Atlanta Braves Holdings Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Atlanta Braves Holdings reported third quarter 2023 results. Total revenue grew 11% to $272 million. Baseball revenue increased 11% to $256 million. Mixed-use development revenue increased 10% to $16 million. The Braves secured their sixth consecutive NL East Title. 54 game sellouts and 3.2 million tickets sold for the 2023 season.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves Holdings”) (Nasdaq: BATRA, BATRK) today reported third quarter 2023 results.

Headlines include⁽¹⁾:

• Total revenue grew 11% to $272 million in third quarter
  • Baseball revenue up 11% to $256 million
  • Mixed-use development revenue up 10% to $16 million
• Mixed-use development generated $11 million of Adjusted OIBDA⁽²⁾ in third quarter
• Atlanta Braves secured sixth consecutive NL East Title
• 54 game sellouts and 3.2 million tickets sold for 2023 season

Corporate Updates

On July 18, 2023, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) completed the split-off of the Braves and its associated mixed-use development (the “Split-Off”) into the separate public company Atlanta Braves Holdings. The businesses and assets at Atlanta Braves Holdings consist of Braves Holdings, LLC, the owner and operator of the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club, and certain assets and liabilities associated with the Braves’ ballpark and mixed-use development, called The Battery Atlanta, which were previously attributed to the Braves Group tracking stock of Liberty Media. For purposes of this presentation, Atlanta Braves Holdings standalone results, assets and liabilities represent the combination of the historical financial information of the Braves Group until the date of the Split-Off. Although Atlanta Braves Holdings was reported as a combined company until the date of the Split-Off, it is now a consolidated company and all periods reported in this presentation are referred to as consolidated.

Discussion of Results
		Three months ended													Nine months ended
		September 30,													September 30,
		2022				2023				% Change					2022				2023				% Change
		amounts in thousands													amounts in thousands
Baseball revenue		$	231,279			$	256,266			11		%			$	478,037			$	528,762			11		%
Mixed-use development revenue			14,168				15,558			10		%				39,265				44,157			12		%
Total revenue			245,447				271,824			11		%				517,302				572,919			11		%
Operating costs and expenses:
Baseball operating costs			(194,216	)			(198,195	)		(2	)	%				(390,027	)			(430,424	)		(10	)	%
Mixed-use development costs			(2,089	)			(2,247	)		(8	)	%				(6,399	)			(6,451	)		(1	)	%
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation			(24,626	)			(31,037	)		(26	)	%				(73,519	)			(84,686	)		(15	)	%
Adjusted OIBDA		$	24,516			$	40,345			65		%			$	47,357			$	51,358			8		%
Operating income (loss)		$	(4,692	)		$	15,716			NM					$	(23,371	)		$	(14,074	)		40		%
Regular season home games in period			38				37									79				80

Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion compares financial information for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to the same period in 2022.

Baseball revenue is derived from two primary sources on an annual basis: (i) baseball event revenue (ticket sales, concessions, advertising sponsorships, suites and premium seat fees) and (ii) broadcasting revenue (national and local broadcast rights). Mixed-use development revenue is derived from the Battery Atlanta mixed-use facilities and primarily includes rental income.

The following table disaggregates revenue by segment and by source:

		Three months ended											Nine months ended
		September 30,											September 30,
		2022			2023			% Change					2022			2023			% Change
		amounts in thousands											amounts in thousands
Baseball:
Baseball event		$	134,941		$	160,794		19		%			$	281,144		$	324,280		15		%
Broadcasting			66,901			69,337		4		%				130,646			138,786		6		%
Retail and licensing			17,590			20,904		19		%				39,200			45,026		15		%
Other			11,847			5,231		(56	)	%				27,047			20,670		(24	)	%
Baseball revenue			231,279			256,266		11		%				478,037			528,762		11		%
Mixed-use development			14,168			15,558		10		%				39,265			44,157		12		%
Total revenue		$	245,447		$	271,824		11		%			$	517,302		$	572,919		11		%

There were 37 regular season home games played in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 38 regular season home games in the prior year period.

Baseball revenue increased 11% in the third quarter. Baseball event and retail and licensing revenue grew primarily due to increased ticket demand and attendance at regular season home games. Broadcasting revenue increased due to contractual rate increases. Other revenue declined due to fewer concerts at the ballpark compared to the prior year period. Mixed-use development revenue increased 10% during the third quarter due to increases in rental income related to tenant recoveries and various new lease agreements, as well as higher sponsorship revenue.

Operating income and Adjusted OIBDA increased in the third quarter. Revenue growth more than offset increased baseball operating costs due to higher player salaries and minor league team and player expenses. Selling, general and administrative expense increased during the third quarter primarily driven by costs related to the Split-Off.

FOOTNOTES

		1)		Atlanta Braves Holdings will be available to answer questions related to these headlines and other matters on Liberty Media Corporation’s earnings conference call that will begin at 10:00 a.m. (E.T.) on November 3, 2023. For information regarding how to access the call, please see “Important Notice” later in this document.
		2)		For a definition of Adjusted OIBDA (as defined by Atlanta Braves Holdings) and the applicable reconciliation, see the accompanying schedule.

Important Notice: Atlanta Braves Holdings (Nasdaq: BATRA, BATRK) will be available to answer questions on Liberty Media Corporation’s third quarter earnings conference call which will begin at 10:00 a.m. (E. T.) on November 3, 2023. The call can be accessed by dialing (877) 704-2829 or (215) 268-9864, passcode 13736986 at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. The call will also be broadcast live across the Internet and archived on our website. To access the webcast go to https://www.bravesholdings.com/investors/news-events/ir-calendar. Links to this press release will also be available on the Atlanta Braves Holdings website.

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about business strategies, product and marketing strategies, future financial performance and prospects, and other matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, Atlanta Braves Holdings’ ability to recognize anticipated benefits from the split-off, possible changes in the regulatory and competitive environment in which Atlanta Braves Holdings operates (including an expansion of MLB), the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation, operational risks of Atlanta Braves Holdings and its business affiliates, including operations outside of the U.S., Atlanta Braves Holdings’ indebtedness and its ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms and cash in amounts sufficient to service debt and other financial obligations, tax matters, compliance with government regulations and potential adverse outcomes of regulatory proceedings, changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with broadcasters, partners, vendors and joint venturers, the impact of organized labor, the performance and management of the mixed-use development and the impact of inflation and weak economic conditions on consumer demand. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Atlanta Braves Holdings expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Atlanta Braves Holdings’ expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of Atlanta Braves Holdings, including Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Atlanta Braves Holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 8, 2023, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Atlanta Braves Holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2023, and the most recent Form 10-Q, for additional information about Atlanta Braves Holdings and about the risks and uncertainties related to Atlanta Braves Holdings’ business which may affect the statements made in this press release.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES

SCHEDULE 1: Reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Operating Income (Loss)

To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, this press release includes a presentation of Adjusted OIBDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, for Atlanta Braves Holdings together with reconciliations to operating income, as determined under GAAP. Atlanta Braves Holdings defines Adjusted OIBDA as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements, restructuring, acquisition and impairment charges.

Atlanta Braves Holdings believes Adjusted OIBDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses by identifying those items that are not directly a reflection of each business’ performance or indicative of ongoing business trends. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. Because Adjusted OIBDA is used as a measure of operating performance, Atlanta Braves Holdings views operating income as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted OIBDA is not meant to replace or supersede operating income or any other GAAP measure, but rather to supplement such GAAP measures in order to present investors with the same information that Atlanta Braves Holdings’ management considers in assessing the results of operations and performance of its assets.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA for Atlanta Braves Holdings to operating income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2023.

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(amounts in thousands)		2022				2023				2022				2023
Operating income (loss)		$	(4,692	)		$	15,716			$	(23,371	)		$	(14,074	)
Impairment of long-lived assets and other related costs			4,811				34				4,811				564
Stock-based compensation			3,062				3,309				9,188				9,653
Depreciation and amortization			21,335				21,286				56,729				55,215
Adjusted OIBDA		$	24,516			$	40,345			$	47,357			$	51,358
Baseball		$	18,072			$	36,918			$	28,653			$	38,796
Mixed-use development			9,696				10,661				26,093				29,980
Corporate and other			(3,252	)			(7,234	)			(7,389	)			(17,418	)

SCHEDULE 2: Cash and Debt

The following presentation is provided to separately identify cash and debt information. Atlanta Braves Holdings cash decreased $24 million during the third quarter due to cash used in operations primarily due to seasonal working capital changes, as well as capital expenditures, partially offset by the release of restricted cash pursuant to the terms of various financial debt arrangements and net borrowing. Atlanta Braves Holdings debt increased $16 million in the third quarter primarily due to borrowings under the TeamCo revolver and mixed-use development credit facilities.

(amounts in thousands)		June 30, 2023				September 30, 2023
Atlanta Braves Holdings Cash (GAAP)(a)		$	130,537			$	106,715
Debt:
Baseball
League wide credit facility		$	—			$	—
MLB facility fund - term			30,000				30,000
MLB facility fund - revolver			43,125				41,400
TeamCo revolver			—				10,000
Term debt			168,561				165,370
Mixed-use development			301,127				312,399
Total Atlanta Braves Holdings Debt		$	542,813			$	559,169
Deferred financing costs			(4,118	)			(3,898	)
Total Atlanta Braves Holdings Debt (GAAP)		$	538,695			$	555,271

___________________
a)		Excludes restricted cash held in reserves pursuant to the terms of various financial obligations of $52 million and $20 million as of June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION September 30, 2023 (unaudited)
		September 30,				December 31,
		2023				2022
		amounts in thousands
		except share amounts
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	106,715			150,664
Restricted cash			19,814			22,149
Accounts receivable and contract assets, net of allowance for credit losses			99,095			70,234
Other current assets			18,224			24,331
Total current assets			243,848			267,378
Property and equipment, at cost			1,061,776			1,007,776
Accumulated depreciation			(312,286	)		(277,979	)
			749,490			729,797
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method			105,614			94,564
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Goodwill			175,764			175,764
Franchise rights			123,703			123,703
			299,467			299,467
Other assets, net			120,420			99,455
Total assets		$	1,518,839			1,490,661
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	68,339			54,748
Deferred revenue and refundable tickets			106,120			104,996
Current portion of debt			7,786			74,806
Other current liabilities			7,056			6,361
Total current liabilities			189,301			240,911
Long-term debt			547,485			467,160
Redeemable intergroup interests			—			278,103
Finance lease liabilities			106,751			107,220
Deferred income tax liabilities			56,682			54,099
Pension liability			10,712			15,405
Other noncurrent liabilities			32,257			28,253
Total liabilities			943,188			1,191,151
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; zero shares issued at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022			—			—
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 10,318,202 and zero at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			103			—
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 7,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 977,795 and zero at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			10			—
Series C common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 50,427,249 and zero at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively			504			—
Additional paid-in capital			1,088,517			—
Former parent’s investment			—			732,350
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes			(3,510	)		(3,758	)
Retained earnings (deficit)			(522,018	)		(429,082	)
Total stockholders' equity/former parent's investment			563,606			299,510
Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries			12,045			—
Total equity			575,651			299,510
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and equity		$	1,518,839			1,490,661

ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION September 30, 2023 (unaudited)
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2023			2022		2023			2022
		amounts in thousands, except per share amounts
Revenue:
Baseball revenue		$	256,266		231,279		$	528,762		478,037
Mixed-use development revenue			15,558		14,168			44,157		39,265
Total revenue			271,824		245,447			572,919		517,302
Operating costs and expenses:
Baseball operating costs			198,195		194,216			430,424		390,027
Mixed-use development costs			2,247		2,089			6,451		6,399
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation			34,346		27,688			94,339		82,707
Impairment of long-lived assets and other related costs			34		4,811			564		4,811
Depreciation and amortization			21,286		21,335			55,215		56,729
			256,108		250,139			586,993		540,673
Operating income (loss)			15,716		(4,692)			(14,074)		(23,371)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(9,657)		(7,999)			(28,017)		(20,528)
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net			12,725		9,975			23,384		22,118
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests, net			(20,392)		(30,940)			(83,178)		5,163
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net			2,593		5,778			5,672		12,238
Gains (losses) on dispositions, net			15		68			2,518		20,283
Other, net			1,209		161			2,863		329
Earnings (loss) before income taxes			2,209		(27,649)			(90,832)		16,232
Income tax benefit (expense)			(8,256)		(2,248)			(2,104)		(5,465)
Net earnings (loss)		$	(6,047)		(29,897)		$	(92,936)		10,767
Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A, Series B and Series C Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. shareholders per common share		$	(0.10)		(0.48)		$	(1.51)		0.17
Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A, Series B and Series C Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. shareholders per common share		$	(0.10)		(0.48)		$	(1.51)		0.17

ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION September 30, 2023 (unaudited)
		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2023			2022
		amounts in thousands
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)		$	(92,936)		10,767
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			55,215		56,729
Stock-based compensation			9,653		9,188
Impairment of long-lived assets			—		4,811
Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net			(23,384)		(22,118)
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on intergroup interests, net			83,178		(5,163)
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net			(5,672)		(12,238)
(Gains) losses on dispositions, net			(2,518)		(20,283)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)			(6,086)		(2,111)
Cash receipts from returns on equity method investments			12,350		14,850
Other charges (credits), net			4,856		2,041
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
Current and other assets			(67,475)		(22,628)
Payables and other liabilities			11,513		5,543
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(21,306)		19,388
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expended for property and equipment			(45,313)		(13,174)
Cash proceeds from dispositions			—		47,840
Investments in equity method affiliates and equity securities			(125)		(5,273)
Other investing activities, net			110		—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(45,328)		29,393
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings of debt			52,248		134,753
Repayments of debt			(38,997)		(235,368)
Payments to settle intergroup interests			—		(13,828)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest			12,045		—
Other financing activities, net			(4,946)		(5,135)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			20,350		(119,578)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			(46,284)		(70,797)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period			172,813		244,113
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		$	126,529		173,316

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231102958609/en/

Shane Kleinstein (720) 875-5432

Source: Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key highlights of Atlanta Braves Holdings' third quarter 2023 results?

The key highlights include: total revenue grew 11% to $272 million, baseball revenue increased 11% to $256 million, mixed-use development revenue increased 10% to $16 million, and the Braves secured their sixth consecutive NL East Title.

How many tickets were sold for the 2023 season?

3.2 million tickets were sold for the 2023 season.

What is the website to access the webcast of the earnings conference call?

The webcast can be accessed at https://www.bravesholdings.com/investors/news-events/ir-calendar.

When will the earnings conference call take place?

The earnings conference call will begin at 10:00 a.m. (E.T.) on November 3, 2023.

What is the stock symbol of Atlanta Braves Holdings?

The stock symbol of Atlanta Braves Holdings is BATRA and BATRK.

How much did baseball revenue increase in the third quarter?

Baseball revenue increased 11% in the third quarter.

What contributed to the increase in mixed-use development revenue?

The increase in mixed-use development revenue was primarily due to increases in rental income related to tenant recoveries and various new lease agreements, as well as higher sponsorship revenue.

How many regular season home games were played in the third quarter of 2023?

There were 37 regular season home games played in the third quarter of 2023.

What was the growth rate of Adjusted OIBDA in the third quarter?

Adjusted OIBDA grew 65% in the third quarter.

What caused the increase in operating income and Adjusted OIBDA in the third quarter?

Revenue growth more than offset increased baseball operating costs due to higher player salaries and minor league team and player expenses.

What caused the increase in selling, general and administrative expense in the third quarter?

The increase in selling, general and administrative expense was primarily driven by costs related to the Split-Off.

What is the definition of Adjusted OIBDA?

Adjusted OIBDA is a financial metric defined by Atlanta Braves Holdings. For the applicable definition and reconciliation, please refer to the accompanying schedule.