SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2025 RESULTS
- New multi-year marketing partnerships secured with Pepsi and Google
- Sphere segment achieved positive adjusted operating income of $13.1 million, up 2% YoY
- Strong entertainment lineup with Dead & Company, Kenny Chesney, and Backstreet Boys residencies
- MSG Networks successfully renewed multi-year agreement with Altice after temporary disruption
- Debt restructuring agreement to significantly reduce MSG Networks' debt from $804M to $210M
- Total revenue decreased 13% YoY to $280.6 million
- Operating loss increased 95% YoY to $78.6 million
- Sphere segment revenue declined 8% to $157.5 million
- MSG Networks revenue dropped 19% due to Altice distribution disruption
- Significant rights fee reductions required for Knicks (28%) and Rangers (18%) as part of debt restructuring
Insights
Sphere's Q1 shows widening losses, declining revenue, and major debt restructuring for MSG Networks, indicating significant financial challenges despite venue's operational progress.
Sphere Entertainment reported Q1 revenues of
The flagship Sphere segment presents a mixed picture. Despite an
MSG Networks continues its structural decline, with revenues falling
The most telling development is MSG Networks' debt restructuring agreement. Unable to meet obligations on the
While the Sphere venue continues to attract top-tier bookings from Dead & Company, Kenny Chesney, and the Eagles, alongside new partnerships with Pepsi and Google, the fundamental economics remain challenging. The necessary debt restructuring and sports rights devaluation signal deep structural issues in the company's legacy business, while the Sphere venue has yet to demonstrate a clear path to recouping its enormous development costs.
Recent Sphere operating highlights include:
- The Company announced new multi-year marketing partnerships with Pepsi and Google;
- Sphere in
Las Vegas is on track to host multiple corporate events in the second quarter, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise for the second consecutive year; - Insomniac and Tomorrowland announced 'Unity' – Sphere's next electronic dance music event – with nine shows scheduled between the end of August and October; and
- Dead & Company is in the midst of an 18-show residency (following their 30-show run in 2024), which will be followed by residencies from Kenny Chesney and the Backstreet Boys, as well as the return of the Eagles this fall.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company reported revenues of
Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan said, "Our Sphere segment generated positive adjusted operating income in the first quarter as we make progress on our strategic priorities for the business. We remain confident in the opportunities ahead for Sphere and our ability to drive growth this calendar year."
Segment Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024: | ||||||||
(In millions) | Three Months Ended | |||||||
March 31, | Change | |||||||
2025 | 2024 | $ | % | |||||
Revenues: | ||||||||
Sphere | $ 157.5 | $ 170.4 | $ (12.8) | (8) % | ||||
MSG Networks | 123.0 | 151.0 | (27.9) | (19) % | ||||
Total Revenues | $ 280.6 | $ 321.3 | $ (40.8) | (13) % | ||||
Operating Income (Loss) | ||||||||
Sphere | $ (93.8) | $ (83.5) | $ (10.3) | (12) % | ||||
MSG Networks | 15.2 | 43.1 | (28.0) | (65) % | ||||
Total Operating Loss | $ (78.6) | $ (40.4) | $ (38.2) | (95) % | ||||
Adjusted Operating Income:(2) | ||||||||
Sphere | $ 13.1 | $ 12.9 | $ 0.2 | 2 % | ||||
MSG Networks | 22.8 | 48.6 | (25.8) | (53) % | ||||
Total Adjusted Operating Income | $ 36.0 | $ 61.5 | $ (25.6) | (42) % |
Note: Does not foot due to rounding. |
(1) | As previously announced, the Company changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2024. As a result, the Company's current fiscal year covers the period from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. | |
(2) | See page 4 of this earnings release for the definition of adjusted operating income (loss) included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures. |
Sphere
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Sphere segment reported revenues of
Revenues related to The Sphere Experience decreased
Revenues from sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising and suite license fees decreased
The overall decrease in revenues was partially offset by higher event-related revenues and, to a lesser extent, other revenues. Event-related revenues increased
Other revenues increased
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Sphere segment had direct operating expenses of
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, selling, general and administrative expenses of
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, operating loss of
MSG Networks
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the MSG Networks segment reported total revenues of
On December 31, 2024, MSG Networks' affiliation agreement with Altice expired, subsequent to which MSG Networks' programming networks were not carried by Altice from January 1, 2025 through February 21, 2025. On February 22, 2025, MSG Networks reached a multi-year renewal with Altice. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 reflect the absence of revenues from Altice during the non-carriage period.
Distribution revenue decreased
Advertising revenue increased
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, direct operating expenses of
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, selling, general and administrative expenses of
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, operating income decreased by
Other Matters
As previously announced, MSG Networks has been pursuing a refinancing of its credit facilities, which matured on October 11, 2024, through a work-out with its syndicate of lenders. On April 24, 2025, MSG Networks entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the "Transaction Support Agreement") with its lenders, New York Knicks, LLC (the "Knicks"), New York Rangers, LLC (the "Rangers") and the Company, pursuant to which the parties agreed to support certain proposed transactions to reduce and restructure MSG Networks' existing debt obligations (collectively, the "Proposed Transactions").
The Proposed Transactions contemplate, among other things, that: (i) MSG Networks' current
The Transaction Support Agreement also contemplates MSG Networks and the Knicks and the Rangers agreeing to certain amendments under their respective local media rights agreements, effective January 1, 2025, as follows: (i)
The Proposed Transactions are subject to the execution of definitive documentation and are expected to be completed on or before June 27, 2025. The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transactions are described more fully in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2025.
About Sphere Entertainment Co.
Sphere Entertainment Co. is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue opened in
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We define adjusted operating income (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, (ii) amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs, (iii) share-based compensation expense, (iv) restructuring charges or credits, (v) merger, debt work-out and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries, (vi) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses and associated settlements, (vii) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions, and (viii) gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. We believe that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of our business without regard to the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash. We eliminate merger, debt work-out and acquisition-related costs, including merger related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries, 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 Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, provides investors with a clearer picture of the Company's operating performance given that, in accordance with
We believe adjusted operating income (loss) is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of our business segments and the Company on a consolidated 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 6 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 Investor Relations and Financial Communications (212) 465-6072 | Justin Blaber Financial Communications (212) 465-6109 |
Grace Kaminer Investor Relations (212) 631-5076 | Sarah Rothschild Investor Relations (212) 631-5345 |
Conference Call Information:
The conference call will be Webcast live today at 10:00 a.m. ET at investor.sphereentertainmentco.com
Conference call dial-in number is 888-800-3155 / Conference ID Number 8089430
Conference call replay number is 800-770-2030 / Conference ID Number 8089430 until May 15, 2025
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) | ||||
Three Months Ended | ||||
March 31, | ||||
2025 | 2024 | |||
Revenues | $ 280,574 | $ 321,330 | ||
Direct operating expenses | (158,323) | (154,040) | ||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | (114,269) | (123,149) | ||
Depreciation and amortization | (84,229) | (79,867) | ||
Impairment and other losses, net | (521) | — | ||
Restructuring charges | (1,841) | (4,667) | ||
Operating loss | (78,609) | (40,393) | ||
Interest income | 3,878 | 7,654 | ||
Interest expense | (26,206) | (27,119) | ||
Other expense, net | (1,340) | (3,256) | ||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (102,277) | (63,114) | ||
Income tax benefit | 20,323 | 15,874 | ||
Net loss | $ (81,954) | $ (47,240) | ||
Basic loss per common share attributable to Sphere Entertainment Co.'s stockholders | $ (2.27) | $ (1.33) | ||
Diluted loss per common share attributable to Sphere Entertainment Co.'s stockholders | $ (2.27) | $ (1.33) | ||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: | ||||
Basic | 36,110 | 35,418 | ||
Diluted | 36,110 | 35,418 |
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO
ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
The following is a description of the adjustments to operating loss in arriving at adjusted operating income (loss) as described in this earnings release:
- Share-based compensation. This adjustment eliminates the compensation expense relating to restricted stock units, performance stock units and stock options granted under the Sphere Entertainment Employee Stock Plan, MSG Sports Employee Stock Plan, MSG Networks Employee Stock Plan, as amended and assumed by Sphere Entertainment, and Sphere Entertainment Non-Employee Director Plan.
- Depreciation and amortization. This adjustment eliminates depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets.
- Restructuring charges. This adjustment eliminates costs related to termination benefits provided to employees as part of the Company's full-time workforce reductions.
- Impairment and other losses (gains), net. This adjustment eliminates non-cash impairment charges and the impact of gains or losses from the disposition of assets or businesses.
- Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries. This adjustment eliminates costs related to mergers, debt work-outs and acquisitions, including litigation expenses.
- 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 Company's executive deferred compensation plan.
Three Months Ended | ||||
March 31, | ||||
2025 | 2024 | |||
Operating loss | $ (78,609) | $ (40,393) | ||
Share-based compensation | 21,595 | 16,724 | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 84,229 | 79,867 | ||
Restructuring charges | 1,841 | 4,667 | ||
Impairment and other losses, net | 521 | — | ||
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries | 4,791 | 508 | ||
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs | 1,579 | 22 | ||
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities | 21 | 126 | ||
Adjusted operating income | $ 35,968 | $ 61,521 |
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. SEGMENT RESULTS (In thousands) (Unaudited) | ||||||
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS | ||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Sphere | MSG Networks | Total | ||||
Revenues | $ 157,545 | $ 123,029 | $ 280,574 | |||
Direct operating expenses | (70,536) | (87,787) | (158,323) | |||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (96,404) | (17,865) | (114,269) | |||
Depreciation and amortization | (82,005) | (2,224) | (84,229) | |||
Impairment and other losses, net | (521) | — | (521) | |||
Restructuring charges | (1,841) | — | (1,841) | |||
Operating (loss) income | $ (93,762) | $ 15,153 | $ (78,609) | |||
Reconciliation to adjusted operating income: | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 19,954 | 1,641 | 21,595 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 82,005 | 2,224 | 84,229 | |||
Restructuring charges | 1,841 | — | 1,841 | |||
Impairment and other losses, net | 521 | — | 521 | |||
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of | 988 | 3,803 | 4,791 | |||
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs | 1,579 | — | 1,579 | |||
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities | 21 | — | 21 | |||
Adjusted operating income | $ 13,147 | $ 22,821 | $ 35,968 | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||
Sphere | MSG Networks | Total | ||||
Revenues | $ 170,364 | $ 150,966 | $ 321,330 | |||
Direct operating expenses | (62,294) | (91,746) | (154,040) | |||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (108,976) | (14,173) | (123,149) | |||
Depreciation and amortization | (77,706) | (2,161) | (79,867) | |||
Restructuring charges | (4,886) | 219 | (4,667) | |||
Operating (loss) income | $ (83,498) | $ 43,105 | $ (40,393) | |||
Reconciliation to adjusted operating income: | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 13,273 | 3,451 | 16,724 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 77,706 | 2,161 | 79,867 | |||
Restructuring charges | 4,886 | (219) | 4,667 | |||
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of | 416 | 92 | 508 | |||
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs | — | 22 | 22 | |||
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities | 126 | — | 126 | |||
Adjusted operating income | $ 12,909 | $ 48,612 | $ 61,521 |
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) | ||||
As of | ||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||
2025 | 2024 | |||
ASSETS | ||||
Current Assets: | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ 478,202 | $ 515,633 | ||
Accounts receivable, net | 162,228 | 154,624 | ||
Related party receivables, current | 29,954 | 25,729 | ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 64,721 | 65,007 | ||
Total current assets | 735,105 | 760,993 | ||
Non-Current Assets: | ||||
Investments | 41,279 | 40,396 | ||
Property and equipment, net | 2,967,586 | 3,035,730 | ||
Right-of-use lease assets | 91,551 | 93,920 | ||
Goodwill | 410,172 | 410,172 | ||
Intangible assets, net | 26,784 | 28,383 | ||
Other non-current assets | 175,141 | 145,706 | ||
Total assets | $ 4,447,618 | $ 4,515,300 | ||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||
Accounts payable | $ 33,864 | $ 33,606 | ||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 413,454 | 388,370 | ||
Related party payables, current | 9,454 | 9,504 | ||
Current portion of long-term debt, net | 804,125 | 829,125 | ||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 18,599 | 19,268 | ||
Deferred revenue | 101,596 | 91,794 | ||
Total current liabilities | 1,381,092 | 1,371,667 | ||
Non-Current Liabilities: | ||||
Long-term debt, net | 524,681 | 524,010 | ||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 114,421 | 116,668 | ||
Deferred tax liabilities, net | 127,949 | 148,870 | ||
Other non-current liabilities | 157,411 | 152,666 | ||
Total liabilities | 2,305,554 | 2,313,881 | ||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||
Equity: | ||||
Class A Common Stock (1) | 290 | 290 | ||
Class B Common Stock (2) | 69 | 69 | ||
Additional paid-in capital | 2,449,028 | 2,428,414 | ||
Accumulated deficit | (301,800) | (219,846) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (5,523) | (7,508) | ||
Total stockholders' equity | 2,142,064 | 2,201,419 | ||
Total liabilities and equity | $ 4,447,618 | $ 4,515,300 |
(1) | Class A Common Stock, | |||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Class B Common Stock, |
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (In thousands) (Unaudited) | ||||
Three Months Ended | ||||
March 31 | ||||
2025 | 2024 | |||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ 6,348 | $ 101,018 | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (17,570) | (21,213) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities | (26,307) | (12,963) | ||
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | 98 | (723) | ||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ (37,431) | $ 66,119 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period | 515,633 | 627,827 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $ 478,202 | $ 693,946 |
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SOURCE Sphere Entertainment Co.