Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenue was $286.9 million, a decrease of $10.5 million or 3.5% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to decreases in admissions per capita and attendance [18][21] - Attendance decreased by approximately 59,000 guests or 1.7% year-over-year, with the Easter shift impacting attendance by about 140,000 guests [19][21] - Adjusted EBITDA was $67.4 million, a decrease of $11.7 million compared to the prior year, influenced by revenue declines and timing-related expenses [21][22] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $16.1 million, compared to a net loss of $11.2 million in Q1 2024 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In-park per capita spending increased by 1.1%, marking growth for 19 of the last 20 quarters [6][21] - Total revenue per capita decreased by 1.8%, with admissions per capita down 4.2% due to a shift in peak visitation days [19][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - April 2025 attendance was up 8.1% compared to April 2024, indicating a positive trend despite the Q1 challenges [6][21] - Year-to-date attendance through April showed approximately 1.3% growth on a fiscal basis [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on significant investments in new rides, attractions, and events to enhance guest experience and drive revenue [6][10] - There are ongoing discussions regarding integrating branded hotels into parks and unlocking the value of owned real estate [11][12] - The company is pursuing sponsorship opportunities, expecting to generate over $20 million in high-margin revenue over time [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving new records in revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2025, with 75% of historical attendance and revenue opportunities still ahead [7][17] - The company is optimistic about the impact of new attractions and events, as well as the potential increase in visitors due to competitive attractions in the area [35][66] Other Important Information - The balance sheet remains strong, with a net total leverage ratio of 3.1 times and approximately $764 million in total available liquidity [14][22] - The company repurchased 100,000 shares for approximately $4.6 million during the first quarter, indicating confidence in the stock's valuation [16][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company plan to bridge the Q1 EBITDA loss to expected record levels? - Management highlighted strong April performance, with attendance up over 8%, and emphasized upcoming new rides and attractions as key drivers for growth [31][33] Question: What was the impact of Easter on April attendance? - Management noted that April's attendance benefited from the Easter shift, with additional attendance beyond that expected from the holiday [43] Question: How are international sales performing? - International ticket sales are up low single digits year-over-year, with group bookings also running ahead of last year [50][53] Question: What are the expectations regarding labor costs due to competition from Epic? - Management acknowledged planned labor increases but stated they have effectively managed costs and matched labor needs to attendance forecasts [82][83] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding capital allocation and buybacks? - Management indicated a focus on maximizing shareholder returns and mentioned that they are comfortable with the current leverage ratio while considering future buybacks [87][89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $280.6 million and adjusted operating income of $36 million for the quarter [10] - The Sphere segment generated revenues of $157.5 million, a decrease from $170.4 million in the prior year period, primarily due to lower revenues from the Sphere experience and advertising campaigns [10][11] - Adjusted operating income for the Sphere segment was $13.1 million, slightly up from $12.9 million in the prior year period, reflecting a decrease in revenues offset by lower SG&A expenses [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Sphere experience welcomed over half a million guests, contributing to total revenues exceeding $500 million since its debut in October 2023 [6] - MSG Networks generated $123 million in revenues and $22.8 million in adjusted operating income, down from $151 million and $48.6 million respectively in the prior year period, mainly due to a non-carriage period and a decrease in subscribers [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Las Vegas market continues to attract over 40 million visitors annually, with international guests accounting for over 20% of Sphere attendees and 10% for concerts [22] - The company has seen strong consumer demand, with acts like Dead and Company and the Eagles scheduled for over 40 performances at the Sphere [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive growth by hosting a variety of concerts and events, optimizing the go-to-market strategy for the Exosphere, and enhancing operational efficiencies [5] - Plans are underway to develop a smaller Sphere model for faster and cheaper deployment in various markets, alongside the ongoing project in Abu Dhabi [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite macroeconomic concerns, there has not been a significant change in visitation or spending in Las Vegas [23] - The company remains optimistic about the demand for concerts, stating that demand exceeds capacity [23] Other Important Information - The company has entered into new marketing partnerships with major brands like Pepsi and Google, enhancing exposure on the Exosphere [8] - The company is focused on creating a diverse slate of original content and has multiple projects in development [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the partnership with Google - Management acknowledged the question but noted connectivity issues and promised to circle back later [18] Question: Observations on the tourism market in Vegas - Management reported that international guests account for over 20% of Sphere attendees and noted no significant changes in visitation or spending [22][23] Question: Opportunities for new Sphere experience shows - Management expressed optimism about new shows driving higher revenues, expecting better performance compared to previous productions [30] Question: Update on concert residencies - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with multiple artists and noted that demand exceeds available slots [31][33] Question: Sphere expansion and geopolitical tensions - Management confirmed global discussions for Sphere expansion and mentioned designing a smaller Sphere for various markets [37] Question: Long-term plan for MSG Networks - Management discussed pursuing a hybrid model between traditional and streaming distribution, with potential strategic partnerships [42] Question: Cost management moving forward - Management emphasized a focus on driving profitable growth and optimizing infrastructure to identify cost efficiencies [44]