MSG.9.30.2012-10Q
Table of Contents



UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________
(Mark One)
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from             to
Commission File Number: 1-34434
________________________ 
The Madison Square Garden Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
27-0624498
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
_______________________ 
Two Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10121
(212) 465-6000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
_______________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 31, 2012:  
Class A Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
 —
62,055,493
Class B Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
 —
13,588,555


Table of Contents





THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
September 30,
2012
 
June 30,
2012
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
205,278

 
$
206,500

Restricted cash
 
5,790

 
5,789

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,690 and $2,434
 
132,245

 
126,565

Net related party receivables
 
27,170

 
27,277

Prepaid expenses
 
55,698

 
29,700

Other current assets
 
23,838

 
19,980

Total current assets
 
450,019

 
415,811

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $418,425 and $435,696
 
1,033,813

 
969,528

Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $79,155 and $122,210
 
98,505

 
101,814

Indefinite-lived intangible assets
 
158,636

 
158,636

Goodwill
 
742,492

 
742,492

Other assets
 
143,790

 
136,403

 
 
$
2,627,255

 
$
2,524,684

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
25,345

 
$
33,048

Net related party payables
 
1,650

 
362

Accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Employee related costs
 
54,436

 
82,886

Other accrued liabilities
 
176,485

 
188,410

Deferred revenue
 
324,255

 
211,639

Total current liabilities
 
582,171

 
516,345

Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations
 
61,250

 
58,817

Other employee related costs
 
37,570

 
36,689

Other liabilities
 
62,943

 
60,438

Deferred tax liability
 
540,642

 
532,382

Total liabilities
 
1,284,576

 
1,204,671

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity:
 
 
 
 
Class A Common stock, par value $0.01, 360,000 shares authorized; 62,050 and 62,016 shares
     outstanding as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012, respectively
 
628

 
628

Class B Common stock, par value $0.01, 90,000 shares authorized; 13,589 shares outstanding as of
     September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012
 
136

 
136

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

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,073,095

 
1,070,046

Treasury stock, at cost, 927 shares as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012
 
(22,047
)
 
(22,047
)
Retained earnings
 
316,017

 
295,412

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(25,150
)
 
(24,162
)
Total stockholders' equity
 
1,342,679

 
1,320,013

 
 
$
2,627,255

 
$
2,524,684

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

1

Table of Contents



THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Revenues (including related party revenues of $42,664 and $39,958, respectively)
 
$
204,166

 
$
177,639

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Direct operating (including related party expenses of $2,979 and $2,933, respectively)
 
72,741

 
71,484

Selling, general and administrative (including related party expenses of $2,849 and $1,983, respectively)
 
71,535

 
63,428

Depreciation and amortization
 
19,700

 
16,364


 
163,976

 
151,276

Operating income
 
40,190

 
26,363

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
581

 
547

Interest expense
 
(1,711
)
 
(1,749
)
Miscellaneous
 
36

 

 
 
(1,094
)
 
(1,202
)
Income from operations before income taxes
 
39,096

 
25,161

Income tax expense
 
(18,491
)
 
(3,873
)
Net income
 
$
20,605

 
$
21,288

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.27

 
$
0.29

Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.26

 
$
0.28

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
75,627

 
74,514

Diluted
 
77,767

 
77,185

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



2

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THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Net income
 
 
 
$
20,605

 
 
 
$
21,288

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension plans and postretirement plan:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost
 
$
314

 
 
 
$
295

 
 
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost
 
(20
)
 
294

 
(16
)
 
279

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities
 
 
 
(1,282
)
 
 
 
(7,786
)
Other comprehensive loss
 

 
(988
)
 
 
 
(7,507
)
Comprehensive income
 

 
$
19,617

 
 
 
$
13,781

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


3

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THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
20,605

 
$
21,288

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
19,700

 
16,364

Amortization of deferred financing costs
 
545

 
545

Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards
 
3,387

 
3,506

Excess tax benefit on share-based awards
 
(38
)
 
(7
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
 
107

 
120

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
(5,787
)
 
1,292

Net related party receivables
 
107

 
(1,813
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
(40,019
)
 
(42,243
)
Accounts payable
 
(17,907
)
 
1,913

Net related party payables
 
1,288

 
646

Accrued and other liabilities
 
(34,616
)
 
(32,908
)
Deferred revenue
 
112,616

 
92,927

Deferred income taxes
 
8,990

 
9,074

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
68,978

 
70,704

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(70,348
)
 
(145,423
)
Payments for acquisition of assets
 

 
(1,268
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(70,348
)
 
(146,691
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
 
(72
)
 
(358
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
 
270

 
66

Tax withholding associated with vested Restricted Stock Units
 
(88
)
 

Excess tax benefit on share-based awards
 
38

 
7

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
148

 
(285
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(1,222
)
 
(76,272
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
206,500

 
304,876

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
205,278

 
$
228,604

 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
 
$
47,740

 
$
89,375

Leasehold improvements paid by landlord
 

 
1,251


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents



THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Common
Stock
Issued
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2012
 
$
764

 
$
1,070,046

 
$
(22,047
)
 
$
295,412

 
$
(24,162
)
 
$
1,320,013

Net income
 

 

 

 
20,605

 

 
20,605

Other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 

 
(988
)
 
(988
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,617

Exercise of options
 

 
270

 

 

 

 
270

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
3,387

 

 

 

 
3,387

Tax withholding associated with vested
     Restricted Stock Units
 

 
(88
)
 

 

 

 
(88
)
Excess tax benefit on share-based
     awards, net
 

 
(520
)
 

 

 

 
(520
)
Balance as of September 30, 2012
 
$
764

 
$
1,073,095

 
$
(22,047
)
 
$
316,017

 
$
(25,150
)
 
$
1,342,679

 
 
 
Common
Stock
Issued
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2011
 
$
761

 
$
1,041,769

 
$
(10,279
)
 
$
188,867

 
$
(15,233
)
 
$
1,205,885

Net income
 

 

 

 
21,288

 

 
21,288

Other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 

 
(7,507
)
 
(7,507
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,781

Exercise of options
 

 
66

 

 

 

 
66

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
3,506

 

 

 

 
3,506

Excess tax benefit on share-based
     awards
 

 
7

 

 

 

 
7

Balance as of September 30, 2011
 
$
761

 
$
1,045,348

 
$
(10,279
)
 
$
210,155

 
$
(22,740
)
 
$
1,223,245

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



5

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THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
All amounts included in the following Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in thousands, except per share data or as otherwise noted.
Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
The Madison Square Garden Company (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company" or "Madison Square Garden") was incorporated on July 29, 2009 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision"). On January 12, 2010, Cablevision's board of directors approved the distribution of all the outstanding common stock of The Madison Square Garden Company to Cablevision shareholders (the "Distribution") and the Company thereafter acquired the subsidiaries of Cablevision that owned, directly and indirectly, all of the partnership interests in MSG Holdings, L.P. ("MSG L.P."). MSG L.P. was the indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision through which Cablevision held the Company's businesses until the Distribution occurred on February 9, 2010. Each holder of record of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock as of close of business on January 25, 2010 (the "Record Date") received one share of the Company's Class A Common Stock for every four shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held. Each holder of record of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock as of the Record Date received one share of the Company's Class B Common Stock for every four shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held. MSG L.P. is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Madison Square Garden Company through which the Company conducts substantially all of its business activities.
The Company is a fully integrated sports, entertainment and media business. The Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments: MSG Media, MSG Entertainment, and MSG Sports. MSG Media produces, develops and acquires content for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company's venues. MSG Media includes the Company's regional sports networks, MSG Network and MSG+, collectively the "MSG Networks," and "Fuse", a national television network dedicated to music. MSG Networks also include high-definition channels, MSG HD and MSG+ HD, and Fuse includes its high-definition channel, Fuse HD. MSG Entertainment presents or hosts live entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, performing arts and special events, in the Company's diverse collection of venues. MSG Entertainment also creates, produces and/or presents live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes (the "Rockettes"), that are performed in the Company's and other venues. MSG Sports owns and operates the following sports franchises: the New York Knicks (the "Knicks") of the National Basketball Association (the "NBA"), the New York Rangers (the "Rangers") of the National Hockey League (the "NHL"), the New York Liberty (the "Liberty") of the Women's National Basketball Association (the "WNBA"), and the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League (the "AHL"), which is the primary player development team for the Rangers. MSG Sports also promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of other live sporting events outside of Knicks, Rangers and Liberty games.
The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases. The Company owns the Madison Square Garden Arena ("The Garden") and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, California, as well as The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012. The financial statements as of September 30, 2012 and for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year. The dependence of the MSG Sports segment on revenues from its NBA and NHL sports teams generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. The dependence of the MSG Entertainment segment on revenues from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues and operating income in the second quarter of our fiscal year.
In addition, the Company closed The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden for the off-season following the Knicks' and Rangers' playoffs in calendar years 2011 and 2012 and the Company plans to close these venues after the conclusion of the Knicks' and Rangers' seasons, including the playoffs, in calendar 2013 due to the comprehensive

6

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THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

transformation of The Garden into a state-of-the-art arena (the "Transformation"). See Note 18 for a discussion of the expiration of the NHL collective bargaining agreement ("CBA").
Note 2. Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of The Madison Square Garden Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets, tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, revenue sharing expense (net of escrow), luxury tax expense, income tax expense, performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters, the allowance for losses, and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.
Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management's best judgment at a point in time and as such these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company's control could be material and would be reflected in the Company's financial statements in future periods.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which is intended to improve the overall quality of financial reporting by increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income, and to additionally align the presentation of other comprehensive income in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP with those prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. An entity now has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, in December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05, to indefinitely defer the effective date of the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. During the deferral period, the existing requirements in GAAP for the presentation of reclassification adjustments are required to continue to be followed. These standards were retrospectively adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and the Company elected to present two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of these standards resulted only in changes in the presentation of its financial statements and did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. This new guidance permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying a two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity 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, it would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. If an entity does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, to establish an optional two-step analysis for impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles other than

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THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

goodwill. In particular, the two-step analysis establishes an optional qualitative assessment to precede the quantitative assessment, if necessary. In the qualitative assessment, the entity must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill has a carrying amount that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. The entity must proceed to conducting a quantitative analysis, according to which the entity would record an impairment charge for the amount of the asset's carrying amount exceeding the fair value, if (1) the entity determines that such an impairment is more likely than not to exist, or (2) the entity forgoes the qualitative assessment entirely. The standard's update brings the accounting treatment for determining impairment charges on other intangible assets in conformity with the treatment of goodwill, as established by ASU No. 2011-08. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which creates new disclosure requirements regarding the nature of an entity's rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2014 with retrospective application required. The Company believes that the adoption of this standard may impact the Company's disclosures only and will not have any impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Note 3. Computation of Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is based upon net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares and restricted stock units ("RSUs") only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive. The calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2011 also reflects the effect of assumed vesting of shares restricted on the same basis as underlying Cablevision restricted shares.
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS. 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS
 
75,627

 
74,514

Dilutive effect of shares issuable under share-based compensation plans and shares restricted on the same basis as underlying Cablevision restricted shares
 
2,140

 
2,671

Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS
 
77,767

 
77,185

  Anti-dilutive shares
 
70

 

Note 4. Team Personnel Transactions
In instances where a player sustains what is deemed to be a season-ending or career-ending injury, a provision is recorded,
when that determination can be reasonably made, for the remainder of the player's seasonal or contractual salary and related
costs, together with any associated NBA luxury tax, net of any anticipated insurance recoveries. When players are traded,
waived or contracts are terminated, any remaining unamortized signing bonuses are expensed to current operations. Amounts due to such players are generally paid over their remaining contract terms. Direct operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 include net provisions of $595 for transactions relating to player trades.
Note 5. Investments
On February 4, 2011, the Company exchanged its interest in Front Line Management Group, Inc. for approximately 3,913 shares of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. ("Live Nation") common stock, with a fair value of approximately $41,000 as of that date. This investment is reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012 in other assets, and is classified as available-for-sale. Investments in available-for-sale securities are carried at fair market value with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported in stockholders' equity. The fair value of the investment in Live Nation common stock was $33,689 and $35,919 as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012, respectively.


8

Table of Contents

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012 is as follows: 
MSG Media
$
465,326

MSG Entertainment
58,979

MSG Sports
218,187

 
$
742,492

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill, and there was no impairment of goodwill identified for any of its reportable segments.
The Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012 are as follows: 
Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)
$
96,215

Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)
62,421

 
$
158,636

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company performed its annual impairment test of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, and there were no impairments identified.
The Company's intangible assets subject to amortization as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012 are as follows: 
September 30, 2012
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Affiliate relationships
 
$
83,044

 
$
(25,945
)
 
$
57,099

Season ticket holder relationships
 
75,005

 
(41,338
)
 
33,667

Suite holder relationships
 
15,394

 
(10,492
)
 
4,902

Other intangibles
 
4,217

 
(1,380
)
 
2,837

 
 
$
177,660

 
$
(79,155
)
 
$
98,505

 
June 30, 2012
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships  (a)
 
$
106,677

 
$
(48,357
)
 
$
58,320

Season ticket holder relationships
 
75,005

 
(39,994
)
 
35,011

Suite holder relationships
 
15,394

 
(10,142
)
 
5,252

Broadcast rights
 
15,209

 
(14,992
)
 
217

Other intangibles (a)
 
11,739

 
(8,725
)
 
3,014

 
 
$
224,024

 
$
(122,210
)
 
$
101,814

(a) 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2012 certain intangible assets became fully amortized.

9

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THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

The estimated useful lives of the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization as of September 30, 2012 are as follows:
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Affiliate relationships
24 years
Season ticket holder relationships
10 to 15 years
Suite holder relationships
11 years
Other intangibles
15 years
Amortization expense was $3,309 and $4,305 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Note 7. Property and Equipment
As of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012, property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consisted of the following assets: 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
June 30,
2012
Land
 
$
92,828

 
$
92,828

Buildings
 
571,050

 
604,504

Equipment
 
290,634

 
287,841

Aircraft
 
42,961

 
42,961

Furniture and fixtures
 
25,819

 
25,592

Leasehold improvements
 
151,076

 
148,572

Construction in progress (a)
 
277,870

 
202,926

 
 
1,452,238

 
1,405,224

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(418,425
)
 
(435,696
)
 
 
$
1,033,813

 
$
969,528

______________________
(a) 
Construction in progress primarily relates to the Transformation.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the asset's estimated useful life. Depreciation is being accelerated for The Garden assets that are being removed as a result of the Transformation. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) amounted to $16,391 and $12,059 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2012 the Company removed from its property and equipment accounts fully depreciated assets of The Garden.
The Company has recorded asset retirement obligations related to the Transformation and the Forum. The asset retirement obligations have been recorded in accordance with ASC 410, which requires companies to recognize an obligation along with an offsetting increase to the carrying value of the related property and equipment when an obligation or commitment exists to perform remediation efforts and its fair value is reasonably estimable. These obligations were necessitated by the Transformation and the acquisition and planned renovation of the Forum. The following is a summary of the change in the carrying amount of the asset retirement obligations during the three months ended September 30, 2012:
Balance as of June 30, 2012
$
12,218

Accretion expense
4

Payments
(1,736
)
Balance as of September 30, 2012
$
10,486

As of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012, $10,281 and $10,377, respectively, of the total asset retirement obligations were recorded in other accrued liabilities, with the remaining balances recorded in other liabilities, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


10

Table of Contents

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

Note 8. Debt
Total debt of the Company consists of the following: 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
June 30,
2012
Revolving Credit Facility
 
$

 
$

Related party capital lease obligations (a) 
 
3,289

 
3,361

Total
 
$
3,289

 
$
3,361

__________________
(a) 
Classified in other accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
On January 28, 2010, MSG L.P. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders (the "Credit Agreement"), providing for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $375,000 with a term of five years (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. The Revolving Credit Facility requires MSG L.P. to comply with the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum total secured leverage ratio of 3.50:1.00 and (ii) a maximum total leverage ratio of 6.00:1.00. In addition, there is a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.50:1.00 for the Company. As of September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available for working capital and capital expenditures, including, but not limited to, the Transformation, and for general corporate purposes. All borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including covenant compliance, absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of September 30, 2012, there was $7,094 in letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2012 was $367,906.
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As more fully described in Notes 11 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012, the Company's commitments primarily consist of the MSG Media segment's obligations related to professional team rights, acquired under license agreements, to telecast certain live sporting events, the MSG Sports segment's obligations under employment agreements that the Company has with its professional sports teams' personnel, long-term noncancelable operating lease agreements primarily for entertainment venues and office and storage space, and minimum purchase requirements. These arrangements result from the Company's normal course of business and represent obligations that may be payable over several years.
Legal Matters
In March 2012, the Company was named as a defendant in two purported class action antitrust lawsuits brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the NHL and certain NHL member clubs, regional sports networks and cable and satellite distributors. The complaints, which are substantially identical, primarily assert that certain of the NHL's current rules and agreements entered into by defendants, which are alleged by the plaintiffs to provide certain territorial and other exclusivities with respect to the television and online distribution of live hockey games, violate Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The complaints seek injunctive relief against the defendants' continued violation of the antitrust laws, treble damages, attorneys' fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. On July 27, 2012, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaints (which have been consolidated for procedural purposes). The Company intends to vigorously defend the claims against the Company. Management does not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
In addition to the matter discussed above, the Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.


11

Table of Contents

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

Note 10. Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
 
Level I — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III — Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: 
 
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
 
$
93,147

 
$

 
$

 
$
93,147

Time deposits
 
105,742

 

 

 
105,742

Available-for-sale securities (in other assets)
 
33,689

 

 

 
33,689

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
232,578

 
$

 
$

 
$
232,578

June 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
 
$
79,994

 
$

 
$

 
$
79,994

Time deposits
 
120,629

 

 

 
120,629

Available-for-sale securities (in other assets)
 
35,919

 

 

 
35,919

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
236,542

 
$

 
$

 
$
236,542

Money market accounts and time deposits
Money market accounts and time deposits are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The carrying amount of the Company's money market accounts and time deposits approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.
Available-for-sale securities (in other assets)
The available-for-sale securities category includes available-for-sale marketable equity securities, whose fair value is determined using quoted market prices. Such items are classified in Level 1 (See Note 5). 


12

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Note 11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table details the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
Pension Plans  and
Postretirement
Plan
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Securities
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance as of June 30, 2012
 
$
(21,216
)
 
$
(2,946
)
 
$
(24,162
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
512

 
(2,230
)
 
(1,718
)
Tax benefit (expense)
 
(218
)
 
948

 
730

Balance as of September 30, 2012
 
$
(20,922
)
 
$
(4,228
)
 
$
(25,150
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of June 30, 2011
 
$
(17,441
)
 
$
2,208

 
$
(15,233
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
485

 
(13,539
)
 
(13,054
)
Tax benefit (expense)
 
(206
)
 
5,753

 
5,547

Balance as of September 30, 2011
 
$
(17,162
)
 
$
(5,578
)
 
$
(22,740
)
Note 12. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified cash balance retirement plan covering its non-union employees (the "Cash Balance Pension Plan") and an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified excess cash balance plan covering certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan (collectively, the "Cash Balance Plans"). In addition, the Company sponsors two non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its union employees ("Union Plans"). Benefits payable to retirees under the Union Plans are based upon years of service and, for one plan, participants' compensation.
Additionally, the Company sponsors an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain employees who participated in an underlying qualified plan that was previously merged into the Cash Balance Pension Plan (the "Excess Plan"). As of December 31, 2007, the Excess Plan's benefits were frozen and the ability of participants to earn benefits for future services under this plan was eliminated.
The Cash Balance Plans, Union Plans, and Excess Plan are collectively referred to as the "Pension Plans."
The Company also sponsors a contributory welfare plan which provides certain postretirement healthcare benefits to certain eligible employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 and their dependents, as well as certain union employees ("Postretirement Plan").
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company's Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows: 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Postretirement Plan
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost
 
$
1,681

 
$
1,639

 
$
60

 
$
62

Interest cost
 
1,722

 
1,724

 
84

 
104

Expected return on plan assets
 
(937
)
 
(651
)
 

 

Recognized actuarial loss
 
541

 
512

 
6

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
 
6

 
6

 
(41
)
 
(33
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
3,013

 
$
3,230

 
$
109

 
$
133

In addition, the Company sponsors qualified and non-qualified savings plans (the “Savings Plans”) in which employees of the Company participate. Expenses related to the Savings Plans included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were $888 and $782 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


13

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Note 13. Share-based Compensation
See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012 for more information regarding The Madison Square Garden Company 2010 Employee Stock Plan (the "Employee Stock Plan") and The Madison Square Garden Company 2010 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as well as the treatment after the Distribution of share-based payment awards initially granted under Cablevision equity award programs.
Share-based compensation expense, recognized as selling, general and administrative expense, was $3,419 and $3,349 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
In September 2012, the Company granted 425 RSUs to its employees under the Employee Stock Plan with a grant date fair value of $41.88 per share. All RSUs are subject to three-year cliff vesting, and 120 RSUs are also subject to certain performance conditions. RSUs that were awarded by the Company to its employees will settle in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock (either from treasury or with newly issued shares), or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash.
Note 14. Related Party Transactions
Members of the Dolan family group, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including trusts for the benefit of the Dolan family group, collectively beneficially own all of the Company's outstanding Class B Common Stock and own approximately 1.7% of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock. Such shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively, represent approximately 69% of the aggregate voting power of the Company's outstanding common stock. Members of the Dolan family are also the controlling stockholders of both Cablevision and AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks").
The Company has entered into various agreements with Cablevision in connection with, and subsequent to, the Distribution. These agreements include arrangements with respect to a number of ongoing commercial relationships including affiliation agreements for carriage of MSG Networks and Fuse. As a result of the distribution by Cablevision of all the outstanding common stock of AMC Networks to Cablevision shareholders (the "AMC Networks Distribution"), certain of those arrangements between Cablevision and the Company, as well as arrangements entered into subsequent to the AMC Networks Distribution are with AMC Networks.
Revenues from related parties primarily consist of revenues recognized from the distribution of programming services to subsidiaries of Cablevision. In addition, Cablevision pays the Company for advertising in connection with signage at events, sponsorships and media advertisements. Revenues from related parties amounted to $42,664 and $39,958 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
AMC Networks provide certain origination, master control and post production services to the Company. Amounts charged to the Company by AMC Networks for origination, master control and post production services amounted to $2,344 and $2,447 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
The Company incurs advertising expenses charged by its related parties, primarily Cablevision. Amounts charged to the Company by its related parties for advertising expenses amounted to $1,957 and $755 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Amounts charged to the Company by its related parties for corporate general and administrative expenses, primarily pursuant to transition/administrative services agreements with Cablevision, amounted to $595 and $761 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
In addition, the Company and its related parties enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Amounts charged to the Company for other transactions with its related parties amounted to $932 and $953 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Other
See Note 8 for information on the Company's capital lease obligations due to a related party.



14

Table of Contents

Note 15. Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $18,491. The effective tax rate of 47.3% differs from the statutory federal rate of 35% due principally to state income taxes, and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the tax return to book provision adjustment in connection with the filing of the Company's federal income tax return and the impact of non-deductible expenses. These increases are partially offset by the tax benefits of the domestic production activities deduction.
Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $3,873. The effective tax rate of 15.4% differs from the statutory federal rate of 35% due principally to state income taxes. The Company recorded a benefit of $964 and $6,122 from the impact of a reduction in the effective state tax rate on the current and deferred tax liabilities balances, respectively. This benefit was recorded as a result of the tax return to book provision adjustment in connection with the federal and state income tax returns. The impact of the state tax rate adjustments reduced the Company's effective tax rate by 28.2 percentage points resulting in a 15.4% effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
Note 16. Segment Information
The Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments which are MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. The Company allocates certain corporate costs to all of its reportable segments. In addition, the Company allocates its venue operating expenses to its MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments. Venue operating expenses include the non-event related costs of operating the Company's venues, and include such costs as rent, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and labor related to the overall management of the venues. Depreciation expense related to The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden is not allocated to the reportable segments and is reported in "All other."
The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, California, as well as The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is their operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit and (iii) restructuring charges or credits, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow ("AOCF"), a non-GAAP measure. The Company has presented the components that reconcile AOCF to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure. Information as to the operations of the Company's reportable segments is set forth below.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Revenues
 
 
 
 
MSG Media
 
$
159,538

 
$
138,630

MSG Entertainment
 
30,777

 
27,602

MSG Sports
 
31,564

 
28,814

All other
 
88

 

Inter-segment eliminations (a)
 
(17,801
)
 
(17,407
)
 
 
$
204,166

 
$
177,639

_________________
(a) 
Primarily represents local media rights recognized by the Company's MSG Sports segment from the licensing of team related programming to the Company's MSG Media segment which are eliminated in consolidation. Local media rights are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the fiscal year.

15

Table of Contents

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Inter-segment revenues
 
 
 
 
MSG Entertainment
 
$
20

 
$
20

MSG Sports
 
17,781

 
17,387

 
 
$
17,801

 
$
17,407


Reconciliation (by Segment and in Total) of AOCF to Operating Income (Loss) 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
AOCF
 
 
 
 
MSG Media
 
$
76,704

 
$
63,816

MSG Entertainment
 
(12,559
)
 
(13,792
)
MSG Sports
 
1,461

 
(463
)
All other (a) 
 
(2,297
)
 
(3,485
)
 
 
$
63,309

 
$
46,076

 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
MSG Media
 
$
4,489

 
$
5,551

MSG Entertainment
 
2,358

 
2,350

MSG Sports
 
2,803

 
2,736

All other (b) 
 
10,050

 
5,727

 
 
$
19,700

 
$
16,364

 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
MSG Media
 
$
1,202

 
$
1,101

MSG Entertainment
 
1,113

 
1,071

MSG Sports
 
758

 
923

All other
 
346

 
254

 
 
$
3,419

 
$
3,349

 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
MSG Media
 
$
71,013

 
$
57,164

MSG Entertainment
 
(16,030
)
 
(17,213
)
MSG Sports
 
(2,100
)
 
(4,122
)
All other
 
(12,693
)
 
(9,466
)
 
 
$
40,190

 
$
26,363


16

Table of Contents

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

 
A reconciliation of reportable segment operating income to the Company's consolidated income from operations before income taxes is as follows: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Total operating income for reportable segments
 
$
52,883

 
$
35,829

Other operating loss
 
(12,693
)
 
(9,466
)
Operating income
 
40,190

 
26,363

Items excluded from operating income:
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
581

 
547

Interest expense
 
(1,711
)
 
(1,749
)
Miscellaneous income
 
36

 

Income from operations before income taxes
 
$
39,096

 
$
25,161

 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
MSG Media
 
$
6,474

 
$
1,169

MSG Entertainment
 
683

 
851

MSG Sports
 
683

 
263

All other (c) 
 
62,508

 
143,140

 
 
$
70,348

 
$
145,423

_________________
(a) 
Consists of unallocated corporate general and administrative costs. The results for the three months ended September 30, 2012 reflect changes made by the Company to include approximately $1,085 of certain non-capitalized Transformation sales-related and other expenses in its reportable segment results that were previously not allocated. The Company believes these costs are more appropriately reflected in its reportable segment results. In the three months ended September 30, 2012, the MSG Sports segment results of operations reflect approximately $860 of these costs. 
(b) 
Principally includes depreciation and amortization expense on The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden and certain corporate property, equipment and leasehold improvement assets not allocated to the Company's reportable segments.
(c) 
Consists principally of capital expenditures associated with the Transformation.
Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company's reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York metropolitan area.
Note 17. Concentration of Risk
In connection with our license agreement with the New Jersey Devils, the Company has approximately $43,000 and $2,000 recorded in other assets and other current assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012.
Note 18. Subsequent Events
The NHL CBA expired on September 15, 2012, and effective September 16, 2012, the NHL declared a lockout of NHL players. Subsequently, the NHL announced the cancellation of all preseason games and regular season games through November 30, 2012. If the canceled home games are not rescheduled in the second quarter, it would have a material negative effect on the Company's revenues, operating income and AOCF in the second quarter. If additional games are canceled and not rescheduled, it could have a material negative effect on our fiscal year 2013 results.


17

Table of Contents



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this MD&A, there are statements concerning our future operating and future financial performance, including: the timing and anticipated cost and benefits of the comprehensive Transformation; the impact of the new NBA CBA and revenue sharing plan; expected increased programming costs and the impact of a NHL work stoppage. Words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "may", "will", "should", "could", "potential", "continue", "intends", "plans", and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating and future financial performance identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that may cause such differences to occur include, but are not limited to:
the level of our revenues, which depends in part on the popularity and competitiveness of our sports teams and the level and popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and other entertainment events which are presented in our venues;
costs associated with player injuries, and waivers or contract terminations of players and other team personnel;
changes in professional sports teams' compensation, including the impact of signing of free agents and trades, subject to league salary caps;
the level and timing of our capital expenditures, including the comprehensive Transformation of The Garden;
the impact of the comprehensive Transformation of The Garden or the renovation of the Forum on our operations, including any unexpected delays, costs or other matters associated with the Transformation or the renovation of the Forum;
the demand for our programming among cable television systems and satellite, telephone and other multichannel video programming distributors, and our ability to renew affiliation agreements with them;
general economic conditions especially in the New York City metropolitan area where we conduct the majority of our operations;
the demand for sponsorship arrangements and for advertising and viewer ratings for our programming;
competition, for example, from other regional sports networks, other teams, other venues and other entertainment options;
changes in laws, NBA or NHL rules, regulations, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements (including the leagues' respective collective bargaining agreements with their players' associations, salary caps, revenue sharing and NBA luxury tax thresholds) or other regulations under which we operate;
any NBA or NHL work stoppage;
the relocation or insolvency of professional sports teams with which we have a rights agreement;
our ability to maintain, obtain or produce content for our MSG Media segment, together with the cost of such content;
future acquisitions and dispositions of assets;
the costs associated with, and the outcome of, litigation and other proceedings to the extent uninsured;
the impact of governmental regulations, including the ability to maintain necessary permits or licenses;
financial community and rating agency perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which we operate;
our ownership of professional sports franchises in the NBA and NHL and certain transfer restrictions on our common stock; and



18

Table of Contents



the factors described under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012.
We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.
All dollar amounts included in the following MD&A are presented in thousands, except as otherwise noted.
Introduction
MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012 to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we", "us", "our", "Madison Square Garden" or the "Company" refer collectively to The Madison Square Garden Company, a holding company, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries through which substantially all of our operations are actually conducted. The Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments: MSG Media, MSG Entertainment, and MSG Sports. MSG Media produces, develops and acquires content for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company's venues. MSG Media includes the Company's regional sports networks, MSG Network and MSG+, collectively the "MSG Networks," and "Fuse", a national television network dedicated to music. MSG Networks also include high-definition channels, MSG HD and MSG+ HD, and Fuse includes its high-definition channel, Fuse HD. MSG Entertainment presents or hosts live entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, performing arts and special events, in the Company's diverse collection of venues. MSG Entertainment also creates, produces and/or presents live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, that are performed in the Company's and other venues. MSG Sports owns and operates the following sports franchises: the Knicks of the NBA, the Rangers of the NHL, the Liberty of the WNBA, and the Connecticut Whale of the AHL, which is the primary player development team for the Rangers. MSG Sports also promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of other live sporting events outside of Knicks, Rangers and Liberty games.
The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, California, as well as The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.
This MD&A is organized as follows:
Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011 on both a consolidated and segment basis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.
Seasonality of Our Business. This section discusses the seasonal performance of our MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements, Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies. This section discusses accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by the Company, as well as recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted by the Company. In addition, we have included a discussion of our critical accounting policy in respect of goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets in order to provide the results of our annual impairment testing performed during the quarter ended September 30, 2012. This section should be read with our critical accounting policies, which are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012 under "Item 7 — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company included therein.


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Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 versus the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Consolidated Results of Operations
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues. 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
in Net
Income
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Revenues
 
$
204,166

 
100
 %
 
$
177,639

 
100
 %
 
$
26,527

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct operating
 
72,741

 
36
 %
 
71,484

 
40
 %
 
(1,257
)
Selling, general and administrative
 
71,535

 
35
 %
 
63,428

 
36
 %
 
(8,107
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
19,700

 
10
 %
 
16,364

 
9
 %
 
(3,336
)
Operating income
 
40,190

 
20
 %
 
26,363

 
15
 %
 
13,827

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
 
(1,130
)
 
(1
)%
 
(1,202
)
 
(1
)%
 
72

Miscellaneous
 
36

 
NM

 

 
NM

 
36

Income from operations before income taxes
 
39,096

 
19
 %
 
25,161

 
14
 %
 
13,935

Income tax expense
 
(18,491
)
 
(9
)%
 
(3,873
)
 
(2
)%
 
(14,618
)
Net income
 
$
20,605

 
10
 %
 
$
21,288

 
12
 %
 
$
(683
)
_________________ 
NM – Percentage is not meaningful

See "Business Segment Results" for a more detailed discussion relating to the operating results of our segments. The business segment results do not reflect inter-segment eliminations.
Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $26,527, or 15%, to $204,166 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in MSG Media segment revenues
$
20,908

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment revenues
3,175

Increase in MSG Sports segment revenues
2,750

Increase in other revenues
88

Inter-segment eliminations
(394
)
 
$
26,527

See “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 versus the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Consolidated Results of Operations — AOCF” for a discussion of the expiration of the NHL CBA.



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Direct operating expenses
Direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $1,257, or 2%, to $72,741 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in MSG Media segment expenses
$
4,977

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses
651

Decrease in MSG Sports segment expenses
(3,981
)
Increase in other expenses
1

Inter-segment eliminations
(391
)
 
$
1,257

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $8,107, or 13%, to $71,535 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in MSG Media segment expenses
$
3,144

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses
1,333

Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses
4,642

Decrease in other expenses
(1,009
)
Inter-segment eliminations
(3
)
 
$
8,107

The decrease in other expenses was primarily driven by the impact of changes made by the Company to include approximately $1,085 of certain non-capitalized Transformation sales-related and other expenses in our business segment results that were previously not allocated. We believe that these costs are more appropriately reflected in our business segment results of operations. MSG Sports' results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 reflect approximately $860 of these costs. The decrease in other expenses also reflects higher share-based compensation expense of $92, which was not allocated to the Company's segments.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $3,336, or 20%, to $19,700 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to higher depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment partially offset by lower amortization of intangible assets resulting from certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was primarily due to the ongoing Transformation, which resulted in higher depreciation expense on property and equipment placed into service partially offset by lower depreciation expense of capitalized costs associated with asset retirement obligations (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part I — Item 1. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).
Income taxes
Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $18,491. The effective tax rate of 47.3% differs from the statutory federal rate of 35% due principally to state income taxes, and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the tax return to book provision adjustment in connection with the filing of the Company's federal income tax return and the impact of non-deductible expenses. These increases are partially offset by the tax benefits of the domestic production activities deduction.
Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $3,873. The effective tax rate of 15.4% differs from the statutory federal rate of 35% due principally to state income taxes. The Company recorded a benefit of $964 and $6,122 from the impact of a reduction in the effective state tax rate on the current and deferred tax liabilities balances, respectively. This benefit was recorded as a result of the tax return to book provision adjustment in connection with the federal and state income tax returns. The impact of the state tax rate adjustments reduced the Company's effective tax rate by 28.2 percentage points resulting in a 15.4% effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
AOCF
The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is their operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) share-

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based compensation expense or benefit and (iii) restructuring charges or credits, which is referred to as AOCF, a non-GAAP measure. The Company has presented the components that reconcile AOCF to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure. The following is a reconciliation of operating income to AOCF: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase
in
AOCF
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Operating income
 
$
40,190

 
$
26,363

 
$
13,827

Share-based compensation
 
3,419

 
3,349

 
70

Depreciation and amortization
 
19,700

 
16,364

 
3,336

AOCF
 
$
63,309

 
$
46,076

 
$
17,233

AOCF for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $17,233, or 37%, to $63,309 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in AOCF of the MSG Media segment
$
12,888

Increase in AOCF of the MSG Entertainment segment
1,233

Increase in AOCF of the MSG Sports segment
1,924

Other net increases
1,188

 
$
17,233

Other net increases were primarily driven by the impact of changes made by the Company to include approximately $1,085 of certain non-capitalized Transformation sales-related and other expenses in our business segment results that were previously not allocated. We believe that these costs are more appropriately reflected in our business segment results of operations. MSG Sports' results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 reflect approximately $860 of these costs.
Dish Network LLC resumed carriage of Fuse on November 1, 2012 pursuant to a long-term affiliation agreement. 
The NHL CBA expired on September 15, 2012, and effective September 16, 2012, the NHL declared a lockout of NHL players. Subsequently, the NHL announced the cancellation of all preseason games and regular season games through November 30, 2012. If the canceled home games are not rescheduled in the second quarter, it would have a material negative effect on the Company's revenues, operating income and AOCF in the second quarter. If additional games are canceled and not rescheduled, it could have a material negative effect on our fiscal year 2013 results.
In connection with any settlement of the collective bargaining process between the NHL and the National Hockey League Players' Association ("NHLPA"), the new NHL CBA may involve changes to the NHL's salary cap, escrow and revenue sharing systems. Although the outcome of the negotiations cannot be determined at this time, the impact of the new terms of a CBA could be significant to the Company.
Business Segment Results
MSG Media
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company's MSG Media segment. 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Increase
(Decrease) in
Operating
Income
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Revenues
 
$
159,538

 
100
%
 
$
138,630

 
100
%
 
$
20,908

Direct operating expenses
 
57,629

 
36
%
 
52,652

 
38
%
 
(4,977
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
26,407

 
17
%
 
23,263

 
17
%
 
(3,144
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
4,489

 
3
%
 
5,551

 
4
%
 
1,062

Operating income
 
$
71,013

 
45
%
 
$
57,164

 
41
%
 
$
13,849



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The following is a reconciliation of operating income to AOCF: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
in AOCF
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Operating income
 
$
71,013

 
$
57,164

 
$
13,849

Share-based compensation
 
1,202

 
1,101

 
101

Depreciation and amortization
 
4,489

 
5,551

 
(1,062
)
AOCF
 
$
76,704

 
$
63,816

 
$
12,888

Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $20,908, or 15%, to $159,538 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in affiliate revenue
$
16,958

Other net increases
3,950

 
$
20,908

The increase in affiliation fee revenue was primarily attributable to higher affiliation rates.
Other net increases were primarily due to a short-term programming licensing agreement for which revenue will be recognized until the agreement's expiration in April 2013 and is not expected to be recurring thereafter.
See “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 versus the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Consolidated Results of Operations — AOCF” for a discussion of the expiration of the NHL CBA.
Direct operating expenses
Direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $4,977, or 9%, to $57,629 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year driven by higher costs associated with Fuse programming partially offset by lower programming costs associated with MSG Networks.
MSG Media results for fiscal year 2013 will reflect higher rights fee expense as the Knicks return to a full regular season schedule, as well as increased Fuse programming costs, consistent with the Company's long-term strategy to increase Fuse viewership. Additionally see “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 versus the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Consolidated Results of Operations — AOCF” for a discussion of the expiration of the NHL CBA.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $3,144, or 14%, to $26,407 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily due to higher marketing costs and employee compensation and related benefits.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased $1,062, or 19%, to $4,489 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily driven by lower amortization of intangible assets resulting from certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.
AOCF
AOCF for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $12,888, or 20%, to $76,704 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily driven by an increase in revenues partially offset by higher direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.
Dish Network LLC resumed carriage of Fuse on November 1, 2012 pursuant to a long-term affiliation agreement. 
See “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 versus the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Consolidated Results of Operations — AOCF” for a discussion of the expiration of the NHL CBA.


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MSG Entertainment
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company's MSG Entertainment segment. 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(Increase)
Decrease in
Operating
Loss
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Revenues
 
$
30,777

 
100
 %
 
$
27,602

 
100
 %
 
$
3,175

Direct operating expenses
 
28,358

 
92
 %
 
27,707

 
100
 %
 
(651
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
16,091

 
52
 %
 
14,758

 
53
 %
 
(1,333
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,358

 
8
 %
 
2,350

 
9
 %
 
(8
)
Operating loss
 
$
(16,030
)
 
(52
)%
 
$
(17,213
)
 
(62
)%
 
$
1,183

    
The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to AOCF: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase
in AOCF
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Operating loss
 
$
(16,030
)
 
$
(17,213
)
 
$
1,183

Share-based compensation
 
1,113

 
1,071

 
42

Depreciation and amortization
 
2,358

 
2,350

 
8

AOCF
 
$
(12,559
)
 
$
(13,792
)
 
$
1,233

Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $3,175, or 12%, to $30,777 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in venue related sponsorship and signage and suite rental fee revenues
$
1,785

Increase in event-related revenues at the Beacon Theatre
956

Increase in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre
757

Decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding Radio City Christmas Spectacular
(775
)
Other net increases
452

 
$
3,175

The increase in event-related revenues at the Beacon Theatre was primarily due to an increase in the number of events held at the venue during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year.
The increase in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre was primarily due to a change in the mix of events.
The decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding Radio City Christmas Spectacular, was primarily due to the venue being utilized for approximately two months during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 for the presentation of Cirque du Soleil's Zarkana, whereas the venue was fully utilized for Zarkana during the comparable quarter of the prior year, largely offset by an increase in revenues associated with other events.


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Direct operating expenses
Direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $651, or 2%, to $28,358 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Chicago Theatre
$
397

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at the Beacon Theatre
378

Net increase in direct operating expenses associated with venue related sponsorship and signage and suite rentals
227

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at Radio City Music Hall, excluding Radio City Christmas Spectacular
(808
)
Other net increases
457

 
$
651

Other net increases principally reflect venue operating costs associated with the Forum operating costs (which the Company acquired in June 2012), as well as costs associated with MSG Entertainment growth initiatives, partially offset by other cost decreases.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $1,333, or 9%, to $16,091 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily due to an increase in employee compensation and related benefits and higher professional fees, which includes costs associated with MSG Entertainment growth initiatives.
AOCF
AOCF loss for the three months ended September 30, 2012 improved $1,233, or 9%, to a loss of $12,559 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily attributable to an increase in revenues, largely offset by higher selling, general and administrative and direct operating expenses, as discussed above.
MSG Sports
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company's MSG Sports segment. 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(Increase)
Decrease in
Operating
Loss
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues
 
Revenues
 
$
31,564

 
100
 %
 
$
28,814

 
100
 %
 
$
2,750

Direct operating expenses
 
4,462

 
14
 %
 
8,443

 
29
 %
 
3,981

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
26,399

 
84
 %
 
21,757

 
76
 %
 
(4,642
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,803

 
9
 %
 
2,736

 
9
 %
 
(67
)
Operating loss
 
$
(2,100
)
 
(7
)%
 
$
(4,122
)
 
(14
)%
 
$
2,022


The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to AOCF: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
in AOCF
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Operating loss
 
$
(2,100
)
 
$
(4,122
)
 
$
2,022

Share-based compensation
 
758

 
923

 
(165
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,803

 
2,736

 
67

AOCF
 
$
1,461

 
$
(463
)
 
$
1,924




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Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $2,750, or 10%, to $31,564 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following: 
Increase in suite rental fee revenue
$
2,306

Increase in professional sports teams' sponsorship and signage revenues
774

Other net decreases
(330
)
 
$
2,750

The increase in suite rental fee revenue was primarily due to the addition of the new Event Level Suites which came online during the second quarter of fiscal year 2012. This increase was partially offset by the impact of the planned reduction in other suite products as a result of the Transformation project, as well as the impact of the off-season shutdowns.
See “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 versus the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Consolidated Results of Operations — AOCF” for a discussion of the expiration of the NHL CBA.
Direct operating expenses
Direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased $3,981, or 47%, to $4,462 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following: 
Decrease in other team operating expenses
$
(4,028
)
Decrease in team personnel compensation
(365
)
Increase in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions
595

Other net decreases
(183
)
 
$
(3,981
)
The decrease in other team operating expenses was primarily due to a league expense recoupment that is not expected to be recurring and, to a lesser extent, an adjustment to the 2011-12 season playoff related revenue sharing expense, both of which were recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2012.
Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions were as follows: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Increase
Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions
 
$
595

 
$

 
$
595

Team personnel transactions for the three months ended September 30, 2012 reflect provisions recorded for player trades.
Given our expectation of continued revenue growth, actual operating results of the league and the teams and other factors, we expect our NBA revenue sharing expense to grow substantially. In addition, if the NHL and NHLPA reach a new revenue sharing arrangement, such arrangement may result in higher NHL revenue sharing expense.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $4,642, or 21%, to $26,399 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to higher employee compensation and related benefits, including separation-related costs, and certain non-capitalized Transformation sales-related and other expenses that were not included in MSG Sports' results in the comparable period of the prior year.
AOCF
AOCF for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $1,924 to $1,461 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year, primarily attributable to a decrease in direct operating expenses and higher revenues, largely offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.
See “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 versus the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Consolidated Results of Operations — AOCF” for a discussion of the expiration of the NHL CBA.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash flows from the operations of our businesses and
available borrowing capacity under our $375,000 credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders, providing for a senior secured revolving credit facility (see "Financing Agreements" below). Our principal uses of cash include capital spending, working capital-related items and investments that we may fund from time to time. The decisions of the Company as to the use of its available liquidity will be based upon an ongoing review of the funding needs of the business, the optimal allocation of cash resources, and the timing of cash flow generation.
The Transformation of The Garden is ongoing. In order to most efficiently and effectively complete the Transformation, it remains a year-round project. To minimize disruption to current operations, we plan for The Garden to remain open for the Knicks' and Rangers' regular seasons and playoffs while we accomplish the bulk of the construction work during the off-season shutdowns. We have closed The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden for the off-season following the Knicks' and Rangers' playoffs in 2011 and 2012. The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden have reopened following the latest off-season shutdown. We plan to close The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden after the conclusion of the Knicks' and Rangers' seasons, including the playoffs, in 2013. Given that we cannot know in advance when those seasons will end, we are generally not booking live entertainment or other sporting events from a period commencing in April and ending in October in calendar year 2013 and did not book such events during similar periods in calendar years 2011 and 2012. We did not host any preseason Rangers' home games in fiscal year 2012 and did not host Knicks' and Rangers' preseason home games in fiscal year 2013. While we seek to minimize disruptions during the Transformation, including scheduling events at our other venues or to other times of the year when The Garden or The Theater at Madison Square Garden will be open, we are not able to reschedule all events that would otherwise have occurred during the shutdowns. Consequently, we have lost and expect to lose revenues as a result of this schedule.
The renovated lower bowl of The Garden reopened in October 2011. We were able to accelerate the renovation of certain portions of the upper bowl during the first off-season shutdown. The balance of the renovated upper bowl is now open for events. Construction on areas such as concourses and certain restrooms, concessions and suites will continue while the arena is open. As part of the second phase of the Transformation project, The Garden's seating capacity, excluding suites, for fiscal year 2013 will be reduced by approximately one thousand seats for Knicks' and Rangers' games (and reduced by a lesser amount for entertainment events), as compared to fiscal year 2012. After the third phase of the Transformation project, The Garden's seating capacity, excluding suites, in fiscal year 2014 will again be comparable to pre-Transformation project levels, primarily due to the planned addition of the Chase Bridges.
The Transformation project remains within our overall expectations. We reopened the lower bowl on schedule in fiscal year 2012, reopened the renovated upper bowl on schedule in fiscal year 2013 and our plan for opening remaining other elements in the transformed arena has not changed. Construction costs for the Transformation project incurred through September 30, 2012 were approximately $794,000 of which approximately $77,000 was incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2012. We remain on schedule and do not expect total Transformation project construction costs to differ materially (higher or lower) from the previously disclosed $980,000 inclusive of various reserves for contingencies.
As with any major renovation project, the Transformation is subject to potential unexpected delays, costs or other problems. Depending upon the severity and timing, such events could materially and negatively affect our business, results of operations and cash flows.
In June 2012, we completed the purchase of the Forum, an iconic venue in Inglewood, California. The City of Inglewood approved an $18,000 renovation loan conditioned upon the Company investing at least $50,000 in the renovation of the Forum which the Company expects to do. The loan will be forgiven once certain operating conditions, that the Company expects to satisfy, are met.
The NHL CBA expired on September 15, 2012, and effective September 16, 2012, the NHL declared a lockout of NHL players. Subsequently, the NHL announced the cancellation of all preseason games and regular season games through November 30, 2012. If the canceled home games are not rescheduled in the second quarter, it would have a material negative effect on the Company's revenues, operating income and AOCF in the second quarter. If additional games are canceled and not rescheduled, it could have a material negative effect on our fiscal year 2013 results. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we believe we have sufficient liquidity, including approximately $205,000 in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2012, along with available borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility, to complete the Transformation project and our other initiatives.
We have assessed recent capital and credit markets activity and conditions against our ability to meet our net funding and

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investing requirements over the next twelve months and we believe that the combination of cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash generated from operating activities and borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility should provide us with sufficient liquidity. However, global economic conditions may lead to lower demand for our offerings, such as lower levels of attendance or advertising. The consequences of such conditions could adversely impact our results of operations and our cash flows and might require that we seek alternative sources of funding through the capital and credit markets that may or may not be available to us.
Financing Agreements
Revolving Credit Facility
On January 28, 2010, MSG L.P. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders providing for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $375,000 with a term of five years. The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. It also requires MSG L.P. to comply with the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum total secured leverage ratio of 3.50:1.00 and (ii) a maximum total leverage ratio of 6.00:1.00. In addition, there is a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.50:1.00 for the Company. As of September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available for working capital and capital expenditures, including, but not limited to, the Transformation, and for general corporate purposes. All borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including covenant compliance, absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of September 30, 2012, there was $7,094 in letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2012 was $367,906.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate which, at the option of MSG L.P., may be either 2.5% over a U.S. Federal Funds Rate or U.S. Prime Rate, or 3.5% over an adjusted LIBOR rate. Accordingly, we will be subject to interest rate risk with respect to any borrowings we may make under that facility. In appropriate circumstances, we may seek to reduce this exposure through the use of interest rate swaps or similar instruments. Upon a payment default in respect of principal, interest or other amounts due and payable under the Revolving Credit Facility or related loan documents, default interest will accrue on all overdue amounts at an additional rate of 2.00% per annum.
The Revolving Credit Facility requires MSG L.P. to pay a commitment fee of 0.75% in respect of the average daily unused commitments thereunder. MSG L.P. is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees, as well as fronting fees, to banks that issue letters of credit pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility.
Guarantees and Security
All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by MSG L.P.'s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are not designated as excluded subsidiaries or unrestricted subsidiaries in accordance with the facility (the "Guarantors"). All obligations under the Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain of the assets of MSG L.P. and each Guarantor, (collectively, "Collateral") including, but not limited to, a pledge of the equity interests held directly or indirectly by MSG L.P. in each Guarantor. The Collateral, however, does not include, among other things, our sports franchises or other assets of any of MSG L.P.'s teams, including the Knicks and Rangers, or any interests in real property of MSG L.P. or the Guarantors, including the Madison Square Garden Complex (which includes both The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden), the leasehold interest in Radio City Music Hall and MSG L.P.'s real property interest in other venues.
Prepayments
Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, MSG L.P. may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Revolving Credit Facility at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except for customary breakage costs with respect to Eurodollar loans).
With certain exceptions, MSG L.P. is required to make mandatory prepayments on loans outstanding, in certain circumstances, including without limitation from the net cash proceeds of certain sales of assets (including Collateral) or casualty insurance and/or condemnation recoveries (subject to certain reinvestment, repair or replacement rights), and the incurrence of certain indebtedness.
Certain Covenants and Events of Default
In addition to the financial covenants previously discussed, the Credit Agreement and the related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. The Credit Agreement contains

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certain restrictions on the ability of MSG L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the Credit Agreement, including the following: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) create liens on certain assets; (iii) make investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iv) pay dividends and distributions or repurchase capital stock; (v) repay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness; (vi) change its lines of business; (vii) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (viii) amend specified material agreements; (ix) merge or consolidate; (x) make dispositions; and (xi) enter into agreements that restrict the granting of liens. In addition, under the Credit Agreement, The Madison Square Garden Company must generally remain a passive holding company.
Cash Flow Discussion
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $1,726 to $68,978 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. This decrease was driven by a decrease of $4,216 resulting from changes in assets and liabilities, partially offset by a $2,490 increase in net income and other non-cash items.
The decrease resulting from changes in assets and liabilities was primarily due to (i) a decrease during the three months ended September 30, 2012 in accounts payable of $17,907 as compared to an increase of $1,913 during the comparable period of the prior year, and (ii) an increase during the three months ended September 30, 2012 in accounts receivable of $5,787 as compared to a decrease of $1,292 during the comparable period of the prior year. These items were significantly offset by (i) an increase during the three months ended September 30, 2012 in deferred revenue of $112,616 as compared to an increase of $92,927 during the comparable period of the prior year and (ii) an increase during the three months ended September 30, 2012 in prepaid expenses and other assets of $40,019 as compared to an increase of $42,243 during the comparable period of the prior year.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $76,343 to $70,348 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year primarily driven by a decrease in capital expenditures associated with the Transformation slightly offset by higher capital expenditures for MSG Media.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased by $433 to $148 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. This increase primarily reflects lower principal payments on capital lease obligations and an increase in proceeds from stock option exercises.
Seasonality of Our Business
The dependence of the MSG Sports segment on revenues from its NBA and NHL sports teams generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. The dependence of the MSG Entertainment segment on revenues from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues and operating income in the second quarter of our fiscal year. In addition, see "— Liquidity and Capital Resources" for discussions of the off-season shutdown of The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden due to the Transformation and the expiration of the NHL CBA.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements, Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which is intended to improve the overall quality of financial reporting by increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income, and to additionally align the presentation of other comprehensive income in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP with those prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. An entity now has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, in December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05, to indefinitely defer the effective date of the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. During the deferral period, the existing requirements in GAAP for the presentation of reclassification adjustments are required to continue to be followed. These standards were retrospectively adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and the Company elected to present two separate but

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consecutive statements. The adoption of these standards resulted only in changes in the presentation of its financial statements and did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which amends ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. This new guidance permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying a two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity 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, it would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. If an entity does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, to establish an optional two-step analysis for impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill. In particular, the two-step analysis establishes an optional qualitative assessment to precede the quantitative assessment, if necessary. In the qualitative assessment, the entity must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill has a carrying amount that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. The entity must proceed to conducting a quantitative analysis, according to which the entity would record an impairment charge for the amount of the asset's carrying amount exceeding the fair value, if (1) the entity determines that such an impairment is more likely than not to exist, or (2) the entity forgoes the qualitative assessment entirely. The standard's update brings the accounting treatment for determining impairment charges on other intangible assets in conformity with the treatment of goodwill, as established by ASU No. 2011-08. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which creates new disclosure requirements regarding the nature of an entity's rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2014 with retrospective application required. The Company believes that the adoption of this standard may impact the Company's disclosures only and will not have any impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following discussion has been included to provide a discussion of our annual impairment testing of goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets performed during the quarter ended September 30, 2012. Accordingly, we have not repeated herein a discussion of the Company's other critical accounting policies as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment during the first quarter of the fiscal year and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. An entity has the option of performing a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two step goodwill impairment test. If an entity does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. The Company's three reporting units for evaluating goodwill impairment are the same as its reportable segments, and all of them have goodwill.


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The goodwill balance reported on the Company's balance sheet as of September 30, 2012 by reportable segment is as follows: 
MSG Media
$
465,326

MSG Entertainment
58,979

MSG Sports
218,187

 
$
742,492

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill, and there was no impairment of goodwill identified for any of its reportable segments.
Identifiable Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment during the first quarter of the fiscal year and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. An entity has the option of performing a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an identifiable indefinite-lived intangible asset has a carrying value that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. If an entity does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then the impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The following table sets forth the amount of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets reported in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2012 by reportable segment: 
Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)
$
96,215

Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)
62,421

 
$
158,636

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company performed its annual impairment test of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, and there were no impairments identified.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There were no material changes to the disclosures on this matter made in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act")) were effective as of September 30, 2012, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 Item 6. Exhibits

(a)
Index to Exhibits
 
 
 
EXHIBIT
NO.
  
DESCRIPTION
10.1
 
Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement. †
 
 
 
10.2
 
Form of Performance Award Agreement. †
 
 
31.1
  
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
  
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
  
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
  
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
 
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

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


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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 2nd day of November, 2012.
The Madison Square Garden Company
 
 
By:    
/S/    ROBERT M. POLLICHINO
 
Name:
Robert M. Pollichino
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief
 
 
Financial Officer



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