Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Reports Fiscal 2023 First Quarter Results

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) today reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended September 30, 2022.

The Company is off to a strong start to the fiscal year. With the New York Knicks (“Knicks”) and New York Rangers ("Rangers") 2022-23 regular seasons now underway, the Company continues to experience positive operating momentum across its key revenue categories, with highlights this fiscal year so far including:

  • Combined average season ticket renewal rates for the Knicks and Rangers are in excess of 90% for the 2022-23 seasons while sales of new season ticket packages also remain strong;
  • The Company continues to benefit from solid sponsorship demand, recently welcoming new signature partner HUB International, while also reaching extensions with signature marketing partners Spectrum and Verizon, as well as with other partners including Dunkin’ Brands and Jägermeister;
  • Renewals and new sales of suite licenses at the Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”) remain robust, with the majority of suites under multi-year agreements; and
  • The Company anticipates continued growth in both local and national media rights fees in fiscal 2023 due to ongoing annual contractual rate escalators.

In light of the Company's strong financial performance in fiscal 2022 and the trading price of its common stock relative to the intrinsic value of its professional sports teams, the Company recently announced plans to return approximately $250 million to shareholders. On October 6, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors declared a special, one-time cash dividend of $7.00 per share (approximately $175 million), which is payable on October 31, 2022 to the Company's shareholders of record on October 17, 2022. The Board of Directors also authorized a $75 million accelerated share repurchase program, which the Company intends to execute over the near-term.

For the fiscal 2023 first quarter, the Company generated revenues of $24.1 million, an increase of $5.3 million, or 28%, as compared to the prior year period. In addition, the Company reported an operating loss of $35.9 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 3%, and an adjusted operating loss of $27.3 million, an improvement of $0.9 million, or 3%, both as compared to the prior year period.(1)

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Executive Chairman James L. Dolan said, “With the start of the Knicks’ and Rangers’ seasons, we are seeing last year’s strong results and operating momentum carry over into fiscal 2023. We remain confident in the strength of our business and believe we are well positioned to generate long-term shareholder value, including through our imminent special dividend and share repurchase program.”

Results from Operations

Results for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Change

$ millions

 

2022

 

2021

 

$

 

%

Revenues

 

$

24.1

 

 

$

18.8

 

 

$

5.3

 

 

28

%

Operating loss

 

$

(35.9

)

 

$

(34.9

)

 

$

(1.0

)

 

(3

)%

Adjusted operating loss(1)

 

$

(27.3

)

 

$

(28.1

)

 

$

0.9

 

 

3

%

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 Operations

For the fiscal 2023 first quarter, revenues of $24.1 million increased $5.3 million, or 28%, as compared to the prior year period. This increase was driven by higher suite license fee revenues, preseason ticket-related revenues and league distribution revenues, as well as other net increases. The Rangers played two preseason home games at The Garden in both the current year and prior year periods.

Suite license fee revenues increased $1.5 million as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to suite licenses including preseason home games at The Garden in the current year period compared to suites sold primarily on a single-event basis in the prior year period.

Preseason ticket-related revenues increased $1.1 million as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to higher average per-game revenue. In addition, league distribution revenues increased $0.9 million.

Direct operating expenses of $3.7 million decreased $4.9 million, or 57%, as compared with the prior year period. This decrease was primarily driven by the net impact of adjustments to prior seasons' revenue sharing expense (net of escrow) and NBA luxury tax of $3.6 million, as well as a decrease in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions of $1.1 million, both as compared to the prior year period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $55.3 million increased $11.6 million, or 26%, as compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to higher employee compensation and related benefits, including the impact of staffing increases relative to the prior year period reflecting the business' return to normal operations and executive management transition costs recorded in the current year period, as well as higher other general and administrative expenses.

Operating loss of $35.9 million increased $1.0 million, or 3%, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation), partially offset by higher revenues and lower direct operating expenses. Adjusted operating loss of $27.3 million improved by $0.9 million, or 3%, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in revenues and lower direct operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding share-based compensation).

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 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, (vi) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions, and (vii) gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (which was established in November 2021). 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 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 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 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 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, 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.

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2022

 

2021

Revenues

 

$

24,089

 

 

$

18,794

 

Direct operating expenses

 

 

3,681

 

 

 

8,578

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

55,281

 

 

 

43,728

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,025

 

 

 

1,426

 

Operating loss

 

 

(35,898

)

 

 

(34,938

)

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

356

 

 

 

50

 

Interest expense

 

 

(3,312

)

 

 

(3,103

)

Miscellaneous expense, net

 

 

(166

)

 

 

(63

)

Loss from operations before income taxes

 

 

(39,020

)

 

 

(38,054

)

Income tax benefit

 

 

20,493

 

 

 

21,169

 

Net loss

 

 

(18,527

)

 

 

(16,885

)

Less: Net loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

(707

)

 

 

(480

)

Net loss attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders

 

$

(17,820

)

 

$

(16,405

)

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders

 

$

(0.73

)

 

$

(0.68

)

Diluted loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders

 

$

(0.73

)

 

$

(0.68

)

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

 

 

24,295

 

 

 

24,172

 

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

 

 

24,295

 

 

 

24,172

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

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.
  • Remeasurement of deferred compensation 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

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2022

 

2021

Operating loss

 

$

(35,898

)

 

$

(34,938

)

Deferred rent

 

 

506

 

 

 

529

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,025

 

 

 

1,426

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

7,220

 

 

 

4,851

 

Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities

 

 

(103

)

 

 

 

Adjusted operating loss

 

$

(27,250

)

 

$

(28,132

)

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

September 30,

2022

 

June 30,

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

81,036

 

$

91,018

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $0 as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively

 

 

37,267

 

 

47,240

Net related party receivables

 

 

21,107

 

 

28,333

Prepaid expenses

 

 

64,822

 

 

18,810

Other current assets

 

 

15,770

 

 

19,868

Total current assets

 

 

220,002

 

 

205,269

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $47,710 and $46,794 as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively

 

 

32,165

 

 

32,892

Right-of-use lease assets

 

 

685,844

 

 

686,782

Amortizable intangible assets, net

 

 

528

 

 

636

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

112,144

 

 

112,144

Goodwill

 

 

226,955

 

 

226,955

Deferred income tax assets, net

 

 

11,607

 

 

Other assets

 

 

56,611

 

 

37,288

Total assets

 

$

1,345,856

 

$

1,301,966

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

September 30,

2022

 

June 30,

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

6,378

 

 

$

11,263

 

Net related party payables

 

 

28,235

 

 

 

19,624

 

Debt

 

 

30,000

 

 

 

30,000

 

Accrued liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Employee related costs

 

 

69,593

 

 

 

119,279

 

League-related accruals

 

 

71,868

 

 

 

75,269

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

5,191

 

 

 

6,796

 

Operating lease liabilities, current

 

 

43,796

 

 

 

43,699

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

267,087

 

 

 

132,369

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

522,148

 

 

 

438,299

 

Long-term debt

 

 

220,000

 

 

 

220,000

 

Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent

 

 

689,302

 

 

 

699,587

 

Defined benefit obligations

 

 

5,003

 

 

 

5,005

 

Other employee related costs

 

 

49,190

 

 

 

43,411

 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

 

 

 

8,917

 

Deferred revenue, noncurrent

 

 

31,122

 

 

 

31,122

 

Other liabilities

 

 

1,001

 

 

 

1,002

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,517,766

 

 

 

1,447,343

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

Class A Common stock, par value $0.01, 120,000 shares authorized; 19,803 and 19,697 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively

 

 

204

 

 

 

204

 

Class B Common stock, par value $0.01, 30,000 shares authorized; 4,530 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022

 

 

45

 

 

 

45

 

Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 15,000 shares authorized; none outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

 

17,573

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 645 and 751 shares as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively

 

 

(109,981

)

 

 

(128,026

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(62,447

)

 

 

(35,699

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(1,183

)

 

 

(1,186

)

Total Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. stockholders’ equity

 

 

(173,362

)

 

 

(147,089

)

Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

1,452

 

 

 

1,712

 

Total equity

 

 

(171,910

)

 

 

(145,377

)

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,345,856

 

 

$

1,301,966

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2022

 

2021

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

1,285

 

 

$

(19,310

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(271

)

 

 

(306

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(10,996

)

 

 

(12,142

)

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(9,982

)

 

 

(31,758

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

91,018

 

 

 

72,036

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

81,036

 

 

$

40,278

 

 

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

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