Q2 2026 CTS Eventim AG & Co KgaA Earnings Call

August 20, 2026

William Willms: From the United States. Welcome to CTS Eventim's earnings call for the first six months of the year 2026. Thank you very much for joining. I am William Willms, as Joe said, CFO of CTS Eventim, and I am delighted to take you through our H1 results today. On my side, as usual, is Marco Haeckermann, our Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development and Strategy.

William Willms: From the United States. Welcome to CTS Eventim's Earnings Call for the first six months of the year 2026. Thank you very much for joining. I am William Willms, as Joe said, CFO of CTS Eventim, and I am delighted to take you through our H1 results today. On my side, as usual, is Marco Haeckermann, our Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development and Strategy.

Speaker #1: From the United States, welcome to CTS Eventim's earnings call for the first six months of the year 2026. Thank you very much for joining.

Speaker #1: I'm William Wilms, as just said, CFO of CTS Eventim, and I'm delighted to take you through our half-year results today. On my side, as usual, is Marco Heckermann, our Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Development and Strategy.

Speaker #2: Hello everyone.

Marco Haeckermann: Hello, everyone.

Speaker #1: Now, before we dive into the details, please allow me a brief word on the structure of the call. Today, we will focus on our H1 2026 financial performance.

William Willms: Now before we dive into the details, please allow me a brief word on the structure of the call. Today, we will focus on our H1 2026 financial performance. I will walk you through the headline numbers, segment results, and certain key P&L drivers. At the end of the presentation, we will be happy to open the floor for your questions. Let me start with some operational highlights of the last quarter. Our signature twin festival, Rock am Ring, Rock im Park here in Germany, was definitely one of those highlights in the last quarter. Sold out eight months in advance with more than 500 fans over three days and spectacular headliners like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, and Iron Maiden. The Rock am Ring success story will continue next year with two-thirds of all tickets for the 2027 edition already sold so far.

William Willms: Now before we dive into the details, please allow me a brief word on the structure of the call. Today, we will focus on our H1 2026 financial performance. I will walk you through the headline numbers, segment results, and certain key P&L drivers. At the end of the presentation, we will be happy to open the floor for your questions. Let me start with some operational highlights of the last quarter. Our signature twin festival, Rock am Ring, Rock im Park here in Germany, was definitely one of those highlights in the last quarter. Sold out eight months in advance with more than 500 fans over three days and spectacular headliners like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, and Iron Maiden. The Rock am Ring success story will continue next year with 23 of all tickets for the 2027 edition already sold so far.

Speaker #1: I will walk you through the headline numbers, segment results, and certain key P&L drivers. At the end of the presentation, we will be happy to open the floor for your questions.

Speaker #1: Let me start with some operational highlights of the last quarter. Our signature twin festival, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park here in Germany, was definitely one of those highlights in the last quarter.

Speaker #1: Sold out eight months in advance, with more than 500 fans over three days and spectacular headliners like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, and Iron Maiden.

Speaker #1: The Rock am Ring success story will continue next year, with two-thirds of all tickets for the 2027 edition already sold so far. Second, the Eros Ramazzotti World Tour, with shows in more than 30 different countries, started in February in Paris, followed by several shows in Europe in the last quarter.

William Willms: Second, the Eros Ramazzotti World Tour, with shows in more than 30 different countries, started in February in Paris, followed by several shows in Europe in the last quarter. Eros is now heading to the United States, Canada, and Latin America, and he will be back in Europe in 2027 for further performances. Last but not least, LA28 started with the so-called first drop, offering tickets to the public in April this year. Together with our JV partner, AXS, we act as the exclusive partner for the primary ticketing. The so-called second drop window has been conducted already successfully too. First, a summary of our headline KPIs for H1 2026. In summary, I am very proud to say we keep on growing profitably. Group revenue came in at EUR 1.5 billion, up 17% versus H1 2025.

Speaker #1: Eros is now heading to the United States, Canada, and Latin America. And here, we'll be back in Europe in 2027 for further performances. And last but not least, LA28 started with the so-called first drop, offering tickets to the public in April this year.

Speaker #1: Together with our JV partner AXS, we act as the exclusive partner for the primary ticketing. The so-called second drop window has already been conducted successfully, too.

Speaker #1: First, a summary of our headline KPIs for H1 2026. In summary, I am very proud to say we keep on growing profitably. Group revenue came in at €1.5 billion, up 17% versus H1 2025.

Speaker #1: Adjusted EBITDA grew by 12.4% to €2,025 million, benefiting from the operational leverage of our platform, again improving the strength of our business model.

William Willms: Adjusted EBITDA grew by 12.4% to EUR 225 million, benefiting from the operational leverage of our platform and proving again the strength of our business model. Our EBIT grew even stronger by 15.3%. On retail ticket volume, we recorded 81 million tickets and performed slightly above prior year's level. By this, we have been able to overcompensate the known and reported change in the Stage Entertainment partner business. GTV on the last 12 months basis grew by 13.3%, reflecting continued platform scale. And ATP for the first half year grew significantly to EUR 1.25, up EUR 0.32 versus H1 2025. A positive development, mainly benefiting from FX effects. The first half of 2026 demonstrates hereby our continuous course of profitable growth and is in line with our expectations. The next slide shows the historical first half year trend with consistent and compounding growth over the past years.

Speaker #1: Our EBIT grew even stronger by 15.3%. On retail ticket volume, we recorded 81 million tickets and performed slightly above the prior year's level. By this, we have been able to overcompensate for the non-end reported change in the staged partner business.

Speaker #1: GTV, on a last 12 months basis, grew by 13.3%, reflecting continued platform scale. And APS, for the first half of the year, grew significantly to €1.25, up €0.32 versus H1 2025, a positive development mainly benefiting from FX effects.

Speaker #1: The first half of 2026 demonstrates, hereby, our continuous course of profitable growth and is in line with our expectations. The next slide shows the historical first half-year trend, with consistent and compounding growth over the past years.

Speaker #1: Group revenue grew by, as already said, 17% to €1.5 billion in the first 6 months. Adjusted EBITDA grew by €20 million to €225 million, representing an increase of 12.4%.

William Willms: Group revenue grew by, as already said, 17% to EUR 1.5 billion in the first six months. Adjusted EBITDA grew by EUR 201 to EUR 225 million, representing a plus of 12.4%. In H1 2026, the adjusted EBITDA margin comes out at 14.9% compared to 15.5% in H1 2025. This, however, does not represent a structural deterioration of our margin, but it is mainly a weighted mix effect of our two business segments. Live Entertainment accounts for a larger share of the group's revenue compared to the previous year, and Live Entertainment margins are structurally lower than the Ticketing segment, as you all know. As the venue contribution with the Live Entertainment will grow, we expect Live Entertainment margins to improve over time. On EBIT, the outperformance in H1 2026 versus prior year is notable. This operational achievement reflects the quality of our earnings base.

Speaker #1: In H1 2026, the adjusted EBITDA margin comes out at 14.9%, compared to 15.5% in H1 2025. This, however, does not represent a structural deterioration of our margin.

Speaker #1: But it's mainly a weighted mix effect of our two business segments. Live Entertainment accounts for a larger share of the group's revenue compared to the previous year, and Live Entertainment margins are structurally lower than the Ticketing segment, as you all know.

Speaker #1: As the venue contribution with live entertainment grows, we expect live entertainment margins to improve over time. On EBIT, the outperformance in H1 2026 versus the prior year is notable.

Speaker #1: This operational achievement reflects the quality of our earnings base. Let's have a deeper look into the performance of our ticketing business. In H1 2026, the ticketing business continued its growth trajectory with 14% revenue growth.

William Willms: Let's have a deeper look into the performance of our Ticketing business. In H1 2026, the Ticketing business continued its growth trajectory with +14% revenue growth. As already mentioned, 2026 was impacted by the change in the Stage Entertainment partner business. On a like-for-like basis, without this effect, Ticketing came in at nearly +20% in H1 2026. As we started with our operational excellence program, the first half year was about building up capabilities and talent, which we consider as an important first step. Although this temporarily leads to higher cost now, this increase will be compensated by future efficiency gains and corresponding cost reductions. Adjusted EBITDA in H1 2026 is also above prior year and grew by +3.4%. Both EBITDA and EBITDA margin are in line with our internal expectations. Ticketing remains our high-quality earnings stream and H1 2026 reaffirms its resilience.

Speaker #1: As already mentioned, 2026 was impacted by the change in the staged partner business. On a like-for-like basis, without this effect, ticketing came in at nearly plus 20% in H1 2026.

Speaker #1: As we started with our operational excellence program, the first half-year was about building up capabilities and talent, which we consider an important first step.

Speaker #1: Although this temporarily leads to higher costs now, this increase will be compensated by future efficiency gains and corresponding cost reductions. Adjusted EBITDA in H1 2026 is also above the prior year and grew by 3.4%. Both EBITDA and EBITDA margin are in line with our internal expectations.

Speaker #1: Ticketing remains our high-quality earnings stream, and H1 2026 reaffirms its resilience. In the first six months of 2026, we delivered, as I mentioned before, 81 million retail tickets, and by this we are leaving behind the dip from the structural change in our staged business.

William Willms: In the first six months in 2026, we delivered, as I mentioned before, 81 million retail tickets, and by this, we are leaving behind the dip from the structural change in our Stage Entertainment business. As you can see, Eventim is becoming more and more international. Due to the overproportional international growth, 70% of the retail ticket volume is nowadays generated outside Germany. This is a significant milestone reflecting the successful internationalization of our platform. Putting everything together, the volume growth in 2026 underlines a healthy market environment for CTS Eventim, and proves the quality of our offering and the strength of our business model. Let's turn now to our Live Entertainment segment. Live Entertainment delivered a strong performance in the first six months, strong and within the expected ranges. Revenues went up to nearly EUR 1.1 billion, an increase of well over 18% versus 2025.

Speaker #1: As you can see, Eventim is becoming more and more international. Due to the disproportionate international growth, 70% of the retail ticket volume is now generated outside Germany.

Speaker #1: This is a significant milestone, reflecting the successful internationalization of our platform. Putting everything together, the volume growth in 2026 underlines a healthy market environment for CTS Eventim, improves the quality of our offering, and demonstrates the strength of our business model.

Speaker #1: Let's turn now to our live entertainment segment. Live entertainment delivered a strong performance in the first six months—strong and within the expected ranges.

Speaker #1: Revenues went up to nearly €1.1 billion, an increase of well over 18% versus 2025. Surpassing all prior years, as shown in the chart, live entertainment surpassed the €1 billion level for the first time within the first 6 months of a year.

William Willms: Surpassing all prior years is shown in the chart. Live Entertainment surpassed the EUR 1 billion level for the first time within the first 6 months of a year. Adjusted EBITDA came out strong too, EUR 53 million compared to EUR 34 million in H1 2025. The margin expanded to 5%. This improvement reflects three factors. One, a very strong portfolio of shows and festivals, especially in Germany and Italy. Turnaround and a positive development of our US promoter business, and a solid contribution from our venue business presented on the next slide. Let's dive now into our venue business. Venue operations remains a key high-margin pillar of the group. With revenue of EUR 70 million and adjusted EBITDA of EUR 29 million, margins remain structurally stable. The startup phase of the Unipol Dome is temporarily waiting on the events business' margins in the second quarter.

Speaker #1: Adjusted EBITDA came out strong too: €53 million, compared to €34 million in H1 2025. The margin expanded to 5%. This improvement reflects three factors: one, a very strong portfolio of shows and festivals, especially in Germany and Italy; two, turnaround and positive development of our US promoter business; and three, a solid contribution from our venue business, presented on the next slide.

Speaker #1: Let's dive now into our venue business. Venue operations remain a key high-margin pillar of the Group. With revenue of €70 million and adjusted EBITDA of €29 million, margins remain structurally stable.

Speaker #1: The startup phase of the Unipol Dome is temporarily weighing on the events business’s margins in the second quarter. When adjusted for the effects of the Unipol Dome's ramp-up, margins in this business are actually slightly above the prior year level.

William Willms: When adjusted for the effects of the Unipol Dome ramp-up, margins in this business are actually slightly above the prior year level. It is worth noting in this context that following the Olympic Ice Hockey tournament in February, which drew 40,000 visitors, the Unipol Dome in Milan opened its doors for the first music concerts this spring. A rapidly expanding event schedule is set to follow from late summer onwards. Consequently, the Unipol Dome Milan will contribute to operating results starting in the third quarter and represents a significant addition to our high-margin portfolio of event venues. Last but not least, our strong operational momentum is complemented by a positive development on the financial result. We are able to report a positive financial result of EUR +20 million. Taken all together, the 6-month EPS significantly went up to EUR 1.25.

Speaker #1: It is worth noting in this context that, following the Olympic ice hockey tournament in February, which drew 40,000 visitors, the Unipol Dome in Milan opened its doors for the first music concerts this spring.

Speaker #1: A rapidly expanding event schedule is set to follow from late summer onwards. Consequently, the Unipol Dome Milan will contribute to operating results starting in the third quarter and represents a significant addition to our high-margin portfolio of event venues.

Speaker #1: Last but not least, our strong operational momentum is complemented by a positive development in the financial result. We are able to report a positive financial result of EUR 20 million.

Speaker #1: Taken all together, the six-month EPS significantly went up to €1.25. This EPS of €1.25 reflects a growth of 34% compared to last year.

William Willms: This EPS of 1.25 reflects a growth of 34% compared to last year. As mentioned, this reflects the combination of both operational momentum and an improved financial result. What are the key takeaways of today's call, which I would like you to take home? First, we have seen solid organic growth on group level and on ticketing like for like. First 6 months of 2026 are fully in line with our expectations. Third, the operational excellence program has started and marks the kickoff for our 2030 ambitions. Last but not least, strong net result and EPS. Finally, as already announced in the beginning of this year, I am very pleased now to announce that our Capital Markets Day will take place on 20 November 2026 in the Unipol Dome in Milano.

Speaker #1: As mentioned, this reflects the combination of both operational momentum and an improved financial result. What are the key takeaways of today's call that I would like you to take home?

Speaker #1: First, we have seen solid organic growth on group level and on ticketing like-for-like. The first six months of 2026 are fully in line with our expectations.

Speaker #1: Third, the operational excellence program has started and marks the kickoff for our 2030 ambitions. And last but not least, strong net result and EPS.

Speaker #1: And finally, as already announced at the beginning of this year, I am very pleased to now announce that our Capital Markets Day will take place on November 20, 2026, at the Unipol Dome in Milano.

Speaker #1: And to round off a hopefully very exciting and successful day with all of you, we would like to invite you to a fantastic concert in the Unipol Dome with the British rock band Muse on that very same night.

William Willms: To round off a hopefully very exciting and successful day with all of you, we want to invite you to a fantastic concert in the Unipol Dome with the British rock band Muse at that very same night. Please save the date, stay tuned, and official invitations will be sent out shortly. That concludes our remarks for the first 6 months of 2026. I hope this has been insightful for you. Many thanks for your attention. Operator, may I please ask you to jump now into the Q&A, and please open the line now.

Speaker #1: So please save the date, stay tuned, and official invitations will be sent out shortly. That concludes our remarks for the first six months of 2026.

Speaker #1: I hope this has been insightful for you. Many thanks for your attention. Operator, may I please ask you to jump now into the Q&A and please open the line now.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question, please press star 9 and the pound key on your telephone keypad.

Operator: Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question, please press star nine and pound key on your telephone keypad. If you would like to revoke your question, press star three and pound key. You can also use the dial-in function in the webcast and raise your hand if you would like to ask a question by phone. Lara Simpson from JPMorgan, please go ahead.

Speaker #2: If you would like to revoke your question, press star 3 and the pound key. You can also use the dial-in function in the webcast and raise your hand if you would like to ask a question by phone.

Speaker #2: So, we already have quite a few questions. Laura Simpson from JEPM, please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Great, thank you. Good evening, all. It's Laura Simpson from J.P. Morgan. My first question was just on the LA28 drop. If you could just give a bit more context in terms of, one, the size of that revenue that dropped through in the second quarter, and also try and help us understand the profitability on which it's fallen through.

Lara Simpson: Great. Thank you. Good evening, all. It is Lara Simpson from JPMorgan. My first question was just on the LA28 drop. If you could just give a bit more context in terms of, one, the size of that revenue that dropped through in Q2, and also try and help us understand the profitability on which it fell through. I know there is a different moving part from the economics there. Then I know you mentioned the second drop has now happened, so just help us, you can understand the quantum of that. I suppose if we take a step back, what does the contract look like in terms of overall revenue and profit expectations? Because clearly a lot of moving parts, and I know it can be quite lumpy.

Speaker #3: I know there's a different moving parts on the economics there. And then I know you mentioned the second drop has now happened. So just helpful if you can understand the quantum of that.

Speaker #3: And I suppose, if we take a step back, what does the contract look like in terms of overall revenue and profit expectations? Because clearly there are a lot of moving parts, and I know it can be quite lumpy.

Speaker #3: With that, my second question would just be: If we strip out Stage and the LA28 contribution to ticketing, what was the clean organic growth for that division in Q2, and how do you think that compared to underlying market growth?

Lara Simpson: With that, my second question would just be, if we strip out Stage Entertainment at the LA28 contribution to ticketing, what was the clean organic growth for that division in Q2, and how you think that compared to underlying market growth. Then my third question, if I may, is just to come back to the guidance. You have obviously reiterated the message from the annual report, so I think that points to an increase in revenue and EBITDA. You have clearly delivered a very strong H1, again, moving parts with LA. But could you just talk a little bit more to the outlook for the second half? It feels like it is still quite conservative. Are you expecting material deceleration in the second half of the year, or should this be framed as quite conservative? Any color you can give on the second half I think would be helpful to manage expectations.

Speaker #3: And then my third question, if I may, is just to come back to the guidance. You've obviously reiterated the message from the annual report, so I think that points to an increase in revenue and EBITDA.

Speaker #3: You've clearly delivered a very strong H1. Again, moving parts with LA. But could you just talk a little bit more about the outlook for the second half?

Speaker #3: It feels like it's still quite conservative. Are you expecting material deceleration in the second half of the year, or should this be framed as quite conservative?

Speaker #3: Any color you can give on the second half, I think would be helpful to manage expectations. Thank you.

Lara Simpson: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Maybe I’ll start with the third question. Marco will take over questions one and two. For the time being, we will stick to the guidance. We look positively into the year.

William Willms: Maybe I start with the third question. Marco will take over question one and two. For the time being, we stick to the guidance. We look positive into the year. Having said this, you are right, we are a little conservative given the geopolitical environment. Updates on the year will be discussed then on 20 November in more detail. I hope this is a satisfying answer to you and all the others who might have the same question.

Speaker #1: Having said this, you are right. We are a little bit conservative, given the geopolitical environment. Updates for the year—we will discuss them in more detail on the 20th of November.

Speaker #1: I hope this is a satisfying answer for you and everyone else. We might all have the same question.

Speaker #4: Hi, Laura. It's Marco, and thanks for the questions on LA. So, first off, as we said last year, the overall contract, of course, has a maturity of three years, starting in 2026 and running until 2028.

Marco Haeckermann: Hi, Lara. It is Marco, and thanks for the questions on LA. First off, as we said last year, the overall contract, of course, has a maturity of 3 years, starting off in 2026 until 2028. Over the term of the contract, as we said in our Q1 earnings call, we expect a low triple-digit million amount of revenues over 3 years. With the profitability levels of somewhere between 20% and 30%. With regards to what was the impact of the first drop in Q2, we can say that there was a positive revenue contribution of a low to mid double-digit million amount at exactly the profitability levels which I have highlighted. The nature of the contract is, of course, that it is not fully in our control of when these drops happen.

Speaker #4: And over the term of the contract, as we've said in our Q1 earnings call, we expect a low triple-digit million amount of revenues over three years, with profitability levels of somewhere between 20% and 30%.

Speaker #4: Yeah, with regards to what was the impact of the first drop in the second quarter, we can say that there was a positive revenue contribution of a low to mid-double-digit million amount, at exactly the profitability levels which I've highlighted.

Speaker #4: Now, the nature of the contract is, of course, that it's not fully in our control when these drops happen, yeah. So this is, of course, what the IOC can decide upon.

Marco Haeckermann: This is, of course, what the International Olympic Committee can decide upon and where we are ready to act when they want us to act. The second drop, I think is about to conclude right now. For now, we are very satisfied with the progress, but it is still too early to share more details there. That will be something for the Q3 call then. The second question, adjusting for the change in partner business in 2025, which of course rolls through now 2026 in each quarter and the LA contribution in Q2, we can say that the pure organic like-for-like growth in Q2 and H1 was around in the mid-single digit territory. Comparing this to market growth, I think we can say this is in line with what we have seen so far in the market.

Speaker #4: And we are ready to act when they want us to act, yeah. And the final drop, or the second drop, I think, is about to conclude right now.

Speaker #4: So for now, we are very satisfied with the progress, but it's still too early to share more details there. That would be something for the Q3 call, then.

Speaker #4: And the second question: Adjusting for the change in partner business in 2025—which, of course, rolls through now to 2026 in each quarter—and the LA contribution in the second quarter, we can say that the pure organic like-for-like growth in the second quarter and the first half was around the mid-single-digit territory.

Speaker #4: Yeah. Comparing this to market growth, I think we can say this is in line with what we have seen so far in the market, although, yeah, the market in Q2, I would say, may have been even a little bit weaker than at a single- or mid-single-digit percentage, where we see our organic growth in that quarter.

Marco Haeckermann: Although, the market in Q2, I would say, may have been even a little bit weaker than at a single or mid-single digit percentage where we see our organic growth in that quarter.

Speaker #3: Great. Thank you so much.

Lara Simpson: Great. Thank you so much.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Laura. Operator, next question. Do we have another question?

William Willms: Thank you, Lara. Operator.

Marco Haeckermann: Next question.

William Willms: Next question.

William Willms: Do we have another question?

Operator: Oh. Mr. Maas, please try to ask for a question again. I see that you just left the queue. The next question goes to Christoph Blieffert, BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Oh, Mr. Mask, please try to ask your question again. I see that you just left the queue. The next question goes to Christoph.

Speaker #2: Blifford, BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good evening. Thank you for taking my questions. Can you give us some indication of what percentage of B2C ticket sales Eventim has lost due to the in-house ticketing system of Stage Entertainment?

Christoph Blieffert: Good evening. Thank you for taking my questions. Can you give us some indication which percentage of B2C ticket sales Eventim has lost from the in-house ticketing system of Stage Entertainment? Can you please also quantify the related revenue loss in Q2, please? Then I have a follow-up question on the LA28 Olympics, please. Can you give us an indication how many tickets you have sold? Can you please also repeat the revenue and adjusted EBITDA contribution? The last question is on the investor relation team. There are rumors that Marco might leave the company. Stefan has already left. Any thoughts about the future setup would be helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #5: And can you please also quantify the related revenue loss in the second quarter, please? And I have a follow-up question on the LA Olympics, please.

Speaker #5: Can you give us an indication of how many tickets you have sold? And can you please also repeat the revenue and adjusted EBITDA contribution? And the last question is on the Investor Relations team.

Speaker #5: There are rumors that Marco might leave the company. Stefan has already left. So, any thoughts about the future setup would be helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Okay, for the last one for Laura, let me take question number three. And Marco, then as they tie in—to the questions Laura asked, question number one and number two.

William Willms: Okay. For Lara, let me take question number 3, and Marco then as they tie in to the questions Lara asked, question number 1 and number 2. Yes, indeed, this is correct. Marco, unfortunately, is leaving the company on his own request. With this, a very dear colleague, a very respected colleague of ours is leaving. He will take on different and other ventures. This is fair at an age and development of a career where Marco is. Therefore, our, so to speak, best wishes go to his future after September. I can truly say, we, and I, and the rest of the management team will miss him dearly. Now, of course, as we know about this development, we are in discussions for a replacement, which will take up this role and step into these large shoes. This will be announced very soon.

Speaker #1: Yes, indeed, this is correct. Marco, unfortunately, is leaving the company at his own request. With this, a very, very dear colleague—very, very respected colleague—of ours is leaving.

Speaker #1: He will take on different and other ventures. This is fair. At an age and stage in the development of a career where Marco is, therefore our, so to speak, best wishes go to his future after September.

Speaker #1: But I can truly say we, and I and the rest of the management team, will miss him dearly. Now, of course, as we know about this development, we are in discussions for a replacement who will take up this role.

Speaker #1: And step into these large shoes. And this will be announced very, very soon. A proper period of handover will be guaranteed so that all of you will have the right and best person possible for questions, discussions, and further contact in the company.

William Willms: A proper period of handover will be guaranteed so that all of you will have the right and best person possible for questions, discussions, and further contact in the company. Marco, do you want to take over questions 1 and 2?

Speaker #1: Marco, do you want to take over questions one and two?

Speaker #4: Yeah. Let me deal with the question. So Christoph, the first one on this change in the partnership business, yeah? I mean, as we said already, in our last earnings call, I mean, to some degree, we, of course, we are not allowed to disclose confidential information as we are in business with that company still, yeah, as you know, we continue to sell retail tickets successfully for them in our, which is part of our recurring business, yeah.

Marco Haeckermann: Let me deal with the question. Christoph, the first one on this change in the partnership business. As we said already in our last earnings call, to some degree, of course, we are not allowed to disclose confidential information as we are in business with that company still. As you know, we continue to sell retail tickets successfully for them, which is part of our recurring business. Other than that, what we have indicated so far is that the effect which we see rolling through each quarter on the revenue side is around a high single-digit million. Some low to mid-single-digit million kind of EBITDA contribution, which is the effect if you multiply it by 4, which gets you to that territory of what the value of the partner business was. Your follow-up on the LA Olympics.

Speaker #4: Other than that, what we have indicated so far is that the effect which we see rolling through each quarter on the revenue side is around a high single-digit million, and some low to mid-single-digit million kind of EBITDA contribution. That is the effect if you multiply it by four, which gets you to that territory of what the value of the partner business was.

Speaker #4: Regarding your follow-up on the LA Olympics, as we said, we are in a contractual relationship with LA. We have a joint venture partner, which, of course, limits us from disclosing contractual information here.

Marco Haeckermann: As we said, even here, again, we are in a contractual relationship with LA. We have a joint venture partner, which of course limits us to disclose contractual information here. As we said already on Lara's question, we have seen a low to mid-double-digit million contribution in the second quarter, which came in at around 20% to 25% margin, which is the margin level we expect on average for the value of the contract over the length of the 3-year period, and the totaling revenue to come out at somewhere in the low triple-digit millions. The hundreds, sorry, to make it more specific. With regards to the number of tickets for LA28, the first drop in the second quarter was around 4 million tickets.

Speaker #4: And as we said already on Laura's question, yeah, we have seen a low to mid double-digit million contribution in the second quarter, which came in at around a 20 to 25 percent margin. That is the margin level we expect on average for the value of the contract over the length of the three-year period.

Speaker #4: And the totaling revenue to come out at somewhere yeah, in the low triple-digit millions. The hundreds, sorry to make it more specific, yeah. And with regards to the number of tickets, for LA 28, the first drop in the second quarter was around 4 million tickets, yeah, although it's important to highlight that this is not specific as our retail business, where we just collect a fee based on every ticket sold.

Marco Haeckermann: Although it is important to highlight that this is not specific as our retail business where we just collect a fee based on every ticket sold. It is a much more complex contract. As you said, it is more like a B2B kind of framework, which is why you see the margins where they are.

Speaker #4: It's a much more contract a much more complex contract, yeah. So as you said, it's more like a, yeah, B2B kind of framework, which is why you see the margins where they are.

Speaker #5: So, what you are telling us is that when we take out the 4 million retail tickets, the number of retail tickets is down, but organic gross is up.

Christoph Blieffert: What you are telling us, when we take out the 4 million retail tickets, the number of retail tickets is down, but organic growth is up. This is the message?

Speaker #5: So this is the message.

Speaker #4: If you would do that—if you would do that math—you would have to adjust, of course, the period from last year as well.

Marco Haeckermann: If you would do that math, you would have to adjust, of course, the period from last year as well, with the partner tickets from Stage, which we have lost. I can say, like we said earlier, that the clean organic like for like was up in the mid-single digits in terms of revenue and earnings. This is not coming from a decline in retail tickets.

Speaker #4: Yeah, with the partner tickets from Stage, which we have lost, yeah. And I can say, but like we said earlier, that the clean organic like-for-like was up in the mid-single digits in terms of revenue and earnings.

Speaker #4: So, and this is not coming from a decline in retail tickets, yeah.

Christoph Blieffert: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Sure.

Marco Haeckermann: Sure.

Speaker #2: Quick question, and thank you for calling back. Anik Mas from Bernstein. Please go ahead.

Operator: Next question. Thank you for calling back. Annick Maas from Bernstein. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Good evening. Thank you for the presentation. My first question is going back to the ticketing margin and the operational excellence program that you called out as being the reason why margin was down.

Annick Maas: Good evening. Thank you for the presentation. My first question is going back onto the ticketing margin and the operational excellence program that you called out as being the reason why margin was down. Can you just give us a bit more color on what we should expect here for the H2 of the year? My second question is on live entertainment. Here you have mentioned that live entertainment was more weighted towards the H1 than usual. What was exactly driving this, and how shall we expect this to shape out in the next years? Thirdly, thinking about Milan, the venue, how do you think about the value of that business? Because if I look back at how much this venue was supposed to be worth a few years ago versus the CapEx that you have spent on it, the numbers are actually quite different.

Speaker #6: Can you give us a bit more color on what we should expect in the second half of the year? My second question is on live entertainment.

Speaker #6: Here, you've mentioned that live entertainment was more weighted towards the first half than usual. What was exactly driving this, and how should we expect this to shape out in the coming years?

Speaker #6: And then thirdly, thinking about Milan, the venue, how do you think about the value of that business? Because if I look back at how much this venue was supposed to be worth a few years ago, versus the CAPEX that you’ve spent on it, the numbers are actually quite different.

Speaker #6: So I was just quite keen to hear how you think about the value of the Milan venue for you. Thank you.

Annick Maas: I was just quite keen how you think about the value of the Milan venue for you. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Okay, so as a third question: First, value, right, is one side of the coin—the other side of the coin is investment. So, investment so far is slightly net investment north of €400 million.

William Willms: Okay. Third question first. Value is one side of the coin, the other side of the coin is investment. Investment so far is slightly net investment north of EUR 400 million, while the final amount will be determined by the contributions from the city of Milan and others. Now, when you come to the value, you have to make your calculation on an NPV basis of the EBITDA or free cash flows this company, or this business is delivering. I guess, you were basically looking at the net investment number. Now, in terms of the operational excellence program, this is a key program of ours, and driving our, as I said before, our ambition towards 2030. It's a scaling program first and a cost program second. Fast growth and a large number of acquisitions in the last years have duplicated certain processes.

Speaker #1: While the final amount will be determined by the contributions from the city of Milan and others. Now, when you come to the value, right, you have to take—yeah, then, right, or you have to make your calculation on an NPV basis of the EBITDAs or free cash flows this company or this business is delivering.

Speaker #1: But I guess you were basically looking at the net investment number. Now, in terms of the operational excellence program, this is a key program of ours in driving, as I said before, our ambition towards 2030.

Speaker #1: It's a scaling program first, and a cost program second. Fast growth and a large number of acquisitions in the last years have duplicated certain processes.

Speaker #1: I have explained this in several bilateral calls and discussed it. These processes sometimes lead to unclear interfaces or reporting systems, which need to be modernized.

William Willms: I have explained this in several analyst road shows and discussed this. These processes sometimes lead to unclear interfaces or reporting systems which need to be modernized. This is nothing specific, but this happens in a fast growth scenario, and we are tackling this on the process side, especially. So that we follow an objective with an organization that can carry more business, more products, and several large projects in parallel without cost and complexity rising proportionally. That means that 2026 carries certain implementation costs for this program, including continued investment in technology platforms and AI. Stopping these investments now would be the wrong decision as we are preparing for stronger growth in the years to come, 2027 and following. The efficiency in growth contributions will start from 2027.

Speaker #1: And this is nothing specific, right, but this happens in a fast growth scenario. And we are tackling this, on the process side especially, so that we follow an objective with an organization that can carry more business, more products, and several large projects in parallel, without cost and complexity rising proportionally.

Speaker #1: That means that 2026 carries certain implementation costs for this program, yeah, including continued investment in technology, platforms, and AI. Stopping these investments now would be the wrong decision as we are preparing for, yeah, stronger growth in the years to come—2027 and following.

Speaker #1: The efficiency in growth contributions will start from 2027, and I'm very much hoping to show you more details during the CMD, and then measurable milestones rather than single savings numbers in the years to come during our quarterly calls.

William Willms: I'm very much hoping to show you more details during the CMD, and then measurable milestones rather than single savings numbers in the years to come during our quarterly calls.

Speaker #4: Hi Anik, it's Marco. I will take the question on the live entertainment margin and the timing. As you know, of course, particularly in live entertainment, the timing of expenses and shows is never the same compared to the previous year, yeah?

Marco Haeckermann: Hi, Annick, it is Marco. I would take the question on the live entertainment margin and the timing. As you know, of course, particularly in live entertainment, timing of expenses and show is never the same compared to the previous year. This is why we, of course, look at it more like on a rolling basis. Here, the important message is, of course, with all the portfolio work the live entertainment team has done since last year, we see the H1, first six months margin up by 120 basis points. Yes, there was quarter-on-quarter quite some volatility with Q1, where margins shot really up by more than 300 basis points and now flat margin development in Q2, which is mostly due to these timing effects. We are on the right path there.

Speaker #4: And this is why we, of course, look at it more on a rolling basis. And here, the important message is, of course, with all the portfolio work the live entertainment team has done since last year, we see the first half, first six months margin, up by 120 basis points.

Speaker #4: Yes, there was quarter-on-quarter quite some volatility, with Q1 where margins shot really up by more than 300 basis points, and now flat margin development in Q2, which is mostly due to these timing effects, yeah?

Speaker #4: But we are on the right path there. Our live entertainment team is doing a great job, and particularly the topics which William has highlighted in the presentation as well—the turnaround and the profitability in the United States with our promoters will, yeah, set a good ground, particularly in the second half as well, to continue on this path, yeah, and to bring over an extended time period our live entertainment back into the margin territory where we used to have it.

Marco Haeckermann: Our live entertainment team is doing a great job, and particularly the topics which William has highlighted in the presentation as well. The turnaround and the profitability in the United States with our promoters will set a good ground, particularly in the H2 as well, to continue on this path and to bring over an extended time period our live entertainment back into the margin territory where we used to have it.

Speaker #6: Great, thank you. Can I just follow up on the operational excellence question? My question was more to understand—should we expect the same margin drop in the second half due to operational excellence? I understand that you will keep on investing, but you can invest a little bit, a lot—so what is the phasing for the second half?

Annick Maas: Great. Thank you. Can I just follow up on the operational excellence question? My question was more to understand, shall we expect the same margin drop in the H2 due to operational excellence? I understand that you will keep on investing, but you can invest a little bit, a lot or what is the phasing of the H2? Are we expecting the same level of investment that you saw in the H1 and the H2? Thank you.

Speaker #6: Are we expecting the same level of investment that you saw in the first half in the second half? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Hi Anik, it's Marco again. Yes, it's exactly like we laid out at the beginning of the year—where we said Q1, and now Q2 is a good proxy, with the low- to mid-single-digit million.

Marco Haeckermann: Hi, Annick, it is Marco again. Yes, it is exactly like we laid out at the beginning of the year where we said Q1 and now Q2 is a good proxy with the low to mid single digit million of incremental and temporary expense for operational excellence. The math would be right if you just roll this forward through Q3 and Q4 to come up with the full year budget.

Speaker #4: ...of incremental and temporary expense for operational excellence. And the math would be right if you just roll this forward through Q3 and Q4 to come up with a full-year budget.

Speaker #6: Got it. Thank you. Super. Thanks.

Annick Maas: Thank you.

Marco Haeckermann: Yeah.

Annick Maas: Super. Thanks.

Speaker #4: Yeah.

Marco Haeckermann: Yeah.

Speaker #6: The next question goes to Andreas Riemann from Adobe HF. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question goes to Andreas Riemann from ODDO BHF. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Yes, good evening, William. Hello, Marco. Two topics. One is the festival. So, last year in Q2, EBITDA was negatively affected by loss-making festivals. Can you update us on how many festivals you shut down, how many you plan to operate in '26, and how many are still loss-making?

Andreas Riemann: Yes. Good evening, William. Hello, Marco. Two topics. One is the festival. Last year in Q2, EBITDA was negatively affected by loss-making festivals. Can you update us on how many festivals did you shut down? How many do you plan to operate in 2026? And how many are still loss-making? Any insight on the festivals would be appreciated. The second one, last year you also spoke about integration costs, mainly for See Tickets. Are those costs now zero? Is the integration of See Tickets completely done? This would be the second question. Thanks.

Speaker #5: So any insight on the festivals would be appreciated. And the second one: last year, you also spoke about integration costs, mainly for seat tickets.

Speaker #5: Are those costs now zero, and is the integration of seat tickets completely done? This would be the second question. Thanks.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Integration of seat tickets is done, so no further integration cost. Of course, you have the usual, so to speak—costs of putting new systems in place as technology becomes obsolete, right?

William Willms: Thank you. Integration of See Tickets is done, so no further integration cost. Of course, you have the usual, so to speak, cost of putting new systems in place as technology becomes obsolete, right? But what you would classify as typical integration costs, this has been done. Now, on the festivals, you are right, we are constantly actually reviewing our portfolio of festivals. One festival we stopped is the Highfield Festival. We will not continue on this festival. It is a mid-size rock festival here in Germany. There are other festivals which are continuously under review and which might not continue next year. Now, the thing with festivals is once you stop it is stopped. You cannot restart, right?

Speaker #1: But what you would classify as typical integration costs, right, this has been done. Now, on the festivals, you're right, we are constantly actually reviewing our portfolio of festivals.

Speaker #1: One festival we stopped is the Highfield Festival. We will not continue with this festival. It's a mid-size rock festival here in Germany. There are other festivals which are continuously under review and which might not continue next year.

Speaker #1: Now, the thing with festivals is, once you stop it, it's stopped. You cannot restart, right? Rob, I'm bringing up Rob and Park. They had difficult years, and their team from Dreamhouse in Berlin did a fantastic job last year in restructuring this festival.

William Willms: Well, Rock am Ring Rock im Park had difficult years, and the team from DreamHaus in Berlin did a fantastic job last year in restructuring this festival and bringing it up to basically the level you need to be this year at this time. It was not only a huge success for the fans, but also financially. Long story short, there are other festivals under review which might be stopped and which will be announced in due course over the next few months. You wanted to add?

Speaker #1: And bringing it up to basically the level you need to be, right, this year, at this time. And it was not only a huge success for the fans, but also financially.

Speaker #1: So, long story short, there are other festivals under review which might be stopped and which will be announced in due course, over the next few months.

Speaker #1: You want to add?

Speaker #4: No, but I think, at the bottom line, it's what we had as well from Anik's question up front. I mean, the margin is up.

Marco Haeckermann: No, but I think at the bottom line is what we had as well from our next question up front. The margin is up, it is structurally up. There might be a little bit of noise from one quarter to the other, but the average trend is in the right direction, and this goes together, of course, with the work our teams are doing on the portfolio. Of course, it goes without saying that not just single festivals are under review. You always have to see it in a broader picture from a ticketing perspective, from a market positioning perspective. But this work, which we started last year, is bearing fruits already now, and it will continue to do so.

Speaker #4: It's structurally up, yeah. There might be a little bit of noise from one quarter to the other, but the average trend is in the right direction.

Speaker #4: And this goes together, of course, with the work our teams are doing on the portfolio. And, of course, it goes without saying that not just—I mean, single festivals are under review.

Speaker #4: You always have to see it in a broader picture—from a ticketing perspective, and, yes, from a market positioning perspective. But this work, which we started last year, is already bearing fruits now.

Speaker #4: And it will continue to do so.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you.

William Willms: Okay. Thank you.

Andreas Riemann: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #6: The next question is from Olivier Calve from UBS. Please go ahead. The floor is yours.

Operator: The next question is from Olivier Calvet from UBS. Please go ahead. The floor is yours.

Speaker #7: Yeah. Hi, William. Hi, Marco. Thanks for taking my questions. The first one would be on the LA 2028 ticket sales. If you could make any comments on Drop Two, and so far the share of inventory—if you have visibility on that—that has been sold in the first two drops.

Olivier Calvet: Hi, William. Hi, Marco. Thanks for taking my questions. The first one would be on the LA28 ticket sales. If you could make any comments on drop 2 and on, so far, the share of inventory, if you have visibility on that has been sold in the first two drops. Just to confirm whether you saw any impact from volumes as opposed to price. That would be the first one. Secondly, just on the group volumes, when I look at the European tickets, I see a decrease in Q2 and H1. I was just curious if there were any further drivers, because I see also some geographies, notably the UK, being down year-over-year. Just curious if you could comment on volumes and whether there's anything going on in the relatively small but still relevant UK market.

Speaker #7: And just to confirm, whether you saw any impact from volumes as opposed to price—that would be the first one. Secondly, just on the group volumes, when I look at the European tickets, I see a decrease in Q2 and H1.

Speaker #7: I was just curious if there were any further drivers, because I see also some geographies—notably the UK—being down year over year. So just curious if you could comment on volumes and whether there's anything going on in the relatively small but still relevant UK market.

Speaker #7: And thirdly, just on the investing cash flow and your Milan venue comments: You posted a significant cash outflow in the first quarter, and the second quarter is an inflow, so it gets overall better over H1.

Olivier Calvet: Thirdly, just on the investing cash flow, and your Milan venue comments. So, you posted a significant cash outflow in the first quarter. Second quarter is an inflow, so it gets overall better over H1. I just wanted you to sort of outlook for the full year. You said the Milan venue was a net EUR 400 million, or did you mean net of any subsidies? Just want to come back on that. Thank you.

Speaker #7: I just wanted your sort of outlook for the full year, and you said the Milan venue was a net €400 million, or did you mean—so did you mean net of any subsidies? Or, yeah, just want to come back on that.

Speaker #7: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Okay. Hi, Olivier. It's Marco. So correct me if I might miss one or two parts of the questions, but let us start from the back.

Marco Haeckermann: Okay. Hi, Olivier, it's Marco. Correct me if I might miss on one or two parts of the questions, but let us start from the back. As William said, the investments for Milan are basically north of EUR 400 million. We would expect to end it. Of course, at the moment, the investments done so far, which you see through our cash flow statement, are basically gross. Because there haven't been any-

Speaker #4: I mean, as William said, the investments for Milan are basically north of €400 million, yeah? And where we would expect to end it—yeah, of course, at the moment, the investments done so far, which you see through our cash flow statement, are basically gross, yeah, because there haven't been any payments from the cities or other funders yet for these projects.

Olivier Calvet: Yeah

Marco Haeckermann: payments from the cities or other funders of these projects. Everything that went through the cash flow as of now is gross, basically. This is why the money is coming in as we started and as we have elaborated that we are already in the ramp-up phase this year of the Unipol Dome. The second question around European volumes. Basically, when we take out a little bit the noise from our numbers, the change in partner business last year, and the contributions from other larger projects this year, we see a stable volume development, which is at the moment at the low single digits.

Speaker #4: So, everything that went through the cash flow as of now is gross, basically. And this is why, yeah, with the money coming in, as we started and as we've elaborated, we're already in the ramp-up phase this year of the Unipol Dome, yeah?

Speaker #4: The second question around European volumes—yeah, I mean, basically, when we take out a little bit of the noise from our numbers, the change in partner business last year, and the contributions from other larger projects this year, we see a stable volume development, which is at the moment in the low single digits.

Speaker #4: But market-wise, we can say that, of course, markets that have seen tremendous performances like last year and the year before—like the UK—that, of course, you're seeing a little bit of the effect where, yeah, many big acts have been touring over the post-COVID years, which is somehow flattening out.

Marco Haeckermann: But market-wise, we can say that, of course, markets that have seen tremendous performances like last year and the year before, like the UK, that of course, you are seeing a little bit of the effect where many big acts have been touring over the post-COVID years, which is somehow flattening out. I would say the revenue effect you would refer to in the market are more driven by the mix in the volume there. So average ATPs rather than actual volume effects. As much as we can say from that side. The first question on LA, as we said, the second drop is about to conclude today. So there is not too much which we can say.

Speaker #4: And I would say the revenue effect you would refer to in the market is more driven by the mix and the volume there, yeah?

Speaker #4: So, average ATPs rather than actual volume effects, yeah, as much as we can say from that side. The first question on LA, as we said, the second drop is about to conclude today, yeah?

Speaker #4: So there is not too much which we can say. And as we've said earlier, I mean, I can't say whether it's a good or a bad thing that in the end, we provide the infrastructure together with our partner, which, our client, which is the IOC, is excessively using, yeah? Which is why, when we started early on, the best guess was, of course, to have the total contractual value split in three thirds over three years. What we now see is, of course, that they like dropping these primary tickets, yeah?

Marco Haeckermann: As we have said earlier, I cannot say whether it is a good or a bad thing that in the end, we provide the infrastructure together with our partner, which. Our client, which is the International Olympic Committee, is successively using. Which is why that when we started early on, the best guess was, of course, to have the total contractual value split in three thirds over three years. What we now see is, of course, that they like dropping these primary tickets, so that there might be a little bit less to sell primarily in 2028, and that this will move forward. But it is an indication we could give at best. It is not enough to really put tangible numbers to it. But as of now, the second drop went technically well. So this is what we can say, and the numbers can be discussed in more detail in the next call.

Speaker #4: So that there might be a little bit less to sell primarily in 2028, and that this will move forward. But it's an indication we could give at best—yeah, it is not enough to really put tangible numbers to it.

Speaker #4: But as of now, the second drop went technically well, yeah? So this is what we can say. And the numbers can be discussed in more detail in the next call.

Speaker #7: Okay, thank you. And just can I follow up on the investing cash flow? Because if I look at what you've done in Q1 and H1 now, it seems like cash from investing is a positive—something like €85 million.

Olivier Calvet: Okay. Thank you. Can I follow up on the investing cash flow? Because if I look at what you have done in Q1 and H1 now, it seems like cash from investing is a positive, something like EUR 85 million. Just wanted to confirm maybe the outlook for the year for investing cash flows, since you do not break it down further. Just so we have a sense of what to expect and what drove that positive inflow in Q2.

Speaker #7: So, I just wanted to confirm the outlook for the year regarding investing cash flow, since you don't break it down further, right? Just so we have a sense of what to expect, and what drove that positive inflow in Q2.

Speaker #4: Yeah. I mean, mainly, what we have is, supposedly, year over year, that on the overall investing cash flow, Milan is tapering out. That's one thing.

Marco Haeckermann: Yeah. Mainly what we have is, of course, year-over-year that on the overall investing cash flow, Milan is tapering out. That is one thing. Last year was affected, of course, by advances which we paid for projects like the LA28, which is now reverting as we start to generate revenue. These are the basic moving parts there. Again, given that this is a moving part throughout the rest of the year as well, due to whether there will be drops, what the size of the next drops will be from the IOC, it is hard to predict. But one thing is for sure, we are in a very cash-generative business, and this is, of course, the line we would expect 2026 to come in.

Speaker #4: Last year was affected, of course, by advances which we paid for projects like DLA Olympics—yeah—which is now reversing as we start to generate revenue.

Speaker #4: And these are the basic moving parts there. Again, given that this is a moving part throughout the rest of the year as well, due to whether there will be drops, what the size of the next drops will be from the IOC, it's hard to predict, yeah?

Speaker #4: But I mean, one thing is for sure: we are in a very cash-generative business, yeah? And this is, of course, the line where we would expect 2026 to come in.

Marco Haeckermann: We are talking about what temporary effects are and what sustainable effects are, and what we expect from the investments we are taking this year, whether it is operational excellence or other projects. So bear with us for the rest of the year, and we can disclose more details about how the cash flows are developing. But we are still very happy at where we are in running this business, as it is, of course, very attractive from that cash flow perspective.

Speaker #4: We are talking about what temporary effects are and what sustainable effects are, and what we expect from the investments we're making this year—whether it's operational excellence or other projects. Yeah?

Speaker #4: So bear with us for the rest of the year, and we can disclose more details about how the cash flows are developing. But yeah, we're still very happy with where we are in running this business, as it is, of course, very attractive from that cash flow perspective.

Speaker #7: Thanks, Marco.

Olivier Calvet: Thanks, Marco.

Speaker #1: The next question goes to Brent Clanton from Barclays. Please go ahead. The floor is yours.

Operator: The next question goes to Bernd Klanten from Barclays. Please go ahead. The floor is yours.

Speaker #7: Yes, hi William. Hi Marco. Thanks very much for taking my question. On the excellence program, you've spoken about the sort of impact in 2026, but what should we expect in terms of cost savings for 2027?

Bernd Klanten: Yes. Hi, William. Hi, Marco. Thanks very much for taking my question. On the Excellence program, you have spoken about the sort of impact in 2026, but what should we expect in terms of cost savings for 2027? The second question on venues, what is currently the status quo on Vienna, and should we still expect clarity on the sort of financing structure and the potential financial partner for Milan by the CMD in November? My last one on net financial income, EUR 20 million versus minus EUR 6 million in H1 2025. Can you just remind us of the main moving parts there, and what is a reasonable assumption for the full year? Thank you very much.

Speaker #7: And the second question on venues: What is currently the status quo on Vienna, and should we still expect clarity on the sort of financing structure and the potential financial partner for Milan by the CMD in November?

Speaker #7: And then my last one, on net financial income, €20 million versus minus €6 million in H1 2025. Can you just remind us of the main moving parts there, and what's a reasonable assumption for the full year?

Speaker #7: Thank you very much.

Speaker #4: All right, Ben. I didn't get, or we didn't get, the last question. Could you repeat it, please?

Marco Haeckermann: Sorry, Bernd. I did not get or we did not get the last question. Could you repeat it, please?

Speaker #7: Yeah, the last question was just on net financial income—that €26 million delta. What are the main moving parts behind that, and what's a good assumption for the full year?

Bernd Klanten: Yeah. The last question was just on net financial income, that EUR 26 million delta. What are the main moving parts behind that, and what is a good assumption for the full year?

Speaker #4: Okay, let me start with your second question—on whether we still continue or still plan to refinance or, slash, find a partner for the venue itself.

Marco Haeckermann: Okay. Let me start with your second question on whether we still continue or still plan to refinance or find a partner for the venue in itself. The basic idea is with the potential investors, and what we are discussing is not only to refinance simply this venue, but to find a partner who would also support us and partner with us going forward on potential other venues. So in other words, if we would then refinance the Unipol Forum, that this cash generated from this financing exercise is effectively the war chest then for future venue investments. The idea behind this is that, of course, the venue in itself will not become off balance sheet, but it will be, so to speak, changed into an IFRS 16 lease liability.

Speaker #4: Now, the basic idea is, with the potential investors, what we are discussing is not only to simply refinance this venue, right, but to find a partner who would also support us and partner with us going forward on potential other venues.

Speaker #4: So that, in other words, if we would then refinance, right, Milan, the Unipol Milan, then this cash generated from this financing exercise is effectively the war chest spent for future venue investments, right?

Speaker #4: Now, the idea behind this is that, of course, the venue itself will not become off-balance sheet, but it will be, so to speak, changed into an IFRS 16 lease liability.

Marco Haeckermann: At the end of the day, all of these structures are some sort of a sale and leaseback scenario, but the main question is to find the right partner for this kind of exercise. We are in discussion with several potential partners, and they come from all sorts of different industries or angles. You can think about classic financial investors, real estate developers, real estate investors. You could also think about partners who come from our industry and are interested in moving into the physical mode of a venue. But the key question for us is who is the right partner going forward who has the financial strength, but also shares the same strategic idea in good times, but potentially also bad times. Financial result.

Speaker #4: At the end of the day, all of these structures are some sort of sale-and-lease-back scenario, but the main question is to find the right partner for this kind of exercise.

Speaker #4: We are in discussion with several potential partners, and they come from all sorts of different industries or angles. You can think about classic financial investors, real estate developers, or real estate investors.

Speaker #4: You could also think about partners who come from our industry and are interested in moving into the physical mode of a venue, right? But the key question for us is: who is the right partner going forward?

Speaker #4: Who has the financial strength, but also shares the same strategic idea in good times, but potentially also bad times? Financial results—financial results, as I mentioned, improved by €25.6 million compared to the last half-year, mainly driven by the positive effect of €27 million from the currency translation of non-current US dollar denominated receivables into euros.

Marco Haeckermann: The financial result, as I mentioned, improved by EUR 25.6 million compared to the last H1, mainly driven by the positive effect, EUR 27 million from the currency translation of non-current US dollar-denominated receivables into euros, and partly offset by lower interest income and higher interest expenses. What we believe is that going forward, this trend

Speaker #4: And partly offset by lower interest income and higher interest expenses. Our belief is that, going forward, this trend—as much as we have here, the glass bowl, the crystal ball, right—will continue.

William Willms: As much as we have here, the glass ball, the crystal ball will continue. Let me just conclude with the question on Vienna. There is no update yet. We are still in exclusivity period. We are waiting for the next move from the city, and this is the update we could give.

Marco Haeckermann: As much as we have here, the glass ball, the crystal ball will continue.

Speaker #4: And let me just conclude with the question on Vienna. There is no update yet. No, we're still in the exclusivity period, yes? We are waiting for the next move from the city.

William Willms: Let me just conclude with the question on Vienna. There is no update yet. We are still in exclusivity period. We are waiting for the next move from the city, and this is the update we could give.

Speaker #4: And this is the update we could get.

Speaker #7: Got it, thank you. And just back on the first question, is there anything you can guide to in terms of impact for 2027 from the cost excellence program?

Bernd Klanten: Got it. Thank you. Just back on the first question, anything you can guide to in terms of impact for 2027 from the cost excellence program?

William Willms: As mentioned before, same effect. I think it is what Marco said.

Speaker #4: As mentioned before, same effect, Marco. I think that's what Marco said, right? Yeah. I mean, we were talking about expenses in 2026, with then positive effects coming through, but the important thing is it's not a cost-cutting program, right?

Marco Haeckermann: We were talking about expenses in 2026 with then positive effects coming through. But the important thing is it is not a cost-cutting program. It is a little bit of a re-acceleration program for the years 2027 and out.

Speaker #4: It's a little bit of a re-acceleration program, yeah, for the years 2027 and out. So it's—yeah. Okay.

Bernd Klanten: Understood.

William Willms: Yeah. Okay.

Speaker #7: Thank you very much.

Bernd Klanten: Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: So the next question goes to Craig Abbott from Kepler. Please go ahead, Craig.

Operator: So the next question goes to Craig Abbott from Kepler. Please go ahead, Craig.

Speaker #5: Yes, good evening. I have a couple of remaining questions, please. First of all, in the second quarter, you had a two-day shutdown at the Colorado Rock Festival, and I think a couple of the smaller festivals were also impacted on that final weekend in June when the authorities forced some shutdowns due to the extreme heat.

Craig Abbott: Yes. Good evening, all. I have a couple of remaining questions, please. First of all, in Q2, you had a 2-day shutdown at the Garorock Festival, and I think a couple of other smaller festivals were also impacted on that final weekend in June when the authorities forced some shutdowns due to extreme heat. I saw some public reports also suggested that the Garorock had some initial losses. Historically, CTS has been very well insured for such force majeure events. Was there initially a negative impact in Q2? If there was, if you could maybe at least give us an indication how much, and if there was, should we then expect the counter effect, i.e., insurance claim to then come in in Q3 or Q4? That would be the first question. My second question is just one more, please, on LA28.

Speaker #5: I saw some public reports also suggested that the Colorado Rock had some initial losses. Now, historically, CTS has been very well insured for such force majeure events.

Speaker #5: Was there initially a negative impact in Q2? And if there was, if you could maybe at least give us an indication of how much?

Speaker #5: And if there was, should we then expect the counter effect, i.e., the insurance claim, to then come in in Q3 or Q4? That would be the first question.

Speaker #5: My second question is just one more, please, on LA28. Just to confirm, even though with the partnership with AXS, you do fully consolidate all those sales and earnings versus EBITDA, and then account for the minority share in the net earnings.

Craig Abbott: Just to confirm, even though with the partnership with AXS, you do fully consolidate all those sales and earnings versus an EBITDA and an account for the minority share in the net earnings, if you could just comment on that. Well, two more questions, please. The third question is getting back to some of the earlier cash flow questions. Also, I saw not just in the investing cash flow, but also in the operating cash flow, a very positive turn in Q2. Obviously happy to see that, but I just wondered if you could give us an update on what trends you're expecting there in H2. The final question is, you've given us the CMD date. I just wondered when we can expect an official invite with an indication of what the program is going to be focused on. Thank you.

Speaker #5: If you could just comment on that. And the third—well, two more questions, please. The third question is: getting back to some of the earlier cash flow questions also, I saw not just in the investing cash flow, but also in the operating cash flow, a very positive turn in Q2.

Speaker #5: Obviously, happy to see that, but I just wonder if you could give us an update on what trends you're expecting there in H2.

Speaker #5: And the final question is, you've given us the CMD date. I just wondered when we can expect an official invite, with an indication of what the program is going to be focused on.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Okay. First, on your insurance question, you are right—there have been cancellations. As you quite rightly pointed out, all our events are fully insured.

William Willms: Okay. First, on your insurance question, you're right, there have been cancellations, and as you quite rightly pointed out, all our events are fully insured. There was no negative impact in Q2 from those cancellations. In terms of the actual invitation going out, we are planning for actually next week. Idea is to start midday, and then in the terms of a structure of where we will really go through the company strategy and reintroduce it to you, in the 360 degree view on the company, the operational program, and of course then concluding with a full potential plan/business plan until 2030 and giving you there the clear idea of the main drivers for our continuous growth until 2030.

Speaker #4: Then there was no negative impact in Q2 from those cancellations. In terms of the actual invitation going out, we are planning for that actually next week.

Speaker #4: Idea is to start mid-day. And then in terms of a structure of where we will really go through the company, its strategy, and reintroduce it to you, and the 360-degree view on the company, the operational program, and of course, then with concluding with a full potential plan slash business plan until 2030 and giving you there the main clear idea of the main drivers for our continuous growth until 2030.

Speaker #4: Yeah. Hi, Craig, it's Marco. Let me take the lighter ones. Yes, we can confirm what you've said: that we fully consolidate the operating income and the sales for the LA Olympics project, yeah, and that the adjustment for the earnings that are attributable to our JV partner will be carved out under minority interest.

Marco Haeckermann: Hi, Craig. It is Marco. Let me take the lighter ones. Yes, we can confirm what you have said, that we fully consolidate the operating income on the sales, the LA28 project, and that the adjustment for the earnings that are attributable to our JV partner will be carved out in the minority interest. On the cash flow profile in Q2, as you can imagine, and as you know, that usually Q1 and Q2 have historically been quarters due to the seasonality of the business where you would more face operating cash out. With the ticket monies, you have basically proceeded and pay out over these quarters, but that there was a counter development from LA28 in Q2, which positively impacted, of course, with these ticket proceeds, the operating cash flow profile.

Speaker #4: On the cash flow profile in the second quarter, as you can imagine and as you know, usually Q1 and Q2 have historically been quarters where, due to the seasonality of the business, you would more often face operating cash out.

Speaker #4: With the ticket monies, you have basically proceeded and paid out over these quarters, but there was a counter development from LA in the second quarter, yeah, which positively impacted, of course, with these ticket proceeds, the operating cash flow profile.

Speaker #5: Okay. That's very helpful. And just to get back to my first question, please. So just to be clear on this, yes, there was in Q2 that Q2 included both the hit to the festivals as well as the either the insurance claim already received or the expected insurance claim to be received.

Craig Abbott: Okay, that is very helpful. Just to get back to my first question, please. Just to be clear on this, yes, there was initially in Q2, that Q2 included both the hit to the festivals, as well as either the insurance claim already received or the expected insurance claim to be received, and hence a neutral impact on earnings. Did I understand that correctly?

Speaker #5: And hence, a neutral impact on earnings. Did I understand that correctly?

Speaker #4: Yeah, that's what you—it was correctly understood. Yeah.

William Willms: Yeah, it was correctly understood. Yeah.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you.

Craig Abbott: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #1: So the next question goes to Gerhard Orgonas from Brenberg. Your line is open.

Operator: The next question goes to Gerhard Orgonas from Berenberg. Your line is open.

Speaker #6: Yeah, good afternoon. To follow up with one question on the CapEx, please. I'm still wondering about the big inflow in investment in Q2—sorry, in Q1—you published CapEx, or cash flow from investing activities, of €114 million, and in H1, it's €29 million.

Gerhard Orgonas: Yeah. Good afternoon. To follow up questions, one on the CapEx, please. I am still wondering about the big inflow in investment in Q2. In Q1, you published a CapEx or cash flow from investing activity of EUR 114 million. In H1, it is EUR 29 million. So there is a big inflow, and if that does not come from any subsidies from Milan, can you tell us where that comes from? Is that also related to LA? The second question is related to the financial result. I think your predecessor, William, had started to invest the billion cash that you have on the balance sheet. If I look at your H1 financial result, apart from the effects, it seems like the financial income is neutral. Has there been any change to this policy of investing the cash flow from the balance sheet?

Speaker #6: So, it's a big inflow. And if that doesn't come from any subsidies from Milan, can you tell us whether it comes from somewhere else? Is that also related to LA?

Speaker #6: And the second question is related to the financial results. I think your predecessor, William, has started to invest the cash, the billion in cash that you have on the balance sheet.

Speaker #6: If I look at your H1 financial results, apart from DFX, it seems like the financial income is neutral. Has there been any change to this policy of investing the cash that's on the balance sheet?

Speaker #4: No, no change in the policy, right? We are still carefully and cautiously investing as and if needed. And on LA, yeah, I mean, like we said, the cash flow profile in the first half was impacted by LA from an operating perspective.

Marco Haeckermann: No change in the policy. We are still carefully and cautiously investing as and if needed. On LA, like we said, the cash flow profile in the first half was impacted by LA from an operating perspective. There have been minor positions on the investment side where there were short-term papers in which we were invested, which were liquidated. But these were minor positions that were showing an impact on the cash flow from investments as well. But that was a minor impact.

Speaker #4: There have been minor positions on the investment side where there were short-term papers in which we were invested, which were liquidated. Yeah, but these were minor positions.

Speaker #4: That was showing an impact on the cash flow from investments as well. Yeah, but that was a minor impact.

Speaker #6: So what's the $85 million? That's pretty big. Where does that come from in Q2? The $85 million inflow.

Gerhard Orgonas: So what is the EUR 85 million? Looks pretty big. Where does that come from in Q2? The EUR 85 million inflow.

Speaker #4: Hang on. Yeah, like, I'm sorry. We double-checked here with, really, the numbers now in depth. So basically, what happened in Q2 was that as we, of course, invest the liquidity on a rolling basis, particularly in Q2, the inflow from papers that became due was simply bigger than the reinvestments which we've done, where we invested liquidity as well into new papers—yeah, commercial papers and short-term notes.

Marco Haeckermann: Hang on. Yes, sorry. We double-checked here with really the numbers now in depth. Basically, what happened in Q2 was that as we, of course, invest the liquidity on a rolling basis, that particularly in Q2, the inflow from papers that became due were simply bigger than the reinvestments which we have done where we invested liquidity as well into new papers, commercial papers and short-term notes. This is just a timing effect which became visible from less reinvestments from money that became due that was investments over previous periods.

Speaker #4: And this is just a timing effect which became visible from, yeah, less reinvestment from money that became due, that was invested over previous periods.

Speaker #6: Okay. Thanks.

Gerhard Orgonas: Okay, great.

Speaker #1: So, the last question goes to Henrik Paganetti from Jefferies.

Operator: The last question goes to Henrik Paganetty from Jefferies.

Speaker #6: Yes. Yes. Hi, William. Hi, Marco. Thanks for taking my question. Most of my questions have already been asked, but I do have one question on the Abbott DA in ticketing in Q2.

Henrik Paganetty: Yes, hi, William. Hi, Marco. Thanks for taking my question. Most of my questions were already asked, but I have one question on the EBITDA in ticketing in Q2. Is it fair to assume that the impact from LA is higher than the impact from the lost Stage Entertainment contract?

Speaker #6: So, is it fair to assume that the impact from LA is higher than the impact from the lost stage contract?

Marco Haeckermann: Impact-wise, like we said, I think it is fair to say that there was a piece as we said when we indicated what the contribution from LA in Q2 was and what we said of what the shortfall was basically year-over-year from the Stage Entertainment contract. In between both pieces, we had organic like-for-like growth in the mid-single digits. Yes, overall, of course, there was a decent earnings contribution, but let us not forget about the organic growth, which came from growth in ticket volume, which we have sold, pure retail volume, which added positively to the contribution.

Speaker #4: Impact-wise, I mean, like we said, I think it's fair to say that there was a decent, as we said—yeah, when we indicated what the contribution from LA in Q2 was and what we said, or what the shortfall was basically year over year from the stage contract.

Speaker #4: And in between both pieces, yeah, we had organic like-for-like growth in the mid-single digits, yeah, and so yes, overall, of course, there was a decent earnings contribution.

Speaker #4: But let's not forget about the organic growth, which came from growth in ticket volume—which we have sold—pure retail volume, which added positively to the contribution.

Speaker #4: And what might catch the eye at the beginning is, of course, more the deviation of the profitability from what has been reflected last year in the partner business that fell away, yeah, which was a relatively smaller share of revenues, as we said, with a high single-digit million.

Marco Haeckermann: What might catch the eye at the beginning is, of course, more the diversion of the profitability from what has been reflected last year in the partner business that fell away, which was a relatively smaller share of revenues, as we said, with a high single-digit million, but a mid-single digit million of earnings contribution. As we have laid out today as well, the large sports business here with LA is attractive from a revenue perspective, from a profitability perspective as well, but the margins are much lower than what we have discussed with the change in the partner business. A little bit of operational excellence.

Speaker #4: But amid single-digit millions of earnings contribution, and as we've laid out today as well, the large sports business here with LA is, of course, very attractive from a revenue perspective, from a profitability perspective as well.

Speaker #4: But the margins are much lower than what we have discussed, with the change in the partner business and a little bit of operational excellence.

Speaker #5: Yeah, exactly. Because my assumption would be that the Abbott DA contribution from LA is higher than the stage loss, and then you have the excellence program, which is a minus again.

Henrik Paganetty: Yeah, exactly. My assumption would be that the EBITDA contribution from LA is higher than the Stage Entertainment loss, and then you have the excellence program, which is a minus again, but you also have the impact from the integration cost, which you will not see or have not seen in Q2 now this year. My question is the 5.8% growth, is that very close to the organic growth you have seen, or is the organic growth actually a bit smaller here?

Speaker #5: But you also have the impact from the integration cost, which you won't see, or haven't seen, in Q2 this year. So my question is: is the 5.8% growth very close to the organic growth you have seen, or is the organic growth actually a bit smaller here?

Speaker #4: No, I mean, it's pretty much in that territory. Yeah, there were exactly these effects from last year. There were integration costs, which are now netted by the operational excellence expenses. There was organic growth. Yeah, there was basically a new large sports business coming in, which will flourish over the next three years, yeah.

Marco Haeckermann: No, it is pretty much in that territory. There were exactly these effects from last year. There were integration costs, which are now netted by the operational excellence expenses. There was organic growth. There was basically a new large sports business coming in, which will flourish over the next three years. There was a couple of noise around it, but the way you summed it up was very correct.

Speaker #4: So there was a bit of noise around it, but the way you summed it up was very correct. Yeah.

Henrik Paganetty: Okay, got it. Thank you very much.

Speaker #5: Okay, got it. Thank you very much.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Henrik. This concludes our Q&A, and we will hand back to the operator for now.

Marco Haeckermann: Thank you, Henrik. This concludes our Q&A, and we would hand back to the operator for now.

Speaker #1: So, everyone, thank you very much for your participation. I wish you all a beautiful evening or morning, wherever you are, and until next time.

Operator: Everyone, thank you very much for your participation. I wish you all a beautiful evening or morning, wherever you are, and till next time.

Marco Haeckermann: Many thanks, and see you in Milano on 20 November. Thank you.

Henrik Paganetty: Bye.

William Willms: Bye.

Marco Haeckermann: Have a good day. Bye.

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Q2 2026 CTS Eventim AG & Co KgaA Earnings Call

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