UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM
For the fiscal year ended
OR
For the transition period from to
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
State of (State or other jurisdiction of |
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non affiliates of Liberty Media Corporation computed by reference to the last sales price of such stock, as of the closing of trading on June 30, 2024, was approximately $
The number of outstanding shares of Liberty Media Corporation’s common stock as of January 31, 2025 was:
Series A | Series B | Series C | |||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | |||||||
Liberty Live common stock |
Documents Incorporated by Reference
The Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION
2024 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Table of Contents
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I‑3 | |||||
I-14 | |||||
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I-42 | |||||
I-44 | |||||
I-44 | |||||
I-44 | |||||
II‑1 | |||||
[Reserved] | II‑2 | ||||
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | II‑3 | ||||
II‑17 | |||||
II‑17 | |||||
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | II‑17 | ||||
II‑17 | |||||
II‑18 | |||||
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | II‑18 | ||||
III‑1 | |||||
III‑1 | |||||
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | III‑1 | ||||
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | III‑1 | ||||
III‑1 | |||||
IV‑1 | |||||
IV‑4 |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding business, product and marketing plans, strategies and initiatives; renewal of licenses and authorizations; the recoverability of goodwill and other long-lived assets; the performance of our equity affiliates; the proposed Liberty Live Split-Off (as defined below); projected sources and uses of cash; fluctuations in interest rates and stock prices; the anticipated non-material impact of certain contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings; and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In particular, statements under Item 1. “Business,” Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” Item 2. “Properties,” Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” contain forward-looking statements. You can identify some of the forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “may” and other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. You are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following include some but not all of the factors (as they relate to our consolidated subsidiaries and equity affiliates) that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:
● | the historical financial information of the Liberty Formula One Group (the “Formula One Group”) and the Liberty Live Group may not necessarily reflect their results had they been separate companies; |
● | our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms and cash in amounts sufficient to service debt and other financial obligations; |
● | our and our subsidiaries’ indebtedness could adversely affect operations and could limit the ability of our subsidiaries to react to changes in the economy or our industry; |
● | the success of businesses attributed to each of our tracking stock groups and their popularity with audiences; |
● | our ability to realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic investments; |
● | the impact of weak and uncertain economic conditions on consumer demand for products, services and events offered by our businesses attributed to our tracking stock groups; |
● | our overlapping directors and management with QVC Group, Inc., formerly known as Qurate Retail, Inc. (“QVC Group”), Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“TripCo”); |
● | the outcome of pending or future litigation; |
● | the operational risks of our subsidiaries and business affiliates with operations outside of the United States (“U.S.”); |
● | our ability to use net operating loss, disallowed business interest and tax credit carryforwards to reduce future tax payments; |
● | the degradation, failure or misuse of our information systems; |
● | the ability of our subsidiaries and business affiliates to comply with government regulations, including, without limitation, competition laws and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings; |
● | the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which we, and the entities in which we have interests, operate; |
● | changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, vendors and joint venturers; |
● | the impact of a future pandemic and other public health related risks and events, such as COVID-19, on our customers, vendors and businesses generally; |
● | reliance on intellectual property and the ability to protect intellectual property; |
● | reliance on third parties; |
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● | the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; |
● | the impact of our equity method investment in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”) on our net earnings and the net earnings of the Liberty Live Group; |
● | termination of or changes in any of the agreements, commitments or policies Formula 1 relies on to operate and the limitations such agreements, commitments and policies impose on Formula 1; |
● | challenges by tax authorities in the jurisdictions where Formula 1 operates; |
● | changes in tax laws that affect Formula 1 and the Formula One Group; |
● | the ability of Formula 1 to expand into new markets; |
● | changes in laws and regulations and/or their interpretations related to advertising, media rights and the environment; |
● | the establishment of rival motorsports events or other circumstances that impact the competitive position of Formula 1; |
● | the impact of cancelations or postponements of events or accidents or terrorist attacks during events; |
● | changes in consumer viewing habits and the emergence of new content distribution platforms; |
● | fluctuations in currencies against the U.S. dollar; |
● | the risks associated with the Company as a whole and our use of tracking stock groups, even if a holder does not own shares of common stock of both of our groups; |
● | market confusion that results from misunderstandings about our capital structure; |
● | market price of our tracking stocks may be volatile; |
● | we may not pay dividends equally to our tracking stocks or at all; |
● | our directors’ or officers’ equity ownership may create the appearance of conflicts of interest; |
● | geopolitical incidents, accidents, terrorist acts, international conflicts, natural disasters, including the effects of climate change, or other events that cause one or more events to be cancelled or postponed, are not covered by insurance, or cause reputational damage to our subsidiaries and business affiliates; |
● | challenges related to assessing the future prospects of tracking stock groups based on past performance; |
● | our ability to recognize anticipated benefits from the proposed Liberty Live Split-Off; |
● | the possibility that our business may suffer as a result of uncertainty surrounding the proposed Liberty Live Split-Off; and |
● | the possibility that the proposed Liberty Live Split-Off may have unexpected costs. |
These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Annual Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and other cautionary statements contained in this Annual Report. Such risk factors and statements describe circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
This Annual Report includes information concerning Live Nation, our equity method affiliate that files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information in this Annual Report concerning Live Nation has been derived from the reports and other information filed by Live Nation with the SEC. If you would like further information about Live Nation, the reports and other information it files with the SEC can be accessed on the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Unless explicitly stated herein, those reports and other information are not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
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PART I.
Item 1. Business.
General Development of Business
Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our”) owns interests in subsidiaries and other companies that are engaged in the media and entertainment industries primarily in North America and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). Our principal businesses and assets include our consolidated subsidiaries, Formula 1 and QuintEvents, LLC (“QuintEvents”), and our equity affiliate, Live Nation.
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Holdings”) was a subsidiary of the Company until the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off (defined below) on September 9, 2024. Braves Holdings, LLC ("Braves Holdings") was a subsidiary of the Company until the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off (defined below) on July 18, 2023.
On April 15, 2016, the Company reclassified its then-outstanding shares of common stock into three tracking stocks—Liberty Braves common stock, Liberty Media common stock and Liberty SiriusXM common stock (the “Recapitalization”). The Liberty Media common stock was renamed the Liberty Formula One common stock in January 2017.
A tracking stock is a type of common stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or “track” the economic performance of a particular business or “group,” rather than the economic performance of the company as a whole.
On July 18, 2023, the Company completed the split-off (the “Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off”) of its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves Holdings”). The Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off was accomplished by a redemption by the Company of each outstanding share of Liberty Braves common stock in exchange for one share of the corresponding series of Atlanta Braves Holdings common stock. Atlanta Braves Holdings was comprised of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty Braves Group (the “Braves Group”) immediately prior to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, except for the intergroup interests in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and the Formula One Group, which were settled and extinguished in connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off.
On August 3, 2023, the Company reclassified its then-outstanding shares of common stock into three new tracking stocks — Liberty SiriusXM common stock, Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock, and, in connection therewith, provided for the attribution of the businesses, assets and liabilities of the Company’s remaining tracking stock groups among its newly created Liberty SiriusXM Group, Formula One Group and Liberty Live Group (the “Reclassification”). As a result of the Reclassification, each then-outstanding share of Liberty SiriusXM common stock was reclassified into one share of the corresponding series of new Liberty SiriusXM common stock and 0.2500 of a share of the corresponding series of Liberty Live common stock and each outstanding share of Liberty Formula One common stock was reclassified into one share of the corresponding series of new Liberty Formula One common stock and 0.0428 of a share of the corresponding series of Liberty Live common stock.
Each of the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and the Reclassification were intended to be tax-free to stockholders of the Company, except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. In July 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) completed its review of the Reclassification and notified the Company that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction. In September 2024, the IRS completed its review of the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and notified the Company that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction. The Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and the Reclassification are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a prospective basis.
On January 2, 2024, the Company purchased QuintEvents for total consideration of approximately $277 million, comprised of $205 million of cash, net of cash acquired of $66 million, and a $6 million settlement of a pre-existing condition.
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On September 9, 2024, the Company completed the split-off (the “Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off”) of its wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Liberty Sirius XM Holdings”). The Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off was accomplished through the redemption by the Company of each outstanding share of Liberty SiriusXM common stock in exchange for 0.8375 of a share of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. Liberty Sirius XM Holdings was comprised of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group immediately prior to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off. The Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off was intended to be tax-free to holders of Liberty SiriusXM common stock (except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares).
Following the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, on September 9, 2024, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings merged with and into Sirius XM Holdings, with Sirius XM Holdings surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings (the “Merger” and, together with the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the “Transactions”). As a result of the Transactions, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings became an independent public company, separate from the Company.
While the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group have separate collections of businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to them, no group is a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securities or enter into legally binding agreements. Holders of tracking stock have no direct claim to the group’s stock or assets and therefore, do not own, by virtue of their ownership of a Liberty tracking stock, any equity or voting interest in a public company, such as Live Nation, in which Liberty holds an interest that is attributed to a Liberty tracking stock group, the Liberty Live Group. Holders of tracking stock are also not represented by separate boards of directors. Instead, holders of tracking stock are stockholders of the parent corporation, with a single board of directors and subject to all of the risks and liabilities of the parent corporation.
The Liberty Formula One common stock is intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Formula One Group, which, as of December 31, 2024, include Liberty’s interests in Formula 1 and QuintEvents, cash and Liberty’s 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027.
The Liberty Live common stock is intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty Live Group. As of December 31, 2024, the Liberty Live Group is primarily comprised of Liberty’s interest in Live Nation, cash, other minority investments, Liberty’s 2.375% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2053 and an undrawn margin loan.
Prior to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty SiriusXM common stock was intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group. At the time of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty SiriusXM Group was comprised of Liberty’s interest in Sirius XM Holdings, corporate cash, Liberty’s 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028, Liberty’s 2.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2049 and a margin loan obligation incurred by a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary of Liberty. Liberty Sirius XM Holdings is presented as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Prior to the Reclassification, Liberty’s interest in Live Nation, Liberty’s 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2050 and a margin loan secured by shares of Live Nation were attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and are presented as continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Prior to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty Braves common stock was intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Braves Group. The Braves Group was primarily comprised of Braves Holdings, which indirectly owns the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club (the “Braves”), certain assets and liabilities associated with the Braves’ stadium (the “Stadium”) and a mixed-use development around the Stadium that features retail, office, hotel and entertainment opportunities and corporate cash. Braves Holdings is not presented as a discontinued operation in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
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On March 29, 2024, the Company agreed, subject to certain conditions, to acquire approximately 86% of the equity interests in Dorna Sports, S.L., (“Dorna”) for a purchase price of approximately €3.0 billion, to be funded with cash. The Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts for close to the full purchase price. In December 2024, the European Commission (“E.C.”) notified the Company that a Phase II investigation would occur, extending regulatory review beyond December 31, 2024. The Company agreed to pay €126 million to the sellers to extend the longstop date to June 30, 2025 in order to accommodate the Phase II investigation. The €126 million is considered prepaid purchase consideration and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. Subsequent to December 31, 2024, the Company extended a portion of the foreign currency forward contracts through the extended longstop date.
On November 13, 2024, the Company announced that it is pursuing a plan to split-off the Liberty Live Group (the “Liberty Live Split-Off”). Immediately prior to the Liberty Live Split-Off, QuintEvents would be reattributed from the Formula One Group to the Liberty Live Group in exchange for certain private assets and cash. The Liberty Live Split-Off would be effected through the redemption of Liberty Live common stock in exchange for common stock of a newly formed company, Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. The Company would redeem each outstanding share of its Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Live common stock for one share of the corresponding series of common stock of Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. As a result of the Liberty Live Split-Off, the Company and Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. would be separate publicly traded companies, and the Company would no longer have a tracking stock structure. The Liberty Live Split-Off is subject to various conditions including, among other things, shareholder approval and the receipt of an opinion of tax counsel. The Liberty Live Split-Off is intended to be tax-free to stockholders of the Company.
As of December 31, 2021, 6,792,903 notional shares represented an 11.0% intergroup interest in the Braves Group previously held by the Formula One Group, 2,292,037 notional shares represented a 3.7% intergroup interest in the Braves Group previously held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group and 5,271,475 notional shares represented a 2.2% intergroup interest in the Formula One Group previously held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
During September 2022, the Formula One Group and the Braves Group paid approximately $64 million and $14 million, respectively, to the Liberty SiriusXM Group to settle a portion of the intergroup interests in the Formula One Group and Braves Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group, as a result of the repurchase of a portion of Liberty’s 1.375% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Convertible Notes”). During March 2023, the Formula One Group paid approximately $202 million to the Liberty SiriusXM Group to settle a portion of the intergroup interest in the Formula One Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group, as a result of the repurchase of a portion of the Convertible Notes. On July 12, 2023, the Formula One Group paid approximately $71 million to the Liberty SiriusXM Group to settle and extinguish the remaining intergroup interest in the Formula One Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
In connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, the intergroup interests in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and Formula One Group were settled and extinguished through the attribution, to the respective tracking stock group, of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock on a one-for-one basis equal to the number of notional shares representing the intergroup interest. On July 19, 2023, the shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock attributed to the Formula One Group to settle and extinguish the intergroup interest in connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off were distributed on a pro rata basis to holders of Liberty Formula One common stock. During November 2023, Liberty exchanged the shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group with a third party to satisfy certain debt obligations attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
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* * * * *
Description of Business
The following table identifies our more significant subsidiaries and minority investments.
Consolidated Subsidiaries
Formula 1
Equity Method Investments
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV)
Formula 1
Formula 1 holds the exclusive commercial rights with respect to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (“FIA”) Formula One World Championship (the “World Championship”), an annual, approximately nine-month long, motor race-based competition in which teams (the “Teams”) compete for the Constructors’ Championship and drivers compete for the Drivers’ Championship. The World Championship, which has been held every year since 1950 and takes place on high profile iconic circuits, is a global series with a varying number of events (“Events”) taking place in different countries around the world each season. In 2024, 24 Events took place in 21 countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North and South America. In 2024, the World Championship was followed by hundreds of millions of television viewers in approximately 200 territories and Formula 1’s largest Events have hosted live audiences in excess of 450,000 on race weekends.
Formula 1 is responsible for the commercial exploitation and development of the World Championship, in the course of which it coordinates and transacts with the FIA, the governing body and regulator of world motor sport, the Teams, the race promoters that stage Events, various media organizations worldwide, as well as advertisers and sponsors. Formula 1 also performs activities related to critical components of the World Championship, including filming and providing technical support at Events, production of the international television feed and logistics related to the transport of its and the Teams’ equipment, ensuring high quality and reducing delivery risk around the World Championship. Additionally, Formula 1, pursuant to other agreements with the FIA, holds the exclusive right to promote and commercially exploit the F2 and F3 series through 2041, and in 2023 launched F1 Academy, a series aimed at developing and preparing young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition.
Formula 1 also generates revenue from a variety of other sources, including the operation of the Formula 1 Paddock Club hospitality program (the “Paddock Club”), freight, logistical and travel related services for the Teams and other third parties, the F2 and F3 race series, which run principally as support races during Event weekends, F1 Academy, various television production and post-production activities, digital and social media activities and revenue from other licensing of the commercial rights associated with the Formula 1 brand.
Formula 1 recognizes the majority of its revenue and expenses in connection with Events that take place in different countries around the world, generally between March and December each year. As a result, the revenue and expenses recognized by Formula 1 are generally lower during the first quarter as compared to the rest of the quarters throughout the year.
Primary Revenue
Formula 1 derives its primary revenue from the commercial exploitation and development of the World Championship through a combination of race promotion, media rights and sponsorship arrangements. A significant majority of the race promotion, media rights and sponsorship contracts specify payments in advance and annual increases in the fees payable over the course of the contracts.
Race Promotion. Race promotion revenue comprised 29.3%, 29.3% and 28.6% of Formula 1’s total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Formula 1 grants to race promoters the rights to host,
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stage and promote each Event pursuant to contracts that typically have an initial term of three to seven years. For established Events, the duration of subsequent renewals is more variable according to local market conditions. These contracts may allow for flat fees over the term, but more typically they include annual fee escalators over the life of the contract, which are typically based on annual movement in a selected consumer price index or fixed percentages of up to 5% per year.
Race promoters are generally circuit owners, local and national automobile clubs, special event organizers or governmental bodies. Race promoters generate revenue from ticket sales and sometimes from concessions, secondary hospitality offerings (other than the Paddock Club), local sponsorship opportunities and on-site activations. Tickets are sold by the promoters for the entire Event weekend or individual days.
In 2024 and 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was the only Event that was directly promoted by Formula 1, and as a result, Formula 1 was responsible for the development and operation of the circuit and paddock facilities. As a self-promoted event, Formula 1 received the revenue from ticket sales and other commercial arrangements in connection with the event. Revenue from the sale of grandstand and general access tickets is included in Race Promotion revenue.
Media Rights. Media rights revenue comprised 32.8%, 32.2% and 36.4% of Formula 1’s total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Formula 1 licenses rights to broadcast Events on television and other media platforms in specified countries or regions and in specified languages. These may also include rights to broadcast the race, practice and qualifying sessions, interactive television/digital services, repeat broadcasts and highlights. Contracts with broadcasters, which we refer to as television rights agreements (“TRAs”), typically have a term of three to five years. While annual fees from broadcasters may stay constant, they often increase each year during the term of the TRA by varying amounts. Formula 1’s media rights revenue is primarily generated from: (a) free-to-air television broadcasts, which are received by the end user without charge (other than any television license fee), and non-premium cable, satellite and other broadcasts, which are received as part of a subscriber’s basic package (together, “free-to-air television”); (b) premium and pay-per-view cable and satellite broadcasts, where the subscriber pays a premium fee to receive programming on a package or per-event basis (“pay television”) and (c) subscription revenue from Formula 1’s own direct-to-consumer over-the-top broadcast product F1 TV. In 2024, Formula 1 had 11 free-to-air television agreements, 13 pay television agreements and 27 agreements, including multi-territory agreements, covering both free-to-air and pay television. Formula 1’s key broadcasters include Sky (pay television) in the U.K., Sky Deutschland (pay television) in Germany, Sky Italia (pay television) in Italy, DAZN (pay television) in Spain, ESPN (pay television) in Pan Latin America, Canal+ (pay television) in France, Vietnam and Myanmar, Bandeirantes (free-to-air and pay television) in Brazil, Viaplay (free-to-air and pay television) in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Netherlands, Viaplay (pay television) in Iceland and Poland, ESPN and ESPN Deportes (pay television) in the U.S., beIN Sports (pay television) in Pan Asia and beIN Sports (free-to-air and pay television) in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.
Sponsorship. Sponsorship revenue comprised 18.6%, 18.0% and 16.9% of Formula 1’s total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Formula 1 sells Event-based sponsorship in the form of trackside advertising and race title sponsorship packages. In addition, sponsors can acquire status as a Global Partner of Formula 1 and/or Official Supplier to Formula 1. These advertiser and sponsor contracts typically have a term of three to five years (but may on occasion be of longer duration). Payments often increase each year based on a fixed amount, a fixed percentage or in accordance with the U.S. or European consumer price index or another agreed metric.
Other Revenue
The remainder of Formula 1’s revenue is typically generated from a variety of other sources including facilitating the shipment of cars and equipment to and from events outside of Europe, revenue from the sale of tickets to the Paddock Club at most Events, support races at Events, various television production activities and other ancillary operations. Other revenue also includes the sale of hospitality tickets for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
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FIA and the Teams
Formula 1’s business is built on a number of key relationships—those with the FIA, the Teams and Formula 1’s principal commercial partners. See “—Key Commercial Agreements” below for more information about Formula 1’s relationships with the FIA and the Teams.
FIA
The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport and as such, is solely responsible for regulating the sporting, technical and safety aspects of the World Championship, including race circuits to be used by race promotors, through the FIA’s F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council. The FIA regulates all international motor sports, with the World Championship being the most prominent. The FIA owns the World Championship and has granted Formula 1 the exclusive commercial rights to the World Championship until the end of 2110 under the 100-Year Agreements (described below). In addition, the FIA, through its World Motor Sport Council, approves the calendar for the World Championship each year based on the agreed race promotor contracts for the coming season. Under the 100-Year Agreements, Formula 1 is only permitted to enter into race promotion contracts that are substantially in the form agreed between Formula 1 and the FIA.
Teams
The Teams are the participants in the World Championship and its Events, competing for the annual Constructors’ Championship, and their drivers compete for the annual Drivers’ Championship. There were 10 Teams competing in the 2024 World Championship. To be eligible to compete, a Team is responsible for the design and manufacturing of certain key parts of its cars, including the chassis. Currently, the Teams are supplied race engines by one of Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault or Red Bull Powertrains, with Audi and Honda committing to become an engine supplier beginning in the 2026 season and Renault withdrawing as an engine supplier after 2025. Under the terms of the 2021 Concorde Agreement (described below), Teams are entitled to receive significant team payments from a Formula 1 prize fund (the “Prize Fund”) based primarily on their results in prior years’ Constructors’ Championships. Formula 1 has no direct or indirect ownership interest in any Team, nor does it have any contractual arrangements with the drivers, who are all employed or contracted directly by the Teams. Each Team is responsible for securing its own drivers and funding the costs of competing in the World Championship. They receive Prize Fund payments from Formula 1, as well as sponsorship and advertising revenue from their own partners. The 2021 Concorde Agreement between Formula 1, the FIA and the Teams define the terms of the Team’s participation in the World Championship (for further detail, see “—Key Commercial Agreements—Concorde Agreement” below.)
Drivers
One of the distinctive features of the World Championship is the celebrity and diversity of its drivers. Differences in nationalities, temperaments and racing styles form part of the attractive mosaic of Formula 1. The success of a local driver also impacts the television viewership and revenue generated from that country or region. High profile drivers from the U.K. (Hamilton), the Netherlands (Verstappen) and Spain (Alonso) have helped grow and sustain the Formula 1 business in those countries. For this reason, Formula 1 encourages the development of drivers from other strategic markets. F2 and F3 provide the training ground and final stepping stones to Formula 1 for these drivers. All drivers are employed or contracted by the Teams and have no contractual relationship with Formula 1.
Key Commercial Agreements
100-Year Agreements
Under the 100-Year Agreements entered into by Formula 1 and the FIA in 2001, which took effect on January 1, 2011 and will expire on December 31, 2110, Formula 1 is the exclusive holder of all commercial rights to the World Championship.
The 100-Year Agreements also provide that Formula 1 may appoint a representative to the FIA, subject to the FIA’s approval, and that person will be a member of the FIA’s F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council. The FIA
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may terminate the 100-Year Agreements, leading to a transfer of material commercial rights into effective FIA ownership, upon a change of control of Formula 1, unless either the FIA previously approved the transaction or the transaction falls within one of a number of exceptions. Formula 1 obtained the FIA’s approval of its acquisition by Liberty in January 2017 under the 100-Year Agreements.
In addition, the FIA may terminate the 100-Year Agreements if (i) certain Delta Topco Limited (“Delta Topco”) subsidiaries party to the 100-Year Agreements become insolvent; (ii) Formula 1 fails to pay an amount due to the FIA and such non-payment is not cured within 30 days of FIA’s demand for payment; (iii) arbitrators declare that Formula 1 materially breached the 100-Year Agreements and Formula 1 has not paid to the FIA certain penalties to cure such breach; or (iv) Formula 1 changes or removes certain of the FIA’s rights without its prior consent.
Concorde Agreement
From 1981 until 2012, successive Concorde Agreements governed the relationship between Formula 1, the FIA and the Teams, including the regulation of the World Championship. After the then-current Concorde Agreement expired on December 31, 2012, Formula 1 entered into a separate binding bilateral agreement with each Team (the “Team Agreements”), securing the relevant Team’s commitment to continue participating in the World Championship until December 31, 2020. In addition, Formula 1 entered into the 2013 Concorde Implementation Agreement with the FIA in 2013. The 2013 Concorde Implementation Agreement, in addition to making certain modifications to the 100-Year Agreements for the period to end 2030, provides that the FIA agrees to provide certain sporting governance arrangements and regulatory safeguards for the benefit of the Teams, to enter into a new Concorde Agreement for a term of eight years (from 2013 to 2020) reflecting those sporting governance arrangements and regulatory safeguards and to enter into a subsequent Concorde Agreement from 2021 to 2030 or to extend the sporting governance arrangements or regulatory safeguards agreed under the 2013 Concorde Implementation Agreement on substantially the same terms from 2021 to 2030. The Team Agreements and the 2013 Concorde Implementation Agreement together provided, until December 31, 2020, the contractual framework for the World Championship that was previously set out in the Concorde Agreements.
In August 2020, Formula 1, the FIA and the Teams entered into the 2021 Concorde Agreement, securing the commitment of the Teams to continue participating in the World Championship from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2025, and governing the relationship between the parties during that period. The 2021 Concorde Agreement is made up of two separate documents: (a) the 2021 Concorde Commercial Agreement between Formula 1 and each of the Teams; and (b) the 2021 Concorde Governance Agreement between Formula 1, the FIA and each of the Teams.
The 2021 Concorde Agreement provides, among other things, for the participation of the Teams in the World Championship during the term of that agreement, and provides for Formula 1 to make certain Prize Fund payments to the Teams based on their performance in the Constructors’ Championship and other principles (such as success and heritage in Formula 1).
Key Provisions
As discussed above, the 2021 Concorde Agreement establishes a Prize Fund, establishes procedures for setting the World Championship calendar, and provides for certain termination rights. The 2021 Concorde Agreement establishes rules for the determination of the Prize Fund to be paid to the Teams, which is calculated with reference to certain percentages of Formula 1’s Prize Fund Adjusted EBIT (defined by Formula 1 as operating profit adjusted to exclude certain specific, and largely non-cash items). A share of the Prize Fund is paid to Ferrari in recognition of its heritage, with the remainder paid to Teams based on their results in prior Constructors’ Championships (a significant majority of which is based on their position in the prior year’s World Championship). Under the 2021 Concorde Agreement, the consent of 70% of the Teams is required if there are more than 24 Events in a season or if there are fewer than eight Events across Europe and North America combined.
The 2021 Concorde Agreement may be terminated with respect to a Team if the Team fails to participate in more than three Events in a season, fails to submit a valid entry for participation in the World Championship or becomes
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insolvent. Teams may terminate their rights and obligations pursuant to the 2021 Concorde Agreement by giving one full season’s written notice to Formula 1, as well as under certain other circumstances, including:
● | Formula 1 is unable to pay its debts when they become due; |
● | Formula 1 fails for three months to pay an aggregate amount due in excess of $10 million to the Team; or |
● | Upon the occurrence of specified compliance violations or sanctions-related events. |
Circuit Rights Agreements
Under circuit rights agreements (the “Circuit Rights Agreements”), Formula 1 acquires from race promoters certain rights to commercially exploit at the Events, including the rights to sell trackside advertising and title sponsorship, the right to sell Paddock Club hospitality (other than at three Events) and commercial use of the name of the Event and circuit. In a few cases a cash payment is made for the grant of these circuit rights and in others Formula 1 offers a commission or share of revenue to a race promoter where they have been instrumental in introducing a new sponsor from its territory that purchases a title sponsorship or trackside advertising. Circuit Rights Agreements typically have a term that is tied to the relevant race promoter contract.
Intellectual Property
Formula 1 is the registered owner of a portfolio of trademark registrations and applications, including for the F1 logo, the World Championship logo (which is used only in sporting contexts), “Formula One”, “Formula 1”, “F1” and “Grand Prix” when used in connection with any of the aforementioned and most of the official Event titles where they are capable of registration.
Formula 1 owns the copyright on footage of each Event since 1981 as well as footage related to a large number of pre-1981 Events. Ownership of this copyright enables Formula 1 to license that footage to broadcasters and to take legal action against infringers of that copyright. Under the 2021 Concorde Agreement, Formula 1 also has the exclusive right, subject to limited exceptions, to use each Team’s intellectual property rights (including image rights) to portray the World Championship and/or any Event in any visual form.
Licenses and Permits
Formula 1 is required to obtain permits for the allocation and use of radio frequencies which are necessary for the operation of live camera and other equipment used in the production of live television images and also in live radio communications used by Formula 1, the FIA, the Teams (including car to pit radio transmissions) and the emergency services. Such radio frequency permits are obtained by a dedicated unit in the television production team, with assistance from the local race promoter. Typically, such radio frequency permits are obtained from the relevant governmental authority responsible for licensing the use of radio frequencies in the host country of the relevant Event. The requirements and procedures for obtaining such permits vary by country and they may involve the completion of written formalities or the inspection by the relevant governmental authority of all equipment to be operated with a radio frequency. Permits are typically issued subject to conditions, which Formula 1 has generally been able to satisfy.
Strategy
Formula 1’s goal is to further broaden and increase the global scale and appeal of the World Championship in order to improve the overall value of Formula 1 as a sport and its financial performance. Key factors of this strategy include:
● | Maximizing the value of Formula 1’s commercial rights; |
o | Leveraging high demand and positive competitive tension for Event renewals to increase the quality and value of every race slot |
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o | Maximizing media rights across markets, including alternate media platforms; continuing to grow Formula 1’s direct-to-consumer F1 TV product, alongside its growing suite of digital media assets |
o | Developing sponsorship revenue by optimizing Formula 1’s existing inventory to maximize impact, exclusivity and value for Formula 1’s partners, while creating new, tailored assets to satisfy growing demand from a broad-spectrum of global brands |
o | Enhancing Formula 1’s hospitality and experience business by developing its existing Paddock Club, together with new premium offerings |
● | Augmenting Formula 1’s diverse and valuable fanbase by expanding the ways in which it interacts with fans, which will drive deeper fan engagement and improved fan data; |
● | Driving growth in key strategic markets with under-monetized fan potential; |
● | Improving the on-track competitive balance of the World Championship and the long-term financial stability of the participating Teams; and |
● | Improving the environmental and social impact of Formula 1 and its related activities by delivering Net Zero by 2030, leaving a legacy of positive change wherever it races, and building a more diverse and inclusive sport. Formula 1 is also pioneering a 100% advanced sustainable fuel to be introduced in 2026 that will be a “drop-in fuel” and can be used in road cars without modification worldwide. |
Live Nation
Live Nation is considered the world’s leading live entertainment company.
Live Nation’s Business Segments
Concerts. Live Nation’s Concerts segment principally involves the global promotion of live music events in its owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the operation and management of music venues, the production of music festivals across the world, the creation of associated content and the provision of management and other services to artists. While its Concerts segment traditionally operates year-round, Live Nation experiences higher revenue during the second and third quarters due to the seasonal nature of shows at its outdoor amphitheaters and festivals, which primarily occur from May through October. Live Nation expects its seasonality trends to evolve as it continues to expand its global operations. Revenue is generally impacted by the number of events, volume of ticket sales and ticket prices. Event costs such as artist fees and production expenses are included in direct operating expenses and are typically substantial in relation to the revenue.
Ticketing. Live Nation’s Ticketing segment is primarily an agency business that sells tickets for events on behalf of its clients and retains a portion of the service charge as a fee. Live Nation sells tickets for its events and also for third-party clients across multiple live event categories, providing ticketing services for leading arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, music clubs, concert promoters, professional sports franchises and leagues, college sports teams, performing arts venues, museums and theaters. Live Nation sells tickets through mobile apps, websites, and ticket outlets. Live Nation’s Ticketing segment also manages its online activities including enhancements to its websites and product offerings. Live Nation’s ticketing sales are impacted by fluctuations in the availability of events for sale to the public, which may vary depending upon event scheduling by its clients.
Sponsorship & Advertising. Live Nation’s Sponsorship & Advertising segment employs a sales force that creates and maintains relationships with sponsors through a combination of strategic, international, national and local opportunities that allow businesses to reach customers through its concert, festival, venue and ticketing assets, including advertising on Live Nation websites. Live Nation works with its corporate clients to help create marketing programs that support their business goals and connect their brands directly with fans and artists. Live Nation also develops, books and produces custom events or programs for its clients’ specific brands, which are typically presented exclusively to the clients’ consumers. These custom events can involve live music events with talent and media, using both online and traditional outlets. Live Nation typically experiences higher revenue in the second and third quarters as a large portion of sponsorships
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are typically associated with its outdoor venues and festivals which are primarily used in, or occur from, May through October.
Terms of Live Nation Investment
At December 31, 2024, we beneficially owned approximately 69.6 million shares of Live Nation common stock, which represented approximately 30% of the issued and outstanding shares as of December 31, 2024.
Under our stockholders agreement with Live Nation, we have the right to nominate two directors (one of whom must qualify as an independent director) to the Live Nation board of directors, currently comprised of 12 directors, for so long as our ownership interest provides us with not less than 5% of the total voting power of Live Nation’s equity securities. We also have the right to cause one of our nominees to serve on the audit committee and the compensation committee of the board, provided they meet the independence and other qualifications for membership on those committees. Live Nation has waived the director independence requirement with respect to our nominees to the Live Nation board of directors, and we have waived our right to cause one of our nominees to serve on the audit and compensation committees of the board.
We have agreed under the stockholders agreement not to acquire beneficial ownership of Live Nation equity securities that would result in our having in excess of 35% of the voting power of Live Nation’s equity securities. That percentage is subject to decrease for specified transfers of our Live Nation stock. We have been exempted from the restrictions on business combinations set forth in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, and Live Nation has agreed in the stockholders agreement not to take certain actions that would materially and adversely affect our ability to acquire Live Nation securities representing up to 35% of the voting power of Live Nation’s equity securities.
Other Minority Investments
We also own a portfolio of minority equity investments in public and private companies. These non-core assets may be monetized in the future, potentially through derivative and structured transactions as well as public and private sales.
Regulatory Matters
The operations and business of Formula 1 are subject to European and national competition laws which require Formula 1 at all times to ensure its business practices and agreements are consistent with the operation of competitive markets. Following an investigation by the E.C. into the commercialization of Formula 1 and related agreements in 1999, Formula 1 modified certain of its business practices and changed the terms of a number of its commercial contracts with Teams, broadcasters, promoters and the FIA. In October 2001, the E.C. issued two comfort letters to Formula 1 stating that it was no longer under investigation. Comfort letters are not binding on the E.C. and if it believes that there has been a material change in circumstances, further enforcement action could be taken. The E.C. issued a press release in October 2003 stating that it was satisfied that Formula 1 had complied with the modified practices and terms that had led to its issuing the 2001 comfort letters and that it had ended its monitoring of Formula 1’s compliance.
Competition
With respect to Formula 1, the World Championship competes with many alternative forms of entertainment, such as other sporting and live events, for television viewership, live attendance and advertising. For example, Formula 1 competes for media rights and advertising revenue with other global and regional Tier 1 sports, including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Champions League and Premier League. Within national markets, Formula 1 competes with local racing events, such as the Indianapolis 500 race and NASCAR in the U.S.
Live Nation faces competition in the live music industry, in attracting touring artists to the venues it owns and operates and from ticketing services primarily through online and mobile channels but also through phone, outlet and box office channels. Competition in the live entertainment industry is intense. Live Nation believes that it competes primarily on the basis of its ability to deliver quality music events, sell tickets and provide enhanced fan and artist experiences. It believes that its primary strengths include the quality of service delivered to its artists, fans, ticketing clients and corporate
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sponsors, its track record and reputation in promoting and producing live music events and tours both domestically and internationally, its artist relationships, its global footprint, the quality of its ticketing software and services, its ecommerce site and extensive database, its diverse distribution platform of venues, the scope, effectiveness and expertise of its advertising and sponsorship programs and its financial stability.
Human Capital Resources
General
As of December 31, 2024, we had 84 corporate employees, and our consolidated subsidiaries had an aggregate of approximately 1,100 full and part-time employees. We believe that our employee relations are good.
Liberty and its subsidiaries strive to create diverse, inclusive and supportive workplaces, with opportunities for employees to grow and develop in their careers, supported by competitive compensation, benefits and health and wellness programs, and by programs that build connections between employees and their communities.
Talent Development
Liberty fosters a strong learning culture by investing in our employees and empowering them to participate in opportunities for personal and professional growth. Some of these opportunities (which vary across our company and our subsidiaries) include tuition reimbursement for professional related coursework, executive and career coaching, paid professional seminars, paid membership in professional organizations, on-site lunch and learn educational meetings and internally led presentations on industry topics.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Liberty strives to cultivate a culture that provides a sense of belonging and inclusiveness. Our Company respects diversity and the unique perspectives, ideas, skills and abilities of our employees that lead our Company to achieve better business results. To reinforce this commitment to inclusion and diversity at the corporate level, Liberty supports domestic partner benefits, paid parental leave, fertility benefits, flexible work arrangements, on-going training, mentorship for female leaders and quarterly town-hall meetings with our Chief Executive Officer.
Similarly, our subsidiaries have undertaken their own individual commitments to developing a diverse workforce. Through its efforts to develop diversity within motorsport, Formula 1 seeks to find the next generation of talent emerging from underrepresented backgrounds. Following the launch of the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship Program in 2021, Formula 1 has since committed to extending the program through 2025, supporting 10 students per year in their undergraduate and post-graduate engineering degrees at leading universities in the U.K. and Italy. In 2023, Formula 1 launched the F1 Academy series, an all-female driver category, to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition. In 2024, the F1 Academy series was featured as a support race at seven Events. As part of a wider program of diversity and inclusion initiatives, Formula 1 has also committed to creating employment opportunities for those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds by offering apprenticeships and internships across the business.
Compensation and Benefits
Liberty and its subsidiaries aim to provide attractive compensation and benefits programs for their employees. In addition to salaries, these programs (which vary across our company and our subsidiaries) may include, among other items, bonuses, stock awards, 401(k) plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, paid parental leave, advocacy resources, flexible work schedules and employee assistance programs.
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Available Information
All of our filings with the SEC, including our Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, as well as amendments to such filings are available on our Internet website free of charge generally within 24 hours after we file such material with the SEC. Our website address is www.libertymedia.com.
Our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, compensation committee charter, nominating and corporate governance committee charter, and audit committee charter are available on our website. In addition, we will provide a copy of any of these documents, free of charge, to any shareholder who calls or submits a request in writing to Investor Relations, Liberty Media Corporation, 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Tel. No. (877) 772-1518.
The information contained on our website and the websites of our subsidiaries and affiliated businesses mentioned throughout this report is not incorporated by reference herein.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
An investment in our common stock involves risk. Before investing in our common stock, in addition to the other information described in Item 7 (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) of Part II, you should carefully consider the following risks. Such risks are not the only ones that relate to our businesses and capitalization. The risks described below are considered to be the most material. However, there may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that also could have material adverse effects on our businesses. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. If any of the events described below or in the documents incorporated by reference herein were to occur, our businesses, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially adversely affected, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.
Risks Relating to our Company, as a Whole
The historical financial information of the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may not necessarily reflect their results had they been separate companies.
One of the reasons for the creation of a tracking stock is to permit equity investors to apply more specific criteria in valuing the shares of a particular group, such as comparisons of earnings multiples with those of other companies in the same business sector. In valuing shares of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock, investors should recognize that the historical financial information of the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group has been extracted from our consolidated financial statements and may not necessarily reflect what the Formula One Group’s and the Liberty Live Group’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows would have been had these groups been separate, stand-alone entities pursuing independent strategies during the periods presented.
We may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.
As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding corporate-level indebtedness in the principal amount of $1.7 billion. Our ability to access the cash flow of Formula 1 is subject to covenant restrictions set forth in the debt instruments of certain subsidiaries of Delta Topco, the parent company of Formula 1. Accordingly, our ability to obtain significant financing in the future, on favorable terms or at all, may be limited. If debt financing is not available to us in the future, we may obtain liquidity through the sale or monetization of our debt or equity securities, or we may issue equity securities. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. If we are unable to obtain sufficient liquidity in the future, we may be unable to develop our businesses properly, complete acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and those attributed to our groups.
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A substantial portion of our consolidated debt is held above the operating subsidiary level, and we could be unable in the future to obtain cash in amounts sufficient to service that debt and our other financial obligations.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $1.7 billion principal amount of corporate-level debt outstanding, consisting of $475 million outstanding under our 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027, $1.15 billion outstanding under our 2.375% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2053 and $53 million of other obligations. Our ability to meet our financial obligations will depend on our ability to access cash. Our primary sources of cash include our available cash balances, dividends and interest from our investments, monetization of our public investment portfolio and proceeds from asset sales. We do not have the right to cause Live Nation to pay dividends (See “—We do not have the right to manage our business affiliate, Live Nation, which means we are not able to cause it to operate in a manner that is favorable to us.”) and following the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, we no longer receive dividends from Sirius XM Holdings. Further, our ability to receive dividends or payments or advances from our businesses depends on their individual operating results, any statutory, regulatory or contractual restrictions to which they may be or may become subject and the terms of their own indebtedness. The agreements governing such indebtedness restrict sales of assets and prohibit or limit the payment of dividends or the making of distributions, loans or advances to stockholders, non-wholly owned subsidiaries or our partners. We generally do not receive cash, in the form of dividends, loans, advances or otherwise, from any of our subsidiaries or business affiliates.
The success of businesses attributed to each of our tracking stock groups, in part, depends on their popularity with audiences, which is difficult to predict.
Live entertainment events, including sporting events, are inherently risky businesses because the revenue derived from these businesses depends primarily upon their popularity with public audiences, which is difficult to predict. The commercial success of live entertainment depends upon the quality and acceptance of competing programs, the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible factors, many of which are difficult to predict. In the case of sponsorship agreements, audience size is an important factor when rates are negotiated. Audience size is also an important factor when determining ticket pricing for live entertainment events and the value of broadcast rights. Consequently, low public acceptance of the services and events provided by companies such as Formula 1 and Live Nation could hurt the ability of these companies to maintain or grow revenue, which would adversely impact the financial performance of the groups to which these companies are attributed.
Our businesses attributed to the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group, such as Formula 1 and Live Nation, may not realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic investments and initiatives.
Our business strategy and that of our subsidiaries and business affiliates, including Formula 1 and Live Nation, may include selective acquisitions, other strategic investments and initiatives that allow them to expand their business. The success of any acquisition, including the acquisition of Dorna, depends upon effective integration and management of acquired businesses and assets into the acquirer’s operations, which is subject to risks and uncertainties, including the realization of the growth potential, any anticipated synergies and cost savings, the ability to retain and attract personnel, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns and undisclosed or potential legal liabilities of acquired businesses or assets.
Weak and uncertain economic conditions may reduce consumer demand for products, services and events offered by our businesses attributed to each of our groups.
A weak or uncertain economy in the U.S. or, in the case of the Formula One Group, globally, could adversely affect demand for our products, services and events. A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic recession or instability. A reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue through reduced live-entertainment and sporting event expenditures. Accordingly, the ability of our businesses attributed to each of our groups to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments remain weak or decline further. In addition, inflation, which has significantly risen, may increase operational costs, including labor costs, and elevated interest rates or further increases in interest rates in response to concerns about inflation may have the effect of further increasing economic
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uncertainty and heightening these risks. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.
Our Company has overlapping directors and management with QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and TripCo, which may lead to conflicting interests.
As a result of transactions between 2011 and 2014 that resulted in the separate corporate existence of our Company, QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and TripCo, all or most of the executive officers of Liberty also serve as executive officers of QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and TripCo, and there are overlapping directors at each of QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and TripCo. Our executive officers and members of Liberty’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) have fiduciary duties to our stockholders. Likewise, any such persons who serve in similar capacities at QVC Group, Liberty Broadband or TripCo have fiduciary duties to that company’s stockholders. For example, there may be the potential for a conflict of interest when our Company, QVC Group, Liberty Broadband or TripCo pursues acquisitions and other business opportunities that may be suitable for each of them. Therefore, such persons may have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting more than one of the companies to which they owe fiduciary duties. Moreover, most of our Company’s directors and officers continue to own QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and/or TripCo stock and options to purchase stock in those companies. These ownership interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when the applicable individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our Company, QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and/or TripCo. Any potential conflict that qualifies as a “related party transaction” (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) is subject to review by an independent committee of the applicable issuer’s board of directors in accordance with its corporate governance guidelines. Each of Liberty Broadband and TripCo has renounced its rights to certain business opportunities and its respective restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions deeming directors and officers not in breach of their fiduciary duties in certain cases for directing a corporate opportunity to another person or entity (including our Company, QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and TripCo) instead of such company. Other potential conflicts that arise will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind the applicable fiduciary duties owed by the executive officers and directors of each issuer. From time to time, we may enter into transactions with QVC Group, Liberty Broadband, TripCo and/or their respective subsidiaries or other affiliates. There can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to our Company, QVC Group, Liberty Broadband, TripCo or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates as would be the case where there is no overlapping officer or director.
The unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation could have a material adverse impact on the operations and financial condition of businesses attributed to each of our groups.
Our subsidiaries and business affiliates are parties to several legal proceedings arising out of various aspects of their businesses, including class actions arising out of their marketing practices. The outcome of these proceedings may not be favorable, and one or more unfavorable outcomes could have a material adverse impact on their financial condition, which can impact the financial performance of the group to which they are attributed.
Certain of our subsidiaries and business affiliates have operations outside of the U.S. that are subject to numerous operational risks.
Certain of our subsidiaries and business affiliates have operations in countries other than the U.S. In many foreign countries, particularly in certain developing economies, it is not uncommon to encounter business practices that are prohibited by certain regulations, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws. Although certain of our subsidiaries and business affiliates have undertaken compliance efforts with respect to these laws, their respective employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which they outsource certain of their business operations, may take actions in violation of their policies and procedures. Any such violation, even if prohibited by the policies and procedures of these subsidiaries and business affiliates or the law, could have certain adverse effects on the financial condition and reputation of these subsidiaries and business affiliates. Any failure by these subsidiaries and business affiliates to effectively manage the challenges associated with the international operation of their businesses could materially adversely affect their, and hence our, financial condition.
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We may be subject to significant tax liabilities related to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off.
In connection with the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, we received an opinion of our tax counsel to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off will qualify as a generally tax-free transaction under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D) and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) to Liberty and to former holders of Liberty SiriusXM common stock. We did not obtain a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off. Opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions reached in such opinions or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If it is determined that the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off does not qualify under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D) and related provisions of the Code, we and the former holders of Liberty SiriusXM common stock who received common stock of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings in the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off could incur significant tax liabilities.
Even if the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off otherwise qualifies under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D), and related provisions of the Code, the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off would result in a significant U.S. federal income tax liability to us (but not to former holders of Liberty SiriusXM common stock) under Section 355(e) of the Code if one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a 50% or greater interest (measured by vote or value) in the stock of our Company or in the stock of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings (or any successor corporation) as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off. The process for determining whether an acquisition is part of a plan under these rules is complex, inherently factual in nature, and subject to a comprehensive analysis of the facts and circumstances of the particular case. Notwithstanding the opinion of tax counsel described above, we or Liberty Sirius XM Holdings might inadvertently cause or permit a prohibited change in our or Liberty Sirius XM Holdings’ ownership to occur, thereby triggering tax liability to us.
Prior to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with Liberty Sirius XM Holdings. Under this agreement, our Company is generally responsible for taxes and losses resulting from the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off; however, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings is required to indemnify us for any taxes and losses (other than any taxes or tax-related losses that result from Section 355(e) of the Code applying to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off as a result of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off being part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire a 50-percent or greater interest (measured by vote or value) in the stock of our Company) resulting from the failure of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off to qualify as a generally tax-free transaction under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D) and related provisions of the Code, to the extent such taxes or losses (i) result primarily from, individually or in the aggregate, the breach of certain covenants made by Liberty Sirius XM Holdings (applicable to actions or failures to act by Liberty Sirius XM Holdings and its subsidiaries following the completion of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off), (ii) result primarily from, individually or in the aggregate, the failure of certain representations made by Sirius XM Holdings in support of the opinion of our tax counsel regarding the generally tax-free status of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off to be true and correct, or (iii) result from the application of Section 355(e) of the Code to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off as a result of the treatment of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a 50% or greater interest (measured by vote or value) in the stock of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings (or any successor corporation), except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), if such taxes and losses result from an action required to be taken pursuant to the transaction agreements relating to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off. As the taxpaying entity, however, we are subject to the risk of non-payment by Liberty Sirius XM Holdings of its indemnification obligations under the tax sharing agreement. Cash for the payment of any taxes and losses resulting from the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off which are not allocated to and paid by Liberty Sirius XM Holdings pursuant to our tax sharing agreement with Liberty Sirius XM Holdings generally would be drawn from funds attributed to the Liberty Live Group, except that cash for the payment of any taxes and losses (a) resulting primarily from a breach by us following the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off of any contractual covenants made by us in connection with the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off or (b) resulting from Section 355(e) of the Code applying to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off as a result of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off being part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire a 50% or greater interest (measured by vote or value) in the stock of our Company shall, in each case, be drawn proportionately from funds attributed to the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group based upon the relative market capitalizations of the tracking stock of each group over the first three trading days following completion of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, as determined in accordance with our tax sharing policies.
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To preserve the tax-free treatment of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, we may determine to forgo certain transactions that might have otherwise been advantageous to our Company, including certain asset dispositions or other strategic transactions for some period of time following the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off. In addition, our potential tax liabilities related to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control transaction for some period of time following the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off.
The degradation, failure or misuse of the Company’s information systems could cause a disruption of services or improper loss, use and disclosure of personal data or other confidential information, resulting in increased costs, liabilities or loss of revenue.
Cloud services, information systems and other technologies that we or our vendors or other partners use are critical to our business activities, and shutdowns or disruptions of, and cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents on, such systems pose increasing risks. Disruptions, such as computer hacking and phishing, theft, computer viruses, ransomware, worms or other destructive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks or other malicious activities, as well as power outages, natural or other disasters (including extreme weather), terrorist activities or human error, have occurred in the past and may in the future affect the systems and services we utilize and could result in disruption of our services, misappropriation, misuse, alteration, theft, loss, leakage, falsification, and accidental or premature release or improper disclosure of confidential or other information, including intellectual property and personal data (of third parties or employees) contained on such information systems. Further, the use of AI and machine learning by cybercriminals may increase the frequency and severity of cybersecurity attacks against us or our businesses’ vendors and other service providers. The techniques used to access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently and continue to become more sophisticated and targeted, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence may intensify the risks of cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents. While we and our vendors and partners continue to develop, implement and maintain security measures seeking to identify and mitigate the risks of cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents, including unauthorized access or misuse, as discussed under Item 1C of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, such efforts are costly, require ongoing monitoring and updating and may not be successful in preventing these events from occurring.
In addition, the Company’s recovery and business continuity plans may not be adequate to address any cybersecurity incidents that occur. Although no cybersecurity incident has been material to the Company’s businesses to date, we expect to continue to be subject to cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents and there can be no assurance that we will not experience a material cybersecurity incident. In addition, third party service providers, such as telecommunications and cloud services providers, have been subject to increasing cyberattacks from state-sponsored threat actors that could materially impact our information systems and operations. Any cybersecurity incident could result in a disruption of our operations, customer or advertiser dissatisfaction, damage to our reputation or brands, regulatory investigations, claims, lawsuits or loss of customers or revenue of Formula 1 and Live Nation, and the Company may also be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and laws and regulations protecting personal data and may be required to expend significant resources to defend, remedy and/or address any cybersecurity incidents and claims, investigations, penalties, fines, damages or settlements arising from cybersecurity incidents. The Company may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate it for any losses that may occur.
Formula 1 and Live Nation have been, and may in the future be, materially impacted by a pandemic or epidemic, such as COVID-19.
Although Formula 1 and Live Nation saw a return to normal business operations, schedules and events following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear whether and to what extent a future pandemic or epidemic will impact the use of and/or demand for the entertainment, events and services provided by these businesses and demand for sponsorship and advertising assets. If these businesses face cancelled events, closed venues and reduced attendance, as was the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact may substantially decrease our revenue. For example, due to the revenue reductions caused by COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, these businesses looked to reduce expenses and they may not be able to reduce expenses to the same degree as any decline in revenue due to any future pandemic or epidemic, which may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow.
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In addition, our businesses are particularly sensitive to reductions in travel and discretionary consumer spending. We cannot predict the time period over which our businesses would be impacted by a future pandemic or epidemic. Over the long-term, a future pandemic or epidemic could impede economic activity in impacted regions or globally, causing a global recession, leading to a further decline in discretionary spending on sports and entertainment events and other leisure activities, which could result in long-term effects on our businesses.
For the reasons set forth above and other reasons that may come to light as a result of a future pandemic or epidemic, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact to our future revenue, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, but such impacts have been, and may in the future be, significant and could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenue, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Risks Relating to the Formula One Group
There could be a decline in the popularity of Formula 1, which may have a material adverse effect on Formula 1’s ability to exploit its commercial rights to the World Championship.
The success of Formula 1’s business and its ability to profitably renew or enter into beneficial new commercial arrangements, including race promotion, media rights and sponsorship contracts, is largely dependent upon the continued popularity of the World Championship. Similarly, the sponsorship and other revenue generation of the Teams are dependent on such continued popularity and, if such revenue decreased, it may impact their ability or willingness to continue participating in the World Championship. The popularity of Formula 1, globally and in particular countries and regions, may be influenced by competition from any rival championship and other forms of motor sport or similar entertainment which challenge Formula 1’s position and reputation as the pinnacle of world motor sport, the continued participation of the leading Teams, the perceived entertainment value of the World Championship, changes in societal views on automobiles more generally and an unfavorable economic climate which may discourage fans from attending Events or make it more difficult to expand into new markets, all of which could change rapidly and cannot be predicted. See “—Rival motor sport events could be established involving existing Teams or different teams, or existing Teams may divert their resources to participate in another motor sport event, which could lead to fewer Teams and race circuits being involved in Formula 1, or a Team’s primary engagement in motor sport being in another motor sport event, either of which could diminish the competitive position of Formula 1.” Formula 1 also faces stiff competition from other live sporting events, and with sporting events delivered over television networks, radio, the Internet and online services, mobile applications and other alternative sources, as well as from the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure activities. Formula 1 competes for attendance, viewership and advertising with a wide range of alternatives, such as top flight soccer leagues in many of its non-U.S. markets. As a result of the large number of options available, Formula 1 faces strong competition for the attention of sports fans.
Further, a scandal which undermines the credibility of the sport, such as a race fixing scandal, or accident could also impact the popularity of Formula 1. In particular regions, the popularity of the World Championship varies depending upon the participation and performance of drivers and Teams from that region. There is no assurance that Formula 1 will be able to compete effectively with other forms of sports or entertainment or that the World Championship will maintain its popularity either globally or in any particular country or region. Any decrease in the continued popularity of the World Championship may affect Formula 1’s ability to enter into or renew race promotion, media rights, advertising, sponsorship or other commercial agreements which may materially adversely affect Formula 1’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and in turn materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
Termination of the 100-Year Agreements could cause Formula 1 to discontinue its operations.
Under the 100-Year Agreements, entered into by Formula 1 and the FIA in 2001, Formula 1 was granted an exclusive license with respect to all of the commercial rights to the World Championship, including its trademarks. This license, which took effect on January 1, 2011 and will expire on December 31, 2110, maintains Formula 1’s exclusive commercial rights to the World Championship which Formula 1 held under previous agreements with the FIA, among other things. The license under the 100-Year Agreements is critical to the ongoing operation of Formula 1’s business. Formula 1’s rights under these agreements can be terminated by the FIA if Formula 1 materially breaches the relevant agreements (with certain of such breaches subject to certain cure rights), undergoes an unpermitted change of control,
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interferes with certain of the FIA’s rights under the 100-Year Agreements or experiences certain insolvency events. If Formula 1’s license under the 100-Year Agreements was terminated in accordance with its terms or the FIA or another person successfully challenged the validity of that license (or the 100-Year Agreements as a whole), it could cause Formula 1 to discontinue its operations, lead to the termination of substantially all of Formula 1’s commercial contracts, prevent Formula 1 from exploiting the commercial rights to the World Championship and require Formula 1 to discontinue use of the World Championship trademarks and other intellectual property rights, which would materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
Teams may, in certain circumstances, terminate their existing commitment to participate in the World Championship until (and including) 2025 or breach their obligations and withdraw.
Formula 1’s ability to effectively stage the World Championship depends on the ongoing involvement of its participants. Pursuant to the 2021 Concorde Agreement, each of the current 10 Teams have committed to participate in the World Championship until December 31, 2025, subject to earlier termination upon the occurrence of certain events. Formula 1 cannot provide assurance that any of the Teams will commit to participate in the World Championship beyond 2025, or that the FIA will enter into a subsequent Concorde Agreement beyond 2030. If any of the current Teams cease to participate in the World Championship, Formula 1 may attempt to encourage new entrants to the World Championship; however, there is no assurance Formula 1 will be able to do this. If such Teams were not replaced, it could result in fewer competitors in the World Championship as compared to recent seasons which may impact the perceived entertainment value of Events. In addition, any negotiation for an extension to the term of the Team Agreements or the Concorde Arrangements could result in less favorable terms to Formula 1.
Even if a Team has committed to participate in the World Championship it may be able to exercise termination rights under the 2021 Concorde Agreement in certain circumstances and withdraw. For additional information regarding the 2021 Concorde Agreement, see “Item 1. Business—Formula 1—Key Commercial Agreements—Key Provisions.”
A lesser number of teams may reduce the popularity of Formula 1 which may affect its ability to enter into or renew race promotion, media rights, advertising, sponsorship or other commercial agreements, which may materially and adversely affect Formula 1’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and in turn may materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
The FIA may take actions which are not in Formula 1’s interest.
The FIA is the governing body of the World Championship and a party to the 100-Year Agreements and the 2013 Concorde Implementation Agreement. In its capacity as the governing body of the World Championship, the FIA must place safety and other sporting concerns over Formula 1’s commercial interests. As a result, the FIA may take actions with respect to safety and sporting standards and regulations which conflict with Formula 1’s interests as the commercial rights holder, including by increasing the cost to Teams of participating in the World Championship, diminishing the visual and sonic spectacle of Events, imposing fines on or excluding Teams, cancelling or delaying an Event, withholding approval for the staging of an Event, a new circuit or Formula 1’s proposed season calendar or establishing regulations without the support of the Teams. As a party to the 100-Year Agreements and the 2021 Concorde Governance Agreement, the FIA has certain rights, and the exercise or purported exercise of the FIA’s rights thereunder may conflict with Formula 1’s interests. Any actions taken by the FIA which conflict with Formula 1’s interests may adversely impact Formula 1’s operations and revenue, and in turn may materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
Formula 1 may be subject to enforcement actions under competition laws.
As further described in “Item 1.Business—Regulatory Matters,” following an investigation by the E.C. in 1999 in relation to Formula 1’s compliance with competition laws, Formula 1 modified certain of its business practices and changed the terms of a number of Formula 1’s commercial contracts. Following these modifications and changes, the E.C. issued two comfort letters to Formula 1 in October 2001 stating that Formula 1 was no longer under investigation. Comfort letters are not binding on the E.C. and if it believes there has been a material change in circumstances, it could take further enforcement action. The E.C. issued a press release in October 2003 stating that it was satisfied that Formula 1 had complied with the modified practices and terms that had led to its issuing its comfort letters and that it had ended its
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monitoring of Formula 1’s compliance. In adopting practices and concluding commercial contracts (including as to contracts with broadcasters (and the manner in which these rights are offered), contracts with Teams and contracts with promoters), Formula 1 takes into account the modified practices that formed the basis of the EC’s comfort letters.
Formula 1 is also required to comply with general European Union and national competition laws, which require Formula 1 at all times to ensure its business practices and agreements are consistent with the operation of competitive markets. Failure to comply with the relevant practices, terms, laws and rules can give rise to challenges by the EC, national competition regulators and other interested parties. In addition, they could cause or deem certain of Formula 1’s commercial contracts (including the Team Agreements) to be unenforceable in whole or in part and/or require various terms (including duration, scope and exclusivity) to be modified, and/or Formula 1 could be liable for damages or other sanctions. In August 2024, we received a notification from the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division that an investigation has been opened with respect to Formula 1’s conduct concerning the application by Andretti Formula Racing to enter the World Championship. Although we are fully cooperating with the investigation, there can be no assurance of the outcome.
Formula 1 has sought to adopt practices and conclude commercial contracts that take into account competition law as it applies to the specific nature of Formula 1’s sporting and entertainment businesses, Formula 1’s role within those businesses and the roles of the counterparties to Formula 1’s commercial contracts. However given the uncertainty of the law in this area, and the possibility of third parties instigating action, there is a risk of further E.C. investigations, challenges or proceedings against Formula 1. For example, two Teams made a complaint against Formula 1 to the E.C. in September 2015 regarding the distribution of the Prize Fund and current sporting governance arrangements (though Formula 1 rejected the complaint as being without merit and believed it was in any event, a commercial dispute and not one that involved any breach of competition law). Although this particular complaint was withdrawn by the two Teams in early 2018, for the reasons set out above, no assurance can be given that there will be no future E.C. investigations, challenges or proceedings regarding unasserted matters.
Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect Formula 1’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, which in turn could materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
Formula 1 may be unable to renew, replace or renegotiate on favorable terms one or more of Formula 1’s race promotion, media rights or sponsorship contracts.
Formula 1’s race promotion, media rights and sponsorship contracts typically have terms of three to seven years, three to five years and three to five years, respectively, but may on occasion be of longer duration. When these contracts expire, Formula 1 may not be able to renew or replace them with contracts on similar terms or at all. Further, counterparties to Formula 1 contracts may seek to terminate or renegotiate them, and Formula 1 may not be able to replace terminated contracts with contracts on similar terms or at all or renegotiate contracts on terms that are as favorable to us. Formula 1’s ability to renew, replace or renegotiate its contracts on similar terms, or at all, is dependent on a number of factors which Formula 1 may not be able to control or predict including the popularity of Formula 1, the value of live sports rights generally, relevant regulations, economic conditions in the relevant countries and the spending capacity and priorities of Formula 1’s counterparties. Additionally, many of Formula 1’s race promotion and media rights contracts are directly or indirectly with, or guaranteed by, governmental bodies or agencies and a change in their spending capacity or priorities could impact Formula 1’s negotiations with them. A failure to renew, replace or renegotiate Formula 1’s existing contracts on similar or improved terms could result in, among other things, the cancellation of an Event, the payments Formula 1 receives decreasing, the term of the contracts being shortened, termination rights being granted to Formula 1’s counterparties and other contractual terms and conditions being introduced which could materially and adversely affect Formula 1’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and in turn could materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
Formula 1 is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to Formula 1’s key commercial contracts.
Future payments under Formula 1’s core commercial contracts, including Formula 1’s race promotion, media rights and sponsorship contracts are typically made periodically over the course of several years. Formula 1’s ability to
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generate cash flow is heavily dependent on collecting amounts owed to it under these contracts. A change in the credit quality of one or more of Formula 1’s counterparties over the term of their contract with Formula 1 may increase the risk of non-payment. Certain of Formula 1’s counterparties are directly or indirectly governments or agencies thereof, some of which have recently experienced a deterioration in their credit quality. Formula 1 may also generally experience difficulties or be unable to recover payments owed to it by governments or agencies thereof because of their sovereign or semi-sovereign status. Additionally, an appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the functional currencies of Formula 1’s counterparties increases the risk of non-payment. See “—Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against the functional currencies of Formula 1’s business and Formula 1’s counterparties’ business could adversely affect Formula 1’s profitability and the Formula One Group.” The failure of one or more of Formula 1’s counterparties to pay outstanding amounts owed to it could have a material adverse effect on Formula 1’s cash flows and results of operation, and in turn could materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
Potential challenges by tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which Formula 1 operates could adversely affect Formula 1’s financial results and position and in turn, the Formula One Group.
Formula 1’s taxes are based upon the applicable tax laws and tax rates in effect in the jurisdictions in which it operates and upon the nature of Formula 1’s business arrangements and activities with and in such jurisdictions. When computing its tax obligations in these jurisdictions, Formula 1 endeavors to apply national and international tax rules consistently and in accordance with generally accepted interpretations and practice. However, such rules, and their application to Formula 1’s business, may not be entirely clear in all cases and may be interpreted differently by the applicable tax authorities. There can be no assurance that, upon review of Formula 1’s positions, the applicable tax authorities will agree with such positions. If a tax authority successfully challenges Formula 1’s positions with respect to its business arrangements, intercompany pricing policies, or the taxable presence of subsidiaries in certain jurisdictions, or if Formula 1 loses a material tax dispute in any jurisdiction, then Formula 1 may be exposed to additional tax liabilities and penalties, which may adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and in turn may materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
Changes in tax laws could adversely affect Formula 1 and the Formula One Group.
Formula 1 operates in various jurisdictions and is subject to changes in applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations in those jurisdictions. A material change in the tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, of any jurisdiction with which Formula 1 does business, or in which Formula 1 has significant operations, could adversely affect Formula 1.
For example, during October 2021, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”) announced that 136 countries and tax jurisdictions had agreed to implement a new “Two Pillar” approach to international taxation. Numerous countries have now enacted, or are in the process of enacting, new legislation consistent with this approach, which took effect for the first time in 2024. More countries have committed to introduce similar legislation, at different times and in different ways, through their individual agreement to tax treaty changes and through changes to their own domestic tax laws.
The first of the OECD’s “pillars” establishes a new taxing right for countries in which a business has a significant economic presence, even though it may not have the degree of physical presence in that country needed to establish a taxing right under existing tax treaties. This new taxing right is subject to several conditions, exclusions and exceptions, and will initially affect only multinational enterprises with global turnover above 20 billion euros.
The second pillar establishes a Global Minimum Tax Rate of 15%, such that multinational enterprises with an effective tax rate in a jurisdiction below this minimum rate will need to pay additional tax, which could be collected by the parent company’s tax authorities or by those in other countries, depending on whether and how each country implements the OECD’s approach in its tax treaties and domestic tax legislation. In an initial transition period from 2024 to 2026, enterprises are exempt from this additional tax if certain “Safe Harbour” tests are met.
Depending on how the jurisdictions in which Formula 1 operates, and those in which Liberty and its subsidiaries are based, choose to implement the OECD’s approach in their tax treaties and domestic tax laws, and depending on the
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future evolution of the OECD’s “Two Pillar” approach, Formula 1 could be adversely affected due to its income being taxed at higher effective rates.
Formula 1 may face difficulties expanding into new markets, including as a result of being unable to attract race promoters for new Events.
Formula 1 has recently staged Events in a number of new markets and intends to explore further opportunities for expansion. Attracting the relevant race promoters to the World Championship in these markets on terms that are attractive to Formula 1 will be largely dependent on the popularity of the Formula 1 brand in these markets and Formula 1’s perceived ability to deliver the benefits that race promoters desire, such as publicity for the host city/region, economic impact or tourism. See “—There could be a decline in the popularity of Formula 1 which may have a material adverse effect on Formula 1’s ability to exploit its commercial rights to the World Championship.” Additionally, Formula 1 may have difficulties entering into agreements with race promoters that have the necessary resources and experience to obtain all the necessary FIA, governmental and sporting approvals and successfully stage an Event. Events in new markets also require significant investments in circuit infrastructure and other administrative costs by Formula 1’s race promoters which may not be recouped and may generate fees below those received from Formula 1’s Events staged in more developed markets. In addition, under the 2021 Concorde Agreement, the consent of 70% of the Teams is required if there are more than 24 Events in a season or if there are fewer than eight Events across Europe and North America combined. See “Item 1. Business—Formula 1—Key Commercial Agreements—Key Provisions.” Also, under the 100-Year Agreements as amended by the 2013 Concorde Implementation Agreement, Formula 1 must obtain the FIA’s approval to stage more than 25 Events (or beginning in 2031, more than 17 Events unless the FIA and Formula 1 make a new agreement on this point), and there is no assurance such approval will be obtained.
Formula 1’s business is subject to laws and regulations including with respect to advertising, media rights and the environment, and changes in and judicial interpretations of such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on Formula 1 and the Formula One Group.
Formula 1’s business is subject to laws and regulations including advertising, media rights, environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. Such regimes are subject to periodic governmental review, legislative initiatives and judicial interpretations, any of which could adversely affect Formula 1’s business and its profitability. A substantial part of Formula 1’s, broadcasters’ and the Teams’ revenue come from sponsorship contracts. If new restrictions or bans on advertising specific products or services which are advertised in Formula 1 are introduced, it may reduce Formula 1’s or the Teams’ sponsorship revenue or advertising revenue of Formula 1’s broadcasters, which in turn may reduce the value of Formula 1’s media rights contracts and impact the Teams’ desire to continue participating in Formula 1. For example, advertising of alcohol is restricted in certain countries where Events are held. Advertising laws could also be introduced which prevent the broadcast of images which include a restricted brand, thereby preventing Formula 1 from licensing the television rights in an affected country. Additionally, as Formula 1 expands into new markets, local customs, practices and cultural sensitivities may require Formula 1 and the Teams to restrict advertising of certain products even if not required by law.
Broadcasting laws could be introduced which require that Events be broadcast only on free-to-air television which would prevent Formula 1 from entering into pay television contracts in the relevant jurisdiction. Additionally, judicial decisions or other governmental action could interfere with the manner in which Formula 1 exploits its media rights, including in relation to Formula 1’s segmentation of such rights among different geographic regions.
Environmental laws could also be introduced which place limits on engine design and Event activities. Motor sport has also been banned in certain countries. For example, Switzerland banned motor sport from 1955 to 2007 following an accident at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that killed spectators and a driver. A ban on motor sport in any country where Formula 1 holds an Event could result in a reduction in Formula 1’s revenue and as a consequence, may materially and adversely affect Formula 1’s business, financial condition and prospects, which in turn may materially adversely impact the Formula One Group.
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Events beyond Formula 1’s control may cause one or more Events to be cancelled or postponed or prevent Formula 1 from providing an international television feed, each of which could result in the loss of revenue under Formula 1’s commercial contracts.
An Event may have to be postponed or cancelled, or Formula 1 may be unable to provide an international television feed of an Event, due to factors beyond its control, including an inability to transport Formula 1’s and the Teams’ equipment to an Event, power failures, natural disasters or extreme weather, geopolitical conditions or international conflicts, parties to Formula 1 race promotion contracts terminating those contracts, embargoes or sanctions, cancellation of large-scale public events by a competent authority due to a security or terrorism risk, or outbreak of disease, which could result in the loss of revenue under Formula 1’s commercial contracts. Most recently, the 2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled due to severe flooding in the region. Additionally, the 2022 Russian Grand Prix was cancelled due to circumstances arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During the 2021 and 2020 seasons, a number of Events were cancelled and/or replaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a general matter, Formula 1’s insurance policies do not cover the cancellation of an Event. Whether a race promoter is required to pay Formula 1 the race promotion fee with respect to an Event that is cancelled due to any factor beyond the control of Formula 1 depends on the terms and provisions of the applicable promoter agreement. In addition, Formula 1’s broadcast contracts include a provision to reduce the fee payable to Formula 1 if there are fewer than a specified number of Events in a season for reasons other than a force majeure event. The minimum number of Events varies by broadcast contract but is typically between 14 and 16 Events. However, if an Event were to be cancelled due to the race promoter failing to meet its obligations under the race promotion contract, then Formula 1 may be entitled to indemnification from the race promoter for any lost media rights revenue. If an Event is not held, cancelled or does not receive international television coverage (for example, as a result of a technical problem), Formula 1’s fees under the relevant sponsorship contract are likely to be reduced unless the sponsorship contract allows Formula 1 to substitute another Event for the cancelled Event and Formula 1 does so. If an Event is cancelled, Formula 1 will also be required to refund amounts paid under other arrangements, including amounts paid for tickets to the Paddock Club, the principal high end corporate hospitality offering at certain Event weekends.
Accidents during Events may cause losses that are not covered by insurance, disrupt an Event and cause Formula 1 reputational damage.
Racing accidents occur in Formula 1 and its support races. The last racing accident to cause the death of a driver was in 2019 during a Formula 2 support race at the Belgian Grand Prix and there have also been two fatalities involving race marshals since 1994. Fatal accidents, particularly if they involve public spectators, could damage the reputation of Formula 1 and decrease its popularity, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Formula 1. Accidents can also result in the cancellation of a practice, a qualifying session or a race. Additionally, persons harmed in any accident could seek compensation from Formula 1. Formula 1 and its promoters purchase insurance coverage for each Event. However, there can be no assurance that such insurance policies will provide adequate coverage at all times and in all circumstances. If Formula 1 is held liable for damages beyond the scope of the insurance coverage available to Formula 1 (including the insurance contract procured by the race promoter to include coverage for Formula 1), Formula 1’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, which in turn could materially adversely affect the Formula One Group.
Terrorist acts during Events may cause Formula 1 damage and losses that are not covered by insurance.
Formula 1 is a high profile sport with a global fan base and Events are attended by a large number of spectators. An Event, like any other major sporting event, could be the target of an actual or threatened terrorist act, either of which could disrupt Formula 1 and lead to the cancellation of Events, increase security requirements and result in a decline of spectator attendance at Events. Additionally, persons harmed in any terrorist act may attempt to seek compensation from Formula 1. The general risk of a terror attack has increased recently in a number of the countries in which Events are held. Formula 1 purchases annual insurance policies covering all Events, and individual race promoters purchase insurance coverage for their own Events under which Formula 1 is also covered, which provide coverage for third party liability covering personal injury, equipment and property damage. However, there can be no assurance that this insurance will be adequate at all times and in all circumstances. Terrorism is expressly excluded from the public liability coverage arranged by the race promoters, although Formula 1’s own insurance policies cover both its broadcast and Event systems equipment and its employer and public liabilities exposures for terrorism risks. However, attacks involving an active assailant are not
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covered by insurance policies for terrorism, and would require supplemental coverage. If Formula 1 is held liable for damages beyond the scope of the insurance coverage (its own and that arranged by the race promoter) and/or is unable to obtain indemnification from the relevant insurer(s), Formula 1’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, which in turn could materially adversely affect the Formula One Group.
Rival motor sport events could be established involving existing Teams or different teams, or existing Teams may divert their resources to participate in another motor sport event, which could lead to fewer Teams and race circuits being involved in Formula 1, or a Team’s primary engagement in motor sport being in another motor sport event, either of which could diminish the competitive position of Formula 1.
In the future, it is possible that a rival motor racing series similar to Formula 1 could be established, involving existing Teams and/or different teams or an existing motor sport event could become more popular and become a rival series to Formula 1. Such a rival series could lead to fewer Teams and race circuits in Formula 1, reduce the budget that a Team is willing to spend on its participation in Formula 1, or diminish the competitive position of Formula 1 and have a material adverse effect on Formula 1’s results of operations and business and the Formula One Group. In addition, certain of Formula 1’s commercial contracts could be terminated if Formula 1 ceased to be the premier motor racing series for open wheel single-seater cars. Pursuant to the 2021 Concorde Agreement, each of the 10 Teams have committed to participate in the World Championship until December 31, 2025. If a rival motor racing series is established (or if an existing series develops into a rival series), this may reduce the popularity of Formula 1 leading to a decline in the value of Formula 1’s commercial contracts which may materially adversely affect Formula 1’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and in turn may materially adversely affect the Formula One Group. See “—There could be a decline in the popularity of Formula 1 which may have a material adverse effect on Formula 1’s ability to exploit its commercial rights to the World Championship” and “—Teams may, in certain circumstances, terminate their existing commitment to participate in the World Championship until (and including) 2025 or breach their obligations and withdraw.”
Changes in consumer viewing habits and the emergence of new content distribution platforms could adversely affect Formula 1’s business and the Formula One Group.
The manner in which consumers view televised sporting events is changing rapidly with the emergence of alternative distribution platforms. Digital cable, internet and wireless content providers are continuing to improve technologies, content offerings, user interface and business models that allow consumers to access video-on-demand or internet-based tools with interactive capabilities including start, stop and rewind. Formula 1’s exclusive commercial rights place no limits on the platforms on which it can operate, including online. However, such developments may impact the profitability or effectiveness of Formula 1’s existing licensing practices and there is no guarantee that Formula 1 will be successful in adapting its licensing practices and/or media platform as consumer viewing habits change. If Formula 1 is unsuccessful in adapting its licensing practices and/or media platform as consumer viewing habits change, Formula 1’s viewership levels (whether on traditional or new platforms) may decrease and/or its licensing practices may become less profitable leading to the possibility of a reduction in the value of its media rights and sponsorship contracts. Any reduction in the value of Formula 1’s commercial rights and/or contracts may materially and adversely affect its revenue, business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, which in turn may materially adversely affect the Formula One Group. While Formula 1’s monetization of its television rights has increased in recent years, there can be no assurance that such increases will continue or that Formula 1’s level of such monetization will be comparable to that of other sporting events.
If confidential information regarding Formula 1’s business arrangements is disclosed or leaked, it could affect Formula 1’s relationships with counterparties and/or Teams and result in less favorable commercial contracts and adversely affect Formula 1’s business and the Formula One Group.
The success of Formula 1’s business depends on maintaining good relationships with Formula 1’s counterparties (including race promoters, broadcasters and sponsors) and the Teams and entering into race promotion, media rights, sponsorship and other commercial contracts on favorable terms. If confidential information regarding Formula 1’s business arrangements with its counterparties and/or the Teams were to be disclosed or leaked, it could harm Formula 1’s relationships with those parties and result in less favorable terms in its commercial contracts, including with respect to
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pricing and adversely affect its business, results of operation, financial condition and prospects, which in turn could materially adversely affect the Formula One Group.
Formula 1 depends on trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property.
Formula 1 relies on certain trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property to protect its rights, including its brands, logos and television footage. The existence of complex factual and legal issues may give rise to uncertainty as to the validity or subsistence, scope and enforceability of a particular trademark, copyright or other intellectual property or contractual right in a particular jurisdiction. While historically Formula 1 has been widely transmitted by free-to-air television which reduced its attractiveness as a target for piracy and other infringement, Formula 1 is increasingly transmitted by pay TV operators that are greater targets for piracy. In any event, Formula 1’s intellectual property, and in particular the Formula 1 brand (including the F1 logo) and television footage are potential targets for counterfeiting, piracy and other infringement. New technologies such as the convergence of computing, communication, and entertainment devices, the falling prices of devices incorporating such technologies, increased broadband internet speed and penetration and increased availability and speed of mobile data transmission have made the unauthorized digital pirating and distribution of televised sporting events easier and faster and enforcement of intellectual property rights more challenging. The unauthorized use of intellectual property in the entertainment industry generally continues to be a significant challenge for intellectual property rights holders. If Formula 1 is unsuccessful in preventing widespread piracy and illegal live streaming of Events in the future, these activities could result in lost revenue and a reduction in the value of Formula 1’s media rights which may materially and adversely affect Formula 1’s business, results of operation, financial condition and prospects, and in turn may materially adversely affect the Formula One Group. Further, the availability of certain artificial intelligence tools could facilitate the creation of infringing works based on the unauthorized use of our and our business affiliates’ intellectual property. The legal landscape for some new technologies, including some artificial intelligence tools remains uncertain, and development of the law in this area could impact our and our business affiliates’ intellectual property.
Formula 1’s processing, storing, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personal data could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, conflicting legal requirements and policies or differing views of personal privacy rights.
Formula 1 receives, transmits and stores a large volume of personal data and other user data, primarily in the processing of consumer transactions and managing its employees. The processing, storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of this information are governed by the privacy and data security policies maintained by Formula 1. Moreover, there are federal, state and international laws regarding privacy and the processing, storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personal data and user data. Specifically, personal data is increasingly subject to legislation and regulations, in numerous jurisdictions around the world, which are intended to protect the privacy of personal data that is collected, processed and transmitted in or from the governing jurisdiction. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be onerous and expensive and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, further increasing the cost of compliance. For example, the European Court of Justice in 2015 invalidated the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework, which facilitated personal data transfers to the U.S. in compliance with applicable European data protection laws. The E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield, which replaced the U.S.-E.U. Safe Harbor Framework, and became fully operational in 2016, provided a mechanism to comply with data protection requirements when transferring personal data from the European Union (“E.U.”) to the U.S. On July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union invalidated the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield, and imposed new obligations on the use of standard contractual clauses (“SCCs”) - another key mechanism to allow data transfers between the U.S. and the E.U.
The E.C. adopted revised SCCs on June 4, 2021. In October 2024, the E.C. announced a consultation regarding new SCCs, which may be adopted in final form in 2025. In March 2022, the U.S. and the E.C. announced a new Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”) to replace the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield. On December 13, 2022, the E.C. issued an adequacy decision initiating the formal adoption process for the DPF and the E.U. formally adopted the adequacy decision on July 10, 2023. The U.S. and the E.U. implemented the DPF in July 2023. Further, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which became effective in 2018, gives consumers in the E.U. additional rights and imposes additional restrictions and penalties on companies for illegal collection and misuse of personal data. The timing of enactment of the E.U.’s proposed ePrivacy Regulation, which, among other things, would adopt additional regulation of
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“cookies” and other internet tracking tools, is uncertain. Following the U.K.’s withdrawal from the E.U. (“Brexit”), on June 28, 2021, the E.C. determined that the U.K.’s data protection laws essentially are equivalent to data protection laws in the European Economic Area. As a result, personal data transfers from the E.U. to the U.K. may continue without a new data transfer framework.
California has enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which, among other things, allows California consumers to request that certain companies disclose the types of personal information collected by such companies. The CCPA became effective on January 1, 2020. The California Attorney General has issued draft implementing regulations and guidance regarding the CCPA and undertook enforcement actions in 2024 regarding violations of the law. In November 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (“CPRA”), which amends and expands the CCPA and establishes the California Privacy Protection Agency (“CPPA”) to implement and enforce consumer privacy laws. Regulations under the CPRA became effective in March 2023. The CPPA also proposed new regulations in November 2024 that would require companies to conduct risk assessment, annual cybersecurity audits and set up notice and opt-out and access procedures for the use of automated decision-making technology. These proposed new requirements could increase Formula 1’s costs of compliance and impact its operations and the products and services it offers. Since the enactment of the CCPA, 19 additional states have enacted comprehensive privacy legislation.
In addition to broad consumer privacy laws, states in the U.S. are enacting and may continue to enact sectoral-specific privacy laws focused on health data, data about people under the age of 18, biometric data, the use of algorithms by organizations, and other matters. In addition to the increasing adoption of privacy laws by governments, other platforms where Formula 1 operates (including social media platforms) may have separate policies that limit its use of personal information that Formula 1 collects through its operations on such platforms, either now or in the future. Private litigants are also using federal and state laws to pursue litigation related to the use of personal data, video content, chat tools and other communication tools, and trackers commonly used by organizations in the operation of consumer-facing websites and applications. Formula 1’s failure, and/or the failure by the various third party vendors and service providers with which it does business, to comply with applicable privacy policies or federal, state or similar international laws and regulations, or changes in applicable laws and regulations, or changes in the policies of third party platforms where Formula 1 conducts business, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release of personal identifiable information or other user data could damage its reputation and the reputation of its third party vendors and service providers, discourage potential fans, result in fines and/or proceedings by governmental agencies and/or fans and/or result in limits on Formula 1’s use of personal information it uses in the operation of its business, any one or all of which could adversely affect Formula 1’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, Formula 1 may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses.
The terms of Formula 1’s indebtedness may limit its financial and operating flexibility.
Covenants contained in the agreements governing Formula 1’s credit facilities will restrict the ability of its subsidiaries to, among other things:
● | incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or be a creditor in respect of financial indebtedness; |
● | pay dividends, redeem their share capital, purchase capital stock, make investments or other restricted payments; |
● | make any payment in respect, or on account of, indebtedness owing to Liberty or certain of its affiliates; |
● | in certain circumstances, make any payment or distribution in respect, or on account of, intra-group debt; |
● | issue or sell capital stock; |
● | acquire assets or make investments; |
● | sell assets (including capital stock of subsidiaries); |
● | create liens; |
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● | enter into sale and leaseback or finance lease transactions; |
● | acquire an interest in or invest in any joint venture; |
● | enter into transactions with shareholders or affiliates except on arm’s length terms for full market value, including in relation to the provision of goods or services; |
● | enter into any contractual or similar restriction which restricts their ability to pay dividends or other distributions, make intra-group loan repayments, loan repayments or loans; |
● | effect a consolidation or merger; |
● | amend material commercial contracts; and |
● | enter into derivative transactions in respect of exposures which are unconnected to Formula 1’s credit facilities. |
Formula 1 may also be required to repay its credit facilities upon the occurrence of certain events and Formula 1 cannot give any assurance that it will be able to finance such a repayment. Failure to comply with an obligation to repay the credit facilities would result in an event of default which could have a material adverse effect on Formula 1 and the Formula One Group.
These restrictive covenants could limit Formula 1’s ability to pursue Formula 1’s growth plans, restrict Formula 1’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in Formula 1’s business and industry and increase Formula 1’s vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions. Formula 1 may enter into additional financing arrangements in the future, which could further restrict Formula 1’s flexibility.
Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against the functional currencies of Formula 1’s business and Formula 1’s counterparties’ business could adversely affect Formula 1’s profitability and the Formula One Group.
In 2024, a significant proportion of Formula 1’s revenue and costs were denominated in U.S. dollars. Formula 1 also operates in a number of other currencies, most notably the pound sterling and Euro. There may be a mismatch between the amount of a local currency Formula 1 generates in revenue and incurs in expenses. Our financial statements translate local currency transactions into U.S. dollars. Formula 1 occasionally uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to more significant foreign currency risk. There is no assurance that such measures will be successful and fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against Formula 1’s functional currencies could affect its profitability. Additionally, most payments Formula 1 receives from Formula 1’s counterparties under Formula 1’s commercial contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars while their revenue is typically denominated in other currencies, most notably the Euro or the local currency in the country where the relevant Event is held. An appreciation of the U.S. dollar, against the functional currencies of Formula 1’s counterparties whose revenue is denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, increases the cost of their payments to Formula 1 in their functional currencies and the risk that they will not make their payments to Formula 1 or cause them to request Formula 1 to enter into a new contract with such counterparty, which could affect Formula 1’s profitability and financial position, and in turn could impact the Formula One Group. See “—Formula 1 is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to Formula 1’s key commercial contracts.”
The Teams have certain governance rights under the 2021 Concorde Agreement that may limit or, at a minimum, influence actions that Liberty may seek to cause Formula 1 to take.
The Teams are entitled to certain consent rights under the 2021 Concorde Agreement, including in relation to the number of Events in a season exceeding 24 or if there are fewer than eight Events across Europe and North America combined and the introduction of new sporting and technical regulations applying to the World Championship. The interests or opinions of the Teams with regard to certain actions proposed to be taken by Formula 1 may differ from those of Liberty. In such event, the Teams may be able to block these actions.
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Risks Relating to the Liberty Live Group
We do not have the right to manage our business affiliate, Live Nation, which means we are not able to cause it to operate in a manner that is favorable to us.
We do not have the right to manage the businesses or affairs of our business affiliate Live Nation. Rather, our rights take the form of representation on the board of directors and board committees of Live Nation. Although our board representation rights may enable us to exercise influence over the management or policies of Live Nation, such representation will not enable us to cause Live Nation to take any actions we believe are favorable to us (such as paying dividends or distributions).
Our equity method investment in Live Nation may have a material impact on net earnings of Liberty and the Liberty Live Group.
We have a significant investment in Live Nation that is attributed to the Liberty Live Group, which we account for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, we report our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of our equity affiliates in our statement of operations under “share of earnings (losses) of affiliates,” which contributes to our earnings (loss) before income taxes. Due to the impact of COVID-19, Live Nation recorded significant losses during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. If the earnings or losses of Live Nation are material in any year, those earnings or losses may have a material effect on our net earnings or losses and those attributed to the Liberty Live Group. Notwithstanding the impact on our net earnings or losses and those attributed to the Liberty Live Group, we do not have the ability to cause Live Nation to pay dividends or make other payments or advances to its stockholders, including us. In addition, our investment in Live Nation is in publicly traded securities, which is not reflected at fair value on our balance sheet and is subject to market risk that is not directly reflected in our statement of operations.
Live Nation’s business is highly sensitive to public tastes and is dependent on its ability to secure popular artists and other live music events, and Live Nation and its ticketing clients may be unable to anticipate or respond to changes in consumer preferences, which may result in decreased demand for its services.
Live Nation’s business is highly sensitive to rapidly changing public tastes and is dependent on the availability of popular artists and events. Live Nation’s live entertainment business depends in part on its ability to anticipate the tastes of consumers and to offer events that appeal to them. Since Live Nation relies on unrelated parties to create and perform at live music events, any unwillingness to tour or lack of availability of popular artists could limit its ability to generate revenue. In particular, there are a limited number of artists that can headline a major North American or global tour or who can sell out larger venues, including many of Live Nation’s amphitheaters. If those artists do not choose to tour, or if Live Nation is unable to secure the rights to their future tours, then its concerts business would be adversely affected. Live Nation’s artist management business could be adversely affected if the artists it represents do not tour or perform as frequently as anticipated, or if such tours or performances are not as widely attended by fans as anticipated due to changing tastes, general economic conditions or otherwise. Live Nation’s ticketing business relies on third parties to create and perform live entertainment, sporting and leisure events and to price tickets to such events. Accordingly, Live Nation’s ticketing business’ success depends, in part, upon the ability of these third parties to correctly anticipate public demand for particular events, as well as the availability of popular artists, entertainers and teams.
In addition, Live Nation’s live entertainment business typically books its live music tours four to eight months in advance of the beginning of the tour and often agrees to pay an artist a fixed guaranteed amount prior to receiving any revenue. Therefore, if the public is not receptive to the tour, or Live Nation or an artist cancel the tour, Live Nation may incur a loss for the tour depending on the amount of the fixed guarantee or incurred costs relative to any revenue earned, as well as revenue Live Nation could have earned at booked venues. Live Nation has cancellation insurance policies in place to cover a portion of its losses if an artist cancels a tour but such policies may not be sufficient and are subject to deductibles. Furthermore, consumer preferences change from time to time, and Live Nation’s failure to anticipate, identify or react to these changes could result in reduced demand for its services, which would adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Live Nation’s business depends on relationships between key promoters, executives, agents, managers, artists and clients and any adverse changes in these relationships could adversely affect Live Nation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The live music business is uniquely dependent upon personal relationships, as promoters and executives within live music companies such as Live Nation’s leverage their existing network of relationships with artists, agents and managers in order to secure the rights to the live music tours and events which are critical to Live Nation’s success. Due to the importance of those industry contacts to Live Nation’s business, the loss of any of its promoters, officers or other key personnel could adversely affect its business. Although Live Nation has entered into long-term agreements with many of those individuals described above to protect its interests in those relationships, Live Nation can give no assurance that all or any of those key employees or managers will remain with it or will retain their associations with key business contacts, including music artists, as some agreements between a manager and an artist are not for a fixed period of time and are instead terminable at will.
The success of Live Nation’s ticketing business depends, in significant part, on its ability to maintain and renew relationships with existing clients and to establish new client relationships. Live Nation anticipates that, for the foreseeable future, the substantial majority of its ticketing segment revenue will be derived from both online and mobile sales of tickets. Live Nation also expects that revenue from primary ticketing services, which consists primarily of its portion of per ticket convenience charges and per order service fees, will continue to comprise the substantial majority of its ticketing segment revenue. Live Nation cannot provide assurances that it will be able to maintain existing client contracts, or enter into or maintain new client contracts, on acceptable terms, if at all, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on Live Nation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Another important component of Live Nation’s success is its ability to maintain existing and to build new relationships with third-party distribution channels, advertisers, sponsors and service providers. Any adverse change in those relationships, including the inability of those parties to fulfill their obligations to Live Nation’s businesses for any reason, could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Live Nation faces intense competition in the live music and ticketing industries, and it may not be able to maintain or increase its current revenue, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Live Nation’s businesses are in highly competitive industries, and it may not be able to maintain or increase its current revenue due to such competition. The live music industry competes with other forms of entertainment for consumers’ discretionary spending and within this industry Live Nation competes with other venues to book artists, and, in the markets in which it promotes music concerts, it faces competition from other promoters and venue operators. Live Nation’s competitors compete with it for key employees who have relationships with popular music artists and who have a history of being able to book such artists for concerts and tours. These competitors may engage in more extensive development efforts, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive offers to existing and potential artists. Due to increasing artist influence and competition to attract and maintain artist clients, Live Nation may enter into agreements on terms that are less favorable to it, which could negatively impact its financial results. Live Nation’s competitors may develop services, advertising options or music venues that are equal or superior to those Live Nation provides or that achieve greater market acceptance and brand recognition than Live Nation achieves. Within the live music industry, Live Nation’s artist management business also competes with numerous other artist management companies and individual managers in the United States alone, both to discover new and emerging artists and to represent established artists. Across the live music industry, it is possible that new competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share.
Live Nation’s ticketing business faces significant competition from other national, regional and local primary ticketing service providers to secure new and retain existing clients on a continuous basis. Additionally, it faces significant and increasing challenges from companies that sell self-ticketing systems and from clients who choose to self-ticket, through the integration of such systems into their existing operations or the acquisition of primary ticket services providers or by increasing sales through venue box offices and season and subscription sales. Live Nation also faces competition in the resale of tickets from resale marketplaces and from other ticket resellers with online distribution capabilities. The advent of new technology, particularly as it relates to online ticketing, has amplified this competition. The intense
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competition that Live Nation faces in the ticketing industry could cause the volume of our ticketing services business to decline. As Live Nation is also a content provider and venue operator it may face direct competition with its prospective or current primary ticketing clients, who primarily include live event content providers. This direct competition with Live Nation’s prospective or current primary ticketing clients could result in a decline in the number of ticketing clients it has and a decline in the volume of its ticketing business, which could adversely affect Live Nation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the secondary ticket sales market, Live Nation has restrictions on its business that are not faced by its competitors, imposed as a result of agreements entered into with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the Attorneys General of several individual states, and various international governing bodies. These restrictions include: a requirement to clearly and conspicuously disclose on any primary ticketing website where a link or redirect to a resale website owned or controlled by Live Nation is posted, that the link is directing the user to a resale website and that ticket prices often exceed the ticket’s original price; and a requirement to make certain clear and conspicuous disclosures and in certain instances disclose when a ticket being offered for resale is not “in-hand” as well as a requirement to monitor and enforce the compliance of third parties offering tickets on Live Nation’s websites with such disclosure requirements. There are certain state laws that now ban such speculative ticket listings, and the New York Attorney General has in the past brought lawsuits against resale companies for these practices; Live Nation does not, however, allow the use of such speculative ticketing practices on its websites.
Other variables related to the competitive environment that could adversely affect Live Nation’s financial performance by, among other things, leading to decreases in overall revenue, the number of sponsors, event attendance, ticket prices and fees or profit margins include:
● | an increased level of competition for advertising dollars, which may lead to lower sponsorships as Live Nation attempts to retain advertisers or which may cause it to lose advertisers to its competitors offering better programs that Live Nation is unable or unwilling to match; |
● | unfavorable fluctuations in operating costs, including increased guarantees to artists, which Live Nation may be unwilling or unable to pass through to its customers via higher ticket prices; |
● | inability or unwillingness to fund the significant up-front cash requirements associated with Live Nation’s touring and ticketing businesses due to insufficient cash on hand or capacity under its senior secured credit facility, which could result in the loss of key tours to competitors or the inability to secure and retain ticketing clients; |
● | competitors’ offerings that may include more favorable terms than Live Nation does in order to obtain agreements for new venues or ticketing arrangements or to obtain events for the venues they operate; |
● | technological changes and innovations that Live Nation is unable to adopt or are late in adopting that offer more attractive entertainment alternatives than it or other live entertainment providers currently offer, which may lead to a reduction in attendance at live events, a loss of ticket sales or lower ticket fees; and |
● | other entertainment options available to Live Nation’s audiences that it does not offer. |
The success of Live Nation’s ticketing business and other operations depends, in part, on the integrity of its systems and infrastructure, as well as affiliate and third-party computer systems, computer networks and other communication systems. System interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in these systems and infrastructure may have an adverse impact on Live Nation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
System interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in the information systems and infrastructure, both of Live Nation’s own ticketing systems and other computer systems and of affiliate and third-party software, computer networks and other communications systems service providers on which it relies, may adversely affect its ability to operate websites, process and fulfill transactions, respond to customer inquiries and generally maintain cost-efficient operations. Such interruptions could occur by virtue of natural disaster, malicious actions such as hacking or acts of terrorism or war, or human error. In addition, the loss of some or all of certain key personnel could require Live Nation to expend additional resources to continue to maintain its software and systems and could subject it to systems interruptions. The large
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infrastructure plant that is required to operate Live Nation’s systems requires an ongoing investment of time, money and effort to maintain or refresh hardware and software and to ensure it remains at a level capable of servicing the demand and volume of business that Ticketmaster receives. Failure to do so may result in system instability, degradation in performance, or unfixable security vulnerabilities that could adversely impact both the business and the consumers utilizing its services.
While Live Nation has backup systems for certain aspects of its operations, disaster recovery planning by its nature cannot be sufficient for all eventualities. In addition, Live Nation may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses from a major interruption. If any of these adverse events were to occur, it could adversely affect Live Nation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Data loss or other breaches of Live Nation’s network security could materially harm its business and results of operations, and the processing, storage, use and disclosure of personal or sensitive information could give rise to liabilities and additional costs as a result of governmental regulation, litigation and conflicting legal requirements relating to personal privacy rights.
Due to the nature of Live Nation’s business, it processes, stores, uses, transfers and discloses certain personal or sensitive information about its customers and employees. Penetration of its network or other misappropriation or misuse of personal or sensitive information and data, including credit card information and other personally identifiable information, could cause interruptions in Live Nation’s operations and subject it to increased costs, litigation, inquiries and actions from governmental authorities, and financial or other liabilities. In addition, security breaches, incidents or the inability to protect information could lead to increased incidents of ticketing fraud and counterfeit tickets. Security breaches and incidents could also significantly damage its reputation with consumers, ticketing clients and other third parties, and could result in significant costs related to remediation efforts, such as credit or identity theft monitoring.
Although Live Nation has developed systems and processes that are designed to protect customer and employee information and to prevent security breaches or incidents (which could result in data loss or other harm or loss), such measures cannot provide absolute security or certainty. It is possible that advances in computer and hacker capabilities, new variants of malware, the development of new penetration methods and tools, inadvertent violations of company policies or procedures or other developments could result in a compromise of customer or employee information or a breach of the technology and security processes that are used to protect customer and employee information. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, automate or expedite transactions or other activities on its platform, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems (or otherwise bring about one or more of these effects) may change frequently and as a result, may be difficult for its business to detect for long periods of time and may impact the efficacy of its defenses and/or the products and services Live Nation provides. In addition, despite Live Nation’s best efforts, Live Nation may be unaware of or unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. Live Nation has expended significant capital and other resources to protect against and remedy such potential security breaches, incidents and their consequences, including the establishment of a dedicated cybersecurity organization within its larger technology environment, and will continue to do so in the future.
Live Nation also face risks associated with security breaches and incidents affecting third parties with which it is affiliated or with which we otherwise conduct business. In particular, hardware, software or applications it develops or procures from third parties may contain, and have contained, defects in design or manufacture and/or may pose a security risk that could unexpectedly compromise information security, but none of which have been material to date. Consumers are generally concerned with the security and privacy of the internet, and any publicized security problems affecting our businesses and/or third parties may discourage consumers from doing business with Live Nation, which could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to the above concerns related to network and data security, the collection, transfer, use, disclosure, security and retention of personal or sensitive information and other user data are governed by existing and evolving federal, state and international laws. Live Nation has expended significant capital and other resources to keep abreast of the evolving privacy landscape, including the establishment of a dedicated global privacy organization within its legal team. However, Live Nation’s business could be adversely affected if legislation or regulations are expanded to require changes in business practices or policies (including, for example, practices or policies regarding the collection, transfer, use, disclosure, security, and retention of personal or sensitive information), or if governing jurisdictions interpret or
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implement legislation or regulations in a manner which negatively affects its business, financial condition and/or results of operations. Due to the changes in the data privacy regulatory environment, Live Nation may incur additional costs and challenges to its business that restrict or limit its ability to collect, transfer, use, disclose, secure, or retain personal or sensitive information. These changes in data privacy laws may require Live Nation to modify its current or future products, services, programs, practices or policies, which may in turn impact the products and services available to Live Nation’s customers.
Regulators and government enforcement actions worldwide are imposing significant fines against companies for data privacy violations. Live Nation’s business operations, including its ticketing business, involve the collection, transfer, use, disclosure, security, and disposal of personal or sensitive information in various locations around the world, including the E.U., where the GDPR governs data privacy and can result in the imposition of significant fines and penalties. In addition, following the withdrawal of the U.K. from the E.U. on December 31, 2020, Live Nation was required to separately comply with the U.K.’s data protection law, under which additional fines and penalties could be imposed independent of the GDPR. U.K. data protection law has continued to evolve and, notwithstanding the current E.U. decision that allows data to be transferred from the E.U. to the U.K., Live Nation anticipates additional changes to U.K. data protection law within the next 12-18 months. In the United States, several states (including California, Virginia, and Colorado) have required Live Nation to update its policies and procedures to continue to protect data as required under those laws. State and federal legislators in the United States continue to consider, and enact, new privacy laws, which may require further updates to ensure compliance. Additional changes to data privacy laws and regulations around the world, including in the E.U., U.K., and/or the United States, could lead to additional compliance costs and could increase Live Nation’s overall risk.
As Live Nation expands its operations into new jurisdictions, the costs associated with compliance with applicable local data privacy laws and regulations increases. It is possible that government or industry regulation in these markets will require Live Nation to deviate from its standard processes and/or make changes to its products, services and operations, which will increase operational cost and risk.
Live Nation’s failure or the failure of the various third-party vendors and service providers with which it is affiliated or otherwise conduct business to comply with applicable federal, state or international laws and regulations and/or to comply with its privacy policies and/or or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized collection, transfer, use or disclosure of personal or sensitive information or other user data may result in negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage, may discourage potential users from purchasing tickets or trying Live Nation’s products and services, and may result in proceedings/fines by governmental agencies and/or private litigation brought by consumers; the realization of one or all of the foregoing could adversely affect Live Nation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Live Nation may fail to adequately protect its intellectual property rights or may be accused of infringing upon intellectual property rights of third parties.
Live Nation regards its intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks and domain names, copyrights, trade secrets and similar intellectual property (as applicable) as critical to its success. Live Nation also relies heavily upon software codes, informational databases and other components that make up its products and services.
Live Nation has been granted trademark registrations and patents and/or have trademark and patent applications pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and/or various foreign authorities for various proprietary trademarks, technologies and other inventions. Any patent or trademark application filed may not result in a patent or trademark registration being issued, or existing or future patents or trademarks may not be adjudicated valid by a court or be afforded adequate protection against competitors. Likewise, the issuance of a patent or trademark registration to Live Nation does not mean that its processes, inventions or trademark will not be found to infringe upon rights previously issued to third parties. Live Nation relies on a combination of laws and contractual restrictions with employees, customers, suppliers, affiliates and others to establish and protect these proprietary rights. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use Live Nation’s intellectual property without authorization which, if discovered, might require legal action to correct. In addition, third parties may independently and lawfully develop substantially similar intellectual properties.
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From time to time, Live Nation is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties. Live Nation’s failure to protect its intellectual property rights in a meaningful manner or challenges to related contractual rights could result in erosion of brand names or other intellectual property and could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. Therefore, litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce its intellectual property rights, protect trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others. Any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could adversely affect Live Nation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Ownership of Our Common Stock Due to Our Tracking Stock Capitalization
The following risks relate to the ownership of our common stock due to our tracking stock capitalization.
Holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock are common stockholders of our Company and, therefore, are subject to risks associated with an investment in our Company as a whole, even if a holder does not own shares of common stock of both of our groups.
Even though we have attributed, for financial reporting purposes, all of our consolidated assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and cash flows among the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group in order to prepare the separate financial statement schedules for each of those groups, we will retain legal title to all of our assets and our tracking stock capitalization does not limit our legal responsibility, or that of our subsidiaries, for the liabilities included in any set of financial statement schedules. Holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock do not have any legal rights related to specific assets attributed to their associated group and, in any liquidation, holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and holders of Liberty Live common stock will be entitled to receive a pro rata share of our available net assets based on their respective numbers of liquidation units.
Possible market confusion may result from holders of our tracking stocks mistakenly believing that they (i) directly own stock of a company that is attributed to one of our tracking stocks and (ii) have any equity or voting interests with respect to companies attributed to one of our tracking stocks.
Our company holds interests in various companies, including public companies, and these interests are attributed to our tracking stock groups. In particular, following the Reclassification, the Formula One Group is comprised of our subsidiary that owns the Formula 1 business and the Liberty Live Group is primarily comprised of our interest in Live Nation. Depending on the composition of the assets underlying our tracking stock groups from time to time, confusion in the marketplace may occur if holders of our tracking stock mistakenly believe they own stock of a company attributed to the applicable tracking stock group. As described above, holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock do not have any legal rights related to specific assets attributed to their associated tracking stock group. Similarly, holders of these tracking stocks do not, by virtue of their ownership of our tracking stock, own any equity or voting interest in any company attributed to one of our tracking stock groups, including any public companies.
We may split off, spin off or reattribute assets, liabilities and businesses attributed to our tracking stock groups in a manner that may disparately impact some of our stockholders if our Board of Directors determines such transaction to be in the best interest of all of our stockholders, and in some cases, not all of our stockholders would be entitled to vote on such a transaction.
Pursuant to the terms of Liberty’s restated certificate of incorporation (its “Charter”), the Board of Directors may determine that it is in the best interest of all of Liberty’s stockholders to effect a redemptive split-off whereby all or a portion of the outstanding shares of a particular tracking stock would be redeemed for shares of common stock of a subsidiary (“Splitco”) that holds all or a portion of the assets and liabilities attributed to such tracking stock group subject to the approval of only the holders of the tracking stock to be redeemed. For example, Liberty split-off its wholly owned subsidiaries, Atlanta Braves Holdings in 2023 and Liberty Sirius XM Holdings in 2024, and has announced a plan to split-off Liberty Live Group (immediately prior to which, QuintEvents would be reattributed from the Formula One Group to the Liberty Live Group). The vote of holders of Liberty’s other tracking stocks have not been and would not in the future be required, unless Splitco also held assets and liabilities of such other tracking stock group(s). If Liberty were to effect a
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redemptive split-off in the future, then, pursuant to the terms of its Charter, Liberty would be required to redeem the outstanding shares of the affected tracking stock from its holders on an equal per share basis (i.e., it could not redeem shares from holders of only certain series of the affected tracking stock or redeem from all holders of the affected tracking stock on a non-pro rata basis). Following any future redemptive split-off, holders of the other tracking stock(s) would continue to hold stock tracking the performance of Liberty’s remaining assets and liabilities which would not have changed after the redemptive split-off, unless a reattribution among the tracking stock groups occurred in connection with the redemptive split-off (as discussed below). In addition, in the case of a partial redemptive split-off, holders of the affected tracking stock would hold shares of Splitco and continue to hold a reduced number of shares of the affected tracking stock which would track the remaining assets and liabilities retained by Liberty and attributed to such tracking stock group after the split-off.
Liberty is also permitted, pursuant to the terms of its Charter, to effect a spin-off of certain of its assets and liabilities through the dividend of shares of a subsidiary holding such assets and liabilities, and the spin-off would not be subject to prior stockholder approval. In this situation, a tracking stock holder would retain their tracking stock shares and receive shares of the spun-off entity.
Furthermore, in structuring these transactions, the Board of Directors may determine to alter the composition of the assets and liabilities underlying its tracking stock groups through a reattribution. As contemplated by both the Charter and the management and allocation policies designed to assist Liberty in managing and separately presenting the businesses and operations attributed to our tracking stock groups, the Board of Directors is vested with the discretion to reattribute assets and liabilities from one tracking stock group to another tracking stock group without the approval of any of its stockholders, and the only limitations on its exercise of such discretion are that the reattribution be in the best interest of all of Liberty’s stockholders and that the reattribution be done on a fair value basis. Holders of the affected tracking stock groups will not be entitled to a separate vote to approve a reattribution, even if such reattribution is occurring in connection with a redemptive split-off and such stockholders would otherwise be entitled to vote on the redemptive split-off itself.
Our Board of Directors’ ability to reattribute businesses, assets and expenses between and among tracking stock groups may make it difficult to assess the future prospects of our tracking stock groups based on past performance.
Any reattribution made by the Board of Directors (as discussed above), as well as the existence, in and of itself, of the right to effect a reattribution may impact the ability of investors to assess the future prospects of the businesses and assets attributed to a tracking stock group, including liquidity and capital resource needs, based on past performance. Stockholders may also have difficulty evaluating the liquidity and capital resources of the businesses and assets attributed to each group based on past performance, as the Board of Directors may use one group’s liquidity to fund another group’s liquidity and capital expenditure requirements through the use of inter-group loans and inter-group interests.
We could be required to use assets attributed to one group to pay liabilities attributed to another group.
The assets attributed to one group are potentially subject to the liabilities attributed to another group, even if those liabilities arise from lawsuits, contracts or indebtedness that are attributed to such other group. While our current management and allocation policies provide that reattributions of assets between groups will result in the creation of an inter-group loan or an inter-group interest or an offsetting reattribution of cash or other assets, no provision of our current Charter prevents us from satisfying liabilities of one group with assets of another group, and our creditors are not in any way limited by our tracking stock capitalization from proceeding against any assets they could have proceeded against if we did not have a tracking stock capitalization.
The market price of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock may not reflect the performance of the businesses and assets attributed to the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group, respectively, as we intend.
We cannot assure you that the market price of the common stock related to a group will, in fact, reflect the performance of the group of businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to that group. Holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock are common stockholders of our Company as a whole and, as such, are subject to all risks associated with an investment in our Company and all of our businesses, assets and liabilities. As a
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result, the market price of each tracking stock may, in part, reflect events that are intended to be reflected or tracked by a different tracking stock of our Company. In addition, investors may discount the value of the stock related to a group because it is part of a common enterprise rather than a stand-alone entity.
The market price of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock may be volatile, could fluctuate substantially and could be affected by factors that do not affect traditional common stock.
The market prices of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock may be materially affected by, among other things:
● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in a group’s operating results or in the operating results of particular companies attributable to such group; |
● | potential acquisition activity by our Company (regardless of the group to which it is attributed) or the companies in which we invest; |
● | issuances of debt or equity securities to raise capital by our Company or the companies in which we invest and the manner in which that debt or the proceeds of an equity issuance are attributed to each of the groups; |
● | changes in financial estimates by securities analysts regarding Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock or the companies attributable to our tracking stock groups; |
● | the complex nature and the potential difficulties investors may have in understanding the terms of our tracking stocks, as well as concerns regarding the possible effect of certain of those terms on an investment in our stocks; and |
● | general market conditions. |
The market value of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock could be adversely affected by events involving the assets and businesses attributed to the other group.
Because we are the issuer of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock, an adverse market reaction to events relating to the assets and businesses attributed to one of our groups, such as earnings announcements, announcements of new products or services or acquisitions or dispositions that the market does not view favorably, may cause an adverse market reaction in the common stock of the other group. This could occur even if the triggering event is not material to us as a whole. Certain events may also have a greater impact on one group than the same triggering event would have on another group due to the asset composition of the affected group. In addition, the incurrence of significant indebtedness by us or any of our subsidiaries on behalf of one group, including indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection with acquisitions of or investments in businesses, could affect our credit rating and that of our subsidiaries and, therefore, could increase the borrowing costs of businesses attributable to our other group or the borrowing costs of our Company as a whole.
We may not pay dividends equally or at all on Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock.
We do not presently intend to pay cash dividends on Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock for the foreseeable future. However, we have the right to pay dividends on the shares of common stock related to each group in equal or unequal amounts, and we may pay dividends on the shares of common stock related to one group and not pay dividends on shares of common stock related to another group. In addition, any dividends or distributions on, or repurchases of, shares relating to a group will reduce our assets legally available to be paid as dividends on the shares relating to another group.
Our tracking stock capital structure could create conflicts of interest, and our Board of Directors may make decisions that could adversely affect only some holders of our common stock.
Our tracking stock capital structure could give rise to occasions when the interests of holders of stock related to one group might diverge or appear to diverge from the interests of holders of stock related to the other group. In addition,
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given the nature of their businesses, there may be inherent conflicts of interests between the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group. Our tracking stock groups are not separate entities and thus holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock do not have the right to elect separate boards of directors. As a result, our Company’s officers and directors owe fiduciary duties to our Company as a whole and all of our stockholders as opposed to only holders of a particular group. Decisions deemed to be in the best interest of our Company and all of our stockholders may not be in the best interest of a particular group when considered independently. Examples include:
● | decisions as to the terms of any business relationships that may be created between the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group; |
● | the terms of any reattributions of assets between groups; |
● | decisions as to the allocation of consideration among the holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock, or among the series of stocks relating to our groups, to be received in connection with a merger involving our Company; |
● | decisions as to the allocation of corporate opportunities between the groups, especially where the opportunities might meet the strategic business objectives of more than one group; |
● | decisions as to operational and financial matters that could be considered detrimental to one group but beneficial to the other; |
● | decisions as to the conversion of shares of common stock of one group into shares of common stock of the other; |
● | decisions regarding the creation of, and, if created, the subsequent increase or decrease of any inter-group interest that one group may own in the other group; |
● | decisions as to the internal or external financing attributable to businesses or assets attributed to any of our groups; |
● | decisions as to the dispositions of assets of any of our groups; and |
● | decisions as to the payment of dividends on the stock relating to any of our groups. |
Our directors’ or officers’ equity ownership may create or appear to create conflicts of interest.
If directors or officers own disproportionate interests (in percentage or value terms) in Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock, that disparity could create or appear to create conflicts of interest when they are faced with decisions that could have different implications for the holders of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock.
Other than pursuant to our management and allocation policies, we have not adopted any specific procedures for consideration of matters involving a divergence of interests among holders of shares of stock relating to our two groups, or among holders of different series of stock relating to a specific group.
Rather than develop additional specific procedures in advance, the Board of Directors intends to exercise its judgment from time to time, depending on the circumstances, as to how best to:
● | obtain information regarding the divergence (or potential divergence) of interests; |
● | determine under what circumstances to seek the assistance of outside advisers; |
● | determine whether a committee of the Board of Directors should be appointed to address a specific matter and the appropriate members of that committee; and |
● | assess what is in our best interests and the best interests of all of our stockholders. |
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The Board of Directors believes the advantage of retaining flexibility in determining how to fulfill its responsibilities in any such circumstances as they may arise outweighs any perceived advantages of adopting additional specific procedures in advance.
Our Board of Directors may change the management and allocation policies to the detriment of one or more groups without stockholder approval.
The Board of Directors has adopted certain management and allocation policies to serve as guidelines in making decisions regarding the relationship between the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group with respect to matters such as tax liabilities and benefits, inter-group loans, inter-group interests, attribution of assets, financing alternatives, corporate opportunities and similar items. These policies also set forth the initial focuses and strategies of these groups and the initial attribution of our businesses, assets and liabilities among them. These policies are not included in the current Charter. The Board of Directors may at any time change or make exceptions to these policies. Because these policies relate to matters concerning the day-to-day management of our Company as opposed to significant corporate actions, such as a merger involving our Company or a sale of substantially all of our assets, no stockholder approval is required with respect to their adoption or amendment. A decision to change, or make exceptions to, these policies or adopt additional policies could disadvantage one group while advantaging the other.
Holders of shares of stock relating to a particular group may not have any remedies if any action by our directors or officers has an adverse effect on only that stock, or on a particular series of that stock.
Principles of Delaware law and the provisions of our current Charter may protect decisions of the Board of Directors that have a disparate impact upon holders of shares of stock relating to a particular group, or upon holders of any series of stock relating to a particular group. Under Delaware law, the Board of Directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our stockholders, regardless of the stock, or series, they hold. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes or series of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all stockholders and does not have separate or additional duties to any subset of stockholders. Judicial opinions in Delaware involving tracking stocks have established that decisions by directors or officers involving differing treatment of holders of tracking stocks may be judged under the business judgment rule. In some circumstances, our directors or officers may be required to make a decision that is viewed as adverse to the holders of shares relating to a particular group or to the holders of a particular series of that stock. Under the principles of Delaware law and the business judgment rule referred to above, a stockholder may not be able to successfully challenge decisions that they believe have a disparate impact upon the stockholders of one of our groups if a majority of the Board of Directors is disinterested and independent with respect to the action taken, is adequately informed with respect to the action taken and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the Board of Directors is acting in the best interest of Liberty and all of our stockholders.
Stockholders will not vote on how to attribute consideration received in connection with a merger involving our Company among holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock.
Our current Charter does not contain any provisions governing how consideration received in connection with a merger or consolidation involving our Company is to be attributed to holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and holders of Liberty Live common stock or to the holders of different series of stock, and none of the holders of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock will have a separate class vote in the event of such a merger or consolidation. Consistent with applicable principles of Delaware law, the Board of Directors will seek to divide the type and amount of consideration received in a merger or consolidation involving our Company among holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock in a fair manner. As the different ways the Board of Directors may divide the consideration between holders of stock relating to the different groups, and among holders of different series of a particular stock, might have materially different results, the consideration to be received by holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock in any such merger or consolidation may be materially less valuable than the consideration they would have received if they had a separate class vote on such merger or consolidation.
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We may dispose of assets of the Formula One Group or the Liberty Live Group without stockholder approval.
Delaware law requires stockholder approval only for a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of our Company taken as a whole, and our current Charter does not require a separate class vote in the case of a sale of a significant amount of assets of either of our groups. As long as the assets attributed to the Formula One Group or the Liberty Live Group proposed to be disposed of represent less than substantially all of our assets, we may approve sales and other dispositions of any amount of the assets of such group without any stockholder approval.
If we dispose of all or substantially all of the assets attributed to either group (which means, for this purpose, assets representing 80% of the fair market value of the total assets of the disposing group, as determined by the Board of Directors), we would be required under the terms of our current Charter, if the disposition is not an exempt disposition under the terms of our current charter, to choose one or more of the following three alternatives:
● | declare and pay a dividend on the disposing group’s common stock; |
● | redeem shares of the disposing group’s common stock in exchange for cash, securities or other property; and/or |
● | convert all or a portion of the disposing group’s outstanding common stock into common stock of another group. |
In this type of a transaction, holders of the disposing group’s common stock may receive less value than the value that a third-party buyer might pay for all or substantially all of the assets of the disposing group.
The Board of Directors will decide, in its sole discretion, how to proceed and is not required to select the option that would result in the highest value to holders of any stock related to a particular group.
Holders of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock may receive less consideration upon a sale of the assets attributed to that group than if that group were a separate company.
If the Formula One Group or the Liberty Live Group were a separate, independent company and its shares were acquired by another person, certain costs of that sale, including corporate level taxes, might not be payable in connection with that acquisition. As a result, stockholders of a separate, independent company with the same assets might receive a greater amount of proceeds than the holders of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock would receive upon a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the group to which their shares relate. In addition, we cannot assure you that in the event of such a sale the per share consideration to be paid to holders of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock, as the case may be, will be equal to or more than the per share value of that share of stock prior to or after the announcement of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the applicable group. Further, there is no requirement that the consideration paid be tax-free to the holders of the shares of common stock related to that group. Accordingly, if we sell all or substantially all of the assets attributed to the Formula One Group or the Liberty Live Group, our stockholders could suffer a loss in the value of their investment in our stock.
In the event of a liquidation of Liberty, holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock will not have a priority with respect to the assets attributed to the related tracking stock group remaining for distribution to stockholders.
Under our current Charter, upon Liberty’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock will be entitled to receive, in respect of their shares of such stock, their proportionate interest in all of Liberty’s assets, if any, remaining for distribution to holders of common stock in proportion to their respective number of “liquidation units” per share, as previously determined in connection with the Reclassification. Hence, the assets to be distributed to a holder of any of our tracking stocks upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Liberty will have nothing to do with the value of the assets attributed to the related tracking stock group or to changes in the relative value of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock over time.
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The Board of Directors may elect to convert the common stock relating to one group into common stock relating to other group, thereby changing the nature of a stockholder’s investment and possibly diluting their economic interest in our Company, which could result in a loss in value to them.
Our current Charter permits the Board of Directors to convert all of the outstanding shares of common stock relating to any of our groups into shares of common stock of another group on specified terms. A conversion would preclude the holders of stock related to each group involved in such conversion from retaining their investment in a security that is intended to reflect separately the performance of the relevant group. We cannot predict the impact on the market value of our stock of (1) the Board of Directors’ ability to effect any such conversion or (2) the exercise of this conversion right by the Board of Directors. In addition, the Board of Directors may effect such a conversion at a time when the market value of our different stocks could cause the stockholders of one group to be disadvantaged.
Holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock vote together and have limited separate voting rights.
Holders of Series A and Series B Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock vote together as a single class, except in certain limited circumstances prescribed by our current Charter and under Delaware law. Each share of Series B common stock of each group has ten votes per share, and each share of Series A common stock of each group has one vote per share. Holders of Series C common stock of each group have no voting rights, other than those required under Delaware law. When holders of Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock vote together as a single class, holders having a majority of the votes are in a position to control the outcome of the vote even if the matter involves a conflict of interest among our stockholders or has a greater impact on one group than another.
Transactions in Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock by our insiders could depress the market price of those stocks.
Sales of, or hedging transactions such as collars relating to, shares of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock by our Chairman of the Board of Directors, or any of our other directors or executive officers, could cause a perception in the marketplace that the stock price of the relevant shares has peaked or that adverse events or trends have occurred or may be occurring at our Company or the group to which the shares relates. This perception can result notwithstanding any personal financial motivation for these transactions. As a result, insider transactions could depress the market price for shares of Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock.
Our capital structure, as well as the fact that the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group are not independent companies, may inhibit or prevent acquisition bids for the businesses attributed to the Formula One Group or the Liberty Live Group and may make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our stockholders.
If the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group were separate independent companies, any person interested in acquiring the Formula One Group or the Liberty Live Group without negotiating with management could seek control of that group by obtaining control of its outstanding voting stock, by means of a tender offer or a proxy contest. Although we intend Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock to reflect the separate economic performance of the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group, respectively, those groups are not separate entities and a person interested in acquiring only one group without negotiation with our management could obtain control of that group only by obtaining control of a majority in voting power of all of the outstanding voting shares of our Company. The existence of shares of common stock, and different series of shares, relating to different groups could present complexities and in certain circumstances pose obstacles, financial and otherwise, to an acquiring person that are not present in companies that do not have a capital structure similar to ours.
Certain provisions of our current Charter and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our Company that a stockholder may consider favorable. These provisions include:
● | authorizing a capital structure with multiple series of common stock: a Series B common stock related to each group that entitles the holders to ten votes per share, a Series A common stock related to each group |
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that entitles the holder to one vote per share, and a Series C common stock related to each group that, except as otherwise required by Delaware law, entitles the holder to no voting rights; |
● | classifying the Board of Directors with staggered three-year terms, which may lengthen the time required to gain control of the Board of Directors; |
● | limiting who may call special meetings of stockholders; |
● | prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, thereby requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders; |
● | establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings; |
● | requiring stockholder approval by holders of at least 66⅔% of our aggregate voting power or the approval by at least 75% of the Board of Directors with respect to certain extraordinary matters, such as a merger or consolidation of our Company, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or an amendment to our current Charter; and |
● | the existence of authorized and unissued stock, including “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by the Board of Directors to persons friendly to our then current management, thereby protecting the continuity of our management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of our Company. |
Liberty’s Chairman, John C. Malone, beneficially owns shares (based on outstanding share information as of January 31, 2025) representing the power to direct approximately 49% of the aggregate voting power in Liberty, due to his beneficial ownership of approximately 97% of the outstanding shares of each of the Series B Liberty Formula One common stock and the Series B Liberty Live common stock.
Risks Relating to the proposed Liberty Live Split-Off
We have announced a plan to split-off our Liberty Live Group into an independent, publicly-traded company in the second half of 2025. The proposed transactions may not be completed on the currently contemplated timeline or at all and may not achieve the intended benefits.
We have announced a plan to split-off our Liberty Live Group into an independent, publicly-traded company in the second half of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining certain requisite approvals of holders of Series A and Series B Liberty Live common stock. Unanticipated developments, including changes in market conditions, the performance of our and Live Nation’s common stock, and possible delays in obtaining requisite approvals could delay or prevent the Liberty Live Split-Off from occurring or cause the Liberty Live Split-Off to occur on terms or conditions that are less favorable and/or different than expected. Even if the Liberty Live Split-Off is completed, we may not realize some or all of the anticipated benefits from the Liberty Live Split-Off.
We expect to incur costs and expenses in connection with the Liberty Live Split-Off.
We expect that we will incur certain nonrecurring costs in connection with the proposed Liberty Live Split-Off, including advisory, legal and other transaction costs. A majority of these costs have already been incurred or may be incurred regardless of whether the Liberty Live Split-Off is completed. While many of the expenses that would be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time, our management continues to assess the magnitude of these costs, and additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in connection with the Liberty Live Split-Off. Although we expect that the realization of benefits related to the Liberty Live Split-Off would offset such costs and expenses over time, no assurances can be made that this net benefit will be achieved in the near term, or at all.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
Live Nation, an equity affiliate, as a separate publicly traded company from Liberty, operates its own cybersecurity function. Oversight for Live Nation’s cybersecurity functions rests with its board of directors, of which an employee of Liberty is a member, in collaboration with Live Nation’s Global Data Governance Board and Audit Committee.
Cybersecurity risks are assessed as part of our enterprise risk assessment and risk management program and our cybersecurity risk management program is designed and assessed based on recognized frameworks, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.
We rely on a multidisciplinary team, including our information security function, legal department, management, and
To manage and mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats to our information systems and data, we implement and maintain various technical, physical and organizational measures, processes and policies. These measures include risk assessments, incident detection and response, vulnerability management, disaster recovery and business continuity plans, internal controls within our IT, Security and other departments, encryption of data, network security controls, access controls, physical security, asset management, system monitoring, vendor risk management program, employee cybersecurity awareness and training, phishing tests, and penetration testing. Cybersecurity awareness training is also made available annually to our Board of Directors.
In the event of a potential cybersecurity incident, or a series of related cybersecurity incidents, we have cybersecurity incident response frameworks in place at the corporate level, Formula 1 and QuintEvents. These frameworks are a set of coordinated procedures and tasks that our incident response teams execute with the goal of ensuring timely and accurate identification, resolution and reporting of cybersecurity incidents both internally and externally, as necessary.
To operate our businesses, we utilize certain third-party service providers to perform a variety of operational functions.
Impact of cybersecurity risks on business strategy, results of operations or financial condition
For additional information on our cybersecurity risks, see “The degradation, failure or misuse of the Company’s information systems could cause a disruption of services or improper loss, use and disclosure of personal data or other
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confidential information, resulting in increased costs, liabilities or loss of revenue." in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Governance
Role of the Board of Directors
Our
In addition to the efforts undertaken by the Audit Committee, the full Board of Directors regularly reviews matters relating to cybersecurity risk and cybersecurity risk management. Any material cybersecurity events would be brought to the attention of the full Board of Directors once the event is deemed material. We additionally use our incident response framework as part of the process we employ to keep our management and Board of Directors informed and to monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents.
Role of Management
At Formula 1, the Head of Information Security, together with the Director of IT, are responsible for day-to-day management and oversight of subsidiary cybersecurity, including assessing, monitoring and mitigating
Liberty and Formula 1 have also established a Risk and Compliance Committee responsible for overseeing and monitoring all corporate compliance initiatives at Formula 1, including cybersecurity. The Risk and Compliance Committee is composed of members of Liberty’s ISSC as well as members of Formula 1’s executive leadership team, including the Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel. The Head of Information Security provides quarterly updates to the Risk and Compliance Committee on cybersecurity risks and initiatives as well as any cybersecurity events, as applicable.
Our management team’s experience includes a diverse background in telecom, technology, media and other industries, with decades of experience in various aspects of cybersecurity.
I-43
Item 2. Properties
We own our corporate headquarters in Englewood, Colorado.
Formula 1 owns no material property. Formula 1 leases space for its offices in London, England and for its television production and technical operations in Kent, England. The Company owns land and a building adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip which is utilized for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Our other subsidiaries and business affiliates own or lease the fixed assets necessary for the operation of their respective businesses, including office space and entertainment venues. Our management believes that our current facilities are suitable and adequate for our business operations for the foreseeable future.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Refer to note 16 in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for information on our legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
I-44
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) has three series of each of its tracking stocks. Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Formula One common stock trade or are quoted under the symbols FWONA/B/K, respectively; and Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Live common stock trade or are quoted under the symbols LLYVA/B/K, respectively. Series A and Series C Liberty Formula One common stock and Series A and Series C Liberty Live common stock trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and Series B Liberty Formula One common stock and Series B Liberty Live common stock are quoted on the OTC Markets. Stock price information for securities traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market can be found on the Nasdaq’s website at www.nasdaq.com.
The following tables set forth the range of high and low sales prices of our Series B Liberty Formula One common stock and Series B Liberty Live common stock for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. There is no established public trading market for our Series B Liberty Formula One common stock and our Series B Liberty Live common stock, which are quoted on OTC Markets. The over-the-counter market quotations for our Series B Liberty Formula One common stock and our Series B Liberty Live common stock reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Formula One Group | ||||||
Series B (FWONB) |
| |||||
| High |
| Low |
| ||
2023 | ||||||
First quarter | $ | 68.02 | 54.31 | |||
Second quarter | $ | 68.00 | 63.00 | |||
Third quarter | $ | 66.00 | 55.00 | |||
Fourth quarter | $ | 56.02 | 56.02 | |||
2024 | ||||||
First quarter | $ | 65.00 | 60.00 | |||
Second quarter | $ | 66.50 | 58.51 | |||
Third quarter | $ | 72.13 | 63.96 | |||
Fourth quarter | $ | 85.00 | 69.00 |
Liberty Live Group | ||||||
Series B (LLYVB) |
| |||||
| High |
| Low |
| ||
2023 | ||||||
Third quarter (from the initial quoting of LLYVB on August 4, 2023) | $ | 34.35 | 28.38 | |||
Fourth quarter | $ | 33.50 | 31.18 | |||
2024 | ||||||
First quarter | $ | 39.00 | 36.00 | |||
Second quarter | $ | 40.00 | 33.50 | |||
Third quarter | $ | 50.00 | 33.30 | |||
Fourth quarter | $ | 75.25 | 50.00 |
II-1
On August 3, 2023, Liberty completed the Reclassification (as defined below). Each then-outstanding share of Liberty SiriusXM common stock was reclassified into one share of the corresponding series of new Liberty SiriusXM common stock and 0.2500 of a share of the corresponding series of Liberty Live common stock and each outstanding share of Liberty Formula One Common Stock was reclassified into one share of the corresponding series of new Liberty Formula One Common Stock and 0.0428 of a share of the corresponding series of Liberty Live Common Stock. Stock prices presented in the tables above prior to August 3, 2023 were not adjusted to reflect the Reclassification.
Holders
The number of record holders as of January 31, 2025 were as follows:
Series A | Series B | Series C | ||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | 621 | 40 | 747 | |||
Liberty Live common stock | 568 | 37 | 754 |
The foregoing numbers of record holders do not include the number of stockholders whose shares are held nominally by banks, brokerage houses or other institutions, but include each such institution as one shareholder.
Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and we have no present intention of so doing. Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be determined by our board of directors in light of our earnings, financial condition and other relevant considerations.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
Share Repurchase Programs
In November 2019, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of $1 billion of the Company’s common stock. In May 2022, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $1 billion of the Company’s common stock.
There were no repurchases of Series A Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock and no repurchases of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock or Liberty Live common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $1.1 billion was available for future share repurchases under our share repurchase program.
During the three months ended December 31, 2024, no shares of Series A or Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, no shares of Series A Liberty Live common stock and 141 shares of Series C Liberty Live common stock were surrendered by certain of our officers and employees to pay withholding taxes and other deductions in connection with the vesting of their restricted stock and restricted stock units.
Item 6. [Reserved]
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. See note 4 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for an overview of accounting standards that we have adopted or that we plan to adopt that have had or may have an impact on our financial statements.
Overview
We own controlling and non-controlling interests in a broad range of media and entertainment companies. Our most significant operating subsidiary, Formula 1, is wholly-owned and is also a reportable segment. Formula 1 is a global motorsports business that holds exclusive commercial rights with respect to the World Championship (as defined below), an annual, approximately nine-month long, motor race-based competition in which teams compete for the Constructors' Championship and drivers compete for the Drivers' Championship. The World Championship takes place on various circuits with a varying number of events (“Events”) taking place in different countries around the world each season. Formula 1 is responsible for the commercial exploitation and development of the World Championship as well as various aspects of its management and administration.
We hold an ownership interest in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”), which is accounted for as an equity method investment. Live Nation is considered the world’s leading live entertainment company. As of December 31, 2024, Live Nation met the Company’s reportable segment threshold for equity method affiliates.
Our “Corporate and Other” category includes our consolidated subsidiary QuintEvents, LLC (“QuintEvents”), corporate expenses and investments and related financial instruments in other public companies. Braves Holdings, LLC ("Braves Holdings"), a consolidated subsidiary, was included in “Corporate and Other” prior to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off (defined below).
A tracking stock is a type of common stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or "track" the economic performance of a particular business or "group," rather than the economic performance of the company as a whole.
On July 18, 2023, the Company completed the split-off (the “Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off”) of its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves Holdings”). The Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off was accomplished by a redemption by the Company of each outstanding share of Liberty Braves common stock in exchange for one share of the corresponding series of Atlanta Braves Holdings common stock. Atlanta Braves Holdings was comprised of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty Braves Group (the “Braves Group”) immediately prior to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, except for the intergroup interests in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and Liberty Formula One Group (the “Formula One Group”), which were settled and extinguished in connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off.
On August 3, 2023, the Company reclassified its then-outstanding shares of common stock into three new tracking stocks—Liberty SiriusXM common stock, Liberty Formula One common stock and Liberty Live common stock, and, in connection therewith, provided for the attribution of the businesses, assets and liabilities of the Company’s remaining tracking stock groups among its newly created Liberty SiriusXM Group, Formula One Group and Liberty Live Group (the “Reclassification”). As a result of the Reclassification, each then-outstanding share of Liberty SiriusXM common stock was reclassified into one share of the corresponding series of new Liberty SiriusXM common stock and 0.2500 of a share of the corresponding series of Liberty Live common stock and each outstanding share of Liberty Formula One common stock was reclassified into one share of the corresponding series of new Liberty Formula One common stock and 0.0428 of a share of the corresponding series of Liberty Live common stock.
Each of the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and the Reclassification were intended to be tax-free to stockholders of the Company, except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. In July 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) completed its review of the Reclassification and notified the Company that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction. In September 2024, the IRS completed its review of the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and notified the Company that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction.
II-3
The Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and the Reclassification are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a prospective basis.
On January 2, 2024, the Company purchased QuintEvents for total consideration of approximately $277 million, comprised of $205 million of cash, net of cash acquired of $66 million, and a $6 million settlement of a pre-existing condition.
On September 9, 2024, the Company completed the split-off (the “Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off”) of its wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Liberty Sirius XM Holdings”). The Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off was accomplished through the redemption by the Company of each outstanding share of Liberty SiriusXM common stock in exchange for 0.8375 of a share of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. Liberty Sirius XM Holdings was comprised of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group immediately prior to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off. The Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off was intended to be tax-free to holders of Liberty SiriusXM common stock (except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares).
Following the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, on September 9, 2024, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings merged with and into Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Holdings”), with Sirius XM Holdings surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings (the “Merger” and, together with the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the “Transactions”). As a result of the Transactions, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings became an independent public company, separate from the Company. Liberty Sirius XM Holdings is presented as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
While the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group have separate collections of businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to them, no group is a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securities or enter into legally binding agreements. Holders of tracking stock have no direct claim to the group's stock or assets and therefore, do not own, by virtue of their ownership of a Liberty tracking stock, any equity or voting interest in a public company, such as Live Nation, in which Liberty holds an interest that is attributed to a Liberty tracking stock group, the Liberty Live Group. Holders of tracking stock are also not represented by separate boards of directors. Instead, holders of tracking stock are stockholders of the parent corporation, with a single board of directors and subject to all of the risks and liabilities of the parent corporation.
As of December 31, 2024, the Formula One Group is primarily comprised of Liberty’s interests in Formula 1 and QuintEvents, cash and Liberty’s 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027. As of December 31, 2024, the Formula One Group has cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2,631 million, which includes $1,389 million of subsidiary cash.
As of December 31, 2024, the Liberty Live Group is primarily comprised of Liberty’s interest in Live Nation, cash, other minority investments, Liberty’s 2.375% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2053 and an undrawn margin loan. As of December 31, 2024, the Liberty Live Group has cash and cash equivalents of approximately $325 million.
Prior to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty SiriusXM common stock was intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group. At the time of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty SiriusXM Group was comprised of Liberty’s interest in Sirius XM Holdings, corporate cash, Liberty’s 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028, Liberty’s 2.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2049 and a margin loan obligation incurred by a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary of Liberty. Prior to the Reclassification, Liberty’s interest in Live Nation, Liberty’s 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2050 and a margin loan secured by shares of Live Nation were attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and are presented as continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Prior to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, the Braves Group was primarily comprised of Braves Holdings, which indirectly owns the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club (the “Braves”), certain assets and liabilities associated with the Braves’ stadium (the “Stadium”) and a mixed-use development around the Stadium that features retail, office, hotel and entertainment opportunities and corporate cash.
II-4
On March 29, 2024, the Company agreed, subject to certain conditions, to acquire approximately 86% of the equity interests in Dorna Sports, S.L., (“Dorna”) for a purchase price of approximately €3.0 billion, to be funded with cash. The Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts for close to the full purchase price. In December 2024, the European Commission notified the Company that a Phase II investigation would occur, extending regulatory review beyond December 31, 2024. The Company agreed to pay €126 million to the sellers to extend the longstop date to June 30, 2025 in order to accommodate the Phase II investigation. The €126 million is considered prepaid purchase consideration and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. Subsequent to December 31, 2024, the Company extended a portion of the foreign currency forward contracts through the extended longstop date.
On November 13, 2024, the Company announced that it is pursuing a plan to split-off the Liberty Live Group (the “Liberty Live Split-Off”). Immediately prior to the Liberty Live Split-Off, QuintEvents would be reattributed from the Formula One Group to the Liberty Live Group in exchange for certain private assets and cash. The Liberty Live Split-Off would be effected through the redemption of Liberty Live common stock in exchange for common stock of a newly formed company, Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. The Company would redeem each outstanding share of its Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Live common stock for one share of the corresponding series of common stock of Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. As a result of the Liberty Live Split-Off, the Company and Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. would be separate publicly traded companies, and the Company would no longer have a tracking stock structure. The Liberty Live Split-Off is subject to various conditions including, among other things, shareholder approval and the receipt of an opinion of tax counsel. The Liberty Live Split-Off is intended to be tax-free to stockholders of the Company.
As of December 31, 2021, 6,792,903 notional shares represented an 11.0% intergroup interest in the Braves Group previously held by the Formula One Group, 2,292,037 notional shares represented a 3.7% intergroup interest in the Braves Group previously held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group and 5,271,475 notional shares represented a 2.2% intergroup interest in the Formula One Group previously held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
During September 2022, the Formula One Group and the Braves Group paid approximately $64 million and $14 million, respectively, to the Liberty SiriusXM Group to settle a portion of the intergroup interests in the Formula One Group and Braves Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group, as a result of the repurchase of a portion of Liberty’s 1.375% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Convertible Notes”). During March 2023, the Formula One Group paid approximately $202 million to the Liberty SiriusXM Group to settle a portion of the intergroup interest in the Formula One Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group, as a result of the repurchase of a portion of the Convertible Notes. On July 12, 2023, the Formula One Group paid approximately $71 million to the Liberty SiriusXM Group to settle and extinguish the remaining intergroup interest in the Formula One Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
In connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, the intergroup interests in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and Formula One Group were settled and extinguished through the attribution, to the respective tracking stock group, of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock on a one-for-one basis equal to the number of notional shares representing the intergroup interest. On July 19, 2023, the shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock attributed to the Formula One Group to settle and extinguish the intergroup interest in connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off were distributed on a pro rata basis to holders of Liberty Formula One common stock. During November 2023, Liberty exchanged the shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group with a third party to satisfy certain debt obligations attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
II-5
Strategies and Challenges of Business Units
Formula 1. Formula 1’s goal is to further broaden and increase the global scale and appeal of the FIA (as defined below) Formula One World Championship (the “World Championship”) in order to improve the overall value of Formula 1 as a sport and its financial performance. Key factors of this strategy include:
● | Maximizing the value of Formula 1’s commercial rights; |
o | Leveraging high demand and positive competitive tension for Event renewals to increase the quality and value of every race slot |
o | Maximizing media rights across markets, including alternate media platforms; continuing to grow Formula 1’s direct-to-consumer F1 TV product, alongside its growing suite of digital media assets |
o | Developing sponsorship revenue by optimizing Formula 1’s existing inventory to maximize impact, exclusivity and value for Formula 1’s partners, while creating new, tailored assets to satisfy growing demand from a broad-spectrum of global brands |
o | Enhancing Formula 1’s hospitality and experience business by developing its existing Formula 1 Paddock Club program (the “Paddock Club”), together with new premium offerings |
● | Augmenting Formula 1’s diverse and valuable fanbase by expanding the ways in which it interacts with fans, which will drive deeper fan engagement and improved fan data; |
● | Driving growth in key strategic markets with under-monetized fan potential; |
● | Improving the on-track competitive balance of the World Championship and the long-term financial stability of the participating Teams; and |
● | Improving the environmental and social impact of Formula 1 and its related activities by delivering Net Zero by 2030, leaving a legacy of positive change wherever it races, and building a more diverse and inclusive sport. Formula 1 is also pioneering a 100% advanced sustainable fuel to be introduced in 2026 that will be a “drop-in fuel” and can be used in road cars without modification worldwide. |
Results of Operations—Consolidated
General. Provided in the tables below is information regarding our Consolidated Operating Results and Other Income and Expense, as well as information regarding the contribution to those items from our consolidated reportable segments. The “Corporate and Other” category consists of those assets or businesses which do not qualify as a separate reportable segment. For a more detailed discussion and analysis of the financial results of our principal reportable segment, see “Results of Operations—Businesses” below.
Braves Holdings was a subsidiary of the Company until the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off on July 18, 2023. Braves Holdings is not presented as a discontinued operation in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 is presented below. A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 can be found 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 for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2024.
II-6
Consolidated Operating Results
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
2024 | 2023 |
| ||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Revenue |
|
|
|
| ||
Formula One Group | ||||||
Formula 1 | $ | 3,411 | 3,222 | |||
Corporate and other | 373 | 16 | ||||
Intergroup elimination | (131) | (16) | ||||
Total Formula One Group | 3,653 | 3,222 | ||||
Braves Group | ||||||
Corporate and other |
| NA |
| 350 | ||
Total Braves Group | NA | 350 | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | 3,653 |
| 3,572 | ||
Operating Income (Loss) | ||||||
Formula One Group | ||||||
Formula 1 | $ | 492 | 392 | |||
Corporate and other | (205) | (95) | ||||
Total Formula One Group | 287 | 297 | ||||
Liberty Live Group | ||||||
Corporate and other | (11) | (11) | ||||
Total Liberty Live Group | (11) | (11) | ||||
Braves Group | ||||||
Corporate and other |
| NA |
| (31) | ||
Total Braves Group | NA | (31) | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | 276 |
| 255 | ||
Adjusted OIBDA | ||||||
Formula One Group | ||||||
Formula 1 | $ | 791 | 725 | |||
Corporate and other | (17) | (39) | ||||
Total Formula One Group | 774 | 686 | ||||
Liberty Live Group | ||||||
Corporate and other | (7) | (9) | ||||
Total Liberty Live Group | (7) | (9) | ||||
Braves Group | ||||||
Corporate and other |
| NA |
| 14 | ||
Total Braves Group | NA | 14 | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | 767 |
| 691 |
Revenue. Our consolidated revenue increased $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, driven by an increase in Formula 1 revenue and revenue from QuintEvents, partially offset by a decrease in Braves Holdings revenue due to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off in 2023 and an increase in intergroup eliminations. See “Results of Operations—Businesses” below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of Formula 1.
Operating income. Our consolidated operating income increased $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, driven by an increase in Formula 1’s operating results and the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off in 2023, partially offset by QuintEvents’ operating loss, largely driven by the goodwill impairment, disclosed below. See “Results of Operations—Businesses” below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of Formula 1.
II-7
Stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units and other stock-based awards granted to officers, employees, nonemployee directors and employees of our subsidiaries. We recorded $34 million and $29 million of stock compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2024 as compared to 2023 is primarily due to an increase in corporate and other stock compensation expense.
As of December 31, 2024, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity awards was approximately $15 million. Such amount will be recognized in our consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 1.4 years.
See “Results of Operations—Businesses” below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of Formula 1.
Impairment and acquisition costs. QuintEvents recognized a goodwill impairment loss of $73 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. See note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information. The Company recorded $32 million of acquisition costs, primarily related to Dorna, during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Adjusted OIBDA. To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we also disclose Adjusted OIBDA, which is a non-GAAP (as defined below) financial measure. We define Adjusted OIBDA as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements, restructuring, acquisition and impairment charges. Our chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate our businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among our businesses. We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses by identifying those items that are not directly a reflection of each business’ performance or indicative of ongoing business trends. In addition, this measure allows us to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP’). The following table provides a reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted OIBDA:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 276 | 255 | |||
Stock-based compensation | 34 |
| 29 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 352 |
| 406 | |||
Impairment and acquisition costs | 105 | 1 | ||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 767 | 691 |
Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA increased $76 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to an increase in Formula 1 Adjusted OIBDA, partially offset by the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off in 2023. See “Results of Operations—Businesses” below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of Formula 1.
II-8
Other Income and Expense
Components of Other Income (Expense) are presented in the table below.
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Interest expense | ||||||
Formula One Group | $ | (208) | (214) | |||
Liberty Live Group | (29) | (10) | ||||
Liberty SiriusXM Group | — | (4) | ||||
Braves Group | NA | (20) | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | (237) |
| (248) | ||
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates | ||||||
Formula One Group | $ | (10) | (4) | |||
Liberty Live Group | 238 | 22 | ||||
Liberty SiriusXM Group | — | 127 | ||||
Braves Group | NA | 12 | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | 228 |
| 157 | ||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net | ||||||
Formula One Group | $ | (120) | 42 | |||
Liberty Live Group | (263) | (153) | ||||
Liberty SiriusXM Group | — | (59) | ||||
Braves Group | NA | 3 | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | (383) |
| (167) | ||
Unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests, net | ||||||
Formula One Group | $ | — | 15 | |||
Braves Group | NA | (83) | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | — |
| (68) | ||
Other, net | ||||||
Formula One Group | $ | 68 | 75 | |||
Liberty Live Group | 24 | (28) | ||||
Liberty SiriusXM Group | — | (6) | ||||
Braves Group | NA | 5 | ||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | 92 |
| 46 | ||
$ | (300) |
| (280) |
Interest expense. Consolidated interest expense decreased $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year. Interest expense for the Braves Group decreased due to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off. Interest expense for the Liberty Live Group increased due to an increase in the average amount of debt outstanding. Certain debt was reattributed from the Liberty SiriusXM Group to the Liberty Live Group effective August 3, 2023. The interest related to such debt is reflected in interest expense for the Liberty SiriusXM Group prior to the Reclassification and in interest expense for the Liberty Live Group following the Reclassification.
II-9
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates. The following table presents our share of earnings (losses) of affiliates:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Formula One Group | ||||||
Other | $ | (10) |
| (4) | ||
Total Formula One Group | (10) |
| (4) | |||
Liberty Live Group | ||||||
Live Nation | 236 |
| 21 | |||
Other | 2 |
| 1 | |||
Total Liberty Live Group | 238 |
| 22 | |||
Liberty SiriusXM Group | ||||||
Live Nation | — | 127 | ||||
Total Liberty SiriusXM Group | — |
| 127 | |||
Braves Group | ||||||
Other |
| NA |
| 12 | ||
Total Braves Group |
| NA |
| 12 | ||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | 228 |
| 157 |
Liberty’s interest in Live Nation and certain other equity affiliates were reattributed from the Liberty SiriusXM Group and the Formula One Group to the Liberty Live Group effective August 3, 2023. Liberty’s share of earnings (losses) related to these affiliates were reflected in the results of the Liberty SiriusXM Group and the Formula One Group prior to the Reclassification and are reflected in the results of the Liberty Live Group following the Reclassification.
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Debt measured at fair value | $ | (339) | (224) | |||
Foreign currency forward contracts | (138) |
| — | |||
Interest rate swaps | 103 |
| 28 | |||
Debt and equity securities | (5) |
| 27 | |||
Other |
| (4) |
| 2 | ||
$ | (383) |
| (167) |
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) on debt measured at fair value are due to market factors primarily driven by changes in the fair value of the underlying shares into which the debt is exchangeable. Changes in unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts are driven by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Gains (losses) on interest rate swaps are primarily driven by changes in the fair value of Formula 1’s interest rate swaps and realized gains (losses) on Formula 1’s interest rate swaps. The changes in unrealized gains (losses) on debt and equity securities (as defined in note 4 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements) are due to market factors primarily driven by changes in the fair value of the stock underlying these financial instruments.
Unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests, net. Unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests, net are driven by changes in the fair value of notional shares representing the intergroup interests. The intergroup interests were settled and extinguished during the year ended December 31, 2023.
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Other, net. Other, net income increased during 2024, as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by an increase in interest and dividend income, a decrease in losses on early extinguishment of debt and a decrease in tax related expense pursuant to a tax sharing agreement with QVC Group, Inc., formerly known as Qurate Retail, Inc., partially offset by an increase in foreign exchange losses.
Income taxes. The Company had income tax expense of $39 million and a tax benefit of $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 163% and 4%, respectively. Our effective tax rate both years was impacted for the following reasons:
● | During 2024, the Company recognized income tax expense instead of a tax benefit at the expected federal rate of 21% primarily due to certain losses that are not deductible for tax purposes and non-deductible executive compensation, partially offset by tax benefits related to stock-based compensation and earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates lower than the 21% U.S. federal rate. |
● | During 2023, the Company recognized a tax benefit less than the expected federal rate of 21% primarily due to intergroup interest losses that are not deductible for tax purposes and certain other non-deductible expenses, partially offset by a tax benefit related to foreign currency adjustments on certain U.K. deferred tax assets. |
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations. We had net losses from continuing operations of $63 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change in net losses from continuing operations was the result of the above-described fluctuations in our revenue, expenses and other gains and losses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2024, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were invested in U.S. Treasury securities, other government securities or government guaranteed funds, AAA rated money market funds and other highly rated financial and corporate debt instruments.
The following are potential sources of liquidity: available cash balances, cash generated by the operating activities of our subsidiaries (to the extent such cash exceeds the working capital needs of the subsidiaries and is not otherwise restricted), proceeds from net asset sales, monetization of our public investment portfolio (including derivatives), debt borrowings and equity issuances, available borrowing capacity under a margin loan, and dividend and interest receipts.
Liberty currently does not have a corporate debt rating.
As of December 31, 2024, Liberty’s cash and cash equivalents were as follows (amounts in millions):
Formula One Group | ||||
Formula 1 | $ | 1,310 | ||
Corporate and other | 1,321 | |||
Total Formula One Group | $ | 2,631 | ||
Liberty Live Group | ||||
Corporate and other | $ | 325 | ||
Total Liberty Live Group | $ | 325 |
Cash held by Formula 1 is accessible by Liberty, except when a restricted payment (“RP”) test imposed by the first lien term loan and the revolving credit facility at Formula 1 is not met. Pursuant to the RP test, Liberty does not have unlimited access to Formula 1’s cash when Formula 1’s leverage ratio (defined as net debt divided by covenant earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization for the trailing twelve months) exceeds a certain threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2024, Formula 1 distributed $150 million to Liberty and the RP test was met, pro forma for such distribution. If distributions are made in the future, the RP test, pro forma for such distributions, would have to be met. As of December 31, 2024, Liberty had $400 million available under a margin loan secured by shares of Live Nation. Liberty
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believes that it currently has appropriate legal structures in place to repatriate foreign cash as tax efficiently as possible and meet the business needs of the Company.
The Company and Formula 1 are in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2024.
The cash provided (used) by our continuing operations was as follows:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Formula One Group cash provided (used) by operating activities | $ | 567 | 619 | |||
Liberty Live Group cash provided (used) by operating activities | (14) | (13) | ||||
Liberty SiriusXM Group cash provided (used) by operating activities | — | (4) | ||||
Braves Group cash provided (used) by operating activities | NA | 32 | ||||
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities | $ | 553 |
| 634 | ||
Formula One Group cash provided (used) by investing activities | $ | (292) | (510) | |||
Liberty Live Group cash provided (used) by investing activities | 105 | 1 | ||||
Braves Group cash provided (used) by investing activities | NA | (35) | ||||
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | $ | (187) |
| (544) | ||
Formula One Group cash provided (used) by financing activities | $ | 965 | (435) | |||
Liberty Live Group cash provided (used) by financing activities | (71) | 317 | ||||
Liberty SiriusXM Group cash provided (used) by financing activities | — | 3 | ||||
Braves Group cash provided (used) by financing activities | NA | (170) | ||||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | $ | 894 |
| (285) |
Liberty’s primary uses of corporate cash during the year ended December 31, 2024 (excluding cash used by Formula 1) were $205 million for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and $77 million for debt repayments, which were primarily funded by cash on hand and proceeds from dispositions. In addition, the Company generated approximately $939 million of net proceeds from the issuance of approximately 12.2 million shares of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock during the year ended December 31, 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, Formula 1’s primary use of cash was $73 million of capital expenditures, funded primarily by cash on hand and cash from operations.
The projected uses of Liberty’s cash (excluding Formula 1’s uses of cash) are primarily capital expenditures, the investment in new or existing businesses, including the acquisition of Dorna and the related €126 million extension payment, debt service and the potential buyback of common stock under the approved share buyback program. Liberty expects to fund its projected uses of cash with cash on hand, borrowing capacity under a margin loan and outstanding or new debt instruments, or distributions from operating subsidiaries. Net payments of income tax liabilities may be required to settle items under discussion with tax authorities.
Formula 1’s uses of cash are expected to be capital expenditures, debt service payments and operating expenses. Liberty expects Formula 1 to fund its projected uses of cash with cash on hand and cash provided by operations.
We believe that the available sources of liquidity are sufficient to cover our projected future uses of cash.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Material Cash Requirements
Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments, both accrued and off-balance sheet, excluding uncertain tax positions as it is indeterminable when payments will be made, is summarized below.
Payments due by period |
| |||||||||||
| Total |
| Less than 1 year |
| 2 - 3 years |
| 4 - 5 years |
| After 5 years |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||||||
Material Cash Requirements | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt (1) | $ | 4,058 |
| 32 |
| 580 |
| 580 |
| 2,866 | ||
Interest payments (2) |
| 1,555 |
| 170 |
| 314 |
| 274 |
| 797 | ||
Operating lease obligations |
| 51 |
| 15 |
| 12 |
| 10 |
| 14 | ||
Short-term leases (3) | 98 | 52 | 32 | 14 | — | |||||||
Other obligations | 74 | 71 | 3 | — | — | |||||||
Total consolidated | $ | 5,836 |
| 340 |
| 941 |
| 878 |
| 3,677 |
(1) | Amounts are stated at the face amount at maturity of our debt instruments and may differ from the amounts stated in our consolidated balance sheet to the extent debt instruments (i) were issued at a discount or premium or (ii) have elements which are reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet. Amounts do not assume additional borrowings or refinancings of existing debt. |
(2) | Amounts (i) are based on our outstanding debt at December 31, 2024, (ii) assume the interest rates on our variable rate debt remain constant at the December 31, 2024 rates and (iii) assume that our existing debt is repaid at maturity. |
(3) | The Company does not recognize lease liabilities for short-term leases, which are those leases with a term of twelve months or less or leases with non-consecutive periods of use that total twelve months or less at the lease commencement date. Certain short-term leases that include non-consecutive periods of use extend over multiple years. |
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Listed below are the accounting estimates that we believe are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, revenue or expense being reported. All of these accounting estimates and assumptions, as well as the resulting impact to our financial statements, have been discussed with our audit committee.
Non-Financial Instrument Valuations. Our non-financial instrument valuations are primarily comprised of our determination of the estimated fair value allocation of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations, our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill and other nonamortizable intangibles, such as trademarks, and our evaluation of the recoverability of our other long-lived assets upon certain triggering events. If the carrying value of our long-lived assets exceeds their estimated fair value, we are required to write the carrying value down to fair value. Any such write-down is included in impairment, restructuring and acquisition costs, net of recoveries in our consolidated statement of operations. A high degree of judgment is required to estimate the fair value of our long-lived assets. We may use quoted market prices, prices for similar assets, present value techniques and other valuation techniques to prepare these estimates. We may need to make estimates of future cash flows and discount rates as well as other assumptions in order to implement these valuation techniques. Due to the high degree of judgment involved in our estimation techniques, any value ultimately derived from our long-lived assets may differ from our estimate of fair value.
As of December 31, 2024, Formula 1 had $3,956 million of goodwill and $178 million of goodwill was included in corporate and other.
We perform our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill and other nonamortizable intangible assets in the fourth quarter each year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely
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than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The accounting guidance also allows entities the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. The entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, the Company reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors as identified in the relevant accounting guidance to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indicated impairment exists for any of our reporting units. The Company considers whether there are any negative macroeconomic conditions, industry specific conditions, market changes, increased competition, increased costs in doing business, management challenges, the legal environments and how these factors might impact company specific performance in future periods. As part of the analysis, the Company also considers fair value determinations for certain reporting units that have been made at various points throughout the current and prior year for other purposes. If based on the qualitative analysis it is more likely than not that an impairment exists, the Company performs the quantitative impairment test.
The Company performed a quantitative analysis of QuintEvents during the fourth quarter of 2024. Based on near-term business trends and their impact on long-term assumptions, we concluded that the estimated fair value of QuintEvents was less than its carrying value. As a result, QuintEvents recognized a goodwill impairment loss of $73 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. The fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow (income approach) calculation (Level 3). Due to the goodwill impairment loss recorded, QuintEvents’ carrying value approximates its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2024. The Company will monitor QuintEvents’ business performance versus the current and updated long-term forecasts, among other relevant considerations, to determine if the carrying value of its goodwill is appropriate. Declines in forecasted revenue, cash flows or other factors could result in a sustained decrease in fair value that may result in a determination that carrying value adjustments are required.
Income Taxes. We are required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns for each taxing jurisdiction in which we operate. This process requires our management to make judgments regarding the timing and probability of the ultimate tax impact of the various agreements and transactions that we enter into. Based on these judgments we may record tax reserves or adjustments to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets to reflect the expected realizability of future tax benefits. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which we operate, our inability to generate sufficient future taxable income or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on our financial position.
Results of Operations—Businesses
Formula One Group
Formula 1. Formula 1 is a global motorsports business that holds exclusive commercial rights with respect to the World Championship, an annual, approximately nine-month long, motor race-based competition in which teams compete for the Constructors’ Championship and drivers compete for the Drivers’ Championship. The World Championship takes place on various circuits throughout the world. Formula 1 derives its primary revenue from the commercial exploitation and development of the World Championship through a combination of race promotion, media rights and sponsorship arrangements. A significant majority of the race promotion, media rights and sponsorship contracts specify payments in advance and annual increases in the fees payable over the course of the contracts.
The 2024 World Championship calendar was comprised of 24 Events. The 2023 World Championship calendar was originally scheduled to have 23 Events. However, following the cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola due to severe flooding in the region, 22 Events took place.
Following the acquisition of QuintEvents, Formula 1’s results include intergroup revenue that is eliminated in consolidation.
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Formula 1’s operating results were as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions | ||||||
Primary Formula 1 revenue | $ | 2,757 |
| 2,560 | ||
Other Formula 1 revenue | 654 |
| 662 | |||
Total Formula 1 revenue | 3,411 |
| 3,222 | |||
Operating expenses (excluding stock-based compensation included below): | ||||||
Cost of Formula 1 revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below) | (2,332) | (2,256) | ||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (288) |
| (241) | |||
Adjusted OIBDA | 791 |
| 725 | |||
Stock-based compensation | (3) | (3) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | (296) |
| (330) | |||
Operating income (loss) |
| $ | 492 |
| 392 | |
Number of Events | 24 | 22 |
Primary Formula 1 revenue is derived from the commercial exploitation and development of the World Championship through a combination of race promotion fees (earned from granting the rights to host, stage and promote each Event on the World Championship calendar, fees from certain race promoters to license additional commercial rights from Formula 1 to secure Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy races at their Events, technical service fees from promoters to support the origination of program footage and ticketing revenue from Formula 1’s direct promotion of the Las Vegas Grand Prix), media rights fees (earned from licensing the right to broadcast Events and Formula 2 and Formula 3 races on television and other platforms, F1 TV subscriptions and other related services, the origination of program footage, footage from Formula 1’s archives and the licensing of radio broadcast and other ancillary media rights) and sponsorship fees (earned from the sale of World Championship and Event-related advertising and sponsorship rights and the servicing of such rights, rights to advertise on Formula 1’s digital platforms and at non-Championship related events).
Primary Formula 1 revenue increased $197 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year. Media rights revenue increased during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, due to the effect of contractual increases in fees and the continued growth in F1 TV subscription and distribution revenue. Race promotion revenue increased during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, due to two more Events held, contractual increases in fees and new fees from F1 Academy races, partially offset by lower revenue generated from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Sponsorship revenue increased during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, due to revenue from new sponsors, contractual increases in revenue from existing sponsors and additional sponsorship inventory with the two additional Events held.
Other Formula 1 revenue is generated from miscellaneous and ancillary sources primarily related to the sale of tickets to the Paddock Club at most Events, facilitating the shipment of cars and equipment to and from events outside of Europe, the sale of hospitality and experiences at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the operation of the Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy series, other licensing opportunities, various television production activities and other ancillary operations.
Other Formula 1 revenue decreased $8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower hospitality revenue generated at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, partially offset by higher revenue from two more Events, continued growth in the Paddock Club, growth in other areas such as F1 Experiences’ license fees, secondary hospitality revenue share and F1 Garage sales, the sale of new Formula 2 cars and associated parts at the beginning of the new Formula 2 vehicle cycle, growth in licensing revenue and higher freight revenue, driven by one more Event taking place outside of Europe compared to the prior year.
Cost of Formula 1 revenue consists of team payments and other costs of Formula 1 revenue. Other costs of Formula 1 revenue are largely variable in nature and relate to both primary and other Formula 1 revenue. The largest components of other costs of Formula 1 revenue are costs related to promoting, organizing and delivering the Las Vegas
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Grand Prix, hospitality costs, which are principally related to catering and other aspects of the production and delivery of hospitality offerings at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Paddock Club at other Events, and costs incurred in the provision and sale of freight, travel and logistical services. Other costs of Formula 1 revenue also include sponsorship and digital product sales’ commissions, circuit rights’ fees payable under various agreements with race promoters to acquire certain commercial rights at Events, including the right to sell advertising, hospitality and support race opportunities, annual Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (“FIA”) regulatory fees, Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars, parts and maintenance services, costs related to the F1 Academy series, television production and post-production services, advertising production services and digital and social media activities.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||
2024 |
| 2023 | ||||
amounts in millions | ||||||
Team payments | $ | (1,266) | (1,215) | |||
Other costs of Formula 1 revenue | (1,066) | (1,041) | ||||
Cost of Formula 1 revenue | $ | (2,332) | (2,256) |
Cost of Formula 1 revenue increased $76 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year.
Team payments increased $51 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, driven by the increase in Formula 1 revenue and the associated impact on the calculation of variable Prize Fund elements, which are calculated with reference to Formula 1’s revenue and costs.
Other costs of Formula 1 revenue increased $25 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a full year of Las Vegas Grand Prix related lease costs, higher commissions and partner servicing costs associated with increased Primary Formula 1 revenue streams, costs of supplying new Formula 2 cars and associated parts at the beginning of the new vehicle cycle and costs associated with the two additional Events held, partially offset by lower event promotion and hospitality and experiences costs incurred in promoting and delivering the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include personnel costs, legal, professional and other advisory fees, bad debt expense, rental expense, information technology costs, insurance premiums, maintenance and utility costs and other general office administration costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $47 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, driven by higher personnel, information technology, marketing, legal and other professional fee costs, as well as higher property costs from the full year operation of Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas, partially offset by the effect of lower foreign exchange losses.
Stock-based compensation expense was flat during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year.
Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets. Depreciation and amortization decreased $34 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to decreases in amortization expense related to certain intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of Formula 1 by Liberty.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to our ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices and interest rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing and investment activities, which include investments in fixed and floating rate debt instruments and borrowings used to maintain liquidity and to fund business operations. The nature and amount of our long-term and short-term debt are expected to vary as a result of future requirements, market conditions and other factors. We manage our exposure to interest rates by maintaining what we believe is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We believe this best protects us from interest rate risk. We have achieved this mix by (i) issuing fixed rate debt that we believe has a low stated interest rate and significant term to maturity, (ii) issuing variable rate debt with appropriate maturities and interest rates and (iii) entering into interest rate swap arrangements when we deem appropriate.
As of December 31, 2024, our debt is comprised of the following amounts:
Variable rate debt | Fixed rate debt |
| |||||||||
Principal |
| Weighted avg |
| Principal |
| Weighted avg |
| ||||
amount | interest rate | amount | interest rate |
| |||||||
dollar amounts in millions |
| ||||||||||
Formula One Group | $ | 180 | 6.2% | $ | 2,728 | 4.4% | |||||
Liberty Live Group | $ | NA | NA | $ | 1,150 | 2.4% |
The Company is exposed to changes in stock prices primarily as a result of our significant holdings in publicly traded securities. We continually monitor changes in stock markets, in general, and changes in the stock prices of our holdings, specifically. We believe that changes in stock prices can be expected to vary as a result of general market conditions, technological changes, specific industry changes and other factors. We periodically use equity collars and other financial instruments to manage market risk associated with certain investment positions. These instruments are recorded at fair value based on option pricing models and other appropriate methods.
Additionally, our stock in Live Nation (an equity method affiliate), a publicly traded security, is not reflected at fair value in our balance sheet. This security is also subject to market risk that is not directly reflected in our financial statements, and had the market price of such security been 10% lower at December 31, 2024, the aggregate value of such security would have been $902 million lower.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The consolidated financial statements of Liberty Media Corporation are filed under this Item, beginning on Page II-24. The financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X are filed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and principal accounting and
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financial officer (the “Executives”) and under the oversight of its Board of Directors, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2024. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2024 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
See page II-19 for Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
See page II-20 for Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for their attestation regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
In January 2024, the Company acquired QuintEvents. As a result of the acquisition, the Company is reviewing the internal controls of QuintEvents and is making appropriate changes as deemed necessary. Except for the changes in internal control at QuintEvents, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
Insider Trading Arrangements
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, using the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective. The Company’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Quint Events, LLC which the Company acquired in the first quarter of 2024. The amount of total assets and revenue of QuintEvents, LLC included in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $424 million and $340 million, respectively.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm audited the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Their report appears on page II-20 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
II-19
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Liberty Media Corporation:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Liberty Media Corporation and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), cash flows, and equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 27, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
The Company acquired QuintEvents, LLC during 2024, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, QuintEvents, LLC’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $424 million and total revenues of $340 million included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of QuintEvents, LLC.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
II-20
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 27, 2025
II-21
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Liberty Media Corporation:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Liberty Media Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), cash flows, and equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of Ernst & Young LLP, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 27, 2025 expressed an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
We did not audit the financial statements of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (a 30 percent owned investee company). The Company’s investment in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. was $430 million and $307 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and its equity in earnings of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. was $236 million, $148 million, and $72 million for the years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The financial statements of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. were audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., is based solely on the report of Ernst & Young LLP.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide and the report of Ernst & Young LLP provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
II-22
Valuation of goodwill in the Sirius XM reporting unit included in discontinued operations
As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company performs goodwill impairment testing on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The Company identified events that indicated that it was more likely than not that the carrying value of the Sirius XM reporting unit exceeded its fair value. The Company estimated the fair value of the Sirius XM reporting unit using a combination of an income approach and a market approach. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $2,819 million for the Sirius XM reporting unit goodwill, which is included in Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024, as disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
We identified the evaluation of the goodwill impairment assessment of the Sirius XM reporting unit as a critical audit matter. A high degree of subjective auditor judgment was required to evaluate certain assumptions used by the Company to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. Specifically, the revenue growth rates, long-term growth rate, and the discount rate involved a higher degree of subjectivity. In addition, these key assumptions were challenging to test due to the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in these assumptions.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We performed sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of possible changes to the revenue growth rates, long-term growth rate and discount rate assumptions on the fair value of the Sirius XM reporting unit. We compared the Company’s historical revenue forecasts to actual results to assess the Company’s ability to accurately forecast revenues. We compared the Company’s forecasted revenue growth rate assumptions to historical revenue growth rates, projected revenue growth rates for comparable companies, and other publicly available data, including third party market studies. In addition, we involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
● | evaluating the Company’s long-term growth rate by comparing it to long-term growth rate estimates that were independently observed using publicly available market data for the Company’s industry as well as U.S. economic growth rates |
● | evaluating the Company’s discount rate by comparing it to discount rates that were independently developed using publicly available market data for comparable companies. |
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.
Denver, Colorado
February 27, 2025
II-23
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2024 and 2023
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | |
| | ||
Trade and other receivables, net |
| |
| | ||
Other current assets |
| |
| | ||
Current assets of discontinued operations (note 2) | — | | ||||
Total current assets |
| |
| | ||
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) |
| |
| | ||
Property and equipment, at cost |
| |
| | ||
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( | ||
| |
| | |||
Goodwill (note 8) |
| |
| | ||
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 8) |
| |
| | ||
Deferred income tax assets (note 10) | | | ||||
Other assets |
| |
| | ||
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations (note 2) | — | | ||||
Total assets | $ | |
| | ||
Liabilities and Equity | ||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | |
| | ||
Current portion of debt, including |
| |
| | ||
Deferred revenue |
| |
| | ||
Financial instrument liabilities (note 6) | | | ||||
Other current liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Current liabilities of discontinued operations (note 2) | — | | ||||
Total current liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Long-term debt, including $ |
| |
| | ||
Other liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations (note 2) | — | | ||||
Total liabilities | $ | |
| |
(continued)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-24
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)
December 31, 2024 and 2023
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Stockholders' equity (notes 11,13 and 15): | ||||||
Preferred stock, $ | $ |
| ||||
Series A Liberty Formula One common stock, $ | ||||||
Series A Liberty Live common stock, $ | ||||||
Series A Liberty SiriusXM common stock, $ | NA | | ||||
Series B Liberty Formula One common stock, $ | ||||||
Series B Liberty Live common stock, $ | ||||||
Series B Liberty SiriusXM common stock, $ | ||||||
Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, $ | | | ||||
Series C Liberty Live common stock, $ | | | ||||
Series C Liberty SiriusXM common stock, $ | NA | | ||||
Additional paid-in capital |
| — |
| | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes |
| ( |
| | ||
Retained earnings |
| |
| | ||
Total stockholders' equity |
| |
| | ||
Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries |
| |
| | ||
Total equity | |
| | |||
Commitments and contingencies (note 16) | ||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | |
| |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-25
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements Of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| |||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Revenue: | ||||||||
Formula 1 revenue | $ | | | | ||||
Other revenue |
| |
| |
| | ||
Total revenue |
| |
| |
| | ||
Operating costs and expenses (note 4): | ||||||||
Cost of Formula 1 revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below) | | | | |||||
Other cost of sales | | — | — | |||||
Other operating expenses |
| |
| |
| | ||
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation |
| |
| |
| | ||
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| |
| | ||
Impairment and acquisition costs | | | | |||||
| |
| |
| | |||
Operating income (loss) |
| |
| |
| | ||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||
Interest expense |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net (note 7) |
| |
| |
| | ||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 6) |
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests | — | ( | | |||||
Other, net |
| |
| |
| | ||
| ( |
| ( |
| | |||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes |
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Income tax (expense) benefit (note 11) |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | ( | ( | | |||||
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (note 2) | ( | | | |||||
Net earnings (loss) |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (note 11) | — | — | ( | |||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders | $ | ( |
| |
| | ||
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders (note 3): | ||||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | ( | | | ||||
Liberty Live common stock | ( | ( | NA | |||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | — | | | |||||
Liberty Braves common stock | NA | ( | ( | |||||
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders: | ||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | ( | | | |||||
$ | ( | | |
(continued)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-26
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Basic net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share (notes 3 and 4) | ||||||||
Series A, B and C Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | ( | | | ||||
Series A, B and C Liberty Live common stock | $ | ( | ( | NA | ||||
Series A, B and C Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | — | | | ||||
Series A, B and C Liberty Braves common stock | $ | NA | ( | ( | ||||
Basic net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share (notes 3 and 4): | ||||||||
Series A, B and C Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | ( | | | ||||
Diluted net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share (notes 3 and 4) | ||||||||
Series A, B and C Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | ( | | | ||||
Series A, B and C Liberty Live common stock | $ | ( | ( | NA | ||||
Series A, B and C Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | — | | | ||||
Series A, B and C Liberty Braves common stock | $ | NA | ( | ( | ||||
Diluted net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share (notes 3 and 4): | ||||||||
Series A, B and C Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | ( | | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-27
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | ||
amounts in millions | |||||||
Net earnings (loss) |
| $ | ( |
| |
| |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: | |||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | | ( | ||||
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period |
| — |
| — |
| | |
Credit risk on fair value debt instruments gains (losses) | ( | | ( | ||||
Share of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliates | ( | | | ||||
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on debt | | | ( | ||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations |
| ( |
| |
| ( | |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations | ( | ( | ( | ||||
Comprehensive earnings (loss) |
| ( |
| |
| | |
Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests |
| ( |
| |
| | |
Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (note 11) | — | — | ( | ||||
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders | $ | ( |
| |
| | |
Comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders: | |||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | ( | | | |||
Liberty Live common stock | ( | ( | NA | ||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | — | | | ||||
Liberty Braves common stock | NA | ( | ( | ||||
Comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders: | |||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | ( | | | ||||
$ | ( | | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-28
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
(see note 5) |
| |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | ( |
| |
| | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
(Earnings) loss from discontinued operations | | ( | ( | |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| |
| | ||
Stock-based compensation |
| |
| |
| | ||
Non-cash impairment costs | | — | | |||||
Share of (earnings) loss of affiliates, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net |
| |
| |
| ( | ||
Unrealized (gains) losses on intergroup interests, net | — | | ( | |||||
Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of debt | | | ( | |||||
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Intergroup tax allocation | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Intergroup tax (payments) receipts | | | | |||||
Other charges (credits), net |
| |
| |
| ( | ||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||
Current and other assets |
| |
| |
| ( | ||
Payables and other liabilities |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities |
| |
| |
| | ||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Capital expended for property and equipment, including internal-use software and website development |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Cash proceeds from dispositions of investments |
| |
| |
| | ||
Cash (paid) received for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | — | — | |||||
Investments in equity method affiliates and debt and equity securities |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Subsidiary initial public offering proceeds returned from (invested in) trust account | — | — | | |||||
Return of investment in equity method affiliates | | — | | |||||
Other investing activities, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities |
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Borrowings of debt |
| |
| |
| | ||
Repayments of debt |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Issuance of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock | | — | — | |||||
Settlement of intergroup interests | — | ( | ( | |||||
Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. Split-Off | — | ( | — | |||||
Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for stock-based compensation |
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Repayment of initial public offering proceeds to subsidiary shareholders | — | — | ( | |||||
Liberty stock repurchases |
| — |
| — |
| ( | ||
Distribution from former subsidiary | — | | | |||||
Other financing activities, net |
| |
| |
| | ||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | | — | |||||
Net cash provided (used) by discontinued operations: | ||||||||
Cash provided (used) by operating activities | | | | |||||
Cash provided (used) by investing activities | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Cash provided (used) by financing activities | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Net cash provided (used) by discontinued operations | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
| |
| |
| | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | |
| |
| |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-29
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement Of Equity
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Stockholders' equity |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Noncontrolling |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | other | interest in |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred | Liberty Formula One | Liberty Live | Liberty Sirius XM | Liberty Braves | paid-in | comprehensive | Retained | equity of | Total |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock |
| Series A |
| Series B |
| Series C |
| Series A |
| Series B | Series C | Series A | Series B | Series C | Series A |
| Series B |
| Series C |
| capital |
| earnings (loss) |
| earnings |
| subsidiaries |
| equity |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
amounts in millions |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | NA | NA | NA | $ | | $ | — | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) (excludes net earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest) (note 11) | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | | — | — | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liberty stock repurchases | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares repurchased by subsidiary | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued by subsidiary | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid by subsidiary | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other, net | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | — | — | — | | — | | ( | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | — | — | — | | NA | NA | NA | | — | | — | — | — | | ( | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | | — | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | | — | — | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares repurchased by subsidiary | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued by subsidiary | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid by subsidiary | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. Split-Off | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Formula One Distribution | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification | — | — | — | — | — | — | | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other, net | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | — | — | — | | — | — | | | — | | NA | NA | NA | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | ( | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM Holdings Inc. Split-Off | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | NA | NA | NA | ( | | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | | — | — | — | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | | — | — | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | ( | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid by subsidiary | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification to additional paid-in capital | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | | — | ( | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other, net | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NA | NA | NA | | — | ( | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2024 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | $ | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-30
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(1) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company” unless the context otherwise requires) represent a consolidation of certain media and entertainment related assets and businesses. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Liberty, through its ownership of interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the media and entertainment industries primarily in North America and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). Our most significant subsidiary is Delta Topco Limited (the parent company of Formula 1). Our most significant investment accounted for under the equity method is Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”).
Braves Holdings, LLC ("Braves Holdings") was a subsidiary of the Company until the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off (as defined in note 3) on July 18, 2023. Braves Holdings is not presented as a discontinued operation in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Holdings”) was a subsidiary of the Company until the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off (as defined in note 2) on September 9, 2024. Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Liberty Sirius XM Holdings”), which included Sirius XM Holdings, is presented as a discontinued operation in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 2 for details of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off.
On January 2, 2024, the Company purchased QuintEvents, LLC (“QuintEvents”) for total consideration of approximately $
On March 29, 2024, the Company agreed, subject to certain conditions, to acquire approximately
Liberty has entered into certain agreements with QVC Group, Inc., formerly known as Qurate Retail, Inc. (“QVC Group”), Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“TripCo”), Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) and Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves Holdings”), all of which are separate publicly traded companies, in order to govern relationships between the companies. None of these entities has any stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in any of the others as of December 31, 2024. These agreements include Reorganization Agreements (in the case of QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and Atlanta Braves Holdings only), Services Agreements, Facilities Sharing Agreements, Tax Sharing Agreements (in the case of Liberty Broadband and Atlanta Braves Holdings only) and an Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement (in the case of Liberty Broadband only). In addition, as a result of certain corporate transactions, Liberty and QVC Group may have obligations to each other for certain tax related matters. Effective August 31, 2024, the Facilities Sharing Agreement and the Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement with Atlanta Braves Holdings was terminated and members
II-31
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
of Liberty management that served as officers of Atlanta Braves Holdings stepped down from their positions with Atlanta Braves Holdings (with limited exceptions), even though they may continue to provide services on an as-needed basis.
The Reorganization Agreements provide for, among other things, provisions governing the relationships between Liberty and each of QVC Group, Liberty Broadband and Atlanta Braves Holdings, including certain cross-indemnities. Pursuant to the Services Agreements, Liberty provides QVC Group, TripCo, Liberty Broadband and Atlanta Braves Holdings with general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury, information technology, cybersecurity and investor relations support. QVC Group, TripCo, Liberty Broadband and Atlanta Braves Holdings reimburse Liberty for direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Liberty in providing these services and in the case of QVC Group, QVC Group’s allocable portion of costs associated with any shared services or personnel based on an estimated percentage of time spent providing services to QVC Group. TripCo, Liberty Broadband and Atlanta Braves Holdings reimburse Liberty for shared services and personnel based on a flat fee. Under the Facilities Sharing Agreements, Liberty shares office space and related amenities at its corporate headquarters with QVC Group, TripCo, Liberty Broadband and, until August 31, 2024, Atlanta Braves Holdings. Under these various agreements, approximately $
In connection with Liberty’s employment arrangement with Gregory B. Maffei, Liberty’s former President and Chief Executive Officer (the “former CEO”), pursuant to the Services Agreements between Liberty and each of TripCo, Liberty Broadband, QVC Group and Atlanta Braves Holdings (collectively, the “Service Companies”), components of Mr. Maffei's compensation were either paid directly to him by each Service Company or reimbursed to Liberty, in each case, based on allocations among Liberty and the Service Companies set forth in the respective services agreement, which were subject to adjustment on an annual basis and upon the occurrence of certain events. As of August 31, 2024, upon the effectiveness of Mr. Maffei’s resignation as an officer of Atlanta Braves Holdings, Mr. Maffei no longer received compensation from Atlanta Braves Holdings.
(2) Discontinued Operations
On September 9, 2024, Liberty completed the split-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings (the “Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off”). The Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off was accomplished through the redemption by the Company of each outstanding share of Liberty SiriusXM common stock in exchange for
Following the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, on September 9, 2024, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings merged with and into Sirius XM Holdings, with Sirius XM Holdings surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings (the “Merger” and, together with the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the “Transactions”). As a result of the Transactions, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings became an independent public company separate from Liberty.
As disclosed in note 1, Liberty Sirius XM Holdings is presented as a discontinued operation in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off represents a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
II-32
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The following table presents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations to the total assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as presented in the consolidated balance sheet.
| December 31, 2023 | |||
amounts in millions | ||||
Assets | ||||
Current assets | $ | | ||
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method |
| | ||
Property and equipment, net |
| | ||
Intangible assets not subject to amortization | | |||
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net |
| | ||
Other assets |
| | ||
Total assets | $ | | ||
Liabilities | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | | ||
Current portion of debt | | |||
Other current liabilities |
| | ||
Long-term debt |
| | ||
Deferred income tax liabilities |
| | ||
Other liabilities |
| | ||
Total liabilities | $ | |
II-33
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The following table provided details about the major classes of line items constituting earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax as presented in the consolidated statements of operations. Impairment, restructuring and acquisition costs for the year ended December 31, 2024, in the table below, includes a goodwill impairment loss of $
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |||
amounts in millions | ||||||||
Revenue | $ | |
| |
| | ||
Cost of Sirius XM Holdings services (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below) | | | | |||||
Operating expense |
| |
| |
| | ||
Selling, general and administrative |
| |
| |
| | ||
Impairment, restructuring and acquisition costs | | | | |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| |
| | ||
Litigation settlements, net of recoveries | — | | — | |||||
| |
| |
| | |||
Operating income (loss) |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||
Interest expense |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Other, net |
| |
| ( |
| | ||
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Less net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the noncontrolling interests |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders | $ | ( |
| |
| |
(3) Tracking Stocks
A tracking stock is a type of common stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or “track” the economic performance of a particular business or “group,” rather than the economic performance of the company as a whole.
On July 18, 2023, the Company completed the split-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlanta Braves Holdings (the “Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off”). The Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off was accomplished by a redemption by the Company of each outstanding share of Liberty Braves common stock in exchange for
II-34
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
On August 3, 2023, the Company reclassified its then-outstanding shares of common stock into
Each of the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and the Reclassification were intended to be tax-free to stockholders of the Company, except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. In July 2024, the IRS completed its review of the Reclassification and notified the Company that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction. In September 2024, the IRS completed its review of the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and notified the Company that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction. The Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off and the Reclassification are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a prospective basis.
While the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group have separate collections of businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to them, no group is a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securities or enter into legally binding agreements. Holders of tracking stock have no direct claim to the group’s stock or assets and therefore, do not own, by virtue of their ownership of a Liberty tracking stock, any equity or voting interest in a public company, such as Live Nation, in which Liberty holds an interest that is attributed to a Liberty tracking stock group, the Liberty Live Group. Holders of tracking stock are also not represented by separate boards of directors. Instead, holders of tracking stock are stockholders of the parent corporation, with a single board of directors and subject to all of the risks and liabilities of the parent corporation.
The Liberty Formula One common stock is intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Formula One Group, which, as of December 31, 2024, include Liberty’s interests in Formula 1 and QuintEvents, cash and Liberty’s
The Liberty Live common stock is intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty Live Group. As of December 31, 2024, the Liberty Live Group is primarily comprised of Liberty’s interest in Live Nation, cash, other minority investments, Liberty’s
Prior to the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty SiriusXM common stock was intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group. At the time of the Liberty Sirius XM Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty SiriusXM Group was comprised of Liberty’s interest in Sirius XM Holdings, corporate cash, Liberty’s
II-35
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Prior to the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, the Liberty Braves common stock was intended to track and reflect the separate economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the Braves Group. The Braves Group was primarily comprised of Braves Holdings, which indirectly owns the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club (the “Braves”), certain assets and liabilities associated with the Braves’ stadium (the “Stadium”) and a mixed-use development around the Stadium that features retail, office, hotel and entertainment opportunities (the “Mixed-Use Development”) and corporate cash.
On November 13, 2024, the Company announced that it is pursuing a plan to split-off the Liberty Live Group (the “Liberty Live Split-Off”). Immediately prior to the Liberty Live Split-Off, QuintEvents would be reattributed from the Formula One Group to the Liberty Live Group in exchange for certain private assets and cash. The Liberty Live Split-Off would be effected through the redemption of Liberty Live common stock in exchange for common stock of a newly formed company, Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. The Company would redeem each outstanding share of its Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Live common stock for one share of the corresponding series of common stock of Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. As a result of the Liberty Live Split-Off, the Company and Liberty Live Holdings, Inc. would be separate publicly traded companies, and the Company would no longer have a tracking stock structure. The Liberty Live Split-Off is subject to various conditions including, among other things, shareholder approval and the receipt of an opinion of tax counsel. The Liberty Live Split-Off is intended to be tax-free to stockholders of the Company.
As of December 31, 2021,
During September 2022, the Formula One Group and the Braves Group paid approximately $
In connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, the intergroup interests in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and Formula One Group were settled and extinguished through the attribution, to the respective tracking stock group, of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock on a
See Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for unaudited attributed financial information for Liberty’s tracking stock groups.
II-36
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(4) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of investments which are readily convertible into cash and have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.
Receivables
Receivables are reflected net of an allowance for credit losses and sales returns. The table below presents changes in the allowance for the periods presented:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | ||||
amounts in millions | ||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | | | | ||||
Provision charged to expense | | | — | |||||
Write-offs, net of recoveries | — | ( | ( | |||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | — | — | | |||||
Balance, end of period | $ | | | |
Investments
All marketable equity and debt securities held by the Company are carried at fair value, generally based on quoted market prices and changes in the fair value of such securities are reported in realized and unrealized gain (losses) on financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company elected the measurement alternative (defined as the cost of the security, adjusted for changes in fair value when there are observable prices, less impairments) for its equity securities without readily determinable fair values. The total value of marketable equity securities aggregated
For those investments in affiliates in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, the equity method of accounting is used. Under this method, the investment, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the affiliate as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions are received. Losses are limited to the extent of the Company’s investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee. In the event the Company is unable to obtain accurate financial information from an equity affiliate in a timely manner, the Company records its share of earnings or losses of such affiliate on a lag.
Changes in the Company’s proportionate share of the underlying equity of an equity method investee, which result from the issuance of additional equity securities by such equity investee, are recognized in the statement of operations through the other, net line item. To the extent there is a difference between our ownership percentage in the underlying equity of an equity method investee and our carrying value, such difference is accounted for as if the equity method investee were a consolidated subsidiary.
The Company continually reviews its equity investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primary factors the Company considers in its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company’s carrying value; the severity of the decline; and the financial condition, operating performance and near term prospects of the investee. In addition, the Company considers the reason for the decline in fair value, be it general market conditions, industry specific or investee specific; analysts’
II-37
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
ratings and estimates of 12-month share price targets for the investee; changes in stock price or valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date; and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. If the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, the carrying value of the equity method investment is written down to fair value. In situations where the fair value of an investment is not evident due to a lack of a public market price or other factors, the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to arrive at the estimated fair value of such investment. The Company’s assessment of the foregoing factors involves a high degree of judgment and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from the Company’s estimates and judgments. Write-downs for equity method investments are included in share of earnings (losses) of affiliates.
The Company performs a qualitative assessment for equity securities without readily determinable fair values each reporting period to determine whether the security could be impaired. If the qualitative assessment indicates that an impairment could exist, we estimate the fair value of the investments, and, to the extent the security’s fair value is less than its carrying value, an impairment is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
All of the Company’s derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive earnings and are recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings. None of the Company’s derivatives are currently designated as hedges.
The fair value of certain of the Company’s derivative instruments are estimated using the Black-Scholes model. The Black-Scholes model incorporates a number of variables in determining such fair values, including expected volatility of the underlying security and an appropriate discount rate. The Company obtained volatility rates from pricing services based on the expected volatility of the underlying security over the remaining term of the derivative instrument. A discount rate was obtained at the inception of the derivative instrument and updated each reporting period, based on the Company’s estimate of the discount rate at which it could currently settle the derivative instrument. The Company considered its own credit risk as well as the credit risk of its counterparties in estimating the discount rate. Considerable management judgment was required in estimating the Black-Scholes variables.
The fair values of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are estimated primarily based on the difference between the foreign currency exchange forward rates as of the reporting date and the foreign currency forward rates included in the Company’s contracts with the respective counterparties, multiplied by the applicable notional amount. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps are estimated using the present value of expected future cash flows based on the instruments’ contractual terms, including the applicable interest rate and discount rate, and, for any embedded options, implied interest rate volatility.
II-38
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
Estimated | December 31, | |||||||
| Useful Life |
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Land |
| NA | $ | |
| | ||
Buildings and improvements |
|
| |
| | |||
Support equipment |
| - |
| |
| | ||
Construction in progress |
| NA |
| |
| | ||
Total property and equipment | $ | |
| |
Property and equipment, including significant improvements, is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method using estimated useful lives. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment upon certain triggering events. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (collectively, “indefinite lived intangible assets”) are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. Our annual impairment assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets is performed during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.
The accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The accounting guidance also allows entities the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. The entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period.
In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, the Company reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors as identified in the relevant accounting guidance to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indicated impairment exists for any of our reporting units. The Company considers whether there are any negative macroeconomic conditions, industry specific conditions, market changes, increased competition, increased costs in doing business, management challenges, the legal environments and how these factors might impact company specific performance in future periods. As part of the analysis, the Company also considers fair value determinations for certain reporting units that have been made at various points throughout the current and prior years for other purposes. If based on the qualitative analysis it is more likely than not that an impairment exists, the Company performs the quantitative impairment test.
The quantitative goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Developing estimates of fair value requires significant judgments, including making assumptions about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, relevant comparable market multiples, public trading prices and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in Liberty’s valuation analysis are based on management’s best estimates considering current marketplace factors and risks as well as assumptions of growth rates in future years.
II-39
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
There is no assurance that actual results in the future will approximate these forecasts. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The accounting guidance also permits entities to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The accounting guidance also allows entities the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. The entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. If the qualitative assessment supports that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, exceeds its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is performed. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its property and equipment and its intangible assets (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles) to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset group is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset group, an impairment adjustment is to be recognized. Such adjustment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such asset groups exceeds their fair value. The Company generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of asset groups. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. Asset groups to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Leases
The Company and its subsidiaries lease business offices and equipment. Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date of the lease. The Company accounts for lease and non-lease components as a single component and does not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for short-term leases, which are those leases with a term of twelve months or less or leases with non-consecutive periods of use that total twelve months or less at the lease commencement date.
The Company recorded $
As of December 31, 2024, future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more are $
II-40
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Noncontrolling Interests
The Company reports noncontrolling interests of subsidiaries within equity in the balance sheet and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest is presented in the statement of operations. Also, changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries in which the Company maintains a controlling interest are recorded in equity.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Sales, value add, and other taxes, when collected concurrently with revenue producing activities, are excluded from revenue. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract are expensed when the amortization period of the asset is one year or less. To the extent the incremental costs of obtaining a contract relate to a period greater than one year, the Company amortizes such incremental costs in a manner that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates. If, at contract inception, we determine the time period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays us for that good or service is one year or less, we do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component.
Our customers generally pay for services in advance of the performance obligation and therefore these prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue. The deferred revenue is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statement of operations as the services are provided.
Significant portions of the transaction prices related to undelivered performance obligations that are under contractual arrangements that extend beyond one year. The Company anticipates recognizing revenue from the delivery of such performance obligations of approximately $
Formula 1
The following table disaggregates Formula 1’s revenue by source:
Years ended December 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
amounts in millions | |||||||
Primary | $ | | | | |||
Other | | | | ||||
Total Formula 1 revenue | $ | | | |
Upon entering into a new arrangement, Formula 1 occasionally incurs certain incremental costs of obtaining a contract. These incremental costs relate to commission amounts that will be paid over the life of the contract for which the recipient does not have any substantive future performance requirement to earn such commission. Accordingly, the commission costs are capitalized and amortized over the life of the contract.
II-41
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The following is a description of principal activities from which Formula 1 generates its revenue.
Primary revenue. Formula 1 holds exclusive commercial rights with respect to the World Championship, an annual, approximately nine-month long, motor race-based competition in which teams compete for the Constructors’ Championship and drivers compete for the Drivers’ Championship. Formula 1 derives its primary revenue from the commercial exploitation and development of the World Championship through a combination of race promotion, broadcasting and sponsorship arrangements. Primary revenue derived from the commercial exploitation of the World Championship is (i) recognized on an event by event basis for those performance obligations associated with a specific event based on the fees within the underlying contractual arrangement and (ii) recognized over time for those performance obligations associated with a period of time that is greater than a single specific event (for example, over the entire race season or calendar year) based on the fees within the underlying contractual arrangement.
Other revenue. Formula 1 earns other revenue from miscellaneous and ancillary sources, primarily related to facilitating the shipment of cars and equipment to and from the events outside of Europe, revenue from the sale of tickets to the Paddock Club at most events, support races at events, various television production activities and other ancillary operations. To the extent such revenue relates to services provided or rights associated with a specific event, the revenue is recognized upon occurrence of the related event and to the extent such revenue relates to services provided or rights over a longer period of time, the revenue is recognized over time.
QuintEvents
QuintEvents recognized $
Braves Holdings
The following table disaggregates Braves Holdings’ revenue by source:
Years ended December 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||
amounts in millions | |||||
Baseball | $ | | | ||
Mixed-Use Development | | | |||
Total Braves Holdings revenue | $ | | |
Braves Holdings is required to estimate the entire transaction price of its contractual arrangements and recognize revenue allocated to each of the performance obligations within the contractual arrangements as those performance obligations are satisfied. Such performance obligations are typically satisfied over time and result in differences between revenue recognized and cash received, dependent on how far into a contractual arrangement Braves Holdings is at any given reporting period.
The following is a description of principal activities from which Braves Holdings generates its revenue.
Baseball revenue. Revenue for Braves Holdings ticket sales, signage and suites are recognized on a per game basis during the baseball season based on a pro rata share of total revenue earned during the entire baseball season to the total number of home games during the season. Broadcasting rights are recognized on a per game basis during the baseball
II-42
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
season based on the pro rata number of games played to date to the total number of games during the season. Concession and parking revenue are recognized on a per game basis during the baseball season. Major League Baseball (“MLB”) revenue is earned throughout the year based on an estimate of revenue generated by MLB on behalf of the
Mixed-Use Development revenue. Revenue from Braves Holdings’ minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of their respective lease agreements. Some retail tenants are required to pay overage rents based on sales over a stated base amount during the lease term. Overage rents are only recognized when each tenant’s sales exceed the applicable sales threshold. Tenants reimburse Braves Holdings for a substantial portion of Braves Holdings operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes and property insurance. Braves Holdings accrues reimbursements from tenants for recoverable portions of all these expenses as revenue in the period the applicable expenditures are incurred. Braves Holdings recognizes differences between estimated recoveries and the final billed amounts in the subsequent year. These differences were not material in any period presented. Sponsorship revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over each annual period. Parking revenue is recognized daily based on actual usage.
Cost of Formula 1 Revenue
Cost of Formula 1 revenue consists of team payments, costs of promoting, organizing and delivering the Las Vegas Grand Prix, hospitality costs, which are principally related to catering and other aspects of the production and delivery of hospitality offerings at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Paddock Club at other Events, and costs incurred in the provision and sale of freight, travel and logistical services. Other costs of Formula 1 revenue also include sponsorship and digital product sales’ commissions, circuit rights’ fees payable under various agreements with race promoters to acquire certain commercial rights at Events, including the right to sell advertising, hospitality and support race opportunities, annual Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (“FIA”) regulatory fees, Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars, parts and maintenance services, costs related to the new F1 Academy series, television production and post-production services, advertising production services and digital and social media activities. These costs are largely variable in nature and typically relate directly to revenue opportunities.
Advertising Costs
Advertising expense aggregated $
Stock-Based Compensation
As more fully described in note 13, Liberty has granted to its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries restricted stock (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and options to purchase shares of Liberty common stock (collectively, “Awards”). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an Award based on the grant-date fair value of the Award, and recognizes that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the Award). Stock-based compensation, included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, was $
II-43
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying value amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and the expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for each taxing jurisdiction in which the Company operates for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Net deferred tax assets are then reduced by a valuation allowance if the Company believes it more likely than not such net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of an enacted change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
When the tax law requires interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes, the Company recognizes interest expense from the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the relevant tax law. Such interest expense is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Any accrual of penalties related to underpayment of income taxes on uncertain tax positions is included in other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Earnings Attributable to Liberty Stockholders Per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (“WASO”) for the period. Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, including any necessary adjustments to earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders.
Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Formula One Common Stock
The basic and diluted EPS calculations are based on the following WASO. Excluded from diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are
Years ended December 31, | |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
number of shares in millions | |||||||
Basic WASO |
| |
| | | ||
Potentially dilutive shares (a) |
| |
| | | ||
Diluted WASO (b) |
| |
| | |
(a) | Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS during periods in which net losses attributable to the Formula One Group are reported since the result would be antidilutive. |
(b) | As described in note 3, the Liberty SiriusXM Group’s intergroup interest in the Formula One Group was settled and extinguished on July 12, 2023. The intergroup interest was a quasi-equity interest which was not represented by outstanding shares of common stock; rather, the Liberty SiriusXM Group had an attributed value in the Formula One Group which was generally stated in terms of a number of shares of stock issuable to the Liberty SiriusXM Group with respect to its interest in the Formula One Group. Each reporting period, the notional shares representing the intergroup interest were marked to fair value. As the notional shares underlying the intergroup interest were not represented by outstanding shares of common stock, such shares had not been officially designated Series A, B or C Liberty Formula One common stock. However, Liberty assumed that the notional shares (if and when issued) would |
II-44
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
be comprised of Series A Liberty Formula One common stock since Series A Liberty Formula One common stock was underlying the |
For periods in which share settlement of the
Years ended December 31, | |||||||
2024 |
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
amounts in millions | |||||||
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Formula One stockholders | $ | ( | | | |||
Adjustments | — | ( | ( | ||||
Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Formula One stockholders | $ | ( | | |
Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Live Common Stock
The basic and diluted EPS calculations are based on the following WASO. Excluded from diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the period from August 3, 2023 to December 31, 2023 are
Year ended | August 4, 2023 to | ||||
December 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | |||
number of shares in millions | |||||
Basic WASO | |
| |
| |
Potentially dilutive shares (a) | — |
| — |
| |
Diluted WASO | |
| |
|
(a) | Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS during periods in which net losses attributable to the Liberty Live Group are reported since the result would be antidilutive. |
II-45
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty SiriusXM Common Stock
The basic and diluted EPS calculations are based on the following WASO. Excluded from diluted EPS for the period from January 1, 2024 to September 9, 2024 and the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are
January 1, 2024 to | Years ended December 31, | ||||||
| September 9, 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
number of shares in millions | |||||||
Basic WASO |
| | | | |||
Potentially dilutive shares (a) |
| | | | |||
Diluted WASO (b) |
| | | |
(a) | Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS during periods in which net losses attributable to the Liberty SiriusXM Group are reported since the result would be antidilutive. |
(b) | For periods in which share settlement of the |
January 1, 2024 to | Years ended December 31, | ||||||
September 9, 2024 |
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
amounts in millions | |||||||
Basic earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty SiriusXM stockholders | $ | ( | | | |||
Adjustments | ( | | ( | ||||
Diluted earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty SiriusXM stockholders | $ | ( | | |
II-46
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Series A, Series B and Series C Liberty Braves Common Stock
The basic and diluted EPS calculations are based on the following WASO. Excluded from diluted EPS for the period from January 1, 2023 to July 18, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 are
January 1, 2023 to | Year ended | ||||
| July 18, 2023 |
| December 31, 2022 | ||
number of shares in millions | |||||
Basic WASO |
| |
| | |
Potentially dilutive shares (a) |
| |
| — | |
Diluted WASO (b) |
| |
| |
(a) | Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS during periods in which net losses attributable to the Braves Group are reported since the result would be antidilutive. |
(b) | As described in note 3, the intergroup interests in the Braves Group held by the Formula One Group and the Liberty SiriusXM Group were settled and extinguished in connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off. The intergroup interests were quasi-equity interests that were not represented by outstanding shares of common stock; rather, the Formula One Group and the Liberty SiriusXM Group had attributed values in the Braves Group which are generally stated in terms of a number of shares of stock issuable to the Formula One Group and the Liberty SiriusXM Group with respect to their interests in the Braves Group. Each reporting period, the notional shares representing the intergroup interests were marked to fair value. As the notional shares underlying the intergroup interests were not represented by outstanding shares of common stock, such shares had not been officially designated Series A, B or C Liberty Braves common stock. However, Liberty assumed that the notional shares (if and when issued) related to the Formula One Group interest in the Braves Group would be comprised of Series C Liberty Braves common stock in order to not dilute voting percentages and the notional shares (if and when issued) related to the Liberty SiriusXM Group interest in the Braves Group would be comprised of Series A Liberty Braves common stock since Series A Liberty Braves common stock was underlying the Convertible Notes. Therefore, the market prices of Series C Liberty Braves and Series A Liberty Braves common stock were historically used for the quarterly mark-to-market adjustment for the intergroup interests held by Formula One Group and Liberty SiriusXM Group, respectively, through the unaudited attributed consolidated statements of operations. During the second quarter of 2023, Liberty determined that, in connection with the Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off, shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock would be used to settle and extinguish the intergroup interest in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group. Following such determination, the market price of Series C Liberty Braves common stock was used for the mark-to-market adjustment for the intergroup interest held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group. |
The notional shares representing the intergroup interests had no impact on the basic WASO. However, if dilutive, the notional shares representing the intergroup interests were included in the diluted WASO as if the shares had been issued and outstanding during the period. For periods in which share settlement of the intergroup interests were dilutive, an adjustment was also made to the numerator in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the unrealized gain or loss incurred from marking the intergroup interests to fair value during the period.
II-47
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
January 1, 2023 to | Year ended | ||||
July 18, 2023 |
| December 31, 2022 | |||
amounts in millions | |||||
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Braves stockholders | $ | ( | ( | ||
Adjustments | — | — | |||
Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Braves stockholders | $ | ( | ( |
Reclasses and Adjustments
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability with the current year presentation.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company considers (i) fair value measurement of non-financial instruments and (ii) accounting for income taxes to be its most significant estimates.
The Company holds investments that are accounted for using the equity method. The Company does not control the decision making process or business management practices of these affiliates. Accordingly, the Company relies on management of these affiliates to provide it with accurate financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP that the Company uses in the application of the equity method. In addition, the Company relies on audit reports that are provided by the affiliates’ independent auditors on the financial statements of such affiliates. The Company is not aware, however, of any errors in or possible misstatements of the financial information provided by its equity affiliates that would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through additional disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and applied it retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires more detailed income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 requires entities to disclose disaggregated information about their effective tax rate reconciliation as well as expanded information on income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The disclosure requirements will be applied on a prospective basis, with the option to apply them retrospectively. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the disclosure requirements related to ASU 2023-09.
II-48
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which expands disclosures about specific expense categories at interim and annual reporting periods. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the new standard on the related disclosures.
(5) Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, |
| ||||||
2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| ||||||
Cash paid for acquisitions: | |||||||
Fair value of assets acquired | $ | |
| — |
| — | |
Intangibles not subject to amortization |
| |
| — |
| — | |
Intangibles subject to amortization |
| |
| — |
| — | |
Net liabilities assumed |
| ( |
| — |
| — | |
Deferred tax liabilities |
| ( |
| — |
| — | |
Cash paid (received) for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | $ | |
| — |
| — | |
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized | $ | |
| |
| | |
Cash paid for income taxes, net | $ | |
| |
| |
The following table reconciles cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in our consolidated balance sheets to the total amount presented in our consolidated statements of cash flows:
December 31, | |||||||
2024 |
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
amounts in millions | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | |
| | | ||
Cash and cash equivalents included in current assets of discontinued operations | — | | | ||||
| |
| — | | |||
— | | ||||||
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | | | |
(6) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
For assets and liabilities required to be reported at fair value, GAAP provides a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company does not have any recurring assets or liabilities measured at fair value that would be considered Level 3.
II-49
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Liberty’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| ||||||||||||
|
| Quoted prices |
| Significant other |
|
| Quoted prices |
| Significant other |
| ||||
in active markets | observable | in active markets | observable |
| ||||||||||
for identical assets | inputs | for identical assets | inputs |
| ||||||||||
Description | Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) |
| |||||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||||||||
Cash equivalents |
| $ | |
| |
| — |
| |
| |
| — |
|
Debt and equity securities | $ | — |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
| — | ||
Financial instrument assets | $ | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||
Debt | $ | |
| — |
| |
| |
| — |
| | ||
Financial instrument liabilities | $ | | — | | | — | |
The majority of Liberty’s Level 2 financial instruments are debt related instruments and derivative instruments, which include foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps. These assets and liabilities are not always traded publicly or not considered to be traded on “active markets,” as defined in GAAP. The fair values for such instruments are derived from a typical model using observable market data as the significant inputs or a trading price of a similar asset or liability is utilized. The fair value of debt related instruments are based on quoted market prices but not considered to be traded on “active markets,” as defined by GAAP. Accordingly, those debt and equity securities, financial instruments and debt or debt related instruments are reported in the foregoing table as Level 2 fair value. Debt and equity securities included in the table above are included in the Other assets line item in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2024, $
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Instruments, net
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following (amounts in millions):
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
Debt measured at fair value (a) | $ | ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Foreign currency forward contracts | ( | — | — | |||||
Interest rate swaps | | | | |||||
Debt and equity securities | ( |
| |
| ( | |||
Other |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
$ | ( |
| ( |
| |
(a) | The Company elected to account for its exchangeable senior debentures and convertible notes (as described in note 9) using the fair value option. Changes in the fair value of the exchangeable senior debentures and convertible notes recognized in the consolidated statements of operations are primarily due to market factors primarily driven by changes in the fair value of the underlying shares into which the debt is exchangeable. The Company isolates the portion of the unrealized gain (loss) attributable to changes in the instrument specific credit risk and recognizes such |
II-50
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
amount in other comprehensive earnings (loss). The change in the fair value of the exchangeable senior debentures and cash convertible notes attributable to changes in the instrument specific credit risk was a loss of $ |
(7) Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method
Liberty has various investments accounted for using the equity method. The following table includes the Company’s carrying amount and percentage ownership and market value (Level 1) of the more significant investments in affiliates at December 31, 2024, and the carrying amount at December 31, 2023:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| |||||||||
| Percentage |
| Fair Value |
| Carrying |
| Carrying |
| |||
ownership | (Level 1) | amount | amount |
| |||||||
dollar amounts in millions |
| ||||||||||
Formula One Group | |||||||||||
Other |
| various |
| NA |
| $ | |
| | ||
Total Formula One Group | |
| | ||||||||
Liberty Live Group | |||||||||||
Live Nation | $ | |
| | |||||||
Other | NA | | |||||||||
Total Liberty Live Group | | ||||||||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | | |
II-51
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The following table presents the Company’s share of earnings (losses) of affiliates:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Formula One Group | ||||||||
Other (a) | $ | ( |
| ( |
| — | ||
Total Formula One Group | ( | ( | — | |||||
Liberty Live Group | ||||||||
Live Nation (a) | | | NA | |||||
Other (a) | | | NA | |||||
Total Liberty Live Group | | | NA | |||||
Liberty SiriusXM Group | ||||||||
Live Nation (a) | NA | | | |||||
Total Liberty SiriusXM Group | NA | | | |||||
Braves Group | ||||||||
Other | NA | | | |||||
Total Braves Group | NA | | | |||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | |
| |
| |
(a) | Liberty’s interests in Live Nation and certain other equity affiliates were reattributed to the Liberty Live Group effective August 3, 2023. Liberty’s share of earnings (losses) related to these affiliates were reflected in the results of the Liberty SiriusXM Group and the Formula One Group prior to the Reclassification and are reflected in the results of the Liberty Live Group following the Reclassification. |
Live Nation
Live Nation is considered the world’s leading live entertainment company and seeks to innovate and enhance the live entertainment experience for artists and fans before, during and after the show.
See note 9 for details regarding the number and fair value of Live Nation common stock pledged as collateral pursuant to the margin loan secured by shares of Live Nation (“Live Nation Margin Loan”) as of December 31, 2024.
II-52
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Summarized financial information for Live Nation is as follows:
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions | ||||||
Current assets | $ | |
| |
| |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
| |
| |
| |
Intangible assets | | | ||||
Goodwill |
| |
| |
| |
Other assets | | | ||||
Total assets | $ | |
| |
| |
Current liabilities | $ | | | |||
Long-term debt, net | | | ||||
Other liabilities | | | ||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | | | ||||
Equity | | | ||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | ||||
amounts in millions | ||||||||
Revenue | $ |
|
| |||||
Operating expenses: |
| |||||||
Direct operating expenses | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
| |||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
Other operating expenses | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Operating income (loss) | ||||||||
Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Other income (expense), net | ||||||||
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | ||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | ( | ( | ||||||
Net earnings (loss) | ||||||||
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | ||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Live Nation stockholders | $ |
II-53
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(8) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
Formula 1 |
| Other |
| Total |
| ||
amounts in millions | |||||||
Balance at January 1, 2023 | $ | | | | |||
Atlanta Braves Holdings Split-Off | — | ( | ( | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | | — | | ||||
Acquisition of QuintEvents | — | | | ||||
Impairments | — | ( | ( | ||||
Other | — | ( | ( | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2024 | $ | | | |
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
Intangible assets subject to amortization are comprised of the following:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| ||||||||||||
| Gross |
|
| Net |
| Gross |
|
| Net |
| ||||
carrying | Accumulated | carrying | carrying | Accumulated | carrying |
| ||||||||
amount | amortization | amount | amount | amortization | amount |
| ||||||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||||||||
FIA Agreement | $ | | ( | | | ( | | |||||||
Customer relationships | |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| | |||
Other |
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| | ||
Total | $ | |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
The FIA Agreement is amortized over
2025 |
| $ | | |
2026 | $ | | ||
2027 | $ | | ||
2028 | $ | | ||
2029 | $ | |
Impairments
The Company performed a quantitative analysis of QuintEvents during the fourth quarter of 2024. Based on near-term business trends and their impact on long-term assumptions, we concluded that the estimated fair value of QuintEvents was less than its carrying value. As a result, QuintEvents recognized a goodwill impairment loss of $
II-54
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
year ended December 31, 2024. The fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow (income approach) calculation (Level 3). Due to the goodwill impairment loss recorded, the carrying value of QuintEvents approximates its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, accumulated goodwill impairment losses for Liberty totaled $
(9) Debt
Debt is summarized as follows:
Outstanding | Carrying value |
| |||||||
| Principal |
| December 31, |
| December 31, |
| |||
December 31, 2024 | 2024 | 2023 |
| ||||||
amounts in millions | |||||||||
Formula One Group | |||||||||
Corporate level notes and loans: | |||||||||
$ | | | | ||||||
Other | | | | ||||||
Subsidiary notes and loans: | |||||||||
Formula 1 Senior Loan Facilities | | | | ||||||
Deferred financing costs | ( | ( | |||||||
Total Formula One Group | |
| |
| | ||||
Liberty Live Group | |||||||||
Corporate level notes and loans: | |||||||||
— | — | | |||||||
| | | |||||||
Live Nation Margin Loan | — | — | — | ||||||
Total Liberty Live Group | | | | ||||||
Total debt | $ | | | | |||||
Debt classified as current |
| ( |
| ( | |||||
Total long-term debt | $ | |
| |
(1) | Measured at fair value |
On August 12, 2022, Liberty issued $
In November 2020, Liberty closed a private offering of approximately $
II-55
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
of shares of Live Nation common stock attributable to a debenture represented an initial exchange price of approximately $
In September 2023, Liberty closed a private offering of approximately $
Live Nation Margin Loan
On May 9, 2022, the Live Nation Margin Loan agreement was amended, replacing a delayed draw term loan with a $
Formula 1 Loans
On November 23, 2022, Formula 1 refinanced its previous Term Loan B and revolving credit facility with a new $
II-56
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
the maturities of the approximately $
In connection with the September 19, 2024 refinancing, Formula 1 also marketed an incremental $
Debt Covenants
The Formula 1 Senior Loan Facilities contain certain financial covenants, including a leverage ratio. Additionally, Formula 1 debt and other borrowings contain certain non-financial covenants.
Fair Value of Debt
Due to the variable rate nature of the Live Nation Margin Loan and other debt, the Company believes that the carrying amount approximates fair value at December 31, 2024.
Five Year Maturities
The annual principal maturities of outstanding debt obligations for each of the next five years is as follows (amounts in millions):
2025 |
| $ | | |
2026 | $ | | ||
2027 | $ | | ||
2028 | $ | | ||
2029 | $ | |
II-57
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(10) Income Taxes
Income tax benefit (expense) consists of:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Current: | ||||||||
Federal | $ | |
| |
| | ||
State and local |
| |
| |
| ( | ||
Foreign |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
| ( |
| ( |
| | |||
Deferred: | ||||||||
Federal |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
State and local |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Foreign |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
| ( |
| |
| | |||
Income tax benefit (expense) | $ | ( |
| |
| |
The following table presents a summary of our domestic and foreign earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Domestic | $ | ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Foreign |
| |
| |
| | ||
Total | $ | ( |
| ( |
| |
II-58
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Expected income tax benefit (expense) differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Computed expected tax benefit (expense) | $ | |
| |
| ( | ||
State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes |
| |
| |
| ( | ||
Foreign income taxes, net of foreign tax credit | | | | |||||
Change in valuation allowance affecting tax expense |
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Stock-based compensation | | | | |||||
Non-deductible executive compensation | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Non-taxable gain / (non-deductible loss) | ( | ( | | |||||
Foreign currency adjustments | — | | — | |||||
Non-deductible interest | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Capitalized transaction costs | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Intergroup interest | — | ( | | |||||
Other, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | $ | ( |
| |
| |
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized income tax expense instead of a tax benefit at the expected federal rate of
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a tax benefit less than the expected federal rate of
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a tax benefit instead of a tax expense at the expected federal rate of
II-59
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are presented below:
December 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||
Tax loss and credit carryforwards | $ | |
| | ||
Other accrued liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Investments | | | ||||
Intangible assets | | | ||||
Accrued stock compensation |
| | | |||
Discount on debt | | | ||||
Deferred tax assets |
| |
| | ||
Valuation allowance |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net deferred tax assets |
| |
| | ||
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||
Fixed assets | | | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $ | |
| |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, there was a $
At December 31, 2024, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had not recorded tax reserves related to unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s tax years prior to 2021 are closed for federal income tax purposes. The Company’s 2021 tax year is not under audit, but remains open until the statute of limitations lapses on October 15, 2025. The IRS has completed its examination of the Company’s 2022 tax year. However, 2022 remains open until the statute of limitations lapses on October 15, 2026. The Company’s 2023 and 2024 tax years are currently under examination as part of the IRS Compliance Assurance Process program. Various states are currently examining the Company’s prior years’ state income tax returns. We do not expect the ultimate disposition of these audits to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
(11) Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock
Liberty’s preferred stock is issuable, from time to time, with such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in
II-60
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
a resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred stock adopted by the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2024,
Common Stock
Series A Liberty Formula One and Liberty Live common stock have
Issuance of Common Stock
On August 22, 2024, the Company issued approximately
Purchases of Common Stock
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased
There were
Liberty Media Acquisition Corporation
In November 2020, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Media Acquisition Sponsor, LLC (the “Sponsor”), formed Liberty Media Acquisition Corporation (“LMAC”) and ultimately purchased approximately
The Company, through the Sponsor’s ownership of the Founder Shares, owned
II-61
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
LMAC’s Series A common stock, issued as part of the Units in the IPO, had certain provisions which allowed the holder to put back the stock to LMAC upon an initial business combination at their election. This conditional redemption feature required the Company to account for those shares that were subject to potential redemption as redeemable noncontrolling interests which required temporary equity classification (outside of permanent equity).
LMAC employed a broad set of search criteria for potential target business combinations, however, LMAC’s management observed what it believes were high valuations in 2021, a declining IPO market in 2022, and significant public and private market volatility, which prevented LMAC from securing an opportunity that it believed would offer a compelling return on investment for its stockholders. In light of these circumstances, LMAC determined that it was not feasible to complete an initial business combination in advance of the contractual termination date of January 26, 2023. As a result, on November 14, 2022, stockholders of LMAC approved an amendment to LMAC’s certificate of incorporation which allowed LMAC to unwind and redeem all of its outstanding public shares prior to December 30, 2022. The redemption was completed during December 2022 and LMAC was subsequently dissolved.
The Company’s interest in LMAC was attributed to the Formula One Group. Transactions and ownership interests with the Sponsor eliminated upon consolidation.
(12) Related Party Transactions with Officers and Directors
Chief Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements
In December 2019, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of Liberty approved a compensation arrangement (the “former CEO Arrangement”) for our former CEO. Also in December 2019, each of the Service Companies executed an amendment to each Service Company’s services agreement with Liberty, pursuant to which components of the former CEO’s compensation described below were either paid directly to the former CEO by each Service Company or reimbursed to Liberty, in each case based on allocations among Liberty and each of the Service Companies set forth in the service agreement amendments. This allocation percentage was determined based on a combination of (1) relative market capitalizations, weighted
The former CEO Arrangement provided for a
On January 6, 2025, the Liberty board of directors approved an offer of employment for Derek Chang, Liberty’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (the “new CEO”). The new CEO began employment on February 1, 2025, and receives the following compensation: (1) annual base salary of $
II-62
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Exchange Agreement with Chairman
On July 28, 2021, the Company entered into an exchange agreement, among the Company, John C. Malone (the Chairman of the Board of the Company), and a revocable trust of which Mr. Malone is the sole trustee and beneficiary (the “JM Trust”) (the “Exchange Agreement”), whereby, among other things, Mr. Malone agreed to an arrangement under which his aggregate voting power in the Company would not exceed
The Exchange Agreement provides for exchanges by the Company and Mr. Malone or the JM Trust of shares of Series B Liberty Live common stock or Series B Liberty Formula One common stock for shares of Series C Liberty Live common stock or Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, respectively, in connection with certain events, including (i) any event that would result in a reduction in the outstanding votes of any of the Company’s tracking stock groups (each, a “Group”) or an increase of Mr. Malone’s beneficially-owned voting power in either Group (other than a Voting Power Exchange (as defined below)) (an “Accretive Event”), in each case, such that Mr. Malone’s voting power with respect to such Group would exceed the Target Voting Power plus
In connection with an Accretive Event with respect to a Group, Mr. Malone or the JM Trust will be required to exchange with the Company shares of Series B common stock of such Group (“Exchanged Group Series B Shares”) for an equal number of shares of Series C common stock of the same Group so as to maintain Mr. Malone’s voting power with respect to such Group as close as possible to, without exceeding, the Target Voting Power, on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Agreement. In connection with a Dilutive Event with respect to a Group, Mr. Malone and the JM Trust may exchange with the Company shares of Series C common stock of a Group for an equal number of shares of Series B common stock of the same Group equal to the lesser of (i) the number of shares of Series B common stock of the same Group which would maintain Mr. Malone’s voting power with respect to such Group as close as possible to, without exceeding, the Target Voting Power and (ii) the number of Exchanged Group Series B Shares at such time, on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Agreement. In a Voting Power Exchange, the Company will be required to exchange with Mr. Malone and the JM Trust shares of Series B common stock of either Group on a
As of December 31, 2024, there have been
Chairman’s Employment Agreement
On December 12, 2008, the Committee determined to modify its employment arrangements with Mr. Malone, to permit Mr. Malone to begin receiving payments in 2009 while he remains employed by the Company (instead of following
II-63
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
his termination) in satisfaction of Liberty’s obligations to him under two deferred compensation plans and a salary continuation plan. Under one of the deferred compensation plans (the “
(13) Stock-Based Compensation
Liberty—Incentive Plans
Liberty grants Awards to certain of its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity classified Award (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the GDFV of the Award, and recognizes that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the Award). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for a liability classified Award based on the current fair value of the Award, and remeasures the fair value of the Award at each reporting date.
Pursuant to the Liberty Media Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”), the Company may grant Awards in respect of approximately
II-64
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Liberty—Grants of Awards
Options granted in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| |||||||||||||
Options | Weighted | Options | Weighted | Options | Weighted |
| ||||||||||
granted | average | granted | average | granted | average |
| ||||||||||
(000's) | GDFV | (000's) | GDFV | (000's) | GDFV | |||||||||||
Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, Liberty employees and directors (1) | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | |||||||
Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, former CEO (2) | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | | $ | | |||||||
Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, subsidiary employees (3) | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | |||||||
Series C Liberty Live common stock, Liberty employees and directors (1) | | $ | | | $ | | NA | NA | ||||||||
Series C Liberty Live common stock, former CEO (4) | | $ | | — | $ | — | NA | NA | ||||||||
Series C Liberty Braves common stock, Liberty employees and directors (1) | NA | NA | | $ | | | $ | | ||||||||
Series C Liberty Braves common stock, former CEO (2) | NA | NA | — | $ | — | | $ | |
(1) | Mainly vests between and |
(2) | Grants made in March 2022 cliff vested in December 2022. See discussion in note 12 regarding the compensation agreement with the Company’s former CEO. |
(3) | Grants made in 2024, 2023 and 2022 mainly vested in equal quarterly installments over |
(4) | Grant made in March 2024 cliff vested in December 2024. See discussion in note 12 regarding the compensation agreement with the Company’s former CEO. |
In addition to the stock option grants to the former CEO, and in connection with his employment agreement, the Company granted PRSUs. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company granted
The Company did not grant
to purchase shares of Series A or Series B Liberty Formula One or common stock during the year ended December 31, 2024.The Company has calculated the GDFV for all of its equity classified awards using the Black-Scholes Model. The Company estimates the expected term of the Awards based on historical exercise and forfeiture data. For grants made in 2024, 2023 and 2022, the range of expected terms was
II-65
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The following table presents the ranges of volatilities used by the Company in the Black-Scholes Model for its stock option grants.
Volatility |
| |||||
2024 grants |
| % | - | % | ||
2023 grants |
| % | - | % | ||
2022 grants |
| % | - | % |
Liberty—Outstanding Awards
The following tables present the number and weighted average exercise price (“WAEP”) of options to purchase Liberty common stock granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company, as well as the weighted average remaining life and aggregate intrinsic value of the options.
Liberty Formula One
Series C | ||||||||||||
|
|
| Weighted |
| Aggregate | |||||||
average | intrinsic | |||||||||||
Liberty | remaining | value | ||||||||||
Options (000's) | WAEP | life | (in millions) | |||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2024 |
| | $ | | ||||||||
Granted |
| | $ | | ||||||||
Exercised |
| ( | $ | | ||||||||
Forfeited/Cancelled |
| — | $ | — | ||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | | ||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | |
Liberty Live
Series C | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
| Weighted |
| Aggregate | ||||||
average | intrinsic | |||||||||||
Liberty | remaining | value | ||||||||||
Options (000's) | WAEP | life | (in millions) | |||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2024 |
| | $ | | ||||||||
Granted |
| | $ | | ||||||||
Exercised |
| ( | $ | | ||||||||
Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | $ | | |||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | | ||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | |
As of December 31, 2024, there were
II-66
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
As of December 31, 2024, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Awards was approximately $
As of December 31, 2024,
Liberty—Exercises
The aggregate intrinsic value of all options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $
Liberty—Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
The Company had approximately
The aggregate fair value of all RSAs and RSUs of Liberty common stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $
(14) Employee Benefit Plans
Liberty is the sponsor of the Liberty Media 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Liberty 401(k) Plan”), which provides its employees and the employees of certain of its subsidiaries an opportunity for ownership in the Company and creates a retirement fund. The Liberty 401(k) Plan provides for employees to make contributions to a trust for investment in Liberty common stock, as well as several mutual funds. The Company and its subsidiaries make matching contributions to the Liberty 401(k) Plan based on a percentage of the amount contributed by employees. In addition, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have similar employee benefit plans. Employer cash contributions to all plans aggregated $
(15) Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) included in Liberty’s consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of equity reflect the aggregate of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized holding gains and losses on debt and equity securities and Liberty’s share of accumulated other comprehensive earnings of affiliates.
II-67
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The change in the components of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes (“AOCI”), is summarized as follows:
| Foreign |
|
| |||||
currency |
| |||||||
translation |
| |||||||
adjustment | Other | AOCI |
| |||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | ( | |
| ( | |||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders | ( | | ( | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | ( | |
| ( | ||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders | | | | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | ( | |
| | ||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Split-Off of Liberty Sirius XM Holdings | | — | | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2024 | $ | ( | ( |
| ( |
The components of other comprehensive earnings (loss) are reflected in Liberty’s consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings (loss) net of taxes. The following table summarizes the tax effects related to each component of other comprehensive earnings (loss).
|
| Tax |
|
| ||||
Before-tax | (expense) | Net-of-tax |
| |||||
amount | benefit | amount |
| |||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Year ended December 31, 2024: | ||||||||
Credit risk on fair value debt instruments gains (losses) | $ | ( | | ( | ||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | | ( | |||||
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on debt | | — | | |||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | ( | | ( | ||||
Year ended December 31, 2023: | ||||||||
Credit risk on fair value debt instruments gains (losses) | $ | | ( | | ||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | ( | | |||||
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on debt | | ( | | |||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | | ( | | ||||
Year ended December 31, 2022: | ||||||||
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period | $ | | ( | | ||||
Credit risk on fair value debt instruments gains (losses) | ( | | ( | |||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | | ( | |||||
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on debt | ( | | ( | |||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | ( |
| |
| ( |
(16) Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantees
In connection with agreements for the sale of assets by the Company or its subsidiaries, the Company may retain liabilities that relate to events occurring prior to its sale, such as tax, environmental, litigation and employment matters.
II-68
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The Company generally indemnifies the purchaser in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification obligations may extend for a number of years. The Company is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnification obligations as the sale agreements may not specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees.
Litigation
The Company has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of the liability accrual and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. We may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others, because: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the relative early stages; (iii) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) there remain significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) the relevant law is unsettled; or (vii) the proceedings involve novel or untested legal theories. In such instances, there may be considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
(17) Information About Liberty’s Operating Segments
The Company, through its ownership interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the media and entertainment industries. The Company identifies its reportable segments as (A) those consolidated subsidiaries that represent 10% or more of its consolidated annual revenue, annual Adjusted OIBDA (as defined below) or total assets and (B) those equity method affiliates whose share of earnings (losses) represent 10% or more of the Company’s annual pre-tax earnings (loss).
Liberty’s chief operating decision maker, the chief executive officer, evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to the Company’s reportable segments based on financial measures such as revenue, operating expenses (including team payments and other cost of revenue), selling, general and administrative expenses, and Adjusted OIBDA (as defined below).
For segment reporting purposes, the Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses excluding all stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements and restructuring and impairment charges. The Company believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses, by identifying those items that are not directly a reflection of each business’ performance or indicative of ongoing business trends. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements, restructuring, acquisition and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.
II-69
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Formula 1, a reportable segment, is a global motorsports business that holds exclusive commercial rights with respect to the World Championship, an annual, approximately
As of December 31, 2024, Live Nation met the Company’s reportable segment threshold for equity method affiliates. See note 7 for segment disclosures related to Live Nation.
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, differing revenue sources and marketing strategies. The significant accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company’s summary of significant policies.
Performance Measures
Year ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
|
| Corporate and |
|
| ||||||
Formula One | Other | Eliminations | Total | |||||||
amounts in millions | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | | | ( | | |||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
| |||||||
Team payments | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||
Other cost of revenue | ( | ( | | ( | ||||||
Other operating expenses | — | ( | | ( | ||||||
Total operating expenses | ( | ( | | ( | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation | ( | ( | | ( | ||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ | | ( | — | |
Year ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
|
| Corporate and |
|
| ||||||
Formula One | Other | Eliminations | Total | |||||||
amounts in millions | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | | | ( | | |||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
| |||||||
Team payments | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||
Other cost of revenue | ( | — | | ( | ||||||
Other operating expenses | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||
Total operating expenses | ( | ( | | ( | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ | | ( | — | |
II-70
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Year ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
|
| Corporate and |
|
| ||||
Formula One | Other | Total | ||||||
amounts in millions | ||||||||
Revenue | $ | | | | ||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
| |||||
Team payments | ( | — | ( | |||||
Other cost of revenue | ( | — | ( | |||||
Other operating expenses | — | ( | ( | |||||
Total operating expenses | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ | | | |
Other Information
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Total |
| Investments |
| Total |
| Investments |
| ||
assets | in affiliates | assets | in affiliates | |||||||
amounts in millions | ||||||||||
Formula One Group | ||||||||||
Formula 1 | |
| |
| |
| |
| ||
Corporate and other |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Intergroup elimination | ( | — | ( | — | ||||||
Total Formula One Group | | | | | ||||||
Liberty Live Group | ||||||||||
Corporate and other | | | | | ||||||
Total Liberty Live Group | | | | | ||||||
Elimination | ( | — | ( | — | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations | — | — | | — | ||||||
Consolidated Liberty | $ | |
| |
| |
| |
|
II-71
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Operating income (loss) and Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ | |
| |
| | ||
Stock-based compensation |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Impairment and acquisition costs | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Operating income (loss) | | | | |||||
Interest expense |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net |
| |
| |
| | ||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
Unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests | — | ( | | |||||
Other, net |
| |
| |
| | ||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | ( |
| ( |
| |
Revenue by Geographic Area
Revenue by geographic area based on the country of domicile is as follows:
Years ended December 31, |
| |||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||
United States | $ | |
| |
| | ||
United Kingdom |
| |
| |
| | ||
$ | |
| |
| |
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area
December 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
United States | $ | |
| | ||
United Kingdom |
| |
| | ||
$ | |
| |
II-72
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(18) Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
| 1st |
| 2nd |
| 3rd |
| 4th |
| ||
Quarter | Quarter | Quarter | Quarter |
| ||||||
amounts in millions, except per share amounts |
| |||||||||
2024 | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | |
| |
| |
| | ||
Operating income (loss) | $ | |
| |
| |
| | ||
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | | | | ( | |||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders: |
|
|
| |||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | | | | ( | |||||
Liberty Live common stock | $ | ( | | | ( | |||||
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders: | ||||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | | | ( | — | |||||
Basic net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | | | | ( | |||||
Liberty Live common stock | $ | ( | | | ( | |||||
Basic net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | | | ( | NA | |||||
Diluted net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | | | | ( | |||||
Liberty Live common stock | $ | ( | | | ( | |||||
Diluted net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | | | ( | NA |
II-73
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| 1st |
| 2nd |
| 3rd |
| 4th |
| ||
Quarter | Quarter | Quarter | Quarter |
| ||||||
amounts in millions, except per share amounts |
| |||||||||
2023: | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | |
| |
| |
| | ||
Operating income (loss) | $ | ( |
| |
| |
| | ||
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | ( | | | ( | |||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | |
| |
| |
| | ||
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders: |
|
|
| |||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | ( | | | | |||||
Liberty Live common stock | $ | NA | NA | ( | ( | |||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | ( | ( | | — | |||||
Liberty Braves common stock | $ | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders: | ||||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | | | | | |||||
Basic net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | ( | | | | |||||
Liberty Live common stock | $ | NA | NA | ( | ( | |||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | ( | ( | | — | |||||
Liberty Braves common stock | $ | ( | ( | ( | NA | |||||
Basic net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | | | | | |||||
Diluted net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty Formula One common stock | $ | ( | | | | |||||
Liberty Live common stock | NA | NA | ( | ( | ||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | ( | ( | | — | |||||
Liberty Braves common stock | $ | ( | ( | ( | NA | |||||
Diluted net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share: | ||||||||||
Liberty SiriusXM common stock | $ | | | | |
II-74
PART III.
The following required information is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders presently scheduled to be held in the second quarter of 2025:
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and |
Item 11. | Executive Compensation |
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
We expect to file our definitive proxy statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2025.
III-1
PART IV.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)(1) Financial Statements
Included in Part II of this Report:
| Page No. | |
Liberty Media Corporation: | ||
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ( | II-20 | |
II-24 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Operations, Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | II-26 | |
II-28 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | II-29 | |
Consolidated Statements of Equity, Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | II-30 | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | II-31 |
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
(i) All schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or the required information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(ii) The audited consolidated financial statements of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, as well as the accompanying notes thereto and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are contained in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025 and are incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 99.2.
(a)(3) Exhibits
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
IV-1
3.2 | |
4—Instruments Defining the Rights of Securities Holders, including Indentures: | |
4.1 | |
4.2 | |
4.3 | |
4.4 | |
4.5 | |
4.6 | |
4.7 | |
4.8 | |
4.9 | |
4.10 | |
4.11 | The Registrant undertakes to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of all instruments with respect to long-term debt not filed herewith. |
10—Material Contracts: | |
10.1+ | |
10.2+ | |
10.3+ | |
10.4+ | |
10.5+ | |
10.6+ | |
10.7+ | |
10.8+ |
IV-2
10.9+ | |
10.10+ | |
10.11+ | |
10.12+ | |
10.13+ | |
10.14+ | |
10.15+ | |
10.16+ | |
10.17+ | |
10.18+ | |
10.19 | |
10.20+ | |
10.21 | |
10.22+ | |
10.23+ | |
10.24+ | |
10.25+ | |
10.26+ | |
10.27+ | |
10.28+ | |
10.29 |
IV-3
10.30+ | |
10.31 | |
10.32+ | |
10.33 | |
10.34 | |
10.35 | |
10.36+ | |
19.1 | |
21 | |
23.1 | |
23.2 | |
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32 | |
97 | |
99.1 | Unaudited Attributed Financial Information for Tracking Stock Groups.* |
99.2 | |
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.* |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.* |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.* |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.* |
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.* |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document.* |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Date File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).* |
* | Filed herewith. |
** | Furnished herewith. |
+ | This document has been identified as a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
Not applicable.
IV-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION | ||
Date: February 27, 2025 | By: | /s/ DEREK CHANG |
Derek Chang | ||
Date: February 27, 2025 | By: | /s/ BRIAN J. WENDLING |
Brian J. Wendling |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature |
| Title |
| Date |
/s/ John C. Malone | Chairman of the Board and Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
John C. Malone | ||||
/s/ Derek Chang | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer | February 27, 2025 | ||
Derek Chang | ||||
/s/ Brian J. Wendling | Chief Accounting Officer and Principal Financial | February 27, 2025 | ||
Brian J. Wendling | Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
/s/ Robert R. Bennett | Vice Chairman of the Board and Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
Robert R. Bennett | ||||
/s/ Chase Carey | Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
Chase Carey | ||||
/s/ Brian Deevy | Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
Brian Deevy | ||||
/s/ M. Ian G. Gilchrist | Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
M. Ian G. Gilchrist | ||||
/s/ Evan D. Malone | Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
Evan D. Malone | ||||
/s/ Larry E. Romrell | Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
Larry E. Romrell | ||||
/s/ Andrea L. Wong | Director | February 27, 2025 | ||
Andrea L. Wong |