MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP. REPORTS FISCAL 2024 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

Rhea-AI Summary

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. reported solid financial results for the fiscal 2024 third quarter, with revenues of $430.0 million, a 12% increase compared to the prior year. The company generated operating income of $79.7 million, a slight decrease of 2%, and adjusted operating income of $88.7 million, a 3% increase. The increase in revenues was driven by higher ticket-related revenues, suite revenues, food, beverage, and merchandise sales, local media rights fees, and revenues from league distributions. The Knicks played additional home games at The Garden, contributing to the revenue growth.

Positive

• Revenues increased by 12% to $430.0 million in the fiscal 2024 third quarter.

• Adjusted operating income increased by 3% to $88.7 million.

• Higher ticket-related revenues, suite revenues, and food, beverage, and merchandise sales drove revenue growth.

• Local media rights fees and league distributions also contributed to revenue increase.

• The Knicks playing extra home games boosted revenue in the current year period.

Negative

• Operating income decreased by 2% to $79.7 million in the fiscal 2024 third quarter.

• Direct operating expenses increased by 14%, mainly driven by higher team personnel compensation.

• Selling, general, and administrative expenses rose by 25%, primarily due to higher employee compensation and executive management transition costs.

NEW YORK, May 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) today reported financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2024.  

During the fiscal 2024 third quarter, the New York Knicks ("Knicks") and New York Rangers ("Rangers") continued their 2023-24 regular seasons, with operating results reflecting increases in average per-game paid attendance, average ticket prices and ancillary per-capita spending, as well as strong demand for premium hospitality offerings. This translated into growth in average per-game revenues across tickets and suites, as well as food, beverage and merchandise. Local and national media rights fees were also higher, reflecting contractual rate increases. In addition, fiscal 2024 third quarter results reflect the positive impact of five additional Knicks home games played at The Garden, as compared to the prior year period.

Subsequent to the end of the fiscal 2024 third quarter, both teams concluded their regular seasons and are currently competing in the NBA and NHL playoffs. In addition, the Company launched its 2024-25 Knicks and Rangers season ticket renewal initiative, which has seen strong demand to date.

In the fiscal 2024 third quarter, the Company generated revenues of $430.0 million, an increase of $47.2 million, or 12%, as compared to the prior year period. In addition, the Company reported operating income of $79.7 million, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 2%, and adjusted operating income of $88.7 million, an increase of $2.5 million, or 3%, both as compared to the prior year period.⁽¹⁾

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Executive Chairman James L. Dolan said, "Our third quarter results reflect solid operating performance across our business, driven by ongoing enthusiasm for the Knicks and Rangers, as both teams concluded successful regular seasons and qualified for the playoffs. As we look ahead, we remain confident that we are well positioned to generate long-term value for our shareholders."

Results from Operations
Results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		March 31,				Change				March 31,				Change
$ millions		2024		2023		$		%		2024		2023		$		%
Revenues		$     430.0		$     382.7		$       47.2		12 %		$    799.9		$    760.5		$      39.4		5 %
Operating income		$       79.7		$       81.8		$       (2.0)		(2) %		$      93.7		$      97.4		$      (3.6)		(4) %
Adjusted operating       income(1)		$       88.7		$       86.2		$         2.5		3 %		$    115.7		$    122.8		$      (7.1)		(6) %

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. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company amended this definition so that the impact of the non-cash portion of operating lease costs (which was $13.0 million and $22.4 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024, respectively, and $11.9 million and $24.7 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2023, respectively) related to the Company's arena license agreements with Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. ("MSG Entertainment") is no longer excluded in all periods presented.

Summary of Reported Results from Operations
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter, revenues of $430.0 million increased $47.2 million, or 12%, as compared to the prior year period.  This increase was primarily due to higher ticket-related revenues, suite revenues, food, beverage and merchandise sales, local media rights fees and revenues from league distributions. The Knicks played five more regular season home games at The Garden in the current year period as compared to the prior year period.

Ticket-related revenues increased $29.9 million, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the Knicks playing additional games at The Garden during the fiscal 2024 third quarter, and higher average Knicks and Rangers per-game revenue.

Suite revenues increased $10.9 million, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the Knicks playing additional games at The Garden during the fiscal 2024 third quarter, and higher net sales of suite products, including revenue related to new premium hospitality offerings which were made available at the start of the 2023-24 seasons. 

Food, beverage, and merchandise sales increased $4.3 million, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to higher average per-game revenue, the Knicks playing additional games at The Garden during the fiscal 2024 third quarter and higher online sales of merchandise.

Local media rights fees increased $1.3 million as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to contractual rate increases, partially offset by a reduction in rights fees due to a decrease in the number of games exclusively available to MSG Networks during the current year. In addition, revenues from league distributions increased $0.6 million as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to higher national media rights fees, partially offset by lower other league distributions and the absence of league distributions related to Counter Logic Gaming ("CLG") in the current year period following the Company's sale of its controlling interest in CLG in April 2023.

Direct operating expenses of $273.0 million increased $34.0 million, or 14%, as compared to the prior year period, primarily reflecting higher team personnel compensation of $11.8 million and higher net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) and NBA luxury tax of $8.4 million, as well as an increase in other team operating expenses of $5.1 million. In addition, operating lease costs under the arena license agreements with MSG Entertainment increased $4.4 million, expenses associated with merchandise sales were higher by $2.2 million, and net provisions for certain team personnel transactions increased $2.1 million, all as compared to the prior year period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $76.4 million increased $15.3 million, or 25%, as compared to the prior year period. This increase mainly reflects higher employee compensation and related benefits of $12.2 million, primarily due to executive management transition costs recognized in the current year period, as well as higher other general and administrative expenses.

Operating income of $79.7 million decreased $2.0 million, or 2%, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher revenues. Adjusted operating income of $88.7 million increased $2.5 million, or 3%, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, an increase in selling, general and administrative 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), as well as two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). MSG Sports also operates a professional sports team performance center – the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. More information is available at www.msgsports.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company amended its definition of adjusted operating income (loss) so that the impact of the non-cash portion of operating lease costs related to the Company's arena license agreements with MSG Entertainment is no longer excluded in the calculation of adjusted operating income (loss) in all periods presented.

We define adjusted operating income (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) excluding (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iii) restructuring charges or credits, (iv) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses, (v) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions, and (vi) gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. 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. In addition, we believe 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are recognized in Operating (income) loss whereas gains and losses related to the remeasurement of the assets under the Company's 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 Miscellaneous 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 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 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, 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

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2024		2023		2024		2023
Revenues		$     429,954		$     382,744		$     799,898		$     760,527
Direct operating expenses		273,026		239,051		508,771		468,434
Selling, general and administrative expenses		76,398		61,102		195,020		192,019
Depreciation and amortization		788		840		2,372		2,703
Operating income		79,742		81,751		93,735		97,371
Other income (expense):
Interest income		477		704		1,549		1,627
Interest expense		(6,921)		(7,004)		(21,269)		(16,395)
Miscellaneous (expense) income, net		(1,403)		19,324		(11,077)		19,543
Income before income taxes		71,895		94,775		62,938		102,146
Income tax expense		(34,018)		(42,962)		(29,658)		(47,024)
Net income		37,877		51,813		33,280		55,122
Less: Net loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests		—		(566)		—		(1,928)
Net income attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.'s stockholders		$       37,877		$       52,379		$       33,280		$       57,050
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.'s stockholders		$           1.58		$           2.19		$           1.39		$           2.28
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.'s stockholders		$           1.57		$           2.18		$           1.38		$           2.27
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		24,028		23,971		24,005		24,133
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		24,100		24,062		24,076		24,225

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO
ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)

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

• 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.
• 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				Nine Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2024		2023		2024		2023
Operating income		$           79,742		$           81,751		$           93,735		$           97,371
Depreciation and amortization		788		840		2,372		2,703
Share-based compensation		7,350		3,220		18,069		22,059
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities		821		368		1,556		714
Adjusted operating income(1)		$           88,701		$           86,179		$         115,732		$         122,847

____________________

(1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company amended its definition of adjusted operating income (loss) so that the impact of the non-cash portion of operating lease costs related to the Company's arena license agreements with MSG Entertainment is no longer excluded. Pursuant to GAAP, recognition of operating lease costs 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 costs is comprised of a contractual cash component plus or minus a non-cash component for each period presented. Adjusted operating income includes operating lease costs of (i) $22,372 and $38,610 of expense paid in cash for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024, respectively, and $19,013 and $39,234 of expense paid in cash for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2023, respectively, and (ii) a non-cash expense of $12,998 and $22,433 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024, respectively, and $11,949 and $24,657 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2023, respectively.

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except per share data)
		March 31, 2024		June 30, 2023
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$             40,033		$             40,398
Restricted cash		4,751		61
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 as of March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2023		76,843		40,139
Net related party receivables		23,190		15,969
Prepaid expenses		31,800		24,768
Other current assets		74,028		27,898
Total current assets		250,645		149,233
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $51,490 and $49,117 as of March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively		29,062		30,501
Right-of-use lease assets		697,464		715,283
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		103,644		103,644
Goodwill		226,523		226,523
Investments		61,443		67,374
Other assets		19,690		22,459
Total assets		$        1,388,471		$        1,315,017

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued) (In thousands, except per share data)
		March 31, 2024		June 30, 2023
		(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		$                5,906		$                9,093
Net related party payables		5,107		5,842
Debt		30,000		30,000
Accrued liabilities:
Employee related costs		151,731		144,310
League-related accruals		117,472		106,926
Other accrued liabilities		49,075		17,561
Operating lease liabilities, current		50,376		49,745
Deferred revenue		116,888		157,051
Total current liabilities		526,555		520,528
Long-term debt		330,000		295,000
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent		756,871		746,437
Defined benefit obligations		4,333		4,526
Other employee related costs		48,569		49,070
Deferred tax liabilities, net		14,894		24,024
Deferred revenue, noncurrent		1,204		12,666
Total liabilities		1,682,426		1,652,251
Commitments and contingencies
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Stockholders' Equity:
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01, 120,000 shares authorized; 19,416 and 19,364 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively		204		204
Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01, 30,000 shares authorized; 4,530 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2023		45		45
Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 15,000 shares authorized; none outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2023		—		—
Additional paid-in capital		18,004		16,846
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,031 and 1,084 shares as of March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively		(170,583)		(179,410)
Accumulated deficit		(140,635)		(173,910)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(990)		(1,009)
Total equity		(293,955)		(337,234)
Total liabilities and equity		$        1,388,471		$        1,315,017

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP. SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (In thousands) (Unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended
		March 31,
		2024		2023
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		$          (16,220)		$         114,801
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,689)		(10,366)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		26,234		(129,618)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		4,325		(25,183)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		40,459		91,018
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		$           44,784		$           65,835

 

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SOURCE Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.

FAQ

What were the revenues reported by Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. for the fiscal 2024 third quarter?

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. reported revenues of $430.0 million for the fiscal 2024 third quarter.

What was the change in operating income for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. in the fiscal 2024 third quarter?

Operating income for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. decreased by 2% to $79.7 million in the fiscal 2024 third quarter.

What contributed to the revenue growth in the fiscal 2024 third quarter for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.?

Revenue growth in the fiscal 2024 third quarter was driven by higher ticket-related revenues, suite revenues, food, beverage, and merchandise sales, local media rights fees, and revenues from league distributions for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.