USA Move Boosts WWE in 2Q

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. reported strong results across the board for its fiscal second quarter ended Oct. 28.

The company posted revenues of $88.9 million as compared with $83.9 million in the prior-year quarter; operating income of $18.9 million versus $4.1 million; and net income of $11.7 million, or $0.17 per share, versus $4.4 million ($0.06) in the year-ago period.

“In addition to excellent operating results, the quarter was marked by the successful move of Monday Night RAW to USA Network,” CEO Linda McMahon said in a prepared statement.

“Thanks to an integrated marketing campaign and the dedication of our loyal fans, we achieved a 4.7 average household rating for our inaugural homecoming show, which was the top-rated basic-cable entertainment telecast for the month of October,” she added. “Also in the quarter, we successfully transitioned to Friday Night SmackDown, enabling UPN to reach new key demographics on Fridays. Both of our television partners have been very pleased, as are we, with the results of these programming moves.”