Index to Financial Statements

 

 

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 September 30, 2008,

or

 

¨ 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, 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

 

x   Large accelerated filer   ¨   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 October 31, 2008, there were 78,191,721 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, excluding 238,795 shares held in treasury.

 

 

 


Index to Financial Statements

LIVE NATION, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

          Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements (unaudited)    3
   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007    3
   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007    4
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007    5
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    6
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    20
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    40
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    40
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    41
Item 1A.    Risk Factors    41
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    41
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    41
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    41
Item 5.    Other Information    42
Item 6.    Exhibits    43

 

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Index to Financial Statements

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (unaudited)     (audited)  
     (in thousands)  
ASSETS     

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 205,916     $ 338,991  

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $9,243 as of September 30, 2008 and $18,928 as of December 31, 2007

     358,621       264,316  

Prepaid expenses

     257,901       186,379  

Other current assets

     37,288       44,722  

Assets held for sale

     11,376       —    
                

Total Current Assets

     871,102       834,408  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

    

Land, buildings and improvements

     934,802       1,018,079  

Furniture and other equipment

     236,794       236,320  

Construction in progress

     148,883       51,725  
                
     1,320,479       1,306,124  

Less accumulated depreciation

     406,100       391,079  
                
     914,379       915,045  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

    

Intangible assets — net

     506,244       382,999  

Goodwill

     451,248       471,542  

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

    

Notes receivable, less allowance of $565 as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007

     1,440       1,703  

Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates

     21,347       23,443  

Other long-term assets

     182,641       122,963  
                

Total Assets

   $ 2,948,401     $ 2,752,103  
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 93,966     $ 79,273  

Accrued expenses

     512,606       511,636  

Deferred revenue

     255,995       259,868  

Current portion of long-term debt

     59,948       36,345  

Other current liabilities

     50,420       18,348  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     972,935       905,470  

Long-term debt

     739,386       786,261  

Other long-term liabilities

     144,094       91,465  

Minority interest liability

     67,823       61,841  

Series A and Series B redeemable preferred stock

     40,000       40,000  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 8)

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Common stock

     769       749  

Additional paid-in capital

     972,907       940,848  

Retained deficit

     (25,180 )     (130,941 )

Cost of shares held in treasury

     (2,900 )     —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     38,567       56,410  
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     984,163       867,066  
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 2,948,401     $ 2,752,103  
                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3


Index to Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     (in thousands except share and per share data)  

Revenue

   $ 1,588,653     $ 1,452,578     $ 3,251,077     $ 2,836,397  

Operating expenses:

        

Direct operating expenses

     1,295,416       1,200,071       2,589,443       2,265,952  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     174,254       151,910       495,312       444,354  

Depreciation and amortization

     31,490       26,191       98,761       77,243  

Gain on sale of operating assets

     (1,158 )     (6,112 )     (799 )     (20,806 )

Corporate expenses

     13,062       11,335       35,177       30,394  
                                

Operating income

     75,589       69,183       33,183       39,260  

Interest expense

     15,285       15,018       45,646       45,194  

Interest income

     (2,978 )     (3,704 )     (8,406 )     (10,631 )

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (1,979 )     (3,211 )     (871 )     (2,571 )

Minority interest expense (income)

     4,261       8,099       (284 )     8,574  

Other expense (income) — net

     277       (210 )     (838 )     (564 )
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     60,723       53,191       (2,064 )     (742 )

Income tax expense (benefit):

        

Current

     (51,167 )     5,880       (37,951 )     22,545  

Deferred

     470       6,360       6,132       10,549  
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     111,420       40,951       29,755       (33,836 )

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     28,508       602       76,006       40,262  
                                

Net income

     139,928       41,553       105,761       6,426  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     (29,731 )     20,326       (17,843 )     29,809  
                                

Comprehensive income

   $ 110,197     $ 61,879     $ 87,918     $ 36,235  
                                

Basic income (loss) per common share:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 1.46     $ 0.59     $ 0.39     $ (0.51 )

Income from discontinued operations

     0.38       0.01       1.01       0.61  
                                

Net income

   $ 1.84     $ 0.60     $ 1.40     $ 0.10  
                                

Diluted income (loss) per common share:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 1.33     $ 0.54     $ 0.39     $ (0.51 )

Income from discontinued operations

     0.34       0.01       1.00       0.61  
                                

Net income

   $ 1.67     $ 0.55     $ 1.39     $ 0.10  
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     76,230,900       69,398,147       75,647,661       66,820,837  
                                

Diluted

     84,736,808       78,215,047       76,360,255       66,820,837  
                                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Index to Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 105,761     $ 6,426  

Reconciling items:

    

Depreciation

     57,981       59,250  

Amortization of intangibles

     54,572       20,434  

Impairment of operational assets

     16,035       —    

Deferred income tax expense

     6,132       10,400  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     3,368       1,337  

Non-cash compensation expense

     9,588       11,609  

Gain on sale of operating assets

     (167,797 )     (20,934 )

Gain on sale of other investments

     —         (64 )

Equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates

     673       (3,377 )

Minority interest expense (income)

     (123 )     8,190  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

    

Increase in accounts receivable

     (126,615 )     (127,855 )

Increase in prepaid expenses

     (83,259 )     (81,688 )

Increase in other assets

     (89,552 )     (34,301 )

Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     116,788       93,703  

Increase in deferred revenue

     52,885       91,232  

Decrease in other — net

     (401 )     —    
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (43,964 )     34,362  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Collection of notes receivable

     106       1,873  

Advances to notes receivable

     —         (722 )

Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates

     4,976       8,983  

Investments made to nonconsolidated affiliates

     (255 )     (2,967 )

Proceeds from disposal of other investments

     —         3,616  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (138,550 )     (66,945 )

Proceeds from disposal of operating assets, net of cash divested

     194,286       72,007  

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (35,977 )     (76,051 )

Purchases of intangible assets

     (46,316 )     —    

Decrease in other — net

     308       368  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (21,422 )     (59,838 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

     275,242       315,741  

Payments on long-term debt

     (327,614 )     (249,835 )

Contributions from minority interest partners

     8,847       —    

Distributions to minority interest partners

     (1,845 )     (3,319 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     636       424  

Payments for purchases of common stock

     (3,628 )     —    
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (48,362 )     63,011  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (19,327 )     (73 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (133,075 )     37,462  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     338,991       313,880  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 205,916     $ 351,342  
                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Index to Financial Statements

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

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

Prior to the Separation, Live Nation was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel. As part of the Separation, holders of Clear Channel’s common stock received one share of Live Nation common stock for every eight shares of Clear Channel common stock.

The Company’s reportable segments are North American Music, International Music, Artist Nation (previously known as Global Artists) and Ticketing (previously known as Global Digital). Prior to 2008, the Company reported a Global Theater segment, which has been eliminated after the divestiture of substantially all of the Company’s North American theatrical business in January 2008. The Company’s United Kingdom theatrical venue operation business, previously included in Global Theater, is now reported in other operations and the few remaining North American theater venues are now reported in North American Music. The North American Music segment principally involves the promotion of live music events in the Company’s owned and/or operated venues and in rented third-party venues and the operation and management of music venues principally in the United States and Canada. The International Music segment principally involves the promotion of live music events in the Company’s owned and/or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the production of music festivals and the operation and management of music venues outside of North America. The Artist Nation segment principally involves the promotion and/or production of global music tours as well as providing various services to artists including recorded music and music publishing, merchandise, artist fan sites and VIP ticketing, broadcast/digital media rights, and sponsorship and marketing services. The Ticketing segment principally involves the management of the Company’s internal centralized ticketing operations, the development of the Company’s new ticketing initiative and online and wireless distribution activities, including the development of the Company’s website. In addition, the Company has United Kingdom theatrical venue operations and other businesses, which are included under other operations.

Seasonality

Due to the seasonal nature of shows in outdoor amphitheaters and festivals, which primarily occur May through September, the Company experiences higher revenue during the second and third quarters. This 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.

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments necessary for adoption of new accounting standards) necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods shown. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of the Company, its majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Significant intercompany accounts among the consolidated businesses have been eliminated in consolidation. Minority interest expense (income) is recorded for consolidated affiliates in which the Company owns more than 50%, but not all, of the voting common stock and also variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which the Company owns 20% to 50% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercises significant influence over operating and financial policies of the nonconsolidated affiliate are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which the Company owns less than 20% of the voting common stock are accounted for using the cost method of accounting.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2007 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2008 presentation to report discontinued operations. Refer to Note 4.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“Statement 157”). Statement 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and also responds to investors’ requests for expanded information about the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. Statement 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. Statement 157 does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. The Company adopted Statement 157 on January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in its consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Refer to Note 7. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The effective date for these items was delayed to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its nonfinancial assets and liabilities that the adoption of Statement 157 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“Statement 159”). Statement 159 allows entities to voluntarily choose, at specified election dates, to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities (as well as certain nonfinancial instruments that are similar to financial instruments) at fair value (the “fair value option”). The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, Statement 159 specifies that all subsequent changes in fair value for that instrument will be reported in earnings. The Company adopted Statement 159 on January 1, 2008 and determined that it would not elect to measure any of its eligible financial instruments at fair value under the provisions of this standard.

Recently Issued Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“Statement 141(R)”). Statement 141(R) establishes revised principles and requirements for the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities in a business combination. Statement 141(R) requires (i) recognition of 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities upon obtaining control, (ii) contingent consideration to be recorded at fair value at acquisition date, (iii) transaction costs to be expensed as incurred, (iv) pre-acquisition contingencies to be accounted for at acquisition date at fair value and (v) costs of a plan to exit an activity or terminate or relocate employees to be accounted for as post-combination costs. Statement 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company will adopt Statement 141(R) on January 1, 2009 and apply the requirements of Statement 141(R) for business combinations that occur after the date of adoption.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“Statement 160”). Statement 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Statement 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The provisions of Statement 160 are applied prospectively with the exception of reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, which are required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company will adopt Statement 160 on January 1, 2009 and is currently assessing the impact adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“Statement 161”). Statement 161 requires enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“Statement 133”) and its related interpretations and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Statement 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company will adopt Statement 161 in the first quarter of 2009.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement). This FSP will change the accounting for certain convertible debt instruments, including the Company’s 2.875% convertible senior notes. Under the new rules for convertible debt instruments that may be settled entirely or partially in cash upon conversion, an entity would separately account for the liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s economic interest cost. The effect of the new rules for the Company’s notes is that the equity component will be included in the additional paid-in capital section of shareholders’ equity on the Company’s balance sheet and the value of the equity component will be treated as an original issue discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of the notes. Higher interest expense will result by recognizing the accretion of the discounted carrying value of the notes to their face amount as interest expense over the expected term of the notes using an effective interest rate method of amortization. This FSP is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and is required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the new rules and their impact on the Company’s current

 

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Index to Financial Statements

accounting for its notes and expects to recognize additional interest expense starting in 2009 due to the interest expense accretion associated with the notes and to report greater than previously reported interest expense due to retrospective application.

NOTE 2 — LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Definite-lived Intangibles

The Company has definite-lived intangible assets which are amortized over the shorter of either the respective lives of the agreements or the period of time the assets are expected to contribute to the Company’s future cash flows. The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
     Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 
     (in thousands)  

Venue management and leasehold interests

   $ 131,257    $ (19,698 )   $ 82,693    $ (8,848 )

Artist relationships and other revenue-generating contracts

     393,463      (55,340 )     298,197      (28,962 )

Trademarks and naming rights

     23,577      (5,983 )     14,390      (4,042 )

Other

     5,889      (515 )     4,286      (761 )
                              

Total

   $ 554,186    $ (81,536 )   $ 399,566    $ (42,613 )
                              

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded additional definite-lived intangible assets totaling $162.9 million due primarily to purchase accounting adjustments for venue management and leasehold interests, naming rights, artist relationships and revenue-generating contracts resulting from the Company’s 2007 acquisitions of Academy Music Holdings Limited Group (“AMG”) and Signatures SNI, Inc. (“Signatures”), the acquisition in the first quarter of 2008 of the operating company that manages and holds the lease for the Heineken Music Hall located in Amsterdam, and the second quarter acquisitions of the remaining interests the Company did not already own in Lugerinc. AB and Moondog Entertainment AB (“Luger and Moondog”), both music-related companies in Sweden, a 51% interest in Live Nation – Haymon Ventures, LLC and a 78.3% interest in DFC Holdings Limited (“DFC”), a promoter in Scotland, through a joint venture with Gaiety Investments. The Company owns 50.1% of the joint venture with Gaiety Investments. These additional definite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average life of approximately ten years. Additionally, the Company recorded purchase accounting adjustments for the Company’s 2007 acquisition of the remaining interest in Concert Productions International (“CPI”) resulting in a reduction of $51.3 million in artist relationship intangible assets due to a reclassification to goodwill.

In addition, the Company recorded other definite-lived intangible assets of $55.0 million related to entering into certain artist rights agreements.

Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $11.6 million, $6.8 million, $41.5 million and $20.4 million, respectively. The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same periods of the prior year was primarily due to amortization of intangible assets related to purchase accounting adjustments for the Company’s acquisitions of AMG, CPI, Signatures, and DFC. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded an impairment write-down related to definite-lived intangibles of $0.2 million included in depreciation and amortization in the Company’s Artist Nation segment.

Indefinite-lived Intangibles

The Company has indefinite-lived intangible assets which consist primarily of the intangible value related to trade names which are reviewed for impairment at least annually. These indefinite-lived intangible assets had a carrying value of $33.6 million and $26.0 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The increase in indefinite-lived intangible assets during 2008 was due primarily to the intangible value related to trade names resulting from purchase accounting adjustments for the Company’s 2007 acquisition of AMG.

 

8


Index to Financial Statements

Goodwill

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually using a two-step process. The first step, used to screen for potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The second step, used to measure the amount of any potential impairment, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit with the carrying amount of goodwill. Prior to 2008, the Company reported a Global Theater segment, which has been eliminated after the divestiture of substantially all of the Company’s North American theatrical business in January 2008. The Company’s United Kingdom theatrical venue operation business, previously included in Global Theater, is now reported in other operations. For each reportable operating segment, the reporting units were determined to be either the operating segment or the components thereof in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s segments for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008:

 

     North
American
Music
    International
Music
    Artist
Nation
    Ticketing    Other(1)     Total  
     (in thousands)  

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   $ 210,184     $ 176,813     $ 74,093     $ —      $ 10,452     $ 471,542  

Acquisitions

     655       6,555       7,053       —        13,037       27,300  

Dispositions

     —         —         —         —        (6,717 )     (6,717 )

Impairment

     —         —         —         —        (13,037 )     (13,037 )

Foreign currency

     (1,609 )     (2,304 )     —         —        —         (3,913 )

Adjustments

     (11,171 )     (9,724 )     (2,232 )     —        (800 )     (23,927 )
                                               

Balance as of September 30, 2008

   $ 198,059     $ 171,340     $ 78,914     $ —      $ 2,935     $ 451,248  
                                               

 

(1) The beginning balance includes $6.7 million which was previously reported in the Global Theater segment. That segment has been eliminated due to the divestiture of the North American theatrical business.

Included in the acquisition amount above is $40.8 million of goodwill primarily related to the Company’s 2008 acquisitions of: a 78.3% interest in DFC; the operating company that manages and holds the lease for the Heineken Music Hall; and the remaining interests the Company did not already own in Luger and Moondog.

Also included in the acquisition amount above is a reduction of goodwill recorded in 2008 related to adjustments in the purchase accounting for the Company’s 2007 acquisitions of Signatures and AMG. The Signatures adjustment includes a reduction of goodwill of $33.5 million related to the recording of the fair value of the definite-lived intangibles. The AMG adjustment includes a net reduction in goodwill of $37.3 million related to the recording of the fair value of definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangibles, fixed assets and minority interest. Additionally, included in the acquisition amount above is an increase of $54.9 million to goodwill related to adjustments in the purchase accounting for the Company’s 2007 acquisition of CPI.

Included in the disposition amount above is $3.2 million related to the sale of the North American theatrical business and $3.6 million related to the sale of the Company’s motor sports business in September 2008.

In September 2008, in connection with the pending sale of its non-core events division (which has been classified as assets held for sale and discontinued operations), the Company reviewed the carrying value of its non-core events assets based on an indicator that future operating cash flows may not support their carrying value based on expected sales proceeds. It was determined that those assets were impaired since the estimated undiscounted cash flows, based on expected sales proceeds, associated with those assets were less than their carrying value. As a result, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $13.0 million, related to the goodwill for this non-core events division, in depreciation and amortization expense as a component of operating expenses in discontinued operations. The Company is not continuing to operate in the non-core events division after the sale is complete.

In addition, the Company recorded adjustments of $11.0 million primarily related to deferred tax assets, with an offset to goodwill, due to the limited availability of future tax deductions as a result of the settlement of certain Internal Revenue Service audits for periods prior to Clear Channel’s acquisition of the Company in 2000. Also, during the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company determined that $12.9 million of deferred tax assets acquired with the HOB Entertainment, Inc. acquisition in 2006, for which the Company had previously recorded valuation allowances, met the more likely than not criteria for recognition. Accordingly, the Company recorded a reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance for such deferred tax assets with an offset as an adjustment to goodwill.

The Company is in the process of finalizing its purchase accounting for recent acquisitions which could result in a change to the relevant purchase price allocations.

 

9


Index to Financial Statements

Other Operating Assets

The Company makes investments in various operating assets, including investments in assets and related rights for non-music events and DVD production and distribution. These assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. In September 2008, in connection with the pending sale of the non-core events division along with rights to certain DVD projects, the Company recorded impairment write-downs related to these other operating assets, based on expected sales proceeds, of $1.3 million included in direct operating expenses in the Company’s Artist Nation segment and of $14.8 million included in operating expenses as part of discontinued operations.

NOTE 3 — RESTRUCTURING

As part of the Company’s acquisition of House of Blues Concert Canada (“HOB Canada”) in June 2007, the Company accrued $1.2 million in restructuring costs in its North American Music segment related to severance costs. This restructuring resulted in the termination of eight employees. These additional costs were recorded as part of the purchase price allocation. As of September 30, 2008, the accrual balance for the HOB Canada restructuring was $0.1 million.

As part of the Company’s acquisition of Mean Fiddler Music Group, PLC, subsequently renamed Festival Republic (“Mean Fiddler”) in July 2005, the Company accrued a total of $7.4 million in its International Music segment primarily related to lease terminations which it expects to pay over the next several years. These additional costs were recorded as part of the purchase price allocation. In August 2007, the Company sold seven small-sized music venues that were acquired with Mean Fiddler resulting in a reduction of $4.4 million in the restructuring accrual, with an offset to goodwill, for the lease terminations related to these venues. As of September 30, 2008, the accrual balance for the Mean Fiddler restructuring was $1.1 million.

In addition, the Company has a remaining restructuring accrual of $1.9 million as of September 30, 2008, related to its merger with Clear Channel in August 2000.

In total, the Company has recorded a liability in purchase accounting related to severance for terminated employees and lease terminations as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in thousands)  

Severance and lease termination costs:

    

Accrual at January 1

   $ 3,543     $ 13,132  

Restructuring accrual recorded

     —         1,456  

Payments charged against restructuring accrual

     (428 )     (6,185 )

Adjustments and foreign currency

     (34 )     (4,434 )
                

Accrual at September 30

   $ 3,081     $ 3,969  
                

The accrual at September 30, 2008 is comprised of $0.7 million of severance and $2.4 million of lease termination costs. The severance accrual includes amounts that will be paid over the next several years related to deferred payments to former employees, as well as other compensation. The lease termination accrual will be paid over the next 15 years. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, $0.1 and $0.4 million, respectively, was charged to the restructuring reserve related to severance.

NOTE 4 — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

In January 2008, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of its North American theatrical business, which included the assets of the North American theatrical presenting business and certain theatrical venues, to Key Brand Entertainment Inc. and its lenders for a gross sales price of $90.4 million pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. After fees, expenses, an adjustment to replace the show cash of the North American theatrical business that was previously removed from the operations and utilized by the Company and other adjustments, the Company will receive approximately $31.3 million of proceeds, net of cash sold and transaction costs. The sale of the North American theatrical business resulted in a total gain before tax of $18.0 million.

In September 2008, the Company sold its motor sports business to Feld Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. pursuant to a stock purchase agreement for a gross sales price of $175.0 million in cash, subject to certain net working capital and other post-closing adjustments, in addition to a performance-based contingent payment of up to $30.0 million over a five-year period commencing with calendar year 2009. After estimated fees, expenses and other adjustments, the Company received approximately $167.6 million of net proceeds, excluding the contingent payment. The sale of the motor sports business resulted in a gain before tax of $145.8 million.

In October 2008, as part of a binding agreement with Events Acquisition Corporation, the Company agreed to sell its non-core events division along with rights to certain DVD projects. Events Acquisition Corporation is owned by Michael Cohl who is a former

 

10


Index to Financial Statements

director and executive officer of the Company. The events division included rights or investments in certain non-music and exhibition-style events. Under the agreement, the Company will receive approximately $15.4 million for the events division, DVD projects and other rights, in addition to performance-based contingent payments and undistributed profits related to future periods. At September 30, 2008, the Company recorded a $29.2 million impairment related to the events division, including a $13.0 million impairment of goodwill, and also a $1.5 million impairment related to the DVD projects. The Company has reported the events business as assets held for sale in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“Statement 144”), in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2008. Mr. Cohl continues to work with the Company as a consultant and remains bound by a non-compete clause until 2016, but under the agreement he will be permitted to co-promote with Live Nation tours for certain artists. Mr. Cohl will also be able to continue his work with certain non-music related events and exhibitions. In connection with the sale, a number of employees, primarily from the Company’s Miami offices, will leave the Company and join Mr. Cohl’s new organization.

The Company has reported the North American theatrical business, the motor sports business and the events division as discontinued operations in accordance with Statement 144. Accordingly, the results of operations for all periods presented have been reclassified to reflect the North American theatrical business, the motor sports business and the events division as discontinued operations. Included in discontinued operations is the impairment of $29.2 million for the events division as discussed above.

Summary operating results of discontinued operations are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     (in thousands)  

Revenue

   $ 10,573     $ 95,153     $ 160,000     $ 335,084  

Operating expenses

     43,369       92,383       166,177       296,520  

Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets

     262       (16 )     (2,388 )     (128 )

Other expense (income) — net

     1,310       2,629       1,588       (1,529 )
                                

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (34,368 )     157       (5,377 )     40,221  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     1,469       (445 )     1,788       (41 )
                                

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on disposal

     (35,837 )     602       (7,165 )     40,262  

Gain on disposal, net of tax of $81.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008

     (64,345 )     —         (83,171 )     —    
                                

Income from discontinued operations

   $ 28,508     $ 602     $ 76,006     $ 40,262  
                                

NOTE 5 — INVESTMENTS

The Company has investments in various nonconsolidated affiliates. These investments are not consolidated, but are accounted for under the equity method of accounting whereby the Company records its investments in these entities in the balance sheet as investments in nonconsolidated affiliates. The Company’s interests in their operations are recorded in the statement of operations as equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the following three investments are considered significant:

Dominion Theatre

The Company owns a 33% interest in the Dominion Theatre, a United Kingdom theatrical company involved in venue operations.

Marek Lieberberg Konzertagentur

The Company owns a 20% interest in Marek Lieberberg Konzertagentur (“MLK”), a German music company involved in promotion of, and venue operations for, live entertainment events.

Delirium Concert, L.P.

The Company owns a 50% interest in a joint venture with Cirque Du Soleil to develop, produce and promote a new type of live entertainment musical and visual event.

 

11


Index to Financial Statements

Summarized unaudited income statement information for these investments is as follows:

 

     Dominion    MLK    Delirium
Concert (1)
 
     (in thousands)  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

        

Revenue

   $ 3,101    $ 56,685    $ —    

Operating income

   $ 1,258    $ 9,476    $ —    

Net income

   $ 1,043    $ 7,165    $ —    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

        

Revenue

   $ 11,199    $ 95,398    $ 15,769  

Operating income (loss)

   $ 4,428    $ 12,331    $ (4,215 )

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,734    $ 8,712    $ (4,198 )

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

        

Revenue

   $ 4,261    $ 79,321    $ 2,710  

Operating income (loss)

   $ 1,761    $ 10,722    $ (1,712 )

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,530    $ 6,486    $ (1,712 )

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

        

Revenue

   $ 12,369    $ 146,918    $ 29,957  

Operating income (loss)

   $ 5,137    $ 16,317    $ (16,037 )

Net income (loss)

   $ 4,408    $ 9,559    $ (16,037 )

 

(1) Included in Delirium Concert’s operating income (loss) is amortization of production costs related to the event.

These assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded an impairment write-down related to these investments in nonconsolidated affiliates of $1.4 million as equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates as a component of other expense (income) – net in discontinued operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded an impairment write-down related to these investments in nonconsolidated affiliates of $1.2 million as equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates in continuing operations.

NOTE 6 — DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

At September 30, 2008, the Company has four interest rate swap agreements, two of which were entered into during the third quarter of 2008, that are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, which include swaps and combinations of interest rate caps and floors, with a total notional amount of $312.5 million, to effectively convert a portion of its floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. One of these swap agreements is a forward swap with a notional amount of $162.5 million and an effective date of March 31, 2009. The principal objective of these contracts is to eliminate or reduce the variability of the cash flows in interest payments associated with the Company’s variable rate debt, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. Approximately 74% of the Company’s outstanding term loans under the senior secured credit facility had their interest payments designated as the hedged forecasted transactions against the interest rate swap agreements at September 30, 2008. During the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded an unrealized gain of $2.0 million, an unrealized loss of $1.4 million, an unrealized gain of $1.8 million and an unrealized loss of $1.0 million, respectively, as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and recorded no ineffectiveness related to these hedges. Based on the current interest rate expectations, the Company estimates that approximately $1.3 million of this loss in other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months as an offset to interest expense.

The Company has recorded a gain (loss) and related asset (liability) related to these designated derivative instruments during the period as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     (in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (1,944 )   $ 539     $ (1,784 )   $ 104  

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on cash flow derivatives

     1,970       (1,407 )     1,810       (972 )
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ 26     $ (868 )   $ 26     $ (868 )
                                

 

12


Index to Financial Statements

As part of the acquisition of AMG, the Company also has interest rate swap agreements to convert $22.5 million of AMG’s long-term debt from floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. 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 the change. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the change in fair value was not significant to the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s 2.875% convertible senior notes issued in July 2007 include certain provisions which are bifurcated from the notes and accounted for as derivative instruments. At the date of issuance and as of September 30, 2008, the fair value of these provisions is considered de minimis.

In 2007, the Company guaranteed to a third party a minimum value of its stock pursuant to a contractual arrangement. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the fair value of this guarantee is $8.0 million and $10.5 million, respectively. The change in fair value of this guarantee is recorded as a component of depreciation and amortization expense.

Occasionally, the Company will use forward currency contracts to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk. The principal objective of such contracts is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with artist fee commitments. At September 30, 2008, the Company has forward currency contracts outstanding with a notional amount of $21.4 million. The change in fair value of these instruments from date of purchase through September 30, 2008 was not significant to the Company’s results of operations. These forward currency contracts have not been designated as hedging instruments.

NOTE 7 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company adopted Statement 157 and Statement 159 on January 1, 2008. Statement 157 outlines a valuation framework and creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements. Statement 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Under Statement 159, entities can elect to measure certain eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, if not already required to be carried at fair value under existing accounting literature. The Company did not elect the fair value measurement option under Statement 159 for any of its eligible financial assets or liabilities.

The Company currently has various financial instruments carried at fair value such as marketable securities and derivatives, but does not currently have nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from two of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy as defined by Statement 157. For this categorization, only inputs that are significant to the fair value are considered. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs would be based on the best information available, including the Company’s own data.

In accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above, the following table shows the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value as of September 30, 2008, which are classified as cash and cash equivalents, other long-term assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities:

 

13


Index to Financial Statements

Recurring Fair Value Measures

(in thousands)

   Fair Value Measurements
at September 30, 2008
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets:

           

Forward exchange contracts

   $ —      $ 1,419    $ —      $ 1,419

Investment in Rabbi Trust

     2,622      —        —        2,622

Interest rate swaps

     —        957      —        957
                           

Total

   $ 2,622    $ 2,376    $ —      $ 4,998
                           

Liabilities:

           

Forward exchange contracts

   $ —      $ 1,277    $ —      $ 1,277

Interest rate swaps

     —        1,058      —        1,058

Embedded derivatives

     —        7,996      —        7,996

Other liabilities

     2,622      —        —        2,622
                           

Total

   $ 2,622    $ 10,331    $ —      $ 12,953
                           

Forward exchange contracts are based on observable market transactions of spot and forward rates. Investments held in Rabbi Trusts include exchange-traded equity securities and mutual funds. Fair values for these investments are based on quoted prices in active markets and are therefore classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Interest rate swaps include interest rate collars and plain vanilla swaps. Fair values for these financial instruments are based upon inputs corroborated by observable market data with similar tenors. Embedded derivatives include a bifurcated derivative from a contractual arrangement. The fair value of this instrument is based upon inputs that are observable in the market. Other liabilities represent deferred compensation obligations to employees under certain plans. The liabilities related to these plans are adjusted based on changes in the fair value of the underlying employee-directed investments. Since the employee-directed investments are exchange-traded equity securities and mutual funds with quoted prices in active markets, the liabilities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

NOTE 8 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company has leases that contain contingent payment requirements for which payments vary depending on revenue, tickets sold or other variables.

During 2006, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Historic Theatre Group, the Company guaranteed obligations related to a lease agreement. In the event of default, the Company could be liable for obligations which have future lease payments (undiscounted) of approximately $30.9 million through the end of 2035. The scheduled future minimum rentals for this lease for the years 2008 through 2012 are $1.6 million each year. The venues under the lease agreement were included in the sale of the North American theatrical business. The Company entered into an Assumption Agreement with the buyer in connection with the sale, under which the buyer is assuming the Company’s obligations under the guaranty, however the Company remains contingently liable to the lessor. The Company believes that the likelihood of a material liability being triggered under this lease is remote, and no liability has been accrued for these contingent lease obligations as of September 30, 2008.

As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company guaranteed the debt of third parties of approximately $2.8 million for both periods primarily related to maximum credit limits on employee and tour related credit cards and bank lines of credit of a nonconsolidated affiliate and a third-party promoter.

Certain agreements relating to acquisitions provide for purchase price adjustments and other future contingent payments based on the financial performance of the acquired companies. The Company will accrue additional amounts related to such contingent payments if and when it is determinable that the applicable financial performance targets will be met. The aggregate of these contingent payments, if performance targets are met, would not significantly impact the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

The Company was a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Malinda Heerwagen on June 13, 2002, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff, on behalf of a putative class consisting of certain concert ticket purchasers, alleged that anti-competitive practices for concert promotion services by the Company nationwide caused artificially high ticket prices. On August 11, 2003, the Court ruled in the Company’s favor, denying the plaintiff’s class certification motion. The plaintiff appealed this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On January 10, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the ruling in the Company’s favor by the District Court. On January 17, 2006, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of her action in the Southern District of New York.

The Company is a defendant in twenty-two putative class actions filed by different named plaintiffs in various U.S. District Courts throughout the country. The claims made in these actions are substantially similar to the claims made in the Heerwagen action discussed above, except that the geographic markets alleged are regional, statewide or more local in nature, and the members of the putative classes are limited to individuals who purchased tickets to concerts in the relevant geographic markets alleged. The plaintiffs

 

14


Index to Financial Statements

seek unspecified compensatory, punitive and treble damages, declaratory and injunctive relief and costs of suit, including attorneys’ fees. The Company has filed its answers in some of these actions, and has denied liability. On December 5, 2005, the Company filed a motion before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to transfer these actions and any similar ones commenced in the future to a single federal district court for coordinated pre-trial proceedings. On April 17, 2006, the Panel granted the Company’s motion and ordered the consolidation and transfer of the actions to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. On June 4, 2007, the Court conducted a hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On June 25, 2007, the Court entered an order to stay all proceedings in the case pending the Court’s ruling on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On October 22, 2007, the Court ruled in the plaintiffs’ favor, granting the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and certifying a class in the Chicago, New England, New York/New Jersey, Colorado and Southern California regional markets. On November 5, 2007, the Company filed a Petition for Permission to Appeal from Order Granting Class Certification with the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. At a status conference conducted on November 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court extended its stay of all proceedings pending further developments in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On February 15, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an order denying the Company’s Petition for Permission to Appeal. On February 20, 2008, the Company filed a Motion with the U.S. District Court for Reconsideration of its October 22, 2007 order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On March 6, 2008, the U.S. District Court entered an order approving a stipulated continuance and stay of all proceedings pending further developments in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Company intends to vigorously defend all claims in all of the actions.

The Company is also currently involved in certain other legal proceedings and accrues its best estimate of the probable settlement or other losses for the resolution of these claims as selling, general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or the effectiveness of its strategies related to these proceedings.

NOTE 9 — RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with Clear Channel

From time to time, the Company purchases advertising from Clear Channel and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded $4.2 million, $4.0 million, $10.8 million and $9.4 million, respectively, as components of direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses for these advertisements.

Transactions with Directors

Through a stock purchase agreement in September 2007, the Company completed the purchase of all of the equity interests in CPI and related companies and subsidiaries (collectively, the “CPI Companies”) that the Company did not already own. Michael Cohl, a director of Live Nation at the time, owned both a direct and an indirect ownership interest in the CPI Companies at the time of the completion of this purchase. The CPI Companies and the Company concurrently entered into a services agreement with KSC Consulting (Barbados) Inc. (“KSC”) which provided for the executive services of Mr. Cohl, pursuant to which Mr. Cohl served as Chief Executive Officer of the CPI Companies and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company’s former Live Nation Artists division for a term of five years. In June 2008, the parties entered into an amendment to the services agreement, under which Mr. Cohl will perform consulting services for the Company through June 2012. In connection with this amendment, the Company paid KSC a lump-sum payment of $4.5 million as full payment for Mr. Cohl’s services under the consulting engagement. As part of that amendment, Mr. Cohl resigned as a director of the Company and from all offices he held with the Company. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, KSC was paid zero, $0.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, under the original services agreement. In addition, in March 2008, KSC was awarded a bonus of 41,220 shares of the Company’s common stock that were issued in April 2008.

Other Related Parties

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company paid $10.6 million in connection with three acquisitions of companies owned by various members of management of the Company’s subsidiaries. Two of these acquisitions were of companies that held leases of venues and the third acquisition related to a company that promotes a festival.

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 the Company has significant influence. These transactions primarily relate to venue rentals, including a rental advance in 2008, concession services, equipment rental, ticketing, marketing and other services and reimbursement of certain costs. Expenses of $4.4 million, $3.8 million, $16.7 million and $8.0 million were incurred for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and revenue of $0.8 million, $1.3 million, $2.1 million and $2.2 million was earned for those same periods, respectively, from these companies for services rendered or provided in relation to these business ventures.

 

15


Index to Financial Statements

None of these transactions were with directors or executive officers of the Company.

NOTE 10 — INCOME TAXES

The Company customarily calculates interim effective tax rates in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion 28, Interim Financial Reporting (“APB 28”). As required by APB 28, the Company applies the estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date pretax income (or loss) at the end of each interim period to compute a year-to-date tax expense (or benefit). FASB Interpretation No. 18 (“FIN 18”) requires departure from customary 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 an expected annual effective tax rate of 32%, excluding significant, unusual or extraordinary items, for ordinary income associated with operations, which are principally outside of the United States, for which the Company currently expects to have annual taxable income. That effective tax rate has been applied to year-to-date earnings for those operations for which the Company currently expects to have taxable income. The Company has not recorded tax benefits associated with losses from operations for which future taxable income cannot be reasonably assured. As required by APB 28, the Company also includes tax effects of significant, unusual or extraordinary items in income tax expense in the interim period in which they occur.

The net income tax benefit from continuing operations is $31.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Of this net income tax benefit $67.6 million relates to tax benefits associated principally with current and prior year U.S. losses for which tax benefits were not previously recorded since those losses had not met the more likely than not criteria for recognition. During the third quarter of 2008, gains associated with the sale of the Company’s motor sports business enabled the current and some prior year losses to meet the criteria for recognition. The net tax benefit also includes a tax benefit of $1.7 million resulting from the effect of changes in tax rates. The components of tax expense which contributed to the net tax benefit included $24.5 million of statutory tax on profitable operations which are principally operations outside of the United States and which reflect an effective tax rate for those jurisdictions of 32%, state and local taxes of $1.7 million, interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions of $2.3 million and adjustments for significant, unusual and extraordinary items of $9.0 million, including valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets.

During the first nine months of 2007, the effective tax rate applied to year-to-date earnings in taxable jurisdictions for which we expected to have taxable income was 29%. During the first nine months of 2008, an effective tax rate of 32% was applied to year-to-date earnings in taxable jurisdictions for which we expect to have taxable income. The increase in the effective tax rate applied during 2008 is principally related to larger permanent differences as a percentage of pre-tax income relative to 2007.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company revised its estimated annual effective tax rate to account for the tax effects arising from a change in the statutory rate applicable to temporary differences related principally to AMG and other United Kingdom operations. As a result, income tax expense for the first nine months was adjusted to reflect the effects of the change in the tax law and resulted in a decrease in income tax expense of $1.7 million during the second quarter. This amount is principally attributable to the application of enacted tax rates to deferred tax balances established for AMG.

The Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards that, if not used, will expire between calendar years 2008 and 2028. The amount of net operating loss carry forwards that will expire in 2008 and 2009 if not used are $5.7 million and $25.6 million, respectively.

Historically, the Company has reinvested all foreign earnings in its foreign operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company remitted $17.6 million from one of its non-U.S. North American operations. The Company has determined that the remittance generates no incremental U.S. tax due to the Company’s current net operating loss position. The Company believes all undistributed foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested in its foreign operations.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), which became effective for the Company on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The tax years 2002 through 2007 remain open to examination by the major tax jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

NOTE 11 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company computes net income per common share in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share (“Statement 128”). Under the provisions of Statement 128, basic net income per common share is computed by dividing the net income applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share adjusts basic net income per common share for the effects of stock options, restricted stock and other potentially dilutive financial instruments only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive. In July 2007, the Company issued $220.0 million of 2.875% convertible senior notes which are considered in the calculation of diluted net income per common share, if dilutive.

 

16


Index to Financial Statements

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008    2007    2008    2007  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Numerator:

           

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 111,420    $ 40,951    $ 29,755    $ (33,836 )

Effect of dilutive securities: 2.875% convertible senior notes

     1,581      1,542      —        —    
                             

Numerator for income (loss) from continuing operations per common share — diluted

   $ 113,001    $ 42,493    $ 29,755    $ (33,836 )

Denominator:

           

Weighted average common shares

     76,231      69,398      75,648      66,821  

Effect of dilutive securities:

           

Stock options, restricted stock and warrants

     401      2,034      712      —    

2.875% convertible senior notes

     8,105      6,783      —        —    
                             

Denominator for income (loss) from continuing operations per common share — diluted

     84,737      78,215      76,360      66,821  

Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share:

           

Basic

   $ 1.46    $ 0.59    $ 0.39    $ (0.51 )

Diluted

   $ 1.33    $ 0.54    $ 0.39    $ (0.51 )

The calculation of diluted income (loss) from continuing operations 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 and the assumed conversion of the 2.875% convertible senior notes where dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding excludes the effect of 2,248,750 stock options and warrants, since the inclusion of such options and warrants would be anti-dilutive and 150,000 shares for a performance-based restricted stock award for which the objectives have not yet been met. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding excludes the effect of 1,875,000 stock options, since the inclusion of such options would be anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company has excluded all potentially dilutive securities, such as nonvested restricted stock and outstanding options to purchase common stock, from the calculation of diluted loss from continuing operations per common share because such securities are anti-dilutive. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding excludes 8,104,690 and 2,285,938 shares, respectively, which represent the dilutive effect of conversion shares related to the Company’s 2.875% convertible senior notes because such securities are anti-dilutive.

In October 2008, the Company issued 1,556,386 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with a music-related rights agreement.

NOTE 12 — OTHER INFORMATION

Included in gain on sale of operating assets for the three months ended September 30, 2007 is a gain of $5.5 million related to the sale of seven small-sized music venues in London. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, in addition to the item noted above, gain on sale of operating assets included $13.4 million related to the sale of two mid-sized venues in London and an amphitheater in Nashville, $6.0 million related to the sale of an office building in San Francisco and $3.6 million related to the sale of an arena/race track in Leicestershire, England. Partially offsetting these gains in 2007 was an $8.1 million loss related to the sale of the Company’s remaining 50.1% interest in the production of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular.

NOTE 13 — SEGMENT DATA

The Company’s reportable segments are North American Music, International Music, Artist Nation and Ticketing. Prior to 2008, the Company reported a Global Theater segment, which has been eliminated after the divestiture of substantially all of the Company’s North American theatrical business in January 2008, which is reported as discontinued operations. The remaining North American theatrical venues which were not sold and the Company’s theatrical assets in the United Kingdom, both previously included in Global Theater, are now reported in the North American Music segment and other operations, respectively. Multiple operating segments are aggregated as the reportable segment for Artist Nation. The North American Music segment principally involves the promotion of live music events in the Company’s owned and/or operated venues and in rented third-party venues and the operation and management of music venues primarily in the United States and Canada. The International Music segment principally involves the promotion of live music events in the Company’s owned and/or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the production of music festivals and the operation and management of music venues outside of North America. The Artist Nation segment principally involves the promotion and/or production of global music tours as well as providing various services to artists including recorded music and music publishing, merchandise, artist fan sites and VIP ticketing, broadcast/digital media rights, and sponsorship

 

17


Index to Financial Statements

and marketing services. The Ticketing segment principally involves the management of the Company’s internal centralized ticketing operations, the development of the Company’s new ticketing initiative and online and wireless distribution activities, including the development of the Company’s website. Other operations include United Kingdom theatrical venue operations and other businesses. The Company’s motor sports business was sold in September 2008 and the Company agreed to sell the events business in October 2008, both of which were previously included in other operations, and are now reported as discontinued operations.

The Company has reclassified all periods presented to conform to the current period presentation. Revenue and expenses earned and charged between segments are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate expenses, interest income, interest expense, equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates, minority interest expense (income), other expense (income) — net and income tax expense (benefit) are managed on a total company basis.

 

18


Index to Financial Statements

There are no customers that individually account for more than ten percent of the Company’s consolidated revenue in any year.

 

(in thousands)    North
American
Music
    International
Music
    Artist
Nation
    Ticketing     Other     Corporate     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                

Revenue

   $ 864,046     $ 480,735     $ 225,676     $ 6,733     $ 16,489     $ —       $ (5,026 )   $ 1,588,653  

Direct operating expenses

     697,337       390,609       205,729       3,151       3,616       —         (5,026 )     1,295,416  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     90,204       44,040       20,988       8,751       10,271       —         —         174,254  

Depreciation and amortization

     15,443       8,037       3,558       1,319       2,180       953       —         31,490  

Gain on sale of operating assets

     (669 )     (2 )     —         —         (32 )     (455 )     —         (1,158 )

Corporate expenses

     —         —         —         —         —         13,062       —         13,062  
                                                                

Operating income (loss)

   $ 61,731     $ 38,051     $ (4,599 )   $ (6,488 )   $ 454     $ (13,560 )   $ —       $ 75,589  
                                                                

Intersegment revenue

   $ —       $ 720     $ 5,924     $ —       $ (1,618 )   $ —       $ —       $ 5,026  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

                

Revenue

   $ 789,056     $ 334,358     $ 301,279     $ 4,819     $ 27,044     $ —       $ (3,978 )   $ 1,452,578  

Direct operating expenses

     640,921       268,483       281,423       1,534       11,685       —         (3,975 )     1,200,071  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     84,387       37,972       13,123       4,020       12,411       —         (3 )     151,910  

Depreciation and amortization

     13,391       3,597       3,750       1,084       2,849       1,520       —         26,191  

Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets

     (766 )     (5,558 )     —         —         264       (52 )     —         (6,112 )

Corporate expenses

     —         —         —         —         —         11,335       —         11,335  
                                                                

Operating income (loss)

   $ 51,123     $ 29,864     $ 2,983     $ (1,819 )   $ (165 )   $ (12,803 )   $ —       $ 69,183  
                                                                

Intersegment revenue

   $ 27     $ 996     $ 1,222     $ —       $ 1,733     $ —       $ —       $ 3,978  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

                

Revenue

   $ 1,783,867     $ 986,788     $ 419,058     $ 19,759     $ 67,205     $ —       $ (25,600 )   $ 3,251,077  

Direct operating expenses

     1,421,712       789,256       373,972       8,658       21,448       —         (25,603 )     2,589,443  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     253,565       125,578       60,577       22,481       33,108       —         3       495,312  

Depreciation and amortization

     44,662       21,107       20,494       3,338       6,384       2,776       —         98,761  

Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets

     (667 )     41       (117 )     —         (205 )     149       —         (799 )

Corporate expenses

     —         —         —         —         —         35,177       —         35,177  
                                                                

Operating income (loss)

   $ 64,595     $ 50,806     $ (35,868 )   $ (14,718 )   $ 6,470     $ (38,102 )   $ —       $ 33,183  
                                                                

Intersegment revenue

   $ 12     $ 6,666     $ 18,922     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 25,600  

Identifiable assets

   $ 1,133,138     $ 811,166     $ 694,039     $ 34,337     $ 203,314     $ 72,407     $ —       $ 2,948,401  

Capital expenditures

   $ 33,289     $ 80,395     $ 3,430     $ 16,330     $ 2,747     $ 2,359     $ —       $ 138,550  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

                

Revenue

   $ 1,503,934     $ 774,183     $ 452,698     $ 9,034     $ 104,618     $ —       $ (8,070 )   $ 2,836,397  

Direct operating expenses

     1,192,734       612,291       412,346       2,306       54,342       —         (8,067 )     2,265,952  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     253,126       103,538       37,232       10,664       39,797       —         (3 )     444,354  

Depreciation and amortization

     40,259       11,856       10,388       2,170       8,479       4,091       —         77,243  

Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets

     (6,826 )     (18,650 )     —         —         4,780       (110 )     —         (20,806 )

Corporate expenses

     —         —         —         —         —         30,394       —         30,394  
                                                                

Operating income (loss)

   $ 24,641     $ 65,148     $ (7,268 )   $ (6,106 )   $ (2,780 )   $ (34,375 )   $ —       $ 39,260  
                                                                

Intersegment revenue

   $ 126     $ 1,289     $ 3,407     $ —       $ 3,248     $ —       $ —       $ 8,070  

Identifiable assets

   $ 1,127,420     $ 728,815     $ 405,800     $ 17,813     $ 383,774     $ 99,159     $ —       $ 2,762,781  

Capital expenditures

   $ 31,234     $ 13,395     $ 2,115     $ 10,002     $ 4,979     $ 5,220     $ —       $ 66,945  

 

19


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

“Live Nation” (which may be referred to as “we”, “us” or “our”) means Live Nation, 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 Securities and Exchange Commission, or 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 under Item 1A.—Risk Factors in our 2007 Form 10-K, as well as other factors described herein or in our annual, quarterly and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (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

The highlights for each of our segments for the third quarter of 2008 were:

North American Music

 

   

We achieved a 39% increase in average profit per show from the events that we promoted at our owned and/or operated amphitheaters in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007 primarily due to cost savings in venue operations and an increase in the ancillary revenue per attendee at these events. A strong talent lineup, including Jonas Brothers, Journey, Rascal Flatts and Jimmy Buffett, complemented these cost savings by driving an increase in attendance of 9% and an increase in average ticket prices of 7% even while show count remained relatively flat.

 

   

In August 2008, we entered into an exclusive booking arrangement with CIE and T4F covering Mexico, Central America and South America. We believe that this arrangement will drive increased revenue in this region where we currently have a limited presence.

 

   

Overall, for the third quarter of 2008 we increased the average profit per show by 33% as compared to the third quarter of 2007 primarily due to a 7% increase in ancillary revenue per attendee along with a 4% increase in attendance at all events for North American Music. Total events for the third quarter of 2008 are slightly down as compared to the third quarter of 2007 primarily due to a focused reduction in unprofitable shows. For the year-to-date in 2008, total events exceeded the number of 2007 events by 3%, total attendance increased 15% and the ancillary revenue per attendee increased by 4% over the same period of 2007.

International Music

 

 

 

The third quarter of 2008 included approximately 650 events that we promoted in International Music, an increase over the approximately 400 events promoted in the same period of 2007, driven primarily by an increased volume of club shows as well as acquisitions. Total attendance for the third quarter of 2008 was in excess of 3.0 million, an increase of 0.8 million, driven primarily by acquisitions and the timing of the O2 Wireless and Rock Werchter festivals.

 

 

 

We entered into a 10-year contract with Telefonica O2 for a naming rights sponsorship at The Point arena in Dublin, Ireland. This venue is currently expected to open in December 2008 after the completion of our capital expansion project.

 

   

In July 2008, we acquired 51.0% of Moi.Je Prod SAS, the promoter of the Main Square festival in Arras, France.

 

20


Index to Financial Statements

Artist Nation

 

   

In July 2008, we entered into a 3-tour-cycle extended rights agreement with Nickelback. This arrangement includes multiple rights for the band and represents entirely incremental business to us as we have not previously promoted their tours or had any other relationship with the band.

 

   

Madonna began her 2008 Sticky and Sweet global tour which will conclude by the end of the year. Based on current projections, this is expected to be the largest tour ever, in terms of revenue, by a female touring artist, eclipsing her own record.

 

   

During 2008, we provided artist services to a total of 789 artists. These services included, among others, fan club and website management, merchandise distribution and licensing and creative services.

Ticketing

 

   

This segment includes the results of our internal centralized ticketing operations and the revenue and costs associated with our website, www.livenation.com. We derive the majority of our revenue in Ticketing from service charges earned on tickets sold through our internal centralized ticketing operations and sponsorships related to this business.

 

   

The progression towards the launch of our ticketing platform for 2009 continues as planned. By being able to sell our tickets at our owned and/or operated venues, we believe that we will be able to control customer data, create enhanced ticket-based concert products and capitalize on expanded distribution channels and sponsorship opportunities.

 

   

In September 2008, we announced that our ticketing company entered into an exclusive agreement to sell tickets at the majority of the North American facilities controlled by the world’s leading venue management company, SMG.

Other information

 

   

In September 2008, we completed the divestiture of our motor sports business for a gross sales price of $175.0 million plus a performance-based contingent payment of up to $30.0 million over a five-year period beginning with the 2009 calendar year. The motor sports business was previously included in our other operations but, due to the sale, is now shown as discontinued operations.

 

   

As of September 30, 2008, we have 770 local, national and international corporate sponsors which represents an increase of 7% over 2007.

 

   

In October 2008, we sold our non-core events division to Michael Cohl, a former director and executive officer, and further reduced our non-core assets. The division includes a number of non-music, exhibition-style events, including Bodies and Walking with Dinosaurs. Also included in the sale were the rights to several previously produced live DVD packages. The majority of the assets sold are now reflected in discontinued operations. Mr. Cohl continues to work with us as a consultant and remains bound by a non-compete clause until 2016, but under the agreement he will be permitted to co-promote with Live Nation tours for certain artists with whom he has had a long and successful history. He will also be able to continue his work with certain non-music related events and exhibitions. In connection with the sale, a number of employees, primarily from our Miami offices, will leave the Company and join Mr. Cohl’s new organization.

Our Separation from Clear Channel

We were formed through acquisitions of various entertainment businesses and assets by our predecessors. On August 1, 2000, Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (Clear Channel) acquired our entertainment business. On August 2, 2005, we were incorporated in our current form as a Delaware corporation to own substantially all of the entertainment business of Clear Channel. On December 21, 2005, the separation of the business previously conducted by Clear Channel’s live entertainment segment and sports representation business and the distribution by Clear Channel of all of our common stock to its shareholders was completed in a tax free spin-off. Following our separation from Clear Channel, we became a separate publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange trading under the symbol “LYV”.

Segment Overview

Our reportable segments are North American Music, International Music, Artist Nation (previously known as Global Artists), and Ticketing (previously known as Global Digital). In addition, we have United Kingdom theatrical venue operations (previously included in Global Theater) and other businesses which are included under other operations. Prior to 2008, we reported a Global Theater segment which has been eliminated after the divestiture of substantially all of the Company’s North American theatrical business in January 2008. The segment results for all periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

21


Index to Financial Statements

North American Music

Our North American Music segment principally involves the promotion of live music events in our owned and/or operated venues and in rented third-party venues primarily in the United States and Canada. While our North American Music segment operates year-round, we experience higher revenue during the second and third quarters due to the seasonal nature of shows at our outdoor amphitheaters, which primarily occur May through September.

To judge the health of our North American Music segment, we primarily monitor the number of confirmed events in our network of owned and/or operated and third-party venues, talent fees, average paid attendance and advance ticket sales. In addition, at our owned and/or operated venues, we monitor attendance, food and beverage sales per attendee, premium seat sales and corporate sponsorship sales.

International Music

Our International Music segment principally involves the promotion of live music events in our owned and/or operated venues and in rented third-party venues and the production of music festivals outside of North America. While our International Music segment operates year-round, we experience higher revenue during the second and third quarters due to the seasonal nature of our international festivals, which primarily occur June through August.

To judge the health of our International Music segment, we primarily monitor the number of confirmed events in our network of owned and/or operated and third-party venues, talent fees, average paid attendance and advance ticket sales. In addition, at our owned and/or operated venues, we monitor attendance and food and beverage sales per attendee. Because this business is conducted in foreign markets, we look at the operating results from our foreign operations on a constant dollar basis.

Artist Nation

Our Artist Nation segment principally involves the production and/or promotion of global music tours as well as providing various services to artists. While our Artist Nation segment operates year-round, the timing of tours of top-grossing acts can impact comparability of quarterly results year over year, although annual results may or may not be impacted.

To judge the health of our Artist Nation segment, we primarily monitor the number of confirmed events, paid attendance and tour contribution margin. In addition, for our Artist Services division, we monitor the number of artist relationships, services provided and revenue per artist.

Ticketing

Our Ticketing segment manages the company’s digital platform and is building the new Live Nation ticketing infrastructure which will be launched in 2009. This segment is involved in managing our internal ticketing operations and online distribution activities, including the ongoing development of our website.

To judge the health of our Ticketing segment, we primarily review the number of tickets sold through our internal centralized ticketing operations, the number of unique visitors to our websites and the overall number of customers in our database.

 

22


Index to Financial Statements

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007       2008     2007    

Revenue

   $ 1,588,653     $ 1,452,578     9 %   $ 3,251,077     $ 2,836,397     15 %

Operating expenses:

            

Direct operating expenses

     1,295,416       1,200,071     8 %     2,589,443       2,265,952     14 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     174,254       151,910     15 %     495,312       444,354     11 %

Depreciation and amortization

     31,490       26,191     20 %     98,761       77,243     28 %

Gain on sale of operating assets

     (1,158 )     (6,112 )   * *     (799 )     (20,806 )   * *

Corporate expenses

     13,062       11,335     15 %     35,177       30,394     16 %
                                    

Operating income

     75,589       69,183     9 %     33,183       39,260     (15 )%

Operating margin

     4.8 %     4.8 %       1.0 %     1.4 %  

Interest expense

     15,285       15,018         45,646       45,194    

Interest income

     (2,978 )     (3,704 )       (8,406 )     (10,631 )  

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (1,979 )     (3,211 )       (871 )     (2,571 )  

Minority interest expense (income)

     4,261       8,099         (284 )     8,574    

Other expense (income) — net

     277       (210 )       (838 )     (564 )  
                                    

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     60,723       53,191         (2,064 )     (742 )  

Income tax expense (benefit):

            

Current

     (51,167 )     5,880         (37,951 )     22,545    

Deferred

     470       6,360         6,132       10,549    
                                    

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 111,420     $ 40,951       $ 29,755     $ (33,836 )  

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     28,508       602         76,006       40,262    
                                    

Net income

   $ 139,928     $ 41,553       $ 105,761     $ 6,426    
                                    

 

Note:

  Non-cash compensation expense of $2.4 million, $1.8 million, $4.8 million and $4.8 million is included in corporate expenses, $1.3 million, $3.1 million, $5.7 million and $5.9 million is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and $0 million, $0.9 million, ($0.9) million and $0.9 million is included in discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

**

  Percentages are not meaningful.

 

23


Index to Financial Statements

Key Operating Metrics

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Estimated Events

           

North American Music promotions:

           

Owned and/or operated amphitheaters

   600    588    860    821

All other

   2,196    2,500    6,731    6,539
                   

Total North American Music promotions

   2,796    3,088    7,591    7,360

North American Music third-party rentals at our owned and/or operated venues

   896    157    3,505    924

International Music promotions

   644    363    2,219    1,979

International Music third-party rentals at our owned and/or operated venues

   468    456    1,831    1,144

Artist Nation promotions

   35    62    72    106

United Kingdom theater promotions

   2    162    227    689

United Kingdom theater third-party rentals at our owned and/or operated venues

   846    825    3,032    3,278
                   

Total events

   5,687    5,113    18,477    15,480
                   

Estimated Attendance (rounded)

           

North American Music promotions:

           

Owned and/or operated amphitheaters

   6,453,000    5,944,000    9,186,000    8,067,000

All other

   5,809,000    5,863,000    15,413,000    13,380,000
                   

Total North American Music promotions

   12,262,000    11,807,000    24,599,000    21,447,000

North American Music third-party rentals at our owned and/or operated venues

   929,000    367,000    2,576,000    1,610,000

International Music promotions

   3,040,000    2,228,000    7,849,000    6,978,000

International Music third-party rentals at our owned and/or operated venues

   399,000    514,000    2,157,000    2,285,000

Artist Nation promotions

   861,000    1,635,000    1,501,000    2,344,000

United Kingdom theater promotions

   3,000    155,000    242,000    672,000

United Kingdom theater third-party rentals at our owned and/or operated venues

   934,000    872,000    3,313,000    3,317,000
                   

Total attendance

   18,428,000    17,578,000    42,237,000    38,653,000
                   

 

Note:

 

Events generally represent a single performance by an artist for both promotions and third-party rentals. Attendance generally represents the number of fans who were present at an event. Festivals are counted as one event in the quarter in which the festival begins but attendance is split over the days of the festival and can be split between quarters. Events and attendance metrics are estimated each quarter. Adjustments to previously reported quarters are only included in the year-to-date events and attendance metrics.

 

Promotions listed above include events in our owned and/or operated venues as well as events we promote in third-party venues. Excluded from the table above are events and attendance that occurred in the North American theatrical business that was sold in January 2008 and our motor sports business that was sold in September 2008.

 

The 2008 data for North American Music third-party rentals at our owned and/or operated venues is not comparable to 2007 because the 2008 data includes 538 events and 71,000 attendees for the three-month period and 2,315 events and 308,000 attendees for the nine-month period related to our House of Blues small-sized music venues. The comparable data for our House of Blues small-sized music venues is not available for 2007.

 

24


Index to Financial Statements

Revenue

Our revenue increased $136.1 million, or 9%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increases in revenue in our International Music and North American Music segments of $146.4 million and $75.0 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in revenue in our Artist Nation segment of $75.6 million. Included in the increase in revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 is approximately $18.4 million from increases in foreign exchange rates as compared to the same period of 2007.

Our revenue increased $414.7 million, or 15%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increases in revenue in our North American Music and International Music segments of $279.9 million and $212.6 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in revenue in our other operations and Artist Nation segment of $37.4 million and $33.6 million, respectively. Included in the increase in revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is approximately $72.9 million from increases in foreign exchange rates as compared to the same period of 2007.

More detailed explanations of the three- and nine-month changes are included in the applicable segment discussions contained herein.

Direct operating expenses

Our direct operating expenses increased $95.3 million, or 8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increases in our International Music and North American Music segments of $122.1 million and $56.4 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in our Artist Nation segment of $75.7 million. Included in the increase in direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 is approximately $16.5 million from increases in foreign exchange rates as compared to the same period of 2007.

Our direct operating expenses increased $323.5 million, or 14%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increases in our North American Music and International Music segments of $229.0 million and $177.0 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in our Artist Nation segment and other operations of $38.4 million and $32.9 million, respectively. Included in the increase in direct operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is approximately $62.8 million from increases in foreign exchange rates as compared to the same period of 2007.

Direct operating expenses include artist fees, show related marketing and advertising expenses along with other costs.

More detailed explanations of the three- and nine-month changes are included in the applicable segment discussions contained herein.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased $22.3 million, or 15%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increases in our Artist Nation, International Music, North American Music and Ticketing segments of $7.9 million, $6.1 million, $5.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, there was no significant impact from changes in foreign exchange rates as compared to the same period of 2007.

Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased $51.0 million, or 11%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increases in our Artist Nation, International Music and Ticketing segments of $23.3 million, $22.0 million and $11.8 million, respectively. Included in the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is approximately $6.2 million from increases in foreign exchange rates as compared to the same period of 2007.

More detailed explanations of the three- and nine-month changes are included in the applicable segment discussions contained herein.

Depreciation and amortization

Our depreciation and amortization expense increased $5.3 million, or 20%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization in our International Music and North American Music segments of $4.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Our depreciation and amortization expense increased $21.5 million, or 28%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to an increase in depreciation and amortization in our Artist Nation and International Music segments of $10.1 million and $9.3 million, respectively.

 

25


Index to Financial Statements

More detailed explanations of the three- and nine-month changes are included in the applicable segment discussions contained herein.

Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets

We recorded a net gain on sale of operating assets of $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $6.1 million for the same period of the prior year primarily due to gains recorded in 2007 related to the sale of seven small-sized venues in London.

We recorded a net gain on sale of operating assets of $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $20.8 million for the same period of the prior year primarily due to gains recorded in 2007 of $18.9 million related to the sale of two mid-sized and seven small-sized venues in London and an amphitheater in Nashville, $6.0 million related to the sale of an office building in San Francisco, and $3.6 million related to the sale of an arena/race track in Leicestershire, England. Partially offsetting these gains in 2007 is an $8.1 million loss related to the sale of our remaining 50.1% interest in the production of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular.

Corporate expenses

Corporate expenses increased $1.7 million, or 15%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased headcount and related costs and consulting expenses.

Corporate expenses increased $4.8 million, or 16%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased headcount and related costs and consulting expenses.

Interest expense

Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 is relatively unchanged as compared to the same periods in the prior year since increases in the debt balance were essentially offset by decreases in the weighted average cost of debt.

Our debt balances and weighted average cost of debt, including redeemable preferred stock, were $839.3 million and 6.41%, respectively, at September 30, 2008 and $813.4 million and 6.79%, respectively, at September 30, 2007.

Interest income

Interest income decreased $0.7 million and $2.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower excess cash invested in money market funds and other short-term investments in 2008.

Equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates decreased $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of our investment in Broadway in Chicago in the fourth quarter of 2007, partially offset by improved results from our investments in a joint venture with Cirque Du Soleil and Marek Lieberberg Konzertagentur, a German music company.

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates decreased $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of our investment in Broadway in Chicago in the fourth quarter of 2007, the acquisition of the remaining interest in House of Blues Concert Canada, or HOB Canada, partially offset by a reduction in losses from our investment in a joint venture with Cirque Du Soleil.

Minority interest expense (income)

Minority interest expense decreased $8.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to lower operating results for Academy Music Holdings Limited Group, or AMG, and Angel Festivals Limited.

Income Taxes

We customarily calculate interim effective tax rates in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion 28, Interim Financial Reporting (APB 28). As required by APB 28, we apply the estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date pretax income (or loss) at the end of each interim period to compute a year-to-date tax expense (or benefit). Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 18 (FIN 18) requires departure from customary 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, we have calculated an expected annual effective tax rate of 32%, excluding significant, unusual or extraordinary items, for ordinary income associated with operations, which are principally outside of the United States, for which we currently expect to have annual taxable income. That effective tax rate has been applied to year-to-date earnings for those

 

26


Index to Financial Statements

operations for which we currently expect to have taxable income. We have not recorded tax benefits associated with losses from operations for which future taxable income cannot be reasonably assured. As required by APB 28, we also include tax effects of significant, unusual or extraordinary items in income tax expense in the interim period in which they occur.

The net income tax benefit from continuing operations is $31.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Of this net income tax benefit $67.6 million relates to tax benefits associated principally with current and prior year U.S. losses for which tax benefits were not previously recorded since those losses had not met the more likely than not criteria for recognition. During the third quarter of 2008, gains associated with the sale of our motor sports business, enabled the current and some prior year losses to meet the criteria for recognition. The net tax benefit also includes a tax benefit of $1.7 million resulting from the effect of changes in tax rates. The components of tax expense which contributed to the net benefit include $24.5 million of statutory tax on profitable operations which are principally operations outside of the United States and which reflect an effective tax rate for those jurisdictions of 32%, state and local taxes of $1.7 million, interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions of $2.3 million, and adjustments for significant, unusual and extraordinary items of $9.0 million, including valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets.

During the first nine months of 2007, the effective tax rate applied to year-to-date earnings in taxable jurisdictions for which we expected to have taxable income was 29%. During the first nine months of 2008, an effective tax rate of 32% was applied to year-to-date earnings in taxable jurisdictions for which we expect to have taxable income. The increase in the effective tax rate applied during 2008 is principally related to larger permanent differences as a percentage of pre-tax income relative to 2007.

We have U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards that, if not used, will expire between calendar years 2008 and 2028. The amount of net operating loss carry forwards that will expire in 2008 and 2009 if not used are $5.7 million and $25.6 million, respectively.

Discontinued Operations

In January 2008, we completed the sale of our North American theatrical business, which included the assets of the North American theatrical presenting business and certain theatrical venues, to Key Brand Entertainment Inc. and its lenders for a gross sales price of $90.4 million pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. After fees, expenses, an adjustment to replace the show cash of the North American theatrical business that was previously removed from the operations and utilized by us and other adjustments, we will receive approximately $31.3 million of proceeds, net of cash sold and transaction costs. The sale of the North American theatrical business resulted in a total gain before tax of $18.0 million.

In September 2008, we sold our motor sports business to Feld Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. pursuant to a stock purchase agreement for a gross sales price of $175.0 million in cash, subject to certain net working capital and other post-closing adjustments, in addition to a performance-based contingent payment of up to $30.0 million over a five-year period commencing with calendar year 2009. After estimated fees, expenses and other adjustments, we received approximately $167.6 million of net proceeds, excluding the contingent payment. The sale of the motor sports business resulted in a gain before tax of $145.8 million.

In October 2008, as part of a binding agreement with Events Acquisition Corporation, we agreed to sell our non-core events division along with rights to certain DVD projects. Events Acquisition Corporation is owned by Michael Cohl who is a former director and executive officer of the Company. The events division included rights or investments in certain non-music and exhibition-style events. Under the agreement, we will receive approximately $15.4 million for the events division, DVD projects and other rights, in addition to performance-based contingent payments and undistributed profits related to future periods.

North American Music Results of Operations

Our North American Music segment operating results were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007       2008     2007    

Revenue

   $ 864,046     $ 789,056     10 %   $ 1,783,867     $ 1,503,934     19 %

Direct operating expenses

     697,337       640,921     9 %     1,421,712       1,192,734     19 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     90,204       84,387     7 %     253,565       253,126     —    

Depreciation and amortization

     15,443       13,391     15 %     44,662       40,259     11 %

Gain on sale of operating assets

     (669 )     (766 )   * *     (667 )     (6,826 )   * *
                                    

Operating income

   $ 61,731     $ 51,123     21 %   $ 64,595     $ 24,641     * *
                                    

Operating margin

     7.1 %     6.5 %       3.6 %     1.6 %  

 

** Percentages are not meaningful.

 

27


Index to Financial Statements

Three Months

North American Music revenue increased $75.0 million, or 10%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to an increase in the number of events, ancillary revenue per attendee, attendance and average ticket prices at our owned and/or operated amphitheaters and third-party venues for artists such as the Jonas Brothers and Journey, partially offset by a decrease in number of events, attendance and average ticket prices at arenas.

North American Music direct operating expenses increased $56.4 million, or 9%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to higher expenses associated with an increased number of events and attendance at our owned and/or operated amphitheaters and third-party venues partially offset by lower expenses resulting from a decrease in number of events and attendance at arenas as discussed above.

North American Music selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5.8 million, or 7%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher incentive compensation expense in 2008.

The increase in operating income for North American Music was primarily a result of cost controls on talent buying and other variable expenses, increased ancillary revenue per attendee, higher ticket sales through our internal ticketing operations, higher average ticket prices and increased activity at our owned and/or operated amphitheaters, partially offset by lower results for arena tours and increased incentive compensation expense.

Nine Months

North American Music revenue increased $279.9 million, or 19%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to an increase in the number of events, ancillary revenue per attendee, attendance and average ticket prices at our owned and/or operated amphitheaters and third-party venues for artists such as Dave Matthews Band, the Jonas Brothers and Journey, and strong results from arena tours for artists such as Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen and Rascal Flatts. The increase is also due to approximately $94.9 million of incremental revenue related to our acquisition of HOB Canada during the second quarter of 2007.

North American Music direct operating expenses increased $229.0 million, or 19%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to higher operating expenses associated with increased number of events and attendance at amphitheaters and third-party venues and strong arena tours as discussed above. The increase is also due to direct operating expenses of approximately $87.4 million related to our acquisition of HOB Canada.

North American Music selling, general and administrative expenses were relatively unchanged during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Lower legal expenses in 2008 related to ongoing cases offset higher incentive compensation expense and incremental selling, general and administrative expense of $5.8 million related to our HOB Canada acquisition.

North American Music gain on sale of operating assets decreased $6.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to the sale of an office building in San Francisco and the sale of the Starwood Amphitheater in Nashville in 2007.

The increase in operating income for North American Music was primarily a result of cost controls on talent buying and other variable expenses, increased ancillary revenue per attendee, higher ticket sales through our internal ticketing operations, higher average ticket prices and increased activity at our owned and/or operated amphitheaters and improved results for arena tours, partially offset by gains recorded in 2007 on the sale of an office building and an amphitheater.

 

28


Index to Financial Statements

International Music Results of Operations

Our International Music segment operating results were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007       2008     2007    

Revenue

   $ 480,735     $ 334,358     44 %   $ 986,788     $ 774,183     27 %

Direct operating expenses

     390,609       268,483     45 %     789,256       612,291     29 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     44,040       37,972     16 %     125,578       103,538     21 %

Depreciation and amortization

     8,037       3,597     123 %     21,107       11,856     78 %

Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets

     (2 )     (5,558 )   * *     41       (18,650 )   * *
                                    

Operating income

   $ 38,051     $ 29,864     27 %   $ 50,806     $ 65,148     (22 )%
                                    

Operating margin

     7.9 %     8.9 %       5.1 %     8.4 %  

 

** Percentages are not meaningful.

Three Months

International Music revenue increased $146.4 million, or 44%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Excluding the increase related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of $18.9 million, revenue increased $127.5 million, or 38%, primarily due to incremental revenue of $44.2 million related to the effect of our acquisitions of the Heineken Music Hall operations in January 2008, DFC Holdings Limited, or DFC, in April 2008, Lugerinc. AB and Moondog Entertainment AB, or Luger and Moondog, in June 2008, and Moi.Je Prod SAS, or Arras France festival, in July 2008. We also experienced stronger promotion activity in Sweden, Norway and France driven by strong stadium events for artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Iron Maiden and strong arena tours for artists such as Coldplay and Stevie Wonder. In addition, we had an overall increase in revenues related to our festival operations in the United Kingdom and Belgium primarily driven by the timing of the Rock Werchter and O2 Wireless festivals and higher revenues from the Reading, Leeds and Latitude festivals in 2008.

International Music direct operating expenses increased $122.1 million, or 45%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Excluding the increase related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of $16.3 million, direct operating expenses increased $105.8 million, or 39%, primarily related to incremental direct operating expenses of $35.5 million related to the effect of our acquisitions noted above as well as the increase in revenue related to our festival timing and performance and promotion activity noted above in the United Kingdom and Belgium.

International Music selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.1 million, or 16%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Excluding the increase related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of $0.6 million, the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was $5.5 million, or 14%, primarily due to an increase of $3.3 million related to the acquisitions noted above as well as higher compensation costs for salary and timing of performance bonus recognition.

International Music depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.4 million, or 123%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased amortization for intangible assets related to the AMG and DFC acquisitions, partially offset by reduced depreciation expense related to The Point closure.

International Music gain on sale of operating assets decreased $5.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the sale of seven small-sized venues in London in August 2007.

The increase in operating income for International Music was primarily driven by festival results, partially due to the timing of certain festivals, and also due to acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by increased amortization of intangibles related to the AMG and DFC acquisitions, higher compensation costs and the gain recorded in 2007 on venue disposals.

Nine Months

International Music revenue increased $212.6 million, or 27%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Excluding the increase related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of $62.3 million, revenue increased $150.3 million, or 19%, primarily due to incremental revenue of $88.8 million related to the effect of our acquisitions of AMG in July 2007, Heineken Music Hall operations in January 2008, DFC in April 2008, Luger and Moondog in June 2008, and Arras France festival in July 2008. We also experienced stronger promotion activity in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway driven by strong stadium events for artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Iron Maiden and strong arena tours for artists such as Celine Dion and The Osmonds. In addition, we had an overall increase in revenue related to our festival operations in the United Kingdom, Belgium and The Netherlands, primarily driven by increased attendance. These increases were partially offset by declines in revenue related to the closure of The Point in Ireland during renovation and the disposal of two mid-sized and seven small-sized venues in London in 2007.

 

29


Index to Financial Statements

International Music direct operating expenses increased $177.0 million, or 29%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Excluding the increase related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of $52.4 million, direct operating expenses increased $124.6 million, or 20%, primarily related to incremental direct operating expenses of $61.0 million related to the effect of our acquisitions noted above as well as the increase in revenue related to festival performance and our promotion activity noted above in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway. These increases were partially offset by the decreases related to The Point closure and venue disposals noted above.

International Music selling, general and administrative expenses increased $22.0 million, or 21%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Excluding the increase related to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of $5.8 million, the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was $16.2 million, or 16%, primarily due to an increase of $14.9 million related to the acquisitions noted above as well as higher compensation costs. These increases were partially offset by the venue disposals and closure of The Point noted above.

International Music depreciation and amortization expense increased $9.3 million, or 78%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased amortization for intangible assets related to the AMG and DFC acquisition, partially offset by reduced depreciation expense related to The Point closure noted above.

International Music gain on sale of operating assets decreased $18.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the sale of the Hammersmith Apollo and Forum, both mid-sized venues, and the seven small-sized venues in London.

The decrease in operating income for International Music was primarily a result of increased amortization of intangibles related to the AMG and DFC acquisitions, lost income from the venues disposed of in 2007 as well as the gain recorded on these venue disposals in 2007, partially offset by increased operating income from acquisitions.

Artist Nation Results of Operations

Our Artist Nation segment operating results were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007       2008     2007    

Revenue

   $ 225,676     $ 301,279     (25 )%   $ 419,058     $ 452,698     (7 )%

Direct operating expenses

     205,729       281,423     (27 )%     373,972       412,346     (9 )%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     20,988       13,123     60 %     60,577       37,232     63 %

Depreciation and amortization

     3,558       3,750     (5 )%     20,494       10,388     97 %

Gain on sale of operating assets

     —         —       * *     (117 )     —       * *
                                    

Operating income (loss)

   $ (4,599 )   $ 2,983     * *   $ (35,868 )   $ (7,268 )   * *
                                    

Operating margin

     (2.0 )%     1.0 %       (8.6 )%     (1.6 )%  

 

** Percentages are not meaningful.

Three Months

Artist Nation revenue decreased $75.6 million, or 25%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to a decline in the volume of global tours as well as lower grossing shows, driven by the mix of venues as these shows were primarily held in amphitheaters in 2008 as compared to stadiums in 2007. These declines were partially offset by incremental revenue of $61.3 million from our acquisitions of Signatures SNI, Inc., or Signatures, and Anthill Trading Ltd., or Anthill, in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Artist Nation direct operating expenses decreased $75.7 million, or 27%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily as a result of a decrease in touring-related direct operating expenses due to the lower volume of events and venue mix noted above. This decrease was partially offset by $53.3 million of incremental direct operating expenses from our acquisitions discussed above.

Artist Nation selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7.9 million, or 60%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to incremental expenses of $4.3 million related to our acquisitions noted above. In addition, we experienced an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses due to increased salary for additional headcount and consulting expenses related to the infrastructure for artist rights acquisitions.

 

30


Index to Financial Statements

The decrease in operating income for Artist Nation was primarily a result of the decreased volume and venue mix of global tours, increased headcount for artist services and increased amortization of the intangible assets from our acquisition of CPI, partially offset by a slight increase due to the acquisitions of Signatures and Anthill.

Nine Months

Artist Nation revenue decreased $33.6 million, or 7%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to a decline in the volume of global tours as well as lower grossing shows, driven by the mix of venues as these shows were primarily held in amphitheaters in 2008 as compared to stadiums in 2007. These declines were partially offset by incremental revenue of $122.9 million from our acquisitions noted above.

Artist Nation direct operating expenses decreased $38.4 million, or 9%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily as a result of a decrease in touring-related direct operating expenses due to the lower volume of events and venue mix noted above, partially offset by $105.4 million of incremental direct operating expenses from our acquisitions discussed above.

Artist Nation selling, general and administrative expenses increased $23.3 million, or 63%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to incremental expenses of $13.0 million related to our acquisitions noted above. In addition, we experienced an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses due to increased salary for additional headcount and consulting expenses related to the infrastructure for artist rights acquisitions.

Artist Nation depreciation and amortization expense increased $10.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to amortization of the intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of the remaining interest in CPI in the third quarter of 2007 and intangible assets associated with certain artist rights agreements.

The decrease in operating income for Artist Nation was primarily a result of the decreased volume and venue mix of global tours, increased headcount for artist services and increased amortization of the intangible assets from our acquisition of CPI, partially offset by increased sponsorships and the acquisitions of Signatures and Anthill.

Ticketing Results of Operations

Our Ticketing segment operating results were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007       2008     2007    

Revenue

   $ 6,733     $ 4,819     40 %   $ 19,759     $ 9,034     * *

Direct operating expenses

     3,151       1,534     * *     8,658       2,306     * *

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     8,751       4,020     * *     22,481       10,664     * *

Depreciation and amortization

     1,319       1,084     22 %     3,338       2,170     54 %
                                    

Operating loss

   $ (6,488 )   $ (1,819 )   * *   $ (14,718 )   $ (6,106 )   * *
                                    

Operating margin

     (96.4 )%     (37.7 )%       (74.5 )%     (67.6 )%  

 

** Percentages are not meaningful.

Three Months

Ticketing revenue increased $1.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased ticketing revenue from our internal ticketing operations as all existing internal ticketing operations have now been centralized under this group as well as an increase in sponsorship revenue.

Ticketing direct operating expenses increased $1.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to costs associated with our internal ticketing operations increased revenue.

Ticketing selling, general and administrative expenses increased $4.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased salary costs related to building our ticketing infrastructure, operations of our existing internal ticketing operations and website and internet management, as well as maintenance expense associated with our website and ticketing operations.

The decrease in the operating income for Ticketing was primarily a result of higher salary costs, partially offset by increased revenue from our internal ticketing operations.

 

31


Index to Financial Statements

Nine Months

Ticketing revenue increased $10.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased ticketing revenue from our internal ticketing operations as all existing internal ticketing operations have now been centralized under this group.

Ticketing direct operating expenses increased $6.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to costs associated with our internal ticketing operations increased revenue.

Ticketing selling, general and administrative expenses increased $11.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to increased salary costs related to building our ticketing infrastructure, operations of our existing internal ticketing operations and website and internet management, as well as maintenance expense associated with our website and ticketing operations.

The decrease in the operating income for Ticketing was primarily a result of higher salary costs, partially offset by increased revenue from our internal ticketing operations and sponsorships.

Other Results of Operations

Our other operating results were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    %
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007       2008     2007    

Revenue

   $ 16,489     $ 27,044     (39 )%   $ 67,205     $ 104,618     (36 )%

Direct operating expenses

     3,616       11,685     (69 )%     21,448       54,342     (61 )%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     10,271       12,411     (17 )%     33,108       39,797     (17 )%

Depreciation and amortization

     2,180       2,849     (23 )%     6,384       8,479     (25 )%

Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets

     (32 )     264     * *     (205 )     4,780     * *
                                    

Operating income (loss)

   $ 454     $ (165 )   * *   $ 6,470     $ (2,780 )   * *
                                    

Operating margin

     2.8 %     (0.6 )%       9.6 %     (2.7 )%  

 

** Percentages are not meaningful.

Three Months

Other revenue decreased $10.6 million, or 39%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to a decline in revenue from our United Kingdom theater operations as a result of fewer productions and touring theatrical shows.

Other direct operating expenses decreased $8.1 million, or 69%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to lower direct operating expenses from our United Kingdom theater operations due to reduced productions.

Nine Months

Other revenue decreased $37.4 million, or 36%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily as a result of the sale of our interest in the production of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular in the first quarter of 2007 and a decline in revenue from our United Kingdom theater operations as a result of fewer productions and touring theatrical shows.

Other direct operating expenses decreased $32.9 million, or 61%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the sale of our interest in the production of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular and lower direct operating expenses from our United Kingdom theater operations due to fewer productions.

Other selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $6.7 million, or 17%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to higher overhead costs in 2007 related to businesses that we have sold or are no longer operating.

Gain on sale of operating assets was $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to a loss on sale of operating assets of $4.8 million during the same period of the prior year primarily due to the loss on the sale of our interest in the production of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular, partially offset by a gain recorded on the sale of an arena/race track in Leicestershire, England.

 

32


Index to Financial Statements

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

North American Music

   $ 61,731     $ 51,123     $ 64,595     $ 24,641  

International Music

     38,051       29,864       50,806       65,148  

Artist Nation

     (4,599 )     2,983       (35,868 )     (7,268 )

Ticketing

     (6,488 )     (1,819 )     (14,718 )     (6,106 )

Other

     454       (165 )     6,470       (2,780 )

Corporate

     (13,560 )     (12,803 )     (38,102 )     (34,375 )
                                

Consolidated operating income

   $ 75,589     $ 69,183     $ 33,183     $ 39,260  
                                

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 currently managed on a worldwide basis.

Our balance sheet reflects cash and cash equivalents of $205.9 million and current and long-term debt of $799.3 million at September 30, 2008, and cash and cash equivalents of $339.0 million and current and long-term debt of $822.6 million at December 31, 2007. These debt balances do not include our outstanding redeemable preferred stock.

Our available cash and cash equivalents is held in accounts managed by third-party financial institutions and consists of invested cash and cash in our operating accounts. The invested cash is invested in interest-bearing funds managed by third-party financial institutions. These funds generally invest in direct obligations of the government of the United States. Cash held in operating accounts in many cases exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, insurance limits. While we monitor cash and cash equivalents balances in our operating accounts on a regular basis and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash or 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.

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. Our ability to issue additional equity may be constrained because the issuance of additional stock may cause the Distribution to be taxable under section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, and, under our tax matters agreement with Clear Channel, we would be required to indemnify Clear Channel against the tax, if any. We may make significant acquisitions in the near term, subject to limitations imposed by our financing documents, market conditions and the tax matters agreement.

The lenders under our revolving credit facility and counterparties to our interest rate swap agreements discussed below 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 swap agreements default on its obligations, we could experience higher interest rate volatility during the period of any such default.

We generally receive cash related to ticket revenue 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 event-related deferred revenue, less accrued expenses due to artists and for cash collected on behalf of others, plus event-related prepaids. This is essentially our cash available to, among other things, repay debt balances, make acquisitions, repurchase stock and finance revenue-generating capital expenditures.

Our intra-year cash fluctuations are impacted by the seasonality of our various businesses. An example of seasonal effects includes our North American Music and International Music 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 flow from operations and borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, along with other financing alternatives, to satisfy working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for at least the succeeding year.

Sources of Cash

Senior Secured Credit Facility

We have a senior secured credit facility consisting of term loans originally totaling $550 million and a $285 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility provides for borrowings up to the amount of the facility with sub-limits of up to $235 million to be available for the issuance of letters of credit and up to $100 million to be available for borrowings in foreign currencies. The term loans of $325 million and $225 million mature in June 2013 and December 2013, respectively, and the revolving credit

 

33


Index to Financial Statements

portion of the credit facility matures in June 2012. For the term loan maturing in June 2013, minimum quarterly principal repayments of approximately $2.7 million per year are required through March 2013, with the balance due at maturity. For the term loan maturing in December 2013, minimum quarterly principal repayments of approximately $1.9 million per year are required through September 2013, with the balance due at maturity. We are required to prepay the outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions and conditions, from certain asset sale net proceeds and casualty and condemnation proceeds that we do not reinvest within a 365-day period or from certain additional debt issuance proceeds. On asset sales, a minimum of 50% of the net proceeds is required to be prepaid at the time the sale proceeds are received.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we made principal payments totaling $30.1 million and $288.0 million on the term loans and revolving credit facility, respectively, which includes a $26.8 million term loan pre-payment from the proceeds received from the sale of the motor sports business. The payments on the revolving credit facility were to repay short-term borrowings used to fund working capital requirements during the year and to pay down the beginning balance. At September 30, 2008, the outstanding balances on the term loans and revolving credit facility were $421.6 million and $40.0 million, respectively. Taking into account letters of credit of $40.8 million, $204.2 million was available for future borrowings.

Borrowings under the term loan portion of the credit facility bear interest at per annum floating rates equal, at our option, to either (a) the base rate (which is the greater of the prime rate offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or the federal funds rate plus 0.5%) plus 2.25% or (b) Adjusted LIBOR plus 3.25%. Borrowings under the revolving portion of the credit facility bear interest at per annum floating rates equal, at our option, to either (a) the base rate (which is the prime rate offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ) plus an applicable margin or (b) Adjusted LIBOR plus an applicable margin. Sterling and Euro-denominated borrowings under the revolving portion of the credit facility currently bear interest at per annum floating rates equal to either Adjusted LIBOR or Adjusted EURIBOR, respectively, plus an applicable margin. The revolving credit facility margins are subject to change based upon the amount of leverage for the previous calendar quarter. In the event our leverage ratio improves, the interest rate margin on revolving credit borrowings declines gradually to 1.25% at a total leverage ratio of less than, or equal to, 1.25 times. Under the terms of the original term loan, we were required to enter into an interest rate swap for a minimum of 50% of the outstanding debt for a minimum of three years.

The interest rate we pay on borrowings on our senior term loans is 3.25% above LIBOR. The interest rate we pay on our $285 million multi-currency revolving credit facility depends on our total leverage ratio. Based on our current total leverage ratio, our interest rate on revolving credit borrowings is 2.25% above LIBOR. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the credit facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the revolving credit facility in respect of the unutilized commitments. As of September 30, 2008, the commitment fee rate was 0.375%. We also are required to pay customary letter of credit fees, as necessary.

The senior secured credit facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends and make distributions, make certain investments and acquisitions, repurchase stock and prepay certain indebtedness, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, modify the nature of the business, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, transfer and sell material assets and merge or consolidate.

2.875% Convertible Senior Notes

In July 2007, we issued $220 million of convertible senior notes, due 2027, in a private placement in the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes pay interest semiannually at a rate of 2.875% per annum. 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. The notes will be convertible, under certain circumstances, at an initial conversion rate of 36.8395 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which represents a 27.5% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price prior to issuance of $21.29 per share on July 10, 2007. Upon conversion, the notes may be settled in shares of Live Nation common stock or, at our election, cash or a combination of cash and shares of Live Nation common stock. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting estimated offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $212.4 million.

Holders of the 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. In addition, if we experience a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the notes, holders may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes, subject to specified exceptions, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

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.

 

34


Index to Financial Statements

Redeemable Preferred Stock

As part of the Separation, one of our subsidiaries sold 200,000 shares of Series A (voting) mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock to third-party investors and issued 200,000 shares of Series B (non-voting) mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock to Clear Channel which then sold this Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock to third-party investors. We did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock sold by Clear Channel. As of September 30, 2008, we had 200,000 shares of Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock and 200,000 shares of Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock outstanding (collectively, the Preferred Stock) with an aggregate liquidation preference of $40 million. The Preferred Stock accrues dividends at 13% per annum and is mandatorily redeemable on December 21, 2011, although we are obligated to make an offer to repurchase the Preferred Stock at 101% of the liquidation preference in the event of a change of control.

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation governing the Redeemable Preferred Stock (the Amended Preferred Stock Certificate) contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional debt, issue certain equity securities, create liens, merge or consolidate, modify the nature of our business, make certain investments and acquisitions, transfer and sell material assets, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, enter into swap agreements, pay dividends and make distributions, and enter into agreements with affiliates. If we default under any of these covenants, we will have to pay additional dividends.

Guarantees of Third-Party Obligations

As of September 30, 2008, we guaranteed the debt of third parties of approximately $2.8 million, primarily related to maximum credit limits on employee and tour related credit cards and guarantees of bank lines of credit of a nonconsolidated affiliate and a third-party promoter.

During 2006, in connection with our acquisition of Historic Theatre Group, we guaranteed obligations related to a lease agreement. In the event of default, we could be liable for obligations which have future lease payments (undiscounted) of approximately $30.9 million through the end of 2035. The venues under the lease agreement were included in the sale of our North American theatrical business. We entered into an Assumption Agreement with the buyer in connection with the sale, under which the buyer is assuming our obligations under the guaranty.

Disposal of Assets

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we received $194.3 million of proceeds primarily related to the sale of our North America theatrical business and the sale of our motor sports business. These proceeds are presented net of any cash included in businesses sold.

Debt Covenants

The significant covenants on our multi-currency senior secured credit facility relate to total leverage, senior leverage, interest coverage and capital expenditures contained and defined in the credit agreement. The adjusted leverage ratio covenant requires us to maintain a ratio of consolidated total indebtedness minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, up to a maximum of $150 million (all as defined by the credit agreement), to consolidated earnings-before-interest-taxes-depreciation-and-amortization (as defined by the credit agreement, “Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA”) of less than 4.0 times, provided that aggregated subordinated indebtedness and permitted holding company indebtedness (as defined by the credit agreement) is less than $25 million or 6.0 times if greater than $25 million. The senior leverage covenant, which is only applicable provided aggregate subordinated indebtedness and permitted holding company indebtedness is greater than $25 million, requires us to maintain a ratio of adjusted consolidated senior indebtedness minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA of less than 4.0 times. The interest coverage covenant requires us to maintain a minimum ratio of Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA to cash interest expense (as defined by the credit agreement) of 2.5 times. The capital expenditure covenant limits annual capital expenditures (as defined by the credit agreement) to $110 million or less, subject to a carryover provision. In the event that we do not meet these covenants, we are considered to be in default on the credit facilities at which time the credit facilities may become immediately due. This credit facility contains a cross default provision that would be triggered if we were to default on any other indebtedness greater than $10 million.

In July 2008, we amended our existing amended and restated senior secured credit agreement and the Amended Preferred Stock Certificate effective June 30, 2008 to, among other things, (i) increase the amount of allowable investments by the amount of net proceeds received from issuances of equity and convertible debt, (ii) permit investment in unrestricted subsidiaries in an amount of up to 50% of the amount of net proceeds received from issuances of equity and convertible debt and (iii) revise the definition of certain items in the agreement.

The Amended Preferred Stock Certificate contains covenants similar to the senior secured credit facility and also contains a covenant that requires us to pay additional dividends ranging from 2% to 7% in the event the ratio of consolidated total indebtedness minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, up to a maximum of $150 million (all as defined by the Amended Preferred Stock Certificate), to consolidated earnings-before-interest-taxes-depreciation-and-amortization (as defined by the Amended Preferred Stock Certificate) exceeds 4.0 times.

 

35


Index to Financial Statements

Some of our other subsidiary indebtedness includes restrictions on acquisitions 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.

At September 30, 2008, we were in compliance with all debt and Redeemable Preferred Stock covenants. We expect to remain in compliance with all of these covenants throughout 2008.

Uses of Cash

Acquisitions

When we make acquisitions, especially of entities where we buy a controlling interest only, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2008, we used $36.0 million in cash for acquisitions in our various segments primarily related to the acquisition of the operating company that manages and holds the lease for the Heineken Music Hall located in Amsterdam, the acquisition of a 51% interest in Live Nation – Haymon Ventures, LLC in North America, and the acquisition of the remaining interests we did not already own in Luger and Moondog, both music-related companies in Sweden.

Capital Expenditures

Venue operations is a capital intensive business, requiring consistent investment in our existing venues in order to address audience and artist expectations, technological industry advances and various federal, state and/or local regulations.

We categorize capital outlays into maintenance capital expenditures and revenue generating capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures are associated with the renewal and improvement of existing venues and, to a lesser extent, capital expenditures related to information systems, web development and administrative offices. Revenue generating capital expenditures relate to either the construction of new venues or major renovations to existing buildings, buildings that are being added to our venue network or other expenditures that will create new or enhanced revenue streams. Capital expenditures typically increase during periods when venues are not in operation.

Our capital expenditures consisted of the following:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in thousands)

   2008    2007

Maintenance capital expenditures

   $ 21,657    $ 30,695

Revenue generating capital expenditures

     116,893      36,250
             

Total capital expenditures

   $ 138,550    $ 66,945
             

Revenue generating capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2008 increased significantly from the same period in the prior year primarily due to the development and renovation of various venues, including The Point in Ireland, House of Blues in Houston and Boston, the Hollywood Palladium, AMG venue expansions in Sheffield and Leeds, as well as for our ticketing roll-out.

We expect maintenance capital expenditures to be approximately $30.0 million for the full year 2008 and total revenue generating capital expenditures to be approximately $155.0 million for the full year 2008.

Summary

Our primary short-term liquidity needs are to fund general working capital requirements and capital expenditures while our long-term liquidity needs are primarily acquisition related. 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 from operations, long-term bank borrowings and other debt or equity financing.

Cash Flows

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands)

   2008     2007  

Cash provided by (used in):

    

Operating activities

   $ (43,964 )   $ 34,362  

Investing activities

   $ (21,422 )   $ (59,838 )

Financing activities

   $ (48,362 )   $ 63,011  

 

36


Index to Financial Statements

Operating Activities

Cash used in operations was $44.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to cash provided by operations of $34.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The $78.4 million increase in cash used in operations resulted primarily from advances related to entering into certain artist rights agreements and changes in the event-related operating accounts which are dependent on the timing, size, and number of events for upcoming periods. The accounts primarily affected by this event timing was deferred revenue which increased less than last year and resulted in an increase in cash used in operating activities, partially offset by accrued event related expenses which increased more than last year and resulted in a decrease in cash used in operating activities.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $21.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $59.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The $38.4 million decrease in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to higher proceeds received in 2008 from the sale of our motor sports and North American theatrical businesses as compared to proceeds received in 2007 from the sales of an arena/race track in Leicestershire, England, an amphitheater in Nashville, an office building in San Francisco, two mid-sized and seven small-sized music venues in London and our production of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular. Additionally, we used more cash in the prior year related to our acquisitions of AMG and HOB Canada. Partially offsetting these decreases in cash used in investing activities, were higher capital expenditures and acquisitions of certain artist rights in 2008.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $48.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $63.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The $111.4 million increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily a result of reduced borrowings in 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Included in 2007 was the issuance of our 2.875% convertible senior notes, while 2008 includes a net paydown on the revolving credit facility of $15.0 million along with a $26.7 million paydown on our term loans from the sale proceeds of the motor sports business.

Seasonality

Our North American Music and International Music segments typically experience higher operating income in the second and third quarters as our outdoor venues and international festivals are primarily used or occur during May through September. Our United Kingdom theater venue operations typically experience higher operating income during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year as the theatrical venues have their highest rental usage from September through March. In addition, the timing of tours of top-grossing acts in our Artist Nation segment can impact comparability of quarterly results year over year, although annual results may or may not be impacted.

Cash flows from our North American Music and International Music segments typically have a slightly different seasonality as payments are often made for artist performance fees and production costs 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 begin to receive payments from ticket sales, still 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 $62.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2008 by $6.3 million. As of September 30, 2008, our primary foreign exchange exposure included the Euro, British Pound, Swedish Kroner and Canadian Dollar. This analysis does not consider the implication such currency fluctuations could have on the overall economic conditions of the United States or other foreign countries in which we operate or on the results of operations of our foreign entities.

Occasionally, we will use forward currency contracts to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk. The principal objective of such contracts is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with artist fee commitments. At September 30, 2008, we had forward currency contracts outstanding with a notional amount of $21.4 million.

 

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Interest Rate Risk

Our market risk is also affected by changes in interest rates. We had $799.3 million total debt outstanding as of September 30, 2008. Of the total amount, taking into consideration existing interest rate hedges, we have $631.9 million of fixed-rate debt and $167.4 million of floating-rate debt.

Based on the amount of our floating-rate debt as of September 30, 2008, each 25 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our annual interest expense and cash outlay by approximately $0.4 million. This potential increase or decrease is based on the simplified assumption that the level of floating-rate debt remains constant with an immediate across-the-board increase or decrease in the interest rate as of September 30, 2008 with no subsequent change in rates for the remainder of the period.

At September 30, 2008, we have four interest rate swap agreements that are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, which include swaps and combinations of interest rate caps and floors, with a total notional amount of $312.5 million, to effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. Two of these agreements expire in March 2009 and one in September 30, 2010. One of these swap agreements has a forward swap with a notional amount of $162.5 million effective March 31, 2009 which expires March 31, 2011. The fair value of these agreements at September 30, 2008 was a net asset of less than $0.1 million. These agreements were put in place to eliminate or reduce the variability of a portion of the cash flows from the interest payments related to our senior secured credit facility. The terms of our senior secured credit facility required that an interest rate swap be put in place for at least 50% of the original $325 million senior term loan and for at least three years.

As part of the acquisition of AMG, we have interest rate swap agreements with a $22.5 million aggregate notional amount that effectively converts a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. These agreements expire in January 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 the change.

In July 2007, we issued $220.0 million of 2.875% convertible senior notes due 2027. 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:

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Year Ended December 31,

2008

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

0.96   1.51   1.28   0.96   0.07   1.18

The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed on a total enterprise basis. Earnings represent income from continuing operations before income taxes less equity in undistributed net income (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates plus fixed charges. Ratios above for periods prior to 2008 have not been restated to remove the impact of discontinued operations. Fixed charges represent interest, amortization of debt discount and expense, and the estimated interest portion of rental charges. Rental charges exclude variable rent expense for events in third-party venues.

Stock-Based Compensation

As of September 30, 2008, there was $29.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements for stock options and restricted stock awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next four years.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, or Statement 157. Statement 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and also responds to investors’ requests for expanded information about the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. Statement 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. Statement 157 does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. We adopted Statement 157 on January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in our consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The effective date for these items was delayed to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently

 

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Index to Financial Statements

assessing the impact on our nonfinancial assets and liabilities that the adoption of Statement 157 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or Statement 159. Statement 159 allows entities to voluntarily choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities (as well as certain nonfinancial instruments that are similar to financial instruments) at fair value (the “fair value option”). The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, Statement 159 specifies that all subsequent changes in fair value for that instrument will be reported in earnings. We adopted Statement 159 on January 1, 2008 and determined that we would not elect to measure any of our eligible financial instruments at fair value under the provisions of this standard.

Recently Issued Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations, or Statement 141(R). Statement 141(R) establishes revised principles and requirements for the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities in a business combination. Statement 141(R) requires (i) recognition of 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities upon obtaining control, (ii) contingent consideration to be recorded at fair value at acquisition date, (iii) transaction costs to be expensed as incurred, (iv) pre-acquisition contingencies to be accounted for at acquisition date at fair value and (v) costs of a plan to exit an activity or terminate or relocate employees to be accounted for as post-combination costs. Statement 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We will adopt Statement 141(R) on January 1, 2009 and apply the requirements of Statement 141(R) for business combinations that occur after the date of adoption.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51, or Statement 160. Statement 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Statement 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The provisions of Statement 160 are applied prospectively with the exception of reclassifying noncontrolling interests to equity and recasting consolidated net income (loss) to include net income (loss) attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests, which are required to be adopted retrospectively. We will adopt Statement 160 on January 1, 2009 and are currently assessing the impact adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, or Statement 161. Statement 161 requires enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, or Statement 133, and its related interpretations and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Statement 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We will adopt Statement 161 in the first quarter of 2009.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position, or FSP, APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement). This FSP will change the accounting for certain convertible debt instruments, including our 2.875% convertible senior notes. Under the new rules for convertible debt instruments that may be settled entirely or partially in cash upon conversion, an entity should separately account for the liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s economic interest cost. The effect of the new rules for our notes is that the equity component will be included in the additional paid-in capital section of shareholders’ equity on the our balance sheet and the value of the equity component will be treated as an original issue discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of the notes. Higher interest expense will result by recognizing the accretion of the discounted carrying value of the notes to their face amount as interest expense over the expected term of the notes using an effective interest rate method of amortization. This FSP is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and is required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the new rules and their impact on our current accounting for our notes and expect to recognize additional interest expense starting in 2009 due to the interest expense accretion associated with the notes and to report greater than previously reported interest expense due to retrospective application.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 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.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Management believes that the accounting estimates involved in the allowance for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, revenue recognition, litigation accruals, stock-based compensation and accounting for 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 29, 2008. There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

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 September 30, 2008, 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 error 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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Index to Financial Statements

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We were a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Malinda Heerwagen on June 13, 2002, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff, on behalf of a putative class consisting of certain concert ticket purchasers, alleged that anti-competitive practices for concert promotion services by us nationwide caused artificially high ticket prices. On August 11, 2003, the Court ruled in our favor, denying the plaintiff’s class certification motion. The plaintiff appealed this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On January 10, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the ruling in our favor by the District Court. On January 17, 2006, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of her action in the Southern District of New York.

We are a defendant in twenty-two putative class actions filed by different named plaintiffs in various U.S. District Courts throughout the country. The claims made in these actions are substantially similar to the claims made in the Heerwagen action discussed above, except that the geographic markets alleged are regional, statewide or more local in nature, and the members of the putative classes are limited to individuals who purchased tickets to concerts in the relevant geographic markets alleged. The plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory, punitive and treble damages, declaratory and injunctive relief and costs of suit, including attorneys’ fees. We have filed our answers in some of these actions, and we have denied liability. On December 5, 2005, we filed a motion before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to transfer these actions and any similar ones commenced in the future to a single federal district court for coordinated pre-trial proceedings. On April 17, 2006, the Panel granted our motion and ordered the consolidation and transfer of the actions to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. On June 4, 2007, the Court conducted a hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On June 25, 2007, the Court entered an order to stay all proceedings in the case pending the Court’s ruling on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On October 22, 2007, the Court ruled in the plaintiffs’ favor, granting the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and certifying a class in the Chicago, New England, New York/New Jersey, Colorado and Southern California regional markets. On November 5, 2007, we filed a Petition for Permission to Appeal from Order Granting Class Certification with the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. At a status conference conducted on November 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court extended its stay of all proceedings pending further developments in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On February 15, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an order denying our Petition for Permission to Appeal. On February 20, 2008, we filed a Motion with the U.S. District Court for Reconsideration of its October 22, 2007 order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On March 6, 2008, the U.S. District Court entered an order approving a stipulated continuance and stay of all proceedings pending further developments in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. We intend to vigorously defend all claims in all of the actions.

From time to time, we are involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including proceedings and claims based upon violations of antitrust laws and tortious interference, which could cause us to incur significant expenses. We also have been the subject of personal injury and wrongful death claims relating to accidents at our venues in connection with our operations. As required, we accrue our 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, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. In addition, under our agreements with Clear Channel, we have assumed and will indemnify Clear Channel for liabilities related to our business for which they are a party in the defense.

 

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. Item 1A of our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 2007 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 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

  3.1   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Live Nation, Inc. dated September 9, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 15, 2008).
10.1*   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 9, 2008, by and among Feld Entertainment, Inc., Feld Acquisition Corp., Live Nation Worldwide, Inc., and Live Nation Motor Sports, Inc.
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

 

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

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 November 7, 2008.

 

LIVE NATION, INC.
By:  

/s/ Brian Capo

  Brian Capo
  Chief Accounting Officer

 

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Index to Financial Statements

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

  3.1   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Live Nation, Inc. dated September 9, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 15 2008).
10.1*   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 9, 2008, by and among Feld Entertainment, Inc., Feld Acquisition Corp., Live Nation Worldwide, Inc., and Live Nation Motor Sports, Inc.
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

 

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.

 

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