Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $460 million and adjusted operating income of $190 million for the fiscal second quarter, both representing double-digit percentage increases year-over-year [4][10] - Adjusted operating income increased by 16% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher direct operating SG&A expenses [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Christmas Spectacular generated approximately $195 million in total revenue this season, with 215 paid performances, an increase from 200 shows last year [5][10] - Per-show revenue increased by a mid-single-digit percentage compared to fiscal 2025, driven by higher ticket yields and record levels of per caps on food, beverage, and merchandise [6][10] - The number of events across venues increased year-over-year, driven by growth in concerts, family shows, and marquee sporting events, although concerts at The Garden were down due to timing [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 2.9 million guests attended over 475 events during the quarter, with a significant contribution from the Christmas Spectacular [5] - The company saw higher per-game revenues from the Knicks and Rangers, with a combined four more home games played during the fiscal second quarter compared to the prior year [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its schedule, pricing, and marketing for productions like the Christmas Spectacular, indicating a strategy for continued growth in ticket sales and attendance [17][19] - There is a strong emphasis on expanding marketing partnerships, with recent multiyear renewals and expansions, including a partnership with Anheuser-Busch and Infosys [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering robust growth in revenue and adjusted operating income for fiscal 2026, supported by strong consumer demand and successful events [4][14] - The company noted that consumer demand remains strong, with exceptional demand for the Christmas Spectacular and sold-out concerts across venues [43] Other Important Information - The company had $157 million of unrestricted cash as of December 31, up from $30 million as of September 30, reflecting strong cash flow generation [13] - The company repurchased approximately 623,000 shares of Class A common stock for $25 million fiscal year to date, with $45 million remaining under the current buyback authorization [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Christmas Spectacular performance and future growth - Management noted strong ticket demand and pricing, with opportunities to increase show count and ticket pricing in future years [17][19] Question: Update on concert bookings trends - Concert bookings are pacing strongly for the fiscal third and fourth quarters, with visibility into fiscal 2027 showing strong early indicators [24][26] Question: Incremental revenue from Harry Styles residency - The 30-night residency is expected to be a meaningful contributor to concert growth, with strong presales indicating high demand [31][32] Question: Consumer demand trends and capital returns - Management reported strong consumer demand across events, with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet and opportunistically returning capital to shareholders [43][45] Question: Updates on Penn Station redevelopment - The timeline for selecting a master developer remains on track for May 2026, with the company committed to collaborating with stakeholders [51][52] Question: SG&A expenses and future outlook - SG&A expenses were elevated due to nonrecurring items and higher labor costs, with expectations for normalization by the June quarter [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $460 million and adjusted operating income of $190 million for the fiscal second quarter, both representing double-digit percentage increases year-over-year [4][10][13] - Adjusted operating income increased by 16% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher direct operating SG&A expenses [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Christmas Spectacular generated approximately $195 million in total revenue this season, with 215 paid performances, an increase from 200 performances last year [5][10] - Per-show revenue increased by a mid-single-digit percentage compared to fiscal 2025, driven by higher ticket-related revenues and record levels of per caps on food, beverage, and merchandise [6][10] - The number of concerts at The Garden decreased compared to the prior year quarter, but the overall number of events across venues increased, driven by growth in concerts at the company's theaters and family shows [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company welcomed approximately 2.9 million guests at over 475 events during the quarter, with strong demand leading to sold-out performances across the majority of concerts [5][45] - The Knicks and Rangers played a combined four more home games during the fiscal second quarter compared to the prior year quarter, contributing to increased revenues from these teams [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its schedule, pricing, and marketing for productions like the Christmas Spectacular, with plans to potentially increase show counts and ticket pricing in the future [19][20] - The company is actively booking concerts for the remainder of fiscal 2026 and has exceeded its concert bookings goal for The Garden, indicating strong growth prospects [26][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering robust growth in revenue and adjusted operating income for fiscal 2026, supported by strong consumer demand and successful events [4][15] - The company noted that consumer demand remains strong, with exceptional demand for the Christmas Spectacular and sold-out concerts, indicating positive trends for the upcoming quarters [44] Other Important Information - The company had $157 million of unrestricted cash as of December 31, up from $30 million as of September 30, reflecting strong cash flow generation [14] - The company repurchased approximately 623,000 shares of its Class A common stock for $25 million fiscal year to date, with $45 million remaining under its current buyback authorization [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Christmas Spectacular performance and future growth - Management noted strong ticket demand and pricing, with opportunities to increase show counts and average ticket yields based on this year's performance [18][20] Question: Update on concert bookings trends - Management indicated a successful first half of the year with increased bookings, and strong visibility into concert bookings for the first half of fiscal 2027, including notable acts [25][28] Question: Incremental revenue from Harry Styles residency - Management expects the Harry Styles residency to be a meaningful contributor to concert growth, with strong presales indicating high demand [33][34] Question: Consumer demand trends and capital returns - Management reported strong consumer demand across events, with plans to continue returning capital to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet [44][46] Question: Updates on Penn Station redevelopment - Management confirmed that the selection of a master developer is expected by May 2026, and reiterated the company's commitment to improving the area [51][52] Question: SG&A expenses and future outlook - Management explained that elevated SG&A expenses included nonrecurring items and higher labor costs, with expectations for normalization in the coming quarters [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fiscal second quarter, the company reported revenues of $460 million and adjusted operating income of $190 million, both reflecting double-digit percentage increases year-over-year [4][11] - Adjusted operating income increased by 16% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to increased revenues, partially offset by higher direct operating SG&A expenses [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Christmas Spectacular generated approximately $195 million in total revenue this season, with 215 paid performances, an increase from 200 performances last year [5][11] - Per-show revenue increased by a mid-single-digit percentage compared to fiscal 2025, driven by higher ticket yields and record levels of per caps on food, beverage, and merchandise [6][11] - The number of events across venues increased year-over-year, driven by growth in concerts, family shows, and marquee sporting events, although concerts at The Garden were down due to timing [7][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 2.9 million guests attended over 475 events during the quarter, with a significant contribution from the Christmas Spectacular [5] - The company saw higher per-game revenues from the Knicks and Rangers, with a combined four more home games compared to the prior year quarter [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its schedule, pricing, and marketing for productions like the Christmas Spectacular, indicating potential for future growth in show count and ticket pricing [20][21] - The company is actively booking a wide array of events, including concerts and marquee sporting events, to maintain momentum into the next fiscal year [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering robust growth in revenue and adjusted operating income for fiscal 2026, supported by strong consumer demand and successful events [4][15] - The company noted strong consumer demand trends, with exceptional performance in the Christmas Spectacular and sold-out concerts, indicating a positive outlook for the upcoming quarters [45] Other Important Information - The company had $157 million of unrestricted cash as of December 31, up from $30 million as of September 30, reflecting strong cash flow generation [14] - The company repurchased approximately 623,000 shares of Class A common stock for $25 million fiscal year to date, with $45 million remaining under the current buyback authorization [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Christmas Spectacular performance and future growth - Management highlighted strong ticket demand and pricing, with room for increased show count and ticket pricing in future years [19][21] Question: Update on concert bookings trends - Management reported a successful first half of the year with increased bookings, particularly at The Garden, and strong visibility into fiscal 2027 [26][29] Question: Incremental revenue from Harry Styles residency - Management indicated that while not all 30 nights of the residency will be incremental, it will significantly contribute to concert growth [34] Question: Consumer demand trends and capital returns - Management noted strong consumer demand across events and indicated a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet while exploring capital return opportunities [45][48] Question: Updates on Penn Station redevelopment - Management confirmed that the selection of a master developer is still on track for May 2026, with ongoing commitment to improving the area [51][53] Question: SG&A expenses and future outlook - Management explained elevated SG&A expenses due to nonrecurring items and higher labor costs, with expectations for normalization in the June quarter [58][59]

Core Viewpoint - Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. reported strong financial results for the fiscal second quarter of 2026, driven by record attendance at the Christmas Spectacular production [1] Financial Performance - The fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2025, saw over 1.2 million tickets sold for the Christmas Spectacular, marking the highest attendance level in 25 years [1] - The production featured 215 paid performances during its 92nd holiday season, indicating robust demand and successful execution of events [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 fiscal 2026, the company reported revenues of $158.3 million, an increase of 14% compared to the prior year quarter, driven by growth in entertainment offerings and higher food, beverage, and merchandise revenues [10][11] - Adjusted operating income for the first quarter was $7.1 million, an increase of $5.2 million year-over-year, despite higher SG&A and direct operating expenses [11] - The company had $30 million of unrestricted cash and a total debt balance of $622 million as of September 30 [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company welcomed over 900,000 guests across 140 events in the quarter, setting a record for the number of concerts at the Garden [4][5] - Food and beverage per caps at concerts increased, while per caps at theaters decreased compared to the prior year, attributed to the mix of events [5] - The Christmas Spectacular is set to have 215 shows this year, up from 200 last year, with advanced ticket sales pacing ahead of the previous year [7][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing strong demand for the Christmas Spectacular, expecting to host over 1 million guests this holiday season [17] - Advanced ticket revenues for the Christmas Spectacular are pacing up double digits compared to last year, driven by higher individual and group ticket sales [17] - Concert bookings are on track to exceed last year's total, with nearly 85% of the concert booking goal achieved for the year [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation priorities, including maintaining a strong balance sheet, pursuing compelling opportunities, and returning capital to shareholders [26][28] - The internal sales team for sponsorships is largely in place, aiming to capitalize on upcoming opportunities in fiscal 2026 and beyond [34] - The company is exploring ways to enhance the Christmas Spectacular and improve per-show revenues through strategic pricing and partnerships [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory for fiscal 2026, citing positive momentum across the business [13] - The company is closely monitoring the macro environment but continues to see strong consumer demand, particularly for concerts and events [39] - Management is optimistic about the upcoming holiday season and the potential for growth in various business segments [43] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $25 million of Class A common stock during the quarter, with $45 million remaining under the current buyback authorization [12][28] - A non-cash impairment charge of $13.8 million related to an operating lease was included in the first quarter results [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the Christmas Spectacular's sell-through and pricing - Management noted strong demand for the Christmas Spectacular, expecting over 1 million guests and advanced ticket revenues pacing up double digits compared to last year [17] Question: Updates on concert bookings for the Garden - Management confirmed robust bookings, with more concerts booked for fiscal 2026 than held last year, and expressed confidence in increasing event numbers [21][22] Question: Progress on major residency acts for fiscal 2027 - Management indicated progress in finalizing a residency for next year, which could significantly contribute to concert growth [26] Question: Transitioning sponsorship business back in-house - Management confirmed the internal sales team is in place and highlighted recent partnerships as evidence of progress in the sponsorship business [34] Question: Updates on Penn Station redevelopment - Management provided a timeline for redevelopment, emphasizing commitment to improving the area surrounding Penn Station [42] Question: Bookings growth by event type - Management expects growth primarily driven by concerts, with modest growth in family shows and sports events anticipated [43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 fiscal 2026, the company reported revenues of $158.3 million, an increase of 14% compared to the prior year quarter, driven by growth in entertainment offerings and higher food, beverage, and merchandise revenues [10][11] - Adjusted operating income for the first quarter was $7.1 million, an increase of $5.2 million year-over-year, primarily due to increased revenues, partially offset by higher SG&A and direct operating expenses [11] - The company had $30 million of unrestricted cash and a total debt balance of $622 million as of September 30, 2025 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company welcomed over 900,000 guests across 140 events during the quarter, setting a new record for the number of concerts in any quarter at the Garden [4][5] - Food and beverage per caps at concerts increased, while per caps at theaters decreased compared to the prior year, attributed to the mix of events [5] - The Christmas Spectacular is set to have 215 shows this year, up from 200 last year, with advanced ticket sales pacing ahead of the previous year [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing strong demand for the Christmas Spectacular, expecting to host over 1 million guests this holiday season, with advanced ticket revenues pacing up double digits compared to last year [17][18] - Concert bookings are on track to exceed last year's total, with nearly 85% of the concert booking goal achieved for the year [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation priorities, including maintaining a strong balance sheet, pursuing compelling opportunities, and returning capital to shareholders [28][29] - The internal sales team for marketing partnerships is largely in place, aiming to capitalize on upcoming opportunities in fiscal 2026 and beyond [9][36] - The company is exploring ways to enhance the Christmas Spectacular and improve per-show revenues through strategic pricing and partnerships [31][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory for fiscal 2026, citing positive momentum across the business and expectations for solid growth in revenue and adjusted operating income [12][13] - The company is closely monitoring the macro environment but continues to see strong consumer demand, particularly for concerts and the Christmas Spectacular [44][45] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $25 million of its Class A common stock during the quarter, with $45 million remaining under the current buyback authorization [12][29] - The cash component of arena license fees will be $45 million this fiscal year, growing at 3% annually through fiscal 2055 [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the Christmas Spectacular's sell-through and pricing - Management noted strong demand for the Christmas Spectacular, expecting over 1 million guests and advanced ticket revenues pacing up double digits compared to last year [17][18] Question: Updates on concert bookings for the Garden - Management confirmed robust bookings, with more concerts booked for fiscal 2026 than held last year, and expressed confidence in increasing event numbers [21][22] Question: Progress on major residency acts for fiscal 2027 - Management indicated progress in finalizing a residency for next year, which could significantly enhance concert growth at the Garden [26][27] Question: Transitioning sponsorship business back in-house - Management confirmed the internal sales team is largely in place and optimistic about capitalizing on sponsorship opportunities [35][36] Question: Updates on Penn Station redevelopment - Management provided a timeline for redevelopment, emphasizing commitment to improving the area and collaboration with stakeholders [50] Question: Bookings growth by event type - Management expects growth driven by concerts, family shows, and sports, with a focus on improving financial results in family shows and modest growth in sports events [51][53]

Company Overview - MSG Entertainment was spun-off from Sphere Entertainment Co on April 20, 2023[10] - In fiscal year 2025, the company hosted over 975 live events[14] and welcomed nearly 6 million guests[15] - The company's fiscal year 2025 revenue was $942.7 million[52] Financial Performance - The company's operating income for fiscal year 2025 was $122.1 million[52] - The adjusted operating income (AOI) for fiscal year 2025 was $222.5 million[52] - As of September 30, 2025, the company's total debt outstanding was $622 million[56] and unrestricted cash was $30 million[56], resulting in net debt of $592 million[56] Key Assets - The company has valuable real estate holdings in New York City and Chicago[22] - The company has 35-year deals to host home games for the New York Knicks & Rangers[15] - The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes has been a New York holiday tradition for over 90 years[15, 21] Capital Allocation - The company repurchased $205 million of Class A shares since April 2023[58] - The company has $45 million remaining under share repurchase authorization[58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported full year revenues of $942.7 million and adjusted operating income (AOI) of $222.5 million, representing a 5% year-over-year increase [5] - In the fourth quarter, revenues were $154.1 million, a decrease of 17% compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower event-related revenues from concerts and food, beverage, and merchandise [12][13] - Fourth quarter adjusted operating income decreased by $14.4 million to a loss of $1.3 million compared to the prior year quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company hosted nearly 6 million guests at over 975 live events during fiscal year 2025, with modest growth in the number of events held at venues compared to the prior year [6] - The Christmas Spectacular production sold approximately 1.1 million tickets across 200 performances, generating over $170 million in revenue, a new record for the production [8] - The number of concerts at theaters increased, while the number of concerts at The Garden decreased year-over-year due to the end of Billy Joel's residency [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Knicks and Rangers played a combined 97 home games at The Garden, down from 103 games in the prior year, impacting shared revenue streams [9] - The company expects cash component of Arena license fees to be approximately $45 million in fiscal year 2026, growing 3% each year through fiscal year 2055 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase the number of events at venues, drive growth in per event profitability, and expand sponsorship and premium hospitality businesses [5] - The strategic decision to bring sponsorship sales in-house is expected to capitalize on upcoming opportunities in fiscal year 2026 [10] - The company is focused on organic growth and remains confident in delivering long-term shareholder value [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to drive solid growth in revenue and adjusted operating income in fiscal year 2026, supported by strong consumer and corporate demand [5] - The company anticipates another year of substantial free cash flow generation and plans to explore ways to opportunistically return capital to shareholders [14][40] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $40 million of Class A common stock during fiscal year 2025, with $70 million remaining under the current share repurchase authorization [15][40] - The company is in the late planning stages for a new residency at The Garden, which is expected to create potential for concert growth in fiscal year 2027 [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on ticket sales for the Christmas Spectacular - Management noted that advanced ticket revenue is pacing well ahead of last year, with higher individual and group ticket sales [18][19] Question: Forward bookings trends for fiscal year 2026 - Management indicated that they expect to increase the number of booking events, including concerts, and are currently pacing ahead in bookings [25][27] Question: Progress on utilization at The Garden - Management reported an effective utilization of a little over 65% for The Garden and is looking to increase event growth in fiscal year 2026 [32] Question: Capital returns strategy for fiscal year 2026 - Management stated that they will continue to explore ways to opportunistically return capital to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet [38][40] Question: Outlook for sponsorship and consumer demand - Management expressed optimism about sponsorship opportunities and noted strong consumer demand, with advanced ticket sales pacing well [51][53]

Company Overview and Performance - MSG Entertainment's spin-off from Sphere Entertainment Co was completed on April 20, 2023[10] - In fiscal year 2025, the company hosted over 975 live events[14] and welcomed nearly 6 million guests[15] - The company reported total revenue of $942.7 million in fiscal year 2025[52] - Operating income for fiscal year 2025 was $122.1 million[52], while adjusted operating income (AOI) reached $222.5 million[52] Key Assets and Agreements - The company has 35-year deals to host home games for the New York Knicks & Rangers[15] - Madison Square Garden is the 2 grossing venue of its size in the world[16, 17] - Radio City Music Hall is the 1 grossing venue of its size in the world[18, 19] - The company has valuable long-term arena license agreements with MSG Sports, including 3% annual escalators[40, 41] Financial Position and Strategy - As of June 30, 2025, total debt outstanding was $609 million, with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $43 million, resulting in net debt of $566 million[56] - Net debt leverage is 2.5x, calculated using fiscal 2025 AOI of $222.5 million[56, 57] - The company repurchased $180 million of Class A shares since April 2023 and has $70 million remaining under share repurchase authorization[58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fiscal third quarter, the company reported revenues of $242 million, an increase of $14.2 million or 6% year-over-year [13] - Adjusted operating income (AOI) for the quarter was $57.9 million, reflecting a $19.3 million or 50% increase compared to the prior year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues from entertainment offerings increased by $14 million or 10%, driven by higher per event revenues and an increase in the number of events year-over-year [14] - The Christmas Spectacular generated over $170 million in total revenues across 200 performances, with year-over-year growth in per show attendance and average ticket prices [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company hosted over 1.5 million guests across 195 events during the quarter, indicating strong consumer demand for live entertainment [9] - Concert bookings saw a year-over-year decrease in the number of events, primarily due to the absence of three Billy Joel performances from the prior year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for mid to high single-digit AOI growth for the fiscal year and continues to prioritize opportunistic capital returns to shareholders [7] - There is a focus on improving premium hospitality offerings and marketing partnerships, with notable sponsorship renewals [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the New York Arena concert market and tough comparisons due to last year's events, but remains optimistic about solid AOI growth for fiscal 2025 [22] - The company is encouraged by early booking activity for fiscal 2026, with expectations of setting a new record for concerts at The Garden [27] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately $40 million of its Class A common stock to date this fiscal year, including $15 million during the third quarter [8][16] - As of March 31, the company had approximately $89 million in unrestricted cash and a debt balance of approximately $613 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: AOI growth and fourth-quarter outlook - Management noted several factors impacting the fourth quarter, including a decline in the overall New York Arena concert market and tough comparisons from last year [20] Question: Concert bookings for 2026 - Management indicated positive signs for concert bookings in fiscal 2026, with substantial visibility into upcoming events [27] Question: Penn Station project and theater sale - Management expressed commitment to improving Penn Station and surrounding areas, with no current updates on the potential sale of the theater [33] Question: Christmas Spectacular and tourism exposure - Approximately 10% of Christmas Spectacular tickets sold were to international tourists, with a low to mid single-digit percentage for concert ticket sales [34] Question: Growth drivers for Christmas Spectacular - Management highlighted growth potential through more shows and higher average ticket yields, with advanced ticket sales pacing up over 60% in gross ticket revenue [41] Question: Capital returns strategy - Management reiterated three main priorities for capital allocation, including maintaining a strong balance sheet and opportunistically returning capital to shareholders [46]