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EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF ROBERT M. POLLICHINO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - MSG NETWORKS INC.dex312.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF ROBERT M. POLLICHINO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - MSG NETWORKS INC.dex322.htm
EX-10.1 - FIRST AMENDMENT TO RESTATED GUARANTY - MSG NETWORKS INC.dex101.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF HANK J. RATNER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - MSG NETWORKS INC.dex311.htm
EX-10.2 - EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - MSG NETWORKS INC.dex102.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF HANK J. RATNER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - MSG NETWORKS INC.dex321.htm
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

(Mark One)  
x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

 

OR

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission File Number: 1-34434

 

 

Madison Square Garden, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   27-0624498

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

(212) 465-6000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of

registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes      ¨             No      x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes      ¨             No      ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated   ¨    Accelerated    ¨    Non-accelerated    x    Smaller reporting    ¨
filer              filer           filer               company         

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes      ¨             No      x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock outstanding, as the latest practicable date.

 

  Class of Stock                                                                           Shares Outstanding as of July 30, 2010  
  Class A Common Stock par value $0.01 per share        62,245,496
  Class B Common Stock par value $0.01 per share        13,588,555


Table of Contents

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

          Page
PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements   
   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)    1
   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009    2
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)    3
   Consolidated Statements of Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)    4
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)    5

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    20

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    36

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    36
PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    36

Item 6.

   Exhibits    36


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except earnings per share amounts)   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

     2010    2009    2010    2009

Revenues (including revenues from Cablevision of $39,186 and $31,731 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $78,783 and $63,942 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively)

     $ 227,131        $ 207,336        $ 533,632        $ 488,654  
                           

Operating expenses:

           

Direct operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below and including expenses from Cablevision of $2,664 and $7,113 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $5,733 and $14,199 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively)

     124,451        122,319        320,914        329,328  

Selling, general and administrative (including expenses from Cablevision of $2,836 and $13,038 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $6,664 and $24,887 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively)

     62,786        79,017        127,632        139,680  

Depreciation and amortization

     14,199        14,768        29,260        30,496  
                           
     201,436        216,104        477,806        499,504  
                           

Operating income (loss)

     25,695        (8,768)       55,826        (10,850) 
                           

Other income (expense):

           

Interest income (including interest income from Cablevision of $0 for both the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 and $914 and $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively)

     568        681        2,041        1,452  

Interest expense

     (1,556)       (1,078)       (3,147)       (2,120) 

Miscellaneous

     —        2,000        2,000        2,000  
                           
     (988)       1,603        894        1,332  
                           

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

     24,707        (7,165)       56,720        (9,518) 

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (10,694)       3,266        (25,326)       3,678  
                           

Net income (loss)

     $ 14,013        $ (3,899)       $ 31,394        $ (5,840) 
                           

Basic net earnings (loss) per common share

     $ 0.19        $ (0.05)       $ 0.43        $ (0.08) 

Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share

     $ 0.18        $ (0.05)       $ 0.41        $ (0.08) 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
(Refer to Note 3)

           

Basic

     73,957        73,309        73,705        73,309  

Diluted

     76,773        73,309        76,488        73,309  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands, except par value)    June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009
     (Unaudited)     

ASSETS

     

Current Assets:

     

  Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 319,745     $ 109,716 

  Restricted cash

     11,414       7,139 

  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,386 and $2,337

     108,983       130,460 

  Net receivable due from Cablevision

     23,351       7,845 

  Prepaid expenses

     33,038       36,849 

  Advances due from a subsidiary of Cablevision

     —       190,000 

  Other current assets

     29,578       37,049 
             

    Total current assets

     526,109       519,058 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $395,466 and $375,223

     363,061       342,005 

Other assets

     129,543       131,820 

Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $104,874 and $105,351

     139,013       148,028 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     158,096       158,096 

Goodwill

     742,492       742,492 
             
   $ 2,058,314     $ 2,041,499 
             

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

     

Current Liabilities:

     

  Accounts payable

   $ 1,506     $ 7,104 

  Accrued liabilities:

     

    Employee related costs

     57,791       71,646 

    Other expenses

     86,252       85,815 

  Deferred revenue

     128,549       133,584 
             

    Total current liabilities

     274,098       298,149 

Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations

     55,947       45,165 

Other employee related costs

     37,801       44,407 

Other liabilities

     62,816       63,568 

Deferred tax liability

     513,907       484,107 
             

    Total liabilities

     944,569       935,396 
             

Commitments and contingencies (Refer to Note 9)

     

Stockholders’ Equity:

     

  Class A Common stock, par value $0.01, 360,000 authorized; 62,247 outstanding as of June 30, 2010

     624       — 

  Class B Common stock, par value $0.01, 90,000 authorized; 13,589 outstanding as of June 30, 2010

     136       — 

  Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 45,000 authorized; none outstanding

     —       — 

  Additional paid-in capital (paid-in capital, for the period prior to the Distribution)

     1,023,081       1,042,283 

  Treasury stock

     (3,723)      — 

  Retained earnings

     109,267       77,873 

  Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (15,640)      (14,053)
             

    Total stockholders’ equity

     1,113,745       1,106,103 
             
   $ 2,058,314     $ 2,041,499 
             

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands)   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

     2010    2009

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income (loss)

   $ 31,394      $ (5,840) 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

  Depreciation and amortization

     29,260        30,496  

  Impairment of deferred costs

     9,945        —  

  Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards

     4,585        —  

  Deemed capital contribution related to income taxes

     2,712        143  

  Share-based compensation expense prior to the Distribution

     1,012        6,913  

  Amortization of deferred financing costs

     908        —  

  Provision for doubtful accounts

     294        193  

  Amortization of purchase accounting liability related to unfavorable contracts

     —        (1,344) 

  Excess tax benefit on share-based awards

     (618)       —  

  Change in assets and liabilities:

     

  Accounts receivable, net

     21,183        23,958  

  Net receivable due from Cablevision

     (15,506)       (463) 

  Prepaid expenses and other assets

     4,794        10,799  

  Accrued and other liabilities

     (5,614)       (30,043) 

  Deferred revenue

     (5,035)       (15,605) 

  Deferred income taxes

     (8,516)       (3,678) 
             

  Net cash provided by operating activities

     70,798        15,529  
             

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

  Capital expenditures

     (43,766)       (23,810) 

  Decrease in restricted cash

     2,000        —  
             

  Net cash used in investing activities

     (41,766)       (23,810) 
             

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

  Proceeds from promissory note due from a subsidiary of Cablevision

     190,000        —  

  Additions to deferred financing costs

     (8,363)       —  

  Purchase of shares

     (3,723)       —  

  Proceeds from stock option exercises

     3,119        —  

  Capital contribution

     —        148  

  Excess tax benefit on share-based awards

     618        —  

  Principal payments on capital lease obligations

     (654)       (609) 
             

  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     180,997        (461) 
             

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     210,029        (8,742) 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     109,716        70,726  
             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 319,745      $ 61,984  
             

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

     

Deemed capital contributions (distributions), net primarily related to income taxes and share-based compensation expense prior to the Distribution

   $ (26,636)     $ 7,056  

Leasehold improvements paid by landlord

     3,049        —  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands)

   Common
Stock
Issued
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital (Paid-in
Capital for the
period prior to
the Distribution)
   Treasury
Stock
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   Total  

Balance at January 1, 2010

   $   —    $ 1,042,283      $       —      $ 77,873    $ (14,053)     $ 1,106,103  

Net income

          —        —        31,394      —        31,394   

Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of taxes

          —        —             562        562   
                       

Comprehensive income

                    31,956   

Deemed capital contribution related to share-based compensation expense prior to the Distribution

          1,012        —             —        1,012   

Deemed capital contribution related to income taxes

          2,712        —             —        2,712   

Adjustments related to the transfer of liabilities from Cablevision related to certain pension plans as a result of the Distribution, net of taxes

          —        —             (2,149)       (2,149

Deemed capital contribution related to the transfer of certain liabilities between the Company and Cablevision, net of taxes

          5,125        —             —        5,125   

Reclassification of common stock in connection with the Distribution

     755      (755)       —             —        —     

Distribution date deferred tax assets and liabilities adjustments (Refer to Note 16)

          (35,485)       —             —        (35,485

Proceeds from exercise of options

     5      3,114        —             —        3,119   

Share-based compensation expense

          4,585        —             —        4,585   

Treasury stock acquired from acquisition of restricted shares

          —        (3,723)            —        (3,723

Excess tax benefit on share-based awards, net of deficiency

          490        —             —        490   
                                           

Balance at June 30, 2010

   $ 760    $ 1,023,081        $ (3,723)       $ 109,267      $ (15,640)      $ 1,113,745     
                                           

 

 

 

(In thousands)

   Common
Stock
Issued
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital (Paid-in
Capital for the
period prior  to
the Distribution)
   Treasury
Stock
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   Total

Balance at January 1, 2009

   $   —    $ 1,027,726    $   —    $ 50,224     $   (5,327)     $ 1,072,623  

Net loss

                    (5,840)           (5,840) 

Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of taxes

                    —       53      53  
                     

Comprehensive loss

                    (5,787) 

Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense

          6,913           —            6,913  

Capital contribution

          148           —            148  

Deemed capital contribution related to income taxes

          143           —            143  
                                         

Balance at June 30, 2009

   $   —    $ 1,034,930    $   —      $ 44,384     $   (5,274)     $ 1,074,040  
                                         

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Description of Business

Madison Square Garden, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Madison Square Garden”) was incorporated on July 29, 2009 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). On January 12, 2010, Cablevision’s board of directors approved the distribution of all the outstanding common stock of Madison Square Garden, Inc. to Cablevision shareholders (the “Distribution”) and the Company thereafter acquired the subsidiaries of Cablevision that owned, directly and indirectly, all of the partnership interests in Madison Square Garden, L.P. (“MSG L.P.”). MSG L.P. was the indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision through which Cablevision held the Company’s businesses until the Distribution occurred on February 9, 2010. Each holder of record of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock as of close of business on January 25, 2010 (the “Record Date”) received one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock for every four shares of Cablevision Class A Common Stock held. Each holder of record of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock as of the Record Date received one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class B Common Stock for every four shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held. MSG L.P. is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madison Square Garden, Inc. through which the Company conducts substantially all of its business activities.

The Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments: MSG Media, MSG Entertainment, and MSG Sports. MSG Media produces, develops and acquires content for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes, and shows that the Company co-produces with Cirque du Soleil, such as Wintuk and Banana Shpeel. MSG Sports owns and operates sports franchises, including the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”), the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (“NHL”), the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League, which is the primary player development team for the New York Rangers. MSG Sports also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of premier live sporting events.

The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that are either owned or operated by it under long-term leases. The Company owns The Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”) and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.

Note 2. Accounting Policies

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated quarterly financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with the audited combined financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2010 with the SEC (the “2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K”). The financial statements as of June 30, 2010 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year. The dependence of our revenues on our sports teams and Christmas shows generally make our business seasonal with a disproportionate share of our revenues and operating income being derived in the fourth quarter of each year.

Principles of Consolidation

The financial statements include the accounts of Madison Square Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For periods prior to the Distribution date, the financial statements were prepared on a combined basis and reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company as if it were a separate entity for those periods. However, for all periods prior to the Distribution, deferred tax assets and liabilities have been measured using the estimated applicable corporate tax rates historically used by Cablevision (refer to Note 16). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

during the reporting periods presented. Estimates are based on past experience and other considerations reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, which provides amendments that (a) update the criteria for separating consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements, (b) establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, and (c) replace the term “fair value” in the revenue allocation guidance with the term “selling price” to clarify that the allocation of revenue is based on entity-specific assumptions. ASU No. 2009-13 eliminates the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration to deliverables, requires the use of the relative selling price method and requires that a vendor determine its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell the deliverable on a stand-alone basis. ASU No. 2009-13 requires a vendor to significantly expand the disclosures related to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements with the objective to provide information about the significant judgments made and changes to those judgments, and how the application of the relative selling price method affects the timing or amount of revenue recognition. ASU No. 2009-13 is required to be adopted on a prospective basis to revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified beginning in January 2011, and early adoption is permitted.

Note 3. Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Basic net earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is based upon net earnings (loss) divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares restricted on the same basis as underlying Cablevision restricted shares (refer to Note 13) only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive.

Common shares assumed to be outstanding during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2009 totaled 73,309, representing the shares issued to Cablevision shareholders on the Distribution date for purposes of calculating basic EPS.

The table below presents a reconciliation of weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS.

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
    

 

  2010

  

 

  2009

  

 

  2010

  

 

  2009

Weighted-average shares for basic EPS

   73,957        73,309        73,705        73,309    

Dilutive effect of shares issuable under share-based compensation plans and shares restricted on the same basis as underlying Cablevision restricted shares

   2,816        —          2,783        —      
                   

Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS

   76,773        73,309          76,488          73,309    
                   

The Company has excluded 57 and 49 shares from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Note 4. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

 

6


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months  Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
    

 

  2010

  

 

  2009

  

 

  2010

  

 

  2009

Net income (loss)

   $ 14,013        $ (3,899)       $ 31,394        $ (5,840)   

Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of taxes

     278          27          562          53    
                           

Comprehensive income (loss)

     $ 14,291          $ (3,872)         $ 31,956          $ (5,787)   
                           

Note 5. Impairment Charges

As a result of Banana Shpeel’s financial performance, the Company evaluated whether or not an impairment of the associated deferred costs had occurred.

In determining whether the deferred costs were recoverable, the Company estimated the undiscounted future cash flows over the expected term of the show and compared the undiscounted cash flows to the asset’s carrying value. As a result, the Company concluded the costs would not be recoverable. The Company then determined the fair value of the asset by discounting the estimated future cash flows. The impairment charge was the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its fair value.

As such, the Company’s MSG Entertainment reportable segment recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $9,945 for the unamortized deferred costs remaining on the Company’s financial statements at the end of the show’s run at the Beacon Theatre.

This pre-tax impairment charge is reflected in direct operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

Note 6. Team Personnel Transactions and Insurance Recoveries

Direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations include net provisions for transactions relating to players on our sports teams for season-ending injuries, waivers and trades, and termination costs of other team personnel. The Company’s MSG Sports segment recognizes the estimated ultimate cost of these events, including the Company’s estimated future obligation for luxury tax attributable to Knicks player transactions, in the period in which they occur, net of anticipated insurance recoveries. Amounts due to such players are generally paid over their remaining contract terms. These provisions amounted to $90 and $19,377 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, these provisions amounted to $6,313 and $23,486, respectively. The provisions recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are net of insurance recoveries of $0 and $426, respectively. The provisions recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are net of insurance recoveries of $820 and $426, respectively.

In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded $600 and $1,233, respectively, in insurance recoveries related to non season-ending player injuries. For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded $7,921 and $4,838, respectively, in insurance recoveries related to non season-ending player injuries.

The accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 include $0 and $5,929, respectively, in other current assets, for these team personnel related insurance recoveries.

Note 7. Investments

In June 2008, the Company purchased a minority ownership interest in a company for $37,632, which is accounted for under the cost method. During both of the six month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company received a $2,000 dividend representing the distribution of earnings from this cost method investment which was recognized in miscellaneous income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, this investment is recognized as a component of other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. It was not practicable for the Company to estimate the fair value of this minority ownership interest.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

MSG Media

   $465,326    

MSG Entertainment

   58,979    

MSG Sports

   218,187    
    
   $742,492    
    

Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2010, the Company’s reporting units had significant safety margins, representing the excess of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit less its respective carrying value (including goodwill allocated to each respective reporting unit). In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the estimated fair value calculations of the Company’s reporting units on the annual impairment calculation for goodwill, the Company applied a hypothetical 30% decrease to the estimated fair value of each reporting unit. This hypothetical decrease of 30% would have no impact on the goodwill impairment analysis for any of the Company’s reporting units.

The Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

 

At June 30, 2010    

     Gross      Accumulated
  Amortization  
   Net

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

        

    Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships(a)

   $ 120,536      $  (45,331)      $ 75,205  

    Season ticket holder relationships

     75,005      (29,100)        45,905  

    Suite holder relationships

     15,394      (7,345)        8,049  

    Broadcast rights

     15,209      (11,944)        3,265  

    Other intangibles(a)

     17,743      (11,154)        6,589  
                  

Total intangible assets subject to amortization

     243,887      (104,874)        139,013  
                  

    Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)

     96,215      —          96,215  

    Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)

     61,881      —          61,881  
                  

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

     158,096      —          158,096  
                  

    Total intangible assets

   $ 401,983      $(104,874)      $ 297,109  
                  

 

At December 31, 2009    

   Gross      Accumulated  
  Amortization  
   Net

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

        

    Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships

   $124,770      $  (45,909)      $  78,861  

    Season ticket holder relationships

   75,005      (26,377)      48,628  

    Suite holder relationships

   15,394      (6,645)      8,749  

    Broadcast rights

   15,209      (11,182)      4,027  

    Other intangibles

   23,001      (15,238)      7,763  
              

Total intangible assets subject to amortization

   253,379      (105,351)      148,028  
              

    Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)

   96,215      —        96,215  

    Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)

   61,881      —        61,881  
              

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

   158,096      —        158,096  
              

    Total intangible assets

   $411,475      $(105,351)      $306,124  
              

 

(a) During the six months ended June 30, 2010, certain intangible assets became fully amortized.

Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2010, the Company’s Radio City related trademarks and sports franchise identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets had significant safety margins, representing the excess of each identifiable indefinite-lived intangible asset’s estimated fair value less its respective carrying value. In order to evaluate the sensitivity

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

of the fair value calculations of all the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles, the Company applied hypothetical 15%, 20% and 30% decreases to the estimated fair value of each of the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles. These hypothetical 15%, 20% and 30% decreases in estimated fair value would not have resulted in an impairment of any of our identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles other than The Chicago Theatre related trademarks, which have a carrying value of $8,000. The hypothetical fair value decline would have resulted in impairment charges against The Chicago Theatre related trademarks of approximately $95, $560 and $1,490 at 15%, 20% and 30%, respectively.

Amortization expense was $4,487 and $4,605, for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Amortization expense was $9,015 and $10,355 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company expects its aggregate annual amortization expense for existing intangible assets subject to amortization for each year from 2010 through 2014 to be as follows:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2010 (including the six months ended June 30, 2010)

   $ 17,629

For the year ended December 31, 2011

     17,224

For the year ended December 31, 2012

     14,434

For the year ended December 31, 2013

     10,574

For the year ended December 31, 2014

     10,574

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

As more fully described in Notes 7 and 8 of the audited annual financial statements of the Company included in the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s commitments primarily consist of long-term rights agreements for exclusive broadcast rights for certain live sporting events, obligations under employment agreements that the Company has with its professional sports teams’ personnel, long-term noncancelable operating lease agreements for entertainment venues and office and storage space, and minimum purchase requirements. These arrangements result from the Company’s normal course of business and represent obligations that may be payable over several years.

Legal Matters

Litigation Against MSG L.P.

In March 2008, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against MSG L.P. arising out of a January 23, 2007 automobile accident involving an individual who was allegedly drinking alcohol at several different establishments prior to the accident, allegedly including at an event at The Garden. The accident resulted in the death of two individuals. The plaintiffs filed suit against MSG L.P., the driver, and a New York City bar, asserting claims under the New York Dram Shop Act and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The Company has insurance coverage for compensatory damages and legal expenses in this matter. Discovery in the case has been completed and MSG L.P. has filed a motion for summary judgment, which is pending before the court.

Other Matters

In addition to the matter discussed above, the Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or liquidity of the Company.

Note 10. Debt

Total debt of the Company consists of the following:

 

     June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Revolving Credit Facility

   $      —    $      —

Capital lease obligations due to a subsidiary of Cablevision(a)

     5,581      6,235
             

Total

   $             5,581    $     6,235
             

 

(a) Classified in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

On January 28, 2010, MSG L.P. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders providing for a new senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $375,000 with a term of five years (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The proceeds of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available for working capital and capital expenditures, including but not limited to the comprehensive transformation of The Garden (the “Transformation”), and for general corporate

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

purposes. All borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including covenant compliance, absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of June 30, 2010, there was $3,620 in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company’s available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility as of June 30, 2010 was $371,380.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires MSG L.P. to comply with the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum total secured leverage ratio of 3.50:1.00; and (ii) a maximum total leverage ratio of 6.00:1.00. In addition, there is a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.50:1.00 for Madison Square Garden, Inc. As of June 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility.

In connection with the entry into this borrowing facility, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $10,900, which are being amortized to interest expense over the five-year term of the Revolving Credit Facility.

Note 11. Fair Value Measurement

The fair value hierarchy, as outlined in the guidance under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions.

The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

June 30, 2010

       

Total

  

Quoted Prices In
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

Level 1

  

Significant Other
Observable

Inputs

Level 2

  

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

Level 3

Cash equivalents

     $209,873    $209,873    $ —    $ —

December 31, 2009

                       

Cash equivalents

     $109,296    $109,296    $ —    $ —

The Company’s cash equivalents are primarily invested in money market funds and, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.

Note 12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering its non-union employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 (the “Retirement Plan”). Benefits payable to retirees under the Retirement Plan are based upon years of service and participants’ compensation. The Company also sponsors an unfunded, non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan (the “Excess Plan”). This plan provides that, upon retirement, a participant will receive a benefit based on a formula which reflects the participant’s compensation. As of December 31, 2007, both the Retirement Plan and Excess Plan were amended to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under these plans.

In addition, the Company sponsors two non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its union employees (“Union Plans”). Benefits payable to retirees under the Union Plans are based upon years of service and, for one plan, participants’ compensation.

Effective January 1, 2010, employees of the Company ceased participation in the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan and Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan (the “Cablevision Cash Balance Plans”) and began participation in the Company-sponsored MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan, an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified excess cash balance plan (collectively, the “MSG Cash Balance Plans”). Also effective January 1, 2010, the Company assumed the liability to pay benefits to current and former employees of the Company who had previously participated in the Cablevision Cash Balance Plans. The preliminary estimates of such liabilities assumed under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan as of January 1, 2010 were $3,187 and $3,300, respectively, and are reflected in the accompanying balance sheet as of June 30, 2010.

The Retirement Plan, Excess Plan, Union Plans, and MSG Cash Balance Plans are collectively referred to as “Pension Plans.”

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

The Company also sponsors a contributory welfare plan which provides certain postretirement healthcare benefits to certain employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 and their dependents that are eligible for early or normal retirement under the Retirement Plan, as well as certain union employees (“Postretirement Plan”).

Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

         Pension Plans        Postretirement Plan
     Three Months Ended June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Service cost

       $1,363          $99      $55      $64    

Interest cost

   1,628        1,372      89      88    

Expected return on plan assets

   (331)       (571)     —      —    

Recognized actuarial loss (gain)

   527        88      (13)     (11)  

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credit)

   9        —      (33)     (32)  
                   

Net periodic benefit cost

   $3,196          $988      $98      $109   
                   

 

         Pension Plans         Postretirement Plan
     Six Months Ended June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Service cost

       $2,724        $198      $109      $128    

Interest cost

   3,256        2,744      180      177    

Expected return on plan assets

   (662)       (1,143)     —      —    

Recognized actuarial loss (gain)

   1,057        176      (27)     (22)  

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credit)

   17        1      (66)     (66)  
                   

Net periodic benefit cost

   $6,392          $1,976      $196      $217   
                   

In addition to the amounts reflected in the table above for Company sponsored benefit plans, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded $1,250 and $2,500, respectively, of expense related to the Cablevision Cash Balance Plans.

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company contributed $185 to one of its Union Plans.

In addition, Cablevision sponsors qualified and non-qualified savings plans (the “Cablevision Savings Plans”) in which employees of the Company continue to participate for a period of time after the Distribution (the “Transition Period”) until such time that the Company establishes its own savings plans. The Company makes matching cash contributions on behalf of its employees to the Cablevision Savings Plans in accordance with the terms of those plans. Expenses related to these Cablevision-sponsored plans included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were $756 and $1,399 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to $595 and $1,195 for the comparable periods of the prior year.

Note 13. Share-based Compensation

In connection with the Distribution, the Company adopted the Madison Square Garden, Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Plan (the “Employee Stock Plan”) and the Madison Square Garden, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “Non-Employee Director Plan”).

Under the Employee Stock Plan, the Company is authorized to grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards. The Company may grant awards for up to 7,000 shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments). Options and stock appreciation rights under the Employee Stock Plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant (or up to one additional year in the case of the death of a holder). The terms and conditions of awards granted under the Employee Stock Plan, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) and may be based upon performance criteria.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

Under the Non-Employee Director Plan, the Company is authorized to grant non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards. The Company may grant awards for up to 300 shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments). Options under the Non-Employee Director Plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant (or up to one additional year in the case of the death of a holder). The terms and conditions of awards granted under the Non-Employee Director Plan, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by the Compensation Committee. Unless otherwise provided in an applicable award agreement, options granted under this plan will be fully vested and exercisable, and restricted stock units granted under this plan will be fully vested, upon the date of grant.

Treatment After the Distribution of Share-based Payment Awards Initially Granted Under Cablevision Equity Award Programs

As described in Note 12 to the audited annual financial statements of the Company included in the 2009 Annual Report on Form
10-K, prior to the Distribution certain employees and non-employee directors of Cablevision (some of whom are employees or directors of the Company) participated in Cablevision’s equity award programs.

In connection with the Distribution, each Cablevision stock option and stock appreciation right (“rights” or “SAR”) outstanding at the Distribution date became two options/rights. Cablevision options were converted into options to acquire Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and options to acquire Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock. Cablevision rights were converted into rights with respect to the cash value of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and rights with respect to the cash value of Madison Square Garden, Inc.’s Class A Common Stock. The number of shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock that became subject to each option/right was based on the one:four distribution ratio (i.e., one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Common Stock for every four shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock). The existing exercise price was allocated between the existing Cablevision options/rights and the Madison Square Garden, Inc. new options/rights based upon the ten-day weighted-average prices of the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock, taking into account the one:four distribution ratio. As a result of this adjustment, 82.63% of the pre-Distribution exercise price of options and rights was allocated to the Cablevision options and rights and 17.37% was allocated to the new Madison Square Garden, Inc. options and rights. The options and the rights with respect to Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock were issued under the new Employee Stock Plan or the Non-Employee Director Plan, as applicable.

Further, in connection with the Distribution, one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock was issued in respect of every four shares of Cablevision restricted stock and the Madison Square Garden, Inc. shares are restricted on the same basis as the underlying Cablevision restricted shares. These shares were not issued under any of the Company’s new equity plans as they were issued as a dividend in respect of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock in connection with the Distribution.

In addition, in connection with the Distribution, non-employee directors of Cablevision (some of whom are directors of the Company) received one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock under the Non-Employee Director Plan for every four restricted stock units held under the applicable Cablevision equity plan.

As a result of the foregoing, on the Distribution date, Madison Square Garden, Inc. issued to holders of Cablevision equity awards (including its employees and Cablevision employees and/or non-employee directors) 2,238 shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock (restricted on the same basis as the underlying Cablevision shares), 45 unrestricted shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock, 2,471 non-qualified options for Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock and 155 Madison Square Garden, Inc. SARs.

Share-based Payment Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to holders (including both Company and Cablevision employees) of Madison Square Garden, Inc. stock options for the period from February 10, 2010 (the day following the Distribution date) to June 30, 2010:

 

     Number of
Shares Under Option
       Weighted-    
Average
Exercise
     Price Per    
Share
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
     Time
Vesting
    Options    
       Performance    
Vesting
Options
(a)
     

Balance, February 10, 2010

   2,308        163        $  9.53    4.84

    Granted

   —        —                —   

    Exercised

   (332)       (39)       $  8.41   

    Forfeited/Expired

   (43)       —        $  29.93   
               

Balance, June 30, 2010

   1,933        124        $  9.31    4.66
                   

Options exercisable at June 30, 2010

   1,214        124         $10.11    4.71
                   

Options expected to vest in the future

   719        —        $  8.17    4.58
                   

 

(a) The Cablevision performance objective with respect to these awards has been achieved.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

Of the total number of shares under option as of June 30, 2010, 1,949 were held by Cablevision employees (including the Company’s Executive Chairman, and President and Chief Executive Officer).

The following table summarizes activity relating to holders (including both Company and Cablevision employees) of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock restricted on the same basis as the underlying Cablevision restricted stock, as well as restricted shares issued under the Employee Stock Plan for the period from February 10, 2010 (the day following the Distribution date) to June 30, 2010:

 

       Restricted Shares      Weighted-Average
  Fair Value Per Share  

at Date of Grant

Unvested award balance, February 10, 2010

   2,238(a)    $12.46

    Granted

   119(b)    $21.90

    Vested

   (453)(c)    $20.10

    Awards forfeited

   (20)      $10.11
       

Unvested award balance, June 30, 2010

   1,884        $11.83
       

 

(a) Represents shares of the Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock restricted on the same basis as the underlying Cablevision restricted stock.

 

(b) On March 29, 2010, the Company granted to an employee, under the Employee Stock Plan, 119 shares of restricted stock. This award is subject to performance criteria.

 

(c) During the six months ended June 30, 2010, 453 shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock issued to employees of the Company and Cablevision vested. To fulfill the employees’ statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 182 of these shares, with an aggregate value of $3,723, were surrendered to the Company. These acquired shares have been classified as treasury stock.

Of the total unvested award balance as of June 30, 2010, 1,438 restricted shares were held by Cablevision employees (including the Company’s Executive Chairman, and President and Chief Executive Officer).

The following table summarizes activity relating to Madison Square Garden, Inc. Restricted Stock Units for the period from February 10, 2010 (the day following the Distribution date) to June 30, 2010:

 

     Number of
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
   Weighted-
Average
Fair  Value

Per Share 
    at Date of Grant    
     Time
    Vesting    
RSUs
       Performance    
Vesting
RSUs
  

Balance, February 10, 2010

   —        —        $  —    

    Granted

   533(a) (b)    301(a)    $21.87

    Vested

   (50)(b)       —        $21.90

    Awards forfeited

   (15)          —        $21.90
            

Unvested award balance, June 30, 2010

   468          301        $21.87
              

 

(a) Primarily represents a grant made by the Company to its employees under the Employee Stock Plan, on March 29, 2010, of 753 restricted stock units, of which 301 are subject to the attainment of certain performance criteria. These awards are subject to three-year cliff vesting. The restricted stock units will settle in stock, or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

(b) On March 29, 2010, the Company granted its non-employee directors, under the Non-Employee Director Plan, 50 restricted stock units which immediately vested. The awards will be settled in stock, or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash, on the first business day ninety days after the director’s service on the Board of Directors ceases.

Share-based Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense, recognized as selling, general and administrative expense, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $2,548 and $5,859, respectively. Share-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $4,512 and $6,850, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company’s share-based compensation expense includes amounts related to Company employees participating in Cablevision equity award programs, as well as amounts related to Cablevision employees and non-employee directors to the extent allocated to the Company. Effective January 1, 2010, the Company no longer receives an allocation of share-based compensation expense for Cablevision employees and non-employee directors, including expense related to the Company’s Executive Chairman, and President and Chief Executive Officer with respect to their participation in Cablevision equity award programs (given that they remained as executive officers of Cablevision).

Note 14. Related Party Transactions

The Dolan family, including trusts for the benefit of the Dolan family, collectively owns all of the Company’s outstanding Class B Common Stock, less than 4% of outstanding Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock and approximately 70% of the total voting power of Madison Square Garden, Inc.’s outstanding common stock. The Dolan family is also the controlling stockholder of Cablevision.

In connection with the Distribution, the Company entered into various agreements with Cablevision, including a distribution agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement, a transition services agreement and an employee matters agreement. These agreements govern certain of the Company’s relationships with Cablevision subsequent to the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefits, taxes and certain other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the Distribution. These agreements also include arrangements with respect to transition services and a number of on-going commercial relationships. The distribution agreement includes an agreement that the Company and Cablevision agree to provide each other with indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of the businesses Cablevision transferred to the Company.

For periods prior to January 1, 2010, the consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect charges incurred pursuant to certain allocation policies of Cablevision. Effective January 1, 2010 through the Distribution date, the Company received allocations from Cablevision generally consistent with the transition services agreement, with certain adjustments. Although management believes that these charges have been made on a reasonable basis, it is not practicable to determine whether the allocated amounts represent amounts that might have been incurred on a stand-alone basis, including as a separate independent publicly traded company, as there are no company-specific or comparable industry benchmarks with which to make such estimates. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone company would depend on a number of factors, including what functions were outsourced or performed by employees and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology, staffing and infrastructure.

The following table summarizes the composition and amounts of the significant transactions with Cablevision that are reflected in revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,
   Six Months Ended
June  30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Revenues

   $39,186     $31,731     $78,783     $63,942  
                   

Operating expenses:

           

Corporate general and administrative

   (2,466)     (6,403)     (5,775)     (12,844) 

Origination, master control and post production services and studio costs

   (2,215)     (4,623)     (4,469)     (8,663) 

Risk management and general insurance

   —     (1,595)     (713)     (3,190) 

Cablevision long-term incentive plans

   —     (1,165)     —     (2,602) 

Share-based compensation

   —     (1,906)     —     (3,238) 

Health and welfare plans

   —     (3,448)     —     (6,350) 

Other

   (819)     (1,011)     (1,440)     (2,199) 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

Revenues

The Company recognizes revenue from the distribution of programming services to subsidiaries of Cablevision. Cablevision pays the Company for advertising in connection with signage at events, sponsorships and television advertisements.

Corporate General and Administrative

General and administrative costs, including costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as executive management, human resources, legal, finance, tax, accounting, audit, treasury, strategic planning, information technology, transportation services, creative and production services, etc.) have been charged to the Company by Cablevision through December 31, 2009. From January 1, 2010 through the Distribution date, the Company received allocations from Cablevision generally consistent with the transition services agreement, with certain adjustments. Subsequent to the Distribution date, amounts charged to the Company by Cablevision were pursuant to the transition services agreement.

Origination, Master Control and Post Production Services and Studio Costs

Cablevision provides certain origination, master control and post production services to the Company. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 Cablevision also provided studio usage to the Company.

Risk Management and General Insurance

Cablevision provided the Company with risk management and general insurance related services through the date of the Distribution. For periods after the Distribution, Cablevision continues to provide risk management services through the transition services agreement (these amounts are reflected in the “Corporate general and administrative” line in the table above).

Cablevision Long-Term Incentive Plans

In 2009, 2008 and 2007, Cablevision granted three-year performance awards to certain employees under Cablevision’s 2006 Cash Incentive Plan. The performance metrics in each employee’s applicable award agreement for 2009 and 2008 are required to be adjusted to reflect the exclusion of the Company from the business of Cablevision. In addition, Cablevision granted deferred compensation awards to certain employees under Cablevision’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (which was superseded by the Cablevision 2006 Cash Incentive Plan), which were unaffected by the Distribution. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company’s long-term incentive plan expense includes amounts related to Company employees participating in Cablevision award programs, as well as amounts related to Cablevision employees to the extent allocated to the Company. Effective January 1, 2010, the Company no longer receives an allocation of long-term incentive plan expense for Cablevision employees, including expense related to the Company’s Executive Chairman, and President and Chief Executive Officer with respect to their participation in Cablevision long-term incentive plans (given that they remained as executive officers of Cablevision). The amount in the table above only reflects the portion of the Company’s expense related to the allocation for Cablevision employees.

The portion of the Company’s long-term incentive plan liability as of the Distribution date related to the allocation for Cablevision employees was assumed by Cablevision and is reflected as a deemed capital contribution from Cablevision in the accompanying consolidated statement of equity and comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Share-based Compensation

The amount in the table above only reflects the portion of the Company’s expense related to the allocation for Cablevision employees and non-employee directors. Refer to Note 13 for a discussion of share-based compensation expense.

Health and Welfare Plans

Employees of the Company participated in health and welfare plans sponsored by Cablevision though December 31, 2009. Health and welfare benefit costs have generally been charged by Cablevision based upon the proportionate number of participants in the plans.

Other

The Company and Cablevision routinely enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. The Company may incur expenses charged by Cablevision that include, but are not limited to film library usage and advertising expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

Advances to Cablevision

As of December 31, 2009, the Company had advances outstanding to a subsidiary of Cablevision of $190,000 in the form of non-interest bearing advances. On January 28, 2010, the advances were replaced with a non-amortizing promissory note in the principal amount of $190,000, which accrued interest at a rate of 3.25% per annum. The note had a maturity date of June 30, 2010 with prepayment without penalty at Cablevision’s option. In March 2010, the entire principal balance of the promissory note was repaid, along with $914 of accrued interest.

Other

Refer to Note 12 for discussion of the participation of Company employees in Cablevision sponsored retirement benefit plans.

Refer to Note 10 for information on the Company’s capital lease obligations due to a subsidiary of Cablevision.

Note 15. Property and Equipment

As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consisted of the following assets:

 

         June 30,    
2010
    December 31, 
2009

Land

   $ 67,921         $ 67,921  

Buildings

     180,515        185,618  

Equipment

     236,019        222,965  

Aircraft

     38,611        38,611  

Furniture and fixtures

     15,162        14,330  

Leasehold improvements

     130,653        129,352  

Construction in progress

     89,646        58,431  
             
     758,527        717,228  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (395,466)       (375,223) 
             
   $ 363,061         $ 342,005  
             

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) amounted to $9,712 and $20,245 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to $10,163 and $20,141 for the comparable periods of the prior year.

Through June 30, 2010, the Company has incurred approximately $85,000 in costs associated with the Transformation that are primarily recorded in construction in progress. Depreciation is being accelerated for The Garden assets that are planned to be removed as a result of the Transformation.

As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases included in the table above are as follows:

 

         June 30,    
2010
    December 31, 
2009

Equipment

    $ 13,351       $ 13,351  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (9,073)       (8,588) 
             
    $ 4,278       $ 4,763  
             

Note 16. Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 of $10,694 and $25,326, respectively, differ from the income tax expense derived from applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to state income taxes and the impact of nondeductible expenses, partially offset by the tax benefit resulting from nontaxable disability insurance recoveries. The effective tax rate was 43% and 45% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

Income tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 of $3,266 and $3,678, respectively, differ from the income tax benefit derived from applying the statutory federal rate to the pretax loss due principally to state income taxes and the tax benefit resulting from nontaxable disability insurance recoveries, partially offset by the impact of nondeductible expenses. The effective tax rate was 46% and 39% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

For all periods prior to the Distribution, deferred tax assets and liabilities have been measured using the estimated applicable corporate tax rates historically used by Cablevision. Due to the Company’s significant presence in the City of New York, the estimated applicable corporate tax rate used to measure deferred taxes is higher for the Company as a stand-alone entity. As such, as of the Distribution date, an increase in the deferred tax liability of $31,353 to reflect use of the higher stand-alone estimated applicable corporate tax rate was recorded as an adjustment to paid-in capital. In addition, as of the Distribution date, the deferred tax asset for share-based awards was reduced by $4,092 through an adjustment to paid-in capital to eliminate the portion of the deferred tax asset relating to the share-based compensation expense attributable to Cablevision employees that was allocated to the Company prior to the Distribution. For all periods prior to the Distribution, allocable current income tax liabilities calculated on a stand-alone company basis that the Company did not pay directly have been reflected as deemed capital contributions to the Company from Cablevision. Such contributions amounted to $2,712 and $143 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Note 17. Segment Information

The Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments which are MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. The Company allocates certain corporate costs to all of its reportable segments. In addition, the Company allocates its venue operating expenses to its MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments. Venue operating costs include the non-event related costs of operating the Company’s venues, and include such costs as rent, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance and labor related to the overall management of the venues. Depreciation related to The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden is not allocated to the reportable segments and is recognized in “All other.”

The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that are either owned or operated by it under long-term leases. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is their operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit and restructuring charges or credits, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow, a non-GAAP measure. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating cash flow to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure. Information as to the operations of the Company’s reportable segments is set forth below.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Revenues

           

MSG Media

    $ 134,482         $ 113,767         $ 273,987         $ 232,058  

MSG Entertainment

     46,765          41,024          88,238          79,032  

MSG Sports

     63,874          68,575          206,537          210,162  

Inter-segment eliminations

     (17,990)        (16,030)        (35,130)        (32,598) 
                           
    $ 227,131         $ 207,336         $ 533,632         $ 488,654  
                           
     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Inter-segment revenues

           

MSG Media

    $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —  

MSG Entertainment

     (25)        (26)        (51)        (51) 

MSG Sports

     (17,965)        (16,004)        (35,079)        (32,547) 
                           
    $ (17,990)       $ (16,030)       $ (35,130)       $ (32,598) 
                           

Inter-segment eliminations are primarily local television rights recognized by the Company’s MSG Sports segment from the licensing of team programming to the Company’s MSG Media segment.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

Reconciliation (by Segment and in Total) of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow to Operating Income (Loss)

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Adjusted operating cash flow

           

MSG Media

    $ 62,113         $ 39,880       $ 123,892         $ 83,574  

MSG Entertainment

     (20,037)        (11,752)       (32,750)        (26,059) 

MSG Sports

     3,545          (15,815)       6,952          (27,022) 

All other(a)

     (3,179)        (1,801)       (7,149)        (3,997) 
                           
    $   42,442         $     10,512       $   90,945         $     26,496  
                           
     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Depreciation and amortization

           

MSG Media

    $ 4,969       $ 4,690       $ 9,767       $ 10,505  

MSG Entertainment

     2,308        2,665        4,639        5,049  

MSG Sports

     2,607        2,575        5,214        5,146  

All other(b)

     4,315        4,838        9,640        9,796  
                           
    $ 14,199       $ 14,768       $ 29,260       $ 30,496  
                           
           Three Months Ended      
June 30,
         Six Months Ended      
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Share-based compensation expense

           

MSG Media

    $ 484       $ 1,850       $ 1,688       $ 2,809  

MSG Entertainment

     499        1,715        1,740        2,603  

MSG Sports

     351        947        1,217        1,438  

All other

     1,214        —        1,214        —  
                           
    $ 2,548       $ 4,512       $ 5,859       $ 6,850  
                           
           Three Months Ended      
June 30,
         Six Months Ended      
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Operating income (loss)

           

MSG Media

   $ 56,660      $ 33,340      $ 112,437      $ 70,260  

MSG Entertainment

     (22,844)       (16,132)       (39,129)       (33,711) 

MSG Sports

     587        (19,337)       521        (33,606) 

All other

     (8,708)       (6,639)       (18,003)       (13,793) 
                           
   $ 25,695      $ (8,768)     $ 55,826      $ (10,850) 
                           

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

A reconciliation of reportable segment operating income (loss) to the Company’s consolidated income (loss) from operations before income taxes is as follows:

 

           Three Months Ended      
June 30,
         Six Months Ended      
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Total operating income (loss) for reportable segments

   $ 34,403      $ (2,129)     $ 73,829      $ 2,943  

Other operating loss

     (8,708)       (6,639)       (18,003)       (13,793) 
                           

  Operating income (loss)

     25,695        (8,768)       55,826        (10,850) 

Items excluded from operating income (loss):

           

  Interest income

     568        681        2,041        1,452  

  Interest expense

     (1,556)       (1,078)       (3,147)       (2,120) 

  Miscellaneous income

     —        2,000        2,000        2,000  
                           

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

   $ 24,707      $ (7,165)     $ 56,720      $ (9,518) 
                           
     Three Months Ended
June  30,
   Six Months Ended
June  30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Capital expenditures

           

MSG Media

   $ 2,216      $ 244      $ 9,915      $ 517  

MSG Entertainment

     2,380        1,639        3,642        5,300  

MSG Sports

     57        89        116        137  

All other

     17,767        7,012        30,093        17,856  
                           
   $ 22,420      $ 8,984      $ 43,766      $ 23,810  
                           

 

(a) Consists principally of unallocated corporate general and administrative costs.

 

(b) Principally includes depreciation and amortization expense on The Garden and the Theater at Madison Square Garden and certain corporate property, equipment and leasehold improvement assets not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments.

Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company’s reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York metropolitan area.

Note 18. Subsequent Events

On July 8, 2010, the Company entered into a construction management agreement with Turner Construction Company (“Turner”) in connection with the Transformation (the “Construction Agreement”). Under the Construction Agreement, the Company has engaged Turner to act as construction manager for the Transformation, with responsibility for the orderly and expeditious performance of the construction work associated with the Transformation, including the direct performance of construction work, the engagement and supervision of, and responsibility for, subcontractors and the achievement of specific construction-related milestones in accordance with the timetable prescribed for the Transformation. For more information on the Construction Agreement, refer to the Company’s filing on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2010.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, there are statements concerning our future operating and future financial performance. 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. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that may cause such differences to occur include, but are not limited to:

 

   

the level of our revenues, which depends in part on the popularity and competitiveness of our sports teams and the level and popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and other entertainment events which are presented in our venues;

 

   

costs associated with player injuries, and waivers or terminations of players and other team personnel;

 

   

changes in professional sports teams’ compensation, including the impact of signing of free agents, subject to league salary caps;

 

   

the level and timing of our capital expenditures, including the planned comprehensive transformation of The Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”);

 

   

the impact of the planned comprehensive transformation of The Garden on our operations;

 

   

the demand for our programming among cable television systems, satellite, telephone and other multichannel distributors (which we refer to as “Distributors”), and our ability to renew affiliation agreements with them;

 

   

general economic conditions especially in the New York metropolitan area where we conduct the majority of our operations;

 

   

the demand for advertising time and viewer ratings for our programming;

 

   

competition, for example, from other regional sports networks, other teams and other entertainment options;

 

   

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 with their players’ associations, salary caps and NBA luxury tax thresholds) or other regulations under which we operate;

 

   

our ability to maintain, obtain or produce content for our MSG Media segment, together with the cost of such content;

 

   

the level of our expenses, including the anticipated expenditures related to the expected increase in our corporate expenses as a publicly-traded company;

 

   

future acquisitions and dispositions of assets;

 

   

the costs associated with, and the outcome of, litigation and other proceedings to the extent uninsured, including the matters described under Part II Item 1. “Legal Proceedings;”

 

   

financial community and rating agency perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which we operate;

 

   

our ownership of professional sports franchises in the NBA and NHL and certain transfer restrictions on our common stocks; and

 

   

the factors described under “Risk Factors” in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2010 (“2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K”).

We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.

All dollar amounts included in the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are presented in thousands, except as otherwise noted. Capitalized terms used in the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

Introduction

Management’s discussion and analysis, or MD&A, of our financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our unaudited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included elsewhere herein to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we”, “us”, “our”, “Madison Square Garden” or the “Company” refer to Madison Square Garden, Inc., together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries. “Madison Square Garden, Inc.” refers to Madison Square Garden, Inc. individually as a separate entity. Madison Square Garden, Inc. is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our MD&A is organized as follows:

Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2009. Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis.

Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of our financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of June 30, 2010, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies. This section discusses accounting pronouncements that have been issued but have not yet been adopted by the Company, except for any such pronouncements that are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we have included our critical accounting policy in respect of goodwill and intangible assets in order to provide the results of our annual impairment testing performed during the three months ended March 31, 2010. There is no update to our other significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, which are discussed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in the notes to the audited annual financial statements of the Company included therein.

The Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments: MSG Media, MSG Entertainment, and MSG Sports. MSG Media produces, develops and acquires content for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes, and shows that the Company co-produces with Cirque du Soleil, such as Wintuk and Banana Shpeel. MSG Sports owns and operates sports franchises, including the New York Knicks of the NBA, the New York Rangers of the NHL, the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League, which is the primary player development team for the New York Rangers. MSG Sports also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of premier live sporting events.

The dependence of our revenues on our sports teams and Christmas shows generally make our business seasonal with a disproportionate share of our revenues and operating income being derived in the fourth quarter of each year.

 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

Results of Operations

The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Increase
     2010    2009    (Decrease)
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   in Net
Income

Revenues

   $  227,131      100%    $207,336      100%      $  19,795  

Operating expenses:

              

Direct operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)

   124,451      55      122,319        59         (2,132) 

Selling, general and administrative

   62,786      28      79,017        38         16,231  

Depreciation and amortization

   14,199      6      14,768          7         569  
                    

Operating income (loss)

   25,695      11      (8,768)     (4)        34,463  

Other income (expense):

              

Interest expense, net

   (988)     NM      (397)     NM          (591) 

Miscellaneous

   —      NM      2,000         1         (2,000) 
                    

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

   24,707      11      (7,165)     (3)        31,872  

Income tax benefit (expense)

   (10,694)     (5)     3,266          2         (13,960) 
                    

Net income (loss)

   $    14,013      6%    $(3,899)    (2)%    $  17,912  
                    

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,    Increase
     2010    2009    (Decrease)
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   in Net
Income

Revenues

   $   533,632      100%    $ 488,654      100%      $   44,978  

Operating expenses:

              

Direct operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)

     320,914      60        329,328      67           8,414  

Selling, general and administrative

     127,632      24        139,680      29           12,048  

Depreciation and amortization

     29,260      5        30,496      6           1,236  
                          

Operating income (loss)

     55,826      10        (10,850)     (2)          66,676  

Other income (expense):

              

Interest expense, net

     (1,106)     NM        (668)     NM            (438) 

Miscellaneous

     2,000      NM        2,000      NM            —  
                          

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

     56,720      11        (9,518)     (2)          66,238  

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (25,326)     (5)       3,678      1           (29,004) 
                          

Net income (loss)

   $     31,394      6%    $    (5,840)     (1)%    $   37,234  
                          

 

NM – Percentage is not meaningful

See “Business Segment Results” for a more detailed discussion relating to the operating results of our segments. The business segment results do not reflect inter-segment eliminations.

 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

Consolidated Results

Revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $19,795 (10%) and $44,978 (9%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net increases are attributable to the following:

 

       Three Months    Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010

Increase in MSG Media segment revenues

    $ 20,715         $ 41,929  

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment revenues

     5,741          9,206  

Decrease in MSG Sports segment revenues

     (4,701)        (3,625) 

Inter-segment eliminations

     (1,960)        (2,532) 
             
    $  19,795         $  44,978  
             

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $2,132 (2%) and decreased $8,414 (3%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net increase (decrease) is attributable to the following:

 

       Three Months    Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010

(Decrease) increase in MSG Media segment expenses

    $ (844)      $ 455  

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

     14,504        14,519  

Decrease in MSG Sports segment expenses

     (9,566)        (20,859) 

Inter-segment eliminations

     (1,962)        (2,529) 
             
     $ 2,132       $  (8,414) 
             

As a percentage of revenues, direct operating expenses decreased 4% during the three months ended June 30, 2010 and decreased 7% during the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $16,231 (21%) and $12,048 (9%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net decreases are attributable to the following:

 

       Three Months    Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010

(Decrease) increase in MSG Media segment expenses

    $ (2,040)     $ 35  

(Decrease) increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

     (1,694)       515  

Decrease in MSG Sports segment expenses

     (15,091)       (16,961) 

Increase in other expenses

     2,594        4,363  
             
   $  (16,231)     $  (12,048) 
             

The increase in other expenses primarily reflects an increase in certain costs related to being an independent publicly traded company which were not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 10% during the three months ended June 30, 2010 and decreased 5% during the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $569 (4%) as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily as a result of lower depreciation expense. Depreciation and amortization for the six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $1,236 (4%) as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily due to lower amortization of intangible assets resulting from certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.

Interest expense, net for the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased $591 (149%) as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily due to higher interest expense related to the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. Interest expense, net for the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $438 (66%) as compared to the comparable period of the prior year due to higher interest expense related to the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility which was offset in part by higher interest income.

 

23


Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

Miscellaneous income for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 reflects a dividend received from an investment accounted for under the cost method during the first quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2009, respectively.

Income taxes

Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 of $10,694 and $25,326, respectively, differ from the income tax expense derived from applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to state income taxes and the impact of nondeductible expenses, partially offset by the tax benefit resulting from nontaxable disability insurance recoveries. The effective tax rate was 43% and 45% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

Income tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 of $3,266 and $3,678, respectively, differ from the income tax benefit derived from applying the statutory federal rate to the pretax loss due principally to state income taxes and the tax benefit resulting from nontaxable disability insurance recoveries, partially offset by the impact of nondeductible expenses. The effective tax rate was 46% and 39% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

Adjusted operating cash flow (“AOCF”)

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is their operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit and restructuring charges or credits, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow, a non-GAAP measure. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating cash flow to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure. The following is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to adjusted operating cash flow (“AOCF”):

 

       Three Months Ended  
June 30,
  

Increase

(Decrease) 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Increase

(Decrease) 

     2010    2009    in AOCF    2010    2009    in AOCF

Operating income (loss)

   $ 25,695      $ (8,768)     $ 34,463      $ 55,826      $ (10,850)     $ 66,676 

Share-based compensation

     2,548        4,512        (1,964)       5,859        6,850        (991) 

Depreciation and amortization

     14,199        14,768        (569)       29,260        30,496        (1,236) 
                                         

Adjusted operating cash flow

   $ 42,442      $ 10,512     $  31,930     $  90,945     $ 26,496     $  64,449 
                                         

Adjusted operating cash flow for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $31,930 (304%) and $64,449 (243%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net increases are attributable to the following:

 

       Three Months    Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010

Increase in adjusted operating cash flow of the MSG Media segment

   $  22,233     $ 40,318  

Decrease in adjusted operating cash flow of the MSG Entertainment segment

     (8,285)       (6,691) 

Increase in adjusted operating cash flow of the MSG Sports segment

     19,360        33,974  

Other net decreases

     (1,378)       (3,152) 
             
   $  31,930      $  64,449 
             

Business Segment Results

MSG Media

The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Media segment.

 

24


Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Increase
     2010    2009    (Decrease) in
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   Operating
Income

Revenues

   $   134,482      100%    $113,767      100%    $     20,715     

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     51,727      38        52,571      46          844    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     21,126      16        23,166      20          2,040    

Depreciation and amortization

     4,969      4        4,690      4          (279)     
                        

Operating income

   $ 56,660      42%    $  33,340      29%    $ 23,320     
                        

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,    Increase
     2010    2009    (Decrease) in
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   Operating
Income

Revenues

   $   273,987      100%    $232,058      100%    $     41,929     

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     109,118      40        108,663      47          (455)   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     42,665      16        42,630      18          (35)   

Depreciation and amortization

     9,767      4        10,505      5          738    
                        

Operating income

   $ 112,437      41%    $  70,260      30%    $ 42,177    
                        

The following is a reconciliation of operating income to adjusted operating cash flow:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
  

Increase

(Decrease)

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Increase

(Decrease)

     2010    2009    in AOCF    2010    2009    in AOCF

Operating income

     $     56,660      $ 33,340      $ 23,320      $     112,437      $     70,260      $     42,177 

Share-based compensation

     484        1,850        (1,366)      1,688        2,809        (1,121)

Depreciation and amortization

     4,969        4,690        279       9,767        10,505        (738)
                                         

Adjusted operating cash flow

   $ 62,113      $     39,880      $     22,233     $ 123,892      $ 83,574      $ 40,318 
                                         

Revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $20,715 (18%) and $41,929 (18%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net increases are attributable to the following:

 

     Three Months    Six Months
     Ended June 30, 2010

Increase in affiliation fee revenue, primarily at MSG Networks

    $ 19,719    $     38,628 

Increase in advertising revenue

     1,001      3,473

Other net decreases

     (5)      (172) 
             
    $     20,715    $ 41,929 
             

The increases in affiliation fee revenue referred to above were primarily attributable to higher contractual affiliation rates, including the impact of a new long-term affiliation agreement between Cablevision and MSG Networks that became effective January 1, 2010.

Subsequent to the end of the quarter, DISH Network’s license to carry Fuse expired and DISH Network dropped Fuse from its programming lineup. The loss of carriage, representing approximately eight million subscribers, is not expected to have a material effect on the MSG Media segment’s annual revenue or AOCF.

 

25


Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $844 (2%) and increased $455, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net changes are attributable to the following:

 

     Three Months     Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010  

Increase in rights fees, primarily those attributable to the MSG Sports segment

   $ 2,022      $ 3,695   

Decrease due to lower levels of other production costs

     (2,866     (3,240
                
   $ (844   $ 455   
                

The decrease in other production costs for both periods is primarily attributable to the timing of certain events combined with the favorable outcome of a previously recorded contingent liability.

 

As a percentage of revenues, direct operating expenses decreased 8% and 7% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $2,040 (9%) and increased $35, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net changes are attributable to the following:

   

   

   

     Three Months     Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010  

Decrease in share-based compensation

   $ (1,366   $ (1,121

Increase in employee compensation and related benefits, excluding share-based compensation

     219        925   

(Decrease) increase in marketing costs

     (468     326   

Other net decreases

     (425     (95
                
   $ (2,040   $ 35   
                

The decrease in share-based compensation is primarily due to the elimination of the allocation of share-based compensation expense for Cablevision employees effective January 1, 2010, partly offset by MSG Media’s share of equity awards granted to the Company’s employees in 2010.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 4% and 2% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

Depreciation and amortization for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $279 (6%) and decreased $738 (7%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The change for both periods is due to higher depreciation offset by lower amortization of intangible assets resulting from certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.

Adjusted operating cash flow increased $22,233 (56%) and $40,318 (48%) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year primarily due to an increase in affiliation fee revenue as referred to above.

MSG Entertainment

The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.

 

26


Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    (Increase)
     2010    2009    Decrease in
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   Operating
Loss

Revenues

   $  46,765      100%    $41,024      100%    $  5,741  

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

   52,422      112      37,918      92      (14,504) 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   14,879      32      16,573      40      1,694  

Depreciation and amortization

   2,308      5      2,665      6      357  
                    

Operating loss

   $    (22,844)     (49)%    $   (16,132)     (39)%    $  (6,712)  
                    
     Six Months Ended June 30,    (Increase)
     2010    2009    Decrease in
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   Operating
Loss

Revenues

   $88,238    100%    $79,032    100%    $  9,206  

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

   91,694    104    77,175    98    (14,519) 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   31,034    35    30,519    39    (515) 

Depreciation and amortization

   4,639    5    5,049    6    410  
                    

Operating loss

   $(39,129)    (44)%    $(33,711)    (43)%    $  (5,418)  
                    

The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating cash flow:

 

          Increase              Increase
     Three Months Ended June 30,    (Decrease)    Six Months Ended June 30,    (Decrease)
     2010    2009    in AOCF    2010    2009    in AOCF

Operating loss

    $     (22,844)     $ (16,132)     $ (6,712)     $ (39,129)     $ (33,711)     $ (5,418) 

Share-based compensation

     499        1,715        (1,216)       1,740        2,603        (863) 

Depreciation and amortization

     2,308        2,665        (357)       4,639        5,049        (410) 
                                         

Adjusted operating cash flow

    $ (20,037)      $ (11,752)      $ (8,285)      $ (32,750)      $ (26,059)      $ (6,691) 
                                         

Revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $5,741 (14%) and $9,206 (12%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net increases are attributable to the following:

 

27


Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

     Three Months    Six Months
     Ended June 30, 2010

Increase in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall

    $ 8,193      $     13,477  

Increase in revenues from the presentation of Banana Shpeel

     2,747        3,180  

Net (decrease) increase in event-related revenues at The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden

     (2,323)       2,293  

Decrease in event-related revenues at the Beacon Theatre, excluding $2,747 of revenues from Banana Shpeel in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 reported above

     (3,967)       (8,899) 

Other net increases (decreases)

     1,091        (845) 
             
    $     5,741       $ 9,206  
             

The higher event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall for both periods were primarily due to an increase in the number of events. The increase in the number of events during the six month period includes performances of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular that took place in January 2010, where none took place in January 2009.

The decrease in event-related revenues at The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden for the three months ended June 30, 2010 reflects a decline in the number of events held at The Garden primarily attributable to timing. The six month results reflect an increase in the number of events at The Garden partly offset by fewer events at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The decline in revenues at the Beacon Theatre, excluding revenues generated from Banana Shpeel, during the three and six month periods is primarily due to the venue being utilized during the second quarter of 2010 for the presentation of Banana Shpeel (shown in a separate line in the table above). The six month results also reflect a lower level of events held at the venue during the first quarter of 2010 when the Company utilized the theatre to rehearse Banana Shpeel.

The Theater at Madison Square Garden will be closed for the summer of 2010 as part of the overall transformation of The Garden. At the same time, the utilization of the Beacon Theatre will be impacted in the third quarter due to the early closing of the Banana Shpeel production. 

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $14,504 (38%) and $14,519 (19%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net increases are attributable to the following:

 

     Three Months    Six Months
     Ended June 30, 2010

Increase in expenses due to the presentation of Banana Shpeel, including an impairment charge of $9,945 recorded in the second quarter of 2010

    $ 15,632       $     16,353  

Increase in event-related expenses at Radio City Music Hall

     5,038        8,473  

Decrease in event-related expenses at the Beacon Theatre excluding the costs associated with Banana Shpeel as reported above

     (1,997)       (5,520) 

Net decrease in event-related expenses at The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden

     (1,792)       (908) 

Other net decreases

     (2,377)       (3,879) 
             
    $     14,504       $ 14,519  
             

As a result of Banana Shpeel’s financial performance, the Company evaluated whether or not an impairment of the associated deferred costs had occurred and as a result recorded a pre-tax impairment charge for the unamortized deferred costs remaining on the Company’s financial statements at the end of the show’s run at the Beacon Theatre.

As a percentage of revenues, direct operating expenses increased 20% and 6% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $1,694 (10%) and increased $515 (2%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net changes are attributable to the following:

 

28


Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

     Three Months    Six Months
     Ended June 30, 2010

Decrease in share-based compensation

   $     (1,216)     $     (863) 

Increase in employee compensation and related benefits, excluding share-based compensation

     492        1,562  

Decrease in professional fees

     (455)       (440) 

Other net (decreases) increases

     (515)       256  
             
   $ (1,694)     $ 515  
             

The decrease in share-based compensation is primarily due to the elimination of the allocation of share-based compensation expense for Cablevision employees effective January 1, 2010, partly offset by MSG Entertainment’s share of equity awards granted to the Company’s employees in 2010.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 8% and 4% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

Adjusted operating cash flow decreased $8,285 (70%) and $6,691 (26%) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The decreases, as referred to above, were primarily due to increased direct operating expenses, primarily attributable to the write-off of deferred costs associated with Banana Shpeel, partly offset by the impact of net higher revenues.

MSG Sports

The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Sports segment.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Increase
     2010    2009    (Decrease) in
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   Operating
Income

Revenues

    $   63,874      100%     $ 68,575      100%     $ (4,701) 

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     38,175      60          47,741      70          9,566  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     22,505      35          37,596      55          15,091  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,607      4          2,575      4          (32) 
                          

Operating income (loss)

    $ 587      1%     $   (19,337)      (28)%     $   19,924  
                          
     Six Months Ended June 30,    Increase
     2010    2009    (Decrease) in
     Amount    % of
Revenues
   Amount    % of
Revenues
   Operating
Income

Revenues

    $ 206,537      100%    $ 210,162      100%    $ (3,625) 

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     154,998      75          175,857      84          20,859  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     45,804      22          62,765      30          16,961  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,214      3          5,146      2          (68) 
                          

Operating income (loss)

    $ 521      NM    $ (33,606)      (16)%     $   34,127  
                          

 

NM – Percentage is not meaningful

 

29


Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

The following is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to adjusted operating cash flow:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
  

Increase

(Decrease)

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Increase

(Decrease)

     2010    2009    in AOCF    2010    2009    in AOCF

Operating income (loss)

    $ 587       $ (19,337)      $ 19,924       $ 521       $ (33,606)      $ 34,127  

Share-based compensation

     351        947        (596)       1,217        1,438        (221) 

Depreciation and amortization

     2,607        2,575        32        5,214        5,146        68  
                                         

    Adjusted operating cash flow

    $     3,545       $     (15,815)      $     19,360       $     6,952       $     (27,022)      $     33,974  
                                         

Revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $4,701 (7%) and $3,625 (2%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net decreases are attributable to the following:

 

       Three Months    Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010

Decrease in sports team playoff related revenues

    $ (7,458)      $ (7,458) 

Decrease in revenues from other live sporting events primarily due to the absence of arena boxing bouts in 2010 versus one in each of the first and second quarters of 2009

     (1,759)       (3,003) 

Increase in broadcast rights fees from MSG Media

     1,959        2,528  

Increase in sports team regular season ticket related revenue due primarily to higher average ticket prices

     1,008        2,389  

Other net increases

     1,549        1,919  
             
    $     (4,701)      $     (3,625) 
             

Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $9,566 (20%) and $20,859 (12%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The net decreases are attributable to the following:

 

       Three Months    Six Months  
     Ended June 30, 2010

Decrease in sports team playoff related expenses, including playoff related NHL revenue sharing

   $ (5,126)     $ (5,126) 

Decrease in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

     (3,770)       (1,656) 

Decrease in team personnel compensation, inclusive of the unfavorable impact of lower insurance recoveries of $633 during the three month period and the favorable impact of higher insurance recoveries of $3,083 during the six month period related to non season-ending player injuries

     (1,691)       (10,161) 

Decrease in expenses associated with other live sporting events

     (1,380)       (2,297) 

Increase (decrease) due to higher (lower) net provision for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) during the three and six month periods of $1,248 and $(3,714), respectively, and higher net provisions for NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) during the three and six month periods of $1,078 and $529, respectively

     2,326        (3,185) 

Other net increases

     75        1,566  
             
   $     (9,566)      $     (20,859) 
             

 

30


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax), NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) were as follows:

 

       Three Months Ended  
June 30,
      Six Months Ended  
June 30,
 
     2010    2009     Increase
  (Decrease)  
    2010    2009    Increase
  (Decrease)  
 

Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

   $ 90      $ 3,860       $ (3,770   $ 6,313      $ 7,969      $ (1,656

Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs)

   $ 643      $ (1,683 )     $ 2,326        $ 112      $ 3,297      $ (3,185 )  

Team personnel transactions for the three months ended June 30, 2010 reflect a provision recorded for a player waiver of $90. Team personnel transactions for the three months ended June 30, 2009 primarily include provisions recorded for a player waiver and the costs associated with a player trade of $1,000 and $3,286, respectively.

Team personnel transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2010 reflect provisions recorded for player waivers of $4,838 and season-ending player injuries of $1,475 which is net of insurance recoveries of $820. Team personnel transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2009 primarily include provisions recorded for player waivers and the costs associated with a player trade of $5,109 and $3,286, respectively. The cost of these transactions are recorded when the transaction occurs, but payments owed are generally paid over the remaining contract terms.

The change in the net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions) for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year reflects a higher net provision for NBA luxury tax primarily due to lower escrow recoveries recorded by the Knicks than those recorded during the comparable period of the prior year. The change in the net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions) for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year reflects a lower net provision for NBA luxury tax, primarily due to a decrease in the gross luxury tax associated with the active rosters partly offset by the lower escrow recoveries.

The changes in the net provisions for NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year reflect a higher net provision for NHL revenue sharing expense, based primarily on estimates of the Rangers’ and league-wide revenues at the end of the season.

As a percentage of revenues, direct operating expenses decreased 10% and 9% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $15,091 (40%) and $16,961 (27%), respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The decline for both periods is primarily due to lower costs attributable to a separation agreement with a team executive entered into in 2009.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 20% and 8% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year.

Adjusted operating cash flow increased $19,360 (122%) and $33,974 (126%) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of the prior year. The increases were due primarily to the lower operating expenses, including the costs attributable to a separation agreement with a team executive entered into in 2009, referred to above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash flow from the operations of our businesses and available borrowing capacity under our $375,000 five-year credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders providing for a senior secured revolving credit facility that we refer to as the “Revolving Credit Facility” (see “— Financing Agreements” below.) Our principal uses of cash include capital spending and investments that we may fund from time to time. We currently expect that our net funding and investment requirements for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash generated by our operating activities. The decision of the Company as to the use of its available liquidity will be based upon an ongoing review of the funding needs of the business, the optimal allocation of cash resources, and the timing of cash flow generation.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

We previously announced our intent to pursue a comprehensive transformation of The Garden, which project we refer to as the “Transformation”. We continue to review all aspects of this complex project with our consultants in order to improve the Transformation plans, mitigate project risks and identify efficiencies in all aspects of costs, planning and project-phasing. We also continue to refine our cost and capital investment estimates to ensure that the Transformation meets our overall expectations and objectives. While the cost estimates are not yet final, current estimated Transformation costs remain within the $775,000 to $850,000 range we have previously disclosed. Total Transformation expenditures incurred through June 30, 2010 were approximately $85,000 of which approximately $27,000 was incurred during the first six months of 2010. We expect that the estimated costs associated with the project will be met from cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash flow from our operations. To the extent that management determines that financing for the Transformation is required or desirable, we would expect to draw on our Revolving Credit Facility for that purpose.

The Transformation will be a year-round project in order to most efficiently and effectively complete the construction work. Our goal is to minimize disruption to current operations and to achieve this, we plan for The Garden to remain open for the New York Knicks’ and New York Rangers’ regular seasons and playoffs and other events during such periods in the years the Transformation takes place, while we sequence the construction to ensure that we maximize our construction efforts when we close The Garden during summer months. We currently expect the renovated lower bowl of The Garden to be open for the 2011-12 NBA and NHL regular seasons and the renovated upper bowl to be open for the 2012-13 NBA and NHL regular seasons. In each case, construction on areas such as concourses and certain restrooms, concessions and suites will continue during the seasons and a portion of the upper bowl seating (less than 1,500 seats) will be unavailable during part of the 2011-2012 NBA and NHL seasons. We plan to close The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden during the summer months from 2011 to 2013 (for not less than twenty weeks after the conclusion of the New York Knicks’ and New York Rangers’ seasons). The Theater at Madison Square Garden will be closed for the summer of 2010 in order to support the Transformation. We will seek to move events during the summer months to our other venues or to other times of the year when The Garden or The Theater at Madison Square Garden will be open, although some loss of revenue will occur. Given the scope and complexity of the project, there can be no assurance that the Transformation will be completed or what the ultimate cost, scope or timing of the project will be.

We have assessed the implications of the recent volatility in the capital and credit markets against our ability to meet our net funding and investing requirements over the next twelve months and we believe that a combination of cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash generated from operating activities and borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility should provide us with sufficient liquidity. However, continued market disruptions could cause broader economic downturns, which may lead to reduced demand for our offerings, such as lower attendance or advertising levels. These economic events could adversely impact our results of operations and our cash flows and might require that we seek alternative sources of funding.

Financing Agreements

Credit Facility

On January 28, 2010, MSG L.P., our wholly owned subsidiary, and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available for working capital and capital expenditures, including but not limited to the Transformation, and for general corporate purposes. The Revolving Credit Facility and the related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. All borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including covenant compliance, absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of June 30, 2010, there was $3,620 in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. Our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility as of June 30, 2010 was $371,380.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires MSG L.P. to comply with the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum total secured leverage ratio of 3.50:1.00; and (ii) a maximum total leverage ratio of 6.00:1.00. In addition, there is a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.50:1.00 for Madison Square Garden, Inc. As of June 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants in the credit agreement.

Advances to Cablevision

As of December 31, 2009, the Company had advances outstanding to a subsidiary of Cablevision of $190,000 in the form of non-interest bearing advances. On January 28, 2010, the advances were replaced with a non-amortizing promissory note in the principal amount of $190,000, which accrued interest at a rate of 3.25% per annum. The note had a maturity date of June 30, 2010 with prepayment without penalty at Cablevision’s option. In March 2010, the entire principal balance of the promissory note was repaid, along with $914 of accrued interest.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

Tax Disaffiliation Agreement

Under the terms of our Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Cablevision, in order to preserve the tax-free treatment to Cablevision of the Distribution, we are subject to certain restrictions during the two-year period following the Distribution that might affect our ability to raise cash. In particular, we may not issue equity securities if any such issuances would, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the voting power or value of our capital stock, which restriction might limit our financing options. This restriction will be more pronounced if the market price of our stock declines significantly below the value of our stock on the Distribution date, since the restrictions in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement apply to the number of shares issued, rather than the proceeds we receive upon issuance. In addition, we are restricted from selling certain of our assets during the two-year period, which might also impede our ability to raise cash through asset sales.

Cash Flow Discussion

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $55,269 to $70,798 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $15,529 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. This increase in operating cash primarily resulted from higher net income of $37,234, as well as increases in cash flow of $11,697 and $6,338 resulting from non-cash items and changes in assets and liabilities, respectively.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $17,956 to $41,766 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $23,810 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 primarily due to additional costs related the Transformation of The Garden.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $181,458 to $180,997 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from net cash used in financing activities of $461 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 primarily due to the receipt of amounts due from a subsidiary of Cablevision of $190,000 in the first quarter of 2010 partly offset by additions made to deferred financing costs of $8,363 in 2010.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, which provides amendments that (a) update the criteria for separating consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements, (b) establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, and (c) replace the term “fair value” in the revenue allocation guidance with the term “selling price” to clarify that the allocation of revenue is based on entity-specific assumptions. ASU No. 2009-13 eliminates the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration to deliverables, requires the use of the relative selling price method and requires that a vendor determine its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell the deliverable on a stand-alone basis. ASU No. 2009-13 requires a vendor to significantly expand the disclosures related to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements with the objective to provide information about the significant judgments made and changes to those judgments, and how the application of the relative selling price method affects the timing or amount of revenue recognition. ASU No. 2009-13 is required to be adopted on a prospective basis to revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified beginning in January 2011 and early adoption is permitted.

Critical Accounting Policies

The following critical accounting policy discussion has been included to provide the results of our annual impairment testing of goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived assets performed during the three months ended March 31, 2010. Accordingly, we have not repeated herein a discussion of the Company’s other critical accounting policies as set forth in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets:

The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets at June 30, 2010 include goodwill of $742,492, other intangible assets, net of $297,109 ($158,096 of which are identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles), and $363,061 of property and equipment, net. These assets accounted for approximately 68% of the Company’s consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2010.

Goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, which represent the Company’s various trademarks and sports franchise intangibles, are tested annually for impairment during the first quarter and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or

 

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substantive changes in circumstances. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, the impairment test for goodwill is a two-step process. 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. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. For the purpose of evaluating goodwill impairment, the Company has three reporting units, all of which recognized goodwill.

The goodwill balance by reporting unit as of June 30, 2010 is as follows:

 

Reporting Unit

   Goodwill
Balance

MSG Media

   $465,326  

MSG Entertainment

   58,979  

MSG Sports

   218,187  
    
           $742,492  
    

The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The following table sets forth the amount of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2010:

 

Reportable Segment

   Identifiable
Indefinite-
Lived
Intangible
Assets
Balance

MSG Entertainment

   $61,881

MSG Sports

   96,215
    
   $158,096
    

The Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to trademarks and sports franchises. The Company’s indefinite-lived trademark intangible assets relate to the Company’s Radio City related trademarks which include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and The Rockettes, and The Chicago Theatre related trademarks, which were all valued using a relief-from-royalty method in which the expected benefits are valued by discounting royalty revenue over projected revenues covered by the trademarks. The Company’s indefinite-lived sports franchises intangibles representing the Company’s NBA and NHL sports franchises are valued using a direct valuation method based on market comparables. Both the Radio City related trademarks and the sports franchises were recorded when Cablevision acquired the remaining 40% interest in a subsidiary of Cablevision which wholly-owned the Company in April 2005. Significant judgments inherent in a discounted cash flow valuation include the selection of appropriate discount rates, estimating the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets.

For other long-lived assets, including intangible assets that are amortized, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.

In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s goodwill and other long-lived assets, the Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Estimates of fair value are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions. These valuations are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rate, determination of appropriate market comparables and determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. For MSG Media, these valuations also include assumptions for projected average rates per viewing subscriber and growth in fixed price contractual arrangements used to determine affiliation fee revenue, access to sports programming and programming rights and the cost of such sports programming and programming rights, amount of programming time that is advertiser supported, number of advertising spots available and the sell through rates for those spots, average fee per advertising spot, and

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Continued)

 

operating margins, among other assumptions. For MSG Entertainment, these valuations also include assumptions for number of shows and events at the Company’s venues and number of shows related to the Company’s proprietary content on tour. For MSG Sports, these valuations also include assumptions for ticket sales which include suite income, local and national television broadcasting rights, sponsorships, concessions, player and other team personnel compensation, and luxury tax or revenue sharing assumptions for comparable market transactions. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges related to our long-lived assets.

Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2010, the Company’s reporting units had significant safety margins, representing the excess of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit less its respective carrying value (including goodwill allocated to each respective reporting unit). In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the estimated fair value calculations of the Company’s reporting units on the annual impairment calculation for goodwill, the Company applied a hypothetical 30% decrease to the estimated fair value of each reporting unit. This hypothetical decrease of 30% would have no impact on the goodwill impairment analysis for any of the Company’s reporting units.

Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2010, the Company’s Radio City related trademarks and sports franchise identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets had significant safety margins, representing the excess of each identifiable indefinite-lived intangible asset’s estimated fair value less its respective carrying value. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations of all the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles, the Company applied hypothetical 15%, 20% and 30% decreases to the estimated fair value of each of the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles. These hypothetical 15%, 20% and 30% decreases in estimated fair value would not have resulted in an impairment of any of our identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles other than The Chicago Theatre related trademarks, which have a carrying value of $8,000. The hypothetical fair value decline would have resulted in impairment charges against The Chicago Theatre related trademarks of approximately $95, $560 and $1,490 at 15%, 20% and 30%, respectively.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There were no material changes to the disclosure on this matter made in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures referred to in paragraph 4(c) of their certifications included as exhibits to this report were effective.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See the Legal Proceedings section of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a) Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.1   First Amendment to Restated Guaranty dated as of March 22, 2010 by and among RCPI Landmark properties, L.L.C and Madison Square Garden, L.P. +
10.2   Employment Agreement by and between Madison Square Garden, Inc. and Robert J. Lynn.†
31.1   Certification of Hank J. Ratner pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Robert M. Pollichino pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification of Hank J. Ratner pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Robert M. Pollichino pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

+ Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

This exhibit is an arrangement contract or a compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 6th day of August, 2010.

 

Madison Square Garden, Inc.
By:   /s/ Robert M. Pollichino
Name:   Robert M. Pollichino
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

37