WWE News: Fourth quarter earning report released, Vince McMahon comments on the financial numbers

WWE released is fourth quarter earnings report on Thursday. Revenues totaled $122.5 million compared to $117.3 million in the same quarter in 2009. Operating income was $14.4 million as compared to $17.8 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $8.1 million, or $0.11 per share, as compared to $11.2 million, or $0.15 per share, in the prior year quarter.

WWE chairman Vince McMahon commented in the report. "In 2010, WWE achieved record operating performance, generating the highest level of reported EBITDA in the Company’s history despite a challenging environment, particularly over the latter part of the year," McMahon said. "Difficult trends continued in the fourth quarter and were exacerbated by the performance of Home Video.

“For the quarter and the full year, our businesses exhibited three major areas of strength: increased value from our television content, significant growth from our new toy licensing partnership with Mattel, and continued financial discipline. These strengths served to mitigate the impact of a weak economy, changes in our talent base, and unfavorable industry trends in home video.

"We remain confident that we can address our talent related challenges, expand both our content and distribution and, leveraging our strengths, drive meaningful growth.” To view the financial report, visit Corporate.WWE.com.

Powell's POV: Vince is scheduled to address the numbers in a conference call at 10 a.m. CT this morning. We'll be covering the conference call for those of you who can't listen live, and we'll be breaking down the various numbers all morning.