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MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP. REPORTS FISCAL 2024 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS

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Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE) reported a 10% increase in FY24 revenue to $930-950 million and a 13% increase in revenues for the fiscal 2024 second quarter. The Christmas Spectacular production saw record-setting revenues, with over one million tickets sold. The company is on track for a low double-digit percentage increase in events in FY2024.
Positive
  • 10% increase in FY24 revenue to $930-950 million
  • 13% increase in revenues for the fiscal 2024 second quarter
  • Record-setting revenues for the Christmas Spectacular production
  • Over one million tickets sold for the Christmas Spectacular
  • On track for a low double-digit percentage increase in events in FY2024
Negative
  • None.

The announcement by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. regarding the increase in FY24 revenue and operating income projections reflects a positive trajectory for the company's financial performance. The uptick in revenue by 13% to $402.7 million for the fiscal second quarter and the corresponding increase in operating income and adjusted operating income by 21% and 20% respectively, are indicative of strong operational efficiency and effective cost management. The reported growth in event-related revenues, particularly from the Christmas Spectacular production, suggests a successful recovery to pre-pandemic levels of consumer demand for live events. The increase in bookings business is also a promising sign for sustained revenue generation.

However, it is important to scrutinize the decline in advertising sales commissions and the decrease in arena license agreements with MSG Sports. These reductions could potentially signal vulnerabilities in certain revenue streams that may need strategic attention. Investors should also consider the impact of the termination of the advertising sales representation agreement with MSG Networks and the implications for future advertising revenue. Overall, the guidance increase is a robust indicator of the company's confidence in its business model, yet the reliance on live events necessitates close monitoring of market trends and consumer behavior.

The live entertainment sector, as evidenced by MSG Entertainment's performance, appears to be experiencing a resurgence, with consumers returning to in-person events post-pandemic. The over one million tickets sold for the Christmas Spectacular production underscore a significant consumer appetite for live experiences. With the company's bookings business on track for a low double-digit percentage increase in events for FY2024, it is evident that the live events industry is gaining momentum. This is likely driven by a broader industry trend where audiences are seeking shared experiences, which bodes well for other players in the sector.

Nonetheless, the decrease in revenues from arena license agreements and advertising sales commissions should prompt industry stakeholders to diversify their revenue streams to mitigate risks associated with any single source. The sector's growth prospects may attract new entrants and intensify competition, which could influence market dynamics. Companies within this industry must remain agile and innovative to maintain growth and market share in an increasingly competitive environment.

The reported financial results of MSG Entertainment can be seen as a microcosm of the broader economic recovery post-pandemic, particularly in the discretionary spending category. The substantial increase in live event attendance and the consequent financial performance are in line with the consumer confidence rebound. This economic indicator suggests that discretionary spending is robust, which is critical for businesses that rely on non-essential consumer spending, such as entertainment and leisure industries.

However, the company's financial results also highlight the importance of operational adaptability in the face of external challenges, such as the fewer Knicks and Rangers games impacting revenue from arena license agreements. As the economy continues to recover, businesses that can swiftly adapt to changing conditions, like MSG Entertainment has shown with its increased event bookings, are likely to outperform. The long-term implications for stakeholders include the need for sustained investment in customer experience and strategic diversification to capitalize on economic tailwinds while cushioning against potential headwinds.

FY24 Revenue Range Increased to $930-950 Million, a 10% Increase Year-Over-Year at Midpoint of Range

FY24 Operating Income Range Increased to $95-105 Million and AOI Range Increased to $170-180 Million

Record-Setting Revenues for Christmas Spectacular Production, With Over One Million Tickets Sold

Bookings Business Remains On Track to Deliver Low Double-Digit Percentage Increase in Events in FY2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE) ("MSG Entertainment" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2023.

The fiscal 2024 second quarter was highlighted by the Christmas Spectacular production's record-setting holiday season run and robust growth across the Company's bookings business. After extending its run by 8 performances due to strong demand, the Christmas Spectacular concluded its 90th holiday season in early January with over one million tickets sold across 193 shows, marking a return to pre-pandemic attendance levels. In addition, the Company hosted a busy schedule of events across its portfolio of venues and remains well-positioned to achieve a low double-digit percentage increase in the number of bookings events in fiscal 2024.

Financial results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2023 reflect the Company on a fully standalone basis. Results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, which were prior to the spin-off from Sphere Entertainment Co. ("Sphere Entertainment"), are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for the preparation of carve-out financial statements. These prior year results do not include all of the expenses that would have been incurred by MSG Entertainment had it been a standalone company for the periods presented. Therefore, results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2023 are not fully comparable with results for the prior year period.

For the fiscal 2024 second quarter, the Company reported revenues of $402.7 million, an increase of $46.8 million, or 13%, as compared to the prior year quarter. In addition, the Company reported operating income of $137.4 million and adjusted operating income of $151.0 million, increases of $24.0 million and $24.7 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year quarter.(1)

Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan said, "We continue to see robust demand for our portfolio of live entertainment offerings, which led to record results for this year's Christmas Spectacular production. Looking ahead, we remain on track to deliver solid growth in fiscal '24 and believe we are well positioned to generate long-term value for shareholders."

Results for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:




Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended



December 31,


Change


December 31,


Change

$ millions


2023


2022


$


%


2023


2022


$


%

Revenues


$    402.7


$    355.9


$     46.8


13 %


$    544.9


$    502.3


$     42.5


8 %

Operating income


$    137.4


$    113.4


$     24.0


21 %


$    104.0


$    102.1


$       1.9


2 %

Adjusted Operating Income(1)


$    151.0


$    126.3


$     24.7


20 %


$    150.2


$    137.8


$     12.4


9 %


















Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding. NM — Absolute percentages greater than 200% and comparisons from positive to negative values or to zero values are considered not meaningful.

(1)

See page 3 of this earnings release for the definition of adjusted operating income (loss) ("AOI") included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

Summary of Reported Results of Operations for the Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter
For the fiscal 2024 second quarter, the Company reported revenues of $402.7 million, an increase of $46.8 million, or 13%, as compared to the prior year quarter. Event-related revenues increased $44.3 million as compared to the prior year period. This primarily reflected an increase in the number of concerts and other live entertainment and sporting events held at the Company's venues as compared to the prior year quarter and, to a lesser extent, higher per-event revenues in the current year period. Revenues from the presentation of the Christmas Spectacular production increased $17.9 million, primarily due to higher ticket-related revenues, which reflected higher per-show revenue and, to a lesser extent, nine additional performances as compared to the prior year quarter.

The increase in revenues was partially offset by a decrease in advertising sales commissions of $8.4 million in the current year period due to the termination of the Company's advertising sales representation agreement with MSG Networks as of December 31, 2022. In addition, revenues related to the Company's arena license agreements with the Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. ("MSG Sports") decreased $9.8 million. This included a $7.3 million decrease in arena license fee revenues and a $2.5 million decrease in revenues subject to the sharing of economics with MSG Sports, both primarily due to nine fewer Knicks and Rangers games played at the Madison Square Garden Arena ("The Garden") in the current year period.

Fiscal 2024 second quarter direct operating expenses of $202.8 million increased $22.2 million, or 12%, as compared to the prior year quarter. This primarily reflected higher event-related expenses of $19.8 million, due to an increase in the number of events at the Company's venues and, to a lesser extent, higher per-event expenses in the current year quarter. In addition, direct operating expenses associated with the Christmas Spectacular production increased $3.6 million as compared to the prior year quarter. The overall increase in direct operating expenses was partially offset by other net cost decreases.

Fiscal 2024 second quarter selling, general and administrative expenses of $48.4 million increased $5.1 million, or 12%, as compared with the prior year quarter. The fiscal 2024 second quarter reflects the results of the Company on a fully standalone basis. Results for the fiscal 2023 second quarter reflect the allocation of corporate and administrative costs based on the accounting requirements for the preparation of carve-out financial statements. These results do not include all of the expenses that would have been incurred by MSG Entertainment had it been a standalone company in the prior year period. This was the primary driver of the overall increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the impact of the Company's transition services agreement with Sphere Entertainment.

Fiscal 2024 second quarter operating income of $137.4 million increased $24.0 million, or 21%, and adjusted operating income of $151.0 million increased $24.7 million, or 20%, both as compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the increase in revenues and, to a lesser extent, lower restructuring charges in the current year period, partially offset by higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses. The increase in adjusted operating income was primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses. 

Financial Guidance

As a result of the positive momentum across its operations, the Company is increasing its fiscal 2024 guidance for revenues, operating income and adjusted operating income. The Company currently expects the following:

  • Revenues of $930 million to $950 million.
  • Operating income of $95 million to $105 million.
  • Adjusted operating income of $170 million to $180 million(2).

An updated version of the MSG Entertainment investor presentation is now available at investor.msgentertainment.com.

(2) See appendix for a reconciliation of operating income to adjusted operating income for fiscal 2024 financial guidance.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. The Company's portfolio includes a collection of world-renowned venues – New York's Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre – that showcase a broad array of sporting events, concerts, family shows, and special events for millions of guests annually. In addition, the Company features the original production, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which has been a holiday tradition for 90 years. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We define adjusted operating income (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) excluding (i) the impact of non-cash straight-line leasing revenue associated with the arena license agreements with MSG Sports, (ii) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, (iii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iv) restructuring charges or credits, (v) merger, spin-off, and acquisition-related costs, including litigation expenses, (vi) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses and associated settlements, (vii) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions, (viii) gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the executive deferred compensation plan, and (ix) amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs. We believe that given the length of the arena license agreements and resulting magnitude of the difference in leasing revenue recognized and cash revenue received, the exclusion of non-cash leasing revenue provides investors with a clearer picture of the Company's operating performance. We believe that this adjustment is beneficial for other incremental reasons as well. This adjustment provides senior management, investors and analysts with important information regarding a long-term related party agreement with MSG Sports. In addition, this adjustment is included under the Company's debt covenant compliance calculations and is a component of the performance measures used to evaluate, and compensate, senior management of the Company. We believe that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of the various operating units of our business without regard to the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash. We eliminate merger, spin-off, and acquisition-related costs, when applicable, because the Company does not consider such costs to be indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the Company as they result from an event that is of a non-recurring nature, thereby enhancing comparability. In addition, management believes that the exclusion of gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the executive deferred compensation plan, provides investors with a clearer picture of the Company's operating performance given that, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the executive deferred compensation plan are recognized in Operating (income) loss whereas gains and losses related to the remeasurement of the assets under the executive deferred compensation plan, which are equal to and therefore fully offset the gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities, are recognized in Other income (expense), net, which is not reflected in Operating income (loss).

We believe adjusted operating income (loss) is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company on a consolidated and combined basis. Adjusted operating income (loss) and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors and analysts to analyze our performance. Internally, we use revenues and adjusted operating income (loss) as the most important indicators of our business performance, and evaluate management's effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Adjusted operating income (loss) should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities, and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Since adjusted operating income (loss) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures with similar titles used by other companies. For a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income (loss), please see page 5 of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments or events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industries in which it operates and the factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained therein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

Contacts:

Ari Danes, CFA
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Financial Communications & Treasury
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
(212) 465-6072

Justin Blaber
Vice President, Financial Communications
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
(212) 465-6109

Grace Kaminer
Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasury
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
(212) 631-5076

Conference Call Information:
The conference call will be Webcast live today at 10:00 a.m. ET at investor.msgentertainment.com 
Conference call dial-in number is 888-660-6386 / Conference ID Number 8020251
Conference call replay number is 800-770-2030 / Conference ID Number 8020251 until February 14, 2024

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)




Three Months
Ended December 31,


Six Months
Ended December 31,


2023


2022


2023


2022

Revenues


$       402,666


$       355,880


$       544,878


$       502,332

Direct operating expenses


(202,761)


(180,603)


(304,438)


(282,265)

Selling, general, and administrative expenses


(48,389)


(43,301)


(97,211)


(83,415)

Depreciation and amortization


(13,205)


(15,586)


(26,789)


(31,571)

Gains, net on dispositions



4,412



4,412

Restructuring charges


(888)


(7,359)


(12,441)


(7,359)

Operating income


137,423


113,443


103,999


102,134

Interest income


1,083


1,812


1,935


3,322

Interest expense


(15,049)


(13,205)


(29,336)


(24,632)

Other income (expense), net


2,846


(2,172)


(1,625)


(1,286)

Income from operations before income taxes


126,303


99,878


74,973


79,538

Income tax expense


(1,054)


(2,797)


(395)


(731)

Net income


125,249


97,081


74,578


78,807

Less: Net loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest



(181)



(553)

Net income attributable to MSG Entertainment's stockholders


$       125,249


$         97,262


$         74,578


$         79,360










Income per share attributable to MSG Entertainment's stockholders:









Basic


$              2.61


$              1.88


$             1.52


$             1.53

Diluted


$              2.59


$              1.88


$             1.52


$             1.53










Weighted-average number of shares of common stock:









Basic


48,029


51,768


48,955


51,768

Diluted


48,293


51,768


49,168


51,768

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO
ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

The following is a description of the adjustments to operating income in arriving at adjusted operating income as described in this earnings release:

  • Non-cash portion of arena license fees from MSG Sports. This adjustment removes the impact of non-cash straight-line leasing revenue associated with the arena license agreements with MSG Sports.
  • Depreciation and amortization. This adjustment eliminates depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets in all periods.
  • Share-based compensation. This adjustment eliminates the compensation expense relating to restricted stock units and stock options granted under the Company's Employee Stock Plan, Sphere Entertainment's Employee Stock Plan, the Company's Non-Employee Director Plan and Sphere Entertainment's Non-Employee Director Plan in all periods.
  • Restructuring charges. This adjustment eliminates costs related to termination benefits provided to certain corporate executives and employees.
  • Merger, spin-off, and acquisition-related costs. This adjustment eliminates costs related to mergers, spin-offs and acquisitions, including merger-related litigation expenses, in all periods.
  • Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs. This adjustment eliminates amortization of capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs.
  • Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities. This adjustment eliminates the impact of gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the executive deferred compensation plan.


Three Months Ended
December 31,


Six Months Ended
December 31,

$ thousands


2023


2022


2023


2022

Operating income


$       137,423


$       113,443


$      103,999


$       102,134

Non-cash portion of arena license fees from MSG Sports(1)


(9,120)


(12,410)


(9,615)


(12,929)

Depreciation and amortization


13,205


15,586


26,790


31,571

Share-based compensation (excluding share-based compensation in restructuring charges)


7,773


6,555


13,950


13,965

Gains, net on dispositions



(4,412)



(4,412)

Restructuring charges


888


7,359


12,441


7,359

Merger, spin-off, and acquisition-related costs(2)




2,035


Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs


448


29


448


104

Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities


343


160


198


6

Adjusted operating income


$       150,960


$       126,310


$      150,246


$       137,798





















(1)

This adjustment represents the non-cash portion of operating lease revenue related to the Company's Arena License Agreements with MSG Sports. Pursuant to GAAP, recognition of operating lease revenue is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement based upon the value of total future payments under the arrangement. As a result, operating lease revenue is comprised of a contractual cash component plus or minus a non-cash component for each period presented. Operating income on a GAAP basis includes lease income of (i) $15,409 and $16,238 of revenue collected in cash for the three and six months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $19,416 and $20,220 of revenue collected in cash for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, respectively, and (ii) a non-cash portion of $9,120 and $9,615 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $12,410 and $12,929 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

(2)

This adjustment represents non-recurring costs incurred and paid by the Company for the sale of the retained interest by Sphere Entertainment Co.

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in thousands)






December 31,
2023


June 30,
2023

ASSETS





Current Assets:





Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash


$             37,572


$             84,355

Accounts receivable, net


101,955


63,898

Related party receivables, current


41,318


69,466

Prepaid expenses and other current assets


69,408


77,562

Total current assets


250,253


295,281

Non-Current Assets:





Property and equipment, net


626,172


628,888

Right-of-use lease assets


310,219


235,790

Goodwill


69,041


69,041

Intangible assets, net


63,801


63,801

Other non-current assets


100,789


108,356

Total assets


$        1,420,275


$        1,401,157

LIABILITIES AND RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)





Current Liabilities:





Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities


$           197,256


$           214,725

Related party payables, current


52,677


47,281

Long-term debt, current


16,250


16,250

Operating lease liabilities, current


35,539


36,529

Deferred revenue


236,349


225,855

Total current liabilities


538,071


540,640

Non-Current Liabilities:





Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs


605,685


630,184

Operating lease liabilities, non-current


310,952


219,955

Deferred tax liabilities, net


24,070


23,518

Other non-current liabilities


43,544


56,332

Total liabilities


1,522,322


1,470,629

Commitments and contingencies





Deficit:





Class A Common Stock (a)


455


450

Class B Common Stock (b)


69


69

Additional paid-in-capital


25,339


17,727

Treasury stock at cost (4,365 and 840 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively)


(140,512)


(25,000)

Retained earnings (deficit)


45,881


(28,697)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(33,279)


(34,021)

Total deficit


(102,047)


(69,472)

Total liabilities and deficit


$        1,420,275


$        1,401,157








(a)

Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, 120,000 shares authorized; 45,487 and 45,024 shares issued as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively.

(b)

Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, 30,000 shares authorized; 6,867 shares issued as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively.

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)




Six Months Ended



December 31,



2023


2022

Net cash provided by operating activities


$       105,232


$         69,336

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities


(62,731)


22,390

Net cash used in financing activities


(89,284)


(553)

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


(46,783)


91,173

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


84,355


62,573

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


$         37,572


$       153,746

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
APPENDIX

FISCAL 2024 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE

ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE OPERATING INCOME TO

ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME

(in millions)




Fiscal Year 2024

Operating income


$95 - $105

Non-cash portion of arena license fees from MSG Sports


(25)

Depreciation and amortization


55

Share-based compensation


30

Restructuring charges


13

Merger, spin-off and acquisition-related costs


2

Adjusted operating income


$170 - $180

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/madison-square-garden-entertainment-corp-reports-fiscal-2024-second-quarter-results-302055524.html

SOURCE Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

The revenue range for FY24 is $930-950 million.

Revenues for the fiscal 2024 second quarter increased by 13%.

Over one million tickets were sold for the Christmas Spectacular production.

The ticker symbol for Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. is MSGE.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

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