Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

____________________________________

Form 10-Q

____________________________________



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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014,



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

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 001-32601

____________________________________

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

____________________________________



Delaware		20-3247759
(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

9348 Civic Center Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(310) 867-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

____________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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



Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨

Non-accelerated filer	¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

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

On April 30, 2014, there were 200,443,897 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, including 1,863,830 shares of unvested restricted stock awards and excluding 408,024 shares held in treasury.

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LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q



		Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	2
	Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	2
	Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	5
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	6
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	31
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	32
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	32
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	32
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	32
Item 5.	Other Information	32
Item 6.	Exhibits	32

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LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS



AOCI	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
AOI	Adjusted operating income (loss)
Clear Channel	Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
Company	Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries
FASB	Financial Accounting Standards Board
GAAP	United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Live Nation	Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries
SEC	United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Separation	The contribution and transfer by Clear Channel of substantially all of its entertainment assets and liabilities to Live Nation
Ticketmaster	For periods prior to May 6, 2010, Ticketmaster means Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC and its predecessor companies (including without limitation Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc.); for periods on and after May 6, 2010, Ticketmaster means the Ticketmaster ticketing business of the Company

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)



	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,629,142		$	1,299,184
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $19,089 and $19,850, respectively	509,119			439,151
Prepaid expenses	514,111			378,342
Other current assets	59,385			43,427
Total current assets	2,711,757			2,160,104
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings and improvements	806,476			816,931
Computer equipment and capitalized software	432,676			421,846
Furniture and other equipment	203,708			210,866
Construction in progress	54,321			52,883
	1,497,181			1,502,526
Less accumulated depreciation	799,203			795,726
	697,978			706,800
Intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	664,187			676,564
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	376,193			376,736
Goodwill	1,493,536			1,466,983
Other long-term assets	316,524			296,334
Total assets	$	6,260,175		$	5,683,521
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable, client accounts	$	750,852		$	656,253
Accounts payable	107,333			111,320
Accrued expenses	622,021			668,799
Deferred revenue	1,020,775			486,433
Current portion of long-term debt	284,059			278,403
Other current liabilities	51,377			54,310
Total current liabilities	2,836,417			2,255,518
Long-term debt, net	1,523,657			1,530,484
Long-term deferred income taxes	161,437			161,637
Other long-term liabilities	104,227			85,035
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	61,009			61,041
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	1,989			1,978
Additional paid-in capital	2,376,354			2,368,281
Accumulated deficit	(984,244		)	(951,796		)
Cost of shares held in treasury	(6,865		)	(6,865		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7,493			(2,370		)
Total Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,394,727			1,409,228
Noncontrolling interests	178,701			180,578
Total equity	1,573,428			1,589,806
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,260,175		$	5,683,521

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands except share and per share data)
Revenue	$	1,127,316		$	923,698
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses	731,151			576,934
Selling, general and administrative expenses	302,405			279,522
Depreciation and amortization	82,588			82,165
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	506			(3,597		)
Corporate expenses	21,174			20,655
Acquisition transaction expenses	1,800			1,208
Operating loss	(12,308		)	(33,189		)
Interest expense	24,492			28,151
Interest income	(666		)	(1,768		)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	(2,806		)	(2,582		)
Other (income) expense, net	(1,176		)	3,638
Loss before income taxes	(32,152		)	(60,628		)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(2,055		)	3,559
Net loss	(30,097		)	(64,187		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,351			(948		)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.	$	(32,448	)	$	(63,239	)

Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.33	)

Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	197,857,662			188,827,190

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Net loss	$	(30,097	)	$	(64,187	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	(3		)	70
Realized loss on cash flow hedges	17			8
Change in funded status of defined benefit pension plan	30			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments	9,819			(34,257		)
Comprehensive loss	(20,234		)	(98,366		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,351			(948		)
Comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.	$	(22,585	)	$	(97,418	)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$	(30,097	)	$	(64,187	)
Reconciling items:
Depreciation	30,619			30,328
Amortization	51,969			51,837
Deferred income tax benefit	(8,729		)	(3,229		)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount/premium, net	4,737			5,170
Non-cash compensation expense	10,018			6,305
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	506			(3,597		)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	(2,806		)	(2,582		)
Other, net	(2,336		)	691
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Increase in accounts receivable	(77,980		)	(63,146		)
Increase in prepaid expenses	(137,308		)	(180,243		)
Increase in other assets	(47,784		)	(32,474		)
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	43,550			21,773
Increase in deferred revenue	531,338			503,814
Net cash provided by operating activities	365,697			270,460
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates	911			1,767
Investments made in nonconsolidated affiliates	(823		)	(1,963		)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(24,523		)	(25,670		)
Proceeds from disposal of operating assets, net of cash divested	(539		)	8,100
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(11,634		)	(339		)
Purchases of intangible assets	(75		)	(17		)
Other, net	60			(514		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(36,623		)	(18,636		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs	43			89,267
Payments on long-term debt	(6,547		)	(96,674		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	81			267
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(4,195		)	(1,221		)
Purchases and sales of noncontrolling interests, net	(102		)	—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	7,919			22,332
Payments for deferred and contingent consideration	(1,951		)	(750		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(4,752		)	13,221
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	5,636			(19,685		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	329,958			245,360
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,299,184			1,001,055
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,629,142		$	1,246,415

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, they include all normal and recurring accruals and adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods shown.

The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2014.

Seasonality

Due to the seasonal nature of shows at outdoor amphitheaters and festivals, which primarily occur May through September, the Company experiences higher revenue for the Concerts and Sponsorship & Advertising segments during the second and third quarters. The Artist Nation segment’s revenue is impacted, to a large degree, by the touring schedules of artists it represents and generally, the Company experiences higher revenue in this segment during the second and third quarters as the period from May through September tends to be a popular time for touring events. The Ticketing segment’s sales are impacted by fluctuations in the availability of events for sale to the public, which vary depending upon scheduling by its clients. The Company’s 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. Therefore, the results to date are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Included in the March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 cash and cash equivalents balance is $568.8 million and $538.4 million, respectively, of cash received that includes the face value of tickets sold on behalf of ticketing clients and the clients’ share of convenience and order processing charges.

Acquisitions

During the first three months of 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of an artist management business located in California and certain other smaller acquisitions. These acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting and were not significant either on an individual basis or in the aggregate.

Debt

Holders of the Company’s $220 million, 2.875% convertible senior notes may require the Company to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes on July 15, 2014, July 15, 2017 and July 15, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, subject to specified additional conditions. On or after July 20, 2014, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has $215.9 million and $212.4 million, respectively, net of unamortized discount, included in current portion of long-term debt related to such notes.

Recently Issued Pronouncements

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance that raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance is effective for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within that year. This guidance is applied prospectively and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2015 and will apply it prospectively to disposals occurring on or after January 1, 2015.

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NOTE 2—LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Property, Plant and Equipment

In the fourth quarter of 2012, an amphitheater in New York that is operated by the Company sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Sandy. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company received a partial insurance recovery and recorded a gain of $3.1 million as a component of loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets in the Concerts segment representing the proceeds received in excess of the carrying value of this amphitheater asset.

Definite-lived Intangible Assets

The Company has definite-lived intangible assets which are amortized over the shorter of either the lives of the respective agreements or the period of time the assets are expected to contribute to the Company’s future cash flows. The amortization is recognized on either a straight-line or expected cash flows basis.

The following table presents the changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



	Revenue- generating contracts			Client / vendor relationships			Non-compete agreements			Venue management and leaseholds			Technology			Trademarks and naming rights			Other			Total
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013:
Gross carrying amount	$	585,094		$	277,937		$	137,199		$	85,642		$	100,664		$	28,524		$	2,375		$	1,217,435
Accumulated amortization	(231,053		)	(81,809		)	(101,128		)	(43,687		)	(73,110		)	(9,092		)	(992		)	(540,871		)
Net	354,041			196,128			36,071			41,955			27,554			19,432			1,383			676,564
Gross carrying amount:
Acquisitions— current year	—			15,000			—			—			1,231			—			—			16,231
Acquisitions— prior year	—			2,598			—			—			—			—			—			2,598
Foreign exchange	1,576			1,890			—			(137		)	(10		)	50			—			3,369
Other ⁽¹⁾	—			(800		)	(12,300		)	—			—			—			571			(12,529		)
Net change	1,576			18,688			(12,300		)	(137		)	1,221			50			571			9,669
Accumulated amortization:
Amortization	(12,939		)	(9,762		)	(3,724		)	(1,704		)	(5,456		)	(894		)	(89		)	(34,568		)
Foreign exchange	(520		)	(470		)	—			163			5			(6		)	—			(828		)
Other ⁽¹⁾	—			800			12,550			—			—			—			—			13,350
Net change	(13,459		)	(9,432		)	8,826			(1,541		)	(5,451		)	(900		)	(89		)	(22,046		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014:
Gross carrying amount	586,670			296,625			124,899			85,505			101,885			28,574			2,946			1,227,104
Accumulated amortization	(244,512		)	(91,241		)	(92,302		)	(45,228		)	(78,561		)	(9,992		)	(1,081		)	(562,917		)
Net	$	342,158		$	205,384		$	32,597		$	40,277		$	23,324		$	18,582		$	1,865		$	664,187

_________


⁽¹⁾	Other includes netdowns of fully amortized assets and reclassification of certain assets from indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Included in the current year acquisitions amount above of $16.2 million are client/vendor relationships primarily associated with the March 2014 acquisition of an artist management business located in California.

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The 2014 additions to definite-lived intangible assets from acquisitions have weighted-average lives as follows:



	Weighted- Average Life (years)

Client/vendor relationships	8
Technology	3
All categories	8

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $34.6 million and $38.2 million, respectively. In addition, amortization related to nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $17.4 million and $13.6 million, respectively.

As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future and the valuations of intangible assets for recent acquisitions are completed, amortization may vary. Therefore, the expense to date is not necessarily indicative of the expense expected for the full year.

Goodwill

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



	Concerts			Ticketing			Artist Nation		Sponsorship & Advertising		Total
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013:
Goodwill ⁽¹⁾	$	505,472		$	642,249		$	278,923	$	310,241	$	1,736,885
Accumulated impairment losses ⁽¹⁾	(269,902		)	—			—		—		(269,902		)
Net	235,570			642,249			278,923		310,241		1,466,983

Acquisitions—current year	1,129			—			18,658		—		19,787
Acquisitions—prior year	2			—			1,062		399		1,463
Foreign exchange	3,682			(75		)	80		1,616		5,303

Balance as of March 31, 2014:
Goodwill	510,285			642,174			298,723		312,256		1,763,438
Accumulated impairment losses	(269,902		)	—			—		—		(269,902		)
Net	$	240,383		$	642,174		$	298,723	$	312,256	$	1,493,536

_________


⁽¹⁾	The previously reported total balance has been reduced by $13.0 million due to the net down of fully impaired goodwill related to the Company’s non-core events business which was sold in 2008.

Included in the current year acquisitions amount above of $19.8 million is goodwill primarily associated with the March 2014 acquisition of an artist management business located in California.

The Company is in the process of finalizing its acquisition accounting for recent acquisitions which could result in a change to the associated purchase price allocations, including goodwill and its allocation between segments.

Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates

The Company has investments in various affiliates which are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company records its investments in these entities in the balance sheet as investments in nonconsolidated affiliates reported as part of other long-term assets. The Company’s interest in these operations are recorded in the statement of operations as equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates. The Company’s investment in Venta de Boletos por Computadora S.A. de C.V. (“VBC”), a 33% owned ticketing distribution services company in Mexico, was considered significant on an individual basis at December 31, 2013.

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Summarized income statement information for VBC is as follows (at 100%):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	10,368	$	10,469
Operating income	$	4,978	$	4,943
Net income	$	3,777	$	3,972
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of the equity investee	$	3,736	$	4,001

NOTE 3—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company’s outstanding debt held by third-party financial institutions is carried at cost, adjusted for premium or discounts. The Company’s debt is not publicly traded and the carrying amounts typically approximate fair value for the Company’s debt that accrues interest at a variable rate. The estimated fair values of the 7% senior notes and the 2.875% convertible senior notes were $466.4 million and $224.1 million, respectively, at March 31, 2014. The estimated fair values of the 7% senior notes and the 2.875% convertible senior notes were $461.9 million and $223.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The estimated fair value of the Company’s third-party fixed-rate debt is based on quoted market prices in active markets for the same or similar debt, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs as defined in the FASB guidance. The Company has fixed rate debt held by noncontrolling interest partners with a face value of $34.9 million and $34.6 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company is unable to determine the fair value of this debt.

NOTE 4—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Ticketing Fees Consumer Class Action Litigation

In October 2003, a putative representative action was filed in the Superior Court of California challenging Ticketmaster’s charges to online customers for shipping fees and alleging that its failure to disclose on its website that the charges contain a profit component is unlawful. The complaint asserted a claim for violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”) and sought restitution or disgorgement of the difference between (i) the total shipping fees charged by Ticketmaster in connection with online ticket sales during the applicable period, and (ii) the amount that Ticketmaster actually paid to the shipper for delivery of those tickets. In August 2005, the plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint, then pleading the case as a putative class action and adding the claim that Ticketmaster’s website disclosures in respect of its ticket order processing fees constitute false advertising in violation of California’s False Advertising Law. On this new claim, the amended complaint seeks restitution or disgorgement of the entire amount of order processing fees charged by Ticketmaster during the applicable period. In April 2009, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file a second amended complaint adding new claims that (a) Ticketmaster’s order processing fees are unconscionable under the UCL, and (b) Ticketmaster’s alleged business practices further violate the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act. Plaintiffs later filed a third amended complaint, to which Ticketmaster filed a demurrer in July 2009. The Court overruled Ticketmaster’s demurrer in October 2009.

The plaintiffs filed a class certification motion in August 2009, which Ticketmaster opposed. In February 2010, the Court granted certification of a class on the first and second causes of action, which allege that Ticketmaster misrepresents/omits the fact of a profit component in Ticketmaster’s shipping and order processing fees. The class would consist of California consumers who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster’s website from 1999 to present. The Court denied certification of a class on the third and fourth causes of action, which allege that Ticketmaster’s shipping and order processing fees are unconscionably high. In March 2010, Ticketmaster filed a Petition for Writ of Mandate with the California Court of Appeal, and plaintiffs also filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the Superior Court’s class certification order. In April 2010, the Superior Court denied plaintiffs’ Motion for Reconsideration of the Court’s class certification order, and the Court of Appeal denied Ticketmaster’s Petition for Writ of Mandate. In June 2010, the Court of Appeal granted the plaintiffs’ Petition for Writ of Mandate and ordered the Superior Court to vacate its February 2010 order denying plaintiffs’ motion to certify a national class and enter a new order granting plaintiffs’ motion to certify a nationwide class on the first and second claims. In September 2010, Ticketmaster filed its Motion for Summary Judgment on all causes of action in the Superior Court, and that same month plaintiffs filed their Motion for Summary Adjudication of various affirmative defenses asserted by Ticketmaster. In November 2010, Ticketmaster filed its Motion to Decertify Class.

In December 2010, the parties entered into a binding agreement providing for the settlement of the litigation and the resolution of all claims therein. In September 2011, the Court declined to approve the settlement in its then-current form.

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Litigation continued, and in September 2011, the Court granted in part and denied in part Ticketmaster’s Motion for Summary Judgment. The parties reached a new settlement in September 2011, which was approved preliminarily, but in September 2012 the Court declined to grant final approval. In June 2013, the parties reached a revised settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the Court in April 2014. Ticketmaster and its parent, Live Nation, have not acknowledged any violations of law or liability in connection with the matter.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company has accrued $35.4 million, its best estimate of the probable costs associated with the settlement referred to above. This liability includes an estimated redemption rate. Any difference between the Company’s estimated redemption rate and the actual redemption rate it experiences will impact the final settlement amount; however, the Company does not expect this difference to be material.

Other Litigation

From time to time, the Company is involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business, including proceedings and claims based upon violations of antitrust laws and intellectual property rights, and tortious interference, which could cause the Company to incur significant expenses. The Company has also been the subject of personal injury and wrongful death claims relating to accidents at its venues in connection with its operations. As required, the Company has accrued its estimate of the probable settlement or other losses for the resolution of any outstanding claims. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, including, in some cases, estimated redemption rates for the settlement offered, 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 the Company’s assumptions or the effectiveness of its strategies related to these proceedings.

NOTE 5—CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company conducts certain transactions in the ordinary course of business with companies that are owned, in part or in total, by various members of management of the Company’s subsidiaries or companies over which it has significant influence. These transactions primarily relate to venue rentals, concession services, equipment rentals, ticketing, marketing and other services. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has a receivable balance of $8.5 million and $13.5 million, respectively, from certain of these companies.

The following table sets forth expenses incurred and revenue earned from these companies for services rendered or provided in relation to these business ventures. None of these transactions were with directors or executive officers of the Company.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Other related-parties revenue	$	1,247	$	1,327
Other related-parties expenses	$	4,509	$	5,150

NOTE 6—INCOME TAXES

The Company calculates interim effective tax rates in accordance with the FASB guidance for income taxes and applies the estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date pretax income (loss) at the end of each interim period to compute a year-to-date tax expense (or benefit). This guidance requires departure from effective tax rate computations when losses incurred within tax jurisdictions cannot be carried back and future profits associated with operations in those tax jurisdictions cannot be assured beyond any reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the Company has calculated and applied an expected annual effective tax rate of approximately 20% for 2014 (as compared to 18% in the prior year), excluding significant, unusual or extraordinary items, for ordinary income associated with operations for which the Company currently expects to have annual taxable income, which are principally outside of the United States. The Company has not recorded tax benefits associated with losses from operations for which future taxable income cannot be reasonably assured. As required by this guidance, the Company also includes tax effects of significant, unusual or extraordinary items in income tax expense (benefit) in the interim period in which they occur.

Net income tax benefit is $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The components of tax expense (benefit) that contributed to this net income tax benefit primarily consist of discrete deferred tax benefits of $6.5 million attributable to the release of valuation allowances primarily due to deferred tax liabilities associated with the March 2014 acquisition of an artist management business located in California. This benefit was partially offset by income tax expense of $3.3 million based on the expected annual rate pertaining to taxable ordinary income for the three-month period.

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Historically, the Company has reinvested all foreign earnings in its continuing foreign operations. The Company currently believes all undistributed foreign earnings that are not currently subject to United States federal income tax will be indefinitely reinvested in its foreign operations.

The tax years 2005 through 2013 remain open to examination by the major tax jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

NOTE 7—EQUITY

The following table shows the reconciliation of the carrying amount of stockholders’ equity attributable to Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, total equity and also redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



	Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	(in thousands)									(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,409,228		$	180,578		$	1,589,806		$	61,041
Non-cash and stock-based compensation	9,727			291			10,018			—
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(7,658		)	—			(7,658		)	—
Exercise of stock options	7,919			—			7,919			—
Acquisitions	—			2,155			2,155			—
Purchases of noncontrolling interests	140			53			193			—
Sales of noncontrolling interests	—			(158		)	(158		)	—
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments	(2,044		)	—			(2,044		)	2,044
Noncontrolling interests contributions	—			231			231			—
Cash distributions	—			(4,195		)	(4,195		)	—
Other	—			(4,681		)	(4,681		)	—
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	(32,448		)	4,427			(28,021		)	(2,076		)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	(3		)	—			(3		)	—
Realized loss on cash flow hedges	17			—			17			—
Change in funded status of defined benefit pension plan	30			—			30			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments	9,819			—			9,819			—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	1,394,727		$	178,701		$	1,573,428		$	61,009

Common Stock

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company issued 1.2 million shares of common stock in connection with stock option exercises and vestings of restricted stock awards, net of shares withheld for taxes.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

The Company is subject to put arrangements arising from business combinations where the holders of the noncontrolling interests can require the Company to repurchase their shares at specified dates in the future or within specified periods in the future. Certain of these puts can be exercised earlier upon the occurrence of triggering events as specified in the agreements. The exercise dates for these puts range from June 2014 to December 2018. The redemption amounts for these puts are either at a fixed amount, at fair value at the time of exercise or a variable amount based on a formula linked to earnings. In accordance with the FASB guidance for business combinations, the redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded at their fair value at acquisition date. As these put arrangements are not currently redeemable, the Company accretes up to the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date of the individual puts, with the offset recorded to additional paid-in capital. Decreases in accretion are only recognized to the extent that increases had been previously recognized. The estimated redemption values that are based on a formula linked to future earnings are computed using

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projected cash flows each reporting period which take into account the current expectations regarding profitability and the timing of revenue-generating events.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents changes in the components of AOCI, net of taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



	Gains and Losses On Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Foreign Currency Items			Total
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(79	)	$	(611	)	$	(1,680	)	$	(2,370	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3		)	30			9,819			9,846
Amount reclassified from AOCI	17			—			—			17
Net other comprehensive income	14			30			9,819			9,863
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(65	)	$	(581	)	$	8,139		$	7,493

The realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI consists of one interest rate swap agreement.

Earnings per Share

The calculation of diluted net income per common share includes the effects of the assumed exercise of any outstanding stock options and warrants, the assumed vesting of shares of restricted stock awards and units and the assumed conversion of the 2.875% convertible senior notes where dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 there were no reconciling items to net loss attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. or weighted average common shares outstanding in the calculation of diluted net income per common share. The following table shows securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share because such securities are anti-dilutive:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014	2013
	(in thousands)
Options to purchase shares of common stock	18,060	22,078
Restricted stock awards and units—unvested	1,868	2,685
Warrants	—	500
Conversion shares related to 2.875% convertible senior notes	8,105	8,105
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	28,033	33,368

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NOTE 8—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense recorded by the Company during the respective periods:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	4,920	$	2,650
Corporate expenses	5,098		3,655
Total	$	10,018	$	6,305

The increase in stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013 is due primarily to 2.1 million options and 0.7 million shares of restricted stock awards granted to management during the first quarter of 2014, which will generally vest over two to four years.

As of March 31, 2014, there was $61.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation arrangements for stock options and restricted stock awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years.

NOTE 9—SEGMENT DATA

The Company’s reportable segments are Concerts, Ticketing, Artist Nation and Sponsorship & Advertising. The Concerts segment involves the promotion of live music events globally in the Company’s owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the production of music festivals and the operation and management of music venues. The Ticketing segment involves the management of the Company’s global ticketing operations including providing ticketing software and services to clients and online access for customers relating to ticket and event information and is responsible for the Company’s primary websites, www.livenation.com and www.ticketmaster.com. The Artist Nation segment provides management services to artists and other services including merchandise sales. The Sponsorship & Advertising segment manages the development of strategic sponsorship programs in addition to the sale of international, national and local sponsorships and placement of advertising including signage, promotional programs and banner ads in the Company’s owned or operated venues and on its primary websites.

Revenue and expenses earned and charged between segments are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate expenses and all line items below operating income are managed on a total company basis. The Company’s capital expenditures include accruals but exclude expenditures funded by outside parties such as landlords or replacements funded by insurance companies.

The Company manages its working capital on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, segment assets are not reported to, or used by, the Company’s management to allocate resources to or assess performance of the segments, and therefore, total segment assets have not been presented.

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The following table presents the results of operations for the Company’s reportable segments for the three months ending March 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Concerts			Ticketing			Artist Nation			Sponsorship & Advertising			Other			Corporate			Eliminations			Consolidated
										(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Revenue	$	662,490		$	354,461		$	72,556		$	45,388		$	746		$	—		$	(8,325	)	$	1,127,316
Direct operating expenses	517,155			172,591			42,076			8,064			(909		)	—			(7,826		)	731,151
Selling, general and administrative expenses	149,916			114,020			25,793			11,921			755			—			—			302,405
Depreciation and amortization	28,520			45,983			7,771			204			10			599			(499		)	82,588
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	510			(74		)	33			—			—			37			—			506
Corporate expenses	—			—			—			—			—			21,174			—			21,174
Acquisition transaction expenses	327			5			453			—			—			1,015			—			1,800
Operating (loss) income	$	(33,938	)	$	21,936		$	(3,570	)	$	25,199		$	890		$	(22,825	)	$	—		$	(12,308	)
Intersegment revenue	$	7,430		$	273		$	622		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(8,325	)	$	—
Capital expenditures	$	5,626		$	13,878		$	601		$	(46	)	$	—		$	537		$	—		$	20,596
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Revenue	$	513,535		$	325,135		$	50,271		$	40,147		$	793		$	—		$	(6,183	)	$	923,698
Direct operating expenses	390,252			155,062			31,412			6,864			(965		)	—			(5,691		)	576,934
Selling, general and administrative expenses	137,318			111,940			20,038			9,688			538			—			—			279,522
Depreciation and amortization	28,702			42,813			10,034			142			174			792			(492		)	82,165
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	(3,130		)	(62		)	(412		)	—			7			—			—			(3,597		)
Corporate expenses	—			—			—			—			—			20,655			—			20,655
Acquisition transaction expenses	234			24			128			—			—			822			—			1,208
Operating (loss) income	$	(39,841	)	$	15,358		$	(10,929	)	$	23,453		$	1,039		$	(22,269	)	$	—		$	(33,189	)
Intersegment revenue	$	5,713		$	267		$	203		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(6,183	)	$	—
Capital expenditures	$	2,441		$	18,863		$	118		$	303		$	—		$	(177	)	$	—		$	21,548

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

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

Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements

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

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth below under Part II Item 1A.—Risk Factors, in Part I Item IA.—Risk Factors of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other factors described herein or in our annual, quarterly and other reports we file with the SEC (collectively, “cautionary statements”). Based upon changing conditions, should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the applicable cautionary statements. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Executive Overview

In the first quarter of 2014, our overall revenue increased 22% compared to last year driven by an increase in the number of fans attending our concert events as well as growth in ticket sales in our Ticketing segment. We believe by leveraging our leadership position in the entertainment industry to reach fans through the live concert experience, we will sell more tickets which will then grow our sponsorship and advertising revenue. As the leading global live event and ticketing company, we believe that we are well-positioned to provide the best service to artists, teams, fans and venues and therefore drive growth across all our businesses.

Our Concerts segment delivered a 29% increase in revenue compared to last year largely through an increase in the number of arena shows and higher average attendance and more global touring activity. The number of fans was up 11% globally, driven by this increased arena activity. Our overall Concerts operating results increased for the quarter due to improved profitability from the arena activity in Europe, ticket pricing initiatives in North America and the increased global touring activity. We will continue to look for expansion opportunities, both domestically and internationally, as well as ways to market our events more effectively in order to continue to expand our fan base and geographic reach and to sell more tickets.

Our Ticketing segment revenue for the quarter increased 9% compared to last year largely due to higher ticket sales for concert events in North America and Europe. Overall, the total number of tickets sold during the quarter increased 2.5%. For the quarter, 16% of our total tickets were sold via mobile and tablet devices as we continue to implement new features that are driving further expansion of mobile ticket transactions. Ticketing operating results for the quarter were driven by strong domestic ticket sales as well as increased activity in our resale business. We continue to invest in a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the ticket buying process and the overall fan and venue client experience.

Our Artist Nation segment revenue increased 44% for the quarter as compared to last year primarily due to higher management income and merchandise sales. Operating results for Artist Nation improved in the quarter largely as a result of the higher management commissions. Our Artist Nation segment is focused on serving its existing artists as well as developing new relationships with top artists and extending the various services it provides.

Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment revenue increased 13% over the prior year driven by higher sponsorship revenue generated from new clients and growth in online advertising. Overall operating income improved for the quarter driven by the higher sales. Our extensive on-site and online reach, global venue distribution network, artist relationships and ticketing

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operations are the key to securing long-term sponsorship agreements with major brands and we plan to expand these assets while extending further into new markets internationally.

We continue to be optimistic about the long-term potential of our company and are focused on the key elements of our business model - expand our concert platform, drive conversion of ticket sales through social and mobile channels, grow our sponsorship and online revenue, sell more tickets for our Ticketmaster clients, deliver fans a fully integrated offering of primary and secondary tickets together, drive cost efficiencies and continue to align our artist management group with our other core businesses.

Our History

We were incorporated in Delaware on August 2, 2005 in preparation for the contribution and transfer by Clear Channel of substantially all of its entertainment assets and liabilities to us. We completed the 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. Effective on the date of the merger, Ticketmaster became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Live Nation and Live Nation, Inc. changed its name to Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

Segment Overview

Our reportable segments are Concerts, Ticketing, Artist Nation and Sponsorship & Advertising.

Concerts

Our Concerts segment principally involves the global promotion of live music events in our owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the operation and management of music venues and the production of music festivals across the world. While our Concerts segment operates year-round, we generally experience higher revenue during the second and third quarters due to the seasonal nature of shows at our outdoor amphitheaters and festivals, which primarily occur May through September. Revenue and related costs for events are generally deferred and recognized when the event occurs. All advertising costs for shows are expensed at the end of the year for any future events.

To judge the health of our Concerts segment, we primarily monitor the number of confirmed events in our network of owned or operated and third-party venues, talent fees, average paid attendance and advance ticket sales. In addition, at our owned or operated venues, we monitor attendance, 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 on a constant currency basis.

Ticketing

Our Ticketing segment is primarily an agency business that sells tickets for events on behalf of its clients and retains a fixed fee or a percentage of the total convenience charge and order processing fee for its services. We sell tickets through websites, telephone, mobile apps and ticket outlets. Our ticketing sales are impacted by fluctuations in the availability of events for sale to the public, which may vary depending upon scheduling by our clients. Our Ticketing segment also manages our online activities including enhancements to our websites and bundled product offerings. Through our websites, we sell tickets to our own events as well as tickets for our ticketing clients and provide event information. Revenue related to ticketing service charges for our events where we control ticketing is deferred and recognized as the event occurs.

To judge the health of our Ticketing segment, we primarily review the gross transaction value and the number of tickets sold through our ticketing operations, average convenience charges and order processing fees, 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, the overall number of customers in our database, the number of tickets sold via mobile apps and the revenue related to the sale of other products on our websites. For business that is conducted in foreign markets, we also compare the operating results from our foreign operations to prior periods on a constant currency basis.

Artist Nation

Our Artist Nation segment primarily provides management services to music artists in exchange for a commission on the earnings of these artists. Our Artist Nation segment also sells merchandise associated with music artists at live performances, to retailers and directly to consumers via the internet. Revenue earned from our Artist Nation segment is impacted to a large degree by the touring schedules of the artists we represent and generally we experience higher revenue during the second and third quarters as the period from May through September tends to be a popular time for touring events.

To judge the health of our Artist Nation segment, we primarily review the annual commissions earned for each artist represented and the percentage of top artists on tour or with planned album releases as these activities tend to drive higher revenue. For business that is conducted in foreign markets, we also compare the operating results from our foreign operations to prior periods on a constant currency basis.

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Sponsorship & Advertising

Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment employs a sales force that creates and maintains relationships with sponsors, through a combination of strategic, international, national and local opportunities that allow businesses to reach customers through our concert, venue, artist relationship and ticketing assets, including advertising on our websites. We work with our corporate clients to help create marketing programs that drive their business goals and connects their brands directly with fans and artists. We also develop, book and produce custom events or programs for our client’s specific brands which are typically experienced exclusively by the client’s consumers. These custom events can involve live music events with talent and media, using both online and traditional outlets. We typically experience higher revenue in the second and third quarters as a large portion of sponsorships are typically associated with our outdoor venues and festivals which are primarily used in or occur during May through September.

To judge the health of our Sponsorship & Advertising segment, we primarily review the average revenue per sponsor, the total revenue generated through sponsorship arrangements, the percentage of expected revenue under contract and the online revenue received from sponsors advertising on our websites. For business that is conducted in foreign markets, we also compare the operating results from our foreign operations to prior periods on a constant currency basis.

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Consolidated Results of Operations



	Three Months Ended March 31,						% Change
	2014			2013			% Change
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	1,127,316		$	923,698		22%
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses	731,151			576,934			27%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	302,405			279,522			8%
Depreciation and amortization	82,588			82,165			1%
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	506			(3,597		)	*
Corporate expenses	21,174			20,655			3%
Acquisition transaction expenses	1,800			1,208			*
Operating loss	(12,308		)	(33,189		)	63%
Operating margin	(1.1		)%	(3.6		)%
Interest expense	24,492			28,151
Interest income	(666		)	(1,768		)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	(2,806		)	(2,582		)
Other (income) expense, net	(1,176		)	3,638
Loss before income taxes	(32,152		)	(60,628		)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(2,055		)	3,559
Net loss	(30,097		)	(64,187		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,351			(948		)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.	$	(32,448	)	$	(63,239	)

_________



*	Percentages are not meaningful.

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Key Operating Metrics



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Concerts ⁽¹⁾
Total estimated events:
North America	3,243		3,280
International	1,559		1,622
Total estimated events	4,802		4,902
Total estimated fans (rounded):
North America	5,731,000		5,060,000
International	3,297,000		3,050,000
Total estimated fans	9,028,000		8,110,000
Ticketing⁽²⁾
Number of tickets sold (in thousands):
Concerts	17,487		16,672
Sports	8,033		8,521
Arts and theater	4,489		4,264
Family	4,806		4,570
Other ⁽³⁾	1,837		1,721
	36,652		35,748
Gross transaction value of tickets sold (in thousands)	$	2,357,204	$	2,170,035
Number of customers in database(rounded)	132,289,000		122,007,000
Sponsorship & Advertising
Sponsorship revenue (in thousands)	$	32,063	$	28,253
Online advertising revenue (in thousands)	$	13,325	$	11,894

_________


⁽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 number of fans is based on the days the fan was present at the festival and thus can be reported across multiple quarters. Events and fan attendance metrics are estimated each quarter.

⁽²⁾

The number and gross transaction value of tickets sold includes primary tickets only. These metrics include tickets sold during the period regardless of event timing except for our promoted events in our owned or operated venues and in certain European territories where these tickets are reported as the events occur. The total number of tickets sold reported above for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 excludes approximately 74 million and 73 million tickets sold, respectively, using our Ticketmaster systems, through season seat packages and our venue clients’ box offices, for which we do not receive a fee.


⁽³⁾	Other category includes tickets for comedy shows, facility tours, donations, lectures, seminars and cinemas.

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Revenue

Our revenue increased $203.6 million, or 22%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The overall increase in revenue was primarily due to an increase in our Concerts segment of $149.0 million. Excluding the decrease of approximately $4.0 million related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue increased $207.6 million, or 22%. The impact of foreign exchange rates was not significant to the segments.

More detailed explanations of these changes are included in the applicable segment discussions below.

Direct operating expenses

Our direct operating expenses increased $154.2 million, or 27%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The overall increase in direct operating expenses was primarily due to an increase in our Concerts segment of $126.9 million. Excluding the decrease of approximately $4.0 million related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, direct operating expenses increased $158.2 million, or 27%. The impact of foreign exchange rates was not significant to the segments.

Direct operating expenses include artist fees, event production costs, ticketing client royalties, show-related marketing and advertising expenses, along with other costs.

More detailed explanations of these changes are included in the applicable segment discussions below.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased $22.9 million, or 8%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The overall increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increases in our Concerts and Artist Nation segments of $12.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively. Excluding the increase of approximately $1.5 million related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, direct operating expenses increased $21.4 million, or 8%. The impact of foreign exchange rates was not significant to the segments.

More detailed explanations of these changes are included in the applicable segment discussions below.

Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets

Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $3.6 million consisting primarily of a $3.1 million gain recognized in our Concerts segment in connection with a partial insurance recovery for storm damage sustained to an amphitheater located in New York.

Interest expense

Interest expense decreased $3.7 million, or 13%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the interest cost reduction realized from the August 2013 redemption of the 8.125% senior notes and a lower average interest rate on certain floating rate debt partially offset by the interest costs from the additional 7% senior notes issued in August 2013.

Our debt balances and weighted-average cost of debt, excluding unamortized debt discounts of $19.8 million and including debt premium of $8.3 million, were $1.83 billion and 4.3%, respectively, at March 31, 2014.

Other (income) expense, net

Other (income) expense, net was income of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and includes $4.8 million of income from the dissolution of an artist management business partially offset by $2.8 million in foreign exchange rate net losses. Other (income) expense, net was an expense of $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and includes foreign exchange rate net losses of $3.5 million.

Income taxes

Net income tax (benefit) expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was a benefit of $2.1 million and an expense of $3.6 million, respectively. The decrease in income taxes is driven by deferred tax benefits of $6.5 million attributable to the release of valuation allowances primarily due to deferred tax liabilities associated with the March 2014 acquisition of an artist management business located in California.

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Concerts Results of Operations

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,						% Change
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	662,490		$	513,535		29%
Direct operating expenses	517,155			390,252			33%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	149,916			137,318			9%
Depreciation and amortization	28,520			28,702			(1)%
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	510			(3,130		)	*
Acquisition transaction expenses	327			234			*
Operating loss	$	(33,938	)	$	(39,841	)	15%
Operating margin	(5.1		)%	(7.8		)%
Adjusted operating loss **	$	(2,637	)	$	(13,142	)	80%

_______



*	Percentages are not meaningful.
**	AOI is defined and reconciled to operating income (loss) below.

Three Months

Concerts revenue increased $149.0 million, or 29%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to more shows and higher average attendance in our arenas globally and increased global touring activity.

Concerts direct operating expenses increased $126.9 million, or 33%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher expenses associated with the increased arena and global touring activity discussed above.

Concerts selling, general and administrative expenses increased $12.6 million, or 9%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher compensation costs resulting from increased headcount and annual salary increases along with incremental expenses of $5.0 million from the acquisition of various festival and concert promotion businesses.

Concerts gain on disposal of operating assets of $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was primarily due to a partial insurance recovery received in 2013 for storm damage sustained to an amphitheater in New York during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

The decreased operating loss for Concerts for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily driven by higher average attendance at our international arenas and increased global touring activity partially offset by higher compensation costs.

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Ticketing Results of Operations

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,						% Change
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	354,461		$	325,135		9%
Direct operating expenses	172,591			155,062			11%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	114,020			111,940			2%
Depreciation and amortization	45,983			42,813			7%
Gain on disposal of operating assets	(74		)	(62		)	*
Acquisition transaction expenses	5			24			*
Operating income	$	21,936		$	15,358		43%
Operating margin	6.2		%	4.7		%
Adjusted operating income **	$	70,017		$	59,589		17%

_______



*	Percentages are not meaningful.
**	AOI is defined and reconciled to operating income (loss) below.

Three Months

Ticketing revenue increased $29.3 million, or 9%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher primary ticket sales globally for concert events.

Ticketing direct operating expenses increased $17.5 million, or 11%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the direct costs related to the higher ticket volumes discussed above.

Ticketing depreciation and amortization increased $3.2 million, or 7%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher amortization of non-recoupable contract advances.

The increase in Ticketing operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is primarily due to higher primary ticket volume partially offset by increased amortization and compensation costs.

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Artist Nation Results of Operations

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,						% Change
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	72,556		$	50,271		44%
Direct operating expenses	42,076			31,412			34%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	25,793			20,038			29%
Depreciation and amortization	7,771			10,034			(23)%
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	33			(412		)	*
Acquisition transaction expenses	453			128			*
Operating loss	$	(3,570	)	$	(10,929	)	67%
Operating margin	(4.9		)%	(21.7		)%
Adjusted operating income (loss) **	$	5,144		$	(1,043	)	*

_______



*	Percentages are not meaningful.
**	AOI is defined and reconciled to operating income (loss) below.

Three Months

Artist Nation revenue increased $22.3 million, or 44%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher tour merchandise sales and increased management revenue driven by the timing of certain artist commissions.

Artist Nation direct operating expenses increased $10.7 million, or 34%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher costs supporting the increase in tour merchandise sales discussed above.

Artist Nation selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5.8 million, or 29%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher compensation expenses in the management business.

Artist Nation depreciation and amortization decreased $2.3 million, or 23%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to reduced amortization of certain intangible assets in the management business.

The decreased operating loss for Artist Nation for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily driven by higher commissions in the management business.

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Sponsorship & Advertising Results of Operations

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,						% Change
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	45,388		$	40,147		13%
Direct operating expenses	8,064			6,864			17%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11,921			9,688			23%
Depreciation and amortization	204			142			44%
Operating income	$	25,199		$	23,453		7%
Operating margin	55.5		%	58.4		%
Adjusted operating income **	$	25,755		$	23,760		8%

_______



*	Percentages are not meaningful.
**	AOI is defined and reconciled to operating income (loss) below.

Three Months

Sponsorship & Advertising revenue increased $5.2 million, or 13%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to new, and expansion of existing, sponsorship agreements and growth in online advertising.

Sponsorship & Advertising direct operating expenses increased $1.2 million, or 17%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year driven by direct costs related to the increased revenue discussed above.

Sponsorship & Advertising selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.2 million, or 23%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily related to higher compensation costs due to annual salary increases and headcount to drive additional sponsorship sales.

The increased operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to higher sponsorship activity partially offset by increased compensation costs.

Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)

AOI is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as operating income (loss) before acquisition expenses (including transaction costs, changes in the fair value of accrued acquisition-related contingent consideration arrangements and acquisition-related severance), depreciation and amortization (including goodwill impairment), loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets and non-cash and certain stock-based compensation expense. 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, 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.

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The following table sets forth the reconciliation of adjusted operating income (loss) to operating income (loss):



	Adjusted operating income (loss)			Non-cash and stock- based compensation expense		Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets			Depreciation and amortization			Acquisition expenses		Operating income (loss)
						(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Concerts	$	(2,637	)	$	1,944	$	510		$	28,520		$	327	$	(33,938	)
Ticketing	70,017			2,167		(74		)	45,983			5		21,936
Artist Nation	5,144			457		33			7,771			453		(3,570		)
Sponsorship & Advertising	25,755			352		—			204			—		25,199
Other and Eliminations	401			—		—			(489		)	—		890
Corporate	(16,076		)	5,098		37			599			1,015		(22,825		)
Total	$	82,604		$	10,018	$	506		$	82,588		$	1,800	$	(12,308	)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Concerts	$	(13,142	)	$	893	$	(3,130	)	$	28,702		$	234	$	(39,841	)
Ticketing	59,589			1,456		(62		)	42,813			24		15,358
Artist Nation	(1,043		)	136		(412		)	10,034			128		(10,929		)
Sponsorship & Advertising	23,760			165		—			142			—		23,453
Other and Eliminations	728			—		7			(318		)	—		1,039
Corporate	(17,000		)	3,655		—			792			822		(22,269		)
Total	$	52,892		$	6,305	$	(3,597	)	$	82,165		$	1,208	$	(33,189	)

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our working capital requirements and capital for our general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, are funded from operations or from borrowings under our senior secured credit facility described below. 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 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 $1.6 billion at March 31, 2014 and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2013. Included in the March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 cash and cash equivalents balance is $568.8 million and $538.4 million, respectively, of cash received that includes the face value of tickets sold on behalf of ticketing clients and the clients’ share of convenience and order processing charges, or 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 $570.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, excluding client cash, at March 31, 2014. We do not intend to repatriate these funds, but if we did, we would need to accrue and pay United States federal and state income taxes on any future repatriations, net of applicable foreign tax credits. We may from time to time enter into borrowings under our revolving credit facility. If the original maturity of these borrowings is ninety 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 current and long-term debt of $1.8 billion at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Our weighted-average cost of debt, excluding the debt discounts and including the debt premium on our term loans and notes, was 4.3% at March 31, 2014.

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 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 equivalent 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 generally receive cash related to ticket revenue at our owned or operated venues in advance of the event, which is recorded in deferred revenue until the event occurs. With the exception of some upfront costs and artist deposits, which are recorded in prepaid expenses until the event occurs, we pay the majority of event-related expenses at or after the event.

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 for ticket sales, plus event-related prepaids. 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 and Artist Nation segments, which report the majority of their 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 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.

Holders of our $220 million, 2.875% convertible senior notes may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes on July 15, 2014, July 15, 2017 and July 15, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, subject to specified additional conditions. On or after July 20, 2014, we may redeem all or a portion of the notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. If the notes are purchased or redeemed on these dates, we may fund the exchange through cash flow from operations or debt financings.

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.

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The lenders under our revolving loans and counterparties to our interest rate hedge agreements consist of banks and other third-party financial institutions. While we currently have no indications or expectations that such lenders and counterparties 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 any counterparty to our interest rate hedge agreements default on its obligations, we could experience higher interest rate volatility during the period of any such default.

Sources of Cash

Senior Secured Credit Facility

At March 31, 2014, our senior secured credit facility consists of (i) a $115 million term loan A, (ii) a $950 million term loan B and (iii) a $335 million revolving credit facility. In addition, subject to certain conditions, we have the right to increase such facilities by at least $450 million or a greater amount so long as the senior secured leverage ratio calculated on a pro-forma basis (as defined in the credit agreement) is no greater than 3.25x. The revolving credit facility provides for borrowings up to the amount of the facility with sublimits of up to (i) $150 million to be available for the issuance of letters of credit, (ii) $50 million to be available for swingline loans and (iii) $150 million to be available for borrowings in Euros or British Pounds and (iv) $50 million to be available for borrowings in one or more other approved currencies. The senior secured credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our tangible and intangible personal property and the domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors, and by a pledge of substantially all of the shares of stock, partnership interests and limited liability company interests of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 65% of each class of capital stock of any first-tier foreign subsidiaries.

The interest rates per annum applicable to revolving credit facility loans and term loan A under the senior secured credit facility are, at our option, equal to either LIBOR plus 2.25% or a base rate plus 1.25%, subject to stepdowns based on our net leverage ratio. The interest rates per annum applicable to term loan B are, at our option, equal to either LIBOR plus 2.75% or a base rate plus 1.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75% and a base rate floor of 1.75%. We are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.5% per year on the undrawn portion available under the revolving credit facility, subject to stepdowns based on our net leverage ratio, and variable fees on outstanding letters of credit.

For the term loan A, we are required to make quarterly payments ranging from $1.4 million to $13.8 million with the balance due at maturity in August 2018. For the term loan B, we are required to make quarterly payments of $2.4 million with the balance due at maturity in August 2020. The revolving credit facility matures in August 2018. We are also required to make mandatory prepayments of the loans under the credit agreement, subject to specified exceptions, from excess cash flow, and with the proceeds of asset sales, debt issuances and specified other events.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we made principal payments totaling $3.8 million on these term loans. At March 31, 2014, the outstanding balances on these term loans, net of discounts, were $1.0 billion. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2014. Based on our letters of credit of $66.9 million, $268.1 million was available for future borrowings.

Debt Covenants

Our senior secured credit facility contains a number of covenants and restrictions that, among other things, requires us to satisfy certain financial covenants and restricts our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, make certain investments and acquisitions, repurchase our stock and prepay certain indebtedness, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, modify the nature of our business, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, transfer and sell material assets, merge or consolidate, and pay dividends and make distributions (with the exception of subsidiary dividends or distributions to the parent company or other subsidiaries on at least a pro-rata basis with any noncontrolling interest partners). Non-compliance with one or more of the covenants and restrictions could result in the full or partial principal balance of the credit facility becoming immediately due and payable. The senior secured credit facility agreement has one covenant, measured quarterly, that relates to total leverage. The consolidated total leverage covenant requires us to maintain a ratio of consolidated total funded debt to consolidated EBITDA (both as defined in the credit agreement) of 5.25x over the trailing four consecutive quarters through September 30, 2014. The consolidated total leverage ratio will reduce to 5.0x on December 31, 2014, 4.75x on December 31, 2015 and 4.50x on December 31, 2016.

The indenture governing our 7% senior notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to incur certain additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments, sell certain assets, agree to any restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us, merge, consolidate or sell all of our assets, create certain liens, and engage in transactions with affiliates on terms that are not arms-length. Certain covenants, including those pertaining to incurrence of indebtedness, restricted payments, asset sales, mergers and transactions with affiliates will be suspended during any period in which the notes are rated

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investment grade by both rating agencies and no default or event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing. The 7% senior notes contain two incurrence-based financial covenants, as defined, requiring a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.0x and a maximum secured indebtedness leverage ratio of 3.25x.

Some of our other subsidiary indebtedness includes restrictions on entering into various transactions, such as acquisitions and disposals, and prohibits payment of ordinary dividends. They also have financial covenants including minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest payable, minimum consolidated cash flow to consolidated debt service and maximum consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, all as defined in the applicable debt agreements.

As of March 31, 2014, we believe we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We expect to remain in compliance with all of our debt covenants throughout 2014.

Disposals of Assets

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we received $8.1 million of proceeds primarily related to a partial insurance recovery for storm damage sustained to an amphitheater located in New York. There were no significant disposals of operating assets for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Stock Option Exercises

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we received $7.9 million and $22.3 million, respectively, of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Uses of Cash

Acquisitions

When we make acquisitions, the acquired entity may have cash on its balance sheet at the time of acquisition. All amounts discussed in this section are presented net of any cash acquired. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we used $11.6 million of cash primarily for the acquisition in our Artist Nation segment of an artist management business located in California.

Capital Expenditures

Venue and ticketing operations are capital intensive businesses, requiring continual investment in our existing venues and ticketing systems in order to address audience and artist expectations, technological industry advances and various federal, state and/or local regulations.

We categorize capital outlays between maintenance capital expenditures and revenue generating capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures are associated with the renewal and improvement of existing venues and technology systems, web development and administrative offices. Revenue generating capital expenditures generally relate to the construction of new venues, major renovations to existing buildings or buildings that are being added to our venue network, the development of new online or 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. Capital expenditures typically increase during periods when venues are not in operation since that is the time that such improvements can be completed.

Our capital expenditures, including accruals but excluding expenditures funded by outside parties such as landlords or replacements funded by insurance companies, consisted of the following:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Maintenance capital expenditures	$	10,493	$	11,506
Revenue generating capital expenditures	10,103		10,042
Total capital expenditures	$	20,596	$	21,548

We currently expect capital expenditures to be approximately $130 million for the full year 2014.

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Cash Flows



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	365,697		$	270,460
Investing activities	$	(36,623	)	$	(18,636	)
Financing activities	$	(4,752	)	$	13,221

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $365.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $270.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The $95.2 million increase in cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from an increase in the cash-related portion of net income and net changes in the event-related operating accounts which are dependent on the timing of ticket sales along with the size and number of events for upcoming periods. During the first three months of 2014, we received more cash for future events which increased deferred revenue and also benefited from lower payments of prepaid event-related expenses as compared to same period in the prior year.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $36.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $18.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The $18.0 million increase in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to higher payments for acquisitions and lower proceeds received from the disposal of operating assets as compared to the same period in the prior year. See “—Sources of Cash ” and “—Uses of Cash ” above for further discussion.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $13.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The $18.0 million increase in cash used in financing activities is primarily a result of lower proceeds from the exercise of stock options in 2014 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

Seasonality

Our Concerts, Artist Nation and Sponsorship & Advertising segments typically experience higher operating income in the second and third quarters as our outdoor venues and festivals are primarily used in or occur during May through September, and our artist touring activity is higher. In addition, the timing of the on-sale of tickets and the tours of top-grossing acts can impact comparability of quarterly results year over year, although annual results may not be impacted. Our Ticketing segment sales are impacted by fluctuations in the availability 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 payments are often made for artist performance fees and production costs for global 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 at our owned or operated venues in advance of when the event occurs. We record these ticket sales as revenue when the event occurs.

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. 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. Currently, we do not operate in any hyper-inflationary countries. Our foreign operations reported operating income of $17.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. We estimate that a 10% change in the value of the United States dollar relative to foreign currencies would change our operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 by $1.7 million. As of March 31, 2014, our primary foreign exchange exposure included the Euro, British Pound, Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar. This analysis

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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.

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. We also may enter into forward currency contracts to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with changes in foreign currency rates on forecasted operating income. At March 31, 2014, we had forward currency contracts and options outstanding with a notional amount of $158.6 million.

Interest Rate Risk

Our market risk is also affected by changes in interest rates. We had $1.8 billion of total debt, net of unamortized discounts and premiums, outstanding as of March 31, 2014. Of the total amount, taking into consideration existing interest rate hedges, we had $746.0 million of fixed-rate debt and $1.1 billion of floating-rate debt.

Based on the amount of our floating-rate debt as of March 31, 2014, each 25 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our annual interest expense and cash outlay by approximately $2.7 million when the floor rate is not applicable. This potential increase or decrease is based on the simplified assumption that the level of floating-rate debt remains constant with an immediate across-the-board increase or decrease as of March 31, 2014 with no subsequent change in rates for the remainder of the period.

At March 31, 2014, we have an interest rate swap agreement that is designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. The interest rate swap had a notional amount of $10.0 million at March 31, 2014, to effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, and expires in May 2015. The fair value of this agreement at March 31, 2014 was a liability of $0.1 million. This agreement was put into place to reduce the variability of the cash flows from the interest payments related to certain financing.

We have two interest rate swap agreements with a $29.1 million aggregate notional amount at March 31, 2014, that effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. Both agreements expire in December 2015. These interest rate swap agreements have not been designated as hedging instruments. Therefore, any change in fair value is recorded in earnings during the period of change.

We currently have 2.875% convertible senior notes due 2027 with a principal amount of $220 million. Beginning with the period commencing on July 20, 2014 and ending on January 14, 2015, and for each of the interest periods commencing thereafter, we will pay contingent interest on the notes if the average trading price of the notes during the five consecutive trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable interest period equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount of the notes. The contingent interest payable per note will equal 0.25% per year of the average trading price of such note during the applicable five trading-day reference period, payable in arrears.

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is as follows:



Three Months Ended March 31,		Year Ended December 31,
2014	2013	2013	2012	2011	2010
*	*	*	*	*	*

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, fixed charges exceeded earnings before income taxes and fixed charges by $35.0 million and $63.2 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, fixed charges exceeded earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges by $6.0 million, $142.1 million, $104.4 million and $193.6 million, respectively.

The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed on a total company basis. Earnings represent income before income taxes less equity in undistributed net income (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates plus fixed charges. Fixed charges represent interest, amortization of debt discount, premium and expense and the estimated interest portion of rental charges. Rental charges exclude variable rent expense for events in third-party venues.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Pronouncements

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applied prospectively and early adoption is permitted. We will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2015 and will apply it prospectively to disposals occurring on or after January 1, 2015.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

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

Management believes that the accounting estimates involved in business combinations, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, revenue recognition, litigation accruals and income taxes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. These critical accounting estimates, the judgments and assumptions and the effect if actual results differ from these assumptions are described in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2014.

There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2014, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective to ensure that (1) the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) the information we are required to disclose in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found in Part I Financial Information—Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 4—Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

While we attempt to identify, manage and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present. Part 1, Item 1A of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2014, describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business which have the potential to materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We do not believe that there have been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The information in the Exhibit Index of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated into this Item 6 by reference.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May 6, 2014.



LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

By:	/s/ Brian Capo
	Brian Capo
	Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer)

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Description

Incorporated by Reference

Filed

Here

with

Exhibit

No.

Form

File No.

Exhibit No.

Filing Date

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 10, 2009, between Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. and Live Nation, Inc.

8-K

001-32601

2.1

2/13/2009

3.1

Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

8-K

001-32601

3.1

6/7/2013

3.2

Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

8-K

001-32601

3.2

6/7/2013

10.1

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2014 among Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., BigChampagne, LLC, the Existing Guarantors Party Hereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee

10.2

Amendment No. 2 to the credit agreement, dated as of August 16, 2013, entered into by and among Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., the Guarantors identified therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch, as Canadian agent and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as London agent

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.1

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

32.2

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document