World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Reports 2007 Second Quarter Results

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn.--August 02, 2007--World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2007. Revenues totaled $137.5 million as compared to $119.3 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $9.7 million as compared to $21.4 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $7.0 million, or $0.10 per share, as compared to $14.7 million, or $0.21 per share, in the prior year quarter. Earnings in the quarter were negatively impacted by a $15.7 million impairment charge related to our revised performance expectations of our feature film “The Condemned”.

Excluding the impairment charge discussed above, operating income would have been $25.4 million as compared to $21.4 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 19% increase. Net income would have been $16.9 million, or $0.23 per share, in the current quarter as compared to $14.7 million, or $0.21 per share, in the prior year quarter.

“We achieved a broad-based 15% revenue increase, posting higher revenues across all key business lines in the current quarter. In addition to the top line growth, we achieved EBITDA of approximately $12.0 million, or $27.7 million excluding the film impairment. This $27.7 million represents an 18% increase over the prior year quarter,” said Linda McMahon, Chief Executive Officer.

“Live and Televised revenues were driven by the success of WrestleMania® which set WWE® records for both the number of pay-per-view buys and gross ticket sales. Consumer Products revenues increased 29% over the prior year quarter, reflecting improvements in our home video, licensing and magazine publishing businesses. Digital Media revenues, which were up 30% over the prior year quarter, also benefited from new partnerships, particularly for wireless content,” concluded Mrs. McMahon.

Results By Business Segment

The following chart reflects net revenues and profit contribution by segment for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006. (Dollars in millions)

Three Months Ended
Net Revenues
June 30,

2007
June 30,

2006

Live and Televised Entertainment $ 102.9 $ 92.6
Consumer Products 26.4 20.4
Digital Media 8.2 6.3
WWE Films - -
Total $ 137.5 $ 119.3

Three Months Ended
Profit Contribution
June 30,

2007
June 30,

2006

Live and Televised Entertainment $ 33.4 $ 33.0
Consumer Products 15.8 10.9
Digital Media 3.7 2.4
WWE Films (15.9) -
Total profit contribution $ 37.0 $ 46.3
Profit contribution margin 27% 39%

Live and Televised Entertainment

Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $102.9 million for the current quarter as compared to $92.6 million in the prior year quarter, representing an 11% increase.

Live Event revenues were $ 30.1 million as compared to $25.1 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to an increase in the number of international events as well as an increase in attendance at our North American events.
-- There were 84 events, including 26 international events,
during the current quarter as compared to 85 events,
including 17 international events, in the prior year
quarter.

-- North American average attendance was approximately 6,900
in the current quarter as compared to 5,800 in the prior
year quarter, an increase of 19%, which represents our
tenth consecutive quarter in which average attendance has
increased as compared to the prior year quarter. The
average ticket price for North American events was
approximately $46.00 in the current quarter as compared to
$42.00 in the prior year quarter. Revenue related to our
pay-per-view events increased by approximately $3.1
million, reflecting the success of our WrestleMania 23
event which was attended by more than 80,000 fans and
generated $5.4 million in ticket sales.

Pay-Per-View revenues were $39.8 million as compared to $38.1 million in the prior year quarter. There were five pay-per-view events produced in each quarter.
The details for the number of buys (in 000s) are as follows:

Events (in chronological order)
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2007
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2006


WrestleMania® 1,188 958
Backlash® 194 213
Judgment Day® 242 238
One Night Stand® 186 294
Vengeance® 243 339


Prior events 51 185
Total 2,104 2,227

The North American retail price of our pay-per-view events, excluding WrestleMania, was increased to $39.95 from $34.95 beginning with the One Night Stand event in 2006. The North American retail price of WrestleMania was $49.95 in both the current and prior year. The buys reported for WrestleMania 23 represent the most buys ever generated by a WWE pay-per-view event.
Venue Merchandise revenues were $5.4 million as compared to $5.2 million in the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the increase in North American attendance and an increase in per capita spending by our fans of approximately $1.00 to $12.75 in the current quarter.
Television Rights Fees revenues were $23.9 million as compared to $20.8 million in the prior year quarter. This increase is primarily due to the rights fees received from our ECW® telecasts in the current quarter, which began airing on the SCI FI Channel in June, 2006.
WWE 24/7™ revenues were $1.3 million as compared to $0.7 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues reflects the growth in the number of subscribers for our video-on-demand program.
Consumer Products

Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses were $26.4 million versus $20.4 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 29% increase.

Home Video net revenues were $14.8 million as compared to $12.1 million in the prior year quarter. We shipped over 310,000 DVD units of WrestleMania 23, which represented our best selling title in the current quarter. In addition, we shipped a combined 215,000 DVD units for the two releases of The Ladder Match and Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen in the current quarter.
Licensing revenues were $7.7 million as compared to $5.2 million in the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting increases in toy and apparel related sales. Revenues related to toy sales and apparel increased by approximately $2.4 million as compared to the prior year quarter.
Magazine publishing net revenues were $3.7 million as compared to $ 3.0 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 23% increase. In the current quarter we published 3 issues as compared to 7 issues in the prior year quarter. In July 2006 we began publishing WWE Magazine, which replaced our two former magazines, Raw® and SmackDown®.
Digital Media

Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $8.2 million as compared to $6.3 million in the prior year, representing a 30% increase.

WWE.com revenues were $4.6 million as compared to $2.9 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting additional revenues from sales of advertising and our wireless content.
WWEShop revenues were $3.6 million as compared to $3.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to a 3% increase in the number of orders processed during the current quarter. The average amount spent by our customers per order was approximately $51.00.
WWE Films

WWE does not participate in any revenues associated with our film projects until the print and advertising costs incurred by our distributors have been recouped and the results have been reported to us. Accordingly, no revenues have been recorded to date for the three feature films released to date. After the recording of our $15.7 million asset impairment for “The Condemned”, we have approximately $39.3 million of capitalized film production costs on our balance sheet as of June 30, 2007.

Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)

Profit contribution was $37.0 million in the current quarter as compared to $46.3 million in the prior year quarter while the profit contribution margin was approximately 27% as compared to 39% in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the $15.7 million feature film asset impairment discussed above, the profit contribution margin would have been consistent with the prior year quarter. Improved margins from our live events, home video and digital media businesses were offset by increased pay-per-view and television production costs. These costs reflect the staging of WrestleMania 23 in a large stadium and producing four television shows from international locations as compared to two in the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses were $25.0 million for the current quarter as compared to $23.0 million in the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting increased staff related costs.

EBITDA

EBITDA for the current quarter was approximately $12.0 million, or $27.7 million excluding the film impairment, as compared to $23.4 million in the prior year quarter.

Summary Results for the Six Months Ended

Total revenues through the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $244.9 million as compared to $214.4 million in the prior year period. Operating income for the current period was $30.3 million versus $35.7 million in the prior year period. Net income was $22.2 million, or $0.31 per share, as compared to $24.1 million, or $0.34 per share, in the prior year period. As discussed above, the current year results reflect the $15.7 million asset impairment for “The Condemned”.

Excluding the impairment charge discussed above, operating income would have been $46.0 million as compared to $35.7 million in the prior year period, representing a 29% increase. Net income would have been $32.2 million, or $0.45 per share, in the current period as compared to $24.1 million, or $0.34 per share, in the prior year period.

The following chart reflects net revenues and profit contribution by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006. (Dollars in millions)

Net Revenues
June 30,

2007
June 30,

2006

Live and Televised Entertainment $ 165.9 $ 153.9
Consumer Products 63.8 49.3
Digital Media 15.2 11.2
WWE Films - -
Total $ 244.9 $ 214.4
Profit Contribution
June 30,

2007
June 30,

2006

Live and Televised Entertainment $ 57.1 $ 56.8
Consumer Products 39.4 29.4
Digital Media 5.7 3.8
WWE Films (15.9 ) -
Total profit contribution $ 86.3 $ 90.0
Profit contribution margin 35 % 42 %

Live and Televised Entertainment

Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $165.9 million for the current period as compared to $153.9 million in the prior year, an increase of 8%.

June 30,

2007
June 30,

2006


Pay-Per-View $ 55.6 $ 55.2
Live Events $ 48.3 $ 42.1
Venue Merchandise $ 10.6 $ 9.6
Television Rights Fees $ 45.8 $ 41.5
Television Advertising $ 2.2 $ 3.7
WWE 24/7 $ 2.3 $ 1.0

Consumer Products

Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses were $63.8 million versus $49.3 million in the prior year, an increase of 29%.

June 30,

2007
June 30,

2006


Home Video $ 28.2 $ 24.5
Licensing $ 28.3 $ 18.5
Magazine Publishing $ 6.6 $ 6.0

Digital Media

Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $15.2 million as compared to $11.2 million in the prior year, an increase of 36%.

June 30,

2007
June 30,

2006


WWE.com $ 7.4 $ 5.1
WWE Shop $ 7.8 $ 6.1

Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)

Profit contribution was $86.3 million in the current period as compared to $90.0 million in the prior year period while the profit contribution margin was approximately 35% in the current year as compared to 42% in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of the $15.7 million feature film asset impairment discussed above, the profit contribution margin would have been consistent with the prior year period. Improved margins from our home video and digital media businesses were offset by increased pay-per-view and television production costs. These costs reflect the staging of WrestleMania 23 in a large stadium and producing four television shows from international locations as compared to two in the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses were $51.4 million for the current period as compared to $50.0 million in the prior year period.

EBITDA

EBITDA was for the current period was approximately $34.9 million, or $50.6 excluding the film impairment, as compared to $40.1 million in the prior year period.

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities was $48.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to $21.0 million in the prior year period.

Business Outlook

In lieu of providing specific financial guidance, we have expanded the depth of our business metrics, and made these available to investors on a monthly basis on our corporate website – corporate.wwe.com. Additionally, as a specific point of reference, the Company has targeted 2007 EBITDA growth of approximately 12% over the prior calendar year for the payout of management bonuses.

Note: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. will host a conference call on August 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Company’s earnings results for the second quarter of 2007. All interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 800-795-1259 (conference ID: WWE). Please reserve a line 15 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. A presentation that will be referenced during the call can be found at the Company web site at corporate.wwe.com. A replay of the call will be available approximately three hours after the conference call concludes, and can be accessed at corporate.wwe.com.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Additional information on the Company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

Trademarks: All World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Consolidated Income Statements
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
June 30, June 30,
2007
2006
2007 2006






Net revenues $ 137,511 $ 119,339 $ 244,902 $ 214,417

Cost of revenues 100,524 72,955 158,621 124,375
Selling, general and administrative expenses 25,008 22,979 51,369 49,973
Depreciation and amortization 2,252 2,038 4,604 4,412

Operating income 9,727 21,367 30,308 35,657

Investment income, net 1,681 1,806 3,979 3,804
Interest expense 126 138 234 280
Other (expense) income, net (60 ) 13 346 997

Income before income taxes 11,222 23,048 34,399 40,178

Provision for income taxes 4,176 8,381 12,215 16,057

Net income $ 7,046 $ 14,667 $ 22,184 $ 24,121

Earnings per share – basic and diluted:
Net income $ 0.10 $ 0.21 $ 0.31 $ 0.34

Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic 71,307 71,176 71,041 69,952
Diluted 72,145 71,397 71,411 70,409
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
As of As of
June 30, December 31,

2007 2006
ASSETS


CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and equivalents $ 82,367 $ 86,267
Short-term investments 183,789 161,889
Accounts receivable, net 54,608 52,113
Inventory, net 3,309 3,049
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 19,856 13,803
Total current assets 343,929 317,121

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 66,678 67,972

FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS 39,273 53,560

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 2,761 3,328

OTHER ASSETS 13,557 11,304

TOTAL ASSETS $ 466,198 $ 453,285


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 894 $ 862
Accounts payable 14,890 14,909
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 31,272 25,837
Deferred income 18,660 20,166
Total current liabilities 65,716 61,774

LONG-TERM DEBT 5,345 5,800
NON-CURRENT TAX LIABILITY 11,130 -

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Class A common stock 236 231
Class B common stock 479 479
Additional paid-in capital 298,441 286,985
Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,551 666
Retained earnings 83,300 97,350
Total stockholders' equity 384,007 385,711

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 466,198 $ 453,285
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2007 2006
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:


Net income $ 22,184 $ 24,121
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Write-off of feature film production assets 15,919 -
Revaluation of warrants (117) (714)
Depreciation and amortization 4,604 4,412
Realized loss on sale of investments 730 1,029
Amortization of investment income (247) (776)
Stock compensation costs 4,218 2,795
Provision for doubtful accounts (573) 101
Provision for inventory obsolescence 1,090 1,119
Benefit for deferred income taxes
(1,636) (1,754)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements (795) (1,475)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (1,923) 75
Inventory (1,350) (1,658)
Prepaid expenses and other assets 3,508 3,156
Feature film production assets (1,631) (10,737)
Accounts payable (18) (1,654)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 6,070 4,298
Deferred income (1,259) (1,299)
Net cash provided by operating activities 48,774 21,039

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment (2,578) (4,629)
Purchase of other assets (166) (2,264)
Purchase of short-term investments (79,695) (20,154)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term investments 57,275 101,615
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (25,164) 74,568

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of long-term debt (422) (391)
Dividends paid (34,214) (33,583)
Issuance of stock, net 438 305
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 5,893 12,753
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation arrangements 795 1,475
Net cash used in financing activities (27,510) (19,441)


NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (3,900) 76,166
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 86,267 101,314
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 82,367 $ 177,480
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Supplemental Information - EBITDA
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
2007 2006 2007 2006






Net income reported on U.S. GAAP basis $ 7,046 $ 14,667 $ 22,184 $ 24,121

Provision for income taxes 4,176 8,381 12,215 16,057
Interest and other, net 1,495 1,681 4,091 4,521
Depreciation and amortization 2,252 2,038 4,604 4,412

EBITDA $ 11,979 $ 23,405 $ 34,912 $ 40,069

Non-GAAP Measure:

EBITDA is defined as net income before interest and other income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Although it is not a recognized measure of performance under U.S. GAAP, EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company’s performance. The Company uses EBITDA to measure its own performance and to set goals for operating managers. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.’s performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Supplemental Information- Free Cash Flow
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
June 30, June 30,
2007 2006
2007
2006







Net cash provided by operating activities $ 24,077 $ 3,286 $ 48,774 $ 21,039

Less cash used in capital expenditures:
Purchase of property and equipment (1,090) (2,822) (2,578) (4,629)
Purchase of other assets (104) (1,389) (166) (2,264)

Free Cash Flow $ 22,883 ($925) $ 46,030 $ 14,146

Non-GAAP Measure:

We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by continuing operations less cash used for capital expenditures. Although it is not a recognized measure of liquidity under U.S. GAAP, Free Cash Flow provides useful information regarding the amount of cash our continuing business is generating after capital expenditures, available for reinvesting in the business and for payment of dividends.


Contacts
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Media:
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
or
Investors:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642