Latest news with #TKOGroupHoldings
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
TKO Group Holdings (NYSE:TKO) Declares US$75 Million Dividend Amidst Ongoing Legal Challenges
TKO Group Holdings has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share and faced a class action antitrust lawsuit, challenging the practices of its UFC segment. These developments provide context for TKO's 5% increase over the last quarter. The company's decision to maintain its dividend payout reflects a commitment to shareholder returns, while the legal challenges may present ongoing considerations for its market position. During this period, TKO also announced a revenue guidance increase and saw favorable index changes, potentially adding positive weight to its stock performance amidst broader market growth trends. We've spotted 2 possible red flags for TKO Group Holdings you should be aware of. Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. Over the past year, TKO Group Holdings has achieved a total return, including both share price appreciation and dividends, of 45.08%. This outpaces the overall US market return of 12.5% for the same period, although it underperformed the US Entertainment industry, which saw a significant 56.6% increase. TKO's commitment to returning value to shareholders is underscored by the declared quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share, which remains a key component of its shareholder remuneration strategy. The company's recent revenue guidance increase, amid favorable earnings reports, indicates a strong focus on growth, as it targets a revenue range of $3.01 billion to $3.08 billion for 2025. This, coupled with ongoing robust performance from its UFC and WWE segments, might enhance earnings and potentially realign market expectations positively. TKO's current trading price remains lower than the consensus analyst price target of $181.72, suggesting a market perception of potential upside. However, legal challenges, such as the antitrust class action, warrant attention as they may impact the company's strategic positioning and financial outcomes. Click to explore a detailed breakdown of our findings in TKO Group Holdings' financial health report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:TKO. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Will Vince McMahon buy back WWE? Legal hurdles and speculation mount
Image via WWE The wrestling world was sent into a frenzy earlier this week following rumors that Vince McMahon , the former CEO of WWE , was considering buying back the company from TKO Group Holdings. The claims first surfaced on a podcast hosted by ex-WWE broadcaster Jonathan Coachman and quickly gained traction across social media platforms and wrestling news sites. However, multiple reputable sources have since dismissed the possibility as nothing more than speculation. Industry insiders and financial experts have weighed in, pointing out the many obstacles McMahon would face in attempting such a move. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select provided a detailed breakdown of the situation, firmly stating that McMahon does not have the financial means or corporate leverage to regain control of WWE. 'McMahon would almost certainly not have the financial means at this point to purchase the company,' Sapp wrote. 'He doesn't have the ability to buy back a controlling interest.' Though McMahon still holds a stake in TKO Group Holdings, it is reportedly comparable to that of other major investors such as the Vanguard Group. The majority ownership lies with corporate giants Endeavor, Silver Lake Equity Partners, and Egon Durban, who together control over 60% of the company. Legal troubles cloud the horizon McMahon's ongoing legal challenges further diminish any chances of a business comeback. He remains embroiled in a sexual misconduct lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, alleging serious accusations. Recently, John Laurinaitis, a former WWE executive also named in the lawsuit, was dropped as a defendant after agreeing to provide evidence against McMahon. This development adds to the legal pressure on McMahon and complicates any potential plans he might have to re-enter WWE's management or ownership. Since McMahon officially stepped down from WWE in early 2024, the company has continued to flourish. Under the creative and operational leadership of Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and TKO's management, WWE has reported record-breaking numbers in live event attendance, viewership ratings, and merchandise sales. The market valuation of WWE has also risen significantly since the acquisition, making the prospect of McMahon buying back the company a steep financial mountain to climb. Despite expert reports debunking the buyback rumors, discussions about a Vince McMahon return persist among wrestling fans and industry watchers. While his legendary role in shaping WWE's history fuels speculation, insiders maintain that the doors to WWE ownership are firmly closed to the former chairman - at least for now.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Vince McMahon's co-defendant in sex trafficking lawsuit reaches secret deal to flip on former WWE boss
A former WWE executive accused of sex trafficking in a bombshell lawsuit involving Vince McMahon reached a confidential settlement — and will now snitch on the pro wrestling mogul, according to lawyers in the bombshell case. John Laurinaitis, WWE's former head of talent relations, was a co-defendant in a lawsuit filed by ex-WWE employee Janel Grant that alleges he and McMahon subjected her to years of sexual abuse and coercion. The stunning about-face was revealed Wednesday in a joint statement issued by representatives for Laurinaitis and Grant. 3 John Laurinaitis, WWE's former head of talent relations, has reached a settlement with a former WWE employee who accused him and Vince McMahon of misconduct. WWE 'John Laurinaitis has agreed to cooperate and provide evidence in Janel Grant's lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE,' the statement said. 'His agreement to a confidential settlement is a pivotal next step toward holding McMahon and WWE accountable and bringing justice to Ms. Grant after years of sexual abuse and trafficking.' 'Mr. Laurinaitis looks forward to moving on with his life,' the statement added. Grant's civil lawsuit, filed in January 2024 in federal court in Connecticut, contains graphic allegations against both McMahon and Laurinaitis, accusing them of grooming, coercing, and sexually abusing her during her time as a paralegal at WWE. The complaint claims McMahon forced Grant to perform sex acts 'on demand,' to send him nude photographs daily, and to engage in non-consensual sexual encounters — some allegedly orchestrated to benefit WWE business negotiations. Grant also alleges she was 'passed' to Laurinaitis and that he engaged in similar abuse. 3 Vince McMahon has been accused of sex trafficking by a former employee of the WWE. Netflix The agreement with Laurinaitis voluntarily dismisses her claims against him 'with prejudice' — meaning the claims cannot be refiled — and likely signals that a confidential settlement was reached, according to former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. '[This is] potentially bad news for McMahon,' the legal analyst told The Post. 'What you want to do in any type of case is cooperate your less culpable defendant against your main target. You want people to testify against your main defendant — whether it's Sean 'Diddy' Combs or, in this case, Vince McMahon.' However, Rahmani noted that it remains unclear what Laurinaitis knows or is prepared to share. 'It's really tough to know until a case proceeds to trial or there's some filing that references cooperation in the statement,' he said. McMahon — who built the WWE into a multi-billion dollar business — stepped down from overseeing day-to-day operations shortly after the lawsuit was filed, but remains executive chairman of its parent company, TKO Group Holdings. 3 Janel Grant filed suit against McMahon and the WWE. The Post reached out to McMahon, WWE and TKO for comment. McMahon has previously denied all allegations, with a spokesperson calling the suit 'replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth.' TKO had said the allegations predate its current executive leadership and that it is reviewing the matter internally. In the lawsuit, Grant also challenges the validity of a nondisclosure agreement she signed in 2022, under which McMahon agreed to pay her $1 million upfront and $500,000 annually through 2026. She claims McMahon ceased payments and argues the NDA is unenforceable under the federal Speak Out Act. The civil case poses a serious threat to McMahon's legacy and financial empire, as WWE continues to finalize billion-dollar media deals and expands its global reach under TKO.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Faces A Big Problem With New WrestleMania Location: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. WWE's long-term vision for its premier annual event, WrestleMania, is undergoing a significant strategic overhaul, with Las Vegas now poised to become a "frequent" host city. This major development follows the confirmation this week that WrestleMania 42, originally scheduled for New Orleans in 2026, will be relocated, according to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The decision to increasingly favor Las Vegas is driven by compelling business and logistical factors beneficial to WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings. Meltzer reports that the decision was made partially because this year's WrestleMania made so much money overall in Las Vegas from all sources that they could not make that level of money in New Orleans. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This strategic pivot means Las Vegas will see WrestleMania return on a regular basis, though not necessarily every single year. Meltzer elaborated on this approach. The plan is now to run WrestleMania on a regular basis in the city, not necessarily every year, but frequently. Where things get interesting is the idea is that the city wants to have a major destination sports event every year, and by definition they are looking at the Super Bowl, The Final Four, the College Football national championship final and WrestleMania so would be looking for Mania any year that they don't have one of the other three events. Building wraps for WrestleMania 41 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 19th and... Building wraps for WrestleMania 41 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 19th and 20th. More Ethan Miller In line with this new direction, Meltzer confirmed that WWE has already reserved Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, for WrestleMania 42. This marks a date change from the originally planned April 11 and April 12 weekend, when the event was set for New Orleans. However, the potential move to Las Vegas for 2026 is not without its complications. Meltzer highlighted two outstanding issues that WWE and TKO are currently working to resolve. The first concerns a scheduling conflict at the stadium itself. "There is a concert booked at the stadium that has not been announced, which makes the moving in and setting up the stadium too tight," Meltzer wrote. He added, "Those in charge of the stadium have attempted to move the concert date, but the promoters have said that they have a contract for that date and thus far have been unwilling to move." The second challenge relates to space for ancillary fan events, a crucial part of the WrestleMania week experience. "The other is that the Las Vegas Convention Center, which hosted fan gatherings, is open for that weekend but does not have the same amount of open space as it had for WWE last month," Meltzer reported. While New Orleans will no longer host WrestleMania in 2026, the city is set to host the Money in the Bank premium live event that year. Furthermore, it is expected that New Orleans will still host a future WrestleMania as part of a broader, multi-event agreement with TKO, ensuring the historic wrestling city remains a part of WWE's major event landscape. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Makes Major Change To WrestleMania 42: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A significant change has been made to WWE's future event calendar, as WrestleMania 42 will no longer be held in New Orleans in 2026. Brandon Thurston of WrestleNomics initially reported this news despite a high-profile announcement in February 2025 by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson designating the city as the host. The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation issued a confirmation on Thursday, May 22, 2025, clarifying that WWE's premier annual event will now take place in the city in an unspecified future year. This shift is part of a broader strategic initiative involving WWE and UFC's parent company, TKO Group Holdings. As part of this new "multi-event, multi-year agreement," New Orleans has secured WWE's Money in the Bank premium live event for 2026. A joint statement released by the Foundation and New Orleans & Company elaborated on the evolving partnership. The organizations stated they are "working closely with our friends at TKO to expand our long-standing partnership." This expanded collaboration "will include UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, Money in the Bank in 2026, and WrestleMania – which will move from the currently scheduled 2026 timeframe to a future year." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following these reports, the change was confirmed as accurate when Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp contacted WWE representatives. WWE sources reiterated that this decision is a component of a larger agreement that brings Money in the Bank to New Orleans in 2026 and retains a WrestleMania for the city at a later date. The Rock, Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns celebrate their victory at WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 6, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rock, Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns celebrate their victory at WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 6, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. WWE The reasons for relocating WrestleMania 42, which was initially scheduled for April 11-12, 2026, at the Superdome, have not been made public. This development occurs as TKO Group Holdings actively pursues site fees and other incentives to host major live events in various cities. The new host city for WrestleMania in 2026 remains unannounced. According to those spoken to within WWE, the new location has not yet been communicated internally. It's also worth noting that WWE still plans to hold a future WrestleMania event in Indianapolis. This recent adjustment with New Orleans highlights the nature of WWE's long-term event planning under the TKO umbrella. It's all about the money, and whether WWE finds a better fit remains to be seen. WWE is expected to make an announcement in the near future, and we will pass it along when it becomes available. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
