Attached files

file filename
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - MSG NETWORKS INC.msgnetworksexhibit322q3fy18.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - MSG NETWORKS INC.msgnetworksexhibit321q3fy18.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - MSG NETWORKS INC.msgnetworksexhibit312q3fy18.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - MSG NETWORKS INC.msgnetworksexhibit311q3fy18.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________
(Mark One)
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
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
________________________ 
MSG Networks 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.)
_______________________ 
11 Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10001
(212) 465-6400
(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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 30, 2018:  
Class A Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
 —
61,723,847
Class B Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
 —
13,588,555





MSG NETWORKS INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MSG NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

 
 
March 31,
2018
 
June 30,
2017
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
194,574

 
$
141,087

Accounts receivable, net
 
109,410

 
105,030

Related party receivables, net
 
25,872

 
17,153

Prepaid income taxes
 
4,261

 
14,322

Prepaid expenses
 
6,215

 
6,468

Other current assets
 
3,867

 
2,343

Total current assets
 
344,199

 
286,403

Property and equipment, net
 
8,796

 
11,828

Amortizable intangible assets, net
 
38,068

 
40,663

Goodwill
 
424,508

 
424,508

Other assets
 
40,007

 
41,642

Total assets
 
$
855,578

 
$
805,044

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
654

 
$
1,241

Related party payables
 
965

 
2,963

Current portion of long-term debt
 
72,414

 
72,414

Income taxes payable
 
23,990

 
11,483

Accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Employee related costs
 
11,802

 
14,238

Other accrued liabilities
 
15,151

 
10,050

Deferred revenue
 
7,000

 
5,071

Total current liabilities
 
131,976

 
117,460

Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
1,136,121

 
1,240,431

Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations
 
29,252

 
29,979

Other employee related costs
 
2,975

 
3,930

Other liabilities
 
5,427

 
5,597

Deferred tax liability
 
243,168

 
351,854

Total liabilities
 
1,548,919

 
1,749,251

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Deficiency:
 
 
 
 
Class A Common stock, par value $0.01, 360,000 shares authorized; 61,696 and 61,497 shares outstanding as of
March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017, respectively
 
643

 
643

Class B Common stock, par value $0.01, 90,000 shares authorized; 13,589 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017
 
136

 
136

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

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
3,211

 
6,909

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,563 and 2,762 shares as of March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017, respectively
 
(184,449
)
 
(198,800
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(505,209
)
 
(746,539
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(7,673
)
 
(6,556
)
Total stockholders' deficiency
 
(693,341
)
 
(944,207
)
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
 
$
855,578

 
$
805,044



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

1


MSG NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
$
186,568

 
$
183,247

 
$
525,246

 
$
512,471

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct operating expenses (including related party expenses of $37,344 and $36,579 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $111,357 and $106,748 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
80,322

 
75,528

 
222,315

 
206,227

Selling, general and administrative expenses (including related party expenses of $8,719 and $8,145 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $18,871 and $17,707 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
23,383

 
21,669

 
63,255

 
59,964

Depreciation and amortization
 
2,279

 
2,576

 
7,153

 
7,734

Operating income
 
80,584

 
83,474

 
232,523

 
238,546

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
1,195

 
741

 
3,072

 
2,017

Interest expense
 
(10,932
)
 
(10,204
)
 
(31,817
)
 
(29,433
)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost
 
(407
)

(420
)
 
(1,221
)
 
(1,186
)
 
 
(10,144
)
 
(9,883
)
 
(29,966
)
 
(28,602
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
70,440

 
73,591

 
202,557

 
209,944

Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(23,505
)
 
(29,436
)
 
41,103

 
(82,173
)
Income from continuing operations
 
46,935

 
44,155

 
243,660

 
127,771

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 

 

 

 
(120
)
Net income
 
$
46,935

 
$
44,155

 
$
243,660

 
$
127,651

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.59

 
$
3.23

 
$
1.70

Loss from discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

Net income
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.59

 
$
3.23

 
$
1.70

Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.58

 
$
3.21

 
$
1.69

Loss from discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

Net income
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.58

 
$
3.21

 
$
1.69

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
75,540

 
75,264

 
75,427

 
75,194

Diluted
 
76,017

 
75,643

 
75,844

 
75,505


  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



2



MSG NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited) (in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
 
$
46,935

 
$
44,155

 
$
243,660

 
$
127,651

Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension plans and postretirement plan:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost
 
149

 
175

 
447

 
525

Amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost
 
(3
)
 
(6
)
 
(9
)
 
(18
)
Settlement gain
 

 

 

 
(74
)
Other comprehensive income before income taxes
 
146

 
169

 
438

 
433

Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income
 
(42
)
 
(71
)
 
(164
)
 
(182
)
Other comprehensive income

104

 
98

 
274

 
251

Comprehensive income

$
47,039

 
$
44,253

 
$
243,934

 
$
127,902


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


3


MSG NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (in thousands)

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
243,660

 
$
127,651

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 

 
120

Income from continuing operations
 
243,660

 
127,771

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
7,153

 
7,734

Amortization of deferred financing costs
 
2,252

 
2,253

Share-based compensation expense
 
10,581

 
7,438

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
183

 
(206
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
(4,266
)
 
(4,322
)
Related party receivables, net
 
(9,016
)
 
(15,840
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
53

 
5,207

Accounts payable
 
(587
)
 
(1,032
)
Related party payables, including payable to MSG
 
(2,003
)
 
(287
)
Prepaid/payable for income taxes
 
22,568

 
32,115

Accrued and other liabilities
 
1,194

 
5,440

Deferred revenue
 
1,929

 
(565
)
Deferred income taxes
 
(108,850
)
 
(4,033
)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
 
164,851

 
161,673

Cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(1,470
)
 
(2,576
)
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations
 
(1,470
)
 
(2,576
)
Cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
Principal repayments on Term Loan Facility (see Note 6)
 
(106,250
)
 
(98,750
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
 

 
2

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation
 
(3,644
)
 
(2,271
)
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations
 
(109,894
)
 
(101,019
)
Net cash provided by continuing operations
 
53,487

 
58,078

Cash flows of discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in operating activities
 

 
(976
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 

 

Net cash used in financing activities
 

 

Net cash used in discontinued operations
 

 
(976
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
53,487

 
57,102

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
141,087

 
119,568

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
194,574

 
$
176,670



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4



MSG NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
(Unaudited) (in thousands)
 
 
 
Common
Stock
Issued
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2017
 
$
779

 
$
6,909

 
$
(198,800
)
 
$
(746,539
)
 
$
(6,556
)
 
$
(944,207
)
Net income
 

 

 

 
243,660

 

 
243,660

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 
274

 
274

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
243,934

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
10,581

 

 

 

 
10,581

Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
 

 
(3,649
)
 

 

 

 
(3,649
)
Shares issued upon distribution of Restricted Stock Units
 

 
(10,630
)
 
14,351

 
(3,721
)
 

 

Reclassification of stranded tax effects
 

 

 

 
1,391

 
(1,391
)
 

Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
779

 
$
3,211

 
$
(184,449
)
 
$
(505,209
)
 
$
(7,673
)
 
$
(693,341
)
 
 
 
Common
Stock
Issued
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2016
 
$
779

 
$

 
$
(207,796
)
 
$
(905,352
)
 
$
(7,589
)
 
$
(1,119,958
)
Net income
 

 

 

 
127,651

 

 
127,651

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 
251

 
251

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
127,902

Exercise of stock options
 

 
(57
)
 
59

 

 

 
2

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
7,438

 

 

 

 
7,438

Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
 

 
(1,793
)
 
(423
)
 
(55
)
 

 
(2,271
)
Shares issued upon distribution of Restricted Stock Units
 

 
(544
)
 
8,860

 
(8,316
)
 

 

Adjustments related to the transfer of certain liabilities as a result of the Distribution

 

 

 

 
(158
)
 

 
(158
)
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
$
779

 
$
5,044

 
$
(199,300
)
 
$
(786,230
)
 
$
(7,338
)
 
$
(987,045
)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



5


MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
All amounts included in the following Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in thousands, except per share data or as otherwise noted.
Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
MSG Networks Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) owns and operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG+.
On September 30, 2015, the Company distributed to its stockholders all of the outstanding common stock of The Madison Square Garden Company (“MSG”) (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, the Company no longer consolidates the financial results of MSG for purposes of its own financial reporting. Certain transaction costs related to the Distribution are classified in the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 as discontinued operations.
The Company operates and reports financial information in one segment. Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York City metropolitan area.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
The accompanying interim consolidated unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017. The financial statements as of March 31, 2018 and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 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 interim 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.
Note 2. Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of MSG Networks Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amount of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amount of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets, tax accruals, and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, income tax benefit (expense), performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters, and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.
Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time and as such, these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company’s control could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This standard was early adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, and was applied retrospectively. The adoption of this standard resulted in the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost to be presented separately from the service cost component, and the non-service cost components to no longer be included in the subtotal for operating income in the consolidated statements of operations. The presentation of the service cost component of net periodic

6

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


benefit cost remains unchanged within selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As this standard was applied retrospectively, the Company reclassified $420 and $1,186 of net periodic benefit cost from selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses to a separate line item within other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, respectively.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This standard was early adopted by the Company in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018. The adoption of this standard resulted in a reclassification of $1,391 from accumulated other comprehensive loss to accumulated deficit for the stranded tax effects resulting from the reduction of the Companys deferred tax assets related to its pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan upon the enactment of the new tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). See Note 13 for more information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations, which provides clarification on the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations outlined in ASU No. 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which finalized amendments to identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which clarifies assessing collectibility, noncash consideration, presentation of sales taxes, completed contracts, and contract modifications at transition. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, and the Company expects to adopt this standard using the modified retrospective method. The Company has substantially completed the assessment of its significant revenue streams and has begun drafting its revenue recognition policy under the new standard. The Company has not identified any material impact to its consolidated financial statements based on its assessment to date. Continued evaluation of the expected impact of the new guidance or issuance of additional interpretations, if any, could result in an impact that is different from the Company’s preliminary conclusions. The Company continues to assess its other revenue streams and expects the remainder of its assessment to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the current guidance in ASC Topic 840, Leases. This ASU requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The amended guidance also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases in order to provide additional information about the nature of an organization’s leasing activities. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted, and the modified retrospective approach required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which amends ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows to eliminate the diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows by adding or clarifying guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted and the retrospective approach required. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses, which will effect various areas of accounting including, but not limited to, goodwill and consolidation. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in

7

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement of performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Instead, impairment will be measured using the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the reporting unit. The amended guidance also eliminates the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or a negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and will require disclosure of the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or a negative carrying amount of net assets. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively. Based on the Company’s most recent annual goodwill impairment test completed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any initial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following characteristics of the modified award are the same as the original award immediately before the original award is modified: (i) the award’s fair value, (ii) the award’s vesting condition, and (iii) the award’s classification as an equity or liability instrument. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Note 3. Computation of Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is based upon net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the effect of the assumed vesting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and exercise of stock options only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the weighted-average number of shares used in the calculations of basic and diluted EPS:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Weighted-average number of shares for basic EPS
 
75,540

 
75,264

 
75,427

 
75,194

Dilutive effect of shares issuable under share-based compensation plans
 
477

 
379

 
417

 
311

Weighted-average number of shares for diluted EPS
 
76,017

 
75,643

 
75,844

 
75,505

Anti-dilutive shares
 
426

 

 
544

 
211

Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill, and there was no impairment of goodwill identified.
The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows: 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
June 30,
2017
Affiliate relationships
 
$
83,044

 
$
83,044

Less accumulated amortization
 
(44,976
)
 
(42,381
)
 
 
$
38,068

 
$
40,663

Affiliate relationships have an estimated useful life of 24 years. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $865 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and $2,595 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

8

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


Note 5. Property and Equipment
As of March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017, property and equipment consisted of the following assets: 
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
June 30,
2017
Equipment
 
$
42,534

 
$
40,918

Furniture and fixtures
 
1,708

 
1,695

Leasehold improvements
 
19,295

 
19,285

Construction in progress
 
429

 
565

 
 
63,966

 
62,463

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(55,170
)
 
(50,635
)
 
 
$
8,796

 
$
11,828

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $1,414 and $1,711 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $4,558 and $5,139 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Note 6. Debt
On September 28, 2015, MSGN Holdings L.P. (“MSGN L.P.”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations, and MSGN Eden, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the general partner of MSGN L.P., Regional MSGN Holdings LLC, a direct subsidiary of the Company and the limited partner of MSGN L.P. (collectively with MSGN Eden, LLC, the “Holdings Entities”), and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders.
The Credit Agreement provides MSGN L.P. with senior secured credit facilities (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) consisting of: (a) an initial $1,550,000 term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) and (b) a $250,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), each with a term of five years. In connection with the Distribution, $1,450,000 of the proceeds from the Term Loan Facility was contributed to MSG immediately following the closing of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Up to $35,000 of the Revolving Credit Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and limitations, the Credit Agreement allows for the addition of incremental term and/or revolving loan commitments and incremental term and/or revolving loans.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of MSGN L.P. may be either (a) base rate, representing the higher of: (i) the New York Fed Bank Rate plus 0.50%; (ii) the U.S. Prime Rate; or (iii) the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus 1.00% (the “Base Rate”), plus an additional rate ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% per annum (determined based on a total leverage ratio), or (b) a Eurodollar rate (the “Eurodollar Rate”) plus an additional rate ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% per annum (determined based on a total leverage ratio), provided that for the period until the delivery of the compliance certificate for the period ending March 31, 2016, the additional rate used in calculating both floating rates was (i) 1.00% per annum for borrowings bearing interest at the Base Rate, and (ii) 2.00% per annum for borrowings bearing interest at the Eurodollar Rate. Upon a payment default in respect of principal, interest or other amounts due and payable under the Credit Agreement or related loan documents, default interest will accrue on all overdue amounts at an additional rate of 2.00% per annum. The Credit Agreement requires that MSGN L.P. pay a commitment fee of 0.30% in respect of the average daily unused commitments, as well as fronting fees, to banks that issue letters of credit pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Credit Agreement generally requires the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to comply with a maximum total leverage ratio of 6.00:1.00 from the closing date until September 30, 2016 and a maximum total leverage ratio of 5.50:1.00 from October 1, 2016 until maturity, subject, in each case, to upward adjustment during the continuance of certain events. In addition, there is a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00:1.00 for the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. As of March 31, 2018, the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis were in compliance with the financial covenants of the Credit Agreement. All borrowings under the Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of March 31, 2018, there were no letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, which provides full borrowing capacity of $250,000. For the nine months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made principal repayments of $106,250, including a voluntary payment of $50,000 made

9

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


in the third quarter. The Company has made principal payments aggregating $335,000 through March 31, 2018. The Term Loan Facility amortizes quarterly in accordance with its terms through June 30, 2020 with a final maturity date on September 28, 2020.
As of March 31, 2018, the principal repayments required under the Term Loan Facility are as follows:
Remainder of fiscal year ending June 30, 2018
 
$
18,750

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2019
 
75,000

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2020
 
114,375

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2021
 
1,006,875

 
 
$
1,215,000

All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P.’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are not designated as excluded subsidiaries or unrestricted subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors,” and together with the Holdings Entities, the “Guarantors”). All obligations under the Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain assets of MSGN L.P. and each Guarantor (collectively, “Collateral”), including, but not limited to, a pledge of the equity interests in MSGN L.P. held directly by the Holdings Entities and the equity interests in each Subsidiary Guarantor held directly or indirectly by MSGN L.P. Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, MSGN L.P. may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Credit Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except for customary breakage costs with respect to Eurodollar loans). MSGN L.P. is required to make mandatory prepayments in certain circumstances, including without limitation from the net cash proceeds of certain sales of assets (including Collateral) or casualty insurance and/or condemnation recoveries (subject to certain reinvestment, repair or replacement rights) and the incurrence of certain indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions.
In addition to the financial covenants discussed above, the Credit Agreement and the related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default. The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictions on the ability of the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the Credit Agreement, including the following: (i) incurring additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities; (ii) creating liens on certain assets; (iii) making investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iv) paying dividends and distributions or repurchasing capital stock; (v) changing their lines of business; (vi) engaging in certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) amending specified material agreements; (viii) merging or consolidating; (ix) making certain dispositions; and (x) entering into agreements that restrict the granting of liens. The Holdings Entities are also subject to customary passive holding company covenants.
The Company is amortizing its deferred financing costs on a straight-line basis over the five-year term of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities which approximates the effective interest method. The following table summarizes the presentation of the Term Loan Facility and the related deferred financing costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017:
 
 
Term Loan Facility
 
Deferred Financing Costs
 
Total
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
75,000

 
$
(2,586
)
 
$
72,414

Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
1,140,000

 
(3,879
)
 
1,136,121

Total
 
$
1,215,000

 
$
(6,465
)
 
$
1,208,535

June 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
75,000

 
$
(2,586
)
 
$
72,414

Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
1,246,250

 
(5,819
)
 
1,240,431

Total
 
$
1,321,250

 
$
(8,405
)
 
$
1,312,845


10

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


In addition, the Company has deferred financing costs related to the Revolving Credit Facility recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as summarized in the following table:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
June 30, 2017
 
 
Other current assets
 
$
417

 
$
417

Other assets
 
626

 
938

The Company made interest payments under the Credit Agreement of $29,303 and $27,129 during the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As more fully described in Notes 9 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, the Company’s contractual obligations not reflected on the balance sheet consist primarily of its obligations under media rights agreements and, to a lesser extent, long-term noncancelable operating lease agreements.
In addition, see Note 6 for the principal repayments required under the Company’s Term Loan Facility.
Legal Matters
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 Company.
Note 8. Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are developed using market data, such as publicly available information about actual events or transactions, and reflect the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are inputs for which market data is not available and that are developed using the best information available about the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III — Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which include cash equivalents: 
 
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
 
$
11,379

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,379

Time deposits
 
177,684

 

 

 
177,684

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
189,063

 
$

 
$

 
$
189,063

June 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
 
$
34,128

 
$

 
$

 
$
34,128

Time deposits
 
106,482

 

 

 
106,482

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
140,610

 
$

 
$

 
$
140,610


11

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


Money market accounts and time deposits are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The carrying amount of the Company’s money market accounts and time deposits approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.
Other Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt (see Note 6) was approximately $1,209,000 as of March 31, 2018. The Company’s long-term debt is classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as it is valued using quoted prices of such securities for which fair value can be derived from inputs that are readily observable. 
Note 9. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
As more fully described in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, the Company sponsors (i) a non-contributory, qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain of its union employees, (ii) an unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified frozen excess cash balance plan covering certain employees, and (iii) an unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified frozen defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain employees who participated in an underlying qualified plan (collectively the “MSG Networks Plans”). The Company also sponsors a contributory welfare plan which provides certain postretirement healthcare benefits to certain employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 (the “Postretirement Plan”).
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the MSG Networks Plans and Postretirement Plan are as follows: 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Postretirement Plan
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
 
$
128

 
$
133

 
$
17

 
$
18

Interest cost
 
358

 
332

 
30

 
25

Expected return on plan assets
 
(127
)
 
(106
)
 

 

Recognized actuarial loss (a)
 
149

 
175

 

 

Amortization of unrecognized prior service credit (a)
 

 

 
(3
)
 
(6
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
508

 
$
534

 
$
44

 
$
37

 
 
Pension Plans
 
Postretirement Plan
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
 
$
384

 
$
399

 
$
51

 
$
54

Interest cost
 
1,074

 
996

 
90

 
75

Expected return on plan assets
 
(381
)
 
(318
)
 

 

Recognized actuarial loss (a)
 
447

 
525

 

 

Amortization of unrecognized prior service credit (a)
 

 

 
(9
)
 
(18
)
Settlement gain (a)
 

 
(74
)
 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
1,524

 
$
1,528

 
$
132

 
$
111

(a) Reflects amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other components of net periodic benefit cost in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In addition, as more fully described in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, the Company sponsors the MSGN Holdings, L.P. Excess Savings Plan and participates in the Madison Square Garden 401(k) Savings Plan, formerly the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan, a multiple employer plan (together, the “Savings Plans”). Expenses related to the Savings Plans included in the accompanying

12

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


consolidated statements of operations were $232 and $191 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $691 and $590 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
Note 10. Share-based Compensation
See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017 for more information regarding (i) the MSG Networks Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Plan, as amended (the “Employee Stock Plan”), and (ii) the MSG Networks Inc. 2010 Stock Plan For Non-Employee Directors, as amended (the “Non-Employee Director Plan”), as well as certain share-based payment awards granted prior to July 1, 2015.
Share-based compensation expense, presented within selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses, was $2,862 and $2,389 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $10,581 and $7,438 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Stock Options Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity relating to holders of the Company’s stock options for the nine months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Number of
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (In Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value   
 
Nonperformance
Based
Vesting
Options
 
Performance
Based
Vesting
Options
 
Balance as of June 30, 2017
535

 
534

 
$
17.81

 
6.71
 
$
4,960

Granted
426

 
427

 
21.60

 
 
 
 
Balance as of March 31, 2018
961

 
961

 
$
19.49

 
6.39
 
$
5,973

Exercisable as of March 31, 2018

178

 

 
$
17.81

 
5.96
 
$
853

In September 2017, the Company granted 853 stock options, of which 50% are subject to three-year ratable vesting and the remaining 50% are subject to three-year cliff vesting and the achievement of certain Company performance criteria. These options have an expiration period of 7.5 years. The Company calculated the fair value of these options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which resulted in a grant date fair value of $5.63 per option.
The following were the key assumptions used to calculate the fair value of this award:
Risk-free interest rate
1.76
%
Expected term
5.25 years
 
Expected volatility
24.79
%
The Company’s computation of expected term was calculated using the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term) as prescribed in ASC Topic 718-10-S99. The Company’s computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of its common stock.
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated for in-the-money options as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) at March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017, as applicable.


13

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


Restricted Share Units Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity relating to holders (including Company and MSG employees) of the Company’s RSUs for the nine months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Number of
 
 
 
Nonperformance
Based
Vesting
RSUs
 
Performance
Based
Vesting
RSUs
 
Weighted-Average
Fair Value Per Share
At Date of Grant
Unvested award balance as of June 30, 2017
544

 
597

 
$
25.79

Granted
181

 
340

 
21.31

Vested
(318
)
 
(132
)
 
33.25

Forfeited
(20
)
 
(27
)
 
21.44

Unvested award balance as of March 31, 2018
387

 
778

 
21.08

Nonperformance based vesting RSUs granted during the nine months ended March 31, 2018 included 112 RSUs granted under the Employee Stock Plan that are subject to three-year ratable vesting and 69 RSUs granted under the Non-Employee Director Plan which vested upon date of grant. Performance based vesting RSUs granted under the Employee Stock Plan during the nine months ended March 31, 2018 included 114 RSUs that are subject to three-year ratable vesting and 226 RSUs subject to three-year cliff vesting. RSUs granted under the Employee Stock Plan and Non-Employee Director Plan will settle in shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (either from treasury or with newly issued shares), or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash. RSUs granted under the Non-Employee Director Plan will settle on the first business day after ninety days from the date the director’s service on the Board of Directors ceases or, if earlier, upon the director’s death.
The fair value of RSUs that vested during the nine months ended March 31, 2018 was $9,008. Upon delivery, RSUs granted under the Employee Stock Plan were net share-settled to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations and the remaining number of shares were issued from the Company’s treasury shares. To fulfill the employees’ statutory tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 182 of these RSUs, with an aggregate value of $3,649, were retained by the Company and the taxes paid during the nine months ended March 31, 2018 are reflected as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows.
Note 11. Stock Repurchase Program
On December 7, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150,000 of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. Under the authorization, shares of Class A Common Stock may be purchased from time to time in open market or private transactions, block trades or such other manner as the Company may determine, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The timing and amount of purchases will depend on market conditions and other factors. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $150,000 of availability remaining under its stock repurchase authorization.
Note 12. Related Party Transactions
As of March 31, 2018, members of the Dolan family group, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including trusts for the benefit of the Dolan family group, collectively beneficially own all of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) and own approximately 2.7% of the Company’s outstanding Class A Common Stock. Such shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively, represent approximately 69.6% of the aggregate voting power of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Members of the Dolan family are also the controlling stockholders of MSG and AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”).
On June 16, 2016, the Company entered into an arrangement with the Dolan Family Office, LLC (“DFO”), MSG, and AMC Networks providing for the sharing of certain expenses associated with executive office space which is available to Charles F. Dolan (a director of the Company and MSG, and the Executive Chairman and a director of AMC Networks), James L. Dolan (the Executive Chairman and a director of the Company, the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and a director of MSG, and a director of AMC Networks), and the DFO, which is controlled by Charles F. Dolan.

14

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


Beginning in June 2016, the Company agreed to share certain executive support costs, including office space, executive assistants, security and transportation costs for (i) the Company’s Executive Chairman with MSG and (ii) the Company’s Vice Chairman with MSG and AMC Networks.
In connection with the Distribution, the Company entered into various agreements with MSG, including media rights agreements covering Knicks and Rangers games, an advertising sales representation agreement, a trademark license agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement, a transition services agreement (“TSA”), and certain other arrangements. The TSA expired on September 30, 2017. The Company entered into a new services agreement (“Services Agreement”) effective July 1, 2017, which provides for each party to furnish substantially the same services, as well as the executive support services described above, in exchange for service fees.
The Company has entered into various agreements with AMC Networks with respect to a number of ongoing commercial relationships.
Related party transactions
Rights fees
The Company’s media rights agreements with the Knicks and the Rangers, effective as of July 1, 2015, provide the Company with exclusive media rights to team games in their local markets. Rights fees included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $35,631 and $34,720, respectively, and $106,414 and $101,557 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Origination, master control and technical services
AMC Networks provides certain origination, master control, and technical services to the Company. Amounts charged to the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1,581 and $1,565, respectively and $4,574 and $4,556 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Commission
The Company’s advertising sales representation agreement with MSG, which has a term through June 30, 2022, provides for MSG to act as our advertising sales representative and includes the exclusive right and obligation to sell certain advertising availabilities on our behalf for a commission. All of the Company’s advertising sales personnel were transferred to MSG in connection with the Distribution. The amounts charged to the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $6,273 and $6,067, respectively, and $11,840 and $11,661 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Other operating expenses
The Company and its related parties enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. In addition, pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Company outsources (and prior to the expiration of the TSA, the Company outsourced) certain business functions to MSG. These services currently include information technology, accounts payable, payroll, tax, certain legal functions, human resources, insurance and risk management, investor relations, corporate communications, benefit plan administration and reporting, and internal audit. Net amounts charged to the Company for expenses associated with services provided by MSG, executive office space and certain support costs, and for other related party transactions amounted to $2,578 and $2,372 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $7,400 and $6,681 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Note 13. Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the enactment of the Tax Act significantly changed the existing U.S. tax laws and included a reduction in the corporate federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company was required to recognize the effects of the Tax Act in the period of its enactment, even though certain key aspects became effective on January 1, 2018. The Company’s income tax provision for interim periods is comprised of the tax on ordinary income (loss) provided at the most recent estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for the tax effect of discrete items. The Company used a blended statutory federal rate of 28% (based upon the number of days for the fiscal year that it will be taxed at the former rate of 35% and the number of days it will be taxed at the new rate of 21%) to calculate its most recent estimated annual effective tax rate.

15

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $23,505 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the blended statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $5,135 and other items of $240. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $1,635.
Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 of $29,436 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $5,384 and other items of $683. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $2,388.
Income tax benefit attributable to continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 of $41,103 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the blended statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to a deferred income tax benefit of $106,446 related to the reduction of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities based upon the new federal rate. Other decreases included the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $4,668, state rate changes of $1,062, tax return to book provision adjustments in connection with the filing of the Company’s federal, state and local income tax returns of $676, and other items of $253. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $15,165.
Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 of $82,173 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $14,978 and other items of $253. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $6,330, and tax return to book provision adjustments in connection with the filing of the Company’s federal, state and local income tax returns of $209.
The Company made cash income tax payments (net) of $45,194 and $54,053 for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Internal Revenue Service concluded its fieldwork on the audit of the Company’s federal income tax returns as filed for the tax year ended December 31, 2013. The Company does not expect the audit to result in material changes to the tax returns as filed.
The Company was notified during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 that the City of New York was commencing an examination of the Company’s New York City income tax returns as filed for the tax years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014. The Company does not expect the examination, when finalized, to result in material changes to the tax returns as filed.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company was notified that the City of New York was initiating a review of the Company’s 2014 and 2015 Unincorporated Business Tax Returns. The Company does not expect the examination, when finalized, to result in material changes to the tax returns as filed.
The Company was also notified during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017 that the State of New York was commencing an examination of the Company’s New York State income tax returns as filed for the tax years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014. The Company does not expect the examination, when finalized, to result in material changes to the tax returns as filed.
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company was notified that the State of Massachusetts was commencing an examination of the Company’s Massachusetts income tax returns as filed for the tax years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015. The Company does not expect the examination, when finalized, to result in material changes to the tax returns as filed.
The federal and state statute of limitations are currently open on the Company’s 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 tax returns.

16

MSG NETWORKS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)


Note 14. Concentrations of Risk
Accounts receivable, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017 include amounts due from the following individual customers, which accounted for the noted percentages of the gross balance:
 
March 31,
2018
 
June 30,
2017
Customer A
25
%
 
26
%
Customer B
24
%
 
25
%
Customer C
23
%
 
22
%
Customer D
14
%
 
14
%
Revenues from continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 include amounts from the following individual customers, which accounted for the noted percentages of the total:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Customer 1
23
%
 
23
%
 
24
%
 
25
%
Customer 2
22
%
 
22
%
 
23
%
 
23
%
Customer 3
21
%
 
20
%
 
21
%
 
20
%
Customer 4
10
%
 
10
%
 
10
%
 
10
%
The accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2017 include the following approximate amounts that are recorded in connection with the Company’s license agreement with the New Jersey Devils:
Reported in
March 31, 2018
 
June 30,
2017
Prepaid expenses
$
3,000

 
$
3,000

Other current assets
3,000

 
2,000

Other assets
39,000

 
41,000

 
$
45,000

 
$
46,000


17


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, or MD&A, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this MD&A, there are statements concerning the future operating and financial performance of the Company, including a reduction in future cash taxes payable and changes in our tax rate. 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 financial performance and plans identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, results or events 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 demand for our programming among cable, satellite, telephone and other platforms (“Distributors”) and the subscribers thereto, and our ability to enter into and renew affiliation agreements with Distributors, as well as the impact of consolidation among Distributors;
the level of our revenues, which depends in part on the popularity and competitiveness of the sports teams whose games are broadcast on our networks and the popularity of other content aired on our networks;
the ability of our Distributors to maintain subscriber levels;
the impact of subscribers selecting Distributors' packages that do not include our networks;
the security of our program signal and electronic data;
general economic conditions especially in the New York City metropolitan area where we conduct the majority of our operations;
the demand for advertising and sponsorship arrangements and viewer ratings for our networks;
competition, for example, from other regional sports networks;
the relocation or insolvency of professional sports teams with which we have a media rights agreement;
our ability to maintain, obtain or produce content, together with the cost of such content;
our ability to renew or replace our media rights agreements with professional sports teams;
the acquisition or disposition of assets and/or the impact of, and our ability to successfully pursue, acquisitions or other strategic transactions, and the operating and financial performance thereof (including those that we do not control);
the costs associated with, and the outcome of, litigation and other proceedings to the extent uninsured;
the impact of governmental regulations or laws and changes in such regulations or laws;
the impact of sports league rules, regulations and/or agreements and changes thereto;
cybersecurity and similar risks which could result in the disclosure of confidential information, disruption of our business or damage to our brands and reputation;
our substantial debt and high leverage;
any reduction in our access to capital and credit markets or significant increases in costs to borrow;
financial community perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which we operate;
the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on our income tax benefit (expense) and deferred tax liabilities;
the tax-free treatment of the Distribution; and
the factors described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017.
We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.

18


All dollar amounts included in the following MD&A are presented in thousands, except as otherwise noted.
Introduction
MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017 to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” refer collectively to MSG Networks Inc., a holding company, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries through which substantially all of our operations are conducted. The Company owns and operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG+.
On September 30, 2015, the Company distributed to its stockholders all of the outstanding common stock of The Madison Square Garden Company (“MSG”) (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, the Company no longer consolidates the financial results of MSG for purposes of its own financial reporting. Certain transaction costs related to the Distribution are classified in the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 as discontinued operations.
The Company operates and reports financial information in one segment.
This MD&A is organized as follows:
Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our unaudited consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2018 as compared with the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 as compared with the nine months ended March 31, 2017.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies. This section discusses recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted, as well as the results of the Company’s annual impairment testing of goodwill performed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. This section should be read together with our critical accounting policies, which are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017 under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies — Critical Accounting Policies” and in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included therein.

19


Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 versus the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues. 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
in Net
Income
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Revenues
 
$
186,568

 
100
 %
 
$
183,247

 
100
 %
 
$
3,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct operating expenses
 
80,322

 
43
 %
 
75,528

 
41
 %
 
(4,794
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
23,383

 
13
 %
 
21,669

 
12
 %
 
(1,714
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,279

 
1
 %
 
2,576

 
1
 %
 
297

Operating income
 
80,584

 
43
 %
 
83,474

 
46
 %
 
(2,890
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
1,195

 
1
 %
 
741

 
NM

 
454

Interest expense
 
(10,932
)
 
(6
)%
 
(10,204
)
 
(6
)%
 
(728
)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost
 
(407
)
 
NM

 
(420
)
 
NM

 
13

 
 
(10,144
)
 
(5
)%
 
(9,883
)
 
(5
)%
 
(261
)
Income from operations before income taxes
 
70,440

 
38
 %
 
73,591

 
40
 %
 
(3,151
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(23,505
)
 
(13
)%
 
(29,436
)
 
(16
)%
 
5,931

Net income
 
$
46,935

 
25
 %
 
$
44,155

 
24
 %
 
$
2,780

_________________ 
NM – Percentage is not meaningful
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information. As this standard was applied retrospectively, the Company reclassified $420 of net periodic benefit cost from selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses to a separate line item within other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased $3,321, or 2%, to $186,568 as compared with the prior year period. The net increase was attributable to the following:
Increase in affiliation fee revenue
$
4,854

Decrease in advertising revenue
(2,212
)
Other net increases
679

 
$
3,321

The increase in affiliation fee revenue was primarily due to higher affiliation rates, partially offset by the impact of a low single-digit percentage decrease in subscribers as compared with the prior year period.
The decrease in advertising revenue was primarily due to a higher net increase in deferred revenue related to ratings guarantees, partially offset by other net advertising increases.
Direct operating expenses
Direct operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased $4,794, or 6%, to $80,322 as compared with the prior year period due to higher rights fees expense of $3,325 and, to a lesser extent, higher other programming-related cost increases of $1,469. The increase in rights fees expense primarily reflects a step-up in expense related to the renewal of a rights

20


agreement with the Buffalo Sabres, annual contractual rate increases and additional league fees related to streaming rights, partially offset by a shift in the timing of the recognition of certain other rights fees expense.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased $1,714, or 8%, to $23,383 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to higher advertising and marketing costs and, to a lesser extent, other net increases.
Operating income
Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased $2,890, or 3%, to $80,584 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to (as discussed above) higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation expense), partially offset by higher revenues and, to a lesser extent, lower depreciation and amortization.
Interest expense
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased $728, or 7%, to $10,932 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to higher average interest rates in the fiscal year 2018 third quarter (3.1% as compared with 2.5%), partially offset by a lower average principal balance under the Company’s term loan facility (see “Financing Agreements — Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).
Income taxes
Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $23,505 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the blended statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $5,135 and other items of $240. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $1,635. The Company anticipates that its fiscal year 2018 fourth quarter tax rate will be higher than the fiscal year 2018 third quarter tax rate as a result of certain adjustments, which are necessary to reflect the impact of the recently enacted tax reform legislation becoming effective at the mid-point of this fiscal year.
Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 of $29,436 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $5,384 and other items of $683. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $2,388.
Adjusted operating income
The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is adjusted operating income. Adjusted operating income is defined as operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iii) restructuring charges or credits and (iv) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses. Because it is based upon operating income, adjusted operating income also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items. We believe that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of the Company without regard to the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash. We believe adjusted operating income is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of our Company. Adjusted operating income and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors and analysts to analyze our performance. Internally, we use revenues and adjusted operating income measures as the most important indicators of our business performance, and evaluate management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Adjusted operating income should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income, net income, cash flows from operating activities, and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Since adjusted operating income is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures with similar titles used by other companies.

21


The Company has presented the components that reconcile operating income, a GAAP measure, to adjusted operating income:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Increase (Decrease)
in AOI
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Operating income
 
$
80,584

 
$
83,474

 
$
(2,890
)
Share-based compensation
 
2,862

 
2,389

 
473

Depreciation and amortization
 
2,279

 
2,576

 
(297
)
Adjusted operating income
 
$
85,725

 
$
88,439

 
$
(2,714
)
Adjusted operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased $2,714, or 3%, to $85,725 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to (as discussed above) higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding share-based compensation expense), partially offset by higher revenues.

22


Results of Operations
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2018 versus the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2017
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues. 
 
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
in Net
Income
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Revenues
 
$
525,246

 
100
 %
 
$
512,471

 
100
 %
 
$
12,775

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct operating expenses
 
222,315

 
42
 %
 
206,227

 
40
 %
 
(16,088
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
63,255

 
12
 %
 
59,964

 
12
 %
 
(3,291
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
7,153

 
1
 %
 
7,734

 
2
 %
 
581

Operating income
 
232,523

 
44
 %
 
238,546

 
47
 %
 
(6,023
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
3,072

 
1
 %
 
2,017

 
NM

 
1,055

Interest expense
 
(31,817
)
 
(6
)%
 
(29,433
)
 
(6
)%
 
(2,384
)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost
 
(1,221
)
 
NM

 
(1,186
)
 
NM

 
(35
)
 
 
(29,966
)
 
(6
)%
 
(28,602
)
 
(6
)%
 
(1,364
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
202,557

 
39
 %
 
209,944

 
41
 %
 
(7,387
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
41,103

 
8
 %
 
(82,173
)
 
(16
)%
 
123,276

Income from continuing operations
 
243,660

 
46
 %
 
127,771

 
25
 %
 
115,889

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 

 
NM

 
(120
)
 
NM

 
120

Net income
 
$
243,660

 
46
 %
 
$
127,651

 
25
 %
 
$
116,009

_________________ 
NM – Percentage is not meaningful
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information. As this standard was applied retrospectively, the Company reclassified $1,186 of net periodic benefit cost from selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses to a separate line item within other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2017.
Revenues
Revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 increased $12,775, or 2%, to $525,246 as compared with the prior year period. The net increase was attributable to the following:
Increase in affiliation fee revenue
$
13,060

Decrease in advertising revenue
(1,599
)
Other net increases
1,314

 
$
12,775

The increase in affiliation fee revenue was primarily due to higher affiliation rates, partially offset by the impact of a low single-digit percentage decrease in subscribers as compared with the prior year period.
The decrease in advertising revenue was primarily due to a higher net increase in deferred revenue related to ratings guarantees, partially offset by other net advertising increases.

23


Direct operating expenses
Direct operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 increased $16,088, or 8%, to $222,315 as compared with the prior year period due to higher rights fees expense of $12,338 and, to a lesser extent, higher other programming-related cost increases of $3,750. The increase in rights fees expense primarily reflects annual contractual rate increases, a step-up in expense related to the renewal of a rights agreement with the Buffalo Sabres, and additional league fees related to streaming rights. The increase in other programming-related costs was due to the absence of the positive impact of the finalization of a matter related to the sale of Fuse recorded in the prior year period and other net increases.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 increased $3,291, or 5%, to $63,255 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to higher employee compensation and related benefits (as a result of an increase in share-based compensation expense).
Operating income
Operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 decreased $6,023, or 3%, to $232,523 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to (as discussed above) higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation expense), partially offset by higher revenues and, to a lesser extent, lower depreciation and amortization.
Interest expense
Interest expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 increased $2,384, or 8%, to $31,817 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to higher average interest rates in fiscal year 2018 (2.9% as compared with 2.4%), partially offset by a lower average principal balance under the Company’s term loan facility (see “Financing Agreements — Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).
Income taxes
Income tax benefit attributable to continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 of $41,103 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the blended statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to a deferred income tax benefit of $106,446 related to the reduction of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities based upon the new federal rate. Other decreases included the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $4,668, state rate changes of $1,062, tax return to book provision adjustments in connection with the filing of the Company’s federal, state and local income tax returns of $676, and other items of $253. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $15,165.
Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 of $82,173 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income due principally to the impact of state and local income taxes (net of federal benefit) of $14,978 and other items of $253. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the tax benefits related to the domestic production activities deduction of $6,330, and tax return to book provision adjustments in connection with the filing of the Company’s federal, state and local income tax returns of $209.
Adjusted operating income
The Company has presented the components that reconcile operating income, a GAAP measure, to adjusted operating income:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Increase (Decrease)
in AOI
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Operating income
 
$
232,523

 
$
238,546

 
$
(6,023
)
Share-based compensation
 
10,581

 
7,438

 
3,143

Depreciation and amortization
 
7,153

 
7,734

 
(581
)
Adjusted operating income
 
$
250,257

 
$
253,718

 
$
(3,461
)
Adjusted operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 decreased $3,461, or 1%, to $250,257 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to (as discussed above) higher direct operating expenses, largely offset by higher revenues.

24


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from the operations of our business and available borrowing capacity under our $250,000 revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders which was undrawn as of March 31, 2018 (see “Financing Agreements — Senior Secured Credit Facilities” below). In addition, effective January 1, 2018, the Company expects that the recently enacted federal tax reform legislation will result in at least a 20% reduction of its future cash taxes payable on income from continuing operations before income taxes, as compared to amounts that would have otherwise been payable under the prior law. Our principal uses of cash are expected to include working capital-related items, capital spending, taxes, debt service, and repurchase of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”). The Company’s use of its available liquidity will be based upon the ongoing review of the funding needs of the business, the optimal allocation of cash resources, and the timing of cash flow generation.
We believe we have sufficient liquidity, including $194,574 in cash and cash equivalents, as of March 31, 2018, as well as the available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility and our anticipated operating cash flows, to fund our business operations, repurchase shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and service our outstanding term loan (see “Financing Agreements — Senior Secured Credit Facilities” below) over the next twelve months. However, potential subscriber reductions of our Distributors, changes in the demand for our programming, advertising revenue declines, our ability to maintain or obtain content, and other factors could adversely impact our business and results of operations, which might require that we seek alternative sources of funding through the capital and credit markets that may or may not be available to us.
On December 7, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150,000 of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. Under the authorization, shares of Class A Common Stock may be purchased from time to time in open market or private transactions, block trades or such other manner as the Company may determine, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The timing and amount of purchases will depend on market conditions and other factors. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $150,000 of availability remaining under its stock repurchase authorization.
Financing Agreements
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
On September 28, 2015, MSGN Holdings L.P. (“MSGN L.P.”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations, and MSGN Eden, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the general partner of MSGN L.P., Regional MSGN Holdings LLC, a direct subsidiary of the Company and the limited partner of MSGN L.P. (collectively with MSGN Eden, LLC, the “Holdings Entities”), and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders.
The Credit Agreement provides MSGN L.P. with senior secured credit facilities (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) consisting of: (a) an initial $1,550,000 term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) and (b) a $250,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), each with a term of five years. In connection with the Distribution, $1,450,000 of the proceeds from the Term Loan Facility was contributed to MSG immediately following the closing of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The remainder of the proceeds from the Term Loan Facility were used by MSGN L.P. to pay for certain fees and expenses associated with the Distribution and the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the balance was designated for use to fund working capital needs and other general corporate purposes of MSGN L.P. The Revolving Credit Facility was undrawn as of March 31, 2018 and is available to fund working capital needs and other general corporate purposes of MSGN L.P. Up to $35,000 of the Revolving Credit Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and limitations, the Credit Agreement allows for the addition of incremental term and/or revolving loan commitments and incremental term and/or revolving loans.
The Credit Agreement generally requires the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to comply with a maximum total leverage ratio of 6.00:1.00 from the closing date until September 30, 2016 and a maximum total leverage ratio of 5.50:1.00 from October 1, 2016 until maturity, subject, in each case, to upward adjustment during the continuance of certain events. In addition, there is a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00:1.00 for the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. As of March 31, 2018, the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis were in compliance with the financial covenants of the Credit Agreement. All borrowings under the Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of March 31, 2018, there were no letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, which provides full borrowing capacity of $250,000. For the nine months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made principal repayments of $106,250, including a voluntary payment of $50,000 made in the third quarter. The Company has made principal payments aggregating $335,000 through March 31, 2018. The Term Loan Facility amortizes quarterly in accordance with its terms through June 30, 2020 with a final maturity date on September 28, 2020.

25


In addition to the financial covenants discussed above, the Credit Agreement and the related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default. The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictions on the ability of the Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the Credit Agreement, including the following: (i) incurring additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities; (ii) creating liens on certain assets; (iii) making investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iv) paying dividends and distributions or repurchasing capital stock; (v) changing their lines of business; (vi) engaging in certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) amending specified material agreements; (viii) merging or consolidating; (ix) making certain dispositions; and (x) entering into agreements that restrict the granting of liens. The Holdings Entities are also subject to customary passive holding company covenants.
See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in “Part I — Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on the Credit Agreement.
Contractual Obligations
As more fully described in Notes 9 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, the Company’s contractual obligations not reflected on the balance sheet consist primarily of its obligations under media rights agreements and, to a lesser extent, long-term noncancelable operating lease agreements.
In addition, see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in “Part I — Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the principal repayments required under the Company’s Term Loan Facility.
Cash Flow Discussion
Operating Activities from continuing operations
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 increased by $3,178 to $164,851 as compared with the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to lower income taxes paid and, to a lesser extent, other net increases, partially offset by lower income from continuing operations before income taxes as compared with the prior year period.
Investing Activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 decreased by $1,106 to $1,470 as compared with the prior year period due to lower capital expenditures in the current year period.
Financing Activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 increased by $8,875 to $109,894 as compared with the prior year period primarily due to higher principal repayments on the Company’s Term Loan Facility.

26


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations, which provides clarification on the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations outlined in ASU No. 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which finalized amendments to identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which clarifies assessing collectibility, noncash consideration, presentation of sales taxes, completed contracts, and contract modifications at transition. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, and the Company expects to adopt this standard using the modified retrospective method. The Company has substantially completed the assessment of its significant revenue streams and has begun drafting its revenue recognition policy under the new standard. The Company has not identified any material impact to its consolidated financial statements based on its assessment to date. Continued evaluation of the expected impact of the new guidance or issuance of additional interpretations, if any, could result in an impact that is different from the Company’s preliminary conclusions. The Company continues to assess its other revenue streams and expects the remainder of its assessment to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the current guidance in ASC Topic 840, Leases. This ASU requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The amended guidance also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases in order to provide additional information about the nature of an organization’s leasing activities. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted, and the modified retrospective approach required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which amends ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows to eliminate the diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows by adding or clarifying guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted and the retrospective approach required. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses, which will effect various areas of accounting including, but not limited to, goodwill and consolidation. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement of performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Instead, impairment will be measured using the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the reporting unit. The amended guidance also eliminates the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or a negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and will require disclosure of the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or a negative carrying amount of net assets. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively. Based on the Company’s most recent annual goodwill impairment test completed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any initial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

27


In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following characteristics of the modified award are the same as the original award immediately before the original award is modified: (i) the award’s fair value, (ii) the award’s vesting condition, and (iii) the award’s classification as an equity or liability instrument. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following discussion has been included to provide the results of our annual impairment testing of goodwill performed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies from those set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. See “Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in “Part I Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.
Goodwill
The goodwill balance reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018 is $424,508. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has one reporting unit for evaluating goodwill impairment. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill. The Company elected to perform the qualitative assessment of impairment for the Company’s goodwill. This assessment considered factors such as:
Macroeconomic conditions;
Industry and market considerations;
Cost factors;
Overall financial performance;
Other relevant company-specific factors such as changes in management, strategy or customers; and
Relevant specific events such as changes in the carrying amount of net assets.
Based on this impairment test, there was no impairment of goodwill identified.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There were no material changes to the disclosures on this matter made in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2018 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

28


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
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 Company.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Index to Exhibits
EXHIBIT
NO.
 
DESCRIPTION
31.1
 
31.2
 
32.1
 
32.2
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.


29



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 3rd day of May, 2018.
MSG Networks Inc.
 
 
By:    
/S/    BRET RICHTER
 
Name:
Bret Richter
 
Title:
Executive Vice President,
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer



30