JPMorgan lifts MSG Entertainment stock target on strong outlook

Published 19/08/2024, 14:56

On Monday, JPMorgan updated its outlook on shares of Madison Square Garden Entertainment (NYSE:MSGE), increasing the price target to $43.00 from $39.00, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. The adjustment follows the company's fourth-quarter earnings, which surpassed forecasts, and incorporates guidance for fiscal year 2025 (F25).

Madison Square Garden Entertainment reported revenue and adjusted operating income (AOI) that outperformed expectations in the fourth quarter. The company has provided guidance for F25, projecting high-single to low-double-digit AOI growth due to broad-based gains.

Notably, the forecast anticipates a change in the event mix, with a decrease in Billy Joel concerts, from twelve shows in fiscal year 2024 (F24) to just one in F25, and an increase in office lease expenses.

Additional positive early indicators for F25 highlighted by the company include the sale of 197 shows for the upcoming Christmas Spectacular, an increase from 193 shows in F24, with advanced ticket revenue already up 18% compared to the same point last year. Management is also considering the possibility of adding more shows based on demand. The bookings business is expected to grow, building on a record number of concerts at Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall in F24.

The company also sees potential for increased utilization through various means such as residencies, multi-night runs, sports, and special events. Moreover, strong renewal activity for F25 is expected to benefit sponsorship, driven by momentum from the company's partnership with Oak View Group, the success of the Knicks and Rangers, and the volume of concerts at the Garden.

For FY25, JPMorgan now estimates Madison Square Garden Entertainment's revenue and AOI to reach $990 million and $203 million, respectively. This represents an increase of 3% in revenue and 9% in AOI from the prior estimates of $997 million and $188 million. The firm's AOI projections continue to exclude the non-cash portion of the arena license fee.

In other recent news, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. reported a successful fiscal 2024, with revenues reaching $959 million and an adjusted operating income of $211.5 million. The company hosted more than 960 live events, attracting 6.3 million guests.

A significant contribution to the revenue was the Christmas Spectacular, selling over one million tickets and generating nearly $150 million. The company anticipates growth in several areas for the upcoming fiscal year, including venue utilization, event profitability, and sponsorship and premium hospitality businesses, supported by the expected positive impact from the New York Knicks and Rangers' strong performances.

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. also plans for substantial free cash flow generation and strategic capital allocation. The revenue growth is expected to be broad-based in fiscal 2025, with the company already over 10% towards its full-year sales goal. The company also expects margin expansion due to revenue growth and cost reduction efforts.

InvestingPro Insights

As Madison Square Garden Entertainment (NYSE:MSGE) looks ahead to fiscal year 2025 with optimism, real-time data from InvestingPro provides a deeper financial perspective on the company's current standing. With a market capitalization of $1.39 billion and a P/E ratio of 32.55, MSGE is trading at a valuation that reflects its earnings potential. However, when adjusted for the last twelve months as of Q4 2024, the P/E ratio becomes more attractive at 12.11, suggesting that the company's earnings growth may not be fully reflected in its current stock price.

InvestingPro Tips indicate that MSGE's stock is currently in overbought territory, which could signal a potential pullback. On the flip side, analysts are optimistic about the company's profitability, predicting it will remain profitable this year. This aligns with the revenue growth of 12.66% seen over the last twelve months as of Q4 2024, which could be a driving factor behind the company's expected AOI increase for F25.

For investors looking to delve deeper into MSGE's financial health and future prospects, InvestingPro offers additional insights. There are currently 6 more InvestingPro Tips available for MSGE, which can be accessed for a comprehensive analysis of the company's investment potential.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.