World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE)'s stock jumped Thursday after the market took a look at the company's Q3 data. Overall revenues didn't see much of an increase, but earnings per share rose over 70% to 12 cents. Driving this incredible growth rate was a cut in gross costs. Analysts were betting on 10 cents in per-share profit, according to Earnings.com.

Did WWE deserve a pop of 7% during yesterday's trading session? Some of the excitement was certainly justified. It's obviously a positive thing to see management acting so diligently when it comes to costs. Of course, there was an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses during the quarter, so there is still room for improvement (the nine-month table did show a decrease in this line, to be fair).

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment Q3 results exceed expectations

World Wrestling Entertainment Q3 results exceed expectations originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Linda McMahon, as I'm sure most investors are aware, is no longer the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE). Her husband, Vincent K. McMahon, now occupies the role. The reason? Political ambitions. She wants to be a senator. Now, here's the question: should shareholders be worried about the change?

My opinion? Investors shouldn't worry at all. Well, perhaps that's overstating it a little, but I think there are a few things media observers should keep in mind.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment should be just fine after management change

World Wrestling Entertainment should be just fine after management change originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

There's some exciting news in the world of World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE). Looks like Vince McMahon wants to expand his media empire via entering the world of basic cable. Yes, he's already on basic cable, of course, but now he's intent on literally creating his very own wrestling channel.

According to a blog at the Los Angeles Times website, McMahon would be interested in launching a dedicated WWE channel within two years. This makes complete sense on several levels. First, WWE has a lot of content in its library that needs to be monetized; WWE's existing video-on-demand product already leverages the company's portfolio, but exposure to ad-supported cable would be helpful. Second, it could boost the profile of the WWE brand. Third, it might help long-term growth; without question, WWE needs to do something to compensate for the falloff it is seen in pay-per-view buys.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment's new media ambition

World Wrestling Entertainment's new media ambition originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE) is calling on an old friend to help it bring in an audience beyond the media company's hardcore demographic. Donald Trump, who has worked storylines with WWE before (remember the battle between Trump and Vince McMahon, the one that saw McMahon lose his hair?), recently appeared on WWE's Raw television program. In fact, TVSquad.com discussed the high-profile promotion Trump's involvement received over this past weekend. TV Squad also covered the little controversy caused by Trump's "purchase" of WWE's famous asset (I honestly cannot believe that some investors actually sold the company's stock based on a storyline).

Using Trump isn't a bad idea. He's a pretty good performer, and he seems, at times, like a natural for the wrestling business. How should an investor process his involvement, however? Does it show that WWE is having a hard time developing engaging angles with its own talent roster?

Continue reading Can Donald Trump help WWE's stock?

Can Donald Trump help WWE's stock? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Last week, World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE) reported its Q1 results. Above all, investors interested in this business look at one thing: cash flow. Why? Take a look at WWE's dividend yield.

As of Tuesday's close, the stock was yielding almost 13%! That's high. And a high dividend yield often indicates that a dividend cut may be in the offing -- the theory being that if the yield were sustainable, then buyers would rush in, and their activities would eventually lower the yield by driving the price higher.

Well, WWE hasn't had a great time of it when it comes to cash flow. I found this out when I examined the company's third quarter. Net cash from operations, unfortunately, has been overpowered at times by the dividend obligation. In fact, according to the Q4 report (pdf file), operational cash flow for 2008 dropped significantly to roughly $36 million, and the dividend obligation was over $80 million.

And that was before capital investments. That's sort of like the Undertaker throwing Mankind off the top of a steel cage. In other words, it's not pretty, folks.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment: How was the cash flow in Q1?

World Wrestling Entertainment: How was the cash flow in Q1? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 13 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

DreamWorks Animation (NYSE: DWA) has done it again. The studio's new computer cartoon, Monsters Vs. Aliens, which was distributed by Viacom (NYSE: VIA), debuted in the top slot over the weekend at domestic multiplexes. According to Boxofficemojo estimates at the time of this writing, the film earned around $58 million. I think we all expected the performance in terms of rank, but I have to say that I thought the film would have taken in north of $60 million.

If you look at this very useful reference, you'll see that the opening for Monsters is relatively decent when compared to other DreamWorks Animation openings. But since both Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa had both hit the $60 million mark, I thought Monsters could do the same. An element to keep in mind is the timing. This is the first time that the studio opened one of its animated projects in March since The Road to El Dorado, and that one doesn't really count since it wasn't a CGI affair. So from that standpoint, perhaps this is a big victory.

Continue reading 'Monsters Vs. Aliens' is a dream for DreamWorks while '12 Rounds' is a nightmare for WWE

'Monsters Vs. Aliens' is a dream for DreamWorks while '12 Rounds' is a nightmare for WWE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Don't tell me you haven't noticed the rise in value of shares of World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE). The recent rally in the stock is supremely impressive. The shares closed on Thursday at $12.08. The 52-week low of $8.76 was made back in November of last year. If you look at a one-month chart, you'll see that it's been nothing but straight-up action.

Yes, my friends, the stock is Hulking up! (I love it when Hulk Hogan does that routine.) Of course, by the time this is published, maybe the shares will have experienced a sell-off, but for now, the shares are hot.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment's stock has been hot - is John Cena responsible?

World Wrestling Entertainment's stock has been hot - is John Cena responsible? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment fourth-quarter profit falls, matches expectations

World Wrestling Entertainment fourth-quarter profit falls, matches expectations originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

I was sent a press release today concerning World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE). It was one that I had missed. WWE, as many may know, has a pretty high dividend yield. Problem is, in this trading environment, some high dividend yields have proven to be predictors of disaster. As an example, were you trading Newcastle Investment (NYSE: NCT) by any chance? Then you know what I mean. For many stocks, high yields are merely a ticket to Dividend-Cut City. Or how about General Electric Company (NYSE: GE)? That company didn't cut its dividend, but management indicates that there won't be a raise in the dividend this year. It's been many, many years since GE refused to raise its quarterly payout. In many sad ways, it could be considered a cut.

Yet, here's something encouraging for investors in WWE. Management at the world's most famous wrestling institution has come out swinging, eager to alleviate the fears of shaken investors in a world bloodied and bruised by the financial crisis (hey, maybe that could be a new wrestling character, Financial Crisis, and his finishing move could be the Mark-to-Market). According to the press release, WWE intends on keeping its current quarterly payout for the long term. The very high yield of 9%, as far as execs are concerned, is doable.

What are income investors to make of this? Well, in my opinion, long-term investors might do well with WWE stock. Consider that we are not dealing with a financial company. Like GE, WWE didn't say it intends to raise the payout. But WWE has increased the dividend quite a bit since it first initiated the shareholder-friendly initiative. In this environment, the ability to keep a high yield is something that could be valuable.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment: Long-term play for dividend fans?

World Wrestling Entertainment: Long-term play for dividend fans? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

I recently wrote about World Wrestling Entertainment's (NYSE: WWE) million-dollar giveaway plans. This is the scheme that sees the Mr. McMahon character reward viewers who register at the company's website with portions of his fortune. He calls them up on the phone during WWE's RAW program and doles out various sums; according to this press release, one winner got $200,000, while another player received $125,000. One poor hapless soul won $2! Remember, Mr. McMahon is an evil guy.

I tuned in to see how the contest would be presented and to get some sense of how it was received. It seemed a bit awkward and slow at times. A few in the audience screamed that they were bored. Personally, I thought it was goofy fun to see Vince McMahon calling people to hand out some of his money and enjoyed it for what it was. But WWE will need to optimize the segment and try to make it more exciting, as I don't think it came off exactly as it wanted. McMahon is supposed to keep handing out $1 million a week for an unspecified time period, so the company will have more chances to improve the presentation.

WWE wants to really juice the ratings for the RAW brand, hoping that viewers beyond the hardcore fan base will stop watching networks owned by CBS (NYSE: CBS), Disney (NYSE: DIS), News Corp. (NYSE: NWS), and General Electric (NYSE: GE) long enough to sample the spectacle of the WWE product (of course, GE's NBC Universal owns the USA cable network, which RAW runs on). McMahon is smart to be trying something like this since WWE will be working its way up to perhaps one of its biggest pay-per-view opportunities ever: Wrestlemania 25. With a milestone like that coming, the company has a chance of really expanding its brand equity and setting the stage for long-term growth.

Continue reading WWE needs to make Vince McMahon's giveaway more exciting

WWE needs to make Vince McMahon's giveaway more exciting originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

World Wrestling Entertainment's (NYSE: WWE) Vincent Kennedy McMahon wants more viewers for his Monday Night Raw wrestling extravaganza. In fact, he's so keen on growing ratings that he's willing to spend his own money to keep viewers tuned. How much? Try $1 million.

In a terse press release concerning a promotional sweepstakes, WWE says that Raw viewers can register at the company's Web site and then watch for codes during the program beginning next Monday. People will be competing to win a portion of a $1 million giveaway each week for some unspecified time period. Now, before you think me naive, I made sure to see if this was legitimate, and from the looks of things it is. According to this AP article, McMahon will really be doing this. According to other reports, the June 9 Raw will reveal the details of the promotion. The $1 million will come from McMahon's own fortune (again, from what I understand, this is real).

There's no question as to why this is being done. WWE wants eyeballs. Ratings have been challenged as of late, according to that AP piece. I think giving away $1 million is exciting, and as far as a marketing campaign goes, it should boost ratings. Only problem is, I'd have to imagine that long-term shareholders aren't happy that this kind of gimmick has to be employed. Is wrestling becoming boring to people? Are they in need of other reasons to watch? Well, the answer would seem to be a resounding "yes."

Continue reading Is Vince McMahon bribing viewers to watch wrestling?

Is Vince McMahon bribing viewers to watch wrestling? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE) stepped into the Wall Street ring on Tuesday -- and lost. The company's stock dropped about 8% at closing on the Q1 earnings release (it did recover a bit during the after-hours session). I'd probably call this profit-taking, although there was one thing about the earnings report that I didn't like: free cash flow.

Let me say first, though, that revenues increased more than 50% to $162.6 million, and that earnings per share rose almost 29% to 27 cents (according to Briefing.com, this matched expectations). This is excellent growth, and it shows the resilience of wrestling as an entertainment brand; sure, many on Wall Street may not take the company seriously, but they're wrong. I enjoyed, by the way, that WWE increased the buy-rates for its Royal Rumble and No Way Out pay-per-view events. Pay-per-view is a very vital part of WWE's operations, in my opinion. And let's not forget a big driver for the quarter -- Wrestlemania XXIV -- which brought in more than million buys.

Unfortunately, free cash tumbled off the mat, decreasing 77%. And, no, the amount generated did not cover the generous dividend that WWE pays. I would really like to see free cash flow do well every quarter since WWE has been a steady dividend-increaser over its time as a public company. Management must focus on the cash-flow statement and make it a priority.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment shows growth in earnings, but what about cash flow?

World Wrestling Entertainment shows growth in earnings, but what about cash flow? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 May 2008 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE) reported Q4 earnings today, and they showed that this little media company isn't ready to submit yet. WWE generated $0.30 per share in net income, which represented growth of 36%. According to earnings.com, the street was figuring on $0.17 per share. Guess the street had better learn not to doubt Vincent Kennedy McMahon.

Nevertheless, all is not necessarily well with WWE. For one thing, the company has found that playing in the movie business is not as easy as it sounds. The WWE Films unit saw revenues of $3.1 million in the quarter but contributed nothing in terms of profit. WWE is recognizing revenues from films See No Evil -- which was distributed by Lions Gate (NYSE: LGF) in the summer of 2006 -- and The Marine, which was released by News Corp.'s (NYSE: NWS) Fox in the fall of 2006. Also, the pay-per-view buy rates could use some help, maybe some marketing muscle to get things back on track.

Still, free cash flow for the year saw a body-slamming jump to $79.6 million versus $26.2 million for 2006. That was enough to cover the dividend obligation -- and WWE actually pays a decent yield. Shares are up as I write this over 7%, and the volume is Hulkin' up as well. So, investors are clearly pleased. But, Mr. McMahon really better take a good, hard look at his film business and get some exciting projects into production -- I believe there is great potential for this segment over the long haul. Sure, the company isn't a Disney (NYSE: DIS) or Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), but it still is a fun way to play the media sector.

Disclosure: I own shares in Disney.

WWE gives analysts a leg drop originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE) shares have plunged more than 5% over the past month as investors fled Vince McMahon's muscle-bound empire in the wake of the Chris Benoit tragedy. The stock is headed for an even bigger fall in the coming months as the company grapples with congressional scrutiny, potential lawsuits and long-overdue increased government regulation.

Nonetheless, WWE is something that truly adventurous investors should consider. The shares are trading at a multiple of 25, which is dirt cheap compared with its peers such as Playboy Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:PLA)'s 130 and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: LGF)'s 53. Though profit and sales are expected to fall this year, analysts expect WWE to rebound next year.

When WWE holds its earnings conference call on August 2, there no doubt will be plenty of questions about Benoit, steroids, declining ratings and potential share buybacks. WWE management should also be scolded for its stupid decision to air a tribute to Benoit.

But some long term perspective also is in order. Big media companies including Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA) and News Corp (NYSE: NWS) would love to buy WWE to gain access to its huge library of content and rabid fan base.

Like it or not wrestling has been part of the pop culture landscape for a long time. Eventually, some other personality will come along that will make people forget the Benoit murders.

At that point, investors who hung in there will have their patience rewarded.

WWE won't be pinned down forever originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Two weeks ago, Vince McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainment's (NYSE: WWE) CEO, faked his own death. This week, Chris Benoit killed his wife and mentally retarded 7-year-old son. I think it may be time for a change at the top of WWE.

In response to an earlier post, I discussed this yesterday with CNBC. A risk noted in WWE's financial statements is that if CEO Vince McMahon left, it could hurt the company. And since McMahon faked his death, the stock has lost 11% of its value. I realize that these kinds of stunts are part of the entertainment. But as an investor, I would be concerned that WWE lacks the depth of management to replace McMahon.

Meanwhile, speculation continues as to what drove Benoit. Here are three possibilities:

• His wife has filed for divorce from him in 2003 citing "cruel treatment" and tensions continued
• He was stressed by his wife's demands to spend more time at home taking care of their son
• Steroids were found at the scene which are known to cause paranoia and rage.
  

It's too early to tell what happened with Benoit. But in the absence of a deeper management bench, the best thing preserving WWE's future is the possibility that a bigger media outlet might acquire it.

Peter Cohan is president of Peter S. Cohan & Associates, a management consulting and venture capital firm. He also teaches management at Babson College and edits The Cohan Letter. He has no financial interest in WWE.

Is it time for WWE to change management? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Cramer sweet on Vince McMahon of WWE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 21:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.