NYSE: SPHR
Sphere Entertainment Co.CIK 0001795250 · Amusement & Recreation
Item 1. Our Business — Sphere” in this Form 10-K. The venue has a number of revenue streams, including The Sphere Experience (which includes original immersive productions), advertising and marketing partnerships, and concert residencies, corporate and marquee sporting events, each of which the… About this business →
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About Sphere Entertainment Co.
Source: Item 1 (Business) from the 10-K filed August 14, 2024. Description as filed by the company with the SEC.
Item 1. Our Business — Sphere” in this Form 10-K. The venue has a number of revenue streams, including The Sphere Experience (which includes original immersive productions), advertising and marketing partnerships, and concert residencies, corporate and marquee sporting events, each of which the Company expects to become significant over time. As a result, we anticipate that Sphere in Las Vegas will generate substantial revenue and adjusted operating income on an annual basis over time.
In February 2018, we announced the purchase of land in Stratford, London, which we expected would become home to a future Sphere. The Company submitted planning applications to the local planning authority in March 2019. On November 21, 2023, the Company announced it no longer plans to allocate resources towards the development of a Sphere in the United Kingdom. In connection with this decision, we recorded an impairment charge of $116.5 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
We will continue to explore additional domestic and international markets where we believe Sphere venues can be successful. The Company’s intention for any future venues is to utilize several options, such as joint ventures, equity partners, a managed venue model and non-recourse debt financing.
Financing Agreements
See Note 13. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for discussions of the Company’s debt obligations and various financing arrangements.
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MSG Networks Credit Facilities
General. MSGN L.P., MSGN Eden, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the general partner of MSGN L.P., Regional MSGN Holdings LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the limited partner of MSGN L.P. (collectively with MSGN Eden, LLC, the “MSGN Holdings Entities”), and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. have senior secured credit facilities pursuant to a credit agreement (as amended and restated on October 11, 2019, the “MSGN Credit Agreement”) consisting of: (i) an initial $1,100,000 term loan facility (the “MSGN Term Loan Facility”) and (ii) a $250,000 revolving credit facility (the “MSGN Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the MSGN Term Loan Facility, the “MSG Networks Credit Facilities”), each with a term of five years. Up to $35,000 of the MSGN Revolving Credit Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit. As of June 30, 2024, there were no borrowings or letters of credit issued and outstanding under the MSGN Revolving Credit Facility.
Interest Rates. Borrowings under the MSGN Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of MSGN L.P. may be either (i) a base rate plus an additional rate ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% per annum (determined based on a total net leverage ratio), or (ii) adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR plus 0.10%) plus an additional rate ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% per annum (determined based on a total leverage ratio). Upon a payment default in respect of principal, interest or other amounts due and payable under the MSGN Credit Agreement or related loan documents, default interest will accrue on all overdue amounts at an additional rate of 2.00% per annum.
The MSGN Credit Agreement requires that MSGN L.P. pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.225% to 0.30% (determined based on a total net leverage ratio) in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the MSGN Revolving Credit Facility. MSGN L.P. will also be required to pay customary letter of credit fees, as well as fronting fees, to banks that issue letters of credit. The interest rate on the MSGN Term Loan Facility as of June 30, 2024 was 7.44%.
Principal Repayments. Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, MSGN L.P. may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the MSGN Credit Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except for customary breakage costs with respect to Eurodollar loans). The MSGN Term Loan Facility amortizes quarterly in accordance with its terms beginning March 31, 2020 through September 30, 2024 with a final maturity date of October 11, 2024. 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 MSGN 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.
Covenants. The MSGN Credit Agreement generally requires the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to comply with a maximum total leverage ratio of 5.50:1.00, subject, at the option of MSGN L.P. to an upward adjustment to 6.00:1.00 during the continuance of certain events. As of June 30, 2024, the total leverage ratio was 5.10:1.00. In addition, the MSGN Credit Agreement requires a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00:1.00 for the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. As of June 30, 2024, the interest coverage ratio was 2.25:1.00. All borrowings under the MSGN Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of June 30, 2024, the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis were in compliance with the covenants.
In addition to the financial covenants discussed above, the MSGN Credit Agreement and the related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default. The MSGN Credit Agreement contains certain restrictions on the ability of 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 MSGN 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 MSGN Holdings Entities are also subject to customary passive holding company covenants.
Guarantors and Collateral. All obligations under the MSGN Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the MSGN 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 “MSGN Subsidiary Guarantors,” and together with the MSGN Holdings Entities, the “MSGN Guarantors”). All obligations under the MSGN Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain assets of MSGN L.P. and each MSGN Guarantor (collectively, “MSGN Collateral”), including, but not limited to, a pledge of the equity interests in MSGN L.P. held directly by the MSGN Holdings Entities and the equity interests in each MSGN Subsidiary Guarantor held directly or indirectly by MSGN L.P.
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LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
General. On December 22, 2022, MSG LV, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, providing for a five-year, $275,000 senior secured term loan facility (as amended, the “LV Sphere Term Loan Facility”).
Interest Rates. Borrowings under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of MSG LV may be either (i) a base rate plus a margin of 3.375% per annum or (ii) adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR plus 0.10%) plus a margin of 4.375% per annum. The interest rate on the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility as of June 30, 2024 was 9.80%.
Principal Repayments. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility will mature on December 22, 2027. The principal obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility are due at the maturity of the facility, with no amortization payments prior to maturity. Under certain circumstances, MSG LV is required to make mandatory prepayments on the loan, including prepayments in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of casualty insurance and/or condemnation recoveries (subject to certain reinvestment, repair or replacement rights), subject to certain exceptions.
Covenants. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and related guaranty by Sphere Entertainment Group include financial covenants requiring MSG LV to maintain a specified minimum debt service coverage ratio and requiring Sphere Entertainment Group to maintain a specified minimum liquidity level. The debt service coverage ratio covenant began testing in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023 on a historical basis and on a prospective basis. Both the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratios are required to be at least 1.35:1.00. In addition, among other conditions, MSG LV is not permitted to make distributions to Sphere Entertainment Group unless the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratios are at least 1.50:1.00. The minimum liquidity level for Sphere Entertainment Group is set at $50,000, with $25,000 required to be held in cash or cash equivalents, and is tested as of the last day of each fiscal quarter based on Sphere Entertainment Group’s unencumbered liquidity, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and available lines of credit, as of such date.
In addition to the covenants described above, the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and the related guaranty and security and pledge agreements contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility contains certain restrictions on the ability of MSG LV and Sphere Entertainment Group to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and the related guaranty and security and pledge agreements, including the following: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) make investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iii) pay dividends and distributions (which will restrict the ability of MSG LV to make cash distributions to the Company); (iv) change its lines of business; (v) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (vi) amend organizational documents; (vii) merge or consolidate; and (viii) make certain dispositions.
Guarantors and Collateral. All obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Sphere Entertainment Group. All obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by all of the assets of MSG LV and certain assets of Sphere Entertainment Group including, but not limited to, MSG LV’s leasehold interest in the land on which Sphere in Las Vegas is located, and a pledge of all of the equity interests held directly by Sphere Entertainment Group in MSG LV.
3.50% Convertible Senior Notes
On December 8, 2023, the Company completed the Offering of $258,750 in aggregate principal amount of its 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes which amount includes the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes.
The Company used $14,309 of the net proceeds from the Offering to fund the cost of entering into the capped call transactions described below, with the remaining net proceeds from the Offering designated for general corporate purposes, including capital for Sphere-related growth initiatives. The capped call transactions met all of the applicable criteria for equity classification in accordance with ASC Subtopic 815-10-15-74(a), “Derivatives and Hedging—Embedded Derivatives—Certain Contracts Involving an Entity’s Own Equity,” and were recorded as a reduction to Equity on the Company’s consolidated statements of stockholder’s equity and consolidated balance sheets.
On December 8, 2023, the Company entered into an Indenture (the “Indenture”) with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), relating to the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes. The 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes constitute a senior general unsecured obligation of the Company.
The 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2024. The 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes will mature on December 1, 2028, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted.
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Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes may be converted at an initial conversion rate of 28.1591 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $35.51 per share of Class A Common Stock). Upon conversion of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of Class A Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Class A Common Stock, at the Company’s election, in accordance with the Indenture. Holders of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes may convert their 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes at their option at any time on or after September 1, 2028 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Holders of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes will also have the right to convert the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes prior to September 1, 2028, but only upon the occurrence of specified events described in the Indenture. The conversion rate is subject to anti-dilution adjustments if certain events occur.
Prior to December 6, 2026, the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes will not be redeemable. On or after December 6, 2026, the Company may redeem for cash all or part of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes (subject to certain exceptions), at its option, if the last reported sale price of the Class A Common Stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any period of 30 consecutive trading days (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided for the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes.
If certain corporate events occur or the Company delivers a notice of redemption prior to the maturity date of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes, and a holder elects to convert its 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes in connection with such corporate event or notice of redemption, as the case may be, the Company will, under certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes so surrendered for conversion by a number of additional shares of Class A Common Stock in accordance with the Indenture. No adjustment to the conversion rate will be made if the price paid or deemed to be paid per share of Class A Common Stock in such corporate event or redemption, as the case may be, is either less than $28.41 per share or exceeds $280.00 per share.
If a specified “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the Indenture) occurs prior to the maturity date of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes, under certain circumstances each holder may require the Company to repurchase all or part of its 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the repurchase date.
Under the Indenture, the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain events of default. In the case of an event of default with respect to the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes arising from specified events of bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company, 100% of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes will automatically become due and payable. If any other event of default with respect to the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes under the Indenture occurs or is continuing, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes may declare the principal amount of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes to be immediately due and payable.
On December 5, 2023, in connection with the pricing of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes, and on December 6, 2023, in connection with the exercise in full by the initial purchasers of their option to purchase additional 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes, the Company entered into capped call transactions with certain of the initial purchasers of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes or their respective affiliates and other financial institutions, pursuant to capped call confirmations. The capped call transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to the Class A Common Stock upon any conversion of the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap based on a cap price initially equal to approximately $42.62 per share (which represents a premium of approximately 50% over the last reported sale price of the Class A Common Stock of $28.41 per share on the NYSE on December 5, 2023), and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions.
Letters of Credit
The Company uses letters of credit to support its business operations. As of June 30, 2024, there were no borrowings or letters of credit issued and outstanding under the MSGN Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has letters of credit relating to operating leases which are supported by cash and cash equivalents that are classified as restricted.
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Cash Flow Discussion
As of June 30, 2024, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $573,233, as compared to $429,114 as of June 30, 2023 and $760,312 as of June 30, 2022. The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow activities for Fiscal Years 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Years Ended June 30,
20242023
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(19,658)$153,591
Net cash used in investing activities(45,183)(653,923)
Net cash provided by financing activities209,731 85,542
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(771)(2,106)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$144,119 $(416,896)
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $173,249 to $19,658 as compared to Fiscal Year 2023, primarily due to a net loss in the current year period driven by higher direct operating expenses and selling, general, and administrative expenses as compared to net income in the prior year, as well as changes in working capital assets and liabilities, which included fewer collections from customers and related parties, a larger amount of payments to vendors and related parties, and fewer cash collections related to deferred revenue, as compared to the corresponding prior year.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for Fiscal Year 2024 decreased by $608,740 to $45,183 as compared to Fiscal Year 2023 primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures and capitalized interest for Sphere in Las Vegas after the assets were placed in service during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, as well as the proceeds from the sale of MSGE Retained Interest, offset by the absence of proceeds received from sales of investments and dispositions of Tao Group Hospitality, Boston Calling Events, LLC, and the corporate aircraft as compared to the corresponding prior year.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $124,189 to $209,731 as compared to Fiscal Year 2023 primarily due to proceeds of $251,634 from the issuance of 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes, $65,000 from the DDTL Facility, and the decrease in cash transferred in connection with the MSGE Distribution, as compared to proceeds of $302,668 from the term loan issuance in the corresponding prior period.
Contractual Obligations
As of June 30, 2024, the approximate future payments under our contractual obligations are as follows:
Payments Due by Period (c)
TotalYear
1Years
2-3Years
4-5More Than
5 Years
Leases (a)
$206,066 $19,555 $35,304 $32,594 $118,613
Debt repayments (b)
1,383,500 849,750 — 533,750 —
Total future payments under contractual obligations$1,589,566 $869,305 $35,304 $566,344 $118,613
_________________
(a) Includes contractually obligated minimum lease payments for operating leases having an initial noncancellable term in excess of one year for various office space and equipment. These commitments are presented exclusive of the imputed interest used to reflect the payment’s present value. See Note 10. Leases to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
(b) See Note 13. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information surrounding the principal repayments required under the credit agreements.
(c) Pension obligations have been excluded from the table above as the timing of the future cash payments is uncertain. See Note 14. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on the future funding requirements under our pension obligations.
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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2024, the Company has the following off balance sheet arrangements:
Commitments
June 30, 2025June 30, 2026June 30, 2027June 30, 2028June 30, 2029ThereafterTotal
Sphere
Event-related commitments$45,575 $7,043 $5,118 $1,500 $— $— $59,236
Letter of credit892 — — — — — 892
Other2,000 2,000 1,333 — — — 5,333
Total Sphere commitments$48,467 $9,043 $6,451 $1,500 $— $— $65,461
MSG Networks
Broadcast rights$267,186 $274,241 $271,350 $270,897 $255,244 $1,563,979 $2,902,897
Purchase commitments9,452 5,103 2,633 258 — — 17,446
Talent commitments613 613 — — — — 1,226
Total MSG Networks commitments$277,251 $279,957 $273,983 $271,155 $255,244 $1,563,979 $2,921,569
Total Commitments$325,718 $289,000 $280,434 $272,655 $255,244 $1,563,979 $2,987,030
Seasonality of Our Business
Our MSG Networks segment generally earns a higher share of its annual revenues in the second and third quarters of its fiscal year as a result of MSG Networks’ advertising revenue being largely derived from the sale of inventory in its live NBA and NHL professional sports programming.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are those that management believes are the most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Judgments and uncertainties may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.
The preparation of the Company’s 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 amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Management believes its use of estimates in the consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. The significant accounting policies which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
Revenue Recognition - Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations
The Company may enter into arrangements with multiple performance obligations, such as multi-year sponsorship agreements which may derive revenues for the Company as well as MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports within a single arrangement. The Company may also derive revenue from similar types of arrangements which are entered into by MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports. Payment terms for such arrangements can vary by contract, but payments are generally due in installments throughout the contractual term. The performance obligations included in each sponsorship agreement vary and may include advertising and other benefits such as, but not limited to, signage at Sphere, digital advertising, event or property specific advertising, as well as non-advertising benefits such as suite licenses and event tickets. To the extent the Company’s multi-year arrangements provide for performance obligations that are consistent over the multi-year contractual term, such performance obligations generally meet the definition of a series as provided for under the accounting guidance. If performance obligations are concluded to meet the definition of a series, the contractual fees for all years during the contract term are aggregated and the related revenue is recognized proportionately as the underlying performance obligations are satisfied.
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The timing of revenue recognition for each performance obligation is dependent upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the Company’s satisfaction of its respective performance obligation. The Company allocates the transaction price for such arrangements to each performance obligation within the arrangement based on the estimated relative standalone selling price of the performance obligation. The Company’s process for determining its estimated standalone selling prices involves management’s judgment and considers multiple factors including company specific and market specific factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each performance obligation. Key factors considered by the Company in developing an estimated standalone selling price for its performance obligations include, but are not limited to, prices charged for similar performance obligations, the Company’s ongoing pricing strategy and policies, and consideration of pricing of similar performance obligations sold in other arrangements with multiple performance obligations.
The Company may incur costs such as commissions to obtain its multi-year sponsorship agreements. The Company assesses such costs for capitalization on a contract by contract basis. To the extent costs are capitalized, the Company estimates the useful life of the related contract asset which may be the underlying contract term or the estimated customer life depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the contract. The contract asset is amortized over the estimated useful life.
Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets
The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets accounted for approximately 79% of the Company’s consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2024 and consisted of the following:
As of June 30, 2024
Goodwill$470,152
Intangible assets, net31,940
Property and equipment, net3,158,420
Right-of-use lease assets106,468
$3,766,980
In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets when there is an indicator of potential impairment, the Company must make estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized as well as the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve significant uncertainties and judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges related to its long-lived and/or indefinite-lived assets.
Goodwill
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 performs its goodwill impairment test at the reporting unit level. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had two reportable segments and two reporting units, Sphere and MSG Networks, consistent with the way management makes decisions and allocates resources to the business.
The Sphere segment’s goodwill carrying amount increased during Fiscal Year 2024 due to the acquisition of Holoplot. The goodwill balance reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 by reportable segment was as follows:
As of June 30, 2024
Sphere45,644
MSG Networks424,508
$470,152
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 a quantitative impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.
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The estimates of the fair values of the Company’s reporting units are primarily determined using discounted cash flows, comparable market transactions or other acceptable valuation techniques, including the cost approach. These valuations are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rates, cost-based assumptions, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. Significant judgments inherent in a discounted cash flow analysis include the selection of the appropriate discount rate, the estimate of the amount and timing of projected future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows. The amount of an impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The Company elected to perform the qualitative assessment of impairment for all of the Company’s reporting units for the Fiscal Year 2024 annual impairment test. These assessments considered factors such as:
•macroeconomic conditions;
•industry and market considerations;
•cost factors;
•overall financial performance of the reporting unit;
•other relevant company-specific factors such as changes in management, strategy or customers; and
•relevant reporting unit specific events such as changes in the carrying amount of net assets.
During the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, the Company performed its most recent annual impairment test of goodwill for the MSG Networks reporting unit and determined that there were no impairments of goodwill as of the impairment test date. Based on the impairment test, the Company’s MSG Networks reporting unit had a sufficient safety margin, representing the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, derived from the most recent quantitative assessment, less its carrying value (including goodwill allocated to the reporting unit). The Company believes that if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value by greater than 10%, a sufficient safety margin has been realized.
For periods prior to the MSGE Distribution, including at the date of the annual goodwill impairment test, Sphere was included with the MSG Entertainment business in a combined reporting unit for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. No impairment of goodwill was identified for this reporting unit as of the annual impairment test date. In connection with the MSGE Distribution, the goodwill balance associated with this reporting unit was allocated between MSG Entertainment discontinued operations and Sphere based upon a relative fair value approach, resulting in $32,299 of goodwill attributed to Sphere. Goodwill attributed to the MSG Entertainment business is included in the carrying value of MSG Entertainment discontinued operations.
Other Long-Lived Assets
For other long-lived assets, including right-of-use lease assets and intangible assets that are amortized, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. Amortizable intangible assets and other long-lived assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from cash flows from other assets and liabilities. In determining whether an impairment of long-lived assets has occurred, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors. The quantitative analysis involves estimating the undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that asset group and comparing the resulting value against the carrying value of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group is greater than the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the asset group and its estimated fair value.
The Company has recognized intangible assets for affiliate relationships as a result of purchase accounting, and has determined that these intangible assets have finite lives. The Company also recognized intangible assets subject to amortization during Fiscal Year 2024 as a result of the acquisition of Holoplot. Refer to Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for the estimated useful lives of the Company’s major classes of intangible assets subject to amortization as of June 30, 2024.
The useful lives of the Company’s long-lived assets are based on estimates of the period over which the Company expects the assets to be of economic benefit to the Company. In estimating the useful lives, the Company considers factors such as, but not limited to, risk of obsolescence, anticipated use, plans of the Company, and applicable laws. In light of these facts and circumstances, the Company has determined that its estimated useful lives are appropriate.
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