WWE® Reports 2011 Third Quarter Results

STAMFORD, Conn.--()--WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2011. Revenues totaled $108.5 million as compared to $109.6 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $15.9 million as compared to $20.3 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $10.6 million, or $0.14 per share, as compared to $14.3 million, or $0.19 per share, in the prior year quarter. Impacting comparability of our year-over-year results were $5.1 million of film impairment charges in the current year quarter. Excluding the impact of the film impairments in the current quarter, Adjusted Operating income was $21.0 million as compared to $20.3 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Net income was $14.1 million, or $0.19 per share, as compared to $14.3 million, or $0.19 per share.

“In the third quarter, our results reflected the Company’s continued focus on improving business results in a difficult environment,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Despite the challenging economic headwinds, both domestically and abroad, we generated increased profits across a majority of our businesses, with the main exception being our film business which we continue to monitor and refine to improve future performance. We believe the sluggish economy and our ongoing talent transition were important factors that affected the results of our other businesses. Based on our history of developing talent and creating content with broad appeal, we are confident we can address our creative challenges. Further, by taking advantage of our strategic opportunities, including the anticipated 2012 launch of a WWE network, we can achieve meaningful growth.”

Comparability of Results

The current year quarter results included $5.1 million in film impairment charges related to our films Inside Out, The Chaperone, and Knucklehead. In order to facilitate an analysis of our financial results on a more comparable basis, where noted, we have adjusted our results to exclude these film impairment charges from our third quarter of 2011 results. Adjusted Operating income increased 3% to $21.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased 5% to $24.6 million. (See Schedules of Adjustments in Supplemental Information) Please note that our revised film strategy utilizing a self-distribution model also has an impact on the comparability of results but is not adjusted in the aforementioned schedules.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 – Results by Business Segment

Total revenues declined 1% to $108.5 million driven primarily by declines in WWE Studios and Consumer Products, partially offset by Live and Televised Entertainment. Revenues from North America increased by 1%, led by growth in our Pay-Per-View and Home Video businesses. Revenues outside North America decreased 6%, primarily due to a decline in our Consumer Products segment, which was partially offset by an increase in Television rights revenue and favorable changes in foreign exchange rates.

The following tables reflect net revenues by segment and by region for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010. (Dollars in millions)

 
Three Months Ended
Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,

Net Revenues

2011 2010
Live and Televised Entertainment $ 78.1 $ 73.8
Consumer Products 19.8 21.4
Digital Media 6.9 6.8
WWE Studios   3.7   7.6
Total $ 108.5 $ 109.6
 
 
Three Months Ended
Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,

Net Revenues by Region

  2011   2010
North America $ 79.6 $ 78.9
Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) 14.1 15.0
Asia Pacific (APAC) 12.6 13.3
Latin America   2.2   2.4
Total $ 108.5 $ 109.6
 

Live and Televised Entertainment

Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $78.1 million for the current year quarter as compared to $73.8 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 6% increase.

  • Live Event revenues were $23.0 million as compared to $22.8 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting an increase of 1%.
    • There were 79 events, including 15 international events, during the current year quarter as compared to 78 events, including 16 international events, in the prior year quarter.
    • North American events generated $14.2 million of revenues from 64 events as compared to $13.8 million from 62 events in the prior year quarter. North American average attendance decreased 6% to approximately 4,900 from 5,200 in the prior year quarter. The average ticket price for North American events was $41.34 in the current year quarter as compared to $41.07 in the prior year quarter.
    • International events generated approximately $8.8 million of revenues from 15 events as compared to $9.0 million from 16 events in the prior year quarter. International average attendance increased 7% to approximately 7,200 from 6,700 in the prior year quarter. In addition, average ticket prices were $80.08 as compared to $86.07 in the prior year quarter, reflecting a 7% decrease, due in part to differences in territory mix that were partially offset by favorable changes in foreign exchange rates.
  • Pay-Per-View revenues were $15.8 million as compared to $13.6 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting the impact of buys associated with WrestleMania, a prior period event. There were 65,000 incremental buys for WrestleMania in the quarter, which has a higher retail price than our other events. Buys for the three comparable events in the current and prior year quarter, however, declined 4%, reflecting a 3% increase in domestic buys that was more than offset by a 14% decline in international buys.

The details for the number of buys (in 000s) are as follows:

Broadcast Month

 

Events (in chronological order)

 

Three Months Ended Sept. 30,

2011

 

2010

 
July

Money in the Bank

195 165
August SummerSlam® 296 350
September Night of Champions® 161 165
 
 
Prior events 106 55
Total 758 735
 
  • Television Rights Fees revenues were $34.0 million as compared to $31.1 million in the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily due to improved terms and contractual increases from our existing programs, partially offset by the absence of rights fees for our NXT™ and WWE Superstars programs.
  • Venue Merchandise revenues were $3.6 million as compared to $3.9 million in the prior year quarter, as the impact of a 12% decrease in total domestic (U.S.) attendance was partially offset by an 8% increase in domestic per capita merchandise sales to $10.18 in the current year quarter.

Consumer Products

Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses decreased 7% to $19.8 million from $21.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the performance of our Licensing business.

  • Home Video net revenues were $8.3 million as compared to $7.2 million in the prior year quarter, a 15% increase driven by an adjustment to our allowance for returns and an increase in revenue per unit, partially offset by a 17% reduction in shipments to 686,000 units. The reduction in our allowance for returns reflected better than expected sell-through rates for titles released in prior quarters. Average prices increased 4% to $13.18 due to the timing of promotional activity and a reduction in manufacturer’s discounts.
  • Licensing revenues were $9.0 million as compared to $10.8 million in the prior year quarter as lower toy, collectible and apparel sales more than offset an increase in video game sales. Revenues related to toys declined 24%, or $0.9 million, reflecting a challenging retail environment for certain toy categories. Revenues from our collectible products declined due to a tough comparison to a successful product launch in the prior year. Revenue from video games, increased by approximately $1.1 million, led by sales of the WWE All Stars video game, which launched earlier this year. Unit shipments of our SmackDown vs. Raw video game decreased 59% to 135,000 units as compared to the prior year quarter.
  • Magazine publishing net revenues were $1.9 million as compared to $2.6 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting lower newsstand sales in the current year quarter.

Digital Media

Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $6.9 million as compared to $6.8 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 1% increase.

  • WWE.com revenues were $3.7 million as compared to $4.0 million in the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting a decline in mobile content revenues.
  • WWEShop revenues were $3.2 million as compared to $2.8 million in the prior year quarter. This was driven by a 15% increase in the number of orders to approximately 68,000 and a 2% increase in average revenue per order to $46.94.

WWE Studios

During the quarter, we recorded revenue of $3.7 million as compared to $7.6 million in the prior year quarter, with the decline in revenue driven by the relative performance of our current film releases compared to the prior year quarter release. Film profits declined $5.5 million from the prior year quarter reflecting the performance of recent releases; i.e., Inside Out, The Chaperone, and Knucklehead. Lower home video sales than anticipated contributed to revised ultimate projections, which resulted in a $5.1 million impairment charge for these films. The decline in film profits also reflected lower receipts from our licensed films and the previously disclosed change in our distribution model for films. Under our self-distribution model, we record a film’s advertising costs and distribution expenses in our results as incurred and recognize film receipts as earned.

Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)

Profit contribution decreased to $44.0 million in the current year quarter as compared to $47.8 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a loss in our WWE Studios segment and lower Licensing profits. Gross profit contribution margin decreased to approximately 41% as compared to 44% in the prior year quarter, primarily driven by the performance of our film business, which reflected the recognition of film impairment charges. Excluding these charges, Adjusted Profit contribution increased to $49.1 million in the current year quarter as compared to $47.8 million in the prior year quarter and Adjusted profit margins increased to 45% as compared to 44% in the prior year quarter.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses were $24.5 million for the current year quarter as compared to $24.3 million in the prior year quarter, led by increases in salary, severance and benefit costs, as well as higher legal and professional fees, in-part related to the anticipated launch of a WWE Network. These were partially offset by a reduction in accrued management incentive compensation.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $3.6 million for the current year quarter as compared to $3.2 million in the prior year quarter.

EBITDA

EBITDA was approximately $19.5 million in the current year quarter as compared to $23.5 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily driven by reduced profits from our film business. Adjusted EBITDA (excluding the film impairment charges in the current year quarter) increased 5% to $24.6 million in the current quarter as compared to $23.5 million in the prior year quarter.

Investment and Other (Expense) Income

Investment income was $0.5 million in both the current year quarter and prior year quarters. Other expense of $0.7 million, as compared to other income of $0.9 million in the prior year quarter, reflects foreign exchange losses of $0.4 million in the current year quarter as compared to foreign exchange gains of $0.9 million in the prior year quarter.

Effective tax rate

In the current year quarter, the effective tax rate was 32% as compared to 34% in the prior year quarter. The prior year rate was negatively impacted by a $0.4 million adjustment relating to differences between our tax returns as filed and our estimated tax provision.

Summary Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

Total revenues through the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $371.0 million as compared to $355.1 million in the prior year period. Operating income for the current year period was $50.1 million versus $67.8 million in the prior year period. Net income was $33.5 million, or $0.45 per share, as compared to $45.3 million, or $0.60 per share, in the prior year period. EBITDA was $61.0 million for the current nine month period as compared to $76.3 million in the prior year period. The current year period was impacted by $11.2 million in film impairment charges, while the prior year period reflected an infrastructure tax incentive which reduced depreciation and amortization expense by $1.6 million. Adjusting for these items, Adjusted Operating income for the current year period was $61.3 million versus $66.2 million in the prior year period. Adjusted Net Income was $41.1 million, or $0.55 per share, as compared to $44.4 million, or $0.59 per share, in the prior year period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 – Results by Business Segment

Total revenues grew 4% to $371 million driven primarily by an increase in Live and Televised Entertainment, which occurred mostly in North America. Growth in North America also reflected increased revenue from Licensing (within our Consumer Products segment) and from WWE Studios. Revenues from outside North America were essentially flat as growth from Television and WWE Studios and an approximate $3 million favorable impact from changes in foreign exchange rates were offset by a decline in Consumer Products.

The following charts reflect net revenues by segment and by geographical region for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010. (Dollars in millions)

 

Net Revenues by Segment

Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,

2011

2010

Live and Televised Entertainment $ 259.0 $ 249.5
Consumer Products 76.2 75.4
Digital Media 19.2 18.6
WWE Studios   16.6   11.6
Total $ 371.0 $ 355.1
 

Net Revenues by Region

Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30, Sept. 30,

2011

2010

North America $ 272.3 $ 256.4
Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) 57.0 55.6
Asia Pacific (APAC) 29.3 29.2
Latin America   12.4   13.9
Total $ 371.0 $ 355.1
 

Live and Televised Entertainment

Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $259.0 million for the current period as compared to $249.5 million in the prior year period, an increase of 4%.

   
Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
2011 2010
 
Live Events $ 77.8 $ 78.0
Pay-Per-View $ 63.7 $ 56.4
Venue Merchandise $ 14.4 $ 14.7
Television Rights Fees $ 97.6 $ 91.3
Television Advertising $ 0.7 $ 4.5
WWE Classics On Demand $ 3.4 $ 3.5
 

Consumer Products

Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses were $76.2 million as compared to $75.4 million in the prior year, an increase of 1%.

  Sept. 30,

2011

  Sept. 30,

2010

 
Home Video $ 23.9 $ 26.3
Licensing $ 44.9 $ 39.4
Magazine Publishing $ 5.7 $ 7.9

Digital Media

Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $19.2 million as compared to $18.6 million in the prior year, an increase of 3%.

  Sept. 30,

2011

  Sept. 30,

2010

 
WWE.com $ 9.8 $ 10.4
WWEShop $ 9.4 $ 8.2

WWE Studios

During the current year period, WWE Studios recognized revenue of $16.6 million as compared to $11.6 million in the prior year period, with the growth in revenue driven by an increase in the number of film releases (3 in the current year period as compared to 1 in the prior year period). Lower than anticipated performance of several films contributed to revised ultimate projections, which resulted in $11.2 million of impairment charges. Film profits declined $14.6 million from the prior year period driven by the aforementioned impairment charges and the increased distribution expenses associated with the higher number of releases under our self-distribution model in the current period as compared to the prior year period.

Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)

Profit contribution decreased to $144.4 million in the current year period as compared to $156.6 million in the prior year period primarily driven by the performance of our WWE Studios business and the absence of domestic television rights fees for our NXT™ and WWE Superstars programs. Adjusted Profit contribution (excluding the film impairment charges in the current year period) of $155.6 million was essentially flat to the prior year period as increased profits from Licensing and Pay-Per-View were offset by the absence of the domestic television rights fees as discussed above. Adjusted Profit contribution margin declined to approximately 42% as compared to 44% in the prior year period, primarily reflecting the resulting change in product mix.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses were $83.4 million for the current year period as compared to $80.3 million in the prior year period, led by increases in salary, severance and benefit costs, as well as higher legal and professional fees, partially offset by a reduction in accrued management incentive compensation.

EBITDA

EBITDA for the current year period decreased to approximately $61.0 million as compared to $76.3 million in the prior year period, reflecting lower profit contribution and higher SG&A expenses as described above. Adjusted EBITDA (excluding the film impairment charges in the current year period) declined to $72.2 million from $76.3 million in the prior year period.

Investment and Other Income (Expense)

Investment and Other Income (Expense) was essentially unchanged from the prior year period.

Effective tax rate

The effective tax rate was 33% in both the current and prior year periods. The decrease in our current period tax rate from our anticipated rate of 35% was primarily due to a $0.6 million benefit relating to the shutdown of a Canadian subsidiary. Additionally, rates were positively impacted by the recognition of tax benefits previously unrecognized of $0.5 million and $1.3 million for the current year and prior year periods, respectively. These benefits were primarily a result of the statute of limitations expiring in jurisdictions where the Company had previously taken uncertain tax positions.

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities was $47.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to $27.9 million in the prior year period. This increase was primarily driven by the timing of feature film production activities.

On September 9th, 2011, WWE entered into a $200 million revolving credit agreement because we believed there was generally a favorable climate in the capital markets for loans of this type. While we do not have specific plans to borrow at this time, we have announced initiatives for which we may borrow going forward. These initiatives include, but are not limited to, the formation of a WWE television network and the expansion and update of our media center as well as initiatives associated with the execution of our strategy.

Additional Information

Additional business metrics are made available to investors on a monthly basis on our corporate website – corporate.wwe.com.

Note: WWE will host a conference call on November 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Company’s earnings results for the third quarter of 2011. All interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 855-993-1400 (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.

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo. Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. 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, without limitation, risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; our exposure to bad debt risk; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; 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. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.

     
WWE
Consolidated Income Statements
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
2011

2010

2011 2010
 
 
Net revenues $108,518 $109,564 $ 370,979 $ 355,131
 
Cost of revenues 64,455 61,763 226,531 198,542
Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,567 24,322 83,485 80,284
Depreciation and amortization 3,593 3,211 10,872 8,461
 
Operating income 15,903 20,268 50,091 67,844
 
Investment income, net 484 524 1,458 1,504
Interest expense (151) (64) (246) (202)
Other (expense) income, net (661) 899 (1,082) (1,173)
 
Income before income taxes 15,575 21,627 50,221 67,973
 
Provision for income taxes 4,984 7,290 16,760 22,648
 
Net income $ 10,591 $ 14,337 $ 33,461 $ 45,325
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 74,328 74,576 74,142 74,372
Diluted 74,707 75,325 74,740 75,263

Earnings per share:

Basic $ 0.14 $ 0.19 $ 0.45 $ 0.61
Diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.19 $ 0.45 $ 0.60
 
 

WWE

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
  As of   As of
Sept. 30, Dec. 31,
2011 2010
ASSETS
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
Cash and cash equivalents $ 58,384 $ 69,823
Short-term investments 104,401 97,124
Accounts receivable, net 50,730 52,051
Inventory 2,433 2,087
Deferred income tax assets 14,097 17,128
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,858 20,856
   
Total current assets   244,903   259,069
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 79,152 80,995
 
FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS, NET 39,920 56,253
 
INVESTMENT SECURITIES 14,811 15,037
 
OTHER ASSETS   5,938   4,375
 
TOTAL ASSETS $ 384,724 $ 415,729
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,238 $ 1,169
Accounts payable 14,247 18,441
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 22,063 24,478
Deferred income 17,695 28,323
   
Total current liabilities   55,243   72,411
 
LONG-TERM DEBT 684 1,621
NON-CURRENT TAX LIABILITIES 7,534 15,068
NON-CURRENT DEFERRED INCOME 8,646 9,881
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Class A common stock 279 275
Class B common stock 465 465
Additional paid-in capital 338,435 336,592
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,104 3,144
Accumulated deficit   (29,666)   (23,728)
Total stockholders' equity   312,617   316,748
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 384,724 $ 415,729
 
 
WWE
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
  Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
2011 2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 33,461 $ 45,325
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
Amortization of feature film production assets 23,832 7,014
Revaluation of warrants - (552)
Depreciation and amortization 10,872 8,461
Realized gain on sale of investments (32) (55)
Amortization of investment income 1,958 1,286
Amortization of debt issuance costs 51 -
Stock compensation costs 2,692 6,522
Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts 17 (37)
Provision for inventory obsolescence 1,504 1,530

Benefit from deferred income taxes

(4,348) (8,946)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements (138) (2,723)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 2,866 11,008
Inventory (1,851) (1,178)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,905 (8,902)
Feature film production assets (7,358) (27,343)
Accounts payable (4,194) 937
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1,568) (10,882)
Deferred income (11,864) 6,443
Net cash provided by operating activities 47,805 27,908
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment and other assets (10,466) (9,130)
Proceeds from infrastructure incentives - 4,130
Purchase of short-term investments (33.472) (88,343)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of investments 25,314 59,035
Net cash used in investing activities (18,624) (34,308)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of long-term debt (868) (804)
Debt issuance costs (1,844) -
Dividends paid (38,879) (62,598)
Issuance of stock, net 833 961
Proceeds from exercise of stock options - 695
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements 138 2,723
Net cash used in financing activities (40,620) (59,023)
 
 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (11,439) (65,423)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 69,823 149,784
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 58,384 $ 84,361
 
 
WWE
Supplemental Information - EBITDA
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
     
 
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,   Sept. 30, Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
2011   2010   2011   2010
 
 
Net income reported on U.S. GAAP basis $ 10,591 $ 14,337 $ 33,461 $ 45,325
 
Provision for income taxes 4,984 7,290 16,760 22,648
 
Investment, interest and other expense (income), net 328 (1,359) (130) (129)
Depreciation and amortization 3,593 3,211 10,872 8,461
       
EBITDA $ 19,496 $ 23,479 $ 60,963 $ 76,305
 

Non-GAAP Measure:

EBITDA is defined as net income before investment, interest and other expense/income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company’s definition of EBITDA does not adjust its U.S. GAAP basis earnings for the amortization of Feature Film production assets. 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 WWE’s performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 
WWE

Supplemental Information – Schedule of Adjustments

(in millions)
(Unaudited)
   
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

2011   2010   2011   2010
 
Profit contribution $ 44.0 $ 47.8 $ 144.4 $ 156.6
 
Adjustments (Added back):
Film Impairment Charges 5.1 - 11.2 -
       
Adjusted Profit contribution $ 49.1 $ 47.8 $ 155.6

$

156.6
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 24.5 24.3 83.4 80.3
 
       
Adjusted Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 24.5 $ 24.3 $ 83.4 $ 80.3
 
Depreciation and amortization 3.6 3.2 10.9 8.5
 
Adjustments (Added back):
Infrastructure tax credit - - - 1.6
       
Adjusted Depreciation and amortization $ 3.6 $ 3.2 $ 10.9 $ 10.1
 
Operating income $ 15.9 $ 20.3 $ 50.1 $ 67.8
 
Adjusted Operating income $ 21.0 $ 20.3 $ 61.3 $ 66.2
 
Depreciation and amortization (Added back) 3.6 3.2 10.9 8.5
Adjusted Depreciation and amortization (Added back) 3.6 3.2 10.9 10.1
       
EBITDA $ 19.5 $ 23.5 $ 61.0 $ 76.3
 
Adjusted EBITDA $ 24.6 $ 23.5 $ 72.2 $ 76.3
 

Non-GAAP Measure:

Adjusted Profit contribution, Adjusted Selling, general and administrative expenses, Adjusted Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA exclude certain material items, which otherwise would impair the comparability of results between periods. These should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of WWE’s performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

WWE

Supplemental Information – Schedule of Adjustments

(in millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
   
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

2011   2010   2011   2010
 
Operating income $ 15.9 $ 20.3 $ 50.1 $ 67.8
 
Adjustments (Added back):
Film impairment charges 5.1 - 11.2 -
Infrastructure tax credit - - - (1.6)
       
Adjusted Operating income $ 21.0 $ 20.3 $ 61.3 $ 66.2
 
Investment, interest and other expense, net (0.3) 1.4 0.1 0.1
       
Adjusted Income before taxes $ 20.7 $ 21.7 $ 61.4 $ 66.3
 
Adjusted Provision for taxes (6.6) (7.4) (20.3) (21.9)
       
Adjusted Net income $ 14.1 $ 14.3 $ 41.1 $ 44.4

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic   74,328   74,576   74,142   74,372
Diluted   74,707   75,325   74,740   75,263
 
Adjusted Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.19 $ 0.19 $ 0.55 $ 0.60
Diluted $ 0.19 $ 0.19 $ 0.55 $ 0.59
 

Non-GAAP Measure:

Adjusted Operating income and Adjusted Net income exclude certain material items, which otherwise would impair the comparability of results between periods. These should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of WWE’s performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

WWE

Supplemental Information – Free Cash Flow

(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
     
 
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
  2011

 

 

2010

    2011     2010
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 8,487 $ 2,959 $ 47,805 $ 27,908
 
Less cash used in capital expenditures:
Purchase of property and equipment (3,587) (2,444) (8,683) (9,070)
Proceeds from infrastructure incentives - - - 4,130
Purchase of other assets (99) - (1,783) (60)
       
Free Cash Flow $ 4,801 $ 515 $ 37,339 $ 22,908
 

Non-GAAP Measure:

We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities 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

WWE
Investors:
Michael Weitz 203-352-8642
or
Media:
Robert Zimmerman 203-359-5131

Contacts

WWE
Investors:
Michael Weitz 203-352-8642
or
Media:
Robert Zimmerman 203-359-5131