2 unchanged sentences
In this MD&A, there are statements concerning the future operating and future financial performance of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
−Removed: and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” “MSG Sports,” or the “Company”) on our future operations.
+Added: and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” “MSG Sports,” or the “Company”), including increased expenses as a result of higher team personnel compensation and corresponding NBA luxury tax.
Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “intends,” “plans,” and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating and future financial performance identify forward-looking statements.
7 unchanged sentences
• competition, for example, from other teams, and other sports and entertainment options;
+Added: • developments affecting the regional sports network industry, including the effects of such developments on MSG Networks Inc.’s (“MSG Networks”) solvency and ability to perform its obligations under its local media rights agreements with us;
• changes in laws, National Basketball Association (“NBA”) or National Hockey League (“NHL”) rules, regulations, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements, including the leagues’ respective collective bargaining agreements (each, a “CBA”) with their players’ associations, salary caps, escrow requirements, revenue sharing, NBA luxury tax thresholds and media rights, or other regulations under which we operate;
−Removed: • the performance by our affiliates of their obligations under various agreements with the Company, including the potential for financial difficulties that may impact MSG Networks Inc.’s (“MSG Networks”) ability to perform its obligations;
−Removed: • a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic or another pandemic or public health emergency, and our ability to effectively manage the impacts, including labor market disruptions;
+Added: • the performance by our affiliates of their obligations under various agreements with the Company;
+Added: • a pandemic or public health emergency and our ability to effectively manage the impacts, including labor market disruptions;
• any NBA, NHL or other work stoppage;
2 unchanged sentences
• the level of our expenses, including our corporate expenses;
−Removed: • business, reputational and litigation risk if there is a security incident resulting in loss, disclosure or misappropriation of stored personal information or other breaches of our information security;
+Added: • operational, business, reputational, litigation and other risk if there is a security incident resulting in loss, disclosure or misappropriation of stored personal information or other breaches of our information security or if third party facilities, systems and/or software upon which we rely are interrupted or unavailable;
• activities or other developments that discourage or may discourage congregation at prominent places of public assembly, including Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”) where the home games of the New York Knickerbockers (the “Knicks”) and the New York Rangers (the “Rangers”) are played;
1 unchanged sentence
• the acquisition or disposition of assets or businesses and/or the impact of, and our ability to successfully pursue acquisitions or other strategic transactions;
−Removed: • our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions or new businesses into our operations;
−Removed: • the operating and financial performance of our strategic acquisitions and investments, including those we may not control;
+Added: • our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions or new businesses into our operations and the operating and financial performance of strategic acquisitions and investments, including those we may not control;
• the impact of governmental regulations or laws, including changes in how those regulations and laws are interpreted and the continued benefit of certain tax exemptions (including for The Garden) and the ability for us and Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
5 unchanged sentences
• the tax-free treatment of the distribution of all of the outstanding common stock of Sphere Entertainment Co.
−Removed: (formerly Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
−Removed: and referred herein as “Sphere Entertainment”) to its stockholders, which was completed on April 17, 2020 (the “Sphere Distribution”);
−Removed: • the factors described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.
+Added: (“Sphere Entertainment”) to its stockholders, which was completed on April 17, 2020;
+Added: • the factors described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.
5 unchanged sentences
Results of Operations.
−Removed: This section provides an analysis of our unaudited results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three and nine months ended March 31, 2023.
+Added: This section provides an analysis of our unaudited results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources.
−Removed: This section focuses primarily on (i) the liquidity and capital resources of the Company, (ii) an analysis of the Company’s cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2023, and (iii) certain contractual obligations.
+Added: This section focuses primarily on (i) the liquidity and capital resources of the Company, (ii) an analysis of the Company’s cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, and (iii) certain contractual obligations.
Seasonality of Our Business.
This section discusses the seasonal performance of our business .
−Removed: Critical Accounting Policies.
+Added: Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Policies.
This section discusses accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by the Company, if any, as well as the results of the Company’s annual impairment testing of goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets performed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.
2 unchanged sentences
Results of Operations
−Removed: Comparison of the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 versus the three and nine months ended March 31, 2023
+Added: Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2024 versus the three months ended September 30, 2023
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information.
−Removed: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, Change March 31, Change
+Added: Three Months Ended
+Added: September 30, Change
2024 2023 $ %
Revenues $ 53,307 $ 43,046 $ 10,261 24 %
−Removed: Direct operating expenses 273,026 239,051 33,975 14 % 508,771 468,434 40,337 9 %
+Added: Direct operating expenses 8,211 3,520 4,691 NM
Selling, general and administrative expenses 52,587 53,556 (969) 2 %
Depreciation and amortization 782 794 (12) 2 %
−Removed: Operating income 79,742 81,751 (2,009) (2) % 93,735 97,371 (3,636) (4) %
+Added: Operating loss (8,273) (14,824) 6,551 44 %
Other income (expense):
−Removed: Interest expense, net (6,444) (6,300) (144) (2) % (19,720) (14,768) (4,952) (34) %
−Removed: Miscellaneous (expense) income, net (1,403) 19,324 (20,727) NM (11,077) 19,543 (30,620) NM
−Removed: Income before income taxes 71,895 94,775 (22,880) (24) % 62,938 102,146 (39,208) (38) %
−Removed: Income tax expense (34,018) (42,962) 8,944 21 % (29,658) (47,024) 17,366 37 %
−Removed: Net income 37,877 51,813 (13,936) (27) % 33,280 55,122 (21,842) (40) %
−Removed: Net loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests — (566) 566 100 % — (1,928) 1,928 100 %
−Removed: Net income attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders $ 37,877 $ 52,379 $ (14,502) (28) % $ 33,280 $ 57,050 $ (23,770) (42) %
+Added: Interest income 864 453 411 91 %
+Added: Interest expense (6,055) (6,929) 874 13 %
+Added: Miscellaneous expense, net (1,126) (12,665) 11,539 91 %
+Added: Loss before income taxes (14,590) (33,965) 19,375 57 %
+Added: Income tax benefit 7,048 15,144 (8,096) (53) %
+Added: Net loss $ (7,542) $ (18,821) $ 11,279 60 %
______________
NM - Percentage is not meaningful
−Removed: Revenues increased $47,210, or 12%, to $429,954 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: Revenues increased $39,371, or 5%, to $799,898 for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The net increases were attributable to the following:
−Removed: Months Months
−Removed: Increase in pre/regular season ticket-related revenues $ 29,874 $ 11,166
−Removed: Increase in suite revenues 10,932 5,253
−Removed: Increase in pre/regular season food, beverage, and merchandise sales 4,274 3,998
−Removed: Increase in revenues from local media rights fees 1,348 3,532
+Added: Revenues increased $10,261, or 24%, to $53,307 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the prior year period.
+Added: The net increase was attributable to the following:
Increase in revenues from league distributions $ 9,727
−Removed: Increase (decrease) in sponsorship and signage revenues 130 (5,397)
Other net increases 534
−Removed: $ 47,210 $ 39,371
−Removed: The increase in pre/regular season ticket-related revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to the Knicks playing additional home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period and higher average Knicks and Rangers per-game revenue.
−Removed: The Knicks played 26 games at The Garden during the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to 21 games at The Garden during the prior year period.
−Removed: The increase in pre/regular season ticket-related revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher average Knicks and Rangers per-game revenue, partially offset by the Knicks and the Rangers playing fewer home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The Knicks played 41 games at The Garden during the nine months ended
−Removed: March 31, 2024 as compared to 42 games at The Garden during the prior year period.
−Removed: The Rangers played 38 games at The Garden during the nine months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to 41 games at The Garden during the prior year period.
−Removed: The increase in suite revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to the Knicks playing additional home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period and higher net sales of suites products, including revenue related to new premium hospitality offerings which were made available at the start of the 2023-24 seasons.
−Removed: The increase in suite revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher net sales of suites products, including revenue related to new premium hospitality offerings which were made available at the start of the 2023-24 seasons, partially offset by the Knicks and the Rangers playing fewer home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The increase in pre/regular season food, beverage, and merchandise sales for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher average per-game revenue, the Knicks playing additional home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period, and higher online sales of merchandise.
−Removed: The increase in pre/regular season food, beverage, and merchandise sales for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher average per-game revenue and higher online sales of merchandise, partially offset by the Knicks and the Rangers playing fewer home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The increases in revenues from local media rights fees for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 were primarily due to contractual rate increases, partially offset by a reduction in rights fees due to a decrease in the number of events exclusively available to MSG Networks during the current year as compared to the prior year.
−Removed: The increase in revenues from league distributions for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to increased national media rights fees in the current year period, partially offset by lower other league distributions in the current year period 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.
−Removed: The increase in revenues from league distributions for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in and the timing of recognition of certain league distributions unrelated to national media rights fees and, to a lesser extent, increased national media rights fees in the current year period, partially offset by lower other league distributions in the current year period and the absence of league distributions related to CLG in the current year period.
−Removed: The increase in sponsorship and signage revenues for three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due the Knicks playing additional home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by the absence of sponsorship and signage revenues related to CLG in the current year period.
−Removed: The decrease in sponsorship and signage revenues for nine months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to the Knicks and the Rangers playing fewer home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period and the absence of sponsorship and signage revenues related to CLG in the current year period.
+Added: The increase in revenues from league distributions for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in certain league distributions unrelated to national media rights fees.
Direct operating expenses
−Removed: Direct operating expenses increased $33,975, or 14%, to $273,026 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: Direct operating expenses increased $40,337, or 9%, to $508,771 for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The net increases were attributable to the following:
−Removed: Months Months
−Removed: Increase in team personnel compensation $ 11,752 $ 22,616
+Added: Direct operating expenses increased $4,691 to $8,211 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the prior year period.
+Added: The net increase was attributable to the following:
Increase in net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) and NBA luxury tax $ 4,126
−Removed: Increase in other team operating expenses 5,106 3,388
−Removed: Increase (decrease) in operating lease costs associated with the Knicks and the Rangers playing home games at The Garden 4,408 (2,847)
−Removed: Increase in pre/regular season expense associated with merchandise sales 2,237 2,775
Increase in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions 833
−Removed: $ 33,975 $ 40,337
−Removed: The increases in team personnel compensation for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 were primarily due to roster changes for the Knicks and the Rangers, partially offset by the absence of expenses related to CLG in the current year periods following the Company’s sale of its controlling interest in CLG in April 2023.
−Removed: Net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) and NBA luxury tax were as follows:
−Removed: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, March 31,
−Removed: 2024 2023 Increase 2024 2023 Increase
−Removed: Net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) and NBA luxury tax $ 20,103 $ 11,720 $ 8,383 $ 42,521 $ 30,505 $ 12,016
−Removed: The increases in net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) and NBA luxury tax for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 were primarily related to higher provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) of $6,600 and $8,875, respectively, and, to a lesser extent, lower estimated recoveries of NBA luxury tax in the current year periods.
−Removed: The Knicks were not a luxury tax payer for the 2022-23 season and, therefore, received an equal share of the portion of luxury tax receipts that were distributed to non-tax paying teams.
−Removed: The Knicks’ roster as of March 31, 2024 would not result in the team being a luxury tax payer for the 2023-24 season.
−Removed: The actual amounts for the 2023-24 seasons may vary significantly from the recorded provisions based on actual operating results for each league and all teams within each league for the season and other factors.
−Removed: Other team operating expenses primarily consist of expenses associated with day-to-day operations, including variable day-of-event costs incurred at The Garden, team travel, player insurance, and league assessments.
−Removed: The increase in other team operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher average per-game expenses and the Knicks playing additional home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The increase in other team operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher average per-game expenses, partially offset by the Knicks and the Rangers playing fewer home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period .
−Removed: The increase in operating lease costs associated with the Knicks and the Rangers playing home games at The Garden for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was a result of the Knicks playing additional home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The decrease in operating lease costs associated with the Knicks and the Rangers playing home games at The Garden for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was a result of the Knicks and the Rangers playing fewer home games at The Garden during the current year period as compared to the prior year period .
−Removed: The increases in pre/regular season expense associated with merchandise sales for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 were primarily related to higher merchandise sales.
−Removed: Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions were as follows:
−Removed: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, March 31,
−Removed: 2024 2023 Increase (Decrease) 2024 2023 Increase (Decrease)
−Removed: Season-ending player injuries $ 2,170 $ — $ 2,170 $ 2,170 $ — $ 2,170
−Removed: Player trades — 51 (51) — 1,143 (1,143)
−Removed: Waivers/contract terminations — 30 (30) — (1,362) 1,362
−Removed: Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions $ 2,170 $ 81 $ 2,089 $ 2,170 $ (219) $ 2,389
+Added: Other net decreases (268)
+Added: The increase in net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) and NBA luxury tax for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was due to the net impact of adjustments to prior seasons’ revenue sharing expense (net of escrow).
+Added: Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions for the three months ended September 30, 2024 reflect provisions recorded for waiver/contract terminations of $833.
+Added: Direct operating expenses for fiscal year 2025 are expected to reflect higher team personnel compensation and corresponding NBA luxury tax due to the Knicks 2024-25 season roster.
+Added: Based on the current roster, the Knicks would be a significant luxury tax payer for the 2024-25 season.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
1 unchanged sentence
Selling, general and administrative expenses generally do not fluctuate in line with changes in the Company’s revenues and direct operating expenses.
−Removed: Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $15,296, or 25%, to $76,398 as compared to the prior year period driven by higher employee compensation and related benefits of $12,187, primarily due to executive management transition costs in the current year period, and higher other general and administrative expenses.
−Removed: Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 increased $3,001, or 2%, to $195,020 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher operating lease costs of $5,121 and higher employee compensation and related benefits of $1,417, partially offset by lower other general and administrative expenses.
+Added: Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $969, or 2%, to $52,587 as compared to the prior year period driven by (i) lower sales and marketing costs of $744, (ii) lower employee compensation and related benefits of $617, and (iii) lower other general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher professional fees of $1,181.
Depreciation and amortization
−Removed: Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $52, or 6%, to $788 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: Depreciation and amortization for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $331, or 12%, to $2,372 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: Operating income
−Removed: Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $2,009, or 2%, to $79,742 as compared to the prior year period primaril y due to higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher revenues.
−Removed: Operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $3,636, or 4%, to $93,735 as compared to the prior year period primaril y due to higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher revenues.
−Removed: Interest expense, net
−Removed: Net interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $144, or 2%, to $6,444 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower interest income caused by lower cash balances, partially offset by decreased interest expense in the current year period.
−Removed: This decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower average borrowings under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility in the current year period, partially offset by higher average interest rates and higher average borrowings under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility in the current year period.
−Removed: Net interest expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 increased $4,952, or 34%, to $19,720 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to increased interest expense caused by higher average interest rates in the current year period and higher average borrowings under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility in the current year period.
−Removed: The increase was partially offset by lower average borrowings under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility in the current year period.
−Removed: Miscellaneous (expense) income, net
−Removed: Miscellaneous (expense) income, net for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $20,727 to a net expense of $1,403 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to the recognition of unrealized losses in the current year period related to the Company’s investments in Xtract One common stock and warrants as compared to unrecognized gains in the prior year period related to the Company’s investments in Xtract One common stock, warrants and forward contracts.
−Removed: Miscellaneous (expense) income, net for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $30,620 to a net expense of $11,077 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to the recognition of unrealized losses in the current year period related to the Company’s investments in Xtract One common stock and warrants as compared to unrecognized gains in the prior year period related to the Company’s investments in Xtract One common stock and warrants.
+Added: Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $12, or 2%, to $782 as compared to the prior year period.
+Added: Operating loss
+Added: Operating loss for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $6,551, or 44%, to $8,273 as compared to the prior year period primaril y due to higher revenues and, to a lesser extent, lower selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher direct operating expenses.
+Added: Interest income
+Added: Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $411, or 91%, to $864 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher average cash balances in the current year period.
+Added: Interest expense
+Added: Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $874, or 13%, to $6,055 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower average borrowings under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility in the current year period, partially offset by higher average borrowings under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility in the current year period.
+Added: Miscellaneous expense, net
+Added: Miscellaneous expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $11,539, or 91%, to $1,126 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower unrealized losses in the current year period related to the Company’s investments in Xtract One common stock and warrants.
See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included in “Part I — Item 1.
Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of the Company’s income taxes.
−Removed: Adjusted operating income
−Removed: During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, the Company amended the 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.
+Added: Adjusted operating loss
The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is 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, which is referred to as adjusted operating income (loss), a non-GAAP measure.
Management believes that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of the Company’s business without regard to the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash.
−Removed: In addition, management believes 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
−Removed: (expense), net, which is not reflected in Operating income (loss).
+Added: In addition, management believes 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).
The Company believes adjusted operating income (loss) is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company.
Adjusted operating income (loss) and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors and analysts to analyze the Company’s performance.
−Removed: The Company uses revenues and adjusted operating income (loss) measures as the most important indicators of its business performance and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators.
+Added: The Company uses revenues and adjusted operating
+Added: income (loss) measures as the most important indicators of its business performance and evaluates 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.
1 unchanged sentence
The Company has presented the components that reconcile operating income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to adjusted operating income (loss).
−Removed: The following are the reconciliations of operating income to adjusted operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
−Removed: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
−Removed: March 31, Change March 31, Change
+Added: The following are the reconciliations of operating loss to adjusted operating loss for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
+Added: Three Months Ended
+Added: September 30, Change
2024 2023 $ %
−Removed: Operating income $ 79,742 $ 81,751 $ (2,009) (2) % $ 93,735 $ 97,371 $ (3,636) (4) %
+Added: Operating loss $ (8,273) $ (14,824) $ 6,551 44 %
Depreciation and amortization 782 794
1 unchanged sentence
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities 965 (104)
−Removed: Adjusted operating income (a)
+Added: Adjusted operating loss (a)
$ (2,258) $ (9,985) $ 7,727 77 %
_________________
−Removed: (a) During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, the Company amended the definition of adjusted operating income 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.
+Added: (a) Adjusted operating loss includes operating lease costs which is comprised of a contractual cash component plus or minus a non-cash component for each period presented.
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.
−Removed: As a result, operating lease costs is comprised of a contractual cash component plus or minus a non-cash component for each period presented.
−Removed: 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.
−Removed: For the three months ended March 31, 2024, adjusted operating income increased $2,522, or 3%, to $88,701 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The increase in adjusted operating income was primarily due to higher revenues, partially offset by higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses.
−Removed: For the nine months ended March 31, 2024, adjusted operating income decreased $7,115, or 6%, to $115,732 as compared to the prior year period.
−Removed: The decrease in adjusted operating income was primarily due to higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher revenues.
+Added: Adjusted operating loss includes operating lease costs of (i) $854 and $829 of expense paid in cash for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and (ii) a non-cash expense of $457 and $482, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
+Added: For the three months ended September 30, 2024, adjusted operating loss decreased $7,727, or 77%, to $2,258 as compared to the prior year period.
+Added: The decrease in adjusted operating loss was primarily due to higher revenues and, to a lesser extent, lower selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher direct operating expenses.
+Added: Adjusted operating income (loss) for fiscal year 2025 is expected to reflect higher team personnel compensation and corresponding NBA luxury tax due to Knicks 2024-25 season roster.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
3 unchanged sentences
Our principal uses of cash include the operation of our businesses, working capital-related items, the repayment of outstanding debt, repurchases of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, dividends, if declared, and investments.
−Removed: As of March 31, 2024, we had $40,033 in C ash and cash equivale nts.
−Removed: In addition, as of March 31, 2024, the Company’s deferred revenue obligations were $88,452, net of billed, but not yet collected deferred revenue.
−Removed: This balance is primarily comprised of obligations in connection with tickets and suites.
−Removed: In addition, the Company’s deferred revenue obligations included $11,033 from the NBA, which the league provided to each team.
+Added: As of September 30, 2024, we had $52,252 in C ash and cash equivale nts.
+Added: In addition, as of September 30, 2024, the Company’s deferred revenue obligations were $272,957, net of billed, but not yet collected deferred revenue.
+Added: This balance is primarily comprised of obligations in connection with tickets, suites, and local media rights.
We regularly monitor and assess our ability to meet our net funding and investing requirements.
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and global economic and market conditions could adversely impact its ability to do so at that time.
−Removed: We believe we have sufficient liquidity, including approximately $40,033 in Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024, along with $195,000 of additional available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities, to fund our operations and satisfy any obligations for the foreseeable future.
−Removed: In addition, on April 22, 2024, the Company made an additional principal repayment of $40,000 under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility.
+Added: We believe we have sufficient liquidity, including approximately $52,252 in Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024, along with $250,000 of additional available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities, to fund our operations and satisfy any obligations for the foreseeable future.
+Added: If MSG Networks were to experience a bankruptcy or insolvency event (as set forth in each of the credit facilities), we would be prevented, absent a cure or waiver, from making borrowings under our revolving credit facilities.
+Added: The Rangers Credit Agreement also includes an event of default that is implicated by a bankruptcy or insolvency event with respect to a material media rights counterparty, including MSG Networks.
+Added: There were no borrowings under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2024.
Financing Agreements and Stock Repurchases
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Cash Flow Discussion
−Removed: The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
−Removed: Nine Months Ended March 31,
−Removed: Net income $ 33,280 $ 55,122
−Removed: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
−Removed: 24,407 33,477
+Added: The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
+Added: Three Months Ended September 30,
+Added: Net loss $ (7,542) $ (18,821)
+Added: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Changes in working capital assets and liabilities (18,811) (37,765)
−Removed: Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (16,220) 114,801
+Added: Net cash used in operating activities (26,158) (54,141)
Net cash used in investing activities (1,163) (1,729)
−Removed: Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 26,234 (129,618)
−Removed: Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 4,325 $ (25,183)
+Added: Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (9,502) 67,830
+Added: Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (36,823) $ 11,960
Operating Activities
−Removed: Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was $16,220 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities in the prior period of $114,801.
−Removed: This was primarily due to the decrease in net income adjusted for non-cash items in addition to changes in working capital assets and liabilities.
−Removed: The changes in working capital assets and liabilities were primarily driven by (i) a decrease in deferred revenue of $52,369 primarily due to the timing of collections related to pre/regular season ticket sales and the recognition of certain league distributions unrelated to national media rights fees, (ii) a lower decrease in accrued and other liabilities of $37,191 primarily due to higher payments related to employee compensation and league revenue sharing in the current year period, (iii) a higher increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $14,114 primarily due to higher contract assets as
−Removed: a result of timing of revenue recognition and lower receipts related to escrow and player compensation recoveries in the current year period, and (iv) an increase in net related party receivables of $8,671 primarily due to the timing of collections related to the Company’s sponsorship sales and service representation agreements.
−Removed: These changes were partially offset by (i) a lower decrease in net related party payables of $11,157 primarily due to the timing of payments related to the Services Agreement, and (ii) a lower increase in investments of $7,669 primarily related to the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
+Added: Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased by $27,983 to $26,158 as compared to the prior year period.
+Added: The decrease was primarily due to changes in working capital assets and liabilities and the decrease in net loss adjusted for non-cash items.
+Added: The changes in working capital assets and liabilities were primarily driven by (i) a higher increase in deferred revenue of $25,806 primarily due to higher collections of ticket, suites, and sponsorship sales in advance of recognition, (ii) a lower decrease in accrued and other liabilities of $10,914 primarily due to lower payments related to employee compensation in the current year period, and (iii) a lower decrease in net related party receivables of $8,552 primarily due to primarily due to the
+Added: timing of collections related to the Company’s arena license agreements.
+Added: These changes were partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts receivable, net of $16,851 primarily due to higher receivables related to league distributions in the current year period and (ii) a higher increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $5,034 primarily due to higher prepayments related to team personnel compensation in the current year period.
Investing Activities
−Removed: Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 decreased by $4,677 to $5,689 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower purchases of investments in the current year period.
+Added: Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased by $566 to $1,163 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower purchases of investments in the current year period.
Financing Activities
−Removed: Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2024 was $26,234 as compared to net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2023 of $129,618.
−Removed: This was primarily due to the impact of dividends paid and the accelerated share repurchase in the prior year period, lower principal repayments under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility and the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility in the current year period and, to a lesser extent, lower taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for equity-based compensation in the current year period.
−Removed: These impacts were partially offset by additional borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities in the prior year period.
+Added: Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $9,502 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2023 of $67,830.
+Added: This was primarily due to additional borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities in the prior year period.
Seasonality of Our Business
The Company’s dependence on revenues from its NBA and NHL sports teams generally means that it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues in the second and third quarters of the Company’s fiscal year, which is when the majority of the sports teams’ games are played.
−Removed: Critical Accounting Policies
−Removed: Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
+Added: Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Policies
+Added: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in “Part I — Item 1.
−Removed: Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
+Added: Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Critical Accounting Policies
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There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies from those set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
−Removed: The carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2024 was $226,523.
+Added: The carrying amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2024 was $226,523.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31 st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances.
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If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company would not need to perform a quantitative impairment test for that reporting unit.
−Removed: If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.
+Added: If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, quantitative assessment is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.
The estimates of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions.
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The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows.
−Removed: The amount of an impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value determined in step one, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
+Added: The amount of an impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The Company elected to perform the qualitative assessment of impairment for the Company’s reporting unit for the fiscal year 2025 impairment test.
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Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment as of August 31 st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.
−Removed: The following table sets forth the amount of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2024:
+Added: The following table sets forth the amount of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2024:
Sports franchises $ 102,564
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Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.