Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

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 [12] - Adjusted operating income (AOI) for the quarter was $57.9 million, up $19.3 million or 50% compared to the prior year quarter [14] 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 [13] - 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 [10] - There was a year over year decrease in the number of concerts at venues, primarily due to the absence of three Billy Joel performances from the prior year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company hosted over 1.5 million guests across 195 events during the quarter, reflecting strong demand for live entertainment [7] - International tourists accounted for approximately 10% of Christmas Spectacular ticket sales, while a low to mid single-digit percentage of concert ticket sales at The Garden came from international tourists [32][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on opportunistically returning capital to shareholders, having repurchased approximately $40 million of Class A common stock to date this fiscal year [6][15] - The company is committed to improving the surrounding area of Penn Station and is open to considering strategic options regarding the theater [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the overall New York Arena concert market is down compared to last year, impacting fourth-quarter expectations [20] - Despite challenges, management remains optimistic about solid AOI growth for fiscal 2025, with improving per event trends [22] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $89 million of unrestricted cash and a debt balance of approximately $613 million as of March 31 [15] - The company has $70 million remaining under its current buyback authorization [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: AOI growth guidance for the fourth quarter - Management acknowledged several factors impacting the fourth quarter, including a tough comparison to last year due to fewer concerts and playoff games [20][21] Question: Concert bookings for 2026 - Management indicated positive signs for concert bookings in fiscal 2026, with substantial visibility and potential for record-setting concerts at The Garden [26][27] Question: Penn Station project and theater sale - Management confirmed ongoing commitment to improving Penn Station and surrounding areas, with no further updates on the theater sale [30][31] Question: Christmas Spectacular and international tourism exposure - Management estimated that international tourists accounted for about 10% of Christmas ticket sales and a low to mid single-digit percentage of concert sales [32][33] Question: Growth drivers for the upcoming Christmas season - Management sees growth potential through more shows and higher average ticket yields, with advanced ticket sales pacing up over 60% in gross ticket revenue [37][38] Question: Capital returns moving forward - Management reiterated three main priorities for capital allocation: maintaining a strong balance sheet, flexibility for investments, and opportunistically returning capital to shareholders [43][44]