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Liberty Media Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Businesswire ·  May 8 08:15

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Liberty Media Corporation ("Liberty Media" or "Liberty") (NASDAQ: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLYVK) today reported first quarter 2024 results. Headlines include(1):


  • Attributed to Liberty SiriusXM Group
    • SiriusXM reported first quarter 2024 operating and financial results
      • First quarter 2024 revenue of $2.16 billion; up 1% year-over-year
      • Ad revenue up 7% year-over-year
      • Net income of $265 million; diluted EPS of $0.07
      • Adjusted EBITDA(2) of $650 million; up 4% year-over-year
      • Free cash flow(2) of $132 million; down 8% year-over-year
      • SiriusXM reiterated 2024 financial guidance
    • Liberty Media's ownership of SiriusXM was 83.3% as of April 26th
    • On schedule to complete planned combination of Liberty SiriusXM Group and SiriusXM early third quarter 2024
    • Repaid $65 million under the SiriusXM margin loan in first quarter
  • Attributed to Formula One Group
    • Announced planned acquisition of MotoGP and expect to complete transaction by year-end 2024
    • F1 announced 24-race calendar for 2025 which will mark its 75th anniversary
    • Expanded partnership with DHL as Global Partner and secured new sponsorship deals at F1, including Globant as Official Partner and McDonald's as Regional Partner in Latin America
    • F1 secured new broadcast deal with beIN SPORTS across MENA through 2033, extended partnership with Viaplay in Netherlands and Nordic countries through 2029 and signed FanCode in India through 2025
    • Quint announced as official experiences and travel provider to USGA and launched new partnerships, including with WNBA, X Games and USA Basketball
  • Attributed to Liberty Live Group
    • Fair value of Live Nation investment was $7.4 billion as of March 31st

"We were thrilled to announce Liberty's planned acquisition of MotoGP, adding to our attractive assets in the premium live event and sports industries. We look forward to bringing this exhilarating sport to a wider global audience," said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO. "Formula 1 kicked off the 2024 season with over 1 million fans in attendance across the first five races. At SiriusXM, they delivered solid revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth and are focused on improving subscriber results with enhancements to content and digital innovation. The planned merger with Liberty SiriusXM is on track to be completed at the beginning of the third quarter. Live Nation has already sold 86 million concert tickets for an expected record-setting 2024."

Corporate Updates

On January 2nd, Liberty closed the acquisition of Quint for $205 million total cash consideration, net of Quint cash acquired.

On March 29th, Liberty agreed to acquire MotoGP for €3.5 billion equity value. MotoGP management is expected to retain 14% equity in the business with the remaining equity consideration comprised of a mix of cash and Series C Liberty Formula One common stock. The acquisition is expected to be completed by year-end 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions.

Discussion of Results

Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion compares financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2024 to the same period in 2023.

LIBERTY SIRIUSXM GROUP – The following table provides the financial results attributed to Liberty SiriusXM Group for the first quarter of 2024. In the first quarter, $13 million of corporate level selling, general and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation expense) was allocated to Liberty SiriusXM Group.

1Q23

1Q24

% Change

amounts in millions

Liberty SiriusXM Group

Revenue

SiriusXM

$

2,144

$

2,162

1%

Total Liberty SiriusXM Group

$

2,144

$

2,162

1%

Operating Income (Loss)

SiriusXM

387

422

9%

Corporate and other

(14)

(13)

7%

Total Liberty SiriusXM Group

$

373

$

409

10%

Adjusted OIBDA (Loss)

SiriusXM

625

635

2%

Corporate and other

(11)

(10)

9%

Total Liberty SiriusXM Group

$

614

$

625

2%

SiriusXM is a separate publicly traded company and additional information about SiriusXM can be obtained through its website and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SiriusXM reported its stand-alone first quarter results on April 30, 2024. For additional detail on SiriusXM's financial results for the first quarter, please see SiriusXM's earnings release posted to its Investor Relations website. For presentation purposes on page one of this release, we include the results of SiriusXM, as reported by SiriusXM, without regard to the purchase accounting adjustments applied by us for purposes of our financial statements. Liberty Media believes the presentation of financial results as reported by SiriusXM is useful to investors as the comparability of those results is best understood in the context of SiriusXM's historical financial presentation.

The businesses and assets attributed to Liberty SiriusXM Group consist primarily of Liberty Media's interest in SiriusXM, which includes its subsidiary Pandora.

FORMULA ONE GROUP – The following table provides the financial results attributed to Formula One Group for the first quarter of 2024. In the first quarter, Formula One Group incurred $23 million of corporate level selling, general and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation expense).

1Q23

1Q24

amounts in millions

Formula One Group

Revenue

Formula 1

$

381

$

553

Corporate and other

44

Intergroup elimination

(10)

Total Formula One Group

$

381

$

587

Operating Income (Loss)

Formula 1

$

35

$

136

Corporate and other

(19)

(41)

Total Formula One Group

$

16

$

95

Adjusted OIBDA (Loss)

Formula 1

$

117

$

208

Corporate and other

(12)

(6)

Total Formula One Group

$

105

$

202

F1 Operating Results

"The 2024 season is underway, including our return to China for the first time since 2019 and our third year in Miami which saw another incredible event demonstrating the growing strength of F1 in the US. We are seeing continued momentum both in financial performance and amplification of our fanbase, including through expanding our methods of fan engagement. We have already announced our 24-race calendar for 2025, a landmark year that will mark the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship," said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 President & CEO. "We recently published our first ever Impact Report and are proud to highlight that we are on track to reach our net zero target by 2030 and continue to prioritize our diversity and inclusion efforts with programs like the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive, STEM Challenge Days and more."

The following table provides the operating results of Formula 1 ("F1").

1Q23

1Q24

% Change

amounts in millions

Primary Formula 1 revenue

$

314

$

463

47%

Other Formula 1 revenue

67

90

34%

Total Formula 1 revenue

$

381

$

553

45%

Operating expenses (excluding stock-based compensation):

Team payments

(112)

(163)

(46)%

Other cost of Formula 1 revenue

(94)

(123)

(31)%

Cost of Formula 1 revenue

$

(206)

$

(286)

(39)%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(58)

(59)

(2)%

Adjusted OIBDA

$

117

$

208

78%

Depreciation and Amortization(a)

(82)

(72)

12%

Operating income (loss)

$

35

$

136

289%

Number of races in period

2

3

a)

Includes $74 million and $61 million of amortization related to purchase accounting for the periods ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively, that is excluded from calculations for purposes of team payments.

Primary F1 revenue represents the majority of F1's revenue and is derived from (i) race promotion revenue, (ii) media rights fees and (iii) sponsorship fees.

There were three races held in the first quarter of 2024, compared to two races held in the first quarter of 2023. There are 24 events scheduled for the 2024 race calendar.

Primary F1 revenue increased in the first quarter with growth across race promotion, media rights and sponsorship partly driven by one more race held in the current period, which resulted in a greater proportion of season-based revenue recognized. Race promotion revenue also increased due to fees from the additional race held in the period and contractual increases in fees. Media rights revenue also benefited from contractual increases in fees, higher fees from new and renewed contractual agreements and continued growth in F1 TV subscription revenue. Sponsorship revenue also increased due to recognition of revenue from new sponsors and growth in revenue from existing contracts. Other F1 revenue increased in the first quarter primarily driven by the sale of new F2 cars and associated parts at the start of the new F2 vehicle cycle, higher hospitality and experiences revenue and higher freight income driven by the additional race held in the current period.

Operating income and Adjusted OIBDA(2) increased in the first quarter. Team payments were higher compared to the prior year due to the pro rata recognition of payments across the race season with one more race held, as well as an expectation of increased team payments for the full year. Other cost of F1 revenue is largely variable in nature and is mostly derived from servicing both Primary and Other F1 revenue opportunities. These costs increased due to the cost of supplying the new F2 cars and associated parts, increased commissions and partner servicing costs associated with higher Primary F1 revenue streams as well as increased freight, travel, technical, digital and FIA regulatory costs from the additional race. Other cost of F1 revenue in the first quarter was also impacted by lease costs for the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza, the 39-acre site in Las Vegas. Selling, general and administrative expense was relatively flat during the quarter.

Corporate and Other Operating Results

Liberty closed the Quint acquisition on January 2nd and began consolidating Quint results within the Corporate and Other segment. Corporate and Other revenue increased in the first quarter due to the Quint acquisition and $7 million of rental income related to the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza. Quint's revenue is seasonal around its largest events, which are generally during the second and fourth quarters with the first quarter having modest event activity. Corporate and Other Adjusted OIBDA for the first quarter of 2024 includes the rental income related to the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza, Quint results and other corporate overhead.

The businesses and assets attributed to Formula One Group consist primarily of Liberty Media's subsidiaries, F1 and Quint.

LIBERTY LIVE GROUP – In the first quarter, $2 million of corporate level selling, general and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation expense) was allocated to Liberty Live Group.

The businesses and assets attributed to Liberty Live Group consist of Liberty Media's interest in Live Nation and other minority investments.

Share Repurchases

There were no repurchases of Liberty Media's common stock from February 1, 2024 through April 30, 2024. The total remaining repurchase authorization for Liberty Media as of May 1, 2024 is $1.1 billion and can be applied to repurchases of common shares of any of the Liberty Media tracking stocks.

FOOTNOTES

1)

Liberty Media will discuss these headlines and other matters on Liberty Media's earnings conference call that will begin at 10:00 a.m. (E.T.) on May 8, 2024. For information regarding how to access the call, please see "Important Notice" later in this document.

2)

For definitions of Adjusted OIBDA (as defined by Liberty Media) and adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow (as defined by SiriusXM) and applicable reconciliations see the accompanying schedules.

NOTES

The following financial information with respect to Liberty Media's equity affiliates, available for sale securities, cash and debt is intended to supplement Liberty Media's condensed consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations to be included in its Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024.

Fair Value of Corporate Public Holdings

(amounts in millions)

12/31/2023

3/31/2024

Liberty SiriusXM Group

N/A

N/A

Formula One Group

Other Monetizable Public Holdings(a)

50

Total Formula One Group

$

$

50

Liberty Live Group

Live Nation Investment(b)

6,519

7,366

Other Monetizable Public Holdings(a)

113

125

Total Liberty Live Group

$

6,632

$

7,491

Total Liberty Media

$

6,632

$

7,541

a)

Represents the carrying value of other public holdings that are accounted for at fair value. Formula One Group purchased $50 million of time deposits during the first quarter of 2024 which are classified as short term marketable securities.

b)

Represents the fair value of the equity investment in Live Nation. In accordance with GAAP, Liberty Media accounts for its investment in the equity of Live Nation using the equity method of accounting and includes it in its condensed consolidated balance sheet at $307 million and $290 million as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively.

Cash and Debt

The following presentation is provided to separately identify cash and debt information.

(amounts in millions)

12/31/2023

3/31/2024

Cash and Cash Equivalents Attributable to:

Liberty SiriusXM Group(a)

$

306

$

135

Formula One Group(b)

1,408

1,233

Liberty Live Group

305

298

Total Consolidated Cash and Cash Equivalents (GAAP)

$

2,019

$

1,666

Debt:

SiriusXM senior notes(c)

$

8,750

$

8,750

3.75% convertible notes due 2028(d)

575

575

2.75% SiriusXM exchangeable senior debentures due 2049(d)

586

585

SiriusXM margin loan

695

630

Other subsidiary debt(e)

500

530

Total Attributed Liberty SiriusXM Group Debt

$

11,106

$

11,070

Unamortized discount, fair market value adjustment and deferred loan costs

31

52

Total Attributed Liberty SiriusXM Group Debt (GAAP)

11,137

$

11,122

2.25% convertible notes due 2027(d)

475

475

Formula 1 term loan and revolving credit facility

2,407

2,398

Other corporate level debt

58

56

Total Attributed Formula One Group Debt

$

2,940

$

2,929

Fair market value adjustment

(34)

(27)

Total Attributed Formula One Group Debt (GAAP)

2,906

$

2,902

Formula 1 leverage(f)

1.9x

1.7x

0.5% Live Nation exchangeable senior debentures due 2050(d)

62

62

2.375% Live Nation exchangeable senior debentures due 2053(d)

1,150

1,150

Live Nation margin loan

Total Attributed Liberty Live Group Debt

$

1,212

$

1,212

Unamortized discount, fair market value adjustment and deferred loan costs

105

206

Total Attributed Liberty Live Group Debt (GAAP)

1,317

$

1,418

Total Liberty Media Corporation Debt (GAAP)

$

15,360

$

15,442

a)

Includes $216 million and $71 million of cash held at SiriusXM as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively.

b)

Includes $1,002 million and $1,016 million of cash held at F1 as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively, and $60 million of cash held at Quint as of March 31, 2024.

c)

Outstanding principal amount of Senior Notes or Term Loan with no reduction for the net unamortized discount.

d)

Face amount of the convertible notes and exchangeable debentures with no fair market value adjustment.

e)

Includes SiriusXM revolving credit facility and term loan.

f)

As defined in F1's credit facilities for covenant calculations.

Liberty Media and its consolidated subsidiaries are in compliance with their debt covenants as of March 31, 2024.

Total cash and cash equivalents attributed to Liberty SiriusXM Group decreased $171 million in the first quarter as capital expenditures and return of capital at SiriusXM and net debt repayment at Liberty SiriusXM Group more than offset cash from operations at SiriusXM. Included in the cash and cash equivalents balance attributed to Liberty SiriusXM Group at March 31, 2024 is $71 million held at SiriusXM. Although SiriusXM is a consolidated subsidiary, it is a separate public company with a non-controlling interest, therefore Liberty Media does not have ready access to SiriusXM's cash balance. Liberty SiriusXM Group received $85 million of dividends from SiriusXM during the quarter.

Total debt attributed to Liberty SiriusXM Group decreased $36 million during the quarter as Liberty SiriusXM Group paid down $65 million under its SiriusXM margin loan, partially offset by SiriusXM borrowing $30 million under its revolving credit facility.

Total cash and cash equivalents attributed to Formula One Group decreased $175 million during the quarter as cash from operations at F1 was more than offset by net cash paid for the Quint acquisition and investments in short term marketable securities. Total debt at Formula One Group was relatively flat in the first quarter.

Total cash and cash equivalents attributed to Liberty Live Group decreased $7 million during the first quarter primarily due to interest payments. Total debt attributed to Liberty Live Group was flat during the quarter.

Important Notice: Liberty Media Corporation (Nasdaq: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLYVK) will discuss Liberty Media's earnings release on a conference call which will begin at 10:00 a.m. (E.T.) on May 8, 2024. The call can be accessed by dialing (877) 704-2829 or (215) 268-9864, passcode 13742817 at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. The call will also be broadcast live across the Internet and archived on our website. To access the webcast go to Links to this press release will also be available on the Liberty Media website.

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about business strategies, market potential, future financial performance and prospects, the planned combination of Liberty SiriusXM Group and SiriusXM (the "Proposed Combination"), the planned acquisition of MotoGP, expectation's regarding SiriusXM's and Live Nation's businesses, the continuation of our stock repurchase plan, F1's environmental and social initiatives and other matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, the satisfaction of all conditions to the Proposed Combination, the satisfaction of all conditions to closing for the transaction with MotoGP, possible changes in market acceptance of new products or services, regulatory matters affecting our businesses, the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation, the failure to realize benefits of acquisitions, rapid technological and industry change, failure of third parties to perform, continued access to capital on terms acceptable to Liberty Media and changes in law, including consumer protection laws, and their enforcement. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Liberty Media expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Media's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of Liberty Media, including the most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q, for additional information about Liberty Media and about the risks and uncertainties related to Liberty Media's business which may affect the statements made in this press release.

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

Attributed

Liberty

Formula

Liberty

SiriusXM

One

Live

Consolidated

Group

Group

Group

Liberty

amounts in millions

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

135

1,233

298

1,666

Trade and other receivables, net

614

175

789

Other current assets

402

338

740

Total current assets

1,151

1,746

298

3,195

Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method

1,642

38

316

1,996

Property and equipment, at cost

3,200

983

4,183

Accumulated depreciation

(1,905)

(149)

(2,054)

1,295

834

2,129

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

Goodwill

15,209

4,190

19,399

FCC licenses

8,600

8,600

Other

1,242

1,242

25,051

4,190

29,241

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net

991

2,898

3,889

Other assets

681

899

375

1,955

Total assets

$

30,811

10,605

989

42,405

Liabilities and Equity

Current liabilities:

Intergroup payable (receivable)

$

87

(82)

(5)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

1,225

396

1,621

Current portion of debt

1,075

36

74

1,185

Deferred revenue

1,162

664

1,826

Other current liabilities

168

47

19

234

Total current liabilities

3,717

1,061

88

4,866

Long-term debt

10,047

2,866

1,344

14,257

Deferred income tax liabilities

2,379

8

(185)

2,202

Other liabilities

1,254

180

1

1,435

Total liabilities

17,397

4,115

1,248

22,760

Equity / Attributed net assets

10,343

6,490

(282)

16,551

Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries

3,071

23

3,094

Total liabilities and equity

$

30,811

10,605

989

42,405

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION

Three months ended March 31, 2024 (unaudited)

Attributed

Liberty

Formula

Liberty

SiriusXM

One

Live

Consolidated

Group

Group

Group

Liberty

amounts in millions

Revenue:

Sirius XM Holdings revenue

$

2,162

2,162

Formula 1 revenue

550

550

Other revenue

37

37

Total revenue

2,162

587

2,749

Operating costs and expenses, including stock-based compensation:

Cost of Sirius XM Holdings services (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below):

Revenue share and royalties

703

703

Programming and content(1)

157

157

Customer service and billing(1)

116

116

Other(1)

61

61

Cost of Formula 1 revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

279

279

Other cost of sales

26

26

Subscriber acquisition costs

90

90

Other operating expenses(1)

86

1

87

Selling, general and administrative(1)

372

91

2

465

Impairment, restructuring and acquisition costs

13

9

22

Depreciation and amortization

155

86

241

1,753

492

2

2,247

Operating income (loss)

409

95

(2)

502

Other income (expense):

Interest expense

(129)

(55)

(7)

(191)

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net

5

(3)

(21)

(19)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net

18

48

(69)

(3)

Other, net

6

15

6

27

(100)

5

(91)

(186)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

309

100

(93)

316

Income tax (expense) benefit

(68)

(23)

20

(71)

Net earnings (loss)

241

77

(73)

245

Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

42

42

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders

$

199

77

(73)

203

(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:

Programming and content

9

9

Customer service and billing

1

1

Other

1

1

Other operating expenses

12

12

Selling, general and administrative

25

12

1

38

Stock compensation expense

$

48

12

1

61


Contacts

Liberty Media Corporation
Shane Kleinstein, (720) 875-5432


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