Live Nation Q2 Revenue Reaches $7 Billion Amid Strong Growth

Live Nation has reported a strong second quarter, with gains across their suite of operations.

An overview (all figures YoY):

• Revenue of $7 billion, up 16%.

• Operating income of $487 million, up 4%.

• Adjusted operating income (AOI) of $798 million, up 11%.

• Record concerts profitability with AOI of $359 million, up 33%.

• Global attendance up 14% to 44 million fans, with stadium attendance tripling.

• Ticketmaster Gross Transaction Value (GTV) increased 7% to $9 billion.

Ticket sales and onsite spending (all figures YoY):

• Over 130 million tickets sold for Live Nation concerts, up 6%, led by the strength of international markets, with double-digit attendance increases across stadiums, arenas, and theaters and clubs.

• Strong ticket sales across every price point.

• Over 40% of global stadium shows sold out 95% of tickets in the first week, up double digits.

• As per Variety, these figures were no doubt helped by Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour and Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s ‘Grand National.’

• Q2 concerts-related deferred revenue $5.1 billion, up 25%.

• Ticketmaster deferred revenue $317 million, up 22%.

Concerts (all figures YoY):

• Revenue of $6 billion, up 19%.

• Q2 AOI of $359 million, up 33%. Margin of 6%, up 60 basis points.

Brand sponsorships (all figures YoY):

• Revenue of $341 million, up 9%.

• AOI of $228 million, up 2%.

Ticketmaster (all figures YoY):

• Revenue of $743 million, up 2%.

• AOI of $290 million, consistent with last year.

• Secondary GTV down mid-single digits “due to increased market-based pricing in concerts and sports along with several lower-performing sporting events.”

What they said:

• Michael Rapino, President and CEO: “Global expansion continues to drive touring growth, with fan attendance hitting new highs and ticket buying strong at every price point from VIP to the back row. To meet this momentum, we’re expanding our global venue portfolio and investing in the artists who make it all possible. We’re continuing to deliver record revenue and concert ticket sales, and with investments focused on high‑growth markets and fan experiences, we’re positioned to grow operating income and adjusted operating income by double-digits this year and for years to come.”