It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Live Nation (LYV). Shares have added about 0.9% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Live Nation due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Live Nation's Q3 Earnings Miss Estimates, Revenues Up Y/Y
Live Nation reported third-quarter 2025 results with earnings and revenues missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top line increased from the prior-year quarter’s level, but the bottom line declined.
The quarter’s top-line performance was driven by robust fan spending trends for live events and amphitheaters. Due to elevated fan spending, so far this year, amphitheaters grew 8% and major festivals grew 6% compared with the prior year. Ticket sales have gone up 4% year over year to 150 million fans, with the expectation to increase to 160 million fans by 2025-end. Major growth is witnessed across indoor venues and international markets.
For 2026, LYV’s prospects remain robust, with ticket sales for concerts reaching 26 million, reflecting double-digit growth from 2025.
However, elevated direct operating expenses because of increased support for stadium shows and fan growth at events, alongside higher selling, general and administrative expenses, are concerning for LYV’s bottom-line growth.
LYV’s Q3 Earnings & Revenues
The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 73 cents, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21 by 39.7%. In the year-ago quarter, the company reported an adjusted EPS of $1.66.
Revenues amounted to $8.5 billion, marginally missing the consensus mark of $8.55 billion by 0.6%, but growing 11% year over year.
Live Nation’s Segmental Discussion
Concerts: The segment’s revenues totaled $7.28 billion, up 11% year over year. Our model predicted the metric to increase 12.1% year over year. Adjusted operating income was $514.2 million, up from $474.1 million reported in the prior-year quarter.
Ticketing: Segmental revenues amounted to $797.6 million, up 15% from the prior-year quarter. Our model estimated the metric to jump 23.7% year over year. Adjusted operating income was $285.9 million, up 21% from $235.7 million reported in the prior year.
Sponsorship & Advertising: Revenues from this segment totaled $442.7 million, up 13% from the year-ago quarter’s figure. We estimated the metric to increase 10% year over year. Adjusted operating income of $313.1 million was up 14% year over year.
Other Financial Information of LYV
Live Nation's cash and cash equivalents, as of Sept. 30, 2025, totaled $6.75 billion, up from $6.1 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024. At the end of the third quarter, goodwill was $2.84 billion compared with $2.62 billion at the end of 2024. Net long-term debt was $6.11 billion, slightly down from $6.18 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024.
As of the first nine months of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.45 billion, up from $680.1 million reported in the year-ago period. As of the said time frame, adjusted free cash flow was $1.304 billion, slightly up from $1.287 billion in the comparable period a year ago.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
It turns out, fresh estimates have trended downward during the past month.
VGM Scores
Currently, Live Nation has a subpar Growth Score of D, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock has a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Live Nation has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
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Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (LYV): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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