WWE Posts 4Q Gains

STAMFORD, February 12: For the fourth quarter, revenues at
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) rose 23 percent to reach $132.6 million.

Profit also rose for the period, to $21.5 million from $15.5
million, and operating income increased from $17.5 million to $24.7 million.

“We ended the year with solid fourth quarter performances
from all of our operating units, resulting in a 23-percent increase in revenue
over last year,” said CEO Linda McMahon. “The quarter capped off a very
successful year in which we set an all time revenue high of $485 million. We
expect our initiatives for international expansion and the continued
improvement in our digital media and wireless businesses will help us sustain
our growth momentum in 2008.”

Revenues from live and televised events were up 13 percent
to $82.3 million. International events generated approximately $16.9 million of
revenues as compared to $12.5 million in the prior year quarter. North American
events generated $14 million of revenues from 49 events as compared to $11.9
million from 62 events in the prior year quarter. Pay-Per-View revenues were
$19.9 million as compared to $18.7 million, and television rights fees revenues
grew to $23.8 million. Revenues from WWE 24/7 were flat at $1.1 milion.

Consumer products revenues gained 48 percent to $35.3
million, of which $19.8 million came from home entertainment. Digital media
revenues were flat at $11.9 million, and WWE Films contributed $3.1 million.

—By Mansha Daswani