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Vivid Seats (NASDAQ: SEAT) swings to 2025 loss, guides 2026 results

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Vivid Seats Inc. reported sharply weaker results for Q4 and full year 2025 and issued guidance for 2026. Q4 Marketplace gross order value was $580.6 million, down from $994.4 million, with revenues of $126.8 million versus $199.8 million and adjusted EBITDA of $0.8 million versus $34.2 million.

For 2025, Marketplace GOV fell to $2.70 billion from $3.89 billion, revenues declined to $570.8 million from $775.6 million, and net results swung to a $721.5 million net loss from $14.3 million of net income, driven largely by $723.0 million of non‑cash impairment charges. Adjusted EBITDA dropped to $41.8 million from $151.4 million, and operating cash flow moved to a $91.6 million use of cash from $53.9 million provided.

For 2026, the company guides Marketplace GOV to $2.2–$2.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA to $30–$40 million, and for Q1 2026 expects Marketplace GOV of $570–$620 million, adjusted EBITDA of $8–$10 million, and a cash balance of $125–$135 million. The board also determined a majority of directors are independent, restoring compliance with Nasdaq’s independence requirements.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • Sharp deterioration in 2025 performance: Marketplace GOV fell to $2.70 billion from $3.89 billion, revenue dropped to $570.8 million from $775.6 million, and adjusted EBITDA declined to $41.8 million from $151.4 million, indicating a substantially weaker business year.
  • Large non-cash impairment and net loss: The company recorded $723.0 million of impairment charges, contributing to a $721.5 million net loss versus $14.3 million of net income in 2024, a major negative swing.
  • Negative operating cash flow: Net cash used in operating activities was $91.6 million in 2025 compared with $53.9 million provided in 2024, signaling increased pressure on liquidity despite an ending cash and cash equivalents balance of $102.7 million.
  • Lower profitability outlook for 2026: Guidance calls for adjusted EBITDA of $30–$40 million in 2026 versus $41.8 million in 2025 at the actual result, implying limited near-term profit recovery at the midpoint.

Insights

Vivid Seats shows steep 2025 deterioration, large impairments, and lower 2026 profit outlook.

Vivid Seats experienced a significant downturn in 2025. Marketplace GOV fell to $2.70 billion from $3.89 billion, and revenue declined to $570.8 million from $775.6 million, while adjusted EBITDA dropped to $41.8 million from $151.4 million. These figures indicate a materially weaker operating year.

The company recorded non‑cash impairment charges of $723.0 million, driving a swing to a net loss of $721.5 million from net income of $14.3 million. Cash from operations turned negative, with a $91.6 million outflow versus a prior inflow of $53.9 million, highlighting pressure on the balance sheet.

For 2026, management guides Marketplace GOV to $2.2–$2.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA to $30–$40 million, both below 2025 levels at the midpoint. Q1 2026 guidance for adjusted EBITDA of $8–$10 million and an expected cash balance of $125–$135 million suggests some stabilization but not a rapid earnings recovery. Overall, this represents a negative shift in fundamentals.

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 12, 2026

 

 

Vivid Seats Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

001-40926

86-3355184

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

(Commission

File Number)

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

24 E. Washington St., Ste. 900

Suite 900

 

Chicago, Illinois

 

60602

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 312 291-9966

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share

 

SEAT

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Warrants to purchase Class A common stock

 

SEATW

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 


Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On March 12, 2026, Vivid Seats Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release providing financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

The information set forth under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 8.01. Other Events

As previously disclosed, on December 22, 2025, the Company notified The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that as a result of Martin Taylor’s resignation from the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective December 19, 2025, the Company was no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1), which requires a majority of the Board to be comprised of Independent Directors (as defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)). On March 6, 2026, the Board determined that each of Todd Boehly, Jane DeFlorio, Craig Dixon, Julie Masino and Adam Stewart is an Independent Director. Accordingly, the Company regained compliance as of March 6, 2026 (within the permitted cure period) by having a majority of the Board be comprised of Independent Directors.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.

 

Description

99.1

 

Press release issued by Vivid Seats Inc., dated March 12, 2026

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL Document)

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

Vivid Seats Inc.

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 12, 2026

By:

/s/ Joseph Thomas

 

 

 

Joseph Thomas
Chief Financial Officer

 


Exhibit 99.1

Vivid Seats Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results

Provides Q1 Guidance and Reaffirms 2026 Outlook Driven by Leading Value Proposition and Efficiency Initiatives

CHICAGO, IL – March 12, 2026 – Vivid Seats Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAT) (“Vivid Seats” or “we”), a leading marketplace that utilizes its technology platform to connect millions of buyers with thousands of ticket sellers across hundreds of thousands of events each year, today provided financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025 along with guidance for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026 and full year ending December 31, 2026.

“The trends we are seeing in the first quarter confirm that our strategy and execution are delivering measurable results,” said Lawrence Fey, Chief Executive Officer of Vivid Seats. “We are enhancing our foundational strengths that include our leading technology, unique data assets, relentless focus on efficiency, and differentiated customer value proposition. We are particularly encouraged by the positive impact and momentum we are seeing from the impact of our enhanced App value proposition coupled with our cost reduction program.”

Fourth Quarter 2025 Key Operational and Financial Metrics

Marketplace GOV of $580.6 million – down 42% from $994.4 million in Q4 2024
Revenues of $126.8 million – down 37% from $199.8 million in Q4 2024
Net loss of $428.7 million – down $424.2 million from a net loss of $4.4 million in Q4 2024
Adjusted EBITDA of $0.8 million – down $33.4 million from $34.2 million in Q4 2024

Full Year 2025 Key Operational and Financial Metrics

Marketplace GOV of $2,704.6 million – down 31% from $3,892.6 million in 2024
Revenues of $570.8 million – down 26% from $775.6 million in 2024
Net loss of $721.5 million – down $735.8 million from net income of $14.3 million in 2024
Adjusted EBITDA of $41.8 million – down $109.6 million from $151.4 million in 2024

Key Business Metrics and Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measure

We use the following metrics to evaluate our performance, identify trends, formulate financial projections, and make strategic decisions. We believe these metrics provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations in the same manner as management.

The following table summarizes our key business metrics and non-U.S. GAAP financial measure for the three months and years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

Marketplace GOV(1)

 

$

580,587

 

 

$

994,377

 

 

$

2,704,573

 

 

$

3,892,645

 

Marketplace orders(2)

 

 

1,766

 

 

 

2,613

 

 

 

8,336

 

 

 

11,556

 

Resale orders(3)

 

 

111

 

 

 

115

 

 

 

428

 

 

 

431

 

Adjusted EBITDA(4)

 

$

840

 

 

$

34,243

 

 

$

41,822

 

 

$

151,419

 

(1)
Marketplace Gross Order Value (“Marketplace GOV”) represents the total transactional amount of Marketplace orders processed on our online platform during a period, inclusive of fees, exclusive of taxes, and net of event cancellations. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2025, event cancellations negatively impacted Marketplace GOV by $13.5 million and $60.7 million, respectively, compared to $21.1 million and $95.9 million during the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
(2)
Marketplace orders represent the total volume of Marketplace segment transactions processed on our online platform during a period, net of event cancellations. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2025, our Marketplace segment experienced 34,307 and 163,919 event cancellations, respectively, compared to 43,019 and 222,472 event cancellations during the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
(3)
Resale orders represent the total volume of Resale segment transactions processed on a given platform (including our own) during a period, net of event cancellations. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2025, our Resale segment experienced 943 and 4,702 event cancellations, respectively, compared to 792 and 5,286 event cancellations during the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively.

(4)
Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). We believe adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations and serves as a useful measure for making period-to-period comparisons of our business performance. See “Adjusted EBITDA” below for more information, including a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

Financial Outlook for Full Year 2026

For the year ending December 31, 2026, Vivid Seats anticipates:

Marketplace GOV in the range of $2.2 billion to $2.6 billion
Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $30.0 million to $40.0 million*

Financial Outlook for Q1 2026

For the quarter ending March 31, 2026, Vivid Seats anticipates:

Marketplace GOV in the range of $570.0 million to $620.0 million
Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $8.0 million to $10.0 million*
Cash balance of $125.0 million to $135.0 million

* We calculate forward-looking adjusted EBITDA based on internal forecasts that omit certain information that would be included in forward-looking net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. We do not attempt to provide a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted EBITDA to forward-looking net income (loss) because the timing and/or probable significance of certain excluded items that have not yet occurred and are outside of our control is inherently uncertain and unavailable without unreasonable efforts. Such items could have a significant and unpredictable impact on our future U.S. GAAP financial results.

Webcast Details

Vivid Seats will host a webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results, business updates, and financial outlook. Participants may access the live webcast and supplemental earnings presentation on the events page of the Vivid Seats Investor Relations website at investors.vividseats.com/events-and-presentations.

About Vivid Seats

Founded in 2001, Vivid Seats is a leading online ticket marketplace committed to becoming the ultimate partner for connecting fans to the live events, artists, and teams they love. Based on the belief that everyone should “Experience It Live,” the Chicago-based company provides exceptional value by providing one of the widest selections of events and tickets in North America and an industry leading Vivid Seats Rewards program where all fans earn on every purchase. Through its proprietary software and unique technology, Vivid Seats drives the consumer and business ecosystem for live event ticketing and enables the power of shared experiences to unite people. Vivid Seats has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Companies for Customer Service in ticketing. Fans who want to have the best live experiences can start by downloading the Vivid Seats mobile app, going to vividseats.com, or calling 866-848-8499.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “propose,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” and “would,” as well as similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or do not relate to historical matters, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release relate to, without limitation: our future operating results and financial performance, including our expectations with respect to our return to growth, our fiscal year 2026 Marketplace GOV and adjusted EBITDA, and our first quarter 2026 Marketplace GOV, adjusted EBITDA, and cash balance; our expectations with respect to live event industry growth, concert supply, and our competitive positioning; our business strategy and objectives; and the expected benefits, including future savings, of our cost reduction program and the transactions consummated pursuant to our corporate simplification agreement, dated October 31, 2025 (collectively, the “Corporate Simplification”). Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that can be difficult to predict and/or are outside of our control. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the supply of and demand for live events; the impact of adverse economic conditions and other factors affecting discretionary consumer and corporate spending; our ability to develop and maintain relationships with ticket buyers, sellers, and partners; the impact of changes to internet search engine algorithms and mobile app marketplace rules; the impact of artificial intelligence on how consumers search for live event tickets; our ability to attract ticket sellers and buyers to our platform in the


increasingly competitive ticketing industry; our ability to continue to maintain and improve our platform; the impact of extraordinary events, including disease epidemics; our ability to identify suitable acquisition targets and to complete and realize the expected benefits of acquisitions and other strategic investments; our ability to attract, hire, motivate, and retain our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel; our ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations; the ability of ticket holders to sell their tickets on the secondary market unencumbered; the impact of unfavorable outcomes in legislation and legal proceedings; our ability to maintain the integrity of our information systems and infrastructure, and to identify, assess, and manage relevant cybersecurity risks; our ability to generate sufficient cash flows and/or obtain additional financing when necessary or desirable; our ability to realize the expected benefits, including future savings, of our cost reduction program and/or the Corporate Simplification (including due to changes in applicable laws or fluctuations in our taxable income); and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as in our press releases and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact:

Investors

investors@vividseats.com

Media

press@vividseats.com


VIVID SEATS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

December 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2025

 

 

2024

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

102,702

 

 

$

243,482

 

Restricted cash

 

 

604

 

 

 

1,166

 

Accounts receivable – net

 

 

30,664

 

 

 

48,315

 

Inventory – net

 

 

18,166

 

 

 

19,601

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

26,336

 

 

 

32,607

 

Total current assets

 

 

178,472

 

 

 

345,171

 

Property and equipment – net

 

 

12,373

 

 

 

12,567

 

Right-of-use assets – net

 

 

10,515

 

 

 

12,008

 

Intangible assets – net

 

 

141,528

 

 

 

233,116

 

Goodwill – net

 

 

283,915

 

 

 

943,119

 

Deferred tax assets – net

 

 

1,123

 

 

 

77,967

 

Investments

 

 

5,365

 

 

 

6,929

 

Other assets

 

 

3,575

 

 

 

5,219

 

Total assets

 

$

636,866

 

 

$

1,636,096

 

Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' equity (deficit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

153,418

 

 

$

232,984

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

125,957

 

 

 

165,047

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

19,973

 

 

 

23,804

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

3,930

 

 

 

3,950

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

303,278

 

 

 

425,785

 

Long-term debt – net

 

 

383,431

 

 

 

384,960

 

Long-term lease liabilities

 

 

16,452

 

 

 

18,731

 

TRA liability

 

 

 

 

 

155,720

 

Other liabilities

 

 

18,834

 

 

 

36,865

 

Total liabilities

 

 

721,995

 

 

 

1,022,061

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

352,922

 

Shareholders' equity (deficit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 11,712,157 and 7,190,975 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively

 

 

23

 

 

 

14

 

Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized, zero and 3,811,250 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

1,368,067

 

 

 

1,267,710

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 949,665 and 571,687 shares at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively

 

 

(93,920

)

 

 

(75,568

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(1,359,472

)

 

 

(930,171

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

173

 

 

 

(880

)

Total shareholders' equity (deficit)

 

 

(85,129

)

 

 

261,113

 

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' equity (deficit)

 

$

636,866

 

 

$

1,636,096

 

 


VIVID SEATS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2025

 

 

2024

 

 

2025

 

 

2024

 

Revenues

 

$

126,814

 

 

$

199,813

 

 

$

570,776

 

 

$

775,586

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)

 

 

42,144

 

 

 

52,477

 

 

 

173,438

 

 

 

201,854

 

Marketing and selling

 

 

56,677

 

 

 

79,452

 

 

 

230,562

 

 

 

285,146

 

General and administrative

 

 

34,343

 

 

 

52,398

 

 

 

173,880

 

 

 

202,123

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

11,703

 

 

 

12,584

 

 

 

49,392

 

 

 

44,238

 

Impairment charges

 

 

402,574

 

 

 

 

 

 

723,023

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

547,441

 

 

 

196,911

 

 

 

1,350,295

 

 

 

733,361

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

 

(420,627

)

 

 

2,902

 

 

 

(779,519

)

 

 

42,225

 

Interest expense – net

 

 

6,331

 

 

 

6,466

 

 

 

23,741

 

 

 

23,172

 

Other expense (income) – net

 

 

2,408

 

 

 

(430

)

 

 

(151,956

)

 

 

(3,666

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

801

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

(429,366

)

 

 

(3,134

)

 

 

(652,105

)

 

 

22,719

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(704

)

 

 

1,281

 

 

 

69,385

 

 

 

8,417

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

(428,662

)

 

 

(4,415

)

 

 

(721,490

)

 

 

14,302

 

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

(153,504

)

 

 

(3,528

)

 

 

(292,189

)

 

 

4,877

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders

 

$

(275,158

)

 

$

(887

)

 

$

(429,301

)

 

$

9,425

 

 


VIVID SEATS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2025

 

 

2024

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(721,490

)

 

$

14,302

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

49,392

 

 

 

44,238

 

Amortization of leases

 

 

1,514

 

 

 

1,697

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

970

 

 

 

988

 

Equity-based compensation

 

 

36,734

 

 

 

50,429

 

Change in fair value of Intermediate Warrants

 

 

(5,924

)

 

 

(4,044

)

Loss on asset disposals

 

 

555

 

 

 

277

 

Change in fair value of derivative asset

 

 

2,201

 

 

 

800

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

74,746

 

 

 

1,246

 

Non-cash interest expense (income) – net

 

 

651

 

 

 

(890

)

Foreign currency loss (gain) – net

 

 

(126

)

 

 

4,056

 

Adjustment of liabilities under TRA

 

 

(150,719

)

 

 

(6,166

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

801

 

 

 

 

Impairment charges

 

 

723,023

 

 

 

 

Write-off of Sponsorship Loan

 

 

2,024

 

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable – net

 

 

17,545

 

 

 

9,776

 

Inventory – net

 

 

1,434

 

 

 

1,413

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

5,820

 

 

 

1,161

 

Accounts payable

 

 

(79,463

)

 

 

(23,691

)

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

(35,787

)

 

 

(30,164

)

Deferred revenue

 

 

(3,831

)

 

 

(10,870

)

Long-term lease liabilities

 

 

(2,302

)

 

 

(994

)

Other assets and liabilities – net

 

 

(9,367

)

 

 

358

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

(91,599

)

 

 

53,922

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(2,164

)

 

 

(4,227

)

Purchases of personal seat licenses

 

 

(983

)

 

 

(737

)

Investments in developed technology

 

 

(16,108

)

 

 

(19,014

)

Purchases of seat images

 

 

(919

)

 

 

(347

)

Disbursement of Sponsorship Loan

 

 

 

 

 

(2,000

)

Payments toward Acquired Domain Name Obligation

 

 

 

 

 

(417

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(20,174

)

 

 

(26,742

)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

Payments of 2022 First Lien Loan

 

 

 

 

 

(689

)

Payments of Shoko Chukin Bank Loan

 

 

 

 

 

(2,655

)

Proceeds from 2024 First Lien Loan

 

 

 

 

 

125,500

 

Repurchases of Class A common stock

 

 

(18,295

)

 

 

(22,982

)

Tax distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

(1,689

)

 

 

(10,014

)

Payments of taxes related to net settlement of equity incentive awards

 

 

(1,886

)

 

 

(714

)

Payment of deferred financing costs and other debt-related expenses

 

 

(162

)

 

 

(315

)

Payment of liabilities under TRA

 

 

(4,005

)

 

 

(77

)

Payments of 2024 First Lien Loan

 

 

(76,986

)

 

 

(1,975

)

Proceeds from 2025 First Lien Loan

 

 

76,986

 

 

 

 

Payments of 2025 First Lien Loan

 

 

(2,948

)

 

 

 

Payments toward Acquired Domain Name Obligation

 

 

(2,000

)

 

 

 

Mergers and exchange of Class B common stock for Class A common stock in connection with Corporate Simplification

 

 

1,621

 

 

 

 

Repurchase and retirement of fractional shares resulting from Reverse Stock Split

 

 

(5

)

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(29,369

)

 

 

86,079

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

 

(200

)

 

 

(1,045

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

 

(141,342

)

 

 

112,214

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – beginning of period

 

 

244,648

 

 

 

132,434

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – end of period

 

$

103,306

 

 

$

244,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

27,681

 

 

$

19,498

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

6,369

 

 

$

5,469

 

 


Adjusted EBITDA

We present adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, because it is a key measure used by analysts, investors, and others to evaluate companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by management to make operating decisions, including those related to analyzing operating expenses, evaluating performance, and performing strategic planning and annual budgeting.

We believe adjusted EBITDA is useful for understanding, evaluating, and highlighting trends in our operating results and for making period-to-period comparisons of our business performance because it excludes the impact of items that are outside of our control and/or not reflective of ongoing performance related directly to the operation of our business.

Adjusted EBITDA is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect all amounts associated with our operating results as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and specifically excludes certain recurring costs such as income tax expense (benefit), interest expense – net, depreciation and amortization, sales tax liabilities, transaction costs, equity-based compensation, litigation, settlements, and related costs, change in fair value of the Intermediate Warrants (as defined below), loss on asset disposals, change in fair value of derivative asset, foreign currency loss (gain) – net, adjustment of liabilities under our former Tax Receivable Agreement (the “TRA”) entered into with the existing unitholders of Hoya Intermediate, LLC, loss on extinguishment of debt, impairment charges, and severance compensation. In addition, other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative tool. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the U.S. GAAP amounts that are excluded from our presentation of adjusted EBITDA.

The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, for the three months and years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(428,662

)

 

$

(4,415

)

 

$

(721,490

)

 

$

14,302

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(704

)

 

 

1,281

 

 

 

69,385

 

 

 

8,417

 

Interest expense – net

 

 

6,331

 

 

 

6,466

 

 

 

23,741

 

 

 

23,172

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

11,703

 

 

 

12,584

 

 

 

49,392

 

 

 

44,238

 

Sales tax liability(1)

 

 

18

 

 

 

3,147

 

 

 

(842

)

 

 

5,760

 

Transaction costs(2)

 

 

1,936

 

 

 

2,877

 

 

 

10,752

 

 

 

9,528

 

Equity-based compensation(3)

 

 

2,848

 

 

 

12,144

 

 

 

36,734

 

 

 

50,429

 

Litigation, settlements, and related costs(4)

 

 

11

 

 

 

486

 

 

 

944

 

 

 

650

 

Change in fair value of Intermediate Warrants(5)

 

 

(211

)

 

 

1,669

 

 

 

(5,924

)

 

 

(4,044

)

Loss on asset disposals(6)

 

 

175

 

 

 

117

 

 

 

555

 

 

 

277

 

Change in fair value of derivative asset(7)

 

 

1,360

 

 

 

263

 

 

 

2,201

 

 

 

800

 

Foreign currency loss (gain) – net(8)

 

 

2,237

 

 

 

3,790

 

 

 

(126

)

 

 

4,056

 

Adjustment of liabilities under TRA(9)

 

 

(932

)

 

 

(6,166

)

 

 

(150,719

)

 

 

(6,166

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt(10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

801

 

 

 

 

Impairment charges(11)

 

 

402,574

 

 

 

 

 

 

723,023

 

 

 

 

Severance compensation(12)

 

 

2,156

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,395

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

840

 

 

$

34,243

 

 

$

41,822

 

 

$

151,419

 

(1)
During the periods presented, we accrued for additional uncollected indirect tax liabilities in jurisdictions where we believed it was probable we should remit payment to U.S. and foreign governmental tax authorities before all required amounts are collected from the customer. We also received abatements and recognized other reductions to the balance of the liability related to uncollected indirect taxes (including sales taxes).
(2)
Consists of (i) legal, accounting, tax, and other professional fees, (ii) personnel costs related to retention bonuses, (iii) integration costs, and (iv) other transaction-related expenses, none of which are considered indicative of our core operating performance. Costs in the three months and year ended December 31, 2025 primarily related to the February 2025 refinancing of our first lien term loan, repurchases of Class A common stock, a reverse split of our common stock, the Corporate Simplification, and various strategic transactions and investments. Costs in the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 primarily related to the June 2024 refinancing of our first lien term loan, repurchases of Class A common stock, and various strategic transactions and investments.
(3)
Costs in the three months and year ended December 31, 2025 primarily related to equity granted by us pursuant to our 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the “Incentive Award Plan”), which is not considered indicative of our core operating performance. Costs in the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 primarily related to equity granted by us pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan, as well as profits interests issued by Hoya Topco, LLC prior to the 2021 transaction pursuant to which Horizon Acquisition Corporation merged with and into us (the “Merger Transaction”), neither of which are considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(4)
Relates to external legal costs, settlement costs, and insurance recoveries, none of which are considered indicative of our core operating performance.
(5)
Relates to the revaluation of warrants issued in connection with the Merger Transaction (the “Intermediate Warrants”) that entitled Hoya Topco, LLC to purchase common units of Hoya Intermediate, LLC, which revaluations are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.
(6)
Relates to disposals of fixed assets, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.
(7)
Relates to the revaluation of derivatives recorded at fair value, which revaluations are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.
(8)
Relates to net losses (gains) resulting from the impact of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in non-functional currencies, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.
(9)
Relates to the remeasurement and settlement of the TRA liability, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.
(10)
Relates to losses incurred in connection with the extinguishment of our former first lien term loan, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.
(11)
Relates to non-cash impairment charges related to our goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets triggered by the effects of recent declines in our financial performance, near-term outlook, and Class A common stock price, among other factors.
(12)
Relates to severance-related payments made to terminated employees as a result of a reduction in employee headcount and the departure of certain members of our leadership team, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

FAQ

How did Vivid Seats (SEAT) perform financially in full year 2025?

Vivid Seats posted weaker 2025 results, with revenue of $570.8 million versus $775.6 million in 2024 and adjusted EBITDA of $41.8 million versus $151.4 million. Marketplace GOV dropped to $2.70 billion from $3.89 billion, signaling materially softer demand.

What was Vivid Seats’ net income or loss for 2025 compared to 2024?

Vivid Seats reported a $721.5 million net loss for 2025, compared with net income of $14.3 million in 2024. The swing was driven largely by $723.0 million in non-cash impairment charges related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

What guidance did Vivid Seats (SEAT) provide for full year 2026?

For 2026, Vivid Seats anticipates Marketplace GOV between $2.2 billion and $2.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $30.0 million and $40.0 million. This outlook implies lower profitability than 2025 at the midpoint, even if overall trading volumes partially recover.

What are Vivid Seats’ expectations for Q1 2026 performance?

For Q1 2026, Vivid Seats expects Marketplace GOV of $570.0–$620.0 million, adjusted EBITDA of $8.0–$10.0 million, and a period-end cash balance of $125.0–$135.0 million. This suggests modest quarterly profitability and a still-solid cash position.

How did Vivid Seats’ operating cash flow change in 2025?

Operating cash flow turned negative in 2025, with net cash used in operating activities of $91.6 million compared to $53.9 million provided in 2024. The shift reflects weaker operating performance and working capital movements, increasing pressure on internal funding.

Did Vivid Seats regain compliance with Nasdaq board independence rules?

Yes. After a director resignation left it non-compliant, the board determined on March 6, 2026 that five directors qualify as independent. This restored compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1), which requires a majority of the board to be independent.

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