News Details

The Madison Square Garden Company Reports Fiscal 2017 First Quarter Results

November 4, 2016

NEW YORK, Nov. 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Madison Square Garden Company (NYSE:MSG) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended September 30, 2016

On September 30, 2015, The Madison Square Garden Company completed its spin-off from MSG Networks Inc.  The fiscal 2017 first quarter reflects the Company's financial results on a standalone basis, including the Company's actual corporate general and administrative costs. 

Reported results for the fiscal 2016 first quarter are presented as the combined results of the sports and entertainment businesses, which, prior to the completion of the spin-off, had been consolidated with MSG Networks Inc.  Please note that results for the fiscal 2016 first quarter reflect the allocation of corporate general and administrative costs based on accounting requirements for the preparation of carve-out financial statements.  As a result, fiscal 2016 first quarter results do not reflect all of the actual expenses that the Company would have incurred had it been a standalone public company for that quarter.  Had The Madison Square Garden Company operated as a standalone public company for the fiscal 2016 first quarter, the Company estimates that these expenses would have been higher by approximately $10 million.

On a reported basis for the fiscal 2017 first quarter, the Company generated revenues of $181.7 million, operating loss of $32.8 million, and adjusted operating income of $1.6 million. (1) (2)

President and CEO David O'Connor said, "As we enter our second year as a standalone live sports and entertainment company, we remain focused on delivering the very best in premium live experiences for our customers and partners.  In our first quarter, we saw continued evidence that this approach - along with the important steps we took last year to position the Company for growth - is generating positive results.  Looking ahead, we remain confident that our efforts will position the Company for attractive long-term growth and asset value creation for our shareholders."

Results from Operations
Segment results for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 RevenuesOperating Income (Loss)Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
$ millionsF'Q1
2017
F'Q1
2016
%
Change
F'Q1
2017
F'Q1
2016
%
Change
F'Q1
2017
F'Q1
2016
%
Change
MSG Entertainment  $110.7 $77.0 44%$(7.3)$(0.4)NM $(1.1)$3.1 NM 
MSG Sports 71.0  73.1 (3)% 9.3  20.0 (53)% 15.4  24.4 (37)%
Other   0.2 NM  (34.9) (24.2)(44)% (12.7) (3.8)(237)%
Total Company$181.7 $150.4 21%$(32.8)$(4.6)NM $1.6 $23.8 (93)%

Note: Does not foot due to rounding

(1) The Company formerly referred to adjusted operating income (loss) as adjusted operating cash flow. The components of adjusted operating income (loss) are identical to the components of adjusted operating cash flow.  See page 3 of this earnings release for the definition of adjusted operating income (loss) included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

(2) During the fiscal 2017 first quarter, the Company refined its approach to allocating its corporate, venue operating and other shared expenses.  Prior period results are reflected as originally reported and have not been restated.  Had this approach been used in fiscal 2016, MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment operating income (loss) for the fiscal 2016 first quarter would have improved by approximately $1.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, while Other operating loss would have increased by $2.5 million.  Further, MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment adjusted operating income for the fiscal 2016 first quarter would have improved by approximately $1.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, while Other adjusted operating loss would have increased by $2.6 million.

MSG Entertainment
For the fiscal 2017 first quarter as compared to the prior year period, MSG Entertainment revenues of $110.7 million increased 44%.  The increase was primarily due to higher overall event-related revenues at the Company's venues (led by The Garden and the Forum) and, to a lesser extent, revenues from the New York Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes production.  The increase in revenues from the New York Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes production was driven by 56 scheduled performances presented in the current year period as compared to no scheduled performances in the prior year period.  This was a result of the Company's decision to shift the timing of the production's run from the spring to the summer.

Fiscal 2017 first quarter operating loss of $7.3 million increased by $6.9 million as compared to the prior year period and adjusted operating income decreased from $3.1 million in the prior year period to an adjusted operating loss of $1.1 million.  The increase in operating loss and decrease in adjusted operating income as compared to the prior year period primarily reflects higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, largely offset by the increase in revenues. 

The increase in direct operating expenses primarily reflects higher expenses for the New York Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes production due to the shift in the timing of the production's run and higher event-related expenses at the Company's venues, slightly offset by lower venue operating costs.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily reflects higher corporate general and administrative costs, employee compensation and related benefits and professional fees.  As noted above, selling, general and administrative expenses in the prior year first quarter do not include all of the actual expenses that the Company would have incurred had it been a standalone public company for that period.

MSG Sports
For the fiscal 2017 first quarter as compared to the prior year period, MSG Sports revenues of $71.0 million decreased 3%.  The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower professional sports teams' pre/regular season ticket-related revenue and food, beverage and merchandise sales (both primarily due to one fewer Rangers pre-season game and two fewer Liberty regular season games versus the prior year period).  This decrease was partially offset by higher suite rental fee revenue, ad sales commission and professional sports teams' sponsorship and signage revenues, and local media rights fees from MSG Networks Inc.

First quarter operating income decreased by $10.7 million to $9.3 million and adjusted operating income decreased by $9.0 million to $15.4 million.  The decrease in operating income and adjusted operating income primarily reflects higher direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, and the decrease in revenues. 

The increase in direct operating expenses was primarily due to a $5 million provision for a team personnel transaction and higher net provisions for NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense, partially offset by lower other team operating expenses, team personnel compensation and expenses associated with professional sports teams' food, beverage and merchandise sales.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher employee compensation and related benefits, costs associated with the new advertising sales representation agreement with MSG Networks Inc., and corporate general and administrative costs, slightly offset by lower marketing and other expenses.  As noted above, selling, general and administrative expenses in the prior year first quarter do not include all of the actual expenses that the Company would have incurred had it been a standalone public company for that period.

Other
For the fiscal 2017 first quarter, Other operating loss of $34.9 million and adjusted operating loss of $12.7 million increased by $10.7 million and $9.0 million, respectively, primarily due to an increase in employee compensation and related benefits, the Company being subject to New York State and City capital tax in the fiscal 2017 first quarter and higher professional fees.  As noted above, selling, general and administrative expenses in the prior year first quarter do not include all of the actual expenses that the Company would have incurred had it been a standalone public company for that period.

About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment that presents or hosts a broad array of world-class events - including concerts, sporting events, family shows and special events - in an unparalleled mix of celebrated venues that span four of the nation's largest entertainment markets. Those venues are: New York's Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston.  In addition, MSG has a diverse collection of properties that includes some of the most widely-recognized sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Liberty (WNBA), along with two development league teams -- the Westchester Knicks (NBADL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL).  The Company also features popular original entertainment productions -- the Christmas Spectacular and New York Spectacular - both starring the Radio City Rockettes, and through Boston Calling Events, produces outdoor festivals, including New England's premier Boston Calling Music Festival.   More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We define adjusted operating income (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before 1) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, 2) share-based compensation expense or benefit, 3) restructuring charges or credits and 4) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses.  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 the various operating units of our business without regard to either the distortive effects of fluctuating stock prices or the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash.

The Company formerly referred to adjusted operating income (loss) as adjusted operating cash flow. The components of adjusted operating income (loss) are identical to the components of adjusted operating cash flow.

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) measures 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 adjusted operating income (loss) to operating income (loss), please see page 4 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.

Conference Call Information:
The conference call will be Webcast live today at 10:00 a.m. ET at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com 
Conference call dial-in number is 877-347-9170 / Conference ID Number 98561127
Conference call replay number is 855-859-2056 / Conference ID Number 98561127 until November 11, 2016

 
THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED/COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  September 30,
  2016 2015
Revenues $181,695  $150,381 
Direct operating expenses  111,407  71,350 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  77,021  58,368 
Depreciation and amortization 26,110  25,240 
Operating loss  (32,843) (4,577)
Other income (expense):    
Earnings (loss) in equity method investments (994) 2,679 
Interest income 2,399  957 
Interest expense (410) (540)
Loss from operations before income taxes (31,848) (1,481)
Income tax benefit (expense) 2,934  (122)
Net loss  (28,914) (1,603)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (288)  
Net loss attributable to The Madison Square Garden Company's stockholders $(28,626) $(1,603)
Basic loss per common share attributable to The Madison Square Garden Company's stockholders $(1.19) $(0.06)
Diluted loss per common share attributable to The Madison Square Garden Company's stockholders $(1.19) $(0.06)
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 24,054  24,928 
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 24,054  24,928 
       


ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO

ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

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

  • Share-based compensation expense. This adjustment eliminates the compensation expense relating to restricted stock units granted under our employee stock plans and non-employee director plans in all periods.
  • Depreciation and amortization.  This adjustment eliminates depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets in all periods.
  Three Months Ended
  September 30,
  2016 2015
Operating loss $(32,843) $(4,577)
Share-based compensation  8,355  3,105 
Depreciation and amortization  26,110   25,240 
Adjusted operating income  $1,622  $23,768 

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED/COMBINED OPERATIONS DATA
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
REVENUES    
     
  Three Months Ended   
  September 30,  
  2016 2015 % Change
MSG Entertainment $110,698  $77,026  44%
MSG Sports  70,997  73,148  (3)%
All other   207  NM 
The Madison Square Garden Company Total   $181,695  $150,381  21%

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) AND ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
 
  Operating Income
(Loss)
   Adjusted Operating
Income (Loss)
  
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  
  2016 2015 % Change 2016 2015 % Change
MSG Entertainment $(7,286) $(357) NM  $(1,061) $3,133  NM 
MSG Sports 9,317  19,979  (53)% 15,419  24,413  (37)%
All other  (34,874) (24,199 ) (44)% (12,736) (3,778) (237)%
The Madison Square Garden Company Total $(32,843) $(4,577) NM  $1,622  $23,768   (93)%

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY    
     
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
    
     
  September 30,
 2016
 June 30,
 2016
ASSETS    
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $1,294,081  $1,444,317 
Restricted cash 14,746  27,091 
Accounts receivable, net  88,328  75,998 
Net related party receivables, current 6,035  4,079 
Prepaid expenses  48,745  27,031 
Other current assets 29,499  25,337 
Total current assets  1,481,434   1,603,853 
Net related party receivables, noncurrent   1,710 
Investments and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates   265,462  263,546 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $565,295 and $540,801 as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively  1,142,513   1,160,609 
Amortizable intangible assets, net 25,913  15,729 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets 166,850  166,850 
Goodwill 289,704  277,166 
Other assets 87,795  54,487 
Total assets  $3,459,671  $3,543,950 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Current Liabilities:    
Accounts payable $17,841  $13,935 
Net related party payables  3,936  15,275 
Accrued liabilities:     
Employee related costs 71,144  119,357 
Other accrued liabilities  106,884  133,832 
Deferred revenue 433,512  332,416 
Total current liabilities  633,317  614,815 
Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations 56,106  66,035 
Other employee related costs  24,979  32,921 
Deferred tax liabilities, net 194,775  194,583 
Other liabilities 48,498  49,175 
Total liabilities 957,675  957,529  
Commitments and contingencies    
The Madison Square Garden Company Stockholders' Equity:    
Class A Common stock, par value $0.01, 120,000 shares authorized; 19,432 and 19,777 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively  204  204 
Class B Common stock, par value $0.01, 30,000 shares authorized; 4,530 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016 45  45 
Preferred stock, par value $0.01,15,000 shares authorized; none outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016    
Additional paid-in capital  2,800,545  2,806,352 
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,015 and 671 shares as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively (166,928) (101,882)
Accumulated deficit (104,313) (75,687)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (38,663) (42,611)
Total The Madison Square Garden Company stockholders' equity 2,490,890  2,586,421 
Noncontrolling interests 11,106   
Total equity 2,501,996  2,586,421 
Total liabilities and equity $3,459,671  $3,543,950 

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
 
SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  September 30,
  2016 2015
Net cash used in operating activities  $(21,650) $(1,746)
Net cash used in investing activities  (48,542) (70,613)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (80,044) 1,525,241 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (150,236) 1,452,882 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,444,317  14,211 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,294,081  $1,467,093 

 

Contacts:

Kimberly Kerns

Senior Vice President

Communications

The Madison Square

Garden Company

(212) 465-6442



Ari Danes, CFA

Senior Vice President

Investor Relations

The Madison Square

Garden Company

(212) 465-6072

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The Madison Square Garden Company

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