Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Reports Fiscal 2022 First Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) reported a significant financial downturn for the fiscal first quarter ending September 30, 2021. Total revenues fell to $18.8 million, down 67% from $57.0 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to a decline in league distribution revenues. Operating loss increased to $34.9 million, while adjusted operating loss rose to $28.1 million. Despite these challenges, the company noted strong season ticket renewals and new marketing partnerships, including for mobile sports gaming, which may provide future growth opportunities.

Positive

• Strong season ticket renewal rates.
• Increased corporate sponsorship demand.
• New significant marketing partnerships, including mobile sports gaming.

Negative

• Revenue decreased by $38.2 million, or 67%.
• Operating loss increased by $7.5 million compared to the prior year.
• Adjusted operating loss increased by $10.4 million.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) has reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended September 30, 2021.

In October, the New York Rangers (“Rangers”) and New York Knicks (“Knicks”) began their 2021-22 regular seasons, with full 82-game schedules and no capacity restrictions for home games at the Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”). Both teams are experiencing strong season ticket renewal rates, along with increased corporate sponsorship demand. The Company extended key marketing partnerships with JPMorgan Chase, Anheuser-Busch, Lexus and Squarespace, while also welcoming new partners, including Infosys and Benjamin Moore, as well as BetMGM, which represents the Company's first significant marketing partnership related to mobile sports gaming in New York State.

The year-over-year comparability of fiscal first quarter results was impacted by several factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. After suspending the 2019-20 seasons in March 2020, the NHL and NBA resumed play during the summer of 2020 and successfully completed their postseasons in September and October 2020, respectively. Consequently, the Company's results for the prior year first quarter include the recognition of the remaining balance of national media rights fees, along with operating expenses, both related to the 2019-20 NBA and NHL seasons. Furthermore, the timing of the completion of the 2019-20 NBA and NHL seasons caused delayed starts to the 2020-21 seasons, resulting in no preseason games in the prior year first quarter as compared with two Rangers preseason home games during the current year period.

For the fiscal 2022 first quarter, the Company generated revenues of $18.8 million, a decrease of $38.2 million, as compared to the prior year period. In addition, the Company had an operating loss of $34.9 million and an adjusted operating loss of $28.1 million, as compared to an operating loss of $27.4 million and an adjusted operating loss of $17.8 million in the prior year quarter.⁽¹⁾

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. President and CEO Andrew Lustgarten said, “We’re pleased that the Knicks’ and Rangers’ regular seasons are underway – with both teams playing with no capacity restrictions and a full slate of scheduled games. And while there continues to be some uncertainty due to the pandemic, we’re encouraged by what we’re seeing across several areas of our business, including season tickets, corporate hospitality and marketing partnerships. We believe our strong fundamentals, along with new meaningful opportunities like mobile sports gaming in New York, leave us well-positioned to generate long-term value for our shareholders.”

Results from Operations
Results for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

		Three Months Ended September 30,								Change
$ millions		2021				2020				$				%
Revenues		$	18.8			$	57.0			$	(38.2	)		(67	)%
Operating loss		$	(34.9	)		$	(27.4	)		$	(7.5	)		(27	)%
Adjusted operating loss(1)		$	(28.1	)		$	(17.8	)		$	(10.4	)		(58	)%

Note: Does not foot due to rounding
(1) See page 3 of this earnings release for the definition of adjusted operating income (loss) included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

Summary of Reported Results from Continuing Operations
For the fiscal 2022 first quarter, the Company generated revenues of $18.8 million, as compared to revenues of $57.0 million in the prior year period, a decrease of $38.2 million. The decrease in revenues was primarily driven by declines in league distribution revenues and local media rights fees. This was partially offset by an increase in pre/regular season ticket-related revenues.

League distribution revenues decreased $41.2 million as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the recognition of the remainder of national media rights fees related to the 2019-20 NBA and NHL seasons during the fiscal 2021 first quarter that otherwise would have been recognized during fiscal year 2020.

Local media rights fees decreased $1.8 million as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the impact of the Rangers' participation in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers in the prior year period, which was partially offset by contractual rate increases.

Pre/regular season ticket-related revenues increased $3.7 million as compared to the prior year period, resulting from two Rangers preseason home games played during the current year period as compared to no games played in the prior year period as a result of the 2020-21 NHL season's delayed start.

Direct operating expenses of $8.6 million decreased $31.2 million, or 78%, as compared with the prior year period. During the prior year first quarter, the Company recognized a portion of player compensation expenses and revenue sharing expense (net of escrow) related to the 2019-20 NBA and NHL seasons that otherwise would have been recognized during fiscal year 2020. As a result, team personnel compensation decreased $13.5 million as compared to the prior year period. Net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow) and NBA luxury tax decreased $8.9 million as compared to the prior year period. In addition, net provisions for certain team personnel transactions decreased $10.1 million as compared to the prior year period. These decreases were partially offset by $1.3 million of operating lease costs, including deferred operating lease costs, under the Arena License Agreements with Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. ("MSG Entertainment").

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $43.7 million increased $0.7 million, or 2%, as compared to the prior year period.

Operating loss of $34.9 million increased $7.5 million, as compared with the prior year period, primarily due to the decrease in revenues, partially offset by lower direct operating expenses. Adjusted operating loss of $28.1 million increased by $10.4 million, as compared with the prior year period, primarily as a result of the decrease in revenues and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the decrease in direct operating expenses.

About Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a collection of assets that includes: the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL); two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a leading North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, an NBA 2K League franchise. MSG Sports also operates two professional sports team performance centers – the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, NY and the CLG Performance Center in Los Angeles, CA. More information is available at www.msgsports.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We define adjusted operating income (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) excluding (i) deferred rent expense under the Arena License Agreements with MSG Entertainment, (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) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses, and (vi) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), adjusted operating income (loss) also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items. 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 believe that given the length of the Arena License Agreements and resulting magnitude of the difference in deferred rent expense and the cash rent payments, the exclusion of deferred rent expense provides investors with a clearer picture of the Company's operating performance.

We believe adjusted operating income (loss) is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of our Company. 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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 and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which it operates, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 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.

Conference Call Information:
The conference call will be Webcast live today at 10:00 a.m. ET at investor.msgsports.com
Conference call dial-in number is 833-942-2482 / Conference ID Number 2298086
Conference call replay number is 855-859-2056 / Conference ID Number 2298086 until November 17, 2021

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2021				2020
Revenues		$	18,794			$	57,038
Direct operating expenses			8,578				39,786
Selling, general and administrative expenses			43,728				42,996
Depreciation and amortization			1,426				1,660
Operating loss			(34,938	)			(27,404	)
Other income (expense):
Interest income			50				—
Interest expense			(3,103	)			(1,989	)
Miscellaneous expense, net			(63	)			(120	)
Loss from operations before income taxes			(38,054	)			(29,513	)
Income tax benefit			21,169				498
Net loss			(16,885	)			(29,015	)
Less: Net loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests			(480	)			(598	)
Net loss attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders		$	(16,405	)		$	(28,417	)
Basic loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders		$	(0.68	)		$	(1.18	)
Diluted loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders		$	(0.68	)		$	(1.18	)
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding			24,172				24,062
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding			24,172				24,062

ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO
ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

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

• Deferred rent. This adjustment eliminates the impact of the non-cash portion of rent expense associated with the Arena License Agreements with MSG Entertainment.
• Depreciation and amortization. This adjustment eliminates depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets in all periods.
• Share-based compensation. This adjustment eliminates the compensation expense related to restricted stock units and stock options granted under the Company's employee stock plan and non-employee director plan in all periods.
• Restructuring charges. This adjustment eliminates costs related to termination benefits provided to employees as part of the Company's workforce reduction in August 2020.

		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2021				2020
Operating loss		$	(34,938	)		$	(27,404	)
Deferred rent			529				—
Depreciation and amortization			1,426				1,660
Share-based compensation			4,851				6,345
Restructuring charges			—				1,644
Adjusted operating loss		$	(28,132	)		$	(17,755	)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except per share data)
		September 30, 2021				June 30, 2021
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	33,610			$	64,902
Restricted cash		6,668				7,134
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $0 as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively		54,872				74,197
Net related party receivables		9,545				6,420
Prepaid expenses		48,528				16,724
Other current assets		12,728				15,869
Total current assets		165,951				185,246
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $43,834 and $42,673 as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively		34,734				35,716
Right-of-use lease assets		702,605				703,521
Amortizable intangible assets, net		1,430				1,695
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		112,144				112,144
Goodwill		226,955				226,955
Deferred income tax assets, net		37,101				15,943
Other assets		47,016				28,719
Total assets		$	1,327,936			$	1,309,939

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued) (In thousands, except per share data)
		September 30, 2021				June 30, 2021
		(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,692			$	2,226
Net related party payables			32,876				17,089
Debt			30,000				30,000
Accrued liabilities:
Employee related costs			55,033				90,269
Other accrued liabilities			48,022				55,718
Operating lease liabilities, current			42,425				41,951
Deferred revenue			219,725				131,025
Total current liabilities			429,773				368,278
Long-term debt			355,000				355,000
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent			681,007				691,152
Defined benefit obligations			6,251				6,283
Other employee related costs			54,842				57,740
Deferred revenue, noncurrent			31,497				31,603
Other liabilities			1,750				1,749
Total liabilities			1,560,120				1,511,805
Commitments and contingencies
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Stockholders’ Equity:
Class A Common stock, par value $0.01, 120,000 shares authorized; 19,689 and 19,587 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively			204				204
Class B Common stock, par value $0.01, 30,000 shares authorized; 4,530 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021			45				45
Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 15,000 shares authorized; none outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021			—				—
Additional paid-in capital			—				23,102
Treasury stock, at cost, 759 and 861 shares as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively			(129,426	)			(146,734	)
Accumulated deficit			(103,235	)			(78,898	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,005	)			(2,027	)
Total Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. stockholders’ equity			(234,417	)			(204,308	)
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests			2,233				2,442
Total equity			(232,184	)			(201,866	)
Total liabilities and equity		$	1,327,936			$	1,309,939

SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2021				2020
Net cash used in operating activities		$	(19,310	)		$	(57,485	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(306	)			(80	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(12,142	)			(6,902	)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			(31,758	)			(64,467	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period			72,036				90,673
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		$	40,278			$	26,206

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211110005577/en/

Kimberly Kerns

Communications

(212) 465-6442

Ari Danes, CFA

Investor Relations

(212) 465-6072

Source: Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.

FAQ

What were the revenue figures for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. for Q1 2021?

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. reported revenues of $18.8 million for the fiscal first quarter ending September 30, 2021.

How did the operating loss for MSGS change in Q1 2021?

The operating loss increased to $34.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to $27.4 million in the same period last year.

What impact did COVID-19 have on MSGS's financial results?

COVID-19 impacted MSGS's financial results with a significant decrease in revenues due to the delayed start of previous seasons and absence of preseason games.

What are the future opportunities for MSGS following this report?

MSGS sees growth opportunities through strong marketing partnerships, particularly in mobile sports gaming in New York.