Liberty Media sees another positive growth in the F1 2021 Q2 financial report as it gets itself out of the COVID-19 pandemic clutches.
After a positive Q1 report of F1 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020, Liberty Media sees another step up in Q2. As opposed to none in 2020, there were seven races held in the Q2 period, which helped in a better financial performance.
The Q2 period saw a positive F1 revenue of 63 million dollars after Adjusted OBIDA, as opposed to a negative 26 million dollars in the same period last year. The primary revenue saw a big jump from 15 million dollars to 464 million dollars.
At the same time, the other review as per Liberty Media stood at 37 million dollars in 2021 to nine million dollars in 2020. After no payments made by Liberty Media last in this period, this year saw them pay 308 million dollars to F1 outfits in Q2.
There was operating loss still for Liberty Media, but it stood at 36 million dollars in Q2 of 2021 to 122 million dollars in 2020. In addition, they incured four million of corporate level selling, general and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation expense).
“Formula 1 is having an incredible season and the drama on the track is resonating with fans worldwide. The battle for the Championship is intense and very close, evoking memories of some of the sport’s greatest rivalries of the past,” said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 President and CEO.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of fans tune in at home, and it is great to see the fans returning to the races, with a sellout crowd at Silverstone of 356,000 across the weekend marking one of the largest fan events in the world since COVID. We were very pleased with the first Sprint event and look forward to the next one in Monza, and we continue to prove, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, that we can adapt and find solutions for the remainder of the season.”
Here’s the full explanation from Liberty Media regarding their growth in terms of finance in Q2 of F1 2021:
“Beginning January 1, 2021, F1 began reclassifying certain components previously reported in Other F1 revenue into Primary F1 revenue to better align with the way it currently evaluates the business. In addition, broadcasting revenue was renamed media rights revenue. The more significant components that were reclassified into Primary F1 revenue include fees for F1 TV subscriptions, fees for licensing commercial rights for Formula 2 and Formula 3 races, fees for the origination and support of program footage, fees for broadcast rights for Formula 2 and Formula 3 races and fees for advertising rights on Formula 1’s digital platforms.
“Following the reclassification, Other F1 revenue is primarily comprised of freight and hospitality revenue. $3 million of Other F1 revenue was reclassified as Primary F1 revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 to conform to the current period presentation. The impact of the revenue reclassification for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 can be found in Schedule 3 of this press release.
“There were seven races held in the second quarter of 2021, compared to no races held in the second quarter of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fan attendance continues to be assessed by relevant government authorities on a race-by-race basis. A very limited number of fans were in attendance and there was no Paddock Club hospitality at races in the second quarter. While final decisions are pending for most upcoming events, fan capacity increased beginning in the third quarter and the Paddock Club hospitality resumed operations beginning with the Austrian Grand Prix on July 4.
“Primary F1 revenue increased in the second quarter with growth in race promotion, media rights and sponsorship fees. This was due to the recognition of race specific and season-based income with seven races held in the second quarter of 2021 compared to no races in the prior year period. Media rights fees also benefited from growth in F1 TV subscription revenue. Other F1 revenue increased in the second quarter due to certain event-related activities associated with the seven races held in the current period compared to no races held in the prior year period, including higher freight, media and technical services, travel and Formula 2 and Formula 3 income. Licensing revenue also increased due to new contracts.
“Operating loss decreased and adjusted OIBDA increased in the second quarter. Cost of F1 revenue increased primarily due to the recognition of team payments in the second quarter, as such payments are recognized pro rata with the race calendar and no races were held in the prior year period. Other cost of F1 revenue is largely variable in nature and mostly relates to revenue opportunities. These costs increased in the second quarter due to seven races taking place, which drove higher technical, travel, freight and logistics, Formula 2 and Formula 3 and other related costs. The proportionate recognition of a full year of FIA fees also contributed to the increase in other cost of Formula 1 revenue during the second quarter. Selling, general and administrative expense increased due to higher personnel cost as no bonus was accrued in the prior year period, as well as increased marketing expense.”
Here’s the Q1 report of F1 2021