The following was issued by WWE today:
WWE? Reports 2008 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
STAMFORD, Conn., February 24, 2009 – World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008. Revenues totaled $125.4 million as compared to $132.6 million in the prior year quarter while operating income was $23.3 million as compared to $24.7 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $13.6 million, or $0.18 per share (diluted), as compared to $21.5 million, or $0.30 per share (diluted), in the prior year quarter. ?In 2008, WWE demonstrated resilience to a difficult economic environment. As these challenges increased during the fourth quarter, we intensified our efforts to improve our operating efficiency. Consistent with our commitment to reduce our annual expense base by $20 million, in January we announced a 10% reduction in staff coming from across all areas of our operations,? said Linda McMahon, Chief Executive Officer. ?Additionally, while understanding the strategic importance of expanding and upgrading our Media Center, we have decided to delay spending on this initiative until economic conditions become more favorable. By exercising fiscal prudence we believe we can
improve the company’s earnings and cash flow as well as strengthen our financial position in anticipation of the ultimate economic recovery.?
Results By Business Segment
The following chart reflects net revenues and profit contribution by segment for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. (Dollars in millions)
To view the chart, click here (.pdf form).