WWE Announces 3rd Quarter Results: All Things Down

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE - News) today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2010. Revenues totaled $109.6 million as compared to $111.3 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $20.3 million as compared to $14.5 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $14.3 million, or $0.19 per share, as compared to $8.9 million, or $0.12 per share, in the prior year quarter. Impacting comparability to the prior year quarter are production tax credits recorded in both current and prior year quarters. Excluding the impact of these credits, Adjusted Operating income was $14.2 million as compared to $12.0 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Net income was $10.3 million, or $0.14 per share, as compared to $7.4 million, or $0.10 per share.

"In the third quarter, our results reflected the Company's continued focus on optimizing business results in a difficult environment," stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We generated earnings growth despite a decline in revenue across many of our businesses. We believe our ongoing talent transition and the sluggish economy were important factors in these declines. Based on our history of developing talent and creating content with broad appeal, we are confident we can address these creative challenges. Further, by taking advantage of our strategic opportunities, we can achieve meaningful growth."

Comparability of Results
Excluding the impact of production tax credits, Q3 2010 Adjusted Operating income increased 18% to $14.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to $17.4 million. The Q3 2010 results included approximately $6.1 million of tax credits received related to our television and digital media production activities, which were recorded as a reduction of the direct expense in these areas and in our selling, general and administrative costs. The Q3 2009 results included approximately $2.5 million of such tax credits, which were recorded in the same manner. (See Schedules of Adjustments in Supplemental Information)

Results by Business Segment
Revenues from North America decreased by 3%, led by declines in our Live Event and Home Video businesses, while revenues outside North America increased 2%, led by growth in our Television and Licensing businesses. There was no significant impact from changes in foreign exchange rates in the current quarter.

Television Rights Fees revenues were $31.1 million as compared to $28.3 million in the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily due to contractual increases from our existing programs.

Venue Merchandise revenues were $3.9 million as compared to $4.3 million in the prior year quarter, as the impact of 15 fewer events in North America was partially offset by an 8% increase in domestic per capita merchandise sales to $9.44 in the current quarter.

Consumer Products
Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses decreased 7% to $21.4 million from $23.0 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the performance of our Home Video business.

Home Video net revenues were $7.2 million as compared to $11.2 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting lower sell-through rates. Shipments increased 2% to approximately 864,000 units in the current period. This increase in units was more than offset by a 6% decline in the average price per unit to approximately $12.17, reflecting discounted sales and promotions.