.5%)
Operating Income (Loss) 30,264 (13,183) 43,447 (329.6%)
% Margin 0.8% (0.4%) 1.3%
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Maintenance $48,120 $56,325 ($8,205) (14.6%)
Revenue generating 17,585 36,195 (18,610) (51.4%)
Total 65,705 92,520 (26,815) (29.0%)
Quarter Ended %
12/31/06 12/31/05 Variance Variance
OTHER
Revenue $3,385 $17,800 ($14,415) (81.0%)
Adjusted EBITDA 5,487 6,739 (1,252) (18.6%)
% Margin 162.1% 37.9% 124.3%
Operating Income 5,123 9,352 (4,229) (45.2%)
% Margin 151.3% 52.5% 98.8%
CORPORATE AND ELIMINATIONS
Revenue ($3,010) ($1,780) ($1,230) 69.1%
Corporate Expenses 10,921 12,324 (1,403) (11.4%)
Adjusted EBITDA (10,503) (7,336) (3,167) 43.2%
Operating (Loss) (11,559) (15,273) 3,714 (24.3%)
TOTAL
Revenue $1,051,973 $752,257 $299,716 39.8%
Adjusted EBITDA 17,961 3,153 14,808 469.7%
% Margin 1.7% 0.4% 1.3%
Operating Income (Loss) (17,048) (62,783) 45,735 (72.8%)
% Margin (1.6%) (8.3%) 6.7%
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Maintenance $7,334 $12,275 ($4,941) (40.3%)
Revenue generating 7,341 8,248 (907) (11.0%)
Total 14,675 20,523 (5,848) (28.5%)
* % Variance not meaningful.
(a) Reflects third party rentals of all Live Nation venues
(b) O&O Amphitheaters means owned and operated amphitheaters
Note: The 2006 International Music data includes 710 events and 221,000 attendees for the full year, and 154 events and 59,000 attendees for the fourth quarter for Mean Fiddler venues in the United Kingdom. The 2006 Third Party Rentals data includes 526 events and 349,000 attendees for the full year, 105 events and 130,000 attendees for the fourth quarter for Mean Fiddler venues in the United Kingdom. The data for Mean Fiddler for 2005 is not available.
Fourth Quarter 2006 Segment Highlights Events
Our Events segment includes the promotion and/or production of live music shows, theatrical performances and specialized motor sports events in our owned and/or operated venues and in rented third-party venues. The promotion and/or production of these events enables us to generate revenue, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA in our Venues and Sponsorship and Digital Distribution segments as described below. Our global touring, U.S. outdoor amphitheaters and European festivals are significant drivers of this segment’s results.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2006, our number of events, excluding our exhibition and sports businesses which we exited in the case of exhibitions or are exiting in the case of sports and excluding third-party rentals, increased by 1,432 to 5,337, or a 36.7% increase over the same period for the prior year. Attendance, excluding our exhibition and sports businesses and excluding third-party rentals, increased by 1.5 million to 12.0 million, or 13.8%. Revenue increased by $243.1 million to $856.5 million or a 39.6% increase over the same period for the prior year. This growth was due primarily to the acquisition of CPI and House of Blues which were not included in our results during 2005 and which generated a total of $190.0 million of Events revenue during the quarter. In addition, revenue growth was the result of our production of Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular which opened in June 2006, improved revenues from our existing global touring business, mainly attributed to U2, and stronger promotion activity internationally (outside of the UK) arising from tours such as George Michael, Iron Maiden, Bruce Springsteen and Red Hot Chili Peppers. These improvements in revenue were offset by a decline in our North American and UK music business due to lower average ticket prices for arena shows in North America and reduced touring product in the UK. Our segment Adjusted EBITDA also improved by $8.0 million to a total loss of $13.6 million primarily due to the acquisition of CPI and House of Blues which generated a total of $15.3 million segment Adjusted EBITDA, offset by a decline in Adjusted EBITDA from weaker results for our global touring business outside of CPI and for our UK music business. Our segment operating income improved by $38.9 million to a total operating loss of $21.2 million. The increase in segment operating income was primarily due to the elimination of $33.7 million of certain litigation and reorganization costs incurred during 2005.
Venues and Sponsorship
Our Venues and Sponsorship segment primarily involves the management and operation of our owned and/or operated venues and the sale of various types of sponsorships and advertising. The revenues in our Venues and Sponsorship segment are generated primarily from per fan food and beverage sales, facility management and box office fees, parking fees, premium and box seating and venue sponsorships.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2006, revenue increased by $60.1 million to $167.1 million or a 56.2% increase over the same period for the prior year. This growth was primarily due to the acquisition of House of Blues which generated $29.2 million of Venues and Sponsorship revenue during the quarter and was not included in our results during 2005. In addition, revenue growth was the result of increased attendance generated by the activities in our Events segment, improved food and beverage revenue per fan in our North American venues of 16.7%, primarily due to higher food and beverage revenue per fan associated with the mix of shows which played our amphitheaters during the fourth quarter of 2006, improvement in our UK theatrical venues due to long running productions of Wicked and the Lion King and the inclusion of Wembley Arena under a management contract that became effective in April 2006. Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by $8.6 million to $19.9 million, a 76.9% increase over the same period for the prior year primarily due to the improvements in revenue described above. House of Blues generated $0.3 million of segment Adjusted EBITDA during the quarter. Segment operating income increased by $5.2 million to a reduced loss of $5.6 million, a smaller increase than for segment Adjusted EBITDA due to an $11.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization associated with the acquisition of House of Blues and additional venue impairments, offset by the elimination of $7.7 million of certain litigation and reorganization costs incurred during 2005.
Digital Distribution
Our Digital Distribution segment manages our ticketing operations/relationships as well as our online and wireless distribution activities.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2006, revenues increased by $12.1 million to $27.9 million, a 76.9% increase over the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the acquisitions of Musictoday, the operations of which are included in this segment since the acquisition closed on September 1, 2006, and the acquisition of House of Blues which, together, generated $9.7 million of digital distribution revenue in the quarter. In addition, the increase in revenue was attributable to the increased attendance generated by the activities in our Events segment as the additional ticket sales resulted in additional service charge rebates. Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by $2.6 million to $16.7 million, an 18.3% increase over the same period for the prior year. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was lower than the increase in revenues due to a $9.6 million increase in direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses which reflects the full quarter impact of our website and internet management group which did not exist in the fourth quarter of 2005 as well as a full quarter’s direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the acquisition of Musictoday. During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, Musictoday and House of Blues, together, generated $3.0 million of segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment operating income increased by $2.1 million to $16.2 million, a 15.3% increase over the same period of the prior year, a smaller increase than for segment Adjusted EBITDA due to a $0.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization.
Other Operations
Our other operations primarily consist of our sports representation business assets which are not core to our business. For the quarter ended December 31, 2006 revenue decreased by $14.4 million, segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $1.3 million and segment operating income decreased by $4.2 million versus the same period of the prior year. These decreases are all primarily due to the sale of substantially all of our sports representation business assets related to basketball, golf, football, tennis, media, baseball, soccer and rugby. The decrease in segment Adjusted EBITDA and segment operating income from the sale of the assets described above is offset by the release of a larger legal accrual in 2006 than occurred in 2005. Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased less than segment operating income due primarily to a $3.9 million benefit from the reversal of certain litigation accruals in 2005.
Corporate Expenses
Corporate expenses decreased $1.4 million, or 11.4%, for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due the elimination of $5.5 million of certain litigation and reorganization costs incurred in 2005 offset by an increase in corporate expenses associated with the annualization of new public company headcount and other costs associated with being public.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $16.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the acquisition of House of Blues and $9.5 million of additional venue impairments, arising from revised valuations on some of the venues we announced our intent to sell in the third quarter.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were $14.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, a decrease of $5.8 million from the same period for the prior year. Maintenance capital expenditures, which represented $7.3 million of the total capital expenditures for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, are primarily associated with the renewal and improvement of existing venues. Revenue generating expenditures, which represented the remaining $7.3 million of the total capital expenditures for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, related primarily to $4.3 million of new House of Blues venue development, renovations to existing buildings, costs associated with the livenation.com website, and improvements at a festival site in the UK.
Minority Interest Expense and Equity in Earnings of Nonconsolidated Affiliates
Minority interest expense was $4.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $4.9 million from the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the impact of our acquisition of CPI and partially offset by a decrease in minority interest expense associated with Mean Fiddler. Net cash distributions to minority interest partners decreased by $0.7 million to ($1.0) million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the same period of the prior year.
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates was $5.5 million, an increase of $5.9 million from the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of CPI which included an investment in the successful BODIES … The Exhibition, an improvement in our Broadway in Chicago joint venture, partially offset by a reduction in losses associated with several other ventures. Net cash distributions from investments in nonconsolidated affiliates increased to $4.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 from a net cash distribution to nonconsolidated affiliates of ($6.2) million for the same period of the prior year. This increase was due primarily to distributions from CPI investments and our House of Blues Canada joint venture, both of which were not part of our business in the fourth quarter of 2005, along with increased distributions from our Broadway in Chicago joint venture.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as Adjusted EBITDA less maintenance capital expenditures less net interest expense, less cash taxes, less distributions to minority interest partners, plus distributions from investments in nonconsolidated affiliates net of contributions to investments in nonconsolidated affiliates. For the year ended December 31, 2006 free cash flow was $54.1 million as compared to ($0.9) million for the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to improved Adjusted EBITDA, reduced interest expense as a result of our new debt capitalization associated with our spin-off from Clear Channel Communications, an increase in net distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates and reduced maintenance capital expenditures. For the three months ended December 31, 2006, free cash flow was $8.0 million as compared to ($34.3) million for the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to improved Adjusted EBITDA, reduced interest expense as a result of our new debt capitalization associated with our spin-off from Clear Channel Communications, reduced cash taxes, an increase in net distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates and reduced maintenance capital expenditures.
Cash and Debt
As of December 31, 2006, our cash and cash equivalents balance was $313.9 million. Adjusting for cash collected related to shows that have not yet played, net of related prepaid show expenses, accrued fees due to artists and cash collected on behalf of others, we estimate that our “free cash” balance was $36.1 million as of December 31, 2006 and $190.6 million as of December 31, 2005. Our total debt and preferred stock totaled $679.1 million as of December 31, 2006 and $406.8 million as of December 31, 2005. The reduction in our free cash balance is primarily due to the share repurchases and acquisitions we made during 2006, including House of Blues, and free cash we used to fund working capital fluctuations related to our concert promotions business. The increase in our total debt and preferred stock balance is primarily due to the incurrence of additional debt to finance the acquisition of House of Blues in November 2006.
Conference Call
The company will also host a teleconference to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2006 financial results on Thursday, March 1st at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. To access the teleconference, please dial 888-802-8579 (U.S.) or 973-633-6740 (Int’l) ten minutes prior to the start time and reference passcode 8448512. The teleconference will also be available via live webcast at the Investor Relations section of the company’s website located at www.livenation.com under “About Us.”
If you cannot listen to the teleconference at its scheduled time, there will be a replay available through Thursday, March 8, 2007, which can be accessed by dialing 877-519-4471 (U.S.) or 973-341-3080 (Int’l), passcode 8448512. The webcast will also be archived on the company’s website for 30 days.
About Live Nation
Live Nation is the world’s largest live music company. Our mission is to inspire passion for live music around the world. We are the largest promoter of live concerts in the world, the second-largest entertainment venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. We strive to create superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate, have booking rights for and/or have an equity interest in more than 160 venues, including House of Blues(R) music venues and prestigious locations such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Wembley Arena. Our websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment/event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. In addition, we also produce, promote or host theatrical, specialized motor sports and other live entertainment events. In 2006, we connected nearly 60 million fans with their favorite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.” For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses, please visit the company’s website at www.livenation.com.
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Live Nation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The following are intended to identify such forward-looking statements: (i) statements regarding certain of Live Nation’s goals and expectations with respect to revenue and expenses and the growth rate in such items, as well as other measures of economic performance, (ii) statements relating to the benefits of the merger with HOB Entertainment, Inc. or HOB, including future financial and operating results, costs and cost savings, enhanced revenues and the accretion or dilution to reported earnings that may be realized from the merger, and (iii) statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “outlook” and similar words or expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.
Various risks that could cause future results to differ from those expressed by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) the risk that the businesses of Live Nation and/or HOB in connection with the HOB merger will not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (2) expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the HOB merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; (3) revenues following the HOB merger may be lower than expected; (4) operating costs and business disruption following the HOB merger, including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, may be greater than expected; (5) the amount of restructuring and other costs associated with the acquisition may be greater than expected; and (6) other factors discussed in Live Nation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Other unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on Live Nation’s future results, performance or achievements. In light of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors, the forward-looking events discussed herein may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Live Nation, the HOB merger, or other matters and attributable to Live Nation or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Live Nation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.
(See attached financial statements)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
2006 2005
(in thousands except share data)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $313,880 $403,716
Accounts receivable, less allowance
of $13,465 in 2006 and $9,518 in 2005 248,772 190,207
Prepaid expenses 136,938 115,055
Other current assets 38,519 46,295
Total Current Assets 738,109 755,273
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land, buildings and improvements 999,561 910,926
Furniture and other equipment 193,290 166,004
Construction in progress 43,370 39,856
1,236,221 1,116,786
Less accumulated depreciation 360,049 307,867
876,172 808,919
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets - net 73,398 12,351
Goodwill 423,169 137,110
OTHER ASSETS
Notes receivable, less allowance of
$545 in 2006 and $745 in 2005 2,613 4,720
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates 61,342 30,660
Other assets 50,199 27,551
Total Assets $2,225,002 $1,776,584
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $40,646 $37,654
Accrued expenses 471,414 382,606
Deferred revenue 230,179 232,754
Current portion of long-term debt 31,721 25,705
Total Current Liabilities 773,960 678,719
Long-term debt 607,425 341,136
Other long-term liabilities 88,790 53,667
Minority interest liability 76,165 26,362
Series A and Series B redeemable
preferred stock 40,000 40,000
Commitments and contingent liabilities
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock - Series A Junior
Participating, $.01 par value;
20,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding -- --
Preferred stock, $.01 par value;
30,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value;
450,000,000 shares authorized;
67,174,912 shares issued in
2006 and 2005 672 672
Additional paid-in capital 757,748 748,011
Retained deficit (119,005) (87,563)
Cost of shares held in treasury
(1,697,227 shares in 2006 and
1,506,900 shares in 2005) (21,472) (18,003)
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) 20,719 (6,417)
Total Shareholders' Equity 638,662 636,700
Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
Equity $2,225,002 $1,776,584
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31,
2006 2005 2004
(in thousands except share and per share data)
Revenue $3,691,559 $2,936,845 $2,806,128
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses 2,981,801 2,310,926 2,185,127
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 529,104 518,906 460,166
Depreciation and amortization 128,167 64,622 64,095
Loss (gain) on sale of
operating assets (11,640) 4,859 6,371
Corporate expenses 33,863 50,715 31,386
Operating income (loss) 30,264 (13,183) 58,983
Interest expense 37,218 6,059 3,119
Interest expense with
Clear Channel Communications -- 46,437 42,355
Interest income (12,446) (2,506) (3,221)
Equity in losses (earnings)
of nonconsolidated affiliates (11,265) 276 (2,906)
Minority interest expense 12,209 5,236 3,300
Other expense (income) - net (1,220) 446 1,611
Income (loss) before income
taxes 5,768 (69,131) 14,725
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current 26,876 (53,025) (55,946)
Deferred 10,334 114,513 54,411
Net income (loss) (31,442) (130,619) 16,260
Other comprehensive income
(loss), net of tax:
Unrealized holding gain on
cash flow derivatives (104) -- --
Foreign currency translation
adjustments (27,032) 4,398 18,472
Comprehensive loss $(4,306) $(135,017) $(2,212)
Basic and diluted net loss
per common share $(0.48) $(1.96)
Basic and diluted weighted
average common shares
outstanding 64,853,243 66,809,394
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
2006 2005 2004
(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) $(31,442) $(130,619) $16,260
Reconciling items:
Depreciation 118,343 62,279 60,918
Amortization of intangibles 9,824 2,343 3,177
Deferred income tax expense 10,334 114,513 54,411
Amortization of debt issuance costs 736 9 --
Current tax benefit dividends to
Clear Channel Communications -- (76,705) (64,063)
Non-cash compensation expense 3,432 1,256 1,084
Loss (gain) on sale of operating
assets (11,640) 4,859 6,371
Loss on sale of other investments 1,659 -- --
Equity in losses (earnings)
of nonconsolidated affiliates (11,265) 276 (2,906)
Minority interest expense 12,209 5,236 3,300
Decrease in other - net -- (119) (462)
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities, net of effects of
acquisitions and dispositions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts
receivable (53,554) (15,911) 11,100
Decrease (increase) in prepaid
expenses (11,837) (41,759) 5,527
Decrease (increase) in other assets (1,762) 4,592 1,178
Increase in accounts payable,
accrued expenses and other
liabilities 3,902 41,946 10,511
Increase (decrease) in deferred
revenue (22,219) 24,132 16,047
Decrease in other - net -- (245) --
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities 16,720 (3,917) 122,453
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Collection of notes receivable 4,427 2,517 2,076
Advances to notes receivable (2,420) (2,341) (133)
Distributions from nonconsolidated
affiliates 18,148 5,456 5,060
Investments made to nonconsolidated
affiliates (15,975) (11,203) (6,473)
Proceeds from disposal of other
investments 1,743 -- --
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment (65,705) (92,520) (73,435)
Proceeds from disposal of operating
assets 36,292 580 3,581
Acquisition of operating assets,
net of cash acquired (351,858) (8,467) (13,727)
Decrease (increase) in other - net 185 (71) (1,025)
Net cash used in investing
activities (375,163) (106,049) (84,076)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from debt with
Clear Channel Communications -- 220,981 24,079
Payment on debt with Clear Channel
Communications at spin-off -- (220,000) --
Proceeds from long-term debt,
net of debt issuance costs 339,491 344,129 6,725
Payments on long-term debt (78,253) (1,169) (7,550)
Contributions from minority
interest partners 33,188 20,543 --
Distributions to minority interest
partners (1,415) (2,713) (2,555)
Proceeds from issuance of redeemable
preferred stock, net of debt
issuance costs -- 19,500 --
Payments for purchases of common
stock (24,717) (18,003) --
Net cash provided by financing
activities 268,294 363,268 20,699
Effect of exchange rate changes
on cash 313 (28,723) 3,701
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents (89,836) 224,579 62,777
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 403,716 179,137 116,360
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period $313,880 $403,716 $179,137
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $35,406 $4,549 $3,048
Income taxes $20,508 $17,253 $9,685
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THEIR MOST DIRECTLY COMPARABLE
GAAP MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
(all $ in thousands)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income
Year Ended Quarter Ended
12/31/2006 12/31/2005 12/31/2006 12/31/2005
EVENTS
Adjusted EBITDA ($57,674) ($56,551) ($13,551) ($21,573)
Certain litigation and
reorganization costs 0 46,611 0 33,689
Depreciation and
amortization 17,010 9,631 7,238 2,554
Loss (gain) on sale of
operating assets (1,733) 2,161 0 2,283
Non-cash compensation
expense 1,387 0 369 0
Non-cash impairment
charge 3,017 0 0 0
Operating (Loss) (77,355) (114,954) (21,158) (60,099)
VENUES AND SPONSORSHIP
Adjusted EBITDA $155,091 $140,788 $19,854 $11,225
Certain litigation and
reorganization costs 0 7,793 0 7,680
Depreciation and
amortization 106,320 48,602 25,596 14,360
Loss (gain) on sale
of operating assets 1,195 (105) (174) (6)
Non-cash compensation
expense 266 0 75 0
Non-cash impairment
charge 0 0 0 0
Operating Income (Loss) 47,310 84,498 (5,643) (10,809)
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
Adjusted EBITDA $75,483 $66,364 $16,675 $14,098
Certain litigation and
reorganization costs 0 0 0 0
Depreciation and
amortization 875 278 480 52
Loss (gain) on sale
of operating assets 0 0 0 0
Non-cash compensation
expense 22 0 6 0
Non-cash impairment
charge 0 0 0 0
Operating Income 74,586 66,086 16,189 14,046
OTHER
Adjusted EBITDA $12,452 $14,730 $5,487 $6,739
Certain litigation and
reorganization costs 0 3,942 0 (3,923)
Depreciation and
amortization 945 2,115 236 395
Loss (gain) on sale of
operating assets (10,981) 738 127 915
Non-cash compensation
expense 6 0 1 0
Non-cash impairment
charge 0 0 0 0
Operating Income 22,482 7,935 5,123 9,352
CORPORATE AND ELIMINATIONS
Adjusted EBITDA ($32,238) ($27,777) ($10,503) ($7,336)
Certain litigation and
reorganization costs 0 21,654 0 5,454
Depreciation and
amortization 3,017 3,996 730 869
Loss (gain) on sale
of operating assets (121) 2,065 (92) 2,093
Non-cash compensation
expense 1,625 1,256 418 (479)
Non-cash impairment
charge 0 0 0 0
Operating (Loss) (36,759) (56,748) (11,559) (15,273)
TOTAL
Adjusted EBITDA $153,114 $137,554 $17,961 $3,153
Certain litigation and
reorganization costs 0 80,000 0 42,900
Depreciation and
amortization 128,167 64,622 34,280 18,230
Loss (gain) on sale
of operating assets (11,640) 4,859 (139) 5,285
Non-cash compensation
expense 3,306 1,256 868 (479)
Non-cash impairment
charge 3,017 0 0 0
Operating Income (Loss) 30,264 (13,183) (17,048) (62,783)
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THEIR MOST DIRECTLY COMPARABLE
GAAP MEASURES (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED
(all $ in thousands)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Free Cash Flow
Year Ended Quarter Ended
12/31/2006 12/31/2005 12/31/2006 12/31/2005
Adjusted EBITDA $153,114 $137,554 $17,961 $3,153
Less: Interest
expense, net (24,772) (49,990) (8,943) (13,128)
Less: Cash taxes (26,876) (23,680) 2,326 (4,721)
Less: Distributions
to minority interest
partners (1,415) (2,713) (583) (1,046)
Plus: Distributions
from investments
in nonconsolidated
affiliates 18,148 5,456 9,693 952
Less: Contributions
to investments in
nonconsolidated
affiliates (15,975) (11,203) (5,126) (7,188)
Less: Maintenance
capital expenditures (48,120) (56,325) (7,334) (12,275)
Free Cash Flow $54,104 ($901) $7,994 ($34,253)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income (Loss)
Year Ended Quarter Ended
12/31/2006 12/31/2005 12/31/2006 12/31/2005
Free Cash Flow $54,104 ($901) $7,994 ($34,253)
Maintenance capital
expenditures 48,120 56,325 7,334 12,275
Distributions to
minority interest
partners 1,415 2,713 583 1,046
Distributions from
investments in
nonconsolidated
affiliates (18,148) (5,456) (9,693) (952)
Contributions to
investments in
nonconsolidated
affiliates 15,975 11,203 5,126 7,188
Cash taxes 26,876 23,680 (2,326) 4,721
Interest expense, net 24,772 49,990 8,943 13,128
Adjusted EBITDA 153,114 137,554 17,961 3,153
Adjustments for certain
litigations and
reorganization costs 0 80,000 0 42,900
Depreciation and
amortization 128,167 64,622 34,280 18,230
Loss (gain) on sale of
operating assets (11,640) 4,859 (139) 5,285
Non-cash compensation
expense 3,306 1,256 868 (479)
Non-cash impairment
charge 3,017 0 0 0
Operating income $30,264 ($13,183) ($17,048) ($62,783)
Reconciliation of Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA to Revenue and Adjusted
EBITDA including the Acquisition and Divestiture Adjustments
Year Ended Quarter Ended
12/31/2006 12/31/2005 12/31/2006 12/31/2005
Revenue $3,691,559 $2,936,845 $1,051,973 $752,257
Less: 2006
Acquisitions (a) (280,572) 0 (231,681) 0
Plus: 2005
Acquisition (b) 0 21,504 0 0
Less: 2005 and 2006
Divestitures (c) (37,172) (77,823) (3,635) (19,749)
Revenue including
Acquisition and
Divestiture
Adjustments 3,373,815 2,880,526 816,657 732,508
Adjusted EBITDA $153,114 $137,554 $17,961 $3,153
Less: 2006
Acquisitions (a) (21,426) 0 (17,952) 0
Plus: 2005
Acquisition (b) 0 (1,057) 0 0
Less: 2005 and 2006
Divestitures (c) (5,553) (6,197) 38 (2,365)
Adjusted EBITDA
including Acquisition
and Divestiture
Adjustments 126,135 130,300 47 788
(a) 2006 Acquisitions includes our acquisitions of CPI, TRUNK, Musictoday
and House of Blues
(b) 2005 Acquisition is the acquisition of Mean Fiddler
(c) 2005 and 2006 Divestitures assumes the impact of our entire
exhibition and sports representation businesses, of which we sold the
substantial majority of in 2005 and 2006, was completely eliminated
for both 2005 and 2006
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THEIR MOST DIRECTLY COMPARABLE
GAAP MEASURES (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED
(all $ in thousands)
Reconciliation of Free Cash to Cash and Cash Equivalents
12/31/2006 12/31/2005
Cash and cash equivalents $313,880 $403,716
Deferred income (a) (183,471) (203,557)
Accrued artist fees (b) (19,108) (20,081)
Collections on behalf of others (136,643) (71,823)
Prepaids related to artist
settlements / events (c) 61,429 82,334
Free cash balance $36,087 $190,589
(a) Excludes deferred income related to sponsorship, rebates and box and
season ticket sales.
(b) Reflects cash held against accrued artist fees for a show that has
already played (i.e. ticket revenue collected) but the artist has not
been paid.
(c) Reflects only prepaid expenses for shows against which ticket revenue
has already been collected or a show is pending; excludes ordinary
course prepaids.
Definitions and Use of Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the company defines as operating income (loss) before certain unusual and/or non-cash charges, depreciation and amortization, loss (gain) on sale of operating assets and non-cash compensation expense. The company uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of its operating segments. The company believes that information about Adjusted EBITDA assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the company’s portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income, thus providing insights into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results. Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated or presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. A limitation of the use of Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the company’s business. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA 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 U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, this measure may vary among other companies; thus, Adjusted EBITDA as presented above may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Adjustments related to certain litigation and reorganization costs represent actual adjustments made or management’s approximation of adjustments made during the period stated that were related to costs associated with the reorganization and spin-off for the period. This does not necessarily represent the variance of such expense items between the period noted herein and the comparable period before or after the period noted.
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that the company defines as Adjusted EBITDA less maintenance capital expenditures, less net interest expense, less cash taxes, less distributions to minority interest partners plus distributions from investments in nonconsolidated affiliates net of contributions to investments in nonconsolidated affiliates. The company uses free cash flow, among other measures, to evaluate the ability of its operations to generate cash that is available for purposes other than maintenance capital expenditures. The company believes that information about free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to service debt and make acquisitions. Free cash flow is not calculated or presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. A limitation of the use of free cash flow as a performance measure is that it does not necessarily represent funds available for operations and it is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Accordingly, free cash flow should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, operating income (loss) and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, this measure may vary among other companies; thus, free cash flow as presented above may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Free cash is a non-GAAP financial measure that the company defines as cash and cash equivalents less event-related deferred income, less accrued artist fees, less collections on behalf of others plus prepaids related to artist settlements/events. The company uses free cash as a proxy for how much cash it has available to, among other things, optionally repay debt balances make acquisitions and finance new venue expenditures. Free cash is not calculated or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A limitation of the use of free cash as a performance measure is that it does not necessarily represent funds available for operations and it is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Accordingly, free cash should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, cash and cash equivalents and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, this measure may vary among other companies; thus, free cash as presented above may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070220/LATU096LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]
SOURCE: Live Nation
CONTACT: Investors, Lee Ann Gliha, +1-310-867-7000, or Media, John
Vlautin, +1-310-867-7127, both of Live Nation
Web site: http://www.livenation.com/