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Risk Overview Q1, 2024
Risk Distribution
38% Finance & Corporate
18% Production
15% Legal & Regulatory
13% Tech & Innovation
10% Ability to Sell
8% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
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Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
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No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q1, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 15 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 15 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
40
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
40
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
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0Risks changed
Since Mar 2024
0Risks added
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Since Mar 2024
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 0
0
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S&P 500 Average: 0
See the risk highlights of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 40
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 15/40 (38%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights6 | 15.0%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
The reduced disclosure requirements applicable to us as an "emerging growth company" may make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Sphere Entertainment owns a significant amount of our total outstanding shares in the form of shares of Class A Common Stock, which may be sold freely into the market. This has caused and could in the future cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.Sphere Entertainment retained 17,021,491 shares of our Class A common stock, representing 37.8% of our Class A common stock and 33.0% of our total outstanding shares, following the MSGE Distribution. Sphere Entertainment is required by applicable tax rules to dispose of all retained shares as soon as practicable consistent with the business purposes for the retention, and expects to dispose of such retained shares within one year of the date of the MSGE Distribution, subject to market conditions. On June 27, 2023, Sphere Entertainment completed a secondary offering of 6,037,500 shares of our Class A common stock and sold 840,053 shares of our Class A common stock to us pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. Between the launch and pricing of that offering by Sphere Entertainment, the price of our Class A common stock declined by 22%, from $39.64 per share to $31.00 per share. As of June 30, 2023, Sphere Entertainment owned approximately 23.0% of our Class A common stock. On August 9, 2023, Sphere Entertainment repaid the DDTL Facility with 1,922,750 shares of our Class A common stock, and as a result Sphere Entertainment owned approximately 19.5% of our Class A common stock as of August 9, 2023. Further sales or other dispositions of our Class A common stock retained by Sphere Entertainment or the perception that these sales or other dispositions might occur, could depress the market price of our Class A common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our Class A common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
We are controlled by the Dolan Family. As a result of their control, the Dolan Family has the ability to prevent or cause a change in control or approve, prevent or influence certain actions by the Company.We have two classes of common stock:
- Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, which is entitled to one vote per share and is entitled collectively to elect 25% of our Board; and - Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, which is entitled to 10 votes per share and is entitled collectively to elect the remaining 75% of our Board.
As of June 30, 2023, the Dolan family, including trusts for the benefit of members of the Dolan family (collectively, the "Dolan Family Group") collectively owns all of our Class B common stock, approximately 4.3% of our outstanding Class A common stock (inclusive of options exercisable and restricted stock units vesting within 60 days of June 30, 2023) and approximately 62.2% of the total voting power of all our outstanding common stock (in each case, inclusive of exercisable options). The members of the Dolan Family Group holding Class B common stock are parties to a Stockholders Agreement, which has the effect of causing the voting power of the holders of our Class B common stock to be cast as a block with respect to all matters to be voted on by holders of our Class B common stock. Under the Stockholders Agreement, the shares of Class B common stock owned by members of the Dolan Family Group (representing all of the outstanding Class B common stock) are to be voted on all matters in accordance with the determination of the Dolan Family Committee (as defined below), except that the decisions of the Dolan Family Committee are non-binding with respect to the Class B common stock owned by certain Dolan family trusts that collectively own approximately 40.5% of the outstanding Class B common stock ("Excluded Trusts"). The "Dolan Family Committee" consists of Charles F. Dolan and his six children, James L. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan, Patrick F. Dolan, Kathleen M. Dolan, Marianne Dolan Weber and Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney. The Dolan Family Committee generally acts by majority vote, except that approval of a going-private transaction must be approved by a two-thirds vote and approval of a change-in-control transaction must be approved by not less than all but one vote. The voting members of the Dolan Family Committee are James L. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan, Kathleen M. Dolan, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney and Marianne Dolan Weber, with each member having one vote other than James L. Dolan, who has two votes. Because James L. Dolan has two votes, he has the ability to block Dolan Family Committee approval of any Company change in control transaction. Shares of Class B common stock owned by Excluded Trusts will on all matters be voted on in accordance with the determination of the Excluded Trusts holding a majority of the Class B common stock held by all Excluded Trusts, except in the case of a vote on a going private transaction or a change in control transaction, in which case a vote of trusts holding two-thirds of the Class B common stock owned by Excluded Trusts is required.
The Dolan Family Group is able to prevent a change in control of our Company and no person interested in acquiring us would be able to do so without obtaining the consent of the Dolan Family Group. The Dolan Family Group, by virtue of its stock ownership, has the power to elect all of our directors subject to election by holders of Class B common stock, and is able collectively to control stockholder decisions on matters on which holders of all classes of our common stock vote together as a single class. These matters could include the amendment of some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and the approval of fundamental corporate transactions.
In addition, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of the Class B common stock, voting separately as a class, is required to approve:
- the authorization or issuance of any additional shares of Class B common stock, and - any amendment, alteration or repeal of any of the provisions of our certificate of incorporation that adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights of the Class B common stock.
As a result, the Dolan Family Group has the power to prevent such issuance or amendment.
The Dolan Family Group also controls Sphere Entertainment, MSG Sports and AMC Networks.
The members of the Dolan Family Group entered into an agreement with the Company in which they agreed that, during the 12-month period beginning on the MSGE Distribution date, the Dolan Family Group would obtain the prior approval of a majority of the Company's Independent Directors prior to acquiring common stock of the Company through a tender offer that results in members of the Dolan Family Group owning more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. For purposes of this agreement, the term "Independent Directors" means the directors of the Company who have been determined by our Board to be independent directors for purposes of NYSE corporate governance standards.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
We have elected to be a "controlled company" for NYSE purposes, which allows us not to comply with certain of the corporate governance rules of the NYSE.The members of the Dolan Family Group have entered into a Stockholders Agreement relating, among other things, to the voting of their shares of our Class B common stock. As a result, we are a "controlled company" under the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. As a controlled company, we have the right to elect not to comply with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE requiring: (i) a majority of independent directors on our Board; (ii) an independent corporate governance and nominating committee; and (iii) an independent compensation committee. Our Board has elected for the Company to be treated as a "controlled company" under NYSE corporate governance rules and not to comply with the NYSE requirement for a majority-independent board of directors and for an independent corporate governance and nominating committee because of our status as a controlled company. Nevertheless, our Board has elected to comply with the NYSE requirement for an independent compensation committee.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Future stock sales, including as a result of the exercise of registration rights by certain of our stockholders, could adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock.All of the shares of our Class A common stock are freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless the shares are owned by our "affiliates" as that term is defined in the rules under the Securities Act. Shares held by "affiliates" may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144.
As described below, certain parties have registration rights covering a portion of our shares of Class A common stock.
We have entered into registration rights agreements with Charles F. Dolan, members of his family, and certain Dolan family interests that provide them with "demand" and "piggyback" registration rights with respect to approximately 8.5 million shares of Class A common stock (inclusive of exercisable options), including shares issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B common stock.
We have also entered into a Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement with Sphere Entertainment, pursuant to which we provided Sphere Entertainment with "demand" and "piggyback" registration rights with respect to the 17,021,491 shares of Class A common stock it owned following the MSGE Distribution, inclusive of the shares sold in the secondary offering by Sphere Entertainment on June 27, 2023 and shares repurchased by the Company through Sphere Entertainment's repayment of the DDTL Facility on August 9, 2023. In addition, Sphere Entertainment has agreed to vote the Class A common stock that it owns in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of the Company's Class A common stock on such matter, to the extent such shares of Class A common stock are entitled to be voted on such matter. The shares of Class A common stock owned by Sphere Entertainment will be present at all stockholder meetings for quorum purposes. Sphere Entertainment has granted the Company an irrevocable proxy to implement these voting agreements. Sphere Entertainment is required by applicable tax rules to dispose of all the retained shares, which represented approximately 19.5% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock as of August 9, 2023, as soon as practicable consistent with the business purposes for the retention, and expects to dispose of such retained shares within one year of the date of the MSGE Distribution, subject to market conditions.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of Class A common stock, including sales pursuant to these registration rights agreements, could adversely affect the market price of the Class A common stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through an offering of our Class A common stock. Such adverse effects could be particularly negative during the period between the completion of the MSGE Distribution and the time when Sphere Entertainment completes its disposition of the retained shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Our overlapping directors and officers with Sphere Entertainment, MSG Sports and/or AMC Networks may result in the diversion of corporate opportunities to Sphere Entertainment, MSG Sports and/or AMC Networks, and other conflicts and provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may provide us no remedy in that circumstance.The Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation acknowledges that directors and officers of the Company may also be serving as directors, officers, employees or agents of an Other Entity, and that the Company may engage in material business transactions with such Other Entities. The Company has renounced its rights to certain business opportunities and the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no Overlap Person will be liable to the Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty that would otherwise occur by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity (other than certain limited types of opportunities set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation) to one or more of the Other Entities instead of the Company, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunities to the Company. These provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also expressly validate certain contracts, agreements, arrangements and transactions (and amendments, modifications or terminations thereof) between the Company and the Other Entities and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, provide that the actions of the Overlap Person in connection therewith are not breaches of fiduciary duties owed to the Company, any of its subsidiaries or their respective stockholders. See the section entitled "Description of Capital Stock - Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts" in the Information Statement.
Accounting & Financial Operations5 | 12.5%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
If we are unable to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, the reliability of our financial statements may be questioned and our stock price may suffer.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Our historical financial results may not be representative of our results as a separate, stand-alone company.Historical financial information we have included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K through April 20, 2023 has been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Sphere Entertainment and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone company during the periods presented. Although Sphere Entertainment did account for the Entertainment business (inclusive of the Sphere business) as a separate business segment, we were not operated as a separate, stand-alone company for the historical periods presented. The historical costs and expenses reflected in our consolidated and combined financial statements include an allocation for certain corporate functions historically provided by Sphere Entertainment, including general corporate expenses and employee benefits and incentives. These allocations were based on what we and Sphere Entertainment considered to be reasonable reflections of the historical utilization levels of these services required in support of our business. The historical information does not necessarily indicate what our results of operations, financial position, cash flows or costs and expenses will be in the future.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We do not have an operating history as a stand-alone public company.Prior to the MSGE Distribution, our operations were a part of Sphere Entertainment, and Sphere Entertainment provided us with various financial, operational and managerial resources for conducting our business. Following the MSGE Distribution, we maintain our own credit and banking relationships and perform certain of our own financial and operational functions. We cannot assure you that we have successfully put in place the financial, operational and managerial resources necessary to operate as a public company or that we will be able to be profitable doing so.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
Sphere Entertainment's management identified a material weakness during Fiscal Year 2022, which has now been remediated. If we identify other material weaknesses or adverse findings in the future, our ability to report our financial condition or results of operations accurately or timely may be adversely affected, which may result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports, significant expenses to remediate any internal control deficiencies, and ultimately have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, our management will be required to report on, and our independent registered public accounting firm will be required to attest to, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Currently, we are an emerging growth company, and are exempt from complying with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404, but we will be subject to the requirements in the future. The rules governing the standards that must be met for management to assess internal control over financial reporting are complex and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, we will not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer misstatements in our financial statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. This could result in significant expenses to remediate any internal control deficiencies and lead to a decline in our stock price.
Once we are subject to these requirements, our management may be unable to conclude in future periods that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective due to the effects of various factors, which may, in part, include unremediated material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation,controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in those reports is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In addition, we may not be able to identify and remediate other control deficiencies, including material weaknesses, in the future.
Subsequent to the filing of the Fiscal Year 2021 Form 10-K, Sphere Entertainment management evaluated an immaterial accounting error related to interest costs that should have been capitalized for the Sphere in Las Vegas in Fiscal Years 2021, 2020 and 2019 and in the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021, as prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification Topic 835-20 - Capitalization of Interest. As a result of the accounting error, Sphere Entertainment re-evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and identified a material weakness as of June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Sphere Entertainment undertook certain remediation efforts by implementing additional controls which were operating effectively as of June 30, 2022, and as a result, Sphere Entertainment's management has concluded that the material weakness has been remediated and its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2022. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In the MSGE Distribution, the internal control structure of Sphere Entertainment was transferred to our company, and we now provide those services under the Transition Services Agreement with Sphere Entertainment.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
We have incurred substantial operating losses, adjusted operating losses and negative cash flow and there is no assurance we will have operating income, positive adjusted operating income or positive cash flow in the future.We incurred operating income (loss) of $105.0 million and $(5.6) million for Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2022, respectively. In addition, we have in prior periods incurred operating losses and negative cash flow and there is no assurance that we will have operating income, adjusted operating income, or positive cash flow in the future. Significant operating losses may limit our ability to raise necessary financing, or to do so on favorable terms, as such losses could be taken into account by potential investors, lenders and the organizations that issue investment ratings on indebtedness. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Factors Affecting Results of Operations."
Debt & Financing2 | 5.0%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which has caused, and may continue to cause, our debt service obligations to increase significantly.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We have substantial indebtedness and are highly leveraged, which could adversely affect our business.The Company is highly leveraged with a significant amount of debt and may continue to incur additional debt in the future. As of June 30, 2023, our total indebtedness was $643 million, $16 million of which matures before the end of fiscal year 2024.
On June 30, 2022, MSG National Properties, LLC ("MSG National Properties") and certain other subsidiaries entered into a five-year $650 million senior secured term loan facility (the "National Properties Term Loan Facility") and a five-year $100 million revolving credit facility (the "National Properties Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the National Properties Term Loan Facility, the "National Properties Facilities"), which are guaranteed by MSG Entertainment Holdings, to fund working capital needs, for general corporate purposes of MSG National Properties and its subsidiaries, and to make distributions to MSG Entertainment Holdings (the "National Properties Credit Agreement"). As of June 30, 2023, outstanding letters of credit were $8.4 million and the remaining balance available under the National Properties Revolving Credit Facility was $74.5 million. The National Properties Facilities will mature on June 30, 2027. The principal obligations under the National Properties Term Loan Facility are to be repaid in quarterly installments beginning with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, in an aggregate amount equal to 2.50% per annum (0.625% per quarter), stepping up to 5.0% per annum (1.25% per quarter) in the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2025, with the balance due at the maturity of the facility. The principal obligations under the National Properties Revolving Credit Facility are due at the maturity of the facility. The National Properties Credit Agreement also includes financial covenants requiring MSG National Properties and its restricted subsidiaries to maintain a specified minimum liquidity level, a specified minimum debt service coverage ratio and specified maximum total leverage ratio.
As a result of this indebtedness, we are required to make interest and principal payments on our borrowings that are significant in relation to our revenues and cash flows. These payments reduce our earnings and cash available for other potential business purposes. Furthermore, our interest expense could increase if interest rates increase (including in connection with rising inflation) because our indebtedness bears interest at floating rates or to the extent we have to refinance existing debt with higher cost debt.
In addition, the ability of MSG National Properties to draw on its revolving credit facility will depend on its ability to meet certain financial covenants and other conditions. This leverage also exposes us to significant risk by limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business (whether through competitive pressure or otherwise), the entertainment and hospitality industries and the economy at large. Although our cash flows could decrease in these scenarios, our required payments in respect of indebtedness would not decrease.
In addition, our ability to make payments on, or repay or refinance, such debt, and to fund our operating and capital expenditures, depends largely upon our future operating performance and our ability to access the credit markets. Our future operating performance, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic conditions, recession, fears of recession, and financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt and meet our other commitments, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt, or raise additional debt or equity capital. We cannot provide assurance that we could do so on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that these actions would be sufficient to meet our capital requirements.
Even if our future operating performance is strong, limitations on our ability to access the capital or credit markets, including as a result of general economic conditions, unfavorable terms or general reductions in liquidity may adversely and materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The failure to satisfy the covenants, including any inability to attain a covenant waiver, and other requirements under the credit agreement could trigger a default thereunder, acceleration of outstanding debt thereunder and a demand for payment under the guarantee provided by MSG Entertainment Holdings, which would negatively impact our liquidity and could have a negative effect on our business.
Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 5.0%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We may pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions and/or investments to complement or expand our business that may not be successful.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our business strategy may, in the future, include the development of new productions, which could require us to make considerable investments for which there can be no guarantee of success.As part of our business strategy, we may, in the future, explore the development of new productions for our existing venues, which may include expansions or enhancements of our existing productions or the creation of entirely new productions. Expansion or enhancement of productions and/or the development of new productions could require significant upfront expense that may never result in a viable show, as well as investment in sets, staging, creative processes, commissioning and/or licensing of intellectual property, casting and advertising, and may lead to dislocation of other alternative sources of entertainment that may have played in our venues absent these productions. To the extent that any efforts at expanding or enhancing productions or creating new productions do not result in a viable show, or to the extent that any such productions do not achieve expected levels of popularity among audiences, we may not recover the substantial expenses we previously incurred for non-capitalized investments. We have in the past written off, and may in the future write off, all or a portion of capitalized investments. In addition, any delay in launching potential productions or enhancements has in the past resulted and could in the future result in the incurrence of operating costs that are not recouped. For example, we wrote off approximately $75.4 million of deferred production costs across Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017 related to the New York Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.
Production
Total Risks: 7/40 (18%)Above Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 5.0%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
We share certain directors and officers with Sphere Entertainment, MSG Sports and/or AMC Networks, which means those officers will not devote their full time and attention to our affairs and the overlap may give rise to conflicts.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Labor matters may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.As a result of labor market disruptions due to lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and otherwise, we have in the past faced difficulty in maintaining staffing at our venues and retaining talent in our corporate departments. As a result, we have had to scale back hours and days of operations in certain markets and venues. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified people or to do so on reasonable terms, our venues could be short staffed or become more expensive to operate and affect our ability to meet our customers' demand, any of which could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our business is dependent upon the efforts of unionized workers. As of June 30, 2023, approximately 5,820 full-time and part-time employees, who represent approximately 70% of the Company's workforce, were subject to CBAs. Approximately 26% of such union employees are subject to CBAs that expired as of June 30, 2023 and approximately 20% are subject to CBAs that will expire by June 30, 2024 if they are not extended prior thereto. Any labor disputes, such as strikes or lockouts, with the unions with which we have CBAs could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations (including our ability to produce or present concerts, programming, theatrical productions, sporting events and other events).
Additionally, NBA and NHL players are covered by CBAs. Both leagues have experienced labor difficulties in the past and may have labor issues in the future, such as player strikes or management lockouts. If any Knicks or Rangers games are cancelled because of any such labor difficulties, the loss of revenue, including from customers who would have attended home games at The Garden would have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
Supply Chain2 | 5.0%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We are materially dependent on affiliated entities' performances under various agreements.Supply Chain - Risk 2
We depend on licenses from third parties for the performance of musical works at our venues, the loss of which or renewal of which on less favorable terms may have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.We are required to obtain public performance licenses from music performing rights organizations, commonly known as "PROs," in connection with the performance of musical works at concerts and certain other live events held at our venues. In exchange for public performance licenses, PROs are paid a per-event royalty, traditionally calculated either as a percentage of ticket revenue or a per-ticket amount. The PRO royalty obligation of any individual event is generally paid by, or charged to, the promoter of the event.
If we are unable to obtain these licenses, or are unable to obtain them on terms consistent with past practice, it may have a negative effect on our business and results of operations. An increase in the royalty rate and/or the revenue base on which the royalty rate is applied could substantially increase the cost of presenting concerts and certain other live events at our venues. If we are no longer able to pass all or a portion of these royalties on to promoters (or other venue licensees), it may have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.
Costs3 | 7.5%
Costs - Risk 1
Our properties are subject to, and benefit from, certain easements, the availability of which may not continue on terms favorable to us or at all.Costs - Risk 2
We do not own all of our venues and our failure to renew our leases on economically attractive terms may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.We lease the Beacon Theatre and Radio City Music Hall under long-term leases that expire in 2036 and 2038, respectively. Under each of these leases, we have an option to renew for an additional ten years by providing notice prior to the expiration. If we are unable to renew our lease agreements on economically attractive terms, our business could be materially negatively affected. MSG Entertainment Holdings, the entity that guarantees the lease for Radio City Music Hall, is required to maintain a certain net worth that, if not maintained, would require the entity to post a letter of credit or provide cash collateral. If MSG Entertainment Holdings were to breach or become unable to satisfy this obligation, we could suffer operational difficulties and/or significant losses.
Costs - Risk 3
We have incurred and may in the future incur additional material costs and expenses as a result of our separation from Sphere Entertainment.We have incurred and may in the future incur additional material costs and expenses greater than those we incurred prior to our separation from Sphere Entertainment. These increased costs and expenses have arisen and may arise from various factors, including financial reporting and costs associated with complying with federal securities laws (including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act). In addition, we expect to either maintain similar, or have increased, corporate and administrative costs and expenses to those we incurred while part of Sphere Entertainment, even though following the MSGE Distribution we are a smaller, stand-alone company. We cannot assure you that these costs will not be material to our business.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 6/40 (15%)Below Sector Average
Regulation1 | 2.5%
Regulation - Risk 1
We are subject to extensive governmental regulation and our failure to comply with these regulations may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 5.0%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We may have a significant indemnity obligation to Sphere Entertainment if the MSGE Distribution is treated as a taxable transaction.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
There is a risk of injuries and accidents in connection with our venues, which could subject us to personal injury or other claims; we are subject to the risk of adverse outcomes or negative publicity in other types of litigation.There are inherent risks associated with producing and hosting events and operating, maintaining, renovating or constructing our venues. As a result, personal injuries, accidents and other incidents have occurred and may occur from time to time, which have in the past and could in the future subject us to claims and liabilities.
These risks may not be covered by insurance or could involve exposures that exceed the limits of any applicable insurance policy. Incidents in connection with events at any of our venues could also reduce attendance at our events and may have a negative impact on our revenue and results of operations. We seek to obtain contractual indemnities for events at our venues that we do not promote, and under the Arena License Agreements, MSG Sports and the Company have reciprocal indemnity obligations to each other in connection with the home games of the Knicks and Rangers held at The Garden. While we also maintain insurance policies that provide coverage for incidents in the ordinary course of business, there can be no assurance that such indemnities or insurance will be adequate at all times and in all circumstances.
From time to time, the Company, its subsidiaries and/or our affiliates are involved in various legal proceedings, including proceedings or lawsuits brought by governmental agencies, stockholders, customers, employees, private parties and other stakeholders. The outcome of litigation is inherently unpredictable and, regardless of the merits of the claims, litigation may be expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to our operations and distracting to management. In addition, publicity from these matters could negatively impact our business or reputation, regardless of the accuracy of such publicity. As a result, we may incur liability from litigation (including in connection with settling such litigation) which could be material and for which we may not have available or adequate insurance coverage, or be subject to other forms of non-monetary relief which may adversely affect the Company. By its nature, the outcome of litigation is difficult to assess and quantify, and its continuing defense is costly. The liabilities and any defense costs we incur in connection with any such litigation could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Taxation & Government Incentives3 | 7.5%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply to non-U.S. holders that hold our Class A common stock if we are treated as a USRPHC.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
The tax rules applicable to the MSGE Distribution may restrict us from engaging in certain corporate transactions or from raising equity capital beyond certain thresholds for a period of time after the MSGE Distribution.To preserve the tax-free treatment of the MSGE Distribution to Sphere Entertainment and its stockholders, under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Sphere Entertainment, for the two-year period following the MSGE Distribution, we are subject to restrictions with respect to:
- entering into any transaction pursuant to which 50% or more of our shares or assets would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, unless certain tests are met;- issuing equity securities, if any such issuances would, together with certain other transactions, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the voting power or value of our capital stock;- certain repurchases of our shares of Class A common stock;- ceasing to actively conduct our business;- amendments to our organizational documents (i) affecting the relative voting rights of our stock or (ii) converting one class of our stock to another;- liquidating or partially liquidating; and - taking any other action that prevents the MSGE Distribution and certain related transactions from being tax-free.
These restrictions may limit our ability during such period to pursue strategic transactions of a certain magnitude that involve the issuance or acquisition of our stock or engage in new businesses or other transactions that might increase the value of our business. These restrictions may also limit our ability to raise significant amounts of cash through the issuance of stock, especially if our stock price were to suffer substantial declines, or through the sale of certain of our assets.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
A change to or withdrawal of a New York City real estate tax exemption for the Madison Square Garden Complex may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.Many arenas, ballparks and stadiums nationally and in New York City have received significant public support, such as tax exempt financing, other tax benefits, direct subsidies and other contributions, including for public infrastructure critical to the facilities such as parking lots and transit improvements. Our Madison Square Garden Complex benefits from a more limited real estate tax exemption pursuant to an agreement with the City of New York, subject to certain conditions, and legislation enacted by the State of New York in 1982. For Fiscal Year 2023, the tax exemption was $42.4 million. From time to time, there have been calls to repeal or amend the tax exemption. For example, in January 2023, a number of elected representatives from New York issued a public letter and, in July 2023, the New York City Independent Budget Office issued a report, in each case noting the tax exemption status should be reexamined. Any repeal of the tax exemption status would require action by the New York State legislature.
We are party to Arena License Agreements with subsidiaries of MSG Sports that require two of MSG Sports' professional sports teams - the Knicks and Rangers - to play all of their home games at The Garden. Under the Arena License Agreements, which each have a term of 35 years running through 2055 (unless extended), the Knicks and the Rangers pay an annual license fee in connection with their respective use of The Garden. In addition, the Arena License Agreements provide us with additional revenue opportunities. Under the Arena License Agreements, the teams are responsible for 100% of any real property or similar taxes applicable to The Garden.
If the tax exemption is repealed or the teams are otherwise subject to the property tax due to no fault of the teams, the revenue that we generate from team events will be reduced on a percentage basis as set forth in the Arena License Agreements. The value of any such revenue reduction could be significant but is expected to be substantially less than the property tax paid by the teams. There can be no assurance that the tax exemption will not be amended in a manner that imposes property tax or repealed in its entirety, either of which could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 5/40 (13%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets2 | 5.0%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Theft of our intellectual property may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.Trade Secrets - Risk 2
We may become subject to infringement or other claims relating to our content or technology.From time to time, third parties assert against us alleged intellectual property infringement claims (e.g., copyright, trademark and patent) or other claims relating to our productions, venues and brands, technologies, digital content or other content or material, some of which may be important to our business. In addition, our productions could potentially subject us to claims of defamation, violation of rights of privacy or publicity or similar types of allegations. Any such claims, regardless of their merit or outcome, could cause us to incur significant costs that could harm our results of operations. We may not be indemnified against, or have insurance coverage for, claims or costs of these types. In addition, if we are unable to continue the use of certain intellectual property rights, our business and results of operations could be materially negatively impacted.
Cyber Security1 | 2.5%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
We face continually evolving cybersecurity and similar risks, which could result in loss, disclosure, theft, destruction or misappropriation of, or access to, our confidential information and cause disruption of our business, damage to our brands and reputation, legal exposure and financial losses.Technology2 | 5.0%
Technology - Risk 1
The success of our business and other operations depends, in part, on the integrity of our systems and infrastructure, as well as affiliate and third-party computer systems, computer networks and other communication systems. System interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in these systems and infrastructure may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Technology - Risk 2
The unavailability of systems upon which we rely may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.We rely upon various internal and third-party software or systems in the operation of our business, including, with respect to ticket sales, credit card processing, email marketing, point of sale transactions, database, inventory, human resource management and financial systems. From time to time, certain of these arrangements may not be covered by long-term agreements. The failure or unavailability of these internal or third-party services or systems, depending upon its severity and duration, could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 4/40 (10%)Below Sector Average
Competition2 | 5.0%
Competition - Risk 1
The geographic concentration of our business could subject us to greater risk than our competitors and have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.Competition - Risk 2
Our business faces intense and wide-ranging competition that may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.Our business competes, in certain respects and to varying degrees, with other leisure-time activities such as television, radio, motion pictures, sporting events and other live performances, the Internet, social media and social networking platforms, and online and mobile services, including sites for online content distribution, video on demand and other alternative sources of entertainment and information, in addition to competing for concerts with other event venues, for total entertainment dollars in our marketplace.
The success of our business is largely dependent on the continued success of the Christmas Spectacular, and the availability of, and our venues' ability to attract, concerts, family shows, sporting events and other events, competition for which is intense, and the ability of performers to attract strong attendance at our venues. For example, The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre all compete with other entertainment options in the New York City metropolitan area and elsewhere. The Chicago Theatre faces similar competition from other entertainment options in its market and elsewhere.
In addition, our business is highly sensitive to customer tastes and depends on our ability to attract artists and events. The success of our business depends in part upon our ability to offer live entertainment that is popular with customers. We contract with promoters and others to provide performers and events at our venues. There may be a limited number of popular artists, groups or events that can attract audiences to our venues, and our business would suffer to the extent that we are unable to continue to attract such artists, groups and events to perform at our venues.
In order to maintain the competitive positions of The Garden and our other venues, we must invest on a continuous basis in state-of-the-art technology. In addition, we must maintain a competitive pricing structure for events that may be held in our venues, many of which have alternative venue options available to them in New York and other cities. We invest in our Christmas Spectacular production to continue to attract audiences. We cannot be assured that such investments will generate revenues that are sufficient to justify our investment or even that exceed our expenses.
Demand2 | 5.0%
Demand - Risk 1
The success of our business depends on the continued popularity of the Christmas Spectacular production, and the entertainment and sporting events we host at our venues, the decline of which could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.Demand - Risk 2
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, and our operating results and cash flow have in the past varied, and could in the future, vary substantially from period to period.Our revenues and expenses have been seasonal and we expect they will continue to be seasonal. For example, 15% of our revenues in Fiscal Year 2023 were derived from the Christmas Spectacular. Our revenues are highest in the second quarter of our fiscal year when these performances primarily occur. As a result, our business earns a disproportionate amount of its revenue and operating income in the second quarter of each fiscal year. Therefore, our operating results and cash flow reflect significant variation from period to period and will continue to do so in the future. Consequently, period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not necessarily be meaningful and the operating results of one period are not indicative of our financial performance during a full fiscal year. This variability may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 3/40 (8%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment1 | 2.5%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Our business has been adversely impacted and may, in the future, be materially adversely impacted by an economic downturn, recession, financial instability, inflation or changes in consumer tastes and preferences.Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 5.0%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Our operations and operating results were materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken in response by governmental authorities and certain professional sports leagues, and a resurgence of the pandemic or another pandemic or other public health emergency could adversely affect our business and results of operations.Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
Our business could be adversely affected by terrorist activity or the threat of terrorist activity, weather and other conditions that discourage congregation at prominent places of public assembly.The success of our business is dependent upon the willingness and ability of patrons to attend events at our venues. The venues we operate, like all prominent places of public assembly, could be the target of terrorist activities, including acts of domestic terrorism, or other actions that discourage attendance. Any such activity or threatened activity at or near one of our venues or other similar venues, including those located elsewhere, could result in reduced attendance at our venues and a material negative effect on our business and results of operations. If one or more of our venues were unable to operate for an extended period of time, our business and operations may be materially adversely affected. Similarly, a major epidemic or pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or the threat or perceived threat of such an event, has in the past adversely affected and could in the future adversely affect attendance at our events and venues by discouraging public assembly at our events and venues. Moreover, the costs of protecting against such incidents, including the costs of implementing additional protective measures for the health and safety of our guests, could reduce the profitability of our operations. See "- Risks Related to Our Business - Our operations and operating results were materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken in response by governmental authorities and certain professional sports leagues, and a resurgence of the pandemic or another pandemic or other public health emergency could adversely affect our business and results of operations."
Weather or other conditions, including natural disasters, in locations where we own or operate venues may affect patron attendance as well as sales of food and beverages and merchandise, among other things. Weather conditions may also require us to cancel or postpone events. Any of these events may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations, and any such events may harm our ability to obtain or renew insurance coverage on favorable terms or at all.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.