WWE-6.30.2014-10Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
    
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
 
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
or
 
 
 
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
 
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 
For the transition period from ______ to ______
 
 
 
 
 
Commission file number 001-16131
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
    
04-2693383
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
1241 East Main Street
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 352-8600
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer 
o
 
 
Accelerated filer 
x
  
Non-accelerated filer 
o
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company 
o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes o  No x

At July 30, 2014 the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share, was 33,173,259 and the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share, was 42,298,437.

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

      
      
 
Page #
Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended

June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Net revenues
$
156,310

 
$
152,282

 
$
281,882

 
$
276,283

Cost of revenues (including amortization and impairments of feature film and television production assets of $12,115 and $1,372, respectively, and $16,383 and $7,446, respectively)
121,747

 
96,855

 
206,463

 
171,721

Selling, general and administrative expenses
49,176

 
40,504

 
97,204

 
78,335

Depreciation and amortization
7,909

 
6,084

 
12,918

 
11,316

Operating (loss) income
(22,522
)
 
8,839

 
(34,703
)
 
14,911

Investment income, net
196

 
390

 
460

 
838

Interest expense
(515
)
 
(480
)
 
(990
)
 
(832
)
Other income (expense), net
34

 
(388
)
 
(39
)
 
(1,733
)
(Loss) income before income taxes
(22,807
)
 
8,361

 
(35,272
)
 
13,184

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
(8,310
)
 
3,179

 
(12,739
)
 
4,968

Net (loss) income
$
(14,497
)
 
$
5,182

 
$
(22,533
)
 
$
8,216


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
$
(0.19
)
 
$
0.07

 
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.11

 

 
 



 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 
 
 

 
 
Basic
75,148

 
74,821

 
75,146

 
74,810

Diluted
75,148

 
75,368

 
75,146

 
75,305

Dividends declared per common share (Class A and B)
$
0.12

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.24


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2
Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Net (loss) income
$
(14,497
)
 
$
5,182

 
$
(22,533
)
 
$
8,216

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
45

 
(92
)
 
54

 
(180
)
Change in unrealized holding gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities (net of tax (benefit)/expense of $28 and ($267), respectively, $63 and ($274), respectively)
46

 
(438
)
 
103

 
(448
)
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income - available-for-sale securities (net of tax expense of $0 and $1, respectively, and $1 and $1, respectively)
—

 
1

 
(2
)
 
1

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
91

 
(529
)
 
155

 
(627
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(14,406
)
 
$
4,653

 
$
(22,378
)
 
$
7,589


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3
Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

 
As of
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
17,364

 
$
32,911

Short-term investments, net
61,566

 
76,476

Accounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts and returns
 
 
 
of $10,765 and $9,344 respectively)
53,036

 
59,552

Inventory
4,028

 
2,874

Deferred income tax assets
19,934

 
12,237

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
15,740

 
16,147

Total current assets
171,668

 
200,197

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
121,506

 
133,480

FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS, NET
24,178

 
16,018

TELEVISION PRODUCTION ASSETS, NET
8,219

 
10,772

INVESTMENT SECURITIES
10,738

 
8,299

OTHER ASSETS, NET
25,970

 
9,696

TOTAL ASSETS
$
362,279

 
$
378,462

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

Current portion of long-term debt
$
4,298

 
$
4,251

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
62,570

 
47,882

Deferred income
31,759

 
30,112

Total current liabilities
98,627

 
82,245

LONG-TERM DEBT
23,759

 
25,385

NON-CURRENT INCOME TAX LIABILITIES
2,304

 
4,884

NON-CURRENT DEFERRED INCOME
6,825


—

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Class A common stock: ($.01 par value; 180,000,000 shares authorized;
 
 
 
32,860,120 and 31,302,790 shares issued and outstanding as of
 
 
 
June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)
329

 
313

Class B convertible common stock: ($.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized;
 
 
 
42,298,437 and 43,797,830 shares issued and outstanding as of
 
 
 
June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)
423

 
438

Additional paid-in-capital
352,231

 
346,974

Accumulated other comprehensive income
3,667

 
3,512

Accumulated deficit
(125,886
)
 
(85,289
)
Total stockholders’ equity
230,764

 
265,948

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
362,279

 
$
378,462



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4
Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Common Stock
 
Additional
 
Accumulated
Other
 

 
 
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Paid - in
 
Comprehensive
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Income
 
Deficit
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2013
31,303

 
$
313

 
43,798

 
$
438

 
$
346,974

 
$
3,512

 
$
(85,289
)
 
$
265,948

Net loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(22,533
)
 
(22,533
)
Other comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
155

 
—

 
155

Stock issuances, net
57

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
243

 
—

 
—

 
244

Conversion of Class B common stock by shareholder
1,500

 
15

 
(1,500
)
 
(15
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
87

 
—

 
—

 
87

Dividends paid
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
27

 
—

 
(18,064
)
 
(18,037
)
Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,900

 
—

 
—

 
4,900

Balance, June 30, 2014
32,860

 
$
329

 
42,298

 
$
423

 
$
352,231

 
$
3,667

 
$
(125,886
)
 
$
230,764


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5
Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(22,533
)
 
$
8,216

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Amortization and impairments of feature film production assets
2,069

 
7,446

Amortization of television production assets
14,314

 
—

Depreciation and amortization
13,614

 
11,316

Amortization of bond premium
775

 
1,089

Amortization of debt issuance costs
278

 
279

Stock-based compensation
4,900

 
2,758

Provision for (recovery from) doubtful accounts
4

 
(184
)
Services provided in exchange for equity instruments
(439
)
 
(439
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
11

 
323

(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes
(15,868
)
 
2,168

Other non-cash items
(145
)
 
63

Cash (used in)/provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
6,566

 
(5,965
)
Inventory
(1,154
)
 
43

Prepaid expenses and other assets
2,155

 
3,192

Feature film production assets
(10,229
)
 
(5,100
)
Television production assets
(11,761
)
 
(3,962
)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
4,285

 
(10,381
)
Deferred income
8,472

 
(4,970
)
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
(4,686
)
 
5,892

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

Purchases of property and equipment and other assets
(6,266
)
 
(13,139
)
Net proceeds from infrastructure improvement incentives
2,937

 
—

Purchases of short-term investments
(2,511
)
 
(17,374
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
16,813

 
23,063

Purchase of cost method investments
(2,000
)
 
(2,200
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
—

 
36

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
8,973

 
(9,614
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 
 
Proceeds from the issuance of note payable
364

 
—

Repayment of long-term debt
(1,943
)
 
—

Dividends paid
(18,037
)
 
(17,956
)
Debt issuance costs
(758
)
 
(674
)
Proceeds from issuance of stock
453

 
326

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements
87

 
4

Net cash used in financing activities
(19,834
)
 
(18,300
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(15,547
)
 
(22,022
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
32,911

 
66,048

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
$
17,364

 
$
44,026

NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:

 
 
Non-cash purchase of property and equipment
$
1,270

 
$
2,554


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6
Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation and Business Description
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WWE. “WWE” refers to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. References to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to WWE and its subsidiaries. We are an integrated media and entertainment company, principally engaged in the production and distribution of content through various channels including our recently launched digital over-the-top WWE Network, television rights agreements, pay-per-view event programming, live events, feature films, licensing of various WWE themed products and the sale of consumer products featuring our brands. Our operations are organized around the following four principal activities:
Media Division:
Network
•
Revenues consist principally of subscriptions to WWE Network and fees for viewing our pay-per-view and video-on-demand programming.
Television
•Revenues consist principally of television rights fees and television advertising fees.
Home Entertainment
•Revenues consist principally of sales of WWE produced content via home entertainment platforms.
Digital Media
•
Revenues consist principally of advertising sales on our websites, rights fees received for digital content, sales of various broadband and mobile content and magazine publishing.

Live Events
•Revenues consist principally of ticket sales and travel packages for live events.

Consumer Products Division:
Licensing
•
Revenues consist principally of royalties or license fees related to various WWE themed products such as video games, toys and apparel.
Venue Merchandise
•Revenues consist of sales of merchandise at our live events.
WWEShop
•Revenues consist of sales of merchandise on our website through our WWEShop internet storefront.

WWE Studios
•Revenues consist of amounts earned from the investment in, the production and/or distribution of filmed entertainment.

In our prior reports filed with the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") through fiscal year 2013, we presented five reportable segments: Live and Televised Entertainment, Consumer Products, Digital Media, WWE Studios and Unallocated Corporate and Other. Effective January 1, 2014, we now present ten reportable segments. Information presented for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 included in the unaudited consolidated financial statements herein and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report has been recast to reflect our new segment presentation. See Note 2, Segment Information, for further details on our reportable segments. Such revisions have no impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the periods presented.



7
Table of Contents    
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



Within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from operating activities, certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. All adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year. All intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements; these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”, and most industry-specific guidance. The ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. This standard update is effective for our fiscal year beginning of January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.
2. Segment Information
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company launched WWE Network, which changed the way that certain content is delivered to our customers. The launch of WWE Network coupled with the continued convergence within the media landscape, has resulted in a change in the Company’s management reporting to its chief operating decision maker. These changes necessitated a change in the Company’s segment reporting to align with management’s operational view. As discussed in Note 1, the Company currently classifies its operations into ten reportable segments. The ten reportable segments of the Company now include the following: Network (which includes our pay-per-view business), Television, Home Entertainment and Digital Media, individual segments that comprise the Media Division; Live Events; Licensing, Venue Merchandise, WWEShop, individual segments that comprise the Consumer Products Division; WWE Studios and Corporate and Other (as defined below).

We do not disclose assets by segment information. In general, assets of the Company are leveraged across its reportable segments and we do not provide assets by segment information to our chief operating decision maker, as that information is not typically used in the determination of resource allocation and assessing business performance of each reportable segment.

The Company presents OIBDA as the primary measure of segment profit (loss). The Company believes the presentation of OIBDA is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view our segment performance in the same manner as the primary method used by management to evaluate segment performance and make decisions about allocating resources. The Company defines OIBDA as operating income before depreciation and amortization, excluding feature film and television production asset amortization and impairments.
We do not allocate certain costs included in OIBDA of our Corporate and Other segment to the other reportable segments. Corporate and Other expense primarily includes corporate overhead and certain expenses related to sales and marketing, including our international offices, and talent development functions, including costs associated with our WWE Performance Center. These costs benefit the Company as a whole and are therefore not allocated. Revenues from transactions between our operating segments are not material.



8
Table of Contents    
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



The following tables present summarized financial information for each of the Company's reportable segments:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended

June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Network
$
43,235

 
$
38,162

 
$
61,667

 
$
54,166

Television
43,787

 
38,678

 
84,079

 
76,456

Home Entertainment
5,400

 
7,097

 
15,863

 
14,062

Digital Media
5,191

 
7,494

 
11,878

 
14,549

Live Events
40,334

 
41,546

 
62,000

 
62,581

Licensing
5,443

 
6,641

 
19,523

 
30,663

Venue Merchandise
6,521

 
6,891

 
11,500

 
12,000

WWEShop
4,019

 
3,028

 
8,195

 
6,541

WWE Studios
1,745

 
2,118

 
6,081

 
4,023

Corporate & Other
635

 
627

 
1,096

 
1,242

Total net revenues
$
156,310

 
$
152,282

 
$
281,882

 
$
276,283

OIBDA:
 
 
 
 

 

Network
$
(7,347
)
 
$
8,241

 
$
(10,936
)
 
$
13,220

Television
11,710

 
11,337

 
22,289

 
23,420

Home Entertainment
2,855

 
3,095

 
9,146

 
6,284

Digital Media
(843
)
 
1,096

 
(1,193
)
 
2,416

Live Events
15,487

 
17,135

 
19,299

 
21,542

Licensing
1,468

 
4,336

 
10,622

 
24,431

Venue Merchandise
2,604

 
2,715

 
4,693

 
4,531

WWEShop
1,017

 
368

 
1,671

 
1,158

WWE Studios
(230
)
 
(328
)
 
1,361

 
(5,372
)
Corporate & Other
(41,334
)
 
(33,072
)
 
(78,737
)
 
(65,403
)
Total OIBDA
$
(14,613
)
 
$
14,923

 
$
(21,785
)
 
$
26,227


Reconciliation of Total Operating (Loss) Income to Total OIBDA
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Total operating (loss) income
$
(22,522
)
 
$
8,839

 
$
(34,703
)
 
$
14,911

Depreciation and amortization
7,909

 
6,084

 
12,918

 
11,316

Total OIBDA
$
(14,613
)
 
$
14,923

 
$
(21,785
)
 
$
26,227




9
Table of Contents    
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



Geographic Information
Net revenues by major geographic region are based upon the geographic location of where our content is distributed. The information below summarizes net revenues to unaffiliated customers by geographic area:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
North America
$
123,258

 
$
119,025

 
$
224,976

 
$
216,849

Europe/Middle East/Africa
23,345

 
23,904

 
36,194

 
40,157

Asia Pacific
8,297

 
7,958

 
17,287

 
15,843

Latin America
1,410

 
1,395

 
3,425

 
3,434

Total net revenues
$
156,310

 
$
152,282

 
$
281,882

 
$
276,283

Revenues generated from the United Kingdom, our largest international market, totaled $12,463 and $19,535 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and $11,825 and $19,528 for the corresponding periods in 2013. The Company’s property and equipment was almost entirely located in the United States at June 30, 2014 and 2013.
3. Stock-based Compensation
Restricted Stock Units
The Company grants restricted stock units ("RSUs") to officers and employees under the 2007 Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2007 Plan"). Stock-based compensation costs associated with our RSUs are determined using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. These costs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. RSUs have a service requirement typically over a three-year to three and one half year vesting schedule. We estimate forfeitures based on historical trends when recognizing compensation expense and adjust the estimate of forfeitures when they are expected to differ. Unvested RSUs accrue dividend equivalents at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying RSUs.
The following table summarizes the RSU activity during the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
Units
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2014
 
107,034

 
$
9.87

Granted
 
106,296

 
$
23.28

Vested
 
(28,689
)
 
$
10.43

Forfeited
 
(20,733
)
 
$
11.89

Dividend equivalents
 
2,448

 
$
17.91

Unvested at June 30, 2014
 
166,356

 
$
18.21


Performance Stock Units
Stock-based compensation costs associated with our performance stock units ("PSUs") are initially determined using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the awards are approved by our Compensation Committee (service inception date) and are granted under the 2007 Plan. The vesting of these PSUs are subject to certain performance conditions and a service requirement of approximately three and one half years. Until such time as the performance conditions are met, stock compensation costs associated with these PSUs are re-measured each reporting period based upon the fair market value of the



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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



Company's common stock and the probability of attainment on the reporting date. The ultimate number of PSUs that are issued to an employee is the result of the actual performance of the Company at the end of the performance period compared to the performance conditions. Stock compensation costs for our PSUs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. Unvested PSUs accrue dividend equivalents once the performance conditions are met at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying PSUs.
The following table summarizes the PSU activity during the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
Units
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2014
 
1,259,629

 
$
13.46

Granted
 
278,281

 
$
11.93

Achievement adjustment
 
(387,633
)
 
$
23.99

Vested
 
—

 
$
—

Forfeited
 
(30,926
)
 
$
18.30

Dividend equivalents
 
12,303

 
$
15.23

Unvested at June 30, 2014
 
1,131,654

 
$
14.44

During the year ended December 31, 2013, we granted 804,896 PSUs which were subject to performance conditions. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, certain performance conditions related to these PSUs were partially met which resulted in a reduction of 387,633 PSUs in 2014 relating to the initial 2013 PSU grant.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we granted 278,281 PSUs which are subject to certain performance conditions.
Stock-based compensation costs totaled $1,770 and $1,543 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $4,900 and $2,758 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:

 
As of
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Land, buildings and improvements
 
$
105,836

 
$
106,749

Equipment
 
111,371

 
107,305

Corporate aircrafts
 
31,273

 
51,757

Vehicles
 
244

 
244

 
 
248,724

 
266,055

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(127,218
)
 
(132,575
)
Total
 
$
121,506

 
$
133,480

Depreciation expense for property and equipment totaled $7,499 and $12,106 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to $5,696 and $10,542 for the corresponding periods in the prior year. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company received tax credits relating to our infrastructure improvements in conjunction with capital projects to support our increased content production efforts. Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 reflects a benefit of $1,224 from the recognition of the infrastructure tax credit noted above. The credit was used to reduce the carrying value of the assets as of their in-service date and consequently the adjustment to depreciation expense reflects the revised amount incurred



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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



to date. The credit was received in the current year, but related to assets placed in service in prior years. Additionally, in conjunction with the anticipated sale of our old Corporate Aircraft, depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 includes an adjustment of $1,600 to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. We have reclassified the remaining carrying value of $3,400 to Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 as we anticipate completing the sale of the aircraft within a year.
5. Feature Film Production Assets, Net
Feature film production assets consisted of the following:
 
 
As of
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Feature film productions:
 
 
 
 
In release
 
$
11,891

 
$
9,413

Completed but not released
 
4,014

 
3,130

In production
 
7,747

 
2,686

In development
 
526

 
789

Total
 
$
24,178

 
$
16,018

Approximately 34% of “In release” film production assets are estimated to be amortized over the next 12 months and approximately 74% of “In release” film production assets are estimated to be amortized over the next three years. We anticipate amortizing 80% of our "In release" film production asset within four years as we receive revenues associated with international distribution of our licensed films.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we released one feature film via theatrical distribution, Oculus, and one film direct to DVD, Scooby Doo at WrestleMania, which comprises $4,199 of our "In release" feature film assets as of June 30, 2014. Third-party distributors control the distribution and marketing of co-distributed films, and as a result, we recognize revenue on a net basis after the third-party distributor recoups distribution fees and expenses and results are reported to us. Results are typically reported to us in periods subsequent to the initial release of the film. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we released three feature films via theatrical distribution, No One Lives, The Call and Dead Man Down and two films, 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded and The Marine 3: Homefront direct to DVD, which aggregate $4,013 of our "In release" feature film assets as of June 30, 2014.
Unamortized feature film production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at each reporting period to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenue are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability or if events or circumstances change that indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film's estimated fair value using a discounted cash flows model. If fair value is less than unamortized cost, the film asset is written down to fair value.
We did not record any impairment charges during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 related to our feature films. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded an impairment charge of $4,696 related to the feature film, Dead Man Down. These impairment charges represent the excess of the recorded net carrying value over the estimated fair value. There were no impairment charges recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2014.
We currently have two theatrical films designated as "Completed but not released" and have nine films "In production". We also have capitalized certain script development costs for various other film projects designated as “In development”. Capitalized script development costs are evaluated at each reporting period for impairment and to determine if a project is deemed to be abandoned. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we expensed $204 and $339, respectively, related to previously capitalized development costs of abandoned projects. We did not incur any comparable expenses in the prior year periods.



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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



6. Television Production Assets, Net
Television production assets consisted of the following:
 
 
As of
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Television productions:
 
 
 
 
In release
 
$
2,964

 
$
1,365

Completed but not released
 
1,633

 
—

In production
 
3,622

 
9,407

Total
 
$
8,219

 
$
10,772

Television production assets consist primarily of episodic content series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms including on WWE Network. Amounts capitalized primarily include development costs, production costs, production overhead and employee salaries. We have $8,219 and $10,772 capitalized as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to this type of programming. Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast. Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we amortized $11,483 and $14,314, of which $7,064 and $8,147 were related to the Network and $4,419 and $6,167 were related to Television programming, respectively. We did not amortize any expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. Unamortized television production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. If conditions indicate a potential impairment, and the estimated future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized asset, the asset is written down to fair value. In addition, if we determine that a program will not likely air, we will write-off the remaining unamortized asset. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we did not record any impairments related to our television production assets.
7. Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments
Investment Securities:
On March 14, 2014, the Company invested $2,000 in Series E Preferred Stock of a software application developer. On May 30, 2013, the Company made an investment of $2,200 in a live event touring business. On June 25, 2012, the Company invested $5,000 in Series B Preferred Stock of a mobile video publishing business, ("Investment"). Additionally, this Investment includes shares received in conjunction with a strategic partnership of which approximately $1,098 was in prior periods and $439 was received during the six months ended June 30, 2014. These investments are accounted for under the cost method. We evaluate our cost method investments for impairment if factors indicate that a significant decrease in value has occurred. No such indicators were noted during the six months ended June 30, 2014. Included in Investment Securities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are $10,738 and $8,299, respectively, related to these investments. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Investment initiated a process of obtaining additional financing, which will likely result in a decrease in our fully diluted ownership and a change in our position in the capital structure. See Note 15, Subsequent Events, for additional information.



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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



Short-Term Investments:
Short-term investments measured at fair value consisted of the following:
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized
 
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 

Gain
 

(Loss)
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gain
 
(Loss)
 
Fair
Value
Municipal bonds
$
34,987

 
$
156

 
$
(7
)
 
$
35,136

 
$
44,636

 
$
176

 
$
(91
)
 
$
44,721

Corporate bonds
26,400

 
75

 
(45
)
 
26,430

 
31,825

 
104

 
(174
)
 
31,755

Total
$
61,387

 
$
231

 
$
(52
)
 
$
61,566

 
$
76,461

 
$
280

 
$
(265
)
 
$
76,476

We classify the investments listed in the above table as available-for-sale securities. Such investments consist primarily of corporate and municipal bonds, including pre-refunded municipal bonds. These investments are stated at fair value as required by the applicable accounting guidance. Unrealized gains and losses on such securities are reflected, net of tax, as other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Our municipal and corporate bonds are included in Short-term investments, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on investments are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. As of June 30, 2014, contractual maturities of these bonds are as follows:
 
Maturities
Municipal bonds
1 month-8 years
Corporate bonds
1 month-3 years
The following table summarizes the short-term investment activity:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
$
—

 
$
2,793

 
$
7,778

 
$
2,793

Proceeds from maturities and calls of short-term investments
$
4,005

 
$
11,485

 
$
9,035

 
$
20,270

Gross realized gains on sale of short-term investments
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
3

 
$
1


8. Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is a market-based measurement based on assumptions that "market participants" would use to price the asset or liability. Accordingly, the framework considers markets or observable inputs as the preferred source of value followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions, in the absence of market inputs. The fair value should be calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity. In addition, the fair value of assets and liabilities should include consideration of non-performance risk including the Company's own credit risk.
Additionally, the accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of information used in developing fair value estimates. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest



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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



priority to unobservable data. In cases where two or more levels of inputs are used to determine fair value, a financial instrument's level is determined based on the lowest level input that is considered significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:
Level 1- 
quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2-
quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
Level 3-
unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations
The following assets are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the classification within the hierarchy was as follows:
 
 
Fair Value at June 30, 2014
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2013
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Municipal bonds
 
$
35,136

 
$
—

 
$
35,136

 
$
—

 
$
44,721

 
$
—

 
$
44,721

 
$
—

Corporate bonds
 
26,430

 
—

 
26,430

 
—

 
31,755

 
—

 
31,755

 
—

Total
 
$
61,566

 
$
—

 
$
61,566

 
$
—

 
$
76,476

 
$
—

 
$
76,476

 
$
—

Certain financial instruments are carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which approximates fair value due to their short-term, highly liquid nature. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, money market accounts, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of such instruments.
We have classified our investment in municipal and corporate bonds within Level 2 as their valuation requires quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and/or model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data. The municipal and corporate bonds are valued based on model-driven valuations. A third party service provider assists the Company with compiling market prices from a variety of industry standard data sources, security master files from large financial institutions and other third-party sources that are used to value our municipal and corporate bond investments.
The fair value measurements of our investment securities, which are recorded under the cost method, are classified within Level 3 as significant unobservable inputs are used to fair value these assets due to the absence of quoted market prices and inherent lack of liquidity. Significant unobservable inputs include variables such as near-term prospects of the investees, recent financing activities of the investees, and the investees’ capital structure as well as other economic variables, which reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing these assets. Our investments are recorded at fair value only if an impairment charge is recognized. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 the Company did not record any impairment charges on these assets. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, one of the Company's cost method investees initiated a process of obtaining additional financing, which will likely result in a decrease in our fully diluted ownership and a change in our position in the capital structure. See Note 15, Subsequent Events, for additional information.
The Company's long lived property and equipment, feature film and television production assets are required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis if it is determined that indicators of impairment exist. These assets are recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded an adjustment of $1,600 to reduce the carrying value of our old Corporate Aircraft to its estimated fair value. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company did not record any impairment charges on these assets. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $4,696 on a feature film production asset based on a fair value measurement of $989. See Note 5, Feature Film Production Assets, for further discussion. The Company classifies these assets as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy due to significant unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes a discounted cash flows model to determine the fair value of impaired films where indicators of impairment exist. The significant unobservable inputs to this model are the Company’s expected cash flows for the film, including projected home video sales, pay and free TV sales and international sales, and a discount rate of 13% that we estimate market participants would seek for bearing the risk associated with such assets. The Company utilizes an independent third party valuation specialist who assists us in gathering the necessary inputs used in our model.



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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, consisting of a promissory note payable to RBS Asset Finance, Inc. is estimated based upon quoted price estimates for similar debt arrangements.  At June 30, 2014, the face amount of the note approximates its fair value.
9. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
 
 
As of
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Trade related
 
$
5,938

 
$
8,565

Payroll and related benefits
 
12,694

 
11,291

Talent related
 
12,401

 
6,304

Accrued WWE Network related expenses
 
7,105

 
2,477

Accrued event and television production
 
5,137

 
4,429

Accrued home entertainment expenses
 
879

 
1,341

Accrued legal and professional
 
2,416

 
1,903

Accrued purchases of property and equipment
 
1,270

 
1,700

Accrued film liability
 
2,559

 
2,654

Accrued other
 
12,171

 
7,218

Total
 
$
62,570

 
$
47,882

Accrued other includes accruals for our publishing and licensing business activities and other miscellaneous accruals, none of which categories individually exceeds 5% of current liabilities. The increase in accrued expenses is primarily related to talent related expenses for WrestleMania and for various accrued expenses related to WWE Network operations.
10. Debt
Aircraft Financing

On August 7, 2013, the Company entered into a $31,568 promissory note (the “Note”) with RBS Asset Finance, Inc., for the purchase of a 2007 Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft and refurbishments. The Note bears interest at a rate of 2.18% per annum, is payable in monthly installments of $406, inclusive of interest, beginning in September 2013, and has a final maturity of August 7, 2020. The Note is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in the newly purchased aircraft. As of June 30, 2014, the amount outstanding under the Note was $28,057.

Revolving Credit Facility

In September 2011, the Company entered into a $200,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicated group of banks, with JPMorgan Chase acting as administrative agent. Applicable interest rates for the borrowings under the revolving credit facility are based on the Company's current consolidated leverage ratio. As of June 30, 2014, the LIBOR-based rate plus margin was 2.48%.The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee calculated at a rate per annum of 0.375% on the average daily unused portion of the credit facility. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the Company is subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions, including restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and limitations with respect to our indebtedness, liens, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, investments, capital expenditures, and transactions with affiliates.




16
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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



In April 2013, the Company amended and restated the revolving credit facility. Under the terms of the amended credit facility, (i) the maturity date was extended to September 9, 2016, (ii) changes were made to the applicable margin for borrowings under the facility, and (iii) restrictions on certain financial covenants were amended to provide for greater financial flexibility.

On May 1, 2014, the Company entered into a First Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit Facility ("the Amendment") and further modified certain financial covenants to provide for greater financial flexibility. The Amendment, among other things, (a) adjusts the consolidated EBITDA calculation for the four quarterly periods in 2014 and the first and second quarters of 2015 by permitting the add-back of WWE Network Expenses subject to specified maximum amounts in such periods, (b) increases the consolidated EBITDA calculation by the amount of any net investments in respect of feature film production, subject to specified maximum amounts for the quarters ending September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014 and (c) reduces the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio for four quarters in 2014 and the first two quarters in 2015 such that the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio may not be less than 1.0:1.0 for the respective quarterly periods ending March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, increasing to 1.10:1.0 for the quarter ending March 31, 2015, to 1.15:1.0 for the quarter ending June 30, 2015, and to 1.25:1.0 for the quarter ending September 30, 2015 and thereafter.  The Amendment also includes certain additional allowances for the Company to make investments in special film entities. 

As of June 30, 2014, the Company is in compliance with the provisions of the Amendment and has available debt capacity under the terms of the revolving credit facility of approximately $120,000. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no amounts outstanding under the credit facility.
 
11. Concentration of Credit Risk
We continually monitor our position with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to our financial instruments. Our accounts receivable relate principally to a limited number of distributors, including our network, television, pay-per-view and home video distributors and licensees that produce consumer products containing our intellectual trademarks. We closely monitor the status of receivables with these customers and maintain allowances for anticipated losses as deemed appropriate. At June 30, 2014, our largest single customer balance was approximately 12% of our gross accounts receivable balance.
12. Income Taxes
As of June 30, 2014, we had $19,934 of deferred tax assets, net included in current assets and $5,491 included in Other Assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013, we had $12,237 of deferred tax assets, net included in current assets and $2,681 of deferred tax liabilities, net included in Noncurrent Income Tax Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The large increase in our deferred tax asset balance was driven by our operating loss in the current year and associated net operating loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards.

The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future periods. The Company believes that based on past performance, expected future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset will be realized. Changes in these factors may cause us to increase our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which would impact our income tax expense in the period we determine that these factors have changed.

13. Film and Television Production Incentives
The Company has access to various governmental programs that are designed to promote film and television production within the United States of America and certain international jurisdictions. Incentives earned with respect to expenditures on qualifying film, television and other production activities, including qualifying capital projects, are included as an offset to the related asset or as an offset to production expenses when we have reasonable assurance regarding the realizable amount of the incentives. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we received $3,080 for infrastructure improvement incentives relating to qualifying capital projects. Of this amount $2,937, was recorded as a reduction in property and equipment. We did not receive any similar incentives



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WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)



for the six months ended June 30, 2013. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we received $456 and $437, respectively, of incentives relating to feature film productions which reduced the related assets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we did not receive any incentives relating to television production activities that was recorded as an offset to production expenses. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we received $395 of incentives related to television production activities that were recorded as an offset to production expenses.
14. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
On July 26, 2014, the Company received notice of a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, entitled Warren Ganues and Dominic Varriale, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Vincent K. McMahon and George A. Barrios, alleging violations of federal securities laws in connection with certain disclosures relating to the negotiation of WWE’s domestic television license and seeking class certification and unspecified damages. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against them.

In addition to the foregoing, we are involved in several other litigations and claims that we consider to be in the ordinary course of our business. By its nature, the outcome of litigation is not known but the Company does not currently expect this litigation to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We may from time to time become a party to other legal proceedings.
15. Subsequent Events
Investment Securities
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we learned that one of the Company’s cost method investees is in the process of obtaining additional financing, which will likely result in a decrease in our fully diluted ownership and a change in our position in the capital structure.  As a result, the Company will reassess the fair value of this investment.   If the estimated fair value is less than our current carrying value (approximately $6,500 as of June 30, 2014), the Company will reduce the investment to its estimated fair value, which may have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
Restructuring Plan
On July 31, 2014, the Company announced a restructuring plan in support of a cost cutting initiative. Included in this restructuring was the shutdown of our magazine publishing business, a shift in our gamification strategy, and a reduction in our approved headcount. Additionally, the cost cutting initiatives include reducing prospective spending throughout our operations. As a result of these efforts, the Company anticipates recording a one-time pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $4,500 in the third quarter of 2014, comprised primarily of a cash charge of approximately $2,000 for severance costs and the write-down of certain assets associated with our gamification business resulting in a non-cash charge of approximately $2,500. We anticipate that a majority of cash expenditures related to this restructuring will be paid during the remainder of fiscal 2014.






18
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Background
     The following analysis outlines all material activities contained within each of our reportable segments.
Media Division:
Network
•
Revenues consist principally of subscriptions to WWE Network and fees for viewing our pay-per-view and video-on-demand programming.
Television
•Revenues consist principally of television rights fees and television advertising fees.
Home Entertainment
•Revenues consist principally of sales of WWE produced content via home entertainment platforms.
Digital Media
•
Revenues consist principally of advertising sales on our websites, rights fees received for digital content, sales of various broadband and mobile content and magazine publishing.

Live Events
•Revenues consist principally of ticket sales and travel packages for live events.

Consumer Products Division:
Licensing
•
Revenues consist principally of royalties or license fees related to various WWE themed products such as video games, toys and apparel.
Venue Merchandise
•Revenues consist of sales of merchandise at our live events.
WWEShop
•Revenues consist of sales of merchandise on our website through our WWEShop internet storefront.

WWE Studios
•Revenues consist of amounts earned from the investment in, the production and/or distribution of filmed entertainment.

Corporate & Other
•
Revenues consist of amounts earned from talent appearances. Expenses include corporate overhead and certain expenses related to sales and marketing, including our international offices, and talent development functions.

Results of Operations
The Company presents OIBDA as the primary measure of segment profit (loss). The Company believes the presentation of OIBDA is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view our segment performance in the same manner as the primary method used by management to evaluate segment performance and make decisions about allocating resources. The Company defines OIBDA as operating income before depreciation and amortization, excluding feature film and television production asset amortization and impairments. OIBDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and may be different than similarly-



19
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titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. A limitation of OIBDA is that it excludes depreciation and amortization, which represents the periodic charge for certain fixed assets and intangible assets used in generating revenues for our business. OIBDA should not be regarded as an alternative to operating income or net income as an indicator of operating performance, or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity, nor should it be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe that operating income is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to OIBDA. See Note 2, Segment Information in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of OIBDA to operating income for the periods presented.




20
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Results of Operations
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(dollars in millions)
Summary
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Net Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Media Division
 
$
97.7

 
$
91.4

 
7
 %
Live Events
 
40.3

 
41.6

 
(3
)%
Consumer Products Division
 
16.0

 
16.6

 
(4
)%
WWE Studios
 
1.7

 
2.1

 
(19
)%
Corporate & Other
 
0.6

 
0.6

 
—
 %
Total
 
156.3

 
152.3

 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OIBDA
 
 
 
 
 
 
Media Division
 
$
6.4

 
$
23.7

 
(73
)%
Live Events
 
15.5

 
17.2

 
(10
)%
Consumer Products Division
 
5.1

 
7.4

 
(31
)%
WWE Studios
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(50
)%
Corporate & Other
 
(41.4
)
 
(33.0
)
 
25
 %
Total
 
(14.6
)
 
14.9

 
(198
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
(9
)%
 
10
%
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
7.9

 
$
6.1

 
30
 %
Operating (loss) income
 
(22.5
)
 
8.8

 
(356
)%
Investment and other expense, net
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(25
)%
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(22.8
)
 
8.4

 
(371
)%
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
 
(8.3
)
 
3.2

 
(359
)%
Net (loss) income
 
$
(14.5
)
 
$
5.2

 
(379
)%

As compared to the prior year quarter, our improved revenue performance in our Media Division was more than offset by increased investments in WWE Network, talent development, international expansion and digital presence, as well as, a decrease in pay-per-view revenue and reduced video game royalties.     



21
Table of Contents

Media Division
The following tables present the performance results for our segments within our Media division (dollars in millions, except where noted):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Revenues-Media Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Network
 
$
43.3

 
$
38.2

 
13
 %
Monthly subscription price (dollars)
 
$
9.99

 
N/A

 
 
Number of paid subscribers at period end
 
699,750

 
N/A

 
 
Number of pay-per-view events
 
4

 
3

 
33
 %
Number of buys from pay-per-view events
 
1,058,600
 
1,551,200
 
(32
)%
Average revenue per buy (dollars)
 
$
22.51

 
$
23.92

 
(6
)%
Pay-per-view domestic retail price, excluding WrestleMania (dollars)
 
$
44.95

 
$
44.95

 
—
 %
     Pay-per-view domestic retail price WrestleMania (dollars)
 
$
59.95

 
$
59.95

 
—
 %
Television
 
$
43.8

 
$
38.7

 
13
 %
Home Entertainment
 
$
5.4

 
$
7.1

 
(24
)%
Gross units shipped
 
578,000

 
965,800

 
(40
)%
Digital Media
 
$
5.2

 
$
7.4

 
(30
)%
Total
 
$
97.7

 
$
91.4

 
7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Television Ratings
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Average weekly household ratings for RAW
 
3.5

 
3.3

 
6
 %
       Average weekly household ratings for SmackDown
 
2.2

 
2.1

 
5
 %
       Average weekly household ratings for WWE Main Event
 
1.0

 
0.8

 
25
 %
       Average weekly household ratings for Total Divas (E!)
 
1.3

 
N/A

 
 

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA-Media Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Network
 
$
(7.3
)
 
$
8.2

 
(189
)%
Television
 
11.7

 
11.3

 
4
 %
Home Entertainment
 
2.8

 
3.1

 
(10
)%
Digital Media
 
(0.8
)
 
1.1

 
(173
)%
Total
 
$
6.4

 
$
23.7

 
(73
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
7
%
 
26
%
 
 

Network revenues, which include revenues generated by the WWE Network, pay-per-view and video-on-demand, increased 13% or $5.1 million in the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter as new subscription revenue more than offset a 32% decline in global pay-per-view buys. WWE Network generated $19.4 million in subscription revenue with 699,750 paid subscribers at quarter-end at a retail price of $9.99 per month. WWE Network launched on February 24, 2014 and is a subscription based OTT product which includes our events previously distributed as pay-per-view events. As subscribers join WWE Network, it is expected that pay-per-view buys will decrease. Network subscription revenue was partially offset by a $14.3 million decline in pay-per-view and video-on-demand programming, driven by a 42% decline in North American buys and a 6% decline in



22
Table of Contents

revenue per buy to approximately $22.50.  Total Network OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to a loss of 17% in the current year quarter as compared to a profit of 21% in the prior year quarter driven mainly by the costs associated with the launch and ongoing support of our WWE Network. Included in the current quarter results is approximately $7.1 million of costs related to programming, and $3.6 million of advertising and $5.8 million of customer service costs to support customer demand and inquiries.

Television revenues, which include revenues generated from television rights fees and advertising, increased by 13% or $5.1 million in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter.  Our domestic television rights fees increased by $5.8 million, due to the production and licensing of the second season of Total Divas, which is carried on the E! Network and which did not air in the prior year quarter, and as a result of contractual increases for existing programs. These increases were partially offset by the absence of rights fees from our Main Event and Saturday Morning Slam programs which ceased television distribution in the first quarter of 2014 and second quarter of 2013, respectively. Main Event currently is broadcast on WWE Network. The television OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to 27% from 29% in the prior year quarter primarily due to product mix.

Home entertainment revenues, which include revenues generated from the sale of WWE produced content via home entertainment platforms such as DVD and Blu-Ray discs, decreased 24% or $1.7 million in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter.  This decrease reflected a 40% decline in units shipped, which was partially offset by a 27% increase in the average price per unit to $13.49. The decrease in units shipped was related to reduced sales of catalog titles. This decrease however was partially offset by increased sell through rates at retail on newer titles and a higher effective selling prices. In the current year, new releases comprised approximately 66% of total units shipped as compared to 45% in the prior year quarter. Home entertainment OIBDA as a percentage of revenues increased to 52% in the current year quarter compared to 44% in the prior year quarter driven by decreased production of units, lower talent royalties, and higher sell through.
Digital media revenues, which include revenues generated from WWE.com and from our magazine publishing business, decreased 30% or $2.2 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily related to a $1.7 million decline in WWE.com revenues as pay-per-view webcast sales declined due to the launch of WWE Network. Publishing revenues declined by $0.5 million in the period. Digital media OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to a loss of 15% in the current year quarter from a profit of 15% in the prior year quarter driven primarily by lower revenues.

   



23
Table of Contents

Live Events
The following tables present the performance results and key drivers for our Live Events segment (dollars in millions, except where noted):

 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Revenues- Live Events
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Live events
 
$
38.3

 
$
40.1

 
(4
)%
North America
 
$
27.5

 
$
30.1

 
(9
)%
International
 
$
10.8

 
$
10.0

 
8
 %
Total live event attendance
 
519,300

 
552,000

 
(6
)%
Number of North American events
 
54

 
65

 
(17
)%
Average North American attendance
 
7,000

 
6,300

 
11
 %
Average North American ticket price (dollars)
 
$
65.28

 
$
64.23

 
2
 %
Number of international events
 
23

 
22

 
5
 %
Average international attendance
 
6,100

 
6,600

 
(8
)%
Average international ticket price (dollars)
 
$
75.38

 
$
68.16

 
11
 %
Travel packages
 
$
2.0

 
$
1.5

 
33
 %
Total live events
 
$
40.3

 
$
41.6

 
(3
)%

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA-Live Events
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Live events
 
$
14.8

 
$
16.5

 
(10
)%
Travel packages
 
0.7

 
0.7

 
—
 %
Total
 
$
15.5

 
$
17.2

 
(10
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
38
%
 
41
%
 


Live events revenues, which include revenues from ticket sales and travel packages, decreased 3% or $1.3 million in the current year quarter primarily due the performance of WrestleMania, and to a lesser extent due to ten fewer events held in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. Revenues from our North America live events business decreased by $2.6 million or 9%, primarily due to the performance of WrestleMania, which experienced decreased attendance as a result of stadium configuration, and due to the impact of staging eleven fewer events. This decrease was partially offset by an overall 11% increase in average attendance and an increase in average ticket price to$65.28. Our international live events business increased $0.8 million in the current year quarter, partially due to one additional international being event held and an 11% increase in average ticket price to $75.38 compared to the prior year quarter. This was partially offset by an 8% reduction in average event attendance. Live events OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to 38% in the current year quarter compared to 41% in the prior year quarter, driven in part, by higher travel expense and an increase in production costs.



24
Table of Contents

Consumer Products Division
   The following tables present the performance results and key drivers for our Consumer Products division (dollars in millions, except where noted):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Revenues-Consumer Products Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Licensing
 
$
5.5

 
$
6.7

 
(18
)%
Venue merchandise
 
6.5

 
6.9

 
(6
)%
Domestic per capita spending (dollars)
 
$
10.07

 
$
11.99

 
(16
)%
WWEShop
 
4.0

 
3.0

 
33
 %
Average WWEShop revenues per order (dollars)
 
$
49.47

 
$
47.92

 
3
 %
Total
 
$
16.0

 
$
16.6

 
(4
)%

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA-Consumer Products Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Licensing
 
$
1.5

 
$
4.3

 
(65
)%
Venue merchandise
 
2.6

 
2.7

 
(4
)%
WWEShop
 
1.0

 
0.4

 
150
 %
Total
 
$
5.1

 
$
7.4

 
(31
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
32
%
 
45
%
 
 
Licensing revenues decreased 18% or $1.2 million in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to the transition to a new video game licensee, Take-Two Interactive, and contractual changes in the Company's video game licensing agreement which resulted in a $1.0 million decrease in our video game revenues. Licensing OIBDA as a percentage of revenues was 27% in the current year quarter compared to 64% in the prior year quarter. The decrease in the current year margin is due to additional advertising costs associated with SlamCity, webisodes produced to support a new line of toys with Mattel, which did not occur in the prior year.
Venue merchandise revenues decreased by $0.4 million in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to 6% lower total attendance with eleven fewer events being held domestically in the quarter coupled with a 16% decline in per capital merchandise spend at those events to $10.07. The venue merchandise OIBDA as a percentage of revenues increased slightly to 40% from 39% in the prior year quarter.
WWEShop revenues increased 33% or $1.0 million in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter, based on a 29% increase in the volume of online merchandise sales to approximately 81,000 orders. Orders increased primarily due to mobile shop optimization and a distribution strategy in the UK utilizing Amazon UK. The average revenue per order decreased 3% to $49.47 in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter. WWEShop OIBDA as a percentage of revenues increased to 25% in the current year quarter from 13% in the prior year quarter due to lower material costs and higher margins related to international sales.




25
Table of Contents

WWE Studios    
The following table presents the detailed information for our WWE Studios segment (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Feature
Film
Production
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets-net as of
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
Release
 
Production
 
June 30,
 
Inception to-date
 
Revenue
 
OIBDA
Title
 
 Date
 
 Costs*
 
2014
 
Revenue
 
OIBDA
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oculus
 
April 2014
 
$
3.0

 
$
3.0

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$ N/A
 
$
—

 
$ N/A

Scooby Doo! WrestleMania Mystery
 
Mar 2014
 
1.3

 
1.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
 N/A
 
—

 
N/A

 
 
 
 
4.3

 
4.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Christmas Bounty
 
Nov 2013
 
3.7

 
0.1

 
4.1

 
0.5

 
—

 
   N/A

 
(0.1
)
 
N/A

12 Rounds 2: Reloaded
 
June 2013
 
1.4

 
1.2

 
0.5

 
0.3

 
0.2

 
—

 
0.1

 
—

No One Lives
 
May 2013
 
2.2

 
0.4

 
0.9

 
(0.8
)
 
—

 
0.7

 
—

 
—

The Call
 
Mar 2013
 
1.0

 
0.4

 
3.8

 
3.2

 
0.5

 
—

 
0.4

 
—

Dead Man Down
 
Mar 2013
 
5.8

 
1.0

 
—

 
(4.7
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

The Marine 3: Homefront
 
Mar 2013
 
1.5

 
1.1

 
0.8

 
0.4

 
0.3

 
—

 
0.2

 
—

 
 
 
 
15.6

 
4.2

 
10.1

 
(1.1
)
 
1.0

 
0.7

 
0.6

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Releases
 
 
 
116.3

 
3.6

 
103.1

 
(31.0
)
 
0.7

 
1.4

 
0.7

 
0.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Completed but not released
 
4.0

 
4.0

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

In production
 
 
 
7.7

 
7.7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

In development
 
 
 
0.5

 
0.5

 
—

 
(4.4
)
 
 
 
—

 
(0.2
)
 
—

Sub-total
 
 
 
$
148.4

 
$
24.2

 
$
113.2

 
$
(36.5
)
 
$
1.7

 
$
2.1

 
1.1

 
0.6

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
 

 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.0
)
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(0.4
)
*     Production costs are presented net of the associated benefit of production incentives.
During the current year quarter, we released one feature film via theatrical distribution, Oculus. Third-party distributors control the distribution and marketing of this film and, as a result, we recognize revenue on a net basis after the third-party distributor recoups distribution fees and expenses and results are reported to us. Results are typically reported to us in quarters subsequent to the initial release of these films.
WWE Studios revenues decreased $0.4 million in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease in revenue is driven by the timing of our film releases and the overall results generated by our portfolio of movies. The prior year quarter included revenues for our older licensed films including $1.0 million for The Marine and The Marine 2, which were released in prior periods. WWE Studios OIBDA increased $0.2 million in the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter, due to the profitability of our 2013 film releases which had a positive impact on the current year quarter.
At June 30, 2014, the Company had $24.2 million (net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges) of feature film production assets capitalized on its Consolidated Balance Sheet of which $11.9 million is for films in-release, $7.7 million



26
Table of Contents

is for films in production and the remaining $4.6 million is for films that are completed, pending release, or developmental projects. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at the end of each reporting quarter to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenue are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability or if events or circumstances change that would indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film's estimated fair value using a discounted cash flows model. If fair value is less than unamortized cost, the film asset is written down to fair value.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Revenues- Corporate & Other
(dollars in millions )
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Other
 
$
0.6

 
$
0.6

 
—
%
Other revenues include revenues associated with talent appearances and were flat in the periods.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA- Corporate & Other
(dollars in millions )
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Corporate & Other
 
$
(41.4
)
 
$
(33.0
)
 
25
%
Corporate & Other Expenses
The following table presents the amounts and percent change of certain significant corporate and other expenses (dollars in millions):
   
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Staff related
 
$
13.9

 
$
12.6

 
10
 %
Management incentive compensation
 
2.8

 
1.8

 
56
 %
Legal, accounting and other professional
 
6.4

 
3.9

 
64
 %
Travel and entertainment expense
 
2.0

 
1.2

 
67
 %
Advertising, marketing and promotion
 
3.4

 
2.5

 
36
 %
Corporate insurance
 
0.9

 
1.0

 
(10
)%
Bad debt recovery
 
0.1

 
0.1

 
—
 %
All other
 
12.5

 
10.5

 
19
 %
Total corporate & other expenses
 
$
42.0

 
$
33.6

 
25
 %
Corporate & Other as a percentage of net revenues
 
27
%
 
22
%
 

Corporate and other expenses primarily include corporate overhead and certain expenses related to sales and marketing, including our international offices, and talent development functions, including costs associated with our WWE Performance Center. These costs benefit the Company as a whole and are therefore not allocated to individual businesses. Corporate and other expenses increased $8.4 million or 25% as compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in expenses during the quarter was driven by a $2.5 million increase in professional fees, a $2.3 million increase in salary and benefit costs and approximately $0.9 million in marketing expenses to support key content and brand initiatives, including expansion of the Company's international infrastructure, talent development and brand marketing.



27
Table of Contents

Depreciation and Amortization
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
7.9

 
$
6.1

 
30
%
Depreciation expense in the periods reflects expenses related to the Company's investment in property and equipment to support our emerging content and distribution efforts, including our WWE Network. The second quarter of the current year includes an adjustment of $1.6 million to reduce the carrying value of the old Corporate Aircraft to its estimated fair value.
Investment Income, Interest and Other Expense, Net
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Investment income, interest and other expense, net
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(0.4
)
 
(25
)%
   Investment income, interest and other expense, net yielded an expense of $0.3 million compared to $0.4 million in the prior year quarter.
Income Taxes
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
 
$
(8.3
)
 
$
3.2

 
(359
)%
Effective tax rate
 
36
%
 
38
%
 
 

 The Company recorded a tax benefit of $8.3 million associated with our operating loss in the quarter. The Company currently believes this benefit is realizable and has not recorded a valuation allowance against the related deferred tax assets. If it becomes more likely than not that the Company will not realize these benefits, a valuation allowance would be recorded with a corresponding charge to our income tax provision.



28
Table of Contents

Results of Operations
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(dollars in millions)
Summary
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Net Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Media Division
 
$
173.5

 
$
159.2

 
9
 %
Live Events
 
62.0

 
62.6

 
(1
)%
Consumer Products Division
 
39.2

 
49.2

 
(20
)%
WWE Studios
 
6.1

 
4.0

 
53
 %
Corporate & Other
 
1.1

 
1.3

 
(15
)%
Total
 
281.9

 
276.3

 
2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OIBDA
 
 
 
 
 
 
Media Division
 
$
19.3

 
$
45.3

 
(57
)%
Live Events
 
19.3

 
21.6

 
(11
)%
Consumer Products Division
 
17.0

 
30.1

 
(44
)%
WWE Studios
 
1.4

 
(5.4
)
 
126
 %
Corporate & Other
 
(78.8
)
 
(65.4
)
 
20
 %
Total
 
(21.8
)
 
26.2

 
(183
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
(8
)%
 
9
%
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
12.9

 
$
11.3

 
14
 %
Operating (loss) income
 
(34.7
)
 
14.9

 
(333
)%
Investment and other expense, net
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(65
)%
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(35.3
)
 
13.2

 
(367
)%
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
 
(12.8
)
 
5.0

 
(356
)%
Net (loss) income
 
$
(22.5
)
 
$
8.2

 
(374
)%
Our Media division revenues increased 9% driven primarily by increases from our Home Entertainment and Television segments and the impact of the launch of our new WWE Network. Our Live Events segment revenues remained relatively flat. Our Consumer Products division experienced a 20% decline in revenues, primarily driven by lower licensing revenues from our video games. Our WWE Studios segment reflected a $2.1 million increase in revenues driven by the timing of our film releases and the related revenue from our movie portfolio.
In the prior year period, our results were impacted by $4.7 million of impairment charges related to the feature film, Dead Man Down, partially offset by an approximate $3.4 million positive impact from the transition of our video game to a new licensee. There were no such charges in the current year period.




29
Table of Contents

Media Division
The following tables present the performance results for our segments within our Media division (dollars in millions, except where noted):
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
Revenues-Media Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Network
 
$
61.7

 
$
54.2

 
14
 %
Monthly subscription price (dollars)
 
$
9.99

 
N/A

 
 
Number of paid subscribers at period end
 
699,750

 
N/A

 
 
Number of pay-per-view events
 
6

 
5

 
20
 %
Number of buys from pay-per-view events
 
1,736,000
 
2,295,700
 
(24
)%
Average revenue per buy (dollars)
 
$
21.54

 
$
22.59

 
(5
)%
Pay-per-view domestic retail price, excluding WrestleMania (dollars)
 
$
44.95

 
$
44.95

 
—
 %
     Pay-per-view domestic retail price WrestleMania (dollars)
 
$
59.95

 
$
59.95

 
—
 %
Television
 
$
84.1

 
$
76.4

 
10
 %
Home Entertainment
 
$
15.9

 
$
14.1

 
13
 %
Gross units shipped
 
1,665,000

 
2,182,000

 
(24
)%
Digital Media
 
$
11.8

 
$
14.5

 
(19
)%
Total
 
$
173.5

 
$
159.2

 
9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Television Ratings
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Average weekly household ratings for RAW
 
3.6

 
3.5

 
3
 %
       Average weekly household ratings for SmackDown
 
2.3

 
2.2

 
5
 %
       Average weekly household ratings for WWE Main Event
 
1.0

 
0.9

 
11
 %
       Average weekly household ratings for Total Divas (E!)
 
1.3

 
N/A

 
 

 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA-Media Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Network
 
$
(10.9
)
 
$
13.2

 
(183
)%
Television
 
22.3

 
23.4

 
(5
)%
Home Entertainment
 
9.1

 
6.3

 
44
 %
Digital Media
 
(1.2
)
 
2.4

 
(150
)%
Total
 
$
19.3

 
$
45.3

 
(57
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
11
%
 
28
%
 
 

Network revenues, which include revenues generated by the WWE Network, pay-per-view and video-on-demand, increased by $7.5 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period. WWE Network, which launched on February 24, 2014, accounted for $23.8 million in new digital subscription revenues in the current year period with 699,750 subscribers as of June 30, 2014. The subscription to WWE Network is $9.99 per month with a 6 month commitment. WWE Network is a 24/7 streaming network that provides access to live and scheduled programming, including all 12 of WWE’s live pay-per-view events, as well as access to its comprehensive video-on-demand library. The $23.8 million of revenues generated by WWE Network in the current year period was partially offset by the decline in pay-per-view revenue of $14.6 million due primarily to a 24% decline



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in total pay-per-view buys primarily attributable to WWE Network's launch. Additionally, the average revenue per buy declined by 5% to approximately $21.54 per buy due to a higher portion of pay-per-view buys coming from the internet which have lower effective pricing. In addition, video-on-demand revenues decreased by $1.7 million due to the cessation of our Classics On Demand offering in January 2014 in anticipation of the launch of WWE Network in February.  Total Network OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to a loss of 18% in the current year period as compared to a profit of 24% in the prior year period driven mainly by the costs associated with the launch and ongoing support of our WWE Network. In support of the network launch, we incurred $8.3 million of advertising and $9.5 million of customer service costs in anticipation of initial customer demand and inquiries.

Television revenues, which include revenues generated from television rights fees and advertising, increased by $7.7 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period.  Our domestic television rights fees increased by $6.1 million, primarily due to the production and licensing of the second season of Total Divas, which is carried on the E! Network and which did not air in the prior year period. Additionally, our international television rights fees increased by $1.5 million.  The television OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to 27% from 31% in the prior year period primarily due to product mix.

Home entertainment revenues, which include revenues generated from the sale of WWE produced content via home entertainment platforms such as DVD and Blu-Ray discs, increased by $1.8 million in the current year period compared to the prior year period.  This increase was due in part to increased sell through rates at retail and the recognition of a $2.5 million minimum guarantee from our home video distributer. Home entertainment OIBDA as a percentage of revenues increased to 57% in the current year period compared to 45% in the prior year period driven by the increase in revenues and lower material costs.
Digital media revenues, which include revenues generated from WWE.com and from our magazine publishing business, decreased by $2.7 million. WWE.com revenues decreased by $1.7 million in the current year period compared to the prior year period due to digital pay-per-view revenue cannibalization by WWE Network and decreased monetization of video content across various digital platforms. Publishing revenues decreased by $1.0 million primarily due to lower newsstand sales which accounted for a 32% decline in units sold in the current year period compared to the prior year period.   Digital media OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to a loss of 10% in the current year period from a profit of 17% in the prior year period driven by lower revenues with higher costs of which was in part, related to increased operating costs for WWE.com.

   



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Table of Contents

Live Events
The following tables present the performance results and key drivers for our Live Events segment (dollars in millions, except where noted):
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
Revenues- Live Events
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Live events
 
$
60.0

 
$
61.1

 
(2
)%
North America
 
$
49.2

 
$
50.1

 
(2
)%
International
 
$
10.8

 
$
11.0

 
(2
)%
Total live event attendance
 
1,033,300

 
1,048,600

 
(1
)%
Number of North American events
 
134

 
142

 
(6
)%
Average North American attendance
 
6,700

 
6,300

 
6
 %
Average North American ticket price (dollars)
 
$
51.79

 
$
50.72

 
2
 %
Number of international events
 
23

 
25

 
(8
)%
Average international attendance
 
6,100

 
6,100

 
—
 %
Average international ticket price (dollars)
 
$
75.38

 
$
68.40

 
10
 %
Travel packages
 
$
2.0

 
$
1.5

 
33
 %
Total live events
 
$
62.0

 
$
62.6

 
(1
)%

 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA-Live Events
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Live events
 
$
18.6

 
$
20.9

 
(11
)%
Travel packages
 
0.7

 
0.7

 
—
 %
Total
 
$
19.3

 
$
21.6

 
(11
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
31
%
 
35
%
 
 
Live events revenues, which include revenues from ticket sales and travel packages, decreased by $0.6 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period. Revenues from our North America live events business decreased $0.9 million or 2%, primarily due to decreases in the number of events, partially offset by higher average ticket prices and average attendance in the current year period as compared to the prior year period. Our international live events business decreased $0.2 million primarily driven by two fewer events were held in the current year period as compared to the prior year period. Live events OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased to 31% in the current year period compared to 35% in the prior year period, driven in part, by higher talent and travel related expenses.



32
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Consumer Products Division
   The following tables present the performance results and key drivers for our Consumer Products division (dollars in millions, except where noted):

 
Six Months Ended
 
 
Revenues-Consumer Products Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Licensing
 
$
19.5

 
$
30.7

 
(36
)%
Venue merchandise
 
11.5

 
12.0

 
(4
)%
Domestic per capita spending (dollars)
 
$
9.82

 
$
11.04

 
(11
)%
WWEShop
 
8.2

 
6.5

 
26
 %
Average WWEShop revenues per order (dollars)
 
$
50.79

 
$
47.95

 
6
 %
Total
 
$
39.2

 
$
49.2

 
(20
)%

 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA-Consumer Products Division
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Licensing
 
$
10.6

 
$
24.4

 
(57
)%
Venue merchandise
 
4.7

 
4.5

 
4
 %
WWEShop
 
1.7

 
1.2

 
42
 %
Total
 
$
17.0

 
$
30.1

 
(44
)%
OIBDA as a percentage of revenues
 
43
%
 
61
%
 
 
Licensing revenues decreased by $11.2 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period driven largely by the inclusion in the prior year period of an $8.0 million favorable benefit in connection with the termination of our former video game licensee, THQ, whereby the Company recognized $8.0 million of revenue related to the unrecognized portion of an advance received when the Company entered into the license agreement with THQ in 2009.  In addition, the remainder of the decline in licensing revenues is primarily attributable to lower licensing revenue performance from our video games, toys, apparel and novelties. Licensing OIBDA as a percentage of revenues was 54% in the current year period compared to 79% in the prior year period. The OIBDA margin in the prior year period reflected a positive benefit associated with the recognition of the advance received from THQ.
Venue merchandise revenues decreased by $0.5 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period primarily due to an 11% decline in per capita merchandise spend at our domestic events to $9.82 in the current year period. The venue merchandise OIBDA as a percentage of revenues increased to 41% from 38% in the prior year period driven by decreased material costs and lower event venue costs.
WWEShop revenues increased by $1.7 million in the current year period compared to the prior year period, based on a 18% increase in the volume of online merchandise sales to approximately 161,000 orders. Orders increased primarily due to mobile shop optimization and a distribution strategy in the UK utilizing Amazon UK. The average revenue per order increased 6% to $50.79 in the current year period. WWEShop OIBDA as a percentage of revenues increased to 21% in the current year period from 18% in the prior year period due to more favorable margins related to international sales.





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Table of Contents

WWE Studios    
The following table presents the detailed information for our WWE Studios segment (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Feature
Film
Production
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets-net as of
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended
 
 
Release
 
Production
 
June 30,
 
Inception to-date
 
Revenue
 
OIBDA
Title
 
 Date
 
 Costs*
 
2014
 
Revenue
 
OIBDA
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oculus
 
April 2014
 
$
3.0

 
$
3.0

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$ N/A
 
$
—

 
$N/A

Scooby Doo! WrestleMania Mystery
 
Mar 2014
 
1.3

 
1.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
   N/A
 
—

 
   N/A

 
 
 
 
4.3

 
4.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Christmas Bounty
 
Nov 2013
 
3.7

 
0.1

 
4.1

 
0.5

 
—

 
   N/A

 
(0.1
)
 
  N/A

12 Rounds 2: Reloaded
 
June 2013
 
1.4

 
1.2

 
0.5

 
0.3

 
0.5

 
—

 
0.3

 
—

No One Lives
 
May 2013
 
2.2

 
0.4

 
0.9

 
(0.8
)
 
—

 
0.7

 
—

 
  N/A

The Call
 
Mar 2013
 
1.0

 
0.4

 
3.8

 
3.2

 
3.5

 
0.1

 
2.9

 
0.1

Dead Man Down
 
Mar 2013
 
5.8

 
1.0

 
—

 
(4.7
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4.7
)
The Marine 3: Homefront
 
Mar 2013
 
1.5

 
1.1

 
0.8

 
0.4

 
0.7

 
—

 
0.4

 
—

 
 
 
 
15.6

 
4.2

 
10.1

 
(1.1
)
 
4.7

 
0.8

 
3.5

 
(4.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Releases
 
 
 
116.3

 
3.6

 
103.1

 
(31.0
)
 
1.4

 
3.2

 
0.7

 
0.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Completed but not released
 
4.0

 
4.0

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

In production
 
 
 
7.7

 
7.7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

In development
 
 
 
0.5

 
0.5

 
—

 
(4.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
(0.3
)
 
—

Sub-total
 
 
 
$
148.4

 
$
24.2

 
$
113.2

 
$
(36.5
)
 
$
6.1

 
$
4.0

 
$
3.9

 
$
(3.8
)
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2.5
)
 
(1.6
)
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1.4

 
$
(5.4
)
*     Production costs are presented net of the associated benefit of production incentives.
During the current year period, we released one feature film via theatrical distribution, Oculus, and one feature film direct to DVD, Scooby Doo at WrestleMania. Third-party distributors control the distribution and marketing of these films and, as a result, we recognize revenue on a net basis after the third-party distributor recoups distribution fees and expenses and results are reported to us. Results are typically reported to us in quarters subsequent to the initial release of these films.
WWE Studios revenues increased $2.1 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period. The increase in revenue is driven by the timing of our film releases and when participation statements are received. In the current year period, we recognized $3.5 million in revenue from our licensed film, The Call, which was released in 2013. WWE Studios OIBDA increased $6.8 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period, due in part, to the profitability of The Call, as well as recording impairment charges of $4.7 million related to Dead Man Down in the prior year period. There were no impairment charges in the current year period.



34
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At June 30, 2014, the Company had $24.2 million (net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges) of feature film production assets capitalized on its Consolidated Balance Sheet of which $11.9 million is for films in-release, $7.7 million is for films in production and the remaining $4.6 million is for films that are completed, pending release, or developmental projects. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at the end of each reporting quarter to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenue are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability or if events or circumstances change that would indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film's estimated fair value using a discounted cash flows model. If fair value is less than unamortized cost, the film asset is written down to fair value.
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
Revenues- Corporate & Other
(dollars in millions )
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Other
 
$
1.1

 
$
1.3

 
(15
)%
Other revenues, which include revenues associated with talent appearances, decreased by $0.2 million in the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
OIBDA- Corporate & Other
(dollars in millions )
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Corporate & Other
 
$
(78.8
)
 
$
(65.4
)
 
20
%
Corporate & Other Expenses
The following table presents the amounts and percent change of certain significant corporate and other expenses (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Staff related
 
$
27.1

 
$
25.1

 
8
 %
Management incentive compensation
 
6.6

 
4.6

 
43
 %
Legal, accounting and other professional
 
12.5

 
7.5

 
67
 %
Travel and entertainment expense
 
3.5

 
2.3

 
52
 %
Advertising, marketing and promotion
 
5.1

 
4.0

 
28
 %
Corporate insurance
 
1.7

 
1.9

 
(11
)%
Bad debt recovery
 
—

 
(0.2
)
 
(100
)%
All other
 
23.4

 
21.5

 
9
 %
Total corporate & other expenses
 
$
79.9

 
$
66.7

 
20
 %
Corporate & Other as a percentage of net revenues
 
28
%
 
24
%
 

Corporate and other expenses primarily include corporate overhead and certain expenses related to our sales and marketing, including our international offices, and talent development functions, including costs associated with our WWE Performance Center. These costs benefit the Company as a whole and are therefore not allocated to individual businesses. Corporate and other expenses increased by $13.2 million or 20% in the current year period compared to the prior year period. This is primarily due to increases in professional fees of $5.0 million, management incentive compensation of $2.0 million, and staff related expenses of $2.0 million primarily to support talent development and other strategic objectives.



35
Table of Contents

Depreciation and Amortization
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
12.9

 
$
11.3

 
14
%
Depreciation expense in the current year period reflects a benefit of $1.2 million from the recognition of an infrastructure tax credit. This credit was used to reduce the carrying value of the assets as of their in-service date and consequently the adjustment to depreciation expense reflects the revised amount incurred to date. This credit was received in the current year but related to assets placed in service in prior years. Net of this adjustment, the increase in depreciation expense in the period reflects expenses for property and equipment to support our emerging content and distribution efforts, including our WWE Network. The current year balance includes an adjustment of $1.6 million to reduce the carrying value of the old Corporate Aircraft to our estimate of its fair value, in conjunction with the anticipated sale of this asset.
Investment Income, Interest and Other Expense, Net
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
Investment income, interest and other expense, net
 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
(1.7
)
 
(65
)%
Investment income, interest and other expense, net yielded an expense of $0.6 million compared to $1.7 million in the prior year period, reflecting lower expenses related to non-income taxes and a reduction in foreign exchange losses incurred in the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
Income Taxes
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
increase
(decrease)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
 
$
(12.8
)
 
$
5.0

 
(356
)%
Effective tax rate
 
36
%
 
38
%
 
 
  
The Company recorded a tax benefit of $8.3 million associated with our operating loss in the current year period. The Company currently believes this benefit is realizable and has not recorded a valuation allowance against the related deferred tax assets. If it becomes more likely than not that the Company will not realize these benefits, a valuation allowance would be recorded with a corresponding charge to our income tax provision.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had cash and short-term investments of $78.9 million and $109.4 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Our short-term investments consist primarily of corporate bonds and municipal bonds, including pre-refunded municipal bonds.  Our debt balance totaled $28.1 million and $29.6 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and is related to the financing of our corporate aircraft purchased in August 2013. 
On February 24, 2014, the Company launched WWE Network, an over-the-top subscription based platform for subscribers to access WWE content, including our marquis pay-per-view events. Our pay-per-view business will be impacted by WWE Network and the Company expects to continue investing in WWE Network, both in terms of operating and capital expenditures. Due to our expected continuing investment in WWE Network, we believe that our cash and short-term investments will decrease



36
Table of Contents

during 2014, however we believe that cash provided by operations, our existing cash and investment balances, as well as available liquidity under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements over the next 12 months. Longer-term results of WWE Network's launch, specifically subscriber adoption rates could have a profound positive or negative impact on the Company’s liquidity and may require additional actions by the Company to obtain liquidity.
Our uses of cash include dividend payments, spending on feature film production, capital expenditures, and additional operating costs associated with WWE Network. For the remainder of 2014, we also anticipate spending approximately $5.0 million to $10.0 million on the purchase of property and equipment and other assets.
Borrowing Capacity

In May 2014, we entered into a First Amendment to our amended and restated credit facility to provide for financial flexibility during our Network launch. As of June 30, 2014, the Company is in compliance with the provisions of the credit facility and has available debt capacity under the terms of the revolving credit facility of approximately $120.0 million. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no amounts outstanding under the credit facility.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows used in operating activities were $4.7 million in the current year period as compared to $5.9 million provided by operations for the corresponding period in the prior year. The $10.6 million increase in cash used in operating activities is driven by changes in operating performance, including increased spending for the launch and ongoing support of the new WWE Network as well as from increased spending on film and television production assets.  These increases were partially offset by a $5.1 million reduction in the annual payout of management incentive compensation related to the Company’s previous year performance as compared to the prior year period and other changes in working capital.

In the current year period, we spent $10.3 million on feature film production activities, compared to $5.5 million in the prior year period. In the current year period, we received $0.5 million in incentives related to feature film productions. In the prior year period, we received $0.4 million in incentives related to feature film productions. We anticipate spending between $10.0 million and $20.0 million on feature film production activities during the remainder of the current year.

In the current year period, we received $2.9 million of non-film related incentives for qualifying capital projects compared to no such incentive credits received in the prior year period. These non-film credits are reflected in investing activities discussed below. We anticipate receiving approximately $8.0 million to $10.0 million in non-film related incentives for the remainder of the year.

During the current year period, we spent $11.8 million to produce additional content, including Total Divas Season 3 and programming for the WWE Network, compared to $4.0 million in the prior year period. We anticipate spending approximately $5.0 million to $7.0 million to produce additional content, including Total Divas and programming for WWE Network content during the remainder of the current year.

Our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets and relate principally to a limited number of customers, distributors and licensees that produce consumer products containing our trademarks. At June 30, 2014, our largest single customer balance was approximately 12% of our gross accounts receivable balance. Changes in the financial condition or operations of our distributors, customers or licensees may result in increased delayed payments or non-payments which would adversely impact our cash flows from operating activities and/or our results of operations.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities was $9.0 million in the current year period as compared to cash used in investing activities of $9.6 million in the prior year period. The increase of $18.6 million was related to a $8.6 million increase in net investment activity (purchases and proceeds), a reduction in purchases of property and equipment of $6.9 million, and proceeds from infrastructure tax credits related to capital projects of $2.9 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities



37
Table of Contents

Cash flows used in financing activities was $19.8 million for the current year period as compared to $18.3 million for the prior year period. The Company paid dividends of $18.0 million in both the current and prior year periods. In addition, in the current year period, we paid $1.9 million of scheduled principal payments related to the corporate aircraft debt entered into in August 2013.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no significant changes to our contractual obligations that were previously disclosed in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2013.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Other than the addition of revenue recognition accounting and programming amortization accounting policies related to WWE Network launched in February 2014, there have been no significant changes to our accounting policies that were previously disclosed in our Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 or in the methodology used in formulating these significant judgments and estimates that affect the application of these policies. The accounting policies for WWE Network are described below.

•
Revenue Recognition for WWE Network

Revenues are recognized ratably over each monthly membership period. Deferred revenue consists of membership fees billed to members that have not been recognized and gift memberships that have not been redeemed.


•
Programming Amortization for WWE Network

For episodic programming debuting and currently expected to air exclusively on our Network, the cost of the programming is expensed upon initial release, as our expectation is that the vast majority of viewership will occur in close proximity to the initial release. We will monitor this assumption and potentially revise this policy if actual viewership patterns vary.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”, and most industry-specific guidance. The ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. This standard update is effective for our fiscal year beginning of January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.



38
Table of Contents

Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for certain statements that are forward-looking and are not based on historical facts. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “continue,” “project,” “intend”, “estimate”, “believe”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and are not historical facts and accordingly involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or the performance by us to be materially different from future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q, in press releases and in oral statements made by our authorized officers: (i) risks relating to entering, maintaining and renewing major distribution agreements, including our domestic television programming agreements which terminate in September 2014; (ii) risks relating to the launch and operations of our digital WWE Network; (iii) our failure to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events would likely lead to a decline in the popularity of our brand of entertainment; (iv) our failure to retain or continue to recruit key performers could lead to a decline in the appeal of our storylines and the popularity of our brand of entertainment; (v) the unexpected loss of the services of Vincent K. McMahon could adversely affect our ability to create popular characters and creative storylines or otherwise adversely affect our operations; (vi) a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment, including as a result of changes in the social and political climate, could adversely affect our business; (vii) changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives could adversely affect our business; (viii) the markets in which we operate are highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented, and we may not be able to compete effectively, especially against competitors with greater financial resources or marketplace presence; (ix) we face uncertainties associated with international markets; (x) we may be prohibited from promoting and conducting our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; (xi) because we depend upon our intellectual property rights, our inability to protect those rights, or our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights, could adversely affect our business; (xii) we could incur substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events; (xiii) our live events expose us to risks relating to large public events as well as travel to and from such events; (xiv) we continue to face risks inherent in our feature film business; (xv) in addition to the launch of WWE Network, we could face a variety of risks if we expand into new or complementary businesses and/or make strategic investments; (xvi) risks related to our computer systems and online operations; (xvii) decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets could adversely affect our business; (xviii) our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets and relate principally to a limited number of distributors and licensees, increasing our exposure to bad debts and potentially impacting our results of operations;(xix) our ability to access our revolving credit facility may be limited due to certain financial covenants and restrictions; (xx) we could incur substantial liabilities if litigation is resolved unfavorably; (xxi) our failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance could adversely affect the market price and volatility of our stock; (xxii) through his beneficial ownership of a substantial majority of our Class B common stock, our controlling stockholder, Vincent K. McMahon, can exercise control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; (xxiii) a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by Mr. McMahon and members of his family or trusts established for their benefit, and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and (xxiv) risks related to the relatively small public “float” of our Class A common stock. 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 (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There have been no significant changes to our market risk factors that were previously disclosed in our Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.



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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Under the direction of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2014. No change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2014, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.
On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) issued an updated version of its Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Originally issued in 1992 (1992 Framework), the framework helps organizations design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of internal control concepts and simplify their use and application. The 1992 Framework remains available during the transition period, which extends to December 15, 2014, after which time COSO will consider it as superseded by the 2013 Framework. As of June 30, 2014, we continue to utilize the 1992 Framework during the transition to the 2013 Framework by the end of 2014.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On July 26, 2014, the Company received notice of a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, entitled Warren Ganues and Dominic Varriale, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Vincent K. McMahon and George A. Barrios, alleging violations of federal securities laws in connection with certain disclosures relating to the negotiation of WWE’s domestic television license and seeking class certification and unspecified damages. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against them.

In addition to the foregoing, we are involved in several other litigations and claims that we consider to be in the ordinary course of our business. By its nature, the outcome of litigation is not known but the Company does not currently expect this litigation to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We may from time to time become a party to other legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We do not believe there have been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. 





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Item 5. Other Information
Restructuring Plan

On July 31, 2014, the Company announced a restructuring plan in support of a cost cutting initiative. Included in this restructuring was the shutdown of our magazine publishing business, a shift in our gamification strategy, and a reduction in our approved headcount. Additionally, the cost cutting initiatives include reducing prospective spending throughout our operations. As a result of these efforts, the Company anticipates recording a one-time pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2014, comprised primarily of a cash charge of approximately $2.0 million for severance costs and the write-down of certain assets associated with our gamification business resulting in a non-cash charge of approximately $2.5 million. We anticipate that a majority of cash expenditures related to this restructuring will be paid during the remainder of fiscal 2014.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
31.1 Certification by Vincent K. McMahon pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31.2 Certification by George A. Barrios pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.1 Certification by Vincent K. McMahon and George A. Barrios pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document






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SIGNATURE
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
 
 
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
July 31, 2014
By: /s/  
George A. Barrios
 
 
 
 
George A. Barrios
 
 
 
Chief Strategy and Financial Officer
 
 
 
(principal financial officer and authorized signatory)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     /s/  
Mark Kowal
 
 
 
 
Mark Kowal
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller
 
 
 
(principal accounting officer and authorized
 
 
 
signatory)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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