WWE’s second quarter financials are out.
Ahead of the first quarterly conference call post-Vince McMahon, WWE pushed out their second quarter 2022 results. The company obtained $328.2 million in revenue during that period of time. Below is the press release:
WWE® Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results
08/16/2022
Raises Full Year 2022 Outlook
Second Quarter 2022 Highlights
- Revenue was $328.2 million, an increase of 24%; Operating Income was $69.3 million, an increase of 50%; and Adjusted OIBDA1 was $91.5 million, an increase of 34%
- Returned capital to shareholders totaling $19.1 million, including share repurchases and dividends paid
- Each WWE premium live event (WrestleMania, WrestleMania Backlash and Hell in a Cell) was the most viewed event in its history with year-over-year increases of 60%, 49% and 45%, respectively, in domestic unique viewership on Peacock
- WWE, in connection with Fox’s Blockchain Creative Labs, launched its inaugural NFT sale on Moonsault, the Company’s official NFT marketplace. The limited-edition collection, which was tied to the Hell in a Cell event, sold out within 24 hours
- WWE announced its second “Next In Line” class of 15 college athletes, further enhancing the Company’s talent development program
- In July, WWE launched a new, enhanced digital platform for e-commerce and licensed merchandise in connection with its long-term partnership with Fanatics
2022 Business Outlook2
- In February, the Company issued Adjusted OIBDA guidance of $360 – $375 million for the full year 2022. Based on outperformance through the first six months of the year as well as management’s current expectations for the second half of the year, the Company is raising its guidance and now expects full year 2022 Adjusted OIBDA within a range of $370 – $385 million
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2022.
“We generated strong financial results in the quarter, highlighted by record revenue and Adjusted OIBDA for a second quarter,” said Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan, WWE co-Chief Executive Officers. “We continued to effectively execute our strategy, including staging a record-setting WrestleMania in early April. WrestleMania, as well as our other premium live events (“PLEs”) including WrestleMania Backlash, Hell in a Cell, Money in the Bank and SummerSlam all delivered record viewership for their respective events. These PLEs, along with strong ratings for our flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown, continued to expand the reach of our brands and enhance the value of our content. We’re excited about the recently announced management structure, including the appointment of Paul Levesque as head of WWE creative and talent, as we look to continue to increase the monetization of our IP across various platforms through our media rights agreements, both domestically and abroad, as well as our inaugural NFT drops on Moonsault, WWE’s official NFT marketplace, and the recent launch of our new, enhanced e-commerce digital platform in connection with our partnership with Fanatics.”
Frank Riddick, WWE Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, added “In the quarter, we exceeded the high end of our guidance. Adjusted OIBDA increased 34% reflecting 24% revenue growth. Our strong financial performance was primarily driven by our return to a full live event schedule and our consumer products business. These items more than offset an increase in production, content-related, and other expenses. For 2022, we are raising our full year Adjusted OIBDA guidance to a range of $370 to $385 million.”
Second-Quarter Consolidated Results
Revenue increased 24% to $328.2 million, primarily due to an increase in ticket sales at our live events and, to a lesser extent, higher sales of the Company’s licensed products, including video games and trading cards. An increase in media rights fees related to the Company’s flagship programs and premium live events also contributed to the increase in revenue.
Operating Income increased 50%, or $23.0 million, to $69.3 million, driven by the increase in revenue partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by higher event-related costs associated with the resumption of live event touring as well as increased production costs associated with the creation of the Company’s premium live events, including our annual WrestleMania events. The Company’s operating income margin increased to 21% from 17%.
Adjusted OIBDA (which excludes stock compensation) increased 34%, or $23.4 million, to $91.5 million. The Company’s adjusted OIBDA margin increased to 28% from 26%.
Net Income was $49.0 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, an increase from $29.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2021, primarily reflecting higher operating performance.
Cash flows generated by operating activities were $56.9 million, an increase from $19.5 million, primarily due to higher net income.
Free Cash Flow3 was $9.5 million, a decrease from $13.3 million, primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures,partially offset by the change in operating cash flow. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company incurred $40.8 million of capital expenditures related to its new headquarter facility. Excluding the capital expenditures related to the new headquarter facility, Free Cash Flow for the three months ended June 30, 2022 was $50.3 million.
Return of Capital to Shareholders
The Company returned $19.1 million to shareholders in the second quarter of 2022, consisting of $10.0 million in share repurchases and $9.1 million in dividends paid. Approximately 170,000 shares were repurchased at an average price of $58.70 per share during the second quarter. As of June 30, 2022, the Company had $210.9 million available under its existing $500 million stock repurchase authorization.
Results by Operating Segment
The schedules below reflect WWE’s performance by operating segment (in millions):1
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Net Revenue:
Media
$
243.1
$
233.9
$
521.2
$
475.9
Live Events
41.0
9.2
64.1
9.7
Consumer Products
44.1
22.5
76.3
43.5
Total Net Revenue
$
328.2
$
265.6
$
661.6
$
529.1
Operating Income (Loss):
Media
$
78.4
$
80.8
$
195.8
$
177.9
Live Events
13.2
0.9
15.2
(3.6
)
Consumer Products
15.9
7.9
27.1
14.1
Corporate
(38.2
)
(43.3
)
(76.4
)
(77.0
)
Total Operating Income
$
69.3
$
46.3
$
161.7
$
111.4
Adjusted OIBDA:
Media
$
90.7
$
86.2
$
218.9
$
192.8
Live Events
13.8
1.1
16.6
(3.2
)
Consumer Products
16.5
8.4
28.4
15.1
Corporate
(29.5
)
(27.6
)
(60.7
)
(52.7
)
Total Adjusted OIBDA
$
91.5
$
68.1
$
203.2
$
152.0
Media
Second-Quarter 2022
Revenue increased 4%, or $9.2 million, to $243.1 million, primarily due an increase in both domestic and international media rights fees related to the Company’s flagship programs and premium live events. These increases were partially offset by the timing of delivery of third-party original programming.
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Media Revenue:
Network (a)
$
63.7
$
61.5
$
120.0
$
140.9
Core content rights fees (b)
151.8
141.8
293.3
281.5
Advertising and sponsorship (c)
17.9
18.7
37.7
34.3
Other (d)
9.7
11.9
70.2
19.2
Total Revenue
$
243.1
$
233.9
$
521.2
$
475.9
(a) Network revenue consists primarily of license fees associated with the distribution of WWE Network content on the Peacock service in the U.S. (effective March 18, 2021), as well as subscription fees from customers of WWE Network and license fees associated with the Company’s international licensed partner agreements. Network revenue for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, includes the upfront revenue recognition related to the delivery of certain WWE Network intellectual property rights to Peacock.
(b) Core content rights fees consist primarily of licensing revenue from the distribution of the Company’s flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown, as well as its NXT programming, through global broadcast, pay television and digital platforms.
(c) Advertising and sponsorship revenue within the Media segment consists primarily of advertising revenue from the Company’s content on third-party social media platforms and sponsorship fees from sponsors who promote products utilizing the Company’s media platforms, including promotion on the Company’s digital websites and on-air promotional media spots.
(d) Other revenue within the Media segment reflects revenue from the distribution of other WWE content, including, but not limited to, certain live in-ring programming content in international markets, scripted, reality and other programming, as well as theatrical and direct-to-home video releases.
Operating income decreased 3%, or $2.4 million, to $78.4 million, as the increase in revenue (as described above) was more than offset by an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by higher stock-based compensation as the prior year quarter included lower management incentive compensation arising from the Company’s business restructuring. Production costs were relatively flat year-over-year as higher production costs associated with the creation of the Company’s premium live events were offset by lower television production costs associated with the creation of the Company’s weekly, in-ring content.
Adjusted OIBDA increased 5%, or $4.5 million, to $90.7 million.
Live Events
Second-Quarter 2022
Revenue was $41.0 million, an increase of $31.8 million, driven by the resumption of ticket sales as the Company returned to staging ticketed live events, as well as an increase in ticket sales from the Company’s marquee annual event, WrestleMania. There were 59 total ticketed live events in the current quarter, consisting of 55 events in North America and four events in international markets. Average attendance at the Company’s North America events was approximately 6,800. The increase in ticket sales revenue for WrestleMania was primarily driven by a return to full capacity attendance.
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Live Events Revenue:
North American ticket sales
$
34.9
$
6.7
$
54.8
$
6.7
International ticket sales
2.2
—
2.2
—
Advertising and sponsorship (e)
1.6
0.3
2.7
0.3
Other (f)
2.3
2.2
4.4
2.7
Total Revenue
$
41.0
$
9.2
$
64.1
$
9.7
(e) Advertising and sponsorship revenue within the Live Events segment consists primarily of fees from advertisers and sponsors that promote products utilizing the Company’s live events (i.e., presenting sponsor of fan engagement events and advertising signage at events). (f) Other revenue within the Live Events segment reflects revenue from the sale of travel packages associated with the Company’s global live events, commissions earned through secondary ticketing, and revenue from events for which the Company receives a fixed fee Operating income was $13.2 million, an increase of $12.3 million, as the increase in ticket sales (as described above) was partially offset by an increase in event-related expenses.
Adjusted OIBDA increased $12.7 million to $13.8 million.
Consumer Products
Second-Quarter 2022
Revenue increased 96%, or $21.6 million, to $44.1 million, primarily due to higher sales of the Company’s licensed products, including video games driven by our franchise game WWE 2K22, as well as trading cards and other collectibles. Higher sales of venue merchandise was driven by the return to ticketed live events, while an increase in eCommerce merchandise sales was primarily due to sales of the Company’s existing merchandise inventory to the new operator of WWE’s official eCommerce platform.
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Consumer Products Revenue:
Consumer product licensing
$
22.6
$
11.3
$
42.6
$
22.3
eCommerce
12.9
9.9
20.6
19.9
Venue merchandise
8.6
1.3
13.1
1.3
Total Revenue
$
44.1
$
22.5
$
76.3
$
43.5
Operating income increased 101%, or $8.0 million, to $15.9 million, reflecting the increase in revenue (as described above) partially offset by an increase in variable costs associated with the sales activity.
Adjusted OIBDA increased 96%, or $8.1 million, to $16.5 million.
2022 Business Outlook2
In February, the Company issued Adjusted OIBDA guidance of $360 – $375 million for the full year 2022. Based on outperformance through the first six months of the year as well as management’s current expectations for the second half of the year, the Company is raising its guidance and now expects full year 2022 Adjusted OIBDA within a range of $370 – $385 million. This range of anticipated performance reflects the continued ramp-up of live events, including large-scale international events, and increased monetization of content, partially offset by increased production, content-related, and other expenses.
Third Quarter 2022 Business Outlook2
The Company estimates third quarter 2022 Adjusted OIBDA of $70 – $80 million. The estimate reflects strong revenue growth primarily driven by the contractual escalation of domestic media rights fees for the Company’s flagship programs and premium live events as well as the increased monetization of content and an increase in international ticket sales related to the staging of a large-scale event. The Company also anticipates that third quarter results will reflect an increase in operating expenses, including certain costs to support the creation of content.
Special Committee Investigation
As previously announced, a Special Committee of independent members of the Board of Directors was formed to investigate alleged misconduct by Vincent K. McMahon, the Company’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who resigned from all positions held with the Company on July 22, 2022 but remains a stockholder with a controlling interest, and another executive, who is also no longer with the Company. The Special Committee investigation is substantially complete. Based on certain findings during the investigation, the Company has revised its previously issued financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as the first quarter of 2022. For the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022, the Company’s consolidated pre-tax results include the impact of $1.7 million associated with certain costs related to the investigation. Please see the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K/A and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A and Form 10-Q for further details regarding this matter.
Notes
(1) The definition of Adjusted OIBDA can be found in the Non-GAAP Measures section of the release on page 7. A reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 can be found in the Supplemental Information in this release on page 14. (2) The Company’s business model and expected results will continue to be subject to significant execution and other risks, including risks relating to the impact of COVID-19 on WWE’s business, results of operations and financial condition; entering, maintaining and renewing major distribution agreements; WWE Network; risks related to the resignation of Vincent K. McMahon and the potential impact of the investigation of alleged executive misconduct; uncertainties associated with international markets and risks inherent in large live events, and other risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2021. In addition, WWE is unable to provide a reconciliation of third quarter or full year 2022 guidance to GAAP measures as, at this time, WWE cannot accurately determine all of the adjustments that would be required. See Supplemental Information in this release on page 15. (3) A reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 can be found in the Supplemental Information in this release on page 16. Non-GAAP Measures
The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as operating income excluding depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, certain impairment charges and other non-recurring material items that otherwise would impact the comparability of results between periods. Adjusted OIBDA includes amortization and depreciation expenses directly related to supporting the operations of our segments, including content production asset amortization, depreciation and amortization of costs related to content delivery and technology assets utilized for the WWE Network, as well as amortization of right-of-use assets related to finance leases of equipment used to produce and broadcast our live events. The Company believes the presentation of Adjusted OIBDA is relevant and useful for investors because it allows them to view the Company’s segment performance in the same manner as the primary method used by management to evaluate segment performance and to make decisions regarding the allocation of resources. Additionally, the Company believes that Adjusted OIBDA is a primary measure used by media investors, analysts and peers for comparative purposes.
Adjusted OIBDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and may be different from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. WWE views operating income as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted OIBDA (and other non-GAAP measures such as Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS which are defined as the GAAP measures excluding certain nonrecurring, material items that impact the comparability between periods) should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, operating income, net income, EPS or other GAAP measures, such as operating cash flow, as an indicator of operating performance or liquidity.
The Company defines Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities less cash used for capital expenditures. WWE views net cash provided by operating activities as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Although it is not a recognized measure of liquidity under U.S. GAAP, Free Cash Flow provides useful information regarding the amount of cash WWE’s continuing business generates after capital expenditures and is available for reinvesting in the business, debt service, share repurchases and payment of dividends.
Additional Information
As previously announced WWE will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on August 16, 2022, to discuss its second quarter 2022 results. All interested parties are welcome to listen to a live webcast that will be hosted through the Company’s website at corporate.wwe.com/investors. Participants can access the conference call by dialing 1-855-200-4993 (toll free) or 1-323-794-2092 from outside the U.S. (conference ID for both lines: 6930081). Please reserve a line 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call.
The earnings presentation referenced during the call will be made available on August 16, 2022, at corporate.wwe.com/investors. A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the conference call concludes and can be accessed on the Company’s website.
Additional business metrics are made available to investors on the corporate website – corporate.wwe.com/investors.
Following the conference call, John Pollock and Brandon Thurston will be recording a podcast to recap news and notes coming out of the call.
