7 Things We Learned From WWE's Q3 Earnings Conference Call
All the key points from WWE's latest financial reports.
WWE released their full Q3 2017 financial results yesterday, and the company followed up with a lengthy conference call to expound upon the data, as has become customary.
Company executive Michael Weitz opened the call, and he was joined by Vince McMahon, as well as Triple H, George Barrios and Michelle Wilson, all of whom occupy prominent roles in the hierarchy. They spoke on a wide range of topics, from talent acquisition to international expansion, offering insight on both the company's current situation and their plans for the fourth quarter and beyond.
The executives were as protective as ever, particularly during the callers' questions segment, with Barrios & co. dodgy difficult subjects with well-trained efficiency. What's most disappointing is that nobody asked about the myriad of lawsuits WWE are currently involved with (and the associated costs), but it was an enlightening listen regardless.
The company is a steady ship at the moment. Their creative flaws are legion, but in business terms, WWE have little reason to change their current course. Regardless, their position isn't without challenges, and the call shed light on how Vince McMahon's team will attempt to navigate the months ahead.
7. International Expansion Is Now A Huge Focus
WWE's international expansion was one of first topics brought up on the conference call. There was no update on their long-delayed UK show, but Vince McMahon did mention the WWE Network's "successful" launch in China, stating that he expects considerable growth in the country over the coming months.
Localised recap shows in Mexico, India, and the Middle East are apparently "doing very well" for WWE, though there still aren't any metrics to support the idea that WWE Champion Jinder Mahal has stimulated business in his native market. Regardless, Vince touted the forthcoming live events tour in India as a key moment in their expansion, adding that he was looking forward to producing them.
Acquiring, developing, and promoting international talent is a key element of WWE's global plan, with Wilson announcing that foreign wrestlers now comprise 40% of the WWE Performance Center's roster. McMahon bigged up the company's first female signings from India and the Middle East (Kavita Devi and Shadia Bseiso), but couldn't remember their names and required Triple H to step in for him.
China seems to be WWE's primary focus, but it's clear the company are looking at making serious inroads in a wide variety of markets, though it'll be a while before we're able to gauge their strategy's success.